SCCF provides post-storm bald eagle update
On Oct. 15, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that staff and volunteers were able to check on all of the bald eagle nests on Sanibel, Captiva and North Captiva. Most nests fared well, despite the extreme winds brought by Hurricane Milton.
Notably, the nest adjacent to the SCCF’s Puschel Preserve was blown apart in the storm. It was a new nest built in November of 2022 after Hurricane Ian, so staff believe that there is plenty of time for them to rebuild and still have a successful nesting season.
The well-known “Dairy Queen” eagle nest — which has held strong for over 20 years — is intact, and both birds were sighted at the nest.
During Milton, partner Window to Wildlife posted a video of Clive — a male at one of the eagle nests that the SCCF monitors — apparently riding out the storm in the nest. There has been one potential sighting of he and his mate, Connie, since the storm, and the nest is still standing.
“Our team will continue to check on the nests throughout the season and will provide updates as we learn more,” SCCF shorebird biologist Audrey Albrecht said.
Bald eagle nesting season runs from Oct. 1 to May 15.
LAUGHING GULL RESCUE
When checking on eagle nests, shorebird staff helped rescue an injured laughing gull on Captiva.
“When we responded to the bird, we found construction workers watching over it keeping it safe,” she said. “We were able to successfully bring the bird to CROW clinic, which is now operating and able to take patients once again.”
On the way to CROW, they also found a sick anhinga and brought it in as well.
For questions about eagles or to share eagle observations or photos, email eagles@sccf.org.
To reach SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION, please email