Baby eagle’s death is just latest tragedy for determined parents. ‘So heartbreaking’
.png "A bald eagle chick is dead after its nest fell from a tree in Minnesota, wildlife officials say.")
Days after a bald eagle pair in Minnesota welcomed a new eaglet into the world, tragedy has taken it away, according to state wildlife officials.
The male and female eagles, which are featured on the state Department of Natural Resources’ EagleCam, are beloved by many viewers who keep tabs on them through the live stream, delivering a fascinating and, to some, inspiring view into the lives of the birds.
“We wish we weren’t writing this post, but the EagleCam nest fell out of the tree early this morning,” the department said in a April 2 social media post.
Viewers quickly chimed in, hopeful that the chick would be okay.
“I’m just praying and hoping by some miracle the little eaglet is ok!!” one commenter said.
The eaglet hatched overnight on March 26, McClatchy News reported, a seemingly happy ending after months of hardship for the eagles.
In February, heavy snow fell and buried the mother eagle up to her neck as she sat diligently on her eggs, fighting to keep them warm against the bitter cold. Then several weeks later, one of the two eggs broke for reasons wildlife experts couldn’t explain.
But after all the difficulty, the one remaining egg hatched and a fuzzy chick emerged, safe and sound in the nest. The eagles’ determination was rewarded.
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“In this crazy mixed up world, I found such joy in watching awesome parenting and the wonder of nature,” a commenter wrote.
“Oh my, not another tragedy! Was so heartbreaking to watch! I was so happy for them and their little baby. This was one of the saddest seasons watching eagles no doubt,” said another.
Officials haven’t said what exactly caused the nest to fall, but around 7:50 a.m., a strong gust of wind is heard and the nest comes unmoored from the branches, video shows. One of the eagles sitting in the nest flaps its wings just as it tumbles, able to save itself but not the helpless eaglet inside.
Wildlife officials went to the site and confirmed the chick did not survive.
“Nature can be very cruel sometimes,” a commenter said. “Feel like I’ve lost a much loved pet.”
“My grandson & I have watched Eagle Cam for the past 2 years. I watched this AM and saw this event,” said another. “I’m heartbroken and stunned.”
One said simply, “rest in peace sweet chick.”
This story was originally published April 2, 2023 at 4:31 PM with the headline "Baby eagle’s death is just latest tragedy for determined parents. ‘So heartbreaking’."