Eagle Camera Updates

It’s so neat to be able to watch an eagle’s nest.  I haven’t seen any eagles in our neck of the woods yet and I never get to see anything like this so close up.

Update Feb. 17, 2016

Three eggs in the nest.

A few viewers have contacted us with concerns that only two eggs appear visible in the nest. Please rest assured that all three eggs are still present in the nest. The nest bole is getting fairly deep and may obscure our view of all three eggs from time to time. If an egg is destroyed we will be sure to let everyone know.

A little over halfway.

The first egg was laid January 25, meaning we are a little over halfway through the incubation process. Hatching occurs after about 35 days of incubation, so expect the first to start hatching around March 1. As we watch for hatching please keep in mind that the eaglets will hatch asynchronously (not all at the same time), this means that the second and third eggs laid will hatch a few days after the first. If you missed the videos of the egg laying process, they can be viewed anytime online (video1, video2).

Parental care.

Both adult eagles help incubate their eggs. We have observed the incubating adults roll their eggs often, this rolling behavior is one of the things the adult eagles need to do to keep the chicks inside alive (learn more about why rolling is important at: http://ornithology.com/ornithology-lectures/development-birds/). Both adults have been observed at the nest recently – switch-offs happen quickly.

Where’s the food?

Some have expressed concern about the lack of food in the nest. Please remember that it is still early in the egg incubation process. The adults are taking turns leaving the nest, incubating and foraging on their own (and feeding away from the nest). Occasional meals may be brought to the nest during this time. As hatching approaches toward the end of Feb. we will start to see the adults stockpiling food in their nest.

Think wildlife at tax time

The DNR eagle camera is paid for by the Minnesota Nongame Wildlife Program, which is almost completely funded by people like you who make voluntary donations, usually at tax time. Some folks are “sustaining” donors, who give a small amount each month.  If you choose to donate at tax time, look for the loon on Line 21 of the Minnesota Income Tax form (if you do your own taxes), or tell your tax preparer that you want to contribute to the Nongame Wildlife Fund, also referred to as the “Chickadee Checkoff.” Donations can also be made using online tax-preparing software. Donations are tax deductible and matched dollar for dollar. These donations are NOT limited to $1!  Any amount helps, but $10 or more would help us pay for this camera as well as other projects!

More information for tax preparers. Donate anytime online at: www.mndnr.gov/nongame/donate

Important Links:

Watch the MNDNR EagleCam live at: mndnr.gov/eaglecam

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaNongameWildlifeProgram (You DO NOT need to have a Facebook account to view posts and photos).

Do not forget to checkout past EagleCam Updates