• Egg #1: HM2 laid the first egg on February 17, 2026, at about 6:33 p.m. CT.
• Egg #2: HM2 laid the second egg on February 21 at about 5:03 p.m. CT.
• DH3 hatched: March 27 at about 7:01 a.m. CT.
• DH4 hatched: March 29, giving HD and HM2 two eaglets at Nest N6.
• Both eaglets fledged: June 18. DH4 left the nest at about 5:45 a.m., while DH3 also fledged later that day.
• DH3: was later admitted to SOAR with a soft-tissue wing injury. The latest official update reported no wing or leg fractures, very low blood lead levels, weight gain, and continued rehabilitation in a flight pen.
• DH4: was last seen or heard on the morning of July 28. RRP noted that her increasingly long absences were consistent with the wider ranging young eagles often show before dispersal, although her exact location was unknown.

About the Decorah Eagles

The current adult pair at the Decorah Fish Hatchery is HD (Hatchery Dad) and HM2 (Hatchery Mom II). HD has occupied and defended the hatchery territory for years. HM2 became his mate after the loss of Hatchery Mom (HM), beginning another chapter in the long history of bald eagles nesting around the Decorah trout hatchery.

HD and HM2 spent much of 2025 strengthening their pair bond and working on potential nest sites. By late 2025, the pair had clearly adopted Nest N6, setting the stage for their successful 2026 nesting season.

Decorah Nest N6

N6 is the sixth nest associated with the chain of Decorah Hatchery Eagles. It sits near the Decorah Fish Hatchery and became the primary nest for HD and HM2 after the pair explored and worked on multiple nesting locations.

The Raptor Resource Project (RRP) installed cameras near both N5 and N6 while the eagles were deciding where to settle. By early December 2025, HD and HM2 had adopted N6, and the new Decorah Eagle Cam was brought online ahead of egg laying in February 2026.

What to Watch for on the Decorah Eagle Cam

The Decorah Eagle Cam can be active even outside the egg and eaglet stages of the nesting season. HD and HM2 may return to N6 to perch, inspect the nest, defend their territory, or begin moving sticks and nesting material as another breeding season approaches.

Activity often comes in bursts. Long quiet stretches can be followed by an eagle arrival, vocal exchange, food delivery, territorial encounter, or sudden round of nest work. Early morning and late afternoon can be especially interesting times to check the cam, although eagle activity can occur throughout the day.

Decorah Eagle Nesting Season Timeline

• Fall: pair bonding, territory defense, and increasing nest work may begin.
• Winter: nest preparation and courtship become more intense as breeding season approaches.
• February: HD and HM2 laid their two 2026 eggs on February 17 and February 21.
• Late March: DH3 and DH4 hatched on March 27 and March 29.
• Spring: eaglets grow rapidly while the adults deliver food and protect the nest.
• Early summer: young eagles begin branching, exercising their wings, and preparing for first flight.
• Post-fledge: juveniles remain around the territory while improving their flight and feeding skills before eventually dispersing.

Decorah Eagle Cam FAQ

Where is the Decorah Eagle Cam?

The Decorah Eagle Cam follows bald eagles nesting near the Decorah Fish Hatchery in Decorah, Iowa. The current nest is known as N6.

Who are the current Decorah eagles?

The current breeding pair is HD (Hatchery Dad) and HM2 (Hatchery Mom II). They successfully raised DH3 and DH4 at Nest N6 during the 2026 season.

What happened to DH3?

DH3 fledged on June 18, 2026, but was later found needing help and admitted to Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR). Examinations found no wing or leg fractures, but a drooping wing indicated a soft-tissue injury. The most recent official update reported that DH3 was gaining weight and progressing through rehabilitation.

Where is DH4?

DH4 successfully fledged on June 18 and continued exploring the Decorah area afterward. She was last seen or heard on the morning of July 28. Her exact location is unknown, but RRP reported that her behavior was consistent with young female eagles beginning to range farther from the nest before dispersal.

When do Decorah eagles lay eggs?

Egg dates vary from year to year. During the 2026 season, HM2 laid eggs on February 17 and February 21. Nest behavior, weather, pair bonding, and other natural factors can affect the timing of future clutches.

What do the Decorah eagles eat?

The Decorah eagles are opportunistic carnivores. Fish are an important part of their diet, especially with the trout hatchery nearby, but bald eagles may also eat small mammals, birds, carrion, and other available prey.

Are the Decorah eagles wild?

Yes. HD, HM2, and the other eagles seen around the Decorah nest are wild bald eagles living and nesting in their natural environment.

More Decorah Live Cams

• Decorah North Nest Cam
• Decorah Goose Cam
• More Bald Eagle Cams