The 2001 nesting season officially began on March 22, when Bell laid her first egg. Egg #2 followed on March 24, and we expect the third egg on Monday, March 26, with the fourth on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on how long she goes between eggs. While her average interval between eggs is just over 55 hours, her shortest time between eggs is an even 50 hours, and the longest is 61 hours and 26 minutes. There is no discernable pattern.
As usual, Stewart immediately began covering the first egg; he has done this every year. Bell stood by the egg or over it, or perched on the edge of the box. She has spent more time in an incubation posture over the last couple of days, but we don't expect full incubation to start until after she lays the third egg.
