Budgie Breeding-A Euphemistic Yet Biological Update

I have received a few requests to not be vulgar on this blog, so, I am using Euphemisms from this point forward as much as possible. However, if anyone wants a euphemism to biology translational post, I'd be pleased to oblige upon request.

This morning, both parents were out of the nest box. Mary ann did her "toiletting" Her "butt" was triangulated in appearance. The tail region was large. Sutcliffe was feeling "romantic" and attempted/succeeded in mating activity.

This is of interest, because there are already two eggs. Therefore, not all eggs are fertilized, one would surmise from this, at the same time. Only two eggs were seen so far. Last time, she laid 4 eggs, three hatched, only one survived. I don't know if there are unfertilized eggs laid when there is a cock around, or if the other simply didn't make it at an earlier point in the brooding.

Mary ann and Sutcliffe have also begun rigorous housecleaning. Mary ann "toilets" once a day (always in the same spot: to me, that is interesting). However, Sutcliffe occasionally "goes" in the nest box. This is removed promptly, as are some feathers (others remain, not clear how these are chosen-perhaps soiled featehrs are removed?).

Increase in Nest Box Time!

Both Sutcliffe and Mary ann are spending much more time in the nest box: Mary ann certainly is "in" more than she is "out". Additionally, the "giant budgie poop" as mentioned in earlier posts is still occurring, daily. Our webcam is not functional (it figures) but, I did peer into the nest box. I saw no eggs, but I did see Stucliffe grooming Mary ann on the top of her head with what I believe to be great affection. He also fed her cilantro last night which I provided. She basically doesn't eat at all now, and he does all her feeding, even if she is out of the box.For interest sake, pictured here is an earlier shot of the M and S in teh nest box, looking out.

A Change in Routine

Warning: some content of this post may be embarrassing to some people (but not birds).
Over the last week, Sutcliffe and Mary Ann have been spending even more time in the nest box. It is not possible to estimate the total time spent in the nest box, because we are not monitoring them constantly. However, more often than not, when we go to visit them in their love hideaway (Ie the basement), they are both in the nest box.
The "BIG" news: this morning, I spied a very large stool. It is the type that Mary Ann had when she last laid eggs: some may recall, that unlike most budgies, who poop pretty much throughout the day delivering tiny pellets of waste, the nesting budgie goes once a day, and delivers a large dollop.
The unfortunate matter of this is its right next to the food bowl. That could prove to be a bit of a messy issue. Otherwise though, an excellent, and yes, very exciting sign.
Yes, its a giant bird poop, and its VERY exciting!
For those of you who are really fans of biology, I will try to get a photo. I'll watch comments to see if the fans of the blog wish me to post a giant poop picture.