They are there right now and I do remember whe the cam was live they were there right after the sun was barely up

OK this I DON"T like it is1:35 am EST and there are 2 racoons

Jan 15, 2011 Sunny with temps in the high 50's.

Jannice I do not like this either. This is just tooooo cozy. The cold and snow kept them away for the last week but having two or more is really disconcerting.

Two raccoons - not good at all! Has anyone posted on the BirdCam forum? I think that's the best way to make sure the folks at XCel Energy see the news.

About egg-laying dates, I checked my chart and it's varied quite a bit over the years -
First egg:
2010 - Feb 14
2009 - March 17
2008 - Feb 26
2007 - Mar 3

There was some thought that we had a new Mom last year, and I don't know if that influences when the eggs are laid. I am finding it interesting that there are chicks at Lake Jordan, NC, before there have even been eggs laid at Carolina Raptor Center (also in NC) or Norfolk (on the other side of Lake Jordan from CRC - though all are quite a ways apart).

Judy I did leave a note for Amy at Raptor Resource and Jannice had posted the pic there also.

Afternoon FSV

b]Jannice[/b] Great capture....thanks you so much!!.

I agree with you all....two racoons in this nest is not good news....in five years of learning about our bald eagle families I have never seen two racoons in any nest that we watch here. Have seen one...but never two and never a repeat visit! This is alarming for sure.

Donna Great that you contacted Amy be interested to see what their response is. Is there any way a racoon barrier could be placed at the bottom of the tree to discourage them from returning! If I recall some kind of barrier device was place at the Delta nest tree too..not a fool proof solution but a device nevertheless.

Judyb I guess we have to hope that the racoons were just exploring but two visits is sure not a good sign. Thanks for the stats hopefully the eggs do not come early here!

OK everyone stop worrying for now I got a email from Bob himself about the raccoons and here is what he said

Janice, New cameras were installed and we are switching to new video encoders. All cams should be up and running soon. At the Valmont Great Horned Owl nest we have a defective cable that is being replaced. Weather permitting. Regarding the Raccoons, I don't think they would approach the nest if the adults were on eggs. The only raccoon predation event that I heard of re; raccoon and eaglets was a nest in VA were the eaglets were too old to be brooded and were not protected. I sent your captured image to the plant and we'll look into raccoon repellent or, live traps. Many thanks... Bob Anderson

Oh my I forgot to say there is someone at the nest right now its only 1 now