Image by Cheri Hollis

Twelve bald eagle chicks (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) fledged from the 11 bald eagle nests SCCF monitored this year on Sanibel, Captiva, North Captiva, and just off-island, which is similar to last year’s 13 chicks.

With the help of partners and volunteers, SCCF monitors bald eagle nests on the islands during the nesting season (Oct. 1 to May 15) and reports data to the Audubon Society’s EagleWatch program.

“It was another successful season for our bald eagles,” said SCCF Shorebird Biologist Audrey Albrecht. “On Sanibel, five nests were monitored, and five eaglets fledged. On Captiva, five eaglets fledged from three different nests.”

SCCF works with many partners throughout the season to ensure the safety of our nesting bald eagles as our islands continue to rebuild and recover from the hurricanes of 2022-2024. The City of Sanibel, Lee County, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Bird Office all work to ensure the appropriate permits are in place when work must occur within the buffer of an eagle nest.

In addition, our partners at Window to Wildlife operate a Captiva eagle cam, and CROW responds to sick or injured eagles. Audubon Florida’s EagleWatch program coordinates 750 volunteers across the entire state of Florida, collectively monitoring 1,200 nests.

“SCCF is very grateful for all of the dedicated volunteers who monitor the nests, and for all of our partners who work to protect our wildlife,” Albrecht said.

Bald eagles were nearly extinct in the 1970s, but thanks to conservation efforts, they are now recovered. While they are no longer listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, bald eagles are protected by both state and federal laws, including the Florida Eagle Rule, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

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