For the two adult peregrines at the Washington Mutual Tower in Seattle, who faithfully attended three eggs hour after hour, 24 hours a day, day after day since 14 April, the waiting is finally over. And for all of us who also watched incubation day after day, the waiting is finally over.
The Washington Mutual Tower (WAMU) peregrine eggs began hatching early yesterday afternoon (20 May 2008). By early evening, there was a single tiny white eyass (baby falcon) in the box. The two other eggs should hatch soon. The female fed the chick twice. The male then brooded the eyass while the female flew off and cached the prey remains elsewhere.
In the past, peregrine eggs at WAMU usually hatch within a span of 48 hours. As the events progress, we will continue to post updates.
If you get a quick glimpse of the tiny, vulnerable youngster in the nest box, remember that in only six weeks it will fly from the nest ledge for the first time!
Ruth Taylor
