2nd Bald Eagle Egg Spotted In DC Nest; Justice Still Missing

WASHINGTON, DC -- Good news, D.C. Eagle Cam fans: Liberty has laid her second egg of 2019. However, there is still no sign of her mate, Justice.

The second egg was laid at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16. Generally, it takes 35-40 days for a successful egg hatch, so the first egg (ECC5) is likely to hatch around March 18-25, while the second egg (ECC6) is likely to have March 25-31, according to a statement from the Earth Conservation Corps, which runs EagleCam.org.

Justice has been missing since Feb. 9, but ECC believes he is the father of the eggs.

A second male, nicknamed Aaron Burrd, arrived on the scene after Liberty and Justice had participated in mating rituals, ECC says.

"Since Aaron Burrd’s arrival, he has attempted to mate with Liberty but she remains vigilant," the statement adds. "With Justice missing, Liberty has had to carry out all the responsibilities on her own. While incubating the eggs, she has had to hunt for fish to feed herself and protect the nest. The unusual warm DC weather has assisted her with this process."

Aaron Burrd doesn't seem interested in leaving anytime soon, ECC noted. Liberty even seems to be accepting of him. He tends to show up at night and ignores the eggs, although that may change. And a second new male has been spotted that may also be seeking Liberty's attention.

"As for Justice, we remain hopeful for his return. Solo eagles have been spotted at locations he frequents, including St. Elizabeths Hospital about 2 miles from the nest site, but we continue to evaluate the situation," the statement reads. "The longest we have seen male eagles leave their nest and return is two weeks. We still have about a one week window for Justice to return and hope that he does."

The birds nest 110 feet above the Metropolitan Police Academy in Southeast D.C., and it is monitored 24/7 by the live Earth Conservation Corps Eagle Cam.

This bald eagle couple is a major success story for the District over the last couple of decades here. There were no bald eagle nests in D.C. for more than half a century until 1999, when bald eagles Monique and Tink established the first nest. Liberty and Justice arrived in 2005, and a third pair set up a nest at the National Arboretum in 2015.

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)