“Chick” it out – our new eagle cam is live!

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Mullinax Ford of Vero Beach is thrilled to announce that our live-stream eagle camera is now operational!

We at the dealership have been fascinated by our eagle neighbor for years now. Our new cam gives us the opportunity to share a closer look at an American bald eagle family with an audience of our similarly enthused humans.

Think of eagle-watching as a kind of reality TV. The activity has become incredibly popular, and our cam joins a growing number of eyes-on-the-eagles opportunities around the nation.

The nest is cradled in the fork of a 50-foot-tall slash pine tree at the dealership on U.S. 1 in Vero Beach. Positioned on top of the dealership 150 feet away, the camera offers a straight-on view of the nest and surrounding branches. Viewers can see the adult eagles flying around the area as well as caring for the chicks.

Here are some other things to know about our new cam and eagles in Florida:

• How to watch the Mullinax Ford of Vero Beach eagle cam.

Easy! Our livestream is on YouTube!

• When is the best time of year to watch?

In Florida, eagles typically arrive at their nests in late September or early October, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Egg-laying could begin as early as October, but December to early January is more common. Incubation lasts about 35 days. Chicks are usually ready to fledge (fly away from the nest) at about 11 weeks of age, but generally remain in the area for another four to 11 weeks.

The adults leave for the summer and return in the fall for the next mating season

• Who’s in the nest?

The Vero Beach nest currently contains a mated pair of bald eagles and two recently hatched chicks.

• Is the cam live 24/7 year-round?

During mating and nesting season, the cam is live day and night, so you can catch all the action at a time that’s convenient for you. The cam also features infrared capabilities for night viewing.

After the chicks fledge, the mated pair leaves the nest. The cam is turned off until the adults return for the next mating season.

• Does the cam have sound or just video?

We have sound! There’s nothing like hearing the calls of these majestic birds. And trust us, the chirps of the chicks are adorable!

• What is the area around the nest like?

Mullinax Ford of Vero Beach is located on U.S. 1 in a busy commercial area. There’s a small, densely wooded area just north of the dealership and additional greenspace along the Indian River to the east.

• Can I come see the eagles in person?

You’re welcome to visit, but because the nest is high in a pine tree, you might not be able to see much. You’d have to keep your distance anyway because eagles are a protected species. As the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey explains, both federal and state law make it illegal to “take, feed, disturb, possess, sell, purchase or barter, or attempt to engage in any such conduct, any bald eagle or parts thereof, or their nests or eggs.”

If you do come by, bring binoculars. (And, of course, feel free to browse the showroom and the sales lot while you’re here.)

• Are there a lot of eagles in Florida?

Yes! According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Sunshine State has an estimated 1,500 nesting pairs of bald eagles, one of the densest concentrations in the lower 48 states.