Since 2017, juvenile Bald Eagles released from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey fly away with an extra piece of jewelry. In addition to the silver federal band issued by the U.S. Geological Survey, released eagles receive a green or black band as part of the Center’s auxiliary band study to determine if the type of nest a chick hatches in influences the type of nest it chooses as a breeding adult. Eaglets hatched in natural nests (in trees) receive green bands, while those hatched in nests atop human-made structures, like cell towers, get black bands. Seven years in, the study is turning a corner into a new phase as some of its first banded birds are beginning to breed. EagleWatch plays a critical role in resighting these birds. 

Bald Eagles reach sexual maturity and are ready to raise their own families for the first time at around five years old. The first auxiliary-banded birds hit that milestone in 2022 and EagleWatch volunteers have since reported at least two auxiliary-banded eagles nesting. 

Back in April of 2018, a young eaglet was rescued from the ground below a cell tower nest in Bartow, unable to fly. The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey treated and rehabilitated the bird for three weeks before fitting her with a black band, 06/A, and releasing her into a nature preserve in Haines City. 

Five years later, in the fall of 2023, 06/A was spotted hanging around a cell tower nest in suburban Winter Park. The nest, monitored by EagleWatch volunteers, had been occupied by another nesting pair in previous seasons, but with no confirmed sightings of the original female this season, it appears 06/A took over the nest. 

After fledging two chicks in April, 06/A has been seen back at the same nest already this fall. Resight data for 06/A, her nesting choices, and her fledglings’ success have begun to unravel the nesting preferences of these eagles, which will provide natural resource managers with critical information as we protect this iconic species now and into the future. 

This article first appeared in the 2023-2024 EagleWatch report.