After days of severe weather across North Texas, three young bald eagles nesting near White Rock Lake have survived the storms and are continuing to grow.
Dallas Conservation Manager Brett Johnson said the eaglets, cared for by resident bald eagles Nick and Nora, made it through high winds, heavy rain, and hail in recent days. Photos posted to social media by residents show that the nest itself has remained intact despite the severe conditions, and the three young birds remain safely tucked inside.
The trio includes one smaller eaglet that has lagged behind its siblings in size. Johnson said the youngest bird continues to show resilience.
“There is a noticeable size difference between the first two hatchlings and the third, smaller eaglet. However, Johnson reported that the ‘little one’ is doing well,” Audacy reported.
A video posted by local bird watcher Bob Hurst shows the mother eagle feeding the eaglets, focusing her efforts mostly on the smaller and mid-sized chicks, though the largest one pushes in for a bite now and then.
The eaglets hatched in early April at separate times and are well past the critical initial 14-day period that is marked by a meager 10% survival rate.
The survival of all three eaglets marks a positive development for the nesting pair, which has faced setbacks in recent years. In 2024, two eaglets died after a storm destroyed the nest. In 2022, another nest was blown down while it still contained eggs.
Nick and Nora, as they are known locally, have been observed around White Rock Lake since 2020.
The eaglets are now approaching another critical stage of development known as “branching,” when young birds begin leaving the nest to perch on nearby limbs as they build strength and balance ahead of their first flight.
During this phase, the young birds may end up in unexpected areas, including near roads or playgrounds. Temporary safety measures, such as restricted access or reduced speed limits, may be implemented over the next 10 to 14 days to protect them.
Residents are being asked to respect barriers around the nesting area and give the birds space as they continue to develop.
Fans of the White Rock Lake eagle family can view and post photos of the birds on the Nick and Nora Facebook page.
