Freestyle Friday in Decorah
From Raptor Resource Project:
February 21, 2023: The calm before the storm! HD and HM on the Y.
The two are spending a lot of time near the nest and we're hopeful that HM
will lay her first egg soon.
February 22, 2023: Why don't we migrate? A late February snowstorm dropped a lot of snow in
the valley of the Norths! The snow piling up on Mr. North's back illustrates the insulative properties
of feathers: Mr. North wasn't losing enough heat to melt the snow away from his back. But he
eventually gets tired of the drifts and gets up to shake it off!
February 23, 2023: How deep is the snow? Mr. North protected his egg and kept the snow and
ice at bay. For now, the snow cover gives Mr. North and DNF some protection from the wind.
It's fairly compacted and shouldn't slump into the nest, although excessive heat is a bigger risk
than cold to eggs and embryos at this point in development.
February 23, 2023: The North's egg.
February 23, 2023: Handsome HD seems more than ready for eggs! First-time eagle dads can
sometimes appear a little hesitant or reluctant when it comes to incubation, but it looks like HD
is ready to go!
