AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) – Plans to remove a tree housing a massive nest built by two American Bald Eagles, recently named “Jim and Pam,” have devastated Auburn residents who have observed the pair and their young since 2017 in the area of North College Street near The Auburn University E.W. Shell Fisheries Center.
“We received a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on October 30 to remove the tree and nest,” said Tyler Findley, a representative from Hughston Homes. “We have until the end of November to proceed with minimal disturbance. They’re majestic creatures, and we tried to adjust the site plan, but unfortunately, the nest has to be removed.”
Hughston Homes, the developer, is clearing the land immediately for a 46-home subdivision on the 75-acre site they purchased in March 2024 for $760,000. Findley did not confirm the date the tree and nest will be cut down.
Jason Haynie, a resident and member of the Tivoli HOA, said the eagles are still living in the nest. He’s heard them chittering and whistling all this week. He shared photographs he’s taken of the pair, becoming emotional at the thought of losing. When WRBL asked Haynie what the eagles should be named, he suggested “Jim and Pam” after The Office.
“They’ve been here since at least 2017 when we moved in. They have a 15-by-15-foot nest that they continue adding to. They fly across North College Street to Auburn University’s fisheries to hunt. They’re smart and beautiful, and they deserve to be protected,” said Haynie.
The Auburn University E.W. Shell Fisheries Center’s mentions the eagles on its official website, “The Center provides a habitat for wildlife, including Bald Eagles, wading birds, reptiles and amphibians.”
Bald eagle pairs, like Auburn’s Jim and Pam, are known for their lifelong bonds and often return to the same nest every season. The nests, which they expand each year, are essential to their survival and are typically built in tall trees near water. A single nest can weigh hundreds of pounds and serve as the family’s territorial anchor.
Haynie says the wetlands are home to not only the eagles and their young but herons and other wildlife.
WRBL was unable to view the nest, you can’t see it from a public road. A representative for Hughston Homes was unable to meet to take us into their property. WRBL is reaching out U.S. Fish and Wildlife on the decision to issue the permit to destroy the nest.
“We don’t want people to be upset—we want to be good neighbors. We care about wildlife and nature. We didn’t know about the nest when we purchased the property, or we wouldn’t have bought the land,” Findley added.
Haynie and other concerned neighbors say they’ll continue sharing the eagles’ story and contacting local, state, and national representatives and organizations in hopes of saving the nest. Residents hope a compromise can allow development while preserving the eagles’ nest and protecting the remaining wetland habitat.
However, they worry it may be too late for Jim and Pam. WRBL will continue to monitor the situation.
Once critically endangered, the bald eagle population declined sharply due to hunting, habitat loss, and pesticides like DDT. Listed as endangered in 1967, bald eagles have since made a comeback due to conservation efforts. Though they were removed from the endangered species list in 2007, they remain federally protected.
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