Bald Eagle Nest in Port Tobacco — Live Webcam Online
Webcam at the Bald Eagle Nest in Port Tobacco
Live streaming from Port Tobacco Village — the smallest incorporated town in Maryland. The camera is installed at Port Tobacco River Park and shows the nest of a pair of bald eagles known as Chandler and Hope. These birds have been living here since 2019, and over the years the nest has become home to several broods of eaglets.
History of the Nest and Its Inhabitants
The eagle pair settled in this nest several years ago and has since become a true landmark of Charles County. The birds were named after the historic Chandler's Hope estate, located nearby and overlooking the same Port Tobacco River.
In 2019, viewers witnessed the birth of an eaglet live for the first time. On March 10, 2019, the first eaglet of this pair hatched. Since then, every spring thousands of people watch as Chandler and Hope raise their offspring. In 2024, the pair raised three eaglets — PT6, PT7, and PT8.
Geolocation: Port Tobacco Village and the Port Tobacco River
The nest is located in a scenic park on the banks of the Port Tobacco River — a tributary of the Potomac. Port Tobacco Village itself is a tiny place with a population of just 13 people according to the 2010 census. Despite its modest size, it has a rich history: from 1727 to 1895, Port Tobacco was the county seat of Charles County.
Port Tobacco River Park is open to visitors. If you happen to be in the area, you can approach the nest at binocular distance and see the eagles in person. However, most people watch the birds via the webcam online — it's safer for both you and the birds.
Seasonality: When to Watch the Nest
Bald eagles are partial migrants. In Maryland, they can stay year-round if the water bodies don't freeze. Since the Port Tobacco River rarely freezes over completely, Chandler and Hope often spend the winter near the nest.
The active nesting season begins in early spring. Typically in February–March, the pair starts repairing the nest and laying eggs. Incubation lasts about 35 days, and the eaglets begin to fledge approximately 10–12 weeks after hatching. In summer, you can watch young eagles learn to fly and hunt for fish in the river.
Stream Features
The camera operates in real time and shows the nest in close-up. You see the same picture as the ornithologists monitoring this pair. However, it's important to note: the camera does not have infrared night vision. In darkness, the image is unavailable — this is normal for this location.
During the day, especially in the morning and evening hours, the chances of spotting the birds at the nest are highest. Eagles spend a lot of time hunting, so the nest may appear empty. But patience is rewarded: you'll see one of the parents bring fish, the eaglets beg for food, or the birds settle in for the night.
Significance for Species Conservation
The bald eagle is the national symbol of the United States, and just half a century ago this species was on the brink of extinction. Thanks to conservation programs and the ban on DDT, the population has recovered. Today, hundreds of pairs nest in Maryland alone, but Port Tobacco remains the only location in the state with a live online stream from a nest.
Watching the nest via webcam is not just entertainment — it's a contribution to science. Viewers from around the world report unusual bird behavior and note important moments in the brood's life. Everyone who watches the stream becomes part of a global community of wildlife enthusiasts.
What You Can See on the Camera
The stream shows a large cup-shaped bird nest woven from numerous dry branches and sticks. The structure is dense and sturdy, with neat interweaving of branches. Inside, you can see nesting material made of small twigs and plant fibers. On the right, the frame is framed by green tree foliage — the nest is located high in the canopy.
When the birds are present, you'll see them sitting in the nest, caring for the eaglets, or bringing prey. During incubation, the eagles hardly leave the nest. Later, as the eaglets grow, the parents spend more time searching for food but always return. Even when no one is in the frame, the nest itself is an impressive structure that the pair builds up and reinforces every year.
