Crime & Safety
Kirkland Bald Eaglet Death a Mystery
Kirkland Police responded to a 911 call early Monday, July 29, from a resident who reportedly saw the eaglet fall from the nest. The Eastside Audubon Society says it's not yet clear what caused the bird's death.
One of Kirkland's pair of Heritage Park Bald Eagle fledglings has died, apparently from a fall from its nest, but the exact cause of its death has not been determined, representatives from Eastside Audubon Society said.
"We know a lot of people in the community have become attached to these eaglets, and we have too," said Eastside Audubon President and Master Birder Andy McCormick. "We don't know yet exactly what happened or why it happened. Nature can sometimes be unpredictable. We hope to have more information soon to help us understand, and we hope the other bird will do well."
A 9-1-1 call received early Monday morning, July 29, prompted Kirkland Police Department to respond to Heritage Park where officers and a Parks Department crew member found a dead eaglet on park property.
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The 9-1-1 caller reported observing the bird falling out of the nest. The City has notified the Washington State and U.S. Fish and Wildlife agencies and the Eastside Audubon office. The Federal Fish and Wildlife has removed the remains of the young bald eagle.
According to the Eastside Audubon website, it is estimated that in early May two eaglets were born, and recently were observed taking test flights from the nest. Audubon Society member Mary Brisson said that though one of the eaglets appeared stronger they both took their first flights on the same day, and it wasn't clear yet on Monday what happened to cause the fall. She said the group would be observing the remaining eaglet and comparing it to photos of the pair to determine which one perished.
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Eagles have frequently made their nestings at Heritage Park and are one of City’s most favorite natural attractions.
Recently, the nonprofit Celebrate Kirkland! altered the location of its annual Fourth of July fireworks display to allow a safer distance from the nesting Bald Eagles at Kirkland's Heritage park, after talks with Eastside Audubon Society.
Editor's note: This story has been edited to include information from the Eastside Audubon Society.
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