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FAQs
How high is the nest?
About 80 feet.
How big is the nest?
5-6 feet across, about the same deep; it weighs about 1½ tons.
How old is the nest?
The eagles built it in 2007. A previous nest close by fell when a windstorm broke one of the branches.
Are these eagles banded?
No.
Which is the male and which is the female?
It is hard to tell the difference unless they are both on the nest. The female is larger than the male. This female has a ridge above her eyes that goes further back than on the male, and her eyes are surrounded by a greyish shadow; the male has a line around his eyes that makes them look “beadier.” Some think that the male’s head is “sleeker” than the female’s.
What is the history of this pair?
They have been together since the winter of 2007-2008. Her markings at that time indicated that she was about 4 years old. They successfully hatched and fledged 2 eaglets in 2008, then 3 in 2009, and 3 more in 2010.
When were the eggs laid in 2010, and when did they hatch?
First egg was February 25, second on February 28, third on March 5. First hatch was April 3, second on April 6, third on April 9. All three eaglets fledged and are now on the wing but are not being tracked.
What is the area around the nest like?
The nest is in a cottonwood tree on private property near the Decorah Fish Hatchery (operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources), on the banks of the babbling waters of Trout Run in extreme northeast Iowa. The nest can be seen from the hatchery, but visitors to the hatchery should keep their distance from the nest tree, both to respect the private property where the tree is located and to avoid disturbing the eagles.
Here is a ground-level video of the surroundings, taken in March 2010.
This video shows the eagles’ point of view.
Where can I see pictures and videos of these eagles?
RRP provides an archive of daily views of the nest over the immediate 24-hour period, taken every 2 minutes. Click on Eagle Dailies.
RRP’s Youtube site has many videos.
Who operates and maintains this cam?
The Raptor Resource Project (RRP) maintains the cams, of which there are two, and the feed is streamed online 24/7. Both are positioned on one of the nest’s supporting limbs about 4-5 feet above the nest. The main cam is automated and is trained on the nest. The other cam has pan-tilt-zoom capabilities (PTZ). At dark the main cam switches to infrared (invisible to the eagles) night-time view. Here is a slide show of the cam installation in fall 2010.
Who does the panning, tilting, and zooming, and when does that happen?
Bob Anderson, Executive Director of RRP, switches to the PTZ cam when time and weather permit, and especially when there appears to be interesting activity in the nest. He will be especially attentive when hatching begins.
What is the Raptor Resource Project?
Established in 1988, the non-profit Raptor Resource Project specializes in the preservation of falcons, eagles, ospreys, hawks, and owls. We establish and strengthen breeding populations of these raptors by creating, improving, and maintaining nests and nest sites. In addition to directly managing over twenty-three falcon, eagle, and owl nest sites, we provide training in nest site creation and management across the United States, reach more than 85,000 people each year through lectures, education programs, and our website, and develop innovations in nest site management and viewing that bring people closer to the world around them.
Our mission is to preserve and strengthen raptor populations, to expand participation in raptor preservation, and to help foster the next generation of preservationists. Our work deepens the connection between people and the natural world, bringing benefits to both.Comment -
thought it was another JJ thread
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The nature sounds alone are very calming.Comment -
80,000 VIEWERS currently.Comment -
i was had this on for 8 hrs last night, and nothing. estimated date of hatch was yesterday.
if this birdie hatches while im at work i'll flip a shit.
was kinda peaceful watching a bald eagle sleep though.Comment -
Great streaming,very rare specie
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Very surprised 5DIMES does not have an OVER/UNDER on this.............Comment -
Ok have it on
Getting through those commercials was rough though
Now I have something else to juggle today? As if making breakfast and capping these college games wasn't enough I have to add bird watchingComment -
AmazingComment -
Listen Fishhead -
If this egg doesn't hatch in the next few hours I'm going to be pissed. Going to be stuck watching this all night now thanks to you.
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shari i watched it all LAST NIGHT and nothing happened.
a few times the birdie got up and the cam zoomed in, and i got all excited thinking something was happening, and it turns out the bald eagle is just getting nest sores and simply readjusting!!
gl, its addicting to watch. you and 100,000 friends will be tuning in.Comment -
I know it's a big bird but a 1.5 ton nest, that is crazy.Comment -
Iowa people, how is hunting since the reestablishment of the raptor population explosion.
"Well, I would have to say that I no longer hunt since there isn't anymore game birds. Fishing year round now."Comment -
Nest: 1 1/2 tons
What, they're counting the entire tree.
Not even sure the tree weighs 3000 lbs
I think the nest is about 1 1/2 lbsComment -
**** me in the poop chute if the little bugger hatches in the next 8 hrs.
someone alert me if its happening, i will seriously run to a stall and sit on the shitter and watch this bad boy come to life.Comment -
Where is the other parent, out fishing?Comment -
He came around yesterday and took over for a little bit, then called the momma to come back so he could go to the pub I assume.Comment -
Seriously someone in chat Skype me if the hatching goes down, I wanna see it so badly!!Comment -
Burrito, you're on a roll this morning................what kind of coffee you drinking?Comment -
No coffee for me fishy, sleep deprivated and still feeling the effects of ten shots last night. On top of that I have to work.
**** my life!!!Comment -
Lots of geese flying by..........baldy is taking notice.Comment -
I love these ****** eagles!!Comment -
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Thank Fishhead! This'll keep me busy at work while I drink some coffee.Comment -
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