The nest cam tree fell when Hurricane Ian hit in the fall of 2022. Interestingly enough, we are finding that the new nesting site in the bayhead area of the property looks very similar on camera!

The 2020-2021 season brought many unexpected turns of events. We believe we had a sighting of Nicholas prior to cams going live, but we are not certain. We believe we may have seen Victoria early on, but again, we are not certain. All we do know is that they did not return for the nesting season. Although we don’t know their fate or whereabouts, we like to think they are simply enjoying their adventures elsewhere!

If you were fond of Vic & Nic and would like to revisit their story, you can read about and view them here: Vic & Nic

Abby & Blaze! In the 2020-2021 season, Nic & Vic did not return to the nest for unknown reasons. In their absence, a nesting pair did not emerge from the many suitors and territorial disputes. In the 2021-2022 season, Abby & Blaze became the resident pair and in their first nesting season saw two eaglets, Fern & Thunder, successfully fledge. As of the beginning of the 2023-2024 season, Abby & Blaze have returned to build in a new nest tree after losing their nest and nest tree in Hurricane Ian in the fall of 2022.

This nest located in the country on private property and is also a working ranch. Because it is in the country, sound really travels. While the shots may seem loud and close on cam, they are not. Also, the shots do not pose a threat to the eagles.

This nest is located near very swampy areas of Florida. Along with swamp conditions comes times of dense mosquitos and various bugs in the air. It is not uncommon to have a short period of time in the evenings (often 15-20ish minutes) of a sort of “swarm” of mosquitos. After this, although not swarm-like, the air is still thick with flying insects. The eagles are used to it and although they shift, scratch and “wave away” much like we would, they have learned how to deal with them.

The eagles cannot see the IR light at night because it is invisible to them. In fact, if you were to stand under the tree at night, it would be completely dark outside!

This eagle’s nest is located on private property, which is also a small working cattle ranch, near a large state park in southwest Florida. Eagle Country is made up of a small group of people who love God, love His people and love eagles. The ranch has been in the family for generations and the nest has been on the property for around 20 years.