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Archives => 2024 Archives => Topic started by: STLbf on January 01, 2024, 01:02:35 PM

Title: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 01, 2024, 01:02:35 PM
The Norths are off to a great start on New Year's Day!  More grasses, more sticks, more fish, and a copulation, all before Noon.
Title: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 01, 2024, 03:55:21 PM
While the eagles are away, little birds search for insects in the branches near the nest -- female hairy woodpecker (no red) and male white-breasted nuthatch (black cap instead of gray).
Title: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: eburgbirdwtchr on January 02, 2024, 12:36:43 AM
12:25 AMish GHO? attacked Mrs. N while our happy pair was sleeping on their usual night-perch.  Owl hooted and Mr. & Mrs. complained for a couple minutes.  Pretty quiet, then 12:35 dispute became vocal. :) ;)
Title: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on January 02, 2024, 07:56:08 AM
Wow!  Thanks for the heads up, eburg.  The cam really caught a clear view of it.  Here's a video I recorded.  Slo-mo version at the end of the video (7:22).

https://youtu.be/q19sGuJpI2k

Title: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Arcadia on January 02, 2024, 09:04:58 AM
Ginger thank you for the video but I can't see it. It says to sign in?
Title: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on January 02, 2024, 10:19:42 AM
Sorry, Arcadia.  Thanks for letting me know.  I initially saved it as "private" and forgot to change it to "public."  I've fixed that now, so you should be able to access it.
Title: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on January 02, 2024, 10:20:30 AM
Here's a still pic of the owl attack.

(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/684a818c9b8a5ffc33934b9b72d30d613996578770998fb4b31f25289465a79c.jpg)
Title: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 02, 2024, 11:01:29 AM
Ginger thanks for the GHO update.  I know they have to eat and exist also, but still, I wish they wouldn't bother OUR raptors!

My dim daylight pic of the Norths on the Love branch is pretty tame in comparison.  MrN left for the creek bank, and DNF visited the nest briefly then flew to the BPT as the light got a bit better.  About 9:00 the cam ops got some good closeups of a squirrel foraging near the nest, even up and down the Yonder snag.
Title: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 02, 2024, 03:53:09 PM
DNF brought a stick and MrN brought an oak leaf branch to the nest about Noon today.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on January 03, 2024, 11:27:50 AM
January 3, 2024

FIRST EGG
Feb. 21, 2020
Feb. 16, 2021
Feb. 16, 2022
Feb. 20, 2023


(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/47d80e6df8ce04fe56c10860afe6c90baabe078b47b0a4684aa24538e1f45e79.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 03, 2024, 12:00:14 PM
Shep, did you intend to post a pic or just remind RRP to change the calendar?

DNF brought furry prey, I think a rabbit, at about 10:00 this morning, and MrN flew in to share.  She's not sharing today.  They stayed mostly on the nest until noon, with some great closeup views.  And they leaped at something, possibly a squirrel, at about 11:00, right after the closeup pic posted here.  Watch on rewind for MrN looking for intruders at the lower part of the nest. He didn't find anything.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: oldguy on January 03, 2024, 01:23:49 PM
Here is my annual bookmarks for the forums that will keep track of your last post viewed.

Beak Room 2024 Forum - https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?topic=2867.new.html#new

Cheers 2024 Forum - https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?topic=2868.new.html#new

Decorah Eagles 2024 Forum - https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?topic=2866.new.html#new

Decorah North Nest Eagles 2024 Forum - https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php/topic,2864.new.html#new

Enjoy and have a great year...
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on January 04, 2024, 05:18:06 AM
I just wanted to put myself on the notify
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 04, 2024, 04:27:25 PM
Not sure what oldguy and Shep were referring to in their posts, but should I know??

About 1:00, DNF brought a load of new grasses to the nest.  She arranged and sat for a short time, then took off toward the creek and BPT, where she flushed another eagle and pursued it to the north then back south where the "other" disappeared, and DNF perched in the BPT.

About 3:40, a white-breasted nuthatch was foraging at the left side of the nest.  See the gray cap? That's a female.  Cam ops got some beautiful closeups.  I think there was a male also, but hard to tell because of the light and they move really quickly.  Very entertaining birds to watch.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 06, 2024, 01:16:51 PM
Mid-morning, DNF on the nest and MrN brought a stick for her to place.  Then about noon, DNF brought a mammal carcass to the Love Branch then to the nest.  Not sure what, but she de-furred and ate most of it.  One pic shows a paw with longish white claws, like for digging or swimming.  Bigger than a muskrat, I think.  Raccoon? 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on January 06, 2024, 05:04:38 PM

STL -- I think it was a muskrat.  They do have white claws.  Raccoons have black claws.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 07, 2024, 12:19:38 PM
Ginger, you are probably right about the muskrat.

The Norths spent the night on Love Branches.  This morning, time for more grasses and some interesting perching spots.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 07, 2024, 12:22:22 PM
More pics from Sunday closer to noon, perching in high trees to the northwest, back of the nest.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 08, 2024, 03:37:28 PM
DNF brought a gray squirrel carcass to the nest early afternoon. She's not sharing, but MrN came to observe, hang around, and deliver grasses, just in case.  Great closeups of this gorgeous pair.  You can watch the defurring and consuming on the rewind.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 09, 2024, 10:50:34 AM
Snowy conditions at DNN this morning.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 10, 2024, 01:06:03 PM
The Norths are back at work on the nest this morning, and a woodpecker was foraging in the branches nearby while they were gone.

Anybody know the source of DNF's bloody head feathers?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 11, 2024, 11:54:49 AM
Snow and cold this morning. Minimal eagle activity about 10:30.  Pretty views when we don't have to be out in it.   ;D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 11, 2024, 04:06:34 PM
Afternoon, DNF brought grasses and tested the bowl fit by digging with her feet. Then she perched on the Perching Branch for a short while.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 12, 2024, 12:20:07 PM
Wintery time at DNN.  DNF huddled in the Love Branches about 8:00 this morning, then flew to the creek trees, maybe more out of the wind.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on January 13, 2024, 07:23:48 AM
January 13, 2024
Stolen off Explore
SNOW, WIND
https://a.disquscdn.com/get?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gyazo.com%2F3b9bfb70f82acd68fd336ea283893aeb.gif&key=J5FkmF96ACHnjimDbV5Hnw&w=480&h=208

RRP NOTE
Friday, January 12 News
Decorah North, Decorah, and the Flyway!
Happy Fri-Yay, everyone! We have news and NestFlix from Decorah, Decorah North, and the Flyway! I loved all of these videos, but I especially enjoyed seeing DNF working on the North nest and watching and listening to duetting eagles on the Flyway. Thanks so much to our dedicated camera operators and videomakers for bringing us such amazing sights and sounds, and to you for watching, sharing, learning, and especially for caring.
https://www.raptorresource.org/2024/01/12/friday-january-12-news-and-nestflix-from-decorah-north-decorah-and-the-flyway/

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 13, 2024, 01:24:11 PM
Shep, the nestflix comments and videos are soooo enjoyable.

It's a wintery day at the Norths, not a lot going on.  Cardinal and woodpecker pics, MrN briefly on the nest, around 11:00 this morning. Cam ops found interesting tracks in the snow, deer probably [no pic].
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: MNLindaBird on January 14, 2024, 11:31:01 AM
The NestFlix were wonderful!  I will be keeping an eye open for future Flix!  Thanks to everybody involved with producing and sharing :-*
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 14, 2024, 01:06:02 PM
Three coyotes at the bottom of the live feed screen on the rewind this morning.  But I've lost them for the time.  Photo if I can find them again.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 14, 2024, 04:44:09 PM
I was watching the live feed in full screen this morning, and you could see that one of the Hatchery's was on the fishing perch, and the other was perched to the right in a tree.  Not sure who, but there seemed to be lots of vocals today, and caught a pair soaring near bluffs.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53464370843_c01a1e8c6e_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53463321007_38e450ca4d_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: BrokenLug on January 14, 2024, 05:57:12 PM
LG wrong board.

It's DNN we Know.

Wrong place we know it's DNN. We will delete after.   :)

LisaG some CIRCLES or ARROWS on HM and HD eagles it's black and white on white and black.

Where is the Fishing Perch Branch exactly ?    :)   ;D   ;)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 16, 2024, 04:35:50 PM
One of the North eagles brought a pheasant carcass to the nest, probably some time yesterday.  MrN brought a squirrel for lunch today.  DNF joined him to share then take over the food, and he went to the Love Branch, then flew away.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 17, 2024, 12:37:33 PM
Breakfish early this morning, MrN brought the fish, DNF claimed and ate it all.  Then DNF perched on a Love Branch for a long while.  MrN perched briefly above the nest, then both flew off to the north about  11:00.  Red squirrel visited the nest and branches around noon [no pics].
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 18, 2024, 04:13:37 PM
Not much action at DNN today.  A couple of little birds and squirrels. Just before 1:00, MrN perched above the nest then flew to the far creek bank. No fish appeared, and MrN flew away to the north.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 19, 2024, 03:25:17 PM
DNF brought grasses to the nest, then stayed a short while picking at nestovers.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 20, 2024, 04:49:49 PM
MrN and DNF did some spreading of grasses on top of the snow today.  Cam ops got great closeups of DNF.  She cleaned up her face feathers.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 20, 2024, 04:50:50 PM
Distant view of a pair of Cardinals, and flock of Canada geese in the creek about noon.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on January 21, 2024, 03:55:19 AM
FIRST EGG
Feb. 21, 2020
Feb. 16, 2021
Feb. 16, 2022
Feb. 20, 2023

Guess we have a month to go!

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 21, 2024, 12:52:36 PM
First Egg Week will be here before we know it!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 21, 2024, 02:06:45 PM
DNF had the remains of something furry and smallish for lunch about 1:00 today.  Muskrat perhaps.  She ate it, fur and all, feaked her beak, and flew away.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 22, 2024, 12:38:21 PM
Nestorations this morning. First DNF brought a stick then MrN brought grasses about 8:00, with some great views of them in the sunshine, thanks to the cam ops. They did more about 10:30 [no pics].  Flock of geese feeding near the creek about 11:00.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 22, 2024, 05:01:48 PM
A Red tailed hawk visited the nest this afternoon about 2:30, not for very long, but the cam ops got some great views of this gorgeous bird. Also close up views of Canada geese grazing about 3:00, and DNF on the nest and Ladder Branch about 3:30 while the hawk was perching in high branches to the south of the nest.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 22, 2024, 05:03:53 PM
Geese in the pasture, then DNF on the nest and alert on the Ladder Branch while hawk perched nearby.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 23, 2024, 12:11:27 PM
MrN brought a carcass, maybe rabbit, to the nest about 8:30 AM, followed by DNF who claimed and ate it.  About noon, he brought a stick, then she brought a stick that MrN placed where he wanted it.  It's all good.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 24, 2024, 01:05:47 PM
Male ring-necked pheasant feeding in the underbrush below the nest this morning.  Better views later than this post.  More to come.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 24, 2024, 04:28:18 PM
Eagles have been busy today, mostly nest work, and one raggedy carcass. Watch the male Cardinal at the nest with the Norths about 9:30 AM.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 25, 2024, 10:22:01 AM
The Norths spent the night at Love Branches.  It's a wet, chilly morning. After a brief nest visit, DNF joined MrN on the BPT.  He flew away, then she flew back to the nest to glare at a visiting squirrel for about an hour, including one wing whap about mid-visit.  Good closeups of DNF also.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 25, 2024, 04:41:04 PM
Squirrel gathering leaves for its own nest this afternoon.  They are doing the same thing in my home yard.  ;)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 26, 2024, 11:55:52 AM
Gray, rainy, cold, wintery today.  Eagles were in creek trees early.  For a bit of color, a male Northern cardinal stopped by the nest to nibble on bits of grass. That's the pic for this morning.  Several sparrows feeding on the ground but too distant to get a good pic or to identify.  Maybe later.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on January 26, 2024, 01:18:15 PM
Beautiful pic of the male Cardinal, STL.  Yesterday a male and a female both visited, but cam didn't zoom in as close and I didn't get a pic.

Here are some pics from this morning of DNF preening.  Not sure where she was perched.

(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c1dd4d718a2b77ad793231bb1f2d4b9f649de3978569fdfca9c2fc6c3cb8da70.jpg)

(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b0ec5ac3f6cb42428c1dc0855fca89fe274768ec446c319c7013f9f7d803139b.jpg)

(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/703e4b5bcd4cc59844782c2baf09fb82aa22eefe8b2e1a12ee7215a5e383f359.jpg)

And, here's a closeup of the Belted Kingfisher(male) fishing from the Brush Pile.

(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/57e70ef85b5daff0995975de788bcfba6a00af075811e672d67cf40d6fd1236a.jpg)

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 26, 2024, 03:31:31 PM
Ginger, some of the little birds are a challenge to photograph even when we can stop the rewind and move it in tiny increments.

DNF might be in branches to the south of the nest for the preening pics.  The cam ops do a really good job of zooming in and out to help us locate where the action is most of the time.  Or, she might be in a branchy tree to the north of the BPT where there's an eagle perching in view.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 27, 2024, 01:26:26 PM
Closeups of action on the nest this morning.  Profiles of MrN about 9:00, then he brought a headless rabbit carcass for brunch at 10:00. DNF flew in for the leftovers at 11:00. Remember that bones provide calcium for strong eggshells!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: MNLindaBird on January 28, 2024, 01:26:34 PM
VERY noisy Red Bellied Woodpecker in nest at ~1:23 pm CST
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: MNLindaBird on January 28, 2024, 02:03:09 PM
Noisy RB Woodpecker back at 2:02 p.m CST with some beautiful close-up views.  Very colorful!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 29, 2024, 12:14:24 PM
LindaBird, might be the same RB woodpecker at the nest again this morning.  This time, it has been picking at the scraps from the muskrat meal earlier.  It's good to hear the woodpecker "chattering" as it works.  Also a Cardinal feeding on seeds.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 29, 2024, 12:17:50 PM
The Norths had a time being intimate on the bank of the creek early this morning.  They don't mate on the ground very often.  After, MrN brought a muskrat (I believe from the white claws) to the nest for DNF. They shared this meal without squabbling.  Mating season is in full swing!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: MNLindaBird on January 31, 2024, 10:59:56 AM
The LIVE footage of Pileated Woodpecker boring hole into tree is something I have seen before.  HOWEVER, I had my neck craned upward each time in uncomfortable position for long time to enjoy a view.

This LIVE and up-close view we have today is unbelievable and so amazing.  Wouldn't it be something if eggs ended up in this "cave" that the Woody is carving - with a tabletop view (in my case).

Thanks to everyone connected with the high quality cameras we viewers enjoy, and for the cam operators who keep us wonderfully close to the noteworthy activities that Mother Nature provides for us.  You are the best!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 31, 2024, 12:39:48 PM
LindaB, watching the pair of Pileated Woodpeckers this morning has been soooo enjoyable. They mate for life, similar to our eagles, so this is a treat to see.  Looks like they are dining on insects, probably  ants, and maybe at the same time carving out a nest.  Wouldn't that be great to see them with chicks this spring?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on January 31, 2024, 04:49:49 PM
Meanwhile, the Norths are working on the nest and shared a fish for lunch.  MrN brings and eats part of the fish today, the DNF arrives to claim it without a squabble.  Fish bones are probably good for eggshell production.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 01, 2024, 11:55:33 AM
Early morning mating on the Love Branches, then several grass deliveries and arrangements during the morning hours.  Perching together on a branch behind the nest used in previous seasons as a favorite mating location.

Happy February y'all!  It's egg-laying month.   ;D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on February 01, 2024, 06:01:19 PM
STL -- Are you sure about the mating this morning?  I didn't notice it live and just now I went back in rewind and couldn't find it.  I did find that Mr. did some wing flapping and then DNF moved closer to him, but no mating.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on February 01, 2024, 09:20:17 PM
It did happen Ginger - but he didn't happen.  Lookedlike he slipped off to the side.  Oppps!

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: MNLindaBird on February 02, 2024, 10:22:26 AM
What a commotion of yips, screams and barks the group of coyotes(?) made around 1 a.m. or so this morning.  And then, for the eagles to find a fairly freshly killed raccoon carcass lying outside their "neststep" for breakfast, makes me wonder if there was some sort of a pre-egg-laying celebration going on last night - and coyotes delivered a present for the event ;)

Hope the Pileated Woodpeckers continue their building efforts, and possible egg-laying?, efforts too.  Good morning to all...
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on February 02, 2024, 01:52:25 PM
MNLindaBird  I was thinking along the same lines MN.  Not only were we treated to an up-close-and-personal demonstration of carving out a nest, but we'll get the added bonus of peeking in during the hatch, we hope.

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 03, 2024, 12:11:03 PM
Several deer at the creek about 8AM.   Crows really noisy about noon today, and earlier geese maybe flying past.  MrN and DNF have been bringing variety of nest materials all morning.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 05, 2024, 12:32:36 PM
Woodpecker near the nest about 8:30 this morning, and a deer passing by under the nest about 10.  The Norths have been bringing grasses and leafy branches all morning.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 05, 2024, 05:00:15 PM
Afternoon bathing and preening. Pretty sure my pic from 12:30 is DNF in the creek, then branches south of the nest for preening.
Next set is MrN.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 05, 2024, 05:05:18 PM
Here's MrN this afternoon.  He probably had a bath also, but I didn't see it on the rewind.
Cam ops got wonderful closeups of preening and it's great on the rewind.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 06, 2024, 03:12:08 PM
Action around the nest area today.  Hairy woodpecker about 8:00, upside down at the branch holding the nest on the left.  Geese in the pasture at the same time.  Pileated woodpecker male whacking away at a tree behind the nest at about 10:30, and I think the female shortly after that but no pic of her.

The Norths spent the night in the Love Branches. Didn't see mating, but maybe.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 06, 2024, 03:17:06 PM
The Norths have been excavating and aerating the nest, then they added more grasses and sticks.  DNF brought a fish for her own lunch, and MrN tested the fit of the nest.  She flew to the creek for a nice splashy bath, then flew to the Twiggy tree to preen and spent a couple of hours doing that.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 07, 2024, 11:44:31 AM
More of the same at the North nest this morning.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 08, 2024, 04:54:21 PM
Same activity today as yesterday: nest work, mating in early morning, then more nest work, and DNF perching in the same area as the early mating.  I think it's south of the nest, across from where the cows come and go.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 10, 2024, 01:05:11 PM
Did I miss anything exciting on Friday the 9th?

This morning, a sub-adult visited the Love Branches then perched nearby for a while.  The Norths chased it off, then they spent time on the nest hollering and arranging materials and being close to one another.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 11, 2024, 01:26:10 PM
The Norths are working diligently on the nest, bringing sticks and softer stuff so far today.  MrN has checked the fit several times.  They are both also on alert as crows and geese are having a noisy time, but no eagle visitors sighted as of 1:30 this afternoon.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 12, 2024, 11:12:33 AM
Deer active before daylight, this morning at the creek, and maybe an owl perched nearby.  Deer seen under the nest when the light was better but no pic.  The Norths mated on the Ladder Branch about 7:00, then settled on branches maybe south of the nest tree. Another beautiful sunrise.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 12, 2024, 12:23:49 PM
The eagle action this morning will take more than one posting!  Besides more nesting materials and 3 fish from MrN, there have been 3 matings by my count, and all before noon!  They are really celebrating Valentine's week and the KC Chief's second in a row Super Bowl win!   :-*   :-*   :-*
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 12, 2024, 12:29:11 PM
More of the action includes more fish and a third mating.  Our lovely pair have been perching together near the nest since then.  Gotta be close to egg-laying.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 12, 2024, 04:40:23 PM
The Norths have spent most of the day together.  It's definitely "that time of the year" for this lovely pair.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: BrokenLug on February 12, 2024, 07:35:05 PM
The beautiful Norths are looking egg ready.

Earliest Egg Laid 02/16 I believe here ?

Mild winter here ?
3rd year a charm ?
Not many transients ?

02/ ?? /2024  ;D

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 13, 2024, 12:47:29 PM
The Norths are certainly showing all the signs of egg-laying time soon.  I'm guessing this weekend.  BL, your predictions are as likely as mine!

The tall tree branches out behind the nest seem to be a favored place this week.  Another mating there, both eagles perching and trying to break off sticks.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 14, 2024, 04:12:15 PM
It's still mating time and time for the Norths to be working on the nest today so far, daylight to 4:00 PM.  No food gifts seen on the rewind.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 14, 2024, 04:17:36 PM
Cam ops panned around showing us some of the cabling apparatus for the great views at DNN this season.  Hairy woodpeckers both male and female have been pounding at branches near the nest.

On rewind, wonderful extreme closeups of MrN and DNF at different times today.  Hope someone with better quality pic-taking than mine posts some so we can count the specks in their eyes.

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 14, 2024, 04:20:14 PM
Happy Valentine's Day to Everybirdie
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 14, 2024, 11:48:09 PM
Maybe tonight . . . . Raining and cold near midnight.  DNF is right next to the nest, just in case.  MrN on a Love Branch nearby.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on February 15, 2024, 05:33:51 AM
🥚  Feb. 15, 2024
5.30 am She's sat on near limb all nite.
I bet she'll lay her egg today.

6 am she's in nest.  Awhile later Mr joins her.

EXPLORE
https://explore.org/livecams/birds/decorah-eagles-north-nest


(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/3/2/20240215T122402_16438675.ts.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: BrokenLug on February 15, 2024, 02:29:36 PM
DNF Laid her 1st egg ....   :)   8)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 15, 2024, 02:30:05 PM
Shep, you got it right!  DNF laid the first egg of this season about 2:15 this afternoon.

MrN brought her a fish about 11:00, and she wasn't very interested in it. They puttered around the nest, mated about 1:30 out behind the nest, then she came to the nest in labor.  Didn't take long.

Congratulations to the Norths!!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on February 15, 2024, 07:21:01 PM
CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. North and DNF! They made it look easy! ;D Thanks to all for the comments and pics posted here.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on February 16, 2024, 03:40:48 AM
This lovely pair are beautiful, and they seemed very nicely bonded.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Arcadia on February 16, 2024, 08:06:44 AM
Eggciting news to wake up to this morning! Congrats!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 16, 2024, 11:59:13 AM
The Norths seem to slip right into the same schedule as past years for sitting on the nest and changeovers every couple hours.  They are still actively mating, too, see pic from mid-morning.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 16, 2024, 12:01:13 PM
More pics from this morning.  It's wonderful to watch every year!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 17, 2024, 02:52:35 PM
Saturday at DNN appears to be about the same as Friday.  All is well with the Norths.  At the changeover in the posted pics, DNF flew off to the South of the nest, followed by MrN.  He returned in just a few minutes.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 18, 2024, 09:46:17 AM
And Sunday starts as a repeat of Saturday.  Changeover from DNF to MrN about 6:00, before daylight.  And MrN called for help about 8:30, flew to the Love Branches, and shortly after DNF arrived with a big load of fresh grasses.  Could be another egg today.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 18, 2024, 03:40:08 PM
DNF has a fondness for the 2:00 hour this season. Second egg laid just before three today, 2:49 PM to be exact.
MrN brought her a large fish about 10:00. There were shift changes before DNF returned at 2:00 to begin the laying process.
Next question -- will she go for a third egg?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on February 19, 2024, 03:42:49 AM
2 EGGS
Feb. 18, 2024


(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/691f2a28e689c22c5ff9b3d693b6732ec9aeb97736700c2eb5e11c63a931885b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on February 19, 2024, 08:59:49 AM
What a picturesque scene at the North's home this morning. It's extra special knowing there are two beautiful eggs there, as well! Hoping for a calm, successful season for this pair.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 19, 2024, 11:10:05 AM
The Norths are taking good care of their two eggs today, but so far, not showing off both of them at the same time!
At changeover about 9:30 AM, MrN brought some grasses, deposited them on DNF's back, then they both left the nest for a short mating session in a nearby tree.  So perhaps a third egg???

In closeups at 10:30, the view includes a length of binder twine next to MrN.  See blue marking in pic.  Binder twine is used to bale hay, and probably got picked up with a load of nest materials.  It could be hazardous if it is tied in a loop.  So hope that it gets buried deep in the nest soon.   :o   :o
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on February 19, 2024, 04:31:59 PM
My question of the day - What kind of bird did DNF get served to her?  Hawk? would be my guess.

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on February 19, 2024, 04:38:05 PM
But then, again, that claw looks like a turkey claw????

OK, no more guesses/choices.  I'm quiet.

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on February 19, 2024, 04:44:35 PM
Pheasant.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 19, 2024, 05:19:06 PM
Don't blink!  You'll miss the action!  We got a glimpse of both eggs about 1:00.  A red squirrel visited nearby about 2:00.  Between then and 3:00 there were background sounds that might have been some kind of visitor or intruder, and DNF went on flapping, screaming defense at an unseen threat right about 3:00.  She settled and MrN took over by 3:15.  He was more alert than usual also.

But wait . . . there's more   :D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 19, 2024, 05:25:01 PM
Another changeover at 4:00, when DNF came with new grasses.  Then one of the eggs had its first extreme closeup.  Finally, MrN brought a pheasant for dinner.   Watch on the rewind if you like eagle consuming prey up close and bloody.  This afternoon will make some great video.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 20, 2024, 01:17:53 PM
Quieter on the North's nest today, with changeovers as expected, and  several views of the eggs.  Cam ops are doing a great job!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 21, 2024, 04:19:37 PM
Afternoon delight for the Norths.  About 3:40, DNF is on the nest and calls to MrN, who is perched above. She flies to the tall branches behind the nest and calls some more. He joins her and they mate.  He returns to the nest after a few moments and we get a peek at the eggs.  Maybe soon there will be a third egg.

While all the eagle activity is going on, there's gobbling sounds in the background.  Could be wild turkeys or pheasants or a rooster at the farm.  Very early spring is mating season for lots of species.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 23, 2024, 05:35:46 PM
Pheasants on view under the nest tree early this morning, a male and a female.  Better be alert or they could be lunch!
On the nest, all is well.  MrN and DNF kept showing only one egg from daylight until 5:00, when both were visible for a few seconds.  It's funny how they can still hide the eggs with all the different cameras this year.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 24, 2024, 12:17:00 PM
MrN and DNF have been on the alert while on the nest around 10:00 this morning.  Probably the sub-adult BE flying around, then perching in the trees near the creek.  MrN brought a fish to DNF but she hasn't been interested in it so far.  Both eggs on view for a second or two during changeovers and nest digging or rolling the eggs.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 26, 2024, 01:55:31 PM
Pheasants still in the area early this morning -- beautiful plumage esp on the male.  Listen for pheasant sounds about this time on the rewind.
At changeover about 2:00, cam ops got a good closeup of the egg just as MrN stepped in.  Amazing that the egg is about the size of his toe and talon.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 27, 2024, 04:35:10 PM
Another day much like yesterday -- that's a good thing!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Phyl on February 28, 2024, 06:45:32 AM
I , Birchwoman , snapped this on a quick check about 6:39 AM
 

(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/3/9/20240228T123936_17000742.ts.jpg)

I'm a bit 'rusty' on  ID-ing.   DNF on the nest---Brrr! It's so cold.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on February 29, 2024, 04:22:36 PM
Really heavy frost overnight, or is that some snow?  Melted off in sunshine, and a pleasant afternoon.
Nice floppy fish delivery video posted at the chat from early afternoon.  Here are some pics, too.  What kind of fish is this?  It looks really flat and thin, and pinkish red. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 02, 2024, 05:21:42 PM
Activity around the nest early morning, pheasant displaying, deer feeding, MrN on alert.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 02, 2024, 05:25:56 PM
No great view of both eggs today, but they are there and all is well.
Must be really warm, or DNF was exercising before coming to the nest mid-morning.  Great closeup of her beak and tongue, panting.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 05, 2024, 11:25:24 AM
Spring migration in process, red-winged blackbirds calling, and a song sparrow serenading the eggs about 11:00 this morning.

About 8:00 MrN on the nest, and a young sub-adult perched for a while in a creek tree [BPT maybe] with an older sub-a, or perhaps DNF!  Confirmation needed.  DNF returned for changeover about 9:00.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on March 05, 2024, 01:13:14 PM
STL -- It was DNF that the subadult was perched next to.  The sub flew off but DNF and Mr. continued vocalizing and a bit later Mr. flew off the nest and briefly flew above DNF and then back to the nest.  The sub must have returned (unseen by the cam) and Mr. ran it off.  At that point DNF started eating a fish that I had not noticed until then.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on March 05, 2024, 01:16:49 PM
Here are a couple of pics from yesterday of the Pileated Woodpeckers.  We had some extended views and saw both the male and the female.  The male has a red malar strip and its red crest extends to its beak.

Male.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8c8ae555c196bdf3e0d6109c96fb7f3940a834919911c255ce0e616caf55df6e.jpg)

Female.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2d185d193833a9b2e00e917ff3512ac68c09f52f64f3f139a93a69df4ef5a45d.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on March 07, 2024, 07:46:41 AM
WOW!  Beautiful pheasant!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 07, 2024, 12:17:26 PM
Pheasants are one of the most colorful birds.  And the pileated woodpeckers are stunning, too.

DNF was dozing in the sun on the nest at noon today.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 09, 2024, 05:12:16 PM
Nice, chilly, breezy day, with things pretty quiet at the North's nest.  About noon, MrN brought a fish to DNF, then he flew to the lower Love branch for a while.  About 12:30, he returned for a changeover. DNF took a turn at the Love branches.  No good views of the eggs on the rewind. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 10, 2024, 04:54:55 PM
Quiet Sunday at the North nest.  One pic of DNF rolling the eggs -- Thanks to cam ops being on the job!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 13, 2024, 12:17:35 PM
Nice spring-ish morning at the North's nest.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 13, 2024, 04:30:02 PM
Some cows have calves in the pasture now.  Watching the red cow to see if she does this year.

MrN still has his beak bling.  Great closeup view of him rolling the eggs about 4:15.  Thanks cam ops!    ;D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 14, 2024, 12:17:36 PM
Rain and chilly this morning for both DNF and MrN.  They're keeping the eggs warm and dry.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 15, 2024, 02:00:17 PM
Nicer weather here today.  Good news -- the red cow has a calf, looks to be black.
Eagles doing their incubation duties.  About a week until we can expect hatching to begin.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 17, 2024, 11:23:25 AM
Sunday, Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Looks like MrN has been on nest duty since daybreak.  He has been calling for a break since about 10:00 this morning.  DNF must be at the parade.   :D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 17, 2024, 03:00:05 PM
MrN left the nest at noon and DNF returned about a minute later on this cold, windy day. She rolled the eggs at about 2:00.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on March 17, 2024, 04:14:40 PM
I read a post where it was mentioned that DNF had not returned after leaving this morning.  I'm just checking who is on the nest now and calling for the other.  Did mom make it back or is she MIA?

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on March 17, 2024, 04:27:21 PM
All is OK - Relief came and they switched places.   ;D

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 18, 2024, 11:16:50 AM
Puff, after last year, I understand your concern when we aren't sure where DNF goes when away from the nest.  But this year, she has been attentive and spending the right amount of time incubating the eggs.  This morning MrN had the early shift, and now she is on duty, while a male pheasant has been feeding on the ground under the nest.  He might get "invited" for lunch!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 20, 2024, 12:22:37 PM
Some kind of excitement that I missed yesterday, because DNF has bloody feathers on her beak and the right side of her face.  Not an injury, but likely a tussle with prey.  So, what happened??

Things seem normal today, with changeovers and egg rolling as expected.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 21, 2024, 04:59:05 PM
DNN's facial feathers are still dirty-bloody. Might have been cowghetti.  Anybody know for sure?

Changeovers today several times, with views of parts of eggs.  No visible pips, but the eggs are showing their age.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 22, 2024, 12:44:16 PM
Yippee, one egg has a pip!  It's noon, and one of the eggs is starting the hatching process.  At changeover, you can hear DNF making encouraging mewing calls as she gets up.  Awesome!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Arcadia on March 22, 2024, 03:06:13 PM
Exciting about the pip. I was also pleased to be able to see the thickness of the shell. I don't think I've seen this before.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on March 22, 2024, 04:09:44 PM
Great news about a pip, and hatching on the way! Hoping all goes well
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 22, 2024, 05:09:42 PM
That pic of the pip from earlier is the best view so far.  At changeover from DNF to MrN about 4:30PM there was no view of the eggs.  Stay warm everybirdie and maybe hatch tomorrow.   SEDS
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 22, 2024, 07:32:38 PM
Changeover at 7:15 provided a view of the pip.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on March 22, 2024, 08:58:41 PM
There it is! Thanks, STL!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Nora in IA on March 22, 2024, 09:01:12 PM
I'm not sure if this will work here, it was posted by RRP in facebook, but set to public..........
https://www.facebook.com/RaptorResourceProject/videos/3693374297606478
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: LORIDAVIS on March 23, 2024, 07:52:14 AM
Decorah North this morning  ;D
(https://i.gyazo.com/fa8c0f7e2554f0a2b79bfd36305e748e.gif)

(https://i.gyazo.com/af7a0aac2d93c8dceb0291b08c320d7d.gif)

slo mo
(https://i.gyazo.com/8679d41475deaac8f86343bfbe4458ef.gif)

(https://i.gyazo.com/e67495b1e494f94cadb1bd0ebbc28206.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 23, 2024, 02:32:06 PM
Lori, thanks for the gifs! Nice to see you back here.

Early changeover egg views look the same as yesterday.  DNF is more reluctant to leave the nest today, and MrN is bringing a good stash of fish.  About 2:00, she too a break and he came to incubate.  It's all on Eagle Time.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 23, 2024, 06:24:13 PM
Dinner time at the North nest, each selected a fish.  DNF is staying on the nest, cooing to the eggs.  MrN made time for a dip in the creek, then brought wet grasses to the nest before flying off.  No hatch yet.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on March 24, 2024, 03:13:56 AM
HATCH!!!
March 24
I hope all goes well for them this year.
6.30 am  I SAW THE CHICK!!!!

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on March 24, 2024, 08:14:37 AM
I'm very happy to see the little eaglet this morning - Congratulations to the Norths! Swaying nest this morning, too!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: LORIDAVIS on March 24, 2024, 10:52:43 AM
(http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/cheerleader3.gif)DN17 CUTIE PIE!!!
(https://i.gyazo.com/c63fc16b9c0f399b9c669a539b1e9682.jpg)

OOPSIE TUMBLE, gets right back up :)
(https://i.gyazo.com/06a33279e472f37dd35d17f61805b299.gif)

Looks like dn17 is imprinting already!
(https://i.gyazo.com/d132894c9983843a3698e90a1cbd9a8b.gif)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 24, 2024, 12:22:56 PM
Lori, thanks for the gifs of DN17.  Looks like a strong and healthy fuzzball.

Baby pictures for our watchers . . .    ;D
In the night, DNF wingflapped at something, and at almost daylight, MrN came to the nest where both were listening to owl calls in the distance.  I think I heard the owl hoots during the morning hours, too.  Confirmation from Explore???
First baby pic posted here shows a dry, fluffy, active bobblehead, so DN17 must have hatched during the nighttime hours.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 24, 2024, 12:28:34 PM
More pics of the first hatchling.  Is this a record early date?

There's an eggshell with a round pip in the 9:00 AM pic.  Is that the old eggshell, or a new pip in the second egg?

DNF fed tiny bits of fish, and I think at least one bit got swallowed.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 24, 2024, 12:31:22 PM
One pic that shows the weather on DN17's birthday.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: LORIDAVIS on March 24, 2024, 01:27:29 PM
Decorah North right now...

(https://i.gyazo.com/edec633d1ce55e1a2cf09892fced1674.gif)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: LORIDAVIS on March 24, 2024, 02:29:28 PM
Lori, thanks for the gifs of DN17.  Looks like a strong and healthy fuzzball.

Baby pictures for our watchers . . .    ;D
In the night, DNF wingflapped at something, and at almost daylight, MrN came to the nest where both were listening to owl calls in the distance.  I think I heard the owl hoots during the morning hours, too.  Confirmation from Explore???
First baby pic posted here shows a dry, fluffy, active bobblehead, so DN17 must have hatched during the nighttime hours.

Hi, it's nice to be back thankyou. :)  I did hear the owls yesterday morning... they were very vocal.  I rewound and see she wing flapped a few times early this morning, it could have been the storm coming in at that time... but the owls are definitely around  ::)  Take care!
(https://i.gyazo.com/5edc84cd609db12f51d8972c3cf5e4be.png)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: tsk34 on March 24, 2024, 04:52:56 PM
Stay warm little D17.  What a time for a storm.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Phyl on March 25, 2024, 12:03:38 AM
STL/Lorie   many thanks.

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on March 25, 2024, 06:48:39 AM
Video by GailM from 3:17 a.m. DN18 has hatched.

https://disq.us/url?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FI-bfRABoRXE%3Fsi%3DPAP7oOidcGgLvq4u%3A0Rduq7i7nUvgde6s-qGBUwTIRLE&cuid=1407162
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Nora in IA on March 25, 2024, 09:01:42 AM
Great video!!!  DN18 out and DN17 looking energetic.  :)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 25, 2024, 10:46:59 AM
Yippee!  I was correct about a pip in the second egg yesterday.  The discarded eggshell shows the round hole in one of the pics below.

Happy Birthday DN18  ;D   ;D   ;D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on March 25, 2024, 02:00:19 PM
Hurray for D18's hatch!!! :D Thanks very much for the vids and pics, Lori, Ginger, and STL! How precious they are, and DNN and Mr. North are amazing!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 25, 2024, 05:45:48 PM
It's eggciting to see two eaglets at the North nest!!  DN17 has caught on to the feeding thing pretty well.  Still waiting for DN18 to connect with a nibble from DNF or MrN today.  The parents are sooooo careful and patient.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 26, 2024, 11:59:27 AM
DNF hasn't gotten a bath yet, but she's actively feeding the hatchlings.  Now I cannot tell them apart, so don't know which is getting fed the most.  Lots of bonking this morning.  They will sort themselves out.  Pileated woodpeckers feeding nearby.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Arcadia on March 27, 2024, 09:14:25 AM
Am I correct that one baby hatched March 24 and the second March 25? I had thought that hatching so close in time there wouldn't be the bonking since they would be closer in size than when eaglets hatch 3 days apart. Got that one wrong obviously. :)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 27, 2024, 11:00:25 AM
Acadia, I'm guessing that the bonking is just part of the hatchlings' behavior.  It might be partly lack of coordination along with some hierarchy setting.  There's sure to be  at least one blog from Amy about this topic.

They are getting plenty of fish today.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: BrokenLug on March 27, 2024, 12:05:23 PM
Am I correct that one baby hatched March 24 and the second March 25? I had thought that hatching so close in time there wouldn't be the bonking since they would be closer in size than when eaglets hatch 3 days apart. Got that one wrong obviously. :)

Acadia you are correct on the hatch dates.
Here's the nest record I have for DNN 2024 so far:
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on March 28, 2024, 11:11:30 AM
Thanks for the info, BL, and the sweet pics, STL. Have any of the North hatches have been this close together? Before we know it, they'll be climbing out of that deep bole!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 29, 2024, 11:38:29 AM
Nanimal, you can check nest records on the Chat page by scrolling and finding the highlight dates for several years back.

Morning feed includes red meat, possibly squirrel. Protein power for the babies.  One-day difference will be difficult to tell them apart.

MrN brought a very large sucker fish about 9 AM. I believe they are spawning at this time, and fish eggs are great nourishment for the eaglets.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on March 29, 2024, 04:49:26 PM
Thanks for recommending the Chat page for info, STL. The North's had three seasons with hatches on consecutive days: 2019 - 3/31 & 4/1, 2020 - 3/30-31, and 2022 3/27-28. And as always, thanks for the picture documentation here.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 30, 2024, 12:16:25 PM
Lots of great info on the live stream - chat page, here for the Norths and at the other cam pages, too. Also a bunch of videos to watch.
Wonderful closeups of DN17 and DN18 at about 7:00 this morning, as DNF is feeding bits of whatever and changeover to MrN.  It was cold early today and the little ones were quick to burrow under his warm feathers.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 30, 2024, 04:21:18 PM
Lotsa closeups of the DNs today.  Here are a couple more.  Eagles don't have an external ear, and as hatchlings the hole of the ear structure is visible.  Soon feathers will cover the opening.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on March 30, 2024, 04:44:47 PM
Great pics, STL, thanks!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on March 31, 2024, 05:55:37 PM
Beautiful Easter sunrise at DNN this morning.  The eaglets are getting more mobile, and it was warm enough this afternoon for one of them to have a little snooze out from under a parent.  Cam ops were kept busy with lots of feedings -- DNF brought an opossum at abut 3:00.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: LORIDAVIS on March 31, 2024, 06:18:12 PM
(https://i.gyazo.com/d5f47f5a0022cc72dee7aed0fc52a062.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on April 01, 2024, 08:01:42 AM
Thank you, Lori! I hope you had a nice Easter day!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 01, 2024, 11:58:36 AM
April 1 already.  Spring seems to be here for real.  Besides DNF and MrN on the nest, cam ops found a male pheasant displaying  and crowing (or whatever their sound is called), and I think a female red winged blackbird (the streaky one), and a male cardinal (no pic).

Eaglet pics to follow later.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 02, 2024, 12:08:46 PM
So back to winter today!  Yuk    :-\  The eaglets got a look at the weather when DNF got up to shake off her icy, snowy feathers.  These experienced parents will take good care of DN17 and DN18.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 03, 2024, 11:27:58 AM
Still wintery weather at DNN.  The eagles carry on, and the eaglets look to be thriving.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 04, 2024, 03:55:11 PM
The eaglets are growing fast!  New gray downy feathers visible, and they look more alert, and are beginning to rise up tall-ish.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on April 04, 2024, 10:42:18 PM
Just beautiful family pics, STL! Thank you, as always.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on April 05, 2024, 08:25:49 AM
I know I've missed a lot of time this week - But where's DN18?

P

My bad -- 18 has made its appearance  - Time to get some breakfast for it and me.

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on April 05, 2024, 08:40:49 AM
What in the world is D offering for breakfast.  I'll pass.

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 05, 2024, 12:24:04 PM
Both of the eaglets are thriving, and I cannot tell them apart.  They are growing and changing so fast, just amazing.

DNF brought in something that looks like maybe a stillborn calf or deer, about 8:30 this morning. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 06, 2024, 12:28:56 PM
Morning brings bigger, grayer eaglets. They are moving their wings more today, too.  Seems like a day or two ago that the wings were little straight flippers and now they have two or three joints.  And their necks are like periscopes.  Happy growing, y'all.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 07, 2024, 12:12:45 PM
The eaglets can thermoregulate now, and be glad because it's really chilly, windy, and rainy this morning.  They got pretty shivery a couple times when left uncovered.  At noon, DNF was doing her mom-brella thing to keep them dry.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 07, 2024, 05:46:55 PM
Two weeks old might be a little soon for DN17 to eat a fish fin (maybe a tail), but there was a good try about 5:00 PM.  DNF is giving both eaglets fish bits with tiny bones and they gulp them down.  Has anyone seen casting of a pellet yet?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 08, 2024, 11:17:22 AM
MrN brought a coot early this morning, and DNF partially defeathered it while the eaglets watched.  Then MrN brought a large fish and most of the coot feathers blew away from his wings.  Apparently the fish flopped over the side of the nest, and DNF retrieved it.  Fish for breakfast first, then maybe coot later.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 09, 2024, 01:09:19 PM
One of the eaglets, probably DN17, moved to the edge of the grassy part of the nest about 11:00 this morning.  That's a big deal growth-wise.   :D

DNF and MrN took a short vacation to have a little intimate time together mid-morning.  Now that the eaglets can thermoregulate, they can be uncovered more with safety.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 09, 2024, 04:57:05 PM
More pics from this afternoon. Eaglet independence is showing up. They both move out of the nest bowl, and they nap in separate locations.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 10, 2024, 11:15:23 AM
All's well at the North's nest today.  DNF added a large mass of maybe cow afterbirth at about 8:50 AM.  Or the insides of some kind of mammal.  There's so much food at the nest, the eaglets aren't much interested.  They can move around better today than yesterday, clump, clump.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 11, 2024, 05:35:02 PM
The day starts early at the North nest, with MrN feeding maybe raccoon to the eaglets about 6:00.   MrN and DNF are bringing fresh grasses and moving sticks while the eaglets do their yoga / baby budda poses, sitting up, leaning back and resting on those big wings.  About 10:00 there's a tandem feeding of small fish from MrN, while DNF finds small bits.  The small fish proved too much for the eaglet, so MrN ate it whole.  DNF offered a large hunk of skin to both eaglets about 3:00;  too big, but it won't be long until they can gulp down big pieces of almost anything.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 12, 2024, 01:50:24 PM
Pics from this morning.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 12, 2024, 04:43:02 PM
Pics from this afternoon. Windy here, so cameras are all over the place, catching some great views.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 13, 2024, 02:29:28 PM
It's a nice, warm, spring day at the North's nest.  Great closeups and faraways from the cam ops -- Thank You!   :D

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 13, 2024, 02:32:12 PM
DNF brought a large floppy fish, yellow underneath and a yellow tail.  Might be a brown trout.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 14, 2024, 12:11:13 PM
Pleasant Sunday morning at the North's nest, but warming up.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 14, 2024, 07:23:10 PM
Checking in for the evening and look what the cam ops closeups found -- blue tubes that are the sheaths for real wing feathers! 

And another brown trout for supper with extreme closeups if you want the gory details (no pic but see the rewind for around 6:30).

Mid-afternoon, DNF brought a chunk of sod to the nest!  I'm guessing that she was gathering grasses at the edge of the creek and pulled up a clump of green grass by the roots.  The eaglets might play with it tomorrow.

SEDs to Everybirdy.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: glass papaya on April 15, 2024, 10:55:46 AM
Oh my, the eaglets crops are so full they can't even stand without tipping forward!  :D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: baziunc on April 15, 2024, 02:17:29 PM
Nice day at the North nest!  :) :-* :-*

S'cap I took a few minutes ago - both eaglets were having a little sweet beak-to-beak time at the rails - maybe discussing where they want to go in the pasture after they can fly.  ;)  :-*

(https://raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2864.0;attach=597833;image)

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: baziunc on April 15, 2024, 03:10:57 PM
 :-*

Other eaglet out of view behind parent just now.  :)

(https://raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2864.0;attach=597845;image)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 15, 2024, 03:16:23 PM
baz, thanks for the pics from this afternoon.  Don't we wonder what the eagles and eaglets might be thinking?

The DNs are 3 weeks old now.  Guessing they weigh about 4 pounds.  Amazing how fast they grow.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: baziunc on April 15, 2024, 03:19:50 PM
STLbf - I wish we knew! LOL. Here are both eaglets and parent in this s'cap I just got about 2 minutes ago. Keep looking up! :) :-*

(https://raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2864.0;attach=597849;image)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 16, 2024, 01:33:09 PM
Rain for a while this morning.  The eaglets are too big for both to fit under a parent at the same time.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: baziunc on April 17, 2024, 12:01:20 PM
Thanks, STLbf. Their barrister wigs are starting to come in!  ;) ;D :-* :-*
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 18, 2024, 02:31:04 PM
Baz, good description!  The eaglets change so fast that the way they looked yesterday while I was away, likely is different from today!  The article about feathers from April 16th is really interesting. Just tuning in at 2:00, and MrN is on the bank of the creek.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 18, 2024, 02:51:30 PM
Rain more earlier today.  Cam ops get great closeups on the nest.  DN17 (I think) horked up a pellet that I thought might be a mouse, but probably too big. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 19, 2024, 01:10:27 PM
Sunshiny and windy and chilly at the North's valley.  Everybirdie seems to be thriving -- except some of the fish.   ;D   ;D

One of the eaglets horked up another large pellet this morning, around 7:00, I think. No pic, but it looked like the one from yesterday.  EEEwwwww.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 20, 2024, 04:13:38 PM
DNF fed leftover fish to the eaglets early morning.  After she left, MrN came and ate for himself, then shared with the kiddos.
Skip to 3:45 to watch eaglets napping and growing, much like the rest of the day.   ;)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 21, 2024, 07:47:36 PM
Morning calesthentics for the eaglets about 9:00 on the rewind.  Wingersizing from one, probably DN17, with tiny hops!  Then the same youngster picked at nest materials, lifting and setting down.  Awesome.  The other eaglet was napping and stretching one wing and a foot, and later stood up with a great wing stretch, showing off long wing feather sheaths.

Jump forward to about 6:00 this evening for closeup views of the wing feathers that MrN has been trying to molt for a couple of days.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Phyl on April 22, 2024, 06:25:32 AM
Peeked in on the eaglets at Decorah North Eagles
Apr 22, 2024 6:06 AM
Camera Time: Apr 22, 2024 6:05 AM CDT
Birchwoman


(https://files.explore.org/sn/2024/4/22/20240422T110558_19330733.ts.jpg)


Decorah North Eagles
Apr 22, 2024 6:22 AM
Camera Time: Apr 22, 2024 6:22 AM CDT
Birchwoman

(https://files.explore.org/sn/2024/4/22/20240422T112232_19331230.ts.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 22, 2024, 01:03:16 PM
Phyl, nice to see your pics!

Toward lunchtime, DNF was feeding fish to the eaglets when something caught her attention at the creek bank. She flew there and returned with the carcass of probably a muskrat, after a mid-way stop at the Yonder Snag to catch her breath.  Without eating the carcass, she left again and returned shortly with a fish.  They must be spawing today because this fish and another brought by MrN were full of roe. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 22, 2024, 04:12:08 PM
Late afternoon, a good day at the North's nest.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 22, 2024, 07:48:39 PM
Dinner at 7 for the eaglets at DNN.  The chatters say it's muskrat, and I agree.
And a closeup pic of the dark, short body feathers coming in.

SEDs to Everybirdie   :)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 23, 2024, 12:26:57 PM
Windy this morning, and eaglet life goes on as normal.  Eat, preen, poop, sleep, repeat.  Parents have brought some fresh nest material.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 24, 2024, 10:58:17 AM
Nice morning at DNN.  Early closeup of the eaglets shows the wingfeather sheaths on one of them, with feathers protruding out by inches!

After breakfish and a siesta while DNF or MrN watched from the Perching Branch to the upper left, a red-tailed hawk perched briefly on the Yonder Tree at about 8:45 AM.  The parent flew in that direction to drive it away, then MrN came to the nest for a closer protective location.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 24, 2024, 01:18:14 PM
Both eaglets have tailfeathers, too!  Not a great pic, better as the feathers grow a little more.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 24, 2024, 04:40:34 PM
3:00 in the afternoon is a good time for eating fish at the North's nest.  MrN brought a small fish, and DNF brought a lunker!  The eaglets ate  enough that their crops were so full they had trouble balancing upright.  It's all good.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 26, 2024, 10:03:12 AM
Chat for DNN and blog says that DN18 (younger) got a length of fishing line with some fish eaten on the 25th.  Sorry, I've been distracted by work on my house this week and didn't post any pics on Thursday, although I did watch one of the eaglets trying to dislodge something that then hung from its beak.  Figured it was another icky pellet so didn't do at screen pic.

Anyhow, this morning both eaglets seem to be eating normally. They are trying to pick up whole small fish and little bits from the nest, and sometimes get pieces of grass, too.  Cam ops provide closeups, but I haven't seen the fishing line today on the rewind.  Maybe a watcher can zoom on a closeup that I cannot.   There's a tandem poop shoot however, on the following set of pics.   ;)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 26, 2024, 10:04:40 AM
More pics from this morning.  Last one includes the length of binder twine that has been in the nest since before the eggs hatched (have to check the date), see blue circle at the RRP label.  Binder twine is used for baling hay and straw.  It's not the problem fishing line, but could also entrap a bird, especially if it is tied in a loop.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on April 26, 2024, 11:00:31 AM
I spotted that yesterday too.  I felt maybe it was some innards that all didn't go down.  Yep I know about the twine; we had that issue on N1 many moons ago.

But now I wonder "if" it finally got swallowed down or sent out with a pellet  Has there ever been a known incident of an eaglet having ingested a string and have serious issues.  Amy know?

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on April 26, 2024, 12:15:10 PM
I don't have a pic, but if you go to about 11:51 am, just after Mr. North arrives, you'll see the line as 18 moves around with his mouth open.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on April 26, 2024, 01:22:11 PM
Ok, I went back and snipped a pic that shows the line.  DN18 is in the center and you can see the line coming down from the center of his open mouth.

(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/764256216e33fd3fc534b52f9dd6f700b67fba585aed58bc9bf137c5acebcc57.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 26, 2024, 01:48:28 PM
Ginger, thanks for getting a good look at the fishing line coming from  DN18's mouth.  It's really fine, but it would take some effort to break it.  RRP will know what to do, including getting up to the nest and cutting the line, then hoping the part inside the bird passes on through without a problem.

Here's a pic of the binder twine from FEB 19th when it first appeared at the nest.  This type is natural material, but it is very hardy and would take several years to degrade in the weather.  The plastic versions are a menace, and I'm glad this farmer doesn't use that type -- usually pink or green.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Nora in IA on April 26, 2024, 04:28:07 PM
I'd sure feel better if he'd cough the line up with a pellet than trying to pass it the other way, to apt to get caught up somewhere.  :-\

Man they're growing!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: BrokenLug on April 26, 2024, 06:15:18 PM
Blog post from RRP.

https://www.raptorresource.org/2024/04/26/problem-at-the-north-nest/
 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on April 26, 2024, 07:55:49 PM
Am I the last to discover there's a North Nest chat?  And, there are quite a few olde chatters there, too.

I figured it out late, had to get approved for sign in, then it was closed for the night.  Oh well, there's always tomorrow.

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on April 27, 2024, 09:39:15 AM
It's very upsetting to hear about the fishing line issue with D18. Up to this point, it's been a no-drama season, which is always a relief for us nest watchers and the North family. I appreciate RRP's thoughtful consideration of any next steps to ensure the best outcome for D18.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 27, 2024, 12:33:15 PM
Nanimal, I'm sure all of us watchers are feeling the same way as you.  Cam ops are getting closeups.  The fishing line is very thin, and the light has to be just right to see it.  I haven't yet.  Ginger52 posted a really good pic yesterday.  It's possible that DN18 might have cast it in a pellet.  That would be the best outcome.

This morning, things look normal.  DNF and MrN are taking longer times away from the nest now that the eaglets are bigger and the weather is warmer.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 27, 2024, 01:40:11 PM
MrN brought a very large fish about 11:45 this morning.  He ate most of it, then shared a couple bites with the eaglets, giving DN17 the tail.  Cam ops got great views of each eaglet stretching its wings as they stand up and down.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 27, 2024, 01:43:04 PM
How about these yawning pics?  Or the eaglets could be moving fish from their crops.  Whatever, I don't see fishing line anywhere.  At the same time, MrN was having his turn at the creek for a bath.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 27, 2024, 02:03:35 PM
Extreme closeup of DN17 with an open mouth, then picking up a fish bit from the nest and dropping it, over and over, never swallowing it.  And a pic of a robin with a very full crop -- insects & worms for lunch.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on April 27, 2024, 02:08:06 PM
STL  I have to go along with the maybe missing line.  I've been watching since early this morning.  I haven't/don't see anything either.  Let's keep being optimistic!

P

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 28, 2024, 11:09:00 AM
RRP announced that DN18 has cleared the fishing line, so great news.

Pics from this morning, now it's raining.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 29, 2024, 10:53:10 AM
The eaglets are grabbing at bits of fish, with DN17 winning the fins and tails most often.  They can stand up and flap wings with some confidence, but are wobbly when stepping around in the nest.  Right on growth and development schedule!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on April 29, 2024, 07:47:49 PM
Wonderful news about D18! Thanks, STL. :D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 30, 2024, 01:43:09 PM
Mystery carcass at DNN this morning, don't know when it was brought to the nest.  It's big, long leg bones, spine and thin ribs, longish grayish hair, sharp teeth and molars in closeups.  Hmmmm.  At first I thought is was a deer carcass.  Anybody have accurate ID and timing?

The eaglets are very interested in the carcass.  They try to eat stringy hairy pieces from DNF, and there's some dominance tusseling today.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 30, 2024, 05:25:00 PM
Fish for lunch!  The eaglets are squeeing loudly when food arrives.  No more tender baby noises.  And even though they don't walk very well yet, they lunge across the nest to be first at the fish.  Growing up.   :)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on April 30, 2024, 05:30:31 PM
More signs of development -- eaglets napping on opposite sides of the nest.

SEDs to Everybirdie   ;)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on April 30, 2024, 08:31:44 PM
Is thar a first for the kids, STL?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 01, 2024, 11:38:50 AM
nanimal, do you mean resting separately for the eaglets?  Yes, at least the first I've observed it.  Building independence.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on May 01, 2024, 06:24:45 PM
Yes, that's what I meant, thanks. They're moving right along!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 03, 2024, 01:38:03 PM
The eaglets have darkened over the past 2 days as their body feathers grow in rapidly!
Foggy and wet this morning; DNF and MrN brought fish.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 04, 2024, 12:14:53 PM
Rain for part of this morning.  DNF came to provide her mombrella.  Eaglets' wing and tail feathers are getting long!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 04, 2024, 07:41:11 PM
At DNN this afternoon,  "We have the meats!"   Hawklet carcass about 1:00, defeathered and devoured.  Featherless pheasant carcass about 2:00 and a fish about 3:00.  About 6:00, MrN brought a partial pheasant adult carcass, partly feathery.  Both parents were busy feeding this richness of variety to the eaglets.  Eaglets are learning to eat bones of bird carcasses.  Yum.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 04, 2024, 07:42:59 PM
More meaty pics.  For closeups, see the video rewind.  Nice scenes at dusk of DNF on the Ladder Branch and one eaglet standing up looking around, stretching wings.  Other eaglet is napping.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 05, 2024, 04:37:53 PM
The eaglets look like juveniles today!  Their dark feathers cover all the baby down when they sit up quietly.  Amazing.
About 3:00, DNF perched on a high branch past the Love Tree with an adult opossum carcass.  Then she took it to the ground under the nest, and ate some of it.  About 4:00 she brought a small piece to the eaglets. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 06, 2024, 12:16:02 PM
Not sure if any more possum bits got carried to the nest yesterday or this morning.  About 7:00 AM, the eaglets are self-feeding on leftover bones and carcass.  And flapping huge long eagle wings.

MrN brought a fish about 9:00, and one eaglet snatched it. MrN helped feed the fish, then carried away an old carcass.  Less rotting meat = fewer flies.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 06, 2024, 04:05:44 PM
One eaglet picked up a possum tail about 2:00, near the front nest rail.  So it appears that the possum carcass got carried to the nest yesterday, perhaps in several pieces.  About 2:30, one of the eaglets was looking intently at something above the nest; don't know what, but good closeups of the eaglet's face.  And about 3:00, MrN brought a muskrat carcass.  He spread it out and left it for the eaglets to pick at by themselves.  No pic of the extreme closeup that includes paws and claws and some gory bits.   :o
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 08, 2024, 03:59:07 PM
It's a good day for pics from DNN.   :D

The eaglets are getting pretty good at standing and picking at nestovers.  They are quick to grab fish from MrN.  They can mantle somewhat also.  But then they aren't sure what to do next, so MrN takes it back and feeds it to them.

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 08, 2024, 04:01:46 PM
One eaglet, likely DN17, stood on the edge rails with some confidence early this afternoon.

Great closeups of stretching feet and wings.  Thanks cam ops!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on May 08, 2024, 06:27:22 PM
Thanks for the fantastic pics today, STL!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 09, 2024, 12:19:29 PM
nanimal, happy you enjoy the pics, and hope you have access to the rewind and videos.  The action is often better than pics.

Today the rain isn't keeping the eaglets from getting lots to eat, some bones to pick at, then mostly fish that they grab and swallow whole.  Can't tell if both of them are doing this or only DN17.  Also, some kind of mammal paw with short claws and pads on toes, maybe an otter??

MrN and DNF have been bringing food, then chattering at possible intruders or just celebrating the day and the life.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on May 09, 2024, 06:39:15 PM
DN18 got its first grab and swallow whole today.

(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7e9236e511e037f86f4f6066de5208efe34897685aedf86cca8961cbf5eb28b7.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 09, 2024, 07:32:29 PM
Ginger, that's awesome and a great accomplishment for DN18!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 09, 2024, 08:04:57 PM
Pics from later afternoon - evening.  More fish and another hawklet.  Eeewww, but every raptor is a hunter.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 10, 2024, 01:19:41 PM
Rabbit on the menu this morning for the eaglets.  DNF brought the carcass and showed them how to defur it.  MrN came to help with feeding.  Eaglets are resting, stretching, clomping around the nest, resting, as expected.  DNF spent some time around noon pulling up nesting materials to let the grasses dry out from recent rain.

If you watch the rewind, you can see the calves stampeding across the pasture, from south to north, in one of the wide angle views.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 12, 2024, 04:45:02 PM
Happy Mother's Day

Eagles and other mothers keep right on working, holiday or not!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 13, 2024, 11:30:48 AM
One large breakfish early morning, then a smallish trout at about 8:40 AM, that one eaglet snatched, mantled, and nibbled.  The other eaglet took it away and did more nibbling.  They aren't overly hungry so no fighting, and practice will make them efficient eaters!

In that 7:00 wing-flaping time, there was a little air under the talons, hop, hop, hop.  Catch the action on rewind.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 13, 2024, 04:18:50 PM
About 2:00 this afternoon, DNF brought a large fish for the eaglets.  One snatched it from her grasp and mantled. Cam ops got great view of mantling from the front.  The fish was big enough for DN17 and DN18 to pick at it together.  Also, it was moving prey for them to deal with.  One got it opened up [no pics of the gory stuff, but watch on the rewind if you care to].
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 14, 2024, 12:38:16 PM
Looks like a third hawklet carcass was brought to the nest late yesterday.  Parents have left it to "cure" so that the feathers loosen up and eaglets will be able to self-feed from it.   Very early, MrN came to the nest, then a fly-around to discourage visitors or passers-by, and he settled on the Perching Branch for a while.  DNF brought a fish from her bank-fishing [no pic], which was grabbed by an eaglet and consumed.  Cam ops got great views of both eaglets flapping wings and hip-hopping [pic of one].   More after my PBJ lunch.  :D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on May 14, 2024, 01:24:10 PM
STL-- This hawklet was still alive when DNF brought it in.  It died sometime during the night/early morning.  Cam ops avoided zooming in until then.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 14, 2024, 04:14:23 PM
Thanks for the info, Ginger!  The cam ops know when to zoom and when not, and I appreciate that.  We can use the rewind feature to find most of what goes on within camera range.

Looks like the eaglets are almost as large as MrN now.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Nora in IA on May 14, 2024, 08:40:26 PM
After the write-up I saw by one person who I will not name, not knowing about this I thought something happened to one of the eaglets by the time I finished reading!!!  This is sad, but not unusual.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 15, 2024, 12:32:21 PM
Early fish from MrN, then a skunk carcass for lunch from DNF about 11:00.  In between, eaglets spent time resting, preening, ps-ing, and shaking off pesky gnats or black flies.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 16, 2024, 11:45:56 AM
Early morning, wet weather.  Eaglets picked at the skunk skeleton, MrN brought a fish which DN17 snatched and consumed part of. DNF came later to do some nest cleanup. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 16, 2024, 04:58:28 PM
Good closeups of DNF and the eaglets.  DN17 and 18 look so much alike, I can't tell them apart just by appearance.  Maybe feather patters on wings and tails will be different and helpful in weeks to come. 

Watch the napping eaglet about 2:30 this afternoon to see how eagles close their eyelids from the bottom to the top.  I wondered why.  A Google search found info from The Center for Conservation Biology that says birds active in the daytime close their eyes like eagles.  But birds active at night close their eyes like we do, from top to bottom.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on May 16, 2024, 07:55:49 PM
STL -- so far most of the time I've been able to ID them by looking at their commissures (corner of mouth).  DN18's is pretty straight and on the left side there's a little mark which I think is where the fishing line cut into it.  DN17's curves up slightly and is a brighter yellow.  It also looks to be a little thicker but that may just be because it's a brighter color.  It's a little difficult to see the differences in your pics.

Tails look promising for ID's.  DN18 has white on the tail and DN17 does not.

DN18 and DN17 -- commissure (corner of mouth)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/530d7fa8b05b962802f450fadf44be9de517162efcbe331921b99d523deeec70.jpg)

DN17 tail (no white)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4a4ae1c1c81d1df39483046b3b1a60fe2966ac901c6b1835104bc850b3145d2a.jpg)

DN18 tail
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8bb3e53ae0680d5a8df03ded64a1de8cf505c04aeee0fae0c655060e3e2c77ca.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 17, 2024, 05:11:39 PM
Ginger, thanks for the beak tips.  I will look closely.  The tails will be easier to use as ID because they are so much larger!

One pic early today and one at 5:00 this afternoon -- hope all has been well in between!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 18, 2024, 12:05:04 PM
Hopping wing exercises for both eaglets at about 6:00 this morning!  Awesome   :D    See the audience of four grackles watching.

Just after the hopping, MrN brought a large suckerfish, and DNF brought another one.  He stayed to feed the youngsters; she flew away.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 18, 2024, 12:30:33 PM
The Norths perched in the Brush Pile Tree for a brief time about 8:00 this morning, then DNF flew back to the nest.  Correct that it's the BPT?

About 10:00, cam ops got great closeups of one of the eaglets, guessing DN17 because of slight upturn of mouth corners as described by Ginger yesterday.  Agree?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 18, 2024, 04:43:45 PM
Live cam at DNN has been on Highlights for almost 3 hours. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 19, 2024, 03:08:02 PM
Two fish from DNF about 6:00 this morning.  Eaglets trying to self-feed, mostly just rolling them in nest grasses.

Look at the tail feather markings:  white "band" part way up = DN18;  dark with no markings = DN17.

MrN brought a third large fish about 8:00.  He stopped off at the Love Branches before lugging it to the nest.  The fish was full of eggs so extra heavy. DNF brought some fresh grasses about the same time.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on May 19, 2024, 03:59:08 PM
The Norths perched in the Brush Pile Tree for a brief time about 8:00 this morning, then DNF flew back to the nest.  Correct that it's the BPT?

About 10:00, cam ops got great closeups of one of the eaglets, guessing DN17 because of slight upturn of mouth corners as described by Ginger yesterday.  Agree?

Yes, correct that it's BPT and also I think on your ID of DN17.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on May 19, 2024, 04:16:28 PM
On three different nights recently DNF has been bothered by an owl -- a small one, so probably an Easter Screech Owl.  The first time it smacked her once and then was gone.  The second night it smacked her two separate times.  Then, last night she heard/saw it and vocalized, slapped wings, hissed.  I never saw the owl.  One of the eaglets also wing slapped last night.

This pic is NOT from last night.  Just before the hit (to the right of DNF)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/24c3091cede4637450d24a75b44ad82058b63d417e5e66ebb683ce489c60c15a.jpg)

Last night -- DNF reacts and eaglet wing slaps
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/16342b7c0ba6cc48f57a754eb375d0dd1506bf0caf077bd47b19cb862fe6c64a.jpg)

Last night -- DNF comes down to nest
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/304022e537aa08b003fb3d1d2b5299b10c632330f72459305a53ef5720871121.jpg)

This afternoon DNF dropped off some "ghetti" -- either deer or cow.  I did see a pregnant doe there recently.  (However, Mod GABear said that "deer usually eat the placenta along with cleaning it all from the fawn, to reduce the scent and the chance of being found."  Kind of late for a cow to be calving though...)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d838284c16d5bcc032c81dbdde03878ccc55422e10a801b526d2cc98d85213ee.jpg)


Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 19, 2024, 05:35:09 PM
Ginger, thanks for pics of owls & "ghetti" from earlier.  I've noticed that DNF has been on the Ladder Branch at night, but missed the owls and wing slaps.  Good to know that the eaglets have caught on to defending themselves.  Gotta think that a small owl might be just "counting coup" and not really attacking.   It's a tough world out there for eagles and all the other creatures.  One might hope that DNF discovers an owl nest like she did with the hawks.

About the ghetti, it's the time of year for deer to be giving birth.  Like you said, not so much the cattle.  The ghetti looks kind of old to me, so not from today but a few days ago maybe?  Doesn't help with what animal it came from.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Nora in IA on May 19, 2024, 06:35:02 PM
Driving around we've been seeing lots of calves that are pretty little yet.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 20, 2024, 12:05:46 PM
Eagles provided three or four fresh fish about 6:00 this morning, so both eaglets and the parents had breakfast together.
Closeup of DNF looking damp but gorgeous.  And a male goldfinch feeding nearby, molting into brilliant summer breeding plumage.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 21, 2024, 12:40:35 PM
Rainy at DNN all morning.  Early breakfish for all.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 21, 2024, 05:57:14 PM
Still raining at DNN.  Batten down your hatches, everybirdie, storms on the way here.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 22, 2024, 11:13:40 AM
Nest OK, eagles OK after storms yesterday.  MrN brought two large fish, at about 6:00 and 7:00 this morning.  I believe DN18 claimed the second fish, then didn't quite know what to do with it, so MrN took it back and fed it to the eaglets.   DNF visited the nest briefly about 9:15.  Cattle are in the pasture and grackles are picking at nest materials.  It's a good day.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 23, 2024, 12:09:01 PM
After several days of several fish for breakfast, today the eaglets have not been fed at all and it's time for lunch!  About 6:00, DNF brought a large stick that they jumped on as if a long, skinny fish, but no. 

DN18 revealed white primary wing feathers when stretching.  Good for ID, but DN17 may also have them.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on May 23, 2024, 08:42:56 PM
Love that spread wings pose, STL! Thanks! :D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 24, 2024, 11:40:43 AM
Nanimal, white wing feathers can also help us identify the eaglets, like white patterns in tail feathers.  Cam ops got a closeup of DN17 with wings outstretched just after 11 AM, but looks to me like there are white primaries in same location as for DN18.  For now, look for the tail patterns.

More rain at the North's valley today.  At least one fish from DNF to share for early breakfast.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on May 24, 2024, 01:32:34 PM
SRL, I appreciate the tips!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 24, 2024, 04:49:29 PM
MrN brought two fish to the eaglets around noon.  He stayed to feed them, too.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on May 25, 2024, 11:22:35 AM
Of course, I meant "STL" above.  ;)
One is working on a fish, the other is surveying the area. Looks like a beautiful day for the Norths.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 25, 2024, 11:43:47 AM
Couple pics from this morning.  All's good here at DNN.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 26, 2024, 11:51:18 AM
Rain, rain, rain. Also kinda chilly today at the DNN nest.  Fresh fish on the menu twice; DN17 got both of them.  Looks like deer carcass leftovers from yesterday available for picking at.  Despite the wet, DN18 has been exercising those huge wings.  Maybe less likely to launch by mistake when it's wet and not windy.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 27, 2024, 11:48:02 AM
Clear weather returned to the North's valley today.  Eaglets spent time preening to get ready for the day, and a deer closeup chewing its cud.  MrN brought something edible and stringy to the nest about 7 AM.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 28, 2024, 02:56:54 PM
About 1:00 this afternoon, DNF brought a duckling and left it for the eaglets to consume on their own.  Closeups if you are interested, go to the rewind.
Guess she ran out of hawklets.   ::)    Expect baby raccoons soon, and fawn pieces. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 29, 2024, 12:40:25 PM
Well-fed eaglets this morning.  A fish at 6:00, a deer leg at 5:30, and another fish at noon.  DN18 is pouncing hard and doesn't want help with the items. All part of learning how.

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 29, 2024, 12:45:46 PM
About fledging for DN17 and DN18, doesn't seem possible we should be talking about fledging yet!  But in 2022, DN15 hatched on March 26 and fledged on June 11.  And DN16 hatched on March 27 and fledged on June 13.  Those hatch dates are only 2 days later than this year's eaglets.  And the black flies were not an issue in 2022.  Seems to me that they are worse this year but not terrible yet.  Keep watching.   :D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 29, 2024, 04:53:22 PM
DNF has found raccoons this afternoon. She brought one carcass to the nest about 1:00 PM and left it for the eaglets to work on.  She brought a second about 2:30 and helped defur and so forth.  The eaglets hadn't made much progress consuming them when MrN brought a much welcomed fish about 4:30.  The nest looks like it's carpeted with fur and flies!  And bones and a few scales.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on May 29, 2024, 05:11:35 PM
A reminder for all the bird lovers at RRP:  A reminder follows about arrangements for our 2024 ATF get together.  Also, there are reservation deadlines/dates/rooms/rates are being held.   Chop. chop, chop.

                                                   
                                                    AFTER THE FLEDGE 2024

Well, here we are for another issue of After The Fledge 2024.  For some, I discovered last year, this may be your induction to the available program for room reservations, property selection, availability, and cost for our ATF get together.  I have contracted with Decorah hotels for rooms on hold for us.  Rooms are held at 4 locations at reduced rates; option deadlines are available until date indicated.  All arrangements must be made thru me, AND there is no additional charge.  Rooms are held for you using your information and credit card.  Nothing is charged until you arrive at the hotel.  You can also cancel the reservation if necessary at no charge if you do so before your arrival date.  Please call or email me if you have any other questions.  The Fledge this year is July 18 - 20, arriving July 18, departing July 21.  Additional days can be added if you prefer.

First, let me mention that there are no rooms assigned for us at Country Inn & Suites.  You are free to call and make your own reservations there.  888-405-2885.


Fairfield Inn by Marriott      10 rooms available, either 8 king or 2 queen
               at the same price:  Thursday $105, Friday $155,
               Saturday $190
               Deadline:  July 5, 2024

Hotel Winneshiek         4 rooms available, 3 king executive or
               1 king whirlpool if available, $623.84
               This is downtown location, 3 or 4 miles to nest
               Deadline:  July 16

Quality Inn & Suites         8 rooms available, 1 king or 2 queen beds
               King $175 per night, 2 Queens $165 per night
               With tax: king $668.64, queen $668.84
               Deadline:  June 18

Super8 by Wyndham      12 rooms available, ask for floor and beds
               Total for 3 nights, $654 (with tax $732.59)
               Request floor and bedding

As usual, I'll need your personal information and credit card information to hold a reservation.  Rates apply until the deadline.  Charges will not be processed until checkout.  Any further questions/issues, contact me.

Puff/LaNora         [email protected]      630-852-2108
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 30, 2024, 04:15:51 PM
ATF participants may be sharing space with all the geese around the hatchery!!

About 6:00 this morning, DN18 was having a soccer game with a raccoon carcass head, lifting, hopping, flapping.  It's great practice for carrying and moving prey.  Shortly after, DNF brought a fish that DN18 grabbed and spent time eating most of it.  DN17 tried to steal a couple times, unsuccessfully.  DNF cleaned up some of the leftovers, and the eaglets had a game of tug-o-prey about 10:30.  Around 11, DN17 did a couple of really good hovers while wingercizing.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on May 31, 2024, 08:03:03 PM
Biggest news of today at DNN was DN18's venture onto the patio area about 11:00 this morning.  Deliberate but awkward step down, looking around for a couple minutes, then scrambling back to the nest surface.

Both eaglets are flapping across the nest, hovering, getting ready for a big day not far in the future.

Looks like a whole fawn carcass on the nest from maybe yesterday.

Great closeups of the eaglets, thanks to the cam ops!  Did I get the IDs correct in the pic?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 01, 2024, 02:25:45 PM
Fish on the fresh menu today so far today, and nestovers to nibble on.  Wingercizing and fly-hopping, and picking at sticks and string.  The string is at the near edge of the nest, and it's binder twine, probably an old piece that has resurfaced.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 02, 2024, 01:20:25 PM
Very foggy at daybreak.  DNF brought a large, live fish at 6AM, which DN17 claimed.  Over about 30 minutes, DN17 carried the fish back and forth, finally eating all of it.  DN18 watched, didn't try to steal.  About 9:00, DN18 made a second visit to the patio, returned to the nest, then went back to the patio, while DN17 watched.  Each now has a skill that the other doesn't.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 02, 2024, 01:58:29 PM
Busy day at the North's.  DNF brought the head & foreleg part of a deer carcass about 10:30.  I'm thinking it's a yearling.  DN18 claimed it and moved it around some.  DNF brought a second batch of parts, surely the same carcass, about 11:00 and a third mass of parts about 1:00.  DNF stayed on the nest picking at the carcass, but eaglets aren't very interested.  About 1:40, cam ops got great view of the whole eagle family with cattle in the background.

Enjoy, and we'll see what happens later today.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on June 02, 2024, 07:23:56 PM
STL -- Nice pics from today.  I laughed at DN17 hopping around the nest this morning with that fish in his talons.

DNF and the eaglets have been harassed nightly for the last couple of weeks by a small owl (probably an Eastern Screech Owl).  The last few nights there have been more than one hit per night.  Both DN17 and DN18 have also been hit although DN18 has maybe only been hit once.  He only just started standing up at night. 

Here are some .gifs of last night's hits from GABear.  What a way to wake up!

DN18 at 4:21 a.m.
(https://i.gyazo.com/deec8fbfc2905899ed6e61230a534f10.gif)

DNF at 4:22 a.m.
(https://i.gyazo.com/03faab253b2c33b43a824a5ec1526596.gif)

DNF again @ 4:50AM
Owl appears to land for a second on the left side branch
(https://i.gyazo.com/2ab22552f1ed8cc4e4437f4aa67a4fef.gif)


Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 03, 2024, 06:58:24 AM
Ginger, that's one brazen owl!  Definitely counting coup.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 03, 2024, 04:56:11 PM
Today has been mostly eaglets watching this and that.  Haven't seen MrN or DNF bringing food (on rewind) until about 4:45, when MrN  brought a small fish that DN17 grabbed and gulped down.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on June 04, 2024, 09:24:02 AM
At around 8:35 a.m. DN17 branched to the Ladder Branch.  Woohoo!!!

Gif. from GABear:

(https://i.gyazo.com/aa8bae8e48fcc45e7cb675aa45e48531.gif)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on June 04, 2024, 09:25:32 AM
And, DN18 has been spending more time on the porch.  Pic from reby.

(https://comments-images.explore.org/_7a6xtxurr/ascreen-shot-06-04-24-at-03.48-pm-021.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 04, 2024, 01:06:42 PM
Ginger, thanks for the gif of DN17's first branching flight!  Awesome.  DN17 very carefully explored balancing on the Ladder Branch and stayed out there until about 11:30.   The patio has become DN18's hangout.  They both were ready to celebrate with a rabbit carcass for lunch.  I couldn't tell which parent brought it.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 04, 2024, 01:07:40 PM
Couple more pics
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 04, 2024, 08:55:41 PM
 :D :D :D Thanks for the exciting updates Ginger and STL!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 05, 2024, 10:43:14 AM
Updates will come fast and furious now that the eaglets are more mobile!

DNF spent the night on the Ladder Branch and the eaglets mostly sleep standing up now.  DN17 is spending most of the time on the Ladder Branch, but not sharing it with DNF or MrN.  DN18 likes the patio, and DN17 hopped down there for a short while, too.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on June 05, 2024, 01:31:08 PM
DN17 didn't move from the Ladder Branch to the nest last night until after dark.  He finally left when the wind came up and it started raining.  DNF had to perch on the Babysitting Branch until DN17 vacated the Ladder.  Just after the cam went to black and white, an owl flew past DN17 -- behind him.  It was still light enough to see it clearly.  I think it hit DNF later on at least once but could have been more since the livestream was off for a number of hours.  The night before last it scored several hits and a bunch of passes.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 05, 2024, 04:56:54 PM
Thanks for the nighttime details, Ginger!  We can be thankful that the eaglets are big enough that the owls can't just pick them off like candy!

I imagine that perching close to another bird on a branch presents challenges for balance and so on. That will come with practice.  It's such a fun education to watch the eaglets learn to be eagles.  Also to see how MrN and DNF care for them in different ways at different ages.  Like now, they drop off prey and leave it to the DNs to figure out what to do with it.  After sometimes hours, one of the adults may come to help.  Rewind has great views of this afternoon's deer carcass parts and how DN17 and 18 deal with it.  Also a sucker fish.  DN18 is clearly not as skilled with prey as DN17 -- yet.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 06, 2024, 03:40:05 PM
North chat mentioned a "fludge" early this morning, and there's a video.  Here are some pics.  A wind gust blew DN17 from the main Ladder Branch to one of the rungs.  That was a good place to explore for a while, then a short flight back to the nest.  It's a fledge when the eaglet flies to a place NOT attached to or part of the nest tree.  All in good time.

DN18 has been on and off the patio again.  No feeding seen on rewind as of 3:30 PM.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 07, 2024, 12:40:23 AM
DNF came to the nest about 8:30 PM, but didn't bring food for the eaglets.  Everybody did some chattering, squeeing, calling. In past years, the parents have fed much less often to encourage the eaglets to fledge.  We'll see if it works this time!   :D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 07, 2024, 11:11:13 AM
This morning is more of a feeding time from DNF, with deer and fish on the menu.  DN18 seems to be getting most of it by aggressively snatching and mantling as soon as DNF lands.  Also, DNF brought a large batch of green grasses, could be new hay.

DN18 mostly on the patio, and DN17 mostly on the Ladder Branch, but also joined DN18 on the patio briefly about 9:30 AM.

No new branching or fledging as of 11AM.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on June 07, 2024, 12:03:59 PM
Here's a question for y'all - Is there any knowledge or hypothesis about the cicada having an attraction to certain colors?

Working outside, which I've been trying to do a little each day, I guess it was just the normal behavior for them buggers to be a pain-in-the-Ashley to fly at/into people.  I had to find a hat to at least keep them out of my hair.  HOWEVER, on Sunday this week I wore a bright golden-colored tee that was attractive to 90% of the ugly.  Reached my tolerance level in 1/2 hour.  (Was told in Belize that butterflies like red.
 tsk?)  And, another "discovery" the next day. . .I do take lots of breaks as broadly advised.  Sitting in the garage with the garage door open, counting the billions of uglies flying in and around my big crimson maple - I watched and saw not a single one fly into the garage.  They'd fly across the front of the door or up to the break of the driveway/garage entry, but then zip to a different direction.  I sat there watching at least an hour and didn't see anything come inside.  I didn't know I had a cicada-repelling device built in - or many it was body (sweat odor) smell.  I'll have to start a new search/experiment to see if either of my ideas could be true.

There are no cicada being seen on any site of Decorah cams????

P           
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 07, 2024, 08:02:59 PM
Morning closeups of DN17.

Evening feeding -- MrN (I think) brought a fish that DN18 grabbed about 7:30. Maybe ate a few bites before DN17 stole it and ate it quickly.  Competition for food when the eaglets haven't been fed all day.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 08, 2024, 11:20:39 AM
DNF brought a nice fish to the nest at about 6:00 this morning.  DN18 claimed it, but not for long.  DN17 stole it and consumed it all.  DN18 doesn't put up much of a fight for food -- yet.  Morning rain shower, and eaglets are just sitting and perching same as yesterday.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 08, 2024, 02:54:30 PM
DNF brought a rabbit carcass to the nest about 1:30 this afternoon.  DN18 claimed and started eating at it while DN17 hollered from the Ladder Rung branch.  After a few minutes, DN17 came to take the carcass away from DN18, and DNF stayed at the nest to help with feeding for more than an hour.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 09, 2024, 09:04:13 AM
Checking in this morning at daylight, DN17 is on the Ladder Branch with DNF.    Rewind shows that they were together as the night camera came on yesterday evening and all through the night.  That's a first.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 09, 2024, 03:25:41 PM
Where's Waldo?  At first glance, the nest looked empty about 3:00 this afternoon!!!  No, no fledging, just the eaglets resting very quietly in the shade.
Generally, a quiet Sunday at the North nest area.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 09, 2024, 04:12:08 PM
Haha, I thought the same, STL!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 10, 2024, 03:17:09 PM
DN18 has branched, early this morning, 6:30 or so, from the patio to the Perching Branch on the left side of the nest as we see it.  DN17 flew from the nest to the same branch not long after.  MrN (I think) brought a fish to the nest about 10:00.  DN18 was on the patio, but DN17 flew back from the Perching Branch to get the fish.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 10, 2024, 08:07:26 PM
Fish rewards for each eaglet at dinnertime today!  What a great day for the North family!

DNF brings food to the nest, and not to the eaglets on their branch perches.  Eating from a branch is a skill they will learn soon, and we hope to be watching them do it. 

Looks like they might spend the night on the Ladder Branches.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to the camera operators for all the great views, and to RRP for making this nest available.  Time for a donation?  I think so!   ;D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 10, 2024, 08:10:49 PM
Evening light and beautiful eaglets.

DNF settled in with the eaglets on the Ladder Branch at dark, still there at midnight.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on June 11, 2024, 12:33:48 PM
DN18 fledged this morning at about 11:51 a.m.  18 flew across the pasture and then over the tree line on the other side of the stream.  I lost sight at that point but then heard crashing near the nest and 18 flew out from under the right side of the nest and flew over to the Claw Tree (to the left of BPT).  Here is DNF and 18 (circled).

(https://comments-images.explore.org/_3cx25ll29/dn_6_11_24_6_dn18-fledged_circled.jpg)

(https://files.explore.org/sn/2024/6/11/20240611T170245_21501436.ts.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 11, 2024, 01:11:13 PM
Thanks, Ginger. I was watching earlier today and missed the fledge! I only see one on the nest now but can't tell which one.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 11, 2024, 01:25:45 PM
Great news that DN18 fledged this morning!!  Thanks to Ginger for the pics and notes.  I watched it on the rewind and am delighted to see DN18 and DNF perching near one another in the Claw Tree.  Claw Tree is north (left as we look) of the Brush Pile & BP Tree.   The first flight was pretty long, crossing the pasture twice.  Eagles are awesome.    ;D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 11, 2024, 03:36:00 PM
More pics from this morning before DN18 fledged.  Who knows if we will see both eaglets back at the nest, together or separately.  In past years, North fledglings have hung around being fed by the adults until later in the summer. They have sometimes come back to sleep at the nest, too.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 11, 2024, 07:22:38 PM
Great documentation! Thanks, Ginger and STL!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: BrokenLug on June 12, 2024, 05:59:10 AM
More pics from this morning before DN18 fledged.  Who knows if we will see both eaglets back at the nest, together or separately.  In past years, North fledglings have hung around being fed by the adults until later in the summer. They have sometimes come back to sleep at the nest, too.

DN 18 returned to the nest around twilight (9:15 PM CT) last night 06/11/24 to roost for the evening.

It was a perfect 10 point landing in the LZ.  8)

DN 17 was definitely asking him/her where the heck did you go ?   :o

Thank you Buddy's Mom for the UTube vid.   :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvJc7-vTj14 

The D's taking in the sunrise today ..

-edit to add-
It looks like DN 18 has got the hang of the take-offs and landings pretty good already.
He/she flew off the nest up pasture to the north at around 6:50 AM nest time this morning and landed in the very top of another tree on the camera side of the pasture maybe 50-75 yards upstream.   ;D
Red circle 2nd image.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: BrokenLug on June 12, 2024, 06:22:38 AM
I really hadn't noticed how dead the nest branch is until it greened out here in the north valley.   :o

I'm glad they are fledging now because one bad storm and the whole shebang could come down.

I really hope that doesn't happen and I know it's an Oak tree and all, but still that's a lot of nest weight leveraged out away from the main trunk on the Y nest branch.    :o :o
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: BrokenLug on June 12, 2024, 07:15:40 AM
DN 17 seems pretty antsy this morning branching back and forth from the nest.

I think he/she might fledge today .. check out what this whole flying thing is all about and hang out with/explore the valley with her sibling.   :)   8)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: BrokenLug on June 12, 2024, 07:37:15 AM
Update _ I just saw DN 17 fledge to the south @ 7:34 AM nest time 06.12.24 _ very cool.    ;D   8)

Update to update the chat Admin called it at 7:28 AM. 
Quote
EagleEyeDNN (Admin): 6/12/24 DN17 Fledge @ 7:28 am

Flew off the branch like an old pro.
Great calm weather morning for flight training ... You two have a safe day today and enjoy those new wings.   :)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on June 12, 2024, 09:24:04 AM
Thanks for the narratives, BL.  Actually, it was a fludge.  The branch broke so 17 had to fly.  Great job recovering though.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 12, 2024, 12:52:29 PM
Thanks for the updates, BL and Ginger. Wishes for safe exploring by these two beauties! I hope they'll stick around for a while!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 12, 2024, 12:55:31 PM
Yippee for DN17, finally fledging this morning after watching DN18 make several flights from branch to branch and away from the nest and back.
Great pics and notes from BL and Ginger.  I've been watching the rewind over and over trying to see who went where and when.  It's confusing.

I believe a few minutes before DN17's fledge, DN18's branch broke and she-he flew away across the pasture to unknown location (only to join DN17 in the Spit Tree at noon).  I think DN17 was already taking off when that branch snapped.  Still pics are hard to determine, but someone with large-screen could see on video.  DN17 was perching in the Spit Tree (is this T4?) about 9:30 after a flight from unknown nest-side-west location across the pasture. 

There's a whole lot more to unravel, with maybe MrN bringing food to DN17 after ground capture, flying to the nest, and more. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 12, 2024, 01:10:36 PM
I can't unravel anything for you, STL ;) - but I do love that pic of the fledgling buddies!❤️
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on June 12, 2024, 02:41:14 PM
STL -- Spit Tree is T2.  T3 IS BPT.  T4 is the Claw Tree

Not long ago DNF brought a fish to the nest.  DN17 flew in and claimed it.  Then, DN18 arrived but didn't attempt a steal.  So surprising to me that they both quickly returned to the nest when food arrived.  In past seasons eaglets haven't been so quick to learn this.   


Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 12, 2024, 05:41:18 PM
Ginger, of course this year's eaglets are special!  Thanks for clarification of the tree numbers.  I have difficulty reading the labels on that map.

As of 5:30, they are perched near the nest.  I expect that they will stay there for tonight.  The night pic below is from last night, well almost dawn this morning.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on June 12, 2024, 05:57:08 PM
In case anyone missed it, here's a video from Lizzy G Eaglespirit of DN17s fludge.

https://youtu.be/E8UpEV3uA7Q?si=8cvITnZBycIdQKPp

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 13, 2024, 10:52:19 AM
Eaglets did overnight on Ladder Branches, and I didn't see DNF or MrN during the dark.  Just barely light, DNF brought a large fish which DN18 got first, then DN17 took it over without a fight.  After some flying around and perching and preening, both eaglets ended up perching in the Brush Pile Tree by about 10:00 this morning.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 14, 2024, 11:22:09 AM
Couple pics from this morning.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 14, 2024, 05:08:09 PM
Late this afternoon, the eaglets were at the nest picking at leftovers.  MrN landed on the Ladder Branch and the eaglets mantled and squeed, but for nothing.  A blue jay perched above MrN (and another one if you watch the rewind for a minute more) before he and they flew away.  DN17 closeup picking at deer legs.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 15, 2024, 11:25:29 AM
Eaglets spent the night on the Perching Branches.  Didn't see the parents overnight.
DN18 took off about @5:30AM and did a lovely fly-around along the creek, landing on a large horizontal branch, not sure which tree.
DN17 then flew to the creek and both perched in the BPT.  DNF landed with them, everybirdie calling, but one eaglet departed for the nest, followed by the other.  Blue jays are objecting to the eaglets on and near the nest.  Fearless protectors of their territory and young!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 15, 2024, 05:33:07 PM
Cam ops caught MrN and DNF perched together in the BPT about 7:30 this morning.  They must be so proud!
The eaglets are practicing their flying skills in the area and aren't we glad they are sticking around for a while?

ABout 3:30, they were exploring the Brush Pile while DNF (I think) watched from the BPT. She brought a large raccoon carcass to the nest about 3:45, and DN18 came first to claim it.  There was a tug of war over the carcass that made a funny pic and video.

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: eburgbirdwtchr on June 16, 2024, 08:30:18 AM
Wow!  Nest collapse.  :( :( :( :o
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on June 16, 2024, 10:03:56 AM
Still no one here Eburg. Can't see anyone watching and posting.  No one on ground or manning the cams.
I've been on since about  6:30.  Happened just like that!  Now see one of the little guys hidden by a branch in another tree, being bombed by jay?

I've got to get out and do somethings before it gets too horrid.  I hope to hear more about noon.

At least open up chat among the mods - just saying?

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on June 16, 2024, 10:19:48 AM
Posted by GABear at 9:21 a.m. (nest fell at about 8:30 a.m.)

"The end of 8 wonderful years of viewing a nest in this tree. 😢 The nest side of the tree has been slowly dying for some years. In recent weeks, the nest was seen to be tilting more and lots of loud cracks were heard. This morning the branch gave out and the nest fell. Both eaglets were seen to fly, but I'm not sure we've had eyes on both yet. One is in the tree in front of the nest."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyjiLw5_LvA&t=1s

DN17 was the one GABear said was in the tree in front.  DN18 was on the ground and hadn't yet taken off but when taking short flights and flapping wings, looked ok.  Mr. North and DNF have been perched on the BPT.

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 16, 2024, 10:33:10 AM
Ohhhh, so difficult to watch that video! :( Hoping both eaglets are uninjured!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: pelmomma on June 16, 2024, 10:47:47 AM
Good morning, folks.

We will be opening a flash chat as soon as we have the needed number of moderators.  As you can see, the camera operators have located on eaglet on the ground.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Nora in IA on June 16, 2024, 11:54:11 AM
Ohhhh, so difficult to watch that video! :( Hoping both eaglets are uninjured!
  Watching that it looked like both were in good spots and took off ok.  I checked the live cam a few minutes ago and both were looking for it.   
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFuWYnuu9I8
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: LisaG1967 on June 16, 2024, 12:19:25 PM
RRP posted this a bit ago on their Facebook page regarding the nest.

Raptor Resource Project

We are sad to report that the Decorah North nest came down this morning after heavy rain added weight to the nest tree branches.  The nest tree support branches had been deteriorating and it was just a matter of time before something happened. 

We are thankful that DN17 and DN18 both survived and, although it looked like DN18 (perched to the right), could have been in the mix of branches coming down, DN18 is looking good, navigating through the wet grass and being discovered by cattle.  DN17 remained in the air through the event and is also looking good.  We hope for a normal post-fledge development stage in the coming weeks for DN17 and DN18.  We will be monitoring them by camera and boots on the ground as necessary.

It is too soon to tell what our plan is for any nest work since the tree is in the slow process of dying.  We will be developing a plan in the coming weeks.  Until then, we are looking forward to some extended time with Mr. North, DNF, and our two precious eaglets!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Arcadia on June 16, 2024, 12:36:33 PM
Thanks everyone and RRP for informing us of the nest and of the eaglets' safety. Greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 16, 2024, 01:31:47 PM
Even though it's a sad day for the North family and their fans, I'm very relieved to read this update. Thanks, all, for posting the encouraging news.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 16, 2024, 02:22:08 PM
Not your typical Happy Father's Day!  A very special one now that we know MrN, DNF, and both DN17 and DN18 are OK.

I was trolling the rewind as usual, from daybreak onward, watching for action with the eaglets and feeding, and totally missed the crash.  Finding the view of an old structure hanging from a branch, I discovered the Forum and Chat messages about the nest falling.  Not a surprise given the decaying condition of the nest tree branches, and yet a total surprise when it actually happened.  Pics posted, times approximately correct, but watch the video if you can.

Both eaglets were well fed early with three fish.  We all know what that looks like, and we're so thankful that fledging has occurred. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 16, 2024, 02:27:23 PM
Thanks for the great documentation of this event, STL.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 16, 2024, 02:31:25 PM
More after-nest-fall pics.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 16, 2024, 04:55:27 PM
The Brush Pile and BPTree seem like the go-to place for the eagles this afternoon as they adjust to the loss of the nest.  A parent (probably DNF) caught a large fish in the creek about 3:00, then spent quite a while on the ground with it as the eaglets watched from the tree.  She flew around and landed in the BPT about 4:40, and one eaglet flew to the ground about the same time.  Trust the eagles.  They will figure it out.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 16, 2024, 05:06:08 PM
Here they are on the ground; figured it out!  DN18 flew down first, see previous pics.  DN18 appears larger and with more white feathers on her shoullders and wings -- guessing a female.  DN17 is darker and appears to be smaller, so perhaps a male.  We can wonder if there might be confirmation if RRP deems it necessary to catch these youngsters to be sure they are not injured from the nest-fall.

Betcha they roost in the creek trees tonight, maybe all together in the BPT.  Isn't it lucky that the eaglets are old enough to sleep standing up now?

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 16, 2024, 06:04:28 PM
Good news yet again, STL! There's definitely been a good bit of luck regarding the events of the day!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Phyl on June 17, 2024, 01:04:28 AM
Thank you all for the wonderful coverage of this mornings events ! When I read the news I  gasped ...'Oh no!"


Decorah North Eagles
Jun 17, 2024 12:53 AM
Camera Time: Jun 17, 2024 12:52 AM CDT
Birchwoman

I was perusing some of the cams just now and caught a snap of heraldic  DNF ( I' a bit 'rusty' on some ID-ing   :-[ ) in
the far upper left-hand corner of the photo.

(https://files.explore.org/sn/2024/6/17/20240617T055235_21740531.ts.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 17, 2024, 09:53:48 AM
Phyl, you are correct about one of the parents perched overnight.  I believe the location is the Love Branches, and there's an eaglet there, also.  See pic.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 17, 2024, 10:28:00 AM
Life goes on for the Norths. A parent dropped off a smallish sucker fish at the broken branch and an eaglet followed to eat at least part of it.

Later both eaglets were in the pasture out towards the creek, then with a parent on the Brush Pile, and exploring near the water.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 17, 2024, 11:57:35 AM
They're getting a fast education about life outside of the nest! Stay safe eaglets! Thanks, as always for the pics, STL.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 17, 2024, 03:18:47 PM
Nanimal, enjoy the pics!  I'm sure all us watchers are relieved that the cameras and microphones were not damaged in the nest-fall.  The live feed was offline for a couple of hours around noon; maybe RRP was visiting the site.

Mid-afternoon, MrN (I think) and DN17 were eating something dark and furry in the area across the creek where the Scary Tree fell a year or more ago.  After DN17 flew away, DN18 came in to share.  At 3:00, cam ops found DN17 perching in the Claw Tree

One pic from the nest camera, showing the Perching Branch (dead but intact) and the remnants of the also-dead Babysitting Branch with the hanging structure of the nest from when it was rebuilt.  Remember that the North's nest fell a few years ago and RRP built a starter nest that the Norths have been using until early morning on June 16, when it fell.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Putzer5 on June 18, 2024, 12:31:13 PM
I have noticed ever since the nest fell, that there is lumber fastened to the nest tree.
I don't recall RRP making a starter nest, but it has been a long time.
Did RRP make an original starter nest ?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 18, 2024, 01:03:06 PM
Great question, Putzer5.  The North nest fell several years ago, and you are correct that RRP built them a starter structure.  That's what we are seeing attached to the Babysitting Branch.  I don't remember the year, and it's not mentioned in the Nest Records section under the live feed.  Someone will know and hopefully post the info here.

Breakfast for the eaglets on the Babysitting Branch this morning.  About 7:45, DN18 flew in, followed by DNF (I think but could be MrN) carrying something furry with a long tail, so squirrel or perhaps a weasel. In defurring, DNF dropped the prey and flew to retrieve it, meanwhile, in came DN17. DN18 claimed the returned prey and ate most of it.

DN18 flew off, and DN17 stayed, calling for food, which MrN brought --  nice sized fish, which DN17 consumed on the branch.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Nora in IA on June 18, 2024, 01:24:02 PM
https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-north-nest/

Nests
The first nest at the North site was built in a pine tree. The branches collapsed after the second nesting season and the eagles moved to a dead elm tree. They nested there for just one year before moving to their current location in late 2013. In August of 2018, their nest collapsed and slid or fell out of the nest tree during an extremely heavy storm. None of the tree branches were broken or damaged, so we decided to build a starter nest in the same spot. 2020 will mark their seventh season and fourth nest on this territory.

2018: A female eagle (DNF, or Decorah North Female) replaces Mrs. North over the summer. The nest falls out of the tree following a storm in late August. Kike Arnal and Amy Ries build a starter nest in mid-September. Mr. North and DNF adopt it in October.
2015: RRP adds cameras to the North Nest in September.
2013: The tree falls. The eagles begin a new nest in a white oak tree.
2011: The branches holding the nest collapse. The eagles build a new nest in a dead elm tree.
2009: A pair of eagles establishes the Decorah North territory, building a nest in a white pine tree.
The North nest is 56 feet off the ground.

In 2021, the nest was 8.25 feet at its longest point and 6.25 feet at its widest point. Measured outermost stick to outermost stick, the nest measured 12 feet across. We can’t really get a height on it, since we can’t get anywhere near the bottom and the nest slopes downward from the top. Our best guess is six feet high at its tallest measure.
In 2019, the nest was seven feet long at its longest point, four feet wide at its widest point, was about 3.5 feet high, and had a perimeter of roughly 18 feet.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 18, 2024, 01:44:16 PM
Nora, thank you so much for the detailed info about the North nest that fell in 2018.  Also, today RRP put up similar info on the Home tab -- see attached for a link to the event.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 19, 2024, 11:17:33 AM
Rain again early morning, both eaglets perched in the BPT for several hours with some fly-arounds and returns.  No feeding observed on the rewind as of 11 AM.

Pic of Northern flicker male in the nest area branches; also robin and grackles, and a deer feeding across the creek but no pics of those.

DN17 has been exploring the nest remains and perching, preening on the Yonder snag and Perching branch.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 19, 2024, 03:13:24 PM
It's great seeing how well they've all adapted to this unwelcome situation. Beautiful Flicker!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: buzbee on June 19, 2024, 03:47:13 PM
I have the day off from work so I put the eagles on. Boy oh boy are they loud!  ;D   I have not watched for a few years (just briefly on occasion) and I had forgotten just how loud they get. Parents have been bringing food and did a little feeding on their 'modified' nest. Such a sad thing to have happened. I am just so grateful that the juvies were able to fly and no one was injured!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 19, 2024, 04:00:32 PM
Buzbee, good that you got time to watch the Norths today.  They are coping with the missisng nest and finding new ways.  I'm concerned about injuries from the hanging man-made structure and broken branches as they use the old location as a makeshift feeding place. 

At noon, DNF brought a large raccoon carcass to the structure and struggled with it slipping and no large flat surface for eating. DN17 at left and DN18 at right screaming and trying to get at the food.  DNF flew with it to the BPT, but the eaglets didn't follow so she brought it back.  It's better than no food at all, but  . . . .  :o

Tomorrow during fundraiser, I hope for discussion of possibly removing the structure ASAP to prevent injuries to the eagles.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: buzbee on June 19, 2024, 05:00:46 PM
Oh that's so sad to see, parent standing and feeding on the felled nest!  :'( I know they'll get through this but it's still hard to see.. squee mania going on!!! lol lol
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 19, 2024, 07:28:43 PM
More pics from this afternoon.  Eaglets got LOTS of raccoon today, typical for this time of year for the Norths.

In the midst of DNF feeding the eaglets around noon, MrN landed on the narrow perch with another hunk of red meat.  He left with it in seconds, flying to the lower Love Branches.  After DNF and the eaglets finished off the large carcass, dropping some of it off the branch, DNF brought another chunk of probably raccoon, and about 3:30, MrN brought a smaller raccoon carcass that DN18 claimed and consumed, losing some of it to gravity.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 19, 2024, 08:08:13 PM
DNF found carcass bits on the fallen nest, and carried a chunk up to the broken branch for DN17, about 5:00 this evening.

Across the creek, a doe led her twin fawns at about 6:40PM.  On rewind, you can see the second fawn just for a second.  White tailed deer typically have one fawn their first year, then twins.  Given that the fawns will be on the eagles' menu, it's more likely that one twin will survive.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 20, 2024, 10:35:14 AM
Fundraiser going on today, give if you can.
Pics from this morning.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 20, 2024, 03:26:31 PM
Lessons continue this afternoon at the Brush Pile and creek area.  Interesting to watch on the rewind from noon onwards.  And then about 2:00 - - - - - a sub-adult BE came into the territory, likely looking for a handout, and the Norths were having none of it!  The eaglets disappeared while the parents harrassed the intruder, even pinning it down on the ground several times.  Watch the video; much better than stills.  I think the intruder finally left the area, but not sure about that yet. 

At 3:00, cam ops found one of the eaglets perched in the tall dead tree to the left of DN12's Tree, and one of the Norths perched on the fallen limb that extends over the creek in front of DN12's Tree.  This split-trunk tree so named for the eaglet that liked to perch there in 2020.  Whew!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 21, 2024, 10:56:41 AM
The limb from DN12's Tree makes a good perch from which to spot fish and other prey at the creek.  Foggy or misty early mornng today.  A few pics of eaglets perching together and searching the pasture for bits to eat.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 22, 2024, 11:07:32 AM
Rain early this morning again.  At daybreak, one parent and both eaglets were perching in the BPT for a time. Then the eaglets flew to the broken nest branch and got some breakfast leftover deliveries from DNF.  She brought a large fish which fell when one eaglet grabbed it.  DNF dropped down to the old nest and foraged among the leftovers, mostly deer bits.  Perhaps she left the fish on the ground to tempt the eaglets to find it.  Haven't seen them there since the nest fell, but maybe today.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 23, 2024, 10:38:38 AM
DN18 started the morning with two small fish from DNF on the old nest branch, each consumed in one long gulp.  Next, MrN (I think) brought a larger fish, which slipped off the branch along with DN18.  DN17 came for a short while but neither tried going to the ground to find the dropped fish. Is this the day they explore the fallen nest?

At about 10:00, one parent was perching in the BPT and one eaglet (DN17) on the Brush Pile.  Is this the day they learn how to catch their own fish?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 24, 2024, 10:13:11 AM
Morning pics of the Norths.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 24, 2024, 04:54:24 PM
Several fish brought to the eaglets at the broken branch, most consumed.  The one brought by DNF at 1:00 fell off. MrN was perching above, and he dove down to claim it for his own lunch near the fallen nest.  One time soon, the DNs are going to figure out that there's a pantry down there.  There's video posted at the DNN chat.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 25, 2024, 12:16:48 PM
Breakfish on the broken branch early morning again.  Then the DNs went to the creek and found bits along the bank paths.  Parents on duty -- I bet they are ready for the eaglets to hunt and fish on their own!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 25, 2024, 03:44:01 PM
Most of the afternoon, one or both parents have been with DN18 in the BPT. At about 1:00 DN18 flew to the ground and picked at edible bits, then joined by DNF on the BP and a bothered RWBB male between them.  Back to the BPT.    DNF left about 2:20PM and showed up at the broken branch with a raccoon carcass.  Eaglets not interested, so she flew the carcass to the BP and ate on it until the cattle herd passed by, when she returned to the BPT.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 26, 2024, 12:50:28 AM
Eagle evening in creek trees.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 26, 2024, 12:51:34 AM
Owls briefly visit a branch near the nest area.  Barred owls??
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: eburgbirdwtchr on June 26, 2024, 08:01:51 AM
At 5 AM this morning more of the nest broke and crashed to the ground.  Audio only and no cam investigation so far.  Hope they go exploring soon.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 26, 2024, 11:27:16 AM
The cam ops gave us a short view of the structure that fell this morning.  No wonder the eagles are sticking to the creek area today! They lost their funny picnic table.   eburg, from the time you gave, there might be video of the falling, depends on where the night camera was pointed.  I will look at the rewind again.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: eburgbirdwtchr on June 26, 2024, 11:36:05 AM






clock time was just a couple minutes befoe 5 am
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 26, 2024, 11:45:26 AM
Yes, the breaking, snapping branch and falling crash is there on the rewind.  Someone posted it at the chat screen for DNN.  Go to right at 5:00 AM, just seconds before the daytime color comes back on.

I'm not sorry that this part fell.  There was too much wire mesh and sharp edges just waiting to snag a talon.

Next nest better be in a living tree, and I hope that RRP decides to build a starter to encourage the eagles into a safer location than they might choose on their own.  Dead trees are easier to build in, and the nest would be more open for flying into and out of.  But less stable.  We'll learn more at the ATF in July.  I'll be listening and watching.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on June 26, 2024, 11:52:54 AM
Here's a video from GABear of the nest platform and branch falling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLbuCDKOe0M
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on June 26, 2024, 11:54:56 AM
Owls briefly visit a branch near the nest area.  Barred owls??

STL -- Eastern Screech Owls.  Same kind (probably the same ones) that harassed DNF and eaglets for a duration of about 3 weeks before they fledged.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 26, 2024, 07:58:02 PM
Here's a video from GABear of the nest platform and branch falling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLbuCDKOe0M

Thanks for posting, Ginger.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 27, 2024, 11:44:23 AM
Morning brings a new challenge -- where to put the breakfish when the nest and supporting branch & structure has fallen?  About 5:30 AM, DNF brought a fish, and DN18 followed but never got any because DNF ate it all.  DN17 arrived to add to the squeeing.  When MrN brought a fish, DN17 went right after it and had most or all of it.  Shortly after, everybirdie was in the creek trees.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 28, 2024, 11:13:02 AM
Rain again this morning.  Both eaglets were on the remaining nest branches about 6:30 AM.  After that, most activity seems to be DN18 flying here and there, from ground to branches, calling, no feeding.  One quick view in heavy downpour of a parent in the PBT (no pic).  Afternoon may be more conducive to photo ops.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 28, 2024, 05:06:16 PM
After the rain stopped, the eaglets spent the afternoon perching and preening and grubbing around on the ground for leftover bits.  At about 4:45, one flew from the Yonder snag to the old nest and discovered the bounty of nestovers!  At 5:00, both eaglets are there and a parent is nearby.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 28, 2024, 07:39:03 PM
More rain late today.  Eaglets explored the old nest, ate bits, flew around, perched on Perching Branch from about 5:00 to 7:00.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on June 29, 2024, 06:10:05 AM
Yes, STL, so beautiful in that last pic. Thanks!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 29, 2024, 12:40:23 PM
The last regular chat for DNN is this evening.  I expect the cameras will stay on at least until the eaglets leave the area later in the summer.

Early morning, eaglets flying and perching and calling for food.  DNF was at the old nest with a fish about 5:30, then she flew around with DN18 in pursuit and landed at the Perching Branch.  DN18 slipped when landing and flew around several times.  DN17 showed up.  I'm not sure the eaglets got any fish.  They hung around, watched the cattle grazing in the fog, until a bit after 9:00, then flew to the BPT and other creek branches.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 29, 2024, 05:06:53 PM
Black flies are pretty bad this season with eagle chins looking rough from scratching.  On afternoon rewind, I didn't see any feeding, but lots of perching in various locations along the creek:  Claw Tree, BPT, DN12's Tree limb.  And close to 5:00, DN18 perched on one of the remaining nest branches for a nice top-down view.   

Thanks a million to the cam opps for all their work during this interesting and active time with the Norths.   ;D    ;D    ;D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 30, 2024, 03:05:10 PM
About 6:00 this morning, both eaglets were watching deer grazing below the remaining nest branches -- gives a great view of how high up the nest was!  Look between the DNs for a tiny tan deer -- much easier to see on the rewind because of movement.

DNF brought a fish at about 7:00. DN17, who was perched higher up, got to it first and ate all of it.  DNF left, then the eaglets stayed in the Perching Branches, calling for more food to no avail.  They headed to the creek trees about 9:00.  One eaglet brought something to eat on the Yonder Branch about 9:15.  Another new skill to carry food in flight.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on June 30, 2024, 03:08:33 PM
Near 11:00 this morning, both eaglets perched on the Yonder Branch.  DN18 flew to the old nest and picked around, then flew out toward the creek with a RWBB in pursuit.  At 2:30, both eaglets were perched in the Spit Tree.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on July 01, 2024, 07:37:55 AM
What type of birds are diving little ones at NN?  Had 2 or 3 diving at one around 6 a.m.  And then relief when both were perched on remaining branch - cute capture.  Now one left there alone and the irritating diver returns.  Fast little buggers, hard to ID them.

White on tails as they fly by.  Don't think they're dark enough for red-wings

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 01, 2024, 11:22:25 AM
Puff, I'm not sure what birds are dive-bombing the eagles now.  First guess would be RWBB males, which are all dark.  Or bluejays, which have some white on tails and are equally brazen.  Let's hope the cam ops catch them in a close-up soon!

Meanwhile, the eaglets are making good use of the old nest as a scavenging site this morning.  Both of them can now fly with food clutched in their talons.  Not live prey, but it's a good start on the hunter-gatherer way.  The dead Yonder Tree and branches is just right as a place to eat and perch.  Not too high, not too low, near the old nest.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on July 01, 2024, 01:00:09 PM
What type of birds are diving little ones at NN?  Had 2 or 3 diving at one around 6 a.m.  And then relief when both were perched on remaining branch - cute capture.  Now one left there alone and the irritating diver returns.  Fast little buggers, hard to ID them.

White on tails as they fly by.  Don't think they're dark enough for red-wings

P

Puff -- The birds mobbing the fledglings are Eastern Kingbirds.  They are dark with white underside and white tail tips.  They mob them every season and they're pretty relentless.  Here's a pic I snipped yesterday:


(https://comments-images.explore.org/_r5lsx2o5f/dn_7_1_24_8_kingbird-mobbing.jpg)




Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 01, 2024, 05:16:10 PM
Ginger, thanks for the harrassing bird ID!  I remember Eastern Kingbirds from previous years.  More info on AllAboutBirds.com

The youngsters are doing their thing this afternoon.  Great closeups of DN17 preening at about 4:00 PM.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 02, 2024, 11:11:36 AM
The Kingbirds seem to be on the attack again this morning.  One smart eaglet took refuge deep in the branches where the kingbirds can't reach; not great for a pic, but safer!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: LisaG1967 on July 03, 2024, 10:23:15 AM
For all who don't follow RRP on Facebook, the After the Fledge info to register was posted on Facebook yesterday evening. 

Raptor Resource Project

Announcing:
After the Fledge! Come help us celebrate eagles, falcons, and our community with four days of fun! We'll have a hike at Effigy Mounds, bicycling and (river conditions permitting) kayaking in Decorah, appearances by River Valley Raptors and bald eagle ambassador Mr. Decorah, a pizza party, a fancy catered dinner, and a brunch cruise on the Mississippi River. You can meet other eagle fans, hang out with us, and enjoy everything that Decorah has to offer!

Follow this link to get your tickets! https://www.eventbrite.com/.../after-the-fledge-2024...
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 03, 2024, 11:58:55 AM
Lisa, thanks for the AFT info.  Are you going again this year?  Sadly, again, I'm not.

The eaglets are sticking close together this morning, from perching near the old nest to the  BPT, to soaring about an hour ago.  Parents seem to be elsewhere so far.  No, one of them showed up at the BPT about noon.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: LisaG1967 on July 03, 2024, 03:35:05 PM
Lisa, thanks for the AFT info.  Are you going again this year?  Sadly, again, I'm not.

The eaglets are sticking close together this morning, from perching near the old nest to the  BPT, to soaring about an hour ago.  Parents seem to be elsewhere so far.  No, one of them showed up at the BPT about noon.

I am :)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 04, 2024, 12:21:49 PM
Happy 4th of July to Everybirdie!

Sunrise pics with beautiful color, thanks to the cam ops for the closeups.  About 7:00, eaglets met at DN12's fallen limb over the creek for some good leftovers, and a place to cast a large pellet and play with sticks (no pics for the casting and playing).  At 9:00, both were perching in the BPT.  No views of MrN or DNF yet today.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 04, 2024, 05:05:45 PM
Quiet day so far for the North family.  One eaglet was seen on the Brush Pile at 3:00 and in the Brush Pile Tree (DN17) and Claw Tree (DN18) at 4:00.  MrN showed up at the BPT about 4:15 and DN18 joined them.  MrN flew away to the south about 4:30.  No feeding seen on rewind as yet.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on July 04, 2024, 07:57:38 PM
Lisa, thanks for the AFT info.  Are you going again this year?  Sadly, again, I'm not.

The eaglets are sticking close together this morning, from perching near the old nest to the  BPT, to soaring about an hour ago.  Parents seem to be elsewhere so far.  No, one of them showed up at the BPT about noon.

I am :)
I hope you have a great trip, Lisa, and I hope you get another chance next year, STL!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on July 04, 2024, 07:59:40 PM
Happy 4th of July to Everybirdie!

Sunrise pics with beautiful color, thanks to the cam ops for the closeups.  About 7:00, eaglets met at DN12's fallen limb over the creek for some good leftovers, and a place to cast a large pellet and play with sticks (no pics for the casting and playing).  At 9:00, both were perching in the BPT.  No views of MrN or DNF yet today.
Thanks, STL! I love the sunrise pic, well, actually all of them! ;)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: LisaG1967 on July 05, 2024, 07:00:03 AM
Lisa, thanks for the AFT info.  Are you going again this year?  Sadly, again, I'm not.

The eaglets are sticking close together this morning, from perching near the old nest to the  BPT, to soaring about an hour ago.  Parents seem to be elsewhere so far.  No, one of them showed up at the BPT about noon.

I am :)
I hope you have a great trip, Lisa, and I hope you get another chance next year, STL!

Thank you, nan!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 05, 2024, 12:09:27 PM
Another eagle day for the North eaglets.  Haven't seen the parents as of noon.  DN18 has carried a stick to the Yonder Branch, then dropped it, but it's a skill to keep developing.  Also DN18 rummaged briefly at the old nest late this morning.  DN17 seems to be happy resting a foot while perching in the BPT.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 05, 2024, 03:47:48 PM
About noon, DN17 [pink arrow] found an old raccoon carcass - pelt near DN12's Limb,  DN18 [orange arrow] came to try to share or take it, unsuccessfully.  DN18 returned to the BPT, where MrN showed up for a short visit about 2:00, then flew away.  Around 2:45, DN18 flew to the Claw Tree, where DN17 was eating on the probably same old pelt.  Still not sharing.   At 3:30, MrN and DNF perched in the BPT for a few minutes, then one joined the eaglets in the Claw Tree. Lots of squalling but no new food yet.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 06, 2024, 11:50:50 AM
Yesterday morning, I missed the food drop by DNF near DN12's Limb.  Tulsaducati has a video posted at the chat.

The eaglets spent the night on the old nest branches.  Both flew to the BPT about 5:30AM.  See beautiful foggy flight and landing on the rewind.  DN17 seems to be on camera the most this morning -- darker of the two and tends to rest a foot when perching.  Could it be a sore foot?  Don't think so because there are closeups of each foot extended.

About 10:45, DN17 was in the Claw Tree and DNF (I think) came to the top of the BPT for a short time then flew away.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 06, 2024, 04:31:00 PM
This afternoon 2:30 or so, some soaring going on.  Then a food drop by DNF lured both eaglets to DN12's limb, where DN18 got the best of whatever it was.  Looked like cowghetti!  DNF (I think) perched in the BPT about 3:00, then flew away.  Both eaglets were in the same location about 3:45, then they played in the shallow water near the Brush Pile and did some preening.  Good closeups considering the distance, thanks cam ops!   :D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 07, 2024, 11:23:13 AM
This morning, sounds like something chewing or tearing at a microphone near the old nest.  Squirrels are immediate suspects.  Also a metallic drumming like maybe a woodpecker about 9:00.   Or people removing equipment from the nest area??

Eagles in creek trees and one eaglet (DN18) eating something on the ground and at DN12's Limb. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on July 07, 2024, 12:55:46 PM
I heard it, too. Thought woodpecker, but who knows!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 08, 2024, 11:22:04 AM
The sound is working here at the North's.  Song sparrow calling early and good closeups.

Both eaglets have been perching together sometimes this morning, perhaps a visiting sub-adult might have spooked them.  See pic -- or it might be parent with dirty head feathers.  Can others confirm visitor Yes or No?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 08, 2024, 03:48:25 PM
Food drop at noon at the Brush Pile.  I think it was DNF, but no idea what the food was.  The eaglets were waiting on the Spit Tree for her to fly past and they pursued.  This time, DN17 got the meal.  About 2:00,  both eaglets were perching in the BPT, waiting for more.  At 3:45 there's a sudden rain shower, Parent and eaglet in the BPT, other eaglet in Spit Tree.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 09, 2024, 02:33:55 PM
Another day in the creek trees, mostly the BPT.  A bit of color at sunrise, and a doe crossed the creek near the Brush Pile.  No North parents, no food on view as of 2:30 PM.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 10, 2024, 10:47:20 AM
Both DNs in view at the BPT but not together this morning. Song sparrow is back on the end of its twig, singing and catching tiny insects from the air.  Thanks to the cam ops for keeping the great views coming.   ;D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 10, 2024, 12:59:24 PM
MrN and both eaglets in the BPT for a while around noon.  Maybe there will be food later on.

Thistles are in bloom now, so watch for great closeups of birds enjoying the seeds in a couple weeks.  For now, bees and butterflies.  The insect in the pic might be a yellowjacket.  In person, I try hard NOT to get very close to these because they sting, so just guessing at ID.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 10, 2024, 04:20:05 PM
One of the parent eagles was at the top of the BPT about 2:30 this afternoon.  At about the same time, DN17 was perching on the Yonder Branch, and the Kingbirds found out!  Two or three of them divebombed poor DN17 for about an hour. When the cattle arrived in the pasture, DN17 flew away.  Maybe the Kingbirds will harrass the cows.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 11, 2024, 07:28:50 AM
Early morning pics
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 11, 2024, 03:10:16 PM
The eaglets have had a busy day.  Both flew to the creek bank north of the Claw Tree and were eating something old, perhaps a raccoon carcass.  When an antlered deer came across the pasture to the creek right next to them, they both flew away to the north.  But as soon as the coast was clear, one came back to eat more.   Cam ops are doing the best possible job of showing what's going on from the distance across the pasture where the cameras are located.   More to come . . . .
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 11, 2024, 03:24:21 PM
Add a Kingbird to the fun.  This one is waiting for an eaglet to come close and one finally did this afternoon.  Watch on the rewind if you can, about 2:15, DN17 flies across the pasture with a Kingbird right along, to a big tree perch just south of the old nest!

Shortly after, MrN (I think) brought something  edible to a spot on the far creek bank, with both eaglets in hot pursuit.  DN17 claimed the food, MrN flew away.  Mantling, stealing attempts, tussles in two trees, then eaglets on the ground fighting over leftover bits.  DN17 flew away and by this time there's not much left for DN18, who also flew away.  DN18 landed in the "Cow Corner Tree" where DN17 was perching already, and that's the story up to 3:00.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 12, 2024, 01:22:52 PM
Foggy sunup, typical this time of year.  DN18 obliged by perching near the old nest for some great closeups between 5:30 and 6:00 this morning.  Kingbirds are active again today, even flying with DN18 across to the creek.  One of the parents perched in a dead tree north of the Claw Tree about 6:45 AM.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 12, 2024, 01:27:27 PM
Before 8:00 this morning, the eaglets were together in the BPT.  Sounds in the background disturbed them and they flew away to the north.  There was a person walking along the pasture side of the creek and a dog yipping, then sounds of a vehicle backing up (beep, beep, beep).  This is a working farm we must remember!  Cam ops gave a panning view of the old nest about noon. By 12:30, one of the parents was back in the BPT.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 12, 2024, 07:16:25 PM
New fence with attached carcass for eaglets.  Previous post not posted.  Strange.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 13, 2024, 09:24:00 AM
Amy emailed me that the farmer is putting up the fence to keep cattle away from the creek bank until it can be stabilized in area of erosion.  It poses a danger to cattle that might get in and not be able to get out.  She also said that the prey is NOT a lure, but it might have fallen and caught on the wire. RRP is keeping track.  Eaglets are there again this morning after a short perch on the old nest branches at daylight.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 13, 2024, 02:17:45 PM
Better activity than eaglets at the fence post, starting about 9:30 and lasting until 10:00 this morning -- definitely watch this on rewind or video!  Parent made a food drop in the pasture not far from fence but way in the distance.  Both eaglets flew in, and also a Sub-Adult!  Lots of tussling, not much involvement by MrN or DNF, and the sub-a got the better of it.  Loved how the eaglets kept trying and kind of working together to drive off the sub-a.  It finally flew away.   Best pic of the day --  MrN or DNF and both eaglets on the same branch in the BPT, all calling, at 2:00 this afternoon!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 14, 2024, 01:37:54 PM
This morning, the raccoon pelt at the fence post isn't interesting to the eaglets.  Might have been removed.  Must have rained overnight; eagles wet in daybreak views of DNF (I think) in the BPT and DN18 on the Perching Branch.  About 6:15, DN18 flew to the Twiggy Tree and joined DN17 there for several hours. About 11:15, DN18 flew to the BPT and DN17 stayed in the Twiggy. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 14, 2024, 05:06:32 PM
If you like watching the cattle, the whole herd is out -- on the rewind about 2:30 this afternoon.
Great closeups of a butterfly on the blooming thistles near the old nest.  Anybody know what kind?
Parent (MrN ?) and both eaglets in the Twiggy Tree (yes?) just before 5:00.

Have a great evening, everybirdie.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on July 14, 2024, 05:21:10 PM
Texas Question Mark Butterfly?  In Decorah?  My search.  Yellow body made the difference.  (I'm sure it's not called the "body" though - right tsk  :-\

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 15, 2024, 11:40:51 AM
Puff, I think you are right about the butterfly being a Question Mark.  Funny name, huh.

The eaglets spent the night together on the Perching Branch near the old nest and were there through daylight.  Both flew away, but DN18 kept circling back through the morning hours.  Might be activity by farmer in the creek area that keeps the eagles away from there.

Goldfinch on the thistle earlier, but too far for a pic.  How about a gray catbird instead?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 15, 2024, 04:47:25 PM
Cattle in the creek near the new fence, coming out on the pasture side.  The far banks are really high.  About 3:00 this afternoon, MrN perched in a leafy tree not far north of the Twiggy Tree, and after 3:30, DN18 made a nice fly-in (see on rewind) to the Perching Branch. Flew away to unknown location as of this posting.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 16, 2024, 12:28:45 PM
MrN spent hours in the Twiggy Tree, from daylight to 8:00 this morning.  Watch deer crossing the creek near the Brush Pile about 8:00.
MrN dropped a carcass (guessing rabbit) in the pasture at BP about 8:30 and DN18 got there first, followed by DN17.  Each eaglet got part of the carcass, and by 8:45, DN18 had flown away and DN17 carried the last of it to the Claw Tree.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 16, 2024, 03:54:17 PM
Haven't seen the eaglets since this morning's pasture feeding.  MrN spent a couple hours in the Spit Tree from noon to about 2:00. Cattle crossed the creek at the area of the new fence about 2:30.  DNF brought a raccoon carcass to the BPT and ate most of it from 2:45 to about 3:45 when she took the last chunk to the Claw Tree.   MrN sighted in the Twiggy Tree at 3:45.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 17, 2024, 12:53:27 PM
DN18 (I think) spent the night and daybreak on the old nest Perching branch. After some flying around, by about 6:00 the Twiggy Tree was the place to be:  MrN high up and both eaglets in lower branches.  About 10:30, both eaglets moved to the Cattle Corner Tree, dead tree just south of the wide cattle path.  Does this tree have another moniker from past years?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 17, 2024, 04:48:45 PM
MrN (I think) is making the rounds this afternoon.  2:00 in the Claw Tree, 3:00 flew one tree north of Claw, 3:30 in the BPT, 3:45 back in the tree one north of Claw. The cattle herd passed by the Brush Pile area about 2:00 but no pic.  The eaglets seem to be elsewhere this afternoon.  DNF is away also.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 18, 2024, 10:55:31 AM
DN18 overnight at old nest branches again. Flew to join MrN in Claw Tree about 5:40AM and by 7:15, DN17 flew in also.  MrN flew out of sight. Eaglets returned to the old nest branches for a short while about 7:45, calling but no food delivery.  About 8:00, DN17 flew to a tall pine tree top out by the farm buildings and DN18 to a dead branch in the vicinity.  Rewind shows soaring in the far distance a bit later.  That's it up to posting time almost 11:00. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 19, 2024, 11:28:15 AM
Just a Friday morning in the North's valley.  Beautiful sunrise, eagles perching, goldfinch at thistles.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 19, 2024, 08:15:35 PM
DNF and DN18 have taken up residence in the Twiggy Tree.  It's 8:00 in the evening, and they have been there since before 4:00 today.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 20, 2024, 01:51:42 PM
Morning with one eaglet in the Twiggy Tree at 6:00.  It flew away and in a minute both eaglets and an adult (or Sub-a) were flying over the pasture toward the creek. The adult/sub went to the BPT then flew to the south and maybe a food drop under the Twiggy Tree where an eaglet followed. DNF landed in the lower Twiggy Tree branches right after, so it probably was her in early pics.


Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 20, 2024, 01:56:23 PM
One of the eaglets in the BPT at 7:00 AM.  About 7:30, the eaglet gets flushed out by an adult or sub-adult. Both flew away and eaglets haven't been seen since (as of 2:00 this afternooon).

Nice closeups of a gray catbird and a male rose-breasted grosbeak mid-morning.  The cam ops continue to be getting great views!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 20, 2024, 01:58:23 PM
About noon, DNF in the Cattle Corner Tree, eating something furry.  No eaglets present.

Wildflowers everywhere this time of year!  These are ox-eye dasies, near the old nest and thistles.

Close to 2:00, DNF is in one of the far pine trees, while the cattle are grazing near the old nest.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 21, 2024, 11:27:14 AM
MrN flew from the Spit Tree to the BPT about 5:30 this morning.  At about 6:00 he flew away to the north and out of sight.  No eagles in sight from then to posting time.  Very quiet on the rewind.  Here's a pic of Fleabane, wildflower, that goes by several names.  In my garden, it tends to be prolific, but bees & butterfles love it, it's tall and fragrant, and blooms from spring to late fall.  See also good online resource for plants.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 21, 2024, 03:16:37 PM
About 2:30 this afternoon, parent BE perching north of the Claw Tree, in low branches as cattle pass by on the pasture side of the creek.

At about 3:00, both DNF and MrN were together on a branch in the same area, a bit closer to the Claw Tree, and above the patch of white wildflowers where a bunch of geese were feeding just before.  Could they be celebrating the end of this season's parent duties?  In 2022, the last time there were eaglets here, one was still present in the middle of August.  Keep watching, y'all.    :D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 22, 2024, 03:28:08 PM
Several days have passed without sightings of the eaglets.  The adults are on view this afternoon in various creek trees, not sure which bird is which because of the distance.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: MNLindaBird on July 22, 2024, 09:44:19 PM
STLbf - Thank you so much for your photos and reporting during the time many were attending the ATF.  It's nice to return home and and have life in the North's valley ready for review.  Great photos (and labeling), and info about fleabane :)  Beautiful mornings too...
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 23, 2024, 12:01:51 PM
Thanks for enjoying the pics and commentary, MNLinda!  I've learned a lot about a lot of things watching the eagles over the years.

RRP posted a note at the Chat screen -- DN17 last seen on July 18 and DN18 last seen on July 20.  Here's hoping that they find locations where the black flies aren't so bad.

MrN had a nice long bath in the creek this morning before 8:00, then spent a couple hours drying off and preening.  He's looking pretty rough from scratching at black fly bites, but you can tell it is him from the white lump at his right eye.

Hazy sunrises all around this area might be from Canadian wildfire smoke.  Confirm??
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on July 24, 2024, 08:57:42 AM
I also want to thank you, STL, for sharing your daily documentation of the North Nest season with us. As always, watching this beautiful eagle family has been a joy and a privilege. I've also appreciated the labeling of your pics; I save quite a few of them, and the labels provide details and context that could easily be forgotten. It would be great to see our beautiful D17 and D18 again, but I wish them long and safe journeys if they're already on their way to independence. I'll perch as often as I can for glimpses of Mr. North and DNF and all of the other wildlife we're fortunate to see in the valley.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 24, 2024, 11:21:56 AM
nanimal, thanks, and I'm so happy that you enjoy the pics and comments.  Pics are thanks to the intrepid camera operators, and comments are the teacher in me that can't just post a pic without talking about it!!

DNF was in the lower branches of the Twiggy Tree about 7:00 this morning.  At about 10:30, the cam ops found a person fly fishing in the creek, not far from the new fence area.

Wondering what John and Amy had to say during ATF about the nest situation here.  Surely there will be a post or blog soon.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 25, 2024, 12:04:33 PM
MrN in the Claw Tree this morning about 7:00 and for an hour or so after.  And, could it be DN18 in the BPT at the same time?  Not for long, and flew away to the south.  Not seen again on rewind as of noon.

Nice closeup of a red-headed woodpecker, briefly on the Yonder snag about 8:30.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 25, 2024, 03:54:41 PM
About 3:00 PM, cam ops found mourning doves feeding on one of the old dead logs near the old nest.
About 3:10, one of the North parents flew from the Twiggy Tree to the creek and returned with an old carcass, guessing raccoon. I think it's MrN, and he ate the whole thing before flying away, while another BE perched above and to the right, DNF, I think.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 26, 2024, 04:11:35 PM
Cam ops found a beautiful parade of little birds early this morning.  And DNF perching on DN12's limb.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on July 26, 2024, 08:04:31 PM
Lovely day and lovely pics, STL!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on July 31, 2024, 02:52:09 PM
Sorry for no pic postings over the past few days.  I was in hospital being treated for pneumonia!  I'm better enough to be back home and enjoyed a rapid review of the rerun for today.  Cameras are shutting down on AUG 2, so Ill try to find something pretty to post that will hold us over until they go back on, probably in October.  Contibutions from other watchers definitely welcome, too.   I'm anxious to hear about plans for what happens next on the last chat this Friday.    ;)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Linda M on July 31, 2024, 06:40:25 PM
Sorry to hear you've been so sick, STL.  I'm glad you're home and hope you have a good recovery.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on August 02, 2024, 06:54:56 AM
NN17 or NN18  sitting pretty this am at the prairie.

HD back at his post, again.

L
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on August 02, 2024, 03:10:55 PM
Whoopie, both DN17 and DN18 made a visit to the creek trees early this morning.  Not sure which is which, but still, isn't it great to see them one more time before the cameras get turned off?  The cattle made their way across the pasture also, but I'm posting the red cow and a friend passing the Claw Tree.  DNF and MrN weren't in view so far.

It has been such a privilege to post pics of the North family this season, and all the going's on like the nest falling.  Thank you to the camera operators and to everyone at RRP, and to the other watchers who comment and post pics and just enjoy.    We can continue conversation and pics here on the Forum while the cameras are down.  And see you in October!

At the final DNN chat, the experts say the juvies that visited this morning are NOT our DN17 & 18.  Ah well, enjoy the pics anyhow.   ::)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on August 02, 2024, 05:29:21 PM
So sorry to read about your pneumonia and hospitalization, STL but I'm very glad that you're recuperating at home now. You've been steady and generous with your many posts here, and I've enjoyed them all. Thanks also to the cam operators, RRP, and others who've contributed throughout the season. It'll be interesting to see where Mr. North and DNF build their new nest - fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on August 03, 2024, 04:21:09 PM
Nanimal, thanks for the "getting well" words.  Working on it.  On the final chat session for DNN yesterday, Amy described the plan for a new nest.  RRP is going to build it on top of the same tree trunk where the old one fell!  Apparently, the trunk is really tall, alive, and strong enough to hold a base made of metal beams, kind of like N2B and N1.   Watch for a blog and other information from RRP in the weeks to come.

 Here's a plus for us watchers and picture takers -- we won't have to name a whole bunch of new trees!  I hope they also add a camera with even longer range for better views across the creek, or camera closer to the creek.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on August 03, 2024, 06:32:58 PM
That is great news from RRP about the nest plans, STL! Hope you keep feeling better and stronger!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Arcadia on August 06, 2024, 08:34:02 AM
I missed that you were ill, STL. I hope that by now you are feeling much better.
Thanks to all who provided the pictures and commentary. I have had such a good time reading them all.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: LisaG1967 on August 16, 2024, 02:24:27 PM
This afternoon about 3+hrs ago on rewind, DNN went live, and RRP let us have a peek at the nest rebuilt.  Very interesting to see.  Hope DNF & Mr. North like their new nest!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53927526548_9ce4528f12_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53927526538_78b1c05241_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53927633209_a8348bb28d_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53927526533_4e2ff24ba4_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53927283186_08d355bd9e_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on August 16, 2024, 02:43:34 PM
Lisa, thanks for the heads up for rebuild video.  And pics.  I will have a look, and I'm sure RRP will post something on their main website soon.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on August 16, 2024, 06:46:41 PM
Great to see the hard work - eases many minds.  Does that make it NNR?  North Nest Redux?

See you're using new equipment.  The bucket has to be better than that climb.  Great to have the pics!

Have you seen our pair flying around the neighborhood?

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on August 16, 2024, 06:51:29 PM
Lisa posted pics from the DNN nest rebuild.  Watching it on the rewind, I took some more.  Let's hope RRP posts the whole video, it's really interesting to watch John and Amy build an eagle nest high up the the familiar tree.  No sound on my rewind, so maybe they will add some narration.

Seriously, how many people get to write:  Dear Diary, today I built an eagle nest.    ;D

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on August 16, 2024, 06:55:56 PM
Numbered the pics in order from the rewind, didn't get times. 

They used some sticks and nest material from the old nest, several large bags brought up on the lift and placed and scattered.  Watching the placement of sticks & branches by John & Amy gave me so much appreciation for what the eagles are able to do.

No idea the purpose of the dark spray paint on the bare lumber.  Maybe to deter squirrels from chewing the wood.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on August 16, 2024, 06:57:52 PM
Few more.   Wonder if the cam ops will be able to watch for MrN and DNF to come exploring.

SEDs everybirdie.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: BrokenLug on August 16, 2024, 08:32:06 PM
How Awesome RRP.    :-*
     The Land owner.    :-*
 The Tree Company.    :-*

The driver of that truck and the vehicle itself _ make it happen.

         Bucket truck.    Smart.

If you can get all the wheels dry up on in there to the base of the oak tree and put the outriggers out solid .

That right there is some great stuff going on in that valley. 

If I was an Eagle in the North Valley I'd sleep there tonight .   ;D

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: baziunc on August 16, 2024, 10:13:53 PM
JOY!!!  :D :-* :-* :-*


Thanks Lisa, STL, Puff and All for sharing this great news!!, and posting all the pics and captions of the nest re-build, too! YAYAY!!!  :D :D

He-r-r-r-e Eagle Eagle Eagle! He-r-r-r-e Eagle Eagle Eagle!  ;D

(((STL))), sending you good wishes for continued healing and recovery. Feel better and better soon!  :)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on August 17, 2024, 06:01:41 AM
No one mentioned the mandatory token fish.    ;D     Thinking right on cue.

P   
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: LisaG1967 on August 17, 2024, 06:13:37 AM
Numbered the pics in order from the rewind, didn't get times. 

They used some sticks and nest material from the old nest, several large bags brought up on the lift and placed and scattered.  Watching the placement of sticks & branches by John & Amy gave me so much appreciation for what the eagles are able to do.

No idea the purpose of the dark spray paint on the bare lumber.  Maybe to deter squirrels from chewing the wood.

I am thinking the dark spray paint was to make it look more like a branch?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: tsk34 on August 17, 2024, 10:22:17 AM
STL   That pneumonia can be sneaky.  good to be home and getting well   RRP has a lot of experience now, building nest foundations  ;D

PUFF   LOL  NNR  North nest redo  ;D    Mandatory fish is a given  LOL

LISA/ STL  Thanks much for the pics  ;D

BL   Well said!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Arcadia on August 20, 2024, 03:29:27 PM
What fun to watch the construction of the nest! Thanks to those doing the building and to those posting pictures!

I wonder if the spray was a wood preservative.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: lilbirdz on September 06, 2024, 09:54:59 AM
Has there been any eagle interest in the re-build platform?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on September 07, 2024, 02:20:01 AM
No one mentioned the mandatory token fish.    ;D     Thinking right on cue.

Last year the eagles never came for the fish. 
Wonder WHEN LIVE cam  will be turned on.

* ivermectin is a miracle cure for flu and other things.
Its decades old, effective, 100% safe, no side effects.
Its even proving effective on some cancers.
I think it got the nobel prize.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on September 08, 2024, 04:31:54 PM
RRP posted on SEP 7 that MrN and DNF visited the new nest. See the Home page or Facebook for video.  It's black and white, so before dawn on Saturday.  Such joy in my heart to see them again.   Will we call this nest DNN2???

Shep, I recall that eagles did not come for fish on N1 when it was rebuilt.  I always thought because there were too many fish.  And this time at DNN, only two small fish and the nest mice got them.  Trust the eagles is still the best motto.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on September 27, 2024, 09:40:26 AM
I dont do facebook.
Look fwd to 2024 eggs
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on September 27, 2024, 11:54:36 AM
Hey Shep, I don't do facebook either, but RRP posts some content that we don't need a facebook account for.  I haven't seen any notes about cameras going back on here at DNN or at Decorah.  It's almost October already.   :D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on September 27, 2024, 06:55:45 PM
Amy said in a Facebook post that they would announce by the end of this week a turn on date.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on October 05, 2024, 10:30:45 AM
RRP Facebook post this morning.

One of our camera operators reported that Mr. North visited the new north nest this morning, where he moved a stick around and ate a fish he caught! We'll keep our talons crossed until we're sure the North's have moved into their new home, but this is a very good sign.

Missing the Norths and Decorah in general? We're turning our Decorah and Decorah North streams back on on Friday, October 11, at 10AM CDT.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 05, 2024, 11:23:31 AM
That's great news about the cameras going live here and at Decorah on OCT 11.    ;D    ;D    ;D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on October 05, 2024, 06:53:57 PM
So nice to have the good news on October 11 cams.

Thanks Ginger

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on October 06, 2024, 04:44:23 AM
October 11-12 is Yom Kippur
The holiest day of the year.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on October 06, 2024, 08:14:42 PM
Thanks, Ginger, for the welcome news!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 11, 2024, 12:38:22 PM
The cameras are back live at DNN.  Couple pics of the rebuilt nest, and the eagles perching in creek trees.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 11, 2024, 02:50:32 PM
MrN had a fish for lunch on the creek bank, then flew to the Brush Pile for preening and beak feaking, then flew to the Spit Tree (I think) to join DNF for hours of perching together.  The cattle herd crossed the creek and came to the pasture around 2:00.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 12, 2024, 12:31:34 PM
Morning pics from DNN.  I think its DNF in the Brush Pile Tree at sunup.  Hard to tell from shadowy sunlight.  Could be a sub-adult.
No pic, but a couple deer crossed the pasture from the nest area to the creek about 8:00.
The ground-level camera is providing some great views this season.  There's lots more open ground around the nest tree from the construction of DN3 earlier.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on October 14, 2024, 04:46:47 AM
Norths Visit Their New Nest!
10.13.24  Lady Hawk
https://youtu.be/QxDfTuCmVIA

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 14, 2024, 10:43:49 AM
Shep, soooo good to see the Norths at their "new" nest this morning.  DNF even brought in a stick.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 15, 2024, 12:20:25 PM
Early morning activity, 6:00 to about 7:00 -- Several deer crossed the creek, including one antlered  buck, a doe, and a youngster.  A mouse visited the nest to nibble on greenery.  DNF visited the nest and nearby broken perching limb.

Extreme closeup of mouse, a good preview of how close we will be able to see eggs and chicks next spring!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 16, 2024, 11:17:43 AM
The Norths spent night hours roosting on Love Branches (no pic), then visited the nest before the color cam came on.
Noise from crop harvesting might be keeping eagles and other wildlife away this morning.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 17, 2024, 11:55:21 AM
Nestorations have begun this morning!  DNF brought a long y-stick and MrN brought a large stick about 8:45 AM.  Watch them at work on the rewind!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: MNLindaBird on October 17, 2024, 06:30:05 PM
Hi All :)  After a busy day of fall projects I took a moment to see what might be happening at the North Nest.  I believe this photo is of a cute little Kestrel who was hanging around maybe shortly after noon.  Just found it now during my evening perusal.  Still wondering if I will see a visit from the eagle pair as dusk falls...
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: MNLindaBird on October 17, 2024, 06:32:48 PM
Oops.  Forgot to attach photo.  Then, since it has been awhile, it took me a few moments to recall procedures.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 18, 2024, 12:52:21 PM
Linda, definitely a kestrel, such a beautiful small raptor.

The Norths visited the nest this morning before dawn.  Even did some aerating of nest material (no pic of this).  Then DNF got busy bringing large, rail-sized sticks and arranging them.  I love this activity!   ;D

She also did some calling from the nest and nearby perch.  And the cattle were grazing on the far side of the creek at about 11:30.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on October 19, 2024, 12:19:49 PM
2024 NEST NOTE
June 11 DN18 fledged
June 12 DN17 fledged.
Nest fell. July 16.

Taken off Explore.

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 19, 2024, 12:22:39 PM
Morning seems a great time for working on the nest.  DNF brought several sticks, lost a long skinny one over the edge.  MrN brought a couple of small items, too.  Sooooo happy that they are accepting this new version of home!  John and Amy have the right design-build talents to get the Norths started again.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: MNLindaBird on October 20, 2024, 12:43:08 PM
STLbf - TY for the photos of new nest interest and progression the Norths are showing us.  This is SO wonderful to see their rapid adaptation to another custom RRP design build.  Such teamwork between eagles and RRP nest builder pros!

Loved the video of the actual build.  I continue to be truly impressed by Amy's monkey skills in the tree; and I could see the fun, and skill, John was enjoying assisting with the mechanical bucket :)

So far it looks so good for the upcoming breeding season at the North site.  Yay!   
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 20, 2024, 01:15:40 PM
MNLinda, yes, it's wonderful to see the "cooperation" between eagles and RRP builders!

This morning, DNF brought another long skinny stick, but she lost it over the edge while arranging.  They will have quite a stash on the ground under the nest.  I'm hoping they discover that easy source of sticks, and they might, because they explored the old nest on the ground after it fell not that long ago.

And, there's a new and very clear view of the Norths perching together about 9:00 this morning.  It's the Hideaway Tree branches with a corn field in the background "behind" the nest (to the west).  Ginger52 provided the ID info.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on October 21, 2024, 06:00:55 AM
STL -- You made a good guess on where the Norths were perched.  It was on the Hideaway Branch behind the nest.  That's also where they were perched Friday night when a Barred Owl hit DNF.  Here's a video recorded by GABear:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCfC93uu_S0

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 21, 2024, 01:55:29 PM
Ginger, thanks for the branch ID from yesterday!  And those owl strikes in the dark must be really startling for the eagles.

The new view from nest towards creek provides a grand, clear picture.  This morning, it's a colorful sunrise.
And a red tailed hawk perching in a creek tree about 7:00.
On the Chat Room, there's a video of the Norths working together with a large stick this morning.  Here's an overhead pic, too, from about 7:30, and one  from a bit later.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 22, 2024, 11:08:52 AM
Seems to be MrN's turn to be moving sticks at the nest early this morning.  Good video at the Chat Room for DNN.

One of the pics here shows the white feather blemish bump between MrN's right eye and beak.  It's the result of an injury from several years ago, and a good clue for identifying him. 

DNF, who is much larger, has dark shadow feathering around both eyes and a dark "part" in the feathers on the back of her head.  No pic of her yet today, but scroll down under the live feed to see closeup head shots.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 24, 2024, 04:30:03 PM
Overnight in the Love branches, then early morning nest work -- seems to be a pattern for the Norths.  DNF brought a tango stick about 10:00, worth watching on the rewind!

Closeups in next pic batch.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 24, 2024, 04:32:41 PM
Great closeups of MrN for identification -- that blemish near his right eye.  Thanks to the cam ops!   :D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 25, 2024, 01:10:04 PM
Bath time for the Norths this morning.  First, DNF consumed a fish at the end of the Spit.  Then MrN joined her for bathing. Both preening in the Claw Tree and later in the upper Love Branches. 

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 25, 2024, 03:47:22 PM
Northern Cardinal feeding on red berries from bushes under the nest.

Recent addition of some grassy material at the nest; didn't see by whom or when.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 26, 2024, 11:47:37 AM
The Norths seem to be away from the area this morning.  Smaller birds come out to forage when the coast is clear.  Female pileated woodpecker and Bluejay closeups in the Love Branches around 8:30.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on October 27, 2024, 03:46:55 AM
 October 27, 2024
3.45 am  earlier I heard an animal snort.
Later I heard coyote pack yowling - real close.

Other nights I hear the owl hooting.


Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 27, 2024, 12:31:14 PM
Shep, this area is pretty active at night with lots to listen for.

MrN spent several early daylight hours perching in a tree between the BPT and the Spit Tree. Name of tree? See labeled pic.
DNF landed at the nest about 8:30 and called for him, but he didn't respond. She didn't bring anything, and flew away after a short visit.
MrN came to the nest with talons bare at about 10:15 and stayed for a short visit, then flew away.
Farm activity is slow on a Sunday.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 28, 2024, 01:04:28 PM
Unusual view of Moon this morning while still dark.  Eclipse?? Odd cloud formation??  Then sunrise was its expected coloful self.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 28, 2024, 01:07:17 PM
On rewind, watch a red squirrel gathering leaves on the ground and placing them in a hollow in one of the eagle nest trees, not sure exactly which.  MrN dropped in for a short nest visit, maybe to keep an eye on the squirrel.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 29, 2024, 05:00:10 PM
Views of non-Norths today.  Thanks to the cam ops for helping us watchers re-discover the territory and its creatures.

Squirrel foraging at daylight under the nest, with camera conduit in good views.  Is the tree with largest diameter the nest tree?
Lots of great panning views around 10:00, specially one with cattle heading back to the barn. One looks REALLY pregnant, but this isn't a good time of year for calving.
Bluebird perched for a while about noon, on the Yonder snag
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 29, 2024, 05:04:07 PM

A sub-adult BE visited the creek trees around noon, DN12's Tree in pic, and the Spit Tree a bit later.
Gorgeous red tailed hawk perched on the Yonder snag for a while about 1:00.  Looks to be molting a bit, juvenile maybe with lots of white.
The Norths must be elsewhere.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 30, 2024, 11:06:25 AM
Visiting eagles enjoying the creek and perching south of the nest this morning.  One percher could be MrN instead.

Not pics, but a large buck in pasture before daylight, and a younger buck closer to dawn.  Also rabbit foraging.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 30, 2024, 03:39:03 PM
It's a good day to forage in the leaves and on the fallen logs under the nest area.  The blue jay sorted through the leaves and finally chose several to fly away with.  Do they do nestorations in the fall like the eagles?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on October 31, 2024, 12:07:21 PM
Visiting eagles again about 11:00 AM, perching near the nest!  The Norths are not present it seems.
And what bird is in the pics at 11:45, perching in a creek tree?  Could it be a golden eagle??? 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Linda M on November 01, 2024, 12:15:02 PM
It's a good day to forage in the leaves and on the fallen logs under the nest area.  The blue jay sorted through the leaves and finally chose several to fly away with.  Do they do nestorations in the fall like the eagles?

STLbf  Thank you for the great screen shots. Blue jays are a favorite of mine; from what I looked up at Cornell "All About Birds":

"Blue Jays build their nests in the crotch or thick outer branches of a deciduous or coniferous tree, usually 10-25 feet above the ground. Male and female both gather materials and build the nest, but on average male does more gathering and female more building. Twigs used in outer part of nest are usually taken from live trees, and birds often struggle to break them off. Birds may fly great distances to obtain rootlets from recently dug ditches, fresh graves in cemeteries, and newly fallen trees. Jays may abandon their nest after detecting a nearby predator.

Nest Description:  Open cup of twigs, grass, and sometimes mud, lined with rootlets."

Also, that does look like a golden eagle to me! Nice catch.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on November 01, 2024, 02:36:57 PM
PHEASANTS!
November 1, 2024
I've been hearing sounds at night -
I knew not turkey or chicken.
Today the cam caught a pair of BEAUTIFUL pheasants running around!

Guess there's a dead deer carcas too.
Hunter or coyote?

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 02, 2024, 12:17:18 PM
Yesterday I was away, so I have some catching up to do!  Other watchers can post pics, please.

The unknown bird from Halloween was indeed a golden eagle, according to a video posted at the North Nest chat room.  Awesome!  RRP has a banding program for golden eagles, might be able to track from the Explore! tab.

Missed the pheasants, Shep, but they are common in this area, and the Norths include them as food for eaglets.

About 11:30, cam ops found several crows picking at a large carcass, which I also guess is a deer.  Is it deer season in Iowa this week? Yes, archery  season is open now, see pic. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on November 03, 2024, 07:48:38 AM
November 3, 2024
Pouring rain pre-dawn
Past 2 nights I have not heard anything. Odd.
The male owl did sit in the rain on a branch above nest, looking down into it for awhile, then flew off.

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 03, 2024, 12:05:37 PM
BE visitors are around again today, in the cold rain. About 10:30 three eagles in the Brush Pile Tree, I think the Norths and one almost-adult.  Two flew away, then one (visitor?) was on the Brush Pile, then one on the Pile and one in the Tree.  Confusing!  At this time of year, the eagles are not very competitive so visitors are tolerated.

A windshield wiper has been added for clearer viewing.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on November 03, 2024, 03:27:59 PM
The Brush Pile Tree (BPT) fell without warning today at 12:30 p.m.  There were 2 eagles perched and both safely flew off.  Awhile later a visitor eagle was perched on the fallen BPT.

(https://comments-images.explore.org/_hg5ad07q2/dn_-11_2_26_17_visitor-perched-on-fallen-bpt.jpg)

Here's a short video of the fall recorded by GailM.

https://youtu.be/c9aaY9vPZVs
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 03, 2024, 05:03:41 PM
Zowie!!  Ginger, Thanks for the video of the Brush Tree falling. Good no injured birds.

MrN and DNF are gonna be surprised when they return from shopping at Walmart!   :o   ::)

The visiting eagles seem to be taking things in good order.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 04, 2024, 01:14:19 PM
Good to see MrN on the nest today at about noon.  The area is full of visiting eagles, from quite young and dark to nearly full-grown adults.  None seem disturbed by the Brush Pile Tree fallen over the Brush Pile into the creek. Haven't seen DNF, but hoping to real soon.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 05, 2024, 12:36:00 PM
RRP posted great video of visiting eagles, chasing eagles, new perching spots, it's all a bit confusing.

The cam ops are doing a great job!  Watch on the rewind to see multiple eagles of all ages as they pass through the Norths' valley.
Video from a few days ago of a coyote feasting on the deer carcass -- really interesting and amazing that the cameras get such good closeups from pretty far away.

This morning it is raining, and wet feathers add to the confusion when trying to ID adult eagles.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 06, 2024, 12:54:25 PM
Wildlife documentary on rewind this morning from daylight to noon.  Visiting eagles are still perching here and there. MrN and DNF got serious about nestorations, with the first cornstalks and a load of grasses around 9:00.  Lots of great closeup views from different cameras. 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 06, 2024, 12:55:51 PM
A starling joined DNF on the nest at 8:45!  And a coyote was feeding on the deer carcass then crossing the creek about noon.  All this to watch and no commercials!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 07, 2024, 02:39:31 PM
Coyotes were in the pasture and near the nest tree this morning, 4 of them at about 4:00, then several again at 6:00. A female Northern Cardinal and a sparrow perching in small branchy trees about 8:00.  A male pileated woodpecker foraging on the Yonder Snag at 2:00 this afternoon.  Cam ops showed closeup of wild rose hips, so glossy red.  Birds and critters love them.

One large adult BE visitor perched in the tree just north of the Claw Tree for a while after daylight (no pic but closeups on rewind).
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 08, 2024, 01:49:44 PM
Shortly after sunrise, large BE perching in that tree north of the Claw Tree, might be DNF or visitor.  There's a carcass in the nearby woods past the creek; the eagle flew down to chase off crows and eat some.  Guessing it's another deer carcass and that the eagle brought the tail down by the creek, defurring and eating it, gulp, gulp.  Eagle washed it down at the creek, and crows flew to the leftovers, but MrN arrived, scattering the crows until he went to the carcass. Now I'm pretty sure the larger eagle was DNF.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 09, 2024, 12:14:35 PM
About 8:00 this morning, two starlings were puffed up from the chill, perching near the nest.  At 9:00,  DNF and MrN perched together in a creek tree.  At about 9:05 they flew to the nest.  MrN has a grassy tiara!  Nice closeups of the Norths, good landings and takeoffs, and MrN brought a stick.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 10, 2024, 12:09:25 PM
Rain this morning at DNN.  Wondering if some cables fell during the night, quick view right after daylight.  The "main" camera and sound are working.
DNF perched in a tree across the creek around 11:00, but don't know which tree.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 11, 2024, 12:41:28 PM
Windy chilly morning.  The Norths visited the nest briefly about 8:00.  Then MrN spent a while wrangling a big, dark stick on the ground north of the nest tree.  He balanced with it on a fallen log, but gave up on taking it to the nest.  Maybe too heavy and wet.  About 8:30, he came to the nest with something wispy, and arranged some corn husks before flying away.

No pics, but a deer wandering around under the nest area, and small birds feeding, all before noon.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 12, 2024, 11:42:16 AM
Below freezing temps this morning!  MrN came to the nest briefly about 9:30, otherwise it's pretty quiet.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 13, 2024, 12:38:15 PM
Another nippy morning, and the Norths are busy with nestorations between about 7:30 and 8:30, spending good time together arranging nest materials.

Cam ops haven't been showing visitors for several days. Wonder if they have moved along their migratory ways.  Eagles, not cam ops!   ;)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 14, 2024, 10:29:46 AM
DNF brought a long skinny stick and MrN brought cornstalks to the nest before 8:00 this morning.
Before dawn, several rabbits were grazing under the nest area, a cardinal fed on rose hips, and a couple of deer crossed the pasture.  Cam ops got good closeups on the rewind.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 14, 2024, 05:14:37 PM
Afternoon from about 1:30 to 3:00, busyness by the Norths.  First they perched in a creek tree, then MrN (at top in pic) broke off a branch and flew it to the nest.  DNF followed then flew to the Spit Tree where she dove into the creek and caught & ate a fish, then had a little wash-off.  Cam ops got great closeups of MrN on the nest.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 15, 2024, 01:04:39 PM
It's a grand fall day to be out and about in the Norths' valley.  Eagles busy with nest work while other birds are foraging.  Pics of dark-eyed junco and American kestrel males, both gorgeous birds.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 16, 2024, 12:54:49 PM
The Norths spent the night in the Love Branches, pic from before dawn, then they move to the nest for a short visit.
About 8:00 two large does stepped across the fence at the edge of the brush under the nest area.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on November 16, 2024, 11:43:14 PM
Hi STL. I check in on the Norths and the varied wildlife each morning and night. I appreciate and enjoy your great pics and commentaries, even though I rarely post. Thank you!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on November 17, 2024, 06:07:25 AM
A voice from the past nanimal  :D  Always nice to have you drop in and say hi.

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 17, 2024, 12:09:31 PM
Good to know both of you (Puff and nanimal) are watching the Norths.  Always like to hear from you, and it would be lovely to see pics from you and others, too.    ;)

Several rabbits grazing before dawn, but no pics from me.  Otherwise quiet up to noon.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on November 17, 2024, 02:43:57 PM
Hi there, Puff! Thanks to both of you. :)
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 18, 2024, 12:49:58 PM
Colorful sunrise on a frosty morning, woodpecker, sub-adult visitor
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 18, 2024, 12:54:17 PM
Norths at work.  Video or rewind to see DNF breaking a branch and MrN gathering grasses.  Great views and spectacular eagles flying from here to there.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 19, 2024, 04:33:51 PM
Before dawn, two does resting under the nest area, chewing their cuds. At the same time, DNF was poking around on the nest.
One eagle perched (DNF) near the nest and another in a creek tree above the Spit (MrN or visitor) for quite a while. By 8:30 or so, DNF was eating a rabbit (I think) at the nest, but did not see who brought it.  The "edible masses" seemed too much to be rabbit in some views, so perhaps more was brought?  Around 10:00, MrN was on the nest, cleaning up the leftovers.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: shep on November 20, 2024, 03:09:22 AM
November 20, 2024
About 2.30 am One of the eagles vocalized.
10 minutes later - more vocals, insistent.

My guess is it was hit by an owl - and cussing the owl out royally.

I heard an owl hoot afterward.  Probly said - nyah nyah.

Nice pic of woodpecker!
Love all the wildlife in the area

Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 20, 2024, 12:21:32 PM
Pesky owls this time of year.
About 7:30 and the next hour, the Norths perched in a creek tree that needs a name (or a reminder to me of the name).
Nestorations continue.  The Norths perched together below the broken limb, like they used to on the Ladder Branch.
First snowflakes are falling this morning!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 22, 2024, 01:18:13 PM
The Norths have been working on the nest all morning.  Cam ops got some great views of them breaking off sticks from creek trees, flyins and outs, and closeups.  Rewind or video is best for the stick collecting because it's so far away.

They have several ears of corn in the nest.  Expect squirrels to visit for dinner.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 22, 2024, 04:12:29 PM
Here's a top down view of the nest surface.  Corn plus some grasses.  And a nice young buck making his way under the nest area.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 23, 2024, 12:57:27 PM
The Norths spent the night in the Love Branches, visited the nest briefly before sunrise.  The cattle grazed the area under the nest while MrN was arrranging sticks.  Thanks to cam ops for the view of the nest tree from the ground about 9:30. I missed the instant of MrN flying away, but you can watch on the rewind.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 24, 2024, 12:08:32 PM
Long sticks and grasses are on the nest work menu this morning before noon.  Cam ops got some great tandem working views.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 24, 2024, 03:03:10 PM
I'm calling the long, bouncy Spit Tree branch the Diving Branch because the eagles use it to dive on fish in the creek, and to descend for bathing.   :D

DNF had a long (cold) bath at the Spit while a cow grazed nearby, around noon today.  Close to 1:00, MrN was diligently working with sticks on the nest, and after 2:30, DNF returned to arrange grasses.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 25, 2024, 11:36:42 AM
Snow flurries off and on but no accumulation today so far.  DNF got an early start at arranging sticks with a specially wonky one, then a nice buck strolled around under the nest area, seen up close [pic] and way below from top down nest views on the rewind [no pic, too tiny].  MrN stopped by the nest about 8:00; pic shows takeoff with his wings spanning the nest.  About 9:00, DNF returned to the nest and seemed to be checking for loose rail sticks.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 26, 2024, 11:49:12 AM
Forgot to check my work yesterday, so replaced duplicate deer pic with one of DNF and a wonky stick as intended.

The Norths spent the night at Love Branches again.  Nice closeup pic of them at daylight just before taking off for unknown locations.  Listen to the cattle calling on the rewind at the same time.  Starlings visited the nest branches, chattering to each other, about 8:30AM. It's really cold today!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 27, 2024, 10:29:38 AM
Brrrr, well below freezing this morning.  About 8:00, the Norths visited the nest to chatter, then DNF started forming a nest bowl, then moved to a large lower limb south of the nest.  About 9:00, a flock of geese explored the pasture near the creek [no pic], opposite the nest tree.  About 10:00 a red tailed hawk perched high in a tree north of the Claw Tree.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 29, 2024, 10:44:37 AM
Temps in the teens this morning.  Eagles not in view, but a male hairy woodpecker was foraging on one of the medium sized limbs near the nest about 8:00.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on November 30, 2024, 02:00:33 PM
Intense cold today; DNF keeps bringing sticks to the nest.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 01, 2024, 12:29:09 PM
December 1, 2024, very cold & windy but no snow here.
Have you noticed that DNF's dark headfeathers seem darker this year than the last few?  Makes her easily identified when alone at the nest or on a perch.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 01, 2024, 04:32:11 PM
About 4:00 this afternoon, two does at the creek bank, crossing the pasture, listening to dogs barking or turkeys gobbling, grazing under the nest area.  One adult doe, one this year's young.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 03, 2024, 01:04:04 PM
Eagles at work early this frigid morning, just in time for Giving Tuesday!
Rewind almost to any time before 1:00 to see both MrN and DNF on the nest.
One nice view of the nest tree, with an eagle perched to the right.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 03, 2024, 03:23:33 PM
More tantalizing views, around 1:00, of DNF perching north of the nest with a really big, long stick.  She makes an interim stop near the nest, where she drops the stick.  She poses there for a closeup before perching some more.  Is this location an old perching spot seen from a new angle?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 04, 2024, 12:31:06 PM
It's stick tango time, about 8:00 this morning, and again about 10:00.  Better on rewind or video.  Same for DNF trying to break off a stick, this time unsuccessfully, around 9:30 AM.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 06, 2024, 05:16:31 PM
What a super busy, interesting day at the North's Valley!  All better on rewind or video, as ususally true, and special thanks to the camera operators for all the spectacular views most from challenging distances way across the creek.  I took lots of screen caps to share.

Day began with the Norths alert on the nest, then switched to them and several other eagles and red tailed hawks spending the whole day devouring a very large carcass, frozen at the far edge of the creek, north of the Claw Tree.  If a fish, it was a real whopper.  But what if not?  Look at early hours; by end of day, it had been hauled across the creek and was gone.

About 4:00 this afternoon, a hawk captured a pheasant on the ground near the nest.  LIVE and Grisly, so beware.  Guessing a sharp-shinned hawk, and it consumed the whole pheasant without being disturbed.  Remember the eagles where occupied with the carcass at the creek.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 06, 2024, 05:20:51 PM
MrN and DNF went back to the nest a few times to move sticks around.  They are not in competitive mode, so the visiting eagles got turns at the creek-carcass without fighting.  Plenty for everybirdie.  Cam ops found 2 or 3 visitors perching, eating, flying around over the course of the day.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 06, 2024, 05:26:13 PM
The Norths got their fill and returned to the nest to add and move more sticks.  About 11:00, 1 or 2 red tailed hawks took over the carcass for several hours.  Funny watching one try to drag it out of the water but still too heavy.

Starting about 3:30, a younger sub-adult BE worked on the now-smaller carcass and managed to drag it across the creek.  But we're not done yet!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 06, 2024, 05:32:00 PM
The younger sub-a got moved away by another visitor, I think, an older sub-a, close to 4:00.  By now the carcass is mostly gone; soon both flew away.  Good thing because the cam ops watched a hawk capture and consume a pheasant, right close up under the nest! I think a sharp shinned hawk, but need confirmation of ID.   If you are squeamish, don't watch this part on the video to come soon.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 06, 2024, 05:33:31 PM
Long, long set of posts and pics, but just too good to miss.  As the cameras went to night mode, MrN and DNF were on the nest to wish us all SEDS.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on December 07, 2024, 06:28:44 AM
Thank you, STL, for documenting yesterday's busy and interesting day at the nest and in the valley! I saw bits and pieces of it live. Your commentary and pics were great!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 07, 2024, 11:53:03 AM
Thanks, nanimal, I was hoping it wasn't too much!  Still waiting for ID on the creek-caracss and the hawk that got the pheasant.

Saturday morning is less exciting, with sticks and grasses added to the nest from about 7:30 to 8:45.  The best pic is the view from the ground up to the nest as DNF flies in with a big load of grasses.  The cattle are out also, but no pic.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 08, 2024, 02:57:00 PM
Sticks and grasses and corn husks, oh my!  This will be a great "new" nest for eggs in a few months.
Several does strolling around in broad daylight.  Gun season must be over in Iowa for the time being.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 08, 2024, 03:02:56 PM
Cam ops provided some great views and closeups of the nest itself this afternoon between 2:00 and 2:30.
In one view, when the main beam is sticking out to our left, are we looking towards the northeast?

Maybe in one of the weekly posts, Amy can include comparison photos of the newly built nest and how big it is now.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: nanimal on December 09, 2024, 09:23:04 AM
It's never too much from you, STL; it's how I catch up! :) The nest is looking great! I love seeing the deer, rabbits, etc, too. Also, thanks to the cam-ops!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 09, 2024, 11:40:12 AM
The Norths brought a couple skinny and wonky sticks early  this morning, then flew away from the nest. 
A red squirrel visited, drowsing a bit in the sunshine at the end of the old broken nest branch. Might be the one that built its own nest in a hole below the eagle nest a while back.

RRP keeps track of the number of sticks, types of soft materials, which creatures visit and which are meals.  The numbers and varieties are astonishing over the course of a season.  I think it's all in the year end report, which we can read, probably in a blog or post on the Home Page.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 10, 2024, 11:13:36 AM
Tune in to the rewind about 10:00 this morning for a ballet of sticks and eagles!  They must have found a new "dead tree fall" because they are carrying in sizeable and wonky sticks as fast as they can go back and forth with a little time for tandem placements and solo wrangling.

About the twangy stick at 10:10, there's a twig attached to a branch, and the twig rubs on the tree trunk.  DNF seems determined to break it off to place where she wants it.  Do you think she will be successful today or tomorrow?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 10, 2024, 03:25:22 PM
They're still at it from around noon to 1:00.  MrN on the nest when DNF brought a really long bouncy stick to a perching branch (circled) below the nest .  She tried to adjust it for flying but dropped it -- thud.  She flew back to the nest and tackled a long arching stick that was already along the rails. I don't know when that stick was brought on board, but it makes a really nice handrail, as outlined in neon green.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 11, 2024, 04:48:04 PM
About 9:00 this morning, MrN tested the softness of the nest materials while DNF looked on.  Much quieter today stick-wise!

DNF perched on a lower Love branch for an hour before noon, just looking around. She might have been scanning for lunch because she brought a rabbit to the nest at noon, and not as a guest!  No grisley pics here, but you can watch the meal on the rewind.  The Norths have not brought much edible to the nest so far. I remember one fish before.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 14, 2024, 11:29:32 AM
Little snow on the ground and in the nest this morning.  About 11:00 MrN brought something edible, looks like a partial carcass. Crows followed so there's probably more somewhere on the ground.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 15, 2024, 12:28:35 PM
The Norths came to putter at the nest around 8:00 this morning.  The leftover edible looks like a bird carcass to me today, pheasant possibly.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Puff on December 16, 2024, 08:13:01 AM
Is that a new/additional camera just added?  Or part of the reconstruction?  You got extra permission?

Mornin' all - still here and trying.

P
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 16, 2024, 11:17:17 AM
Puff, camera improvements were done when RRP rebuilt the nest in August.  The view has opened up considerably since the large limbs fell at the time the nest crashed.  There's video that might identify which cameras are which.

Nice view of a wild turkey about 8:00 this morning. Not displaying,  but put-put-putting calls as it walked in the pasture.
A red-bellied woodpecker, male perhaps juvenile, spent lots of time eating corn on the cob at the nest, from about 8:00 to 10:00. The Norths flew in for short visits and chased it away, but it returned as soon as they left.  Cheeky woodpecker! 
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 17, 2024, 04:46:17 PM
Whoo Hoo, it's time for the Norths to begin mating.  Did they at the same time last year?  I'll check the archive:  No pics of mating in December  2023 and no mention in the narratives either.  They might have been mating out of camera sight.

The corn on the cob is a hit with the song birds when the Norths are away from the nest.  Today, white breasted nuthatch and red bellied woodpecker several times.  Also a couple of starlings and a downy woodpecker, but they were not there for the corn [no pic but about 8:00 like the others].
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on December 17, 2024, 07:34:25 PM
STL -- Today was the 2nd time we've seen them mate this season.  The first time was 12/10.

Last year I kept track of the dates DNF and Mr. mated.  First time I've done that.  Date of first mating was 12/9/23.  Second mating was 12/22/23.  Once we hit Jan. the number increased and they mated 8 times in Jan.  I only kept track of the times we actually saw them mating on cam.  I didn't include times when we may have heard them.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on December 18, 2024, 02:21:22 PM
Mating today at about 10:16 a.m.  Could just barely see it.  Third time this season.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 19, 2024, 10:37:19 AM
Ginger, thanks for the update on start of mating behavior in 2023.  Seems that the Norths are on schedule this year, too.
One snowy pic this morning.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 19, 2024, 04:41:44 PM
Looks like food gifting has begun.  MrN had a small fish on the nest about 11:00 this morning, not big enough to share.  But about 1:00 DNF brought fresh kill to the nest and called for MrN, who brought something to eat on a nearby branch.  What was it?  Who killed it?  It's good to see the Norths doing what they do in mid-December.  DNF cleaned up in the creek near the Spit, then preened in the Spit Tree.

The snow didn't stop them from soaring some before the 1:00 feeding.  Find on rewind.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 20, 2024, 11:00:31 AM
The unknown carcass has become popular on the nest this morning. First DNF moved it out of the snow about 8:00. The male red-bellied woodpecker that has been visiting was there several times starting about 9:30, and a blue jay came, too.  At 11:00 the smaller birds are still nibbling away.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 20, 2024, 12:50:09 PM
Male pheasant foraging in bushy area under the nest about 11:00 this morning.  Listen to it clucking on the rewind.

It's likely that the mystery carcass from yesterday was a pheasant.  The eagles like them and they are pretty easy to catch.  MrN finished off the carcass around 11:30.  Look out Mr Pheasant!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 21, 2024, 03:14:30 PM
Brrr cold today.  The RBW has been foraging at the nest off and on. About 1:30 PM, MrN brought a fish to the nest and ate a bite or two.  DNF flew in hard to share it and startled him. He grabbed the fish and flew away with it.  Ah well, this bonding process isn't perfect.  DNF picked up a stick instead and moved it before flying away.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 22, 2024, 12:14:28 PM
Nest work continues on a nippy Sunday.  The Norths spent the night in Love Branches, visited the nest about 7:00, flew to the Spit Tree, did some calling but didn't see mating. MrN brought a stick about 7:45, then all DNF until noon (posting time).  About 8:30 she brought a large bundle of sticks and cornstalks, flew away then returned to move bits.  DNF spent a while perching high in pine tree south of the nest from about 9:45. 

While the eagles were away, the red-bellied woodpecker visited, looking for new corn on the cob; same for a white-breasted nuthatch. [no pics]
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 23, 2024, 12:15:10 PM
The nest has lots of new grasses over the snow this morning; missed delivery yesterday. RBW has been exploring, but so far no new corn on the cob.

The Norths perched together in the Spit Tree at daylight. MrN came to the nest about 7:30 AM after wrestling with a couple sticks on the ground in the open area where the old nest fell. Then about 9:00 he brought another cornstalk. Cam ops got a good shot of him taking off [see pic] then we got a 360 degree panorama from the nest cam that's worth finding on the rewind.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 23, 2024, 04:01:16 PM
About 2:45 MrN brought more grasses.  DNF followed him; seemed like she expected to have a food gift.  Looks like she is getting ready to molt a couple large wing feathers, one on each side, they are much lighter brown.  Guess she forgave him for no gift because they mated on the Love Branches about 3:45.  Maybe she gets dinner out.   ;D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 24, 2024, 10:32:39 AM
The Norths overnighted in the Love Branches, stretching and chittering, then visiting the nest before daylight.  MrN brought breakfast red meat about 9:15 and ate it all himself.  Both brought cornstalks and sticks to get the nest ready for Santa to visit tonight.   ;D
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: Ginger52 on December 24, 2024, 06:37:36 PM
At 8:49 last night a barred owl flew by.  Mr. North saw it coming so I'm not sure if there was a hit.  Both DNF and Mr. vocalized.  The owl was heard a couple of minutes later.   Here's a gif from JanJ.

https://i.gyazo.com/df6f4bf9bf1172ff99e4189a21f65763.gif
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 25, 2024, 04:22:49 PM
A quick Christmas visit from the owl.  Or maybe a Hanukkah flyby.  Thanks, Ginger  ;)

The Norths added some grasses and sticks early this morning.  They performed a synchronized flyover watch near 8:00. MrN ate another red meat edible about 9:00 on a lower Love Branch, then feaked his beak before flying away.  About 10AM DNF perched for a while high atop a pine tree on the far side of the creek.

Thanks to the cam ops for working today!!
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 26, 2024, 01:31:29 PM
Little birds came to the nest before 9:00, searching for more corn kernels. They hardly wait for the eagles to leave!
After bringing a stick at about 10:00, MrN posed for closeups.  At 10:45 DNF had brought a stick and both were moving separate sticks. It gets better in the next post.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 26, 2024, 01:36:52 PM
It's important to work hard while remaining alert. Do a little beaking while discussing the situation, then preen to look your eagle best before you make a little whoopie.  Is that branch part of the old Ladder branch?
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 28, 2024, 11:04:45 AM
Mystery prey from the past few days solved.  It's pheasant.  This morning about 9:30 DNF brought a whole pheasant carcass to the nest and proceded to defeather it in closeup views.  This process also removes the skin, leaving the carcass looking similar to a skinless chicken that we might have at home. 

MrN came to share about 9:40, but DNF isn't sharing.  She mewed and mantled, so MrN flew to a nearby branch.  It's possible that he caught the pheasant on the ground and 'gifted' it to her.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 28, 2024, 03:43:11 PM
DNF consumed the pheasant, all but some feathers.  Around noon a visiting Sub-adult eagle perched in the pine tree top across the creek and south where the cows come down.  The Norths went on alert at the nest, but didn't give chase.  They were puffed up to look as large and fierce as possible. Cam ops got some good closeups.  By about 3:00, MrN came to the nest for a few leftovers.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 29, 2024, 04:39:19 PM
Another sub-adult BE, this one younger than yesterday's, perched in branches way south of the nest for a while about 9:00 this morning. Pic doesn't show the crows that were hassling the eagle.  Some nest activity in the early afternoon. DNF brought a big clump of grasses about 1:30. MrN joined her in aerating the soft nest materials at 1:45. Each brought a new stick around 2:00 [no pic].  MrN rassled a wonky stick from one side to the other about 2:20.
Title: Re: Decorah North Eagles 2024
Post by: STLbf on December 31, 2024, 02:15:49 PM
The Norths have brought some new grasses to the nest today, maybe a stick or two.  When they are together on the nest, it appears to be a little crowded.  RRP can probably tell the diameter of the new rebuild, the nest now, and compare to the old nest before it collapsed.

Be safe in your New Year's Eve celebrations, y'all.   ;D