This Hotspot was created solely to keep tabs on nesting Bald Eagles along the Salinas River.  After the absence of nesting Bald Eagles in Monterey County for 60 years, Ventana Wilderness Society began releasing wild-fledged eagles in south county in the 1980s-1990s. By 1997, the first nesting of these released eagles was confirmed in the county. About 2010, a pair of eagles began using a huge tall, dead sycamore tree that could be viewed from the northbound exit ramp on Highway 101 at Jolon Road. The pair were successful in 2012 (photo above) and have the used the same huge nest in many springs thereafter. If and when this tree falls, they may use another tall tree along the riparian corridor here.

Nesting Bald Eagles, in many recent years, between March-July.

All the land surrounded the Salinas River here is privately owned and inaccessible. The eagle nest, when present in spring, can be viewed from the north-round exit to Jolon Road (sign-posted) not far north of the north-bound formal Rest Stop on Highway 1.  One can pull off the roadway onto a dirt area, just after exiting the freeway, and view the riparian corridor, and eagle nest (if present) to the east.  Once one drives down to Jolon Road itself, the view is lost. There is no accessible viewing spot for south-bound traffic coming up onto to Highway 101 from Jolon Road, so if one is southbound, one must drive several miles south to an exit that provides access to an overpass over the freeway, and get back on Highway 101 north-bound to that north-bound exit at Jolon Road.  However, once north-bound, one can immediately re-enter Highway 101 from a freeway entrance adjacent to the 'overview' pull-off spot. Take care here as traffic can be moving fast; pull-well off the exit pavement; and be cautious when re-entering back onto to Highway 101. This "overlook" is very informal and is to be used with caution. Do not climb over the fencing here.