Decorah Eagles 2018
The Trout Hatchery near Decorah, Iowa is the site of several eagle nests that have been studied by the Raptor Resource Project for many years. The area is a sort of “eagle garden of eden,” with the trout hatchery and a flowing stream with many fish just beneath the cottonwood tree in which nest 2B is located. These photos are from the spring and summer of 2018. Nest 2B was home to Decorah Mom, Decorah Dad, and 3 eaglets, designated D29, D30, and D31 in the order of their hatching. D29 hatched on 4/1/18; D30 on 4/2/18, and D31 on 4/4/18. The numbers represent the number of eaglets that have been observed from these nests over the years. The first few years he mated with “original Mom.” The current Decorah Mom has been on the nest with him since 2007.
Tragically, Decorah Dad was last seen on the nest on 4/18/18. His whereabouts are unknown, but since he was a devoted Dad through the fledging of 28 previous eaglets, it must be assumed that he would not have left voluntarily. Decorah Mom valiantly embraced the role of single eagle parent, bringing hundreds of fresh fish and a little road kill to the hungry eaglets.
A male eagle, first known as UME, or unknown male eagle, and later named Decorah Male, or DM, has been in the vicinity since close to the time that Decorah Dad was last seen. While he has not assumed a parenting role for the 3 eaglets, he has helped Decorah Mom defend the territory, and especially stood watch when the eaglets were very young and vulnerable while Decorah Mom was off fishing and hunting.
It was such a pleasure to watch the progress of the eaglets through the lens of the Raptor Research Project cameras, that transmitted views of the nest 24/7. Most of the photos provided below are from the RRP web site, or are screen captures from the live video of the nest. The RRP is a wonderful organization, and donations are always welcome. Their page is located at: www.raptorresource.org
Decorah Dad - 2018 Decorah Mom
Photo by S. Short 6/12/18
Mom Keeping a Close Eye on the Eggs
We have Eaglets!
4/25/18: Dad is Gone; Mom Carries On
5/9/18: My How They Grow! Mom Keeping Crops Full.
5/21/18: The Rate of Growth is Astonishing!
6/6/18: Nearly Full-Grown. L-R: D30, D31, and D29.
Wing Exercises Prepare for Fledging.
Photo by S. Short, 6/12/18, from bike path beneath nest.
Awesome Display.
Photo by S. Short, 6/12/18
Perching Practice!
Photo by S. Short, 6/12/18
Mom returns with a fish on 6/14/18 to find D30 on the Skywalk, and the other 2 still in the nest.
By 6/15/18, all 3 on the Skywalk, enjoying the view.
Beautiful Young Eagles! 6/15/18
So, on 6/16/18, when all seemed tranquil and right in eagledom, we all had a little excitement. The eaglets were sitting together on the Skywalk, when one (D31?) started vigorously winging. D30 was sitting at the very top, got knocked by the wing activity, and fell off the branch! This was characterized by RRP as an “accidental fledge.” This has happened before at Decorah, most recently by D27, who fell out of the nest and returned the next day.
Later in the afternoon, Brian, a biologist from the Decorah Trout Hatchery, found D30 perched on a tree beneath the Skywalk, apparently unharmed.
At just before noon on 6/17/18, D30 turned to the nest, executing a perfect landing! D30 is now officially a fledgling, having demonstrated his/her ability to fly! May not have been D30’s preferred timetable, but the new fledgling certainly has earned wings! Now, the suspense builds as we wonder which eaglet will be the next to take to the air.
By June 23, all three amigos had fledged and are now exploring their natal territory! They are learning survival skills from Mom. If eagles have emotions, she must be proud of her latest group of fledglings, especially since she had to raise them by herself.
Even proud fledglings still come home to the nest, aka cafeteria, hoping that Mom might stop by with some fish!
Soon they’ll learn to dive into that stream and catch fish for themselves.
The three amigos, perching on the skywalk above their natal nest, perhaps comparing notes on their day’s adventures in growing and learning?