Just a bit later, around 7:13 PM, the female came roaring back to the nest box, and she provided a nice opportunity to capture an image of her with talons outstretched while landing at outer edge of nest box.  She then saunters over to connect with her first of the year hatchling.  After the past 30 days of shared incubation duties, through day and night, all kinds of weather and temperatures, and who knows what other kinds of issues and distractions, and with a new mate, she must be pleased to see the first egg hatch and the arrival of the first born….yet again the miracle of life!

She spends time cuddling the hatchling and establishing a motherly bond.  Typically the female does most of the brooding of the hatchlings as her mate will handle most of the hunting and delivery of fresh food for the little ones.  It is an awesome sight to watch the chicks beg for food and take turns eating every bit of food that will be delivered!