Escape from the Nest Box!
The chicks are increasingly mobile and better able to get around, and this afternoon one of the two took a brief trip out of the nest box. The chick was able to climb over the wooden threshold back into the box, but had it not been, there are sheltering opportunities along the ledge. As the chicks begin to further explore their surroundings, they may wander off camera – this has taken place in past years with other broods, with no negative consequences, and should not be a cause for alarm.
Earlier in the day the female was seen incubating the addled egg for a few brief seconds. Although this egg is largely being ignored, the sight of it must act as a strong enough stimulus that on occasion a parent will assume an incubation posture.
chick outside of the nest box
female briefly incubating addled egg