No Decorah Eagle watching this year. Moved to a new nest.

[IADEMO2004]

http://raptorresource.blogspot.com/2013/02/decorah-eagles-announcement.html#!/2013/02/decorah-eagles-announcement.html

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.

Although we haven't seen it in Decorah before, multiple nest building is a relatively commonplace activity: in most but not all instances bald eagles will have more than one nest in their breeding territory. According to Pat Schlaurbaum from the Iowa DNR: "Alternative nests are quite common for a species that exhibits compulsive nest building behavior. While many alternative nests are active immediately, there are instances where eagles relocate from the alternative nest and return to the original nest and vice versa."

While we are disappointed that the eagles have left the original nest, they are simply doing what eagles do. Pending approval and support from all landowners, we will install cameras near the new nest in the fall of 2013. Cameras at both nests will assure that the public will be able to follow these famous eagles.

end

Now I should get more things done this spring.

[elleng]

1. But there are hummingbirds!

http://www.ustream.tv/hummingbirdnestcam

[IADEMO2004]

3. Your humminbird post is what made me check the Decorah web page.

I've told my wife that I was going to follow a humming bird from our feeder to its nest. She said, " Bold talk for an old fat man."

[elleng]

5. HAHAHA!

We follow them whatever our age or girth!



She's back on the nest! Notice, if you keep link open, possible to hear her humming in and out (as well as local air traffic.)

[IADEMO2004]

9. More fun to watch than the snow melting here.

[woo me with science]

2. Maybe they realized they were being surveilled.

Do you know if there are any plans to put a camera on the new nest?

[IADEMO2004]

4. Yes, after this season.

[woo me with science]

7. I should have read more carefully.

Thanks. We will miss them this year.

[Cleita]

6. Are the couple still alive? Maybe one of them died this winter. eom

[IADEMO2004]

8. Both alive just moved a short distance.