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Expert Expects 'Positive Outcome' From Hays Eagles' 3 Eggs

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Regular viewers of the Live Bald Eagle Cam in Hays got a special surprise this weekend. There's a little less room in the nest these days.

Eagle watchers celebrated Saturday afternoon, as the female laid her third egg of the season.

Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill of the National Aviary recalls the success two years ago, when three eaglets not only hatched, but grew to adulthood. But last year, a very cold winter, the nest came up empty. Was weather a factor?

"A pair of bald eagles has those eggs covered 95 to 98 percent of the time, and the nest itself provides insulation," the ornithologist says. "So really, this isn't a concern."

He says some eagle watchers were concerned when the white eggs turned darker.

"As they sit in the nest cup, which is built up with grasses and leaves and things, and they're being turned and there's some moisture there, this is natural," he said. "The eggs become brownish. The eggs should be just fine. We've seen a range from no success to three chicks fledged, and one chick in another year."

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For the population to remain stable, each eagle must leave one offspring behind during its lifetime. So far, they've left four, and within three more left in the nest, he says things are looking good.

"We know the pair has gained experience, and they work well together, we could expect a good outcome. A positive outcome."

Watch live-streaming footage of the Hays bald eagle nest here.

The Hamar nest is still without egg, but you can keep an eye on the live stream here.

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