Bird Cams Around the World

Funny you mention that. For years on the SJ & SF Yahoo forums, people would be saying they saw the pip. Glenn S. would tell us that normally you don't see the pip. After someone provided a picture, he understood what we were seeing (crack/opening) in egg(s).

So I think you might be right...

Spark must be back on ledge.. Can hear him. 2:29pm..

ETA: I can hear him, but not see him, so maybe next ledge over.

So glad to see all the fun updates! Can't wait to see them with a new little one!!

He has brought food, ready for celebration. Our dad used to do that in Edmonotn. Soon

Look at your left front egg, right near the smaller tip end. I think there's your pip.... You can see it in both of your photos. The first one, it is closer to the gravel. The second photo, the egg is rotated more and you have a better view. Unless there has been that mark all along, I think it is visible in the pictures I had earlier.

If Durand doesn't want to leave the eggs when its time for her break, that can be another indication that a hatch isn't far off. We've seen that at other nests. Niecey in Harrisburg was an exception to that observation, but possibly she was nervous & wanted Lil Dad to see the first young one into the world!

Just had a chance to check in. I have my earphones on and can hear them. How strange that we don't see a pip, but I guess it's possible that it's just always out of view. Now I'm trying to think what could cause them not to be able to get out. No, they sound strong, there will be chicks. Keep shaking Durand.

Me and my optical illusions... I described it as small point end, but it may actually be a larger end... or no end at all.. Might just be a blemish on the egg I keep seeing.

As Ljames said, they sound strong...

I trust that you ladies will keep a minute-by-minute watch. I don't want to open the streaming feed, too afraid it will be too much and the whole feed crashes.
Gosh, I'm actually nervous! Eyases, it will be a whole new experience to both Durand and us!

Found this on the SJ Peregrine Wiki - basically, a compilation of posts Glenn Stewart has made to the SF & SJ Yahoo groups over the years.

Again, for years, Glenn would tell us that a pip isn't actually seen.... He now understand what we are posting about when we see the crack/hole, but I think a true "pip" is different. I think this is good information and I remain ever hopeful:

[3/31/10, SF_PGE] Incubation: It is at about this time in the cycle when we approach the time of hatching that I wonder and marvel at the process that is "incubation." Native Americans used to (perhaps some still do) go on vision quests where they would sit in a spot for two or three days and meditate. It seems almost inconceivable to us that anyone could sit in any one spot for that long. Still, falcons--and all birds for that matter--hunker down in the sun, snow, rain, and hail for more than a month in order to bring forth new life. It has to be a meditative process. Very soon, and for sure by about day 31, we will begin to see DL standing over her eggs and looking down at them, and even vocalizing. Her vocalizations are an encouragement to the youngsters and so I feel a little bit sorry for eggs that hatch inside an incubator. It is one time that a nestbox mic would really pay off for those of us who are hooked on this voyeuristic experience. The chicks peep from within the unhatched and unpipped egg loudly enough to be heard at the nest camera--True! Believe it! I have heard it and then examined the egg to find no airhole at all. There is an air pocket at one end of the egg that the baby thrusts its beak into as the time for hatching approaches. Then, when its body really begins to crave air, it convulses again causing the beak to break a small hole in the shell. It is almost imperceptible. It will not be visible on camera. It is something that may be "felt" upon tactile examination more than seen. With that hole or "pip" made, the chick is able to get oxygen and build up a little more strength to do the hard work of cutting its way around the eggshell. All this happens in its own time under the strength of the chick. In the old days, we would try to "help" them out of the shell and found that created risk to exposed veins and arteries. As the baby cuts its way around the shell, it is completing its journey toward independence from the eggshell and cannot be hurried. Most of this will occur out of sight beneath momma, but be assured that she is hearing, seeing, and feeling the progress. Hatch day is coming soon. See you there!--glenn@scpbrg

Well, I missed it, was moving laundry....

Woo Hoo!!