Thursday, February 16, 2012

We are coming into our busy season! The Fort St. Vrain Bald Eagles laid their first egg yesterday - the same day they laid egg #1 last year. If the Decorah eagles do the same, we won't see an egg there until February 23rd. Note the size difference between Dad (top left) and Mom (lower right). Mom is clearly much bigger than Dad.
Fort St. Vrain: First Egg 2012

The Valmont Great Horned Owls laid their first egg on 2/13/12: 8 days earlier this year. Snowflake and Dan are already on egg #2. Here, Dan brings Snowflake a nice mouse.
Dan brings a mouse to Snowflake

So when can we anticipate hatch? Based on last year's dates....
  • Valmont Hatch estimated: 3/10/12
  • FSV Hatch estimated: 3/28/12
An owl was heard at the Decorah Eagle Nest last night. Video by Razzle:


Watchers probably remember some owl scares last year as well. This is scary for us, but life as usual for the eagles.

Thanks for the photo caps and dates - they are very helpful in tracking important dates!