The DNR is featuring a live video feed of a nesting pair of bald eagles on its website in an effort to get young people and families excited about the outdoors. The eagles can be seen at www.eaglecam.dnr.state.mn.us. A video camera was installed above the nest late last year with help from an Xcel Energy crew with a boom truck, and Floyd Security. Located in the Twin Cities metro area, the eagle nest already contains three eggs that are expected to hatch sometime in early to mid-February. The DNR is not disclosing the exact location of the nest to prevent it from drawing crowds that might disrupt the eagles.

"Unlike a lot of major metropolitan areas, the Twin Cities still has some pretty spectacular natural areas where wildlife such as eagles can flourish," the DNR's Keith Parker said in a news release. "We're hoping that people will get excited watching this eagle family and get out to one of our state, county or city parks to experience nature first-hand." The eagle camera was paid for by DNR's Nongame Wildlife program, which is largely funded by donations, especially those made when Minnesotans file their state income and property taxes. Lines on the Minnesota income tax form and property tax form, marked with a drawing of a loon, give taxpayers the option to donate to the program, a feature often referred to as the "chickadee check-off." For information on the Nongame Wildlife program, see www.startribune.com/a2055.