Bald Eagle Nest in South Lebanon — Live Webcam Online
Bald Eagle Nest in the Little Miami Valley
In the heart of southwestern Ohio, among dense deciduous forests and the winding banks of the Little Miami River, lies one of the most remarkable wildlife viewing spots — a bald eagle nest. This live webcam offers viewers a unique opportunity to peer into the lives of these majestic birds, which once stood on the brink of extinction and now once again grace the skies over America. The camera is mounted directly on the nest, allowing viewers to see every moment in the eagle family's life: from egg incubation to the first flights of the chicks.
The bald eagle is not just a large bird of prey — it is the true symbol of the United States, depicted on the nation's coat of arms. However, by the mid-20th century, the population of these birds in Ohio had been virtually wiped out. The pesticide DDT, which entered the eagles' bodies through fish, made their eggshells so thin that they would crack under the weight of the incubating parents. The ban on DDT in 1972 and years of population recovery efforts have resulted in numerous nests across the state today, and one of them is right before you on your screen.
Little Miami River: Ohio's Wild and Scenic Waterway
The Little Miami Bald Eagle Nest is located along the banks of a river that is itself a natural treasure of the state. The Little Miami River flows 111 miles (179 km) through five counties in southwestern Ohio and is one of 156 waterways designated by the U.S. Congress as a National Wild and Scenic River. This designation is awarded to rivers with outstanding natural, recreational, and cultural values, and the Little Miami fully deserves this status.
The river originates in the northwestern part of Clark County, near Springfield, and flows south, emptying into the Ohio River east of Cincinnati. Along its banks stretch deep gorges, steep wooded slopes, and scenic floodplain meadows. The river basin is home to 94 of the more than 170 species of ray-finned fish found in Ohio, making it ideal hunting territory for bald eagles. It is the abundance of fish and the untouched deciduous forests that attracted the pair of eagles that chose this spot for nesting.
The Little Miami is not only home to eagles but also a popular destination for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The Little Miami Scenic Trail — a bike and pedestrian path stretching over 50 miles — follows the riverbed along a former railroad, offering tourists stunning views of waterfalls, rock outcrops, and wildlife. But it is in a quiet corner near South Lebanon, away from tourist routes, that the eagles have built their nest atop a tall tree.
South Lebanon: A Historic Town in Warren County
The town of South Lebanon, near which the eagle nest is located, is a small but historically significant settlement in the central part of Warren County. Founded in 1795 as part of the Symmes Purchase, South Lebanon is the oldest town in the county. According to the 2020 census, the population is 6,384, and the town is part of the Cincinnati metropolitan area.
Originally the settlement was called Deerfield, but it was later renamed South Lebanon — in honor of the Lebanese cedars that grew in the area and reminded New England settlers of their homeland. Today, the town retains its provincial charm with suburban elements: there are parks, schools, and an atmosphere conducive to leisurely nature observation. It is this tranquility and proximity to the river that make South Lebanon an ideal place for both people and bald eagles to live.
Warren County, where South Lebanon is located, is one of the fastest-growing counties in Ohio, yet it preserves significant tracts of natural forests and waterways. The balance between development and conservation has allowed bald eagles to return to these areas and remain here for the long term.
Bald Eagle: America's Symbol and Its Return to Ohio
The story of the bald eagle in Ohio is a story of ecological triumph. In 1979, only 4 nesting pairs were recorded in the state, and the eagle was on the verge of complete extinction. Bald eagles in the Little Miami River basin have journeyed from critical population decline to recovery following the DDT ban and conservation programs. As of 2025, Ohio is home to at least 19 bald eagle nests under active monitoring, and their numbers continue to grow.
Bald eagles are monogamous birds that mate for life. They are known for their enormous nests, which can reach impressive sizes. A bald eagle nest can weigh up to 2 tons and be used by the pair for many years, with the birds adding new branches, grass, and moss each season. Egg incubation lasts 35 days, and the chicks hatch helpless and completely dependent on their parents.
A typical brood consists of 1 to 3 chicks, rarely 4. Eagles are devoted parents: the female and male take turns incubating the eggs, and after the chicks hatch, both hunt for food. Their diet consists mainly of fish, waterfowl, and carrion. The Little Miami River, with its rich fish population, provides the eagle family with everything they need.
Life of the Eagle Family: From Nest to First Flight
Observing a bald eagle nest in real time is a captivating process that spans months. The nesting season begins in late winter, usually in February, when the pair begins repairing and building up the nest. During this period, you can see the eagles bringing new branches, lining the nest with soft grass and moss, and preparing a place for their future offspring.
After the eggs are laid, the incubation period begins, lasting about 35 days. During this time, one parent is constantly in the nest, warming the eggs, while the other hunts for food. The chicks hatch in March or April, and that is when the most touching stage begins: the parents feed them pieces of fish, and the chicks grow quickly, covered in gray down.
By 10–12 weeks, the chicks begin to fledge and test their wings. The first flight from the nest is a decisive moment that can be observed on this live webcam. Young eagles stay near their parents for a long time, learning to hunt and survive before starting their own independent lives. Unfortunately, juvenile survival rates are low — many chicks do not survive to their first year due to disease, starvation, or collisions with power lines.
Bald eagles reach sexual maturity at 4–5 years of age, and then they return to the area where they grew up to establish their own pair. The nest in the Little Miami has been used for several years in a row, which indicates that the location is ideal for the eagle family: proximity to the river, abundant prey, and minimal disturbance from humans.
What You Can See on the Camera
This live webcam is mounted directly on the bald eagle nest and broadcasts in real time. In the foreground of the frame, you can see the sturdy branches of the tree where the nest is built, as well as the nest itself — a massive structure of dry branches lined with grass and moss. This is where the eagles raise their young, and viewers can observe every stage of this process.
In the background stretches a dense deciduous forest typical of the Little Miami River valley. The trees are covered with green foliage in the warm season and bare in winter, revealing views of the winding riverbed. On the right side of the frame, tree leaves sway in the wind, creating a sense of being in the forest.
The camera allows you to see not only the eagles themselves but also other forest inhabitants: squirrels, woodpeckers, crows, and other birds that appear in the frame. Sometimes deer or other animals coming to drink at the river can be spotted in the woods. This live webcam is a window into the world of Ohio's wild nature, where life goes on at its own pace, independent of humans.
Observing a bald eagle nest is not only entertainment but also a contribution to science. Many viewers report their observations to conservation organizations, helping scientists track the population's status. Every time you watch this stream, you become part of a large community of people who care about the future of bald eagles and Ohio's natural heritage.
