SCCF: ‘DQ’ nest holding strong for over 20 years
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that while many of the islands’ eagle nests are on private property and may be difficult to view, one nest has always been a favorite among residents and tourists — the Dairy Queen nest on Periwinkle Way on Sanibel. Since 2002, visitors to the now-closed DQ and hikers on the Pond Apple Park Trail have been delighted to watch the eagle family.
“Bald eagles have very strong site fidelity and will return to the same nest for decades, adding onto it each year,” shorebird biologist Audrey Albrecht said. “We’ve seen the male at this particular nest fledge multiple chicks over the years with various female mates.”
Bald eagles in the wild can live 20-30 years on average, with the oldest known being 37 at the time of its death.
In late May of 2022, the DQ eagles fledged a chick for the first time in nearly a decade. After the success, the female went missing just before Hurricane Ian, and many were concerned the nest would not succeed.
“After Ian, SCCF staff and volunteers were ecstatic to see the male return and immediately begin rebuilding his nest, along with a new younger mate,” she said. “Much to the delight of all who follow this nest, the pair finally fledged two chicks during the 2023-24 nesting season.”
Despite the many habitat changes surrounding their nest, the SCCF is hopeful that the pair will return again for the 2024-25 nesting season and once again be successful.
CONSTRUCTION BUFFERS AROUND NESTS
Bald eagle nesting season in Florida typically runs from Oct. 1 through May 15, though birds may nest earlier or later. Albrecht noted that one nest near Shell Point in Iona just fledged a chick in July.
To help protect bald eagles and prevent disturbance to nests, construction taking place within 660 feet of an active nest requires an eagle management plan and trained monitor to be on site while work is occurring.
– Bald eagles are protected by state and federal laws, including the Florida Eagle Rule, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
– Homeowners and contractors can determine if their property is within the 660-foot buffer of an active bald eagle nest by viewing the Audubon’s EagleWatch map with buffers at https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=9ddae7fb264946578353c362f6c84b8b.
– To learn about obtaining permits for work around bald eagle nests, visit https://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/protected-wildlife-permits/eagle-permits/.
– To review Lee County’s bald eagle regulations, visit https://library.municode.com/fl/lee_county/codes/land_development_code?nodeId=LADECO_CH14ENNARE_ARTIIWIHAPR_DIV3SOBAEA_S14-111PU.
If you observe any violations occurring near a bald eagle nest, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922).
Each year, the SCCF and a team of volunteers on Sanibel, Captiva and North Captiva monitor bald eagle nests in coordination with Audubon Florida’s Eagle Watch program.
For questions about eagles or to share eagle observations or photos, email eagles@sccf.org.
To reach SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, please email