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Rare sighting of four eaglets near Mississippi River

The National Eagle Center says the survival rate of juveniles is roughly 40%, making the story on the four eaglets even more exciting.

COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. — Walking along the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove brings Nancy Nygaard peace and also excitement. Observing Bald Eagles has become one of her favorite hobbies in the last decade. She’s kept tabs on one nest on Grey Cloud Island that has seen the same two parents return year after year.

“They usually have 2 eaglets a season or occasional 3,” Nygaard said.

This year, she was surprised to see FOUR little birds pop their heads out of the nest.

“We’re just all excited they have made it this far,” Nygaard said.

Nygaard has garnered an audience online with her weekly updates on the eaglets. Hundreds of people wait for her photos of the birds to posted on Facebook every week. Nygaard, who’s familiar with the dangers eaglets face with weather, has been relieved to see the birds mature.

Nygaard expects the eagles to fly the nest in the next week or so.

“I am not sure why I am so fascinated with them. They're just such beautiful birds. There are a lot of people like myself that enjoy observing the bald eagles,” Nygaard said.

If you would like to learn more about Bald Eagles in Minnesota, click here.

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