Eagle Cam August Update

June 25

The nest collapsed in several sections. This is not an uncommon occurrence with eagle nests. Nests that are used for many years get very large and heavy. Every year a few nests fall or, in some cases, the entire nest tree falls. Depending on what time of the nesting season this occurs, it can result in chicks being injured or killed. The fact the nest collapsed after the juveniles fledged is a good thing. They have been fledged for over a month, haven’t been seen at the nest as frequently and will soon be going off on their own. We’ll have to wait and see what will happen with the nest. The adults could try and rebuild the nest or move to a new nest tree.

August 11

A volunteer has been keeping an eye on the cam. Two adult eagles have been seen at the nest – it looks like the eagles are a male and female based on the size, but it’s not clear if one of the eagles is A/59 or a new male. It’s indeterminable if the pair will return to the nest. In many cases, pair rebuild nests in the same location or close by if a collapse has occurred. Sometimes, if there is a new bird in the bird, they will move nest locations. The identity of the male in the pair is a contributing factor in the situation. The fact that two adults are together at the nest may lead to the possibility of rebuilding in the same spot or close by.

NJDEP will continue to monitor the nesting activity and if it comes to relocating the Duke Farms Eagle Cam, all parties will proceed with the best interests of the eagles in mind. In the meantime, all we can do is see what happens between now and the fall when the eagles usually start sprucing up the nest. Hopefully, there will be more clarity in early December, but no guarantees.

Visit the Conserve Wildlife NJ website to stay updated on the Eagle Cam.

Featured image credit: "Bald Eagle Nest" by Bruce Barley CC BY 2.0.