American Bald Eagle

American Bald Eagle at Honeymoon Island State Park
by Tim Marshall, OPS Ranger

The 2016-17 season marks the 9th consecutive year for eagles to nest on the island.

Historically, the last known nest  reported to the south at Caladesi Island near the Scharrer homestead. Recently, documents were located indicating that the female eagle was reported to have been shot on the nest. This was according to a Clearwater Sun article and notes from Myrtle Scharrer Betz in 1935.

This new nest was the first time eagles have reestablished nesting on the island since the 1935 homestead nest.

In early May, 2016 a storm that produced a microbirst blew down the unoccupied nest. A mated pair returned to Honeymoon Island in fall of 2016 and constructed a nest in a live Slash pine nearby. They were observed mating on October 12, 2016. Apparently no eggs were produced. It is still early in the season, so it is anticipated that a successful breeding will commence soon.

Eagles may live up to 40 years. With successful fertilization, gestation begins and after 5 days the first egg is produced. Eggs are then laid 36 hours apart, Both male and female incubate. Average gestation is 35 days, with eggs hatching one at a time 36 hours apart.

Eaglets remain in nest 10 to 12 weeks. Both parents feed young. Fledglings broaden their range slightly away from the nest over a period of 4 to 8 weeks. Young become independent of parents for food at approximately 17 to 20 weeks.

Here are records from previous years:

Eagle Nesting 2015-2016
10/01/15 Adult eagles observed readying the nest, immature eagles observed in park as well.
12/24/15 2 Eaglets hatched
03/02/16 2 Eaglets fully grown and ready to fledge
05/04/16 - Eagle nest downed by storm

Eagle Nesting 2014-2015
9/7/14 -Bald Eagles first observed returned to the island, 2 adults and at least 1 juvenile, presumably last year's chick.
11/17/14 - Mating behavior recorded
12/1/14 - Eagles incubating, due to start hatching as early as January 4th 2015 (35 days average gestation)
1/9/15 - Eggs hatched
1/25/15 - Eaglets large enough to see, 2 chicks
4/1/15 - 2 Eaglets Fledged