Bald Eagle - New Jersey / Duke Farm

[bcbird]

Very odd looking occurrence.
The eagle must have been a bit surprised to have such an easy meal.  

[sami]

It almost looked as if the hawk fly straight into the nest - maybe injured or disoriented or trying to avoid something else? Can't imagine why it would attack when the eagle was sitting right there.  Must have been something very wrong with that hawk.

[RCF]

Here is a link to the eagle cam in Hillsborough, New Jersey.

http://www.dukefarms.org/en/Stewardship/WildlifeCams/eagle-cam/

Update 3/25/2013 - It appears at least one chick has hatched, biologists have observed feeding in the nest (with the adult feeding the chick the remains of the hawk from the attack on 3/24/2013).

Update 3/24/2013 - It appears a hawk (likely a red-tailed hawk) attempted to attack the nest and got killed by the parents. It is currently unknown if the eggs/hatchings where harmed in the attack.

See youtube video here recorded by viewer Windy60 to see the attack (copy & paste entire url) = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s8anVG-o_I

or view highlight = http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/30332727/highlight/334419

Update 2/20/2013 - Upon reviewing user observations, video and consulting state wildlife biologists it appears an egg was laid on the 14th and the 17th. Thank you viewers for watching the nest so diligently, your observations are valued highly!