Share to ClassroomBald Eagles Hatch in Chicago After Century
Two baby bald eagles have hatched in a nest in Chicago. This is the first time bald eagles have had babies in the city in over 100 years. The nest is in Park 597, near the Calumet River. The first chick was seen on April 28, the second on May 7. They are about three weeks old. Birdwatchers Pat and Steve Pearson found the first one.
The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States. In the 20th century, the number of bald eagles dropped. Their homes were lost, and dangerous chemicals hurt them. After years of work, the bird was taken off the list of endangered animals in 2007. Today, bald eagles are common around Chicago. In 2018, park staff counted 12 of them in Big Marsh Park in one day. But babies have not been born in the city for over 100 years.
Park 597 was a city water plant until 2019. After the park district took over, workers improved the land. They added good soil and planted local plants. Small animals returned. These brought in mice, deer, and other prey. The eagles came too, because they could find food. The park shows that damaged city land can welcome large birds. The young eagles will stay in the nest for several weeks before they fly.
