By Andrew Berry
In late January 2026 researchers fitted an adult male golden eagle with a GPS satellite transmitter, allowing scientists to follow his movements. Since being tagged, the new eagle has repeatedly been documented in the same locations as Athena, at the same times, across Bernheim Forest. Tagged at Bernheim in 2019, Athena is a female golden eagle who has wintered at Bernheim for nearly a decade.
These shared locations include roosting sites and flight paths, and the frequency and proximity of the GPS points suggest this association is more than mere coincidence. While golden eagles are notoriously private and difficult to study, the data and observations strongly indicate that this eagle is bonded with Athena, at least during the winter months at Bernheim.
Whether this partnership will extend into the breeding season remains to be seen. Golden eagles that winter at Bernheim typically depart on their spring migration in early March, traveling thousands of miles north to their nesting grounds in northern Canada. Time will tell whether Athena and this newly tagged eagle might reunite at the nest.
Until then, Bernheim researchers will continue documenting the interactions of these eagles as winter gives way to spring. Bernheim is inviting the public to help name this newly tracked eagle.
Vote to Name the Golden Eagle
Bernheim has narrowed the choices to three potential names, each rooted in either history, mythology, or literature.
- Atlas – Pronunciation: AT-ləs
In Greek mythology, Atlas was the Titan condemned to hold up the sky, symbolizing endurance, strength, and the bearer of burden. It’s a fitting name for a migratory apex predator that carries a transmitter to further our understanding of golden eagles. - Eldred – Pronunciation: EL-dred
From the early tribes of Britain, meaning an old counsel or wise advisor. The name evokes wisdom, experience, and steadiness. These traits are often associated with mature golden eagles, especially those that partner with Athena to hold winter territory. - Gwaihir – Pronunciation: GWY-heer
Named after the great eagle from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Gwaihir is known as “the Windlord,” swift, noble, and fiercely loyal as a literary symbol of freedom and heroic rescues.
You’re invited to help name the newly tagged golden eagle by voting for their favorite name on this webpage: https://bernheim.org/name-golden-eagle/. Voting will be open through March 15, 2026.
A Continuing Story
As one of the first golden eagles in eastern North America to be tracked along with her previous longtime mate, Harper, Athena has long captivated researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Her movements along with her partners have helped scientists better understand how paired golden eagles migrate, cooperate, and survive across vast landscapes. Harper perished in northern Canada in 2021.
As we watch this new story unfold, Bernheim appreciates help from the public in naming the eagle who may soon join Athena on an epic journey north.
