Eaglet Looking For Independence While Learning To Fly

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – First we saw two.

And then baby eaglet made three.

And now that first eagle born in Pittsburgh is learning to fly – looking for its independence on Independence Day.

"It's got a little ways to go before we can call it independent, but it's certainly out and about," Jim Bonner with the Audubon Society said.

And it's about that time -- generally eagles fledge or develop the wing strength to fly from the nest around the beginning of July. And we saw the same thing with three eaglets born in Crescent Allegheny County.

Today in Hays mom and dad hovered nearby -- and in a few weeks will want their fledgling to move on.

"The adults want the empty nest so it can use it again next year so they will chase the youngers away if he doesn't go away on his own," Bonner said.

"Really neat, right here in Pittsburgh," said Marianne Ponisi of Bethel Park.

"Don't expect to see things like that in Pittsburgh. But maybe it says something about the environment," said Ian Rosenberg of Mt. Lebanon.

The eagles continue to be quite the draw here on the South Side trail and if you want to see the eaglet, don't despair it will likely be around for the next few weeks.

"In the short term it will be moving up and down this range trying to gain strength," Bonner said.

Not quite independence day for this first eagle born in Pittsburgh who is learning how to fly under the watchful eye of its parents before it take off for good.

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