The golden eagle nest at Aspen Hollow Preserve, which was active for the 15th consecutive year, has not produced an eaglet this season. While this is unfortunate news, it's also a sign of just how successful the pair has previously been. According to Frank Isaacs, former Oregon Golden Eagle Nest Survey Manager, this is the most successful nesting pair in Oregon in the past decade, with a 100% nesting success rate. This is in comparison to a statewide success rate of 51%.
There are a variety of possible reasons for this year's nest failure, including infertility (which can happen with age) or death of an egg due to cold or contamination. While golden eagle eggs take 41-45 days to incubate, often the mating pair will continue to sit on the nest much longer after the eggs are considered viable.
Frank says, "I know it's difficult to watch those dedicated parents fail to raise young after all their effort. However, a nesting pair can’t live forever and fledge young every year. The cycle of life prevents that. If we do our part to preserve their habitat, the current pair and future generations of golden eagles will continue to nest and raise young at that site. Hopefully, they will be successful again next nesting season."
Aspen Hollow Preserve was conserved by the Land Trust in 2015. As part of this protection, the Preserve is closed during golden eagle nesting season, allowing the large raptors to nest without human disturbance.
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