There have been lots of interesting happenings at the North Fort Myers eagle nest -- at the very end of last season and so far this year. The main thing we have all been reminded of is that, like all birds, the Eagles don't really exist to make people happy. They exist to survive and procreate -- to bring more bald eagles into the world.
(Some of you may be following the adventures at the nest on Facebook or the WebCam, so this will be old news. If you do, you've seen better pictures too -- but these are my very own. It's fun to visit the nest occasionally and fun to share the pictures, so even if you know all this already, I hope you won't mind seeing the story again here.)
I wrote, around this time last season, about the injury to Ozzie, the male Eagle at the nest. He was found hurt (probably hit by a train) and taken to CROW, our local Animal Rehab facility. When I posted then, he was recovering from his injuries. Harriet continued to nourish and raise her two nestlings alone and both fledged successfully. During that time, several young adult and sub-adult eagles attempted to visit the nest. Harriet chased most of them off, but eventually she began to encourage one who became known as FV (for "Frequent Visitor").
Ozzie recovered from his injuries and was released near the nest, but instead of the happy reunion many hoped for, a few days later he got into a fight with FV and was killed. Fort Myers mourned! This sign was posted at the pasture:
(I admit to being slightly obsessed with the Eagles and stop briefly when I can, but there are quite a few people who apparently sit and watch the nest all day, every day. I assume they are the ones who put up the memorial.)
When this season began Harriet and FV returned together to the nest. Even those who were heartbroken about Ozzie now seem to accept that Harriet's purpose in life is to raise more healthy Eagles and the excitement of watching the nest began again with the new Dad-to-be. Since he has moved in permanently, FV is now known as M-15 for Male 2015. I think the people in charge of the WebCam have decided not to name the Eagles from now on. Since the webcam's second season, the Eaglets too are now just known by numbers. I think this is an effort to keep people from anthropomorphizing the birds. (It is really hard not to do so. Some people are now using "FV" to refer to human beings we know. ;>)))
Two eaglets hatched on January 26 and 27 and as of now the nestlings are doing well. But last month, the younger and smaller of the two got his leg tangled in fish line, brought in with one day's fish dinner. He couldn't move. CROW personnel climbed the tree and rescued the Eaglet, taking him to the Rehab Center for a few days until he fully recovered.
They brought him back to the nest and he was warmly welcomed back by the rest of the family. It was interesting that the parents accepted him back after an absence of a few days.
It was also interesting to hear the explanation of why Animal Rehab could get involved in rescuing the Eaglet from the fish line while they will not get involved with 'rescuing" one of the nestlings when it is bullied by the other (as has happened in past seasons and a little bit this one). In the first instance, the injury is caused by humans. The second, although the 'bullying' behavior made many people think that the weaker bird should be rescued, that would be unethical (and actually illegal) because it is part of the normal cycle of Eagle life.
On the day last week when I took all of these pictures, Harriet flew off the nest while I was watching, made a circle around the pasture and flew back to land on the branch above the nest (the first picture above).
She didn't bring any food -- I was hoping to catch a feeding or better yet get a picture of "Dad". But no luck on either count. Apparently M15 usually flies off early in the morning and does not return with food until later in the afternoon. Harriet is having to work extra hard as she trains her new mate!
Here are both the babies -- not the greatest picture, but at least they are both poking their heads up out of the nest at the same time.
When I posted a picture of the nest last week, some of you expressed surprise that we could easily visit it on our way to shopping and errands. This area of Fort Myers is more rural than you might think, but farms and undeveloped lands are often surrounded by developments.
The Eagle's tree is in this large horse pasture which lies directly across the street from a major supermarket and strip mall. The picture on the bottom left is taken from the store's parking lot looking across the street ... you can see the Eagle gates across the street between the two palm trees.
The church lot where I usually park when I stop is next door to the pasture and the gates are about a long City block down the sidewalk into the other side of the pasture. (The owners, who are the ones who put up and maintain the webcam, allow people in there during the nest season and there is even some parking on their property.)
LINKING this post to SATURDAY CRITTERS; RATHER B' BIRDING; SEASONS; MOSAIC MONDAY; OUR WORLD TUESDAY; NATURE NOTES; TREES&BUSHES; WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY; SIGNS SIGNS; and GOOD FENCES.
Thank you to all of the hosts of these great sharing opportunities.
Very interesting with all the rules and regulations of helping the eagles. Seems a bit odd to distinguish between saving and just watching. Great images.
Posted by: Eden Hills | March 20, 2016 at 11:03 AM
This is a story of the wild.
And the story changes in every minute.
It can be a happy one, or the other way round.
Posted by: Rainfield | March 19, 2016 at 12:35 AM
Sallie, I really enjoyed all your eagle shots. While I live near several popular eagle nesting spots, it is always during the worst of winter when they are here. I envy you your time in the milder climate.
Posted by: Kranky Granny | March 18, 2016 at 02:59 PM
Oh dear..this is why I don't watch nest cams...the deaths are so hard...Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Ramblingwoods | March 17, 2016 at 07:20 PM
All of this is SOOO fascinating! So sad about Ozzie losing the fight with the new male. Glad the chicks fledged successfully then, and glad the new ones are doing well, especially after the fishing line incident! Love hearing about them! Loved seeing the beautiful horses, too.
Posted by: Marie-AZ | March 17, 2016 at 04:17 PM
My word! This has all the drama of a Hollywood movie! I love the memorial to Ozzie. Your photos of the area are lovely, and well done on getting some photos of the nestlings.
Posted by: Janice / Dancing with Sunflowers | March 17, 2016 at 12:00 PM
Back again for Good Fences just to say that there were some nice ones with some very pretty horses sharing them. Also those cool looking Palm Trees.
Posted by: Ida P. Krause | March 17, 2016 at 10:05 AM
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Photo Cache | March 17, 2016 at 08:38 AM
Great post
Posted by: Jim | March 16, 2016 at 09:12 PM
First I just love reading and seeing anything about Bald Eagles, Such a majestic bird. I'm so sorry to hear that Ozzie met such a horrible fate. I do believe though that God allowed all creatures to be created for humans to enjoy and even though they procreate to bring more eagles into the world why shouldn't we as humans not enjoy their existance.
Loved all your wonderful photos of them.
Posted by: Ida P. Krause | March 16, 2016 at 06:43 PM
The eagles are better about accepting development than I am. :-) I wonder whether Harriet gives names to the humans.
The View from the Top of the Ladder
Posted by: Su-sieee! Mac | March 16, 2016 at 06:29 PM
nice sights
Posted by: tom the backroads traveller | March 16, 2016 at 05:37 PM
You are blessed to have these creatures so close....we have eagles but cannot get close to any nests. And thanks for the update. I love that they are being looked after by both the community and the parents.
Posted by: Donna@Gardens Eye View | March 16, 2016 at 07:02 AM
I was here earlier, under the Birdin' Admin, but I had to reread the story of the eagles and then view the wonderful collages once again.
I so enjoyed this post.
Posted by: Hootin' Anni | March 16, 2016 at 04:04 AM
A lovely story although a bit sad about Ozzy. Great shots too.
Posted by: diane | March 15, 2016 at 09:10 PM
That was so interesting Sallie, I'd love to visit there next year when we're down. I applaud the serious eagle watchers that care for this family and yes, human intervention for sure when we've caused a problem. So sad about the old male, duelling to death over a female...
Posted by: Judith @ Lavender Cottage | March 15, 2016 at 01:07 PM
WoW!!! such a great story and how kind of those people to be so accommodating. i find bird people to be extremely kind souls!!!
i enjoyed the story and all the images, i must admit to being eagle obsessed myself and have only seen them a handful of times in my life. all were very exciting moments.....there is something very special about them!!!!
Posted by: Debbie | March 15, 2016 at 08:38 AM
A wonderful story and a reminder that nature can seem cruel at times. The birds that survive the hardships of the nest are better prepared for their own lives as adults. Humans should take note. We are so busy protecting our kids from miner bumps in the road that they often struggle with the realities of life when out on their own. Food for thought :)
Andrea @ From The Sol
Posted by: Andrea @ From The Sol | March 15, 2016 at 07:45 AM
Interesting story - and I would not have predicted that the 'chick' that had the fishing line removed from it would have been welcomed back at the nest. Shows how much I know!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Posted by: Stewart M | March 15, 2016 at 05:06 AM
I'm glad the eagles are thriving. Such majestic animals, and certainly not here to amuse us, as you've said.
Posted by: Lorrie | March 14, 2016 at 09:02 PM
That was a very lovely and well-written story of the eagle family. This is the first time i read it but i am already taken, i will follow the developments from now on.
I guess it is true that anthropomorphizing make humans be emotional with them, so it is better to let them be. We don't even know fully the rules of the birds, despite lots of studies, we might not know the true details. They are for the strength and continuity of the species rather than other things, perhaps.
I remember mother's chickens when niece and nephew are still young. They give names to the chicks, and when they get older mother cannot kill them for meat, she has to choose a chicken without a name. Later on, mother prohibits the kids to give names to any chick anymore, or else they will get old without becoming stews!
Posted by: Andrea | March 14, 2016 at 06:46 PM
M15 acts like some rather (ammmm--almost derelict) dads out there in the human world.
Linda
Posted by: Linda | March 14, 2016 at 02:44 PM
So nice that you found your passion in eagles. Way to go.
Posted by: Photo Cache | March 14, 2016 at 02:28 PM
Wow what a great and informing story. We have lots of Eagles out this way and several nests nearby but no web cams and no story telling. We keep an eye on two of the nests when we are in the area but as soon as all the leaves appear we can no longer see the nest. Excellent shots.
MB
Posted by: MaryBeth | March 14, 2016 at 02:00 PM
This was so interesting, Sallie! I knew eagles mated for life, but I guess Ozzie was replaced by a stronger version when he was absent so long after his injury. It shows that nature does not tolerate sentimentality when the "strongest survive" is the way of life. Hope this years eaglets survive and thrive!
Posted by: Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti | March 14, 2016 at 01:08 PM
I am enthralled by the eagle sagas and your photos. It is unlikely that I would see a wild eagle here unless perhaps I visited the north of Scotland so keep the photos and info coming.
Posted by: fun60 | March 14, 2016 at 12:53 PM
Thank you so much Sallie for trying your best for Seasons - and you got it done, yay!
I happened to have the same experience with the Ipad in linking last year when traveling! What I do now is, I put the (right sized) pic in my email to the post, before I travel.
Now I think of it, I should Title it every week Seasons, and in my post make a difference from week to week.
Your post here: enviable pics of the eaglets! It would be hard for me to see bullying behavior, whether it's eagles, other animals or humans.But I understand their reason for letting nature have its way! Have a great week!
Posted by: Jesh StG | March 14, 2016 at 11:23 AM
Great place to see these eagles.
Posted by: Rajesh | March 14, 2016 at 11:05 AM
Love this post. We do humanize the actions but if we learn from it that's a good thing.
One of our local eagles lost their nesting tree to the wind but happy to report they chose another abode and are sitting.
With a heart for nature, the RG is conscious of discarded fishing line and faithful to pick up what others have left behind. Unfortunately anything under water can still cause a problem. So glad the eaglet was rescued.
Posted by: Gayle atMuldoon | March 14, 2016 at 10:01 AM
I can't remember that I saw an eagle here around. Interesting bird ! I love the beautiful horses !
Posted by: Gattina | March 14, 2016 at 08:52 AM
Thank you for that most comprehensive account of the eagles Sallie. I have to agree with the above poster that because they are so well watched and now familiar neighbours, it is something like a soap opera. Unlike the rubbish on the TV this is real life and death as you so eloquently explain.
Posted by: Phil | March 14, 2016 at 08:46 AM
It's like an eagle soap opera! Fascinating to be able to follow the eagle family's life
Posted by: craftygreenpoet | March 14, 2016 at 08:35 AM
Wonderful that humans care for Eagles. We had a similar tale here with George and Martha, an eagle pair near Mount Vernon. These males do fight a kill each other from time to time, nevertheless, the Eagle population is recovering nicely and we see them around here too.
Posted by: Dianne | March 14, 2016 at 08:14 AM
How wonderful of owners to set up a webcam. We have similar situations near where I live and I have watched eagles in their nests. Not only is it educational it shows how indifferent nature can seem when birds stop feeding the “weaker” baby so the strongest one can live. It is always heartening to hear when all eaglets in one family survive. Ozzie’s story is familiar, too, as animals so carefully nurtured by humans sometimes do die soon after their return to the wild.
There is nothing better than seeing well cared for horses in a field. They are not like many cattle groomed for dinner tables. I know they have their troubles, too, but riding horses are often simply allowed to be beautiful and graceful in a field. They often get the most love.
Posted by: Penelope Puddlisms | March 14, 2016 at 07:29 AM
Fascinating post....and photos... and I really admire your patience!
Thanks for sharing this. Happy Monday - have a lovely week!
Posted by: Ruby | March 14, 2016 at 06:21 AM
WOW, and no I have not been keeping up with this and so it was fascinating, happy, sad, just all of those emotions that we feel, when we read about such creatures. They have a way of doing things and we can only help them so much. There was a reason and we may never fully understand. Since the nests are protected by the US government, I am a little surprised by how close people are allowed to get to the nest down there. The law states a football size are away from an Eagle nest and so you are blessed to get so close. I go to visit a nest here and it is on private property and the owner has allowed me to visit it last year, but I was oh so cautious about it, and kept a great distance. Have a Happy week~
Posted by: Mary Howell Cromer | March 14, 2016 at 03:26 AM
wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.great shots as well. Have a good day.
Posted by: Margaret Birding For Pleasure | March 14, 2016 at 12:58 AM
this was fascinating reading! i love your pictures too! have a great week!
Posted by: jandi | March 14, 2016 at 12:35 AM
Sallie,
The photos of the Eagles are awesome.
You are getting super-good at the mosaics too, just in case you haven't given yourself a pat on the back :)
Have a Happy Week!
Peace :)
Posted by: Chandra@GreenComotion | March 13, 2016 at 10:15 PM
Wow - amazing shots! So sad to hear about Ozzie, but it's good news that the new eagle is now taking over...
Posted by: Lady Fi | March 13, 2016 at 09:37 PM
I have a friend who is hooked on watching an eagle cam. I don't think I've ever seen one! We have turkeys.
Posted by: Colleen@ LOOSELEAFNOTES | March 13, 2016 at 08:42 PM
How fun to be able to visit and take pictures! I am one of their faithful followers, so I already knew the whole story, but I don't mind the recap at all. You really got some good shots.
Posted by: Lois | March 13, 2016 at 08:01 PM
You've posted some really great photos! It must be very exciting to be able to see them up close and personal!
Posted by: Jeanne Marie | March 13, 2016 at 07:07 PM
Hi Sallie! Thanks for your comment on Ocala, and it appears you were right on re "crown of thorns" - see Redpat's comment. How come you're so smart? I'm impressed!
Posted by: Lowell | March 13, 2016 at 06:58 PM
Any encounter with a Bald Eagle is inspirational. It's hard to believe that for so many years a bounty was paid for their destruction. You wonder where this human arrogance comes from don't you?
Posted by: David Gascoigne | March 13, 2016 at 05:34 PM
Great post and photos - and I admire those folks that would sit and watch all day - but I much prefer having you tell us all about it.
btw - this is the 3rd time I have tried to post a comment!
Posted by: Mick | March 13, 2016 at 04:22 PM
I am saddened hear about the eagle that was killed ~ and hard to get past that ~ yet you have so many beautiful nature photos posted ~ they are beautiful!
Happy Week to you ~ ^_^
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | March 13, 2016 at 04:05 PM
Thanks for the fascinating eagle story and shots. I also love the shots of the horses.
Posted by: Carver | March 13, 2016 at 04:03 PM
"Nature...finds a way" is about all I can think about poor Ozzie.
Good luck to the eagles, and thanks for keeping us up to date!
~
Posted by: ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© | March 13, 2016 at 03:36 PM
They are such majestic creatures! We have s couple who frequent our tallest pine tree in our yard, but never nested there. I am SO sad about Ozzie. It seems the natural end of any love triangle. :-((( I hope FV proves to be a worthy suitor. I can't be an automatic fan after what he did to Ozzie.
Posted by: cranberry morning | March 13, 2016 at 03:28 PM
A story of life :) I loved to read it. We have eagles but I have no clue of where the nests are. They keep it secrete to protect the birds.
Posted by: NatureFootstep | March 13, 2016 at 03:15 PM
Wonderful post and photos of the eagles. I love eagles. I seem to be able to post a comment today. Just my tablet won't let me post sometimes.
Posted by: islandrambles | March 13, 2016 at 02:20 PM
So sweet...interesting story about eagles and a nest; beautiful aspects in images and collages! Best regards in the new week!
Posted by: Alexa T | March 13, 2016 at 12:30 PM
How very sad about Ozzie but nature's way can be hard at times. Your photos are great and I have enjoyed this post. Very nice of the owners to let people onto their property to view the nest.
Posted by: DeniseinVA | March 13, 2016 at 10:03 AM
Aren't the eagles an impressive sight! Webcams to follow all kinds of birds at home in Spring are popular here in the Netherlands as well
Posted by: Marleen | March 13, 2016 at 09:36 AM
What an awesome thing to be able to witness - the growing of eagles!
Posted by: Al | March 13, 2016 at 08:28 AM
The eagles are magnificent birds. I love the horses as well.
Posted by: Gunilla | March 13, 2016 at 07:19 AM
It must be fascinating to watch the eagle nest-it is intriguing to see the photos and read your Blog!
Posted by: Hazel | March 13, 2016 at 07:03 AM
Hello!:) My, this was an interesting read, so sad at the beginning of your commentry, but as you say procreation is the natural instinct of wildlife, so life goes on with another mate, and I hope the eaglets do well. How wonderful that you can see all this first hand, and thanks for the share of the área as well as the nest sight.Oh and one last thing,... I absolutely hate fishing lines left by thoughtless anglers, so many ducks die because of hooks in their throats.Rant!! Have a great Sunday!;)
Posted by: breathtaking | March 13, 2016 at 12:34 AM
I'm so glad the bird was saved by the rehab people, those who do that sort of work are awesome :-)
Posted by: Amy | March 12, 2016 at 09:07 PM
This is all so fascinating, Sallie, and your photos are so wonderful. It is amazing how very large eagle nests are, especially when you see the eagles in them. I hope you will post more as the eaglets grow.
Posted by: Penny | March 12, 2016 at 07:27 PM
A real "eagle interest" story. So sorry about Ozzie, - guess life is like that for all creatures. I do think it is marvelous you have this wonderful view of life in the eagles' nest, Sallie.
Posted by: Hildred Finch | March 12, 2016 at 06:51 PM
Sad to hear about Ozzie but such is the web of life. And now a new mate enters the story. I can understand why intervention took place for the fish line but not the bullying. In fact I'm surprised that both the young make it to fledge. How wonderful to have this close enough to home to stop by and watch the family.
Posted by: Gaelyn | March 12, 2016 at 06:43 PM
I do follow this pair on Facebook...glad the chick survived...damn fishing line...grrrr
I was very sad about Ozzie!! hanks for putting this together now I have a better understanding of where this nest is...really enjoyed these photos!
Posted by: Sondra-SC | March 12, 2016 at 05:59 PM
glad you'll link this to good fences. definitely admiring the horse pastures and the appaloosas, too. the struggles of the eagles and their young would be tough to watch. but nature is as it is.
Posted by: TexWisGirl | March 12, 2016 at 04:34 PM
This is a super post, Sallie. Thanks so much for all the eagle photos and the commentary; I learned several things through your efforts. I also enjoyed your other photos, too. When we lived in Ft. Lauderdale we were frequent visitors of Naples, Ft. Myers, Sanibel, etc. I miss those trips a lot. But I'd imagine things have changed a great deal since the 1990s! :)
Posted by: Lowell | March 12, 2016 at 04:00 PM
Oh this was so interesting and the photos are great. I loved seeing both the horses AND the eagles! :)
Posted by: Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow | March 12, 2016 at 02:47 PM
What a very interesting story about the eagles. I always enjoy seeing photos of eagles or an eagle in person. Not a great story for poor Ozzie. The photo collages are very pretty...
Posted by: ellen b | March 12, 2016 at 01:35 PM
What great photos of this amazing sight. We watch the web cam sometimes and love seeing the babies. We have a lot of rural areas...farms and open land in this part of Florida too. People just don't realize what most of the state looks like! We love it and I know you do too! Happy weekend! Hugs!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | March 12, 2016 at 01:32 PM
I'm there today, this time to send along my thanks for sharing this awesome post with such a great series of images!! We birders at I'd Rather B Birdin' are so appreciative with your participation.
And yes, the eagles are here to make other eagles to keep the species alive and strong!! Well documented.
Posted by: Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin' | March 12, 2016 at 01:24 PM
Life goes on.
I saw an eagle at Shiloh, TN on Monday, but did not get a photo. I stood there like a dummy (with my camera hanging by its strap around my neck) as it flew over. I hope to be more prepared next time.
Have a great week-end!
Lea
Posted by: Lea | March 12, 2016 at 01:19 PM
What a marvellous story and what gorgeous photographs, as well, thank you my lovely friend for sharing the stunning experiences of your 'natural life' !
Sending blessings of joy to you,
with gratitude
Dany
Posted by: Daniela L. | March 12, 2016 at 01:10 PM
What a story. I didn't keep up with it. It's a shame to not name them. Really! It makes sense to rescue the bird from humans, not natural selection.
Posted by: JennJilks | March 12, 2016 at 12:42 PM
Loved your Eagle love story, Sallie, and the photos. It would be wonderful to see an eagle nesting and observe the fledglings. When we lived on the Chesapeake Bay, I saw Eagles but never observed a nest. Here in CO, I see Golden Eagles more than Bald Eagles.
Posted by: Barb | March 12, 2016 at 12:40 PM
Hello, it is sad to hear about the death of Ozzie. I am glad Harriet's nest and eaglets are moving on and doing well. That is great news. Wonderful collection of photos and a great post on the eagles. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Eileen | March 12, 2016 at 12:39 PM