SCCF staff and volunteers have been able to check on all of the bald eagle nests on Sanibel, Captiva, and North Captiva, and are happy to report that most nests fared well, despite the extreme winds brought by Hurricane Milton. 

Notably, the nest adjacent to SCCF’s Puschel Preserve was blown apart in the storm. This was a new nest built in November of 2022 after Hurricane Ian, so staff believe that there is plenty of time for them to rebuild and still have a successful nesting season. 

The well-known ‘Dairy Queen’ eagle nest — which has held strong for over 20 years — is intact, and both birds were sighted at the nest. 

During Hurricane Milton, our partners at Window to Wildlife posted a video of Clive, a male at one of the eagle nests we monitor, apparently riding out the storm in the nest. There has been one potential sighting of he and his mate, Connie, since the storm, and the nest is still standing. 

“Our team will continue to check on the nests throughout the season and will provide updates as we learn more,” said SCCF Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht.

Bald eagle nesting season runs Oct. 1 to May 15. Learn more.

Laughing Gull Rescue

When checking on eagle nests, shorebird staff also helped rescue an injured laughing gull on Captiva. 

“When we responded to the bird, we found construction workers watching over it keeping it safe,” Albrecht said. “We were able to successfully bring the bird to CROW clinic, which is now operating and able to take patients once again.” 

On the way to CROW, they also found a sick anhinga and brought it in as well! 

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