Baby Bald Eagles Lead Chesco Town To Move 4th Of July Fireworks

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — As the America 250 celebrations get underway this summer and preparations begin for the Fourth of July, a conservation success story in a Chester County community has a distinctly patriotic flair.

A trio of baby eagles are nesting in Downingtown's Kerr Park. Weeks ago, they were named Independence, Liberty, and Freedom, or Indy, Birdie, and Dom for short, according to Downingtown Eagle Watch, a group which shares regular photos of videos of local eagles.

Officials confirmed this week that they are searching for an alternate location for the fireworks portion of the 46th annual Downingtown Good Neighbor Day, a Fourth of July celebration held in Kerr Park. They want to protect the eagles, as the event, and especially the fireworks, could threaten the birds.

Other daytime aspects of the celebration will still be held at Kerr Park, a spokesperson for Downingtown told Patch, as they are far enough away from the nest to have a negative impact.

The birds were named for Lloyd Allen, a late veteran who lived in Downingtown and who loved to birdwatch in the park with his wife, Connie.

"While holiday plans may have to be adjusted, the family of eagles will hopefully be thriving and comfortable in their nest," Downingtown Eagle Watch said.

They added that this current grouping of three eaglets is uncommon. Usually there are one or two in a nest.

Once seriously threatened, bald eagles have rebounded, and they are no longer a federally endangered species. But significant protections remain for the iconic bird through the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. There are also stringent protections in place through the Pennsylvania Game Commission.