A view from the nest

published February 9, 2012

in the Stockton Sentinel

Stockton, Kansas

This week, I'm taking you all to Decorah, Iowa, and we're going to climb to a high branch of a cottonwood tree overlooking a farm and fish hatchery. Once we get ourselves perched up there on a branch, we will be able to watch in awe as a couple of lovebirds -- actually two beautiful bald eagles -- remodel their home from a year ago, hopefully preparing for new additions to their family.

Afraid of heights? Can't get away from your job or other responsibilities? Not a problem. All you have to do is go to a computer near you, and log on to the webcam that is filming this extraordinary sight for everyone to watch. But I'm warning you: it is as addictive as the chocolate chip cookies I'm eating as I write this story.

Just like staying at home for the best view of the Super Bowl game, watching the eagles through the eyes of the webcam gets you up-close-and-personal. You literally feel like you are on a branch right beside the nest. In fact, I had to keep telling myself that I would not scare them away if I moved! Even as much as I use the computer, things like this still amaze me -- that from anywhere in the world, anyone can type a few keystrokes on a computer and find themselves perched high in a cottonwood tree in Iowa, watching on of the most fascinating miracles of nature.

A group of volunteers mans "missioni control" in a garage located near the tree. The camera is equipped with night vision, so the nest can be watched at any hour. Periodically, the volunteer "panners" change the view of the camera to show the eagles perched on other branches of the tree, or show the farmyard and surrounding area.

One morning last week while I was watching, one of the eagles carried a small rabbit up to the nest. I haven't learned yet how to tell the difference between the male and female eagle, but the eagle that delivered the meal squawked to let the other eagle know that lunch was ready. The second one came and plucked the fur from the animal and devoured it. It was fascinating, but not always pleasant to watch.

Last April, millions of viewers watched as three eaglets hatched from their eggs in this very nest. Hopefully this spring will provide a repeat performance. I knew my parents would love seeing this, but when I emailed them about it, my dad was way ahead of me. They had watched the whole thing with last year's hatch!

If you are interested in joining me in the cottonwood tree, just Google: "Decorah Eagles Webcam." Choose the biggeekdad.com website, and you will be directed to the live streaming video. Click on the triangle to start the live streaming. If you click on the black rectangle at the bottom right corner of the picture frame, the view will expand to the full size of your monitor. You'll have to put up with occasional advertisements, but that's a small price to pay for the free show you get to see.

Come along and join in the watch. I'll save you a spot on my branch!