Will a Bald Eagle rebuild it's nest if winds have knocked it down?

Question

I live in Florida and the wind knocked a nest off the tree. Also is it illegal to get the nest that was knocked down, is there an organization that would take it for studies.

Answer 1

Breeding season is over now..so the nest was most likely not active..they may have used it earlier in the season however.  They do return to the same territory year after year and will re-use nests from year to year.  They usually build more than one in their territory as well, so next year they may use another existing nest, or just build a new one somewhere else.  They would probably not go for building one in the exact same spot as the blown down one.  They will not need a nest again until next year when breeding season starts again...birds do not live in nests, nor it it their home like the other answerer seems to think.  Nests are built to reproduce in..not to live in.  Nests are basically temporary nurseries to raise young in.  Sure, the adults may sleep in the nest when they are incubating eggs or feeding chicks, but once the chicks leave the nest..the adults do not stay to live in the nest.  Also, yes, it is illegal for you to have the nest in your possession, it violates the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Answer 2

I suggest Leaving it there. Other authorities might want to investigate the cause of the nest falling down (because it is illegal), and see more bad then good in the matter, and possibly try to badger you about it.

As for your question about the eagle re building its nest, yes i do believe it will =]

Not to say that it will re build its nest in the very same place, but this nest is the eagles home. If your home were to be broken down somehow, you would have to buy a new home, or relocate because its your shelter, comfort and protection right?

Same concept applies here for the eagle. The nest was its home. I doubt that it will re build its nest in the very same place, as it may just realise that the area that the nest was built on, is unstable, and might be knocked off and happen again. So yes, it definitely will re build its nest sometime. Maybe just not in the same place!