A tree that had long served as home to a well-known bald eagle nest overlooking Lake Natoma fell during powerful weekend storms, according to Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natoma, the nonprofit group that monitors and protects raptors in the area.
Friends of Lakes Folsom and Natoma, known locally as FOLFAN, confirmed Sunday that the tree fell sometime during the night or early Sunday morning. The tree was located atop the area known as the Orangevale Bluffs, overlooking the lake just west of Black Miner’s Bar and near the area where there was a large rock slide several years ago. The nest had been closely watched by volunteers and the public for years as part of the group’s bald eagle interpretive and monitoring efforts at Lake Natoma.
FOLFAN officials said they are confident no eagles were in the tree when it came down, noting that the severe winds and rain overnight likely kept the birds from using the nest. Volunteers later observed the male eagle, known to watchers as “Papa,” flying around the location where the nest tree once stood.
One reassuring detail, according to the group, is that there were no eggs in the nest when the tree fell.
Kathy Kayner, FOLFAN’s Bald Eagle Interpretive Program Coordinator and lead docent, shared to the community early observations suggest the eagles were sheltering elsewhere during the storm.
“The Bald Eagle nest tree fell sometime during the night or early morning. I think our Eagles were not sleeping in it due to the heavy winds and rain,” Kayner said. “Papa was seen flying around where the tree was standing. I am sure Mama is around somewhere.”
Kayner said the loss of the nest forces the eagles to search for a new nesting location, something she believes will likely happen nearby.
“So the next steps for the Eagles is to find a suitable tree to rebuild,” she stated. “I like to think Mama has the final say on that.”
FOLFAN officials said it is likely the eagles will remain at Lake Natoma and attempt to establish a new nest, but cautioned that it is not guaranteed. Still, experts consulted by the group say the species is remarkably adaptable.
Kayner said she spoke with two bird and eagle experts who indicated the pair could rebuild a nest relatively quickly once a suitable tree is selected.
“I was informed they could rebuild a nest in 4-7 days,” she said. “Now, whether Mama can lay her eggs by Valentine’s Day is up in the air. Could she delay laying? I do not know. Losing this nest is a shock to both Eagles but they are resourceful and determined. At this point, anything can happen. We will just have to wait and see.”
Despite the disappointment of losing the nest, Kayner said she is finding comfort in the fact that the timing avoided an even greater loss.
“Though this is an upsetting event, I am taking solace in the fact that Mama was not setting on eggs when the tree went down,” she said. “Our Eagles have suffered so much loss in the past but have always shown us how brave and resilient they are by continuing to move forward and raise more Eaglets.”
Kayner said that history gives her hope the iconic pair will eventually nest again.
“Because of this, I have hope they will continue to have Eaglets in a new tree eventually,” she said.
FOLFAN officials plan to continue monitoring the area and providing updates as the situation develops. FOLFAN relies on dedicated volunteers and community donations to accomplish their efforts annually, those wishing to learn more or Donate to the non-profit can visit their donation site HERE.
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