I went to the UK as a Commonwealth Scholar in 1990 and received my PhD from the University of Leicester in 1993. After three decades of university teaching, I retired to devote my time to the study of raptor behaviour. I am particularly interested in Ospreys and am working on a long term project on third hatch survival and siblicide in these raptors. My blog is a result of a fascination with my local wildlife and the desire to encourage others to love and care for birds! I live on the Canadian Prairies and prior to the pandemic travelled a lot. I am questioning the use of aviation fuel at the moment as we all strive to help our planet. My early research was in politics and art including British public statues exported to Southeast Asia and Vietnam Resistors that contributed much to Canadian ceramics. Books and articles were published on those subjects over a period of 3 decades. Now I am working on books for children so they can learn about the challenges our raptors face.
When I was a child, there was always a family picnic at the park or at my great-grandmother’s house to mark the 4th of July. They were all immigrants from Chur, Switzerland. The day meant a lot to them. The family had prospered and there was and still is family living in the farm and vinegard called ‘Hinterwald’ (Behind the Woods) outside of Chur. It was a wonderful day full of delicious summer food – fresh out of the various gardens – and always homemade ice cream. For those who are celebrating today, I hope that you had a fantastic time with loved ones and friends.
As a child, I loved the fireworks. Today, I know better and am a strong advocate for those funds to go to social programmes that help people, rather than money going up in smoke. I also wish that all the funds that will go into fireworks in the Big Bear Valley area and the nest of Shadow and Jackie had gone into the fund to purchase MoonCamp to safeguard this area for the eagles and all wildlife. Some States are outlawing fireworks altogether. I wish every State would take that enlightened stance.
SK Hideaways has a video of Sandy and Luna flying over this beautiful area – that does not need condos! https://youtu.be/PJYYeCH6kQM?
It was hot today. We had hoped that Toby would enjoy his sprinkler pad. Right now he is curious but a little frightened. We are not pushing him.
There is a heat dome over many parts of North America this weekend endangering the lives of the most vulnerable of the osplets on the nests.
At the nest of Big Red and Arthur, the fledglings are coming to the nest for prey deliveries by Arthur. https://youtu.be/ajyUBPXgxgs?
One of the big news stories in Bird World is that Lady and Dad have their first egg at the White-bellied Sea Eagles nest in the Olympic Forest in Sydney, Australia. SK Hideaways celebrates this wonderful moment. https://youtu.be/7eusfpBt7ZY?
CJ7 feeds her four daughters at the Carey Secret Garden Osprey nest in Poole Harbour. Imagine – four girls. All requiring much more food to develop than four boys.
At the second osprey nest at Poole, the chicks were deemed to be all male.
Ringing also took place across the UK. The two chicks in the Usk Valley were also ringed.
Normal service has resumed on the Usk Valley nest. Here are some images of our osprey family taken from the live cameras this afternoon: Syfaddan, Clogwyn and their two chicks, Blue 0U0 and Blue 0U1, new rings clearly visible.
This morning (Saturday 4 July) the two UVO osprey chicks were ringed by a skilled team of experienced climbers and licensed ringers.
Chick 1, who is 37 day old, was ringed on its left leg with a BTO metal ring with unique no. 1087337 and on the right leg with a ‘Darvic’ ring, blue with white lettering with unique inscription W0U0.
Chick 2 who is 34 days old, was ringed on the left leg with a BTO metal ring with unique no. 1087338 and on the right leg with a ‘Darvic’ ring, blue with white lettering with unique inscription 0U1.
Young ospreys are ringed well before they fledge the nest to leave on their first migration to Africa. This allows for monitoring of the birds as they grow up, go on their migration journeys, return to the UK as two-year-olds and hopefully, pair up to breed successfully later in life. It will also contribute to the overall national monitoring of the species as they make their return to Britain and more recently Wales.
UVO would like to thank all those involved with approvals in advance of, the support team during, and those on the ground (and up the tree!) directly contributing to the ringing operation.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 4th July 2026
Today was not nearly as wet as forecast, most of the day was dry with light winds, and Louis took advantage of that, delivering seven fish to Dorcha, raising the Nest Two tally to two hundred and twenty seven. It was a different situation over on Nest One – Garry LV0 was around, bringing moss and taking over when Aurora 536 flew off for a break, but didn’t bring any fish. An intruder was around, not seen on camera, perhaps that had an effect, or perhaps he delivered an early fish during the nest cam down time of approximately 6 hours from 03.15 to 09.10. His tally remains at one hundred and forty nine. Aurora didn’t go hungry though, as she had stashed a large piece of the previous evening’s third fish, and polished that off today. She continues to spend her nights on the nest covering the unviable egg. Tonight’s forecast is for light rain overnight with a low of 12°C, changing to heavy rain tomorrow with a high of 16°C.
Chick number 2 died of starvation at the Chesapeake nest today.
Even though I continue to worry, Little Dewey did well today. Mum did not wait for Dad to show up – these females are really becoming titans! ‘PB’ gives us the low down of all the deliveries to our not so little Dewey.
Oyster Bay: They need food. I hope for three but…’PB’ comments on deliveries: “Oyster Bay 7/4/26….no fish all morning, then mom 12:42 finally delivered a large fish (Menhaden ?) #1 & #2 feeding. #3 could not get in there. Then Dad delivers a whole fish 12:59 and #3 rushes over to dad for food. Dad looked unsure what to do, he wanted to feed and tries one bite to #3. Unfortunately, #2 saw opportunity to get food from Dad and moves in. Dad only fed #2. #3 on Dads right was begging but no bites. Dad left with remaining fish 1:06. #2 gets a couple of scraps from mom. #1 Huge crop. Hope they can get more fish for #3.” And then a final great update from ‘PB’: “Great update to share: dad partial fish 13:37 & mom 13:58 fish, #3 ate well! “
Lamoine State Park: Late fish delivery by the female but the third hatch had nothing to eat. This is another sad nest that needs food. I even wondered if the adults had abandoned the nest.
Sandy Hook: Good deliveries.
Osoyoos: The only surviving osplet of the three has a huge crop.
Went back and caught another fish delivery from Dad at Osoyoos.
Santiam Canyon: Doing well with the fish deliveries.
Cowlitz PUD: Little crops.
OBX: Two lovely feathered osplets who need names. Go to the link at the bottom of the image.
Salmon Idaho: Lots of fish appear to have come in on Saturday.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: The two feathered chicks are doing well. Dad delivered a fish – their expressions really perked up when they knew a meal was coming!
Charlo, Montana: Chloe feeding C22.
Upper Newport Bay: Ripple and Robinson both had fish.
Boulder County: The trio look good!
Loch Doon: All is good. Heavy rain starts later and Angel returns to the nest to try and cover her chicks – who are large!
Smallwood: Looking good with lots of helicoptering by the osplets. We are close to fledge.
Rutland Manton Bay: Fledge window.
Minneapolis Landscape: Two chicks appear to be doing rather well. I had my doubts initially, but all is looking good.
Blackbush: Number 1 continues to peck on 4 – trying to deny food and injuring that already damaged head. This is one tough little 4 that so many are cheering on but this nest is going to need lots of fish if the dominance power moves by the big siblings on that tiny little one are to stop.
Ah, that’s it for me. Just a quick run-through. Son is coming over tomorrow to help me with a camera for outside – we have gone through two or three. None are perfect, and most require some kind of monthly subscription, which I am trying to avoid. What this means is that I am going to enjoy the day and not look at nests. I will see you on Monday. Take care, everyone.
Thank you so much to Geemeff, to all those who created videos, including SK Hideaways, Karel, and BOGette, to those who posted information on FB, and to PB for keeping me up to date on some nests I didn’t get a chance to check. Once again, thank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch these incredible birds.
Just another quick run through some nests with some news. I had a wonderful day with my son, daughter-in-law, and daughter. Don had a venture with the girls, and we gathered later in the conservatory for much laughter. Gosh, these are moments to be treasured. Their time here will pass by too quickly.
We have six fledgling Blue Jays. Here is an adult with a fledgling – wings and beak open, and squawking for food! These babies are almost- if not bigger – than the adults and very demanding!
Great news coming out of Poland!
Nadleśnictwo Lipka, Lasy Państwowe and Lasy Państwowe
🦅 FISHING ACTION – STAGE TWO: New life in the Cross Forestry! 🌲💪 Remember our injured fisherman? We have amazing news for you from the next stage of this unique rescue operation! It was another day full of emotions, logistics and… some fresh fish ! 🐟👇 🩺 Morning in the hospital, afternoon on the road, and evening at the new place. It all started at dawn in the “Jeleniagóra” Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center Gabinet Weterynaryjny Agnieszka Strączek where a veterinarian from Nadleśnictwo Zamrzenica took care of it Our main character went through a thorough examination and was supplied professionally. As soon as we received the green light, that the bird was ready for the next step, reliable Forest Ranger Tomek from the Lipka Forestry stepped into action. He packed the little one safely and set out on the road to Nadleśnictwo Krzyż, Lasy Państwowe Upon arriving at the location, calmly at the forest office, the fisherman went through standard procedure: he was weighed, accurately measured and rimed by Adam from @Nadle śnictwo Nedowice, State Forests. But this was just the beginning of the challenge. The real logistics operation began just under the target socket! do ♂️ Professional mountaineer @Mariusz Urban stepped into action, who climbed the mountain itself and carefully transported down the only youngster who has so far lived in the nest. He was also weighed, measured, and hooped. Fun fact: By weight our friend from Lipka is PERFECTLY the same as his new, natural brother “cross”! 😉 🏠 Big move and… trout with home delivery! The climber set off to a tree for the second time – this time bringing BOTH little ones up the mountain. In order to enter a new threshold to pass in a good atmosphere, the young people got a solid “powry” from us for a housewarming party: two delicious trout! 🐟😋 So our bounce didn’t fit in with empty clamps! 😜 During the whole action, they were also able to fix and set up a previously malfunctioning photo trap. Effect? We will know how this new bird family develops, because the nest is now under constant monitoring. The young man has already lived in a new house in Krzy le Nadle Mnictwa😎. He’s fed and kept safe and company. May nature be kinder to him in this new location! Keep your fingers crossed for both these little ones! 🦅💚 Thank you very much to Mrs. veterinarian for help and examining the little one, professor Mizerza for material support and colleagues from #EagleProtectionCommittee and foresters from #Zamrzenica, #PotrebowiceForest and #ForestCross. It’s thanks to you that small fishermen from Lipka have a better chance of survival in this wild world. #Rybołów #OchronaPrzyrody #LasyPaństwowe #NadleśnictwoKrzyż #NadleśnictwoLipka #NadleśnictwoZamrzenica #pomagamydzikimzwierzętom Photos and videos : Adam Pikuła Mariusz Urban Hubert Z. Dominica Nadolna
CJ7 and Blue 022’s four chicks at Poole Harbour have been ringed!
If you have been worried about Sandy at Big Bear, do not! Sandy has returned to the nest with Luna. SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/AMnXeJ1UCQw?
It is unclear to me at this time whether petitioners have managed to move the fireworks to a location farther from the nest. It is equally unclear to me what is happening with donations towards the purchase of the land known as MoonCamp. Perhaps I misunderstood, but I thought that if more than 3 million were raised, there were provisions for some type of loan. Do you know? They are well short of the 10 million required at this time with 29 days left.
At the Achieva Osprey platforn, Little finally was home when a fish came in and how wonderful is that!
Sadly, the second hatchling at the Cape Henlopen osprey nest of Miles and Hennie has died from the heat.
There are to be more heat domes across the US and Canada this weekend and sadly, without a massive amount of fish and shade, we could lose more osplets.
One of those that is in dire straits is the oldest at the Osoyoos nest, who appears to be losing energy every second from the heat, little or no shade from an adult, and no fish.
I am equally concerned about Cowlitz PUD where there is heat, little food that I can see, and chicks so thin, especially the second one.
In Idaho, the two osplets, fully feathered, at the Coeur d’ Alene nest are doing very well.
Early fish delivery and lots of heat at Great Bay.
Life continues to be good at Clark PUD.
Nice crops at Dunrovin,
Some cute moments with two of Big Red and Arthur’s fledglings caught by Karel and BOGette: https://youtu.be/PNHokHkgwks?
Iris and Clark’s baby is getting some nice pin feathers!
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch ArkaigThursday 2nd July 2026
Today was a slow fish day, only four deliveries, three by Louis and one by Garry. The weather didn’t help, the wind made the loch waters choppy and although both males have fished successfully in poor weather, perhaps they couldn’t find many sheltered spots today. Earlier the chicks had a quick pop at each other before settling down then they joined Dorcha in calling enthusiastically when they saw Louis approaching with the second fish. They are looking and sounding more like juveniles as they move towards fledging. The chicks are around a month old, hatched on 1st and 3rd June respectively, and fledging generally takes place around 50 – 57 days old therefore our chicks are about 3 weeks away from their first flight. Dorcha was caught by the wind and did an involuntary helicopter, a skill we can expect to see them perform before they actually fledge. The chicks were cheeping away as the day wound down, and were rewarded when Louis arrived with a very late night supper, so fresh it almost flapped off the nest. Louis’ three fish take the Nest Two tally to two hundred and seventeen, and Garry’s single takes the Nest One tally to one hundred and forty six. More rain and wind expected with an overnight low of 11°C, continuing tomorrow with sunny spells and a high of 17°C.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. See you tomorrow with a special treat.
Thank you to all the contributors today – Geemeff for their summary on Loch Arkaig plus videos, Karel and BOGette for chasing the Ps and their video, for all who posted on FB and provided information, and for the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch these incredible challenged avian families.
I hope that you had a lovely Thursday. Jaine and Tammy came and picked up Don for an outing while Toby and I put on his Advantage Multi treatment (ticks andand went for a walk.
While there is much doom and gloom in the world to make us drop into a pit of despair, we cannot allow ourselves to succumb to that way of thinking. As I look out at the garden with Dyson’s family and the Blue Jays at the feeders, I see life. It has rained and the Robins and Jays have been pulling worms out of everyone’s lawn along with the Starlings and their excellent beaks for digging. The peonies I planted last year bloomed and the sheer amount of rain has turnede my garden into the forest I always dreamed it would be. There are baby birds everywhere – six Blue Jays and I could not possibly tell you how many sparrows. I wake up and feel lucky to have each of them a part o my life – they enrich our days just as The Girls and Toby do.
Which reminds me! Baby Hope is three years old today. We will have a small party for our shy girl later today.
My days on this planet are shorter than they were longer when, as a teenager, I dreamed of getting my driver’s license. My hope now is on the young people to fix the mess that we have created on this planet. One of those brilliant stars rising in the field of environmental/wildlife research is Wes Melker, a student from Gainesville, Florida, and grandson of one of our Bird World readers, Dr Richard Melker.
Don’t let the title, ‘American Icons: A Toast to White Oaks, ‘ fool you. The articles that Wes writes while he is an Intern at the Smithsonian Institution will inevitably teach you something that you did not know, and they all connect back to the need to protect our beautiful resources. Richard sent me a copy of the article and graciously asked Wes if I could include it for you to read. The answer was yes! So, enjoy the work of a young man whose name you need to remember.
The White Oak Initiative says: “Hope for the Future”. While there are plenty of mature white oaks in our forests today, the regeneration issue must be addressed immediately as oaks take decades to grow to maturity. We have a limited window to be proactive, but it can be done. By working together, we can reverse the decline of American white oak and ensure a sustainable future for white oak-dominated forests for generations to come.”
I like to think of the challenge faced by the White Oaks as similar to that of the keystone species of fish that our Ospreys depend on – along with other fish and aquatic creatures in the NE USA. Of course, I am talking about Menhaden. Tomorrow, I will take a look at the chicks that were ringed in the UK on Thursday along with a great documentary for you to enjoy over the 4th of July weekend.
Take care everyone. See you soon.
Thank you to Wes and Richard Melker and the Smithsonian Institution for allowing me to include Wes’s article in my blog. I also want to thank OpenVerse for the cover image of the Great White Oak.
You might want to check out the Smithsonian Institution and what they are doing to help the environment – maybe register as a member or purchase their magazine to help fund projects and internships such as Wes’s.
Happy Canada Day to all of us who celebrate. We had a wonderful time with our son and daughter-in-law visiting our local Farmer’s Market today. They are off for more celebrations this evening and tomorrow; my daughter and Tammy, DIL, are coming to take Don out for a few hours so I can have some time to myself. I feel blessed. How kind of them!
For the next few days, I want to focus on a couple of topics in each blog instead of running through all of the nests. I will, of course, try to bring you up to date on what is happening every 4 blogs. Today, I want to focus on this Menhaden issue and the ospreys dying, and I want everyone to write to the Governor of Virginia, the Honourable Abigal Spanberger. Her e-mail is: Abigail.Spanberger@governor.virginia.gov.
Tomorrow, I have a wonderful article by Wes Melkner in Smithsonian Magazine. Wes is an intern, and his research and first two articles have taught me a great deal. I do hope you enjoy the one I will be posting.
Friday, I will be giving you the link for a very special documentary to view over the weekend and a look at the current status of one of my favourite friends with feathers, the Condor.
Oh, I am really on a rant. Every day I check to see if Little Dewey is alive. Little Dewey is the poster child for this battle against industrial fishing and the murder of ospreys in this region of the US.
Little Dewey is gorgeous. I want her to thrive. Her parents have worked hard to find fish for her and their survival. We are not out of the woods yet but please, please let this nest be successful this year.
The first fish today did not arrive until 1311. I am unclear of any follow up deliveries. Please let me know.
This is staggeringly sad and reflects what is happening all over the region of the NE US:
“Survey my friend and I did in CT today of a small island with 30 osprey platforms. Raw data in image. XXX indicates the platform was abandoned and we did not go pro it. Fishermen are reporting no bunker again in the CT sound. Synopsis: 30 total platforms. 13 platforms abandoned. Only 7 young on island. Only 3 appear to be strong and healthy. 8 dead young found in nests. Almost no bunker gill plates by perch posts. Many platforms have been abandoned in the surrounding towns as well but not part of our study group.”
I realize that Heidi and I have been making comments on the demise of the osprey in this region for three years. I am glad that there is more attention coming to this topic, but I fear that we are late- perhaps too late. I never want to give up hope, so I have to look at what the UK did to reintroduce ospreys that had been wiped out. For example, CJ7 and Blue 022 had the first chicks in the south of England for 250 years. The first chick to hatch in the Usk Valley in Wales for a similar period was last year. Now, I want you to think about what I am saying. It is not decades; it is perhaps centuries before this biodiverse region is balanced again. People can blame whales and Bald Eagles if they want to hide their heads in the sand, but the truth is, it will show that it was industrial fishing unchecked by any oversight that caused the damage for years and years by a single company (not the net fishermen) but a Canadian company, Omega Protein. If I could sue the company and all the officials on behalf of the ospreys, I would. Someone who lives in the US should work with Animal Justice to do just that.
Today, Omega Protein went fishing and didn’t find much. Perhaps they have taken all of the adult Menhaden. Maybe they will be forced to shut down their operations. However, if you live in other NE States, including Maine, beware. Keep your eyes open. Many in Maine say that the Menhaden have left the shores and gone deep into cooler water. I just hope they are hiding from the nets!
Others checking elsewhere.
I believe on survived but has not been fed so the story will be much the same, sadly.
The one surviving chick at Great Bay looks to be alright. This one pushed another off the nest about a week ago – they were all starving. It is a sad fact.
Santiam Canyon is doing alright.
The smallest of the two on the Osoyoos osprey platform died today of starvation.
While today is about the impact that humans can have – in a negative way by overfishing and knowing it – and killing off an entire eco-system, it is also about the fact that humans must come to grips with the damage that we have caused our planet and help when help can be of benefit.
I was asked by a reader to post a rather long statement by a rehabilitation/rescue group. After reading it twice, I think that it is very appropriate to put it in this blog about the deaths from siblicide/starvation that have been caused by a lack of food due to human activity.
This comes from Annette at Wild Heart Ranch in Oklahoma and was sent to me from ‘J’ in Berlin:
I have never given parents advice on how to raise their “human” children, and I probably never will again, so please read this and pass it along. It needs to be said. (Rehabbers, if you agree, just applaud in the comments.) 😉 The photo is an oldie of “January,” a calf brought to me years ago with spina bifida and navel ill, crawling on her knees because her legs were useless. It took months, but I got her up, cured, walking, running, and eventually she grew into a full-grown heifer without any obvious problems. She found the perfect forever home. January WANTED to recover, and there was nothing I could see that would prevent it. She just needed an unbelievable amount of splint work, braces, physical therapy, and support to get there. She wasn’t going to one day be released into the wild. She was going to be somebody’s pampered pasture pet for the rest of her life if I could save her… and she is. She’s still watched over daily for complications her condition could cause as she ages or gains weight. I didn’t have to know she’d be 100% at the end of treatment. I just needed her to become pain-free and mobile on legs that would eventually support 1,400 pounds. But that isn’t the case for wildlife.
I absolutely love when you bring your kids with you to Wild Heart to drop off animals. If we’re going to raise the next generation to support wildlife rescue, they need to see the process. They need to witness compassionate people willing to drop everything for an animal they’ve never met. That matters to me because the future of wildlife rescue is in the hands of today’s children, and the way you handle that handoff matters more than you may realize. It matters because every year there are more roads, more windows, more fishing line, more cats, more cars, more toxins, and more hazards that WE bring into their world. And because, despite my best intentions, I may not actually live forever. I know… shocking. So there is one thing I ask, beg, and plead…
Please don’t promise your children that we are going to save an injured, hypothermic, maggot-infested animal, then ask us if that animal can be saved in front of them UNLESS you have prepared them for the TRUTH. I am not going to lie to your children before you do. I am going to follow your lead, and if you set me up to crush a child, I may have to step away for a minute to compose myself before I can provide that animal the peaceful, gentle ending it deserves. If you care about the animals, please be kind to the rehabber. DO YOU HEAR THE WORDS THAT ARE COMING OUT OF MY MOUTH? (My best friend uses that sentence. It is VERY effective!) Wild animals are masters at hiding pain. In the wild, looking sick or injured is basically putting up a billboard that says, “Eat me.” So they keep moving until they physically can’t anymore. That’s why you see a squirrel that’s “just sitting there all calm and content,” and I see a spinal injury or a pelvis that’s been crushed. You see the bunny your cat brought home that “doesn’t look that bad,” and I know it has a fifty-fifty chance of surviving the two tiny puncture wounds where your cat injected a potent bacteria cocktail into its back. Looks are deceiving.
The parents who want to protect their children from the hard realities—and I completely support that—usually hand me the animal, smile, and say, “We know you’ll do what’s best.” The kids thank me for helping, they climb back in the car, and I get to begin triage… treatment… or sometimes mercy. But this is how it sometimes goes for me: A six-year-old has rescued, temporarily cared for, and named a squirrel Kevin. Kevin has big plans. He’s going to leave our care, climb trees, raise a family, pay squirrel taxes, and peacefully die at the ripe old age of 97 surrounded by his squirrel grandchildren. AWESOME. I am all about happy endings.
Meanwhile… Kevin has dislocated hips, at least one spinal fracture, a pelvis that’s in four pieces, and internal injuries that make me wonder how he even made it to my door. The back half of him has been run over by a car, and any minute now the front half is probably going to stop working too. Then everyone turns and looks at me and an adult asks, with complete sincerity… “So… is he going to be okay?” Wonderful. (Just shoot me.) While I’m trying to rush this intake so I can put poor Kevin out of his misery, I now get to decide whether I lie to your child or explain euthanasia to someone who still sells their teeth to a fairy. That is WAY above my pay grade. And I don’t WANT to lie to anybody. So please… either have that hard conversation before you come, or avoid putting us in that position. My instinct is to protect your child’s enthusiasm for helping wildlife. I don’t want to be the lady who unintentionally convinces them that “future Kevin” should be hidden in their bedroom because “that rescue lady will just kill him.” Tell them Kevin is hurt. Tell them he is probably in a lot of pain. Tell them you’re taking him somewhere that people will do whatever is best for him. Leave it there… Or have the harder conversation before you arrive.
People sometimes think euthanasia means we gave up. It’s actually the opposite. It would be emotionally easier on us, in that moment, to keep trying. To turn a rescue into what I call “an experiment in heroics” which is by no measure okay unless there is FAR more hope than hurt. It’s much harder to look at an animal we desperately want to save and admit that the kindest thing we can offer is peace. I will NEVER be okay providing treatment only to find an animal dead in a cage later, knowing I could have spared it that experience. That is not acceptable when I KNEW the chances were slim. That is not rescue. That is denial. Sometimes we don’t know, but when we do know, we had better beat death to the punch or we have avoided the only act of care that was reasonable, responsible, and KIND.
A quick, painless, chemically induced death is kind when life without suffering isn’t in the prognosis. There are far worse things than death, and I see them daily. A responsible wildlife rehabilitator chooses what is best for the animal no matter how disappointed we are, YOU are, how many people are following the story on Facebook, or how much public backlash we might receive. NONE of that comes into play when I am evaluating or treating an animal. The ONLY factors that matter are the animal’s current physical suffering, past case experience, advice from my veterinarians, the animal’s probable ability to live independently after recovery and release, and my conscience. If my conscience EVER starts sounding the ego alarm, I am DONE. I know this about me. I will NEVER keep an animal alive because it’s popular or because it brings in donations. I was accused of that almost daily while working with January. I received hate mail from veterinarians all over the country. It was hell because I ALWAYS listen to the advice of veterinarians, but in this case they weren’t here seeing what I was seeing: a strong will to live and a calf that wasn’t going to give up. So I helped her fight. Not to prove anyone wrong. (ego) That never entered my mind during treatment. (But I gloated like hell when that calf charged me across my yard and knocked me flat on my ass!)
But I can promise you my motive is always the same. I believe in an animal’s ability to recover—or I don’t. I believe in my ability to support that recovery—or I don’t. The minute I lose hope that an animal can have an acceptable quality of life, I stop. No matter how much it hurts. No matter what people think of me afterward or what they say about me. (With two million followers, I see the comments. There is always someone who can’t WAIT to screenshot the nasty ones and send them to me, which by the way, it just hurts me and changes nothing else so keep them to yourselves friends) Fortunately for my motivation to keep going, I have almost as much compassion for ignorant people as I do suffering animals. 🙂
Here’s something else to keep in mind. The more experienced the rehabber, the more likely they are to make a judgment call immediately. Why? Because when we were new, we tried to save everybody. Experience teaches you where hope exists… and where it doesn’t. Trust that we have seen these injuries hundreds of times. We’ve learned from our mistakes, our veterinarians, our mentors, and the animals themselves. That being said… Many of my volunteers have zero medical training. They may be the smiling face that accepts your animal before it reaches someone doing triage. They see what you see. If you ask them what they think, they’ll honestly tell you, “I think he’ll be okay.” Then you call later and find out the animal was euthanized immediately. Please don’t assume we lied, didn’t try, or didn’t care. Just ask to speak with the person who actually performed the triage. I promise you, if that decision was made here, it was made because it was the most merciful option available.
Every intake gets our best. Every single person here hates euthanasia, but we are grateful that mercy exists. We remember those animals. We especially remember your child’s face looking at us like we’re monsters without a heart. It’s bad enough when we’re powerless to save a life, but when we’re judged for showing mercy? That destroys us. It destroys me. Last week it happened over and over and over again. It was so bad that I finally stopped going to the front door to do quick intake triage and personally thank the finders because I simply couldn’t do it anymore. Most people are absolutely wonderful. And then… There’s little Kevin’s family. Mom tells me to build Kevin a wheelchair so he can live here forever and “the kids can come visit.” All lies, little dude. All lies. And I just can’t be part of that story.
Those moments don’t stay here when we lock the doors at night. We take them home. They haunt us. They keep me from the sleep I need so badly that I end up writing lengthy educational Facebook posts trying to work through the frustration. So please… help us tell the whole story. Teach your children that rescue doesn’t always mean recovery. Teach them that there are worse things than death, and suffering without hope is one of them. Teach them that love and care are two very different things. Love is an emotion. Care is an action. Sometimes the most loving action is letting an animal go instead of asking it to suffer because WE aren’t ready to say goodbye. Because if I have to tell your child Kevin isn’t going to make it, I’d much rather be reinforcing a lesson you’ve already started than accidentally becoming the stranger who convinced them that bringing injured wildlife to professionals was somehow the wrong thing to do.
If your child cries, that sadness is empathy. Empathy is exactly why they picked Kevin up in the first place, so maybe I don’t have to live forever after all. Maybe there are little humans growing up right now who understand what wildlife rehabilitation is truly about and will support it one day. With time, with funding or even put on their poop shoes and get to work! There are thousands of wildlife rehabilitators scattered across this country making impossible decisions every single day and doing what is best, struggling to stay afloat so the animals have a place to go. I am working on a way to help keep them going with funding. It will take about a year, but in the meantime, let’s all be aware of the things people may never consider that slowly erode their motivation. I promise you I am not the only rehabber whose day is destroyed by someone bringing in an animal that should not be saved and then confronting us over our honest opinion-especially in front of children. The goal isn’t to teach our children that every rescue story has a happy ending. The goal is to teach them that every wild animal deserves compassion. “And we all suffer the same” Maybe that’s something worth thinking about. Thanks for reading.”
I think Annette said many things that I also needed to hear.
Geemeff has posted her summary from Loch Arkaig and I will include it here.
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 1st July 2026
The weather was wet and windy as forecast but that didn’t stop Louis who delivered five fish, taking the Nest Two tally to two hundred and fourteen. However, the first fish was quite small and the delay of over five hours before the next one saw the hangry chicks having a pop at each other. The aggression didn’t last long and a steady supply of fish, including a large late supper at 10pm, saw the chicks off to bed with full crops and Dorcha struggling to fit them underneath her. Garry brought a single fish for Aurora, a small one which she chose to eat on the nest, which took the Nest One tally to one hundred and forty five. Nest Two cam has been zoomed out ready for fledging which is probably at least two weeks away, and before that the ringers will visit, meantime we get to enjoy the panoramic views again. More wet weather is forecast with light rain, gentle breezes and an overnight low of 12°C, continuing tomorrow with light rain showers, a moderate breeze, a high of 17°C and occasional sunny spells.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care all. See you tomorrow!
Also, if you are enjoying the blog, please hit the like button. It moves us up in the algorithm, so maybe more people will learn about what is happening to our raptors and want to get involved in helping make their lives less challenging. Thank you.
Thank you to ‘J’ for sending me the text from Annette, to Geemeff for their daily summary of activities at Loch Arkaig, for those that posted information and images on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams mentioned that allowed us to follow the lives – the good and the sad – of our feathered friends.
It was the 4th of June 1969 that I flew across the border between the US and Canada with my then two-month-old son, Cristofre. As a university student at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, I was been part of various anti-Vietnam War groups as well as others protesting for civil rights and women’s rights. Several of my closest friends died during the early part of the Vietnam War and i was determined that my son was not going to drop bombs or napalm on innocents. I have never looked back. Canada has been our home now for what? Fifty-seven years!!!! I was 20. I have never been more proud to be Canadian than this year. Our system is not perfect but when it is urgent or a sheer emergency, it works! My province has beautiful areas – vast tracts of wildnerness and lakes. I cannot say that the city where I reside is gorgeous. It has its moments. But my little plot and the street I live on make up for all the deficiences.
We have had huge storms. Last night Toby had his Thunder Jacket on all night. The lightning and wind were incredible and our street has lost a lot of tree limbs.
Coming out of Europe. A goshawk attempted to take an osplet off the Polish nest. It clung to the nest and was pushed over, but was not taken by the hawk. The osplet was rescued, and I believe it is in good condition.
Ringing is taking place across the UK. This is a great article by Caroline Woodley on UKOsprey Information FB on the importance of ringing and the three generations that were ringed today – and we know because of the family tree and the Darvic Rings:
Elen and Teifi’s chicks:
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 30th June 2026
As forecast, it was wet today with the occasional dry spell, and set to continue, with drizzle, light winds and an overnight low of 13°C, changing to heavy rain, gentle breezes and a high of 18°C tomorrow, with the sun breaking through around lunchtime. Louis brought three early fish then after a fourteen hour gap he brought another two, much smaller than the family would have liked and left them competing for scraps. In fact, while Chick1 was struggling to down the tail, Chick2 reached over and pinched it right out of its beak and proceeded to swallow it with aplomb. Those five fish take the Nest Two tally to two hundred and nine, and Garry’s single delivery to Aurora takes the Nest One tally to one hundred and forty-four. Garry and Aurora continue to incubate their unviable egg but are starting to leave the nest for longer periods.
Navesink River, Monmouth County, New Jersey Osprey Survey
“As founder of Menhaden Defenders, I’m always looking at how healthy forage fish populations support the wildlife we love. One of the best indicators is right above us: ospreys.
On June 15, with Ben Wurst, Senior Wildlife Biologist with the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey and leader of New Jersey’s Osprey Project, we surveyed 25 osprey nests on the Navesink River in Monmouth County. In addition to looking at the Osprey around each nest, we used a GoPro camera mounted on a pole to reach up and get a view into each nest to look for signs of use, presence of eggs, chicks, or nothing, all added to the spreadsheet.
We found 19 occupied nests, including 12 active nests with eggs or young. Ten nests held 22 nestlings, ranging from hatchlings to about four weeks old. In some nests with three chicks, we saw asymmetry, or an asymmetric brood, where younger nestlings lag behind older siblings. This can be a sign of food stress. When food is scarce, older chicks often dominate feedings, forcing younger siblings to cower and increasing the risk of brood reduction.
Ben and his team also work each year with volunteers and citizen scientists to monitor nests and remove dangerous litter like fishing line, plastic bags, balloons, and other debris. Ospreys are telling us something about the health of the Navesink and the larger coast. We’ll be going back in a few weeks to survey again, and we are very concerned about the survival rate of the chicks we saw. We are seeing these signs of food stress from Raritan Bay to Cape May in colonies that have been productive for years but may now be struggling to breed at levels needed to sustain the population.
Protecting menhaden and other forage fish helps protect the entire coastal food web. Both organizations survive on donations from people like you to continue working on this serious situation.”
Thank goodness the situation is drastically different in the UK. On Mull Island, they are now seeing ospreys – remember, the UK is reintroducing/re-establishing ospreys that were made extinct by humans!!!!!!!!
All three Ps have now fledged. Big Red and Arthur are busy keeping track of them and feeding.
The little tiny osplet, #4, at Blackbush in Prince Edward Island is still alive. This chick is determined and the male is doing a good job of getting fish in.
At the NCTC nest, RJ fledged. Congratulations Bella and Scout.
The two osplets at Coeur de’ Alene, Idaho, look great.
There are still two at Osoyoos. It has been hot there.
Iris and Clark’s baby is getting some beautiful feathers.
Clark is very smart. He has been bringing in some large cot rails to keep this rather energetic youngster on the nest.
Dudley becomes a pillow for the only surviving chick at Charlo Montana whose crop is about to burst.
There are still two at Cowlitz PuD but gosh that little one is so thin. Please wish for fish.
The trio at Clark PUD are doing so well.
The only surviving osplet on the nest at Great Bay is doing well. One died and the other fell out of the nest and went to a rehabber. I am unclear of its status.
It is sure hard to tell who the little four is at the Poole Harbour nest of CJ7 and Blue 022. They have yet to be ringed.
Beautiful evening at the Rutland Manton Bay nest of Blue 33 and Maya and their trio.
Thank you so much for being with us today. We are doing better than people would think! We are spending the day with our son tomorrow, so you will definitely not be hearing from me until Thursday. Please take care.
Good Night from All of Us:
Hugo Yugo and Missey
Cheeky Hugo Yugo.
Baby Hope and Calico.
Darling Toby.
Thank you to everyone for their contributions to this blog – to Geemeff for her daily summary of Loch Arkaig, to PB and those who write and post information and images on the various FB groups, and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to witness the lives of these families.
A brief check-in. Toby has his thunder jacket on as we have storms coming from the SW and moving north from North Dakota. We are saturated with rain. Would love to send it to places that need it!
We will have monarchs! Feeding on the dill.
Thinking of all of you as Europe has 50 C temperatures. At least one nest is receiving supplementary fish. This reminds me of Frenchman’s Creek a few years ago.
Way to go Poland!
Pesticides are harmful. They go through the food chain – the birds eat the insects. If you live in the USA, it is possible that your State has some protections, but it appears that the federal government might undermine that with the new farm bill. Have a read and please contact your representatives if you care about birds!
Just look at Snow. Her parents at the Traverse City Bald Eagle nest would be so proud of their little girl. She was already doing brilliantly – can you imagine a well fed eaglet with no infestations, a clean nest?! That is what Harriet and mate provided this beauty before that nest slid down. I think that is rather rare. Many eaglets have insect infestations and are ’emaciated’.
This is the latest news on Snow:
Snow begins the next phase of her journey! Snow’s healing has continued to progress without setbacks, and she has now been positioned for the next step in her rehabilitation journey.Early last week, the medical team cleared Snow for transition into a slightly larger habitat aimed at accommodating more freedom of movement, while still allowing for reasonably stress free administration of her breathing treatments and anti-fungal medications. Those treatments concluded at the end of last week while observation continues for any indications that symptoms are re-emerging. It was then the determination of the team that Snow was ready to move into a full-sized flight enclosure to begin skills training. During Snow’s recovery, we were made aware that one of our collaborating organization’s was hosting an adult Bald eagle on it’s own rehabilitation journey, that could, potentially, serve as an ideal foster for Snow while she develops the skills and strength necessary for the team to evaluate her viability of surviving in the wild. After carefully considering the specifics of her case, our avian care team (in collaboration with the veterinarian and A.R.K.) selected this route as providing Snow with the highest likelihood for a successful conclusion to her rehabilitation process💚 She was officially transferred from our facility into the excellent care of Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center over the past weekend, where their own highly-trained staff assessed the two eagles compatibility, and took lead on her remaining path to recovery. This option also allowed her to retain the same primary veterinarian who has overseen her treatment from the start, which is preferable. While we will not be personally leading Snow’s recovery through to it’s conclusion with this path, the fortuitous availability of a viable adult foster provided the highest likelihood of successful recovery, and we couldn’t be more thankful to Wildside for offering this opportunity to her, as their reputation for providing excellent care, and decades of service to our regions wildlife, speaks volumes. We can only ask that the passionate community following along on Snow’s journey offers their staff the same grace and support that you have shown, and continue to show, to us We will endeavor to update the community as Snow’s story continues.
In the meantime, our rehabilitation efforts continue for the many other patients currently in our care! To support the high quality care provided by our avian care team, you can: -Donate directly at www.northskyraptor.org/donatenow-Empower our rehabilitation efforts year-round with a small monthly recurring donation at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/snow-recurringdonorcampaign1-Learn about, and support, our work to build Northern Michigan’s first public raptor center by clicking here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/prcfcaThank you so much for your continued support of our mission!
Sincerely, The North Sky Raptor Sanctuary Board of Directors and Staff 🦅🦉💚
Love What We Do?
Us, too! Help us spread the word about our mission and connect with new faces. Share this newsletter with your friends, family and anyone you think would benefit from seeing some pictures of cute birds in good care. Together we can make a big difference in the lives of the Michigan’s raptors!
Want to know how you can get involved? Click here!
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 29th June 2026
It was a peaceful day with no chick fights or intruders, one fish was delivered to Nest One, first seen in Aurora’s talons, but it was almost certainly caught by Garry and delivered to her during the nest cam down time. The Nest One tally now stands at one hundred and forty three. Over on Nest Two, Louis delivered three fish, the first one, a flatfish, was his two hundredth for the season, and the nest tally rises to two hundred and four. The weather was reasonably settled today, not nearly as wet as forecast, but heavy rain is expected overnight, changing to thundery showers tomorrow, with light winds, a low of 12°C and a high of 17°C. The two chicks are now so big it’s hard for Dorcha to keep them covered, but she does her best until the chicks’ juvenile feathers come through which will keep them waterproofed. At the time of filing this report (midnight), the heavy rain has started and both females are hunkered down pearled with raindrops with Dorcha hunched over the chicks to keep them dry, and Aurora still protecting her unviable egg.
I am signing off. We are expecting heavy rain and thunderstorms. The sky is getting dark. Take care everyone. Please, please leave out water and if you can, food, for the wildlife.
Thank you to SK Hideways and Geemeff, the owners of the streaming cams, those reporting on FB, and PB for alerting me to Beth’s post about the supplementary fish in Poland.
Late news: Sandy fludged and then flew from the Big Bear Valley nest of Jackie and Shadow today. SK Hideaways gives us details and has the video: “After a glorious morning of new milestones by Luna reaching higher heights on the Y branch and Sandy venturing further out on a front porch limb, the day dimmed. In attempting to return to the nest from the front porch by jumping over Sandy, Luna accidentally knocked Sandy off her perch.
Sandy was lodged in branches at two points below the nest tree for awhile, but soon released and righted herself. She was soaring or flapping as she released ~ a very good sign. Then FOBBV reported that she had been seen flying on their security camera. Hopefully we’ll see her on the webcam soon. (2026 Jun 28)
FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Jackie, Shadow, Luna & Sandy Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4 Live Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz FLEDGE WATCH FOR REAL ~ Sandy on Back Porch Edge ~ Luna to High Perch (2026 Jun 27) Sandy and Luna both took big steps today ~ literally. Sandy perched on two of the back porch branches and exercised her wings with fledge-worthy vigor. Luna walked up the high perch on the front porch and exercised his wings with just as much energy. His dismount back to the nest was 10/10. One release of that back hallux talon from any of those perches and off they’d go. It’s only a matter of time and a few more grey hairs for fans. Video: https://youtu.be/glMMMrK8mmI Jackie & Shadow Can’t Resist Feeding Sandy & Luna ~ Awww (2026 Jun 26) Instinct is a powerful thing. Despite the fact that Sandy and Luna are nearly 12 weeks old and have been self-feeding for some time, Jackie and Shadow sometimes cannot resist the urge to feed their big eaglets. Similarly, Sandy and Luna can’t resist being fed. In this video, Jackie and Shadow fed themselves and the eaglets. In addition to just enjoying some nice fish, the parents were also teaching the eaglets to identify opportunities to eat by stealing food from other eagles. This is a vital skill in their first years on their own while they learn to fish for themselves. To fans, these are bittersweet keepsake moments, as we know these eaglets will begin their life journeys very soon. (2026 Jun 26) Video: https://youtu.be/VC4KjBSvxPA Luna & Sandy Take BIG JUMPS ~ Fledge Time Nearly Here (2026 Jun 24) Luna and Sandy prepare for their next adventure in the big, wide world with BIG wingers, HIGH jumps, and LOTS of energy. At 11-1/2 weeks old, they are well within the fledge watch window. Typically male eaglets fledge first, so Luna could go first, but every eaglet and every nest is different. They both look strong and ready to fly. Holding fast to these moments as their departure time nears. Video: https://youtu.be/4GF9N7QnMA0
Fraser Point Eagles ~ Cruz, Andor, Sasha (hatched 3/28), Zuma (hatched 3/30), Ryder (hatched 4/1) Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s
Sasha Brings Fish Home~ Cruz Gets Tail ~ Possible Ryder Sighting (2026 Jun 25) Sasha arrived at the nest with a whole fish, which was likely a gift from a parent (or stolen). Cruz came to see what was for breakfish, but Sasha was not very inviting. Cruz reverted to Mama role and fed Sasha a bit. When the eaglet remembered that he could self-feed, he snatched the fish and carried on. Later, Cruz returned and took the tail for herself. No one was more shocked than Sasha. As fans hope and await the return of Zuma and Ryder to the nest, we spend much time listening and watching for fleeting fly-bys. I’ve captured both here and invite you to join in the guessing game of who’s who! Video: https://youtu.be/wEML1FhAYdY
Ryder Fludges ~ Cruz Makes Beeline for Nest ~ Departs with Fish (2026 Jun 22) The jump that broke the nest’s back could describe what happened when Ryder challenged that weakening edge of the nest. He slid/flapped down to the ground and could be heard squeeing and rustling around as he explored the ground he’s visited once before.
If you recall, Ryder fell from that edge on April 24th (here’s the fall: https://youtu.be/WJ6b7BAztF0 / and here’s the rescue https://youtu.be/lKSFIC4irKI). He was just over 3 weeks old then. Now at 12 weeks old, he’s strong enough to have softly hit the ground (only about 15 feet below the nest) and capable of flying (though he has to prove that to himself).
Cruz arrived just 25 seconds after Ryder fell and did a thorough assessment of the situation, as Sasha arrived and gave her an earful. About 90 minutes later, Cruz took fish leftover off the nest. We’d bet money that Ryder got a private feeding. Video: https://youtu.be/KwnxmTaoZGM
RYDER BRANCHES! Returns & Tests Weak Nest Edge Before Branch #2 (2026 Jun 21) Ryder finally took the short leap to the branch that Zuma chose to branch on a few days ago. It was an easy step-flap and Mama Cruz was right there to witness the grand accomplishment.
Ryder returned to the nest and explored the weak edge of the nest that partially collapsed yesterday. Not sure about that fixation, but it gives us slight palpitations. Only slight, though, as Ryder is ready and able to fly ~ she just doesn’t quite know it yet. Enjoy these fleeting moments while they last. Video: https://youtu.be/Wz_wtfSMdY0
San Jose City Hall Falcons ~ San Jose, CA ~ Hartley and Monty; Jet, Scout, Stewart, Walton (hatched 4/4/26) Courtesy San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcon Cam | Predatory Bird Research Group Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBSxPjy5sow Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pp9TisLmLU Roof Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQLhmV6bP6o Brothers Jet & Walton Hatch Plotto Oust Parents Hartley & MontyJet and Walton partnered in morning aerobatics before settling on the roof for some mischief plotting. When Hartley and Monty attempted to meet up for morning bonding, Jet put the plan to work as he ousted both parents from the nest area. But Hartley and Monty made up for it later with two undisturbed rendezvous in the afternoon. While not captured here, we saw that there were three boys on the louvers at day’s end. (2026 Jun 23) Video: https://youtu.be/cQwfc0oKhmU
Hartley & Monty Relaxed Too Soon ~The Terrific Tiercel Terrors Returned (2026 Jun 20) Hartley and Monty celebrated their wildly successful season with a long bonding session and putting their talons up on the deck. That is until Jet disturbed their peace with an extended screaming session. The cacophony drew Scout and Walton to the balcony to see what the fuss was about, which gave me a perfect opportunity to capture more of the mayhem we’ve all grown to love. We didn’t see Stewart, but know that he showed up today. At day’s end, the brothers roosted on the louvers overnight once again. Enjoying these fleeting moments while they last. Video: https://youtu.be/ASVIdmLjiIU
Lee Jumps, Flees When Creepy-Crawly “Prey” Moves ~ Raven Cleans It Up(2026 Jun 27) I shouldn’t laugh… but just can’t help myself. Sorry, Lee. Video: https://youtu.be/yA8wz1WlzwQ
I hope that your weekend was kind to you and that most of all, those that were in the heat of Europe or parts of the UK were able to stay cool. One of our readers from Berlin said that it had rained a little and was hoping it would help cool their 38 C temperatures. In Wales, where it was very hot, the male ospreys managed, or at least Teifi did, to get lots of fish on the nest so that his mate and chicks would stay hydrated. In the US, the nests that have struggled and lost chicks are finding some Menhaden or other species. We simply have to wait. The females are fishing – Little Dewey’s Mum and Della are doing very well, indeed. Jill at Achieva started a trend – I hope that it keeps up and that this is one way in which ospreys are adapting to the new reality of a heating world. That new reality is that both adults will have to fish and be creative finding food.
One of the nests that is causing a lot of anxiety is Blackbush in Prince Edward Island. That nest has four little ones. The oldest has decided to just hammer the tiny little 4th hatch. Its head has been beaten up to where there is now a huge bloody spot – or is it a hole? Hard to tell. Most of us cheer for the underdog and this nest took my mind back to two years at Port Lincoln. The first was with Solly when she brutally killed the tiny little third hatch, and then there was Zoe, who, full and fat, literally murdered her two siblings. It was after this that the fish fairies began to come to the nest. Thank goodness. Zoe traumatized all of us that were watching. And that is the point of this paragraph. Watching these screens when there is bullying and sheer physical violence is not good for your mental or physical health. I urge anyone who is having difficulty watching to please turn of the screen. Wait for 48 hours and then return. If the chick is still alive more than likely, it will remain so. If it has died, then you have saved yourself some very traumatic moments. I am especially thinking of many of you who have heart issues or high blood pressure. Please do consider my advice.
We had our own traumatic moments here this week. I you are a long time reader, you might recall that Don was hospitalised with prostrate issues over the Christmas holidays. Not being able to urinate causes toxins to build up in one’s body and that, in turn, causes very aggressive and often violent behaviours. I began to notice that Don was agitated and he began to get aggressive over the past few days and then it occured to me that it wasn’t the full moon that is to arrive shortly, but a prostrate issue. I could not get anyone in the public health service to come to my house without a doctor’s order and our GP is away for the weekend. Why does everything happen on the weekend or a holiday?!! At any rate, my BIL kindly agreed to drive 1.5 hours into the City and take Don to Urgent Care this morning. Thankfully, about 2000 Saturday evening, Don was able to relieve himself. We both jumped up and down with joy. Then we collapsed from exhaustion. I hope to arrange for help to come should I need it in the future and not have to go through a visit to Urgent Care which can mean sitting for hours and hours – this does not work for someone with dementia, normally. So, relief.
It is fledge watch at Rutland’s Manton Bay osprey nest of Maya and Blue 33 and their trio.
I am concerned about the smaller osplet on the Osoyoos nest in British Columbia. One has already passed. There has been no fish since 1800 Saturday at this nest. I fear all will perish. With the history of this nest, I wish the City would simply remove this platform and maybe the ospreys might find a more suitable place.
And the one that everyone is worried about is little 4, as mentioned above, at Blackbush in PEI.
Still two and a Dudley at Cowlitz PUD, but the smaller ones look ‘thin’ to me. Unlike my vet, who likes pet dogs and cats lean, I like my osplets nice and plump even during the teenage period of the Reptile phase.
The trio at Clark PUD are looking good.
Fish deliveries were on the small side at the Port of Ridgefield on Saturday. Let’s hope this isn’t a trend.
Trying to stay cool at Pitkin County Trails in Colorado.
HDonTap has no rewind but there appears to be two rather healthy osplets on the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho South Osprey platform. One did a ‘ps’ and I tried to get a capture of it – it was magnificent! Tells me that chick is getting a lot of food and it appeared to be the smaller of the two. Bravo.
There you can see that ‘ps’ very clearly!!!!!!!!!
This nest has been ‘sad’ in past years. Last year the female was left to take care of the chicks on her own and the year prior the male was unreliable. This is a good year. Yahoo.
The two at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are doing grand.
Kam, Keke, and little Phoenix at the Sandpoint nest. Kam got left out of some of the fish he delivered.
Clark just continues to bring in whoppers. I will be grateful for this magical nest this year and try, so hard not to dwell on what I thought was going to happen in the NE. It is a tragedy but people need to collectively join together or it is simply going to get worse.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 28th June 2026
Today was wet and windy, with a few dry spells in between. It started out as a slow fish day but ended up with routine figures – Louis delivered four fish taking the Nest Two tally to two hundred and one, and his personal tally to one hundred and ninety nine, while Garry delivered a late evening fish for Aurora, and that single on-camera fish takes his tally to one hundred and forty two. Both males were delivering small fish which didn’t take long to finish, speculation is the loch was stirred up due to the weather and the big fish went deep, but regardless, everyone got a meal, and the two chicks swallowed a tail each. The forecast is for the light rain showers and gentle breezes to continue overnight and throughout tomorrow, with a low of 11°C and a high of 17°C.
N2 The fourth fish is another tiddler and quickly polished off 21.40.14https://youtu.be/2_4YQ0KvLEc N1 Finally! Aurora gets a fish – it’s a tiddler 22.32.36
Come and join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:
Thank you for being with us today. I will not be back with you until Wednesday. There is a lot going on in the next couple of days. Keep an eye on the nests. Ringing is going to be going on at some nests in the UK while fledge watch continues at Rutland’s Manton Bay. Take care!
Thank you to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their video lists and summaries. I am so grateful to have those for you! Thank you also to the owners of the streaming cams – without you we would not get ulcers worrying about all these ospreys, eagles, and hawks!
I am thinking about all of you living in Europe sweltering in this heat and the wildlife. Or those in Japan and elsewhere who have had earthquakes and now, my son tells me two storms coming to Japan as he is set to fly out for Canada. Please take care of yourself.
I had a lovely Saturday. A friend was here for tea. At the same time, Don needs to go to the hospital, and his brother is taking him tomorrow. It is a prostrate issue again. So today’s report is going to be shorter than normal.
One thing I want to mention is that our dear Ervie has been spotted fishing where he did when he first fledged with dad at Delamere Wetlands.
My goodness – our favourite third hatch. Ervie hatched on the Port Lincoln barge on 16 September 2021 at 00:51:50. He will be five years old this year. Mark your calendars. Let’s all eat some birthday cake in celebration.
‘PB’ has sent me some good reports from the nests.
“Blackbush Little tiny 4 has an open head wound, this bravest of all souls, like Cape Henlopen #3, just keeps getting back up to eat. If it didn’t get food, it would be the end. But this nest has lots of fish, and #4 is fighting to survive.”
“Now tiny 4 moved by Dad, dad feeding 4 privately, rhen mom walks up and gets food from dad to give to 4. I hope the food gives this brave one some good nutrients to grow.”
4 has been injured by 3 and there are certainly concerns since its head now ppears to be bleeding.
“Oyster Bay mom can’t wait for dad she goes fishing 2:25 but #1 eats most of it. I fear we may lose one here. Not enough to keep oldest full.”
“Sandy Hook may be only nest along NJ with 3. All look good still.”
Little Dewey hit the jackpot today. Mum has been bringing in the fish.
Dewey mom found 4 more Menhaden, Heidi told me: 13.22.00, 13.36.12, 13.52.54, 14.15.34, 5:29:44 Dewey mom another menhaden. She had brought in some in the morning.
SK Hideaways brings us up to date with Sandy and Luna, who are now ready to fledge – something we all feared as 4th of July celebrations in the US approach with their useless fireworks. https://youtu.be/glMMMrK8mmI?
Cornell Bird Lab captures the visit of P2 to the nest as P3 gets some inspiration for an impending fledge! https://youtu.be/fqaMN3W40UI?
Super couple CJ7 and Blue 022. The fish brought in today, according to the chat: 05:09, 09:01, 13:24, 16:41, 17:44, 18:33, 20:07, 21:04. Just think about that. Four chicks are thriving. I believe they will break Maya and Blue 33’s record of fledging four this year. Poole Harbour has fledged four chicks in 2024, 2025, and appears to be ready to do it again in 2026, breaking the record.
Manton Bay: 2020 and 2019 were the two years that they fledged four chicks. They had four chicks in clutches other years but at least one died each year.
CJ7 with her four feathered babes of 2026.
A happy story. House Martins return to a UK street.
Young country diary: The house martins are back – I can hear the chicks from my bedroom
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig 27th June 2026
Another calm and routine day, no intruders or alarms, the only negative is the wet weather as it rained steadily with only a few breaks throughout the day. However that didn’t prevent the males from fishing – Garry LV0 brought two on-cam fish for Aurora 536, taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and forty one, and Louis brought four fish for Dorcha and the chicks, taking the Nest Two tally to one hundred and ninety seven. As Steve Quinn showed in his weekly stats published today, Louis is setting records and performing very well. Links cant be posted unfortunately, but just pop Nest 2 fish summary to week 10 into the search field and it’ll come up. It’s raining as this report is posted (midnight), and set to continue overnight with a low of 14°C throughout tomorrow with a high of 17°C and the possibility of sunny intervals.
Thank you for being with me today. Please take care of yourselves. I hope to be back with you either tomorrow or Monday.
Thank you to SK Hideaways, Cornell Bird Lab, and Geemeff for their videos and/or daily summaries. I am also grateful to ‘PB’ for keeping a keen eye on some of those hard-to-watch nests. Thank you to the others who post on FB, the owners of the streaming cams, The Guardian for reporting, and Raptor Persecution UK for keeping us apprised of the good, the bad, and the very ugly in the world of raptor persecution in the UK.
There are some posts, like Gessner’s article on the pending extinction of the osprey in The Bay area, that deserve their own blog. Today there is also another one – and I am posting it separately.
I adored Iniko and followed her story from the time she was just a dot in a shell, the hope of Redwood Queen and Kingpin, the leader of the California Condor condo. She was incredible and I remember that December day when she was finally released into the wild with so much hope resting on her after spending nearly two years rehabilitating in the Los Angeles Zoo. May her soul soar in the skies over California.
Iniko’s bio on the Ventana Wildlife Society website:
2020 was a year of trials and tribulations and many of us identified with Iniko (1031), the condor chick that delighted viewers on our Condor Cam, powered by explore.org. Iniko means “born during troubled times” and was suggested by camera viewers after they saw all that she went through that year. It started off fine for Iniko (1031), snug in her redwood cavity under the care of the most prominent pair in the population. But the good times would not last.
The Dolan Fire swept through Big Sur on the night of August 21, 2020 taking the life of her father, Kingpin (167), and nine other free-flying condors. The flames were hot for Iniko (1031) as well, but she managed to survive in her cavernous nest. As her mother Redwood Queen (190) rose to the task of being a single parent, a new challenge emerged. An unmated male condor, Ninja (729), entered the nest, possibly seeing an opportunity to claim a vacant territory left open by the passing of Kingpin (167). Redwood Queen (190) rushed-in to defend her chick, and Iniko (1031) was force-fledged from the nest; falling to the ground during the scuffle. The entire story was told in our first documentary, Giants of Big Sur, Part Three, Born During Troubled Times.
Redwood Queen (190) chased off the intruder, but Iniko (1031)’s prospects seemed dim huddled there on the ground with only one parent. Our concern grew as time passed and the chick remained vulnerable, even showing a slight limp. The field crew moved in on October 19th and rescued Iniko (1031), hiking her carefully out of the canyon and transporting her to Los Angeles Zoo for treatment and care. Luckily, she sustained no long-term injuries, and Iniko (1031) was re-released back into the wild with two other female condors on December 4, 2021. Iniko (1031)’s story serves as a reminder that we, too, can make it through troubled times.
Since her return to the wild, Iniko (1031) has flourished. She seems to have bonded closely with the other female condors in her release cohort and spends most of her time foraging and flying with them over the scenic landscape of Pinnacles National Park.
Our Star, Iniko (1031) also appeared in our second film, Condor Canyon released in 2024. Now she’s of breeding age, with her head and neck (and eyes) are becoming the orange and pink hues of an adult! She is thriving and forming new connections with condors who could soon become her mate. One of these condors is Apollo (718), who Iniko (1031) has consistently been observed with in the early part of this year. We are excited to see where Iniko (1031) continues to journey as she reaches this new stage of life!
Iniko #1031 is an iconic California Condor. Some facts:
Iniko (California Condor #1031), whose name translates to “born during troubled times,” is a famous wild-hatched condor whose survival through multiple crises in Big Sur, California, captured global attention. One of the most famous was when she was a chick and survived in the natal Redwood tree while the fire took out the forest. Her mother Redwood Queen returned to rescue her daughter but Iniko was injured by a rival male and taken to the Los Angeles zoo.
Her life story is a dramatic timeline of resilience and conservation:
April 2020: Hatched in a massive, ancient redwood tree in the Big Sur wilderness to parents Redwood Queen (#190) and Kingpin (#167).
August 2020: Survived the devastating Dolan Fire, which burned through the condor sanctuary. While her nest tree survived and protected her, her father Kingpin went missing and is presumed dead.
October 2020: Force-fledged after an aggressive, unmated male condor (Ninja) attacked the nest. Iniko fell to the forest floor and sustained a leg injury .
October 2020: Rescued by field crews from the Ventana Wildlife Society and transported to the Los Angeles Zoo for veterinary care .
December 4, 2021: Re-released back into the wild at San Simeon alongside two other female condors, Dian Fossey (#1011) and Rachel Carson (#1042), by the Ventana Wildlife Society.
Present: After thriving and foraging in the wild, frequently spotted near Pinnacles National Park and the Central California coast, Iniko’s mortality monitor went off. She is presumed to have died from lead poisoning. Searches for her body are ongoing but the area is remote and rugged.
They are working hard about issues related to hunting and fishing in California to change the use of lead. Ventana Wildlife even makes lead free ammuntion available at a reduced cost or free.
There is already a ban in California against the use of using lead. If you listen to the Condor Chat live, you will find out why there is still lead in the environment. The market is not supporting the switch to non-lead in all calibres.
This is a tragic loss that did not have to happen.
I want to thank the Ventana Wildlife Society for all they do to try and protect these most endangered birds that are crucial to our environment. Thank you to Cali Condor for the videos and the Ventana Wildlife Society for the videos and images.
