Decorah Bald Eagle Nest

The camera looks at a large stick nest built high in a tree near Decorah, in the wooded hills of northeastern Iowa. Viewers usually see a bald eagle sitting low in the nest, turning eggs or sheltering small chicks, while branches and sky fill the rest of the frame. The nest is the landmark here, and the birds' white heads and dark bodies stand out clearly against the wood.

Early morning and late afternoon are the liveliest times, when the adults swap places on the nest and bring in food. In late winter and spring the nest holds eggs and then young chicks, so activity is constant; summer brings growing eaglets stretching their wings. Snow, rain and wind change the scene quickly, and the surrounding trees shift from bare branches to full green.

Decorah sits in a valley among hills and rivers in northeastern Iowa, a region of farms, forests and waterways. The area around the nest is known for its bald eagle pair, which has drawn attention from birdwatchers and local residents. Visitors to Decorah find trails, parks and a small downtown, and the surrounding countryside is popular for hiking, fishing and watching wildlife along the rivers.