I returned and took some photos. I used the longer lens in hopes of minimizing any disturbance and I hope that she finished what she was doing. When I checked a little later she had moved off the nest but I couldn't tell if she had already started to cover eggs or had moved away without laying any. It was just barely dusk so a little early to be done but who knows.
I will look for the nest in the morning and mark the spot so we walk around. Of course even then, survival is highly unlikely with all the snakes, coons, possums, and coyotes in the neighborhood.
I am not sure if this is the same one I saw in the backyard last weekend.
Meanwhile here are some photos.
She may have been looking to use some of the warmth from the carport but the dirt is pretty hard any closer. Even where she selected, I suspect she was only able to dig the hole today because of how much rain we have had lately. If the little ones survive, they may have to go further than expected to find water.
-SML
