Astrid spent the night in the nest box again last night and at 6:45 AM she produced her second egg of the season. What was different this time was that Ares was at the box when the egg was laid. In the course of four seasons, Astrid has laid a total of 14 eggs and this was the only one that Ares was present for. Astrid was a little more vocal when laying this egg and we think it may have been a more uncomfortable experience than usual for her. She did seem fine afterwards and for the rest of the day. Today there were a couple of food exchanges – the only recognizable prey item was a starling. Astrid was seen drinking water on the Hotel ledge once in the afternoon and she took a brief shower while standing on the box’s perch in the rain. The pair both took turns sitting at the box and sometimes sitting on the eggs, but full incubation has not yet begun. Rain fell off and on throughout the day today, but the heaviest rain was in the late afternoon. There were a total of five matings reported today. We expect the next egg to come sometime Thursday in the late afternoon or early evening.
Thanks Matt!
Your blog updates are enjoyed by everyone!