Pittsburgh Hays Eagle Drama Unfolds

The Pittsburgh Hays bald eagle nest has become the stage for a captivating avian drama. Recently, observers have witnessed the resident female forming a pair bond with a new male, possible identified as HM2 – the male from last year or possibly a new male. In a surprising twist, the original male, absent for over a year, has reappeared, adding complexity to the nest dynamics. This unexpected reunion raises questions about the future interactions among these majestic birds.

In the fall of 2024, the Hays bald eagle nest suffered a devastating collapse, marking another challenging chapter for this iconic nesting site. The massive structure, which had been a centerpiece of the Pittsburgh landscape for years, gave way under the weight of accumulated material and the effects of natural wear and tear. High winds and inclement weather may have played a role in its downfall. While heartbreaking for eagle enthusiasts, nest collapses are a natural occurrence and often serve as an opportunity for eagles to rebuild stronger structures. The collapse added a layer of uncertainty for the 2025 nesting season.

The Return of “Dad”: A Surprising Twist at the Pittsburgh Hays Bald Eagle Nest

The Pittsburgh Hays bald eagle nest has long been a symbol of resilience and fascination, but the events of the past two years have brought an unexpected layer of intrigue to this beloved site. One of the most compelling stories revolves around the original male bald eagle, affectionately nicknamed “Dad,” who mysteriously disappeared in early September 2023.

For nearly a decade, Dad was a constant presence at the Hays nest, raising multiple eaglets with the original female and embodying the steadfast spirit of these majestic birds. But his sudden disappearance left both observers and wildlife enthusiasts wondering what might have happened to him. With no sightings or reports, the question of Dad’s fate remained unanswered—until now.

In late September 2023, a new male bald eagle, dubbed HM2, appeared at the Hays nest. The original female seemed to accept him, and the two formed a new pair bond. By 2024, HM2 had taken on Dad’s role, and the pair nested together. However, the 2024 season proved to be unsuccessful, with the pair producing a single egg that failed to hatch. The nonviable egg marked a difficult year for the Hays eagles, but the nest remained a place of hope for the future.

On January 18, 2025, a dramatic turn of events unfolded. An eagle observer on the trail reported seeing a series of interactions that morning, including a sub-adult eagle being chased by an adult. The sighting seemed routine until later in the morning, when another eagle landed in the slanty tree area near the nest. What happened next shocked everyone: the eagle was identified as none other than Dad, the original Hays male!

Observers quickly noted the unique identifying features that confirmed his identity. These included a distinctive gap in his right wing feathers, a “wonky” feather pattern on his topside, and an oddly shaped outer talon on his right foot. Dad’s unmistakable characteristics left no doubt—it was him.

Despite the joy and amazement of seeing him again, Dad’s reappearance was fleeting. He was only observed that one day, adding a mysterious twist to an already dramatic season. Where has he been for the past 16 months? Why has he returned now, and will he appear again? These questions remain unanswered, fueling even more speculation about the dynamics at the Hays nest.

As of now, HM2 remains bonded with the original female, and their activity suggests they are preparing for another nesting season. However, Dad’s brief return serves as a poignant reminder of his legacy and the enduring connection many feel to the Hays eagles.

This unexpected sighting has sparked excitement and debate among eagle enthusiasts. Could Dad reclaim his role at the nest, or was this simply a one-time appearance? For now, all we can do is wait, watch, and celebrate the resilience and mystery of these incredible birds.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor the Hays bald eagle nest and provide updates on this evolving story. What do you think about Dad’s return? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page, where we’ll keep the discussion going!

Hope Takes Flight: Female Hays Bald Eagle Forms New Pair Bond

On January 25, 2025, a significant development unfolded at the Pittsburgh Hays bald eagle nesting site, sparking renewed hope for the upcoming season. Trail photographer Mike Pollice captured photos of the female Hays bald eagle mating with a male on the hillside near the nesting area. This male could potentially be HM2, the male eagle observed with the female last season, but we cannot confirm his identity with certainty. While HM2’s distinct characteristics were noted in 2023 and 2024, the male seen mating with the female lacked enough identifiable markers to make a 100% positive identification. This leaves the door open to the possibility that this is a new male entering the scene, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing story at the Hays site.

According to Pollice’s observations, the pair was seen mating twice—first at 12:39 PM and again at 1:01 PM. These events occurred on the hillside close to the nesting area, a spot often frequented by the Hays eagles. This behavior is a monumental shift, as it confirms that the female has established a bond with this male, solidifying them as a pair. Mating is a key step in the pair bonding process, which is critical for eagles to begin the cooperative tasks of nest building and, eventually, rearing young. Without this bond, the construction of a new nest—an urgent necessity after the collapse of the original structure in 2024—would be unlikely. This new development, at the very least, gives us hope that this bonded pair could rebuild and attempt to nest this season.

Adding to the excitement of the day, trail watchers reported seeing a total of four different eagles in the hillside area, suggesting a heightened level of eagle activity in the region. This flurry of sightings underscores the dynamic and competitive nature of eagle territories, especially in areas with such a rich history of successful nesting. While the presence of other eagles may complicate matters, the observed mating behavior strongly indicates that this particular pair is moving forward with their bond, laying the foundation for a potential nesting season.

Pair bonding between eagles is an essential component of their reproductive cycle. It not only establishes trust and cooperation between the two birds but also signals their readiness to invest time and energy into raising offspring. The act of mating itself is both a symbolic and practical display of this bond, setting the stage for joint efforts in rebuilding a nest and preparing for a new generation. For the dedicated watchers and photographers who frequent the Hays site, these recent events are a welcome sign that the story of the Hays eagles is far from over, and a new chapter may be just beginning.

Two bald eagles chased down river on 1/26/2025

Uncertainty in the Sky: The Hays Bald Eagles’ Unfolding 2025 Nesting Season

As we approach the heart of the 2025 nesting season, the Hays bald eagle territory is brimming with activity, questions, and anticipation. The collapse of the original nest in 2024, the inconsistent presence of the adult pair on the hillside over recent months, and the very active sightings of multiple subadults—possibly as many as five—have created a dynamic yet confusing scene. With egg-laying season rapidly approaching, the lack of visible nest-building activity adds to the uncertainty. While eagles have been known to construct a nest in as little as four days under urgent conditions, such behavior is uncommon and leaves us wondering what the days ahead will bring.

One thing we can confirm is the presence of Mom, easily identified by her unique physical characteristics. However, the identity of her mate remains uncertain. Is HM2, the male seen in 2024, still part of the story, or has a new male stepped in to form a bond with her? The mating observations on January 25 and 26 suggest the establishment of a pair bond, but whether this male is HM2 or a newcomer remains a mystery. Adding to the intrigue is the brief reappearance of an eagle matching all the physical traits of the original male, “Dad,” on January 18 and 19. Could his reappearance influence the dynamics of the nesting season, or was it just a fleeting visit?

As eagle enthusiasts and trail watchers, we can only speculate as the story continues to unfold. The Hays bald eagles have captivated us for years with their resilience and adaptability, and this season promises to be no different. What we know for sure is that these birds will do what eagles do best: adapt, persevere, and surprise us along the way. Whether they rebuild their nest, choose a new location, or navigate a season full of uncertainty, we’ll be here watching, documenting, and rooting for their success.

We continue to use the BirdNET-Pi system to monitor the audio signal from the Hays bald eagle camera, allowing us to detect bald eagle vocalizations in real time. This technology helps us identify the presence of eagles even when they are out of view of the camera, providing valuable insight into their behavior, movements, and interactions. It is especially useful at night when visibility is limited, giving us a better understanding of their nocturnal activity and potential roosting patterns. By receiving instant notifications of eagle calls, we can stay informed about their presence and monitor any changes in their activity at the nest site. See the Hays BirdNET-Pi detections here: http://71.60.5.242:7003/

For now, all we can do is wait and see what decisions the Hays eagles make in the coming days and weeks. Every day brings new clues, and as always, they are writing their own story—a story we are privileged to witness and share with all of you. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor and document this extraordinary pair and their unfolding journey.

A Big Thank You!

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated trail photographers and live stream watchers who play an invaluable role in documenting the unfolding story of the Hays bald eagle pair. Your sharp observations, stunning photographs, and detailed reports provide critical insights into the daily lives and behaviors of these incredible birds. Without your commitment and passion, many of these important events would go unnoticed, leaving gaps in the narrative we are all so eager to follow. Your contributions not only deepen our understanding but also connect a community of eagle enthusiasts who share a love for these majestic raptors. Thank you for being our eyes on the ground and online, helping us piece together this remarkable story as it unfolds.

Watch the Hays Bald Eagle Camera LIVE Here

https://pixcams.com/hays-bald-eagle-nest/