Mating pair of Bald Eagles have another successful breeding season, at least one eaglet spotted so far.
There are an estimated 10,000 nesting pairs of bald eagles in the United States, mainly due to the efforts of federal agencies, tribes, state and local governments, conservation groups, universities, corporations, and thousands of individuals. The Bald Eagle, once considered on the verge of extinction, has made a tremendous comeback since their numbers fell to just 417 mating pairs in 1963, mostly due to hunting and pesticides.
A large number of Bald Eagles now call East Texas home, and just recently we learned of a mating pair living just on the edge of the City of New Waverly. Over the past 3 years at least, they have been observed returning to the same nest and each year have raised one or two eaglets. The property owners reported that two of the eaglets seemed to have returned to the area and hopefully others will soon follow.
We learned just today that the pair has had a successful breeding season and at least one eaglet has been spotted. There was some fear that our recent severe winter temperatures may have put the eggs at risk, but those fears have been put to rest with the appearance of our latest edition to the New Waverly Eagle family.
Bald Eagles typically mate for life and their breeding season takes place during the fall in East Texas. Mating pairs often return year after year to the same nest unless disturbed. The shape of the eagle nest or aerie is determined mainly by the branch point where it’s built. Sticks placed in tree forks result in cylindrical or conical shaped nests. Disk shaped nests are built on the ground or a tree branch which is nearly level. Bowl shaped nests occur where the tree trunk branches off into smaller upright branches.
A typical nest is around 5 feet in diameter. Eagles often use the same nest year after year. Over the years, some nests become enormous, as much as 9 feet in diameter, weighing two tons.
The incubation period for Bald Eagle eggs is 35 days and Eaglets will grow quickly, reaching the size of their parents within 6 weeks.
On average, Eaglets will remain in the nest for 10-13 weeks before taking their first flight, and during that time, it is essential that the nest is not disturbed and the parents feel comfortable with their surroundings. While most nests are built far away from people, this nest is unusual as this pair has chosen to build the nest on a local farm, only a few hundred feet from the farm’s residents.
New Waverly Community News will continue to monitor the Eaglet’s progress and we look forward to bringing everyone updates throughout the Spring. We’re hoping that this little one has a brother or sister that we just haven’t seen yet!
New Waverly 