2018 Memory Lane Decorah Eagles #3: Dad's last day on the nest
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ธ.ค. 2018
- April 18, 2018: A heavy April snowstorm had Mom and Dad dual brooding the eaglets to protect them from the wet, heavy snow. You can watch the full video here: • Decorah Eagles 4-18-18... .
All of our moderators brought this up. It was no one's favorite, but it was deeply treasured by everyone. Instead of an explanation, two comments that really touched me:
One of my favorite and most cherished moments was Mom and Dad Decorah on the nest, keeping the eaglets warm during the snow storm, on the last day we saw Dad. The interaction between the two of them warmed my heart. Little did we know how bittersweet that moment was and how much we would truly cherish it down the road. It brings happy and sad tears to my eyes, even today.
I have to mention how special it was to be in the online classroom while dealing with Dad's disappearance. It was a place of healing, for us and for the students. Tears were shed, memories were shared, and we all stood in awe of Mom's determination, and ability, to raise those eaglets on her own. I have always loved working with the students, but this year it was extra special.
Thank you so much to our moderators for everything they do. In the face of heartbreak, they reached out their hands to create a place of mourning and healing for everyone that needed it.
Our most-read blog of 2018 dealt with Dad's disappearance, Mom's response, and the appearance of a new male who we called UME: raptorresource.blogspot.com/2...
I think of him so often. Such a good provider, for years. He didn't want to leave the nest that day. He always seemed most content sitting and incubating/brooding the eggs and chicks. I remember he would sit for hours in the nest even before eggs were laid. Dad certainly did his job. He and his two mates provided the world with over 30 more eagles over the years. When he was lost and Mom called and called for him, it was heartbreaking. She did an amazing job of fledging their last three chicks all by herself. She endured the cold and still provided for them all. Brave girl never faltered. Thank you, Dad Decorah, for giving the world your progeny, most of whom we hope are still flying free.
One of the most endearing and bittersweet interaction/connection of Bald eagle pair I have ever seen. Rarely do we ever see a pair face to face like that protecting chicks from the element. This visual will remain in my minds eye forever. And then to know that this was dads last visit. And…how Mom protected, provided food and fledged ALL three is MIRACULOUS!
I remember the weekend before he left, he was stockpiling fish. It keep snowing a lot even though it was mid April, and then another major storm on 4/18/18 and I thought, he new it was coming and why he brought so many fish, and then snapping a few shots and the next day my heart was broken, so much so I could hardly function at work, I had to be home watching when he showed up again, but he didn’t. Watching Mom cry out repeatedly was heartbreaking. The male eagle that showed up for the rest of summer, I’ve always thought may have been one of their eagles. Mom proved once again how amazing and spectacular she was taking care of them successfully. As far as this eagle couple, they will always be my favorite. I still can’t talk out loud about Dad or D14 without my throat closing up and tears. Never seen any eagle as magnificent as Decorah Dad … I’ve always wondered if Dad just took off to the Mississippi, unlike the majority, I thought Dad was grumpy towards Mom the prior weekend. I have noticed mature eagles never to be seen again seem to leave during storms.
I still miss dad :(
I was watching that day, days before and of course the days after and still watch. Such a sad event.
very sad...:(
AND MOM FINISHED IT UP WITH THAT SNOWSTORM~
What happened to the dad
He just didn't return after that--and for certain would have if he could have. He was never found. Mom fed (and fed and fed) and protected the three eaglets on her own until they fledged. Simply Amazing.