Eagles hatch in Chicago for first time in 100 years, experts believe

CHICAGO (WLS) -- High in the cottonwood trees on the Southeast Side of Chicago, a couple of eagles built a nest for their eaglets!

ABC7 caught one eaglet watching the world, and perhaps us, from its nest on Tuesday. They are believed to be about a month old now. Chicagoans offered 3,000 suggestions in an eaglet naming contest.

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"Once we got the photo evidence, I knew it was really big. It was exciting, and I knew Chicagoans would get excited about it," said Chicago Park District Assistant Director of Landscape Matt Freer.

Birders first spotted two baby eagles in April, and they are believed to be the first eagles hatched in the city of Chicago in 100 years.

"I think it signifies the city is recovering, especially on the Southeast Side, from an industrial past. We are reclaiming land, revitalizing land," Freer said.

The Chicago Park District took over operation of the area in 2019, planting native species and clearing out invasive species to welcome more birds that used to be a common part of this ecosystem.

"That has a benefit on the wildlife but also the people. Research shows people find respite in nature. It's good for our physical health. It's good for our mental health," Freer said.

ABC7 also saw mute swans keeping close to four cygnets, several stoic white egrets, and one of the eagles surveying the marsh, likely for fish, all as staffers were planting more native plants.

"Today, I was planting some button bush plugs," said Chicago Park District Nature Areas Technician Brandon Giannoni. "It's common wetland shrub in the regions, great for waterfowl, great for secretive marsh bird habitant."

"A lot of secretive marsh birds love to have that kind of mud flat habit," Giannoni added.

For now, the area around the eagle nest is restricted, as the experts don't want people to disturb the eagles. If that happens, the eagles could abandon the nest. Instead, park district officials are trying to protect the peaceful environment until the eaglets leave the nest.

The park district has 2,000 acres of nature areas in 35 locations in Chicago. You can be a part of the restoring nature in Chicago in the Stewardship Program.