  We present a deep, high spatial resolution (0.35 arcsec FWHM), near-infrared
(1-2.5 micron) imaging survey of the Eagle Nebula, M16, made with the VLT,
centred on the famous elephant trunks. We compare these data with the existing
HST optical images to search for evidence of ongoing or recent star formation
in the trunks, and in particular in the 73 small evaporating gaseous globules
(EGGs) on their surface. We find that two of the three HST trunks have
relatively massive YSOs in their tips. Most of the EGGs appear to be empty, but
some 15% of them do show evidence for associated young low-mass stars or brown
dwarfs: in particular, there is a small cluster of such sources seen at the
head of the largest trunk.
