On July 13, one of the two eaglets living near Curtner Elementary School was found dead beneath several power lines. The bird seemed to be learning how to fly and accidentally flew into the powerlines, where she was electrocuted, according to Lt. Jeff Heitzenrater of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
Prior to the incident, the bird was in good nutritional health and did not have any injuries. The eaglet, a female, was nearly fully developed, according to a necropsy report conducted by the CDFW.
The deceased bird had been last seen hanging out on top of a roof on Abbott Ave., according to Vice Mayor Karina Dominguez. The eaglet had been out of the nest and roaming around the neighborhood. The other eaglet is currently healthy and flying, she also said.
Before the CDFW concluded that the bird was in fact electrocuted, there was speculation that foul play might have played a part in killing the bird. However, Heitzenrater said that there were no reports of gunshots being heard, and the initial x-rays and the necropsy showed no signs of bullets or bullet fragments.
Two bald eagles started their nest in the redwood trees near Curtner Elementary in the Spring of 2017. This was the third year in a row that the pair nested in this location.
Note: Article updated on 7/30 to clarify that eaglet was last seen on rooftop.
