LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Visitors from around the world often come to North Fort Myers to watch and photograph the beloved eagle couple M15 and F23, whose nest off Bayshore Road has been a source of joy for years. However, the atmosphere is now filled with heartbreak after both eaglets in the nest, E24 and E25, passed away within two days of each other.
WATCH AS COMMUNITY CORRESPONDENT ANVAR RUZIEV SPEAKS WITH LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER BARB HENRY WHO CAPTURED PHOTOS OF THE EAGLE FAMILY JUST DAYS BEFORE THE TRAGEDY:
Around 3 a.m. Tuesday, a SWFL Eagle Cam Facebook post said E25 began having seizures similar to those experienced by E24 just days earlier. A difficult moment was caught on camera as E25 struggled to stay upright and ultimately fell out of the nest.
“We’re praying it’s not avian flu, and if it is, we’re praying to God that mom and dad are able to overcome it,” Henry said.
The loss of the eaglets has left the local community grieving, especially for those who find the nest to be a place of healing and solace.
Birdwatchers like Henry and Kate Castellano shared how the nest has been a significant source of comfort for them.
“This has been my happy place, and especially this place has helped me heal. I lost my husband almost eight years ago, and this place has really healed me,” Henry said.
Castellano, who also lost her husband to breast cancer 13 years ago, shared her sentiment.
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is currently investigating the cause of death. While the nest is known to be prone to infections, experts have not ruled out the possibility of rat poison. They also noted that fishing line entanglement has been seen in other cases.
CROW reports that a necropsy is underway and is expected to be completed in about a week. This examination will help determine the exact cause of death for both eaglets.
