Jan has followed the pair of eagles that lives at the Decorah, Iowa fish hatchery since 2010 when she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Visiting the "eagle cam" has continued to be a staple part of her daily routine. I've never seen her so consistently excited about anything for so long (well, excluding our grandchildren).
The opportunity to see them first hand was too good to pass up.
We spent four lovely days in Decorah and found it to be a delightful piece of mid-America. The town and its residents were nice, but the Eagles of Decorah was the highlight of our trip from Jan's perspective. We were at the Fish Hatchery every day so she could visit the birds, and meet others from varied locations and walks of life who came to Decorah to do the same. During our visits, Jan and I both grew to appreciate the eagles' beauty, parenting skills and hunting skills.
Venture into the album only if you are really into birds. It contains way too many photos. But if you enter, we think you will enjoy it
The nest used by the eagles for the past few years is in the tree behind the house to the right. The internet camera which broadcasts the eagles' activities is in this tree. Internet connection gear is in the small barn to the left of the house.
Two of this year's crop of three chicks.
This is a new nest that was built in 2013. Evidently the eagle family decided it was not comfortable and abandoned it for the original nest.
One of the parents with a chick. Immature eagles do not have the characteristic white head; their heads will turn white when they mature at four or five years of age.
One of the parents approaching the tree for a landing.
Landings by the mature birds are graceful. Other family member greet the lander with raucous calls - not unlike Paddy's sounds.
There was a steady stream of visitors to the Fish Hatchery and its eagle family each day we were on site.
Two parents and two chicks. We think the other chick was in the nest.
A hatchery pond used for raising Brown Trout. It is a primary source of food for the eagles.
Smaller trout.
Larger trout. Some of these were 18" long.
This was my office while Jan was watching the eagles.
One of the chicks practices flying. All three chicks were able to fly.
... however they had not developed the graceful landings of their parents.
Not quite a face plant, but close!
Hunting for a meal ...
Look out Mr. Cotton Tail!
The barn is visible on the feeds distributed by the internet cameras.
One of the chicks.
Heading for prey ...
Rats, I missed.
Missed again!
Gotcha!
Hang on guys - dinner is coming! The chicks could all fly, but they had not yet developed hunting skills and were dependent on the parents for food. The parents were trying to teach them to hunt while we were there but were having no success.
See kid - that is how it is done.
Let me show you again.
Do you think they will ever figure it out?
Rats, where did he go?
Hey kids - look at this - two fish - one in each foot!!
This was the day the chicks learned to soar. The entire family was out soaring. When they learn to hunt, Mom and Dad's job will be done.
The opportunity to see them first hand was too good to pass up.
We spent four lovely days in Decorah and found it to be a delightful piece of mid-America. The town and its residents were nice, but the Eagles of Decorah was the highlight of our trip from Jan's perspective. We were at the Fish Hatchery every day so she could visit the birds, and meet others from varied locations and walks of life who came to Decorah to do the same. During our visits, Jan and I both grew to appreciate the eagles' beauty, parenting skills and hunting skills.
Venture into the album only if you are really into birds. It contains way too many photos. But if you enter, we think you will enjoy it