The juvenile female bald eagle known as KE was fitted with a cell technology transmitter on May 22, 2012 at her nest tree in the Saw Pen Point neighborhood in Virginia Beach, VA. The transmitter sent its last signal at 4:00pm EST on December 31, 2013. KE was in a farm field in Surry County, Virginia at that time. After obtaining permission I searched the field extensively and found no signs of feathers, the transmitter and of course KE in that field. We can just hold out hope that one day KE will be seen again.

The egg containing KE was laid about Feb 22, 2012. She hatched March 31 and was fitted with a transmitter on May 22, 2012. She was also banded with USGS band #0679-01375 on her right leg and Purple band KE on her left leg. She fledged from her nest on June 14 and left her natal area on July 29 heading north to Middlesex County, Va. During the 566 days she was wandering about with her transmitter working she traveled as far north as East Waterford, PA and as far south as Chowan County, NC. She spent much of her time on the Pamunkey River near Hanover, VA. She never did return to her natal territory in Virginia Beach, VA. During those 566 days she avoided having her photograph taken, preferring to stay in areas very hard for people to find her.

Here is a map of her travels:

This is KE on May 22, 2012 when she was fitted with her transmitter (Photos copyright Reese F Lukei Jr)