The bald eagle that captivated the hearts of New Yorkers for years died on Monday, according to a prominent New York City birdwatching account on the social media site, X.
Rover, the celebrity eagle had been scavenging for food along the Henry Hudson Parkway when a vehicle allegedly struck him, according to a post by Manhattan Bird Alert. Police were not able to confirm the bird’s death immediately.
“Rover inspired many to visit Green-Wood Cemetery, Prospect Park, and Central Park for the chance to see (and perhaps photograph) him flying, perching, or hunting, a majestic raptor in an urban environment,” Manhattan Bird Alert wrote. “We are going to miss him.”
Rover got the nickname from bird watchers who spotted his “R7 tag” he received in 2018. He spent a significant amount of time flying around Brooklyn and Manhattan. By 2022, birders spotted the bald eagle perching in Central Park.
Bird watchers took to social media to post videos and photos of Rover hunting on the Central Park and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoirs — while others gathered in small groups for a chance to spot the majestic eagle. Last month, New Yorkers spotted the celebrity raptor once again flying above Central Park.
Bald eagles — once on the brink of extinction — have increased their numbers over the last decade through a repopulation program, according to the state’s environmental conservation department. Each year, the state’s bald eagle population fledge about 10 percent more young eagles than the year before. Other experts estimate that there are roughly 400 pairs of bald eagles in the state.
NYC Audubon did not immediately respond to requests for comment by Gothamist.
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply