DNR EagleCam update
The DNR EagleCam nest is currently out of camera range. We believe high winds might have impacted the camera, and the view of the nest has been obstructed by the tree trunk where the camera is mounted. In the past, we’ve been able to maneuver the camera view around this tree trunk to show the pair’s nest, but this has become impossible.
Staff visited the site on Sunday, March 9 to investigate. The camera was still secured to the tree trunk and appeared undamaged, by what they were able to observe with binoculars. They also observed one of the eagles in their alternate nest, still incubating the eggs.
Out of an abundance of caution for the actively incubating eagle pair and their eggs, we have decided to not relocate the camera or adjust its current position. To do so would require bringing in a bucket truck to reach the camera. With the active eagle nest being nearby, that would risk disturbing the birds during the most sensitive time in their breeding season.
This EagleCam season has not turned out the way anyone had hoped. Instead, it has become a sneak preview of sorts--a promise for what is to come as we settle in with this new location and pair of eagles. The camera will stay on for now, focused on the same group of trees where the pair is nesting, as it might catch glimpses of them coming and going. When the breeding season concludes, we will troubleshoot the camera set up and placement in hopes of providing a better EagleCam experience next season.
Meanwhile, there is an exciting alternative for wildlife watchers: our FalconCam season is just beginning. A pair of peregrine falcons has been observed in our downtown Saint Paul nest box, displaying courtship behaviors, as we enter their breeding season. You can watch the FalconCam at mndnr.gov/falconcam.
Thank you for your support, thank you for your patience and thank you for caring about the EagleCam and the eagles.
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