Comments on: Anatomy: Brood Patch

By: Kate St. John

Kate St. John — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 01:16:43 +0000

>When are the chicks old enough to control there own body temperature?
That will be in about 8 days after hatching. Even when they are a little older than that the mother bird will try to brood them if it’s very cold or wet. Her difficulty will be that they’ve grown so big she has to stand up to keep them under her.

By: Traci

Traci — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 01:04:45 +0000

Fascinating. Thanks so much for the anatomy lessons!

By: Marianne

Marianne — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:39:02 +0000

I have heard of a brooding patch but never saw one! This is a fantastic explanation to go along with a great picture! Thanks for the informative anatomy lessons.

By: Nellie Curran

Nellie Curran — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:36:43 +0000

Kate, thank you for all your information! When are the chicks old enough to controle there own body temperature so the parents don’t have to do it for them?

By: Jane

Jane — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:31:42 +0000

Thank you. I’m glad all is well and they are enjoying this beautiful day.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:18:54 +0000

Thank goodness.

By: Coleen

Coleen — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:02:54 +0000

Thanks, Kate – sorry I missed that. He needs to get back to work with 5 new mouths to feed!

By: Gail

Gail — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:53:53 +0000

Birds pant to stay cool. I’m guessing that he? is just “sunning” (enjoying that natural source Vitamin D that they absorb through their wings) and is panting to stay cool. Though I’m not an expert.

By: Kate St. John

Kate St. John — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:50:55 +0000

Don't worry. The weather is really nice here and E2 is sunbathing. See this FAQ: http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/peregrine-faqs/question-why-is-this-bird-face-down-on-her-nest/

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:49:43 +0000

I am wondering the same thing. I can’t get the chat to load for some reason. Thought I would check here.