Image: Eaglecam on April 11 - MN DNR

From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - April 10, 2020

 There are good things happening in the world  With so much uncertainty in the world, it is important to focus on the positive things that happen every day.  Nature is a place where we can still depend on finding beauty, serenity and joy.  Getting out in nature is healing if you are fortunate enough to have the ability to do so.  If you are not able to get out, you can still see nature in all of its wonder and beauty - from where ever you are!

Our nervous and dedicated parents are learning the ropes.  While we can't be sure this is their first brood, these two adult eagles appear to be just getting the hang of this parenting thing.  Almost 40 days of diligence in incubating the eggs paid off in the best way when all three eggs hatched.  The pair seem to communicate well and even sleep in the nest together.  They've been seen feeding the chicks together on multiple occasions and even feed each other from time to time. If you haven't tuned in lately to watch the cam, now is the time!   The eagle family is a great human family experience while we all socially distance due to Covid19.  The chicks are brand new and they grow amazingly fast.  Can you identify the prey items they bring to the nest?  This might give you a clue about the habitat that is near the nest. This is a wonderful learning experience for kids and adults.  To watch live on the MN DNR website and see other videos of the brood hatching and more, follow this link.  https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/features/webcams/eaglecam/index.html

Can I still go outside?

Executive Order 20-33 allows people to be outdoors, engaging in activities such as walking, running, and fishing and hunting. Minnesotans can continue to enjoy parks and other public recreation lands. We urge outdoor enthusiasts to:

• Stay close to home.
• Not congregate when outdoors.
• Follow social distancing guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health .

What is open?

• Minnesota’s waters. You can fish if you have a license. Normal seasons and regulations apply.
• Hunting seasons. There are no changes to upcoming hunting seasons. Normal regulations apply.
• State parks with the exception of Grand Portage State Park and parts of Fort Snelling State Park due to flooding. Bathrooms, vault toilets and shower buildings currently open will remain open. Other facilities are closed (see below).
• Public land. Wildlife management areas, state forests, and Scientific and Natural Areas are open for recreation. Campgrounds are closed.
• Public water accesses. Most state-managed public accesses are open, though the availability of amenities, such as docks, are contingent upon seasonal maintenance.

What is closed?

The following DNR-managed facilities:

• Campgrounds, group camps, remote and dispersed camping at all state parks, state forests, and state recreation areas.
• Camper cabins
• Yurts
• Overnight lodging facilities
• Group centers, trail centers and other ancillary buildings
• Visitor centers
• State park contact stations
• Grand Portage State Park
• Wabanica and Wheeler’s Point public water accesses on Lake of the Woods County are currently closed, per local emergency action.

Cancellation and modification fees are waived during this time.

Facilities and lands not administered by the DNR may have restrictions. Please check with local authorities.