Nobody knew what to expect this year from F15 and M23, the breeding pair of eagles in North Fort Myers. The 2024-2025 breeding season nearly ended in total disaster. The two eaglets that the raptors produced contracted avian flu and died shortly into their young lives. The two adult eagles also fell ill, but survived. All this was watched with dread and anticipation last year via the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam website. This popular daily drama has been livestreaming an intimate view of the North Fort Myers eagle’s nest since 2012.
Molt is defined as the routine loss and replacement of feathers. It can occur at any time of year, but in most birds a complete molt occurs in late summer and fall and a partial molt may occur in early spring.The timing of each molt is important. In late summer and fall, there is generally an abundance of insects, seeds, and fruit that provides the energy for molt. This molt provides birds with fresh plumage and often colors and patterns that help conceal it in winter environments.
A U.S. Coast Guard boat crew rescued eight boaters Saturday after their 26-foot vessel became disabled in the Gulf about 35 miles west of Venice.The boaters and vessel were brought back to a Venice Inlet boat ramp with no reported injuries.
An eagle nest in north Lee County that millions have watched over the years is again drawing attention. The breeding pair of American bald eagles in the North Fort Myers nest successfully continued their family this week. One egg was confirmed Wednesday and a second Saturday night at the Bayshore Road nest of F23 and M15.
For father and son, Roger and Scotty McCandless, swamp buggy racing in Naples, Florida, is a family tradition. Local historians say the unique sport is among the oldest traditions in the Gulf coast town of Naples. The first races were held in 1949.