Decorah, IA - Bald Eagle Cam: Watch the babies! #2

[twiggles]

I was deeply saddened to hear about the Norfolk mama! After wiping my tears I did a little research for an updated story on the eaglets. The Norfolk eaglets have been safely rescued and relocated to the Virginia Wildlife Center!

http://www.wvec.com/news/local/US-120702329.html

 

[Patty G]

Video of Eaglets just before Papa shows up.
[video=youtube;lA49p1M-wj8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA49p1M-wj8[/video]


Video of Papa for the last time he was in the nest with the eaglets.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4NMduYU2nM


Videos of the Norfolk Botanical Eaglets Rescue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEcsh7Wo_oI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoS7DE4536E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNmy5p64RHU

 

[Hopeful One]

I see the babies grew another 10 feet over night. As my grandma says, "We need to put a brick on their heads."

 

[Hopeful One]

Just seeing the sad news about the Norfolk mama eagle. Why do bad things have to happen to just innocent beings?? I don't know what I'll do if something happens to one of "our" eagles. I'll be beside myself.

 

[Hopeful One]

Question: Why did they rescue the Norfolk eaglets? I thought Dad had come back and was taking care of them?

 

[peeples]

UGH no sound on the videos

Wonder where dad was while all this was going down. he could NOT have been happy, and that is one bird i wouldn't want to be dive bombed by!!!

 

[Patty G]

UGH no sound on the videos

Wonder where dad was while all this was going down. he could NOT have been happy, and that is one bird i wouldn't want to be dive bombed by!!!

I was reading the notes while viewing the rescue of the eaglets and they mentioned that since it was a very quick decision to take the eaglets, they were not prepared for filming from below etc.

After the eaglets were removed, there was a report that the father was flying over the nest a few times.

 

[Penelope]

Question: Why did they rescue the Norfolk eaglets? I thought Dad had come back and was taking care of them?

I don't officially know why, but I can imagine that it was felt that they were at risk without both parents. From observing the other eaglet family, I can deduct that:
-- It is important that one parent be close by at all times, due to other winged predators (owls, etc.)
-- I imagine it would be hard for Dad to fish and hunt while keeping an eye on the nest
-- I imagine that for eagles, having 2 parents is important for the survival of the babies
-- I would like to think that nothing can take the place of a mother's care, not even the father.

The researcher's probably did not want to risk harm or death coming to these three eaglets. Although eagles are off the endangered species list, they still need to be monitored. The researcher's will ensure they are well fed and taken care of and will probably release them into the wild at some point.

I personally applaud them for doing what they need to do. The father will be better off, too, and will undoubtedly find a new mate. It's unfortunate that mom had to die in such a tragic, freak accident.

 

[lorann]

From Twiggles link ^

WILDLIFE CENTER OF VIRGINIA EAGLET CARE PLAN:

They will be placed in an artificial nest that has been constructed in the Center’s 200-foot eagle flight cage. Other adult Bald Eagle patients may also be in this enclosure. While the chicks will be separated by a physical barrier from direct contact with other eagles, the eaglets will be able to see other eagles flying and feeding. As they begin to fledge, the barrier will be removed and the young eagles will have full access to the long enclosure, to build their wing strength and to learn to fly. The goal would be to get the young eagles ready for release back into the wild in late summer

 

[Rhyme & Reason]

Question: Why did they rescue the Norfolk eaglets? I thought Dad had come back and was taking care of them?

I don't know why they took them. IMO dad could have handled it just fine, since they are close to fledging anyway.

 

[Rhyme & Reason]

UGH no sound on the videos

Wonder where dad was while all this was going down. he could NOT have been happy, and that is one bird i wouldn't want to be dive bombed by!!!

I read that dad was nearby, watching. So sad.

 

[Penelope]

I don't know why they took them. IMO dad could have handled it just fine, since they are close to fledging anyway.

Some other reasons...
-- Maybe they determined it was too long between feedings
-- Since they still cannot fly and are still young, the eaglets have little or no defenses against other predators
-- Maybe they need a female to help them fly

Wildlife rehabilitation people are always reluctant to interfere with animals in their natural habitats. I am sure there was a good reason for it -- they must have had previous experiences with this, knew there were no female wild eagles to take the place of mom, etc. Dad will be okay....

 

[Sterling]

They were concerned about dehydration occuring without enough food. They were also concerned about Dad's chances of survival. I guess trying to feed 3 hungry Eaglets may not leave enough for him. I thought I read somewhere that he did bring breakfast this morning. So sad.

 

[Rhyme & Reason]

They were concerned about dehydration occuring without enough food. They were also concerned about Dad's chances of survival. I guess trying to feed 3 hungry Eaglets may not leave enough for him. I thought I read somewhere that he did bring breakfast this morning. So sad.

Yes, he did bring breakfast this morning. That's what makes me angry that they took them. I think they should have waited 2-3 days. That poor dad, losing his mate, then the babies. These people need to let nature take it's course IMO.

 

[Adrienne37]

So daddy lost his wife and his babies. That's sooooo sad!!!!

 

[Sterling]

I thought they were going to make a decision on Wednesday. I was surprised and saddened when I checked on them this morning. I'm very torn about their decision as I don't know enough about this subject.

 

[lorann]

I wonder if progress on these relocated chicks will be reported to the public? Since they were banded, the center will follow up on them, but will we know?

 

[Adrienne37]

I'm thankful now that I didn't get too attached to this family.

 

[Reannan]

Rough day..... so happy to see our Decorah eagles are doing well. So very, very, sad for the Norfolk family. I also had to put my horse, Sundancer, down today. He was fine last night, but this morning he was down and could not get up. It was his heart. His birthday would have been next Saturday, and he would have been 29. My face is swollen from crying, but I am honored that I was able to hold him as he went to greener pastures. Life is just dang hard under the best of situations. The nobility of the eagle family has been inspirational... in fact, I think most animals are inspirational. My horse was inspirational. I thank all of you at WS's for being the caring, kind souls that you are. I don't know a lot of other people in RL like you guys. I don't mean to hijack the thread with stories about my horse, so please - no need to send sympathy... let's keep it to the eagles. I know all of you care.... or you wouldn't be here. I can't wait to see our Decorah eagles fly!!!!

 

[Sterling]

Hugs to you Reannan. I don't think you hijacked the thread at all. It's occurances like this that force us to stop the daily grind for a moment and reflect on life and how fragile it is. Like I said above, I never cry over things. BUT, I did yesterday and once it started I began to reflect on other areas that I repress and just move on from. It's very healing, albeit hard and sad at the same time. I thought about my own Mother that passed on May 2, 1985 just before her 40th birthday. I have missed her so much and feel cheated that I cannot share my life, kids and husband with her. I never allow my self go to there, but I did yesterday (and today). I thought about my Sterling (yep, the name I use), that passed away after a month long rehabilitation after a car hit him. Took him in for the feeding tube to be removed and he passed in his cage waiting form me to pick him up later that day. He was a magnificent Siamese.

Thank you all for being here!

It has also been very healing to watch our Decorah family today!