Sidney B.C. neighbours to throw bash for hawklet raised by eagles

A get-together in Sidney B.C. planned for Sunday is being billed as possibly the world's most unusual block party.

The "Roberts Bay Bald Eagle-Hawklet Block Party" will mark a new page in the story of the neighbourhood's most famous residents — a bald eagle family that included an adopted red-tail hawk chick in its nest.

The party on Summerset Place will celebrate the departure from the nest of the fledgling hawk and three eaglets in the unlikely blended family.

• 'This guy thinks he is a bald eagle': Young hawk defies odds in Sidney, B.C.
• Vancouver Island bald eagles raise red-tailed hawk chick as their own

"We're hoping the hawk is just doing what hawks do and catching mice and small rabbits and things like that," Sidney Mayor Steve Price, who lives directly across the street from the nest, told All Points West host Jason D'Souza.

Meanwhile, the young eagles are dining on salmon in the northern rivers. 

The reason for the block party, Price said, is "to bring everybody together who've witnessed this over the last few months. People can share pictures, share stories."

The mayor has also  proclaimed Sunday as Bald Eagle-Hawklet Day.​

The extraordinary story of the hawklet, nicknamed "Spunky," drew a steady stream of birders and the curious to Summerset Place.

"The people I've met at the end of my driveway, really from all over the world, they've come specifically just to see this young hawk being raised by the eagles," Price said. 

"I think people just like good news stories."

This particular story has also been good for Sidney's tourist businesses. 

Good for tourism

"I believe our hotels have had a boost, restaurants have had a boost," He said. 

"We've become quite a destination in the bird world there."

Price predicted the 'Spunky' effect could continue, if people return next year to see what turns in the eagles' nest on Summerset Place.

With files from All Points West.
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