Bald Eagle Nest

As you stand next to the bird viewing blind, look south (right) to the two powerline towers. On the left tower, bottom crossbar, left end is a bald eagle nest. Despite all the nearby trees, eagles often choose man-made structures for their nests. Loss of nesting and foraging habitats due to urban development can seriously jeopardize nesting success in our area. Nesting season generally runs October through May. Eagles are strongly territorial and will engage in fierce battles over nesting habitats. They are also opportunistic hunters and will steal food if they can. Eagles mate for life and return to the same nest or nesting area every year. Parenting is a shared process, taking turns sitting on the nest and hunting. The egg or eggs hatch after 33-35 days, with clutch size usually being two eggs. Eaglets grow quickly and will be ready to fledge around 12-14 weeks. In this case, they better be good fliers on their first attempt to leave the nest. You can recognize an eagle in flight by its striking white head and tail, brilliant yellow beak and their massive wings appear flat in flight. This large magnificent bird is revered as the symbol of America, personifying strength, majesty and independence.