Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, August 30, 2025
News Summary
George and Gracie, the beloved bald eagles of Hilton Head Island, have returned for their 14th nesting season. The pair, known for their previous successful raising of two eaglets, have begun preparing their nest for the upcoming season. Using live webcam technology, wildlife enthusiasts can observe their nesting activities, including the collection of food and care for their eaglets expected to hatch soon. With anticipation building, this season promises another opportunity to witness their remarkable life cycle.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – George and Gracie, a well-known mated pair of bald eagles, have returned to their nesting site on Hilton Head Island for their 14th nesting season after spending the summer away from their home. The couple captured the attention of wildlife enthusiasts last winter when they successfully raised two eaglets, E1 and E2, which could be viewed live via the Hilton Head Island Land Trust’s eagle webcam.
Upon their return, George demonstrated his commitment to the nest by beginning the restoration process. He removed unwanted grass and small seedlings that had taken root, while Gracie contributed by bringing sticks to reinforce the edges of the nest. It is a common practice for mated pairs of bald eagles to return to the same nest each year, making necessary repairs in preparation for laying eggs.
Last winter, Gracie laid her eggs in January. However, there is speculation that this season may see the arrival of eggs and eaglets earlier than last year. This upcoming season marks not only the 14th nesting occasion for George and Gracie but also marks their second year of being broadcasted live through the eagle webcam, which offers an unobtrusive view into their nesting activities.
During the previous nesting season, the eagle webcam provided viewers with an unprecedented experience: the first successful visual capture of eaglet fledging from their nest. Following this year’s laying of the first egg on January 3 and a second egg four days later, anticipation grows for the arrival of the eaglets. Bald eagles typically have a clutch of one to four eggs, and after laying, it takes around 35 days for the eggs to incubate before hatching.
As they prepare for the eaglets’ impending arrival, George and Gracie began gathering food in the nest. This will be vital as the eaglets will rely on their parents for nourishment. In the weeks following hatching, the adult eagles will need to tear apart the food for their young ones, who will remain in the nest for about 10 weeks before they are ready to fledge.
After hatching, eaglets typically fledge between 10 to 14 weeks. However, they tend to stay near their parents for an additional two to ten weeks to develop their hunting skills, which are crucial for their survival in the wild. George returned to the nesting area in late August, demonstrating the dedication of these majestic birds to prepare for a new chapter in their annual life cycle.
George and Gracie’s nesting area is equipped with innovative technology, featuring an Eagle Cam that includes infrared lighting. This allows for nighttime viewing of the nest without disturbing the birds, offering a unique opportunity for viewers to observe their behaviors and nesting activities in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did George and Gracie return to Hilton Head Island?
George and Gracie returned in late August for their 14th nesting season.
2. How many eaglets did they raise last winter?
They raised two eaglets, known as E1 and E2, which attracted significant attention through the eagle webcam.
3. How many eggs do bald eagles typically lay?
Bald eagles usually lay a clutch consisting of one to four eggs.
4. How long does it take for eagle eggs to hatch?
It typically takes around 35 days for the eggs to incubate before they hatch.
5. When are the eaglets expected to fledge?
Eaglets generally fledged between 10 to 14 weeks after hatching and may stay near their parents for an additional two to ten weeks.
Key Features of George and Gracie’s Annual Cycle
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Nesting Season | 14th season for George and Gracie |
| Egg Laying Period | First egg laid on January 3, second on January 7 |
| Incubation Period | Approx. 35 days |
| Eaglet Development | 10 weeks in nest, followed by 2-10 weeks near parents |
| Nest Viewing | Available through Eagle Cam with infrared lighting |
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Additional Resources
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.
