Photo: Raptor Resource Project, Decorah, Iowa
(Decorah, IA) -- The Raptor Resource Project webcam has been focused on an eagle nest near the Decorah fish hatchery, during this nesting season. Spokesperson Amy Reis says the newly man-made nest was intended to persuade a previous nesting pair to relocate from a nest near the Decorah Walmart and return to their original nesting site. She says instead they attracted a new pair, called HD and HM. Reise says two eggs arrived and hatched, but only one hatchling survived.
Reis says the parent eagles are still trying to keep the hatchling warm by brooding or sitting on it. The rest of the time is spent feeding the small, fragile hatchling.
Eagle hatchlings are among the fastest-growing birds in North America. In the first week after hatch, a hatchling will grow from around three ounces to one pound. The hatchling will grow to the size of a chicken within a couple of weeks. A grey thermal down will appear along with juvenile flight feathers around day 28. More feathers appear after 40 days.
Eagle hatchlings spend up to 80 days in the nest before they fledge.
Reis says some eagles are migrating through Iowa right now, and others are nesting and hunting for food (especially fish).
Photo: Raptor Resource Project, Decorah, Iowa