Empty Nest
Nested Rings
A southern bald eagle occupies a nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 20, 2023. After a recent fire burned a tree that housed an eagles’ nest for several years, the birds returned to the area on Kennedy Parkway North and built a new nest in a tree about 60 yards away. Each year, eagles take up winter residence at the Florida spaceport, breeding and raising a new generation. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, and 15 federally listed species.
A southern bald eagle occupies a nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 20, 2023. After a recent fire burned a tree that housed an eagles’ nest for several years, the birds returned to the area on Kennedy Parkway North and built a new nest in a tree about 60 yards away. Each year, eagles take up winter residence at the Florida spaceport, breeding and raising a new generation. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, and 15 federally listed species.
Opportunity Empty Nest
Shown in this Jan. 20, 2023, photo is the remainder of a nest used by southern bald eagles for several years at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. After a recent fire burned the tree, the eagles returned to the area on Kennedy Parkway North and built a new nest in a tree about 60 yards away. Each year, eagles take up winter residence at the Florida spaceport, breeding and raising a new generation. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, and 15 federally listed species.
A southern bald eagle is perched in a tree at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 20, 2023. After a recent fire burned a tree that housed an eagles’ nest for several years, the birds returned to the area on Kennedy Parkway North and built a new nest in a tree about 60 yards away. Each year, eagles take up winter residence at the Florida spaceport, breeding and raising a new generation. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, and 15 federally listed species.
A southern bald eagle is perched in a tree at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 20, 2023. After a recent fire burned a tree that housed an eagles’ nest for several years, the birds returned to the area on Kennedy Parkway North and built a new nest in a tree about 60 yards away. Each year, eagles take up winter residence at the Florida spaceport, breeding and raising a new generation. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 1,500 species of plants and animals, and 15 federally listed species.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A mature eagle stands watch near its nest, out of sight, which holds a young eagle. The nest is in a pine tree on S.R. 3 that runs through NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. There are a dozen eagle nests within Kennedy and in the surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Bald eagles use a specific territory for nesting (they mate for life), winter feeding or a year-round residence. Its natural domain is from Alaska to Baja, California, and from Maine to Florida. The Merritt Island refuge also includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- - Three osprey fledglings are ready to test their wings from the nest at the NASA News Center parking lot. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons.
NASA Mars 2020 rover would have capabilities for nested-scale observations and localized composition identification down to microscopic scale.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A bald eagle appears to keep watch in its nest near the top of a pine tree near the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. There are a dozen eagle nests within Kennedy and in the surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Bald eagles use a specific territory for nesting (they mate for life), winter feeding or a year-round residence. Its natural domain is from Alaska to Baja, California, and from Maine to Florida. The Merritt Island Refuge also includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a young eagle shows itself in its nest in a pine tree on S.R. 3. There are a dozen eagle nests within Kennedy and in the surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Bald eagles use a specific territory for nesting (they mate for life), winter feeding or a year-round residence. Its natural domain is from Alaska to Baja, California, and from Maine to Florida. The Merritt Island refuge also includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On a road through NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an eagle's nest in a pine tree holds a young eagle while its parent watches on a nearby branch. There are a dozen eagle nests within Kennedy and in the surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Bald eagles use a specific territory for nesting (they mate for life), winter feeding or a year-round residence. Its natural domain is from Alaska to Baja, California, and from Maine to Florida. The Merritt Island refuge also includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings spreads its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings exercises its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings exercises its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons.
A baby American bald eagle looks out from its nest, along with one of its parents, from their temporary home located near Kennedy Parkway North at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 8, 2023. A mating pair of eagles recently built a new nest in this tree after a combination of storms badly damaged their original nest located less than 100 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975.
A pair of American bald eagles occupy a large nest on Kennedy Space Center property in Florida on Sept. 14, 2020. Eagles reuse the same nests each season for several years; once a nest is unusable, the majestic birds will select another tree. The nest shown has been used for approximately 30 years. Kennedy shares boundaries with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which covers approximately 144,000 acres and is home to more than 315 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammal species, and 65 amphibian and reptile species.
A pair of American bald eagles occupy a large nest on Kennedy Space Center property in Florida on Sept. 14, 2020. Eagles reuse the same nests each season for several years; once a nest is unusable, the majestic birds will select another tree. The nest shown has been used for approximately 30 years. Kennedy shares boundaries with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which covers approximately 144,000 acres and is home to more than 315 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammal species, and 65 amphibian and reptile species.
A baby American bald eagle pokes its head up from a nest located near Kennedy Parkway North at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 8, 2023. A mating pair of eagles recently built a new home in this tree after a combination of storms badly damaged their original nest located less than 100 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975.
A baby American bald eagle spends time with one of its parents in a nest located near Kennedy Parkway North at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 8, 2023. A mating pair of eagles recently built a new home in this tree after a combination of storms badly damaged their original nest located less than 100 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975.
From its perch high up in a pine tree at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, a bald eagle keeps a watchful eye on its large nest, called an aerie. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center shares boundaries with the refuge, which is home to more than 330 native and migratory bird species, along with 25 mammal, 117 fish, and 65 amphibian and reptile species.
A juvenile osprey peers over the edge of its nest, which its parents have built atop a sign at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The spaceport shares borders with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to more than 330 native and migratory bird species, along with 25 mammal, 117 fish, and 65 amphibian and reptile species.
About 50 participants led by NASA Kennedy Space Center's Employee Resource Groups picked up about 20 bags of trash and other large debris along the center's shoreline before turtle-nesting season as a community service. Sea turtle-nesting season begins in about one month. Unlike what might be found along a public beach, all of the debris that litters Kennedy’s restricted beaches washes ashore after being discarded at sea. Of the 72 miles of beach that form the eastern boundary of Brevard County, Florida, about six of those miles line Kennedy.
About 50 participants led by NASA Kennedy Space Center's Employee Resource Groups picked up about 20 bags of trash and other large debris along the center's shoreline before turtle-nesting season as a community service. Sea turtle-nesting season begins in about one month. Unlike what might be found along a public beach, all of the debris that litters Kennedy’s restricted beaches washes ashore after being discarded at sea. Of the 72 miles of beach that form the eastern boundary of Brevard County, Florida, about six of those miles line Kennedy.
About 50 participants led by NASA Kennedy Space Center's Employee Resource Groups picked up about 20 bags of trash and other large debris along the center's shoreline before turtle-nesting season as a community service. Sea turtle-nesting season begins in about one month. Unlike what might be found along a public beach, all of the debris that litters Kennedy’s restricted beaches washes ashore after being discarded at sea. Of the 72 miles of beach that form the eastern boundary of Brevard County, Florida, about six of those miles line Kennedy.
About 50 participants led by NASA Kennedy Space Center's Employee Resource Groups picked up about 20 bags of trash and other large debris along the center's shoreline before turtle-nesting season as a community service. Sea turtle-nesting season begins in about one month. Unlike what might be found along a public beach, all of the debris that litters Kennedy’s restricted beaches washes ashore after being discarded at sea. Of the 72 miles of beach that form the eastern boundary of Brevard County, Florida, about six of those miles line Kennedy.
About 50 participants led by NASA Kennedy Space Center's Employee Resource Groups picked up about 20 bags of trash and other large debris along the center's shoreline before turtle-nesting season as a community service. Sea turtle-nesting season begins in about one month. Unlike what might be found along a public beach, all of the debris that litters Kennedy’s restricted beaches washes ashore after being discarded at sea. Of the 72 miles of beach that form the eastern boundary of Brevard County, Florida, about six of those miles line Kennedy.
About 50 participants led by NASA Kennedy Space Center's Employee Resource Groups picked up about 20 bags of trash and other large debris along the center's shoreline before turtle-nesting season as a community service. Sea turtle-nesting season begins in about one month. Unlike what might be found along a public beach, all of the debris that litters Kennedy’s restricted beaches washes ashore after being discarded at sea. Of the 72 miles of beach that form the eastern boundary of Brevard County, Florida, about six of those miles line Kennedy.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A bald eagle perches in its nest in a tree along State Road 3 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge encompasses 140,000 acres that are a habitat for more than 330 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. It contains more than 1,000 known plant species. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, and a variety of insects.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A breeding osprey occupies a nest constructed on a speaker pole in the lower parking lot of the KSC Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo in the background is painted on an outer wall of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building nearby. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity in which to nest -- from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In North America, it is found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of breeding ospreys share a nest constructed on a speaker pole in the lower parking lot of the KSC Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo in the background is painted on an outer wall of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building nearby. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity in which to nest -- from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In North America, it is found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of breeding ospreys have taken up residence in a nest constructed on a speaker pole in the lower parking lot of the KSC Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo in the background is painted on an outer wall of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building nearby. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity in which to nest -- from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In North America, it is found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an Owl occupies a nest originally build by an Osprey atop a loudspeaker utility pole. Kennedy Space Center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge encompasses 140,000 acres that are a habitat for more than 331 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a variety of insects. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/alligators/kscovr.html Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an Owl occupies a nest originally build by an Osprey atop a loudspeaker utility pole. Kennedy Space Center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge encompasses 140,000 acres that are a habitat for more than 331 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a variety of insects. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/alligators/kscovr.html Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an Owl occupies a nest originally build by an Osprey atop a loudspeaker utility pole. Kennedy Space Center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge encompasses 140,000 acres that are a habitat for more than 331 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fishes, and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds, as well as a variety of insects. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/alligators/kscovr.html Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
A baby American bald eagle takes flight from a tree that contains its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 26, 2023. The nest is located off Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The eagle is from a mated pair that recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
A baby American bald eagle is perched high in a tree above its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 26, 2023. The nest is located off Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The eagle is from a mated pair that recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
A baby American bald eagle spreads its wings to fly above a tree that contains its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 26, 2023. The nest is located off Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The eagle is from a mated pair that recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
A baby American bald eagle spreads its wings to fly high above a tree that contains its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 26, 2023. The nest is located off Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The eagle is from a mated pair that recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
A baby American bald eagle spreads its wings to fly above a tree that contains its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 26, 2023. The nest is located off Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The eagle is from a mated pair that recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
A baby American bald eagle is perched high in a tree above its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 26, 2023. The nest is located off Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The eagle is from a mated pair that recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
An American bald eagle is perched high in a tree above its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 10, 2023. The nest is located off of Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The adult eagle is part of a mated pair that recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
An American bald eagle is perched high in a tree above its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 10, 2023. Below is its baby eagle, looking up from the nest located off of Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The adult eagle is part of a mated pair that recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
A baby American bald eagle spreads its wings to fly above a tree that contains its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 26, 2023. The nest is located off Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The eagle is from a mated pair that recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
A baby American bald eagle is perched high in a tree above its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 26, 2023. The nest is located off Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The eagle is from a mated pair that recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
With the Moon in the background, an American bald eagle perches on a pole near its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on April 10, 2023. The eagle is part of a mated pair that takes up residence at the Florida spaceport during nesting season. This year, the pair is raising a lone baby eagle in the nest, located off of Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Kennedy Parkway, which runs through KSC, a young bald eagle is spotted perched on the side of its nest. The nest is one of 12 active nests throughout the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with KSC. Young birds lack the typical white head, which they gain after several years. Nests are masses of sticks usually in the top of a tall tree. Their habitat is near lakes, rivers, marshes and seacoasts.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A young bald eagle perches on the side of the massive nest situated in a pine tree on State Road 3 that runs through Kennedy Space Center. The nest is one of 12 active nests throughout the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with KSC. Young birds lack the typical white head, which they gain after several years. Their habitat is near lakes, rivers, marshes and seacoasts. Nests are masses of sticks usually in the top of a tall tree.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Kennedy Parkway, which runs through KSC, a young bald eagle is spotted perched on the side of its nest. The nest is one of 12 active nests throughout the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with KSC. Young birds lack the typical white head, which they gain after several years. Nests are masses of sticks usually in the top of a tall tree. Their habitat is near lakes, rivers, marshes and seacoasts.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of two fledgling ospreys still in the nest stretches its wings to fly away. The stick-built nest is located in the NASA KSC News Center parking lot. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. Fish are their sole source of food.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two fledgling eagles bear the regal look of their parents as they rest in their nest at the north end of S.R. 3 near Kennedy Space Center. This year-old nest is one of a dozen eagle nests both in KSC and in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds KSC. The refuge includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of nesting ospreys now occupy a nest recently constructed on a speaker in the lower parking lot of the Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo seen in the background is on the nearby Vehicle Assembly Building. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States it is found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A pair of nesting ospreys now occupy a nest recently constructed on a speaker in the lower parking lot of the Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo seen in the background is on the nearby Vehicle Assembly Building. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States it is found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two fledgling eagles bear the regal look of their parents as they rest in their nest at the north end of S.R. 3 near Kennedy Space Center. This year-old nest is one of a dozen eagle nests both in KSC and in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds KSC. The refuge includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A male osprey returns to its nest with a piece of fish in its talons for its mate. The nest was recently constructed on a speaker in the lower parking lot of the Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo seen in the background is on the nearby Vehicle Assembly Building. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States it is found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
An American bald eagle is perched high in a tree above its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 10, 2023. Below is its baby eagle, looking up from the nest located off of Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The adult eagle is part of a mated pair that recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975.
This observation from NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows a set of landforms that appears to form a nested chevron pattern on a slope in Coloe Fossae. Interestingly, nearby surfaces on the same slope are all parallel.
NASA Mariner 10 photo reveals a heavily cratered terrain on Mercury with a prominent scrap extending several hundred kilometers across the upper left. A crater, nested in a larger crater, is at top center.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A pair of mating bald eagles are spotted in their pine-tree nest near S.R. 3 on Kennedy Space Center. The nest, decades old, measures about 12 feet deep. The nest is one of a dozen active nests throughout the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Center. Eagles' habitats are near lakes, rivers, marshes and seacoasts. Nests are masses of sticks, usually in the top of a tall tree. Even though they are fish eaters, bald eagles will take whatever prey is available and easiest to obtain. Bald eagles which live along the coast and on major lakes and rivers feed mainly on fish. Bald eagles fish in both fresh and salt water. Because of the energy expended during hunting, an eagle has to spend a lot of time resting quietly. It's estimated that only one out of eighteen attacks are successful. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the lid of the shipping container for the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS, is removed. The COS is part of the payload on space shuttle Atlantis for the Hubble servicing mission, targeted to launch in mid-May. Installing the COS during the mission will effectively restore spectroscopy to Hubble’s scientific arsenal, and at the same time provide the telescope with unique capabilities. COS is designed to study the large-scale structure of the universe and how galaxies, stars and planets formed and evolved. It will help determine how elements needed for life such as carbon and iron first formed and how their abundances have increased over the lifetime of the universe. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
KSC WILDLIFE - NEW EAGLE NEST - ARMADILLO
KSC WILDLIFE - NEW EAGLE NEST - ARMADILLO
KSC WILDLIFE - NEW EAGLE NEST - ARMADILLO
A baby American bald eagle calls out from a nest located near Kennedy Parkway North at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 10, 2023. The eaglet is the lone offspring of a mated pair of eagles that recently built the new home after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975.
A baby American bald eagle looks out from just above its nest, located in a tree at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 25, 2023. A mated pair of eagles recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away, and produced one eaglet. The previous nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975.
An American bald eagle feeds alongside some vultures at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on April 10, 2023. The eagle is part of a mated pair that takes up residence at the Florida spaceport during nesting season. The pair is raising a baby eagle in their nest located off of Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
A baby American bald eagle looks out from just above its nest, located in a tree at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 25, 2023. The eaglet is the lone offspring of a mated pair of eagles that recently built the new home after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975.
An American bald eagle is perched in a tree near its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on March 8, 2023. The eagle is part of a mating pair that takes up residence at the Florida spaceport during nesting season. Recently, a baby eagle was spotted in their nest, located off of Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. There are 39 eagle territories at Kennedy, 33 of which are active or potentially active.
A baby American bald eagle looks out from its nest, accompanied by one of its parents, in a tree located near Kennedy Parkway North at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 10, 2023. A mated pair of eagles recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975.
An American bald eagle, upper left, and its baby are perched in a tree near their nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida as a rainstorm approaches on April 25, 2023. The eaglet is the lone offspring of a mated pair of eagles that recently built the new home after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975.
An American bald eagle is perched high in a tree above its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 25, 2023. The adult eagle is part of a mated pair that recently built a new home in this tree after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975. This season, the pair produced one eaglet.
An American bald eagle swoops down to land on a pole at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on April 10, 2023. The eagle is part of a mated pair that takes up residence at the Florida spaceport during nesting season. This year, the pair is raising a lone baby eagle in the nest, located in a tree near Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. Kennedy currently is home to approximately 20 nesting pairs of bald eagles.
An American bald eagle, upper left, and its baby are perched in a tree near their nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 25, 2023. The eaglet is the lone offspring of a mated pair of eagles that recently built the new home after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975.
An American bald eagle is perched in a tree near its nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on March 8, 2023. The eagle is part of a mating pair that takes up residence at the Florida spaceport during nesting season. Recently, a baby eagle was spotted in their nest, located off of Kennedy Parkway, about two miles from the Vehicle Assembly Building. There are 39 eagle territories at Kennedy, 33 of which are active or potentially active.
An American bald eagle, upper left, and its baby are perched in a tree near their nest at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida as a rainstorm approaches on April 25, 2023. The eaglet is the lone offspring of a mated pair of eagles that recently built the new home after storms badly damaged their original nest located about 50 yards away. That nest was built in 1973 and had been used by eagles almost every year since 1975.
Nesting Killdeer and their chicks outside N-201 (near walkway)
Nesting Killdeer and their chicks outside N-201 (near walkway)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This fledgling eagle, at right, stares at his mother, at left, in their nest at the north end of S.R. 3 near Kennedy Space Center. The resident eagle parents are raising two offspring. This year-old nest is one of a dozen eagle nests both in KSC and in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds KSC. The refuge includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This mother eagle turns away from one of her offspring, at left, in their nest at the north end of S.R. 3 near Kennedy Space Center. The resident eagle parents are raising two offspring. This year-old nest is one of a dozen eagle nests both in KSC and in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds KSC. The refuge includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A bald eagle on the ground may be protecting its food or resting after a hunt for food. This one was spotted near S.R. 3 on Kennedy Space Center, close to its nest. The nest is one of a dozen active nests throughout the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Center. Eagles' habitats are near lakes, rivers, marshes and seacoasts. Nests are masses of sticks, usually in the top of a tall tree. Even though they are fish eaters, bald eagles will take whatever prey is available and easiest to obtain. Bald eagles which live along the coast and on major lakes and rivers feed mainly on fish. Bald eagles fish in both fresh and salt water. Because of the energy expended during hunting, an eagle has to spend a lot of time resting quietly. It's estimated that only one out of eighteen attacks are successful. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This mother eagle looks at one of her offspring, at left, in their nest at the north end of S.R. 3 near Kennedy Space Center. The resident eagle parents are raising two offspring. This year-old nest is one of a dozen eagle nests both in KSC and in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds KSC. The refuge includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- While the female osprey eats fish brought by her mate, the male guards the nest, recently constructed on a speaker in the lower parking lot of the Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo seen in the background is on the nearby Vehicle Assembly Building. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States it is found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- - Two young ospreys flex their wings for flight. Their nest is located in the NASA KSC News Center parking lot. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. Fish are their sole source of food.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A female osprey occupies a nest recently constructed on a speaker in the lower parking lot of the Press Site. Eggs have been sighted in the nest. The NASA logo seen in the background is on the nearby Vehicle Assembly Building. Known as a fish hawk, the osprey selects sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States it is found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A fledgling osprey soars above its nest, located in the NASA KSC News Center parking lot. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. Fish are their sole source of food.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two fledgling ospreys begin flight lessons with their parent nearby (right). Their nest is located in the NASA KSC News Center parking lot. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. Fish are their sole source of food.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Against the backdrop of the American flag, painted on the side of the Vehicle Assembly Building, an osprey checks its fledglings in the nest. The young bird seen is one of three hatched this season. The osprey nest sits atop a speaker in the parking lot of the NASA KSC News Center. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys select sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- High in a pine tree at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an adult bald eagle (right) and a fledgling keep watch from their nest. There are approximately a dozen active bald eagle nests both in KSC and in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds KSC. The refuge includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Against the background of the NASA logo on the Vehicle Assembly Building, the osprey nest in the nearby parking lot reveals two fledglings and one of the adult ospreys. Known as a fish hawk, they often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the fledgling ospreys from the nest in the NASA KSC News Center parking lot lands on a sign after testing its wings. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. Fish are their sole source of food.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the fledgling ospreys from the nest in the NASA KSC News Center parking lot comes down for a rough landing in the nearby grass. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. Fish are their sole source of food.
High in a pine tree at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an adult bald eagle (right) and a fledgling keep watch from their nest. There are approximately a dozen active bald eagle nests both in KSC and in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds KSC. The refuge includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- High in a pine tree at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an adult bald eagle (right) and a fledgling keep watch from their nest. There are approximately a dozen active bald eagle nests both in KSC and in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds KSC. The refuge includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Against the background of the NASA logo on the Vehicle Assembly Building, the osprey nest in the nearby parking lot reveals two fledglings and one of the adult ospreys. Known as a fish hawk, they often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This mother eagle appears wary as she stands in her nest at the north end of S.R. 3 near Kennedy Space Center. The resident eagle parents are raising two offspring. It is one of a dozen eagle nests both in KSC and in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds KSC. The refuge includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One young osprey tests its wings while another waits nearby. Their nest is located in the NASA KSC News Center parking lot. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. Fish are their sole source of food.
High in a pine tree at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an adult bald eagle (right) and a fledgling keep watch from their nest. There are approximately a dozen active bald eagle nests both in KSC and in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds KSC. The refuge includes several wading bird rookeries, many osprey nests, up to 400 manatees during the spring, and approximately 2,500 Florida scrub jays. It also is a major wintering area for migratory birds. More than 500 species of wildlife inhabit the refuge, with 15 considered federally threatened or endangered.
This image from NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft shows a channel system flowing to the southwest toward the huge Hellas impact basin. We're not sure if this channel-inside-a-channel was carved by flowing water or lava. Flowing water erodes channels, and flowing lava both erodes and melts surrounding rock to form channels. It's not clear whether a huge surge of water or lava first formed the wide channel and then subsided into a trickle to form this narrow, inner channel, or if a trickle formed the inner channel and a subsequent surge formed the wider one. Detailed analysis of the shape could reveal which scenario is most likely, as well as whether water or lava is responsible. Relevant observations for such a determination would include, for example, the facts that the channels lack levees (ridges along the banks) and that the inner channel diverts around a mound, which at one time was an island. This channel system flowed to the southwest toward the huge Hellas impact basin.