OT: Bald Eagle cam

[Frog42]

On FB the Raptor Resource project said this:

With true branching expected at any time, an eaglet decides to try out one of the crib rails. Variously referred to by viewers as "twigging," "brailing," "sticking," "railing," etc.

This is not actual branching, but it was very fun to see! Actual branching is when the eaglet does a short flight to a nearby branch in the tree such as the "Y" branch, and then flies back to the nest. They will do this several times before they actually fledge (take their maiden flights). Typically once they branch, they choose to perch on the branches at night rather than sleep lying down in the nest. They do come back and forth to the nest to socialize with each other and also have been known to take naps in the nest during the day. They will come to the nest for food drops.... or to state that better.... they will RUN down the branches and "hop fly" into the nest for food, at which time the parents make a quick dash to get out of the way. The same applies to after they fledge, they still come back and forth to the nest, and if we are lucky enough and the camera crew is panning at the right time, hopefully they can catch some shots of them chasing Mom and Dad for food.

It will still be a little while before we have to say goodbye.

[SalpalSally]

The babies are sitting out on the branches with Mama now...So sweet. Papa is still bringing home the bacon..lol. Such fun.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

Hi ((((((Fellow Eagle Watchers))))))

I've lurked on this thread a bit, and I hope you don't mind my intrusion on your forum (where I also lurk, because I have a friend who "might" have MS).

I fell in love with the Decorah Eagles last year. I entered their world a week after they had hatched. This year, I watched Mom & Dad mate (felt a tad embarrassed ) and everything thereafter, including laying the eggs, pipping and hatching, and all the fun antics of D 12, D 13, and D 14.

This year's eaglets are so different than last year's eaglets. They are more connected to each other, more united, more affectionate toward each other. They really love to snuggle in that nest, so I think they're resisting leaving!

Now that D 12 and D 13 have branched, sweet little D 14, who has been quite feisty as the youngest, will have to follow them. They look so magnificent perched on that Y branch overlooking that bucolic farm scene. It's bittersweet, because I'm thrilled for them, as soon they will be soaring, but I will miss them!

Mom & Dad Decorah are incredible parents. Their instincts are amazing, and it's obvious that everything that they do is a teaching moment for their offspring. Obviously, they know what they're doing, as this year they will have fledged 14 eaglets successfully! And next year, they will probably produce 3 more adorable eaglets with their clodhopper feet and their bulging crops to waddle into our hearts.

I've also checked in on a lone eaglet, named Harmon, in Minnesota, whose sibling fell out of the nest, and only days later, Harmon was stuck in the mud in the nest. The area Raptor Center rescued Harmon, rehabbed him, and replaced him in the nest. When Dad and Mom finally returned to Harmon, I was just sobbing! It was so beautiful. And they have cared so well for the little guy, and he'll be branching in a couple of weeks, probably.

And Harmon's site sent me to a loon nest! I've become an internet bird watcher! Their little chick is so darling. Their second egg, which viewers were watching and waiting to hatch, was crushed by the parent loon leaving the nest for the lake water. As it happened, that egg was unfertilized, so there was no chick to hatch. In a way that was comforting, because any other option would have been very sad.

Watching these birds is enjoyable and informative, better than any show on the Discovery Channel, because it is happening live in front of our eyes. We are witnesses to the wonders of nature.

I'm grateful that the few times I'm able to check in on the eaglets, or Harmon or the loons, my timing coordinates with some major event! I've been lucky that way! But, what is really nice is the videos available, so that any major events have been captured if you missed them. Who needs television, eh?

Just watching these birds is relaxing and peaceful. They also bring a lot of laughter with their antics as they grow, and all of that is healthy for us as viewers.

Thanks for allowing me to share my love for these eagles and other birds. I think it is remarkable how they have brought together millions of people world wide. There is something very hopeful about that feat. Perhaps it is the hope, which each eaglet carries on its wings, that someday, the Bald Eagle will no longer be an endangered species.

Love & Light,

Rose

[SalpalSally]

It is with great sadness that I say that Decorah Eaglett #12 was electricuted and died over the weekend.

http://www.kimt.com/content/localnews/iowanews/story/Decorah-Eagle-Found-Dead/6faFg7AI5kKzsg8I23PZFw.cspx

[Frog42]

I saw that on Facebook, Sally. The Raptor Resource Project said this:

"We are very sorry to announce that D12 is dead. D12 was found electrocuted at the base of a power pole on a Sunday morning. We notified the power company, who modified the top of that pole on Sunday and several other poles in the area on Monday. As of this morning, they are continuing to identify and modify poles to make them raptor safe. If you find an electrocuted raptor or other bird by a pole, take it to the nearest wildlife center (if it is still alive) and contact your state DNR or local game warden and the utility company that owns the pole. You will need to:

1. Provide information about the dead or injured bird.
2. Identify the nearest pole to the electrocuted raptor by the pole identification number (on the pole itself) and local landmarks such as cross streets or street addresses (if applicable).

Include as many specifics as you can regarding the species and the incident. If possible, take photographs of the raptor and the pole to submit with your reports and notes.

Power lines themselves are not an electrocution hazard for birds (birds can and do sit on wires), but unshielded poles can be dangerous. The Avian Protection Plan Guidelines include information on raptor safe poles and modification of existing poles. New structures are fairly safe, but older poles may not be. Older poles may have been installed either before people were aware of electrocution hazards to wildlife, or during the decline of raptor populations in America, when interaction was less likely. Here is a link to more information about birds and utility structures, including poles:
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/Cu...%2019%2005.pdf.

Again, we are very sorry to announce the death of D12. This pole and others like it in the area have been modified to prevent future electrocutions."

[nuthatch]

So sorry to hear about this.