18 May 2026
Yesterday morning at 10:48am the younger of the two eaglets at the Glen Hazel bald eagle nest (GH4) died of an unknown illness which is affecting the older eaglet (G3) and mother eagle “Mom” as well. UPDATE on 18 May at 9:26am: Eaglet GH3 has died.
Eaglecam moderator “eaglestreamer” posted this news yesterday:
MAY 17, 2026
(Joint statement from Tamarack, PixCams and the Glen Hazel eaglecam team)
GLEN HAZEL EAGLET HEALTH UPDATE:
On the morning of May 15, after observing that GH3 and GH4 were presenting with possible signs of illness, we immediately alerted Tamarack Wildlife Center’s Executive Director and Licensed Rehabilitator, Carol Holmgren, who is our rehabilitation partner for the Glen Hazel nest. Carol has been monitoring closely and also reaching out to other colleagues with expertise in the field. Expert eyes have been on GH3 and GH4, and are concerned. Bill Powers of PixCams was also alerted and the team immediately conferenced to discuss potential scenarios.
Clearly the eaglets have not been well; GH4 has sadly, now passed. There are several diseases and toxins that can result in similar signs, so testing would be needed to confirm the specific cause of the eaglet’s distress. Due to their protected status, intervention at an eagles’ nest requires both State and Federal approval. We are exploring whether Pennsylvania and Federal permission might be granted to recover GH4 from the nest for necropsy and/or pull GH3 from the nest for assessment and care, though Federal Wildlife Service policy states that permission is not granted for interference with the natural course of events at an eagle nest. Eagle nestlings do not always survive, and adults may also be injured or become ill through natural occurrences. We are also monitoring the adults closely. It has been noticed that Mom is spending more time than typical resting at the nest, and eating smaller bites than usual.This is a difficult time for all of us who love these eagles. In the spirit of transparency, we will keep the camera live. Please be kind and compassionate. Step away if you need to. Take good care of yourself and others.
— Glen Hazel Eaglet Health Update from Eaglestreamer
As of this writing the cause of the illness is unknown. News and additional information are available at:
- Post-Gazette: Youngest bald eaglet dies at Glen Hazel (Hays) nest
- KDKA/CBS: Glen Hazel eaglet dies from unknown illness, officials say
- WTAE: One of two Glen Hazel eaglets dies after unknown illness, officials confirm
See eaglestreamer’s blog for up-to-date status. Moderators on the chat are providing additional information at PixCams: Glen Hazel (Hays) Bald Eagle Nest.
It hurts but it is also so encouraging to see all the people who care and are doing everything humanly possible to help them
Hi! I just have followed the GH eagles since the camera was up at the other spot, so of course devastated by all of this. I also had some questions. I think I saw both babies are now gone? What will mom do with the dead babies?
Is the Dad gone, assumed dead from illness too?
Is mom definitely infected too?
Thank you for all your great information about birds. I enjoy learning about them and all the updates. Thanks again! Heather
Yes both eaglets have died. For moment-by-moment updates on each eagle’s activities see https://eaglestreamer.org/wordpress/glen-hazel-update/
The bodies: I don’t know what the parents will do with the bodies. We’ll have to wait and see … a learning experience for all of us.
The father eagle: The dad eagle, HM2, is alive and well. He is still bringing food to the nest which his mate is eating.
I don’t know if the mother eagle is still acting ill. Check the link above or the eaglecam chat for more information.
This is so sad. It would be good if the reason for the eaglets death can be determined but that is unlikely unless the remains can be retrieved. Praying that the adult female will be okay.