Live Stream Of Michigan Eagle Cam: Both Eaglets Have Hatched

(Updated on April 21) BULEAH, MI — And now there are two eaglets in the nest over the Platte River State Fish Hatchery near Beulah. The second egg hatched around 8 a.m. Friday, and eagle fans are commenting the changing of the guard as the parents take care of the young eaglets, the fish dinners, how well the eaglets eat and other fascinating aspects of nature.

(Updated on April 20) The first of two eaglets has arrived, and CarbonTV Eagle Cam viewers report a pip in the second egg of a nesting pair of eagles. The Eagle Cam offers around-the-clock viewing of the nest, which is located high above the Platte River State Fish Hatchery near Beulah on Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula. Scroll down to the bottom of this story to watch the action on Patch.

(Updated on April 19) It's starting to get real. Viewers of the CarbonTV Eagle Cam are reporting the first eaglet is about to be hatched. Things are progressing right on time. The eagle lay the eggs on March 14 and March 17, and the 35-day incubation time suggests eagle fans should keep a close eye on the nest,

(March 20 update) The female in a nesting pair of bald eagles has now laid two eggs. The first arrived on Tuesday, March 14, and the second on March 17. If all goes well, an eaglet will emerge from its shell in about 35 days.

The Eagle Cam, located at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery near Beulah on Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, is operated by CarbonTV and offers around-the-clock coverage of the eagles’ activity.

Last year, Michiganders watched with fascination until two baby eaglets hatched. They endured plenty of peril, from a late spring blizzard to an American pine marten that scampered up the tree and threatened the nest. All turned out well in the end, though.

The CarbonTV Eagle Cam shows other action as well, and the site includes clips of an eagle eating a fish, the eagles preparing the nest and a new intruder this year, a raccoon that took over the nest and settled in for a nap. The site also includes the 2016 fledglings’ first flight.

The Michigan eagles nest later than in warmer climates. Two eaglets hatched in Washington, D.C., Wednesday. In Florida, eagle lovers are anxiously watching as a fledgling prepares for its first flight.

The ground temperature Thursday morning in Beulah was about 25 degrees, and the eagle nest is located about 100 feet higher. But not to worry, thick feathers — about 7,000 of them — provide insulation for the eagles.

Both female and male eagles, who alternate sitting on the eggs, have brood patches, an area of bare skin on their breasts. They can be seen wiggling or rolling their eggs to bring them close to the brood patch, which transfers the 104-degree body heat to the eggs.

Be sure to bookmark this page so you can come back and watch the eagles.

Screenshot via CarbonTV Eagle Cam