The Decorah triplets: A birds-eye view of our own
It is unequivocally captivating. In fact, I personally am addicted, along with millions of others, and it's giving Decorah, Iowa much attention, especially since going national and beyond.
If you've not logged onto the website sponsored by the Raptor Resource Project, I suggest you immediately cease from reading my blather and go online to www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles.
Over the years, I have been subjected to newborn birds and other small wildlife, due to various reasons, which resulted in overseeing their care. Not all made it, but for those that did, raising to maturity and letting the animals free were major accomplishments on many levels. (However, don't get me started on the lack of sleep toward clockwork feedings.)
This likely enhanced my own obsession with the Decorah Eagles. By the video's angle, one would never know that the nest, which took months to prepare, weighs well over a ton, averaging between five and six feet wide. The pair has used this same one since 2007, as it is nestled 80 feet high within a cottonwood tree. And, the first of three eggs pipped early Saturday morning.
We humans are fortunate to have been given this opportunity for experiencing nature at its finest - from a birds-eye view. Late Saturday night, an owl came within close proximity, likely anticipating the carcass of a rabbit in their nest (caught just two days before the first hatching). It could be heard hooting just out of camera shot. The mother, covering her brood, glared intently as she called to her mate, perched on a nearby branch. Evidently, the owl became what it is known for and thought better of a possible tangle with the mighty beings, not to be heard again.
The second eaglet emerged from its shell Sunday morning and the final egg is due to hatch any moment. The website has to be one of the elite classroom tools currently utilized and if not, it should be. Although, the demise of nearby animals for their nourishment - whether rabbits, squirrels or birds, etc. - would be something for gentle discussion among young children who are watching - the whole circle of life thing, yada yada.
(In fact, it's highly recommended because 'dad' dropped off a fresh-feathered kill before Sunday's dusk, then sitting on the edge to partake of his dinner.)
But overall, the process, for what these eagles motion, stands for what is still good and innocent.
Hopeful and uplifting.
The day those babies soar freely in the wind will be a great day.
Indeed.
this is so cool, Mr. G!
ReplyDeleteI wonder why none of your other students have visited it?
I wonder that too, Anonymous. They are clearly not as intelligent and thoughtful as you are.
ReplyDelete1,000 points extra credit for you!
wow mr g thiz is just amazing these ceatures are utterly breath taking their beautiful iz stuning i wuz lucky enough to look at the video wen one of these eagles were in the nest
ReplyDelete-lorenzio