The annual survey of White-bellied Sea Eagle nests found 17 active sites in Kerala’s Kannur and Kasaragod districts this season. This is up from 13 sites recorded in 2024. The survey was led by Dr. Roshnath Ramesh of MARC alongside forest officials from Kannur and Kasaragod. However, these 17 sites still fall short of the 25 noted in 1996, showing the population has not fully bounced back. Out of the 17 nests, 10 were in Kasaragod and 7 in Kannur. In Kasaragod, all nests were old. Kannur had 4 new nests and 3 old ones. Around 70% of Kasaragod nests were inside temple areas. Kannur nests spread across public lands, private property, and coastal zones. A new discovery was a nest on a telephone tower at Kattampally, showing the birds’ ability to adapt. The eagles prefer tall, mature trees like Ficus religiosa (4 nests), Mango (6), Alstonia scholaris (2), and Casuarina (3). Protecting these trees in coastal and populated areas is vital. Many nests were in busy temple grounds, proving these birds can live alongside humans if trees are safeguarded and disturbances are low. Dr. Ramesh said, "The White-bellied Sea Eagle usually breeds between January and March. They reuse the same nest yearly after renovation. They build nests in tall trees, which are often cut down by people. The only way to conserve the species is to protect these trees." The White-bellied Sea Eagle is an apex predator and a key health indicator of marine and coastal ecosystems. In Kerala, it nests only in Kannur and Kasaragod. The survey team urges people to report any new nesting sites to the Forest department or MARC to help conservation.