14 July 2025
Happy Monday! We hope that you had a great weekend.
The three Blue Jays living in the trees in my garden will wake you up! This is how they sound when I deliver a new pail of peanuts. They have lost all their trees but one, and I saw a new orange circle on it, which means it will be cut down, too. Thankfully, we have a home for them.
I want to start with some interesting news and a request for help. Two years ago, Michael St John from Barbados took some photos of an Osprey with a Blue Darvic Ring. That number was Blue KW0. It was unfamiliar. Where was it from? And how did it get to Barbados? Well, it was from the United Kingdom, and whether it was blown off course, got on a ship, one will never know, but it wound up in Barbados and was photographed by Michael. Now he has another quandrum that he is hoping we can help – especially if you are or know someone who is a specialist in Harriers.
There are several species of harriers, all belonging to the genus Circus. The most well-known include the Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), the Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), and the Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus). Other species include the Eastern Marsh Harrier, African Marsh Harrier, Swamp Harrier, Malagasy Harrier, Réunion Harrier, Long-winged Harrier, Spotted Harrier, Black Harrier, Cinereous Harrier, and Pallid Harrier. Some species, like the Papuan Harrier and Eyles’ Harrier, are also recognised.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Northern Harrier:
Found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and they prefer open habitats like marshes and grasslands.
Marsh Harrier:
A group of harriers, including the Western Marsh Harrier, Eastern Marsh Harrier, and others, is often associated with marshland and reedbeds.
Montagu’s Harrier:
A migratory species, often confused with other harriers due to similar plumage.
Other Species:
The African Marsh Harrier, Swamp Harrier, Malagasy Harrier, Réunion Harrier, Long-winged Harrier, Spotted Harrier, Black Harrier, Cinereous Harrier, and Pallid Harrier each have unique geographic distributions and characteristics.
Harriers – Raptor Identification – The complete raptors guide
The classification of some harrier species, particularly within the marsh harrier group, is still being refined.
This is a young Reunion Harrier (Raptors are the Solution).
Michael St John has sought out the advice of many agencies and I was happy that one of them acknowledged that raptors (birds of all types) get off course.
Doing his own research, Michael has these findings:
“1/ Prominent white rump patch at base of tail
2/ Length of tail…its an obvious longer than normal tail
3/ Five fingers on the hand, makes it either a Northern or Hen, female. This Rules out Pallid and Montague, they have 4 fingers on the hand.
4/ Faint white ring around neck
5/ Wing Bars pattern
6/ Curve of the beak
7/ Yellowish legs
8/ Underbelly plumage: yellow/ ochre streaking
9/ I notice the curvature of the trailing edge of the secondaries in the Female Hen and not the Female Northern, the northern has straighter trailing edge secondaries. I haven’t seen this mentioned anywhere in the literature, I just see this feature popping out in the online photos.
After carefully reviewing Northern & Hen Pictures online I’ve ruled out Northern completely and the 5 photos below, in my opinion… are identical to Hen, female.
My call at this stage of research is Female Hen Harrier.”
These are the images. This is the type of detail you need if you are looking to properly identify a ‘vagrant’.
Still, Michael wants to be certain, and he is reaching out to anyone who is an expert to assist in this identification. Note that Barbados is far south and closer to South America. It is easy for birds from Central America and Africa to get off course and wind up in this region.
Thank you so much for any help. You can leave a comment or write to me at maryannsteggles@icloud.com
‘PS’ sends us the Seattle report for the weekend:
A good weekend for the nest! Numerous feeds (including one where Harry brought back the rear half of the largest fish I’ve seen on the nest this year!) seen on July 11, 12, and 13, and both chicks continue to do well and look good! They both continue to flex their wings a lot, with one jumping ever so slightly up on one leg yesterday. Also they are both trying to take bites out of food on their own, with the larger one actually feeding itself yesterday! Mom had brought back a Coho Salmon and was feeding one chick when the other started pecking at something – I couldn’t tell what. But when it turned sideways to me I could see it had another salmon in its beak! I guess there was a “spare” fish in the nest that it decided to try and eat. Mom and sibling took several funny looking glances at the youngster as it tried to rip pieces off the fish, but it did so many times so seemed to successfully (if inefficiently) feed itself. Several intercept missions by both mom and dad, and I spotted a group of 3 Osprey hanging out atop a nearby crane (that drew Sally off the nest). ~40 days old now, give or take – fingers remain crossed! Few pics here, many more up here (https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/8459V5m6z6).
Check out Ping’s gorgeous images on his Flickr account. Link is in the information above!
Sharon Pollock sent the following video link to me remarking that I might cry my eyes out. I did. Get the tissues. It is the story of T3 from egg to fledge. Remarkably raised by a single Mum! https://youtu.be/xj8ZQw63Nzw?
Mrs T is a very remarkable eagle. I have seen others raise eaglets alone but never from the egg to fledge. Great video by Explore!
In the United States, several osprey nests have been attacked by individuals in boats. On Sunday, the three osplets at Smallwood were forced to fledge. They have not returned, and we do not know if they drowned or if they made it to a safe place. The individuals in the boat repeatedly returned to the nest.
So many other nests in the US struggling for food and with high heat or both.
Heidi’s Osprey Nest Reports for the US:
Chick 2’s passing at Cape Henlopen… I don’t intend to post a separate nest-news item regarding this.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15stgoZpQ9
Thank you, Heidi.
We have sadness at the Osoyoos nest in British Columbia. The first hatch was stepped on and died. The second died. Ann-Marie Watson has created a flower garden in memory of all the osplets lost at this nest—poor little souls. I also want to add that she has returned to Osoyoos after working and heading home to retrieve the little bodies that fell off the nest to place them in a quiet, peaceful spot. Her actions always touched my heart – no one else in the town seemed to care! Many have passed away over the years, primarily due to heat domes affecting the region and the male Olsens’ struggles to provide for their family adequately.
Waiting for a food delivery while keeping her four osplets cool at Dunrovin Ranch in Colorado.
Swoop just flew in with a late Sunday evening fish. Thanks, ‘PB’.
Little 4 is full.
Charlo Montana – waiting for Charlie to finish with the fish!
It is hot in Idaho at Coeur de’Alene where the three osplets seem to be doing very well after the starvation of little four.
Birds of Poole Harbour: All four fledglings were back in the nest for night with fish arriving at the following times: 10:02, 16:14, 18:32, 19:29, 21:17. Big round of applause for CJ7 and Blue 022 – they raised four to fledge again.
Dyfi Osprey Project: All three back in the nest for an evening fish and a good sleep.
Everything to know about the fledging of Idris and Telyn’s trio:
Rutland Manton Bay: The three surviving osplets return on and off during the day for fish, which is continually provided!
Alyth SS: Sadly we lost Oakley to siblicide/starvation when they were fullty feathered. The two older osplets are doing well.
Llyn Clywedog 1: Seren and Dylan have had their first fledge since Friday.
Foulshaw Moss 1: White YW and Blue 35 have their first fledge.
At Finnish #3 nest, the Raven helps himself to the three osprey eggs.
At Wildnis-Goitzsche, Zeus delivers the last fish of the day as the sunset captures the reflections. The osplet has fledged. Thanks, Joan Castnyer. https://youtu.be/bdWWyZ_vFK4?
Other images form the live stream from Wildnis-Goitzsche:
Renee and Ricci doing very well at Eschenbach!
Up close and personal with Bety and Bukacek’s two storklets at Mlade Buky.
A nest full of storks in Trutnove in the Czech Republic.
Two Black Stork babies waiting for a food delivery in Bolewice, Poland.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 13th July 2025
Today was all about helicopters – both chicks spent considerable amounts of time practising lift off, and even getting quite high, but not the only-feet- visible-on-nest-cam sort of height for a true helicopter. However, practice makes perfect, and provided Dorcha doesn’t push them over the edge, as nearly happened to Darach 7P0 this evening, both chicks are on course to fledge this week. Louis delivered four fish to the nest, the second of which was his three hundredth for the season, but at times the chicks seemed more interested in bunny hopping and wingercising than eating, although Breac 7P7 did grab a fish directly from Louis, hold it away from Dorcha, and start having a munch on it. Louis’ tally now stands at three hundred and two. There were a couple of intruder alarms, but no one seen on nest cam, although over on Nest One, a shadow was seen briefly as Aurora 536 flapped her wings and squeaked before flying off. Garry LV0 brought her two fish – well, one and a half really, the second was just a small piece – and his tally rises to one hundred and twenty five. He also brought several sticks, one of which he actually rode in on and perched upon for a comedy moment. It was hot again today, at 29.7
°C slightly hotter than the forecasted 29°C, and the overnight conditions call for partly cloudy and light winds with a low of 16°C but the temperature is expected to drop tomorrow to a high of only 20°C, with thundery showers and a gentle breeze to cool things down.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.51.42 (02.48.36); Nest Two 23.41.08 (03.13.59)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/kIin3dspeg8 N2 Dorcha returns one second after Louis brings breakfast 04.32.09https://youtu.be/-TCD6tobTbw N1 As the sun rises, Garry brings a fish for Aurora 05.21.12https://youtu.be/sZJGRtOX3CM N2 Today’s second fish is also season’s number 300! 07.16.54https://youtu.be/qc9jnAuqO6o N1 Garry shows off his pole vaulting skills but Aurora wants fish 11.21.51
https://youtu.be/G2Kg57yBQIE N2 Breac 7P7 takes fish three from Louis 13.54.20
https://youtu.be/Lvw0yyPQVY4 N2 Both chicks practise helicopters until Dorcha returns to dish up fish 14.11.36
https://youtu.be/v0e4qbX8bmA N1 Aurora receives half a trout from Garry, second fish today 15.37.39
https://youtu.be/7x9lw0-yZmg N2 When Louis delivers a fourth fish neither chick seems interested 16.18.36
https://youtu.be/Y0dlcEBocmg N2 Danger! Dorcha nearly causes Darach to have an early fledge 21.59.39 (slo-mo zoom)Bonus action: voting now open for Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year:
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/0Cl8FINNtoo N1 Ouch! Ungrateful chick! (2019)
https://youtu.be/ffII5_YiOdg N1 The chicks’ names are revealed on BBC Breakfast (2020)
https://youtu.be/GP_us9LEcMw N1 Doddie JJ6 tackles nest furnishings (2020)
https://youtu.be/CGdPBqFGdz8 N2 Dorcha brings a very big stick (2022)
https://youtu.be/bN7HPh85yqs N2 Takes two to tangle! The girls are hooked! (2022)
https://youtu.be/UcwVIYkX9kc Ospreys and wildlife disturbances: BBC Breakfast 2023
https://youtu.be/LOk6dL2laVY N2 LY7 kicks the egg and gets in a flap preparing for lift off 2023
https://youtu.be/S68l64FV5oQ N1 Affric departs chased by another bird 2023 (zoom)
https://youtu.be/f4cyHgyr1-c N2 Louis is heard skydancing before landing 2024
https://youtu.be/39BScubJvE0 N2 Louis affirms his bond with Dorcha with a mating attempt 2024
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 12th July 2025
On a hot day where temperatures soared to more than 33°C, the chicks didn’t seem to want extra fish, in fact, they appeared uninterested when the second and third fish arrived, preferring to wingercise and do the odd bunny hop. As seems to be the pattern now, Breac 7P7 acts keen on fledging first, flapping energetically and attempting lift off more than his older brother Darach 7P0. Louis brought three fish to the nest, taking his tally to two hundred and ninety eight, and despite appearances the chicks did eat enough to get the fuel they need at this stage of development. Dorcha had her fill of fish too, and spent time perching on the high perch or out of sight behind the nest on the cam post, relaxed despite being dive bombed by an intruder Osprey who buzzed the nest twice before leaving the area. Was it Aurora 536? The timings would work, but the intruder wasn’t seen clearly enough to notice if there was the blue flash of a Darvic ring. Garry LV0 brought two fish to Nest One but took the first away as the nest was empty. Aurora turned up too late shortly afterwards but was present when Garry delivered the second fish, and did her usual grab and mantle before leaving with it. Garry’s tally now stands at one hundred and twenty-three. Tonight’s overnight forecast is clear sky and light winds and a low of 15°C, continuing very hot tomorrow with sunshine, light winds and a high of 29°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.17.27 (02.42.05); Nest Two no switchover as at 00.45 (03.07.08)
Today’s videos:
https://youtu.be/Xo_q03kNy3M N2 Louis arrives with a not so early breakfast 07.56.37
https://youtu.be/v8IwCZVzsIE N1 Garry takes fish one away as Aurora’s not there 08.51.08
https://youtu.be/sjjZaaIqymE N2 Dorcha is divebombed by an intruder Osprey 15.22.31
https://youtu.be/FiGyxf_ToX8 N1 Louis brings a second fish but the chicks don’t seem interested 17.29.18
https://youtu.be/Ki-EokaeiA8 N1 Aurora’s there this time to take the second fish 18.09.46
https://youtu.be/201ZoZUQV58 N2 Third fish arrives but Breac’s busy flapping and trying to get airborne 21.15.40
Bonus look – in case you missed Jelf’s artwork yesterday, here’s her fabulous drawing of our family:
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/7TuZUUU01Zk N1 Fish arrives but Aila is reacting to an intruder 2020
https://youtu.be/Wikzl0L2al0 N1 The chicks are too big for mumbrella 2020
https://youtu.be/y9bWx04ZpDs N1 Silver tourist arrives but Aila keeps calling 2020
https://youtu.be/j9Q-6R_wTsA N2 Dorcha in hi-def close up 2022
https://youtu.be/gQtZdZ87KiY N1 Is that Louis chasing away visitors? 2022
https://youtu.be/mVPRbvjXYak N2 Meet LW5 and LW6: now we await the gender info 2022
https://youtu.be/qVf3XW17uNY N2 Chick self feeds, moves around the nest holding a fish 2023
https://youtu.be/s9fhcpnTL90 N2 Chick plays football with the egg 2023
https://youtu.be/Iq1v2o1P-Yo N1 Late night mating attempt but no fish 2023
https://youtu.be/Nb4V8EKa_os WTS tweets and footage of our chick 1JR in the Spanish aviary 2024
https://youtu.be/Zv55S0PD-T0 N2 Dorcha arrives fish-calling, Louis arrives but brings no fish 2024
https://youtu.be/WnoPi5nkNGY N1 Garry LV0 brings nesting materials and keeps a lonely vigil 2024
There is so much news. The UK osplets are taking to the skies. All four of Blue 33 and Maya’s chicks have fledged. Sadly, we lost one who found himself in the water near the shore. A post-mortem is being conducted. Ringing has finished as far as I know. I wonder how many osplets over the entire UK were fitted with their Darvic rings and their BTO identification. I will try and find out.
Some include:
I am happy to report that the three osplets at the Green Ledge Light Preservation Society nest survived the storm and are now busy flapping their wings, preparing for fledge. Aren’t they beauties? No shortage of fish here! Long Island and New York have strict laws regarding the catching of Menhaden.
‘EJ’ thought we could use a hopeful Osprey article! I agree.
Marais d’Orx: a wetland with a rich history, diverse nature and birds of prey | Euronews
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/07/07/marais-dorx-a-wetland-with-a-rich-history-diverse-nature-and-birds-of-prey
Good morning! Have a look at this, it’s so wonderful!
I thought we could each use a hopeful, uplifting osprey article.
It has been crazy hot. How do animals keep cool?
Panting, gular fluttering and sploots: how Britain’s animals try to keep coolhttps://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jul/11/panting-gular-fluttering-sploots-how-britain-animals-try-keep-cool-heatwaves?CMP=share_btn_url
A heartwarming story about a rescue that refused to give up on this eagle: the images tell the entire story. Smile. Thanks, ‘J’.
World Bird Sanctuary adds:
“Happy 1 year intake anniversary to Bald Eagle 24-390!
While it seems strange to celebrate a patient having to be in our care for a whole year, it originally seemed unlikely that 390 would even survive the week. 390’s injuries were severe. He had gunshot injuries to both his left wing and his beak. with a significant portion of the middle of his beak missing due to the injury. Today we celebrate how far he’s come and the fact that his is still with us and progressing towards release!
There were many times, especially early in 390’s care, when we questioned whether it was time to give 390 the final gift we could, an end to his suffering through humane euthanasia. We diligently monitored his pain and stress levels and made adjustments to our treatment in order to keep him as comfortable as possible. At each turn we considered if his chance at recovery was worth everything we had to put him through.
But each time we considered calling it, 390 would take a step forward and show us that he was still fighting. He started taking his hand feeding without needing to be handled, was keeping down food, and started gaining weight again. His beak injury seemed less painful by the day as it started to heal and we reached the right balance of pain medications. His attitude and energy improved as he became feistier for care. All the while the beak was healing and enabled him to start eating on his own again.
It took 7 surgeries and countless wound cleanings over a period of 4 months to get 390’s beak to aligned and healing free of necrotic tissue. It required 8 1/2 months of healing before the gap in the bone finally finished closing. Now we are in the stage of keratin regrowth. 390 will need to grow an entirely new layer of keratin over his upper beak before we can consider him for release. This will likely take a full additional year of care. His beak will always be abnormally shaped due to his injury, but only time will tell if will regrow in a way that enables release.
Thank you to everyone who supports WBS and makes it possible for patients like 390 to have a fighting chance. A special thank you to our Rescuer’s Giving Club, whose monthly contributions go directly to our hospital and enable us to proved care to over 750 injured raptors each year. If you’re interested in getting more involved in supporting our patient’s journeys, you can learn more on our website.”
Another rescue. Father was missing. Mum tried to feed storklets. The fourth one passed. Then Mum was hit by a car. They were rescued. Here is Mum with her Babies. Czech Republic. Thanks, ‘TU’.
Here is the video of Mother and storklets having rest after all stress. They are all together. Mama got a name Freya, goddess of love ) https://www.facebook.com/1073024352/videos/738388092008980?idorvanity=830475097910416
We continue to monitor what is happening with the Ospreys in the US. Thanks, ‘EJ’.
Osprey came back from the brink once. Now chicks are dying in nests, and some blame overfishing
https://www.yahoo.com/news/osprey-came-back-brink-once-112937843.html
So glad to hear there could be two to fledge! This is a miracle in a very dire situation. Omega Protein Ocean Harvesters takes 112 metric tons, or roughly 230 million lbs, and it is based on science that measures the population in the ocean, not in the Bay.
Please sign the petition. I am Canadian and I don’t care what country you belong to – this needs to be stopped and I am embarrassed it is a Canadian company. The donations go to change.org. You do not need to donate but please share widely. We need this to stop.
Also read this article and support the actions of this singular politician who wants to help.
Want to know ‘why’ politicians aren’t doing anything? What is the cost of the collapse of an eco-system and the deaths of thousands of ospreys? Well look below.
“Political contributions muddy waters
Reedville-based Omega Protein, which makes fish oil products, is the main beneficiary of menhaden fishing in Virginia, and it’s no stranger to politics.
The company has given $955,783 to Virginia political campaigns since 1996, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, a nonprofit that tracks money in politics.
That total includes money given to politicians on both sides of the aisle. The company, for example, has donated $38,000 to the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus over the years, and $34,500 to the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus, according to VPAP.
Locally, Omega Protein has given $32,843 over the years to state Sen. Richard Stuart, a Westmoreland County Republican whose 25th District includes Caroline and King George counties.
And this year alone, the business has given $500 to Del. Joshua Cole (D-Stafford).
Milde, however, said he will not accept contributions from Omega Protein.”
Even with such a catastrophic year, there is a glimmer in some parts of New Jersey after months of bad reports.
In Orange, Australia, Diamond and Xavier are bonding. Seriously, the time is passing so quickly! Thanks, SK Hideaways. The WBSE have their eggs. Collins Street will have eggs soon. Diamond and Xavier will have eggs and geez…I feel like it is still March. https://youtu.be/NK2lhcIPD2w?
Lady and Dad at the Olympic Park WBSE nest.
The latest rewilding success news from Knepp Farm:
Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. We will see you again on Friday.
Thank you so much for being with us today. I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘EJ, Geemeff, Heidi, Michael St John, PB, PS, TU’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, and the authors of posts and articles, including Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information. I am very grateful. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.
