Hilton Head Island, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Gracie and George, a pair of bald eagles, have returned to their nesting site on Hilton Head Island for their 14th season. Nesting activities have commenced with repairs and preparations in anticipation of the breeding season. With the first sighting on August 17, the eagles traditionally mate in the fall and expect to lay eggs in December. The couple’s nesting is being observed through a live camera by the Hilton Head Land Trust, showcasing the positive impact of conservation efforts on the local eagle population.
Hilton Head Island
A pair of bald eagles named Gracie and George have returned to their annual nesting site on Hilton Head Island. They were first spotted in their nest this season on August 17, 2025, marking the beginning of what will be their 14th nesting season at this location.
Over the past month, the eagles have been building and restoring their nest, a process they traditionally undertake to prepare for the breeding season. Gracie and George are expected to mate in October and November. Their nest is monitored by a live camera set up by the Hilton Head Land Trust, although the exact location of the nest is kept confidential to protect it from human disturbance.
Gracie typically lays up to three eggs in December, with gestation lasting between 35 to 36 days. By April or May, the chick eaglets will attempt to fly and fish independently. However, it is estimated that approximately 50% of eaglets are expected to survive due to external challenges such as food access and flying hazards.
Gracie is identifiable by a distinctive hairline fracture on her beak, while George is harder to distinguish. Last nesting season, Gracie and George raised two eaglets known as E1 and E2. The couple spent months preparing their fledglings for independence last summer.
The current nesting behaviors observed are part of a larger trend of returning eagles, as years of conservation efforts have led to the revival of the bald eagle population in the region. Gracie and George have taken steps to give their nest a “nest-oration” this season, as grass and seedlings had taken root during their absence. George was reported to have arrived in late August to initiate nest repairs by removing grass and bringing in sticks.
This will be the second season Gracie and George’s nest is observed through the Hilton Head Land Trust’s Eagle Cam, which actively monitors the nest and preserves the habitat for future generations of eagles.
Key Factors Surrounding Gracie and George’s Nesting
- Nesting Site: Hilton Head Island
- First Spotting: August 17, 2025
- Number of Seasons: 14
- Egg Laying: Up to 3 eggs in December
- Gestation Period: 35 to 36 days
- Eaglet Survival Rate: Approximately 50%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years have Gracie and George returned to their nesting site?
Gracie and George have maintained this nesting spot for 14 years.
When were Gracie and George first spotted this season?
They were first spotted in their nest this season on August 17, 2025.
How many eggs does Gracie typically lay?
Gracie typically lays up to three eggs in December.
What is the gestation period for eagle eggs?
The gestation lasts 35 to 36 days.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Nesting Site | Hilton Head Island |
| First Spotting of Season | August 17, 2025 |
| Number of Nesting Seasons | 14 |
| Typical Egg Laying | Up to 3 eggs in December |
| Gestation Period | 35 to 36 days |
| Eaglet Survival Rate | Approximately 50% |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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2025 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins on Folly Beach
Hurricane Helene: A Catastrophic Blow to the Southeastern U.S.
Thriving Eaglets on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Welcomes New Eaglet to Its Famous Family
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Bald Eagles on Hilton Head Island
- WJCL: Watch Live: Hilton Head Island Bald Eagles
- WSAV: Hilton Head Bald Eagle with First Eggs of the Season
- Post and Courier: Hilton Head Bald Eagle Livestream Nest Cam
- Savannah Now: Hilton Head Island Bald Eagle Cam
- Wikipedia: Bald Eagle
- Google Search: Bald Eagles Hilton Head
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bald Eagle
- Google News: Bald Eagles Hilton Head
- Google Scholar: Bald Eagle Conservation
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
