What is true regarding raptors and their nests prior to egg laying?

Prior to egg laying, raptors are indeed more likely to desert the nest. This behavior is often influenced by several factors, such as environmental conditions, availability of food, and disturbances in their nesting area. During the pre-laying period, raptors assess potential nesting sites, and if a site is deemed unsuitable or unsafe, they may abandon it to find a better location. This adaptability helps ensure that they select optimal sites that can support their future offspring.

In contrast, while some raptors are known to return to the same nest in subsequent years, it is not guaranteed, and the tendency to return is often dependent on a variety of factors, including the health of the site and the raptor’s previous nesting success. Additionally, once eggs are laid, raptors are generally more committed to the nest and less likely to abandon it unless faced with severe threats, making the pre-laying period crucial in the nesting success of these birds.