- Most recent posts are at the top of this page. Scroll down to see earlier news.
- For the most recent news and updates during the off season, go to the R.R.P. website:
- R.R.P. also posts information on their Facebook page, which can be viewed without a Facebook account:
The chat feature for the UStream Decorah Eagle camera is closed for the season. There has not yet been an announcement about when the cameras will be turned off for the season. For continued news from RRP, check in here, or go to: http://raptorresource.org/ For updates on the Decorah eagle being cared for at S.O.A.R, go to: http://www.soarraptors.org/
Tragic News from
Raptor Resource Project
July 8 ~ From the Facebook Page of Raptor Resource Project
We are Heartbroken to Announce the Electrocution of our Male Juvenile Decorah Eaglet (EWOT / believed to be D18)
Bob Anderson has released this statement:
"This morning the one young 2014 male eagle was seen soaring high over the bluff near Decorah compost site. We were all impressed by his flying skill. We believe that the young eagle was on his way back to the compost site when he attempted to land on the power pole about 1/2 mile from the compost site. This was a high transmission power pole and the eaglet suffered burns on its wing (wrist) and singed feathers on his feet. The electricity either entered through its feet and out the wing or vice versa, and his wing was nearly severed.We are all very saddened as his flying prowess led us to believe that we would have a long lived male eagle to compliment the data from our famous D1".
You may recall the Decorah eagles D12 and D14 were both electrocuted in 2012, and while many of the power poles around the nest and hatchery were retrofitted, not all poles in Decorah were, and this pole was quite a distance from the nest tree.
We will have more information tomorrow as we learn more.
Bob Anderson has released this statement:
"This morning the one young 2014 male eagle was seen soaring high over the bluff near Decorah compost site. We were all impressed by his flying skill. We believe that the young eagle was on his way back to the compost site when he attempted to land on the power pole about 1/2 mile from the compost site. This was a high transmission power pole and the eaglet suffered burns on its wing (wrist) and singed feathers on his feet. The electricity either entered through its feet and out the wing or vice versa, and his wing was nearly severed.We are all very saddened as his flying prowess led us to believe that we would have a long lived male eagle to compliment the data from our famous D1".
You may recall the Decorah eagles D12 and D14 were both electrocuted in 2012, and while many of the power poles around the nest and hatchery were retrofitted, not all poles in Decorah were, and this pole was quite a distance from the nest tree.
We will have more information tomorrow as we learn more.
July 10 ~ Updated Information from RRP
The very latest information concerning the death of D18 can be found on the blog of Amy Reis, of Raptor Resource project. She explains what is known about the circumstances of the accident, as well as what can be done in your community, to prevent similar tragedies in the future. http://raptorresource.blogspot.com/2014/07/ewots-electrocution.html
July 11 ~ Click here to listen to the radio interview Bob Anderson did with Iowa Public Radio about the events of the week.
July 4 - D18 ("EWOT") Receives a GPS Transmitter for Tracking
7-05-14: Decorah Ground Report by David Lynch
[Photo by David Lynch]
July 4, 2014 was a day with real-world fireworks here in Decorah! I awoke at 3:30AM to meet Bob Anderson and Biologist Brett Mandernack at the now famous Decorah Yard Waste Facility at 4:30 AM. It was still dark when we arrived at mulch mountain, so we started our work quickly. The intent of the early meeting was to capture eaglet EWOT and apply a GPS transmitter to match its sibling FOUR. This will help us learn whether siblings travel together after dispersal from the nest area and, since the newest bird is male, provide a counterpart to female D1's data. Like D1, D14, and Four, our latest eaglet will join a study that began at Eagle Valley in 1999. We look forward to learning from him!
We used a pandam or noose-loop trap to capture the eaglet. This method has been used by Eastern falconers for centuries since it is easy to set, lightweight, and very safe. We set the trap at the eagle-less mulch pile at 5AM, and I learned much from the two experts that taught me every detail along the way. We then backed behind the fence of the facility and waited. Approximately 10 minutes later, EWOT arrived at an adjacent mulch pile. After a few hop-flights, he (ascertained later by measurements and weight) landed on the edge of the trap. Within seconds, one of the loops caught his hind toe and the sprint began. Brett scooped up EWOT, we hooded the eaglet, unwrapped the toe, and all was calm. The process, which took days to plan, was over in less than 30 minutes with a calm eaglet in safe, experienced hands.
Brett and his wife applied the light-weight transmitter during a very detailed procedure that involved many measurements to make sure it fit perfectly. Once perfect, it was time to reunite this eaglet with his sibling. We placed the eaglet on the side of the pile and left some treats for both of the eaglets. He calmly hopped to the top of mulch mountain, ending the morning's adventure by 8am. It was extremely rewarding to be a part of the experience and all of it was accomplished safely, efficiently, and with as little stress as possible to the eaglet. We watched him fly to his typical hangout in the trees behind the facility. Two or three hours later, Dad arrived and saw all of the treats laid out on the mulch piles. Using the receiver, Bob tracked both eaglets to a close position in the trees behind the facility, and we watched dear ol' Dad make at least 4 trips from the mulch to the wooded area, delivering food to his kids! Swoop after swoop, fish after fish, Dad delivered and the eaglets ate. I am in awe of what we accomplished and was honored to be included in this process, having the opportunity to learn from two men with years of expertise and knowledge!
This morning, I arrived at mulch mountain at around 6AM. I found both eaglets on the mulch, looking like they had been fed well the day before. Within 15 minutes, Dad brought in a small bird and the usual eaglet melee ensued, with the eaglet formerly known as EWOT claiming the prize. About 15 minutes later, Dad arrived again with a newly liberated hatchery trout. FOUR won this battle, and another normal day at the mulch began. After the yard waste facility opened, the eaglets flew effortlessly to the trees in back of the facility, near a nice creek. I walked the Decorah Bike Trail a little later to discover perching eaglets waiting for those pesky humans to stop dropping grass clippings and branches in their new nest area!
At 5:30PM, back at the mulch pile, FOUR arrived. Soaring in from across Trout Run Road, she swept low across the adjacent bean field and made a nice, soft landing on one of the piles. FOUR let the world know that she was hungry with some loud vocals and then proceeded to face-plant on mulch mountain. Less than 15 minutes later, the eaglet formerly known as EWOT appeared very high, above the trees to the west of the yard waste facility. Riding thermals in slow circles, he dropped slowly onto an adjacent pile to FOUR, and both said "Hi" with a few screes! At 6PM, dear ol' Dad dropped in with a fish, and a battle royale erupted. The eaglet formerly known as EWOT won and flew away with his prize into the trees, with FOUR in hot pursuit!
Not many sightings of eagles all afternoon, but a spectacular sight to end another day with the Decorah Eagles. Stay tuned for more highlights!
[Photo by David Lynch]
July 4, 2014 was a day with real-world fireworks here in Decorah! I awoke at 3:30AM to meet Bob Anderson and Biologist Brett Mandernack at the now famous Decorah Yard Waste Facility at 4:30 AM. It was still dark when we arrived at mulch mountain, so we started our work quickly. The intent of the early meeting was to capture eaglet EWOT and apply a GPS transmitter to match its sibling FOUR. This will help us learn whether siblings travel together after dispersal from the nest area and, since the newest bird is male, provide a counterpart to female D1's data. Like D1, D14, and Four, our latest eaglet will join a study that began at Eagle Valley in 1999. We look forward to learning from him!
We used a pandam or noose-loop trap to capture the eaglet. This method has been used by Eastern falconers for centuries since it is easy to set, lightweight, and very safe. We set the trap at the eagle-less mulch pile at 5AM, and I learned much from the two experts that taught me every detail along the way. We then backed behind the fence of the facility and waited. Approximately 10 minutes later, EWOT arrived at an adjacent mulch pile. After a few hop-flights, he (ascertained later by measurements and weight) landed on the edge of the trap. Within seconds, one of the loops caught his hind toe and the sprint began. Brett scooped up EWOT, we hooded the eaglet, unwrapped the toe, and all was calm. The process, which took days to plan, was over in less than 30 minutes with a calm eaglet in safe, experienced hands.
Brett and his wife applied the light-weight transmitter during a very detailed procedure that involved many measurements to make sure it fit perfectly. Once perfect, it was time to reunite this eaglet with his sibling. We placed the eaglet on the side of the pile and left some treats for both of the eaglets. He calmly hopped to the top of mulch mountain, ending the morning's adventure by 8am. It was extremely rewarding to be a part of the experience and all of it was accomplished safely, efficiently, and with as little stress as possible to the eaglet. We watched him fly to his typical hangout in the trees behind the facility. Two or three hours later, Dad arrived and saw all of the treats laid out on the mulch piles. Using the receiver, Bob tracked both eaglets to a close position in the trees behind the facility, and we watched dear ol' Dad make at least 4 trips from the mulch to the wooded area, delivering food to his kids! Swoop after swoop, fish after fish, Dad delivered and the eaglets ate. I am in awe of what we accomplished and was honored to be included in this process, having the opportunity to learn from two men with years of expertise and knowledge!
This morning, I arrived at mulch mountain at around 6AM. I found both eaglets on the mulch, looking like they had been fed well the day before. Within 15 minutes, Dad brought in a small bird and the usual eaglet melee ensued, with the eaglet formerly known as EWOT claiming the prize. About 15 minutes later, Dad arrived again with a newly liberated hatchery trout. FOUR won this battle, and another normal day at the mulch began. After the yard waste facility opened, the eaglets flew effortlessly to the trees in back of the facility, near a nice creek. I walked the Decorah Bike Trail a little later to discover perching eaglets waiting for those pesky humans to stop dropping grass clippings and branches in their new nest area!
At 5:30PM, back at the mulch pile, FOUR arrived. Soaring in from across Trout Run Road, she swept low across the adjacent bean field and made a nice, soft landing on one of the piles. FOUR let the world know that she was hungry with some loud vocals and then proceeded to face-plant on mulch mountain. Less than 15 minutes later, the eaglet formerly known as EWOT appeared very high, above the trees to the west of the yard waste facility. Riding thermals in slow circles, he dropped slowly onto an adjacent pile to FOUR, and both said "Hi" with a few screes! At 6PM, dear ol' Dad dropped in with a fish, and a battle royale erupted. The eaglet formerly known as EWOT won and flew away with his prize into the trees, with FOUR in hot pursuit!
Not many sightings of eagles all afternoon, but a spectacular sight to end another day with the Decorah Eagles. Stay tuned for more highlights!
RRP, Updates from R.R.P, S.O.A.R, and Bob Anderson on the Decorah Eagles after Fledge.
The slideshow below is a collection of photos from RRP, SOAR, and others who have been in Decorah after the fledging of D18, D19, and D20. Thank you to those who have been there and willing to share your experience with us through your pictures!
Thank you R.R.P, S.O.A.R, Sally Bolton, "Ozzie", and Nora H. for the use of your photos!
The following posts are a combination of daily updates, comments and answers found on the Decorah Eagles UStream camera page, SOAR Facebook, and the Raptor Resource Project Facebook pages and forums covering the events of the Decorah eagles after they fledged from the nest this season.
Presenting ~ The "Four" Map!
Map of D4 transmitter data on July 2, 2012.
Decorah Eagles' Final Fledge!
On June 20, American Bald Eagle Day, at 1:37 p.m, D20 gives one last look at the camera, and takes flight.
Click here for the full video.
Click here for the full video.
June 20 ~ D20's Fledge Day
This Year's Fledging Has Begun!
June 19 ~ Morning Delivery and Comfort
Before chat opened this morning, Mom brought in a fish for breakfast. D20 was much more interested in chirping and snuggling.
(Storms affecting camera caused blurred vision)
Click for the video by 70chico1
(Storms affecting camera caused blurred vision)
Click for the video by 70chico1
June 18 at 3:41 p.m. CDT
Raptor Resource Project confirms the first fledge of the season by D18!
Click here for the video by Mocha Mama.
Raptor Resource Project confirms the first fledge of the season by D18!
Click here for the video by Mocha Mama.
Not to be outdone, D19 follows just a few hours later at 8:16 p.m, leaving D20 alone in the nest.
Click here for video by Eagleswhisperer18.
Click here for video by Eagleswhisperer18.
June 14 ~ Multiple attacks by Barred Owl on the nest overnight.
All 3 eaglets are fine. There is no information on where Mom and Dad were. Put this down as a good life lesson for the young ones.
Click here for full video by Dragonlainey.
All 3 eaglets are fine. There is no information on where Mom and Dad were. Put this down as a good life lesson for the young ones.
Click here for full video by Dragonlainey.
Having trouble deciding who's who these days?
Perhaps this poster, used by permission from Sherri Elliot, will help.
Click to enlarge
Perhaps this poster, used by permission from Sherri Elliot, will help.
Click to enlarge
June 10 ~ These days, the young eagles are growing up and spreading their wings! Lots of flapping, hopping and 'wingersizing'.
Next to come will be hovering and branching, followed by the first flight from the nest, called the fledge.
Click below for a video posted by Mocha Mama:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtQEr6ndPEg&feature=youtu.be
Enjoy the slide show of recent screen captures:
May 15 ~ D18 Learns to Perch!
After enjoying a quick snack, D18 checks out the crib rails, and decides to climb right up and perch for a while.
Click for the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS5lL2snnnA
After enjoying a quick snack, D18 checks out the crib rails, and decides to climb right up and perch for a while.
Click for the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS5lL2snnnA
April 15 ~ Mom's Feather Cap
Just after chat closed today, dad arrived at the nest with yet another mystery bird. In his vigorous efforts to defeather, he gave Mom this cute feather cap! She does NOT seem amused :)
Click here for the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzpQHrybdLE
Just after chat closed today, dad arrived at the nest with yet another mystery bird. In his vigorous efforts to defeather, he gave Mom this cute feather cap! She does NOT seem amused :)
Click here for the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzpQHrybdLE
These creatures never fail to amaze!
This is Mom on the nest on April 13, at 11:28 pm at 36 degrees.
It's been a rainy, cold day, and yet she maintains her guard against the elements for her young.
This is Mom on the nest on April 13, at 11:28 pm at 36 degrees.
It's been a rainy, cold day, and yet she maintains her guard against the elements for her young.
Slide show of some favorite moments of the week ~ April 9
The Pips and Hatches of 2014
A fun day in the nest today!
April 8, 2014
April 8, 2014
And Then There Were Three!
Happy Hatch Day, D20!
Welcome to the nest, D20! April 7 at 10:42 a.m.
With water fowl, squirrel, and fish on the menu, it's unsure what they are eating, but it sure is a "juicy" meal!
Click HERE for full video.
Click HERE for full video.
April 6 ~ RRP Confirms Pip
of Egg #20
of Egg #20
RRP Announces the Hatch of D19
at 11:29 on April 4
During the final shift change today, Mom gives us a generous view of the pip. It was a fun day to be at the Decorah nest!
To see the full video, click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6BSmuHpDRg
To see the full video, click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6BSmuHpDRg
Peeping Pip ~ April 1 at 9:42 p.m.
Whether the sounds are Mom vocalizing to encourage an eaglet still emerging, or D18 saying "Hello!" to the world, peeping sounds can definitely be heard as she makes adjustments during the night.
Click HERE for full video.
Whether the sounds are Mom vocalizing to encourage an eaglet still emerging, or D18 saying "Hello!" to the world, peeping sounds can definitely be heard as she makes adjustments during the night.
Click HERE for full video.
NOTE: To see photos and read information from previous seasons with the Decorah Eagles, go to the "Other Links" button on the menu at the top of the website.