We’ve observed several encounters between Hattie and other adult female peregrines, and a single chase by Orton toward an adult male, but thankfully the encounters were short and didn’t result in any significant injuries. So far, things are progressing well with our peregrine falcon pair, Hattie and Orton. We hope this answers your questions about the eggs, and Hattie and Orton's behavior. This is called the brood patch, which allows the peregrine to better incubate the eggs and keep them at a constant temperature. You may even notice a bare patch of feathers on Hattie or Orton's belly. Both adult falcons will incubate the eggs, but the majority of incubation duties is done by the female peregrine. The parents may sit on the egg(s) during cold weather, when temperatures are below freezing, but this is not true incubation. This ensures that any fertile eggs will hatch within a few days of each other. Hattie and Orton will not begin incubating the first egg, or any future eggs, until the second to last egg of the clutch is laid. If Hattie lays more than this first egg, there is typically 48-60 hours between each egg, but the interval may also be greater than 72 hours in rare cases. Occasionally, a female will lay more than five eggs, but we have never experienced a brood (group of chicks) of chicks larger than five in the Upper Midwest. The typical clutch size is three to four eggs, but the total number could range from one to five. We have no idea how many eggs Hattie will lay in this year's clutch (group of eggs). We can officially announce the start date of the 2023 falcon nesting season in Rochester, MN!! The first arrived yesterday morning, and now we wait and see how many other eggs will join this first one. The entire Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon team will continue to monitor the fledglings through July, before they become fully independent and leave their natal territory in late summer. Mayo Facilities staff are a critical part of recovering grounded falcon fledglings and coordinating their return. The challenge of fledging includes inexperience in coordinating their flight in strong winds, recognizing the dangers of glass windows and walls, and getting off the ground if they land there. Obviously, the nestling doesn't cognitively think all of these things out, and things happen when they happen. A few days' time can make a significant difference in feather growth, and the more fully developed the feathers are, the better control the fledgling has during flight. The longer the nestlings stay in the eyrie (nest), the higher the chance of success for flight. Be aware that flight isn't an instant skill or knowledge but rather something mastered through observation and practice. Sometimes it is a strong incentive for food, which means a deadly mistake if a nestling is only 30 days old. There are many variables involved with fledging and sometimes it is just luck of nature: it can be a chosen choice to fly or an accidental nudge by a sibling. The fledglings may or may not return to the box with any consistency once they fledge, but often, at least one bird is in or near the box for at least a week or so after fledging. Peregrines typically fledge between 38 and 42 days of age, sometimes up to 44 days old and this year was no exception. Horus, Genesis, Aero, and Piper have now all taken their maiden flight, although not the most graceful by some standards.
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