“Dear Friends and Feathered Neighbors,
“As the year winds down, we find ourselves reflecting on a whirlwind 2024. It’s been a year of highs, lows, and plenty of fish, so grab your talons and join us for a recap of life at the North Nest.
“I don’t know what it was – the lengthening days, probably – but Mr. North’s 2024 glowup was irresistible! I probably shouldn’t share this in a family newsletter, but honestly, he was so romantic. And the food gifts? Amazing! I mean, it’s not like we get a lot of privacy around here… https://www.raptorresource.org/2024/02/06/bald-eagle-mating-courtship-bonding-copulation-and-other-things-romantic/.
“March brought new life to our little patch of the Valley as we welcomed two beautiful eaglets, DN17 and DN18. Oh, how they grew – fluffy balls of down one moment, determined competitors the next! From the very beginning, DN17 made it clear who was boss, but DN18 held its own with plenty of tenacity. Watching them develop their personalities and navigate the sibling pecking order was very entertaining! Kids, am I right?
“Feeding time became a family affair, with Mr. North’s unparalleled ability to deliver fresh fish and my never-ending quest for that perfect rabbit, squirrel, or deer. Yum! Teaching the eaglets to self-feed was equal parts messy and rewarding (who knew fish could end up in so many places?), but by May, DN17 and DN18 were turning into skilled diners in their own right. Feeding them sure kept us on our talons!
https://www.raptorresource.org/2024/11/21/2024-whats-on-the-menu-at-the-north-nest/.
“June brought fledge-u-lation and what a sight that was! DN18, our brave little trailblazer, led the way when the branch it was on broke, followed by DN17, whose cautious approach paid off with a steady first flight. Watching them take to the skies for the first time filled us with immense pride. There’s nothing like watching your babies fly, although in hindsight, it gave us a little less private time once they could follow us everywhere! And they did – usually insisting we feed them. It’s true – teenagers are ALWAYS hungry, but not that great at finding food. Fortunately, our little valley is well-stocked!
“Everything was going well, but in mid-June, our beloved nest came crashing down, a victim of water, time, and weight: https://youtu.be/FRKl7gqiypI?si=GXUcnOhuvnNg4qbx. It took us a while to process the loss of our home, but we had a feeling that someone might lend us a wing. I mean, it’s happened before! With the whole family safe and accounted for, we turned our focus to preparing for the future. DN17 and DN18, strong and confident, dispersed in mid-August to begin their journeys. How quickly the months fly by! Good luck in Eagle College, kids!
“In late August, a couple of people showed up to build us a starter nest. Honestly, they did pretty okay. Not as well as we would, but why go through the bother of rebuilding when someone else is willing to do it for you? They didn’t charge us a thing and left the nest stocked with treats. What a great way to start our new season! https://www.raptorresource.org/2024/08/26/decorah-north-nest-rebuild/.
“They did a nice job given that they weren’t eagles. Ten of ten, would recommend!”
“Now, we’re busy rebuilding. Every stick placed, every tuft of grass tucked into the nest bowl, feels like a promise for the year ahead. The bond between us remains strong, forged in the joys and challenges of raising a family. We’ve seen plenty of sunrises and faced our fair share of storms, but through it all, we’ve learned that together, we can weather anything.
“As we look ahead to 2025, we’re hopeful for new beginnings, more fish, and a new brood to carry on our legacy. Thank you for soaring alongside us and sharing in our journey. May your skies be clear, your nests cozy, and your holiday season filled with soaring joy.
“With love from the treetops,
DNF & Mr. North”
From our nest to yours, we at the Raptor Resource Project wish you a Tree-mendous holiday season and a very happy New Year! May your days be merry, bright, and un-bowl-ievably cozy. Thank you so much for watching, sharing, learning, and especially for caring! 
The Raptor Resource Project