To the joy of many at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the most well-known pair of American bald eagles at the Florida spaceport recently became proud parents of an adorable eaglet. The baby was spotted in the nest located just off the center’s Kennedy Parkway.
For this nesting season, the eagles built a new home within 100 yards of their previous nest, which had been badly damaged by storms. That nest – renowned by Kennedy employees and visitors who pass by it on bus tours – was built in 1973 and used by eagles almost every year since 1975.
Kennedy is home to 39 eagle territories, including 33 that are active or potentially active. The majestic birds generally live on center from September to March each season. Eagles incubate their eggs for about 35 days on average, then fledge at eight to 14 weeks of age.
Click here to read a feature highlighting eagles at Kennedy.
Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky