The arrival of three baby eaglets in Downingtown’s Kerr Park has led to the closure of the surrounding area, potentially putting annual holiday events on pause, writes Molly McVety for PhillyVoice.
The eagle nest has been under observation since October 2024 in the back of the park, an area dubbed “the pines.” The pair of adult eagles, named Lloyd and Connie, arrived to use the nest the following year.
The three eaglets hatched within the last two weeks. Officials have named the trio Independence, Liberty, and Freedom, or Indy, Birdie, and Dom for short.
Assistant borough manager Corinne Badman shared that the eaglets mark a notable high in bald eagle activity in recent history. As such, borough officials have implemented new precautions.
Three of Kerr Park’s disc golf holes have been closed to protect the nest. Officials have also placed a protective fence around the nest with a “No Trespassing” sign, which will be monitored over the next several months.
Additionally, fines for harassing the birds can cost up to $100,000.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission guidance states that protections must be in place for 12 to 16 weeks after the eagles are born, until they are ready to fledge. With this timeline, borough officials are looking to relocate Downingtown’s Good Neighbor Day festivities, which take place every Fourth of July in the park.
While holiday plans may have to be adjusted, the family of eagles still honors local history, as the adult eagles are named after the late Downingtown veteran Lloyd Allen, who would birdwatch in the park with his wife Connie.
Read more about the baby eaglets in Kerr Park and how the eagles’ arrival will impact the area in PhillyVoice.
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