Hopes Soar as West Virginia Bald Eagles Incubate Eggs After Tragic Season
A pair of bald eagles in West Virginia, known as Bella and Scout, are captivating audiences worldwide as they diligently incubate three eggs, raising hopes for a successful hatching season after enduring a devastating experience the previous year. The devoted couple resides at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, a location approximately 75 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. Their nesting activities are streamed live, allowing viewers to witness the intricacies of their parental care.
Bella and Scout laid their eggs on February 10th, 13th, and 16th, setting the stage for an expected hatching period this week, according to the training center. However, as of Wednesday, there were no visible signs of eaglets emerging. Both parents remain steadfast in their roles, diligently guarding their precious eggs and demonstrating their unwavering commitment. Observers have noted the eagles’ routine of bringing in dry grass to meticulously line the nest cup, creating a comfortable and insulated environment. They also frequently exchange positions, ensuring continuous incubation of the eggs.
Bella, being the larger of the two eagles, typically assumes the role of primary incubator during the colder overnight temperatures. This division of labor highlights the cooperative nature of the pair and their dedication to maintaining optimal conditions for their developing offspring. Randy Robinson, a spokesperson for the eagle cam project, expressed optimism regarding Scout’s behavior this year. He noted a significant improvement in the male eagle’s participation in incubation duties.
"Scout is doing much better this year and has been very good at taking turns with the female to incubate eggs," Robinson stated. "He has been bringing food and dry grass to the nest. He is 100% more reliable than last year, and I think he will take good care of the hatchlings."
This positive assessment contrasts sharply with the events of the previous breeding season, which ended in heartbreak. In April of last year, Scout, then a relatively young four-year-old eagle, engaged in a series of distressing actions that resulted in the loss of both of his newly hatched offspring. In a bewildering incident, Scout consumed both of his eaglets out of confusion.
Wildlife officials at the time explained that such incidents, while rare, are not entirely unheard of among birds of prey, particularly inexperienced individuals. The center detailed the unfortunate events in an April 9, 2024, post, noting that Scout appeared to be disoriented by the presence of the eaglets.
"Unfortunately, just about two hours after the female gently fed fish to the eaglet, the male bald eagle returned to the nest and exhibited unexpected behavior," the center stated. "Scout was rough with one eaglet and eventually consumed it."
A few days later, upon the hatching of the second eaglet, Scout repeated the same devastating action, leaving the bald eagle couple without any surviving chicks from their first season together. The events unfolded in real-time, leaving many viewers of the 22-year-old bald eagle nest’s livestream shocked and saddened.
The previous year’s tragedy underscores the challenges that young eagles face in learning the complex skills required for successful parenting. Wildlife officials are hopeful that Scout’s improved behavior this year signals a turning point for the pair.
"Bottom line, young male eagles need to learn how to take care of a nest with eaglets," Robinson explained. "Older, more experienced males appear to learn this. This is just one of the many interesting behaviors we humans have learned from observing these amazing birds over the past 22 years."
The ongoing observation of Bella and Scout’s nesting activities provides valuable insights into the lives of bald eagles, offering a window into their intricate social dynamics and parental behaviors. The 22-year history of the eagle cam project has contributed significantly to our understanding of these magnificent birds.
The story of Bella and Scout unfolds against the backdrop of a remarkable recovery for the bald eagle population in the United States. Once teetering on the brink of extinction, the bald eagle has made a triumphant comeback, thanks to conservation efforts and legal protections.
The population of the bald eagle, which also serves as the national symbol of the United States, has experienced a dramatic increase. An estimated 316,700 individual bald eagles reside in the lower 48 states, according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife spokesperson. This figure represents a quadrupling of the population since 2009. The estimates were based on the most recent survey, conducted in 2019. It is likely that eagle populations are even higher now.
Despite this remarkable success story, bald eagle hatchlings remain vulnerable, and approximately only 70% of bald eagles survive to their first birthday, according to the agency. Threats to their survival include disease, predators, harsh weather conditions, and scarcity of food.
The recent death of a newly hatched eaglet during a winter storm in Big Bear, California, serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of these young birds. Jackie and Shadow, the bald eagles in Big Bear, have captivated audiences for years through a livestream of their nesting activities. Fortunately, their remaining two eaglets are reportedly doing well, and their parents are diligently caring for them.
The contrasting stories of Bella and Scout in West Virginia and Jackie and Shadow in California highlight the joys and challenges of bald eagle parenting. As the world watches Bella and Scout, anticipation is building, along with the hope that this year will bring a happy ending to their story. The dedication of these magnificent birds, coupled with the ongoing efforts of conservationists, offers a glimmer of hope for the future of the bald eagle population. The story underscores the remarkable resilience of nature and the importance of continued efforts to protect these iconic birds.
