A Rare Sight: Nesting Eagles Spotted In Palos Township Forest Preserve
PALOS TOWNSHIP, Ill. (CBS) -- In news that may have been a century in coming, a nesting pair of bald eagles is visible to the public in Cook County.
As WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller reports, it was about the middle of March that the bald eagles were spotted on Cook County Forest Preserve land in Palos Township.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller reports
Podcast
"This is the first time we've got a confirmed nesting pair in about 100 years in Cook County," said Chris Merenowicz, the director of resource management for the Forest Preserve.
Mere the eagles apparently have some eaglets in the nest, although it's not clear how many.
"We have some indication that there may have been hatchings already because we think we can see some little puffs of down," he said.
The nest is in what Merenowicz says is a "relatively young" cottonwood tree.
"It's a big tree. It's in good shape. It looks sound. The nest looks very solid," he said. "All indications are good that it's going to be viable."
He says this may not be the first year the eagles have nested in the tree.
"There's a pretty good indication that these eagles (had) a nest last year and we just didn't notice them. And then they're back for a second year. That's what our best guess is."
Merenowicz says you can see the nest near Tampier Slough around 131st Street between Wolf Road and Will-Cook Road.
If you go, bring binoculars.
