*Image provided by Orange County Water District
PRESS RELEASE
ORANGE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | WWW.OCWD.COM
Media Contact:
Gina Ayala, (714) 378-3323 or gayala@ocwd.com
THREE EAGLETS HATCH IN LUCY & RICKY’S NEST AT THE PRADO WETLANDS
CORONA, Calif. (April 22, 2025) – Just in time for Earth Day, the Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) is excited to announce the hatching of three new eaglets in the Prado Wetlands – an area where OCWD stores and manages water to help sustain Orange County’s drinking water supply.
Born to resident bald eagle pair Lucy and Ricky, the eaglets, now approximately eight weeks old, were banded on April 9 by a professional wildlife biologist. Banding allows researchers to track the birds as they grow, migrate, and eventually establish their own nests, helping to monitor the health of eagle populations across the country.
“The presence of Lucy, Ricky, and their growing family represents a great milestone in our work at the Prado Wetlands,” said OCWD President Denis Bilodeau, P.E. “By managing water resources efficiently and sustainably, we’re not only supporting the drinking water supply for 2.5 million people in Orange County – we’re also creating an environment where wildlife can thrive.”
Located in Riverside County, the Prado Wetlands are the largest constructed wetlands on the West Coast. OCWD operates the wetlands to naturally treat Santa Ana River flows before they enter the Orange County Groundwater Basin. The District also stores stormwater behind Prado Dam, which helps increase local water supplies and supports habitats for several rare and endangered birds and waterfowl species, including bald eagles.
Through wildlife management, removal of nonnative invasive species, and habitat restoration, OCWD enhances both water quality and the environment. These efforts ensure that the Prado Wetlands continue to serve as a valuable asset to both people and wildlife.
Lucy and Ricky have now nested in the Prado Wetlands for several years. In 2024, they successfully raised three eaglets, who took flight and eventually left the nest to establish territories of their own. To protect the nesting site and ensure the safety of Lucy, Ricky, and their young, the exact location of the nest will not be disclosed. The public is encouraged to stay tuned for future updates from OCWD.
Click here to access the OCWD press kit, including B-Roll, photos, and a pre-packaged press clip. Assets can be attributed to: Orange County Water District
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