<ping> Juno

Beverly sent this note to tell me of the death of the female eagle we've been following. If you haven't been following along, you may not understand how sad the news is. We have been watching a pair of eagles nurture the eggs and then the young eaglets that were hatched. The eaglets are close to being able to feed themselves. The mother eagle was killed in a collision with a jet plane. They are being monitored by the botanical garden staff and a decision has to be made by tomorrow as to whether or not they will be moved. These are such magnificent birds and it sad to lose one. It has been a joy to watch nature at work. I hope the eaglets meet with no harm. Juno

Take heart - bald eagles are making a comeback. I haven't seen any - but I've heard that they are now nesting in many parts of southern Ontario - where they haven't been seen since the DDT mess. ... fairly urban settings too - so individuals will sometimes pay the ultimate price for the species .. John T.

I'm so sad....I've been keeping an eye on them, and will miss the mama.

I'm very aware that bald eagles are on the rise. I have seen many on the west coast and the Hudson River in NY. The eagle cam that we've been watching has given a new dimension to the life of the birds. There is something very special about watching the progression of the raising of these eaglets. It becomes something close to watching a beloved family pet progress in it's life cycle. If it was my dog or cat I would have the same feeling of loss. The creatures of the earth are precious and deserve to be mourned. Juno

That is very sad. I hope daddy eagle picks up the load. If he doesn't, I have confidence that humans will arrange fostering for the babies.

I can understand your sadness, Beverly. Emily

Very Sad news. I wondered earlier today I saw the three chicks but no Mom Peter Dubacher is a rescue guy local, he specializes in Eagle, even has that one from Afghanistan.

it along if you know who might help if they need it.

A dear friend in El Paso, and my daughter, who was stationed at Norfolk Air Station for several years, have been keeping an eye on the eagles, like we have. Both of them are just heartsick about the situation. Emily

Oh, that's just awful. I completely understand you being upset. That really is a tragedy.

I hadn't been watching that pair. I've been watching the bald eagles in Decorah, IA.

A friend of mine who is originally from IA sent me the link. It's so amazing to be able to watch them grow.

MWAH!

Sharon

The eaglets were removed from the nest a few minutes ago. I watched the entire operation by way of the eagle cam. It was heartwarming to see the care with which it was done and that human intervention took place for the survival of the eaglets. Juno

Thanks. However, I think I'll pass on watching any more wildlife rear their young. I know I'm not supposed to get attached to them, but it's very hard not to.

B

Understandable that you don't want to become attached. It hurts to see them become hurt by the modern world. I do feel that it shows your humanity when they become important in your life. The Norfolk eaglets are helpless at this point, the human world is working to give them a chance in the wild by intervening and that's very important to me. I see nothing wrong in the attachment. They have a chance now at survival and the male has been given a chance to move on in his. Juno

Don't get me wrong, I have no issue with the young from the Norfolk nest being rescued and raised the rest of the way by humans.

I am thrilled that is happening. I would even like to be there when the young ones are finally released into the wild. I just found the personal anguish of the female's death more than I will willingly take on again.

Beverly

If you decide to look you can follow them on the Eagle Cam. If you're not ready to watch just yet I'll let you know when they are close to fledge time. They are thriving and gaining weight. Have adjusted well to the new environment. There are 2 females and 1 male. If you would like occasional updates let me know. Juno

Thanks for the heads up, I took a peek this AM, and they do look comfortably set up. I'll check on them from time-to-time.

Beverly