By Andrew Harris, photo by Dan Jordan
In early June of this year, a severe storm ripped through the Genesee River valley, near the housing development commonly referred to as “Riverview Heights.” The wind sheer created by the storm toppled hundreds of trees in the area, including a massive sycamore that held a long-standing bald eagle nest.
Resident John Flurshutz and other local ‘river rats’ were very concerned about the fate of the two fledglings that were still “living at home.” After being notified of the tragedy, a team raced to the scene and contacted the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Local nature photographer and eagle lover Melanie Hunt Streeter was able to verify the location and that at least one surviving eaglet was near the downed nest.
The NYS DEC arrived and were able to rescue one young eagle and confirm that the other had perished in the fall. The survivor was taken to a licensed rehabilitator and the story faded into Genesee river history.
Until yesterday when Melanie was on her regular WAG Trail adventure and noticed two adult eagles near the site of the previously mentioned tragedy. Much to her delight it was quickly apparent that the pair was rebuilding. She snapped this quick shot of the resilient parents:
Bald eagles typically mate for life and maintain these massive nest sights for many years at a time. Allegany County has become home to many eagles as the species continues its amazing recovery across the country.
