North Fort Myers eagle mom vanishes, locals worry for nest's future

NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla.—A beloved bald eagle in Southwest Florida has gone missing, leaving many worried about the future of her nest. The eagle, known as F23, has not been seen since the morning of January 2, 2026.

Linda Normoyle and Val Hgan, who have been closely observing the nest, expressed their concerns.

"It's been sad because the female has disappeared," said Normoyle.

Sandy Appleby recalled the previous disappearance of another eagle named Harriet.

"Harriet disappeared. I had come here, and I watched people trying to find her, you know, sitting vigilantly waiting or going around the neighborhood," said Appleby.

Appleby shared her mixed emotions about the current situation.

"We have a balance between worrying, because we're humans, and knowing that the eagles know," said Appleby. "Leave it to the eagles, they know."

Normoyle and Hgan remain hopeful despite the uncertainty.

"I never want to give up," said Normoyle. "And the baby. The babies always need their mothers. So, if mama doesn't come back, dad will have to go looking for another mate."

As of now, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel is on standby for any injured eagles but cannot intervene unless directed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Updates on F23 are still pending from the commission.