THE EMPTY NEST

THE EMPTY NEST

The picture above represents a pretty sad sight in Yellowstone National Park. For several years the Eagle's nest in this photo has been occupied by a nesting pair. Over the years, we have seen several eggs hatched in this nest.

For the past two years, the nest has remained empty. There is a great deal of speculation as to why the Eagle couple did not return to this nest. Perhaps one of them died – or perhaps they have found a more private place to raise their eaglets.

This nest was very close to the road that leads in from the west entrance to the park. Visitors who saw the nest would often stop in hopes of catching either the eagle parents on the nest or the eaglets poking their heads over the top of the nest. This is very distressing to the Eagles.

For several years the National Park Service would put up signs warning people not to stop – and most people obeyed the sign and respected the Eagles. However, there will always be a few who feel like the rules don't apply to them.

I truly hope that our eagle parents have found a more private place and that they continue to raise a family each year.