Raptor Resource Project: Bald Eagle and Bird of Prey Cams

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Tag Archives: Did You See?

Oh-oh…he sees us!

November 19, 2024 RaptorResource

Uh-oh…he sees us! The arrival of winter weather has sent the last migrants south by the hundreds. Our Golden Eagles are back on their Driftless wintering grounds and Bald Eagles are pouring through the Flyway, gathering in large multi-age groups as they go. The Diction-aerie lists ‘convocation’ for ‘a group of eagles’, but watchers have also suggested quarrel, rabbler (as in rabble), congress, recess, carnival, rave, gawk, confusion, scrum, and frat party! Foraging in large groups helps any given eagle

November 12, 2024: What large and wonky sticks you have, Mr. North!

November 12, 2024 RaptorResource

Did you see? The North’s nest is growing by sticks and bounds! We left it a starter nest, with plenty of room for expansion by two dedicated eagles near a fully stocked Nest Depot. They’ve installed carpeting and taken nest decor to new heights, raising the rails and accepting squirrely new sub-basement tenants in the recently renovated space below their nest. We knew they would pile the sticks up, but at this rate, I’m wondering when they’ll reach the end

Did You See? Bald Eagles Talon Locked on the Flyway

November 7, 2023 RaptorResource

We saw two eagles talon-locked in the water for over an hour on Sunday, November 5. Maybe locking and whirling, food theft, or an argument over who got what perching spot ended up with the two of them stuck together, unable or unwilling to release. Why didn’t they separate sooner and how strong is a bald eagle’s grip?

Four Migration Stories from the Flyway

October 13, 2021 RaptorResource

We are seeing so many birds on the Flyway that I’m thinking about hiring an air traffic controller! We’ve identified 68 species of birds so far, 82% of which require water-based or water-adjacent habitat to nest, forage, and roost. Why do so many birds stop here? Lake Onalaska is an island of habitat for birds migrating south along the Mississippi River through the American interior. The lake’s islands, sandbars, braided channels, floodplain forests, and mudflats provide birds with everything they

Reservations for 3 ~ Streamside Dining

July 22, 2020 RaptorResource

By Sherri Elliott Decorah Eagle Juveee’s D34, D35, and D36 are so busy with Outdoor School that we rarely get a glimpse of all of them hanging out together in one place, and at one time, so it was thrilling to see them all fly in one by one for a lunch date in one of our favorite places … just below the beloved Y-Branch. Everybirdie took turns dining on the choice entrée … marinated and brined sous vide possum,

Did you see? Brekkie for Baby!

June 27, 2020 RaptorResource

By Sherri Elliott Decorah North fledgling DN12 is 12 1/2 weeks old (88 days) today and while his/her size dwarfs its parents, it’s still a young’un. Adult size of about 3ft in length and its ginormous wingspan is between 6-7ft. If a bald eagle was sitting on the center of your standard size 6 ft sofa, extended wings would reach to each armrest, or if standing next to my computer could see my monitor. (Amy’s note: want to stand six

Did You See? DN12’s Home-Alone Schooling!

May 19, 2020 RaptorResource

by Sherri Elliott If you’ve been thinking about calling Eaglet Protective Services to report DN12 being left unattended for longer periods or not getting enough to eat … Don’t! DN12 has thousands of aunties and uncles that are keeping eyes fixed on the little darling, and there’s no doubt that parents Mr. North and DNF are close by also checking on their eaglet. At 6 weeks old, DN12 is half-way through the nesting season and continues to meet or exceed

Did You See? Reflections on Rain Drops

March 10, 2020 RaptorResource

By Sherri Elliott Bald Eagles have a remarkable super shield that adapts as a raincoat or snowsuit depending on the elements. Conditioned with uropygial oil as they preen and zip their feather vanes, each feather is an overlapping mosaic over their fluffy down creating a coat that sheds water and helps keep heat from escaping, creating a constant supply of warmth to the eagles and transferred by brood patch to incubating eggs. Mom Decorah may have looked miserable to some

Baldi-locks … at the North Nest!

January 13, 2020 RaptorResource

By Sherri Elliott A lovely visitor today reminded me of the classic fairytale. No testing beds or tasting porridge, but this beauty was inquisitive, playful, resourceful, and showed nestoration skills while keeping an eye out for the rightful owners. I’m guessing it is almost 4 years old. It had a beautiful eye mask, darker beak, salt and pepper head feathers and a gorgeous display of mottling in tail and vent feathers. He/She displayed talent and technique moving large sticks, pulling