When are adult raptors most likely to desert a nest?

Adult raptors are most likely to desert a nest just prior to egg laying due to heightened stress and disturbance factors. This period is crucial for establishing a safe and secure environment for the upcoming eggs. If the adult raptors perceive threats from predators, environmental changes, or human activity, they may abandon the nest to protect their own survival, which directly impacts their breeding success.

In contrast, during late incubation, hatching, or just prior to fledging, the adults typically remain more committed to the nest, as they are invested in the reproductive process — ensuring the eggs hatch and that the fledglings receive adequate care. Therefore, the nesting phase prior to egg laying stands out as the most critical time for potential abandonment, emphasizing the need for a quiet and undisturbed environment during this period.