Standley Lake bald eagle pair welcome 3 eaglets
WESTMINSTER, Colo. (KDVR) — Standley Lake Regional Park in Westminster announced their popular bald eagle pair has had three eaglets.
Standley Lake Superintendent Michael Gately said there has not been a successful nest since 2019.
“The last four years have definitely been hard on the community, on staff, on really everyone that’s observing,” Gately said.
Survival has been difficult over the past four years because of inclement weather, a change in parents and unknown illnesses, according to Gately.
“It’s just Mother Nature,” Gately said. “There are so many variables involved that we really can’t say exactly what’s allowing them to be successful so far this year. We’re just happy that they are.”
After four years of unsuccessful nests, this one has survived several snowstorms and one major windstorm at the beginning of April. Gately said their weather station clocked the maximum gust at more than 120 mph.
“We were very scared,” Gately said. “During that entire period, we had the rangers going and checking on the entire nest on a constant basis to make sure the nest was still standing.”
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It brought a sigh of relief for people like Steve Gunning, who frequents the area often.
“Not only is the lake beautiful and the trees and everything, but you get to see wildlife,” Gunning said. “You don’t feel like you’re in town when you’re sitting there watching, looking up at the sky and seeing them soar.”
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Gunning’s excitement is shared by many who have been following this pair’s journey since the very beginning.
“We’re still watching and waiting cautiously, but as of right now everything is looking good for a successful fledging,” Gately said.
Park officials said it’s still important to give the eagles and eaglets plenty of space and privacy.
Visitors can stop by the Standley Lake Nature Center and head to the Eagle Blind, where the nest can be observed with a scope.
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