Southwest Florida Eagle Cam sees first eggs of the season. When will we see eaglets hatch?
Eagle experts are getting an early holiday gift.
The first two eggs of the 12th Southwest Florida Eagle Cam season are here, the first laid late Friday evening and the second on Monday evening.
They are the first eggs laid by the newly mated couple, M15 and F23. This also marks a significant moment in the nest's history, as they are the first eggs in the nest since Southwest Florida icon Harriet disappeared earlier this year after more than a decade of nesting in the region.
Your SWFL Eagle Cam update: How is M-15, the nest doing a month into the 12th season?
When did F23 lay her first egg?
The first egg was officially laid on Friday, Nov. 24, at 9 p.m.
"(F23) is doing very well, the hormones and instinct really kicked in. She was so exhausted after she laid the egg," an administrator wrote in the live chat on Monday morning.
What do eagle eggs look like?
An eagle's egg is typically 2.3 to 3.3 inches long and are a little more than 2 inches in width, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The Avian Report also notes that bald eagles in the southern parts of North America will have smaller eggs than those who lay their eggs in the northern regions and Alaska.
They have dull white, tan tinge to them and are more oval-shaped compared to a chicken's rounded shape. Some eggs also might have brown spots on them from the nests and parent's soiled feet.
Is F23 spending more time off the egg than usual?
Viewers were concerned after seeing the egg unprotected during the livestream. However, administrators made sure to ease everyone's worry.
"The weather in Florida is warmer than most of the US. Also, eagles will sometimes delay steady incubation until all eggs are laid," an administrator wrote.
Administrators further explained that during "suspended development" or "delayed incubation," both parents will leave the egg uncovered for short periods of time until the second egg is laid. This delay will most times cause the hatching period between the eggs to be closer together and help reduce competition between the chicks.
Has F23 laid a second egg?
As of Nov. 27 evening, she has laid a second egg! On Monday at 3 p.m., viewers saw the first glimpse of a second egg in the nest.
What is the egg's name?
The first egg has been designated as "E23" for Eaglet 23 and the second egg "E24."
How often Southwest Florida Eagle Cam has only seen one egg laid in a season?
Had only one egg been laid, this would have been the first season that viewers would follow a single eaglet from egg to fledgling.
Harriet's History: Timeline of beloved eagle and her family's life in North Fort Myers
However, there have been past seasons where viewers saw eggs that never hatched, such as season five and season eight.
When do eagle eggs typically hatch?
Eagle eggs take an average of 35 days to hatch, which means viewers will see this eaglet around the start of 2024.
How long is a typical eagle season?
Bald eagle nesting season begins Oct. 1 and runs through May 15, according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
How old are eagles when they leave the nest?
If and when the happy couple does lay eggs, when does their offspring leave the nest?
At 10 to 12 weeks of age, eaglets are physically ready to fly. Most eaglets fledge around 12 weeks, which usually falls around the end of May or start of June.
When did SWFL Eagle Cam's newest season start?
M15, joined by F23, returned to the nest for another year in August, over a month before the season officially started on Oct. 1.
Where is the SWFL Eagle Cam located?
The nest is located at 6601 Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers. Operators advise those who visit not to interfere or intervene with any natural events in the nest.
Where can I find the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam?
You can watch the livestream at dickpritchettrealestate.com or on YouTube at SouthwestFloridaEagleCam.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Eagle cam in SWFL sees season's 1st egg laid. Is there a second egg?
