Once all the eggs are laid, Hattie and Orton begin incubation full-time. Hattie spends 70–80% of her day and all night keeping the eggs warm, occasionally taking short breaks to eat, stretch or sunbathe. During these times, Orton, though smaller, carefully takes over, although it takes him a bit more time to get all of the eggs under his smaller body. Both falcons have a brood patch — bare skin on their abdomen — to transfer body heat directly to the eggs. While Hattie is busy incubating, Orton will be busy doing all the hunting for himself and Hattie.

Incubation lasts 33–35 days, during which the falcon parents protect the eggs from weather, predators and other threats. Weather can impact hatching, but it typically occurs during the first week in May. For now, we hope you’ll continue to watch the Falcon Cam, follow us on Facebook, and hopefully, greet the class of 2025 by next month!