If you need any sign that cuffing season has officially begun, look no further than the Earth Conservation Corps’ bald eagle camera, where the District’s most famous feathered couple have been spotted rebuilding their nest.

After a stunning turn of events involving love, loss, and the miracle of life, Mr. President – the longtime resident of the nest at the National Arboretum since 2016 – along with Lady of the United States, or LOTUS, are prepping for the latest breeding and hatching season, which typically starts around the beginning of October.

“Each year they fortify their nest to keep the eaglets safe and contained,” says Crystal Slusher, the community relations and camera coordinator at the American Eagle Foundation.

https://twitter.com/naeaglecam/status/1584159185230389248

The couple are retrieving sticks, grass, and other debris in order to raise up the nest by as much as a foot. The nest sits high atop a tulip poplar tree, the same tree they’ve nested in before. According to Slusher, it’s also a time for them to strengthen their relationship after spending time away from each other.

“They rejoin at the nest during this period. They resolidify their bond,” says Slusher.

For Mr. President, who’s no stranger to break-ups, it’s a sign that things are looking bright for the couple. Last year, LOTUS came into the male bald eagle’s life after his previous squeeze, First Lady, left the nest. It wasn’t long until he was spotted bonding with Lotus and the two produced two eaglets. Sadly, only one baby eagle survived.

With any luck, Mr. President and LOTUS will lay new eggs soon and take turns incubating them until they hatch sometime in spring. According to Slusher, the D.C. Eagle Cam is currently being reconfigured and is unavailable, but it should be up and running soon for those interested in keeping up with the raptors.