One of the eaglets in the Glen Hazel nest died, according to a PixCams update posted over the weekend to Facebook.
Carol Holmgren with Tamarack Wildlife Center told TribLive news partner WTAE that the eaglet, referred to as GH4, died Sunday morning.
Holmgren is the center’s executive director and a licensed rehabilitator — and is PixCams’ rehabilitation partner for the Glen Hazel nest.
GH4 and another eaglet, referred to as GH3, were “presenting with possible signs of illness” on Friday morning, according to PixCams. Holmgren was immediately alerted, the post said.
“Carol has been monitoring closely and also reaching out to other colleagues with expertise in the field. Expert eyes have been on GH3 and GH4, and are concerned,” the post said. “Bill Powers of PixCams was also alerted and the team immediately conferenced to discuss potential scenarios.”
PixCams said due to the eagles’ protected status, intervention at a nest requires both state and federal approval.
“There are several diseases and toxins that can result in similar signs, so testing would be needed to confirm the specific cause of the eaglet’s distress,” the post said.
However, permission is not granted for interference with the natural course of events at an eagle nest, per Federal Wildlife Service policy.
“Eagle nestlings do not always survive, and adults may also be injured or become ill through natural occurrences,” PixCams said.
The adult eagles in the nest are also being monitored, according to the post.
“It has been noticed that Mom is spending more time than typical resting at the nest, and eating smaller bites than usual,” PixCams said.
To be transparent, the live streaming wildlife camera service said the camera will remain live at the Glen Hazel nest.
“This is a difficult time for all of us who love these eagles,” the post said. “Please be kind and compassionate. Step away if you need to. Take good care of yourself and others.”
