Two! Two eggs! Last week when I caught a glimpse there was only one, but apparently she laid a second. Last year there were two but only one hatched, we'll see what happens this year. That's dad on the right, I believe, with a new bit of twig for the nest in his beak.After a little research, I've learned pigeons almost always lay two eggs, and generally one "squab" will hatch a few days before the other. Squab, being a rather unattractive word, is fitting for these little beasts - pigeon babies would never make it through a round of Anne Geddes casting, but they have their own charms, as we'll see in coming weeks.
If you're curious about the ins and outs of pigeon rearing, check out THIS article on Discover.com. Warning - the section on feeding is not for the squeamish (squabish?) but fascinating nonetheless.
How 'bout you start a bet about the outcome of each egg (dud or not?); date of hatching; and when Baby pigeon(s) leave the nest?
ReplyDeleteYou heard it here first - place your predictions. Winners get the glory of winning.
DeleteTwo eggs is the norm. If both hatch we're probably in for some parental neglect or fratricide. How timely, with Hunger Games and all.
ReplyDeletegreat shot, too.
ReplyDeleteactually, from what I've read, pigeon babies don't generally practice fratricide and pigeon parents are exceptionally dedicated parents to all hatchlings. For the most part one being neglected only happens in food shortage, which there is absolutely none of in NYC as far as pigeons are concerned. As long as the eggs are viable, two babies could very well occupy this nest.
ReplyDeleteTerns and Puffins, however - baby brother better watch the hell out.
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