FORT MYERS, Fla. — October 1, 2026: A new SWFL Eagles breeding season is beginning with a big question: Could M15 be building a second nest with the new female?
Activity around M15 and the female has raised the possibility that the pair may be exploring another location for a nest. Nothing is certain yet, and the familiar nest tree remains very much part of M15’s territory. M15 visited the nest tree on October 1 and perched high in the treetop, keeping watch over the area he has called home for years.
For now, the best answer is simple: watch, wait and let the eagles decide.
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Could M15’s Second Nest Become Their New Home?
Bald eagles sometimes maintain more than one nest inside their territory. A pair may work on an alternate nest without ever using it to lay eggs or raise eaglets. That makes the possibility of a second nest especially interesting, but it does not necessarily mean M15 is leaving the familiar nest behind.
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There is even history of this behavior at the SWFL Bald eagle nest. Harriet(previous female) and M15 once worked on another nest in the west pasture, but they ultimately continued using their established nesting area. M15 also continues returning to the current nest tree. His visits show that this location remains important to him even as the new season begins.
The biggest unknown may be the female.
When F23(another previous female) first arrived in M15’s territory, she did not immediately seem interested in the nest tree. M15 continued spending time there, and eventually the pair made it their nesting home. Something similar could happen again. Or the new female and M15 could decide that another tree fits them better.
A Familiar Nest Filled With History
For people who have followed the SWFL Eagles for years, the thought of M15 nesting somewhere else brings mixed emotions. The current tree holds an enormous amount of history. Generations of eaglets have grown up there, storms have battered it, and the nest has been rebuilt more than once.
M15 has also experienced tremendous change in this territory. That history makes every visit to the old nest tree meaningful. At the same time, a successful eagle season is ultimately about what works best for the eagles, not which tree is easiest for people to watch. If M15 and the female choose another location, it would mark the beginning of a very different chapter.
Turkey Vultures and an Osprey Stop By
M15 was not the only large bird around the nest area on October 1. Several Turkey Vultures flew over the territory, and a couple briefly landed in the top of the nest tree.
An osprey was also spotted perched in a nearby pine while the cam operator searched the area for the eagles. The visitors added plenty of activity to the pasture, but M15’s movements remain the main story as the breeding season gets underway.
The Eagles Will Make the Choice
There is still a long way to go before we know where M15 and the female might settle. M15 appears to remain interested in the familiar nest and continues returning to the tree. At the same time, activity elsewhere leaves open the possibility that another nest could be taking shape. And that may be the most exciting part of the story right now.
Nothing has been decided in front of us yet.
M15 could continue encouraging the female to spend more time at his longtime nest. They could maintain two nest sites. They could also surprise everyone and choose a completely different location. What matters most is seeing M15 healthy, active and moving into another breeding season with the possibility of a new partner and another family.
After everything this experienced eagle dad has done over the years, there is plenty of hope surrounding whatever comes next.
For now, we keep watching.
The video was uploaded and shared by Lady Hawk on YouTube. The live streaming experience is provided by Dick Pritchett Real Estate.
FAQ
Is M15 definitely building a new nest?
No. Activity suggests M15 and the female may be exploring or working around another nest location, but there is not enough evidence yet to say they have chosen it for the season.
Do bald eagles ever have more than one nest?
Yes. Bald eagle pairs can maintain alternate nests within the same territory and may work on a second nest without ultimately using it for eggs or eaglets.
Has M15 stopped using the old SWFL Eagles nest?
No. M15 continues to visit the familiar nest tree and was perched there again on October 1.
Could M15 and the new female return to the familiar nest?
Absolutely. The season is still developing, and their final nesting choice is not known.
Have the SWFL Eagles built an alternate nest before?
Yes. Harriet and M15 previously worked on another nest in the west pasture but did not ultimately use it as their main nesting site.
