Suppose to be hatch day

[Mark Scott]

I have a ASY pair that layed 3 eggs 16 days ago, did a nest check today and found the 3 eggs burried under about 1" of green leaves. No way the female could incubate those eggs. The pair continue to guard the gourd and she stays in gourd like she is incubating. Could something be wrong with those eggs and they are building a nest on top of them? I noticed when the first egg was laid it was very difficult to see and count the eggs. Excluder Gourd. Very depressing after trying for 5 years.

[Chuck4]

I have a ASY pair that layed 3 eggs 16 days ago, did a nest check today and found the 3 eggs burried under about 1" of green leaves. No way the female could incubate those eggs. The pair continue to guard the gourd and she stays in gourd like she is incubating. Could something be wrong with those eggs and they are building a nest on top of them? I noticed when the first egg was laid it was very difficult to see and count the eggs. Excluder Gourd. Very depressing after trying for 5 years.

I would leave them alone and check again in about three days. They may still be ok. My martins cover the eggs very well when they go out to feed. Have you had any cold spells or visits by HOSP during the last two weeks?

[Louise Chambers]

Mark, IF the eggs are no longer viable, it's still a good idea to leave them alone so adults won't think a predator or house sparrow removed them. Adults have time to lay new eggs - still finding a few new clutches here in south Texas. We are rooting for your pair to succeed!

[avesrun]

Wow Mark hope all is fine; I take it that's your only pair presently? Are you pretty sure of the age of the eggs? Will hope and pray for hatch. I think it's a great sign that the pair is still faithful to the nest either way.
TimG

[DornCounty]

I recently had eggs hatch 3 days after my expected hatch date.... There are some theory's out there about cold weather stalling the development process and not killing the egg.