MN / Elk River - 2008-22

[bcbird]

The male is still incubating the eggs.

[Kinderchick]

Dad still incubating right now but appears to be looking around. He must be very hungry. Sure hope Bob is able to drop off some quail for him.

[bcbird]

The male had been quiet quiet, dozing intermittently, and then flew off at 6:13, returning at 6:15 (forum time.)

[carly]

When is the expected hatch date?  

They only started incubation on around April 11th so at least 3 weeks to go.

[msdolittle]

Dad was off the nest for a little.  I'm not sure for how long exactly, but when i opened the web cam the eggs were just sitting there.  A few minutes later Dad returned and got all snuggled back in.

[MayShowers]

Dad left at approx 12:36, came back at 12:46. 

[msdolittle]

When is the expected hatch date? 

[Elaine L]

Oh, I do so hope that they can put a plan into action and it works out, not only for the eggs, which are so close to hatching, but for the female.  The male is so dedicated, but he looks exhausted, and he is not spending much time looking for food, so he must be very hungry.

[susha]

Thanks for the update Kitten.  I'm sure there are many folks who are following this story closely and hoping for the best for this family.

[kittenface]

Great River UPDATE from Amy she posted for all to see at RRP

Kitten, I replied to your message but wanted to post so everyone knew. Mom is missing. Bob called around yesterday to try to find an incubator, and is headed up Monday with quail for the male. About five years ago Lolo, the female at Horizon, was injured and couldn't fly to the nestbox, but could flutter well enough to keep away from any people. Bob supplied quail to the plant manager, who put a quail out for Lolo and the male everyday. He incubated the eggs successfully while she healed. Eventually, she healed well enough to return to the nestbox and the eggs survived her absence.

We may try doing something like that again. I'll keep everyone posted.

[susha]

This is so sad!  Is there any way that one parent can do this alone?   

[carly]

Still no sign of mom this morning.  Dad took a break earlier but he's back on the eggs now.

[bcbird]

He is still there, covering the eggs.  He is often looking out, still hopeful.  Think how hungry he must be after all this time.
So sad to watch. 

[MayShowers]

Oh this is so sad.   If the female doesn't  show up very soon, how long would the male try to do this by himself?

[carly]

Yeah not looking good here I'm afraid.  I'll be up early tomorrow keeping watch.  Thanks to everyone for watching with us, the more eyes the better.