1 Bald Eagle Chick Dies, Remaining Chick Thrives At Duke Farms

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A sad update as wildlife experts have confirmed the younger of the two Bald Eagle chicks has died at Duke Farms in Hillsborough.

The younger chick was reportedly not doing well as of March 9 and didn't get any food. That same chick died that same week, announced Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ on Tuesday.

It was suspected that there was an underlying problem the chick was born with, according to Duke Farms.

While it was difficult for viewers of Duke Farms Eagle Cam to watch, Director of Programs and Strategic Planning at Dukes Farms Nora DiChiara said they could not step in as it may harm the rest of the bird family. Read More: Fate Of 2nd Bald Eagle Chick Looks Grim At Duke Farms

"Intervening in a nest situation has the potential to do more harm than good, because it would disturb the adults, disrupt normal behaviors, and could risk the health and safety of this eagle family. As such, the State will not intervene with what are deemed natural solutions in the nest," said DiChiara.

Looking at the positive, the Bald Eagle parents still have one healthy chick left.

"Now the oldest chick is the only one left in the nest and it (we don't know the sex) will get plenty of food and all the adults' attention. Today the chick has been very active, sitting in the sun, stretching and waddling around," according to Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ.

The chick will be three weeks old on Thursday.

The chick will most likely fledge, or become capable of flying, by the middle of May, said DiChiara.

The first bald eagle egg of 2022 was laid at 3:37 p.m. Jan. 17, and the second egg arrived at 3:52 p.m. Jan. 20.

The eggs and the bald eagle parents can be seen on Duke Farms' Eagle cam, which live streams the nest 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Three bald eagle eggs were laid in 2021; two successfully hatched, and one died. An attack by an intruder at the nest is believed to possibly be linked to the reason the final egg did not hatch. Read More: Attack At NJ Bald Eagle Nest After 1st Egg Arrives At Duke Farms

To catch a glimpse of the new chick and the bald eagle parents, watch the Dukes Farms camera live at dukefarms.org/eaglecam or see below:

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