SWFL Eagles 11-2-26. M15 & F26 VISIT THE NEST TREE!

Video opens with a morning view of the nest tower. M15 and F26 did not work, likely because it was a rainy morning. They headed NW out of cam view. Later in the morning, they flew in together from the SE. There was a large bird in front of them that continued SW. The flight appeared to be that of an eagle; however, the view was too distant and I cannot be sure. Perhaps M15 and F26 flushed another eagle from the area and flew to the nest tree. Based on size, M15 landed on the treetop perch, and F26 landed on the W upper branches. We did not get a close view, so I am assuming this is M15 and F26. M15 moved up to join F26. M15 left first, and F26 followed him out. Not the most exciting video with the views; however, I know many viewers would want to know they visited the nest tree/pasture. ➡️ I watched M15 and F26 around the territory together starting in September. (I found M15 late August, did not find F26 back in August). They were active around a communications tower in the territory, as well as some different trees around the territory. Their activity led me to believe they may be looking to start an alternate nest. M15 and F26 started bringing a few sticks to the tower, and that activity increased at the beginning of October. The tower is on private property, so I notified property owners, discussed what the activity meant for the property owners/protection of the eagles, and what to do in the event of an emergency situation involving the eagles. The tower company was notified; repairs/maintenance on the tower are on hold until post season. This is standard operating procedure with tower companies here in Florida. M15 is regularly visiting the pasture and his nest tree; this is his territory. He has brought two sticks total to the pasture nest, and moved one stick on another visit. Here are some facts: M15 and F26 continue to build their nest (appears to be two nests, L1 and L4) on the communications tower. The last five times F26 accompanied M15 to the pasture nest tree, neither went to the nest. M15 did not bring sticks, aerate the nest, or do any nest maintenance in an attempt to get F26 to join him. F26 has not been to the pasture nest this season. M15 has perched and roosted on the tower for a number of years, going back to when Harriet was his mate (long before F26 showed up). F26 joined M15 perching on the tower after F23 went missing. Here is some brief information about eagles on cell towers: We do not want our eagles nesting on communications towers or transmission towers. The eagles choose to nest on these structures, likely for a variety of reasons, and that may be different depending on the pair. In some areas, too many native trees have been taken down for development. Eagles may choose towers for safety/security, as the towers are high and provide a great view for keeping the territory secure. The towers, with their height, offer a natural buffer from foot disturbance. Eagles "may" choose towers to nest on if they were hatched/raised on a tower (current study on that is ongoing here in Florida). ➡️ ➡️ Note: 1. The tower company has halted repairs/maintenance on the tower, and work will resume post season. The tower continues to operate as normal otherwise. 2. The nest will not be removed from the tower without a USFWS permit. Typically, those are done post season here in Florida. 3. The fledge rate for tower nests is equivalent to the fledge rate for tree nests here in Florida (exception: 2022, Hurricane Ian + avian flu) 4. Eagles nesting on towers receive the same protections as eagles nesting in trees. 5. A camera will not be installed on the tower as season is underway (disturbance). 6. L1 (Level 1) is the bottom level; L4 (Level 4) in the top level; the Nest is on Level 4; the height of L4 is 148'. 7. Twenty percent of the known eagle nests in Florida are on manmade structures (communications towers, transmission towers). Cam1 - https://www.youtube.com/live/YGaF2La0... Cam 2- https://www.youtube.com/live/BbDdI0MD... Pond Cam - https://www.youtube.com/live/FCgli5GQ... SWFL Eagle Cam official Facebook page:   / southwestfloridaeaglecam   The FB page is public; you do not need a FB account to view the page. The official website is currently offline. Video courtesy of SWFL Eagle Cam and Dick Pritchett Real Estate, Inc.