Background of the NEFL Eagle Nest
The NEFL eagle nest is a well-documented site near the northeast coast of Florida, perched about 80 feet up in a slash pine tree. This nest, originally constructed around 2001 by a pair named Romeo and Juliet, has a storied history. Romeo and Juliet raised 28 eaglets over 16 seasons until their reign ended in 2018-2019 due to Juliet’s injury and Romeo’s disappearance after a chick was taken by a predator. Their son, Samson, born in 2013, returned in 2019 to claim the nest with a new female, Gabrielle, nicknamed “Gabby” for her vocal personality. After Samson vanished in November 2022, Gabby paired with a new male, Beau, who has since become her partner in maintaining this legacy nest.
Gabby is the matriarch of the NEFL nest, known for her striking presence and vocalizations. She arrived in 2018 as an unbanded eagle, meaning her exact origins are unknown, but she quickly established herself as a capable partner to Samson. Together, they fledged eaglets like NE24 (Legacy) in 2021 and NE26 (Jasper) and NE27 (Rocket) in 2022. After Samson’s disappearance on November 24, 2022, Gabby held the territory alone for months, fending off suitors until bonding with Beau in early 2023. She’s a skilled hunter and provider, often seen delivering fish, birds, and even unusual prey like a shark to the nest. Gabby returned for the 2024-2025 season on September 8, 2024, signaling her commitment to the site.
Beau, originally dubbed “V3” (Visitor #3) during his courtship phase, earned his name from the NEFL community in 2023 after proving his devotion to Gabby. He first appeared in late 2022, competing with other males for Gabby’s favor after Samson’s absence. By March 2023, he’d won her over through persistent nest-building and food offerings, despite challenges like Gabby briefly favoring another male, V1. Beau’s a robust eagle, slightly less vocal than Gabby but equally dedicated. He returned to the nest on August 8, 2024, ahead of the current season, and has been a steady partner in raising their latest eaglet.
Gabby and Beau’s current season began with their timely returns in August and September 2024. They laid two eggs: NE26 on December 17, 2024, and NE27 on December 20, 2024. The first egg hatched around January 23, 2025, producing eaglet NE31, while the second hatched around January 25, 2025, but that chick didn’t survive. NE31 (Bodie), now about seven weeks old as of March 12, 2025, is thriving. Recent observations (e.g., March 8, 2025) show Gabby delivering a shark to the nest, with NE31 attempting to self-feed—a sign of its growing independence. Beau has been actively involved, bringing prey and sharing incubation duties earlier in the season. Some watchers speculate NE31 might be female due to its size, though this isn’t confirmed.
Their Dynamic
Gabby and Beau exhibit a strong partnership. Gabby tends to be the more assertive of the pair, often taking the lead in nest defense and feeding, while Beau complements her with his steady presence and resourcefulness. Their teamwork was evident in the 2023-2024 season, when their eaglet NE30 (Stella) fledged successfully, and continues this year with NE31. Despite early struggles in their pairing—Beau faced competition and occasional tension with Gabby—they’ve solidified their bond, making them a fan favorite among NEFL cam viewers.
Why It Matters
The NEFL nest, under AEF stewardship, isn’t just a natural spectacle; it’s a window into bald eagle conservation and behavior. Gabby and Beau’s story reflects resilience—Gabby adapting to a new mate after Samson, and Beau stepping up as a worthy successor. Their success helps track eagle populations in Florida, where nesting peaks in winter, unlike the spring cycles of northern states.