Raptor Resource Project Forum

RRP's Birds: Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, American Kestrels, Ospreys, Turkey Vultures, and More! => Bald Eagles 2025 => Topic started by: LisaG1967 on January 01, 2025, 08:10:36 AM

Title: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 01, 2025, 08:10:36 AM
Lisa, thanks for all your great pics of the eagles at Decorah in 2024.  It's heartening to see them perching and fishing the pond and the Trout Run Creek area.  Let's hope they make a New Year's resolution to nest somewhere within camera range in 2025.   ;D

Happy New Year, STL!   :)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 05, 2025, 12:14:35 PM
Happy New Year to all who watch and post pics here! 
Eventually, RRP will set up the 2025 versions of the nest sites.
For now, it's good to see HM and HD perching in each others' pockets, a combination of the breeding season starting and a way to keep warm on these freezing days.  It think both pics are at the fishing corner and high on the bluffs above.
Here's a view of N2B's new look, from work done by RRP in the fall or late summer, I think.  Wouldn't it be great to have eagles nest here again.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 06, 2025, 10:50:31 AM
Another very cold morning at Decorah.  Four eagles perched in the mid-bluff area trees at about 7:30 AM.  Two are probably HM & HD, one of them in a nice closeup about 8:00.  No pic, but a really nice flyover around the Pond near the same time.  And at 9:30, one was perched above N1, with a nice long flyoff view past the N2B tree and towards the pond bluff area.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 06, 2025, 12:58:59 PM
Thanks for the pics, STL  :)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 07, 2025, 12:46:58 PM
HM & HD spent the night somewhere behind N2B again, as you can see from live feed the cam switched over to the pond, and you can catch them flying from E of N2B towards the bluffs.  HD looked to be perched to the top left and HM below.  HD leaves first, and then HM follows.  She lands on a tree below the bluff.  HD flew to the same tree with HM, but looks like he fish the pond first.  Geese also spend the night in the pond, and a pretty sunrise...all on rewind!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54251689407_0a5fc41d51_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252586366_7b59e1803b_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54253007595_d6affe0f98_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252586371_7892817d5c_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 08, 2025, 03:23:08 PM
Lisa, good to have a location for HM & HD's perching together in your pics yesterday.  They seem to like that spot behind N2B.  Is it between N2B and the bike trail or across the field behind N2B, can you tell?

This morning about 8:00, the cam ops got some really closeup views of HM (I think) eating a fish and beak-feaking after on a fallen log at the fishing corner.  Wonder if that's a new cam this year?
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 09, 2025, 03:48:32 AM
Lisa, good to have a location for HM & HD's perching together in your pics yesterday.  They seem to like that spot behind N2B.  Is it between N2B and the bike trail or across the field behind N2B, can you tell?

This morning about 8:00, the cam ops got some really closeup views of HM (I think) eating a fish and beak-feaking after on a fallen log at the fishing corner.  Wonder if that's a new cam this year?

STL, I did a Google map search, and it looks like the area they are perching in behind N2B, may be across the corn field somewhere. I did not hear of any new cams in Decorah this year, but the close up one is most likely from the pavilion cam. 
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 09, 2025, 01:07:22 PM
It's all guesswork on my part since I have never been to Decorah.  Hmmm, Google map search, that's something BrokenLug also does but I never think to.

HM & HD perched together in one of the lower pond bluff trees this morning.  Probably this view is also from the pavilion camera, yes?
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 09, 2025, 04:22:38 PM
It's all guesswork on my part since I have never been to Decorah.  Hmmm, Google map search, that's something BrokenLug also does but I never think to.

HM & HD perched together in one of the lower pond bluff trees this morning.  Probably this view is also from the pavilion camera, yes?

STL, I believe you are correct, that view is with the pavilion cam. 
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 10, 2025, 02:07:10 PM
Early morning a sub adult flew upstream till it was ejected by one of the Hatchery's.  Sub then flew along the bluffs and perched behind some trees, and was once again ejected by one of the Hatchery's.  HM & HD were around the rest of the morning perched in various spots. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54258705903_cb4ce76f88_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54258717824_9583b9559e_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54258478661_e92448898a_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54258717859_49e277a870_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 11, 2025, 12:36:07 PM
Great pics, Lisa.  I saw the sub-adult also, but missed the Hatchery pair chasing it off.  HM & HD likely becoming more territorial as nesting progresses and egg laying time is only 5-6 weeks away.  But will there be eagle eggs in a nest at Decorah? 
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 11, 2025, 04:13:16 PM
Great pics, Lisa.  I saw the sub-adult also, but missed the Hatchery pair chasing it off.  HM & HD likely becoming more territorial as nesting progresses and egg laying time is only 5-6 weeks away.  But will there be eagle eggs in a nest at Decorah?

My guess is there will be eggs in a nest at Decorah, but it won't be eagle eggs in N1 or N2B.  My guess it is going to be Canada geese eggs.  If HM & HD do have eggs, it will be at their nest over on the E side of the bluffs. I have been seeing them come more and more over from the E side, and head back that way when the cam is on them. 
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 12, 2025, 11:15:17 AM
A sub adult was spotted in the pines, left from there and headed to pond to fish.  It then went over to perch in that lower bluff tree.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54262215536_97642e3616_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54261323297_c95be9b575_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 12, 2025, 11:22:13 AM
HM & HD were below the bluffs after the sub, they perched for a while.  Looked like HD flew out first, then HM headed out and flew to S of hatchery and came back with a wonky tree and headed over to the other side of the bluffs with it. One of the Hatchery's was also perched in tree line by farm.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54262215571_cc1233ce73_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54261323292_14b4c542fa_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54261323312_e502378704_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 12, 2025, 12:23:23 PM
Lisa, lots of good info!  So the East side of the bluffs is the side we cannot see, correct?  Last year didn't the Hatcherys build a nest that fell, and so no eggs or hatchings?  So maybe they have built another new nest?
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: BrokenLug on January 12, 2025, 02:09:27 PM
Lisa, lots of good info! 

So the East side of the bluffs is the side we cannot see, correct?

Last year didn't the Hatcherys build a nest that fell, and so no eggs or hatchings?  So maybe they have built another new nest?

That is correct STL.
So roughly somewhere on the East side of the yellow dashed line.

Remember The Bluffs rise about 70 to 170 feet above Trout Run coming out of Siewers Spring and there are trees/canopy above the contour lines.

The elevation of the Camera on top of the Pavilion is probably about 900 - 910 ft so the angle of the viewers viewshed from the camera is very limited peeking east of that yellow line if that makes sense.    ;D

~  HM and HD don't be camera shy come on over to the "Hatchery side" of the bluffs  ~   ;)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 12, 2025, 03:26:38 PM
Lisa, lots of good info!  So the East side of the bluffs is the side we cannot see, correct?  Last year didn't the Hatcherys build a nest that fell, and so no eggs or hatchings?  So maybe they have built another new nest?

The nest that they built on the other side of the bluffs that we cannot see is still standing, per a boots on the ground photographer who posted some pics on Explore chat not too long ago from his visit. 
I don't think anyone knows why they did not have any hatchlings, but when I was watching last season, they brought fish over to the other side and after a few days both were seen above N1 when the geese were occupying it.  Maybe something happened to the hatchling, I don't know just guessing. 
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: Puff on January 12, 2025, 03:47:13 PM
Lisa, lots of good info! 

So the East side of the bluffs is the side we cannot see, correct?

Last year didn't the Hatcherys build a nest that fell, and so no eggs or hatchings?  So maybe they have built another new nest?

That is correct STL.
So roughly somewhere on the East side of the yellow dashed line.

Remember The Bluffs rise about 70 to 170 feet above Trout Run coming out of Siewers Spring and there are trees/canopy above the contour lines.

The elevation of the Camera on top of the Pavilion is probably about 900 - 910 ft so the angle of the viewers viewshed from the camera is very limited peeking east of that yellow line if that makes sense.    ;D

~  HM and HD don't be camera shy come on over to the "Hatchery side" of the bluffs  ~   ;)

Wow neato shot of the whole area, never seen that that view.

P
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 12, 2025, 04:14:58 PM
Neato view indeed!    ;D
Thanks to BL for the overhead view with elevation and explanation and comments from fellow watchers.
Wondering what eagles are thinking when they don't occupy a nest used by geese the previous season.  Maybe they just know the geese could damage eagle eggs/hatchlings because their seasons differ, with eagles laying several weeks before geese and hatching earlier also.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 12, 2025, 04:35:34 PM
With permission from the boots on the ground photographer, Oliver, here is a picture of N5 on the other side of the bluffs.  He took this pic on December 8, 2024.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54263056159_5fd0e20b7d_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: Puff on January 12, 2025, 04:58:20 PM
Bigggg looking nest, Lisa!  Thank Oliver for all of us.


P
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 12, 2025, 05:16:57 PM
Bigggg looking nest, Lisa!  Thank Oliver for all of us.


P

Will do, Puff 😊
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: BrokenLug on January 12, 2025, 08:11:44 PM
Pip and I are just really grooving on the Oliver botg Pic.

We know where it is.

Thank you so much for pushing it forward to us LisaG and especially you Oliver.   8)

 BE's flying nest material.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 13, 2025, 11:13:07 AM
Thanks to Oliver for pic and permission! and to Lisa for posting it.  N5 looks promising.  Watchers are ready for Hatchery eaglets this year.    ;)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: oldguy on January 13, 2025, 04:21:42 PM
Hello to 2025 forums - thanks Amy

here is my list of bookmarks that I post each year for the 2 lounge forums and the 2 Decorah forums.  These bookmarks will automatically go to your last read post in each forum.

Decorah Eagles 2025 Forum   -   https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?topic=2926.new.html#new
Decorah North Nest 2025 Forum   -  https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php/topic,2925.new.html#new
Cheers 2025 Forum   -   https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?topic=2928.new.html#new
Beak Room 2025 Forum   -   https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?topic=2927.new.html#new
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 16, 2025, 02:08:10 PM
This afternoon vocals were heard, and HM was spotted on N side of N1.  She flew down to creek to eat on a dead animal that was on bluff side of creek before fallen tree. HD vocals were also heard and he seemed to be below N1 on the E side.  HM flew off and joined HD on the branch below N1.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54270182531_83c7e8c0ca_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54270182741_ef2f8301a1_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269300402_beae4f1a2a_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54270426188_47d1374dcd_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 16, 2025, 02:10:36 PM
While HM & HD were perched in tree below N1, an adult BE was perched in a tree what looked like close to N2B.  It flew out, and HM & HD also flew over to E side of bluffs.  Two other adult BE's were seen eating on dead animal upstream.  Both flew out.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54270607665_1919631d3c_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54269300987_9e6300cfb2_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 16, 2025, 05:34:26 PM
Lisa, good to see HM and HD doing their thing!  Lovely pics.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: BrokenLug on January 16, 2025, 09:49:29 PM
HM & HD doing up some vittles Trout Creek side in their realm sans the white stuff is good to see.

COLD there.

Makes for far side of the bluffs healthy eaglet shells come February.    :)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 22, 2025, 12:16:07 PM
Still really cold today, but eagles are about, and the Pond has a big flock of geese.
HD & HM perched in fishing corner trees, and a sub-adult visitor flew around the pond, then perched in the pine tree near creek benches, then later flew over the pond several times without catching a goose or a fish.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 22, 2025, 04:30:03 PM
Copulation attempt this afternoon above N1, a lil before 4pm.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54281020917_fd514e79b1_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 23, 2025, 11:06:11 AM
From Decorah this morning....2 sub adults where seen fishing the pond, HM & HD arrived and attempted to chase them off.  HM perched on N1 for a bit, and then was seen upstream chasing one, and also eating on a raccoon carcass along side the creek.  HD fished the pond many times this morning, was seen on Spooky Tree, and even landed in the lower bluff tree above one of the subs.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283614030_9bf35f850f_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283434803_37f744f825_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54282301052_ba628a1a4c_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283614475_c63094967d_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54283624915_258a2c4cf1_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 23, 2025, 04:49:16 PM
Thanks for pics Lisa.  Must be a tough time for raccoons.  One was on the menu for DNF's lunch at the North nest site [DNN].

The pond is covered with Canada geese if the eagles are strong enough to take one. 
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 24, 2025, 06:37:40 AM
You're welcome, STL.   :)

The geese seem to clear out of the pond in the morning, except for a few, and then a slew of them return in the evening for the night. 

Yesterday, when one of the sub adults was fishing the pond, it almost landed on one of the geese, but I don't think it was trying to catch it.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 24, 2025, 04:18:14 PM
Another busy day around the hatchery with sub adult activity, HD was seen early morning on lower bluff tree, and a gorgeous sunrise this morning.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54285926295_1c243f6175_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54285926460_439700f791_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54285742559_e2a396f8ff_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54285502881_389642978c_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 24, 2025, 05:40:00 PM
Love seeing the eagle activity around Decorah, thanks Lisa.  And that sunrise!!
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 25, 2025, 03:36:08 PM
Morning pics from Decorah - A younger sub arrived first over the pond, fished and headed towards the bluffs.  Another birdy flew from N of N2B over the pond and headed for the bluffs too, it ended up being the older sub.  The older sub eject the younger one from lower bluff tree.  Older sub perched for a while till HM & HD arrived.  The younger one fished the pond, and flew back towards lower bluff tree, but perched over to the left.  HM took off and headed towards the pines by hatchery and ejected most likely older sub from pine.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54287319016_33e4e68db8_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54287555674_86107c4b18_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54287744810_28e9b76f5e_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54287558748_7bcb66922d_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 26, 2025, 04:07:11 PM
The sub adults and what looked like an adult BE upstream earlier has been keeping HM & HD busy, ans staying closer to N1 this afternoon.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54289807078_fe1f5f0b03_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54289800574_db44819ed7_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54289807098_1c825de270_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 27, 2025, 05:01:39 PM
Those sub adults are still hanging around, and keeping HM & HD busy defending their territory.  HM & HD headed early this morning to perch above N1. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54290977192_c9f1e81370_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: BrokenLug on January 27, 2025, 06:17:49 PM
Those sub adults are still hanging around, and keeping HM & HD busy defending their territory.  HM & HD headed early this morning to perch above N1. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54290977192_c9f1e81370_b.jpg)

LisaG    8)

HM & HD looking so regal in their territory in their finest January.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 28, 2025, 11:12:33 AM
Those sub adults are still hanging around, and keeping HM & HD busy defending their territory.  HM & HD headed early this morning to perch above N1. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54290977192_c9f1e81370_b.jpg)

LisaG    8)

HM & HD looking so regal in their territory in their finest January.

 ;D
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: RubyRed246 on January 29, 2025, 03:57:58 PM
Are they not doing chat this season?
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 29, 2025, 04:44:08 PM
Are they not doing chat this season?

I wish I knew the answer for you, Ruby. 

There is no chatroll to log into on Decorah Eagles. 
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 30, 2025, 12:53:59 PM
Chat might open up when the Norths lay the first egg, at the Decorah North Eagles site.  Nothing official from RRP that I know of.

Wouldn't it be great if a pair of young eagle adults take over one of the goose nests, N1 or N2B?  HM and HD don't seem interested, and apparently are building a nest out of camera range this season.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 30, 2025, 03:45:55 PM
Chat might open up when the Norths lay the first egg, at the Decorah North Eagles site.  Nothing official from RRP that I know of.

Wouldn't it be great if a pair of young eagle adults take over one of the goose nests, N1 or N2B?  HM and HD don't seem interested, and apparently are building a nest out of camera range this season.

That would be nice if someone other than the geese would take over N1 & N2B, but HM & HD have been seen on cam defending their territory.  I don't think they are going to let anyone take over.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on January 31, 2025, 04:32:28 PM
HM & HD showed up on lower bluff tree this morning, and this evening it looks like they are perched in one of their favorites spots N of N2B.  Many geese were seen in and around the pond this morning, and this afternoon a pair of Red-tailed hawks look to be upstream.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299376364_895db8e0f2_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299394338_6912dff64c_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299394503_9bea7310bf_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299394328_88e543c59a_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on January 31, 2025, 05:12:28 PM
Lisa, seems we don't often see a pair of redtailed hawks perching together.  Nice catch!
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: BrokenLug on January 31, 2025, 07:02:17 PM
LG the second pic there is looking rather balmy and dry at the retention pond for 01/31/25.   :o

Great screen captures BTW.

U and STL keep them coming.

If your "other side of the bluffs" pic taker friend gets anything of note push them forward please.  ;)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 01, 2025, 10:26:31 AM
Lisa, seems we don't often see a pair of redtailed hawks perching together.  Nice catch!

Thanks, STL  :)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 01, 2025, 10:27:13 AM
LG the second pic there is looking rather balmy and dry at the retention pond for 01/31/25.   :o

Great screen captures BTW.

U and STL keep them coming.

If your "other side of the bluffs" pic taker friend gets anything of note push them forward please.  ;)

The creek needs a good rain! 
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 02, 2025, 02:18:37 PM
Another busy day around the hacthery - one goose arrived on the N side of N1 and then moved to the nest, a goose pair arrived on N2B this afternoon, and HM & HD have been around most of the day.  HM on tree top and HD on bluff perch

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54303287145_4a99f43aa2_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54301982927_6890d96648_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54303091894_f2343cfe00_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54303101688_de591c8f2b_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on February 02, 2025, 05:32:30 PM
Lisa, love seeing the eagles, not so much the geese on N1 and N2B,  But geese are better than no birds at all!!
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 03, 2025, 04:40:24 AM
Lisa, love seeing the eagles, not so much the geese on N1 and N2B,  But geese are better than no birds at all!!

Yes, geese are better than looking at an empty nest.  :D
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on February 03, 2025, 04:55:23 PM
Plenty of geese in the Pond area to compete for N1 and N2B.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 06, 2025, 10:17:59 AM
HM & HD are still showing up below the bluffs in the morning.   :)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54309760177_60a8f55d19_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54309760137_e30b81aa46_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on February 06, 2025, 11:40:14 AM
We'll keep watching to see if they both stop showing up together in a week or two because maybe they have eggs in their hidden nest.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: MNLindaBird on February 07, 2025, 09:01:08 AM
I don't recall ever seeing so many geese in the pond.  I wonder if they all plan on staying around.  If we have a picnic this summer, maybe we should be eating goose instead of chicken and pork :-\
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 07, 2025, 01:14:52 PM
I don't recall ever seeing so many geese in the pond.  I wonder if they all plan on staying around.  If we have a picnic this summer, maybe we should be eating goose instead of chicken and pork :-\

Linda, there does seem to be quite alot more geese this year. 

We all might need to bring our boots, and not sandals to ATF, in case we step in something!   ;D ;D
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 07, 2025, 02:16:50 PM
Copulation on tree top near bluff perch for HM & HD around 2:10pm

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54312066232_4ceee192b9_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 08, 2025, 04:21:31 PM
A few random pics from Decorah today.  It was a lil snowy at one point.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54315071191_66739b2cc2_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54315494090_3a2cb06656_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54315308963_2602c6d754_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54315071211_da089c778f_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on February 08, 2025, 05:08:34 PM
The pond always has some open water because of the inlet pumping, correct?
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 09, 2025, 02:45:54 PM
HD was perched in tree across from pond early this morning, left from there to fish (bottom right of pc), and took his fish to eat below the bluffs.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54317638370_dca15bc024_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54317638355_bcc382f880_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54317218866_23e8e5e3e0_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 11, 2025, 05:28:43 PM
A few random pics from DE this morning - Moon going down W of N1, HD perched on lower bluff tree, geese starting to fill the pond, and HM on bluff perch

I have noticed the past couple days, that HM & HD have not been perching together below the bluffs.  They are coming over at separate times.  Wonder if HM has laid her 1st egg? 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54320948882_9b7c231f7a_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54321833501_ebe4152342_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54320942032_e3a2b7ab15_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54320942042_91e90289a3_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on February 12, 2025, 12:08:05 PM
This morning about 9:00, it looked like HM and HD perched in the lower bluff trees at the same time. 
Too far away to be positive, but probably.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 12, 2025, 01:40:25 PM
HM & HD perched below the bluff in lower bluff tree early this morning, as the snow began to fall.  HD arrived first, and HM flew in from the right.  They copulated and moved to separate trees, as in STL's pic. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54323483816_061b37d1a6_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 14, 2025, 08:33:42 AM
Yesterday evening, a BE flew and landed on E side of the pond.  It had tried to fish before landing, and then flew out towards the raceways.  BE had all its talons on right foot, so not our HD.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54326601846_55f977249c_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54326824379_8112118cb5_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54326822663_97fc832a3d_b.jpg)

Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on February 14, 2025, 01:00:03 PM
Beautiful eagle in pics, Lisa, whoever it is.  Remind me, was it HD with an injured toe/talon a couple years ago? 
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 15, 2025, 05:34:00 AM
Beautiful eagle in pics, Lisa, whoever it is.  Remind me, was it HD with an injured toe/talon a couple years ago?

STL, yes, HD has the talon missing on the right foot.  The last close up I saw of him, that talon is still missing, so good ID marker.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on February 15, 2025, 11:47:39 AM
Yes, Lisa, missing talon is good ID marker when HD is in range for a close-up!
At the North nest, DNF laid the second egg on Valentine's Day about 3:00.  So maybe eggs for HM & HD soon.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 20, 2025, 04:41:29 PM
Another cold chilly morning, and it looks like the Hatchery's took turns coming over from the E side this morning.  HD usually arrives first below the bluffs, this morning he was perched to the right of fishing perch, left there and headed back to E side.  A bit later, BE flew in from N of N2B over pond and landed above N1, it was HM.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54339872558_bcc3971dbe_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54339638586_49a0c753bd_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on February 21, 2025, 12:46:09 PM
Seeing HM and HD only one at a time makes me suspect that they have laid an egg.  Confirmation possible sometime soon?
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 23, 2025, 12:31:34 PM
HM perched tree top near bluff perch this morning

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54344500742_8339909c6d_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 24, 2025, 02:38:31 PM
It's Goose Day in Decorah....lots of honking happening this morning, with several geese under N1. And, this afternoon a pair were on N2B.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54347821617_d67b32eb28_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54347821657_3234eb8588_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on February 25, 2025, 11:38:46 AM
Looks like both nests will be for the geese again this spring.  Better than no birds at all.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on February 26, 2025, 11:49:35 AM
Does all the honking signal the beginning of mating season for the Canadian geese?  They are loud again this morning.  A pair visited N2B and one goose visited N1.   Last year's goose record page said eggs laid toward the end of March. 

FYI, the Goose camera is live. Is it only at N1?? 
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 26, 2025, 01:50:00 PM
STL, I noticed the N1 cam is live with sound coming from N1, and it seems the cam op switches to the N2B nest with the geese when they are there.  I have not see the Goose Cam come live yet, as I have that in my Explore favorite thumbnails.  It still says, OFF SEASON.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on February 26, 2025, 04:44:10 PM
Lisa, the N1 cam is live all the time on the main Decorah chat site.  We'll have to see if the "Goose Cam" is the one at N2B or if they can switch around. I use RRP's connection and will have a look tomorrow.  All this detail searching sure beats doing housework!!
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 28, 2025, 07:39:54 AM
A few pics from yesterday in Decorah - HM above N1, HD below the bluff - creek watching, and geese on the raceway side of Hatchery Drive. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54354788127_4537a3dcba_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54355667916_3b498c5938_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54355892583_801951d296_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on February 28, 2025, 03:44:00 PM
HM near bluff perch early morning, HD soaring above the pond before fishing, geese pair on N2B, and geese pair near fallen tree in creek upstream.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54355929852_b282b2ca06_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54355555442_0d957b4e44_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54356836100_2a288a9053_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54356659413_cffddca6fb_b.jpg)

Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on February 28, 2025, 04:17:02 PM
Lisa, things are really picking up at Decorah!  Thanks for pics.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on March 01, 2025, 12:21:51 PM
Lisa, things are really picking up at Decorah!  Thanks for pics.

You're welcome, STL  :)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on March 02, 2025, 03:48:20 PM
Geese in abundance around the Pond area today.  Some are exploring N1 and N2B.  Last year eggs third week of March.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on March 02, 2025, 05:18:09 PM
Geese in abundance around the Pond area today.  Some are exploring N1 and N2B.  Last year eggs third week of March.

Great pics, STL
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on March 03, 2025, 03:46:38 PM
HD or HM touched down at the N1 nest then perched on the Y for a short while this morning.  Geese were at N2B but no pics.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on March 04, 2025, 05:25:17 PM
HM arrived above N1 early this morning vocalizing.  She flew out over to E side of bluffs, and a bit later HD was seen on bluff perch.  Geese pair visited N2B this morning, and one goose was on skywalk and moved down to N1 for quite a while.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54364993372_03e80b0b25_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54364993377_f7406c57fc_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54364993382_5dc1c49f21_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54365865711_d883239e66_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on March 09, 2025, 12:05:29 PM
Geese are forming their nests at N1 and N2B today.  They dig out a large bowl to hold the 6 or so large eggs, add a few sticks or wood chips, and that's it.  When the eggs are laid, the geese add downy feathers they pull out of their bodies.  Watch these spaces.    :D
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: BrokenLug on March 11, 2025, 07:43:42 AM
Apparently Mother Goose laid an egg on N1 on 03/09/2025 @ 11:31 am CDT.

https://www.raptorresource.org/2025/03/10/a-canada-goose-egg-has-landed-in-n1/
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on March 12, 2025, 11:28:47 AM
Thanks, BL for the note about a goose egg at N1 yesterday.  I seldom miss a whole day without checking the rewind, but wouldn't you know, that would be the day?

Looks like the second egg got laid way at the edge of the N1 nest.  This morning around 7 to 7:30, both geese were on the nest, honking, then the Mom goose did some serious problem solving to get the sticks out of the way so she could roll the edge-egg toward the center of the nest bowl.  Video-worthy activity!   And a squirrel visited there, too.  Both eggs intact as geese returned.

Geese at N2B also, but no eggs there yet. 
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: STLbf on March 12, 2025, 05:02:05 PM
Geese are inhabiting both N1 and N2B, with eggs at N1.  The pair perched on the Y branch just where we expect to see eagles!  Weird.
Title: Re: Decorah Eagles 2025
Post by: LisaG1967 on March 13, 2025, 04:30:54 AM
Thanks, BL for the note about a goose egg at N1 yesterday.  I seldom miss a whole day without checking the rewind, but wouldn't you know, that would be the day?

Looks like the second egg got laid way at the edge of the N1 nest.  This morning around 7 to 7:30, both geese were on the nest, honking, then the Mom goose did some serious problem solving to get the sticks out of the way so she could roll the edge-egg toward the center of the nest bowl.  Video-worthy activity!   And a squirrel visited there, too.  Both eggs intact as geese returned.

Geese at N2B also, but no eggs there yet.

There was a raccoon in the nest during the night that moved the eggs around, which is why one was over to the side.  Mother Goose did a great job getting her eggs back in the bowl. 

A 3rd egg was laid last night a lil after 7pm.