It is baby-making season.
And, not only are chicks hatching in nests all over campus, they are hatching online as well.
A bald eagle nest in Decorah, Iowa, has gone viral, attracting over 25 million views. The webcam installed in the nest can be remote-controlled to provide a better view and even has infrared capabilities, allowing viewers to creep on our national birds even as they sleep.
When I first watched the nest, there were two chicks, a parent, an egg, a furry carcass, and a dead crow. Later, the other parent brought a fish, which it tore into bite-size pieces for the chicks.
I spent the next hour watching to catch glimpses of the two adorable balls of fluff, too often hidden under warm feathers.
As the parents look at the camera, it seemed as if they could see me, and I could not help but to respect the power they held in their gaze.
There was quite a stir in the online community with each of the three chick’s hatchings, all of which can be seen using a quick YouTube search.
But these birds have not been living the lives of most YouTube celebrities. They have had their challenges.
It is hard not to sympathize with the parent as it sits in the chicks’ first thunderstorm, acting as a shield from the wind and rain. It looked miserable and soaked, but I am sure the chicks appreciated the warmth its sacrifice provided.
There have also been moments of terror. Powerful winds have rocked the nest, and on several nights, an owl has attacked the parent warming the chicks. The eagle spreading its powerful wings, daring the owl to come back and try again, and you just can’t help but pay attention. You can’t see that anywhere else.
The webcam offers an exclusive view into the life of the extraordinary bald eagle. This is a view that unfortunately I, and undoubtedly many of the viewers, have not had an opportunity to be privy to many times in my life.
The closest I had gotten before this webcam was my ornithology field trip earlier this semester to see the bald eagle nest on Lake Brandt, less than 10 minutes from campus. But even then, it was simply through binoculars, and no chicks had hatched yet.
The webcam is a great step in the effort of environmental outreach. Launching videos of bald eagles which can contend with other YouTube celebrities allows environmental groups to reach a new generation, one which knows Justin Bieber more than Jane Goodall, and help them realize the importance of all life on this planet.
The bald eagle itself was in danger of extinction just decades ago. After great efforts from the environmental community, DDT was banned, and combined with conservation efforts the eagles have been brought to a more healthy population.
With Guilford’s focus on sustainability this year, it helps to know why such efforts are necessary, and the Decorah eagle webcam provides just that opportunity.
I am glad that finally something worthwhile has gone viral. Although the eagles may never surpass “Friday” or kitten videos, they will continue to inspire countless individuals to see the beauty of the natural world and to protect it.