Bald eagles have returned to the “DQ” nest on Sanibel for the 2025-26 nesting season. Photo by Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht.

Oct. 1 marks the official start of nesting season for bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in Florida, though the birds typically return to their nests in late August or early September. The season runs through May 15.

SCCF staff and a team of dedicated volunteers work together to monitor 10 nesting pairs on Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, and just-off island. SCCF coordinates with Audubon Florida’s EagleWatch program for data collection and entry.

“Many of our Lee County eagles have returned early to their nests for the 2025-26 nesting season, most notably Sanibel’s popular ‘DQ’ birds, who famously nest next to the old Dairy Queen on Periwinkle Way,” said SCCF Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht. “These birds surprised us all when the male returned Aug. 5, and the female joined him by Aug. 14.”

Our partners at Window to Wildlife will once again be offering a live stream of one of the eagle nests we monitor on Captiva. View the livestream beginning Oct. 8.

Bald Eagles and Construction Activity

During this time of year, many questions come up about what kind of work can occur near active eagle nests. While bald eagles are no longer a listed endangered species, they are still protected by both state and federal eagle laws, including the Florida eagle rule, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.  

“Homeowners and contractors can prepare for the bald eagle nesting season and determine if their property is within the 660 foot buffer of an active bald eagle nest by viewing Audubon’s EagleWatch nest map,” Albrecht said.

Any disturbance to bald eagles should not take place within 660 feet of an active nest without a federal nest disturbance permit and the required monitors in place. Information about obtaining permits for work around bald eagle nests can be found here.

If you have any questions regarding eagles or want to share your eagle observations or photos, please email eagles@sccf.org.