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Sanibel’s ‘DQ’ Bald Eagle Nest Has Held Strong for Over 20 Years

July 22, 2024
dq eagles ed sauternes

Image by Ed Saternus

While many of Sanibel and Captiva Island’s eagle nests are on private property and may be difficult to view, one nest has always been a favorite among residents and tourists — the Dairy Queen (DQ) nest on Periwinkle Way. Since 2002, visitors to the now-closed DQ and hikers on the Pond Apple Park Trail have been delighted to watch this eagle family. 

“Bald eagles have very strong site fidelity, and will return to the same nest for decades, adding onto it each year,” said SCCF Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht. “We’ve seen the male at this particular nest fledge multiple chicks over the years with various female mates.”

DQ Balg eagle nest before and after Hurricane Ian

Bald eagles in the wild can live 20 to 30 years on average, with the oldest known being 37 at the time of its death. 

In late May 2022, the DQ eagles fledged a chick for the first time in nearly a decade. After this success, the female went missing just before Hurricane Ian, and many were concerned the nest would not succeed. 

“After Ian, SCCF staff and volunteers were ecstatic to see the male return and immediately begin rebuilding his nest, along with a new, younger mate,” Albrecht said. “Much to the delight of all who follow this nest, the pair finally fledged two chicks during the 2023-24 nesting season.”

Despite the many habitat changes surrounding their nest, SCCF is hopeful the pair will return again for the 2024-25 nesting season and once again be successful.

Construction Buffers Around Eagle Nests

Bald eagle nesting season in Florida typically runs Oct. 1 through May 15, though birds may nest earlier or later. One nest near Shell Point in Iona just fledged a chick this month, Albrecht said. 

To help protect bald eagles and prevent disturbance to nests, construction taking place within 660 feet of an active nest requires an eagle management plan and trained monitor to be on site while work is occurring. 

If you observe any violations occurring near a bald eagle nest, please call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922).

Each year, SCCF and a team of dedicated volunteers on Sanibel, Captiva, and North Captiva monitor bald eagle nests in coordination with Audubon Florida’s Eagle Watch program. 

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

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