January 3, 2017

Eagle Watch

Bald Eagle
This is one proud mama or papa bald eagle!  (I still cannot tell them apart.)  This is the first time I've visited the world famous eagle nest in Ft. Myers for quite awhile.  Over the past year and a half, there was lots of drama with the eagles.  Long story short, Ozzie passed away (tragically) and Harriet was courted by a new suitor, M15. (Excellent recap story in the Washington Post here.) The couple produced two eggs this year.  With the world watching via the live Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, one fuzzy little eaglet hatched on New Year's Eve. Everyone is anxiously waiting, watching and hoping the second one enters the world soon. 

Bald Eagle
One of the adult eagles is always at the nest, tending to the new eaglet and unhatched egg. When I arrived at the nest last yesterday afternoon, I was just in time for the changing of the guard.  This one flew to a tree within close proximity and direct sight of the nest.

Bald Eagle
Moments later -- without a sound -- its mate materialized...soaring by, racing to the nest.

Bald Eagle
The eagle landed safely....taking over duties watching the family.  As I'm writing, 37,000 people are watching the live video stream.  Pretty cool I can see them in person!  For a closeup look at all the nest activity check out the live web cam.  (A word of warning:  Watching the eagle cam can be very addictive!)  Fingers crossed for a healthy season for the eagles!  

10 comments:

Lowell said...

I do love your eagle posts. That first shot is perfection!

Ernie said...

Poor things can't get a moment of privacy with all that media coverage! Nice pictures, though. :)

Unknown said...

Fantastic shots! I am addicted to the Eagle cam!
Thanks for showing the camera setup!

William Kendall said...

What beautiful birds they are!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

You're not wrong SRQ, it is addictive, looks a wee bit windy up there right now ☺ Poor Ozzie, it's pretty tough out there in nature!

Bill said...

The first photo is stunning! They are beautiful birds and it is addicting to watch the live streaming.

Lorraine said...

They have a page on Facebook that I've been following. They don't seem to think the second egg is going to hatch at this point which is sad. The cameras they're using now are so clear, it's incredible to watch.

Brian King said...

Nice shots and very cool to see them in person! I've been watching the live video feed for a couple of weeks now. I kinda had a feeling as I watched this morning that the second egg might not hatch.

Kay said...

What!?! Ozzie's gone? So sad! I'm glad Harriet has been able to move on.

Jack said...

Terrific! Next year I really must go up there.