Johnstown tree that held bald eagles nest topples in storm; signs indicate birds survived, warden says

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A earthy landmark on Menoher Boulevard – an oak histrion successful which 2 bald eagles nested – was toppled by beardown winds this week.

But signs successful the skies bespeak some birds survived the storm, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials said.

Game Warden April Whitsell said she spent respective hours astatine the Southmont Borough tract aft the histrion fell, searching the country for signs of life.

She recovered the nest and a fewer big feathers, but determination were nary archetypal signs of eggs, remains oregon injured eaglets nearby, she added.

The Southmont treetop nest became a fashionable draw, peculiarly among birding enthusiasts and photographers, ever since the eagles were archetypal spotted nesting up precocious successful 2022 oregon 2023.

“They’re specified an astonishing bird,” said Phyllis Terchanik, a Johnstown Camera Club subordinate who has been photographing bald eagles for a decennary crossed Cambria County.

Terchanik was pleased to perceive the big eagles were inactive being spotted successful the country – and said it’s imaginable that they person aggregate nests.

From her years taking photographs of bald eagles astatine Prince Gallitzin State Park adjacent Patton, she said, it’s apt they won’t spell acold to physique a caller nest. She recalled 1 brace that mislaid their nest 2 years successful a row, but rebuilt successful the aforesaid aged histrion earlier it broke successful half.

“Why they take 1 histrion implicit a akin (and healthier tree) nearby, who knows?” she said. “But they are beauteous to watch.”

Whitsell besides said it’s rather imaginable the bald eagles volition nest nearby, fixed the information the situation has shown to enactment them. They’re opportunists, she said.

The nest the brace often occupied adjacent Menoher Boulevard was erstwhile a hawk nest that they modified, Whitsell added. They settled determination due to the fact that the region’s improved waterways are filled with food and different aquatic beingness they request to thrive.

There are besides respective different nests crossed the Greater Johnstown area, though typically little disposable oregon connected backstage property.

“It’s a large motion for our area,” she said.