Category Archives: American White Pelican

Goshawk predates UK Hobbies…Friday in Bird World

15 August 2025

Hello Everyone, Good Morning or Good Evening,

Late News: The two cute little hobbys in the UK were predated by a goshawk only a few moments ago. Oh, how sad that is.

If you blinked, like I did, the end of the school term was two months ago in Canada and wow – they are loading up those school bags and preparing to head back to classes. What happened to those long dog days of summer? Traditionally, we have short summers and long winters with temperatures colder than Mars (or so the meterologists report). It can get to -38 C but, either my memory is totally faulty or things are changing, since we no longer have month after month of temperatures in the -30 C range. Still, I do not want winter to arrive.

Until then, we will make the most of every day, heading out for walks and picnics until it is so cold that Toby requires a parka and boots. One place I am looking forward to is Chickadee Trail – feeding out of hand those precious little birds that stay year-round.

Toby had his first grooming today. His cute little report card said he was ‘relaxed and responsive’ with ‘skin and coat in excellent condition’! That made me smile. He is resting by me, chewing on one of his Bully Buddies – Blueberry and Yak Milk. Yes, our animals eat healthier than we do! Bullie Buddies are from Iceland and are organic and contain no chemicals. They are solid and will not splinter. Check them out. Our trainer says they need these to help them calm, to clean their teeth, and to teaching them what they can and cannot chew.

How could you say ‘no’ to those eyes? (And yet you must if you want a clam and happy dog that others want to be around).

The highlight of the week has been the hatch of WBSE 35. Lots of fish on the nest. WBSE 36 was still working to get out. The hole is getting larger.

SK Hideaways has the cutest little video capture of WBSE 35 helping 36 gets its shell off! And some great bites into that beak of 35 by Lady! https://youtu.be/gNial0KwZyk?s

Oh, the little SE look like little fluffy snow people. Adorable. I shall be watching this nest closely as it is very dear to my heart.

‘A’ writes: “Meanwhile (and for this moment, more importantly) we have two healthy-looking active sea eaglets who are both eating well from a veritable smorgasbord Dad has brought to the nest in a frenzied of proud parental excitement. Both have been eating well today – at lunch, SE35 was so stuffed to the gills, it turned away from the table, allowing SE36 to continue eating well. These two are adorable, Lady is experienced, and Dad is doing his job wonderfully well, despite all the rain. Yesterday, while SE36 was hatching and SE35 was resting from its lengthy hatch, Lady sat all day in the rain, water puddling on her back, with the littles warm and dry in her underfluffies. 

The currawongs are bold this year, proving a nuisance already, attracted by all the food laid out on the nest (currently two nearly whole fish and the remains of what was once a largish bird, I believe). Lady is honking at something higher in the tree that sounds like currawongs to me. It sounds as though Dad is also higher in the tree and alerting, with the currawongs squawking and occasionally swooping if Lady’s movements on the nest are any indication. We can’t see them but we can certainly hear them and Lady’s ducking and snaking of her neck as well as her vocalisations definitely suggest the presence of a currawong or three higher in the nest tree. Finally, there is silence, except for Lady and Dad’s occasional squonks, and Lady returns to lunchtime feeding. At 12:59 she switches to the bird carcass and feeds some of that to the eaglets.SE35 has returned for seconds and SE36 is still finding it all a bit difficult – it probably can’t even see properly yet. 

These two are the sweetest little sea eaglets. Fluffy little white babies with the cutest little wings. I just adore them at this early stage. And the fact that they both appear strong and healthy and active, eating well, with two caring and competent parents, is such a blessing. “

The second big event in my estimation is the return of Beau to the NE Florida nest he shares with his mate, Gabby. She usually arrives between the 8th and 12th of September, just about the time Iris is taking off for parts south.

There is much concern as many of the streaming cams will be going offline now that the raptors have fledged. ‘B’ wrote, “I am also sad, because the word from the Trempealeau chatters is that they will be turning off that cam in the next few days.  I forget whether they are saying the 15th (which is Friday) or whether it is on the weekend.  But I have gotten attached to TE3, who has still been on the nest or perching nearby quite a bit.  I haven’t seen her today since 11:10 am CDT, and she doesn’t seem to be perching in cam view tonight (as she has many recent nights).  Hopefully i will see her again before the cams are cut off — or maybe I should hope I don’t see her and can trust that she has finally successfully dispersed.  But I do worry because TE3 seems to still be fed so much by Mrs. T that I wonder if she doesn’t yet have the skill to make it on her own.  I have great respect for Mrs. T raising TE3 pretty much alone, but I do worry whether the absence of the second parent means that TE3 missed out on some training and experience.  (It helps to remember, though, how successfully M15 raised two eaglets on his own when Harriet went missing.)”

T3 is a strong eaglet raised well by a single Mum – an adult added to that Hall of Fame along with M15 and several others including Mrs Decorah North. They are incredible and there are, no doubt, many more that suffer the plight of their mate having another nest and almost abandoning them completely. Mrs White Rock comes to mind with two eaglets who have been seen soaring over the trees.

To ‘B’ I would say many things: People used to have an impact. I grew up at a time when the collective voice changed so much bringing an end to the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and Women’s Rights. We are watching many of those rights be eroded, but, as someone said to me the other day, you can’t tuck your head under the duvet and think it is all going away. I do believe that collectively we can bring about change and the change I am talking about is the livelihood of our dear raptors. So what can you do? –This list is not complete. No doubt you will think of many things to add – write and tell me.

–Put out water. Water is life and plant trees. Trees provide shade, and birds need this for protection, nesting, and to cool down and live. Make your garden bird-friendly.

-Provide food if you can.

-Donate money and items to the wildlife rehabilitation and rescue centers near you. This can be anything from a monthly donation of $5 and up to clean used sheets, towels, extra bottles of beach, dishwashing liquid, puddle pools, toys, pet carriers, etc.

Donate your time. Become a volunteer to help at rescue centers. Help bring animals and birds into care centres. Do fundraising.

Volunteer to do clean up around lakes and rivers for invasive species of plants.

Share your skills in fundraisers.

Stop eating tuna. I want you to go and have a look at the Royal Cam chick. If your eating tuna or not meant whether this little beauty would survive or not, what would you do?

“Accueil » Fishes and Shellfishes » Today, when you eat tuna, you’re killing an albatross. Seabirds are victims of oil spills and other pollution. Plastic waste and ghost nets drifting in oceans are also threats along with invasive rodents on the shoreline. They are also victims of tuna fishing.”

Many reasons not to eat canned tuna: https://youtu.be/2USz2nEeqn0?

Today, when you eat tuna, you’re killing an albatross. | Robin des BoisDownload

Educate people about the challenges of the sea birds, including climate change, resulting in warming waters and long-line commercial ships.

Keep the politicians informed.

Sign petitions like this one. BirdLife Malta wants lead banned. You can sign it even if you life elsewhere. Could you read the information?

Ban Lead Now | Sign Our PetitionDownload

One of the only magazine/journal/groups that I belong to currently is BirdLife International. A beautiful informative magazine arrives 4 times per year. One of the articles in the most recent offering is titled, ‘Taking Action. How you can help’. The article was about the volunteers counting birds on Migratory Bird Day – which is something you really should consider partaking in! Martin Harper, CEO Birdlife International writes, “I have seen first hand hoiw fragile and virtal green spces can be, as even a small loss can affect the future of birds. Yet, I have also seen what’s possible when people come together to protect breeding grounds, restore forests, grasslands and ewetlands, and change the way we treat nature. Thank you for making this day special. Keep looking up, keep speaking up, and together we’ll help birds and all life thrive” (50, July-September 2025).

That is just what we have been talking about. Another article focuses on the power of many, whereby hunters have been brought in to help critcally endangered species in West Africa. The 19 are being trained as hunting protectors and biodiversity regulators as well as inspiring communities to mobilise. It can be done – but it won’t be if we sit on our hands watching the telly. Everyone can do something – even phoning people to remind them where they can join up to help count migratory birds.

If you are looking to help and have $10 per month, consider BirdLife International. (Donations are tax-deductible.) Of course, there are so many rehabilitation and rescue centres that it is hard to know where to give our funds, especially as daily living becomes increasingly expensive.

Heidi’s Nest Note:

SK Hideaway’s recent videos:

Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles🦅 SE35’s First Meal 🦈 A Bobble-Palooza🤹 2025 Aug 14, https://youtu.be/OKS-RHvlBII

Sydney WB Sea Eagles🦅SE36 Struggles to Finish Hatching🐣SE35 Nicely Pushes Eggshell Away🧹2025 Aug 15, https://youtu.be/gNial0KwZyk

West End Eagles🦅Haku & MV’s Nighttime Shenanigans 🃏 Flirtation in Motion💞 explore.org | 2025 Aug 14, https://youtu.be/QHo8BM3zlmE

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 14th August 2025 The thunderstorms of the yellow weather warning fortunately failed to materialise, and once the morning mist wore off, the weather was settled, however Louis was having a slow fish day and only brought two fish to the nest, taking his tally to four hundred and twenty one (nest total 423). The chicks had a fish each, which as Steve Quinn’s stats just released for Week 19 show, is more than enough to sustain them. As always, Steve’s report is an interesting read, link is in the bonus section. Garry LV0 brought a stick to Nest One and did a little tidying, and apart from a Chaffinch and a few Hoodies visiting Nest Two, that was all the activity today. Drizzle and light winds are forecast for overnight with a low of 15°C, and a dry day with light cloud, light winds and a high of 20°C tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.59.22 (04.38.52); Nest Two 21.52.11 (04.55.02)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/uH7vzL-Kmy8 N2 Darach fights Breac and wins the first fish 05.53.47https://youtu.be/GA1DdGuHWAE N2 A Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) perches and sings 12.39.23 

https://youtu.be/n-lvO51lcWg N1 Garry LV0 brings a stick and tidies up 14.21.41 (zoom)https://youtu.be/NDpDdbXKxiQ N2 Both chicks are on the nest when fish two arrives but Breac gets it 19.19.00  

Bonus info – the fishing stats for week 19 ended 13th August (thanks Steve Q):

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=27364536

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/7Z3dXSCx7jI  N1 Who wants a fish? No one, so Louis takes it away again 2019

https://youtu.be/IxehDNQnTws  N1 A little songbird visits before dawn 2020

https://youtu.be/fzFGKL_ShWQ  N1 Aila brings the first fish of the day 2020

https://youtu.be/85HjtmwU31E  N1 Why does everyone leave the nest in a rush 2020

https://youtu.be/qe3sErXlB98  N1 Sunrise time lapse (Classic Ospreys – Schubert) 2022

https://youtu.be/8EcjI8PmiSY  N2 Little bird visits and does a balletic move near Willow 2022

https://youtu.be/HHrtWJO-cHE  N2 Unidentified intruder LV(?): chase version 2022 (slo-mo, zoom) 

https://youtu.be/zBUsLQqBJGU  N2 Bold crow on the nest with Sarafina 2022

https://youtu.be/7tLsSt_pNfs  N2 Sunset time lapse (Classic Ospreys – Bach) 2022

https://youtu.be/n82yRRBoSDc  N2 Dorcha divebombs an intruder 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/rcY16NgfPsw  N2 Ludo furiously chases an intruder 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/bJhNMD2vSXI  N1 Garry LV0 mantles as an intruder flies overhead 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/0OrTqJ8jBCs N2 Dyson the Hoodie looks at home on the nest 2023

https://youtu.be/ImqlNz9eqo8 N1 What bird flies across the cam view? 2024

CTV News reports that Peregrine Falcons hatched in the city of Edmonton, Alberta are being helped in the wild. https://youtu.be/8dwT96hzZ8A?

Foulshaw Moss:

Kielder Forest: Happy to have sightings of previous fledglings!

A special sighting _ Kielder OspreysDownload

There are massive estates in Scotland. More land belongs to an individual who might be absent and whose property is managed by the Estate Manager. What happens on these estates can curdle your blood. Raptor Persecution UK follows one, Auch.

New BBC documentary provides shocking insight into appalling crimes on Auch Estate, Bridge of OrchyDownload

Birds of Poole Harbour: A record number of White-tail Eagle chicks fledge! “A record THREE White-tailed Eagle chicks have successfully fledged from TWO wild nests in England. The chicks were reared by White-tailed Eagles that were released as part of the ground breaking conservation project by Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation to return this lost species to England.

Two different pairs of White-tailed Eagles successfully bred this year. This included the first chick in Dorset for over 240 years, and two chicks raised in a nest in Sussex.“

Record number of wild White-tailed Eagle chicks hatched in England this year with first chick to fleDownload

What is exciting to me is that CJ7 and Blue 022 are grandparents.

This is something that is monitored – it helps us understand the strength of some parents. Mrs G of Glaslyn, former mate of Aran and Monty, has many returnees, and they bred, producing grand chicks and great-grand chicks. It is good DNA and also some darn good luck. Now it is the turn for the attention to spread to this couple in Birds of Poole Harbour. Do you remember when CJ7 waited, lonely, on that platform, hoping for a male? Then Blue 022 came along, too late for eggs and hatches, but the pair bonded with all of the town! Everyone remembers who saw them. We prayed that they returned safely, and return they did. They have now raised many nests, including two nests of four chicks.

These are the four chicks from 2025.

Thank you so much for being with us today. I will be monitoring what is happening in Australia and New Zealand this weekend as the osprey season in North America winds down. The birds are on the move, and the great migration has begun. Remember to turn out your lights, leave out water, protect birds from hitting your windows, and ask your town and cities to turn their lights off. It would save millions of birds that die needlessly.

Next week, Toby, Don, and I are going to Hecla Island to check and see if there are any pelicans still catching fish around the island. I need a break from the normal routine and this is the perfect time of year to slip away for a few days. I will publish on the 18th and then the next time, the 25th, will get us back on our regular Monday and Friday schedule. Please send me any news or questions and I will answer them on my return. The plan is not to take my laptop and for this to be a really nice family time like we have on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Life is good. Finding balance can be achieved but it takes determination. I am ‘determined’ that this holiday, however brief, will be marvellous!

Take care everyone. Please go and see those adorable sea eaglets and check the other nests. Who knows – it could be the very last time you see those beloved fledglings or the adults. Send them your good wishes for a safe migration!

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘A, B, Geemeff, Heidi, SK Hideaways, ‘, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, Cornell Bird Lab, and the administrators of FB groups such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers and international birding groups, such as Birdlife International, that continue to cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Thursday in Bird World

27 March 2022

Hello Everyone,

Thank you to everyone for sending in news items. It is much appreciated and it is all too easy for me to miss something which is important. So, we are going to put the news items in my inbox up front today.

‘J’ let me know that the much loved Latvian Golden Eagle Spilve, mother of the late Klints, has laid an egg. In 2020, Spilve laid her first egg on 29 March. It is believed that she has not been breeding since then – at least not at this nest. https://youtu.be/DOj7tYjk1j0?

“EJ’ sent me a wonderful news article. Imagine gold fish ponds everywhere ——–imagine ponds and large holding tanks, no deeper than 3 feet – full of koi. That sure would put an end to hunger on some of those osprey nests! I remember marveling at the adults at Collins Marsh one year. The normal fish were small and one day the adults found a koi pond. I wondered if it was a garden centre or a home. Their babies ate well then.

https://www.fox5vegas.com/2025/03/26/goldfish-dumped-henderson-pond-attracting-birds-prey-bird-enthusiasts

Port of Ridgefield, WA: ‘BHA’ writes: “Sorry the photo isn’t very good  – this is on my t.v. New camera is great, complete with date and time this year (which doesn’t show in this picture). As you can see it’s a beautiful day here in the Pacific Northwest. 🌞”. The couple laid three eggs last year with only one chick reaching fledge (2 DNH).

I think that image is very good and we so appreciate your sharing it with us. What a nice day for this couple to be home!

‘PB’ sent us the 2025 US State of the Bird Report and it shows numbers os birds are dropping significantly.

2025 U.S. State of the Birds Report Shows Widespread Declines – Birds and BloomsDownload

Osprey Nest News:

Heidi’s News:

Patuxent River Park osprey nest (MD) – 3/26 the cam went live for the season, and I was delighted to see the same ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’ at the nest.  It’s good to see they both made it back.

Seaside osprey nest (OR) – Bruce returned on 3/24, and Naha arrived on 3/26. It’s always wonderful when a beloved pair are reunited after a long migration.

Crooked Lake osprey nest (IN) –  An osprey pair is at the nest.  The chat is referring to the male as Noble, and is referring to the female as ‘Mom’ (rather than Whitley), but I think it is the same female.

Moorings Park osprey nest (FL) –  The chatters were fond of calling Sally and Harry’s only osplet ‘Solo’.  But, on 3/26 the community bird club officially named the 17-day-old youngster “Ozzie.”

Other Osprey news:

Bassenthwaite/Blackgate Farm Ospreys: J Kear reports that both ospreys have returned to their nest.

Llyn Brenig: Blue 372 is eating a lot of fish and restoring her strength and health in time for breeding season.

Dyfi Osprey Project: Perhaps Idris is trying out for the Olympic pole vaulting team! Idris worked hard on that nest and now he can celebrate with his mate Telyn who returned today.

Yeah, Telyn is home!

Kielder Forest Nest 4: Mrs 69 is home!

Another female home | Kielder OspreysDownload

Roudsea Wood: Both adults are back at the nest.

Birds of Poole Harbour: CJ7 got down to business and got rid of Maya’s 2022 daughter, Blue 1H1, and has been getting nicely reacquainted with her mate, Blue 022. These two raised four osplets to fledge – the little one won everyone’s heart for its tenacity!

Loch of the Lowes: Blue NC0 is some great fisher. She is going to be incredible shape.

Colonial Beach Ospreys: A mystery female appeared on the nest on Wednesday.

Sun Coast Ospreys: Sara and Sota have their second hatch.

Lake Murray: At least two attacks on the nest by other ospreys yesterday. Hoping resident ospreys, Kenny and Lucy, are safe.

Blithfield Reserve, UK: Male has returned to the nest.

Bald Eagle News from the Nests:

US Steel: The first hatch is here!

NCTC: Bella had to defend her three eaglets against an intruder. https://youtu.be/Tj64Q6HSD74?

It is possible that one of Bella and Scout’s eaglets is injured. Deb Stecyk reports that it could be puncture wounds. Please send good wishes. https://youtu.be/8KsYYqn5qOU?

Big Bear Valley: The two eaglets are thriving.

Jackie and Shadow brought in 8 fish deliveries. https://youtu.be/UUNNWIsz24k?

Decorah North: Mr and Mrs DNF have a failed season. Their first eaglet tried for five days to free itself of a crushed shell before dying. The second egg is 41 days old today and deemed unviable.

Duke Farms: The triplets still doing very, very well.

Sauces Canyon Eagles: Betty Lou is growing and growing!

West End: The blood from the encounter off camera to save territory is drying on Haku as she stands proudly by Maiko.

Hilton Head Island Trust Eagle Nest: The two eaglets are doing fantastic. https://youtu.be/DOj7tYjk1j0?

Sutton Centre Eagles: They have their second hatch of the season.

Glacier Gardens: The male died last year. Mum was seen ‘eyeing’ a potential new mate in late December. Mum was at the nest on Wednesday.

Kistachie National Forest E3: E03 had at least one prey delivery today. I rewinded late in the day, but the eaglet did appear to have a crop earlier, too. 03 appears to have branched, slightly.

The nest appearance was an empty taloned adult.

Birds and their eggs were rescued from the California wild fires – what a nice ending for today!

Dozens of bird eggs and chicks rescued from collapsing tree in Californiahttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/25/birds-rescued-california?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to those who sent news, for comments, videos, articles, images, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘BHA, EJ, Geemeff, H, JK, LDF Golden Eagle Cam, Fox5Vegas, Port of Ridgefield, Birds & Blooms, OspreyInfoUK, Dyfi Osprey Project, Birds of Poole Harbour, Woodland Trust (LOTL), Colonial Beach Ospreys, Moorings Park Ospreys, Sun Coast Ospreys, NCTC, Deb Stecyk, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, Duke Farms, IWS/Explore, Hilton Head Island Trust, Sutton Centre, Bartlesville, OK, Patuxent River Park, The Guardian, Crooked Lake, Seaside, Patuxent River Park, Lake Murray ospreys, Kielder Forest

Friday in Bird World

26 April 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

‘The Girls’ are just fine. We are enjoying Amy Tan’s new book and read an entry or two every evening. Oh, how I wish I had the time to learn to draw like Tan! This morning we are enjoying having no heat on in the house and listening to the Chickadees sing to us. The sky is heavy overcast and I am hoping for a lot of rain.

Hugo Yugo is quite the character and if anything happens one has to look no farther than a little ginger cat. She has ‘decided’ that the butcher block area is ‘hers’ especially when we are away. The key is not to leave anything there that could be knocked, eaten, or tossed off to the floor. This included a yummy packet of cookies today. It appeared she had knocked them off and then played hockey with the bits and bobs. Either ‘on’ or ‘off’ and nothing in between, looking for mischief at every turn. We picked up a small bag of tiny pinecones today in the hope that they would be of interest!

She is ready to run! This look just spells trouble.

Missey has decided that she likes the vintage wicker cat carrier.

‘The Boyfriend’ comes about 4 to 5 times a day. I am constantly checking his water bowl sine it has been so warm. Must find another place for his feeding location soon.

It was 24 degrees C in Winnipeg on Thursday, 25 April. Unbelievable for this time of year. The soil is so dry that when I was going down country roads it blew everywhere. We need moisture! After such a successful Wednesday at Delta Marsh and Delta Beach, it was time to go and check on the pelicans.

The American White Pelican lives on our main lakes and near the dam at Lockport, Manitoba. They arrive in April and set off for their southern winter grounds in September. They fish by diving into the surface of the water to get small fish. The ones with the barnacle-like disk on their bill are breeding pelicans. The others are not. They make scrape nests lined with pebbles or lay their 1-3 eggs on mounds of debris. Normally only one chick survives because of the high percentage of siblicide associated with this species.

There were hundreds and hundreds of them on the river.

The one below is a breeder. Notice the keel plate on the upper mandible – the barnacle-like protuberance – indicating a breeding bird.

The only other birds that I saw, other than a few ducks, were a small group of Ring-billed Gulls.

Have a giggle. Thanks, ‘MB’ for the link – Silly Idris wants incubation time!

Big Red and Arthur had their first hatch on Thursday morning. Oh, goodness, gracious.

‘A’ gives us her perspective: “Wasn’t it lovely to see a hawklet hatch yesterday? We could see the half shell shortly before 13:00 and we get our first really good look at the still-damp hatchling at around 14:33, at which point mum decides it is ready to be fed. It is able to sit up strongly and hold up its head (though the baby fox that’s on the menu today retains a little more fur than is ideal for the baby’s first feeding). I must say the sight of that crushed and mangled shell does worry me slightly. We have had several of these this season, most with happy endings but at least one (at SWFL) with a very sad outcome. Let’s hope the other eggs are not in this condition. Arthur is a very proud dad. Are there pips on egg 2 and/or egg 3? That was definitely egg one that hatched, based on the amount of speckling, which means the pip I thought I saw (which was on egg 2, I’m fairly certain) was likely not a pip, as the mark in question still appears to be on that second egg and has not enlarged at all. Thus, it is probably something stuck to the egg. Still, we are expecting pips in eggs 2 and 3 at any time, based on the timing of the delayed incubation principle followed at Cal Falcons. I believe Big Red did something similar here.”

Oren and Ruth have their first hatch, too!

It is sometimes hard to hit a moving beak especially if you are a new Mum and have two little osplet heads bobbling about. Aren’t they cute? The two at Captiva CO7 and CO8. Both have had fish.

That other egg in the Captiva nest. Well, if you read the chat, you might think that a 45-day-old osprey egg – the first to be laid – might hatch tomorrow. Think about that. The average for osprey eggs to hatch is 36.5-38 days, according to the data that ‘H’ and I have collected (as well as many others). At 40 days, we would give up hope -. There is no way that a 45 day old egg will hatch! So sit back and enjoy the two of them.

It looks like dear Tuffy is going to survive Ruffie. Tuffie is now 31 days old and has beautiful, beautiful juvenile feathers.

‘A’ gets pretty excited watching the Cal Falcons. This is from a day ago. “At Cal Falcons we get our first proper view of hatch four, fully out of the egg and still very damp, when mum heads off to the pantry at about 13:43. Of course the little one is not nearly ready to eat and its eyes are still closed. It looks tiny without its fluff. The other three are all fed – again, Annie is careful to make sure all those little beaks are filled several times each. I always worry that one of the three doesn’t get as much as the other two at a feeding, but it never the same eyas as at the feeding before, so she makes sure that with frequent feedings for these youngsters, no-one actually goes hungry. They are ADORABLE. When we first see them as a fluffy cuddle puddle, I wonder how quickly even Annie will become way too small to brood them. They are a largish pile already, and Archie’s valiant efforts at brooding will be entertaining! Oh he is a darling little mate. Don’t you just love the way he leaves beautifully prepared food within 10 or 15 seconds of the nest – Annie seems to be able to collect perfect prey from the pantry in an incredibly short time when she heads off for food – she’s always back within 20 seconds or so with nutritious-looking meat without inedible parts attached. He does a great job. Of course Annie cleans up any bits that are not suitable for feeding to the babies. 

By 14:53, Annie is up and heading for the pantry again. This time, the new hatch is dry and fluffy but not yet ready for a feeding. Still, it has been out of its egg for about 90 minutes or so and already, it seems strong. Archie is quick;ly onto the scrape in case anyone is chilly or a bit lonely, e-chupping to Annie as he checks the kids. But again, Annie is back within 20 seconds, the prey this time a little more feathered than usual, and Annie takes a couple of minutes to prepare the food herself. She then proceeds to feed the chicks yet again, and Archie stays a while to watch the meal. Chick number 3 has front position for this feeding and is doing particularly well. A couple of minutes in, the little fourth hatch pokes its head through the fluff and appears at the front of the line, beside chick 3. It opens its tiny beak, whether for a yawn or for food, I cannot be certain. Oh they are just TOO sweet. Mum has her work cut out for her! 

Archie is still there at 14:55, when chick 4 stands up (it has to pull its head out from between the others, which puts it into the back row at the table) and opens its beak!!! This chick is less than two hours old (it’s probably been officially out of its egg for about 90 minutes at this point), and it is already standing, holding its head up and opening its beak for food. Wow! At 14:56 Archie continues to watch closely, appearing absolutely fascinated. He is on the edge of the scrape, within inches of the little cohort of chicks standing in the middle of the scrape, little beaks open wide. Small squeaks for now – just imagine how noisy these cuties are going to become en masse!! 

Mum is ignoring the fourth hatch, which is at the back of the group and is much shorter than the others so hard for mum to reach. At one point, the baby is even jumping in an attempt to gain her attention! It reminds me of Rubus, and appears to have similar leaping abilities. At such a young age, its strength and balance is truly astonishing. It tries several tactics to try and get mum’s attention but to no avail. Shortly after 14:59 it stands up at the back of the group and appears in danger of falling over backwards. This concerns Archie, who moves around behind hatch 4 to make sure it is okay. He is such a sweetheart. He seems to want something to feed to those open beaks, and e-chups to Annie. I think he’s counting the bunch and realising he now has four children!!!! (No, that’s anthropomorphising, but he definitely appears to be worried by the fact that the youngest hatch, at the back, has not been fed despite all its efforts. Mum continues to try and coax the older three to eat, without success, but continues to ignore hatch 4. Watch at around 15:00 to see Archie’s reaction to this. He seems to very badly want to grab that bite of food from mum and distribute it himself. But of course he doesn’t.

Interesting. I’ve never seen a parental interaction quite like that. He actually seemed to make a half effort at grabbing the food from Annie’s beak to feed the chicks himself. Archie stays beside the chicks, watching with great intensity. Everything Annie does, every movement from the chicks, he absorbs. He is totally engrossed. Several times, he appears to consider taking the food from Annie’s beak, apparently wanting to feed the youngest hatch, at the back, which still has not been fed any food, despite its continual begging for something, its little beak wide open like its older siblings. Of course it does not yet need to eat, only two hours out /of its egg, but it wants to and is trying to, so I am surprised that Annie is ignoring it completely. She is usually really good at reaching the one at the back or the chick facing the wrong way. Perhaps she simply thinks this one is so young, she doesn’t need to include it in feedings yet. I do hope so. Otherwise, this one looks determined and strong, so I suspect it will rapidly learn how to get itself into the front row. It will jump like Rubus if it has to, I suspect, based on what it has been doing this afternoon. I will check for feedings later in the afternoon to see if chick 4 did get fed today.”

A story too good not to tell. A 17 year old male Peregrine Falcon has a mate and a clutch. His name is Dipper.

Frenchman’s Creek has received many letters from concerned viewers of their osprey cam. ‘MP’ wrote and got a response stating, “They were in contact with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Florida and several ornithologists who told them of the situation; and per expert opinion, human intervention is neither necessary nor permitted at this time.”

 The female was on the nest feeding one of the osplets today while the other was self-feeding.

‘MP’ reports that the first egg of the season has been laid at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum nest on Thursday the 25th.

There are two osplets at Lake Murray and there is a hint of the third egg perhaps pipping. We will see tomorrow.

The third osplet at Lake Murray arrived overnight. Thanks, ‘H’.

One of the Decorah North eaglets has a fishing hook issue. This would qualify for intervention because it is a human-caused problem. Can they get a permit? Is it possible to get a cherry picker up to help? We wait. Poor baby. Please send positive wishes.

Swampy is on the nest and is being fed well. He was eating a fish and there are now two more as I write on the nest for later! Thanks Abby and Blaze.

The two eaglets at Cardinal Land Conservancy have been named Arnie and Neil.

Murphy has a new eaglet to raise!

News from ND-LEEF:

‘H’ caught an Osprey landing on the Cape Henlopen State Park platform – a change from the Black Vultures. Ospreys have not used this nest since the tragedies of 2022 when the Dad was found dead, the Mum chased off nest by intruding and overtaking ospreys, and the chicks starved on the platform as a result.

Glaslyn: Elen and Aran have their second egg of the season at 12:44 on Thursday the 25th.

It actually appears that there is a new male at the nest of Iris at Hellgate Canyon in Missoula who has been bringing fish and there might have been a successful mating. Many believed it was Louis, but after much comparison it appears it is a new male to be named by Dr Greene. Well, this could be an interesting year. Iris certainly likes his fish and heaven only knows she deserves someone to care for her! This is certainly a twist that I did not anticipate.

The Fraser Point eaglet has been named – and we will be waiting to hear the name of the other one.

Both Bald Canyon Eaglets were named.

Dorcha cannot get a break this year! Poor gal just wants to incubate in peace and quiet.

Dorcha takes off with the ‘brunch or lunch’ fish. Louis was late – keeping intruders away?

Jackie and Shadow and the dawn.

New female replacing Charlotte at Charlo Montana is a 14 year old.

Six goslings taking the leap of faith seen from the US Steel Eagle cam. Fantastic. You might have watched the second leap of faith at Decorah. One gosling made it down to the adults. Volunteers looked and found a second at the bottom of the nest tree that night but parents were elsewhere. I do not think that they found the third. I will try to get more up to date news.

https://fb.watch/rGWOx8ZXEE

Thanks so much for being with me today! Take care everyone. We hope to see you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, tweets, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post this morning: ‘A, Geemeff, H, MB, MP’, Dyfi Osprey Project, Cornell RTH, Suzanne Arnold Horning, @CornellHawks, Red-tail Hawk Tales, Window to Wildlife, Heidi McGrue, Cal Falcons, SK Hideaways, Linda McElroy, Frenchman’s Creek, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Lake Murray, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, Laura Rose, Eagle Country, Cardinal Land Conservancy, World Bird Sanctuary, Carol Mandis-beadle, IWS/Explore, Geemeff, Pam Breci, and PIX Cams.

*Every effort has been made to credit individuals for their notes, videos, photographs, etc. If I have inadvertently missed someone, please let me know so I can rectify that oversight.*