For the first time in more than a century, an eaglet has hatched within Chicago’s city limits.
The baby bird hatched at a nest at Park 597, also known as SEPA Station #1, near the Calumet River on the border of Hegewisch and South Deering, according to the Chicago Park District.
While several of the birds have attempted to nest and hatch in the city, April 28 was the first time an eaglet reared its head, according to the park district. Officials and local birding groups documented nesting behavior starting in February.
In recent years, work has been done to restore the 10.3-acre woodland, including removing and controlling invasive plants, seeding native species and installing native herbaceous plant life.
But the city is discouraging the public from visiting the nest site because human presence can negatively impact the wildlife.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
But there are still ways for people to get involved with the city’s newest residents — the park district is holding a naming contest.
Up to three options for the eaglet’s name can be submitted per person by May 15; local birding groups and the Park District Natural Resources team will narrow them down to three choices May 19 before the winner is picked in a final public vote.