E15 and E16 are becoming more and more adventurous as they transition to the next phase of their growth. They spend more time on the nest rails where the air is cooler and the views are more interesting. Their bottom-heavy bodies will keep them anchored so they won’t fall over. Earlier in the week, Harriet coaxed them away from the edge but many times they went right back. Pushing the boundaries equals lessons in confidence and survival for these curious young raptors.
Harriet and M15 provided plentiful meals for E15 and E16 whose crops were filled to the brim. Mom and Dad have used the pond as a great food source this year. Anhingas, Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets visit and fish the pond but many times have lost their catches to Harriet and M15. Their timing is almost perfect and as the visitors swim to the shore with their fish, Harriet or M15 swoop in for the steal. Eagles are opportunistic hunters and will gladly snatch another’s prize. The week has also seen interesting prey brought to the nest when a bird with a clam in its beak was delivered. E15 and E16 are eager at mealtimes and the competition has lessened. E16 has become more assertive and learned to get their share. Soon they will have the balance, strength, and coordination to hold and tear their food.
Harriet and M15 are especially cautious in securing their territory. This Season has extended into the time when many Juvenile Eagles are off on their journeys. Harriet took exception to 2 Eagles sitting on a power pole at their boundary. Harriet fearlessly gave chase engaging one of them in an aerial, talon locking display. The confrontation ended with Harriet driving the intruder away and returning to the nest with a few minor scrapes. M15 guarded E15 and E16 during the encounter. E15 and E16 are safe and secure sleeping in the nest overnight while Harriet and M15 are watchful from above. Commitment to the health and welfare of their family is the ultimate goal. E15 and E16 gain courage and bravery as they achieve many accomplishment on their way to glory. Nest Notes by dadsjazz
Weekly Video Highlights
Ground Video by wskrsnwings
- M15 Hunts & Feeds The E’s Fresh Fish~H Guards The E’s & Adds Grasses 04-27-20 https://youtu.be/kMDHcftcmyw
- E’s 4 Weeks Old & Taller Than The Rails ~ H & M Secure Their Territory 05-01-20 https://youtu.be/v0ha76pyS0M
Video by JCsEagleCottage (from SWFEC cameras)
- Sunday 4/26/2020 SWFL Eagles.. Mom steels the fish dad brought in to continue feeding E16.. 😊 https://youtu.be/Pa4sqV72nU4
- Sunday 4/26/2020.. SWFL Eagles.. Close up of E’s https://youtu.be/RixEXkTXhO0
- Tuesday 4/28/2020 SWFL Eagles.. Nearly 4 weeks old.. https://youtu.be/5BiNKrp5fJg
- Tuesday 04/28/2020, SWFL Eagles.. I just wanna sleep.. 🙂 https://youtu.be/it1-cUemVpg
- Friday 5/1/2020 SWFL Eagles.. Mom in a fight with another Eagle, luckily she is fine.. 🙂 https://youtu.be/xUCkdyq4Oy4
- Saturday 5/2/2020 SWFL Eagles.. https://youtu.be/zHXxKWKbwlA
Video by Lady Hawk (From SWFEC cameras)
- SWFL Eagles ~ Sibling Beak Kisses & Big Talons! 💕 💖 💕 E16 Nibbles On E15’s Pin Feathers! 4.26.20 https://youtu.be/3zcb2ZxsbBE
- SWFL Eagles ~ CUTENESS OVERLOAD! My What Big Toes You Have! E16 Tastes & Nibbles on E15’s Toes! 😂 4.26.20 https://youtu.be/YW05A91ZeKE
- SWFL Eagles ~ E16’s CROP EXPLOSION! 💕 Stuffed To Overflowing By Mom – Not So Little Anymore! https://youtu.be/0ZUNG_6hjMU
- SWFL Eagles ~ Family Affair & DUAL Feeding For E’s! E16 Can’t Decide Between Mom Or Dad! 4.27.20 https://youtu.be/uvHCrF4jgrc
- SWFL Eagles ~ A Mother’s Love! ♥ Harriet Allopreens E15 & E16 For The First Time!! XOXO https://youtu.be/x8Fkb_H8aKI
- SWFL Eagles ~ E15 & E16 ~ Sleeping With **Stuffy** 😄 4.29.20 https://youtu.be/6oo1kl6TMP4
- SWFL Eagles ~ Harriet’s FIERCE Aerial Battle! Locks Talons With Eagle! Wounds Seen On Feet! 5.1.20 https://youtu.be/fnH8V6l2vY0
- SWFL Eagles ~ E15 & E16 Standing Tall At 4 Weeks Old! ♥ ♥ Wingers, Cuteness & Big Feet! 5.1.20 https://youtu.be/RRgGGOheYHg
- SWFL Eagles ~ AWSOME COVERAGE! Harriet Catches Fish In Pond AND Steals Fish From Heron! SLOMO 5.1.20 https://youtu.be/ZO9HCn3KRpQ
- SWFL Eagles ~ Harriet Finds & Eats Roakdill At Construction Site Across The Street! 5.2.20 https://youtu.be/tt2-HDwV4K8
- SWFL Eagles ~ M15 Delivers A Heron With A Mollusk Still Attached To Beak! 5.2.20 https://youtu.be/qKDgiANvw6w
- SWFL Eagles ~ Harriet & M15 Power Couple On Pond Pylons! Egret & Heron Watch Anhinga Fishing! 5.2.20 https://youtu.be/nokyEl_8rnI
- SWFL Eagles ~ Sweet E16! 💕 Adorable Closeups & Expressions! Beakies With E15! 💕 5.2.20 https://youtu.be/fNj3vPsl6r8
- SWFL Eagles ~ BEST Buddies Beakies! BABY STEPS, Wingers, Standing On Rails & Playful Tug-O-Fun 5.3.20 https://youtu.be/qrPEjIFABzg
Video by Lizzy G Eaglespirit (from SWFEC camera)
- Southwest Florida Eagle Cam M15 steal the fish from Great Blue Heron https://youtu.be/WmbaoiveMTo