Bald eagles hanging out in Asbury Park

ASBURY PARK - There are two new spectators in attendance at William "Butch" Bruno Stadium.

A set of bald eagles have been spotted this fall perched atop the lights in the stadium, according to Larissa Smith, a wildlife biologist with Conserve Wildlife Foundation based in Trenton.

There's been reports of love in the air. Smith said the birds – a male and female – have been observed mating.

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It's unclear whether they have a nest. Smith said the stadium was an unusual place for the birds but not dangerous. “If they’re just perching there, it shouldn’t be a problem,” Smith said.You can see where the birds are perched in the video above this story.

Smith said some of the male eagle’s history is known because he is wearing a band. The male eagle was found injured in Onondaga County, New York, in 2011, before being rehabbed and released in October of that year, she said.

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She said the male eagle is probably around 6 years old. Smith said the female appears to be younger since she still appears to have darker feathers on her tail and on top of her head.

Garrett Giberson Jr., a fire department spokesman, told the Asbury Park Press that he first noticed the birds in the area about two months ago.

He said the eagles have been a little territorial.

"They gave a spectacular chase to a couple of red-tailed hawks that came into their air space on Saturday," Giberson said. He said members of the public should also use caution, for the birds’ safety.

“People should view them from a distance and enjoy without disturbing them,” Giberson said.

Smith said while bald eagles are no longer considered an endangered species by the federal government, the state of New Jersey lists nesting pairs as endangered.

She said the most recent data show about 178 nests that have been sighted across the state, 153 of which are active, meaning eggs were laid there.

The eagles have likely been feasting off fish and other wildlife at Deal Lake near the stadium, according to Don Brockel, chairman of the Deal Lake Commission.

“I don’t know if they’ve been watching the games,” Brockel said.

Austin Bogues 732-643-4009; abogues@gannettnj.com