George and Gracie's nest on Hilton Head Island showing their newly laid eggs.
Nature enthusiasts are thrilled as George and Gracie, the iconic bald eagle pair on Hilton Head Island, have laid two eggs this January. With the first egg laid on January 3, 2025, and the second on January 7, excitement builds as viewers look forward to the potential hatching of eaglets in about 35 days. This nesting season coincides with a significant celebration of the bald eagle’s national emblem status. Eagle Cam offers a unique, up-close view of the family’s journey and daily activities.
In the beautiful coastal town of Hilton Head Island, nature lovers and eagle enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement over the recent arrival of two precious eggs laid by a beloved pair of bald eagles, George and Gracie. This iconic couple has been nesting together for 13 seasons, and they’ve just added to their feathered family!
The adventure began on January 3, 2025, when Gracie laid her first egg, followed quickly by another on January 7, 2025. It’s a special time for the couple, and as is typical for bald eagles, they can lay a clutch ranging from one to four eggs. So, there’s still a chance we may see more little egg surprises in the coming days!
People are eager to know when the eaglets will make their grand entrance into the world. If everything goes smoothly, the tiny hatchlings are expected to emerge about 35 days after their eggs were laid. Isn’t that incredible? Watching these little creatures take their first breaths promises to be an awe-inspiring sight that many will flock to witness.
This egg-laying event coincided beautifully with President Joe Biden’s recent signing of a bill that not only recognizes the bald eagle as our national bird but also honors its status as a national emblem for nearly 250 years. So, this season for George and Gracie is not just special for them; it’s a time of celebration for the bald eagle as a symbol of American pride!
For eager spectators, the Hilton Head Island Land Trust set up an Eagle Cam livestream in November 2024, allowing people to peek into the lives of George and Gracie as they watch over their nest. The original Raptor Cam has been a favorite, attracting around 1.7 million visitors over the years! Last season, it was the star of the show when viewers watched two great horned owls as they learned to spread their wings and eventually fledged.
The cool thing about the Eagle Cam is that it is equipped with infrared lighting to capture night activities without bothering the eagles. So, even after the sun sets, viewers can delight in the nocturnal antics of George and Gracie as they cuddle up over their eggs. This setup gives everyone a front-row seat to witness the struggles and joys of parenthood in the wild.
Once those eggs hatch, it won’t be long before the eaglets start growing fast. Within just a few weeks, they may gain about half a pound each week! The excitement doesn’t stop there; as they get bigger, they’ll engage in a behavior called “bonking,” competing against each other for food in the nest. These lively moments are certainly bound to bring smiles and laughter to viewers.
As we settle in for this thrilling season, keep in mind that parents and eaglets will be a sight to behold throughout the next few months. In approximately 10 to 14 weeks after hatching, the eaglets are expected to start fledging, taking their first flights into the world! Getting to see these young eagles soar into the sky is a magical experience that many will eagerly anticipate.
So grab your snacks, settle in, and don’t miss a moment of the excitement from Hilton Head Island as we cheer on George and Gracie and their growing family!
Gracie the Eagle Welcomes New Eggs on Hilton Head Island
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