Collapse of the Hays Bald Eagle Nest

On the evening of August 6, 2024 we witnessed the partial collapse of the famous Pittsburgh Hays bald eagles nest live on camera during a storm. This doesn’t come as a big surprise of many of the eagle cam viewers. At the end of the failed nesting season at they Hays nest this season the back side of the nest started to sink.

Collapse of Hays Nest Caught on Camera

The big question is what happens next? At this point we can only speculate what will happen next. The eagle pair could rebuild the nest in the current tree or they could find another tree within the area to build a new nest.

Bald eagles typically begin adding sticks to their nests, a process known as nest building or refurbishment, during the late fall and early winter months. This bald eagle pair has typically started nest construction activities at the end of September through early October. We will not know until then what will happen at the current Hays nest location. This timing aligns with their breeding season, which generally starts in January or February, depending on the region. The eagles engage in this activity to ensure their nest is sturdy and large enough to accommodate their growing family. Adding sticks not only repairs and strengthens the nest but also signifies the pair’s ongoing bond and readiness to mate. These efforts are crucial for creating a safe and secure environment for their eggs and, subsequently, their eaglets, providing protection from predators and the elements.

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Why do Bald Eagles Nests Collapse?

Bald eagle nests, while sturdy and impressive in their construction, can and do collapse with some regularity. Typically, these collapses occur due to a combination of natural factors. Over time, nests, which can weigh hundreds of pounds due to their size and the accumulation of materials, become heavy and may weaken the supporting branches. Severe weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, or snow can exacerbate these vulnerabilities, leading to structural failure. Additionally, the aging and decay of the trees themselves can contribute to nest instability. Despite their remarkable resilience, the natural world presents challenges that even the formidable engineering of a bald eagle‘s nest cannot always withstand.

Not the First Hays Nest Location

The current nest site of the Pittsburgh Hays bald eagle nest is not their first nest. This is actually their 4th nesting location. The first nest was constructed in 2013 and blew down in a storm on June 6, 2013. The second nest was constructed and we started live streaming this nest in December 2013.

Second Hays Bald Eagles Nest

However, on February 13, 2017 this nest fell in a windstorm. At the time of the nest falling the female was incubating her first egg of the season.

Hays Nest Falls 2/13/2027 in Wind Storm

The next morning the male started constructing a new nest a few hundred yards downstream and completed the nest in only 4 days! The female laid her final egg of the season in this nest and the eaglet successfully fledged. The following year, 2018, we installed a camera in this 3 nesting location in a sycamore tree. The only vantage point we had to mount a camera was directly above the nest.

Third Hays Bald Eagles Nest in Sycamore Tree in 2018

In September of 2018 the male moved the nesting location downstream another few hundred yards to the current location. That winter the location of the third nest collapsed.

Forth Nest Location for Hays Bald Eagles

How Large is a Bald Eagles Nest?

The bald eagle nests are among the largest of any bird species. Typically, a newly constructed bald eagle nest can be around 4 to 5 feet in diameter and 2 to 4 feet deep. However, these dimensions can grow significantly over time. As eagles return to the same nest year after year, they add new materials each breeding season, causing the nest to expand. Some nests have been recorded at more than 8 feet in diameter and 12 feet deep, weighing up to a ton.

The construction of a new nest can take a pair of eagles anywhere from one to three months. This period depends on several factors, including the availability of materials and the weather conditions. Bald eagles are meticulous builders, using large sticks as the primary framework and lining the interior with softer materials like grasses, moss, and feathers to create a comfortable and secure environment for their eggs and future eaglets.

In some cases, rather than starting from scratch, bald eagles may refurbish an existing nest, which can shorten the time required for nest preparation. Refurbishment involves reinforcing the nest structure, adding new sticks, and replacing the soft lining. This process not only ensures the nest’s stability but also strengthens the pair bond between the eagles, as they work together to prepare for the upcoming breeding season.

The time and effort invested in building and maintaining such large nests highlight the importance of these structures to the bald eagles’ reproductive success. A well-built nest provides a safe haven for eggs and chicks, protecting them from predators and harsh weather conditions. This stability is crucial for the survival and growth of young eagles, ensuring that the next generation can thrive and continue the species’ legacy.

Competition for Bald Eagles Nests

Competition among bald eagles for nesting sites can be fierce, particularly in areas where suitable trees or locations are limited. An active bald eagle nest, which is already established and has proven to be a successful breeding site, can be highly coveted by other eagles. This competition often intensifies during the breeding season when eagles are looking for the best possible locations to raise their young.

When a rival pair of bald eagles identifies an active nest, they may attempt to take it over by challenging the resident eagles. These confrontations can be aggressive and involve aerial displays, vocalizations, and physical fights. The resident eagles will fiercely defend their territory and nest, using their size, strength, and agility to fend off intruders. These battles can be intense and sometimes result in injuries or even death.

Hays Eagles Mom Chases Sub Adult steals the Food Gift 2/3/24

The outcome of such confrontations depends on various factors, including the experience and physical condition of the eagles involved. Younger, less experienced eagles might struggle to defend their nest against older, more dominant rivals. Conversely, a well-established pair with a strong bond and successful history of nesting may have a better chance of repelling intruders.

If the intruding eagles succeed in taking over the nest, they will often make modifications to suit their preferences, adding new sticks and materials to mark their territory and prepare for their breeding season. For the displaced resident eagles, losing a nest can be a significant setback, forcing them to find a new location and build a nest from scratch, which can be time-consuming and energetically costly.

This competition for nesting sites underscores the importance of suitable habitat for bald eagle populations. Conservation efforts that protect and preserve large, mature trees and other nesting structures are crucial to ensuring that these majestic birds have the resources they need to thrive and maintain healthy populations.

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