Yes, there are bald eagles in Decorah. The Raptor Resource Project has been studying and monitoring bald eagle nests in Decorah since 2007, with live-streaming webcams installed to observe their behavior and nesting habits. The Decorah Eagles have become an Internet phenomenon, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the eagles build and repair their nests, mate, lay eggs, and care for their young.
The Decorah Eagles Nests
As of 2023, there are five nests in the Decorah territory, with N0, N1, N2, and N2B having been built by bald eagles, and N2B having been built by Neil Rettig and Kike Arnal after N2 was destroyed in a storm. Nest N1 sat empty in 2021 and 2022, but a new pair of adult bald eagles, christened HM (Hatchery Mom) and HD (Hatchery Dad), began using the nest in March of 2022.
Feather Stages of the Decorah Eagles
Image source: Pexels by Anrita Krause
Bald eagles go through two molts and three feather stages in the nest: natal down, thermal down, and juvenile feathers. The Decorah North eaglets are currently shedding the last of their natal down, and their thermal down is being replaced by juvenile down and feathers.
Naming Conventions for the Decorah Eagles
The Decorah Eagles are not given names to prevent viewers from anthropomorphizing them and to help observers maintain a healthy distance from the wildlife. The eaglets are designated by serial numbers, such as D12, D13, and D14, based on the order they are born and the region they are from.
Parenting Dynamics of the Decorah Eagles
In 2018, Mom Decorah raised her three eaglets alone following the disappearance of Dad Decorah during severe snow storms. She chose a male eagle named DM2 as her mate, and they raised eaglets in the 2018-2019 season. DM2 has returned for the 2019-2020 season.
The Decorah Eagles’ Popularity
The Decorah Eagles have become an Internet sensation, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch their nesting activities. The live-streaming webcams installed by the Raptor Resource Project have allowed people from around the world to observe the eagles’ behavior and witness the hatching and rearing of their young.
Unique Characteristics of the Decorah Eagles
The Decorah Eagles have several unique characteristics that set them apart from other bald eagle populations. For example, the Decorah North nest is located in a highly visible location, allowing for easy observation and monitoring by researchers and the public. Additionally, the eagles have adapted to the presence of humans in their territory, with the Decorah North nest being located near a busy road and a popular hiking trail.
Conservation Efforts for the Decorah Eagles
The Raptor Resource Project has been instrumental in the conservation and protection of the Decorah Eagles. Through their research and monitoring efforts, they have been able to gather valuable data on the eagles’ behavior and nesting habits, which has helped inform conservation strategies and policies. Additionally, the live-streaming webcams have helped to raise awareness about the importance of bald eagle conservation and the threats they face, such as habitat loss and human disturbance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Decorah Eagles are a thriving and well-studied population of bald eagles that have captured the attention of millions of people around the world. Through the efforts of the Raptor Resource Project and the dedication of researchers and wildlife enthusiasts, we have been able to learn a great deal about the behavior and ecology of these magnificent birds, and to work towards their continued conservation and protection.
References:
– https://explore.org/livecams/bald-eagles/decorah-eagles-north-nest
– https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams/decorah-eagles/
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decorah_Bald_Eagles
