On Saturday, Auburn residents awoke to heartbreaking news: Efforts to preserve the nest of two iconic bald eagles, affectionately nicknamed Jim and Pam, had failed. Auburn residents living near North College Street, in close proximity to the nest, had started an online petition to save the nest from demolition by developers Hughston Homes. A petition to stop the destruction collected more than 7,500 signatures.

The Auburn City Council shared the news on its Facebook page, expressing deep disappointment. “The tree containing the bald eagles’ nest has now been cut down by the developer and landowner, Edgar Hughston Builder, Inc.,” the statement read. It added that city officials, including Mayor Ron Anders and Mayor Pro Tem Beth Witten, had planned to meet with the developer on November 18 to explore preservation options. However, the decision to remove the tree preempted those discussions.

The City of Auburn emphasized that it lacks jurisdiction over federal bald eagle protections. Permits for such actions fall under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), which issued approval for the nest’s removal. The city has since urged USFWS to investigate whether the developer adhered to the permit’s terms.

RELATED: Auburn residents rally to save bald eagles ‘Jim and Pam’ from residential development

Hughston Homes defended the decision in a public statement, citing regulatory and ecological challenges. The company explained that federal rules mandate a 330-foot undisturbed buffer around active nests, which conflicted with critical wetlands on the property. Preserving those wetlands, vital for wildlife including the eagles’ food supply, was a priority, the statement said.

Hughston Homes claimed the nest was likely an alternate site and noted that current conditions indicated no eggs or hatchlings were present. “These resilient birds are capable of establishing a new nest close to their former habitat,” the statement read. The company also announced a donation to the Alabama Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation to support ongoing wildlife conservation.

WRLB shared a video from Auburn resident John Braswell depicting the fallen tree that housed the 15-by-15-foot nest near E.W. Shell Fisheries Center. Residents reported that the eagles have been spotted circling over the site of the former nest.

For now, many residents are heartbroken and wonder what will happen to Jim and Pam as local officials continue to investigate the situation. “We will continue to monitor this situation closely,” said Auburn City Manager Megan McGowen Crouch, urging federal authorities to ensure proper enforcement of wildlife laws.