The Majestic Return of Bald Eagles to Pittsburgh: The Hays Bald Eagle Cam
Pittsburgh, a city known for its industrial heritage and sports franchises, has over the years, gained a new feather in its hat, quite literally! Its skies are now graced by the triumphant return of the majestic bald eagles. Here, we explore the remarkable journey of these iconic birds and their thriving presence, as captured by the popular Pittsburgh Eagle Cam.
Revival of the Bald Eagles
The bald eagle, a symbol of strength and freedom, had all but disappeared from the Pittsburgh skyline. However, in 2007, the bald eagle was successfully removed from the endangered species list, marking a significant victory for wildlife conservationists. Subsequently, Pittsburgh witnessed the arrival of its first pair of these magnificent birds in 2013, making their nest in the Hays neighborhood. This marked the first time in 150 years that bald eagles had chosen to nest in the Pittsburgh area.
Pittsburgh’s Role in the Recovery
Pittsburgh’s contribution to the resurgence of the bald eagle population has been substantial. The city’s efforts are primarily focused on providing a suitable habitat for these birds. Bald eagles require tall, mature trees for nesting and a plentiful supply of fish for sustenance. In the face of past environmental challenges such as deforestation and water pollution, Pittsburgh has made considerable strides in restoring the natural habitat of these birds.
The Hays and Harmar Nests: Year-by-Year Chronicle
The Hays bald eagle pair first started nesting along the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh in 2013. A nest was observed by workers at the Keystone Iron and Metal Company. Despite losing their nest thrice, the Hays couple remained resilient, rebuilding their nest within a hundred-yard area on the hillside. They are known to lay two to three eggs each season, which hatch after about 35 days of incubation by both the male and female.
The Harmar nest, on the other hand, came into existence around 2014. Like the Hays pair, the Harmar bald eagles have also shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. Despite facing challenges, they have successfully raised several eaglets over the years.
How the Pittsburgh Eagle Cam Works
The Pittsburgh Eagle Cam, a joint project between the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania and PixCams, has been instrumental in bringing the fascinating life of these bald eagles to the public eye. The camera system, powered by batteries and solar charged, captures high-definition, live footage of the Hays and Harmar nests. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate these majestic creatures without disturbing their natural behavior.
The Impact of the Pittsburgh Eagle Cam
The Pittsburgh Eagle Cam has been a massive hit among nature enthusiasts and bird lovers. It has registered millions of webcam views, with people across the globe keenly following the life cycle of these bald eagles. The eagles’ popularity has spilled over to social media as well, with dedicated Facebook pages providing regular updates about their activities.
The Future of Bald Eagles in Pittsburgh
The future looks promising for the bald eagles in Pittsburgh. The increase in their population is a positive indication of the improving health of the local environment. Moreover, the successful nesting of these birds signals a favorable habitat for other bird species as well. With continued conservation efforts and public interest, it is hoped that the bald eagle population will continue to thrive in the Pittsburgh area.
The return of the bald eagles to Pittsburgh is a testament to the city’s commitment to environmental conservation. The Pittsburgh Eagle Cam provides a unique window into the lives of these magnificent birds, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife and nature. As the bald eagles continue to soar high in the Pittsburgh skies, they symbolize not just the city’s environmental success, but also its spirit of resilience and renewal.
