Newborn Eaglets Return to Nest After Eye Infections
Photo courtesy of Southwest Florida Eagle Cam on Facebook
Two newborn eaglets named E17 and E18 were born into the world, having hatched on Jan. 23, as documented by the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, which provides an ongoing live stream of an active pair of bald eagles, Harriet and M15, in their nest.
The eaglets were adjusting to their natural behaviors and instincts, feeding nicely with mom and dad, before changes were noticed in their eyes, just a week after hatching. At first, it was thought the changes could have been caused by Avian Pox, but it was later determined that the eaglets were suffering from eye infections.
Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) Visitor Education Center - 3883 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, was able to quickly and successfully remove the eaglets for treatment and rehabilitation and raised nearly $21,000 to fund the rehabilitation efforts.
"Our veterinarians have completed the exam on the two eaglets," CROW posted on Facebook on Jan. 29. "Both of the eaglets eyes were crusty and partially closed, but they were reported to be well-fed and otherwise in good shape. They were unable to determine an exact cause for their eye condition as of yet, but swabs were taken for testing.
"After the eyes were cleaned, both eaglets received antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. They were then transferred to our rehabilitation team and given a feeding. Their eyes will continue to be monitored for improvement as they receive more feeds. At this time, we do not have a timeline for their return to the nest, but hope to be able to do so as soon as possible."
By the next day, the eaglets were eating well and their eyes were looking better, according to a follow-up post by CROW, which had raised another $10,000 for the rehabilitation efforts, but the infection persisted.
With the infection still looming, veterinarians handling the case were optimistic, as the amount of discharge had lessened a few days later and the eaglets were at a healthy weight. Test results were delayed by the pandemic, CROW reported, and by Feb. 4, the eaglets' eyes were finally clear of discharge, despite some minor irritation.
The eaglets were happily welcomed home by mom and dad on Feb. 5.
"Although they seemed surprised to see E17 and E18 in the nest again, Mom and Dad resumed care of their priceless babies without a second thought," an update read on Dick Pritchard Real Estate's website. "E17 and E18 adjusted to their natural surroundings in the nest once more, and all was well as the precious Eagle Family carried on."
Dick Pritchett Real Estate has maintained the live feed and coverage for more than nine years. There are three environmentally friendly, non-intrusive cameras documenting the lives of the family of eagles, equipped with night vision and infrared light, emitting no actual light or noise.
For more information, visit dickpritchettrealestate.com and Southwest Florida Eagle Cam on Facebook.
The eaglets were adjusting to their natural behaviors and instincts, feeding nicely with mom and dad, before changes were noticed in their eyes, just a week after hatching. At first, it was thought the changes could have been caused by Avian Pox, but it was later determined that the eaglets were suffering from eye infections.
Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) Visitor Education Center - 3883 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, was able to quickly and successfully remove the eaglets for treatment and rehabilitation and raised nearly $21,000 to fund the rehabilitation efforts.
"Our veterinarians have completed the exam on the two eaglets," CROW posted on Facebook on Jan. 29. "Both of the eaglets eyes were crusty and partially closed, but they were reported to be well-fed and otherwise in good shape. They were unable to determine an exact cause for their eye condition as of yet, but swabs were taken for testing.
"After the eyes were cleaned, both eaglets received antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. They were then transferred to our rehabilitation team and given a feeding. Their eyes will continue to be monitored for improvement as they receive more feeds. At this time, we do not have a timeline for their return to the nest, but hope to be able to do so as soon as possible."
By the next day, the eaglets were eating well and their eyes were looking better, according to a follow-up post by CROW, which had raised another $10,000 for the rehabilitation efforts, but the infection persisted.
With the infection still looming, veterinarians handling the case were optimistic, as the amount of discharge had lessened a few days later and the eaglets were at a healthy weight. Test results were delayed by the pandemic, CROW reported, and by Feb. 4, the eaglets' eyes were finally clear of discharge, despite some minor irritation.
The eaglets were happily welcomed home by mom and dad on Feb. 5.
"Although they seemed surprised to see E17 and E18 in the nest again, Mom and Dad resumed care of their priceless babies without a second thought," an update read on Dick Pritchard Real Estate's website. "E17 and E18 adjusted to their natural surroundings in the nest once more, and all was well as the precious Eagle Family carried on."
Dick Pritchett Real Estate has maintained the live feed and coverage for more than nine years. There are three environmentally friendly, non-intrusive cameras documenting the lives of the family of eagles, equipped with night vision and infrared light, emitting no actual light or noise.
For more information, visit dickpritchettrealestate.com and Southwest Florida Eagle Cam on Facebook.
