Two bald eagle chicks are recovering after a strong rainstorm earlier this month knocked down their nest in Gulf State Park, sending them to wildlife rehabilitation centers for treatment.

Officials said the nest, located along the Gopher Tortoise Trail in Gulf State Park, collapsed after heavy rain and wind moved through the area around March 19.

The following morning, Gulf State Park Naturalist Hillary Bryan searched the area and found both eaglets on the ground, while the adult eagles circled overhead.

The young birds were taken to the Orange Beach Wildlife Center clinic, where staff stabilized them before conducting additional tests. Radiographs showed both eaglets had wing fractures along with mild dehydration and internal bleeding, according to officials.

The older eaglet, identified as 26-B075, had a fractured humerus, while the younger eaglet, 26-B076, had an ulna fracture. Wildlife staff also discovered a fishing hook embedded in the younger eaglet's toe, which officials said appeared to be an older injury that likely occurred while the bird was still in the nest.

Both birds were treated with pain medication, fluids and food before being transferred to the Auburn University Raptor Center for specialized care and possible surgery.

Melissa Vinson, coastal programs coordinator at the Orange Beach Wildlife Center, said the situation highlights the importance of partnerships between wildlife organizations.

"We value our partnership with the state park and Auburn and appreciate the collaboration that took place to help these eaglets," Vinson said.

She added that the fishing hook found in one of the eaglets is a reminder of how discarded gear can affect wildlife.

"For the one eaglet with a hook in its foot, the nest falling might have saved its life," Vinson said. "Just another reminder to 'mind your line,' as discarded line and tackle negatively affect wildlife."

At the Auburn University Raptor Center, staff performed orthopedic surgery on both birds to repair their wing fractures.

Stephanie Kadletz, assistant director of raptor rehabilitation at the center, said both eaglets are making steady progress.

"Both eaglets are recovering exceptionally well," Kadletz said. "Each underwent orthopedic surgery to repair wing fractures and are now stable, active and progressing as hoped."

Kadletz said the eaglets are showing positive signs during rehabilitation.

"They have strong appetites, appropriate eagle behavior, and steady improvement overall, which are encouraging signs for their continued rehabilitation," she said.

Wildlife officials said the birds will remain under care as they continue recovering.

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.