Eagle Nest
Bald eagles in Minnesota are a remarkable conservation success story, with their population growing from just over 100 known active nests in 1973 to an estimated 1,312 active nests by 2005. These majestic birds construct the largest nests of any North American bird, with an average nest measuring about 5 feet wide and 3 feet tall, but capable of reaching truly impressive sizes. Some nests can weigh up to two tons – as heavy as a small car – and are the result of years of dedicated construction by mated pairs who return to the same nesting site year after year.
Nesting in Minnesota begins in March, with eggs typically laid in late April. Both parents share incubation duties and after about 35 days the eaglets hatch. These young eagles grow incredibly fast, gaining up to a pound of body weight every week. By the time they're 10-12 weeks old, they're ready to leave the nest. Bald eagles have adapted well to Minnesota's diverse landscapes, expanding from northern forests to suburban areas and the Minnesota River Valley.
We have set up our photography station here to watch the progress of a nest we proudly have on our property at the Neilson Spearhead Center. While we have one older photograph of the nest, building up a database of photographs in the years to come will be a fabulous way to show how the nest will keep growing!
Bald eagles in Minnesota are a remarkable conservation success story, with their population growing from just over 100 known active nests in 1973 to an estimated 1,312 active nests by 2005. These majestic birds construct the largest nests of any North American bird, with an average nest measuring about 5 feet wide and 3 feet tall, but capable of reaching truly impressive sizes. Some nests can weigh up to two tons – as heavy as a small car – and are the result of years of dedicated construction by mated pairs who return to the same nesting site year after year.
Nesting in Minnesota begins in March, with eggs typically laid in late April. Both parents share incubation duties and after about 35 days the eaglets hatch. These young eagles grow incredibly fast, gaining up to a pound of body weight every week. By the time they're 10-12 weeks old, they're ready to leave the nest. Bald eagles have adapted well to Minnesota's diverse landscapes, expanding from northern forests to suburban areas and the Minnesota River Valley.
We have set up our photography station here to watch the progress of a nest we proudly have on our property at the Neilson Spearhead Center. While we have one older photograph of the nest, building up a database of photographs in the years to come will be a fabulous way to show how the nest will keep growing!