Many people know Jim and Pam from the hit comedy series The Office. Still, another couple nicknamed Jim and Pam—this time, two American Bald Eagles—have captured the hearts of Auburn residents living near North College Street. The Auburn University E.W. Shell Fisheries Center is located in this area, where these majestic birds have established their home.
According to WRBL, Jim and Pam face homelessness if the planned destruction of their 15-by-15-foot nest occurs. Hughston Homes, a developer, purchased the land in March for $760,000 to build a 46-home subdivision encompassing 75 acres. Last month, the company received permission to remove the tree housing the nest. Hughston Homes representative Tyler Findley stated, “We received a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on October 30 to remove the tree and nest. We have until the end of November to proceed with minimal disturbance. They’re majestic creatures, and we tried to adjust the site plan, but unfortunately, the nest has to be removed.”
WRBL interviewed Jason Haynie, a resident and member of the Tivoli Homeowners Association, who reported that the eagles are still living in the nest. He has heard them chittering and whistling throughout the week. Haynie shared photographs he had taken of the pair and became emotional at the thought of losing them. “They’ve been here since at least 2017 when we moved in. They have a 15-by-15-foot nest that they continue adding to. They fly across North College Street to Auburn University’s fisheries to hunt. They’re smart and beautiful, and they deserve to be protected,” said Haynie.
Bald eagle pairs, like Auburn’s Jim and Pam, are known for their lifelong bonds and often return to the same nest each season. These nests, which they expand every year, are essential to their survival and are typically built in tall trees near water. A single nest can weigh hundreds of pounds and serve as the family’s territorial anchor.
The representative from Hughston Homes added, “We don’t want people to be upset—we want to be good neighbors. We care about wildlife and nature. We didn’t know about the nest when we purchased the property, or we wouldn’t have bought the land.”
Residents, including Jason Haynie, are taking action to save Jim and Pam. They have started a petition to prevent the removal of the nest.
The petition states, “On behalf of concerned Auburn residents and environmental advocates, we respectfully request the revocation of the issued permit allowing the removal of a bald eagle nest located near North College Street, close to Auburn University’s E.W. Shell Fisheries Center. The nesting site, home to a pair of American bald eagles named ‘Jim and Pam’ by residents, has been an integral part of Auburn’s ecosystem and community since 2017. These bald eagles are a source of pride and connection for our community. Residents have followed the pair’s life with admiration, watching them expand their nest, which serves as a critical anchor and habitat.
The loss of this nesting site would have profound consequences. Bald eagles, despite a significant recovery from their once critically endangered status, remain federally protected. The preservation of habitats like this one directly influences their continued survival and presence. These eagles have demonstrated a strong commitment to this site, building a nest that has grown year by year, symbolizing their deep attachment to the area.
While we understand that development plans for a 46-home subdivision have been approved for this location, we believe a compromise is possible—one that accommodates the development needs of our growing community while preserving Jim and Pam’s home. We urge you to consider alternatives that allow construction without the removal of this nest or that explore relocation efforts for the housing plans. Other communities have successfully found solutions to coexist with local wildlife; we believe Auburn can do the same.
Today, we call on Hughston Homes to recognize the severity of their proposed actions and reconsider their development plans. Sign this petition and stand up for the protection of Jim, Pam, and all the wildlife struggling to exist in an ever-industrializing world. Thank you for considering this urgent request.”
As of this report, 3,122 signatures have been collected. If you would like to help save Jim and Pam, please visit change.org.
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