Bald Eagle Spotted at NASA's Kennedy Space Center

Annual surveys document the number of active and inactive bald eagle nests at the Florida spaceport

Mar. 20, 2026 at 2:38am

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An American bald eagle was observed flying away from its nest and tree at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, March 13, 2026. Bald eagle nesting surveys are conducted annually across NASA Kennedy, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Canaveral National Seashore to document the number of active and inactive bald eagle nests in support of wildlife management and regulatory compliance.

Why it matters

The presence of bald eagles at the Kennedy Space Center highlights the diverse wildlife that inhabits the Florida spaceport and surrounding protected areas. These annual surveys help NASA and wildlife agencies monitor the bald eagle population and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

The details

Bald eagles take up winter residence at the Florida spaceport each year, breeding and raising a new generation. The images and video captured during the March 13th sighting show the eagle flying away from its nest in a tree at the Kennedy Space Center.

  • The bald eagle was spotted on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

A national wildlife refuge located on the east coast of Florida, adjacent to the Kennedy Space Center.

Canaveral National Seashore

A U.S. national seashore located on the east coast of Florida, adjacent to the Kennedy Space Center.

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The takeaway

The annual bald eagle nesting surveys at the Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Canaveral National Seashore demonstrate NASA's commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of the diverse wildlife that inhabits the Florida spaceport and surrounding protected areas.