An update on Harriet & M15’s last brood: Southwest Florida Eagle Cam founder to speak at CCFW meeting
The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife will host Southwest Florida Eagle Cam founder Ginnie Pritchett McSpadden at their April 11 meeting with the possibility of a repeat the next night if reservations surpass capacity.
McSpadden, co-founder of the live cam that has logged nearly 20 million views worldwide, was born and raised in Southwest Florida. She started the live camera project, which features the eagle nest off Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers, with her siblings in 2012.
Growing up in a rural setting, the siblings had an early appreciation for wildlife and knew once the cameras were installed and streaming they could do something very special with the opportunity the offer a look into the lives of a mated pair dubbed Ozzie and Harriet.
The cam has continued through the years as first Ozzie and Harriet, then Harriet and new mate M15, and now M-15 alone, raised their broods on the Pritchett Farm.
McSpadden has also authored two children’s books about Harriet and the bald eagles. She was inspired to write books for her new family and all young kids around the world that could read, watch and learn from the bald eagle species. She hopes the book series provides another touch point to educating and protecting these beautiful raptors for many years to come.
The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife monthly meeting will be held at the Rotary Park Environmental Center, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral.
The meeting will open at 6:30 p.m. with a meet & greet. McSpadden will speak at 7 p.m. A Membership Meeting will follow, beginning at 8 p.m.
All are welcome and invited to learn about the organization’s activities and how you can be a part of preserving wildlife in Southwest Florida.
Seating is limited and CCFW suggests early arrival and interest and response have been overwhelming thus far. Organizers ask those planning to attend email Lori ASAP at ccfwowl@gmail.com to register.
If needed, CCFW will offer a second date at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at Rotary Park.
For more info visit ccfriendsofwildlife.org.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the organization’s request for emails for attendance and the possibility of a second session if interest is high.