A pair of nesting bald eagles at Anthony Chabot Regional Park must have liked their spot last year, because they’ve returned to raise a second brood this year.
Wildlife managers observed a very young eaglet on April 24, but don’t know yet how many hatchlings are in the nest because the adults have been sitting tight.
Although bald eagles have been seen for years in Anthony Chabot, last year was the first time this pair nested. The result: a juvenile that spent the summer and fall flying over the area.
“We are very excited to see a second successful hatching by this young female bald eagle,” said Doug Bell, the wildlife program manager for the East Bay Regional Park District, in a press release.
Bell estimates that the pair began incubation in mid-March; the hatchling(s) are expected to fly in early July, so there will be plenty of opportunity for viewing this summer. But the park district urges caution.
The eagles have picked a secluded spot to nest in a dense eucalyptus grove in a restricted area of the park, so you’ll have to look for them with a scope from across the lake. Recommended locations: hike to the West Shore Trail at Alder Point, take a boat out onto the lake, or head over to the dam.
“We ask that eagle-watchers stay on the trail and use the observation points we recommend, and remind boaters that landing on shore in the restricted area is not allowed,” said Bell.
The male in this video is feeding the hatchling.
