Decorah Eagle Cam Live: Raptor Resource Project
Watch the world's most-viewed bald eagle nest — the Decorah Eagle Cam in Decorah, Iowa. Operated by the Raptor Resource Project (RRP), the cam reached 250 million views on Ustream by 2011 at 2.4 million views per day, and has now surpassed 280+ million total views. Nesting season runs January-June with infrared lighting for 24/7 viewing. Plus the Decorah North Nest secondary cam.
VIEW DECORAH EAGLE CAM →The Decorah Eagle Cam is the world's most-viewed bald eagle live stream — installed 2007 by the Raptor Resource Project (RRP) with support from Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power, and upgraded to live streaming in 2011 via Ustream. Per Wikipedia's Decorah Bald Eagles entry, the cam became an internet phenomenon and reached 250 million views on Ustream in 2011 at roughly 2.4 million views per day — briefly the most-viewed live stream of all time. Over 280 million people have watched the eagle family progress from eggs to fledgling birds. The nest is near the Decorah, Iowa trout hatchery — Winneshiek County, northeast Iowa. Nesting season typically runs January/February through June (fledge date varies annually). Per Raptor Resource Project, the nest features infrared lighting allowing 24/7 viewing throughout the nesting season. Both the primary Decorah Eagles cam and the secondary Decorah North Nest stream on RRP and Explore.org.
Decorah Eagle Cam Coverage
Decorah Eagles Primary Nest
Original world-famous cam
Installed 2007 at the Decorah trout hatchery. 280+ million cumulative views.
Decorah North Nest
Secondary RRP cam
A separate eagle pair's nest, also monitored by Raptor Resource Project.
Infrared Night Viewing
24/7 during nesting season
Infrared lighting allows viewing even at night — critical for egg-hatching watches.
Nesting Season (Jan/Feb - June)
Peak viewing window
Eagles return to nest in late January; eggs typically laid Feb-March; hatch March-April; fledge May-June.
Raptor Resource Project (Operator)
Non-profit conservation org
RRP is a nonprofit established to preserve birds of prey. Funded partly by viewer donations.
Explore.org Partnership
Second-platform streaming
The cam also streams on Explore.org for additional audience reach.
Eagle Chat + Commentary
Community engagement
RRP and Explore.org host live chat where viewers discuss eagle behavior.
Historic Significance
First-ever viral live wildlife stream
The 2011 Decorah cam milestone helped establish the entire live wildlife cam industry.
When to Watch Decorah Eagle Cam
Decorah Eagle Cam Viewing Windows
- Late January-February — Adults return to nest, refurbish
- February-March — Egg-laying season
- March-April — Egg incubation + hatching
- April-May — Eaglets (chicks) rapid growth — most popular viewing window
- May-June — Fledge time — dramatic first flights
- Summer (July-September) — Cam typically off-season — adults visit periodically
- Fall (October-December) — Cam maintenance + preparation for next season
- Infrared night hours — Critical for egg-hatching watches — hatch time unpredictable
- Bad weather events — Viewership spikes — adults protecting chicks during storms
View Decorah Eagle Cam Live
Watch the world's most-viewed bald eagle nest live via Raptor Resource Project + Explore.org.
VIEW DECORAH EAGLE CAM →Pro Tip: Decorah Eagle Cam Viewing Guide
The Decorah Eagles have become an internet tradition. Key seasonal moments:
- Egg-laying dates: usually late February to early March
- Hatch window: 35 days post-laying — typically late March to mid-April
- First flight (fledge): approximately 10-12 weeks after hatch — early June
- Chick naming: community sometimes votes on eaglet names (e.g., past chicks named D1, D2, D3...)
- Predator intrusions: great horned owls occasionally visit — dramatic "eagle defense" moments
- Storm season: viewership spikes during severe weather as viewers watch adults shelter chicks
- Infrared viewing: night-time viewing shows nest activity even in darkness
Other major eagle cams:
- West End Eagles (Channel Islands) — California via Explore.org
- Friends of Big Bear Valley — Jackie and Shadow eagles
- Pittsburgh Hays eagles — Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
For other live wildlife + natural phenomena cams, see our Katmai bear cam, Panda cam at Smithsonian, African safari live webcam, and Old Faithful live webcam.
For Iowa + Midwest travelers, see our Iowa traffic cameras guide, Minnesota traffic cameras guide, Wisconsin traffic cameras guide, MCI Kansas City airport guide, STL St. Louis airport guide, Great Lakes beach cams guide, and I-29 corridor guide.
Watch Decorah Eagles Live
Stream Raptor Resource Project's iconic Iowa bald eagle nest — free, 24/7 with infrared during nesting season.
VIEW DECORAH EAGLE CAM →When is the Decorah Eagle Cam active?
January through June typically — the bald eagle nesting season. Adults return to the nest in late January, lay eggs in February-March, chicks hatch March-April, and fledge May-June. Off-season the cam may be on but activity is minimal.
How many views has the Decorah cam had?
Per Wikipedia, the cam reached 250 million views on Ustream in 2011 and has since surpassed 280+ million total views. In 2011 it was briefly the most-viewed live stream of all time.
Who runs the Decorah Eagle Cam?
The Raptor Resource Project (RRP) — a nonprofit established to preserve birds of prey. Partners include Xcel Energy, Dairyland Power, and Explore.org for distribution.
Is there infrared night viewing?
Yes. Per Raptor Resource Project, the nest has infrared lighting so viewers can watch 24/7 throughout the nesting season. This is especially important during hatching — which can happen at any hour.
Are Decorah eagle cams free to watch?
Yes. Both Raptor Resource Project and Explore.org stream the Decorah cams for free.
Ready to Watch the Decorah Eagles?
Stream the world's most-watched bald eagle nest — free, 24/7 with infrared during nesting season.
VIEW DECORAH EAGLE CAM →