As I peered through the thick vegetation on Tuesday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I spotted the bright white head of a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) perched on a distant tree above what may be a new eagle nest. Some of the nesting sites that eagles used in previous years are empty this year and none of the roads at the refuge appeared to be closed. I have been searching diligently for indications of new nests and am hopeful that this one is now being actively used.
I suspect that there is also nesting activity at the large eagle nest shown in the second photo below. The nest is so large and deep, however, that it is impossible to tell for certain if an eagle is currently sitting on eggs inside.
Spring is a time for new life and for new growth and I am hopeful that I will spot some baby eaglets in these two nests in the upcoming months as spring draws near.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Wh
I’ve seen two eagles land in the nest and perch near it over the last few weeks, but I don’t believe there are currently eggs present as neither eagle seems to remain inside the nest.
I think you are right. The nest is so small that we should be able to tell when one of the eagles starts sitting on eggs, assuming the nest is being actively used.