Osprey Journal: Fingers Crossed!

Are the eggs ever going to hatch? Has something gone wrong? Is it time to panic?

I consulted local author, Jane Scott (Between Ocean and Bay: a Natural History of Delmarva, and Field and Forest, A Guide to Native Plant Communities for Gardeners and Naturalists) and here’s what she said.

“Eggs usually hatch in about 39 days but may be anywhere from 35 to 43, so it should happen soon, but perhaps we don’t need to panic yet. About 2-3 days or so before hatching you may see the first cracks but even after you can see the chick’s bill in the hole, it may still take him 12 hours or so to completely emerge. Because the eggs are laid sequentially, they also hatch sequentially, and sometimes the first and bigger ones hog all the food to the detriment of later ones. Not much you can do about that!”

So, it’s just taking longer than expected. Whew. I feel better, and I hope you do, too. Nonetheless, nature has her own agenda. Fingers crossed!

Watch the OspreyCam here

The Spy is launching a “Name the Chicks” contest. This will give you something to think about as you webcam gaze in the coming weeks.

The reader to suggest the best three baby bird names will win a pair of Nikon 7223 Action 16 x 50 mm binoculars. This is a really snazzy pair of spyglasses that you can try at home for “on your own” bird surveillance. Please add your nominations in the comment section below.  The winner will be selected by May 28.