Exciting Nesting News for the Eagles in Johnson City!
Johnson City, Tenn. — In a heartwarming turn of events, the beloved bald eagles, Boone and Jolene, are back in action after losing their home due to the fierce storms caused by Hurricane Helene. Their nest, which was perched high up in a tree, came crashing down on September 27, leaving many wildlife enthusiasts worried about the feathered couple.
A New Beginning
But hold onto your binoculars! It seems that Boone and Jolene are making a determined comeback. Recent sightings of the pair have shown them gathering nesting materials and appearing to build a new home in a nearby tree. Elizabeth Wright, an eagle cam moderator and camera operator, has been following their journey closely and shared that despite the loss of their original nest, the eagles seem to be adapting remarkably well.
According to Wright, after the nest tree fell, residents in the area reported seeing the eagles swooping around their fallen home. “It was a sign they were still around,” Wright noted. To help the pair, dedicated volunteers joined forces to build a new nesting platform in a nearby tree, hoping to lure the eagles back to a camera-equipped spot where fans can enjoy their majestic presence.
The Volunteers’ Efforts
Ryan Rice, one of the volunteers involved in reconstructing the platform, shared insights into the challenges of eagle nesting. “Nests tend to fall, especially when they get heavier over time,” he explained. Over the years, eagles add more and more materials to their nests, and eventually, the weight can become too much for the tree branches to handle.
The team of volunteers worked diligently to clear the debris and install a sturdy new platform. While the eagles haven’t settled into this new place just yet, they have been spotted visiting a perch in a tree nearby, exchanging materials and appearing quite busy. Wright optimistically speculates that the pair may be preparing to establish a fresh nest, which would be an exciting development for all their fans.
What’s Next for Boone and Jolene?
Although it’s uncertain when a new camera capturing their activities can be installed at the new nesting location, there’s a silver lining. Because this time of year typically marks the start of the eagle nesting season, it appears that Boone and Jolene are well-timed after all. Regulations prevent any maintenance work on nesting sites during their active nesting periods, but it seems the timing of their situation was a stroke of luck.
With the camera access, viewers will still be able to catch glimpses of the enchanting eagles as they adjust to their new routine. You can follow their story on the Johnson City ETSU Eagle Cam, which is available for free viewing on platforms like YouTube.
Community Support
The situation has garnered wide community support, with many locals eager to help Boone and Jolene. While losing their home was profoundly unfortunate, the collective effort of volunteers like Rice showcases the strong bond between the community and its feathered friends.
As we look forward to the next steps in Boone and Jolene’s adventure, we can’t help but feel excited about the possibility of new chicks gracing the skies of Johnson City soon. So keep your eyes peeled and your cameras ready—the eagle drama is just beginning!
