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Chicago's baby eagles named Migizi and Marian
3 Jul
Summary
- Two bald eaglets, Migizi and Marian, were named recently.
- These are the first bald eaglets documented in Chicago in over a century.
- Their naming signifies successful habitat restoration efforts in Big Marsh Park.
In a significant ecological event for Chicago, the city's first bald eaglets in over a century have officially received their names: Migizi and Marian. These two eaglets, recently observed taking their first flights, represent a triumph for conservation and habitat restoration initiatives. Migizi, meaning 'bald eagle' in Ojibwa, and Marian, honoring a local park and activist, were chosen through a public competition involving over 3,000 submissions.
The successful nesting and naming of these bald eagles underscore the positive impact of the Chicago Park District's efforts at Big Marsh Park. Since 2011, extensive work has been done to remove invasive species and reintroduce native plants, leading to the return of various wildlife. The presence of Migizi and Marian serves as a powerful symbol of nature's resilience and the effectiveness of dedicated urban conservation strategies.
Bald eagles have been returning to Big Marsh Park since the early 2000s, with up to 12 spotted in 2018. To protect the young raptors, the nesting area at Park No. 597 has been temporarily closed. As a federally protected species, it is illegal to disturb bald eagle nests, and the public is advised to maintain a distance of at least 330 feet.
