Two bald eaglets have been observed in a Chicago park’s nest, marking the first successful wild breeding of these raptors in the city in over 100 years, according to city officials. The Chicago Park District reported that bird-watchers began noticing nesting activities in February at Park 597 along the Calumet River on Chicago’s Southeast Side. The first eaglet appeared on April 28, with confirmation of a second on May 7. According to Irene Tostado, a park district spokesperson, the eaglets are estimated to be two to three weeks old.
Pat Pearson and her husband, Steve, were the first to spot the eaglet. Steve Pearson shared, “As we looked around, a small fuzzy head with a big beak popped up, leading to an emotional moment for both of us.” The sight of these eagles in Chicago with a hatchling proved overwhelming and sentimental for the couple.
Bald eagles faced severe population declines due to habitat degradation and insecticide contamination in the latter half of the 20th century. However, they have significantly rebounded over the last 40 years. Removed from the federal endangered species list in 2007, bald eagles are now frequently seen in the Chicago area. In a 2018 observation, the park district counted twelve bald eagles in Big Marsh Park’s restored wetlands.
Stephen Bell, the person in charge of Park 597, indicated no records of successful eaglet hatching in Chicago for over a century. Previously a water treatment plant, Park 597 has seen restoration efforts by the city since 2019, enhancing the habitat for various wildlife including eagles, muskrats, mice, and deer through soil improvements and vegetation upgrades.
Pat Pearson noted, “When you give nature a chance, with some assistance from organizations like the Park District and the city of Chicago, remarkable transformations can occur in seemingly unredeemable areas.”
This article was compiled with additional contributions from Erin Hooley, an Associated Press photographer.
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