The following story was written by Reinier Munguia, an EagleWatch volunteer at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. Our wonderful EagleWatch volunteers contribute significantly to the conservation of this incredible species.
Today Eagle Watch relocated a young eaglet (4 weeks old) to PO208 in Winter Haven. This little “guy” lost his home when his nest collapsed. His sibling died in the accident, but he managed to survive. After several attempts to return him to his parents by building a platform nearby, Lynda decided it was time to look for a foster home.
After few phone calls and reviews of the current nesting situation we were able to find him a new home. For two days I went on a wild goose chase to photograph a possible nest with babies of about the same age. Finally after sending an email about this situation to our volunteers I got pics from PO208 sent by Becky Richardson and the eaglet there looked like the right age. Jim the tree-climber took pictures of the existing eaglet to confirm the age, then the little guy was hoisted up the tree to join his new nest companion. In the meantime John, a volunteer from the Center for Birds of Prey waited at the base of the tree, while Lynda and I kept an eye on the adults flying around.
This shows the importance of our job as Eagle Watch Volunteers. I appreciate all your help on keeping an eye on these eagles. Anybody near PO208, please go check them out. We need to ensure everything is fine, at least for the next few days until they get settled. I’m sure the existing eaglet got a big surprise when an alien- looking dude climbed to the edge of the nest to drop an eaglet clone. On top of that Jim brought a white rat for a meal, which I’m sure got him baffled.
If you’re in the area, this nest is located about 1.5 mile north of Havendale Blvd on US17, right accross the Honda dealer. There’s an open field where you can park and look at the nest from the paved walking trail.
Thank you Becky and all of you for keeping an eye on the eagles.
Audubon EagleWatch is sponsored in part by the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.
