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Hastings St./PNE Nest

This is one of 19 nests that are monitored by the Stanley Park Ecological Society. Since both they, and several HWF members, visit this nest on occasion and take pictures, there will be various photographers contributing to the photos and comments in this thread.

As eagle territories go, this is a relatively new new territory, the first nest having been built in the 2007 season and producing only one fledgling from the two chicks that hatched. Global-TV did a story on this pair because they seemed to be so unique building their nest next to a busy parking lot right across from the PNE (Pacific Northwest Exhibition). Talk about urban eagles with children, adults, vehicles passing by constantly and noisy too!! They are not that far from the Burrard Inlet but actually need not go that far for branches and grasses and food as there is a big pond at the PNE in the sanctuary area that is close to the nest.

2008 was a better year for this pair as they successfully raised two fledglings. 2008/09 saw them successfully raise one fledgling, 2009/10 one, 2010/11 two, 2011/12 two, 2012/13 two and in 2013/14 there were three eaglets. Unfortunately the tree was partially destroyed during a windstorm and all three chicks eventually fell from what was left of the nest.

The youngest, the first to fall, did not survive the fall, the next two fell separately in the following days. Fortunately they were not injured and were rescued by The Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society where they were placed with a foster "Mom," a female adult eagle named Curly, until they were ready for release. Read about their rescue HERE and HERE

Meanwhile, the parents having decided that they still quite liked the area, proceeded to build a new nest located right across the street from the old nest on the PNE grounds just east of the SW drive entrance on the north side of Hastings.

The eaglets recovered from their traumatic fall nicely and were released two months later in a park just a few blocks from their original nest and have since been observed hanging out with their parents in the new nest tree. Read observations and view photos of their release HERE.

Hopefully, the PNE pair will be back again this fall to claim their territory and we will once again enjoy this eagle family.

The 2014/15 season saw Ma and Pa Hastings return to their new nest to lay two eggs that successfully hatched. Unfortunately, once again there was a fierce wind storm on the early morning of June 12. Although the nest did not appear to be damaged at first, it was weakened to the point that four days later it fell to the ground. One eaglet succumbed immediately and a day later the second eaglet met the same fate. For details of the storm and following events please click HERE Ma and Pa Hastings hung around to defend their territory until migration time and were last reported seen on July 21.

The 2015/16 season began on Sept 26 when our Hastings pair were spotted perched in last year's nest tree by members Annemie and Steamer. In the first week of December the beginnings of a new nest was seen in the their old nest tree from the 2013/14 season..Both eagles were seen placing sticks on the nest as it began to take shape and grow in size.

Several members expressed doubt as to the stability of the foundation branches. However, the nest was completed and eggs were laid in March and incubation began. Unfortunately the doubts of our members came to fruition. The integrity of the major branch supporting the nest had been compromised having been previously damaged and it gave way under the weight of the nest destroying it and the egg(s) in the process just a day or two before hatching was due to take place. Once again Mom and Dad Hastings faced a disastrous nesting season.

The 2017 season brought Mom and Dad Hastings back to their territory where they built yet another nest. It looked for all intents and purposes to be substantial enough to raise a family. Eggs were laid and tweo eaglets hatched. They thrived under the care of their parents. One eaglet fledged and then disaster hit. The nest again collapsed before the second eaglet fledged leaving it stranded on a branch. Unfortunately, it didn't survive. It is unknown whether it fell from the branch or was a victim of predation.

Hopefully the 2018 season will be more successful.


The Hastings Nest discussion thread:

The 2016/2017 Season begins HERE

The 2015/2016 Season begins HERE

Observations, scaps and videos for the 2010-2014 seasons can be viewed HERE

This is a photo of Dad in his favorite perch tree overlooking the old nest. Due to the close proximity of the new nest to the old nest it is not unreasonable to think that he may just continue to use this as his main perch tree if they do indeed nest again in 2015. The tree has a clear view of the entire area and will overlook the new nest. .

cl 2x for bigger

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The 2014/2015 Season begins here

Hi all friends of the Hastings eagle.

I am happy to say that ma and pa Hastings have come home.

I saw them both flying in from the North and doing a little dance over the Pacific Coliseum at Hastings park and then they flew to their nest. That was at about 5pm.
They looked well fed, healthy and happy.

I went to the nest just before dusk ( about 7pm ) because that when ma usually settles in for the night.
She was already there, sitting above the old nest, her favorite place.
This time tough she was sitting with her back to the parking lot facing the new nest and the park.

As I was walking home in the dark, I could hear ma's greeting call.
I guess dad must have joined her at that time.

Anyway happy happy happy happy.

Annemie, so happy that Ma/Pa Hastings are home it must have been very exciting for you.

Wonderful news, Annemie. So glad to hear that Ma and Pa PNE have returned safely.

Good MOrning and wonderful news Annemie........ so happy Ma and Pa are home.