Bald eagle couple lays first egg of the season in Pittsburgh

On February 14, 2025, the bald eagles nesting at U.S. Steel's Irvin Plant in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, laid their first egg of the season. This marking the sixth nesting season for the male eagle, known as Irvin, has introduced a new female named Stella, who took over the nest from Claire, the previous female that left late last year. The egg, which is expected to hatch in approximately 35 days, signifies a growth in the eaglet population at this specific nest, now potentially reaching its eighth eaglet. The egg was laid in the early afternoon and has raised interest in the local birdwatching community as they watch for more eggs that may be laid in the short term. The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania reports that bald eagles typically lay between one to four eggs, with two being the most common number. Birdwatchers expect that if Irvin and Stella are going to have more eggs, they could be laid within the next two to four days. The new couple, albeit in the midst of some drama regarding the previous female's departure from the nest, is capturing the attention of both local viewers and ecologists alike, as their nesting activities are livestreamed through PixCams. The dramatic change in eagles reflects broader dynamics of the bird population in the region. Six years ago, the nesting site at U.S. Steel’s Irvin Plant has hosted eagles, with four years of their activities recorded via livestream for enthusiasts and conservation-minded individuals. As the eagle population continues to increase, this situation showcases the successful efforts in environmental restoration and the improvement of habitats, specifically air and water quality, which has allowed such birds to thrive once again in areas previously thought unsuitable. Moreover, the circumstances surrounding the nests and the ongoing visual access through live streaming has made it an engaging topic for the local community. The behaviors of eagles are visually monitored, and managers of the plant, alongside the audience, remain aware of nature's more dynamic narrative that includes interactions such as territorial disputes and survival strategies. The eaglet's potential hatching in late March will undoubtedly sustain interest in the eagles' growth and their environmental significance to the Pittsburgh area.