Bald eagle fans from around the world recently participated in a “Name the Nestlings” social media campaign to suggest names for “DC4” and “DC5,” the two eaglets currently residing in a nest at the US National Arboretum with their parents, Mr. President and The First Lady. Thousands of names were submitted and the top four most-suggested name pairs are being put to a final public vote! The four ballot options are:
- Anacostia & Potomac
- Honor & Glory
- Peace & Harmony
- Stars & Stripes
From 9 am on April 24 though Sunday April 30, you can vote online at dceaglecam.org, which is operated by the nonprofit American Eagle Foundation (AEF). This final voting process is being hosted by Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA), which is the official nonprofit partner of the USDA’s US National Arboretum.
In 2015, the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) staff traveled to DC to install state-of-the-art cameras, infrared lighting, and other related equipment in-and-around the nest tree with the help of volunteers and experienced tree arborists and climbers. In 2016, microphones were installed near the nest to further enhance the viewing experience. The entire system is powered by a large mobile solar array (containing several deep cycle batteries) that was designed and built by students and staff from Alfred State College, SUNY College of Technology and was partially funded by the District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment.