There has been a WBSE nest in the Newington Nature Reserve woodland for many years with a succession of eagle pairs renovating the nest in the breeding season. Historic observations go back to at least 1991. The early records are incomplete, but eagles have been observed in the woodland or fishing along the Parramatta River for many years. Both juvenile and adult WBSE have been seen in the area, but there are no early records of successful breeding, this is not to say that this did not occur. The first recorded young in the nest was in 2003, when a juvenile was photographed on the nest. That bird fledged, and left the area. In 2004, a pair built a nest in a Grey Mangrove tree on the banks of the Parramatta River– which appears to be their favoured day-time roost spot. In fact, they built a second nest there, perhaps due to stability issues with the first one. The female was sitting on eggs, which were expected to hatch soon, when she died. The male was also found dead nearby. Tests were conducted and it was probable that both died from the same unknown cause.

In the years following, eagles were reported, but not nesting, until 2008, when the (2008-2015) female nested successfully. Nest renovation and egg laying was observed and photographed from a hide nearby. A chick was first recorded in mid-August 2008 and successfully fledged towards the end of October. It was found injured shortly after and taken into care, where it died. The original male from this breeding was seen looking like it was injured and disappeared whilst the chick was still in the nest. However, there are WBSE passing, waiting for the opportunity to claim a mate or a territory, and a young adult male took on the parenting role until the chick fledged. Just after the chick fledged, the current male moved in and took up residence with the female.

For a more detailed History of Sydney Olympic Park Sea-Eagles go to the History Page.

For a more details about the nest at Sydney Olympic Park go to the Nest Page.

Do you have a question about the nest or the Eagles at Sydney Olympic Park go to the Frequently Asked Questions Page.