Star, a baby bald eagle, is recovering after falling from its nest in Grandview Heights, as witnessed by local birdwatchers.
GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio — A baby bald eagle named Star is recovering after falling from its nest Friday in Grandview Heights, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife.
The eaglet’s fall was witnessed by a member of a local birdwatching community who has spent years observing the nest.
“We are all very attached to these birds,” said Lori Montella, a longtime birdwatcher.
Nancy Lee, another observer, said the eagles have become a source of community.
“They’re just so majestic, and it’s very interesting to see how mother nature works,” Lee said.
The nest, located near the heart of the city, has become a spot for community connection.
“There are people who go their lifetimes without seeing eagles, and to have one here in literally the heart of the city is remarkable,” said Stu Nicholson.
Montella said she noticed something was wrong Friday when Star did not leave the nest after a meal.
“I knew something was wrong. Their posture was different,” she said. “Star did not come out of the nest, fly after the breakfast meal.”
Montella said she saw the mother eagle, Athena, fall into the river in a struggle and fly away.
Later, Montella saw Star fall from the nest.
“I screamed and then I took off running because I knew I was going to get back there,” she said. “I was going to get back behind the nest where we normally don’t go. That’s their space, we don’t go in it, but we went back there and found her.”
Video from the scene shows officials with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources rescuing the eaglet.
“On one hand, it’s very sad — on the surface, it’s very sad,” Nicholson said. “It’s still pretty remarkable — the resilience of these birds in spite of it all.”
The birdwatching community remains hopeful for Star’s recovery and eventual return to the nest.
Star remains in care at Ohio Bird Sanctuary in Mansfield.
Officials are conducting tests to figure out why the symptoms started.
