Hatch watch!
Southwest Florida Eagle Cam fans following the action
North Fort Myers’ most famous pair was awaiting the imminent arrival of two new offspring Thursday afternoon.
Southwest Florida Eagle cam stars M15 and F23 have been busy incubating the eggs and keeping them warm as the first eaglet works its way out of its hard shell, using its egg tooth to weaken the impediment.
The hatch watch over the nest off Bayshore Road has been ongoing since Monday. A “pip” in the first egg was discovered Wednesday morning, with the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam showing the closeup view of the first tiny crack.
As the crack widened early Thursday afternoon and the sight of pin feathers could be glimpsed, the eaglet had spent the 36 hours trying to break free. If successful, the chick will be named E26. The process typically takes between one and three days.
The second egg will likely hatch three days after the first, with the eaglet sibling to be named E27. That eaglet is expected to emerge sometime Sunday.
The first egg was laid on Nov. 12 at 3:08 p.m. The second egg was laid on Nov. 15 at 7:23 p.m.
Last season was a heartbreak for parents M15 and F23 and their international fans. Both eaglets died six weeks after hatching due to the avian flu believed to have come from something they ate. The adults were also sickened. They survived, but didn’t attempt another clutch.
Throughout its 14 seasons of streaming, the cam has captured three bald eagle pairs in the wild, sharing all the triumphs and tribulations of raising their broods. The site has garnered more than 23 million total views worldwide.
This is the third season as a mated pair for female F23 and male M15.
Viewers can watch and track the action at the nest on the Pritchett property off Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers on the official Southwest Florida Eagle Cam website; the official Facebook page, Instagram account and YouTube channel.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email news@breezenewspapers.com