Bald eagles in Ramona Grasslands hatch chick

A single bald eagle chick was seen in the nest of the two bald eagles living in the Ramona Grasslands Preserve during an aerial survey by Wildlife Research Institute (WRI).

The observations were conducted in early May during the second phase of WRI’s annual county-wide Golden Eagle nesting survey.

The chick appeared healthy, well fed, and approximately a month old during the time of the survey, reported WRI. In addition, an unhatched egg was observed in the nest. At this point the egg would not be fertile and is not expected to hatch, said the institute.

Later during the survey, the adult pair was seen perched in a nearby tree. They have been regularly preying upon squirrels in the grasslands, a rare prey item for bald eagles as they are known to primarily eat fish, said WRI.

The research institute requests that those interested not attempt to approach or go anywhere near the nest but observe from Rangeland Road.