51 - Winter Nests and Eggs

51 - Winter Nests and Eggs

Have you ever wondered why some birds nest in the middle of winter? In this episode, I talk about how eagles and owls defy the cold, build their nests, and successfully raise their young despite the harsh conditions. I’ll share why these birds choose to nest in winter, how they care for their eggs, and the fascinating survival tactics they use. Plus, I’ll tell you about my experiences watching eagle nest cams, spotting owl nests in the wild, and even witnessing some unexpected eagle drama!

🦅 Why Some Birds Nest in Winter
Unlike most birds that wait until spring, eagles and owls start their nesting season in the colder months. Since larger birds take longer to mature, winter nesting gives their young extra time to grow strong before summer.

🎥 Watching Eagles Up Close – The Nest Cams
I’m a big fan of the Decorah eagle cam, and I love watching these birds build their nests, lay their eggs, and raise their young. I’ll share some of the most interesting things I’ve seen over the years, including how an early warm spell once caused unexpected challenges for young eaglets.

🌲 Where Do Owls Nest?
Owls don’t build huge nests like eagles. Instead, they find tree cavities or broken tree snags to raise their young. Last year, I was lucky enough to spot a barred owl feeding her babies in a local park—it was an incredible experience!

🐣 Eagle Nest Drama – Nature’s Own Reality Show
Wildlife isn’t always peaceful! I’ll tell you the story of a female eagle who lost her mate and surprised everyone by taking in a new partner. Bird watchers even started calling this nest cam “Nestflix” because of all the unexpected twists and turns!

🔍 How to Spot Eagle and Owl Nests in the Wild
If you love birdwatching like I do, I’ll share some tips on finding eagle and owl nests. Eagle nests can be massive, some weighing up to 2,000 pounds! Owls, on the other hand, are more secretive, and I’ll explain how to look for clues—like their distinct calls or even owl pellets on the ground.

Takeaways
✅ Winter nesting gives large birds a head start. Eagles and owls need extra time to raise their young, making winter the perfect season for them to begin.

✅ Eagle parents work as a team. They take turns sitting on the eggs and hunting to make sure their babies are well cared for.

✅ Owl nests are harder to find. Since they prefer hidden tree cavities, you have to listen carefully for their calls to track them down.

✅ Nature is full of surprises. From changing mates to nest takeovers, eagles and owls remind us that wildlife is unpredictable and fascinating.

✅ You can watch it all live! If you’ve never checked out an eagle or owl cam, I highly recommend it. Watching these birds up close is an amazing experience!

Join the Conversation!
Have you ever spotted an eagle or owl nest? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Send me an email at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com and let me know what birds you’ve seen. Also, check the show notes for links to some of my favorite nest cams—you won’t want to miss them!

🎧 Tune in now and get a front-row seat to the incredible world of winter-nesting birds!
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https://buzzblossomandsqueak.com/?p=361

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE

https://www.raptorresource.org/birdcams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f-D2AjeEi0

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