Have you tuned in to the live local eagle cam?
The Hilton Head Island Land Trust’s mission is to preserve and protect critical natural habitats and significant historical parcels of land on Hilton Head Island for the enjoyment of future generations. Two lovebirds that are taking full advantage of this noble mission are George and Gracie, the longtime American Bald Eagle couple who have returned to the same nest on Hilton Head Island for then fourteenth year.
Not only was this power couple first sighted on August 17, 2025 for an early return to restore their nest, they have already laid two eggs—the first one on November 21 at 8:12 P.M. and the second on November 24 at 6:14 P.M. During the 2024-2025 nesting season, George and Gracie were not spotted until November and laid two eggs but not until early January.
But this year, George and Gracie already have eggs!
A recording of the time lapse video of Gracie laying this season’s first egg can be viewed at www.hhilandtrust.org/eagle-cam. In addition, you can log on to the Land Trust’s LIVE Eagle Cam 24/7 to see what the pair are doing. The Eagle Cam, intended to educate viewers by showing nature in an unguarded fashion, provides live streaming of George and Gracie.
More than 1.6 million viewers from all over the world have tuned into the HHILT Eagle Cam. Viewers get to see nature at its best, and possibly its worst, having a front row view to watch life being started and sustained, in a natural habitat untouched by humans. Last year we saw full fish brought into the nest for feeding. It is fascinating to watch the eagle family at work.
The Eagle Cam has an IR camera, which uses infrared lighting that is imperceptible to the eagles. If you were to visit the nest site at night, it would look completely dark. The cam does not interfere or intervene and allows nature to take its course.
These next few weeks will be exciting as we await the successful hatching of both eggs. If you’re lucky enough to tune in at the right time, you may catch the fledglings hatch. Nature is wondrous which is why people from all over the world log in day and night to see what George and Gracie in action.
To celebrate this wondrous act of nature, the Hilton Head Island Land Trust has partnered with Dick Broadcasting radio stations Bob 106.9 and Rewind 107.9 .Together, they will host the second annual contest to guess the dates and times of hatchings for both eggs. Tune into the stations to win! You can find details on the Land Trust Facebook page and website. hhilandtrust.org/eagle-hatch-contest
The Hilton Head Island Land Trust operates strictly on donations and is fortunate to have Eagle Cam sponsors and a grant from the Bargain Box to help with operational expenses. However, every donation helps. You can help, too, by becoming a Land Trust member. Your donation will help ensure the preservation of Hilton Head Island’s natural beauty, unique nature, and historical heritage. To join or donate, please log onto www.hhilandtrust.org.
Elizabeth Millen has treasured the Island since the late ‘70s when the old turn bridge was still in full use. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Hilton Head Island Land Trust, is the Founder and Publisher of Pink Magazine.
