Where do bald eagles nest and breed?
In the Bay region, bald eagles build or repair their massive nests in early winter. Nests are made of large sticks and are usually located near the top of mature loblolly pine trees close to water. • The female lays one to three eggs between January and March. • Chicks typically leave the nest at 10 to 12 weeks of age, from May through July. They rely on their parents for a number of weeks after their first flights. • From age one to about age four, bald eagles are considered “immature.” They vary in color from all brown to mottled brown and white, depending on the exact age. The head and tail do not turn white until a bald eagle reaches adulthood. • Immature bald eagles do not establish breeding territory, but instead move throughout the Bay region to find food. Other facts about the bald eagle: • Bald eagles can be confused with ospreys. You can distinguish a bald eagle by its pure white head and “naked” ankles.
