Chat Session with Andy Pritchett and Ginnie Pritchett McSpadden 4-19-19

SPECIAL GUEST CHAT April 19, 2019 - SWFLEC Co-founders Andy Pritchett and Ginnie Pritchett McSpadden.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Good evening everyone. Our SWFEC extended family would like to extend a warm welcome to SWFEC’s co-founders Andy Pritchett and Ginnie Pritchett McSpadden! Thanks to their love of eagles and generosity thousands of people around the world have been given a special window into the lives of Harriet and her family.

We want to thank the Pritchetts not only the incredible cameras they installed that show the spectacular views of the nest and surrounding areas, but for the many hours they have devoted keeping the cameras streaming. And we can’t forget to thank you for providing this chat!

We are very excited to have you both join us this evening. Many of our SWFEC viewers provided questions earlier for Andy and Ginnie. They will try to answer as many as time allows. The first part of the session will address the questions that were already submitted.

If you could limit your comments during this part of the session, that would help us manage the session. If there is time the chat may be open to more questions addressed to Andy or Ginnie. Please join us as we welcome Andy and Ginnie to SWFEC’s chat.

We will post your greetings before the first session begins. But before we open, our group would like to extend their greetings. Then chat will open for all at 7:55pm.

 

GinnyLWI (Admin): Good evening Ginnie and Andy. So glad you are able to do this special chat . Thank you. We are all looking forward to your answers to the great questions the viewers have submitted.

MsSmith57 (Admin): Thank you for this special session Andy and Ginnie We sure appreciate your time with us on the chat!

Sue_Lyons (Admin): Ginnie and Andy, we are so happy that you have the time to spend with all of us tonight, thank you so much!

purpleagle (Admin): Welcome Andy and Ginnie--we are all so happy to welcome you this evening to our special chat! Thank you for sharing your time!

Raptor1 (Admin): Thank you for sharing this with everyone, and for me to be a part of an awesome experience

 

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Hi Everyone! What a pleasure this is

 

Essec09 (Admin): Chat is now open for our SWFEC family.

 

HOeagletfan1: howdy all thanks Andy and Ginnie for being with us tonite

djt: Thank you Andy and Ginnie, you have given us a wonderful gift!

LCampbell75: Hi Andy and Ginny..Thank you so much for being here tonight and for this wonderful site and Cams..you guys are awesome!! Love you guys!

LNBirdLady: Thank you Andy and Ginnie and your whole family for providing us with this awesome experience to watch the beautiful eagles year after year and for all the friends we've met thru chat.

Gugs-Girl: Hello and thank you so much for all you do for our wonderful fine-feathered friends!

TaraTrac: Hello Andy and Ginnie. What a pleasure and honor to be with you tonight. You've brightened the lives of many. Thank you!

 

wskrsnwings (Admin): Hi everyone. Enjoy talking with Andy and Ginnie.

 

Daunelle Danish: I'm not much of a chatter but just wanted to say thank you!

Apr 19, 5:55 PM

jsheptwo: Hello Andy and Ginnie....welcome and thank you for this time you are giving to all of us tonight.

DonnaFL47: Hello Andy and Ginny. Thank you for all you have done.

MtGal30: Thank you Andy & Ginnie for being here to night.

sherbertt: What an amazing group this has become. Thanks so much to the Pritchett and our fabulous mod squad. This is truly a special place to enjoy these beautiful eagles.

E9Lover2: Thank you Andy & Ginny for joining us tonight & thank you for this wonderful experience into the eagles world!

 

Hummingbird: GE All. Hope I can stay on chat. Tornado warning

Essec09 (Admin): Stay safe, Hummingbird.

 

Magd: Hi Andy, Hi Ginnie... so nice to be here tonight..thank you “special hi from Anja Edelman.. still stuck on the way to North Ft.Myers”

samour17 (Admin): Magd so nice of you to join us all the way from Egypt this evening. Happy to see you.

 

MagEagle9: Thank you Ginnie and Andy for this 'gift' from your family!

Randy Hester: the BEST live streaming I ever watched..thank you Andy and Ginny...

Margaret N Nightingale: Good evening Andy and Ginnie (and wskrsndwings). Thank you for this amazing site and all the opportunities to watch the natural development of these beautiful creatures.

hootie-hoo: Thank you for sharing your evening with us!!

Elaine Herbert: Hi Andy and Ginnie! Thanks for spending this special time with all of us!

Eagletoe06: Hello Andy & Ginny! Many thanks for this amazing Cam!

CarrieB: Hello To All~Andy & Ginny You are @ the top of the List of kindness

puzzel: I've been enjoying these eagles since 2014 and they are a hoot. Also I cannot hear their calls when watching and don't know why, anyone have ideas?. I could always hear them from the camera all other years..

Shelli22 (Admin): Ginnie and Andy thanks so much for stopping by and spending time with us this evening! I know the viewers are excited to hear what you both have to say.

Pat Kwap Kemble: Thank you Andy and Ginnie for this special gift to witness nature up close even though I am in CT

 

Gerry Bohn: Can I view chat from here, as usual?

Essec09 (Admin): Gerry, I think the answer to that is yes.

 

lucybird: Thank you Andy & Ginny for such a great experience each year you all are so special !!

patlogan: Oh my, welcome Andy and Ginnie. I saw earlier that you were going to be on tonight. I have loved this site for the last 3 seasons. Thank you so much for sharing this awesome experience with us.

LuvsE9: Haven't been on chat much this year but didn't want to miss the opportunity to send a world of thanks to Andy and Ginnie.You have made so many lives much happier with your generosity.Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Ilene Horwitz: Hi Andy and Ginnie, Welcome to a place you have made so special!

JudyJirasek: Thank you so much for letting us view this wonderful family.

 

Essec09 (Admin): If you have a question, we will try to get to it after the session. Thank you!

 

Lianne Sarnecke: Hello, Andy and Ginnie - Thank you for sharing this wonderful eagle family with the world.

Dorothy Frey: I thank you both for all you have done & are doing so we can enjoy Harriet, M and all of the eaglets! Love the eagles!

KittyHawk3 (Admin): Good Evening Ginnie and Andy! Thanks so much for taking the time for this special chat session.

Jackie Brown: Good evening y'all. Thank you so very much Andy and Ginnie for coming to see us!! ((HUGS)))

RobertoD (Admin): Thank you Andy and Ginnie, we have all been looking forward to this evening

cats3eagles: Many many thanks to you both Ginnie & Andy! What a wonderful gift your family has given us!

Darlene Dennis: Good evening Ginny and Andy!

Carol Guarco Myers: Thank you for chatting!!

MelodyCS: Good evening and thank you so much for these wonderful cams❤

patlogan: Andy, I will never forget when E9 stopped you cold on the driveway...could hardly stop laughing. That was classic E9.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Ginnie and Andy, anytime you are ready.

 

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Thanks for having us!

 

Essec09 (Admin): At this time, we will not post comments until after the first part of the session. Thank you!

 

vlpritchett (Moderator): Hello Everyone, Like Andy said, thank you so much for being here, watching the cams and hosting us tonight!

 

Essec09 (Admin): Lynn Baranski York asks: What motivated you to create SWFEC?

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Thanks Lynn, In 2012 we heard about the Decorah Eagle Cam and how popular it had become. We as a family one night were discussing it and thought how neat it would be to put a camera up of our own. 4 months later, October 1 of 2012 was when we officially started the SWFEC.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Eagletoe06 asks: When & who had the idea first for sharing this beautiful property of this eagle nest & sharing with the world? And has there ever been another E besides E12 that has been so fascinated with the pond & office side of the property?Thanks!

vlpritchett (Moderator): It was a family decision and little did we know it would be shared with the world.

For the second part of the question, I would say all the eaglets have enjoyed the pasture and the different parts of it but E12 definitely loves the water that’s for sure! Its been so fun to watch them play there this year

 

Essec09 (Admin): GinnyLWI asks: Ginnie and Andy did you ever think your project in just seven seasons would have well over 138 million viewers from over 130 countries and now all 50 states represented by viewers in chat? We all thank you so very much!

Andy Pritchett (Admin): The short answer, absolutely not! I remember calling Ginnie and telling her, “We’ve got a 1,000 total views!” We couldn’t believe that people wanted to watch our live stream.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Peggy Main asks: For either of you: What do you feel has been the most significant impact of having the live cam and site, professionally or personally?

Andy Pritchett (Admin): For me (Andy), it has been hearing about how the cameras have impacted our viewers’ lives. Knowing that what we are doing is bringing joy to so many around the world is something I never expected to happen but am grateful to be able to do. Our original commitment was to foster education and appreciation for the bald eagle.

vlpritchett (Moderator): Like Andy says, hearing stories and meeting so many amazing viewers has been a huge impact on my life. Also getting to know and keep in touch on a daily basis with all our amazing moderators. Also being able to understand and educate others on the Bald Eagle species (especially through our new book A Day with Harriet) has become a fun thing for me!

 

Essec09 (Admin): Babs Liberty asks: Is/was Dick Pritchett your Dad?Could you tell us a bit about him and if he has/had any involvement in putting up the cams or noticing Ozzie & Harriet in the area or love of Eagles?

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Dick Pritchett was our grandfather. He moved to Fort Myers in 1950's and was a pioneer in the local real estate market. Our father has followed in his footsteps and continues the business today.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Tammy Boren Boyle asks: I'm just curious if the Pritchetts know just how much this has touched people's lives and opened up a whole new world that I , for one, didn't even know exists....That said, THANK YOU for giving us this opportunity to go into these eagle's lives.

vlpritchett (Moderator): Thank you Tammy. Its been a wild amazing ride. We never expected any of this so every season we look at it as a blessing to be able to provide this experience.

 

Essec09 (Admin): lucybird asks: How did you go about assembling such a great / fantastic crew of moderators and camera folks?

vlpritchett (Moderator): Lucybird, That’s a great question! We have been extremely fortunate to have the moderators that we have.They are the real stars who make this camera such an amazing experience for the viewers. We are forever grateful to the team that has supported us over the years. This is a great opportunity to say, THANK YOU!!!!!!

Essec09 (Admin): (your check is in the mail lucybird).

 

Essec09 (Admin): LCampbell75 asks: I just wanted ask them what their favorite memory is of any season since they had their cams on live??

Andy Pritchett (Admin): If I had to choose just 1 and only 1, I’d pick Season 1. The excitement that I felt and the nerves can’t be replicated. It was such a fantastic learning experience and it really opened our eyes to the lives that Ozzie and Harriet lived. I remember it like it was yesterday watching the eggs hatch thinking, how cool is this!

vlpritchett (Moderator): I would actually say the same. We were so native and new at everything. We were basically learning along with Hope & Honor. And then when they accidentally fledged together, and then had a successful season. It was a great season all around.

wskrsnwings (Admin): 😊

 

Essec09 (Admin): Peggy180 asks: I would like to ask the Pritchetts if any of their family are zoomies?

Andy Pritchett (Admin): We may control the cameras a little bit during the early part of the season but we like to leave that responsibility to the professionals

 

Essec09 (Admin): E9Lover2 asks: 1) What made you decide to create this website? 2) Did you ever think that this website/family of eagles would be seen by millions of people all over the world?Finally, I would like to thank you & your family for this amazing opportunity you have given so many. The world would be a better place with more people like you in it! Thank You.

vlpritchett (Moderator): First of all, a big Thank you to you as well for watching and supporting the cameras. Secondly, never in our wildest dreams did we think that this would happen. The original goal was to create something that the local community could share in and enjoy. Little did we know the power of the internet and how the local community would include people from all over the world.It really is humbling to think that so many people watch the site daily.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Kayrh asks: Afternoon! I check in first thing in the morning and off and on throughout the day and again at bedtime.My questions are: how did they come to be involved in eagle watching, Making the connection with AEF etc. Also, are fallen trees/bushes like the one near the nest left in the area for natural environmental reasons?

I have to say that my life has been changed by watching these Eagle nests in so many ways. We have had two tragedies in the last 4 years and to be able to turn to the nest to watch was normal.

vlpritchett (Moderator): Thanks for watching every day Kayrh! We are no eagle experts but after learned so much the last 7 years and tried to meet and work with the best in the eagle/raptor world.The pasture has pretty much been left as is to help keep the Eagle’s habitat as normal as possible. We may have to remove some in the future for safety concerns but no plans as of yet.

 

Essec09 (Admin): jsheptwo asks: Did you have an interest in bald eagles before the nest was built in your pasture or is that when you started following them?

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Our family has been lucky enough to be around nature and the outdoors our whole life so we have a strong appreciation and respect for nature. Seeing the Eagles build so close, sparked an interest that quickly grew into a bigger passion project for us.

 

Essec09 (Admin): JudyJirasek asks: Were you young kids when you started watching Harriet and Ozzie? Did you see them when they had a nest across the street?

vlpritchett (Moderator): We always knew there was a nest over there and occasionally did see an eagle pair. There are many eagles in the area so it would be difficult to tell if it was. It wasn't until they moved across the street that we had the chance to really "get to know them"!

 

Essec09 (Admin): PamW2017 asks: How does anyone get any work done during eagle season at your office? Is anyone allowed to go outside after fledging? Can you send me a job application? LOL

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Everyone in the office loves the Eagles and watches 24/7 but we do work hard and always aware the Eagles are there.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Ilene Horwitz asks: How often do either of you go to lecture in the surrounding schools or in the surrounding community? For Ginnie, Have you thought of continuing with this series of books on the Eagles for young children? I think that her first one is just terrific. Like others I so appreciate what everybody has done here and I wish that we didn’t have to look forward to them leaving so soon but I’m happy they’re healthy and ready to fly.

vlpritchett (Moderator): We have actually been doing more this season and hope to increase that. Having the Children’s Book connection has helped start the conversation and been an easy transition to meeting with groups & starting partnerships like the ones we have with CROW & now the Audubon.

We do hope to have a series of Books! Stay tuned this summer for details on Book #2!

 

Essec09 (Admin): Mary Cay Sullivan asks: I love the children’s book about Harriet. Have you ever thought about doing a pictorial book (i.e. a “coffee table” book) about this nest?

vlpritchett (Moderator): A great question but we leave the amazing photography to those on the ground. We do have a Zazzle Store if folks do want a customized Eagle Family item. www.zazzle.com/store/swfleaglecam

 

Essec09 (Admin): SueUMc: Have you ever considered a lightning protection system for the tree? Thank you for providing such a great gift for the world.

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Not for the tree itself. We do everything we can to protect the camera equipment from lighting so that there isn’t any technical failure during the eagle season. Protecting the tree is something we have been looking into

 

Essec09 (Admin): djt asks: Are any more cams in the plan or different ones?

vlpritchett (Moderator): Hey DJT, I think you probably mean new cams but in regards to this nest location, technology is ever changing and we hope to make these nest cams better than ever over the coming season

 

Essec09 (Admin): Beverly Morden Hall asks: Are there any new plans for next season? And is there anything we haven't asked that you would like to tell us? Thank you so much for all you have done.

vlpritchett (Moderator): We also plan to fix all of the unfortunate technical difficulties we had this season

Which I know will make EVERYONE VERY HAPPY!

LuvsE9: We are all VERY HAPPY already Ginnie!

 

Essec09 (Admin): morsy asks: Good evening. If Harriet decides to build a new nest in the west pasture, would you relocate the cams?

Andy Pritchett (Admin): We would do everything we can to continue the live streams but never want to compromise the natural habitat to make it happen so it really all depends. Let’s all hope we never have to find out

 

Essec09 (Admin): AndrewNH26 asks: Can you hear the Es Squees from your office, and if so, how do you concentrate with all that racket ? lol

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Yes we hear them all the time! I will never grow tired of hearing the eagles.

 

Essec09 (Admin): djt asks: Do you watch Harriet & M15 during the summer months? How often do you see them?

vlpritchett (Moderator): They normally stay in the area for a while after the cams shut off and only take extended periods of time away from the area. Each year is different and they continue to surprise us!

 

Essec09 (Admin): MtGal30 asks: When you started this did you have a clue to how popular it would be, even globally!? TY! HAGN n SED'S...I miss this Eagle Family already, shamwows arrived!

Andy Pritchett (Admin): NO IDEA! We still laugh about it all the time. The first few months we got so excited about 25 people watching, never in our wildest dreams did we think this would snowball into something so amazing.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Diane Beatty asks: You ever think of doing a cartoon type movie about H and M15and the Es for Chlldren for the classroom for teachers to use as a teaching tool? ty for allowing us to watch on cam look forward to it year after year.Your mods and zoomies rock.

vlpritchett (Moderator): Diane! This is my dream! My ultimate goal in the educational space is actually an animated movie that educates and entertains young minds in a way today’s cartoon movies do!

And Hoped A Day with Harriet would be the natural first step in that direction

 

Essec09 (Admin): Ziva asks: Hi everyone! Is there any chance you will tag the babies in the future. I miss E9 and the other babies so very much. It’s sad to know if we see him we won’t know for sure.He will be forever missed and worried about. They tag babes that need medical attention. Can you tag these babes in the future?

Andy Pritchett (Admin): We don’t have any specific plans right now to tag the eaglets or adult eagles. We would never intentional disrupt their season to tag but if for some unfortunate reason they were receiving medical treatment, we would look at all the options and have in the past. Understanding their life beyond their final fledge is a mystery to us all that we would love to try and help solve.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Ziva asks: Is the gator on your property? If so, can you remove it? I’m sure it would be expensive but a go fund me page could help with that. I’m worried about our family. TY for all you do.

vlpritchett (Moderator): Thanks for your concern. NO Gators on property just lots of small fish, turtles and horses in that pond.

 

Essec09 (Admin): trusteagles asks: Do you ever sit out on the screen porch and watch eagles from there? Is there a big screen TV at the office?

Andy Pritchett (Admin): We always take a few moments out of our day to appreciate the eagles. NO big screen just our laptops

 

Essec09 (Admin): JudyJirasek asks: Do any of the neighboring businesses or homes ever complain about the eagles? Do they ever steal food from BBQ grills?

vlpritchett (Moderator): They have not. There is plenty of food available for the eagles in their natural environment. Many have even stopped to say they too watch the eagles every day and appreciate our efforts. It's been a wonderful community project for so many

 

Essec09 (Admin): mdofmich asks: I saw a school bus one day by the stables. Do you have class room children visit the horse area?Thanks for making this cam available to all of us.

vlpritchett (Moderator): Mdofmich, the stables are operated by the family and are private horses. During the summer there are occasional camps that are put on that might have utilized a school bus but I can’t say for sure.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Jackie Brown asks: Thanks Andy and Ginnie for joining us in chat. Andy, we see Ginnie in chat once in a while. Do you read chat and why don't you sign and say hello?

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Yes I do Jackie. Whenever I do watch chat I enjoy reading the questions and answers. I’m always learning as well and our moderators always do such a fantastic job that I never want to interrupt.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Jackie Brown asks: I always ask for the donation info to be posted. Why is it that this site does not post at the end of each chat- the request for donations? Thanks Pritchett family for allowing people all over the world into M15 and Harriet's home and your pasture.

vlpritchett (Moderator): Thanks for the reminder Jackie, while donations are always greatly appreciated, we don’t want anyone to ever feel pressured or obligated to donate. We do this with 100%no expectation of a viewer to donate but always so honored and floored when viewers do.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Babs Liberty asks: Andy, I know that the mods posted your comments in chat about the day you were in your truck with E9 on the driveway but I am sure there are many that have not seen it (or would just like to hear it again). Could you talk about your thoughts that day? I know many watching the cams at that time were terrified E9 was going to be hit not realizing that was you and that you were well aware of E9 being there and would take the necessary precautions. Thanks!

Andy Pritchett (Admin): What a day that was! Even when life gets busy and you have places to be, that was a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things in life. I never thought that day would be so impactful but I did sit there and think, how lucky am I to be able to witness E9 learn and explore for the very first time. I also had a pretty good excuse to why I was running late.

 

Essec09 (Admin): hootie-hoo asks: Andy Prichett .......what was going through your mind when E9 was in front of your truck in the driveway?? And how long did that incident last??

Andy Pritchett (Admin): It probably lasted for about 5 minutes but what a neat experience to be able to watch!

 

Essec09 (Admin): WandaE9 comment: "In addition to my heart-felt gratitude for the LIVE stream, thank you for having your 1st CHAT on my B-DAY...the BEST gift I could ask for." Woo Hoo, lol!

vlpritchett (Moderator): HAPPY BIRTHDAY WANDA!!!

Essec09 (Admin): The following comment needs to be posted in segments -

Lauren Roberts comment: Hello to the Pritchett’s!I just wanted to thank you for all you have done by making this webcam available to all of us…to the world. But on a personal note I want you to know how you have touched us without even knowing it.

Andrew, I’m not sure if you remember and it is quite alright if you don’t, I know you are busy… Almost 2 years ago to the day I emailed you in regards to a book I was planning on writing about Harriet and M15…during E9’s season. I said I would send you excerpts of the book when it was completed wherever the Pritchett name, mods or zoomie was mentioned for your permission.

I am currently on the 5th edit of the book. So I will be sending you excerpts very soon! But my main reason for bringing this up tonight is since I started the book, we have had some challenging times. I mentioned recently on chat that my husband was diagnosed with a “c” word that I don’t speak of. It has been torture watching him go through treatments, but like the eagles, he is resilient!

I had to let you know that while we were going through the most difficult part of treatment the cameras came back up for this season. I want to thank you both from the bottom of my heart for giving us some peace, some happiness and joy through some very rough days.

By you providing this window into this eagle family’s lives, you brought peace and happiness to our world that had suddenly been turned upside down. I just wanted to thank you for giving us something to look forward to and something that had nothing to do with doctors! We wanted you to know that without even knowing us, you have filled our hearts and home with so much needed joy. Thank you both so much…God Bless.

vlpritchett (Moderator): Thank you Lauren! We are sending good vibes your way and hope for the best for you and your family! So glad we could help provide a little comfort through the cams!

 

Essec09 (Admin): At this time Ginnie and Andy will try to answer some of the questions that have come in tonight.

 

Hummingbird: Question. What happen to the sound this year.What are the plans to fix this. I have been here for so many years and I have to say this is something I missed this year

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Great question...technical difficulties. It will be fixed next year

vlpritchett (Moderator): We know it was frustrating for all and so appreciate you sticking by us through the downed times and the good!

 

Macky Miller: I get the feeling that cars drive by, totally obvious to the piece of paradise they are passing. Do you attempt to keep it somewhat low key in the area to protect both the E's and your property? Or, is it just drivers being drivers and in a hurry to get to wherever they are going----which happens to be fine with me.Leave the E's to the rest of us.

vlpritchett (Moderator): Because we do have a business on the property, we try to keep it as normal as possible. Bayshore Rd is a busy road but think many do appreciate their proximity to the nest everyday while on the go.

I know I do every time I drive by

 

patlogan: After the season ends and Harriet and M15 leave the area to go “on vacation” do you ever worry that they might not come back for what ever reason...I know I have before I’m actually able to see them.

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Absolutly, every year. All we can do is prepare and hope they do return.

vlpritchett (Moderator): Like Andy mentioned, We know how fortunate we are for this and never take a day for granted

Andy Pritchett (Admin): We do everything we can to take care of their habitat

 

svad9561: This entire venture makes my heart so very happy. I enjoy it so much that I forget that the eagles don't know that we are watching. It feels like they are performing for us!

E9Lover2: Essec, I apologize if this question was asked, if so disregard & will check for answer after chat. Q-Andy or Ginny, if for some reason Harriet & M15 decided to relocated (lets hope not), say across the street would you still be able to have cams there?

 

Journi: Have you noticed Harriet & M15 bringing any more sticks to that west pasture tree this season? They seem to like that tree!Thank you for this amazing experience!

vlpritchett (Moderator): A lot of talk about the West Pasture! Such an unknown but the Eagles know best and we will always do what we can to bring the live cams back year after year.

 

Robin Oliveira: I want to add to the chorus of gratitude here for the cameras. I watch from Seattle, keeping the cameras to the side as I work from home on my computer. But I was also able to visit the nest this year, and it was so terrific to see the eagles in person.Thank you for opening your property, too. We stood to the side of your long driveway and while I was there I was so grateful to you for your generosity. I look forward to the eagles every year.

Maewood Hamlin: A huge thank you for sharing your time with is Jenny and Andy! What a beautiful thing your family has given us

Janet Moore: Hello from Panama! I started watching this cam from the first season when I still lived in the states. I just love every fall when the cams go up! I'm mostly a lurker but from time to time say hi! I just wanted to thank you for this experience. You have the very best stream set-up out there. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

 

MelodyCS: Ginnie and Andy, thank you so much. Where did all the fish come from in the pond?

WPBEgal: Question. Many have said that there were no fish in the pasture pond. Recent events have showed that to be wrong. Did you all "stock" the pond and if not how did fish get in there?

Andy Pritchett (Admin): The pond is actually county maintained and is regularly stocked with local fish

 

plnlct: Good evening. Where did the eagle statues come from?

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Sebring, FL. A local artist hand poured and hand painted them.

 

Peggy180: Thank you so much, Ginny & Andy. You' ve given us so much to be able to share the life cycles of "our" eagle family and to enjoy seeing your beautiful pasture and property. I've learned so much and met so many good people.

Dorothy Frey: I live local so I have had the wonderful pleasure of coming to the nest & seeing them in person. Thanks to you millions of people came enjoy this lovely eagle family.

 

Jackie Brown: Andy, will you do me the honor? Please post the Donation info. Your donations ARE tax DEDUCTIBLE>Tyvm

Apr 19, 6:50 PM

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Yes, tax deductable. Best place to visit is southwestfloridaeaglecam.com

 

JudyJirasek: Do you own any of the horses in the pasture?

vlpritchett (Moderator): We personally do not but my aunt runs a boarding business in the back and many of the horses are owned by her or her boarders.

 

BckEE: A sincere, from the heart ❤ Thank You, Andy and Ginnie,and crew! 😊 For all that you do! Q: Are you aware that E12 now owns the pond? lol

Amy Ravenscraft: A quick thanks to those who bring us this fascinating and educational view every year. So majestic!

eaglelover60: hi everyone, not one to chat much. wanted to say hello and thank you to the pritchett family for everything they do.and ty for the cams to watch our beautiful eagles.

Randy Hester: vlpritchett...you think maybe during the summer the sound will be fixed?

magben: Hello Ginnie and Andy, so nice to have you with us!

 

MagEagle9: I know when Season 5 went viral it took you all by wonderful surprise with thousands of new devoted followers! I wonder though if you realize how many folks lives were changed and sent down wonderful new paths? Paths of raptor rescue &rehabilitation, EagleWatch volunteers, conservation and education messages being shared by individuals and more. Your cam opened this door for me that I would never have otherwise seen. I think of E9 with every raptor I help treat & EagleWatch nest I monitor. I'm so grateful!

vlpritchett (Moderator): Thank you Mag! It astounds us every day and to hear everyone's story is the biggest thank you we can receive

Doing stuff like this is also so fun and makes the long days worth it as we balance our day jobs, families and this project

 

SueUMc: Andy and Ginnie- good evening and thank you for sharing your time with us and also providing this great gift into the eagle's world. The entire SWFEC team is by far the best and obviously because they were chosen by the best. God bless you and Happy Easter.

Shannon Jemison Price: Thank you so much for everything. You have brought much joy to my granson and I. We share the watching of the eagles every year. Thank you for allowing us to join in and share such a special family!

DaveinMissouri: Alula and Happy Easter to the Pritchett family!

trusteagles: 138 million views and easily 138 million thanks and good wishes. Cool. I’d like to thank you, especially, for inviting these wonderful mods to come and teach us so much. I’ve never enjoyed school like this. Thank you for the chat tonight and every day and night. Wow. Stocked pond. I think we all learned something here! Maybe E12 DID catch that fish this morning.Wouldn’t that be something? Another first. I wouldn’t put it past her. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

yellowrose0127: Paula Henry, aka yellowrose0127: Ginny and Andy, thank you just doesn't feel like I am saying enough. What a continued blessing this site is. I am able to visit the nest from Maryland for 5 years now and I still cry at the sight of it. I have met many wonderful people, made lasting friends and share a bond that few people understand.😉 So my question is this----do you ever go to the church side and visit with the people who come there?? Part 1.

vlpritchett (Moderator): Paula, I do on occasion. Funny enough, I always feel so weird visiting because I feel like an outsider that nobody knows but do try to stop and introduce myself from time to time. I know Andy stops by more than I because he works on property and drives by everyday

 

Andy Pritchett (Admin): Hi everyone! I hate to have the leave early but my 2 year old is calling my name. THANK YOU to Everyone for your time and for joining us tonight. This will always be an experience i will never forget. Thank you to everyone again, it really does mean so much.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Bye Andy! And Thank YOU!!

Shelli22 (Admin): Thank you Andy!

Sue_Lyons (Admin): Thank you, Andy!

Raptor1 (Admin): Thank you for being here Andy

icecream247 (Admin): Thank you Andy !

LoisNY54 (Admin): Bye Andy and thank you for all you do to keep the cams running.

MsSmith57 (Admin): Thanks Andy Enjoy the little one!

GinnyLWI (Admin): Thank you Andy, Good night.

purpleagle (Admin): Thank you so much for an interesting evening Andy SED

wskrsnwings (Admin): Bye Andy. Happy Easter to you and the entire Pritchett family

 

Essec09 (Admin): I know some of our viewers posted earlier and we will get to those soon. Thank you for your patience.

 

Ilene Horwitz: Thank you so much for your time tonight! Like many chatters, E9 grabbed our hearts because he was so special and he added more fans( me included) of this site. Like Lauren,many of us have found the eagle family a great help during times of stress and illness. I wonder if you would consider going to hospitals and senior center with videos, books etc ?. It would be great for them!

vlpritchett (Moderator): IIlene, A great question. If you or anyone has suggestions on places or contacts, please do send to our email listed on the website

purpleagle (Admin): That sounds like a great idea Ginnie---many of our viewers have mentioned elderly parents who love the cam

 

neweagleluva: Andy & Ginnie, have never known about the lives of eagles until I found your eagle cam. Can not thank you enough for sharing these beautiful lives and knowledge with us (your moderators and zoomies are the fabulous). Have learned a tremendous amount since E9 and passed on to others the importance of eagle preservation and facts. Thank you, thank you.

anniep: Hi Andy and Ginny, thank you so very much for all you do so the rest of the world can see this fabulous family of eagles and other wildlife.

eaglesrawsm: Ginny & Andy, Thank you for sharing this site with the world It has opened the eyes of so many & we have really become a family of eagle lovers.❤️

 

Terri Wroblewski: I am so envious that you have a front row seat to this beautiful family. How do you get anything done ? I would be out in the area watching every move >

vlpritchett (Moderator): Terri- Sadly we do have lots of work that keeps us busy but they are an amazing distraction and we are so lucky to have them and the horses as our "work" neighbors

 

Grosbeak: Ginny and Andy, I have no question; just loads of gratitude for all the pleasure you have provided. The site is truly wonderful. And a special shout-out to wskrsnwings for all the great videos. They're a pleasure during the "dry" months! Finally,infinite thanks to Harriet and M15. What would we have without you?

 

AndrewNH26: Thank you Andy and ginnie for this wonderful gift .And for assembling our Stellar and Beloved Moderator team ( The Mod Squad ) ( Great And Powerful Mods )

vlpritchett (Moderator): Thanks for joining Andrew- Our Mod Team really is the best! We couldn't be half of what we are without them and their dedication and support.

 

LJohnson1776: What is it like to have eagles living in your backyard?

Megster: I would like to just say Thank You Ginnie and Andy for this amazing site you have provided for all of us. It has truly enriched my life. And thank you for assembling such an incredible array of administrators and zoomies to teach us all about these beautiful raptors, especially Harriet and M15 and all their babies..❤️

 

Pat Kwap Kemble: Question...How far from the nest is the gulf?

vlpritchett (Moderator): Good question Pat- Definitely not as close at the river. I will have to look at the map and see

 

hootie-hoo: Thank you for creating this platform for education of eagles.......the chat room is a circle a friends, "eagle friends" as I say.We not only love your eagles, we also support one another in sad times and happy times.

Lucie Hurtubise: Thank you so much Andy and Ginnie for this wonderful learning experience about bald eagles!! This is my third year watching Harriet, M15 and their offspring, I have become hooked since day 1.

CarrieB: Like me, many watch from work we get our work done &our bosses are smart watching relieves stress

NHDalGal: Andy and Ginnie, thank you for joining us this evening and answering all of our questions. I think we all feel that we know both of you a little bit better and have a better understanding of how SWFLEC came to be. We are so appreciative of this gift that you have provided to help everyone around the world learn about the life of the bald eagle.

 

MsSmith57 (Admin): Pat Kwap Kemble: The Gulf of Mexico is approximately 15 miles from North Ft. Myers. Charlotte Harbor is approximately 12 miles. Fort Myers Beach is approximately 18 miles from North Ft. Myers.

 

patlogan: I also dealt with a husband who was very sick over the last 3 years and he passed away in February. This place has been a place for me to come to for peace and to find something to smile about. Thank you for your wonderful gift❤️

vlpritchett (Moderator): Thank you Pat for joining along and best wishes to you family.

 

vlpritchett (Moderator): Thanks MsSmith!

 

jsheptwo: Has the idea of posting a speed limit on your driveway ever been considered? Or, a limit or restriction to people parking to watch the eagles while on your driveway?

vlpritchett (Moderator): jshep- that is a big debate in our family. We don't want to "regulate" our business driveway but do want to keep the Eagles best interest top of mind, that is how we compromised with the Signs during Fledge Time and beyond.

 

LuvsE9: A huge thank you to our mods and zoomies too! I hope this continues for many more years with all of you. Appreciated more than you will ever know.

GG1: Ginnie and Andie your generosity has been a wonderful lifeline for so many homebound people and those, for various reasons, who have limited social avenues to explore . I know that I speak for others with a heartfelt Thank You.

Nancy Phillips: I thought your property was just magical when I visited in Feb. You made this old lady from Ohio very happy, thank you for all you do and the opportunity for us to enjoy these beautiful Eagles.

MtGal30: Your family tossed a pebble in the pond and look what happens? The ripple continues to touch lives every single day because of the Pritchett Family ! SEH's

eaglesrawsm: Many thanks to whiskersnwings & ladyhawk also,for their contribution to this site.

Bgilm: You have lightened up so many lives by your kindness and generosity of sharing these dynamic eagles. I am homebound and you have made my life so much easier to endure. I look so forward each and every day to see what they are up to. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

PamelaCStallings: I remember laughing at E9 taking time getting out of your way Andy, thinking its E9’s world we’re just living in it.He was adorable. 😂

Luv2fly: Thank you Andy and Ginny for sharing this wonderful experience with us all. No wonder the eagles built their home on your beautiful property! I'm sure they agree, it's Location,Location, Location

yz235b: Thank you so much to the Pritchett family for making this experience possible. The entire team makes this educational and fun. All of the people here are the best. Thanks so much!

Macky Miller: I will be there next February for a wedding on the 12th. If you see someone sitting in a chair from early morning until dusk, no, it will not be a new statue; it will be I who counted the days down for an entire year to be able to watch this phenomenal spectacle in person. I thank for for the incredible education I have received.

 

Beverly Morden Hall: How if at all has your life changed from this?

vlpritchett (Moderator): Bev- Every day of my life has changed for the better (honestly!)- I could have never in a million years this project would shape my life like it has.

 

Babs628: Bye Andy and thank you so much for your time and all that you do

 

vlpritchett (Moderator): Thank you all for joining us this evening! I hope we got to everyone's questions. If not, I think our amazing moderators are going to jump in and clean up the mess I made

 

Essec09 (Admin): I want to thank you for sharing your evening with us Andy and Ginnie. And please tell your family how much SWFEC has meant to ALL of us. You opened the door to your private world and shared a gift to all. I don’t think we need to tell you how much it has meant to be part of SWFEC’s family.

Essec09 (Admin): We will be posting this session on SWFEC’s Flickr so that everyone will be able to read it. Thank you again! Hope we can do this again soon!

 

Raptor1 (Admin): you didnt make a mess, thank you for spendng time with us

Jackie Brown: Andy, Ginnie, Thank you so very much for coming and spending time with us tonight. Please come back soon. Or just pop into chat and say hello. Ginnie, I sent you and email through your book site today.

Eagletoe06: Heartfelt thanks for this chat & the Pritchetts! You’re the best! Happy Easter & also H& M!

purpleagle (Admin): Thank you so much for your time with us this evening Ginnie--I know that everybody enjoyed it!!

 

Essec09 (Admin): I know many of you posted earlier and please be assured that the Pritchetts will read each and every one of the comments.

 

vlpritchett (Moderator): Thank you all! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and we can continue this annual chat in the future! And stay tuned in the coming weeks/months for updates on next season

 

Essec09 (Admin): We would like to respond to another question that was asked by Lisa Talbot: I wonder about the fate of the eaglets that are hatched second. Is there a difference in the survival rate between the first and second hatchling? I didn’t mean ultimate survival, but survival to fledge! Sorry I wasn't clear.

Essec09 (Admin): To our knowledge there isn’t any definitive research that addresses that. If we find anything we will be sure to post it, Lisa. Since most nests are not observed by cameras, it would be hard to determine a survival rate for 1st hatch and 2nd hatch.

 

Sue_Lyons (Admin): Ginnie, having you and Andy with us tonight has been such a special experience, thank you so very much for sharing your experiences and answering our questions, it has been just wonderful!

Shelli22 (Admin): Ginnie you rocked! Thank you so much for being here with us all this evening!

LoisNY54 (Admin): Ginnie it was so nice to see you and Andy on tonight and hope you will do it again. Thank you for all the support you give to the team.

MelodyCS: Thank you so much for joining us Ginnie. Happy Easter to you and your family. Much love from all of us❤

E9Lover2: Andy,Ginny, thank you so much for sharing in our chat tonight & making this experience possible. Happy Easter/Passover & SEDs until next time.

 

TinEar: Gin, I know you're well aware of tghe E9 phenomenon that started this whole thing. Local TV stations all over the country carried clips night after night of E9's progress and that drove the traffic to the site. Was that planned or was it just a generic happening?

purpleagle (Admin): TinEar they are gone for the evening but believe me it was not planned. Andy mentioned tonight how surprised he was

 

eaglelover60: Andy and Ginnie, have a Happy Easter and i'm saying SED's, thank you all for everything. E9 was my first eaglet.good night all!!

Megster: Thank you again and SED’S to the Pritchett’s and all our superb admins, Mods and zoomies-Peace

Magd: Hi Sam...cannot miss this.... the pritchetts really deserve the best

PurrCee: Ginnie & Andy thank you for being with us tonight..also thank you for giving us this precious and most generous gift of watching & learning about "our" eagle family! This is like no other...the mods, zoomies, ground crew are absolutely the best! I thank you from the bottom of my heart! You have touched so many in such a special way 💞

Diane Levick Lewis: I also want to thank Andy and Ginny for this great gift you have given us. My life hasn't been the same since that first year and I have learned so much about eagles than I could ever imagine.

sherbertt: Thanks so much for your time this evening! I have to say I have learned a lot this season with no sound. Body language and behavior. No sound necessary. So greatful for what we have!

SueUMc: Ginnie- can't wait for your second book and future projects. I watched your interview- your personality just shined and it was a joy to see your enthusiasm.

Maewood Hamlin: I couldn't ask for a better Birthday present than to have tge cams go live on October 1st! Thank you for making my birthday so special!

Pat Kwap Kemble: Thanks so much MsSmith57. I want to thank the Pritchett so much opening my eyes to eagles. For 2 winter seasons in CT I am a volunteer at an eagle observation center

plnlct: They're beautiful Andy, look so real.

 

Essec09 (Admin): Randy Hester: vlpritchett...you think maybe during the summer the sound will be fixed?

I think your question might have been missed once it was posted.Usually the cameras go through maintenance and a clean-up before they are installed in October.

 

Debbie Fortin: Thank you for answering our questions. It is special having the cam, mods, zoomies, and chats.

Carol Guarco Myers: Thank you for the greatest gift! I found H&M because the news press had an article right after I visited Fort Myers in December. The nest has truly brought so much joy. Thank you again

Susan Kiser: Hello Andy, Ginnie and everyone! I'm happy to be one of the many that SO enjoy the view of your beautiful property and have been following those wonderful eagles for 3 years now!

OVginger: Hola y'all Just tuned in & so very nice to see Ginny &Andy here. We do thank y'all so very much for this window onto Nature. Been enjoying your hospitality since E3 & 4 & your Modsquad is the BEST!!!

 

Sharon Davis: I would like to know if the Pritchett s have a favorite baby eagle besides or beautiful eagle mom and dad by the why thank you for have this time tonight

purpleagle (Admin): Sharon Davis Andy did say Hope and Honor---year one

 

TaraTrac: Ginnie and Ilene, I too have thought of volunteering at the assisted living center where my late mo-in-law lived and sharing SWFEC on their big screen. Many of them have dementia and live in the present, as do the eagles. They watch nature shows and I think they'd love it! Thanks again for all your family does,Ginnie. It got me through a year of cancer treatment with love in my heart. Have a good Easter weekend. {{Eagle hugs}}

Candy Larson: From Idaho here, wanted to say thank you so much Pritchett family for what you do for all of us and especially for the kids. The world would be better off with more people like you!Thank you..

calnurse: I love your book, and happy to hear #2 is in the pipeline.Watching the eagles is a comforting place to go when needing respite from the stresses of daily life. Thank you Pritchetts for your generosity in sharing your world with all of us.

Beaches: Ginnie & Andy, appreciate you taking the time to join us.Andy, my favorite is still E9 with your pickup. I will admit that Pond Princess has given me many chuckles this season too. Thanks again for all that you do.

BluSkye: Good Evening to all. Love all the questions and just wanted to add my thanks for this wonderful amazing experience that you are sharing with us....

 

Gerry Bohn: Good evening Andy and Ginnie. We're all so grateful to you for allowing us to experience behind the scenes. Could you tell us a little about the concept of the 24/7 cam?

Essec09 (Admin): Hi Gerry. I hope you read some of their remarks earlier. I think your question was addressed. At least I hope it was.

 

LCampbell75: how you guys fix the cam when they go down and not being able to go manually fix them?

MsSmith57 (Admin): LC they can only be fixed remotely if possible during eagle nesting season, by pc.

GinnyLWI (Admin): LC,, The cameras will be taken down and at that time they are able to do maintenance on them. They just cannot access the cameras during nesting season October 1 through May 15th

 

kittylove: Thank you so very much Andy & Ginnie! This is my first season and it has been amazing! I have learned so much about eagles! I really became addicted and I have had the cam going in the Operating Room where I work in Idaho at Eagle Eye Surgery!Everyone I work with has thoroughly enjoyed them as well. Lots of multi-tasking going on not wanting to miss anything!

Knothole: You have so much comtrol over everything but your eagle family . Must be strange especially in the beginning wondering if your eagle family would show up the next year

monieagl11: North Carolina here, Thank You SVM what a Blessing this has been for me. Learned so much from Our Patient Mods.You've kept the surrounding area so Beautiful and Serene for these Majestic Eagles. Again Thank You for the Privilege to see these Beautiful Eagles and other wildlife at the Pond. I'm bedridden, my Window into the Wide Blue Yonder😊💞

 

Debbie Nosse: Hi Ginnie and Andy . Do you know where Harriet and Ozzie's nest was before they built the nest on your propery ?

Essec09 (Admin): Hello Debbie. I believe they did know the approximate location of the nest across the main road.

 

beju: This year it seems the natural color of the eagles are quite dull in color are there any plans for a different cameras a few years ago the colors were beautiful from the cam

Essec09 (Admin): Beju, sometimes the settings on your own monitor affect the color. To me the colors have been very vivid. And except for one camera these are the same cameras that have been used for the past couple of years.

 

Elaine Herbert: Do you ever worry about the gator accross the street?Seems the eagles are avoiding that area this year.

samour17 (Admin): Hi ElaineH. There is really not much they can do about the gator at Yonder Pond and it is possible we are not seeing all the time when they are over there.

 

HOeagletfan1: We know Bayshore is a heavily trafficked street with roadkills that is food for the Eagle Family. I worry abt the adults possibly getting hit trying to get the road kills. Can FFW put up signage to warn traffic slow down and be on alert for any animal or eagles on the road ? This nest has seen great happiness and great sadness snd sure don't want to see the sadness once again if not planned well...

Essec09 (Admin): I think you mean something like we see "Deer Crossing" - I'm not sure they would do that for birds. But it is something to think about and maybe bring up to them,HOeagletfan.

 

Magd: What I liked the most is the fact that this livestream has gone much further than just watching some eagles. It is touching human feelings and helping too many people with their problems and stress... it is just do amazing

Cairnmom: Such a wonderful place to come and feel accepted. We smile, laugh, worry and ultimately shed tears of loss when the eaglets leave but also tears of joy and the amazing life they are heading for. Again thank you

DonnaFL47: What a wonderful night with Ginnie and Andy, thank you for doing this. The questions and answers were great. As what all of us have said in the past, thank you for our eagles and also, the wonderful Mods and zoomies. This chat is absolutely a family and it's because of the Pritchetts and our treasured eagles. See you soon, SED.

 

Done