Where is this cam located?
This live cam overlooks a bald eagle nest on Santa Cruz Island 22 miles off the coast of southern California. Santa Cruz Island is the largest island in Channel Islands National Park. In 2006, a bald eagle chick hatched on the Channel Islands without human aid for the first time in 50 years!
Why are they called "bald" eagles when they're not actually bald?
"Bald" is from the Middle English word balled, which doesn't actually mean hairless--it means "shining white." The bald eagle's scientific name--Haliaeetus leucocephalus--comes from a number of Greek words: halos (sea), aetos (eagle), leukos (white) and kephalus (head).
Where do bald eagles live?
Bald eagles are only found in the wild in North America. While most bald eagles are often found in coastal areas like this one or near large bodies of water, they reside all across the continent.
In the early 20th century, records show that at least two dozen nesting pairs occupied all eight of the Channel Islands. Unfortunately, as a result of pesticides and conflict with humans, bald eagles were virtually extinct from the Channel Islands National Park in the mid-20th century. But thanks to captive breeding programs, 61 young bald eagles were reintroduced to the islands between 2002 and 2006.
What kind of nests do bald eagles build?
Bald eagles are known for building massive nests which can take up to three months to construct! Eagles tend to mate for life and will return to (and add on to) the same nest year after year. Both eagles will collect material for the nest, though the female tends to be the one to build it. The exterior of the nest is made of sticks that are woven together with grass or moss and the interior is usually lined with lichen and feathers.
Preferring to nest in wide open spaces, bald eagles typically build these nests in tall trees. There are a limited number of large trees here on the Channel Islands, so bald eagles tend to build their nests here on cliff faces and rock shelves. When necessary, bald eagles will build nests on the ground.
What do bald eagles eat?
In coastal areas like this one, bald eagles eat primarily fish, but they also eat sea birds and small mammals. Bald eagles are known to be opportunists; they will often steal fish from other raptors in mid-air! They will also eat dead fish and other carrion.
Learn more about the bald eagles on Channel Islands.
