Decorah Bald Eagle Attacked By Owl, Day 3 For Berry College Bald Eagle Hatchling

An owl attacked Mom Decorah Bald Eagle last night. What's with these owls? Mom was sleeping with her head tucked when suddenly she jerked awake. Then shortly after, an owl does a touch-and-go off of her back. The owl stayed close, made me jump when it called. Great Horned Owls are a threat to nesting Bald Eagles. Eagles can only see about as well as humans do in the dark. Owls have a big advantage. After the attack, I'm not sure if Mom is adopting a subservient posture or if she is trying to protect the egg while being at the ready. I just wanted her to lay down and keep that egg warm! I guess Dad Decorah wasn't around or he would have joined her in the nest. Here's a link to the video. Pretty wild! Here's some stills, but definitely check out the video... How do you sleep after that?

It's day 3 for the little one at the Berry College Bald Eagle nest. First thing this morning, Mom looks wet and I think that's sleet on her, the way it rolled off of her back.

Here's Dad getting into position to incubate. He steps oh-so-carefully, straddling the egg and chick. Notice that he's got his toes curled in so his talons don't cause any damage:

These are my favorite pictures from today. This is Dad on duty:

 

 

This is still Dad, doing a pretty good job of taking care of his young. And look how wide that mouth is open!

I'm not sure what's going on with Mom when she's incubating. She kind of falls forward. I'm not sure if this has something to do with her leg. I'm scared that she is going to sustain another injury by laying improperly. This position has become the norm. If she's not able to incubate properly, this could be the reason the other egg hasn't hatched. She's got to be able to get her brood patch all the way down onto the egg:

Here's why Mom scares me. She can't put hardly any weight on her left foot. While trying to get into position, she had to catch herself with her wing:

Then a moment later she is using her wing as a crutch. She will put her left foot down, then lurch her right foot forward to try to get into position... I'm scared she is going to step on (and injure) that baby. Poor thing. She is trying so hard and doing the best that she can.

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