A century-first was marked in Chicago in late April when a bald eagle baby was born within city limits, Chicago Park District announced.
The eaglet hatched in a nest on April 28 in Chicago’s Park 597, located at 2690 East 126th Place, according to the Chicago Park District.
Though there have been records of eagles nesting and attempts at chick rearing in Chicago, none have been successful until the birth of this eaglet in April, officials said.
The rare eagle birth proves habitat restoration efforts are making a “profound” impact on the city’s species diversity, Chicago Park District said.
Volunteers with the Park District and birders are closely monitoring the eagles, officials said. Nesting was first noticed in February, and progress has been monitored since.
“Restoring park habitats to their natural state maximizes positive impact, making experiences like this one truly powerful,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “We’d like it to be a regular occurrence, and for that to happen, we need the public’s cooperation to see even more wildlife thrive in our urban parks.”
Officials are discouraging visits to the nest site as human presence and activities could have a negative impact on the eagles.
“If you are in the area, for your safety and that of our wildlife, we ask that you keep a safe distance and stay on marked trails,” Chicago Park District said in a statement.
A “Name the Eagle” contest is being held by the Chicago Park District, inviting people to submit three name options for the eaglet by May 15. Submissions can be made here.
After submissions close, local birding groups and the Park District Natural Resources team will choose three finalist entries that residents can vote on to elect the name for the baby eagle.
The finalist names will be unveiled on May 19 and voting will be open from then until June 1.
