Bald Eagle Parents Get Nest Ready For 2023 Eggs At Duke Farms

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — It's happening! The famous Bald Eagle pair is getting ready for the 2023 season with eggs expected to be laid as early as next week.

"Yes, our feathered friends are once again looking to add to the Hillsborough population. After a few weeks of 'nestorations,' the pair is getting ready for the nest's 18th season," said Duke Farms Deputy Executive Director Nora DiChiara.

The pair are the same as those who shared the nest last year. In 2022, two eggs were laid but sadly only one survived. Read More: 1 Bald Eagle Chick Dies, Remaining Chick Thrives At Duke Farms

"They should lay an egg around January 17, as they did for the past 2 years. If there is more than one, they will be laid every 2 days or so after the first," said DiChiara.

The nest has been around since 2004, the male eagle (banded in NJ by the state in 2000 in Rancocas Creek) has been in the nest the whole time and has had 2 mates so far, according to Charles Barreca with Duke Farms.

The first female mate took charge of the nest from 2004 to 2010. A second female took over after the first one disappeared.

"They typically don’t stray far from the nest after chicks fledge, they have been around the area since the fall but started rebuilding the nest in earnest around December," said Barreca.

Bird enthusiasts can still catch a glimpse of all of the eagle parents' activities live, 24 hours a day at dukefarms.org/eaglecam.

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