The four peregrine eggs are just about ready to hatch so keep watching.
It can be very difficult to see the hatchlings when they first come out but you will notice that the adults will begin feeding them almost immediately.
They have been listening to the sounds that the chicks make before they hatch. So both adults know that hatching is imminent.
Peregrines do not bring food to the ledge during incubation, presumably to reduce any potential bacteria from harming the eggs. They always take the food and eat it somewhere elsewhere.
So you will know right away when a chick has hatched when an adult brings in food. And if you are lucky enough to see this occur, please let me know at bud@frg.org. I'd appreciate it.
In past years, we have had all four eggs hatch in a single 18 hour period. In other years, hatching has been separated by several days. It all depends on how fast the embryos have developed.
The incubation period is not set in stone. It can vary considerably depending on a number of factors such as temperature, humidity and when incubation began.
