FAE (left) and KZ near their nest; KZ soaring above Mystic Lakes. Photo: Paul Roberts
MEDFORD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — For at least three years, a majestic bald eagle named 'FAE' graced the sky over the Mystic Lakes in Medford.
With her mate KZ, since 2023, the two nested in a nearby tree and fledged three chicks each year the couple was monitored.
Four of those chicks matured into adults.
On the morning of Mar. 12, a birder discovered FAE's lifeless body about a half mile from her nest.
While a new female mate was seen on the nest with KZ, FAE's body was sent to Tufts Wildlife Clinic to determine the cause of her death.
Raptor researcher Paul Roberts was one of the monitors keeping an eye on FAE and her mate over the years. "A really beautiful bird, " he said. "She was fantastic in seeing all of her kids were fed well, at times very demanding with KZ."
Like those who got to know FAE, Roberts said he was saddened by her death and wants to know more. "Maybe several weeks before we know what killed her. There was no sign, to me, of rodenticide poisoning. I see a lot of that."
In fact, that's how FAE's former mate MK died in 2023.
Roberts said they are hoping that KZ and his new mate will lay eggs and hatch chicks this season.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.