Posted 4 hours ago on WBSE Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Sea.EagleCAM/We have not recorded any sighting of our female Sea-Eagle "Mum" since 21st February, when the pair were seen on their mangrove river roost on the Parramatta River.
Before that date, both had been seen in Burns Bay, along the river and in the nest area, but only the male since. We feel the female had been showing signs of *distress for some time and sadly, she has now disappeared. While we shall continue to keep watch for possible sightings, given the amount of time now passed, her return is unlikely.
Be assured that we have done our very best to locate her. Contacting various rescue organisations, wildlife hospitals etc. The river banks / mangroves at Newington and Burns Bay have been thoroughly searched. The reserve has very dense scrub and has been searched several times, however it's very hard to comb every inch of land. Even the people who clean the river and some ferry staff have been asked if they've seen anything.
From observations in the past, there are lone adults or juveniles, searching for a mate or territory. We shall be watching with great interest to see if another eagle appears. We ask that everyone reports any other eagles seen in the area or nearby.
*Note from Judy
To add a little more information - I don't believe she would have left the area or "divorced" him - but rather that something has happened to her.
For some time our watchers have noticed some problems - losing her voice, coughing, and so on. Our research policy has always been non-intervention, as they are wild free-living birds.
If we had found her on the ground or similar we would however have taken her into care - as we have done with SE15. There are many environmental issues as well as various viruses and other problems in this urban area.
All would contribute badly and cumulatively to the health of our eagles. She was also a good age - well over 10 years. Everything we learn from our observations will contribute to our knowledge and conservation of these and other raptors.
Mum showed signs of illness (loss of vocals) on 10th of December.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rzenMqqKME&feature=youtu.beHere is another video 18th of January showing coughing, sneezing, panting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKKLyFoDrcE&feature=youtu.beSubsequent sightings both at river roost (by Cathy and Judy) and on the nest showed that the coughing, sneezing, panting had gone away but the loss of vocals remained. Last visit to nest on 10th of Feb, they both looked normal.
Throughout the summer and prior to mum's disappearance both parents made frequent round trips to Burns Bay (16kms), sometimes spending the night there. They were both observed flying around, hunting ie. normal behaviour.
Sea-EagleCAM Team
Additional thanks to Cathy and Lydia for their extensive ground searches
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Topic: White Bellied Sea Eagle, Sydney Cam (Read 133458 times)