Tragedy Strikes Eagle Nest at National Conservation Training Center
SHEPHERDSTOWN — April 24, 2024 —
Three eaglets were lost in the recent tragic eagle nest collapse. A severe thunderstorm in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, led to the destruction of an eagle’s nest at the National Conservation Training Center, resulting in the death of the eaglets. Who,what,where,when,and why details surrounding the event are coming to light following the dramatic storm. Continue reading to learn more about the devastating impact.
Tragedy Strikes Eagle Nest at National Conservation Training Center
SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. —
A severe thunderstorm on Saturday brought heartbreak to the National Conservation Training center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown, claiming the lives of three eaglets hatched in March.
Sudden Storm, Devastating Loss
The storm’s impact was swift and merciless, especially for the young eagles residing in a nest high atop a sycamore tree.
- Location: National Conservation Training center, Shepherdstown, W.va.
- event: Severe thunderstorm
- casualties: Three eaglets
- Nest Details: Located 90 feet high in a sycamore tree
Pretty Shocking Footage
: An Eyewitness Account
Dr. Mark Madison of the NCTC described the harrowing event:
One thing you don’t want to be in a storm is 90 feet off the ground in a sycamore tree on a failing branch.
Dr. Mark Madison, NCTC
The dramatic scene unfolded as the nest, weakened by its precarious position, succumbed to the storm’s force.
It was actually captured on film; the nest started to rock. The mother Eagle tried to protect them. It was pretty shocking footage. At one point the nest literally broke off the branch and flipped upside down. The mother and father eagle were able to fly away but the eaglets, sadly, were too young to fly.
Dr. Mark Madison, NCTC
A Home Built Over Decades
The nest was not just any nest; it was a structure meticulously built and maintained by eagles for over two decades.
The nest was huge. A grown man could stand in it. Eagles have been adding to it for over two decades.
Dr. Mark Madison, NCTC
Did You Know?
Eagle nests are among the largest bird nests, sometimes weighing more then a ton!
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the tragic loss, there is still hope for the eagle couple.
thay may remain in the area, potentially even reusing the same tree.
Dr. madison noted a proactive measure taken years prior:
The branch the old nest was on was already failing. Five years ago, we put some sticks and limbs on a lower, smaller branch as a useful suggestion. Just this year they built another nest about 15 feet below the one that was destroyed, and it survived the storm.
Dr. Mark Madison, NCTC
This new nest offers a promising option for the eagles’ future.
The eagles have landed there. We have high hopes they’ll lay eggs next year. It’s a good nest, great location, overlooking the Potomac. Makes me sound like a real estate developer.
Dr. Mark Madison,NCTC
The Emotional Toll on Biologists
Witnessing such events is never easy,even for seasoned biologists.
Most of our agency are biologists trained as scientists. And scientists are told to be cold and objective. But the people that come into wildlife biology do so because they love animals and there’s no way you can’t be upset seeing this.
Dr.Mark Madison, NCTC
Pro Tip: Supporting Wildlife
Consider supporting local wildlife organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving natural habitats.
Explore More
For a more in-depth account, listen to the full interview with Dr. Mark Madison:
Frequently Asked Questions
- what caused the eaglets’ deaths?
- A severe thunderstorm destroyed their nest.
- Where was the nest located?
- 90 feet high in a sycamore tree at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, W.Va.
- Will the eagles build another nest?
- There is hope they will, as they have already built a new nest nearby.
