Oceanside, California – Jewel the hummingbird has officially completed her first clutch, laying her second egg today on live camera. This marks a major milestone for viewers who have been following Jewel’s nesting journey closely, as it is her first-ever clutch documented on a live cam.
Watch Live <— Nest & Water Fountain Cams
Jewel laid her first egg on December 27, 2025, and today’s second egg completes the typical two-egg clutch that hummingbirds are known for. The moment was captured clearly on video, giving viewers a rare and intimate look at this delicate stage of hummingbird nesting.
Receive Updates Like This One. Sign Up For Our Newsletter. ❤️
What Happens Now That Both Eggs Are Laid
Now that the second egg has been laid, official incubation begins. In hummingbirds, incubation does not fully start until the final egg is laid, ensuring that both chicks develop at roughly the same pace.
Jewel’s incubation period is expected to last approximately 14 to 17 days. During this time, she will spend long hours carefully warming the eggs, leaving only briefly to feed. This phase is critical, quiet, and fascinating to watch, especially on a live camera where subtle behaviors become visible.
When Will the Eggs Hatch?
Both hummingbird eggs typically hatch within 24 hours of each other, often astonishing viewers with how quickly the transition from egg to chick occurs. If incubation proceeds normally, hatching should take place in early to mid-January.
Once the eggs hatch, the pace of activity increases dramatically as Jewel begins feeding the tiny hatchlings almost constantly. For many viewers, the hatching window is one of the most anticipated moments of the entire nesting season.
Why This Nesting Season Is Special
This nesting event is especially meaningful because it is Jewel’s first documented clutch on live camera. First clutches offer a unique opportunity to observe instinctive nesting behavior from start to finish, including incubation rhythms, feeding patterns, and chick development.
For longtime wildlife cam viewers and newcomers alike, Jewel’s journey provides an educational and emotional connection to the fragile lives of hummingbirds.
