Climbers reach Hays eagle nest during camera work on November 11, 2026, in Pittsburgh’s Glen Hazel neighborhood. Instead of the familiar bald eagles, workers appeared high in the tree as work began on a second nest camera.
However, the eagles weren’t gone for long. Shortly after the camera feed returned that afternoon, Mom and HM2 arrived with fresh nesting material and got right back to work.
Watch Live <—- nest cam
Climbers Reach Hays Eagle Nest
The work followed several days of camera trouble. According to the Glen Hazel nest monitoring log, a camera feed had been down since November 4, and PixCams was aware of the problem. Then, on November 11, climbers appeared in the nest tree around 11:33 a.m. The work involved installing or replacing equipment for the second camera.
Receive updates like this one in your email inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter.🦅
Working high above the ground, the crew had to reach the camera equipment mounted near the eagles’ enormous stick nest. By 3:22 p.m., the nest feed was back online. Later that afternoon, the second camera captured an eagle perched in a nearby tree. But the most interesting activity happened shortly after the feed returned.
Mom and HM2 Return With Nesting Material
Just 15 minutes after the camera feed came back online, HM2 arrived carrying leaves and began rearranging a stick in the nest. Six minutes later, Mom joined him, bringing a stick of her own.
The pair briefly touched beaks and made a mating attempt. Afterward, Mom tested the nest bowl. HM2 returned again shortly after carrying another stick. The activity offered an encouraging look at the pair’s fall routine. Despite the camera work, both eagles returned and continued maintaining their nest.
A New Camera for a Nest With a Long History
The Glen Hazel nest has an important connection to Pittsburgh’s longtime Hays bald eagles. The original Hays nesting territory dates back to 2013, when bald eagles began nesting along the Monongahela River. However, their former nest deteriorated and collapsed during the summer of 2024. Mom and her current mate, HM2, subsequently relocated about a mile upriver to Glen Hazel, where they built another nest. In 2025, the pair successfully raised and fledged two eaglets.
Then, in January 2026, PixCams restored live coverage of the eagle family after more than a year without a nest camera. The project involved the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, U.S. Steel, Duquesne Light Company, and specialized tree-climbing assistance. Two pan-tilt-zoom cameras were originally installed in December 2025. The November 11 work represents additional attention to that camera system.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 Nesting Season
The upcoming breeding season will be especially meaningful for the Glen Hazel pair. In April 2026, Mom and HM2 welcomed two eaglets, GH3 and GH4. Unfortunately, both died in May after developing an illness. The cause was unknown at the time. Now, with November underway, the adults are once again delivering sticks and nesting material.
Their behavior is consistent with the nest maintenance bald eagles often perform before the next breeding season. Nevertheless, it is too early to know whether the pair will lay eggs in 2027. For now, the camera work offers another way to follow Mom and HM2 as they continue caring for their Glen Hazel territory.
The live nest camera experience is provided by PixCams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were climbers at the Hays eagle nest on November 11, 2026?
Climbers were working on the camera system at the Glen Hazel bald eagle nest in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The November 11 monitoring log identifies the work as a new camera installation, with climbers first observed in the tree around 11:33 a.m.
How soon did the Hays eagles return after the camera installation?
The nest camera feed returned at 3:22 p.m. on November 11, 2026. Just 15 minutes later, HM2 arrived carrying leaves. Mom followed at 3:43 p.m. with a stick, and both eagles continued working on their nest.
Why are the Hays eagles bringing sticks to the nest in November?
Bald eagles regularly repair and strengthen their nests before breeding season. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, nest renovation can begin as early as November or December. Both adults typically contribute sticks and other nesting materials.
Does the November nest-building activity mean the Hays eagles will lay eggs soon?
Not necessarily. Although nest-building is an encouraging sign of continued activity, it does not guarantee eggs. Bald eagles generally begin preparing their nests one to three months before egg-laying, and the timing varies between pairs.
Is the Glen Hazel eagle nest the same as the original Hays nest?
No. The original Hays nest collapsed during the summer of 2024. The eagles subsequently established a new nest in Pittsburgh’s Glen Hazel neighborhood, approximately one mile upriver and across the Monongahela River from their former nesting location.
Who are Mom and HM2 at the Glen Hazel eagle nest?
Mom is the longtime female from the original Hays eagle territory. HM2, short for Hays Male Number 2, became her mate after replacing the original male in the fall of 2023. The pair relocated to Glen Hazel and successfully raised two eaglets in 2025.
