Dollywood Eagles Live Webcam - Aviary 2

Partners

American Eagle Foundation

The American Eagle Foundation (AEF) is a non-profit charitable organization established as a citizen’s effort in 1985, and receives no government funding. Its’ mission is to care for and protect the USA’s living symbol of freedom, the Bald Eagle, and other birds of prey through the four pillars of Education, Re-population, Conservation and Rehabilitation. The Foundation’s headquarters are located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in partnership with the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN.

The educational impact of our high-definition nest cams has been phenomenal, providing unprecedented insight into the Bald Eagle nesting process. The AEF operates 3 additional nest cam locations in the eastern part of the United States; DC Eagle Cam, Smoky Mountain Eagle Cam, and Dollywood Eagle Cams. The AEF cam program also focuses on education, conservation, habitat protection, and the dangers that eagles still face in the wild.

The AEF, in cooperation with the USFWS and HDOnTap, provides 24/7 LIVE streaming video of wild eagle activities. Public education and video cam operation relative to the Northeast Florida Nest are provided by the AEF in cooperation with numerous dedicated staff members and volunteers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Dollywood Aviary 2 live cam show?

This stream features rescued bald eagles living at the American Eagle Foundation’s aviary inside Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Who are the eagles seen on this camera?

They’re permanently non-releasable bald eagles, many of whom were rescued after injury or illness and now serve as ambassadors for their species.

What organization cares for these eagles?

The American Eagle Foundation (AEF) oversees the aviaries, focusing on Education, Re-population, Conservation, and Rehabilitation for birds of prey.

Where is the aviary located?

It’s part of the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood, the largest exhibit of non-releasable bald eagles in the United States.

Why do these eagles live in human care?

They’ve been deemed non-releasable by wildlife authorities, often due to wing or vision injuries that make wild survival impossible.

What does AEF’s Education mission involve?

AEF teaches the public about eagle biology, conservation, and responsible coexistence through live programs, school visits, and online streams.

What is the Re-population pillar about?

It supports captive breeding of healthy eagles whose young are later released to boost wild populations.

How does AEF contribute to eagle Conservation?

The foundation partners with agencies and researchers to monitor eagle populations, promote habitat protection, and advocate for wildlife-safe practices.

What does Rehabilitation mean at AEF?

It’s the rescue, medical care, and recovery of injured or orphaned birds, with the goal of returning as many as possible to the wild.

What do the Dollywood eagles eat?

They’re fed a diet similar to their wild menu—mainly fish, small mammals, and poultry—prepared daily by trained caretakers.

How big are bald eagles?

Adults typically weigh 8–14 pounds and can reach wingspans of up to 7.5 feet.

How do bald eagles communicate?

They use high-pitched chirps and whistles to signal mates or express alarm, not the deep screams often heard in films.

Do the eagles at Aviary 2 form pairs?

Some do bond socially, displaying courtship-like behavior such as perching together or gently calling.

How can viewers tell male and female bald eagles apart?

Females are generally about one-third larger than males, though plumage color is the same for both sexes.

Why do some eagles have brown feathers instead of white heads?

Juveniles keep mottled brown plumage until about age five, when the signature white head and tail emerge.

Do these eagles still build nests?

Even in managed care, many display natural instincts by arranging sticks or perching in nesting corners of the aviary.

How long can bald eagles live in captivity?

With attentive care, balanced diets, and no predators, many live 30 years or longer.

What was the bald eagle’s conservation story?

Once endangered due to hunting and DDT, the species rebounded after legal protections and habitat recovery programs.

Are bald eagles still protected by law?

Yes, under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, both safeguarding them nationwide.

How does weather affect the eagles’ behavior?

They’re most active on cooler mornings or breezy days, often spreading wings to dry after rain or basking in the sun.

What do the caretakers do each day?

They clean enclosures, monitor eagle health, provide enrichment, and prepare nutritious meals tailored to each bird’s needs.

When is the best time to watch the live stream?

Mornings and late afternoons are most lively, especially during feeding or enrichment sessions.

Can visitors see these eagles in person?

Yes, guests at Dollywood can visit Eagle Mountain Sanctuary to observe AEF’s resident eagles up close.

How can people help protect eagles?

Avoid lead ammunition and rodenticides, protect nesting trees, and support trusted organizations like the American Eagle Foundation.

Why is it meaningful to see eagles thriving at Dollywood?

It reflects decades of conservation progress—once nearly lost, bald eagles now symbolize both national pride and environmental recovery.