Have you been watching the Eagle Cam from Decorah Iowa?
http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheaglesThese three little miracles hatched in April and are about ready to take flight! They have been dubbed E1, E2 and E3 (egg 1, egg 2, egg 3). At first you could easily tell them apart. Hatching just days apart, it was amazing how different they were! Some say they can still tell them apart, but I don't know.... they're all huge now, all well-feathered... all with the same skills....
They have gone from fuzzy white feather-balls to huge black and brown "birds" so quickly. Who thought it would be so addicting to watch the fuzz become feathers. To see tail feathers appear from nowhere... a beak turn from black to a beautiful gold!
I never imagined I'd be fascinated to see birds tear apart fish that are still wriggling (talk about FRESH)... or to see mom or dad fly 80 feet up to a nest with a deer flank in tow! I never imagined that was possible! Nest contents have been interesting too... what becomes of their "left-overs?" I tried to convince a friend who watches a nest to take a stroll by the tree to see if there were fish bones and bunny fur beneath the nest, but the fear of deer ticks kept her away!
I've watched them back up to the edge of the nest, bend over and POOP (that's the white markings on the tree in the background)? Now HOW did they figure that out?
Lately, they've been discovering their huge wings. They spread them out while cuddled together, as if to cover each other. They hop, spread their wings and feel the wind catch them. It's hard not to hold my breath, hoping a gust doesn't blow them out of their nest. It'll happen soon, but I (emphasis on the word I) don't think they're ready yet.
They've been practicing arranging the nesting materials, picking up sticks and food with their talons, tiptoeing out onto the branches.... but babies! Flutter and hover a little longer. Make sure you have your landing gear ready... cuz 80 feet is a LONG WAY to fall! cuz you have to return home so we can watch you just a little longer... cuz you have to study nest building so you're ready to make your own home! cuz I'm not sure how you'll learn the art of "FLY FISHING" just yet... cuz, I have - along with over 100 million others have enjoyed this whole experience of watching you!
What a day and what an age where we can sit quietly by and see how a majestic eagle starts life... it is truly awe inspiring and mind boggling. Mother Nature at her finest...
Mother Nature is cruel, but when seen in this light --- I truly see "The Circle of Life" and I take so much less for granted... Thank you Mother Nature and modern day technology for all you do.
Goodness: Who would think the longest post in my blog has to do with three eaglets in Iowa? :)
