Falcon Chicks Are Hatching!

From the DGIF website.

July 1st

Hatched!
The first of the Richmond peregrine falcon chicks has hatched. At 2:30pm the young falcon chick (also called an eyas) finally emerged! We'll continue to monitor the progress of the other three eggs.

Second Chick in Richmond
It certainly has been busy at the Richmond nest box today! The second chick hatched at about.... The first chick has dried out and its fluffy white natal down is obvious now. The second chick has successully hatched (although the adult rolled it out of sight before it completely escaped the remnant of its egg).

Thursday, July 2, 2009
3rd Has Hatched!
At approximately 3:20 this afternoon the 3rd chick hatched. What appeared to be a pip was noted this morning but it was difficult to confirm, as the attentive parents kept the egg well hidden today.

The two chicks that hatched yesterday appear quite vigorous and have been fed several times. Impressively, the youngest chick- not to be outdone by its older siblings - lifted its head and got in on a 4:45pm feeding. This is less then 1 1/2 hours after hatching! By all indications these three chicks are healthy and doing well.

Now we'll keep our eyes open for the 4th egg to hatch.