Bald Eagles, Great Horned Owls Nesting Early as Spring Nears

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Several bird species in New York, including bald eagles and great horned owls, are already beginning to nest in February as spring approaches earlier than usual. A juvenile bald eagle that was injured after being hit by a car in November has recovered at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary and is now getting a second chance at life.

Why it matters

The early nesting of these iconic bird species is a sign of the changing climate and the impact it is having on wildlife. As temperatures rise and seasons shift, many animals are adapting their behaviors to the new environmental conditions, which can have ripple effects throughout local ecosystems.

The details

Bald eagles and great horned owls, two of New York's most recognizable birds of prey, are nesting earlier than usual this year, with some pairs already sitting on eggs in February. This is several weeks ahead of their typical nesting schedule, which normally begins in March or April. The early nesting is likely a response to the milder winter temperatures and earlier signs of spring. Meanwhile, a juvenile bald eagle that was hit by a car in November has made a full recovery at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary and is now being prepared for release back into the wild.

• A juvenile bald eagle was injured on November 11 after being hit by a car.
• The injured bald eagle has been rehabbing at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary.

What’s next

The juvenile bald eagle is expected to be released back into the wild in the coming weeks after completing its rehabilitation at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary.