Bald Eagle Nest at Blackwater NWR
At the end of Blackwater NWR’s wildlife drive is their famous Bald Eagle nest that sits in a loblolly tree on the left, in clear view for the public to see.
When I visited a couple weeks ago, I got lucky the pair was at the nest for my photos.
Unfortunately, you can see the loblolly tree is dead and time will tell how much longer it can hold the heavy nest.
It is possible for a Bald Eagle nest to get as large as 10 ft wide and 12 ft deep, and can weigh as much as two tons.
Bald Eagle Nest – January 7, 2026
I decided to go through my older photos to see the growth of this nest over time.
It fascinated me so I’m sharing two of them below from the years 2018 and 2012.
Same Bald Eagle nest & healthy loblolly – May 24, 2018
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Same Bald Eagle nest – January 1, 2012
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Bay Photos by Donna 
That’s a great name for a tree! Any idea where that comes from? Our Ash trees are all dying, Ash die-back disease š¦
This is so fascinating. Thirteen years is a long time. A privilege for us to see.I wonder what has killed the tree, but then I wonder how heavy a nest a tree can carry. Very nice photographs in both posts. Much appreciated.
Iām always amazed at how big Eagle and Osprey nests can get.
Oh, I love the old photos that show just how beautiful the tree was. Is it the nest and Eagles that have killed the tree? They are a gorgeous pair!
Wow! They’ve added on some levels to their home. That tree better grow quickly to keep up with the eagles.