With F23 presumed dead, she leaves behind her mate and an eaglet born just days ago.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Bird watchers in Florida believe a beloved eagle from the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam has died. The female eagle, called F23, has not returned to her nest in several days.
In a Facebook post, a spokesperson for the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam says they have received several credible reports of a deceased eagle found less than two miles away from the nest.
Editor’s note: The eagle in the above picture is not the eagle talked about in this article.
The group says they are awaiting any possible confirmation, but the proximity and timing make them fear the worst for F23.
To make matters worse, F23 had welcomed an eaglet with her mate, M15, just days ago.
“This is a deeply sad day for our community,” said the Facebook post. It went on to say, “We were blessed to observe F23 for just two and a half seasons, but in that short time, her eagerness to learn, her devotion to M, and her care for her eaglets were unmistakable. She grew before our eyes, and so many of us felt connected to her journey.”
This is not the first time that the eagle M15 has had to raise eaglets on its own. In 2023, M15’s mate of many years disappeared and to this day, nobody knows what happened to her.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed that no foul play was observed with the deceased eagle that was found. Based on their preliminary assessment, the eagle most likely was hit by a vehicle and died from blunt force trauma.
The Southwest Florida Eagle Cam asks drivers to remain observant while driving, particularly near water, wooded areas and anywhere roadkill is visible.