This is an important message regarding the Nongame Wildlife Program EagleCam

April 27, 2017

Hello, Eaglecam fan!

Today, we have some good news and some bad news. 

First, the good news:                                 

All three chicks are large, healthy and will thrive to fledging. None of them appear to have any disadvantages that might keep them leaving the nest. All are exercising their wings, trying to lift off and feel what flight will be like in another month or so. Each has made our hearts skip a beat or two when they get close to the edge while practicing flight.

Now, the bad news: The camera has failed. 

As you may have noticed, the live camera feed was very choppy recently. The camera has been failing and has now failed completely. Repairing or replacing it at this stage of the chicks’ development would be too dangerous for them. Since their wings are not strong enough for flight, they would not be able to fly or even glide to the ground if they jumped.  The welfare of the chicks is more important than fixing the hardware problem now, so the camera and live feed will be down for the remainder of the season.   

The camera will be replaced, thanks to the generous donations we have received! We have the funding to buy a new camera for next year’s nesting season. With additional donations, we may be able to add a second camera with sound to improve your viewing experience. Donate here. In the meantime, we will be watching from afar and hope to post photos from time to time. 

You can also watch for chicks on the Peregrine Cam! Soon, you can see four little, white fluff balls hatch, receive their first feedings and grow to fledging from the top of a building. The camera at that nest is new and the angle is new, so you can see them up-close and personal! Watch them here.

Spring is a good time to get outside and experience nature first hand! If you are fortunate enough to live in Minnesota, you probably have an eagle’s nest nearby that you could view. Many birds and animals are building nests, incubating and reproducing this time of the year, probably right in your back yard. Get outside and explore! 

Thank you to all who have been watching, donating and working behind the scenes to make these live streams possible. We sincerely appreciate our fans.