Tragically, the eaglet at Standley Lake, named SL1, did not survive after its nest collapsed on Thursday, May 13. From staff observation, the cottonwood supporting the nest split down the middle. The tree was old, mostly dead and decayed which may have led to the split. High winds were not reported at the time.
Staff was instructed to take SL1 to the National Eagle Repository. The eaglet will be cremated and buried with a sacred ceremony in a blessed burial site located in Rocky Mountain Arsenal and National Wildlife Refuge. This site was created specifically for eagle burial by Tribal representatives from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, Oglala Lakota, and Southern Ute.
Staff are formulating a plan to restore a safe and secure home for the adult eagles. They are hopeful that the eagles will remain in the protected area of Standley Lake Regional Park & Wildlife Refuge. Follow the Standley Lake Regional Park Facebook page for updates.