I recently photographed a mature Bald Eagle carrying nest materials while flying north toward the Arkansas River. I took this photo at Charleston Lake in Charleston, Arkansas on December 19, 2023.
Bald Eagle Nest Building Behavior
Adult Bald Eagles often carry branches to the nest as part of nest preparation. They break off limbs nearby and transport them to reinforce and maintain the nest before breeding season.
Seeing a Bald Eagle carrying nest materials is a clear sign that breeding season is approaching.
Bald Eagle Nesting Season in Arkansas
Bald Eagle nesting season in Arkansas typically begins in late October and can extend through December. Some local pairs start nest building as early as November, especially in southern regions where eagles remain year-round. Peak eagle viewing in Arkansas runs from December through February, with January designated as Eagle Awareness Month.
Eagles may utilize the same nest for several years, with some nests being used for decades. The longevity of a nest can be influenced by various factors such as its location, structural integrity, and environmental conditions.
Monitoring Bald Eagle Nests in Arkansas
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission monitors Bald Eagle nests statewide as part of a nationwide conservation effort. Anyone who spots a nest can report it to the Wildlife Management Division at 877-873-4651 to help support ongoing monitoring and protection.
Image Information:
- Date: 12/19/23
- Time: 09:31 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- ISO: 500
- Aperture: 8
- Shutter: 1/3200
- Exposure Compensation: -0.7
- Lens (mm): 500