We are big fans of raptors and large birds here. I found this link on Facebook and we've been mesmerized for days now by the live feed action inside this eagle nest in Iowa. There are 3 tiny eaglets - just days old - growing rapidly, fed and tended by their devoted parents 24/7. You don't have to watch very long to see the parents feeding them- about every 30 minutes or so. Yesterday I saw Papa land and deliver a big rabbit to the nest, today a starling. Mama is larger than he is and spends most of her time in the nest covering the little ones in the "bowl". They are out in the air more now though, exploring the nest, flapping their tiny wings and testing Mama's tolerance for adventure. In the background you can hear the cackle of starlings, cars driving by, the wind whistling as well as the trill of redwing blackbirds, my favorite birdsong. Just the peacefulness of the spring sounds in rural Iowa is lovely to our midwestern ears.
I went to Mom's yesterday and got her laptop out which never sees any action. Putting this on and watching her light up made me realize that each of us (120,000 at a time tuning in) immediately feels an affection and personal connection to this little family. It's an absolutely fascinating scene. And if you are up at 3 am thinking about all the things you should be doing instead- it's still watchable thanks to an infra-red camera.
Click here.
Screen shots below catch a shift change.
I'm just like you, Charlotte. The background sounds, the feeding of the chicklets, the little chirps going on, just the most beautiful sounds of my day. I keep it on in the background just to remind me of what's going on out there in nature. I tend to forget, sitting in my studio of going about my daily chores.
Posted by: Claudia Small | April 10, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Absolutely amazing and fascinating..thank you so much!
Now, how am I expected to get anything done around here?
Posted by: ellen kelley | April 10, 2011 at 01:45 PM
I've been watching, too! Didn't realize the female is larger! It's fascinating....
Posted by: Linda Jo | April 10, 2011 at 01:51 PM
Thanks for sharing. Fascinating!
Posted by: linda | April 10, 2011 at 03:42 PM
I have been watching all week (and my house shows it!). Be sure to read the info below about the nest size - amazing! I have also been following these cuties: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ourhummingbirdnest-com
It is a touching story about an orphaned hummer. Have a beautiful week.
Posted by: Jeannie | April 10, 2011 at 06:22 PM
I have been watching them too. Between the eagles and the hummingbirds, I haven't gotten much done around here! But this is something you don't get to watch every day!
Posted by: Becky Garrison | April 10, 2011 at 08:31 PM
I've been following this since it first started. Isn't it amazing? It is all so fascinating. ~ Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | April 11, 2011 at 12:58 AM
There are certainly a lot of folks watching these fascinating birds. Our parish priest is even watching. He grew up on a farm a few miles south of the fish hatchery where the nest is located. :)
Posted by: Julie Loeschke | April 11, 2011 at 10:44 AM
What amazing creatures! Mazol Tov to your family on your daughter's wedding. I think you need to write a book about diy weddings. You are going to be an certified expert when you are done!
Posted by: Jeanelle | April 11, 2011 at 06:55 PM
Living in Utah sometimes when we go towards the mountains out in the country there have been times we see around a dozen or so of them at a time. It's sooo amazing... they are soo graceful and beautiful. Easy to see why it was chosen as our Nations Bird!
I sure wouldn't want to make one mad that's for sure!
Posted by: Jean C. | April 11, 2011 at 09:53 PM
So fun! Thanks for this live feed....a windy day today and they are sitting on those chicks pretty securely I see:) We have had a "teenage" Eagle living across the street in a tree line a year ago, but haven't seen him in a few months. They are breathtaking and huge. A sight to behold! We are thrilled to have a Falcon family (Our farmer neighbor raised and released years ago) and a pair of hoot owls that just bless us so! Oh and those darn wild turkeys that eat at our wooden barn door. bugs I suppose? Love the birds! And the veil.....so very, very precious. And your Mama's words.
Blessings for the week ahead Dear Charlotte!
Posted by: Cherie Wilson | April 15, 2011 at 12:59 PM
I did the FB thing with this, too, a couple of weeks ago! Isn't it amazing that the nest weighs a ton?!
Posted by: Laurie | April 17, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Love it. We've been watching an eagle pair in white rock BC. Have it on the in the background in my classroom (I teach high school chem) and every now and then show the kids what is happening. Some of them have become addicted to keeping track of the nest.
Posted by: Ann | April 30, 2011 at 08:22 AM