3 bald eaglets die when storm blows nest out of tree at National Conservation Training Center

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. (Gray News) – Three bald eaglets at the National Conservation Training Center in West Virginia died after their nest fell to the ground during a storm.

According to the NCTC, a sudden windstorm on April 19 blew the bald eagle’s nest from the top of its sycamore tree home.

Sadly, all three eaglets did not survive the 90-foot fall.

They were just four weeks old.

Both adult bald eagles, Bella and Scout, were seemingly uninjured and have since been seen flying and perching in the tree.

The NCTC said the nest had been in the tree for 22 years, with the original eagle pair building it in 2003. Nest cameras were installed in 2005, and fans online have watched the nest for years.

“We extend condolences to everyone who enjoyed daily visits to the NCTC Eaglecam and many thanks for all the kind words of support,” the center wrote in a Facebook post.

Fans poured in loving comments about the eagle family, leaving memories of watching the baby birds grow up over the past month.

“My heart hurts every time I think about them. They were a bright part of my day, watching them all three grow. I hope and pray that mommy and daddy have a new nest for next year. They are really missing their babies so very much,” one fan wrote.

“The eagle family was a joy to watch. I cried my eyes out Saturday night when I saw the clip of the storm taking the nest away. Blessings that the eagle couple finds peace and harmony again,” another said.

The NCTC said a second nest that the eagles built in the same tree had minimal damage. Officials hope the eagle pair will use that nest to raise their young next season.

“We all look forward to continuing new seasons of life at the NCTC nest,” the center said.