Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nesting season is underway, and SCCF Coastal Wildlife staff and volunteers are busy monitoring eight pairs of bald eagles utilizing nine nest structures on Sanibel, Captiva, and North Captiva. This data is entered into Audubon Florida’s Eagle Watch database. One of the nest structures on Sanibel has been abandoned this season, most likely due to the death of the nest tree. SCCF is hoping to determine where this pair has moved to. If you have observed eagles carrying nesting materials or exhibiting courtship behaviors on the East End of Sanibel between Casa Ybel Road and Tarpon Bay Road, please let provide the information to SCCF Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht at eagles@sccf.org or 239-742-3984 ext. 1305. It is important for us to know the locations of our eagle nests so that we can monitor productivity and protect them from disturbance. One of the eagle nests on Captiva is located in close proximity to the beach and was at risk from disturbance caused by the renourishment project. SCCF was able to work with the contractors and devise a plan to have the nest checked by approved eagle monitors during construction to avoid nest disturbance. No issues were reported, and we expect the birds to continue normal nesting activities. So far, only one of the eight nests is actively incubating but the others are expected follow suit in the coming weeks.