News and Updates
See all of the 2013 Decorah Eagle Videos
Camera Operator Jim Womeldorf has been very busy documenting many moments of the Decorah Eagles and their 3 eaglets on the new nest.
Enjoy all of his videos at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeNR2ocnlCOf7VfTt4i0XlhTh_ycZh6Ad
Enjoy all of his videos at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeNR2ocnlCOf7VfTt4i0XlhTh_ycZh6Ad
3/30/2013 Hatch confirmed!!!
Though we can't tell how many, Mom can clearly be seen feeding somebody in the nest during this slightly blurry video.
Thanks again Jim W!
Thanks again Jim W!
From Raptor Resource Project - FIRST HATCH SUSPECTED!!!
3/26 - BIG NEWS !!! FIRST HATCH SUSPECTED -
~ Suspected First Hatch For Decorah Eagles 3/25 ~
Thanks to Jim W., we have footage of what appears to be Mom and Dad Decorah reacting to a possible first hatch yesterday, March 25th. All indications are as such; Mom bringing food to the nest, Mom laying on the nest being rather antsy, Mom bringing in a new branch for an additional rail, and Mom and Dad both taking longer to turn the eggs or move things around in the nest bowl. The videos below are captures Jim got from yesterday, March 25th. We are most anxious for when the eaglets are tall enough to be seen in the nest. :) We don't know how many eggs there were for sure, but we hope Mom laid three again as she has done since 2009.
We really thank Jim, for his time and effort in providing these videos for us!
The link for Jim W's YouTube channel can be found on the Video Collection page of this site.
3/25 Mom moving nest bowl materials, looking around appearing to be more antsy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fu7-2xmV2M&list=PLeNR2ocnlCOf7VfTt4i0XlhTh_ycZh6Ad&index=1
3/25 (Slow Motion) Dad is on the nest, Mom lands with some prey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbwwmbAx6sE&list=PLeNR2ocnlCOf7VfTt4i0XlhTh_ycZh6Ad&index=3
~ Suspected First Hatch For Decorah Eagles 3/25 ~
Thanks to Jim W., we have footage of what appears to be Mom and Dad Decorah reacting to a possible first hatch yesterday, March 25th. All indications are as such; Mom bringing food to the nest, Mom laying on the nest being rather antsy, Mom bringing in a new branch for an additional rail, and Mom and Dad both taking longer to turn the eggs or move things around in the nest bowl. The videos below are captures Jim got from yesterday, March 25th. We are most anxious for when the eaglets are tall enough to be seen in the nest. :) We don't know how many eggs there were for sure, but we hope Mom laid three again as she has done since 2009.
We really thank Jim, for his time and effort in providing these videos for us!
The link for Jim W's YouTube channel can be found on the Video Collection page of this site.
3/25 Mom moving nest bowl materials, looking around appearing to be more antsy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fu7-2xmV2M&list=PLeNR2ocnlCOf7VfTt4i0XlhTh_ycZh6Ad&index=1
3/25 (Slow Motion) Dad is on the nest, Mom lands with some prey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbwwmbAx6sE&list=PLeNR2ocnlCOf7VfTt4i0XlhTh_ycZh6Ad&index=3
Parents nesting in their new home
Both parents are seen at the new nest during this stunning digiscope video, allowing us to see them closer than we otherwise could. Thanks to Jim W for capturing this for us to share!
Find all of Decorah Jim's videos
A user known as Decorah Jim has been doing an excellent job of capturing video of the Decorah eagles at their new nest using digiscope. For a link to all of his videos, visit the Video Collections page of this site.
Decorah Eagles Choose a Nest for 2013
Feb. 21 - Raptor Resource Project:
We are very confident that Mom Decorah laid her first egg on the night of February 19th. Mom has been observed in an incubation position on the new nest since early yesterday morning, and the "Decorah Shimmy" has also been observed from the ground. Dad has remained perched close by on an alternate branch, but did make a brief appearance on the "Y" branch this morning.
From RRP on Feb. 15
It appears that the Decorah eagles have chosen the new nest they started last fall for this year's nesting season. If they were going to use the old nest, we should have seen them bringing in soft nesting materials and building a nest bowl for their eggs. While Bob observed them bouncing back and forth as late as the morning of February 13th, they appear to have a pronounced affinity for the new nest.
To read the entire post by RRP follow this link: http://www.raptorresource.org/forum/index.php/topic,1660.15.html
We are very confident that Mom Decorah laid her first egg on the night of February 19th. Mom has been observed in an incubation position on the new nest since early yesterday morning, and the "Decorah Shimmy" has also been observed from the ground. Dad has remained perched close by on an alternate branch, but did make a brief appearance on the "Y" branch this morning.
From RRP on Feb. 15
It appears that the Decorah eagles have chosen the new nest they started last fall for this year's nesting season. If they were going to use the old nest, we should have seen them bringing in soft nesting materials and building a nest bowl for their eggs. While Bob observed them bouncing back and forth as late as the morning of February 13th, they appear to have a pronounced affinity for the new nest.
To read the entire post by RRP follow this link: http://www.raptorresource.org/forum/index.php/topic,1660.15.html
Decorah Eagles Sightings at Original Nest
Decorah "Love Birds" - Jan. 28
The Decorah Eagles were heard off camera on the Y-Branch, making vocalizations during mating today. More hope for those wanting the eagles to use the original nest again when the eggs come. Note: cute artistic addition by 989razzle! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0MxcptuIIo&list=UUNOJqajRp4S4Sy7gRi5xu2Q&index=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0MxcptuIIo&list=UUNOJqajRp4S4Sy7gRi5xu2Q&index=1
Mom and Dad doing some housekeeping - Jan. 26
Both parents meet at the original nest to do some light housekeeping, giving us all fresh hope that the original nest may still be the choice for them to raise their next clutch.
Decorah Dad taking a meal at original nest - Nov. 8
Decorah Dad on the nest eating rabbit and he is hungry!
35min video Published on Nov 8, 2012 by priscillash1.
Click the image to the left to view the video.
35min video Published on Nov 8, 2012 by priscillash1.
Click the image to the left to view the video.
Mom guarding the home - Oct 27
Mom was seen at the nest today, flying in after a visitor stopped by to check out some corn husks.
Click the image to right for the video.
Click the image to right for the video.
October 26 - NEW NEST!
Here's a peek at the alternate nest (photo by Jim Womeldorf)
From Raptor Resource Project:
The Decorah Eagles Have Surprised Us With A New Nest
In addition to working on their current nest, the Decorah Eagles have begun building an alternate nest. Multiple nest building is fairly common among Bald eagles and we don't yet know which nest they will choose for 2013. We absolutely cannot install cameras at the new nest tree this year, so we may not see the Decorah Eagles for the rest of the 2012-2013 season. We'll miss watching them online, but it is exciting to see them building their new nest. Once again, Mom and Dad are giving us fresh insights into the lives of bald eagles! Stay tuned for updates and information as the season progresses. If the eagles choose the new nest, we will post images and possibly video to facebook and our blog.
For more on the Decorah nest and multiple nest building by Bald eagles, please see this new post: http://raptorresource.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-decorah-eagles-have-surprised-us.html
The Decorah Eagles Have Surprised Us With A New Nest
In addition to working on their current nest, the Decorah Eagles have begun building an alternate nest. Multiple nest building is fairly common among Bald eagles and we don't yet know which nest they will choose for 2013. We absolutely cannot install cameras at the new nest tree this year, so we may not see the Decorah Eagles for the rest of the 2012-2013 season. We'll miss watching them online, but it is exciting to see them building their new nest. Once again, Mom and Dad are giving us fresh insights into the lives of bald eagles! Stay tuned for updates and information as the season progresses. If the eagles choose the new nest, we will post images and possibly video to facebook and our blog.
For more on the Decorah nest and multiple nest building by Bald eagles, please see this new post: http://raptorresource.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-decorah-eagles-have-surprised-us.html
D14 Announcement from Raptor Resource
11/27/12: D14 Announcement
We are sorry to announce that Bob Anderson found D14 dead yesterday near Rockford, Iowa. D14, a 2012 hatch year bald eagle from Decorah, Iowa, was electrocuted after landing or trying to land on a power pole. Bob immediately notified the utility company. D14's body will be sent to the National Eagle Repository, where his feathers and other parts will be distributed for use in Native American religious ceremonies. Bob and Brett Mandernack did a close examination of D14's body. He was healthy and butterball fat. There were no signs of wear from the transmitter or backpack.
How common is electrocution? A federal study done in the 1990s identified impact injuries, poisoning, gunshot, and electrocution as the top four sources of bald eagle mortality. We haven't seen it in Decorah until this year, but D14's transmitter was the only reason we were able to follow him after he left the nest. New poles commonly have bird safety devices since bird electrocutions are not only tragic, but can cause fires and power supply disruptions. However, many old poles remain and safety devices don't always work. It's been known since the 1920s that power lines and poles can present a danger to birds. As Bald eagle (and presumably other large bird) populations expand, more electrocutions may happen.
D12, a sibling of D14, was electrocuted earlier this year. A group calling themselves The Memorial for D12 Facebook Group (aka The Raptor Nation) responded by working with Alliant Energy, Puget Sound Energy, Decorah High School, and Decorah Building Supply to develop and fit bird-safe perches for the hatchery. I have a blog post and links about that here:
http://raptorresource.blogspot.com/2012/11/bird-safe-power-poles.html.
If you'd like to initiate a perch project in your area, please talk with your local power company. The following links provide wonderful sources of information:
Avian Power Line Interaction Committee: http://www.aplic.org/
D12 Memorial Group story: http://raptorresource.blogspot.com/2012/11/bird-safe-power-poles.html
Avian Protection Devices: http://www.srpnet.com/environment/aviandiagram.aspx
D12 Perches: http://www.flickr.com/photos/68092929@N03/8203641600/
All raptors - all wild animals - face myriad dangers in their lives. It is easy to forget that watching and tracking them doesn't protect them. We'll miss following D14.
Posted 29th November 2012 by Amy Ries
We are sorry to announce that Bob Anderson found D14 dead yesterday near Rockford, Iowa. D14, a 2012 hatch year bald eagle from Decorah, Iowa, was electrocuted after landing or trying to land on a power pole. Bob immediately notified the utility company. D14's body will be sent to the National Eagle Repository, where his feathers and other parts will be distributed for use in Native American religious ceremonies. Bob and Brett Mandernack did a close examination of D14's body. He was healthy and butterball fat. There were no signs of wear from the transmitter or backpack.
How common is electrocution? A federal study done in the 1990s identified impact injuries, poisoning, gunshot, and electrocution as the top four sources of bald eagle mortality. We haven't seen it in Decorah until this year, but D14's transmitter was the only reason we were able to follow him after he left the nest. New poles commonly have bird safety devices since bird electrocutions are not only tragic, but can cause fires and power supply disruptions. However, many old poles remain and safety devices don't always work. It's been known since the 1920s that power lines and poles can present a danger to birds. As Bald eagle (and presumably other large bird) populations expand, more electrocutions may happen.
D12, a sibling of D14, was electrocuted earlier this year. A group calling themselves The Memorial for D12 Facebook Group (aka The Raptor Nation) responded by working with Alliant Energy, Puget Sound Energy, Decorah High School, and Decorah Building Supply to develop and fit bird-safe perches for the hatchery. I have a blog post and links about that here:
http://raptorresource.blogspot.com/2012/11/bird-safe-power-poles.html.
If you'd like to initiate a perch project in your area, please talk with your local power company. The following links provide wonderful sources of information:
Avian Power Line Interaction Committee: http://www.aplic.org/
D12 Memorial Group story: http://raptorresource.blogspot.com/2012/11/bird-safe-power-poles.html
Avian Protection Devices: http://www.srpnet.com/environment/aviandiagram.aspx
D12 Perches: http://www.flickr.com/photos/68092929@N03/8203641600/
All raptors - all wild animals - face myriad dangers in their lives. It is easy to forget that watching and tracking them doesn't protect them. We'll miss following D14.
Posted 29th November 2012 by Amy Ries
Decorah Eagle Cam Up and Running!
The UStream Decorah Eagle camera is up and running and caught beautiful sights of both adults on the Y-Branch with the familiar sight of the white barn and horses in the background, as well as in the nest today (Oct. 20). Here's just one of the highlight videos of the day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbuzXyXETaA
From RRP on Oct. 20, regarding the different camera views:
~ Decorah Eagles 2013 Season Various New Cam Views ~
To get an idea of the many different camera views you will see for this 2012/2013 season, you can begin viewing this video below at about 1:40:00 and you will see the panning of every different angle that will be available. The infrared camera when used, will focus on the nest, and at times the night view will be left on the "Y" branch with the PTZ camera, so it will remain dark on the live stream until sunrise if the view is left on the branch at night, and not the nest.
We hope you will enjoy the many new views that will be available!
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/26282091
From RRP on Oct. 20, regarding the different camera views:
~ Decorah Eagles 2013 Season Various New Cam Views ~
To get an idea of the many different camera views you will see for this 2012/2013 season, you can begin viewing this video below at about 1:40:00 and you will see the panning of every different angle that will be available. The infrared camera when used, will focus on the nest, and at times the night view will be left on the "Y" branch with the PTZ camera, so it will remain dark on the live stream until sunrise if the view is left on the branch at night, and not the nest.
We hope you will enjoy the many new views that will be available!
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/26282091
The New UStream
The new UStream is fully explained by Elfenruler on the RRP forums.
Just follow this link:
http://raptorresource.org/forum/index.php/topic,1596.msg179709.html#msg179709
Just follow this link:
http://raptorresource.org/forum/index.php/topic,1596.msg179709.html#msg179709
RRP Update:
~ October 17th, Mom Enjoys Breakfast in the Nest ~
Equipment for the cams at the Decorah nest is still being tested and adjusted, but viewers were delighted to see Mom enjoying her breakfast in the nest this morning. This is Mom as she landed on the nest. Her breakfast remains a mystery, although she took quite a long time to eat it. :)
Bob Anderson live on UStream
On Sept. 30, RRP Blog posted a recap of the videos and most asked questions during Bob Anderson's live Q&A session.
Here's that link:
http://raptorresource.blogspot.com/2012/09/return-to-nest-2013-q-session.html
On Sept. 25, RRP posted a video of the installation of new and improved cameras, followed by a live Q&A session with Bob Anderson from the camera shed right under the nest.
Follow this link to see it all on video: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/25707169
Here's that link:
http://raptorresource.blogspot.com/2012/09/return-to-nest-2013-q-session.html
On Sept. 25, RRP posted a video of the installation of new and improved cameras, followed by a live Q&A session with Bob Anderson from the camera shed right under the nest.
Follow this link to see it all on video: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/25707169
Decorah Eagles Make it to Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decorah_Bald_Eagles
