Monday in Bird World

25 November 2024

Hello Everyone,

GREAT NEWS: Morning update on WBSE33.

Judy Harrington reports that WBSE 33 has been cleared by the vets and is fit and ready to go to a rehabilitation facility. There he will gain strength and more experience before release.

Isn’t this wonderful news!

And I want to thank our friend, ‘H’ in Florida for going to take a photo of the Achieva Osprey nest. She says, “I happened to be in the area last week but it was at night and somewhat well lit. The base of the nest sits on a solid wood utility pole that is fully upright and when standing below, it appears the base of the nest is level on the post. You can definitely see the holes in the base of the nest.” Thank you so very, very much. That clears up a lot of questions. Here are the images that ‘H’ took:

Sunday was another grey sky day with some blowing snow. As I write this, the weather app on my phone tells me it will be -9 C. When we go out, we need our warm boots, toques, mitts, and heavier coats. Outside, it felt colder than it was. Even the conservatory feels like it is -20 C, and it isn’t. It is now -5 C and for the first time I have closed the door. The girls are not happy. We will see what is wrong with the heating tomorrow. Maybe just the fact it was cloudy with no sun made it cooler. Just the thought of winter sends shivers down my back, literally.

Near the quarries, Magpies were swooping across the road and a Bald Eagle on top of a pole. More and more Bald Eagles are choosing to stay in Manitoba during the winter. These quarries are perfect places for them to hunt rabbits, squirrels, and voles.

One of the abandoned quarries where there are often waterfowl and deer. The Bald Eagle was very close to this site. I wonder when the water will freeze. This is a vast unused pit that is just full of various wildlife at different times of the year.

Nearer to home was something I didn’t want to see – a deer family at a small park one block square with lots of traffic roaring around on all sides. People walk their dogs (thankfully, they keep them on the lead), but will those dogs cause the deer to bolt? Someone has left pumpkin, and tomorrow, we will take apples and pears for them.

I posted it in our local community news. Most people are very caring. One lady lets them eat all the pumpkins in her garden. How kind. It warmed my heart to see who many who care for this deer family in one way or another.

The territory that the deer once inhabited has been disrupted and transformed into rapid transit routes with dedicated bus lanes and condominiums. It’s truly disheartening to think about how the deer will navigate across four lanes of heavily congested traffic to reach the larger park area if they decide to go there. They face the same challenges that other wildlife do in an urban setting that is nothing more than a building site – predators, cars, habitat loss, and food shortage. Again, thankfully people are providing what they can which included potato peels from one lady today!

Early fish have come to Wilko and Kasse. Mum was obviously very hungry as she held her fish back as Dad came in with a larger fish five minutes later.

This obs board has been updated and what is missing from the one that follows is the mention that Mum has brought in a fish and Kasse will be able to get some nice fish. Mum has really proven herself this year. Incredible. I keep saying that about her and I mean it. If we took away the fish fairies, the only thing that is keeping Wilko and Kasse alive is Mum and her fishing. Sorry Dad. I would scream at you, too.

It is after 1400 and still nothing save for the mornings offerings of fish at Port Lincoln.

The fishing got better at Port Lincoln as the day progressed. Kasse got to eat well at the end.

At NE Florida, Gabby and Beau continue to work on the nest in the early morning.

Incubation continues at SW Florida where M15 and F23 will welcome their eaglet/s earlier than Superbeaks and Captiva.

Thunder and Akecheta are busy working on their nest at the West End in the Channel Islands.

Liberty and Guardian kicking sticks around. https://youtu.be/U6n6tdpAvig?

Gigi and the new male are also working on their nest, the ND-LEEF, in the cooler area of southern Indiana.

A stunning sub-adult is at the US Steel nest.

Bonnie and Clyde were at their nest working diligently.

No further news on WBSE33.

There has been no sighting of Yira. Holly Parsons posts the latest update from Cilla Kinross.

I am skeptical. I have said this many times. I want to see Yira fly past the nest box and grab prey from Xavier’s talons when he drops it. Yira should be begging loudly for prey from the parents. She should be perched on buildings so loud as to get the parent’s attention and anyone passing by. So why have we not heard or seen her? Please, do not get me wrong. I want her to be alive and well and getting prey, but this just doesn’t feel right. With no evidence, I do not know why one would assume that all is well. Or is it, ‘no news is good news?’

Sunnie Day reports that the osprey platform at the Venice Golf and Country Club is being replaced. Way to go

Deb Stecyk caught Bella and Scout at their NCTC nest. https://youtu.be/TZ3pvvhr4Bs?

Thank you so much for being with us today. As you can see, I am feeling a little better. That allowed us to go for a nice outing today. Thank goodness. I am really, really dreading winter arriving this year. There I have said that twice. The snow doesn’t even look beautiful to me this year!

Take care all. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘H’, Ranger Judy Harrington, Port Lincoln Osprey, Bart M and PLO, NEFL-AEF, SW Florida Eagle Cam, IWS/Explore.org, SK Hideaways, ND-LEEF, Pix Cams, Cardinal Land Conservancy, Judy Harrington, Deb Stecyk. Sunnie Day,