Samantha NeelyFort Myers News-Press
Show Caption
Southwest Florida's favorite eagles have returned!
The Southwest Florida Eagle Cam is back up and running, with livestream beginning its latest season that started on Sunday, Oct. 1.
During the previous season, viewers got a front-row seat to the ultimate show as the beloved bird family experienced challenges and tragedy, as well as triumph and perseverance. From missing matriarchs to humongous hurricanes, it was a chaotic season for the history books.
Here's what to know about the popular livestream as it starts up again, as well as who has returned to the nest so far.
More: A look back at Harriet the Eagle's final, chaotic season in Southwest Florida
What is the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam?
The Pritchett McSpadden family cofounded the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam in 2012.The livestream, made available by Dick Pritchett Real Estate in North Fort Myers, provides a sneak peek into the eagles' lives.
The camera has brought in 150 million viewers regularly to watch the daily activities of the two adult eagles as they repair their nest, fly in to feed two hungry youngsters and keep a watchful eye on what's happening.
Where is the SWFL Eagle Cam?
The nest is located at 6601 Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers. Operators advise those who visit not to interfere or intervene with any natural events in the nest.
How many eagle seasons are there?
The camera feed is on its 12th season since first livestreaming the eagles in 2012.
What technology do they use to film the eagles?
Operators use primarilyAxis PTZs to power two of the cameras.They also have an additional AXIS 360 camera, which gives an enhanced 360-degree view. All cameras are powered using Power over Ethernet technology.
Who was Harriet the Eagle?
Harriet was a beloved Southwest Florida eagle who rose to fame through the SFEC Livestream. Viewers quickly latched onto the matriarch as they witnessed her triumphs and challenges each season, making her a fixture in both the local community and the animal world.
Brush up on Harriet's lore: Harriet's History: Timeline of beloved eagle and her family's life in North Fort Myers
Harriet first landed on the Pritchett McSpaddenproperty back in the 1990swith former mate Ozzie. After hatching several eaglets and even moving on to another partner, the female eagle secured her status as anadored animal icon.
What happened to Harriet?
Everything changed on Feb. 2when Harriet did not return to the nest after she was last seen flying northwest to chase off intruders, alerting both SFCE officials and viewers.
Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officialsjumped in to search for the eagle. Locals also conducted their own search parties, sending in tips and photos to officials and Facebook groups.
Unfortunately, Harriet never returned to the nest. SFEC officials have said they have not found any trace of her and do not have any concrete theories on what happened.
Many online assumed that Harriet was hurt or had died. She was at least 25 years old, and according to theNational Wildlife Federation, eagles in the wild live between 20 and 30 years.
What happened during the remainder of the 11th season?
In the wake of Harriet's disappearance, M-15 stepped up to solely care for the nest — a feat that many viewers celebrated yet were nervous to watch play out.
The two eaglets, E21 and E22, thrived under M-15's care. Over the span of four months, cameras caught the eaglets as they grew larger each day, escaped the clutches of predators, learned new skills from dad and took their first leaps out of the nest.
Around April, three female eagles caught fans' attention as they attempted to join newly single father M-15, recreating the "Bachelor." Eventually, only one of the female eagles stayed around until the end.
Finally, the tiny family all departed from the nest around the end of May and early June.
Has M-15 returned back to the nest this season?
M-15 has returned for another year at the North Fort Myers nest.
Who else is in the nest? Has M-15 found a new mate?
This season will have another eagle for fans to support. A female eagle has joined M-15 in the tree and has already started to make herself at home by helping with the build.
Nicknamed "Lady E," it is unclear if she is one of the females who hung around the nest after Harriet disappeared.
When do eagles lay their eggs?
As of Oct. 2, the two eagles have already mated and are set to be a confirmed pair.
When it comes to laying eggs, eagles usually lay one to three eggs beginningas early as January. Once they have been laid, the parents take turns incubating the eggs which hatch in roughly 35 days.
How long is a typical eagle season?
Bald eagle nesting seasonbegins Oct. 1 and runs through May 15, according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
