Meet Mig and Izi.
Hamilton’s Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) welcomed two baby bald eagles this spring at Cootes Paradise and held a contest to name the eaglets before they fly from their nest for the first time, aka fledge, which is expected to happen in a few days.
Mig and Izi earned 224 of 600 total votes in the contest that ended on June 15, according to a press release from the RBG. The two names put together create Migizi, which is the Ojibwe word for bald eagle and was announced on June 16.
“We need your help to name the eaglets before they fly from their nest for the first time towards the end of June,” said the release. “Additionally, two winners — one name for each eaglet — will be given a free one-year RBG membership.”
The birth of the two eaglets, in addition to their parents returning to nest on RBG property, is a promising indication of successful conservation efforts
“We’re thrilled to share this amazing news and grateful for the generous support of our community who worked hard to name our eaglets and have contributed to this success,” said Nancy Rowland, CEO of the RBG.
Bald eagles are found across the province and nest in trees near large bodies of water. According to an article published in The Hamilton Spectator, the province’s bald eagle population was threatened by pesticides and also contaminants found in fish, its main source of food.
“Once an industrial area with polluted water and invasive species, Cootes Paradise has been transformed into a nature sanctuary that provides a loving home to thousands of native fish, vegetation, and now the family of bald eagles,” said the release.
You can help ensure RBG’s bald eagles have a chance to survive by supporting habitat restoration.
“For every donation of $50 or more, you will receive a bald eagle stuffed animal made from 100 per cent recycled materials, an RBG Conservation Hero Certificate, and a tax receipt. Donate today at rbg.ca,” said the release.
Bald eagle fun facts:
– Bald eagles are able to spot their prey from very far away, thanks to their super eyesight; they can see four to seven times farther than humans.
– The wingspan of an adult bald eagle can extend more than two metres, making them Canada’s largest bird of prey.
