It was very late on Friday night when YouTube proposed a video which intrigued me - 'Adoption or Dinner?' published by explore.org. I watched it and, at the end of the video, it suggested to watch the live stream if anybody wanted to see the rest, so I sneaked back into the bedroom, trying not to wake my partner, got on my Mac and recorded some of the event. I could not work on any videos yesterday as I was not feeling great, but I have finally managed to edit the footage.


Although I have not recorded any particularly sensitive footage, I would caution viewers - I know it filled my heart with infinite sadness, even though we know nature has its cruel moments. I was very interested, though, in watching the eaglets' reaction to this little unexpected guest and, above all, Mr North's (one of my favourite male eagles) reaction.


DNF had brought two hawk chicks (also called eyases or eyasses) to the nest and had fed one to DN13 and DN14, then left. Mr North arrived and he looked very puzzled by this young creature. There was some hesitation before the eagle started aerating the nest and then brooded the hawk chick. Seeing that no food was coming, the eaglets settled quietly by dad. Mr North moved to the ladder branch a couple of times but returned to look after the little guest. There was also some interaction on the part of one of the eaglets but it didn't look aggressive. For some of the time, DN13 and DN14 were alone with the chick but seemed to mostly mind their own business. At one stage, however, the little chick got annoyed at being slightly pecked and moved to the edge of the nest, where it seemed to go to sleep.
DNF brought a pheasant and fed her eaglets, but paid no attention to the little hawk. She later returned and, this time, she focused her attention on the eyass, who appeared to be still asleep. She then moved the creature closer to the ladder branch but looked unsure what to do for a while. She was pulling the little chick, who tried to defend itself, and prodding it with her talons. Unfortunately, the little hawk ended up on the dinner table (I have not included this).


I have been left wondering whether the story would have been different if the little one had started cheeping for food. Mr North's behaviour suggested to me that his hormonal instincts, this being nesting season, prompted him to protect the small creature, but I would really like to have the opinion of an expert.


Link to the Decorah North live stream:    • Decorah Eagles - North Nest powered b...  

For the nesting history: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B...

Should you wish to donate to the worthy Raptor Resource Project, please visit their website: https://www.raptorresource.org/
This non profit organisation specialises in the preservation of falcons, eagles, ospreys, hawks, and owls.