So raptors are only somewhat sexually dimorphic.  There’s no feather color difference (on most species) so we guess if our birds are male or female from their size.  Males being on average smaller than females.

Also egg laying is actually pretty rough on captive raptors bodies.  It requires specialized nutrition and care and a minimum of stress, such as direct contact with humans.  In a formerly wild, non-imprinted bird it means the bird in question is in peak physical condition and is 100% comfortable with its environment and handlers.  Known egg layers go off handling for weeks before hand and are only cared for by the most experienced staff members at the center, constantly checked up on and monitored, and it’s a Big Deal that we have any egg laying birds at all.

Our smallest Swainson’s Hawk, the one we were almost positive is male, laid an egg out of nowhere yesterday.

This entire morning has been a fog of confusion and surrealism.