Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation: Eagle Nest Diaries 2009

This page begins the 2009 edition of our multi-part Eagle Nest Diaries series that began in 2002 and continued in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. The following events took place on an INHF project site along the Upper Iowa River in 2009. By protecting this land, INHF members also helped protect a bald eagle pair's nest.These photos and “you-are-there” narration are provided by an observant, nature-loving family that lives near the nest site. We do not provide their names so as to not reveal the nest location and risk disturbance of the birds. The photos were taken by Mary Ellen Leicht. Keep checking this page as it will be updated whenever we get new information and pictures.

April 12, 2009: Finally a nest.

Yesterday, a few of us went up to "our" nest, and we discovered that there are 2 babies. Although they are not very old yet, we were able to catch a glimpse of them through a powerful camera lens. It was still hard to tell how big they were. This is a very sensitive time for the eagles, so we try not to bring many visitors up there quite yet. Photos to come soon, please check back!

May 3, 2009: The babies are growing so fast!

Both babies are still there. On Saturday, I spent awhile watching them. The mother eagle glared at me balefully from behind one of the make-photography-difficult limbs we have to shoot around, before finally flying off. She soon returned as a crow came too near the nest, and moved him off to the left at a rapid rate. After awhile the slow-learning crow returned. This time both parents took him for a spin around and up and down and sideways until he got the message and left the area. The babies were resting, so there wasn't much action. I didn't stick around very long.

We got lots of great pictures this weekend. The babies are so big already! We’re still sorting through the pictures, so here are a few for now – but watch for more photos and descriptions next week. If you are following the Decorah Fish Hatchery eagle nest, "our" babies are probably about a week older than those, just guessing from the size and the "feathering".

We had a great time up at the site and hopefully we got some good pictures, although the nest is built up more this year, so the troublesome limb interferes even more with photography. Also, the babies are getting so big, which makes it more difficult. We saw some awesome aerial attacks between eagles and crows, and also mature eagles and immature eagles. We even witnessed some turkey vulture chases instigated by the eagles when the vultures would venture too near the nest.

Just wanted to bring you up to date on "our" nest--it's your organization who allowed so many to enjoy this nest site!

May 21, 2009: Only glimpses now of BIG babies!

Hiked up to the nest today and the leaves have pretty much completely blocked the view of the nest across the ravine and there is no
other way to see it. I could catch a glimpse of the two BIG babies every now and then as wind blew branches/leaves around, and they appeared to be
flapping their wings a lot — looked like they're pretty well all feathered out. But from this position, I can't really get a good look at'em so...

I couldn't tell for sure if they were bopping up onto nearby branches, but the way they'd hop into the air it looked like they were capable of
it. So... sorry to say there won't be any more '09 photo ops at this nest!

Signing off for now, as 'the old woman of the woods'

View photo gallery here!

If you are following the Decorah Fish Hatchery eagle nest, "our" babies are probably about a week older than those, just guessing from the size and the "feathering".

Make sure to check back to see what developments occur. For more fun, see stories and pictures from past years or visit the National Wildlife Federation's web site, which contains lots of information and a live Bald Eagle web camera! The Decorah Fish Hatchery is also following a nest of eagles. Check out their live video camera.

2002 / 2003 / 2004 / 2005 / 2006 / 2007 /2008 /2009 Eagle FAQs

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Eagle Nest Diaries 2009:

We have twins!