Local wildlife enthusiasts had hoped that this would be the year Nick and Nora, a pair of bald eagles that first settled near White Rock Lake in the fall of 2021, would raise a family. However, it appears now that the duo had other plans.
Bald Eagles, which mate for life, typically nest from October through July in Texas, laying eggs in the winter that hatch in the early spring. In late 2021, a pair of bald eagles were spotted building a nest at Lake Highlands Park near White Rock Lake, causing quite a stir among neighbors, birdwatchers, and photographers in the local community.
“It’s a gift. It’s a treat to get to see them,” said Brenda Hopwood, who traveled from Midlothian with her husband to see the eagles, per The Dallas Morning News.
Her husband, Paul Hopwood, added, “When you see them in flight, the word ‘majestic’ comes to mind. Their wingspans are like 6 feet.”
The eagles, dubbed “Nick” and “Nora” by local photographer Ralph DiFronzo, attracted so much attention that the City of Dallas put up barriers to protect the birds and pedestrians from the increased traffic in the area.
However, in February 2022, a strong wind blew the nest out of the tree where it had been perched, destroying the egg it contained. Soon after, Nick and Nora were reportedly building another nest, but eventually, they abandoned it.
The pair disappeared from the area for several months but were seen again near White Rock Lake last October, sparking hope that the couple would again lay a clutch of eggs nearby.
“To have baby bald eagles grow up in this area? Be still my heart,” resident Rajiv Roy told DMN. “You can never get tired of something as majestic as seeing something like a bald eagle. It is truly a remarkable sight.”
The pair of eagles were spotted building a nest near the Sunset Bay area of White Rock Lake, prompting city officials to put up fencing to protect the birds. Dallas Academy set up a live webcam for area residents to watch the birds’ activity.
However, the nest was soon abandoned, and the birds showed no signs of active nesting or mating behaviors, according to urban biologist Brett Johnson of the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department. The protective fencing has since been removed, as the advocate reported.
Sightings of the avian pair are still being reported in the area, but it is far too late for them to produce offspring this season. They may return next year and try again.
