Raptor Resource Project Forum
Archives => All things Decorah in 2023 => Topic started by: STLbf on January 01, 2023, 12:58:19 PM
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Happy New Year to everybirdie!
It's a good day to work on the North nest. MrN has an area behind the nest for gathering leafy branches. No holidays for eagles. ;)
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Thanks for the snapshots STL.
What a sweet precious doe/fawn.
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Oops, look at the deer again, Phyl, those are antlers. Probably a yearling buck.
Red squirrel raiding the nest for corn husk material for its own nest! Do both male and female squirrels make their nests?
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LOL It was the 'twigs' as in dead bush branches that confused me. ;D
Yes. Both genders of squirrels make the nest.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=do+both+male+and+female+squirrels+make+the+nest&form=CHRDEF&sp=-1&pq=do+both+male+and+female+squirrels+make+the+nest&sc=0-47&qs=n&sk=&cvid=81EEDC506C5A4068BDB0198F5B4C5B9C&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&ghpl= (https://www.bing.com/search?q=do+both+male+and+female+squirrels+make+the+nest&form=CHRDEF&sp=-1&pq=do+both+male+and+female+squirrels+make+the+nest&sc=0-47&qs=n&sk=&cvid=81EEDC506C5A4068BDB0198F5B4C5B9C&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&ghpl=)
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Sorry to post this here, but thought someone might also have experienced this problem with not receiving notifications even though "notify" is turned on.
Has anyone experienced this over the last few months?
If so, is there something I need to do, other than to contact Amy and add to her already busy schedule?
I, and others, had this problem a few years back, and Amy was able to get it fixed.
Thanks so much.
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I was taking a peek at the Decorah nests. And, found The Norths awake on the
---just missed Mrs. North 'flexing' her wings :(
Decorah North Eagles
Jan 2, 2023 6:47 AM
Camera Time: Jan 2, 2023 6:46 AM CST
Birchwoman
Mrs. North and been 'flexing' her wings---just missed that. :(
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/30/20230102T124642_13728291.ts.jpg)
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Yikes! Got t his out of sequence.
Was up late last night and snapped The Norths snoozing. :-*
Decorah North Eagles
Jan 2, 2023 12:45 AM
Camera Time: Jan 2, 2023 12:45 AM CST
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/29/20230102T064522_13717451.ts.jpg)
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Phyl, thanks for the info about squirrels usually sharing nest-building. One of the red squirrels is gathering material on the nest now (12:45 PM).
Great pics of the Norths on the Love Branches last night. They did some nest work at daylight, bringing leafy branches from the area "behind" the nest. After they flew off, the little creatures started showing up. No pic, but a kingfisher on the Brush Pile about 8:15 and a flock of geese feeding around 11:00.
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Ooohhh, a young eagle perched on the Stump near the nest. Could it be one of the eaglets from 2022? DNF brought new cornstalk to the nest, then hollered at the visitor and flew at it to chase it away. Both perched in branches not far from the nest, not sure how close to each other. Rewind to about 1:15 for the action.
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Look what I ca ught on the cam...
Decorah North Eagles
Jan 2, 2023 2:57 PM
Camera Time: Jan 2, 2023 2:56 PM CST
Wild turkeys...
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/31/20230102T205642_13742991.ts.jpg)
A hen (wild) turkey!
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/31/20230102T205728_13743014.ts.jpg)
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Decorah North Eagles
Jan 2, 2023 2:56 PM
Camera Time: Jan 2, 2023 2:55 PM CST
Up close.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/31/20230102T205544_13742962.ts.jpg)
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Phyl, wonderful closeups of the wild turkeys! But I think you missed the beard hanging down from the chest -- that's almost always a male.
These birds were in the pasture not too many days ago. Someone, probably Ginger, speculated that it's a flock of bachelor males from this year's hatching. I'm going out on a limb ! ;) ! and saying this is the same bachelor group. All of them appear to have beards. More pics.
My son hunted wild turkeys, and we agreed that the long, stringy, gray beards look kind of like graduation tassels that hang from a graduation cap.
One pic of MrN on the nest. Then he flew to the Scary Tree to watch the turkeys. They stayed around for an hour or so.
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Hummm. I did a varification and info said 'hen'.
Oh well.
I thought that was a loose feather since it hung so very low almos on the chest.
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I just snapped this of The Norths.
Decorah North Eagles
Jan 3, 2023 7:27 AM
Camera Time: Jan 3, 2023 7:26 AM CST
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/31/20230103T132640_13772690.ts.jpg)
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Great snap, Phyl! The Norths have been doing nestorations today.
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Many thanks STL your snaps are great. Gee! The Norths have been busy. I wonder if the Mrs. is with egg now.
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I'd just switched to this feed ...
Jan 4, 2023 6:33 AM
Camera Time: Jan 4, 2023 6:32 AM CS
some deer having a frollick this morning below the nest
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/31/20230104T123252_13814276.ts.jpg)
Jan 4, 2023 6:33 AM
Camera Time: Jan 4, 2023 6:33 AM CST
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/31/20230104T123306_13814283.ts.jpg)
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And this...
Jan 4, 2023 6:34 AM
Camera Time: Jan 4, 2023 6:34 AM CST
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/31/20230104T123404_13814312.ts.jpg)
Jan 4, 2023 6:34 AM
Camera Time: Jan 4, 2023 6:34 AM CST
All were chaseing and jumping then left save for this one. Who seemed to pose for the cam.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/31/20230104T123428_13814324.ts.jpg)
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Phyl, great pics of the Norths before daylight, and the frolicking deer! Here's one more of the deer. And a few of the Norths.
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Our couple mated both last night and this morning (7:23 a.m.). Won't be looking for eggs until mid-February though.
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Squirrel living dangerously at Decorah North! Explore.org 02 January 2023 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcYBx0g3fAo
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Replies since MIA 12/30
13 pages of postings - hope I didn't miss anyone.
E4E Almost had clear weather. Some drizzles off and on. One big, long rain started during RB game. Smaller rains intermittent 1/31 and 1/1, but then they needed rain, just not a cyclone. Sounds like what is happening now is not going to be good.
Parade 10x better that it appears; nothing but fun.
Lani 2 1/2 hours of so much to enjoy. Even the crowd becomes part of the show. Yes, I got a ticket to see the game - had a ticket in hand after many
tries, 50 yard line. About 20 rows up from field, at the level lower/high break in tiers. Great spot especially for short and ADA problems. Finally cleared with ticket in hand after start of 1st quarter. It wasn't easy but finally cleared it off the buckett list of this ole lady. List is shrinking! 'We Are' chant is amazingly fun.
Two tours of southern CA and lots of LA. Weasel (sorry to spill the beans Weasel)
gave me a grand area tour, 3-4 hours one-on-one, favorites. She showed me lots of reminising favorites and close personal places and memories.
I now hope to get caught up on un-organizing Christmas, business, and personal obligations so I can spend hours going back through pics.
Loved the tour, and love you. Thanks Weasel.
PHYL Can honestly say - Rain, what rain? Nothing ever bothered anyone in the glorious 4 days had by thousands. Make that thousands + one. ME!
Met Avis and hubby from Saint Paul at our first get-together dinner orientation. Coincidently, she sat next me at the very same table. And, would you believe, she is also a travel advisor. Same age, loved football. AND - she is a silent percher of RRP! I told her she now needs to come to ATF and meet our group.
See, we travel people know who to go for the best for the $ and fun.
Side of LA I got to saw: Not the same as NY or Chgo. Not roads in straight lines, criss-crossing with other straight lines. So much you don't know until you are there. Lots of hills and curves to get to the next destination. Businesses, downtown, residential clandestinely hidden away in forests, hills, valleys, curves , even the freeways curve and go up and down. I found smooth rolling on the roads even when there was an influx of fans being added to a BIG, busy city. Not like my area. And it is fast driving always. Beautiful homes and areas. hidden and snuggled again into equally beautiful flora. Low ceiling and fog again meant no up-close-and-personal opportunity to see HOLLYWOOD sign. Guess I'll have to go back again some day to add that to my LA experience. Tee Hee
Clynn Loved your reminder post of our much more special childhood. How do we share and pass that on to the "new generations"? They have so much these days -- but have missed so much. I do remember!
Nibi the beaver's adorable -- beaver doing what beavers have to do. It is like an eaglet's poop shoot! It's natural; how do they know how , how to they even think of doing the process.
OG I will definitely go back to view Dolly's highwomen vid.
Had a serious chuckle at the end of the cat house -- seriously? Great fun.
Lori Always tears with Diva's Goodbye tour at N1.
LisaG Of course Dolly looks good. Has good genes, lots of money, good doc, and lots of pain and rehab time. She can't help look good but then she goes through lots more to not the way she looks/looked. Love her talent and her life's story.
Clynn Have at it!! I dub the red velvet cheesecake dessert of the year 2023!
Lani WOW - Pic of Pope and Pele, not that long ago either.
Worst part of RB trip--Singing Ole Lang Syne at midnight without Ton.
Phyl Funniest post - Cat playing catch the owner's package -- what a hoot!
KB Apology - I did miss GB/Vike game. Was busy for some reason. :) Who won?
T40 Two favs for sure--Dog giving pup bigger piece and beaver's doorstop.
OG Wow! Good going 21-0. I seem to have missed some good games Sorry - Not sorry.
Lani Australia celebration always a good show. Can't/Won't put that on my bucket list. Much too long a bus ride. LOL
E4E Always being thought of and remembered by you; always a deep warm feeling. Too bad we couldn't make contact. Next time?! And maybe even
get Weasel to join in.
Pink Missed the parade! Terrible thing! I'll give you a private blow by blow and answer questions.
KB I'm confused who missed the parade, you or Pink? They switched the day of both the parade and game.? I'm confused now.
I didn't know Zippo's birthday is Jan 1. For real? or Designated?
But I was so easy to spot. Not at parade but at the game. Utah side was white or red tops. I was on the PSU side white and/or dark blue. On game day in a rush I accidently put on rain coat to reverse side. Usually on black side with floral cuffs and hood. Game time it was on reverse all floral Monet side. For that reason , if not the field-size side, I would be the blooming flowers in the sea of blue. And no one saw me? Ummmph.
Have I overstayed my welcome? Twenty lashes with a wet noodle!
P
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Snowy morning at DNN, overcast so most views look like black and white. Best activity is the deer so far. Several does came across the pasture about 7:30, with one buck that has only one antler. One pic shows a broken antler close to his head. Could be from fighting during the rut in the fall. No eagles in view on the rewind at this posting time at almost noon. Bet they are at the Walmart shopping for warm slippers. :D
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Hi Puff glad to see you and all went well.
STL thanks the deer snaps. Gosh. LOL eagles shopping for slippers at Walmart (Wallyworld).
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I snapped this one early...
Decorah North Eagles
Jan 6, 2023 1:30 AM
Camera Time: Jan 6, 2023 1:29 AM CST
Over to the left, center frame
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/31/20230106T072954_13891587.ts.jpg)
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Good closeups of DNF on the nest 11:00 this morning and more closer to noon. MrN joined in for a while. No pic, but a squirrel was huddled at the lower edge of the nest just before DNF landed. Could have been lunch. :D
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These are good.
Thanks.
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Good closeups of DNF on the nest 11:00 this morning and more closer to noon. MrN joined in for a while. No pic, but a squirrel was huddled at the lower edge of the nest just before DNF landed. Could have been lunch. :D
Great pics, STL!
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Jan 7, 2023 6:55 AM
Camera Time: Jan 7, 2023 6:54 AM CST
Mr. and Mrs. North (DNF)
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/2/1/20230107T125448_13944534.ts.jpg)
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Hey Phyl, I think you got a moon-shadow pic! Lovely. The Norths spent the night there and until about 8:30AM. Haven't seen them since they left the Scary Tree.
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Thank you! I didn't realize until I checked out your post just now. Indeed! very lovely.
Also thanks for the update photo and observation.
Have a good evening everyone!
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Cold morning at DNN, but the deer are out and about. Dogs barking in the background keep them on the alert. Could also be the buck feeding near the does. I wonder if the deer eat the hay put out for the cattle, at the other end of the pasture. Has anyone seen them?
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Eagles made an appearance at the nest about 11:00 this morning. DNF might have brought a leafy branch, followed by MrN with a new cornstalk. Neither stayed very long.
Question about updating Forums to 2023 -- Does this happen at any particular time, like when first egg is laid? Or when someone (probably Amy) has the time?
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Eagles made an appearance at the nest about 11:00 this morning. DNF might have brought a leafy branch, followed by MrN with a new cornstalk. Neither stayed very long.
Question about updating Forums to 2023 -- Does this happen at any particular time, like when first egg is laid? Or when someone (probably Amy) has the time?
STL -- It's when Amy has time. Usually it's around Jan. 1 but sometimes it's awhile after that.
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STL thanks for the wonderful wildlife snaps
Hi Ginger
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Decorah North Eagles
Jan 8, 2023 4:01 PM
Camera Time: Jan 8, 2023 4:00 PM CST
A doe.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/2/3/20230108T220044_14004112.ts.jpg)
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Decorah North Eagles
Jan 8, 2023 4:01 PM
Camera Time: Jan 8, 2023 4:01 PM CST
Heard something? Maybe some cows.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/2/3/20230108T220130_14004135.ts.jpg)
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It's a great day to watch the deer as they head for the creek and beyond. Lots of play, maybe some dominance between the larger does and the smaller ones that were fawns last summer. Rewind to about 4:00 and enjoy!
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Decorah North Eagles
Jan 9, 2023 6:49 AM
Camera Time: Jan 9, 2023 6:49 AM CST
A dog barking had got Mr.North's attention.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/2/2/20230109T124922_14030771.ts.jpg)
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Full moon a couple days ago, coyotes and dogs might be howling and barking overnight if it is clear.
A little nest work around 8:00 this morning.
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These are great STL. Thanks
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Icy mist this morning, but eagles are at work on the nest. DNF carried in a stick in her beak, usually holds them in her talons. MrN came right after to help arrange materials. At about 8:00, DNF worked on breaking off a stick from the Perching Branch next to the nest. Not sure if she got it.
About noon, the cam ops found a Kingfisher perched on the Brush Pile.
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Jan 10, 2023 3:00 PM
Camera Time: Jan 10, 2023 3:00 PM CST
Birchwoman
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/26/20230110T210027_46166.ts.jpg)
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STL thanks for the update and snapshots of the Norths. ;)
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Hey Phyl, scrolling back through today's rewind found a visiting sub-adult perched very close to the nest on the Yonder Tree, Pasture Branch about 10:00 this morning. At first I thought it was MrN but the distinctive eye boo-boo wasn't there, nor was the back of head special feathering of DNF. The Norths must have been elsewhere because there was no challenge. Around 2:00, a flock of grackles was feeding on the creek bank for a short while.
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STL your snaps are great! Thanks for narrative.
Your capture and mine !And, I'll just '..be dipped!" Story of my online cam life---just miss one time or the other! ::)
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Jan 12, 2023 6:23 AM
Camera Time: Jan 12, 2023 6:23 AM CST
DNF and Mr. North
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/25/20230112T122311_117048.ts.jpg)
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The Norths are working hard on their nest. Love the leafy branches that they gather from behind the nest tree.
About 10:30 AM, DNF brought a big fish to the nest, mid-morning snack. (no pic)
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STL tks. for snaps; their hard work will be rewarded with egglets and eaglets. ;)
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STL -- That was actually TWO fish that DNF brought to the nest. It was kind of hard to tell, but it was definitely two and, of course, she ate both of them.
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STL - Great pics!
Ginger - I thought I saw two tails flopping around. :)
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Thanks for the more accurate info about DNF's fish. It's hard to keep up sometimes!
Today it's mostly activities and pics of MrN, including frozen leftover something for lunch on Love Branch.
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Thanks for info., Ginger
STL great snaps. Many thanks.
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Another cold day and pics of some work on the nest.
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Thanksl STL all good snaps.
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Decorah north nest eagles in slow motion - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6cS8lAJurU
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We have 'moon shadows' this morning.
Decorah North Eagles
Jan 15, 2023 6:30 AM
Camera Time: Jan 15, 2023 6:30 AM CST
DNF and Mr. North side by side. Maybe some fog.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/27/20230115T123019_246862.ts.jpg)
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Jan 16, 2023 7:24 AM
Camera Time: Jan 16, 2023 7:24 AM CST
When I snapped this, I thought that was DNF on the extreme lefthand side of image.
But, later realized it was a knarled branch not a BE with her back turned. :(
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/28/20230116T132407_291676.ts.jpg)
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Phyl, sometimes I watch a shape for minutes to see if it moves and turns out to be an eagle, or not!
Cam ops found some wild turkeys settling down for the night close to the nest, on the ground walking and up in the Love Branches finding a place to roost. Light fading, light rain. Can you see them?
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Luv the blue hue snaps of wild turkeys STL
There's an art/ skill to cam/bird watching...one must be patient, in more ways than one.
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Thanks, Phyl. Turkeys are active this time of year. At daybreak, I heard them gobbling near the creek (on rewind), then at least two were displaying, strutting for a while. So far, it's all the males, females nowhere to be seen.
Eagles busy also. One, I think DNF, was on the creek bank, then both on the nest with materials they brought, about 8:00 AM. Nice fly-ins on the rewind.
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Gathering more nest material this morning, back and forth, here and there.
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Very nice snaps STL. Thanks
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I was peeking in on some nests this AM.
Decorah North Eagles
Jan 19, 2023 6:27 AM
Camera Time: Jan 19, 2023 6:27 AM CST
Brrr!
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/29/20230119T122711_419568.ts.jpg)
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Phyl, black and white pics are really beautiful in snowy weather.
More pics from this morning. There are some interesting tracks in the snow under the nest, but no pics from me.
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Thanks. I think the sharp contast is beauitful also.
Your's are great---esp. like the blue hues emphsizing the coldness.
The Norths look great.
Tks.
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Jan 20, 2023 7:00 AM
Camera Time: Jan 20, 2023 6:59 AM CST
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/29/20230120T125947_463746.ts.jpg)
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Jan 20, 2023 7:19 AM
Camera Time: Jan 20, 2023 7:19 AM CST
Not sure who this is---a visitor? :-\
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/30/20230120T131921_464333.ts.jpg)
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It's a hawk, Phyl. DNF was not happy that it flew in and chose to perch on her tree. Eventually DNF flew off and later the hawk left as well.
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It's a hawk, Phyl. DNF was not happy that it flew in and chose to perch on her tree. Eventually DNF flew off and later the hawk left as well.
You know if I had enlarged the snapshot...I'd seen that beak.
I need to do that !!
Thanks Ginger :-*
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MrN came to the nest for a short while about 9:00 this morning. Otherwise quiet abounds at DNN.
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The boys really acting up tonight at North Nest. I think it was said that they are coyotes. Lots of howling going on! They carry on LOUDLY at about 6:20 and then again about 6:50. Longer session too, maybe 2 -3 minutes. For those who are practiced up on rewind, give it a try finding and listening. Scarey. Also, not just two - the group seems to have grown tonight.
P
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Couple pics from just after dark at the North nest and area underneath, with coyotes barking in the background.
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Jan 21, 2023 1:01 AM
Camera Time: Jan 21, 2023 1:01 AM CST
Mr. North and DNF
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/29/20230121T070131_496198.ts.jpg)
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Some activity this morning around the DNN area.
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Nice pics from this morning, STL. When that subadult flew off of DN12's Tree branch it went after some geese floating in the stream. It made another pass and as it approached, the geese bunched together and made themselves look bigger and honked. Their maneuver succeeded and the sub flew on to perch on the BPT.
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Ginger, Thanks for the notes about the sub-a activities. I'm going to the rewind to watch it now. Geese as prey would be a challenge for any eagle. (found the episode) And the hunting attempts were worth searching for! Couple pics here, but it's way better on the video. Find the closeup view of the sub-a, and two more swoopings follow with views of the geese.
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Deer active again this morning, all does that I saw. Cam ops got some really nice closeups of cud-chewing time.
The Norths spent the night close together on the Love Branch. About 6AM they woke and twittered and flew off towards the creek. Around 9:30, DNF brought a long stick to the nest, fiddled with it, made loud calls. MrN was on the bank of the creek.
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Jan 22, 2023 1:28 PM
Camera Time: Jan 22, 2023 1:28 PM CST
Sweet doe near the nest this afternoon.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/31/20230122T192827_561806.ts.jpg)
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Thanks Ginger for info; STL for the great snaps.
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Phyl - love the pic of the doe
STL - Great pics!
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Nice nest work around 1:00 this afternoon, new sticks and cornstalks to move from here to there. Looks like they are railing off the patio area.
Deer spent most of the day in the area near the nest. Cam ops provided furry closeups with pic from Phyl.
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Lisa/STL Thanks.
Luv the snaps STL. And, the subjects of course.
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News for those of us who use AMAZONSMILE to donate to RAPTOR RESOURCE PROJECT. If this has been previously posted (I didn't see it) I am sorry.
AmazonSmile will go away 20 February 2023. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/01/19/amazon-discontinues-amazonsmile-donation-program-layoffs/11080565002/
Those of us who used AmazonSmile to donate to RRP will just have to up our regular donations.
Originally posted in 'Decorah Eagles' by Johnny. thought I'd share here.
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L to R
Mr. North and DNF
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/31/20230123T114825_591205.ts.jpg)
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Phyl, that overnight spot seems to be the North's favorite. All morning they have been gathering and placing new nest materials, mostly long sticks.
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Nice pics this morning, STL.
Here's a gif from GABear of Mr. North pole vaulting that big, long stick into the nest.
(https://i.gyazo.com/9e6a9353edbf2eddf498fa9d550acaed.gif)
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:o Ginger your post is great! Thanks
Tks STL
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The Norths are busy this morning bringing sticks and grasses to the nest. There's a classroom chat going on, what a treat for students to watch the eagles live!
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Earlier some long-distance views of coyote, and deer at the creek and several more under the nest area. A chickadee visited the nest, and a red-bellied woodpecker that was too fast for a pic.
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Ducks and geese are feeding at the creek from about noon until 2:00, when posting pics. Large flock of noisy crows in the area, too, but no pic.
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STL many t hanks for the snapshots.
We have the Carolina Chickadees here. So cute
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Decorah North Eagles
Jan 24, 2023 4:47 PM
Camera Time: Jan 24, 2023 4:47 PM CST
What a sunset for DNF and Mr. North
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/9/2/20230124T224735_654180.ts.jpg)
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Beautiful sunset pic, Phyl.
Just after dark, might have been a mating on a lower Love Branch, then the Norths settle in for the night on their favored branch. Coyotes howling at the same time.
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an 25, 2023 6:41 AM
Camera Time: Jan 25, 2023 6:41 AM CST
DNF and Mr. North
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/9/1/20230125T124135_679200.ts.jpg)
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Jan 25, 2023 6:58 AM
Camera Time: Jan 25, 2023 6:57 AM CST
DNF and Mr. North
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/9/1/20230125T125733_679679.ts.jpg)
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DNN morning about 10:00, DNF in a creek tree perched near a Sub-adult who was eating something. Later, MrN brought a small stick to the nest. Otherwise a quiet time.
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Thanks STL. Good 'run down'.
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Couple more pics from this afternoon. MrN brought some grasses, and DNF was close behind with more at about 1:30 PM. An hour later they were both perching in the Scary Tree.
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(https://raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2779.0;attach=576752;image)
So, these are the trees they always perch in . And, if The Norths are here, then The Norths are in the 'scary trees'.
And, if I see them here the I can be correct in saying, they are in the 'scary trees.' ::)
La,la,la,la,la :P
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DNF roosted last night on the Love Tree. Mr. N. roosted in the trees to the left and behind the Love Tree. Mr. N. flew to the Love Tree at about 7:02 and spent a few minutes there before flying to the nest. DNF flew to the Scary Tree (just one tree, Phyl. ;D) and a subadult perched above her. DNF did some vocalizing and then flew off. The sub gave chase and there was some confronting in the air. Unusual to see DNF being chased. Here's a video from GABear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpyLttbVZpc
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Great vid, Ginger! Thanks.
Gosh---just one tree--that's make it more difficult for this gal to get 'it' right. LOL
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Here's a visual treat on the rewind at about 1:00 this afternoon. Still pics don't capture the fun like video, which I can't do. Find DNF on the nest briefly at just after 1:00. Then back up to the deer feeding under the nest tree on the south side for a change. In between is a delightful fly-around of at least two eagles and maybe a hawk or crow. It's hard to tell because the bright sunshine casts shadows at the same time. And it's all pretty fast. DNF comes in to land briefly on the perching snag before landing on the nest.
Note for Phyl about the tree names -- There are pretty good maps and photos with labels of the DNN trees if you scroll down past the live feed screen. You can print them if you wish. And if that's not enough, I have several labeled photos that might help you. I keep them at the bottom of my large PC screen for reference and would be happy to share. The cam ops are wonderful about panning and zooming so you can tell which branch on which tree has the interesting view. Names have been attached informally by various watchers so we can talk about the same places with "less" confusion. ;)
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More snow overnight. The Norths showed up at the nest about 11:00 this morning. In and out, adding some grasses, picking at sticks until noontime posting of a pic.
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Did anything happen at the North nest on Saturday? I was away all day, so just the one early pic.
Seems very quiet this morning. Too cold to be out and about.
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WE were busy with some indoor repairs yesterday. Sorry. :(
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Nothing happening so far today. Crisp, cold. There's a trail across the pasture in the snow, kind of across the middle of the pic. Probably a deer trail. See orange mark in second version of pic.
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The Norths landed almost together on the nest at about 10:00 this morning. They stayed for a short time. The MrN brought two sticks, not together, at about 11:30. That's it for the day so far.
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Thanks for update.
;) on the snaps
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Decorah North eagles slomo and smooches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyF3rz54Gpg
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Happy Groundhog Day
The Norths are busy adding sticks to the nest this morning. Deer have been out also, and a sub-adult BE about noon. No groundhogs yet.
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More pics. Beats doing housework!
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That's what I'm doing today---
Good snaps. 6 more weeks before celebrating GH day
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DNF spent hours this afternoon defurring and consuming something gray, furry, and frozen. On the nest, on a branch nearby, on the log under the nest. Has the prey item been identified?
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great snaps STL
Tks for the v id Ginger
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Clear sky sunrises provide great colors!
Deer were active early this morning. I counted seven in the long view, but could be more. Each of the Norths brought nest materials before noon.
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Caught this sunrise ...
Feb 4, 2023 7:27 AM
Camera Time: Feb 4, 2023 7:27 AM CST
Birchwoman (Me)
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/26/20230204T132709_197367.ts.jpg)
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(https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/falcons.jpg) The Raptor Resource Project
From Amy's blog...
Announcing: The Raptor Resource Project’s 2023 Eagle Chats!
https://www.raptorresource.org/2023/02/01/announcing-the-raptor-resource-projects-2023-eagle-chats/ (https://www.raptorresource.org/2023/02/01/announcing-the-raptor-resource-projects-2023-eagle-chats/)
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OK about the chats beginning regular times with first egg here. This morning, there's a Love Branch mating on camera, see rewind about 11:00.
And beautiful sunrise here. And work on the nest. And DNF brought a fish for brunch. Don't believe she shared it with MrN.
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Thanks for the snaps STL.
With all the bird sex going on. One'd think some 'one' would come up PG. LOL
Really hope this gal can make the chat times--- ::)
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Lots of arranging of nest materials today.
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Decorah North Eagles
Feb 6, 2023 5:04 PM
Camera Time: Feb 6, 2023 5:04 PM CST
DNF--
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/29/20230206T230409_301077.ts.jpg)
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Feb 6, 2023 5:30 PM
Camera Time: Feb 6, 2023 5:29 PM CST
Finally!
DNF, right near trunk and Mr. North left
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/29/20230206T232935_301840.ts.jpg)
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Decorah North Eagles
Feb 7, 2023 6:17 AM
Camera Time: Feb 7, 2023 6:17 AM CST
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/28/20230207T121711_324868.ts.jpg)
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Decorah North Eagles
Feb 7, 2023 6:18 AM
Camera Time: Feb 7, 2023 6:18 AM CST
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/28/20230207T121815_324900.ts.jpg)
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The Norths have been wrangling sticks and arranging nest materials this morning. At about 11:15, MrN brought a nice-sized fish to the nest and ate it all.
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Great pics, STL and Phyl :)
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Rewind to noon or so to watch an older sub-adult eagle fly from the far creek bank into the water, then flap-swim across. It sat on the near edge behind some grasses for quite a while. Didn't see where it went after that.
MrN has been preening on one of the lower Love Branches since about 3:00 PM.
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Thanks Lisa
Very nice snaps STL Tks.
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Feb 8, 2023 6:27 AM
Camera Time: Feb 8, 2023 6:27 AM CST
DNF and Mr. North
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/28/20230208T122731_368378.ts.jpg)
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Phyl, the Norths were early to rise today, and have been busy with nest work all morning, bringing sticks and grasses. At about 11:15, DNF claimed a large fish brought to the nest, I think by MrN who had been hovering over the creek just before.
Last year, DNF laid the first egg on FEB 16, that's just 8 days from now! They are definitely getting ready.
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The hovering over the stream was really cool. Here's a video from GABear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97St89g9n5A&t=2s
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Ginger, thanks for posting GABear's video.
Here's more action that's way better on the rewind or someone's video:
Upside down woodpecker on a limb near the nest at about 1:00 this afternoon.
Herd of deer coming out of the woods on the far side of the creek and traipsing across the pasture, disappearing under the nest tree area.
Also, the older sub-adult perched on a rock at the wide area of the creek, about 4:00.
Thanks to the cam ops for all this variety.
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STL - Great pics!
Ginger - Thanks for the video!
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The hovering over the stream was really cool. Here's a video from GABear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97St89g9n5A&t=2s
Many thanks.
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Work on the nest continues today. It's mostly fluffy grasses so far. That nest will be comfy for eggs-to-come-soon.
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About 9:30, the Norths flew to the branches behind the nest where they gather sticks and leaves, kind of the area where we see deer sometimes. Anyhow, flirting, twittering, no mating, then gathering sticks and being close. The rewind is worth watching.
Kingfisher at the Brush Pile this afternoon.
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STL many thanks for the wonderful snaps and report! ;) ;)
Let's hope egglets arrrive safely.
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Thanks, Phyl. Could be soon for eggs here at the North nest.
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Couple more pics from DNN.
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Another good day for working on the nest. Sub-adult hanging around, makes me wonder how long the Norths will tolerate them. After egg-laying? We will find out soon enough.
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Really great snapshots STL. Have enjoyed them all. Thanks
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Nice angle and look into North Nest. The size and shape truly looks good.
P
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Puff, good look for the nest, you are right!
Early, just at daylight, the Norths were in the Scary Tree and several deer are just visible in the field behind the creek trees. Then two coyotes came down and crossed the creek. They are big and fluffy and the color of the grasses so I marked them with green arrows.
MrN and DNF have been kind of hanging around today, on the nest and in the Scary Tree. Amy wrote recently that the female BEs tend to spend more time on the nest as they get close to laying eggs.
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These are great snaps. Tks STL
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Feb 13, 2023 6:17 AM
Camera Time: Feb 13, 2023 6:17 AM CST
The Norths-- Mr. North and DNF making nestorations
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/8/31/20230213T121715_584070.ts.jpg)
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Good day for eagle activity around the nest. Lots of calling and following each other from perch to perch.
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DNF has been on the nest a lot today. Could this be first-egg-night?
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Let's hope so. ;)
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We'll see what morning brings, Phyl.
At dusk, the Norths made a nest visit from the creek trees, then flew to the big tree just south of the nest, then back to the creek trees. Finally just at dark, DNF came to the nest briefly before roosting in the favorite Love Branch spot. About 6:00, deer are in the field behind the creek trees, then several came to the creek. Deer are often active in the dark because fewer predators.
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Like the new cam view.
Thanks for the snaps. Really good narative
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Happy Valentine's Day to Everybirdie
Beautiful sunrise, and rain to match this morning.
Nest work continues, sticks, corn stalks and husks, digging the egg cup. I'm sure DNF is piling up the grasses at the edge of the cup so the cameras won't be able to see the first egg. She's clever that way, but she may not have allowed for the new camera angles. We'll see soon.
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Is anyone else thinking what I am - why is DNF in that bole this entire night? Kinda windy - I'd think she'd be in a better wind-deflecting safe spot.
P
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Puff -- DNF usually spends at least one night on the nest before she lays an egg. The last two years she's laid her first egg on February 16.
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Oh, yeah Ginger multiple times for a while now we've been reminded about February 16 - I'm not that certain that she's been reading the posts. I think 2 things - She was practicing her egg-laying mantra/trance and she nixed the idea of a rain washed delivery.
Practice session faked me out.
P
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I missed the delivery to NN - something fuzzy for beakfast?
P
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Puff -- DNF usually spends at least one night on the nest before she lays an egg. The last two years she's laid her first egg on February 16.
It's getting close, hopefully
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Gotta be getting close to first egg. MrN brought a trout to the nest where DNF was calling for food. That's a good sign. I think it's a brown trout, the ones with scattered speckles, some in color. Deer grazing under the nest tree, and geese in the pasture by the creek. MrN has been fish hunting from the Brush Pile Tree.
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RRP posted DNF's past schedule. (I don't think I've posted this before.)
2022: DNF laid her first egg at 3:17 PM
2021: DNF laid her first egg at 1:44 PM
2020: DNF laid her first egg at 3:36 PM
2019: DNF laid her first egg at 3:23 PM
So, her time of day has been quite consistent. On whichever day it turns out to be, RRP suggests tuning in between about 1:30 and 4:00 for the best chance to see her laying egg #1, and also to watch for her to spend the early part of the day on and around her nest.
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Coyotes and Decorah North Eagles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKfYPbXCths
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T40 - Thanks for the video.
Ginger - Thanks for the RRP post of DNF's schedule.
STL - Great pics!
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STL, Ginger and T40 tks. fpr the snaps, egg schedule and vid.
Informative at very least.
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No eggs yet, here or at Decorah, but the mating business is going well.
Norths continue with nest preparation.
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DNF tested the fit of the egg cup for a while around noon, then flew away. She has lots of pale brown feathers, esp. on the right wing, looks like molting might be soon.
MrN brought another long stick about 12:30. He has one primary wing feather that looks frayed and pale, see in the pic.
Geese feeding in the pasture about 1:00.
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'Things progressing nicely.
Tks for snaps
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Decorah North Nest Home of DNF & Mr. North
busy bees this morning...
(https://i.gyazo.com/299270055c86e1f23b4b42d5b0b5c6d3.gif)
Slo mo showing exhale of breath, it's cold!
(https://i.gyazo.com/440de701ac098b5b67eafdf407fa8ffb.gif)
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Early pics from DNN, no egg yet. Really cold!
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Watch the rewind or video posted at the DNN chat for pasture rapture action about 10 to 11 AM today! ;D
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"Pasture Rapture".
Great label for that screen cap STL. ;D 8)
I don't think I've ever seen these eagles mate out in the open on the ground before. :o
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4E6KtQg_z0 :)
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"Pasture Rapture".
Great label for that screen cap STL. ;D 8)
I don't think I've ever seen these eagles mate out in the open on the ground before. :o
d54
I was thinking the same thing BL. I guess when the arrow flys it is where you is. :-[
P
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4E6KtQg_z0 :)
eburg You have to have been holding that tune to the side since 1960 waiting for the most apropos time to add to the conversation!!!!!
Is there even anyone else out there who even heard that song before?
P
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"Pasture Rapture".
Great label for that screen cap STL. ;D 8)
I don't think I've ever seen these eagles mate out in the open on the ground before. :o
BL -- I've only seen them mate on the ground two or three times that I remember. The one specific location I remember was on the stream bank.
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Puff--a hidden treasure from the White Album, 1968. Bought my "numbered" copy in the San Diego MCRD PX on my way home for Christmas leave. I was in electronics school there.
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_ As long as The Norths are copulating in the middle of the cow pasture road it's all good .
The nearest unpaved human road be downstream .. not much traffic there unless you belong there.
My understanding of the present winter conditions here at DNN thus far based solely on local knowledge is ..
"BE's are flying around with unnamed prognosticating woodchucks in their talons and hooking up like Springtime frogs"
Taking mammalian and aquatic sustenance as it comes for the sake of appropriate egg shell thickness as it where.
What's vinyl ?
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Deer in the field below ...
Camera Time: Feb 18, 2023 7:55 AM CST
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/9/3/20230218T135517_803011.ts.jpg)
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... and...
Camera Time: Feb 18, 2023 8:05 AM CS
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/9/3/20230218T140511_803308.ts.jpg)
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Phyl, you got the knack for clear deer pics!
No egg yet for the Norths. We are hopeful for today.
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Thanks.
Luv your sunset and all.
The day's not over even yet.
Who knows?
Talon's crossed.
DNF & Mr. North :-*
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No egg yet, but a closeup copulation on the nest! at 4:40PM, better on the rewind.
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Last night, just after dark, several raccoons were playing around the big log under the nest tree. The Norths spent the night on Love Branches.
Quieter morning at DNN today. Nest work by both Norths, flying in and out, a hawk in the Scary Tree for a while. We're ready for eggs, already, y'all. :D
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Great snaps STL.
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Cam ops found a female hairy woodpecker on branches near the nest. Great detail. Slow zooming would reveal exactly where she is.
No egg from DNF today so far.
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Here is the 2023 hotlinks for Decorah nests and the Lounges
Save these links in your Favorites/Bookmarks and it will take you to the page you were last reading...
Beak Room 2023 Forum - https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?topic=2813.new.html#new
Cheers 2023 Forum - https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?topic=2815.new.html#new
Decorah Eagles 2023 Forum - https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php?topic=2812.new.html#new
Decorah North Nest 2023 Forum - https://www.raptorresource.org/raptorresource/forum/index.php/topic,2811.new.html#new
Hoping for a great year...
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Beautiful pics of the Hairy. Thanks STL.
Maybe tonight's the night! ;)
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First egg laid at approx. 8:48 p.m.!!!
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Congratulations DNN home of DNF and Mr. North!
(https://i.gyazo.com/51230ddd70a737bfb92f6fa66a68e1ce.gif)
Decorah North Eagles - DNF lays her first egg of the 2023 season on 2/20/23 / explore.org 2/20/23https://youtu.be/gwlSRHlHGBE VIA GA BEAR
DNF lays her first egg of 2023 season around 8:46 PM CT on February 20, 2023
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First egg laid at approx. 8:48 p.m.!!!
Happy days!!! (http://dl3.glitter-graphics.net/pub/3000/3000743rgk2r9wkhn.gif) (https://www.glitter-graphics.com)
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Congratulations DNF and Mr. North! She definitely had the look. ;D Thanks Ginger, and Lori!
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Congratulations Mom! Rest now....you look beat!
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Yippee Yahoo
Congratulations to the Norths on their first egg of the 2023 season. ;D
Rewind to about 6:00 this morning for a really smooth changeover from DNF to MrN. She wakes, calls, and leaves. He flies in right away.
He has been on brooding duty since then, with a short break for stretching and canoodling with DNF on the lower Love Branch. No mating, just closeness.
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Bright sunrise to greet the new egg, and a closeup of MrN as a proud PaPa again.
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Not being a hunter, I just gained the revelation of the meaning of "...high-tailing it out of there..." after viewing the deer fleeing the field!! :) ;) 8)
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Eburg, here's a pic of the deer, not high-tailin' it, but on the far side of the creek about 1:30 this afternoon. The video has the better action.
Horses sometimes run with their tails high in the air, so your saying could apply to them, too.
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MrN has been on nest duty all day. Now it is snowing! Wonder where DNF went?
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MrN has been on nest duty all day. Now it is snowing! Wonder where DNF went?
I've been wondering the same thing?
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She's back!
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Monarch, good to see that DNF is on duty. We don't really care where she was all day, as long as she's back now. ;)
How much snow predicted overnight in Decorah? TV weather makes it look ominous, and deep.
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Feb 22, 2023 6:22 AM
Camera Time: Feb 22, 2023 6:21 AM CST
Mr. North has been keeping watch ...scanning beyond the nest and chatting with DNF
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/9/4/20230222T122135_973000.ts.jpg)
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Feb 22, 2023 6:33 AM
Camera Time: Feb 22, 2023 6:33 AM CST
Awwww. We know you're in there. :)
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/9/4/20230222T123335_973360.ts.jpg)
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Feb 22, 2023 6:47 AM
Camera Time: Feb 22, 2023 6:46 AM CST
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/9/4/20230222T124653_973759.ts.jpg)
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Decorah North Eagles
Feb 22, 2023 9:11 AM
Camera Time: Feb 22, 2023 9:11 AM CST
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/9/5/20230222T151109_978087.ts.jpg)
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Snow storm all over the area, sleet also. Nasty, but the eagles are prepared. Roll that egg way down in the cup and sit tight.
It's still egg-making season, with copulation on the Ladder Branch before daylight today.
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Dad North before one cam went out... freezing rain here windy.
Take care Norths!!
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/77b32a2662584b491f73065425f906929c556fd3090c8e2028c4031f0593a0e2.png?w=800&h=441)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9a1f65756837acf393a584df3ffd45a6be843363277ce99b7095d1332acd45ec.png?w=800&h=445)
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Great pics - Lori, STL, Phyl and all...thank you! :)
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Great pics - Lori, STL, Phyl and all...thank you! :)
you too Miss Lisa!!! 💜😘
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Lori, love that pic of the Norths calling together on the snowy nest.
About 2:00, DNF was on the nest, but I couldn't find the changeover on the rewind. MrN was on the ground near the nest tree at 2:30, perhaps hunting, but he did not bring anything to the nest at 3:00 when DNF left and MrN took over. DNF spent a few minutes on the Ladder Branch, then must have changed her mind about who should be brooding the egg.
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I just watched MrN trying to snuggle himself into the nest - there is a problem we mentioned a couple weeks back about the nest/nest bole looking small. Tonight it was too small even for one egg. He finally made space for his girth, but it appeared that he wasn't deep enough to share the heat of the brood patch directly on the egg. Lots and lots of wiggling and adjusting done - but now he has ended up with his butt (he has a butt?) he has his butt backed up and out of the nest laying on a bump of snow. Brrrrrrr
Rewind back to about 6:40 nest time.
P
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That's Mr. North on the nest tonight, Puff. :)
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Lots of adjustments for DNF and MrN to accommodate the new egg. Just wait until they have 2 or maybe 3!
Evening changeover from DNF to MrN about 6:00 just before dark. He is still on the nest at 1AM. Brrr.
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Since I posted a critique on the size of NN - it's only fair that I compliment and note the fine structural job they did. The snow added to the clear picture of the perfect round shape of the form of their nest. Look see.
P
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Puff, the Norths are an experienced pair, and they have a large area to work with.
MrN is calling for a changeover at 11:00 this morning. He took over at about 7:00, just at daylight.
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Decorah North Eagles egg - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSNVYCA0dyI
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DNN 2-23-23 MrN uses corn husks to insulate the nest bowl, like an afghan (see pic). Other eagles do the same.
Changeover at 4:30, then DNF followed MrN who flew off to the south, over the round bale area. No idea why. DNF returned to the nest in about 20 minutes. Makes me nervous when it is so cold for the egg to be uncovered. But the eagles know best. Tonight would be a good time for a second egg. Just sayin'.
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STLbf You mention something I've been watching, too. They seem to be leaving for long periods of time. When it seems to be extended I roll down to see temp at the nest sight. It hasn't been terribly cold but just like here Iowa's going down into the teens tonight. I'm hoping there are no long breaks in the morning.
P
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Here's an excerpt from a post by RRP tonight on their Facebook page:
"It was a blustery day in Decorah today! HM was nearly blown over when she got up to reposition herself, while Mr. North and DNF coped with snow and intruders. What's going on at the North nest and why isn't DNF incubating more? We suspect that the intruders are adult female eagles. If DNF thought they represented a serious threat, she would most likely take on nest-guarding while Mr. North incubated. Male eagles will chase female eagles, but don’t tend to engage in close-quarter fighting, since females are quite a bit larger than males and so more dangerous to them. DNF is incubating as I write this and we're hopeful that her discouragement - no other eagles allowed! - and warmer weather will have the interlopers moving on.
We could get egg #2 at the North nest tonight!"
Unfortunately, right now (7:00 p.m.) it's Mr. North on the nest, but it's always possible DNF could return tonight.
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checking on DNF and egg :) 221am 💜
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/9/5/20230224T082049_1052177.ts.jpg)
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It's Mr. North on the nest, Lori. DNF didn't return last night and Mr. North is still on the nest as of 6:47 a.m.
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Mr. North completed the night shift and DNF finally returned and took over at 7:37 this morning.
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Several changeovers today already. DNF took a long nap during her session on the nest. She must have been busy during the night. RRP mentioned that visitor-intruders might be adult females, so DNF may be chasing them away.
MrN took over at 9:40 AM and just left as I posted at 11:45 AM.
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Less time away from the egg today --so far!
The Norths spent minutes twittering on the Ladder Branch at noon changeover. Didn't see mating.
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Another day with the Norths away from the nest off and on for "long" periods of time. MrN came back at 5:30, then left shortly after. DNF returned just as the nighttime camera switched on. MrN brought a cornstalk right away, then left. Looks like DNF is asleep at 6:30, perhaps settled in for the night.
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Either DNF or a sub-adult perched in the Scary Tree at 7:00 this morning. No calling, no other eagle in view.
MrN was on brooding duty at 7AM, and all morning he was mostly on the nest, with several short breaks away. He left about 12:30 and DNF came to the nest at 1:00, briefly, then perched on the Ladder Branch, where she remains at 1:30. Strange behavior for sure.
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DNF flew away without settling on the egg earlier this afternoon. MrN returned and has been there all afternoon, with a short break or two.
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MrN seems to be taking the egg-brooding duty seriously; DNF not so much. She has been the nest this morning but not to settle on the egg. The cold, wet weather won't help the survival rate for this egg, I fear. About 7AM, they perched together on the snag but no mating, then flew to the Scary Tree for a time. DNF came to the nest briefly, then MrN brought her a bird, pheasant I think, and she returned to eat some of it but did not stay. MrN came to protect the egg, and DNF joined him on the nest to call at about 11:00. Both flew off, and MrN came back to brood until posting time of 11:30-ish.
Early morning pics here. Later on the next post.
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Rest of morning pics.
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DNN home of DNF & Mr.North
This morning...💜
(https://i.gyazo.com/05122fee2ad2384eca6e2bed1bf096c7.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/75b152892e55819ffe8e0ad79f6b5589.gif)
wipers
(https://i.gyazo.com/10125e0839f359f2bd23e89866cb3af3.gif)
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STL and LORI -- Thanks for the pics and gifs from this morning.
Of course we can't know for sure, but at this point I don't have any hope that the egg is going to hatch.
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STL and LORI -- Thanks for the pics and gifs from this morning.
Of course we can't know for sure, but at this point I don't have any hope that the egg is going to hatch.
:(
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While I'm inclined to agree that the first egg will likely not hatch, MrN and DNF are acting like a mated pair, bringing new grasses to the nest, calling and flirting from various perches this afternoon. I'm hopeful for another egg soon, maybe two. :D
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The eagles know best. It sure seems something isn't right for that first egg.
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The plot thickens about 11:30 this morning! A red squirrel came to the nest, mostly for the corn husks, but also picked up the egg and tried to bite into the shell. Twice!! Don't think it was successful, but golly gee.
MrN has been on the nest most of the time. DNF rousted him off at about 9:00, but she didn't stay either. Sounds of possible mating heard from trees to north of the nest, but not close enough for the cam ops to find them. MrN returned after the squirrel left; don't think he noticed the Red Raider. :o
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OMG - I never actually have ever seen that! Not a good omen.
P
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Puff, I never saw a squirrel try to eat an eagle egg, either. Squirrels will eat eggs of songbirds, so I guess not so amazing to try the huge variety. EEeeewwww, they also eat baby birds! Google it, you will see lots of links.
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Decorah North home of DNF and Mr. North and little egg....
a squirrel picked up the egg today!!
Explore mod GABear stated "We haven't seen any sign that the egg is broken. Usually the adults will get fluid on their beaks and on their feathers when they move it or incubate it if it's broken."
Prayers for this family and little one coming💜
Mr. North says squirrels not allowed.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e7282139047022c0d9979fb3617e51a26cec69b3631ee3e9669c23831ebe337e.jpg?w=800&h=467)
(https://i.gyazo.com/3ab89dc70868f1d2927e27380fd2d4e4.gif)
(https://i.gyazo.com/450a8692f3e9baac18ba1d52d2c9275d.gif)
Mr. North brings DNF a fish and she is tucked in for the evening... all is ok.
(https://i.gyazo.com/355895189f8fa9d8540e5e90b3bd0fcf.gif)
Decorah North : Squirrel pick up the egg (explore.org 02 28 2023
https://youtu.be/-sAzup4F5lg via lizzy g eaglespirit
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Oh my, a squirrel going after the egg! Apparently, it happens elsewhere, but as far as I know, since 2011 it hasn't happened here in the Decorah nests! Glad the egg was spared and am hoping for the best for MM and HD. Thanks, all, for your posts, pics, and vids.
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Between 5:00 (DNF in Scary Tree and creek, then to the nest) and 6:00 I believe MrN brought 2 food gifts to DNF on the nest. The second was definitely a large fish, and probably the first was a fish also. DNF ate the fish (or parts of) while MrN flew around and perched nearby. DNF did not stay on the nest; MrN flew in shortly after the nighttime cam went to black and white. He is on the nest at midnight. You can tell it is MrN from the tiny white feather lump next to his right eye.
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Oh my, a squirrel going after the egg! Apparently, it happens elsewhere, but as far as I know, since 2011 it hasn't happened here in the Decorah nests! Glad the egg was spared and am hoping for the best for MM and HD. Thanks, all, for your posts, pics, and vids.
nan There's still the possible compromise of the egg because of the unusual time spent off egg. Too many, too long breaks??? When was it, what nest, which eagle pair had the undeveloped egg? I'm sure somebirdy has that stored away in the brain? Mine's not working yet today.
P
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Thanks, Puff. Yes, I've read that, too, about the long breaks away from the egg. Just didn't want to see it hauled away by the squirrel! Also, I agree there was an egg that didn't hatch but I'm not sure if it was Mom and Dad's or Mom and DM2's? Someone will supply the fact! ;) I'm staying hopeful for these two!❤️
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Of course, I meant to say Mr. North and DNF in my other post last night! :o
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nanimal & others, yes there was an egg that never hatched in recent years, but I forget which nest also. There was a broken egg, too.
Morning today brings typical behavior with MrN on and off the nest and DNF flirting from the branches. Rain before 9:00 doesn't deter MrN.
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One of Mom Decorah's eggs in 2016 @ N2B did not hatch.
https://raptorresource.blogspot.com/2016/04/is-last-egg-going-to-hatch.html
RRP retrieved the egg that didn't hatch from N2B in the Fall of 2016 and had it tested ..
https://raptorresource.blogspot.com/2016/12/report-on-unhatched-eagle-egg-from-n2b.html
One of Mom Decorah and DM2's eggs also broke in 2019 at N2B.
https://www.raptorresource.org/2019/03/11/broken-egg-in-decorah/
Mrs. North laid one egg on 2/25/2018.
That egg broke in the wee hours of March 16.
She re-clutched on 4/12, laying two eggs.
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BL must have abound file/gazette on Decorah events. It's great that we have such a vast amount of talented beakers here.
Thanks BrokenLug for the report!
P
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Ditto what Puff said. Thanks, BL!
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BL has great historical records on the Decorah area nests! Thanks so much.
About the late clutch at DNN in 2018 -- the eaglets did not survive the bad black fly season that year. It was sooo sad. This year, if the Norths lay new eggs in early March, the eaglets should be large enough to withstand black flies in the summer.
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Life is moving on at DNN. MrN and DNF are doing their share of flirting, but not mating that we can observe. MrN still incubates the original egg but not DNF, and the egg is uncovered a lot of the time. I still hope they will lay new eggs.
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I hope so, too, STL; they've worked so hard to prepare for the eggs! Thanks, STL, Lori, and Phyl for your most recent pics, and all for your conversations here.
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Today starts off like the last several. MrN on the nest overnight, DNF on a Love Branch before dawn. MrN joins her for closeness and twittering but no mating observed. DNF flies off to the creek trees and MrN returns to the nest, where he is on duty at noon.
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Good news at DNN. This afternoon, after a time away from the nest, MrN returned, followed closely by DNF. No food involved but it looked like maybe she would take an incubation turn. No, but she did join MrN on the lower Love Branch, and copulation occurred. So, hope again for a new egg. For all we know, copulations might have been going on off-camera for days and days. :D
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MrN still sitting on the egg, but does he still roll it?
Cam ops have some great closeups of MrN feathers around 8:30 this morning. Rewind to watch him breathing in the closeups.
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And closeups of DNF feathers & face about 11:30. What has she been eating or rubbing on? Could be spawning fish or roe in the creek that might be more orange than red.
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Any answers on what DNF was eating earlier today?
About noon, MrN perched on the Yonder snag to dry off, maybe from a bath in the creek.
All afternoon sounds of the farming operation and an occasional voice can be heard, getting MrN's attention.
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Similar morning routine here at the North nest. Greetings at daylight on the Love Branches, but no mating observed. About 9:30, DNF came to the nest after a long time perching nearby. MrN and DNF flew off to the north and out of sight. At 10:00, MrN was back on the nest and rolling the egg!
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Nice day for the deer to be out and about. Three crossed the creek and went up into the brush on the far side, about 12:30 this afternoon. Rewind to watch them come into and out of the view. They are wonderfully camouflaged, and the pic shows only two, I think.
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Not much different this morning from yesterday morning. MrN overnight on the nest; about 6:30 AM, DNF came to call; both flew off to the south today. MrN returned by 7:00. Deer in the pasture. MrN on the nest with occasional breaks and some really good closeups, thanks to the cam ops.
Before 11:00, DNF perched on the Yonder snag and MrN left the nest. She looks wet, perhaps from a bath or just the light rain.
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Afternoon chores for MrN, rearranging, aerating nest material, rolling the egg.
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Another day, similar to yesterday at DNN.
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No significant changes today so far.
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Tiny bit of activity at the North nest this afternoon. MrN called for a break about 2:30, and DNF came to the nest as he left. She was not there to sit on the egg, but instead perched at the Ladder Branch for a few minutes, then flew off. MrN returned about 3:00, just as a couple of geese flew past, headed to the north (left). I think I missed the geese in the last pic, too fast for my regular screen capture program.
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Well, if MrN has his way, there will be one eaglet at the North nest this season. Such a devoted dad, all day and all night since the laying on FEB 20.
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MrN returned to the nest with a dirty face, then left to join DNF in the Scary Tree, then returned to the nest -- all around 2:30 PM. There was a section of Highlights just before the dirty face appeared so no idea what happened, but not an injury. Any idea from other watchers?
Now it is snowing all over the area.
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MrN returned to the nest with a dirty face, then left to join DNF in the Scary Tree, then returned to the nest -- all around 2:30 PM. There was a section of Highlights just before the dirty face appeared so no idea what happened, but not an injury. Any idea from other watchers?
Now it is snowing all over the area.
Mr N looks like he was really getting into his meal. ;D
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Some fun activity at the DNN nest today. Early snow pics, and the egg, safe and dry with new grasses from MrN.
But wait, there's more! See next screen.
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About 3:00 this afternoon, MrN brought a large rabbit carcass to the nest. He quickly flew away with it, to branchy area below the nest. DNF arrived and called for the food, then she flew down to claim it. (see pic with blue circle). MrN returned to the nest, and DNF consumed the rabbit.
Go to about 5:00 on the rewind for a nice view of the egg, safe and deep in the nest with all the new dry grass.
Thousand thanks to the camera operators for this chronicle of the Norths.
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It's quiet at the DNN area today. Some geese honking in the background now and then.
Snowing again late this afternoon. MrN on duty most of the time, DNF away from camera views on the rewind.
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Rabbit on the menu this morning about 9:00. DNF was perched in a tree to the left of DN12's tree (see pic). MrN left the nest to capture or claim the rabbit on the ground between those two trees. Another eagle flew during the capture time. MrN returned to the nest with a bloody beak, so he got some of the rabbit. DNF brought the carcass to the Love Branch and ate part of it before carrying it away. MrN left the nest and DNF brought something that she left on the patio side. Rabbit remains? MrN came back shortly after. Way better action visible on the rewind!
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Then at about 11:00, MrN was watching and hollering at something above the nest area. He flew away briefly and when he returned, there was a sub-adult perching in the Love Branches. That's pretty close to the nest. It stayed for a short while, then buzzed the nest as it flew away. Where is DNF?
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About 12:30, MrN called then flew away. DNF flew in shortly after and ate most of the carcass that she had stashed at the patio edge of the nest. Before I was not sure she had brought rabbit, but definitely yes. She ignored the egg, same as for many days, and flew away to the south around 1:00. MrN returned soon to resume his solitary incubation duty.
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Don't know what gives with DNF?
I'm trying to refer back to see why she just doesn't seem to care. Amy, is there some past examples or is there some explanation why she has turned away from the example of Mom? The more I check in on NN the more disappointed I get in her. Hip, hip, hooray for NN dad.
P
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I wonder if Amy will read this or does she only monitor forum?
P
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Puff -- Amy discussed this in her March 1 blog post. https://www.raptorresource.org/2023/03/01/march-1-2023-news-and-nestflix-from-decorah-and-decorah-north/
"Intruders continue to roil activity at the North nest. RRP master bander Dave Kester checked it out on February 27 and reported three adult eagles quite close to the north nest. As we suspected, DNF is spending most of her time guarding the nest and chasing the strangers away. Unfortunately, we’re getting a really excellent look at the ways in which eagle populations limit themselves, something we’ll be writing more about.
Why has DNF been spending so much time away from her eggs? Broodiness is caused by hormonal changes. After egg number one, testosterone and progesterone rapidly decrease while prolactin, a hormone that induces incubation and brood patch swelling, rapidly increases. The intruders might be boosting the production of hormones that prohibit or interfere with broodiness."
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Great to have the explanation of DNF's un-egg-attentive behavior. Yet, she is still nearby and comes to the nest even if it is only a safe place to stash food in her mind. A second clutch is not impossible, but probably unlikely by now.
Late afternoon, MrN grabbed the rabbit remains and flew them to the lower branches, where he quickly consumed them, then returned to his nest duties.
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Morning at DNN. MrN on duty as expected. DNF came for a short visit about 10:30. Great closeups, thanks to the cam ops.
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Today so far, it's all MrN, and the egg.
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DNF has been pheasant hunting! About 8:00 this morning, she brought the carcass of a female Ring-necked pheasant to the nest. What a gift for MrN, who immediately flew away. She left soon, MrN returned, and the carcass remained mostly undisturbed until after noon. DNF came back, MrN left, and she moved the carcass to the edge, away from the egg, and defeathered some and ate a good meal. I'm speculating that letting the carcass sit for several hours loosens the feathers, making it easier to consume. Does anybody know if this is true?
The head and neck had already been removed when DNF brought this bird. Photos on AllAboutBirds.com confirm that it is a female. This time of year is breeding season for pheasants, which are plentiful in this part of Iowa. Eagles catch them every year that I've been watching. My guess is that the pheasants are more interested in breeding than in watching for danger, so they are easy prey. The adults are large, and MrN might have trouble hauling one up to the nest.
Pheasants are popular game birds in the midwest. My father used to hunt them, and I have his recipe for delicious pheasant in wine sauce. I don't hunt, but the recipe works with chicken. Send me a PM if you would like the recipe.
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MrN is doing his best to protect the egg from rain this morning. Such a trooper!
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Mid-afternoon, MrN flew off, DNF came in to pick at the remaining pheasant bones, cleaned herself up on the Ladder Branch, then flew off.
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Couple of visitors around the nest area this morning, one red-tailed hawk in brushy trees and a female red-bellied woodpecker on a tree trunk. See pics, and I might find exact locations later on the rewind.
MrN has been on and off the nest, and DNF paid a short visit.
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What's going on with the Norths? MrN left the nest about 1:00PM and DNF perched in the Love Tree about the same time. There was another eagle with her, but I didn't see it arrive. It was a young sub-adult, see pics. They seemed peaceful. When the youngster moved too close, DNF wing-flapped and it flew away.
Several minutes later, MrN flew in from the creek direction to land on the lower Love Branch, see pic, then flew back to the nest. DNF stayed in the Love Tree for a while, did not see when she flew away. From the nest, MrN did some challenge calling towards the creek. Then things settled down again.
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Backing up the rewind, I found when DNF and the young sub-adult arrived at the Love Tree. Before 1:00, there were 3 eagles soaring around the area, see pic of 2 of them. DNF landed and was followed shortly by the sub-adult, see pic with colored circles. It's probable that the third soaring eagle was MrN.
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Well it's not sounding to good for the one egg laid here at the DNN so far this 2023 season: :(
https://www.raptorresource.org/2023/03/16/nest-guarding-and-intraspecific-intrusions/
Mr. North sure was a dutiful Dad, kudos to him. 8) #1
DNF did what she is 'hardwired' by evolution to also do. 8) #2
Had the intruders moved on quickly, been a less threatening combination of age and sex, or stayed away from the nest, things might have gone differently.
But we believe that her response to the constant presence of adult female intruders interfered with her ability to lay eggs and produce prolactin, aka the incubation hormone.
While Mr. North underwent incubation-related hormonal change, DNF guarded her nest, mate, and egg. Instead of producing prolactin, her body was producing hormones linked to aggression, territoriality, and stress.
Will the egg hatch?
It will not.
When I first began researching this blog, I still had some hope. But Mr. North ceased incubation around 6:00 PM on March 16 and the egg is completely covered with snow.
Mr. North has cared for this egg through ice, snow, rain, and intrusions. We admire his dedication and skill and hope that he and DNF are able to reclutch this year.
My 2 cents.
This outcome is not necessarily a bad thing as it shows that there is a healthy thriving population of Adult BE's in this region.
It's a testament to the conservation efforts of RRP and many other groups for many years (including us) to restore Bald Eagle populations back to natural normal's and an overall healthy balance in a given geographical area.
* Eagle populations boom until they hit stasis or carrying capacity.
* Contests for breeding space may act as a density-dependent regulator of population growth by increasing adult mortality, and
reduce reproductive rates by impairing breeding pairs’ ability to provide for or protect broods.
Us "armchair" BE camera viewers add to and help raise awareness. Just by our eyes being on the camera and our positive word of mouth we contribute to this conservation effort significantly as well. 8) #3
So kudos to you all for watching the cams as you are an important component of the recovery of the species too. 8) #4
We all want to see appropriate #'s of BE eggs laid at the correct time of year for the best possible fledge outcomes >
Then cute BE fuzzheads vying for icky vittles come Spring > but but Yet >
A robust healthy population of adult nesting BE's are the key to future eaglets roaming hereabouts and we have that here in NE IA. :)
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Quick check on the North nest via rewind; looks about the same as most days recently. MrN on duty more than not, DNF visiting the nest for a short time then leaving. While she was on the nest, a squirrel was gnawing on the support boards for some of the equipment.
Cold and windy today.
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It appears from the rewind that MrN spent the night on a Love Branch and came to the nest at daylight, where he was napping happily in the sunshine while a coyote hunted nearby. The coyote got a small animal, maybe a vole, good action by the cam ops. :P
MrN flew off about 9:15, and returned to the nest with prey, possibly rabbit. An older sub-adult flew in with him and perched briefly on a lower branch. MrN hollered and the sub-a flew away. MrN took the prey off the nest to a perch on or near the ground. Continued next screen . . .
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DNF flew in from the creek direction and called for food. MrN brought a chunk of the prey, and DNF ate it. She puttered at the nest, ignored the egg, and perched on the Ladder branches for a while, then flew away. MrN returned to the nest about 10:30 and has been there since.
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First Day of Spring
Looks a lot like the last day of winter at the North nest, but spring sounds are all around with the grackles calling and displaying, same for RWBs. Deer were grazing under the nest area just at daybreak. MrN off the nest during the night again, but back on duty this morning.
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Oh boy, a male kestrel, perched briefly on a hanging-down branch near the nest about 11:00. This bird used to be called a sparrow hawk. Possibly the smallest raptor. Beautiful.
MrN has been on alert to something overhead during the afternoon. Did the kestrel stay nearby?
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(https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e457911166a7424a860a5dd01/images/9c9bbd64-07e0-4a70-b63c-833c59fbc23f.jpg)
https://mailchi.mp/3e8a59470a35/soar-early-2018-programs-and-events-5860087?e=a5cfa03734 (https://mailchi.mp/3e8a59470a35/soar-early-2018-programs-and-events-5860087?e=a5cfa03734)
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Phyl, thanks for posting the info about SOAR. Always good to remember their work to save injured raptors.
MrN has been on the nest since overnight, and off for brief periods. DNF ate a rabbit on the large log under the nest tree. Was it leftover or a new carcass, couldn't tell.
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The egg broke yesterday. It cracked and eventually completely broke open. There's probably video. Mr. consumed the contents. This morning he's back to sitting in the bowl -- for awhile anyway. I don't think he'll continue with that for much longer.
DNF roosted last night on the Hideaway Branch. Mr. was not on the nest overnight. He brought a nice big floppy fish to the nest for DNF this morning (after she loudly flew around demanding it.) ;D
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Oh, Ginger, sad news about the egg at the North nest. But in case they try another clutch it is good that there wouldn't be a much older eaglet. All this makes us realize how hard it is for eagles to reproduce successfully. Food gifts from MrN to DNF gives me hope for a new egg soon.
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Mostly quiet today at the North nest since early morning fish.
That pesky squirrel returned to gnaw on the equipment braces. Tasty wood salad. >:(
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And life goes on at the North's valley. Snow overnight covered the nest and really outlined the bowl shape until MrN came for a short visit. Then he perched in the Love Branches for a time. Geese honking and crows calling in the background.
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Does anyone have any kind of idea what kind of bird has been going into an opening in bank, leaves, and comes back. It didn't turn around in there, it would back out and then take off.
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Nora, I have been wondering the same thing about this gray&white&black bird. Is it nesting or looking for food? Looks about the size of a robin, not as big as a crow. Let me get out the books and check AllAboutBirds.
Might be the Rough-winged swallow. See attached from AllAboutBirds.com
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It's a Belted Kingfisher pair working on their nest.
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It's a Belted Kingfisher pair working on their nest.
Thanks Ginger! That makes sense now, I could see the wide white "collar" a couple times and didn't realize they would build in banks. Cool!
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STLbf I thought of something like the Rough-winged swallow or similar too at first. :)
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Oh, darn, I thought I made a good discovery. My first thought was belted kingfishers because we see them fishing around the Brush Pile, but thought the size and colors were not right. I will rewind and watch more carefully. Thanks to Ginger and Nora!
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Cam ops got closeups! This bird would be the male because it does not have the rusty color band across the belly. Usually the male birds are more colorful, but not in this case. Unless another pic shows the band, or belt. My bird book does not say if both work on the nest hole.
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Raccoon at base of NN -Calling out by both parents. Danger call, get away from our nest and eggs? About 6:18 nest time.
P
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Puff, yes, I found the action on the rewind. Couple pics.
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It's a busy time for little birds in the North's valley. And geese, too.
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Nice pics from this morning, STL. I think that is the Raccoons' den. I have a pic from Jan, 2022 of 3 Raccoons at that same location.
It's fun watching those Kingfishers. Some might be interested in this site where a British wildlife artist, Robert E. Fuller, explains with photos and videos how he made an artificial Kingfisher bank to watch Kingfishers inside their nest. I've watched some of the Kingfisher videos and it's amazing to watch given that a camera is the only way to see inside their nests. I've also watched other videos he's recorded of owls, kestrels, stoats, badgers.
https://www.robertefuller.com/diary/watching-kingfishers-inside-their-underground-nest/
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Ginger, thanks for the link to Robert Fuller's video. I will watch it soon.
The Norths seem to be restoring the nest by rearranging materials. I haven't seen anything new today on rewind, but they are on and off the nest moving the grasses. Generally sticking close together at the Scary Tree and on the nest. I'm very hopeful that they will lay a new egg soon.
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More pics from today.
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Sunday pics. The Norths have been working on the nest, adding leafy branches and arranging the grasses.
Deer grazing under the nest in mid-afternoon, and that pesky squirrel gnawing on the wood support for some RRP equipment. I hope it doesn't cause a camera to come crashing down on the eagles!
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Monday morning, the Norths are mostly at the nest.
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A pair of sandhill cranes visited the creek area today. Would be cool if they nest here, but maybe not such a good idea for the colts (sandhill chicks) to be close to eagles . . . ::)
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No sandhill cranes in view this morning, but numbers of geese flying, honking, feeding near the creek (no pic)
The Norths act like they are in pre-egg mode again. They perch together overnight, they work on the nest, MrN brings food gifts to DNF. It's all good.
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I hope you're correct, STL! Thanks, all, for the great pics!
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End of day on Thursday, MrN visited the nest briefly, then joined DNF at the Scary Tree. He then flew to the creek bank, did not get a fish, and rejoined DNF for calling and copulation and more calling. All between about 8:00 and 8:30 PM.
Rain at posting time of 2:00 AM on Friday.
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Nest work again this morning, and DNF brought nest materials for the first time in several months it seems.
Nice closeup of a male mourning dove, mating calls. Doves have nested under the eagles in past years.
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Cam ops caught many great closeups when MrN spent an hour or so preening on the Ladder Branch around noon, with short nest visits interspersed. (How often does that word apply here?) ;)
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More closeups of MrN.
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STL Nice pics from today.
DNF brought nesting materials yesterday and also one or two previous days. I have not seen her bring in any sticks though.
It was pigeons who nested under the eagles in the past.
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Oh, right, Ginger, it was pigeons that nested in the basement. So maybe this year it will be doves. Sparrows nest there also sometimes.
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Windy and cold today after storm passed in the night.
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At 5:00 the Norths on the nest with new grasses brought by MrN. Looks like an inviting place to lay eggs, just sayin'.
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I thought the nest view provided a pretty sunrise this mornng. Many thanks STLbf and all for the great snapshots , comments and info. ;)
Apr 2, 2023 6:42 AM
Camera Time: Apr 2, 2023 6:42 AM CDT
Birchwoman
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/9/24/20230402T114219_2656622.ts.jpg)
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At 5:00 the Norths on the nest with new grasses brought by MrN. Looks like an inviting place to lay eggs, just sayin'.
STL -- They also mated twice yesterday -- once in the morning on the Love Tree and once in the evening on the left-side perch branch.
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Hi there to all the Northies! Just popping in for a second. If that's you STLbf often at cam, you're awesome! THANK YOU SO MUCH for treating us to the MANY additional wildlife interests surrounding the North Nest. Have had little time to chat or add a note to the Forum, but I'm watching EVERY day - even chatting with excitement at all the wonderful nature being found, although to myself, and my dog ;-) On that note, the coyote this morning was fun to see. Watching the Kingfisher's is AMAZING and so unique. How fortunate to come across that nesting site! Still hoping the North's will continue to hang around their home base. Looks beautiful! We're covered in large amount of snow in Twin Cities, apparently with more wet and heavy depths to come (lost a newer awning to snow yesterday). Hope nobody is encountering thunderstorms and tornados where you live. Hugs and Hellos to all and an egg-citing watch at N1.
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Phyl, yes really beautiful sunrise at DNN.
Ginger, good news about the mating actions! DNF and MrN spent the night in the Love Branches.
MNLinda, I'm a watcher here who posts lots of pics, but not a cam operator. The cam ops find so many interesting creatures for us to observe when the eagles are elsewhere -- Thanks a million!
Early morning, deer, geese, coyote doing their thing. Kingfisher at nest hole in the creek bank, too, but no pic.
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Kingfishers are at their nest hole in the bank of the creek at 5:00 this afternoon.
Shortly before, MrN and DNF landed at the same time at their nest.
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Thanks for clarification STLbf. Wonderful photos that you post! And THANKS SO MUCH to any cam ops who are able to take the time to do some exploring for all of us to enjoy :D
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Early morning nest work by the Norths.
Visitors: starlings then red squirrel for brunch on the equipment supports.
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Evening, DNF perched and preened and called from a branchy tree below the nest and toward the pasture, see the distance pic. Looks like they are going to spend the night in the Scary Tree.
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Dawn at DNN. MrN and DNF flew to the nest together (no pic but see rewind just before color cam turns on). I believe MrN brought the large fish for DNF, which she ate, gulp, gulp. Shortly after, they mated on a Perching branch.
MrN brought a large rail stick about 8:00, then a big load of long grasses at about 10:00.
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Red-winged blackbirds near the big logs under the nest 9:00 or so. The male and female look totally different, and the cam ops got great closeups. Females look more like sparrows, only bigger like the male RWB.
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From 7:00 this morning, the Norths are in nestorations mode. It's looking ready for eggs to me!
At 8:00, MrN appeared with a huge rail stick and perched below the nest to catch his breath. Then he flew over the pasture to gain height for landing it on the nest. DNF grabbed it and they both moved it to the edge. You could build a log cabin with sticks like this one. Whew. Great to watch on the rewind.
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MrN had afternoon tea on the nest, alone.
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Goose in the creek, cattle herd now includes newborn calves, no eagles in view yet today.
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Goose in the creek, cattle herd now includes newborn calves, no eagles in view yet today.
STL, beautiful pic from dawn!
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Everything is more beautiful in the Spring!
Cattle with more calves are out most of this morning, see on the rewind.
MrN brought a large fish, white sucker maybe, and quickly ate the whole thing. Feaked his beak on the Ladder Branch, then flew away.
No views of DNF so far today.
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Cam ops found little birds doing their thing! Male grackles calling and displaying. Robin perching near the nest, and starlings gathering materials for their nests from the eagle-store.
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DNF discovered a really large fish in her Easter Basket (creek) early this morning. Rewind to watch her lug it up the bank. MrN landed nearby to watch, then flew to the Brush Pile Tree. After eating for a while, she turned the fish over to MrN and flew away (to look for Easter grasses to add to the nest perhaps; haven't seen her since).
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MrN flew to DN12's Tree after his Easter breakfish, perched and feaked his beak, then flew to the Scary Tree.
After that, he flew to the nest area and perched in the Left Side Perch with a grackle at the Babysitting Branch.
Great closeups of MrN preening, and perching, and looking very handsome.
Thanks to the Cam Ops for an Easter morning tour of the creek trees, and the great views of the branches around the nest. You are the best, and you work on holidays! ;D
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Mr. North spent a lot of time fishing early this morning and DNF spent a lot of time watching him fish. He caught a fish around 7:02 a.m. and began eating. Pretty soon DNF dove down from the top of the Scary Tree. Mr. N flew off when she arrived and gave chase. You could hear both vocalizing loudly but cam op couldn't find them. I think they were in the area over to the right of the nest. DNF then flew to the nest and Mr. N, deciding that giving up his fish was the better part of valor, folllowed.
DNF arrives and Mr. N takes evasive maneuver
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9a8b4c65ac86657a3978870e8209750fdec37015f50dfa50c72a582b763490c4.jpg)
Mr. N flies off
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/325c9487c7f15851cc7d348ad7fafd4d019d6c4cb49bbfc909f36247559d0051.jpg)
The chase -- Mr. N with fish and DNF circled.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/43d880f68893355807fe3bbcf2b5f630a8a154da5a5f89ef7ed7464293d89e93.jpg)
DNF flying to the nest
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/000a7347625af9563f7e83a5ab5ac8ec3e10610664ce3746162edbb151ef2772.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/45fc8d17ae643a152d8c6db8e4aa6742b931f54443502dd9268689ed7f978cb6.jpg)
DNF at the nest
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0a8ee031b2af3cc93fff47710c440cdf4e7cd5d1fe6d3e9b1f609ff4147f403d.jpg)
Mr. N arrives with the fish
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/aaabafe9d97ad3894b17d087e64fd4620403e12e032e3a49b11e50b0cf563e6a.jpg)
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Great pics, Ginger!
STL - Thanks for all your great pics, too!
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Thanks, Lisa.
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Before dawn the Norths perched in the Brush Pile Tree, then DNF moved to the Brush Pile and MrN caught a fish and ate part of it on the pasture side of the creek bank. DNF flew to the nest and MrN came right after with the fish for her. She ate it all, then both flew away to the creek area.
Another beautiful sunrise, today pastel colors.
Cattle herd is grazing. More calves every day. In a normal egg season, this would be cowghetti time for feeding little eaglets. Still wondering if DNF might lay a second clutch. In 2018, MrsNorth (different female, same male) had a second clutch with the first egg on April 12. See Nest Records for details.
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Nice pics from today, STL. Mr. North and DNF roosted on the Scary Tree last night. Mr. North did make a very brief nest visit before dawn and then flew off to BPT while DNF stayed put on the Scary Tree. After awhile Mr. flew down to the stream (and was hidden by the bank) and DNF flew over to BPT and then down to the Brush Pile where she was perched when Mr. N. appeared with his fish.
Here are a couple of pics from today:
I think this is a Hairy Woodpecker. (at about 6:18 a.m.)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/10de5899319f83b4bf44f9ac676fc7ed5c7c7ab8236cbbdfb14396552051622e.jpg)
I liked this pic of the shadow the nest makes. (at about 2:44 p.m.)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2f8aac30616d91f55ad0eccce7680bd08249aae34c499d5514f9eea67a1d4801.jpg)
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Ginger, I think you are correct about the hairy woodpecker. This one would be a female because no visible red head feathers. Also larger than the downy woodpecker, which seems to be less frequent in the North's valley. I love the nest shadow, too! Makes it more evident how high up the nest really is located.
The Norths visited their nest just before sunrise this morning. Nothing brought new.
About 10:00 the cam ops found a coyote resting in the area on the far side of the creek. Two views, because the lighting makes it difficult to find the coyote in the brush. Just after my second pic, the coyote got up and walked away to the left, and cam ops followed. Geese on the near side of the creek were on high alert about the same time.
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Saturday morning mating for the Norths! About 6:00, on the lower Love Branch. Then a short time together on the nest just picking around.
After another glorious sunrise, grackles up close at the nest. Could a pair be building a nest under the right side of the eagle nest? Lots of closeups from the cam ops.
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Thanks for the pics yesterday, STL.
Later in the day (close to 6 p.m.) Mr. N. brought in a stiff wad of grass/hay and ripped it up. He had to put some energy into it.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c193037d0067db1e395ad8cb5c0b7afefcef87ec69598d2cbb2b02b919a1686d.jpg)
DNF flew in to take a look at the wad.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cdfe7d28717bb890c0e161ae53d0be35ec930c31f6654f24b643740e75079e94.jpg)
Both roosted last night on the Love Tree. They went fishing early and it was DNF making the catch of the day at ~ 6:13. DNF ate for awhile and then Mr. N. joined her -- I guess the fish was big enough for two! When finished they perched for awhile in a couple of different locations and then flew off to carry on with their day.
Mr. N. fishing
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b91a11c5ee6c91d3a32e5d689292b2f67e76a83f09594f4a7ffaab6bf3d88c28.jpg)
DNF with her catch.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b3b68a255bed8f247a8d36f41ca1d747b1682a7b8aebe8f04200b69fe0d8c900.jpg)
Mr. N. joins DNF -- "Can I have some fish?"
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3f73922e44673f4d07976a04a9e45d3890709a6aefad156eb36ec765bc557260.jpg)
DNF moved behind a privacy screen with her portion.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/105564635ae4667678b27c58314176aea3fae17258fbc97562dbda1ac7cf985e.jpg)
Both were perched on BPT. Mr. N. flew off and photobombed DNF (the yellow is his beak).
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8a1a90e522ad2c871b4aa793cc4231664ad51b4711c10891956447fcc8b036b0.jpg)
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Beautiful photos and great reports of activities Ginger and STLbf. Despite having no eaglets to date, it is so wonderful that, on behalf and in memory of Bremmer and TXNinja, DNF and Mr. North still have an interested following of fans who are delighted that our cam ops and photographers enjoy hanging out at at this beautiful location and that our special pair will continue making appearances before eventually heading out on their seasonal fly-about. Unless DNF and Mr.N decide to occupy the nest, I think that the starling has found a pretty nifty potential space in which to enjoy a creatively designed airy shelter with views and a sturdy, secure and comfy-looking nesting "room" (possible candidate for Featured Design in "Nests and Beyond" magazine for birds?). Will be interesting to see if a starling family is produced. Thanks to all who are contributing to this thread ;D Happy Sunday to all the Northies...
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Snowy all around the Decorah area today. Will this yucky weather deter the Norths from laying a new egg? Will the grackles really occupy the basement of the nest this season? We have had pigeons before. DNN is such an interesting place to have cameras and dedicated camera operators doing their thing and providing a constant parade of nature for us to learn about.
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Thanks for the grackle clarification. Starlings and RWBB's were doing strange flocking movements today in my yard, likely due to the weather. That was when I realized the "black" bird checking out the lower level earlier was likely a grackle - with an eye for "location, location, location" :-)
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Decorah North Eagles
Apr 17, 2023 12:09 AM
Camera Time: Apr 17, 2023 12:08 AM CDT
Iwas doing some cam watching not that long ago...
So sad, how DNN looka cold, empty and unfulfilled.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/9/30/20230417T050849_3292817.ts.jpg)
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Always a bit sad when a nest doesn't have a brood in the spring. But this one could, from the grackles who seem to have moved into the basement apartment! A precarious place to raise a family of "songbirds" which might become prey for the eagles. MrN had some kind of dark-feathered bird for lunch today.
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Windy and some rain in the North's valley this morning. MrN and DNF were in the Scary Tree at daybreak, then flew away. Sandhill cranes feeding, calves cavorting, cows grazing, grackles nesting -- all for our enjoyment on the rewind or "live." About 11:00, an eagle perched in the Brush Pile Tree, see take-off pic; I'm guessing MrN.
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Eagle overnight in Scary Tree, then flew away. Another eagle appeared in the Brush Pile Tree for a while around 3:30 PM, flew off later toward the north. Could not tell which BE.
Grackles are occupying the nest; at one time early AM, there were four. Plenty of room for more than one basement nest, but do grackles nest in colonies?
Cam ops found a red-winged blackbird perched on the skinny bush in mid-pasture at about 8:00 this morning. It took off and flew directly at us! The video is better than the stills.
The cows have LOTS of calves now; I counted about a dozen today (no pic, see the rewind).
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Hi there. Just checking in briefly before I slowly get my day on a roll ;) Thanks for the early bird views. Rewind is so great... It's nice to see that the Norths are still visiting individually and as a couple at the nest. It would seem that there are actually some Starlings shopping at this often- unattended nesting material site. Likely other birds too, I would think, since it's top quality.
Still running rewind on side and see the deer stretching their legs on the dewey field grasses. Pretty sunrise too I notice that the stream seems to be running a bit higher. Is the access to the Kingfisher nest high enough on the hillside to be above any possible water line? Thanks, again, to everyone sharing info/photos and tracking activities on the Decorah North site. You are the best!
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Nice to see you here, MNL! About the Kingfishers, I believe their nest tunnels are high enough to be safe from most high water at this creek. You might find more info from the chatters at Explor, however.
The Norths spent the night in the Love Branches, and came to the nest briefly at daylight this morning. MrN brought a small stick. MrN was preening on the Lower Love Branch before flying off to the south. No pics of the grackles from me, but they are at the nest in brief stops on the rewind. Cam ops got nice view of mourning doves perching on one of those hanging-down branches near the nest.
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Many thanks for all the great nests updates and info STLbf.
I stopped by just now to look at the cam, check on our basement dweller...
Decorah North Eagles
Apr 22, 2023 7:07 AM
Camera Time: Apr 22, 2023 7:07 AM CDT
Birchwoman
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/10/4/20230422T120719_3521372.ts.jpg)
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...our basement dweller...
Decorah North Eagles
Apr 22, 2023 7:11 AM
Camera Time: Apr 22, 2023 7:11 AM CDT
Birchwoman
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/10/4/20230422T121113_3521489.ts.jpg)
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Phyl, looks like we have basement grackles nesting!
Raw and windy today, but the little birds are out and about. It's spring mating season regardless of the weather. Eagles in the Scary Tree at daybreak, but have not seen them since.
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MrN brought a fish to the nest, and DNF was right after to claim it and eat the whole thing in a few gulps. Then both flew away. Sigh. I think the egg-laying window is closing for the Norths this year.l
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Is that an Osprey perched in the distance?
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Haven't done an attachment in long time. Hope this works
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MNL, Yes, looks like an osprey to me.
Couple pics of the Norths at just daybreak. DNF went to the Scary Tree and MrN to the Brush Pile Tree before moving the stick pic.
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Mid-afternoon, MrN brought a wad of grass to the nest, then went to Left Side Branch to preen [no pic]. He returned to the nest and was hassled by the grackle, so moved to a brushy tree area to the south for more preening. Lo and behold, a young adult BE came to a Love Branch and perched there for a long while. At the same time, MrN was peacefully preening on the other side of the nest, not really far away.
Afternoon closeup view of a grackle on the basement nest. Can't see any eggs here yet.
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The Norths were in the Love Tree at daybreak. Haven't seen them since, but cam ops are finding small birds all around. Grackles present and conversing, but not in pics this time.
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Mid-afternoon, MrN gathering grasses in the pasture, then bringing some to the nest, arranging, then flying away.
Around 5:00 is perfect light for closeups of the grackle on the basement nest and perching nearby. No eggs yet because it's only male bird seen on the nest so far.
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Nice to see an eagle evening for the Norths. About 6:00, MrN brought a fish to the nest and DNF followed to claim and eat it. Then both flew to the creek for a splashy bath. After, preening together in the Claw Tree. MrN flew to the Love Tree and DNF to the Scary Tree, where they might be staying for the night.
Catch the bathing on the rewind or video -- they seldom are in the water together.
Thank you cam ops! ;D
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A few pics from early evening at DNN.
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Morning at DNN, both working on the nest while the grackles complain and mourning dove calls in the background.
Might be a female grackle visiting the basement nest this morning. Females browner than the males. An egg would tell us if they are staying.
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Early morning, before sunrise, MrN and DNF were actively working on the nest, while the grackles complained loudly. MrN brought a huge long stick after perching on the snag with it. DNF brought a talon-load of grass materials. They worked on the stick in tandem for a bit, then both flew away. All better on rewind or video!
Later, closeup views of grackles on their basement nest. Thanks to cam ops for some closeups, no eggs in view yet.
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This morning kind of a replay of yesterday. The Norths come in early to do some nest work, adding a stick and moving things. The grackles are equally busy and complaining about the eagles.
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Another similar day so far, but with a real treat to watch on rewind or video. About 8:00, DNF was gathering grasses south of the nest tree and stopped to rest on a log. A wild turkey hen challenged DNF!! That hen must be nesting nearby and protecting eggs or chicks. DNF barely reacted and flew to the nest shortly thereafter.
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Here are two views of the same perching spot for DNF, who spent quite a while preening and watching this afternoon. It's in the biggish branchy tree south of the nest; if it has a name I do not know it. So, closer to the ground than the nest, but still up in a tree. One view from a ground camera, and the other from somewhere else. Better explanation welcome!
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Pics from early morning, Norths at work on the nest. And later, MrN brought a big fish for DNF, while the grackles complained about the eagle noise and activity.
The blurry pic shows MrN taking off from a branch on the right, lower side of the nest. Name of branch??
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Pics from this morning.
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MrN caught a large fish in the creek and was eating it on the far bank before sunrise this morning. DNF came to claim it but he flew away. She went to the nest to wait for his delivery, then ate the fish. MrN flew to the Brush Pile Tree, DNF did some cleanup, then also flew away. Grackles in the basement nest, no eggs, no pics of them.
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Morning pics of the Norths
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Around 9:25 a.m. DNF flew off the nest and perched for a bit on a tree to the right of the nest as Dad continued with nestorations. DNF snapped off some twigs and then flew down to the ground to harvest some grass. She flew over to the Scary Tree to briefly rest before circling around to gain altitude for her pretty glide into the nest.
https://youtu.be/xBcDt4Tu0FE
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Ginger, thanks for the additional detail of goings-on at the North nest!
Here are a few from this morning. First pic of heavy fog or mist this spring that I recall.
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After The Fledge 2023
Sorry for my late information feathered friends. Forgiven?
Our get-together this year will be July 20 thru July 23. Extra days pre or post could be added as needed. Starts on Thursday evening, departures for most would be on Sunday.
My unfortunate news for some might be that the manager will not be offering us a hold on any rooms at the Country Inn & Suites. Anyone so inclined to stay there will have to call for your own arrangements 800-830-5222. Maybe register a complaint with manager Justin?
Fairfield Different rates for different dates for categories
King-bed room: $119, $154, $179 (Th, F, Sat)
2 Queen beds: $119, $164, $189 (Th, F, Sat)
Reserve by June 8
Quality Inn King-bed(s) room: $192 nightly
Queen bed(s) room: $182 nightly
Reserve by June 20
Winneshiek Exec Room, 2 Queen: $169 nightly
K-bed Suite: $279 nightly
K Whirlpool: $179 nightly
Reserve by June 22
Super 8 DBL Queen Bed and
SNGL Queen Bed $139 nightly
Reserve by July 20
Please be advised that there is a limit to each catagory.
As usual, I'll need your personal information and credit card number to hold a reservation. Charges will not be processed until checkout. Any further questions/isssues, contact me.
Puff/LaNora [email protected] 630-852-2108
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DNF and Mr. North went fishing early this morning. Here's a video I recorded. It opens with DNF on the streambank. Mr. North has caught a fish a little further downstream and DNF moves closer to him. He takes his fish to the Scary Tree and DNF flies to Yonder Branch. She soon takes off and lands above Mr. (Cam doesn't show her arrival and she's partially hidden by a branch, but we can hear her cries.) Mr. takes off and lands on the nest with DNF in hot pursuit. DNF says: "Your Fish is My Fish."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBgjPCGpBL0
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Some pics from earlier today.
DNF cooling off
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/461afd38759927278c1294d1b9c137bf8ae8277e6d302fcbddcee75141121a7d.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a4f6965984c09f666194ffbcec177108773dd044d1c2e81264ece343a7e4cd14.jpg)
Mr. North bathing
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/46d5ccd2ee384afe40f35b00e9c5df0285caff9ccefc9295468772beddc67e3d.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/42305ebf92874e22fb9469e9013f48f78f148e9b441d70612a9e26decb8394f5.jpg)
Mr. North leaving his bath
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cefed9eb3e7dfec1c2930a498ad549ee72b6703ef2c707e6294e27337914edc0.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/92b0dfde41fba691b9b81d1687238ace54e7d7757ec71d94c31deddd087b1def.jpg)
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Ginger, thanks for the fishing story and the great pics at the North nest on Monday.
Blog - Monday's news notes from Amy state that the grackles are probably incubating eggs in the basement nest. Woo-Hoo!
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STL -- You're welcome! Yesterday was filled with activity. Most notable was a fox sighting at 6:17 p.m. DNF went to the Brush Pile and pulled out some old dead furry thing. While she was eating a fox suddenly appeared and she immediately flew off. Here's a video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtMqhjwvAMU
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Ginger, love the video of DNF and the fox. That fox had long, black legs, taller than I think of foxes. Must look up species that live in Iowa.
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Thanks STL, Ginger for the great snaps of Mr. North, DNF (and the fox)
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Decorah North Eagles
May 10, 2023 6:35 AM
Camera Time: May 10, 2023 6:34 AM CDT
Birchwoman
The Grackle in the basement
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/10/13/20230510T113453_4297999.ts.jpg)
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Mom Grackle is sticking tight to the basement nest. Eggs take about 2 weeks to hatch, so not too long to wait. The female does all the incubating, then both parents feed the hatchlings, according to my bird book.
DNF, I'm pretty sure, spent the morning in the Scary Tree. Cam ops can give us a pretty closeup view with the great equipment from RRP.
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Morning pics of the Norths near the creek and later fish for DNF on the nest. I'm needing help with at least one tree identification -- Point Tree? No, the Spit Tree. Now that the trees are leafing out, it's going to be more of a challenge to see the birds. Go cam ops!!
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Here are fish in the nest pics, from about 11:00 to noon. Grackles are griping as usual.
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STL -- The arrow in your second pic from yesterday points to the Spit Tree. It's the tree on the other side of the Spit. One way to recognize it is by its horizontal branching.
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Ginger, thanks for the Spit Tree ID. I fixed the post to match correctly.
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Tks STLbf for the Grackle info.
Nice snaps everyone.
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7:53 a.m. Cam was on the grackle nest when eagle cries were heard. Mr. North was fleeing from DNF with a fish in his talons. He landed on the nest three times with DNF in hot pursuit. On the third landing he gave the fish over to her -- didn't have much choice.
Mr. N taking off after the second landing.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f6561e3ba29a02987def0141897ee8a4a5e26cde52710ab33f8f9c7b0a24d38e.jpg)
DNF takes off after him.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9a523bbd7e72ced2c0fc2dd4b5405cf89670cd056dd2f205feebeb3ed8136459.jpg)
DNF eats the fish and Mr. N. flies off to BPT for more fishing (now he needs to catch one for his own breakfish). DNF spends an extended time on the Ladder Branch being mobbed by a couple of Grackles in the rain. She finally flies off at about 8:24.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/babbc9558990e764055cbde80aff1bd8902fcd89bb3ba2ffee93064a3a128e94.jpg)
Not long after, cam op finds DNF.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2a3a899125693b8ca290d613a90f90a016db20aa22222966b812638f8276213d.jpg)
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Ginger, STL and everyone...great pics!
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Ginger, thanks for the round-about pics of MrN and DNF this morning. I caught two landings, but not a third! After, MrN spent hours at the Brush Pile Tree, but which tree is DNF perching in? Didn't see a pull-back or panning shot from the cam ops. Maybe they don't like standing out in the rain. ;D
Mom grackle is putting up with the rain.
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STL -- I'm not sure but I think DNF might have been perched on the Scary Tree. The Scary Tree does have a lot of the bark stripped off of it.
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Rewind to about 6:00 this evening for nice catch of a very pregnant doe crossing the pasture toward the creek & beyond. Her two fawns, now yearlings, are with her. Thanks to the cam ops.
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Nice pics of the deer last night, STL. At a little less than an hour later there was a Turkey Vulture flying near the spit and it briefly landed on the Spit Tree.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9693e07d90fa58ffa486987bd732a81861b7d3b744274a9f71b45e18c805e43e.jpg)
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Ginger, nice pic of turkey vulture, and another good view of the Spit Tree.
BE perching late this morning in the Brush Pile Tree, including close up and wide angle view. Thanks cam ops!
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The North mothers are making the best of things on a rainy day.
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Looks like Mom Grackle is still incubating eggs this morning. The Norths were in the Scary Tree, and cattle in the pasture at sunrise on this middle of May day.
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Pesky squirrel is back chewing on the wooden part of equipment housing. Maybe RRP could replace this tasty wood with a nice slab of plastic, or aluminum, or wood treated with tar or creosote. I have visions of the whole works tumbling to the ground one of these days. Can the cam ops show us where this equipment is located? We watchers are just nosy and don't really need to know. ::)
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Go to about 9:00 this morning for a round of fish tag for the Norths. Grackles tried to drive them off the nest!
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Quiet afternoon in the North's valley.
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The Grackles were relentless today in mobbing Mr. N. and DNF. Here's a pic I snipped of DNF reacting to one that was going after her.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/526d24e61d90acd36e59542ab0914733656727f5e61fab4cb008dd3422bed1f4.jpg)
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Ginger, that's a great capture! Grackles more aggressive because hatching of their eggs is happening soon, possibly correct? Looks like the whole family gets in on protecting the nest. Could be more nests nearby, in addition to the one perfectly placed for us watchers to observe.
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Ginger, that's a great capture! Grackles more aggressive because hatching of their eggs is happening soon, possibly correct? Looks like the whole family gets in on protecting the nest. Could be more nests nearby, in addition to the one perfectly placed for us watchers to observe.
Thanks, STL. GABear Mod on Explore said today that she thinks the Grackle has been incubating for about 10 days and that it's supposed to be 11-15 days to hatch. So, we might see something soon.
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Decorah North Eagles
May 17, 2023 11:45 AM
Camera Time: May 17, 2023 11:45 AM CDT
Birchwoman
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/10/17/20230517T164510_4609708.ts.jpg)
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MrN (I think) was in the Spit Tree for a while in the late evening, then flew to the Scary Tree, where DNF joined him as the lights dimmed.
SEDS everybirdie.
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Friday morning, hazy, smoky sunrise again.
Mom Grackle seems to be still incubating eggs.
MrN came to the nest for some poking around, then flew off to the behind area and perched there for a while. Do we call these the Hideaway Branches? A pair of bluejays objected, watch on the rewind.
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STL -- He was perched on the Hideaway Branch. It was interesting watching him being mobbed by the blue jays. He seemed more bothered by them than he did by grackles when they've mobbed him on the nest. He kept watching the blue jays intently and vocalizing at them and snapping. Poor guy.
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Looks like at least one Grackle egg has hatched. At about 5:11 p.m. she appears to be eating an eggshell and then at around 5:53 she's clearly feeding hatchling(s) -- the hatchling's themselves are not visible.
Eating eggshell.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bc22271f9aef52d740c2f9fbc626f929864a904dec82eeb9d53bce8262cbfe17.png)
I Googled Grackle eggs and that is what they look like:
https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/birds/common-grackle.html#gallery-4
Feeding.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/df7291e3de480e8c0ce747b488e6f34719e40a0fbc08cf95c7ae5909a6760ae6.png)
At 6:11 I saw an open beak and then a dark fuzzy head.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/48d86cb471cc254c71b9f6b1cddbd346837d38f6eae976ee606c9f462f45865b.jpg)
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Awesome, Ginger! Great catch and great to have a hatch here at DNN. Mom G is off the nest and back on frequently this morning.
I haven't seen feeding or chicks but not taking time to watch the rewind or live. Chores of my own to get done today.
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Monday three maybe four grackle chicks in the nest. Parents both feed them lovely green caterpillars and various insects. It's great to have new lives here in the nest again. Also a good set of calves in the pasture.
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Ginger and STL, thanks for the pics of the Grackle hatchlings!
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There are four Grackle hatchlings. This pic is from last night. Only a few times have I seen all four at the same time.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1eab8366d86c8187b419f9df0af719da0be6c61eb14aaea4ab8ba8c5efe7cfec.jpg)
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Some pics from last night of other (non-Grackle) North Valley denizens.
Baltimore Oriole -- maybe a young one?
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5b03aaf859d8b372e9bd7fa8c77059c7b3706a5673a162b17cf792ee05f030e1.jpg)
A sweet little Song Sparrow.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4af15d94d92a29611d238a1ac9e062272aafa5abfadd0c75beb9ee6c99c6a552.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bdc1fb5796135fcbe9706e0b67149585f3824ccd3444dac1ccc6b546eb3f2b98.jpg)
Red-winged Blackbird.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f07a3a7035565377b8d38fc3f4422d3e2de34fa5ba0eb863385f622bad95f795.jpg)
Deer.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6103b04bf1dd9bbee30bd0ee2ccfcb96ac36689ddfc0e7dcf5fe75a7cd50b750.jpg)
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Ginger, good to have confirmation of 4 grackle chicks. North Valley fauna are many and varied. Great pics.
Most of this morning, MrN has been peacefully perched in the Scary Tree. Letting the grackles do their thing at the nest.
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Well, I'm going to have to revise the number. I've seen five chicks today.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/525d1b44ee2987d4e12fe807dc19eb0b54f69df0579641424acc80d7581de6cc.jpg)
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Ginger, before looking at your pic, I also saw 5 chicks in the nest, on rewind at about 11:00 this morning!
Eyes not open yet, but feather clouds showing.
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The Norths are staying away from the nest. This morning perched together in the Brush Pile Tree. They have an Air BnB !
Grackles doing their thing.
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Wow! 5 grackle chicks. I can only see 3.
My timing must be off. LOL
Tks. Ginger
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Phyl, stay watching for a few minutes, the grackle chicks are more active today so you might see all of them. Their bright red mouths make a good target for feeding.
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Lovely day at the Norths valley.
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STL -- the Subadult was eating something and Mr. N. arrived and chased it away. Here's are a couple of gifs. posted on Explore chat board by JanJ.
https://i.gyazo.com/638aceaf30553ebf5faa072faaa6b2eb.gif
https://i.gyazo.com/7d37769ac584946439354f71d619e671.gif
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Ginger, thanks for the gifs. If it was what MrN was eating on at the picnic log, it was a dried carcass of something unknown, not fish.
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Posted this morning on DNN chat board by mod GABear:
Some sad news this morning. From what we are seeing right now, it appears that our grackle young have perished. There hasn't been any movement this morning when food was brought.
There are so many possibilities. Fail rate on songbird nests (just in my boxes and such) is pretty high. Parasites, fungal diseases, etc.
The parents lack of brooding for 2 nights when temps there were in the 40's didn't seem normal either.
A couple days ago, the parents were picking at something in the nest bowl really often. Looked like it was consumed (not fecal sacs, something too small to see). I wondered about some insects in the nest then. I never saw black fly visible on cam, but I suppose that's possible too, given that we are seeing the adult eagles being bothered by them.
Just speculation. We'll never know. Many songbirds are able to nest more than once in a season. Hopefully this pair can try again somewhere else.
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Oh, Ginger, what sad news about the grackle chicks perishing. Early morning closeups appear to show dark mass in their nest bowl. A parent brought food and nothing moved, then parent left. Wonder about predator --raccoons perhaps. It's soooo quiet at DNN live at 11:00 AM.
My bird book says that grackles lay two broods per year, so we can hope they are more fortunate soon.
And the sun came up at dawn, and life in the North's Valley goes on.
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It is sad, STL. Definitely not raccoons. I scanned back in rewind and would have seen any predator since the cam was on the nest all night. The very last movement I saw by any of the chicks was at about 3:12 a.m. and that was a very slight movement. The parent came to feed at 5:29 a.m. and none were responsive.
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Ginger, thanks for the update and info. :-*
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Thanks to the cam ops for finding several songbirds and crows for us to watch around 1:00 this afternoon. A special favorite of mine is the brown thrasher, a prolific singer, that I recall from my childhood in northern Indiana.
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It is sad, STL. Definitely not raccoons. I scanned back in rewind and would have seen any predator since the cam was on the nest all night. The very last movement I saw by any of the chicks was at about 3:12 a.m. and that was a very slight movement. The parent came to feed at 5:29 a.m. and none were responsive.
Such very sad news. :'( Many thanks Ginger for the update.
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Still pretty quiet at the North's nest and area. To see the 3-D effect, watch the rewind. Wind conditions are just right to make the nest move differently from the other branches at about noon. Very cool, thanks to the cam ops. If you get seasick, never mind.
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DNF has been in the Scary Tree for a while, being hassled by red-winged blackbirds.
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The Norths have been perching in the creek trees overnight and during most of today. Scary Tree, maybe the Spit Tree and the Claw Tree. No pics of them.
But great closeups of several little birds again, with a mystery bird ( identified as an Eastern Kingbird ).
And the cattle clustered near the Scary Tree (rewind to about 2:00).
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But great closeups of several little birds again, with a mystery bird (that's one whose name I can't remember from last summer).
Mystery bird looks like Eastern Kingbird. Thanks for all the close-ups!
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Linda, thanks for the ID on the Eastern Kingbird! Exact match for pic in my bird book. Will fix Pic label here also.
DNF has been perching in creek trees this morning. A sub-adult has joined her and seems determined to sit close by!
Bucks are growing antlers now.
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Late afternoon, and "Where's Waldo?"
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STL a perfect "Where's Waldo?"
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A morning view from DNN.
Jun 2, 2023 6:45 AM
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/10/24/20230602T114532_5291919.ts.jpg)
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It's time to start making reservations for ATF 2023. The reservation limit for the Marriott Fairfield accommodations is coming June 8, next Thursday. Pricing and availability after that date is not guaranteed.
After The Fledge 2023
Our get-together this year will be July 20 thru July 23. Extra days pre or post could be added as needed. Starts on Thursday evening, departures for most would be on Sunday.
My unfortunate news for some might be that the manager will not be offering us a hold on any rooms at the Country Inn & Suites. Anyone so inclined to stay there will have to call for your own arrangements 800-830-5222. Maybe register a complaint with manager Justin?
Fairfield Different rates for different dates for categories
King-bed room: $119, $154, $179 (Th, F, Sat)
2 Queen beds: $119, $164, $189 (Th, F, Sat)
Reserve by June 8
Quality Inn King-bed(s) room: $192 nightly
Queen bed(s) room: $182 nightly
Reserve by June 20
Winneshiek Exec Room, 2 Queen: $169 nightly
K-bed Suite: $279 nightly
K Whirlpool: $179 nightly
Reserve by June 22
Super 8 DBL Queen Bed and
SNGL Queen Bed $139 nightly
Reserve by July 20
Please be advised that there is a limit to each catagory.
As usual, I'll need your personal information and credit card number to hold a reservation. Charges will not be processed until checkout. Any further questions/isssues, contact me.
Puff/LaNora [email protected] 630-852-2108
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The Norths were at the Spit Tree at sunrise, then MrN flew to the Left Side Perch for a short time.
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Songbirds this afternoon, one Gray Catbird about noon, on the ground. Then a song sparrow doing its beautiful singing in a Yonder Tree branch about 3:15 PM.
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STL -- Mr. N. and DNF were on the Claw Tree at sunrise (one of them was on the Spit Tree earlier--DNF, I think). DNF flew off first and then Mr. N. flew to the left-side perch branch. They flew off as several people approached from the right. You could see the people near the Spit as Mr. N. got closer to the branch.
Your mystery bird is the Gray Catbird. Nice pics of the Song Sparrow. I love those guys.
Today there was also a Brown-Head Cowbird.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/275f1c5157a93cca62a767f1c68ca2ea94e43715ab911eccc4da82f948c1540a.jpg)
Yesterday we saw a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a194fd091e93ee0f4a537548185a76eb7da7876260b7c6201553f2ce64b2bffb.png)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a9e19049cf01d36b50397b32f99698524db57ea7b41435addf6a597006ab93f6.png)
Also yesterday the cam op caught some interesting pics of Starlings flying to a leafy area.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c9b8f26c77477d8351b5b93623ca54133d43b27b8c7f2dcb4db9caa778737c97.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c05829a96e2cd7a63c53baa4f5d9b6aa87b13e59263a787adcaec52b42c91211.jpg)
And, since I'm going back in time, here's a pic from Thursday, June 1 when we got a great look at a Coyote eating breakfast in the pasture.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/10/24/20230601T103700_5246663.ts.jpg)
Coyote ate for awhile and then carried off a leg.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/10/24/20230601T103950_5246748.ts.jpg)
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Oh, I almost forgot to post this. I saw a bird yesterday that I couldn't identify. Here's a video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9-EcE9IcpQ
Here's a still pic (lower left)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/eadc8f1667d5b86f0e90169c3d50f30f0118df7764407304935408353fead5ad.jpg)
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Ginger, thanks for the Catbird ID on my pic. AllAboutBirds.com says just Gray Catbird.
Could your mystery bird be a Northern Mockingbird? They have the white tail feathers that flash as they move and fly. Gotta be another expert out there watching! Ah ha, I saw the people from the early morning eagles flying and cattle trotting.
Love the rose-breasted grosbeaks. I get them in the winter at the feeder if the weather is really bad and very occasionally in spring. Cowbirds I can do without, but they come to my yard anyway!
Do you think it's coyotes that take the fawns that sometimes eagles take a leg of to their eaglets?
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Ginger, thanks for the Catbird ID on my pic. AllAboutBirds.com says just Gray Catbird.
Could your mystery bird be a Northern Mockingbird? They have the white tail feathers that flash as they move and fly. Gotta be another expert out there watching! Ah ha, I saw the people from the early morning eagles flying and cattle trotting.
Love the rose-breasted grosbeaks. I get them in the winter at the feeder if the weather is really bad and very occasionally in spring. Cowbirds I can do without, but they come to my yard anyway!
Do you think it's coyotes that take the fawns that sometimes eagles take a leg of to their eaglets?
You're right, STL, it is just Gray Catbird. I don't know why I keep wanting to add "headed" to the name. And, I think you also may be right on Northern Mockingbird for the mystery bird. It was the only bird that seemed to fit. I was confused because so much white was showing the entire time. When I searched the web for pics, none of the ones that came up showed nearly that much white, but I don't know what else it could be. I'm sure some of the fawns the eagles come up with are from coyote takes. This morning the cam showed a group of at least 6 cowbirds.
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And. . . just in case my Darien wrens aren't in a singing mood - now the NN crew has started up. All the time yesterday outside I followed 3 (?) around the yard. They're filling up at least 3 cavities; chics have their little ones fledging. No - I didn't finish up yet again, stop bugging me! LOL
Nice day here today, too. Low 80's, sunny, windows open - and I have to get some laundry done. UGH
P
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Some pics from early this morning of Northern Flickers on Yonder Branch.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/10c29a6d0d8543e670cb0d8e6ce4dcc712ceaba560b73e9a7adb9d8d9d5992d1.jpg)
(http://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e4fa96448b1561d538cc7ac8b8680737230bbf1cf17ebf0beba4c6a3831291ab.jpg)
(http://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ce47794555ec17ccaa8816e2a7a1191f93f6b519abcc40f0ddf11c2b1ad185cd.jpg)
(http://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f3a64f9bf4a89a62dd47b2aaa1a529b434cab78889ae0de393412021d0ff4564.jpg)
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Nice variety of wildlife pics here! Thanks to all who share!
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Those flicker pics from yesterday are just wonderful. Happy fledgling flickers.
Rain shower at DNN late afternoon. The Norths were in the Scary Tree and the neighboring tree just to the left as we look on.
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Chatters at the Flyway mentioned a visitor at DNN nest this morning. Rewind showed a couple of grackles, just picking around the patio side, and a nuthatch checking out the big nest surface and also the area of the grackle nest, see pic.
Earlier, just daylight, a sub-adult in the Brush Pile Tree, and a male red-winged blackbird harassing.
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The Norths spent hours in the Scary Tree this morning.
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Just a timely reminder - Today is the deadline date for the rooms at the Fairfield Marriott.
Please contact ASAP if this is your choice.
P
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Uggggh -look at all the flies (?) at NN.
P
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Puff, yeah, it's the season for flies and gnats and mosquitos. The bugs bother the eagles for sure, but they are such a source of food for songbirds!
Cam ops found a pair of ducks on a Love Branch (I think), briefly about 6:00 this morning. Wood ducks?
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Here's a video recorded by GABear of the Wood Ducks this morning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvsB9QthsNA
There was a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher on the nest rails this morning.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d02d9c1c753ebed095f1c3cd2b1db9815b0c56e02ff52f02f70fa8fcba0afb35.png)
(http://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/dd37a5ee57ab8b43e1babcb6058b8323699b1d3ea7cc57c1fef7fcb0c74ce609.png)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1d26e40026e44bf10b83f68584c026fa49ee6d1c9f744f51bb709d88383bf56d.jpg)
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All birds great and small is what makes it ;D
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Ginger, thanks for the wood duck video! I think they nest in trees, like high up and the babies jump down to fledge early like the geese. Yes, that is correct. Interesting details at AllAboutBirds.
Your pics of the blue-gray gnatcatcher are just gorgeous! That's a little bird that loves insects, but according to AllAboutBirds, they don't eat gnats. Go figure.
The Norths have been in the Brush Pile Tree most of the day. Cam ops found a House Wren perching and singing briefly on a dangling Yonder Snag branch, about 1:30 PM. Worth it on the rewind just to listen.
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MrN spent a little time perching near the nest this morning. He's looking a bit rough under the chin from scratching fly bites.
Closeups brought to us by the cam ops! ;D
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What happened to the sound? This nest is my favorite solar jukebox, and I'm missing it badly!
Nevermind. Just had to refresh feed. My bad. :)
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Maybe two different wrens early morning in the nest area, see pics and rewind.
Then four of the same kind of bird at a hollow tree, also near the nest area, ID unknown, but guessing youngsters. Help anyone?
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Norths were together in the Brush Pile Tree about 6:30PM. One flew off to unknown place, then the other flew to a large horizontal branch on a tree with unknown name [see orange arrow in pic, then a lovely sunset view]. That North spent a while in the Scary Tree then moved to a branch in the tree to the left of Scary and settled in for the night.
So, two trees that need IDs!
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Several dead trees on the far bank of the creek seem to give the eagles the least annoying flies lately. Great views from the cam ops, and panning helps locate which is where. Another one that is new to me today; I called it the Angle Branch Tree but it may well have an established name that is known to the expert watchers. See pic with orange labels. Help??
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Please don't be shy about revealing the tree name from previous post. :)
Fledgling brown thrasher on the ground under the nest area this afternoon, 3:00.
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My guess - strictly a guess - two female woodpeckers at north nest aroune 616a. We're also entertained with what appeared to be a dance? Anyone care to replay and help out?
No red, so not male - longer beak makes me think hairy woodpeckers.
P
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Puff, you're correct, two hairy woodpeckers on the Ladder Branch. Could be a juvenile that is begging for food from a female adult, or what you said.
The Norths have been in the creek trees all day, mostly BPT.
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Thanks to the cam ops for finding birds to watch here at DNN!
BE, probably MrN, in the Brush Pile Tree off and on all day.
A juvenile starling visited the nest for a while, and a wren sang for us.
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DNF spent time in the Scary Tree early this morning, then moved to the Brush Pile Tree at about 9:00.
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The Norths spent several hours perched together in the Scary Tree this morning.
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At 2:50 AM a tree crashed to the ground, proving they do make a sound even if nobirdy sees it. :) :)
Hope we get a location come daylight.
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Eburg, the nest tree is intact and so the Scary Tree. The Norths have been using a tree I called the "Angle Branch Tree" to the right of the Brush Pile Tree, which is also OK. Any more info from the experts on the fallen tree or branch or whatever that was reported during the early morning hours of the 24th?
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Aha, cam ops showing a large branch on the ground under the nest tree, just to the left. Looks like it could be the one that fell.
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That could be it STL,
Anybirdy know why we don't look to the west anymore? At night I hear voices. Could be radio. And there have been construction sounds too. Maybe?
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Aha, cam ops showing a large branch on the ground under the nest tree, just to the left. Looks like it could be the one that fell.
STL -- That isn't the branch that recently fell. Here's a pic from May 27 that shows the same branch on the ground.
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Thanks Ginger. The tree that fell sounded like a whole tree toppling. Not a big one, but a definite "timmm-berr" effect. :) ;) ;)
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Kind of a quiet time at DNN. A red squirrel visited the nest and nest tree about 8:00 this morning.
MrN (I think) has been perching in the Brush Pile Tree and the Angle Branch Tree this afternoon. The second tree is leafy, so more protection from the sun and also flies not so annoying.
Closeup for today is a gray catbird, sitting on one of the fallen logs under the nest area. Beautiful.
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STL -- What you call the Angle Branch Tree is what I call the Spit Tree, although I think it's really a couple of trees where the branches overlap.
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Beautiful snip of the Catbird, STL. :)
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Ginger, thanks for the "real, official" name for that angle branch tree. I hadn't seen a view that showed its location on the ground as the Spit Tree. Agree that it is probably 2 trees, with that angle branch in the front, nearer the creek.
Nanimal, the cam ops do a fantastic job of finding the little birds and staying with them long enough for a clear pic! All I have to do is rewind, watch, and wait. ;)
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Very hazy this morning from the Canadian wildfire smoke. Thorough the haze, cam ops found a sub-adult BE in the Brush Pile area. If it sticks around we will get better looks when the air clears.
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This morning, the air is much clearer, and the cam ops can bring us better looks.
Just at early dawn, the Norths perching in the Scary Tree, DNF on the right. MrN flew to the nest and picked around for a bit, then DNF joined him for a short while, then both flew away. It's like they were reclaiming their property. Both look scuzzy under the chin from scratching at bug bites. Tis the season.
Other pics of various birds: cowbird and unknown little brown bird on the Yonder Snag, Brown Thrasher under the nest area, and sandhill cranes feeding in the pasture.
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The sub-adult is still nearby, seen about 8:30 AM with a large fish at the fallen limb from DN12's Tree. After eating the whole fish, the sub-a had a creek bath then perched in the Brush Pile Tree until posting time at about noon. Watch the sub-adult on rewind or video if you can, better action.
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STL -- Very nice pics from today. An unusually busy day. The unidentified bird with the male Cowbird is a female.
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Good morning all. Have upcoming ATF on my July radar. Hope others do too :) Want to comment on the MOST beautiful screen cap I've ever seen gleaned from our RRP cams of the Sandhill Crane wingspan/back view. The cranes already have such a fascinating and amazing array of hues to their feather colors. This shot captures it all. Almost like being there.
Then, anybody know what all the noises are about on the mics near the North nest? But for a lack of huffing and puffing, I would wonder if work by person is being done during times of access. If so, somebody sounds like a healthy person ;) If critter, sure is a noisy one.
Am also hoping DH2 is on the fly (on wing?) and will check in with RRP soon...
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Linda -- If you can post some times as to when you're hearing those noises I'll go listen. I often have the audio turned way down so there are a lot of sounds I don't hear.
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MNLinda, about the excellent sandhill crane pic, I think it might be the one I posted yesterday. All thanks to the camera operators! Feel free to use it any way you choose, and I'm pleased that you remarked about it.
I haven't paid much attention to people sounds from DNN, but it is a working farm, so they use tractors in the fields, and power saws, etc. from time to time. The eagles and other critters don't seem much bothered. Have you ever been watching when a young eagle has a close encounter with one of the cows? Hilarious. Might be in an archival video.
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Ginger - Noises were occurring at the time I sent my message which is what prompted me to post an inquiry.
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Cattle in the picture this morning early.
Question for watching experts -- Has the DNN nest tree died? If so, it will get weaker as time goes on. Also less shade for the eagles in future.
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STL -- the branch the nest is on is dead but the rest of the tree is NOT dead -- cam op said this.
Here are some pics from this morning (around 6:25 a.m.) of an American Redstart male. Merlin frequently identifies its song, but this is the first time this season that I've been able to ID a sighting on cam. It was on the upper branches of the Ladder Branch.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/65a3b09c337a27153e3a5a21085e5982747a4b4efbe510379be83a0ba21057b2.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0527c3af1bbc0770af815962d715beef5d3c610841b90efa00d289fb4d163b26.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/88f1beb8d367f04e14ae1ccf42528a968da3c82a898cafa6297e1e97efcfca1c.jpg)
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Ginger and cam op, thanks for nest tree health update.
American redstart is really beautiful! I got a pic also and wondered what, was guessing oriole because I've never seen a redstart. Birdwatcher's delight here at DNN. Red-winged blackbird male on the Yonder snag at 6:00, and a fledgling at 8:30 I couldn't identify but possibly Gray Catbird.
Coyote with a successful catch of something small, guessing mammal like a vole, about 9:00.
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Happy 4th of July Everybirdie !!
It's a quiet day so far at DNN on this holiday. DNF was perched in the BPT until small birds annoyed her into flying to the Scary Tree for more perching. When she flew away from there, she disappeared. I'm guessing she has joined MrN and the others to watch an Independence Day parade. ;D ;D ;D
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Happy 4th STL and Everyone. JMO I think it was Mr. North that we saw this morning. Here are some pics of two of the birds mobbing him.
At around 8:13 Mr. North flew off of BPT. He'd been relentlessly mobbed by an Eastern Kingbird, but after a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher joined in the fun he decided he'd had enough.
This pic shows both mobbers (or are they mobsters??).
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d97c52f7b6b6e5a43010ffce6127c95fb9672c771900e83593c3b32bff2bc655.jpg)
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (circled). It's much smaller than the Kingbird.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/644b7e63aad0d412f8f9112ffc8e19ab3f3be2465dcc92f85dccd6f93d6a52fd.jpg)
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher in flight (circled). ID is from small size and dark tail with white tail feathers on each side.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/384065bdb930882dca07ff8defa1af57c3b1feadf805d3044a80cc65c38d0656.jpg)
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Ginger, no argument from me about who was which being mobbed early this morning. When they are not together to compare size, I look for MrN's right eye smutch and the feather parting on the back of DNF's head. The light was not good enough for either tiny characteristic to show well at that distance.
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BE perched in a couple different creek trees this morning. No pics, same views as yesterday!
Great video and closeups of several bucks grazing early today. The bucks hang around together in summer, like chums.
Pair of sandhill cranes also. Wonder if they might try to nest here?
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Berries of all kinds are ripening now, and the berry-eaters are having a feast late afternoon. Cedar waxwings out by the Brush Pile, American Robin up close under the nest tree, and a Downy woodpecker male after insects in a small tree next to one of the downed logs. More little birds that were too fast or far to get a decent pic.
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Daybreak work by the cam ops of a nest visit by the Norths! They picked around for a short while, then flew off one at a time, to the Brush Pile Tree. Both are looking scruffy from scratching at the fly bites. It's always good to see them close together.
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Very nice seeing the Norths together STL. I love your bird pics! Thanks for all.
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nanimal, glad that you enjoy the pics! Inspiration to post more. ;)
It's a quiet morning here at DNN, so I'll run errands and check back later.
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I don't post much anymore, STL, but I always appreciate the information and pictures you and others share here! :)
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Some pics from yesterday.
The Beakerson's early morning nest visit:
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6a3594f9f12f07d1bf76788c30d487195c823ca26ad6511d4005a7d264483035.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e00550224f52a7276c83acb95ddf71d6df695ba76108424724c7e6dc07af6c22.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/88e06f245b41682c25619ac65c878220f498d6331a9b84cab5f41ff6f91acb8f.jpg)
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Pics from today:
A gorgeous Baltimore Oriole Male doing some very thorough preening:
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3762b46be1f1b4ed7a2b95640702849a77db9a537ae4c8d52c1eff3eedc18ef4.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/caddefae0341daeaed454bfdcd45282c8033759aa8d1f673cbd6f4aae2d7a6c3.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f63e347bdcfe430d30cf3445ca2d586e879fda61ed64f3268c90b864e7e1ee79.jpg)
A Red-Winged Blackbird female doing some preening and morning yoga:
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/49a0767cb1a8e0e08e3c5cf2223b2bab4919b8934aa856bc09c6ad0f23200cef.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a532de8ef0170cf74d59a45c386c3c63d623e262dcbb539ecb7d0413527a6751.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0e670afaceee530979b7cc409f24733c509228af7724821067644bef2da709bd.jpg)
Subadult on the BPT early this morning. It roosted last night on the Scary Tree and then flew to BPT and then to another tree a little further upstream before flying off downstream. It appears to be the same sub that we've seen several times recently.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7f1f4941d0d6072959d9cc304dc2e8cd02566f329d3d7381f7c2d6f64500162f.jpg)
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Ginger, the cam ops find the BEST closeups of songbirds! Your pics sure made me smile.
So far today (Tuesday) it's pretty quiet at DNN.
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Great pics, Ginger, thanks to you and the cam ops! :D
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Some activity around sunup today, before the rain started. One of the Norths moved from the Scary Tree to the BPT (no pic, far away). Red winged blackbird males preening on a dead snag below the nest before taking off, and the pair of Sandhill cranes feeding in the pasture, and a doe right under the nest cam before crossing the pasture.
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Foggy early hours in the North Valley. Cam ops found DNF in the Claw Tree about 8:30. She flew off to the north. A BE in the BPT at about 9:45, could be one of the Norths or a Sub-adult from the area. It dove straight down toward the creek and out of sight.
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It's good to see DNF in the creek trees in the mornings lately.
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Get out your bird books and magnifying glasses! Four small grayish birds in the Scary Tree, about 11:00 this morning. One flies off, returns in moments, typical of insect-catchng birds like Gray Flycatchers and Western Peewees. What do you think?
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Eastern Kingbirds. Parent feeding fledglings. Really cool to see that
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Ginger, thanks for the bird ID. Even though I live in the Eastern Kingbird's range, I never think of them and have never seen one in person. Maybe they are not suburban neighborhood birds.
So, here's a pic from about 2:00, clearer closeup of a bird perching on the Yonder snag. Eastern Kingbird again? Or something else? Note the tiny downturned tip of the upper beak. AllAboutBirds puts them in the right territory, but their photos are gray, and my pic looks brown. Could be the light, of course.
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DNF this evening high up in branches of the Scary Tree as the cows go home, then she flew down to the creek and next seen on the fallen branch of DN12's Tree. She returned to the Scary Tree about 8:00 and looks to be there for the night. SEDs y'all.
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Ginger, thanks for the bird ID. Even though I live in the Eastern Kingbird's range, I never think of them and have never seen one in person. Maybe they are not suburban neighborhood birds.
So, here's a pic from about 2:00, clearer closeup of a bird perching on the Yonder snag. Eastern Kingbird again? Or something else? Note the tiny downturned tip of the upper beak. AllAboutBirds puts them in the right territory, but their photos are gray, and my pic looks brown. Could be the light, of course.
STL -- The most distinctive ID marker for the Eastern Kingbird is its white-tipped tail feathers. You can't really see that in your pic, but as I watched on the cam I could definitely see it on the parent when it flew in to feed the fledglings.
I'm pretty sure the bird with the downturned tip of the upper beak is an Eastern Wood-Pewee.
Oh, and here's a pic I snipped yesterday morning during sunrise.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/89c450f337a75d602ca805d575f63f374bb365c1a3bea87a21e30f35b6037a7d.jpg)
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Ginger, that pic is gorgeous!
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Ginger, that pic is gorgeous!
Thanks, nan. :)
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Ginger, your sunrise bird pic would win a prize in any photography contest! Or maybe an item for next year's ATF!
I'll add the Eastern Wood-pewee to my reference pics collection. Pewees, flycatchers, and kingbirds are related and similar in appearance, according to my Birds in Missouri reference book.
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Cam ops are busy at DNN today. About 12:30 to 1:00 I think a juvenile common grackle in the area near the Yonder Snag. All dark brown, dark eyes, heavy beak, long legs. Might have been two, one with a tattered tail and one with a nice smooth tail. Also an adult with the yellow eyes and black feathers. Likely a family?
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The Norths made a nest visit at daybreak today. First time in a while that they have been there together.
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Misty or foggy or smoky morning at DNN. Eagles might be around but invisible in the murk at daybreak.
Cam ops found perfect light to show spiderwebs and an unknown object about 7:00 AM. The object is on the Ladder Branch, just above the nest, and it is largish. Perhaps a bird's nest that fell, like maybe oriole???? Or a wasp or hornet nest?? No idea how long it has been there.
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STL -- Your unknown object is a pellet. When Mr. North and DNF made that early morning visit on July 21 (Fri.), I saw DNF cast a large pellet but I didn't realize that it fell onto the branch and remained there.
Here she is casting the pellet: -- 7/21/23
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c8896b38cf36b7a8961e81395e523d52ff7c98d624fbb457b48cef2a8848b6ff.jpg)
(http://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ea950160958ac471de53f87bd4ffcdea16ddbe64363c8f68bdeac463cb92fbde.jpg)
Here she is doing a PS just before flying off. You can see the pellet there on the lateral branch. -- 7/21/23
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1bbc51fbcc84056e92f2b7a8004d73907cd845bd89fa01dbc01565d5f92ba855.jpg)
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Also on July 21, but in the evening, there was a very pretty subadult visitor. DNF was perched for quite awhile on the Claw Tree and then the cam op found the visitor perched on the BPT. DNF didn't react at all to it. Eventually the cam op pulled the cam back and after awhile Mr. North came along and forced the visitor to fly off. Mr. North then flew onto the BPT to perch for awhile.
Visitor. -- 7/21/23
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/11/17/20230722T011534_7433020.ts.jpg)
Mr. North forces visitor to fly off.-- 7/21/23 gif by JanJ on Explore chat board
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Last night a little before 7:00 p.m. a storm moved in and one of our parents flew in and landed on the Love Tree. It soon flew off to the left, I assume to seek a more sheltered spot. The was a lot of wind and after awhile RRP shut off the livestream. This morning DNF and Mr. North were perched on the Scary Tree before daylight (I think they roosted there after the storm passed).
Red-Bellied Woodpecker in the top of the Ladder Branch (storm clouds approaching) -- 7/22/23
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Parent lands on Love Tree -- 7/22/23
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DNF and Mr. North on Scary Tree -- today -- 7/23/23
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Ginger, great pics, love the woodpecker speck of red! And a pellet never crossed my mind. Looked about the size of a football to me, but your pics prove it. In my closeup, it appears that the spiders continued their web right over the pellet so maybe it will be there for a good while. Watch and learn. :D
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The Scary Tree is the perch of choice today, too. Really difficult to see in detail early because of air conditions (fog, smoke) but at least one of them has been there all night and all morning. The pic from about 11:00 is DNF, I'm fairly sure.
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Oooh, fun, a juvenile BE visited the nest area this morning, also the Scary Tree. No band.
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So much terrible hot weather all over the USA (and World) this month. The DNN cattle have a built-in cooling station.
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STL -- There was also a juvie visitor on Sun., 7/23. It perched for quite awhile in a tree to the right of the BPT. During that time DNF and Mr. North were both perched on the Claw Tree. Both would occasionally vocalize, presumably at the juvie visitor although one of the chatters mentioned they thought they heard another juvie and it was also pointed out that when they vocalized they were facing away from the juvie that we could see.
The next day, Mon., 7/24, there were two juvies for awhile on the Scary Tree. Later on I only saw one at a time but I don't know which one. It spent some time relaxing on the stream bank. The juvie behavior is so different from the adults in that they will lie down on the ground and relax. Note that it visited the Twiggy Tree. Remember that at least one of our fledglings perched there last year?
7/23, Sunday --
Preening tail feathers
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Bathing -- Sun., 7/23
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Flying off from the stream -- Sun., 7/23
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BPT -- Sun., 7/23
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Eastern Kingbird mobbing (note the Kingbird's white tail tips) -- Sun., 7/23
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7/24, Monday --
Two juvies on Scary Tree
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Relaxing on stream bank -- Mon., 7/24
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Twiggy Tree -- Mon., 7/24
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A sunrise pic from yesterday.
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Love the juvies! Thanks for the pics, Ginger and STL.
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Great pics all around! Love Ginger's sunrise pic with the little bird flying up.
And so, two juvies have found the North's valley this month. It's great to know that the population extends beyond just the ones that we have on cameras.
Learn and smile, learn and smile! :D :D
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The Norths have been on camera this morning. Both in the Scary Tree at daylight. Then DNF flew to the Spit Tree and stayed quite a while. Several deer grazing in the creek area, pic from near the Brush Pile. Seems to be just one fawn, which means probably this doe's first young. After the first, does typically have twins; insurance against predators. Of course she could have lost a fawn already to coyotes or eagles.
DNF moved to one of the tall, leafy trees just North (left) of the Twiggy Tree, again, staying for a leisurely while. They are harder to see in the leafy branches, but fewer insect pests, so good perching. In the pic, she is right in the center.
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STL -- Very nice pics from this morning. I actually saw two does and each had a fawn. I didn't note the time. I'll have to go back later and look.
Yesterday on the cam was a VERY full day. Our cam op in the morning found lots of birds for us to watch and also an adult BE visitor and a subadult BE visitor. Here's a video that contains a lot of it. Read the notes to find time stamps for all of the birds. I was especially excited to see a juvie red-headed woodpecker.
https://youtu.be/2PGmh41r1fQ
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Ginger, thanks for posting the video of all the activity from yesterday! The juvie red-headed woodpecker was a first for me.
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STL -- From time to time when DNF was perched in that tree just North (left) of the Twiggy Tree yesterday, she would vocalize as she faced to the right. I think there must have been a visitor perched in that area and that's what influenced her tree choice since we very seldom see them perched there. Re: juvenile red-headed woodpecker -- I've got pics of one from Aug. 13 and 15, 2021 but that's the only time I remember seeing one at DNN.
Some pics from yesterday (Friday):
Indigo Bunting
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6cb19ebc126401defef21af3ed94f812a91de421f4223a7c7d6693b7c5839050.jpg)
Two does and two fawns (I could not get a very good pic of all four of them)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/02e9182323768354c200edef2a9b4ffa26d7487f10c3f4c6496152ada33ad251.jpg)
Geese
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ab0f4a21c218225ef88098bfa4935684dff866558700e8a1d5db0199ae92b5c7.jpg)
Cows
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e2aa915293d53307a0a7d7efc87ea8a9c880a1060e8075490ad17ab19ecc98e4.jpg)
Female Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (note the gold color under her
wings as she flies off)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9a0b9420ddb5cd2371493c9adf92d829a3ccd4a43a85fea1972e879b8db24d91.jpg)
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Ginger, love all your "little bird" pics when the eagles aren't in view. I've seen male rose-breasted grosbeaks where I live, but never a female. Another species with the males and females looking very different colors. Thanks again to the cam ops!
Thistles are in bloom, so bees are busy, and the goldfinches and other seed eaters will be all over them soon. The cattle were out overnight, so insects are stirred up maybe more than normal. The house wren captured a tasty breakfast grasshopper. Two Eastern Kingbirds also in the brushy area.
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It's birdie picnic morning at the North Valley. Juveniles of several species are dining on plentiful seeds and insects.
At dawn, the Norths were still in the Scary Tree.
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Goldfinches have found some thistle flowers mature enough to have seeds today.
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STL -- It's fun seeing the young birds now on the cam. I think the one you labeled a Northern Flicker might actually be a Red-Bellied Woodpecker because the barring on its back is black and white/cream vs. black and brown and also I would have expected a Northern Flicker to have some sort of marks on its front side. I'm just not sure. What do you think?
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For a real treat, rewind to sunrise, like in the pic, about 6:00 this morning. Besides the gorgeous color, you'll get a sandhill crane serenade! Awesome and echo-y.
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I love listening to the Sandhill Cranes, STL I heard a few calls this morning at about 7:20.
This morning around 7 a.m. there was a cute little White-Breasted Nuthatch preening in the morning sun for over seven minutes.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3e53bb68eb0cde524de29e99901ee1dfdab0980cc05cf6a57b98054764c169fb.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5d292993fea04de25afd9916671dd47f092fcf969be68f86514a16f8f35bc600.jpg)
Here's a video:
https://youtu.be/wqge7cRLdk0
Afterward, DNF perched on the BPT for awhile and then appeared to see something of interest and flew to the Twiggy Tree where she perched for awhile before flying off to the right.
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Loved your pics of the Nuthatch this morning! I'm guessing it was a juvenile; it looks a bit less sleek than the adult version. What do you think, Ginger?
Pics of DNF in the BPT and Twiggy Tree.
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STL -- I'm not sure that it's a juvenile. It had already started preening by the time the cam zoomed in so its feathers were already kind of disordered. However, one thing I did think pointed to it being a juvenile was the beak which had some yellow on it. Here's a pic I found online of an adult next to a juvenile.
https://www.facebook.com/illinoisbirds/photos/a-white-breasted-nuthatch-adult-checks-out-a-juvenile-that-was-just-released-at-/10157325164897083/
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Ginger, thanks for the comparison pic for the nuthatch adult vs juvie. So helpful to see them together. The one at DNN looks to have some yellowish on the lower beak, so I think it's a juvenile but closer to adult than the comparison pic.
And back a few days, I'm sure you are correct about the stripey juvie being a red-bellied woodpecker. I never saw a front view, so couldn't tell if there was the black/dark chest patch of a northern flicker.
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Juvenile starlings on view early this morning, along with a smaller bird possibly a juvie goldfinch from the short, cone-shaped bill.
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Really foggy at DNN early this morning. After some clearing, there's a sub-adult BE perched in the Scary Tree along with one of the Norths, for a couple hours. They seem peaceful with one another so far.
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STL -- it was DNF perched with the subadult this morning. Before the subadult arrived, I heard a Great Blue Heron at 9:18 a.m. and shortly after a GBH did a flyby. Also, there was a Red-Tailed Hawk perched for awhile on the BPT and then on a tree to the right of that BPT. At about 12:00 Noon a House Wren was briefly splooting on the nest.
GBH Flyby.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c4ce50ed3fbe48b47b9c13f54fd066e8ece83d5c0dccdee60d2520f8bd1aaf8a.jpg)
Red-Tailed Hawk
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/11/25/20230803T174410_7981078.ts.jpg)
House Wren splooting (i.e., heat dumping)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9c87bae49e01396d09c0159767992cc91666012b09fe12fe8a8c9fe4711685ac.jpg)
Becomes alarmed and flies off.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/56e329b52fd681203ff178068b2e3f7c7bb8e6032990a274133e39de3fd0f4ae.jpg)
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OMG, Ginger, love the pics of the wren on the nest. Splooting??? Like dust bathing only not in the dust?
Great pic of the GBH flying past DNF. I must listen to GBH calls on AllAboutBirds.
Here's the red tailed hawk in similar pics to yours. And a flock of some kind of medium sized, shiny black birds dipping in the stream about 4:00. Grackles or what?? They flew away when crows called.
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Wonderful sights to see here! Thanks, all, for sharing!
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Cudos to the camera operators for all the wonderful views at DNN, day after day. :D :D :D
Crows have been feeding on the ground in the pasture this morning. Enjoy on the rewind. Also a kingfisher on the Brush Pile, but no pic.
Closeups of smaller birds. A juvie catbird hopping about on the nest edges, listen to it meow on the rewind about 10 after 7 AM. Just before that, Eastern Wood Pewee, preening on a high Perching Branch above and to left of nest; note the tiny hook on upper beak. And a few minutes later, three kingbirds (I think) perching briefly on tall grassy brush under the nest area.
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Nice pics from this morning, STL. Your mystery bird is an Eastern Wood Pewee. I agree about the juvie Catbird and the Eastern Kingbirds.
I almost missed seeing that DNF made a brief nest visit this morning at about 5:36. DNF and Mr. North roosted on the Scary Tree and after her nest visit she returned to the Scary Tree to rejoin Mr. North. I think most people assumed she'd been on the tree the entire time.
Aerating.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8bb08f6286c0bf215976609c4c302bc227bff554c74a533578acd9cd3b20d2b5.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/e7b0caa83f2b861fd2da6946e04194b1e64b97948df1e56cb8833ee12274a485.jpg)
Trying to trim a stick.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/1723747a4b5f52b383545aa36b993f56506caf42610955e7f255cb2ddf083448.jpg)
About 7:00 Deer moving through the pasture.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/130cef975c9c85ceda3461f7747b6f98b74a67174fafdf906922ac7e8dbae59a.jpg)
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Thanks for the bird ID info, Ginger! I'm pretty good with birds I have seen in real life, but the ones only from pictures and RRP online are much harder, even with really good reference books. Love to keep adding to my list.
Good to see DNF at the nest. I didn't go far enough back on the morning rewind to see her.
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Early Saturday morning, good day for breakfast duck for DNF. She was in the Scary Tree at first light, then flew away to the north, following another adult BE. DNF came to the nest briefly, then flew way again, only to appear on the Yonder snag with a duck carcass. Lots of crows calling, so maybe she stole it?? After consuming the duck, DNF flew to the BPT.
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FYI, the two juvenile turkey vultures at Marshall, MO, fledged early this afternoon. Check the Forum for pics, and watch on the rewind.
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At camera changeover to night, the Norths were in the Scary Tree close together. Fireworks going off in the background. Is it a holiday I should know about?
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Morning finds the Norths still in the Scary Tree. One stayed several hours after daylight.
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Raptor Resource Project's Cam Life 2023 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUlJdWrSII4
Aug 6, 2023
What a season 2023 was! We cheered HM, HD, and DH2; celebrated and mourned at Great Spirit Bluff; crossed our fingers for the Decorah North eagles (if one eagle could have incubated an egg all by himself, Mr. North would have done it); and were enthralled by the beautiful birds, turtles, flowers, frogs, and sunrises and sunsets on the Flyway. But the end of the summer is almost here and we need to take our usual fall break for cam maintenance and replacement!
We'll be shutting the Decorah and Decorah north cams down at 5:00 pm CDT on Wednesday, August 16. Come join us for a last 2023 chat on the Decorah nest from from 3 pm to 5 pm nest time (https://www.raptorresource.org/birdca...) and mark your calendars for Saturday, October 14th - the day we turn both cameras back on!
Between now and the 16th, we'll be taking a few strolls down memory lane, thanking some contributors, and sharing fan art and videos. This video was created by Marilyn Mitchell. If you have videos, images, or art celebrating the Decorah Eagles, Decorah North Eagles, GSB Falcons, or the Flyway, please send it my way!
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It's Monday -- Hemp-day -- at DNN in the brushy area under the nest. Hemp plant is blooming & producing seeds that many birds love. It's not "that" hemp, but another variety that grows here.
Male goldfinch prefers thistle seeds, but male rose-breasted grosebeak and female cardinal are chowing down on hemp.
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I don't think it's a dumb question - just my curious mind looking for a clear up answer.
While watching NN the rancher's cattle are known to walk across screen/field going to their destination. Not the question. Rancher has about 30 heads of cattle. All are no doubt angus - except for one. Lighter, I'd call it brownish. Is there a reason for having 1 head of a different kind of stock? Maybe milk?
Happened last year also. I feel I should know since I'm originally from Colorado. I grew up by lots of cattle. I did however move away to IL at 5 or 6 yrs. And, we did still go back on visits frequently.
Fun Question? Let me see the fun answers I get.
P
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Puff--You ask "How now, brown cow." and I don't have an answer....not to mention the white-faced black angus. Haven't ever seen a bull so I figure it's all artificial insemination anyhow. A lot easier than the tree nomenclature!! :) ;) :o
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Best bird of the day so far -- male rose-breasted grosbeak feeding on the hemp.
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More best birds of the day: Juvenile eagle on the pasture side of the creek bank, then the family of ducks that swam nearby and decided to swim elsewhere, just in case. :D ;)
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DNF in the Scary Tree at daybreak. Several small birds, cardinals, rose breasted grosbeak, others not in pics, and some crows, in the area around and under the nest, mostly enjoying the hemp plants early morning.
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Around 2:00 this afternoon, a hawk perched high up in the Brush Pile Tree and a flock of blue-winged teal on the Brush Pile (seven). Same time, three Northern flickers on the Yonder Snag.
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Busy birdie morning in the North's valley, including the Norths perched in the Scary Tree at daybreak. Cattle herd appeared at the same time but no pic. Lots of songbirds, some great closeups and some hidden in the leafy areas. And a short visit to the Scary Tree by a GBH after the Norths flew away.
Thanks to the cam ops for everything this whole unusual season. Soon we all get a few weeks off to clean our own houses. ;)
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These are the best bird views so far today, IMHO.
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I'll miss the beautiful and varied bird and other wildlife pics posted here by all the snippers! I've enjoyed all of them. Thank you!
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nanimal, the cam ops for DNN do a remarkable job of finding so many different birds! It is such fun to go beyond my back yard virtually. The cam ops get us closer to the birds than we could ever get in person. And the rewind that lets us watch what we missed.
This morning just at daybreak, looked like an adult eagle flying across the pasture from left to right (north to south). Then zoomed in on the Brush Pile Tree and the Norths perched there, MrN low and DNF high. MrN flew away to the south.
Also, it's a dewy daybreak and spiderwebs are everywhere!
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Today similar to yesterday at DNN. The Norths in the Scary Tree at daylight, one of them I think MrN, visited the nest briefly. Small birds at work, crows in the field, doe and playful fawn this morning.
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Current question. Is Ginger(Iowa) the same person as Ginger52. I want to thank Ginger(Iowa) for giving me a boost when I properly ID'd both current attractions. I wasn't as sure about the RTH, but you gave me more confidence. ;) Thank you.
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eburg, Did you also see the Great Blue Heron? It was perched low, near the creek, north of the Claw Tree, close by where the cattle were grazing mid-afternoon. Nice flyoff on the rewind. The Red Tailed Hawk was in the Twiggy Tree, down (south) at the other end of the pasture. Then one of the Norths appeared at the same place as the GBH. It's rainy and windy, hard to get clear views from a distance.
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STL--yeah, I was confident (relatively :) ) with my GBH ID, but the RTH presented as it was on its perch made me think (long-shot) maybe a sub-adult BE leaning towards albino. Scrolled down on Explore chat/photo caps and Ginger(Iowa) had pics and labels on both birds.
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eburg -- You're welcome. Yep, I am Ginger (Iowa). I wasn't online today for the GBH and RTH but I have ID'd them in the past. I do try to ID the birds I post pics of if I know what they are.
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What a season for the Norths and their neighbors. Thanks a million to RRP and the camera operators for all the great views and information about MrN and DNF and all the other topics we touched on here in the Forum. Thanks to all the other watchers and those who also post pics and help identify the birds, plants, branches, and other critters.
SEDs to all. Until October 14, when we can start a new season. ;D
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I agree with all of your sentiments, STL. I also want to thank you and the other regulars here who post pics and comments, which enriches the whole Decorah nest experience for me. Looking forward to resuming the journey!
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It's almost time for the North cams to come back online! Need something to watch in the meantime? The partial solar eclipse is kind of visible at Great Spirit Bluff right now, 11:45 AM. The sky is definitely dimmer than expected at mid-day.
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Cameras on! No eagles in view yet (12:30) but panoramas of the nest, trees, pasture, cattle. So good to see everything again.
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And here are the Norths! Great to see them looking fine.
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Wow, and yes, there they are looking very fine! Thanks, STL.
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Hi STL and Nan !
The Norths are looking very well indeed.
Love the sound of the rain.
The pans are great , so nice to see 'all' again.
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More pics from this afternoon.
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Sounds like a welcome back seranade!!! ;D
P
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Puff, it's a cattle chorale!
Views from this morning. The Norths were twittering in the Love Branches just before daylight, then a brief visit to the nest. Large buck in the distance across the creek about the same time.
Cam ops are finding the spots we remember from past season. There's one pile of downed tree that MIGHT be the Scary Tree. What do you-all think?
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Yes, STL, that's where the Scary Tree used to be. I don't know what happened. Sad not to see it there anymore though.
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I just snapped Mrs. North in the nest...Decorah North Eagles
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1970/12/31/20231016T115955_11167551.ts.jpg)
I may need a refresher 'course' on 'ID-ing' ::)
Oct 16, 2023 7:00 AM
Camera Time: Oct 16, 2023 6:59 AM CDT
Birchwoman
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Happy to oblige with eagle ID clues, also some of the trees.
DNF is the female of the pair, The Norths. She is way larger than MrN. She has distinctive feathers on the back of her head.
Labeled pic shows three locations where we often see eagles perching.
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Thanks, STL.
Great snaps.
Have a 'Good Evening'...SEDs
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ID notes for MrN: Easy to tell he is the smaller eagle when both are on the nest. His head feathers are bright white all over. He has a white bump on the lower right eyelid from an injury about 3 years ago. Cam ops will find a closeup view soon, I'm sure.
About 7:30 AM they are working on nestorations. MrN flies off with a clump of grasses in his talons. It's a mistake, and he flies right back to return it. Funny.
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The Norths in the Brush Pile Tree, calling to each other or claiming the territory.
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ID notes for MrN: Easy to tell he is the smaller eagle when both are on the nest. His head feathers are bright white all over. He has a white bump on the lower right eyelid from an injury about 3 years ago. Cam ops will find a closeup view soon, I'm sure.
About 7:30 AM they are working on nestorations. MrN flies off with a clump of grasses in his talons. It's a mistake, and he flies right back to return it. Funny.
That would have been so funny to watch. And, way too cute. Thanks
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Hi there!
Thanks. I remember about the size---male smaller.
Thank you for the refresher posts.
Oh! Just remembered---I have the charts on The Norths , photos and all that you posted the other year ---call them 'my cheat sheets. :)
Ill pull them. ;)
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Phyl, good to know that you keep cheat sheets as references. I do also!
Still valuable to get pics at the beginning of the season to see if any characteristics have changed. Here are closeups of MrN this morning that show his feather lump on the right side under the eye, and both eyes with lots of dark dots. Eye patterns are another good way to ID eagles, kind of like fingerprints.
There's some good ID info on the RRP livestream if you scroll down under the feed -- depends on your computer or smartphone how the pages get configured. Also maps of the branches and records of previous seasons.
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I think Mr. North came to the nest this morning because Lucky the Squirrel was crawling around in the sticks on the side of the nest. He turned his head every time he heard Lucky.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/aeaddb3061d6e8771ce48820d74f932e57d0ac70286e45946ffc6ef6b9372184.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5ebc3c4bb246731de6e4d53d540c935a03497ee3c4d024b361e2744dc2423393.jpg)
Here's a brief video I recorded on Monday of DNF on the nest when she wingslapped at Lucky. He comes up the branch at the lower left.
https://youtu.be/-2SgmQVisMg
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Thank you STL and Ginger Snaps are great.
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DNF on the nest at about 7:30 this morning, flying in from the BPT. Squirrel was on the nest just before she landed, and rewind shows the squirrel escaping along the left branch. Nice closeups of DNF. About 9:00 MrN and DNF nestorating with grasses and sticks.
Nice to see Ginger52 posting again!
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October 21, 2023 Saturday
What a beautiful setting - fall colors, lovely eagle pair.
If RRP will go back to calling them Mom n Dad North I think I'll watch this year.
I am an American. Free speech I support!
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Sending 'Good Night' wishes and SEDs to all.
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Nestorations continue at DNN early this morning
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I took a quick peek at Decorah North Eagles
In between the nestorations and looking for sticks ---'lumber'.
Looks like the 'crib' sides are getting a lift. ;)
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/4/20231022T162821_11434804.ts.jpg)
Oct 22, 2023 11:28 AM
Camera Time: Oct 22, 2023 11:28 AM CDT
Birchwoman
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A quick peek in on the Decorah North Eagles nest and guess who I found?
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/4/20231023T120041_11469974.ts.jpg)
A pair of field mice weaving themselves in and out of the nest twigs
Oct 23, 2023 7:01 AM
Camera Time: Oct 23, 2023 7:00 AM CDT
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The side rails of the nest look really high this fall. Because there were no fledges from DNN this past season, the rails didn't get smashed flat like usual. See comparative pics from today, from mid-August 2023 when the cameras turned off, and DN15 on the nest in early August 2022.
Phyl, love the little mice!
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DNF paused on a perching branch on the way to the nest, then great view of the fall colors across the creek.
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Perfect.
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PLEASE consider using 'our' nest - please ---
*clicks 'send'
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I think that the nest cam shows more brilliant colors than the pasture cam.
Yesterday DNF spent time perching in four different trees by the stream: BPT, the Twiggy Tree, the Spit Tree, and a tree that I think is just to the left of where the Scary Tree used to be. I've seen them perch in that 4th tree several times since the cam went live.
DNF in tree to the left of Scary Tree
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/11d7bb7a1889a7a2dcbde31c671186c49c617291d0d6466b3fb7016c88f4c5b8.jpg)
A beautiful red-tailed hawk landed on the side branch of the Ladder Branch. It was only there for less than a minute.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8354fe41898ccccd22df3612b89bba98055e083107ce9064258c5ff944b96d2b.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5ed69a464bc2dd8428a0cdb927454650843453cd0f9bf4c6c126d54570a6100d.jpg)
Two Sandhill Cranes strolled through the pasture but left in a hurry when DNF arrived at the nest with a fish.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/995675483d4cddd08c303e61e3dab73083d6bd41cc4372a209a9ebc9e7893053.jpg)
DNF brought a fish.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0983d683023bb8e9bebd9dbe0e38d0dbdccefd27e241be955fb81bbdd0fd69b9.jpg)
Mr. North also visited the nest.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/50203f9cd06c856b6f657313d0f0fd9bc8e50175f655b42d4480c0f3002d6aaf.jpg)
Mr. North was fishing late in the day and flew down to the stream but didn't make a catch.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5161756cfc66601a52728ccaac0180f75365b7edbcf52e81c5c47d7df360664d.jpg)
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Ginger great snapshots! Enjoyed them
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Ginger, thanks for the confirmation that the Scary Tree fell during the weeks the cameras were turned off. There's a small wood pile where the stump is still. Has someone come up with a name for that tree where the Norths are perching instead?
Great pics of the red tailed hawk at the nest! Must check the rewind for hawk and fish earlier this morning. You are right that the colors are better from different cameras, also the light and time of day matter. The cam ops do a fabulous job!
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About 1:00 this afternoon, MrN brought a nice dark fish to the nest. He called for DNF and I think she answered but did not join him. He ate the whole fish then flew to the Spit area of the creek to clean up. About 2:00, MrN returned to the Perching Branch for a short while. Nice closeups, thanks to the cam ops!
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AWESOME IMAGES!
Nature helps! ;D
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I actually meant this for Dec - posted in wrong nest.
PLEASE consider using 'our' nest - please ---
*clicks 'send'
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Just took a quick peek this morning at Decorah North Eagles
Mrs. North
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/5/20231025T122149_11557008.ts.jpg)
Oct 25, 2023 7:22 AM
Camera Time: Oct 25, 2023 7:21 AM CDT
Birchwoman
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And, a cam closeup of Mrs. North
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/5/20231025T122155_11557011.ts.jpg)
Oct 25, 2023 7:22 AM
Camera Time: Oct 25, 2023 7:21 AM CDT
Birchwoman
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Dec north nest fledged no young in 2022-23 season
She is probly eager for eggs - altho they arent usually laid til Dec-Jan
North Nest Recap
One egg was laid in February 2023
She spent the day chasing intruders away, after that she stopped incubating her lone egg.
https://www.raptorresource.org/2023/08/08/2023-north-nest-recap/
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Shep, you are correct that DNF stopped caring for the second egg soon after laying. But MrN continued to incubate it for many weeks. He also gave up before the egg could hatch. It was likely undeveloped, according to posts from RRP at the time. Lots of info and dates available at the live stream for Decorah North.
It's very encouraging to see both MrN and DNF working at nestorations this fall. Rain has brought out more leaf colors this morning, too. In the pic that mentions crows, you'll need a large screen, strong zoom, and the rewind to see a small flock of them in the branches across the creek. The cedar waxwings are easier to see; they were in the twiggy branches above the nest.
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Lady North is such a Lady - so - feminine - if I can say that.
She looks gentle, she'll be a good Mom.
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DNF looks like an Amazon warrior to me!! However she looks, I agree that we hope she's a good mom again next spring.
Pics and great views from the cam ops using the various cam locations here this morning. DNF spent a lot of time perching near the nest and a little time on the nest, not doing anything but being there. MrN joined her for a while on the Lower Love Branch.
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STL - WonDercorah - :D
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Shep, do you mean "like WonderWoman" and if so, sure, that's a good description. Except that DNF is at the North nest and not at Decorah. Whatever, let's not confuse things and leave RRP's designations alone. ;)
Colors are changing at Decorah North rapidly now. More reds than yellows and oranges today.
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STLbf great Fall screen-cap from DNN. 8)
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Shep, do you mean "like WonderWoman" and if so, sure, that's a good description. Except that DNF is at the North nest and not at Decorah. Whatever, let's not confuse things and leave RRP's designations alone. ;)
Colors are changing at Decorah North rapidly now. More reds than yellows and oranges today.
They are both Decorah nests.
This confusion is one reason I HATE designations.
I want the eagles to have NAMES.
O well.
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While the "Decorah Eagle Cam" and the "Decorah North Bald Eagle Cam" both have the name Decorah in them, technically neither set of these cameras are actually within the city limits of the City of Decorah.
They are both in the same Iowa county of Winneshiek however. :)
Decorah City Limits: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vSaWmi2QDatZwXsD6
Winneshiek County Iowa: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DzBM7ScRjGk5hfjw6
As the Decorah North Bald Eagle Cam is at a undisclosed location in Winneshiek County Iowa (at the rightful request of the private landowner who has graciously permitted RRP to show the DNN) I will not elaborate further other than to say it is about 16 miles north of the Decorah Eagle Cam in the same county.
The weather, terrain, foliage, critters .. etc .. etc .. can be quite different at both locations even though they are not really all that far apart. ;D
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They are both Decorah nests.
This confusion is one reason I HATE designations.
I want the eagles to have NAMES.
O well.
shep your desire to want the eagles to have NAMES has been dutifully noted here before.
Unfortunately you are not running the non profit organization called Raptor Resource Project.
They are providing these cameras freely to the worldwide public for Raptor educational purposes.
They work very hard year after year to provide these cameras, this forum and raise awareness for the benefit of OUR raptors.
Hence they get to decide what to do with their deliberately decided naming conventions.
I really don't see any confusion to any part of what RRP is doing.
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In other words WE want to call the present pair of Bald Eagles in the Hatchery area Ralph & Susie because they remind us of a pair of BE's we know very well in the Delaware River Valley .. because 'We've known them' for years.
I sure do know them when Pip and I see them over the past 10 years, but no one else knows who the heck we're talking about except us.
Mom and Dad Decorah iteration 01, 02, 03 in multiple nest locations for many generations to come for example.
How long does it take for it to become confusing to the casual Decorah Eagle camera watcher ?
A consistent numbered and or lettered "naming" convention to the nests and the Eagles, Eaglets does make scientific sense as the Decorah eagle years roll on.
I studied Grizzly Bear in the field eating moths high in the Rockies for years.
I went back & looked at my field notes.
Latitude, longitude _ GB01_GB02_GB03 in my field notes_no Brutus, Henry or Bob did I right down. ;)
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I dont mean to tik everyone off.
Its my problem.
calling them letters makes no sense to me.
I'm 81 and I have no idea who they're talking about.
goodbye
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Then just Accept the Truth, shep. :)
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I dont mean to tik everyone off.
Its my problem.
calling them letters makes no sense to me.
I'm 81 and I have no idea who they're talking about.
1st off.
No one here is ticked off at you shep.
I want to say that to you sincerely.
I truly respect your lifelong wildlife observing experiences.
I truly do. BrokenLug.
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Well, I'm ticked off at Shep. I just haven't said anything. It's just tiring to hear that complaint over and over again. Ok, that's the last I'll say about it.
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What do I know.
We're bagging then eating venison steaks off the land.
We don't go to stores often.
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except for Ginger perhaps
I'm Laughing so hard I almost just tripped over an opossum
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DNF visited the nest to check out the white stuff, about 7:30 AM. Eeewwwww, too early for snow, maybe just thick frost.
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MrN in the late afternoon.
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The Norths doing their thing, restoring the nest for the new season. Good closeups of DNF.
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Snow here overnight and all morning. Is this early for this part of Iowa?
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STL -- I'm guessing it's a week or two earlier than the average first measureable snowfall for this area. Probably BL or eburg could answer this better though.
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Haven't seen the Norths today, but a hawk has been perching near the nest this afternoon. Maybe a red-shouldered hawk, but that's a guess. Just before the hawk took off, it turned and the red tail was revealed, so a red-tailed hawk, see last pic.
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Spectacular sunrise here to greet November. The Norths spent the night on Love Branches, then MrN visited the snowy nest briefly at daylight. A red-tailed hawk perched on the Yonder snag for a bit before noon; looks like the same one as yesterday.
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Snow here overnight and all morning. Is this early for this part of Iowa?
STL -- I'm guessing it's a week or two earlier than the average first measureable snowfall for this area. Probably BL or eburg could answer this better though.
I found this "Normal Date of First One Inch Snowfall" data for Iowa here:
https://www.weather.gov/dmx/climatenormals
It appears the average 1st 1" snowfall for the 'Decorah Area' is from Nov. 18 - 25.
With Nov 23 being the sweet spot for 1st snowfall @ Decorah. :)
(Based on data from 1981 to 2020).
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Thanks, BL. I knew you'd come up with the data!
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And BTW stellar DNN STLbf. 8)
That red sky in the morning makes my old sailor November bones wish I had split more wood. ;)
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BL, my old bones are thankful that I don't have to split wood!
Snow is melting at DNN today. Eagles are busy again.
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Here's a new lookout view from above the nest. Which tree or branch?
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Breakfast and lunch with The Norths today. MrN found a carcass on the far bank of the creek about 9:00 this morning, and he flew with it to the Claw Tree where he consumed most of it, in competition with several crows. I think the carcass was a fox. DNF arrived and calling ensued.
Also closeup of a starling in winter plumage. Gorgeous.
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More with the Norths.
They both flew to the Spit Tree for a while, then MrN went to the Spit where he might have caught a fish, because he showed up at the nest about 11:00 with one, which he ate. DNF joined him at the nest and more calling ensued, along with some great closeups of her, thanks to the cam ops.
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I am SO impressed with this nest.
Maybe they could give hints to the other Decorah pair?
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Thanks to all for the snaps and info . How can all that info get over looked.
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That European Starling was gorgeous. It was casting pellets.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a033e8ee4f4bc7de6bea7e71495af534aab0beb8a34f625dc9896836d4a3f2d8.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/023f69449d8d47902459941b34b8f6cd910e1fb4deabba4460a761666f772ef8.jpg)
Yesterday was the third day in a row that we've seen more visitors than usual. They arrived with the recent snowstorm. The eagle that arrived while Mr. North was eating the carcass was a visitor. (RRP said the carcass was a opossum. I couldn't tell for sure, except that at some point you could see that it had a long skinny tail.) The visitor is on the right in this pic.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bd86e0784bb518c8d18e2972fdc93ffbd38fe4de9cbde9f62780b5573bfb86fa.jpg)
When the Norths were perched on the Spit Tree, there was a flyby. The eagle landed upstream not too far from where another eagle was already perched.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/76387ba3d7121ef0078eab9f7c12f03c33c43137167875e25b7bd21964cf0be0.jpg)
Closeup of DNF on the nest.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/49305f3fd1cd976c7a8a51898e6f5dfb18977884d7ab496394d8a42e762b92a1.jpg)
A pretty subadult perched near the stream. DNF did a lot of vocalizing at all of the visitors during the day.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9949fbb7f202f20e196edcfc07e4caf1e15f9689a68bf321c7f819c4fe4b9247.jpg)
Nightime Luckys.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7a0be983ae7d1bcbdf2b9a53416d9dc5756d73fc1ea6ad6e01be98f70b782d30.jpg)
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Ginger, good to get clarification and other opinions. I agree that there were BE visitors during the eating times yesterday. Possums where I live are whitish and gray. The carcass at DNN looked too redish, and long dark legs, and I think the long, skinny bit was not a tail. Possum tails are bare, not hairy or furry like that dangly piece. So maybe we'll never know, but it's interesting to learn the different kinds of prey eagles eat.
Morning nest work, lots of noisy crows, the Norths perching in a creek tree.
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Nov 5
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Shep, the Norths are just the most photogenic pair! There are several visiting eagles in the area now, and some are hard to tell apart from DNF and MrN at the creek views. They don't seem to be disturbing the Norths in their nestorations.
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DNF had a picnic lunch by the creek at noon today. Watch rewind to see her gulp down the large fish tail. Then she spent a good while bathing in the creek. Lovely early November Sunday!
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Three o'clock is a good time for a visitor. Not sure where in the closeup, but later, the visitor and I think the Norths were perched in creek trees. Twittering and perching close to dominate by the Norths, but no aggression observed.
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Ginger many thanks for the fantastic snaps and info.
STL thanks for the snaps and observations.
Have a Good Evening and SEDs.
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Quiet morning so far. One nice view at the creek.
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Early morning, DNF visited the nest, flew around and brought back a stick [see pic of her flying after breaking it off a tree]. Closeups and all thanks to the cam ops. Soon after, MrN brought a fish to the nest and DNF followed. Of course the fish was for her.
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Tune in to the rewind at noon for a loud chorus of "Cattle R Us."
And a hawk in one of the twiggy trees. Maybe Northern Harrier.
DNF is still into raising the rails, then perching with MrN, who departed for the creek bank to get a front row seat for the cow-yowling. Actually, I think it is the bull doing all the noisy stuff.
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Thank you for the lovely pictures! Especially the one of the Norths sitting close together.
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Not much going on today. A visitor was perched across the stream and DNF chased it off when she left the nest after a morning visit.
DNF on the nest.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9174302a2739ac027880a85e3b5e8812d482c5472bd41e3f22003fd8bb553fb2.jpg)
Visitor eagle
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/20141356f42acf59e90e61c6924d7867d83c5b3896015b2cda73d551dd0183bc.jpg)
Sunrise
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/df35b651530b2dc304aaf022f84f43cd125d2fb02fe5f6c1d980cd45fa559dbb.jpg)
Here are a couple of pics from yesterday of Mr. North when he was perched on the left-side perch branch. I've noticed that the adults usually only perch there when they're using the branch as a lookout or when defending the nest. In this case, the North's had just chased off a visitor in the stream area.
What a handsome fellow he is.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/db5fbd307231670a493849c2c7e5ea83bae9ca19e257e3bf61fcbcd786a77df0.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/345c1027cd1edfd056eaab5b2e692903eecaedc3fa21e710838b5209f9c48c98.jpg)
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Ginger, MrN is sure a handsome eagle! Always something interesting to watch at DNN, even on quiet days. Squirrels, little birds, wild plants, shadows moving, sunrise and sunset, and of course the cattle, who often provide sound even when we can't see them. Fingers crossed that DNF is not so bothered by other eagles this nesting season. Go, MrN, and chase 'em away. >:(
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Nesting activities resumed this morning. Some pics to enjoy.
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Nice pics! Thanks.
Just past dawn the screech owl called and called and CALLED.
It musta been disturb. That much vocal isnt normal.
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Shep, I found the owl calling on the rewind. Dog barking at the same time, the likely disturber.
Nest work continues, young eagles continue to visit the area.
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Early morning work on the nest. Another beautiful day here at DNN. MrN brought a really huge log, not real heavy but very large, and moved it around, then DNF moved it some more. Typical. Later, a hawk perched on the Yonder snag, while crows complained. Not sure what kind of hawk. Yellow eyes, tail with narrow, horizontal stripes, maybe an immature something??
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Did I miss something ???
When I turned off last night there was only one of our adults perched on the branch as is usual. This morning there still is only one. I think from the girth that it must be DNF. I miss the two guarding their stack-out territory.
P
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OK - All clear - Finally have both of them at the nest. Wonder where he spent the night?
P
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Nest work goes on today. And a couple of juncos visited the nest when the Norths were away. They are very active little birds, so the cam ops did great work to get a closeup in focus!
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House finches, or possibly a Purple finch, in branches near the nest, about 9:30 this morning. Best on the rewind to watch them flitting around. The changes in sunlight make them difficult for me to ID.
Both of the Norths spent the night in the Love Branches.
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Continued work on the nest. It's looking pretty and inviting.
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Woke up, got outta bed, ran my fingers round my head....and then checked out the cams I keep on all night and found the North Nest Cam watching an oppossum. I'd never watched a wild one before. Thank you cam op!
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STL -- Just after DNF brought in that load of grasses Mr. North landed with a fish. DNF vocalized and made moves toward the fish, so he quickly flew off with it to the Love Branch.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/075a0b1f4b69590066eb79745715c4bbb5458e7fc3e6f51ae97366542e5d6529.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/66a865284dd3605c1fd494057919c2a70c5ccffaacc625216cb563adcecb8644.jpg)
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4835727d71d89ad999a181c8caf72971f43f7b4eb351ba8c4ca929db959deb63.jpg)
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Ginger, clever MrN saving his fish. I guess the sharing instinct isn't running hot at this time of year, even though they are working closely together on the nestorations.
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STL -- Definitely no consistent sharing at this point in time. lol
I was just in rewind listening to the coyotes last night. Go to 9:42 p.m. It's the loudest I've ever heard them.
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STL -- Definitely no consistent sharing at this point in time. lol
I was just in rewind listening to the coyotes last night. Go to 9:42 p.m. It's the loudest I've ever heard them.
Heard that, too, Ginger . Sometimes they sound very adament in their complaints. Message given, message taken.
P
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The microphones pick up every little sound and the louder ones seem to be louder than previous years. The cattle cries startle me sometimes, like they were right in my room. Go, coyotes!
DNF brought grasses to the nest early this morning, stayed for a short while.
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Early afternoon, DNF brought a fish to the nest, with MrN following. She didn't share, but ate the whole thing while he watched. They stayed for a short while then flew off. Later, cam ops got some great closeups of a male red-bellied woodpecker feeding on a dead section of a perching branch below the nest.
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Here's the spectacular sunrise at the North's Valley. After noon, DNF brought more grasses and MrN showed up also. One of them brought the first corn husk of the season that I have seen. Both were moving it around.
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A beautiful male Pileated Woodpecker today. I started hearing its calls at around 7:42 and then it was seen on cam for quite awhile starting around 7:56.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9bd7d9864fe0d2e9411fecb8ebc0228c20b7149c0b41c7bee2b06db3d5aa300f.jpg)
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Thanks Ginger, for the pileated woodpecker note and pic. Large bird, crow sized, and their pecking can be really loud and echoy also. The view is from the main branch of the Love Branches, which the cam ops kindly panned out as the bird flew away.
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I circled the location of the Pileated Woodpecker this morning. It's a tree on the same side of the nest as the Love Tree.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c6a4bae8632f5eee8884586f08a18338e6f1f6cbc02f1e3525d92ac58920d094.jpg)
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Ginger, thanks for more precise location pic. :)
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Ah one of our most favorite of woodpeckers.
They are notorious for wanting to be reclusive.
A very healthy ecosystem they are known to be observed in . 8)
Pip and I sat draw dropped on a granite boulder eating our lunch.
Ears serenaded to the drum solo mid day in NY State while on a day hike.
Very close to us -50 feet away maybe- a female Pileated Woodpecker started jack hammering away on a semi dead Oak Tree for her vittles.
Eat your heart out John Bohnam.
Awesome. Ok now it gets even better.
A Male swoops in and starts to mate with her on the tree.
Holy Ruckus the noises and visual that ensued we'll never ever forget. :)
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Adventures at the North's valley today. It appears that MrN spent the night in the trees near the Brush Pile. Not sure where DNF was. I think MrN was near the Brush Pile with a bluejay flitting around at about 7:30 AM, and it might have been him again on a snag sticking up from the Brush Pile at about 9:30AM.
In the afternoon, things got really interesting. A kingfisher perched on the Brush Pile about 1:30. Then about 3:00, a visiting sub-adult BE flew from the creek trees to the nest and spent about half an hour there. It's a large bird, so could be a female, guessing about 4 years old, unbanded. She picked up a stick and moved it, then perched and preened on the Ladder Branch before flying back to the creek area. She ate a fish from branches in the Claw Tree area, then moved to the Brush Pile and was still there with the IR cam turned on. Cam ops got some wonderful closeups.
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More pics of the visitor.
No sign of MrN or DNF all afternoon. What will tomorrow bring?
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Last night a visitor roosted with Mr. North and DNF. The visitor flew in after Mr. N. and DNF were already there (and it perched above DNF). At around 1:26 a.m. Mr. N. awakened, turned left, saw an owl approaching, vocalized and immediately dove off. The owl chased and both flew back across the screen as the chase continued (I'm assuming that it was Mr. N. chasing the owl at that point ??). In the morning DNF flew off and the visitor stayed for awhile before making a failed fishing attempt. It briefly sat on the stream bank and then flew to the Brush Pile snag for a brief time before flying over to perch in a tree to the left of BPT. It was there for awhile and then Mr. N. came along and chased it off. I don't think it was the same eagle as the nest intruder that we saw this afternoon. The one this afternoon is just gorgeous! Tonight it's roosting on the left-side perch branch next to the nest.
Mr. N., DNF, and Visitor last night.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6a33e29cd1aca724c7924971d2cd0aba6834577e0f0b4713fec0480d2f86636e.jpg)
Visitor perched on tree to left of BPT. Drying off from its fishing attempt.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/21/20231125T140817_12899402.ts.jpg)
Intruder roosting on left-side perch branch.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ced1e3391942c25d8c59fabe722fbce9a511022305cb6a8471dd6b240433618e.jpg)
Video of owl chasing off Mr. N.
https://youtu.be/UJGb5JaDpiM
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Ginger, the story is complicated! Great video of the owl and chasing.
One more pic of the visitor just after dark, closer view. The camera is on highlights since about 7:00 this evening, and that always makes me suspicious of something dire. I will be happy to be wrong when morning comes.
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SNOWING!
SONday, November 26th
BIG dump of snow in Decorah eagles nest!
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Yep, Shep, snowy for sure all around the area. The camera came back live around 11:00 this morning. Couple pics.
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Remarkable closeups of the creek bank this morning showing Canada geese and an eagle. Might be from the ground camera near the nest.
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DNF brought a large chunk of partially frozen, mystery red meat to the nest at about 1:00 and spent an hour eating at it. I have no idea what this could be. Closeups don't reveal any features like feet, tail, head, etc.
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Decorah North Eagles
Nov 30, 2023 7:11 AM
Camera Time: Nov 30, 2023 7:11 AM CST
Birchwoman
This morning's sunrise
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/23/20231130T131133_13113700.ts.jpg)
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;D Orange sun good
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Sunrise today was multicolored! Amazing.
Nice to see MrN and DNF back to working on the nest this morning.
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STLbf great snaps of DNN with DNF and Mr. North.
Thanks
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The sun begins to set at Decorah North Eagles
Nov 30, 2023 3:52 PM
Camera Time: Nov 30, 2023 3:52 PM CST
Birchwoman
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/24/20231130T215205_13129316.ts.jpg)
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Decorah North Eagles
Nov 30, 2023 4:06 PM
Camera Time: Nov 30, 2023 4:05 PM CST
From Eucker.
Looks like maybe DNF.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/24/20231130T220557_13129732.ts.jpg)
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Decorah North Eagles
Dec 1, 2023 1:28 AM
Camera Time: Dec 1, 2023 1:28 AM CST
Birchwoman
The Norths catching some shut-eye.
(https://files.explore.org/sn/1971/1/23/20231201T072803_13146595.ts.jpg)
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Phyl, good to see the Norths together overnighting on the Love Branch.
Nice closeups of the pair on the nest around noon today. Thanks to the cam ops!
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December 3, 2023 Sonday
SNOWING!
5 am cam on highlights
All 3 area cams are snowing
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Sunday blessings...
STL thanks for the snaps of the Norths-together. ;)
Shep ' Sonday' got it. Some white stuff of the bald eagles. Brrrr!
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DNF (I'm fairly sure) spent an hour or more in the tree to the left (north) of where the Scary Tree was.
See the blue circles in the pic.
Do we have a name for the new perch she seems to like?
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STL -- Yes, it was DNF. I call it the V Tree although, admittedly, it's not really a good name and I think there are actually a couple of trees that she perches in although I think it's usually just one. I've stuck with V Tree because even though I don't think it's a very good descriptor, I don't have any trouble remembering it.
Yesterday there was a beautiful red-tailed hawk in the area that caught and ate a squirrel. (You could clearly see in some pics that it was a squirrel, but I'll spare you from seeing those.)
Red-Tailed Hawk visits
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d802cd68609870e8adcb9b2fa1d9b63b487281fc32678f5ce2ac9782c461e7ae.jpg)
On Yonder Branch
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d2666470c9b973857a55a071b00694fc42e7aa465da48c419a0e9133ffcee5e4.jpg)
In area on right side of nest eating a squirrel
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/939e76e9245cf7c98c746044e0c4eacb9e42313dd251910f8e06c2afc76fb15a.jpg)
Also yesterday, the Cam op found a critter swimming in the stream. It came out and ate something and then swam off. I'm pretty sure it was a muskrat (definitely not a beaver -- you can tell because when a muskrat swims you see most of its body above water). Here's a pic of it swimming (center right).
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/42ca69f1311fcf7fc609feeb276d271ace88fff617b104e9a44471958030f148.jpg)
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Ginger, thanks for the V Tree name. Works for me, too.
RTHs are really beautiful birds. I'm OK with the bloody gore of watching raptors consume their prey, but it's also OK to skip it when other watchers will be seeing.
I saw the muskrat, too, but didn't try a pic because too far away to see the detail. Yours is really good. Maybe I didn't wait long enough. I think it was nibbling on a small branch on the far side of the creek right at the water's edge.
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Both currently on NN.
P
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Really enjoy the snaps of RTH Ginger.
Some days I can take 'the gore' and some I can't. But, alas that's Nature and one must accept this. When we sign on as members
we also sign on for whatever Nature shows us. ;)
Hi STL
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Activity this morning, from lights-on to noon. About 8:30 AM, MrN brought something white and long-haired to the nest after perching and looking in several locations along the creek. Other eagles and some crows were also flying around, but no one landed to share the item, so he ate what was edible and left white hair all over the nest. I think it was the tail of a white-tailed deer, possibly from a hunter's carcass.
Later, MrN brought some grasses and DNF brought a stick, then they puttered at the nest for a while. Around noon, a sub-adult was at the Brush Pile and in the creek. Also the cattle are grazing.
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Thanks for the snaps STL.
Nature is as Nature does...
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Several eagles plus the Norths flying and perching this afternoon. One youngish sub-a, another older sub-a. There's gunfire in the background which may make the eagles restless.
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Some more great snaps of the Norths. STL
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Pics and activities from DEC 6 that I forgot to post. Someone will surely have video of the eagles on Wednesday morning.
Two sub-adult visitors again in the area, the same as earlier this week. They were in several locations near the creek about 9:00, acting companionable. About 11:00, DNF brought a fish to the nest, and at the same time, MrN brought a muskrat carcass to one of the branches nearby. Neither shared their prey, but consumed most of it. The subs were around, and lots of eagle-calling but no visible encounters. One or both of the subs flew to the ground and MrN ran them off, then joined DNF on the nest for a short time.
But wait . . . . The best is yet to come!
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About noon, the two sub-adults went to the creek to clean up, so I suspect they got the rest of the muskrat carcass. Then a third eagle appeared in the water also, and it was DNF. When a black cow entered the picture, the eagles never bothered at all.
I sure hope that all this chumminess among the eagles means that DNF is over whatever affected her last egg season. Stay tuned. ;D
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Holy Cow, I just checked a video on the chat for the Decorah North Nest, and there's video of the "Pool Party" that includes up to 6 eagles!!! Awesome, and thanks a zillion to Tulsaducati for posting the video.
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Pics from today, similar to yesterday's activities.
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Holy Cow, I just checked a video on the chat for the Decorah North Nest, and there's video of the "Pool Party" that includes up to 6 eagles!!! Awesome, and thanks a zillion to Tulsaducati for posting the video.
STL -- Wed. was a very fun day watching the cam. I saw 7 eagles total (possibly including Mr. N. and DNF). There are 6 in this pic.
(https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2c1fbd1fddaf2241f8d5c4173b5c79e947e5a521f28b0e0e4fb397d6c772fa67.jpg)
Yesterday I saw 4 bathing in the stream and that does include our pair. Your third pic from yesterday is of our pair.
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Ginger, perhaps "immersion" therapy will help DNF get over being bothered by visitors to her territory!
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LOVE how the cow slowly saunters into the pool party scene, stops right in front all the eagle action as if to say: "Can you see me now"? Apparently pauses long enough for the photo op, then slowly wanders out of scene. What a wonderful day of eagle interactions in the North Neighborhood. Thanks to everyone who posts photos and videos :) They always exercise my smile muscles in big ways.
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LindaBird, interactions between the cattle and the eagles are always interesting, even when they seem to ignore each other. We have seen eagles flap at cows, especially fledgling eagles.
Pics from this morning (without cattle). DNF worked with a large cornstalk, then MrN brought a large stick to the top of the Yonder snag, but dropped it, then spent minutes on the ground and logs nearby as if looking for it. He flew to the nest to help DNF move things for a time, then both flew away.
More to come . . .
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Cam ops got some great closeups of a female house finch eating seeds from red berries, then a male pileated woodpecker on the Yonder snag and in other branches.
About 4:00, MrN brought a fish to the nest and ate all of it. He flew to the creek for a drink and to clean up his bloody feet, then perched nearby as the camera went to IR mode for the night.
SEDs to everybirdie. Have a great weekend.
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The Norths visited their nest and brought some materials and moved others early morning. Nice closeups of a male downy woodpecker in the Perching branches right after the eagles left. Later, closer to noon, the Norths were back on the nest when a windy rain and snow storm blew in.
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Quiet day at the North's valley. The pair did some early nest work, then mostly perching in trees at the creek. About 11:00 MrN (I think) shared the Claw Tree for a while with a sub-adult visitor. The visitor flew away, then DNF came to the Brush Pile Tree where she stayed after MrN left.
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Monday morning, back to work. DNF overnight on Love Branch. At daybreak MrN was perched above the nest, might have been there overnight too. Both went to a creek tree for a while, then to the nest about 8:30. DNF brought a long stick.
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MrN ate a fish (trout) on a branch below the nest this morning about 10:00. DNF off-camera, calling for sharing, but not this time. Rewind to some minutes earlier for great video of at least 4 eagles chasing and soaring.
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STL -- Nice pic of Mr. N. withis his fish.
Around 8:00 a.m. there was a subadult that we'd seen yesterday still hanging around. I think one of the North's chased it off. It spent quite awhile yesterday fishing and on its 3rd or 4th attempt it caught a nice big fish.
Before Mr. caught his fish, he did some hovering over the stream. Here's a gif posted by Explore chat mod GABear.
https://i.gyazo.com/c5892210e7e297f1bb00ae644059b24f.gif
And, here's a gif from GABear of Mr. N. catching his fish and swimming to shore.
https://i.gyazo.com/f523e4b4e3fc911f1399f7d51730430e.gif
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Ginger, thanks for the gifs! That older sub-adult is perching in the Brush Pile Tree this afternoon, too.
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The older sub-a might have overnighted in the BPT; it was there as the daytime cam returned but no pic. DNF brought a stick to the nest about 8:00 and stayed for a little nest arranging. About 10:00, a red squirrel visited the nest. Be careful! You could be invited to be lunch!
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DNF and MrN spent the night at Love Branch. They were busy at the nest this morning, mostly rearranging materials already there.
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Good weather for little birds, too. A flock of house finches visited the nest; came ops got great closeups, too. And some grackles bathing in the creek around noon.
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Hi all! I'm ready to order my 2024 Decorah North calendar, but all I've seen is a notice that says "... coming soon." Has anyone seen anything more specific?
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nanimal, sorry no better info from me about the calendar.
But a few more glorious pics from DNN this morning. Sunrise -- I'm still figuring out what to do with all the beautiful sunrise and sunset pics! Coyotes were singing at sunrise today. I'm pretty sure it was coyotes.
Short nest visit from DNF with closeups, thanks to the cam ops. A flock of juncos visited the nest right after DNF flew away -- best on rewind and a big screen to see these active little birds.
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Thanks anyway, STL; I'll just keep checking for calendar information.
I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling grateful for all of your beautiful pics, and those from Lisa, Ginger, and PHYL, too!
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Thanks to the camera operators who make all these pics possible!
Rainy, chilly day in the Decorah North area, and the rest of the region. MrN had a long bath + shower in the creek starting about 9:00. Watch on video to see him dunk each of his wings over and over. After he flew to a creek tree for preening, there was a sub-adult perched above. DNF appeared on the nest briefly then flew to join MrN. See the pic with labels for who's who, next posting.
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Here's DNF on the nest, then three eagles in creek trees.
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STLbf so 8)
There are front yards and then there are some front yards. :)
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The Norths have a great view from their house, don't they?
DNF brought a new stick about 8:00 this morning, followed by MrN who might have brought the corn husk he was moving from here to there. Then they left for parts unknown -- probably shopping at Walmart. :D
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Wow! NN is really being put through the wind tunnel test this morning. ???
N1 not so bad! Surprisingly more solid.
Hang on to your feathers.
P
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Puff, yes, it's really blowing hard and cold up there today. And also where I live, where the good news is that most of the leaves are blowing from my yard to the neighbors. ;D
DNF had a fish on the nest about 10:00. MrN perched briefly on the nest then went to Love Branch about 10:45. Hard to see in the very branchy tree behind the Love Branches, but I think it's both of them twittering at 11:00. Maybe a loving time.
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The Norths have a great view from their house, don't they?
DNF brought a new stick about 8:00 this morning, followed by MrN who might have brought the corn husk he was moving from here to there. Then they left for parts unknown -- probably shopping at Walmart. :D
What a great shot of DNF landing, STL! As you mentioned, many thanks goes out to the cam operators, too!
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I'll second that compliment nan.
Fabulous.
P
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No sign of activity until mid-morning today, when DNF brought in a long, skinny stick. She stayed long enough for cam op closeups, then flew back to the creek trees.
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Mid-afternoon, MrN flew to a branch beyond the Love Branches, then to a lower Love Branch, just sitting. After a bit, DNF came to the nest, also to sit. She did some calling and appeared to be watching a flyover. MrN left, DNF feaked her beak on the Ladder Branch, then flew away. At a creek tree north of the Claw Tree, a young sub-adult was perching for a short time, perhaps that is what DNF was hollering about from the nest earlier. No room here for a pic of the sunset, but unusual camera view, so check the rewind. SEDs everybirdie.
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Good morning to add to the nest. Early, MrN broke off a stick from a creek tree and brought it to the nest. DNF came to help or supervise. At about 9:30AM, he broke off another stick from a deeper creek tree and flew in with it. DNF also brought a stick, and later brought a load of leaves and grasses about 11:00.
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After nothing last night - Tonight we have both D and M in the tree together for the night (after a quickie roll in the hay, as they say :o )
P
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After nothing last night - Tonight we have both HD and HM in the tree together for the night (after a quickie roll in the hay, as they say :o )
P
Puff -- i think you meant to post this in the DE thread. :)
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I saw the "dancing" tonight between Mr and Mrs North. Was a nice practice demo, that's for sure 8)
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The Norths spent the night on Love Branches and were there at daybreak. They flew to creek trees, to make way for two red squirrels to visit the nest from about 9:00 and for about an hour. Catch the rewind for many closeups.
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GailM posted this beautiful holiday video on the Explore DNN chat board:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogG13GFZpvk
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That's a great video, thanks to Ginger for posting it!
Misty and warm today, not much happening at DNN by noon.
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You're welcome, STL.
Just one nest visit so far today (at 9:32 a.m.). DNF brought in a clump of grass and Mr. N. brought a cornstalk. Both did some aerating. DNF perched for awhile across the stream.
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That was a really nice fly-in with the cornstalk for MrN! Thanks, Ginger.
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4 am December 26, 2023
Yep - still 2023 .... ;D
I hear turkeys - and some kind of 'screaming' - ?
Since I have both this and Decorah cams up,
I am not certain which cam has the sounds.
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Shep, sometimes the sounds from the cameras fool me and I think they're coming from my back yard!
DNF has been on and off the nest this morning. Just before noon, she brought a fish for lunch. MrN came to the nest, but too late for lunch.
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More fishing activity early afternoon. Right after DNF's bath, MrN was fishing from the Brush Pile. He dived in and caught a trout, carried it to a branch below the nest and called for DNF. She flew by but didn't stop to share. He continued calling and finally ate the fish. Then he flew back to the creek for a drink (maybe a quick dip, too). Should be video of the fishy action or catch it on the rewind!
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Skiff of snow overnight, melted on the ground by 10. The Norths perched together on the BPT about 8:30 AM. They both left for other trees, then MrN came to the nest just picking around at 8:45, then left. DNF on the nest for more picking at 11:30, and was just testing the fit when MrN landed. They both flew away and neither brought anything new as of almost noon.
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DNF brought something furry for breakfast on the nest about 8:00 and spent a couple of hours picking at the carcass. Guessing a muskrat. MrN joined her to watch, pick at the nest, and nibble when she moved away. He carried off the remains to eat on a branch below to the right of the nest (south). Done by about 11:00, when both flew off to the north. Cam ops got great closeups and flyaway views.
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It's a sticks and fish day for the Norths! Better on the rewind for sticks around 10:00, then closer to noon for the fishing.
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Fishing pics. The Norths are on the far creek bed and plunge down to catch the fish. MrN tried and missed at about 10:30 AM. A little later, both adults were in the same location, when he plunged successfully. He flew toward the nest with DNF following. Lots of calling, and pics of MrN on a branch below the nest eating the fish. DNF perched on the Yonder snag and a sub-adult in brush below her. (See pic with circles: Green = MrN with fish, Blue = DNF, Purple = Sub-a) Closeups of MrN and the floppy fish. When he has eaten most of it, DNF flies in from his rear and he leaps away. She carried the remains of the fish to the nest to eat it. Later, cam ops found the sub-a perching in tall trees on the south side of the nest.
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Here's the Sub-adult.
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This afternoon was a time for adding grasses, leaves, and a stick or two to the nest.
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And some great close-ups, too!
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stl you got great shots!
Thanks for your notes.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
(https://gab.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=992,quality=100,fit=scale-down/system/accounts/headers/005/923/217/original/d3c832d7890991cd.jpg)
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Shep, glad you enjoy the pics and notes! MrN brought one stick to the nest this morning, then flew away to someplace warmer and out of the wind (I hope).
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January 1, 2024
The Year can only improve
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Thanks for posting this year, everyone! This thread is now closed and the 2024 thread is open! Happy New Year!
Amy