51 In the tree-tops The grey heron builds its nest high in the trees. When fresh, this egg was bright blue. Record incubation The albatross lays the largest and heaviest egg of any seabird. Their eggs also have the longest incubation period. The parents sit on a single egg for two and a half months. Slow developer The fulmar’s single egg needs to incubate for seven and a half weeks before it hatches. By water Divers are fish-eating waterbirds. They lay their dark brown eggs by the water’s edge. Double points The great crested grebe lays its long and narrow eggs on a mound of water- logged vegetation. Distraction The little ringed plover lays its eggs on gravel or shingle for camouflage. If an intruder approaches the nest, the parents rely on the camouflage to protect the eggs from predators. Colours in a clutch Each of these three eggs comes from a woodcock. The pattern and colour of camouflaged eggs can vary widely between clutches. Egg from dark clutch Egg from speckled clutch Egg from light clutch Curlew Curlew egg Curlews lay their eggs on the ground. One end of the egg is pointed and the other blunt. Woodcock Albatross