Eagle Watch

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. 

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.

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

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!