Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) disappeared from usual nesting spot.
Observation by David Harmes:
This is the first summer in the 22 years we have owned this property, that neither eagle nest was used. In a normal summer, we have at least a pair of bald eagles, and up to a half dozen juvenile around. This summer since early July, they all disappeared. An adult will visit, but never stay all day.
Steve Lewis, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Raptor Management Office, writes:
I think it a little early to say that all eagles have abandoned the area. There are many factors that play into whether eagles use a nest or an area. It could be that the nest failed and the adults were spending time elsewhere, especially common during the time of year when salmon are in streams. I would guess that the eagles there are off eating salmon. It will be interesting to see if they return to the nest area. I think the adults that "own" that territory should be back soon. Territory holders seem to stick pretty close all year around. 9/17/2018
Comments from LEO Editors:
According to the National Eagle Center, bald eagles normally return to the same nest year after year. However, eagles will sometimes not return if the brood in the nest was unsuccessful during the year, or if the nest becomes unsuitable for some other reason. Erica Lujan
Bald eagle