I have friends with a farm that includes some woods near a sizable stream. About 2 months ago they noticed a pair of Bald Eagles hanging in the area. Soon these two were working on a nest, which they built in a tall oak tree overlooking the stream and visible (just) from the driveway (it’s about 500 yards away).
Newly paired Bald Eagles sometimes wait a year after building a nest before they attempt a brood, but this pair has been sitting devotedly on the nest for more than a month. Two days ago, through a good telescope, one adult (likely the female) was seen offering food to something in the nest. So there is at least one eaglet, with more likely (two and occasionally three eggs are normal).
There is a good-sized lake about 3 miles away, and the adults often head there for fish (as well as working the nearby stream). One of the adults (probably the male) was seen killing a rabbit and bringing it to the nest.
Eagles typically use the same nest for years, so when this batch of eaglets has fledged and the nest is empty, we are going to work on the project of setting up a webcam to catch next year’s action.
I would recommend checking with your local Audubon Society before setting up a web cam. Eagles are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and interfering with their nesting habits, or possession of even a single eagle feather carries serious Federal charges. And I’m not talking about a little ticket. It can cost a lot and include prison.
You might get permission, there is a Raptor Cam on a Red Tailed Hawk nest on a bridge in Portland that can be viewed on a local news site.
Also see the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. It also deals with disturbing a nest.
“Anyone who possesses an eagle feather, and doesn’t meet the requirements, could face fines up to $100,000 and a year in prison. A second offense is upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony, and carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The act also provides for a civil penalty of up to $5,000.”
If we go forward with the camera project, all the work will be done when no eagle has any interest in the nest (probably in late Autumn). The camera will likely be hidden in a tree near and above the nest. State Wildlife officials are on board with this.
I just want to post my favorite eagle web cam: Hancock Wildlife Foundation - Sydney BC Bald Eagle Cam with three eaglets! The oldest is almost 4 weeks old. The mama and papa eagles are so devoted, and there is major sibling rivalry. The parents bring all manner of meals, the best being live rabbits, but also lots of seagulls and fish.