I had been watching a live cam of a Bald Eagle in Hampton Roads, Va. It is the second year I’ve watched. Both years there have been three eaglets. Last year, I watched one hatch and all three fledge. It was awesome. I’ve watched this year with the same delight and addiction.
About two weeks ago, the mother was killed by a plane coming into the airport. The nest is near the Norfolk International Airport. Sadly, her previous mate was killed in the same manner. She found her new mate many years ago and they have returned to this nest year-after-year.
Her mate came back to the nest to tend to the eaglets, but experts monitoring the nest relocated the eaglets. They were worried the lone father wouldn’t be able to feed and defend his young. You know what, I know it is silly. But I actually cried that morning when I watched them take those silly eaglets down out of the nest.
It was a wonderful experience witnessing (even if it was over the Internet) the eagles for two years. I hope the male eagle does okay and finds another mate. I know he will, but it just seemed sorta sad.
I’ve seen birds like this in person my entire life. It is amazing to observe and sad when humans, the more intelligent of the species, deliberately harm these magnificent creatures.