Those who follow SDP regularly know that I love American bald eagles and I've been following a pair in Sarasota who nest in a cell tower in the city limits. Well, a friend from Pennsylvania who was visiting Sanibel recently told me about a nest in North Ft. Myers. I had great success when I checked it out yesterday. I met a local eagle nest watcher who told me this couple, Ozzie & Harriet, have been nesting here for 20 years. They're located off a busy road in a pine tree within a horse paddock. In this pic, you can see one in the upper right hand corner and you can also see a webcam just above the nest. The camera provides a live feed 24/7, which is very cool. Click here to watch the eagle cam. The happy couple has two eggs in the nest which are expected to hatch soon. Last night, I watched one of the parents gently rotate the eggs. And, this morning, one was sitting on the eggs while the other landed with a fresh fish for breakfast.
While I was on-site watching the nest, a vulture swooped down very close to the nest which evoked a loud squawk from the eagle sitting on the eggs, followed by a screech from its mate who was perched in a nearby tree. The vulture dared to return a few minutes later and the eagle who was guarding the nest from afar took off and chased it away. That's when I snapped this second photo. Love the eagles! Note about the Sarasota eagles (aka: The Eddies): Recently, I've seen one eagle several times near last year's nest. But, last Friday, I saw two workmen climbing down their cell tower, which was quite disconcerting to see. I'm not sure if the eagles had nested or were going to do so. I hope they return.
7 comments:
Very cool! And agreed magnificent birds
This is fun to see, SRQ. I like following the eagles through your work. Have a wonderful 2013.
I enjoy seeing your eagle pics. My classroom has watched eagle cameras on the Sportsmans Paradise Online web page.
Great shots! I've been watching the eagle cam and it looks like it's in a good place for pixs right on that road.
Thanks so much for the link to the webcam. Eagles are such fascinating and beautiful creatures. Hope you have a great New Year!
Excellent! The eagle swooping back to the nest is just beautiful!
Happy New Year!
I just looked and there's a wee eagle in that nest now!! Thanks for the link. :)
Your photos of the eagles are so wonderful.
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