It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ozzie, the bald eagle, co-star of the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam. Ozzie passed away last night at CROW due to complications from his recent injuries that included multiple severe lacerations and a broken toe in each foot. Ozzie was brought to CROW for a second time on Sunday, September 27, after he was found weak and injured in a North Fort Myers backyard. He arrived at CROW late at night in critical condition, unable to stand and fighting septicemia (a bacterial blood infection). It is highly likely these injuries were sustained from a fight with another bald eagle near the nest that was documented on the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam Facebook page. It was also reported that he had been entangled in barbwire.
A necropsy will be performed on Ozzie at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) at The University of Georgia and we will share those results with you when they become available. We would like to thank everyone for their support and unwavering belief in CROW during Ozzie’s rehabilitation and recent stay. Your endless words of encouragement carried the CROW staff through challenging times.
Here is a link to a USA Today story about Ozzie's passing. And here's another link to check out, pictures and videos. I suppose M15 will take over the territory now and will become Harriet's mate. I know this is difficult news to all who loved Ozzie and hoped to see him regain his territory. But try to remember that it's hard being a wild animal, having to be strong and fight for everything. We get a look into their lives -- the joy and the pain. Try to remember the joy that Ozzie brought in the past and look forward to the joy to come as Harriet teaches her new mate. Young Eagles learn what to do by partnering with more experienced Eagles. There are sure to be new things to observe from the nest for a first time Dad learning the ropes. And please don't feel silly for mourning this loss. Many of you have spent every day during the nesting season watching this nest. It's ok to love these Eagles and it's ok to mourn their loss. There is an entire community of people that understand and feel the same.
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The Harrison Bay Eagle nest doesn't have so much grass growing in it now that Elliot and Eloise are doing nestorations. They are digging in the nest with their beaks and bringing sticks to the nest, destroying the grass.
It looks like they are going to spend the night again in the tall pine.
It was a fun morning to watch the White-bellied Sea Eagle nest. Here's a few s'caps from the video, included below. SE15 is showing off his wingspan.
SE16 has spotted something overhead while SE15 enjoys breakfast.
SE15 is turning her head to get a better view of whatever is above her.
Then she gets a better look at breakfast.
Something has caught both chicks attention.
SE15 is almost doing a head stand, peering at something...
Here's a half hour video of feeding, wingercizing, preening, stretching, and turning their heads sideways to see better. (I love it when they do that!) It starts in black and white until the IR Cam turns off. Good Morning (30:16):
