Explore.org wildlife cameras - Eagles, bears, bison, oh my!

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

5 years ago this summer, a coworker got me addicted to watching the live camera feeds of the Brown Bears feasting on Salmon in Katmai National Park on Explore.org. Last spring, while impatiently waiting for the bear cameras to go live, I discovered the Bald Eagle cameras. Now, instead of watching TV, I watch eagles making nests, laying eggs, and raising their young. Once the eaglets fledge this summer, it will be time for the bears once again!

Anyways, are there any other wildlife camera fans out there? If not, I highly recommend checking out Explore.org. They have dozens of different cameras, most focused on wildlife, although there are some filming the days/nights of the animals at dog and cat rescues as well.

The wildlife cameras can be tough sometimes as nature can be cruel, and intervention is rare. The bears occasionally get into physical altercations, occasionally one is hurt or even killed. The Eagles also suffer mishaps, especially the eaglets. Last summer, the Decorah eaglets all fledged too early to escape gnats and had to be rescued and rehabbed before being released. This year, one female Eagle has a new very young adult male partner who has virtually no fatherly instincts (yet). Their eggs have all been eaten by Ravens when left unattended.

At any rate, the cameras are not for the squeamish, but they are so fascinating! Much better than cable TV

 

[ShrekDawg]

This sounds really cool!! Thank you for sharing!!!

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

This sounds really cool!! Thank you for sharing!!!

You’re welcome!

 

[ShrekDawg]

You’re welcome!

I love it

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Bumping this as Bald Eagle season is in full bloom. Parents at West End, Sauces, Two Harbors, and Decorah North are incubating. New adult “Jim” has taken up residence at the Fraser Point nest, where he has become the crush of at least 4 different BE ladies, two of which are still subadults.

“Pip Watch” begins in less than 1 week at the West End and Sauces nests.

If you haven’t already done so, check it out!

Edited to add: The young adult male, Akecheta, who let all the eggs get eaten by Ravens last year, is doing fantastic this year. He is “expecting” three eaglets at the West End nest.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

“Pip watch” starts tomorrow at the West End nest, and somewhere in the next few days at the Sauces nest. By next weekend, there should be some little bobble heads. Akecheta on the West End nest will be a first time dad!

Over at the Fraser Point nest, Jim is “dating” and looking for the perfect mate to grow old with.

All pictures below are “snapshots” taken while watching on Explore.org.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

The Sauces pair, Jak and Audacity, are known for their “decorations”.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Handsome Jim says that 3 years old is too young for a mate. He wants a mature lady Eagle. However, all the girls are mad about Jim.

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Thunder took young Akecheta under her wing last year when he was an immature and inexperienced 4 year old. She forgave his early mistakes (allowing Ravens to eat all the eggs last year). Now, they are expecting triplets this week!

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

Reason 1 to NOT watch the BE cameras. Such heartbreak. Thunder and Akecheta’s eggs were all eaten by Ravens today on the day at least one was due to hatch.