MINNEAPOLIS — Eagle enthusiasts globally, who were disheartened by the recent collapse of a nest home to two eagles and their chick, will have a new chance to watch these magnificent birds when a new eagle camera becomes operational on Thursday.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on Tuesday that the upcoming camera will be situated in a different location and will feature a new nesting pair. However, the original EagleCam will remain active, as the previous pair has constructed a new nest approximately a half-mile away and frequently returns to their old territory. This pair was sighted there as recently as last Friday.
Historically, the original camera attracted viewers from 50 states and roughly 160 countries, with the audience comprised of individuals in homes, educational institutions, and nursing facilities. Lori Naumann, representing the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Program responsible for the cameras, revealed that the previous nest was home to a couple affectionately nicknamed “Nancy and Beau” by fans until it collapsed during a severe snowstorm on April 2, 2023. The female bird took flight as one of the branches supporting the enormous nest, weighing around 2,000 pounds and over two decades old, gave way, tragically leading to the death of their chick.
Following the loss, there was a significant expression of sorrow among followers in various Facebook communities, but excitement surged with the announcement on Tuesday. Naumann commented that prior to the nest’s collapse, they frequently had thousands of viewers simultaneously, especially during the pandemic when a surge of homebound audiences sought out live nature experiences. Minnesota boasts the largest population of eagles in the contiguous United States, with many nests established even in urban settings.
The eagles at the newly revealed location have been nesting there for a minimum of four years, successfully raising several broods of eaglets during that time, according to Naumann. While the exact duration of the nest’s existence and the total number of chicks hatched remains unclear—due to limited observations—officials are optimistic about the pair’s future prospects.
Both cameras are set to begin streaming live around 6 a.m. CST on Thursday on the DNR’s official website and via the agency’s YouTube channel. Although there may not be much activity at the new nest at this moment, Naumann anticipates that will change as the season progresses.
“It’s not currently breeding season,” she explained. “We expect to see them start to bring in new sticks and nesting materials in the coming months, as their courtship behaviors become more pronounced. During this time, they will collaboratively build the nest, demonstrating their commitment to one another and proving their suitability as partners.”
The female eagle is anticipated to lay between two to three eggs around February, which will require approximately 35 days to hatch. Both adult eagles typically share the responsibility of nurturing their chicks by consistently providing them with dead fish to meet their substantial appetites.
Regarding “Nancy and Beau,” the DNR does not assign names to the wildlife it monitors. Due to logistical issues, including the challenge of getting power to the new nest where they raised two chicks successfully last season, it was impractical to install a camera nearby. Consequently, the agency conducted a thorough search before choosing a new, more accessible site equipped with a healthy tree. Installation of the camera took place in early October, with total costs reaching about $5,000. Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy generously provided assistance, including the use of a bucket lift truck, for the setup at no cost, as they had done for the original camera.
The presence of these eagles plays a significant role in promoting the Nongame Wildlife Program, which operates through direct contributions and voluntary donations on the state’s income tax forms. This program funds various wildlife initiatives aimed at assisting vulnerable species throughout the state. The launch of the cameras on Thursday coincides with a statewide charitable event, although the DNR is not an official participant as a government entity.