EagleWatch Provides Critical Data and Expertise to Help Code Enforcement Protect an Eagle Nest

At Audubon Florida, our policy expertise and science-based policy solutions protect raptors across the Sunshine State. We are especially known for our long history of Bald Eagle protection, starting in the mid-20th century and continuing through to today. In addition to advocating for land conservation and habitat, we also work with local entities to respect U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rules and regulations set out to protect this magnificent bird from harm.

In 2011 in Collier County, a pair of Bald Eagles began nesting in a tall tree on a spit of preserve surrounded by development. EagleWatch, the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey’s community science initiative, monitors eagle nests and fledge success and officially recorded the nest. The eagles nested again in the 2025-2026 Bald Eagle nesting season, which run from October 1 through May 15. Unfortunately, in this particular year, the homeowner of two houses on either side of the eagle nest tree decided to reroof while the two eaglets remained in the nest: a clear U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule infraction. Furthermore, when they were alerted to the fact that their work violated the rules, they did not stop working.

The local code enforcement agency worked with Audubon to understand buffer regulations surrounding eagle nests during breeding season, then EagleWatch Coordinator Cheryl Merz worked with Southwest Florida Policy Associate Brad Cornell and Audubon Western Everglades biologist Brittany Piersma to testify during the code enforcement hearing about the importance of buffer zones to protect these nests from disturbance during vulnerable times during the breeding cycle.

As a result, the homeowner of the two houses was fined $500, the roofing company owner was fined $15,000, the subcontractor doing the roofing work was fined $4,000, and the contractor to the roofer who illegally acted as unregistered agent was fined $2,000. 

EagleWatch has been a critical cornerstone of eagle protection in the Sunshine State since 1992, contributing to both science and advocacy for birds of prey. Do you want to become an EagleWatch volunteer? Click here.