Missed But Never Forgotten

 

Missed but Never Forgotten...

Dad Decorah - April 18, 2018

April 18, 2018. Who could ever forget that tragic day? Day light had come, and it was time for Dad Decorah to come and give Mom a very much deserved break, but it wasn't to be. Mom Decorah started calling out for Dad but as we all watched in horror, Dad wasn't responding, and he was not being seen in the camera's sight.

The morning went on and the day went on and still no Dad. Mom Decorah's calls were heartbreaking... Mom & Dad Decorah had 3 eaglets on N2B, D29, D30 & D31. D29 hatched, 4-4/01/, D30 hatched, April 2 & D32 hatched, April 4, so they were not very old at all when Dad never came home. Night fell and we were all in shock...

Morning came and still no Dad. Mom's call was gut wrenching and she had called so much for Dad she had gotten hoarse.  People were coming in to town to search for Dad too. The whole weekend people   searched high and low for him. They walked on foot all around the nest area, drove by car searching for him even up the Upper Iowa River and there was a Drone Search on Sunday. Everyone in Decorah was searching for Dad Decorah. But there was never a trace found of Dad Decorah....

 There was a terrible snowstorm coming and Dad Decorah stocked the Pantry excessively. It snowed for a couple days, and Dad stuck by Mom and kept the babies fed, dry and warm and when the storm was over Dad left on his own accord. He had made sure that Mom and the babies made it through the snowstorm okay and now it was time to go.

 

 

If you were watching the nest that evening Dad came in and stocked the pantry for mom, he huddled with her so lovingly guarding the babies from the storm.  He looked like he was so tired.  I know we will never know what happened but we all know animals will go off and die alone.  I believe dad knew it was his time and so he spent one last time with his family and told Mom goodbye.  

 

We will always remember that awful day.  Mom has a new male and they have moved out of sight, people often see them so we know she is still around.  Perhaps she just could not stay at the nest without dad.  Soar high Dad Decorah, the world misses you.