Bald Eagles at Manasquan Reservoir

We told you a pair of bald eagles has been spotted nesting at Natco Lake, but eagles have also been seen for years at Manasquan Reservoir, as well.

The Manasquan Reservoir is the ideal spot for eagles, because it provides a winning combination of a year-round supply of food and plenty of large trees, perfect for perching near open water and building a nest, writes the Monmouth County Park System blog.

In fact, 22 baby eagles have been born at the reservoir since 2002. Sadly, this year, on March 4 the eagles abandoned their eggs after 28 days of incubation.

It could be because a great horned owl was nearby, an egg predator, or humans or another bald eagle got too close to the nest. Monmouth County Park experts suspect another adult eagle.

The female eagle can still be seen flying along the shores of the reservoir. The male has not yet been spotted this month. You can see the eagles if you are in the area, but are warned to never approach the nest; eagles will abandon the nest if they sense humans are too close. Bald eagles are usually found in male-female pairs, and you will recognize the female because she is larger. Learn more about touring the Manasquan Reservoir here.