Friday in Bird World

16 May 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Before I even get started – and at some point I am going to get on a rant – I want to thank each of you for being the kind caring individuals that you are. I always appreciate your letters, your messages on FB, your comments. I am behind in answering comments but up to date on the others so please be patient with me. I think of each of you and how much good you are doing in the world and the distances you will go, to your own ability, to help wildlife. This is a critical time and as I continue to say, a dish of water, is life saving. The migrating birds have been enjoying the puddles that have appeared since we have had some rain! I want also to remind you that when you are clearing out your cupboards and closets, please think of the wildlife rehab clinics and the rescues in your area. Endless research is showing that donations to help wildlife and rescue animals is in a dramatic decline. I want to remind everyone that it is not always about money – those old clean towels and sheets, unused tools, pet carriers and pens, bleach, laundry detergent – you name it, they need it! Just remember if you are clearing out the garage or someone’s house, think creatively. You would be shocked at what the clinics need. Thank you.

Toby is feeling better! He didn’t scream in pain tonight when I put his ear drops in and massaged them down into his ear canal. This is a first! Toby is wonderful, and many of you might have realised that he is truly a gift to me. I initially thought that Don needed him, but it turns out that I needed the therapy dog. Toby helps me stay calm and focused, even when everything around me feels like it’s falling apart. Although he has only been with me for less than two weeks, I cannot imagine my life without this robust little man. The Girls have totally accepted him. Hugo Yugo and Toby are becoming besties. They play chase now. Calico remains curious but is not the least bit hostile. Missey gets out of his way because her bushy tail is a magnet for him and Baby Hope just is aloof.

The garden had a good drenching. ‘The Girls’ were not impressed, however, as the large drops hit the roof of the conservatory as if they were hail. Then the thunder started. No one was happy. The only animals in the garden were/are (the thunder has started again) the squirrels. Dyson was very close to the conservatory and she is definitely going to have kits. She looks healthy. I could not get my phone quick enough to get a good image of her, but I will continue to try.

I wish humans were as gentle as these cats and little dog – and each and every one of you.

I have just read the most horrifying account from a wildlife rehab centre in the US about a Canada Goose being beaten to death in broad daylight in a public parking lot with a curtain rod. I cannot even imagine what its mate was thinking – if it was alive. There is something less than subtle happening – an undercurrent of anxiety and hate that is being taken out on the most vulnerable of the planet’s souls, whether it is a Canada Goose, a Bald Eagle, an Owl, or domestic pets. A hatred that is raging. It is very frightening. While having protections for Migratory Birds did not stop those intent on harming our precious feathered friends, the revoking of those protections is almost like giving someone permission to go on a rampage. It suggests that as a society, we do not prioritise our planet, its land, and its creatures. What is happening?

I urge you to write – even if it is 4 or 5 sentences – to stop that bill that is presently in the hands of the US Government. In four years the damage is going to be done so please.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what this means. Please note ‘Consequences’.

• The Migratory Bird Treaty Act:This law, passed in 1918, makes it illegal to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect migratory birds or their eggs or nests without a permit. 
• “Incidental Take”:For decades, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) interpreted the law to prohibit “incidental take,” which is the unintentional but predictable killing of birds. 
• Trump’s Legal Opinion:In 2017, the Department of Interior issued a legal opinion stating that the law should only apply to actions explicitly intended to kill birds. 
• Consequences:This change means the FWS will not take enforcement action against private parties who unintentionally kill migratory birds. 
• Industry Response:The oil and gas industry, among others, have long sought to be shielded from liability for killing birds in environmental disasters. 
• Environmental Organizations’ Concerns:Environmental groups like the Defenders of Wildlife and the National Audubon Society have expressed concerns about the weakened protections, arguing they will have a negative impact on bird populations. 

To find the Federal Register comment page for the ESA, you’ll need to visit Regulations.gov. The Ecological Society of America (ESA) also provides information on Federal Register opportunities, including how to submit comments. You can search for the specific rule or docket you’re interested in on Regulations.gov. The Monarch Joint Venture also provides a link to view submitted comments on a specific ESA docket. 

You can go to this link and directly write a comment:

https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0034-0001

I am so proud that Acadia University is ensuring that the highly endangered Chimney Swifts will be protected. I had the great privilege of teaching at this incredible university in Nova Scotia and being head of its Fine Arts Department.

And ‘MR’ sent me a beautiful note telling me that people in Utica are slowing down for the geese and goslings in that New York City. That made me smile. There are good people in the world.

Geemeff Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 15th May 2025

Another calm day full of sunshine where not much happened. Intruders may have been around as there were some aerial manoeuvres and aborted landings, but no intruders were seen on nest cam. Garry LV0 brought one fish for Aurora, taking his tally to fifty four, and Louis brought three fish for Dorcha, including a big beefy Silver Tourist, which takes his tally to ninety one. This compares favourably with the latest weekly stats from Steve Q and bodes well for filling the anticipated little gaping beaks expected quite soon. Clear skies and light winds are forecasted for tonight, and more sunshine with a high of 23°C tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.09.51 (03.21.37); Nest Two 23.35.58 (03.48.08)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/ZFK96TA_Rko  N2 early breakfast with birdsong 04.49.35

https://youtu.be/0MCX-83uVng  N2 Lunch with more birdsong 13.07.13

https://youtu.be/oLcuNoHh9BQ  N1 Why are Aurora and Garry, with fish, circling not stopping? 16.23.19

https://youtu.be/l74d36JmbwA  N1 Aurora flies off with the fish then circles back as Garry watches 17.06.50

https://youtu.be/LhEhQXflSZ0  N2 Louis delivers a big beefy silvery fish for Dorcha’s supper 19.25.58

Bonus watch – Loch Fleet, natal area of Aurora 536, seen by drone:

Compare and contrast with Loch Arkaig seen from above: 

https://youtu.be/aNw4BAafrNU  N1 Female Osprey LH5 visits Aila 2019

https://youtu.be/KFwEEgor1i4  N1 Louis chases a Hoodie 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/oEjdJwMaAXk  N1 Log’s labours lost 2020

https://youtu.be/lCVIgDr_x0o  N1 100 not out! Louis delivers the 100th fish 2020

https://youtu.be/4gV9jVydScY  N2 Another owl attack – Dorcha takes a hard hit 2022

https://youtu.be/c_uLdRun9EM  N2 Louis is on overdrive – third fish arrives 2023

https://youtu.be/cWhuGMfJyfA  N1 Spider catching prey looks spooky under night cam 2024

https://youtu.be/cMK0siVupV8  N1 Tree Pipit and a singing male Chaffinch visit 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/3_yhd9Wr7Wc  N1 Two Crossbills (Loxia curvirostra or Scotica?) visit 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/g7qfaZnHTV0  N1 A Jay pops up on right hand of nest 2024 (zoom)

Come and join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam

Llyn Brenig: “Exciting news! Newyddion cyffrous! (Information coming from John Williams)

X6 “Olwen”, one of the Brenig fledgelings from 2022, has found a partner and is nesting at an undisclosed location in Wales. We think there is at least one egg being incubated.

X6, offspring of LJ2 (our current male, of course) and LM6 (who failed to return last year) was ringed as female but it turns out he’s male!

Given the X6 now identifies as male, we are renaming him Owain.”

Rutland Water: Maya and Blue 33 and the three are doing alright. Aren’t those little heads gorgeous?

Loch of the Lowes: The new couple have settled in and incubating their beautiful eggs.

Video of egg 2 being laid (now there are three): https://youtu.be/y-TcBWS_GB0?

FOBBV: This post showing Sunny and Gizmo when they were wee and today is too fantastic not to share!

SK Hideaways captures them in video today – I cannot imagine these two living independent lives. What a glorious pair of siblings we have had the privilege to watch. Our hearts will be truly empty when they fly – and fly they will, and soon. Jackie and Shadow have done a marvellous job. Let us all hope that whatever combination came together to ensure eaglets hatching at this height in winter comes together again in 2026. https://youtu.be/eCobNBt2Ias?

Dunrovin Ranch: ‘PB’ sent me the image of the arrival of the 4th egg for Swoop and his new mate.

Salisbury Cathedral Falcons:

San Jose City Hall: A great feeding caught on video! https://youtu.be/gMHI70z27I4?

Cornell Red-tail Hawks: Big Red in all her glory as a Mum. Both chicks look really good and Arthur has a variety of prey in the pantry!

Sandpoint: Keo was on the perch for a short time. Him and his mate Keke lost their platform to a family of Canada geese. They were seen trying to make a nest on a light post. I don’t believe we will have little osplets this year. If I am wrong, let me know!

Wolf Bay Ospreys: I am hoping that Heidi isn’t going to mention this nest today! The trio are doing well and they are out of the reptile stage and are getting their lovely juvenile feathers.

Salem Electric: This nest requires assistance from a company equipped with the necessary equipment and staff to install permanent rails, a sturdy floor with drainage (that prevents eggs or chicks from falling through), and provide nesting materials. The potential for a family is good, but the ospreys need some help. Come on Salem Electric!

Boulder County: Incubation continues.

Latvian Golden Eagle Nest: Spilve is feeding her two chicks! https://youtu.be/Wpa5dJFLuCI?

White Tail Eagle Nest, Durbe County: Milda and Zorro and their two eaglets. https://youtu.be/Wpa5dJFLuCI?

Mlade Buky Storks: Bety and Bukachek continue to incubate their two eggs.

Thank you so much for being with me today. I am anticipating that this weekend is going to be very busy at the UK osprey nests with lots of hatches. It is going to be brilliant. Take care everyone – and more photos of The Girls and Little Toby coming at the weekend. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, MR’, Federal Register, All Things Annapolis Valley, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Llyn Brenig Ospreys, LRWT, LOTL, Jerri Rogers, SK Hideaways, Salisbury Cathedral: Peregrine Falcon Group, San Jose City Hall, Cornell Red Tail Hawk Cam, Sandpoint, Wolf Bay Ospreys, Salem Electric, Boulder County, Lizmn, Mlade Buky Stork Cam, Melissa Adams and Days at Dunrovin Ranch