SWFL Eagle Cam’s female star, F23, presumed dead
Fans of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam’s worst fears have been realized in regards to its internationally famous pair.
On March 4, the cam announced that female eagle F23 is presumed dead after disappearing from the nest on the Pritchett property off of Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers on Feb. 27 and never returning.
After days of speculation and misinformation on social media, more credible sources seemed to confirm the worst.
“After receiving several credible reports of a deceased eagle found less than two miles from the nest, we are presuming that F23 has passed. While we await any possible confirmation, the proximity and timing make this the most likely conclusion,” it said on the Eagle Cam Facebook page.
F23 was part of the lives of eagle watchers for two and a half seasons. The Eagle Cam said she had an eagerness to learn. She was devoted to mate M15 and her eaglets, as well as growing up and making viewers connected to her journey.
Eagle fans were online wanting answers and slowly they are coming in.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) had picked up the carcass. After examination, it suspected no foul play and said that the eagle likely died from blunt force trauma due to a vehicle strike.
The FWC said eagles are attracted to roads because of roadkill. Their size and slower lift off speed makes them especially vulnerable to being hit.
The Eagle Cam post on YouTube said drivers should be observant while driving in areas with water, wooded spaces and where roadkill is visible. Slowing down and examining shoulders can make a huge difference.
If you see an injured eagle, do not approach it, officials said. Instead, contact wildlife authorities so trained professionals can respond.
F23 and M15 left the nest on the morning of Feb. 27, just as eaglet E26 had started branching. M15 later returned home, but without F23. It was presumed she was staying away from the nest for a little while, which is normal. However, F23 has not returned home.
M15 has now seen two mates pass away. The first, Harriet, died in 2023 just six weeks after the hatchings of eaglets E21 and E22. It left M15 to raise the young, which he did successfully against all odds.
As E26 is within a week or so of fledging, the job for M15 may not be quite as harrowing this time.
Eagle Cam co-founder Ginnie Pritchett-McSpadden said what happens next is anyone’s guess. The hope is that M15 will find another mate and remain in the nest at the Pritchett Farm, reclaiming the territory with her.
The Eagle Cam has been in existence since 2012 and has had more than 175 million views since its founding.
It is live 27/7 and may be viewed at https://dickpritchettrealestate.com/.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO / news@breezenewspapers.com, please email