It is fascinating to compare the size and construction of these three Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nests that I photographed last Thursday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The first nest is by far the largest and is one that I feature quite regularly in my blog, including in yesterday’s posting. The second nest is new this year and, according to some fellow photographers, may be a converted osprey nest.
In recent months I have not seen any eagle activity at the nest in the sycamore tree in the third photo, so was not sure if it was being used this year. I was therefore delighted when I spotted a bald eagle in the nest last week and watched as its mate also flew in and they both perched on one of the branches of the tree. Although this nest was used in previous years, I believe that there were no eaglets born in it last year. It appears that one of the supporting branches for the nest broke off a year or so ago, dumping part of the nest, which was never very large, onto the ground.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I just love the shape of that first nest, Mike. I like your composition in that image, including how small the Eagle seems in comparison to the nest.
It will be interesting to see if that third location gets repaired and becomes a viable nest.
Hi, thanks for sharing pics. I watch the nest in the sycamore tree w/a field scope from my condo each year.
Last year (21-22), I did notice that a lower part of the nest fell away and they quit sitting in the nest. Then they left. Two ospreys arrived and began remodeling in a more messy style typical of osprey nests. One day, they even incorporated someone’s patio broom! Then the eagles returned & ran them off.
This year, Winter to Spring of 22-23, the eagles returned and had one or two hatch. I couldn’t see if more than one thrived because once all the trees leaf out, my view is obscured.
Now, Fall 23, I can see again and it appears the nest is totally gone!!! Does anyone know what’s happened?
Wow. Thanks for all of the details on the status of the eagle nest in the sycamore tree. I don’t know what happened, but I will ask some of my friends and see if any of them has heard or seen anything.