Still waiting for that first egg....

Hawkfans can barely contain their impatience and excitement as we continue to wait for that first egg.  Friday morning, March 22, saw Mom sitting on the nest for almost two hours...

          Kevin Vaughan

          Della Micah


... but when she got up, still no egg.

The nest itself looks really ready.  This image shows how high it has risen above the edges of the nest box.

           Kay Meng

Close ups reveal the dense interweaving of sticks, twigs and pine needles.

          Kay Meng

           Kay Meng


 The nest bowl lies to the rear of the nest...

         Kay Meng

... with a wide platform in front and to the sides which will serve as the landing and food prep area for the haggards when the eyasses hatch.

         Kay Meng

The nest bowl is lined with leaves, dried grass and other softer materials to provide a snug environment in which the eggs will incubate.

         Kay Meng


Meanwhile, T2 continues to do his part bringing sticks to the nest....

           Kevin Vaughan

          Kevin Vaughan

          Kevin Vaughan


... as well as food supplies, small...

          Katy Mae

... and large.

          Kevin Vaughan


At sunrise on Friday, Kevin Vaughan captured this lovely image of Mom on the Franklin Institute stonework.

          Kevin Vaughan


T2 flew over to join her...

           Kevin Vaughan


 ... and astute hawkwatchers knew immediately what was on his mind!

           Kevin Vaughan

          Kevin Vaughan

           Kevin Vaughan

          Kevin Vaughan



Mom is also busy back and forth from the nest...

           Kevin Vaughan

          Kevin Vaughan



Here's a rare shot of them leaving the nest together.

This morning, Mom tussled with a stubborn piece of tape lodged in her favorite tree.

           Kevin Vaughan

  
She finally pulled it free...

           Kevin Vaughan


... and flew it back to the nest, most likely to weave it into the nest bowl.

           Kevin Vaughan


Later in the morning, both hawks caught some rays atop of one the Civil War monuments, a favorite morning perch.

          John Arnold



This poem by Katy Mae sums it all up!

A poem for Hawkaholics

'Twas the week before eggs and all round the nest, hawkaholics were waiting, not getting much rest.
Lights in the boardroom cause some folks great fear, that by some strange occurrence, the nest disappeared.
Our regular chatters quickly put minds at ease, that the glare on the ledge was really just a tease.
Waking up before dawn for the first glimpse of hawks, while we wait we just laugh and enjoy all our talks.
Cardi and Kevin and Shannon and more, drag themselves out of bed for their early morning tour.
The glorious photos we await each day, capture mom and T2 at work and "at play".
Many dates have been guessed and have come and have gone, with anticipation of when the first egg will be along.
Mom's in no hurry, she has made that quite clear, while the evening webcam chatters grab another beer.
T2 has his duties at which he's quite good, flying with sticks and fresh meals around the FI neighborhood.
Building a nest that meets mom's approval, T2 has mastered skills of large branch removal.
Only mom knows when the right time is here, to settle into the bowl with eggs to appear.

With high hopes of joy and a successful new clutch, we watch, wait, and fidget, because we adore them so much.
All along, we have Della, who keeps us on the edge of our seats, for each updated blog-what a wonderful treat!!
These hawks, of the wild whose agenda is new life, are fierce and resilient, rising above city strife.
They will follow their instincts, all the while we observe, as they soar in the sky, and we stand on the curb.
A new chapter begins, a new Spring filled with hope, as we miss our first Dad, with his loss we still cope.
Dad will be here forever, in memory and love, as new life begins with his spirit above.