MINNESOTA, USA — The stars of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 2023 Nongame Wildlife EagleCam are shaking off our winter storm after riding out much of the night covered in snow!
Early morning viewers of the EagleCam's 24/7 video stream watched as the rapidly falling snow overnight left only a lone bald eagle's head visible in the snow-covered nest. Shortly after sunrise, the eagle fully emerged and, like many of us, did some maintenance to clear snow around its home before trading places in the nest with its mate.
EagleCam fans have been closely monitoring the live feed in recent days after the first egg of the season arrived on Feb. 15, followed by a second egg about three days later.
According to the DNR, the eagles were ready for the storm, as "both of the eagles ... delivered more nesting material in anticipation of the coming snow storm."
While the scenes captured on camera certainly looked chilly, the eggs were well protected during the storm.
"The snow will provide insulation for the eggs as they incubate," DNR officials wrote on Tuesday. "The eggs are now nestled further down in the soft fur, feathers, leaves and grasses tucked in around them."
The DNR says a third egg could be possible soon. The baby eagle chicks could then hatch in about a month.
Celebrating its tenth year in 2023, the DNR's EagleCam is part of the Minnesota DNR Nongame Wildlife Program, which helps to support more than 700 species in the state. The EagleCam's 24/7 live video stream is supported by donations.
WATCH: Minnesota DNR Nongame Wildlife EagleCam live stream below: