DC was back again..think he's getting homesick?

(movie)

DC checking out the nest box

Beauty and DC at nest box!!  The old one!!  The female picks the site so DC may not win this one  

I've been wondering if she's not as crazy about Powers as he is.  Should be interesting as to which one they'll pick.

Carly's pics from today...

 

Great catch!  I look several times a day, each day, and see nothing. 

Official Statement from AEF President, Al Cecere:

"Greetings to the followers and supporters of SWFEC and all eagle cam enthusiasts!

It was brought to the American Eagle Foundation's attention that many concerned individuals have been stating that the AEF wants to rescue E8 from its SWFL nest. It has also been stated that we are actively asking people to call the USFWS to put pressure on them to let us complete this rescue.

We wanted to quell these rumors and ensure everyone that this is not true. Whatever information that is being passed around must have been the result of a misinterpretation/misunderstanding.

The AEF only considers intervening with wild nests when there is an absolute need or direct imminent danger that is acknowledged by the USFWS. It is always best for an Eaglet to be raised by its wild parents if possible.

That said, AEF is always willing to offer rehabilitation to any bird of prey in need of it, and is always willing to help an eaglet that needs to be rehabilitated and introduced back into the wild in the most non-intrusive way, such as through the AEF’s Eaglet Hacking Program (Eaglet Hacking is the process of introducing an eaglet into the wild with little to no direct human interaction in a natural setting from a undisturbed nesting tower).

Initially, when the eaglet was in danger (due to line wrapped around its ankle) and was taken to CROW for rehabilitation, AEF reached out to the USFWS and offered the services of its Hacking Program, but only if the eaglet needed extensive rehabilitation and would not be able to return to the nest in a timely manner. After USFWS thanked the AEF for their offer and informed them that the eaglet was well enough to be placed back in the nest, the AEF was thrilled to hear that it would not need any subsequent human intervention and is not planning to pursue the matter further unless specifically requested by the USFWS.

The AEF is always excited to hear about the success of any wild nest. We are all rooting for E8 and this newly bonded pair!

Respectfully,

Al
www.eagles.org"

From CROW FB-

CROW continues to receive numerous questions regarding why we cannot remove E8 from its nest at Southwest Florida Eagle Cam.  Dr. Barron, hospital director at CROW, has provided a statement below that we hope will answer some of your questions. 

"Siblicide is well known among bald eagles with the smaller eaglet generally disappearing between the third and eighth week in most surveys. Some research data shows that less than 10% of hatched eaglets will survive to reach maturity. Siblicide is an adaptive behavior that increases survival chances for both the parents and the remaining sibling. This is what natures intends and humans interfering with this upsets the balance of nature. CROW is not allowed to intervene in normal eagle behavior, which includes siblicide. Federal permission was sought to remove the eaglet from the nest previously and was granted based on the eaglet being entangled in a man-made line. E8 was always smaller than E7 and rivalry existed between the two prior to CROW’s intervention last week. While it is hard to watch, it ensures survival of the fittest and permission from U.S. FWS will not be granted to CROW to intervene in this display of normal eagle behavior.�

E8 has gotten some great feeds past 2 days with minor bonks from E7! M15 has been keeping the pantry full..great dad! 

Thank you for this posting.I had no idea that this is part of eagle life.I am always learning. 

Bonking by older siblings goes on in Eagle nests every year but SWFL Eaglets are notorious for it.  Yesterday, not only was E7 pecking viciously on E8's head but was pulling and biting on its wings.  Poor E8 was in submissive posture all day until last night. After E7 got a huge feeding and was too sleepy to bonk, E8 finally got a wonderful feed from Harriet.  From what I've read, Eagle parents won't encourage Eaglets to eat, unlike Peregrines..unless they come to the food and show an interest in being fed, they don't get any food.  E8 started out bonking E7 back before he was taken from the nest for removal of the fishing line but has shown a great fear of E7 since returning. So far today, it's been a good day with both Eaglets getting 2 good feeds.  E7 has given E8 a couple bonks for good measure but nothing like the past couple days..hope it continues!

E8 is not doing well and needs a rescue. E7 is pummeling his poor sib.

Today at 5:24pm SWFL
AEF, will rescue this eaglet if given the go ahead from USFWS. They said they will take the eaglet out of the nest and raise it at the AEF. They are precluded by an active nest, until given the go ahead. Let me be clear, they want to do the rescue! But their hands are tied by Federal law. If they are given the go ahead, and enough pressure is applied. Then they will be willing to go into the nest.

E8 had a wonderful feed by his mom last night, after E7 went to sleep, and he got another feed that filled his crop this AM.  Whoever posted this on FB should just walk away from the computer like I did yesterday..it was tough to watch.  The Pritchetts have made it well known they will not allow any intervention that involves what happens naturally in the wild..survival of the fittest..and will turn the cameras off if people keep posting numbers to call for any rescue.  This was posted on BCAW this AM..gives a great insight on the horrors of bonking.

https://plus.google.com/106984041784357187460/posts/EAxRUk7K2hd

Twins are 4 months old and walking!   

http://youtu.be/xiu4XDoh50M

Tandem feeding tonight! 

http://youtu.be/4_rvZXdls6c

  Hurray for E8!     I hope he continues to thrive now that he'll be back with Mom & Dad. 

I hope so too!  E7 is a lot bigger than E8 right now and could really hurt him if he starts the bonking again.  I've been watching for a few minutes and E8 is breathing quite hard and got awfully close to the edge.  A parent was standing close..seems confused as to what's going on? Hope this ends well.

Update from FB!  E8 is being released back to the nest today!   

E8 RELEASE UPDATE- After 3 days in the care of CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc., E8 has been cleared for release & will return back to the nest with E7, Harriet & M15 today! The release will happen early this afternoon and we will again be pausing live streaming for the safety of all involved, most importantly the eagles.

E8’s injury was caused by improperly discarded fishing line that ended up in the nest. You can help reduce litter and save all kinds of wildlife by properly disposing of or recycling fishing line and other litter. Learn more about MyFWC's Monofilament Recovery & Recycling Program at the link below.

Many thanks to all for your support! Stay tuned here for updates on E8's release.

More in depth update from CROW about E8-

http://www.news-press.com/videos/news/2016/02/10/80192772/

Update!

http://www.winknews.com/2016/02/10/video-e8-responding-well-to-treatment-at-crow/

So cute!

https://www.facebook.com/AnnieHubbellNews/videos/vb.161102824014106/336992876425099/?type=2&theater

Update from CROW on FB about E8-Pics shown and he/she's adorable!

https://www.facebook.com/CROWClinic/posts/964139000307757

Sadly, E8 has fishing line wrapped tightly around his leg, resulting in swelling of the leg.  The good news is that there's going to be an intervention!

From FB-

E8 UPDATE: We are currently working with the state & federal wildlife agencies, the FWC and USFWS, and the staff at our local permitted wildlife rehabilitation center, CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc., to arrange a timely rescue of E8 from entangled fishing line.

Because E8's leg is swollen, CROW will observe the eaglet and make a decision to remove from the nest for further care at their clinic. If this occurs, once medically stable, it will be returned to the nest.

Because of the sensitivity of the situation, we will be pausing live streaming shortly & all ground visitors will also be asked to leave the area to avoid further disturbance during the rescue attempt. This is for the safety of everyone, particularly the eagles.

Reminder to all viewers - please not call or email the FWC or CROW about the situation. It is being handled by the appropriate parties.

Update from FB-

Many thanks to CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc., LCEC and our local MasTec contractor for coming together quickly and rescuing E8 from entanglement.

E8 was taken back to CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc. clinic for further evaluation. We will wait to hear from them on next steps. To learn more about their mission or donate to their organization visit: crowclinic.org.

We are back streaming LIVE again: www.SWFLEagleCam.com