Webcam Captures Bald Eagles Hatching

Unbeknownst to them, a pair of bald eagles in Decorah, Iowa are being watched by millions of online viewers as they prepare to hatch three eggs.

Bob Anderson, director of the Raptor Resource Project, set up the camera to capture footage for a documentary. The footage has gone viral since the eggs were laid in February, captivating viewers from around the world who are getting a rare glimpse into the secret life of raptors. The scene at the nest is now being broadcast live on Ustream and can be watched live 24/7.

The pair have been together for four years and have raised eight chicks.

Although bald eagles are no longer listed under the Endangered Species Act they are still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Lacey Act.

The following are videos of the first and second hatchings. You can watch them live on Ustream to catch the third, which is expected to hatch in a few days.

Vermont Announces Plans to Restore Bald Eagles

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsnortheast/5277663457/

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Duane B.

2:20PM PDT on Apr 19, 2013

Thank you for sharing.

April 19
send a green star

Darla T.

9:42AM PDT on Sep 10, 2012

Love it!

September 10
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Rose B.

8:54AM PST on Dec 20, 2011

Amazing footage to see bald eagles hatch what a treat!

December 20
send a green star

Anneke A.

8:30AM PST on Dec 20, 2011

Majestic birds, wonderful those images!

Stacey C.

5:19PM PST on Dec 19, 2011

cool watching the eggs hatch but i feel bad for the eggs that hatch after the first one lot of times the first chick so aggressive the smaller chicks don't survive sad to me

December 19
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Sylvie B.

1:02PM PDT on Jul 13, 2011

What painstaking and patient efforts each of the mothers made to protect--and not to hurt--her babies -- that felt so familiar. All babies are so similar in their cuteness and vulnerability, disregardful of the species, which shows how interconnected everything is in the natural world and that is is possible to find common ground that erases all supposed or real differences among species, which is inspirational. The birth of a new life is always a wonder, something truly hopeful. People should be proud of having such a bird in their country and act accordingly.

July 13
send a green star

12:51PM PDT on Jul 13, 2011

Thank you for sharing. 'Twas a rare opportunity for me to watch these beautiful birds, not to speak of their hatching their eggs, as they do not live in my homeland. The carefulness and tenderness with which each mother eagle, a bird of prey herself, manipulated with her eggs was moving. How delicate the fledglings are, they looked just like a tuft of flocci at first sight.

It is good news they are multiplying. I hope that they remain protected and that people will continue to gaze at them with wonder and let them be.

I liked the videos a lot, have bookmarked them, and will share them with friends.

Terry V.

10:37AM PDT on Jun 20, 2011

I love this. I have also been watching other live webcams. My friend is a teacher and she leaves it on in class for her students to see. She has been using it as a teaching tool.