Bald Eagle adult: Merrimack River

February 13, 2017 in Bald Eagle

_W7I0547-001While driving along the Merrimack over this morning, discovered a Bald Eagle perched in a tree overlooking the river.  It is close to a possible new second nest location nearby.  Bald eagles build their nests in large trees near rivers or coasts. A typical nest is around 5 feet in diameter. Eagles often use the same nest year after year. Over the years, some nests become enormous, as much as 9 feet in diameter, weighing two tons.   A nesting pair will build a new nest if they feel threatened. Essentially, it’s not uncommon for eagles to build more than one nest within their nesting territory.  Eagles are very territorial during nesting season. They will keep other eagles out of their own nesting territory, which is usually one to two square miles.