Beloved NYC bald eagle Rover, reported dead after vehicle collision

The bald eagle that captivated the hearts of New Yorkers for years died on Monday, according to a prominent New York City birdwatching account on the social media site, X.

Rover, the celebrity eagle had been scavenging for food along the Henry Hudson Parkway when a vehicle allegedly struck him, according to a post by Manhattan Bird Alert. Police were not able to confirm the bird's death immediately.

“Rover was extremely well-known to so many people – many of our followers, many of our photographers had gone out to photograph and film Rover over the years,” David Barrett, who runs the account, told Gothamist. “Rover meant a lot to so many birders in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. He’s maybe the best-known bald eagle in the area. I’m almost certain of that.”

Barrett who said he was “shocked and saddened” by the news said that he received an anonymous tip – with enough information to confirm that the death did occur.

Rover got the nickname from bird watchers who spotted his “R7 tag” he received in 2018. He spent a significant amount of time flying around Brooklyn and Manhattan. By 2022, birders spotted the bald eagle perching in Central Park.

Bird watchers took to social media to post videos and photos of Rover hunting on the Central Park and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoirs — while others gathered in small groups for a chance to spot the majestic eagle. Last month, New Yorkers spotted the celebrity raptor once again flying above Central Park.

Bald eagles — once on the brink of extinction — have increased their numbers over the last decade through a repopulation program, according to the state’s environmental conservation department. Each year, the state’s bald eagle population fledge about 10 percent more young eagles than the year before. Other experts estimate that there are roughly 400 pairs of bald eagles in the state.

Barrett said Rover’s appearance around the city signified “a positive development” in the bald eagle population.

“There are basically more bald eagles than ever in memory in the New York City area,” he said. "So it’s possible – and probably, even likely – that we will get more visitors like Rover coming to New York City parks to perch, to hunt and maybe even to breed.”

NYC Audubon did not immediately respond to requests for comment by Gothamist.

This story has been updated with additional information.