Minnesota DNR EagleCam Delivers a Surprise

The new EagleCam season is underway, and we already have our first surprise.

The Minnesota DNR observing the new EagleCam’s nesting pair of bald eagles on and off the camera have discovered that the eagles are constructing an alternate nest near the nest featured on camera; saying, "It is normal for bald eagles to build multiple nests within a given territory."

During the breeding season, breeding bald eagles occupy and defend territories. Their territory includes an active nest, used for laying eggs and rearing chicks, and may also include one or more inactive alternate nests.

Fortunately, this pair’s alternate nest is near the tree where we installed the new camera. Since the pair’s activity has been focused on building this new nest, the DNR has rotated the camera view to show the trees where their alternate nest is located.

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Note to viewers: This is live video of wild Bald eagles living in nature. Natural struggles will occur and some of the feeding or other wild bird behaviors may be difficult to watch. Please use discretion when watching this cam. DNR staff monitor these cameras.

Live Minnesota DNR EagleCam Feed

We don’t know which nest the pair will choose to use this season, so we will continue to monitor the area and pan the camera around as we are able. For now, we will leave the camera view focused primarily in the direction of their new nest-building activity.

This EagleCam is brought to you by the Minnesota DNR Nongame Wildlife Program, which helps over 700 species of Minnesota wildlife thrive. The program is largely supported by donations from Minnesotans like you -- and you can donate here.