Press releases may contain information regarding programs, policies, regulation, rules, or fees of DWR and are current at the date of release. Information beyond that date is subject to change. Please contact DWR for further inquiries.
Virginia “Falcon Cam” Falcon Laid Third Egg
Richmond, VA – The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is happy to report that they have spotted a 3rd egg in the nest box! As anticipated, the female peregrine laid her third egg this past weekend at approximately 8:04 am on Sunday (3/27) morning. Due to the lip of the nest box, it can be difficult to see three eggs at all times, but rest assured they are all there.
If another egg is to be laid, it will likely happen sometime between tomorrow and Wednesday. Keep your eyes peeled during that time and pay close attention when the birds swap places or leave the eggs temporarily unattended to see whether or not we have a fourth egg this year!
Peregrine falcon clutch size averages between three to four eggs, although five egg clutches also occur on a less frequent basis. Because this female has consistently spent each of her previous breeding seasons downtown, they know that all of her previous clutches to date have contained four eggs. Time will tell if this pattern will continue for a third year in a row, or if they will begin to see some variation in the number of eggs laid.
Falcon eggs are typically laid in intervals of 48 to 72 hours, so pay close attention to the Falcon Cam and you may be lucky enough to another egg laying event! During this time, viewers may notice that the eggs are frequently left uncovered. This behavior is normal for peregrine falcons as incubation often does not begin until the second to last egg is laid. By delaying the start of incubation, the eggs will hatch closer together resulting in the chicks developing at roughly the same pace.
For the latest blog posts and to view the Virginia Falcon Cam, please visit: dwr.virginia.gov/falcon-cam/2022/03/and-threes-a-crowd/ and