Last of eagle eggs also expected to fail

Published 9:09 am Friday, March 15, 2013

ST. PAUL — Tens of thousands of viewers have logged onto a live camera trained on an eagle’s nest in the Twin Cities, waiting for three eggs to hatch.

An eagle still tended to the eggs Thursday, but the state Department of Natural Resources said it appears none of the chicks will hatch. The DNR said the eggs were laid about the first week in January, but because temperatures dipped below zero during the 35-day incubation period, it became apparent the eggs were going to fail. DNR wildlife experts said the final egg will likely break apart like the first two.

The DNR said its EagleCam (http://eaglecam.dnr.state.mn.us/ ) averages about 15,000 viewers a day. It said Minnesota has more bald eagles than any other lower-48 state. The majestic bird has made a dramatic comeback after once facing extinction.

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