Bird Drama

Friday, 2:15 pm

By Kate

Apr

07

2006

Snagged from Phillip, there is a drama playing out in Maryland and it’s anyone’s guess how it will all turn out. Martha and George, two mated bald eagles, set up housekeeping on the Woodrow Wilson bridge, as they have every spring since 1999. Once mated, bald eagles remain together until death do us part.

On Wednesday, Martha was attacked by another eagle while flying. She was badly injured and is currently in a rehab clinic, her prognosis labeled as guardedly optimistic. But it will take several weeks before she recovers, if she recovers.

Meanwhile, George is left with a nest and two eggs to watch over. And the other eagle that attacked Martha has been circling around. George may not be able to care for the chicks by himself. He may abandon them. Or...he may take himself a new wife and let her help him raise the chicks. Or...the wildlife specialists may remove the chicks from the nest once they’re hatched and place them with a foster mother. It’s all rather up in the air, currently.

Well, poor Martha. What if George gets himself a new wife? Martha might be a little miffed when she returns. And what would George do? Dump the new one for Martha? Or would he tell Martha that life is tough and it’s time to move on? I really have no idea, but I’m rootin’ for Martha.

I hope the newspapers keep us informed. I want to know how this ends.

Update Saturday: - Aww, there’s been an update. George is a daddy and, so far, he’s taking care of his baby by himself. Keeping fingers crossed… (Thanks, Phillip!)