Australian birds – Page 7 – Mary Ann Steggles

Monday in Bird World

21 July 2025

Late breaking news that cannot be ignored:

I love storks – white, black or even rainbow coloured. Storks are wonderful and we are killing them along with other birds such as ospreys because of our general disregard for what plastic does to the world. “The chief culprit was baler twine, a plastic string used to secure hay bales: either the twine or its wrapping was responsible for almost all the entangled chicks. A few were caught up in domestic plastics such as bags or milk containers. The chicks died from strangulation, amputation and infected wounds.

“They roll and roll and they go around and it’s almost as if they tie the rope around their legs even harder as they move,” Franco says.

Acácio likes to talk about successful rescues, too. Once, she peered into a nest built on the stump of a cork oak tree to find two three-week-old siblings, their limbs coiled in spirals of blue baler twine.”

How many times has Dr Greene talked about the baling twine issues with ospreys in Montana? We need to find a solution for this plastic monster. It is more than sad.

Please read the article from The Guardian. It is enlightening.

Killer in the nest: how young storks are being strangled by plastichttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/14/discarded-plastic-baler-twine-killing-birds-white-storks-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

A situation is developing at Osprey House Environment Centre in Australia. The female is feeding last year’s fledgling and her two young osplets! ‘MB’ sends us the FB link:

https://www.facebook.com/OspreyHouseEnvironmentCentre?

Whew! Welcome to the beginning of the week! We hope that each of you had a wonderful weekend.

The Girls enjoy watching the dozens of new baby birds in the garden. They come up close to the conservatory windows and cause quite a stir! Cute little wrens today. The baby Crows still arrive wanting their peanuts, and you can hear the Blue Jays two blocks away if the feeder is empty. It is a joy! Toby has had several walks. We have met many new neighbours and their puppies. He is growing leaps and bounds. I cannot quite believe it. His halter had to be loosened today, and I swear he is 15 cm or 6 inches longer. My new bed seems much smaller, and he really snores. We had a wonderful barbecue celebrating my daughter’s birthday. Everyone was there. It was fantastic. Even the wildfire smoke and wasps could not dampen anyone’s spirits.

I am now a member of the Virginia Wildlife FB group. (Thank you so much for letting me join – I really want to learn about the situation of all wildlife in Virginia.) First thing I noticed – images of Bald Eagles chasing Ospreys to get their precious fish! Check it out on their FB group. Ospreys have trouble with all manner of feathered ‘friends’ trying to get their fish. Gulls, eagles, even other ospreys.

Heidi’s Osprey Nest Notes:

Seaside osprey cam has had issues with their live stream all season, and it has been frustrating for viewers and the chat moderator, Jewel. There was a fledge the morning of 7/20 that occurred when the livestream was down, and reports came in from ‘boots on the ground’, John and August. With a brief nest view later.

Thank you, Heidi.

Gorgeous photograph of the three fledglings from the Centreport Bald Eagle Nest on Long Island, New York.

A good news story about wildlife is always welcome, and I received one last week from one of our regular readers, ‘MP’. I have tried to attach the images, but alas, I gave up. I know that you can imagine a barbed wire fence with large barbs and how, if an animal jumped over the fence, they could easily become injured.

“Hi, Mary Ann. All these photos and writings are from Ron Dudley. He’s showing a good side of ranchers and Nature Conservancy working together for nature. thought this to be a positive side.I thought you’d like to know.~M

Some ranchers in the valley have installed pronghorn-friendly barbed wire fences that have no barbs on the bottom wire. This fence is one of them.

And pronghorn-friendly fences aren’t the only example of ranchers trying to protect wildlife in the valley. Much of the huge valley is Sage Grouse country. When in flight, grouse have a hard time seeing barbed wire, so they often crash into it. When a 6+ lb. Sage Grouse crashes into barbed wire at speed, the results are predictably disastrous.

So some ranchers have allowed organizations like the Nature Conservancy to install bright white fence flags on their fences. The flags are easy to see and research has shown that they significantly reduce grouse/fence mayhem. I took this photo on June 19th in one of the more remote areas of the valley.

Not long after this photo was taken, I talked to a local rancher (Justin) about the fence flags. Here’s what he said (paraphrased) – “As long they (the Nature Conservancy and organisations like them) are willing to pay for them, and install them, I’m certainly willing to allow them to do so.”

Foulshaw Moss and Cumbrian Wildlife Trust:

All three at Foulshaw Moss have now fledged. Congratulations White YW and Blue 35 for another fantastic and very successful year.

Dyfi Osprey Project: Idris is one of my all-time favourite male ospreys. He is known as ‘Daddy Long Legs’, but he is a great fisher. Now he has broken another record. Watch the video to find out what that is: https://youtu.be/Y_GEb2QQapM?

Dunrovin Ranch Osprey Platform:

Allin’s Cove West: “A day in the life of the single parent offspring. Sleep, stretch, wing flat, call for food, and when none arrives, sleep some more.”https://youtu.be/cQx9eX2G31w?

Goitzsche-Wildnis with J Castyner: “Being an only child seems to have only advantages. Zeus and Fjona have focused on taking care of the boy, protecting him and feeding him in the best possible way. We can see it in the video. Mother and son are (I think) on the camera pole screaming to claim the teak, but when the father arrives alone the young man goes down to collect the piece: a beautiful headless fish, a luxurious fillet. For the boy, the best.” (The two older siblings were predated by a Red Kite). Other report below on this nest.

Sauces Canyon: Betty Lou comes home. https://youtu.be/19Ah8LzbEfI?

Two Harbours: Date night with long-time bonded mates, Chase and Cholyn by SK Hideaways. https://youtu.be/4PCwSnUvu2k?

West End Nest: Haku is on and off the nest. Makaio has not been seen for some weeks. Many believe he has left for migration since this is off-season. We must wait. It looks like Haku is warming up to the new visiting male.

I receive many questions about Akecheta since he was photographed on the mainland near Ojai. To my knowledge, no other photographs with his blue wing tag have been taken. I am sure he is alright. Is Thunder with him? Well, we haven’t seen her around the nest, and I just think she left eggs so abruptly that it is possible.

Haku and MV (male visitor) are a nice looking couple.

Coeur de’Alene, Idaho: The three surviving osplets are doing well. Mum has not removed the body of the fourth baby yet.

Fru Rauer: The Norwegian Osprey Project and Translocation of Norwegian birds to Ireland.

Short explanation video. Click on CC for English. The ten are already in Ireland. https://youtu.be/o6mjGxTfAbs?

Ringing of Ospreys in Taipalsaari 2025: https://youtu.be/opE1IBwXeN0?

mie caught a fish delivery at the
Kallaveden sääksilive: https://youtu.be/K4pDiyKbUTg?

Ringing at the Janakkalan Nest in Finland: https://youtu.be/UFhpbkVDrwA?

J Castnyer catches a fish delivery at the Goitzsche Wildnis Osprey nest in Germany. That fledgling was in there quick – ‘Mine and Mine Alone’ is the message. https://youtu.be/C7sh8ngNEVo?

And they give us an update at Eschenbach: “Despite the problems in broadcasting the live broadcast from the Eschenbach nest, I have uploaded this short video to confirm that everything is going well: Herbert has delivered a fish, Hermine is repeating the teak between the children and, most importantly, both are now flying. Normality is a gift from heaven.” https://youtu.be/yp5U1QXB_LQ?

Rutland Manton Bay: Will Maya stay home, postponing the start to her migration to help feed all those babies? We wait to see.

Birds of Poole Harbour: Everyone wants fish. Caught three on the nest.

Big Bear Valley: Jack and Shadow ‘almost’ visit. SK Hideaways catches it. https://youtu.be/SjMY4TyS_Ws?

Trempeauleau, WI: Mum is home, but where is T3? Well, that fledgling is never far away. Mum comes in with a fish and you can hear the sqeeing and then T3 is there to grab her dinner.

SK Hideaways caught Mum bringing in one of her whoppers for her ‘baby’. https://youtu.be/rmu1eJKTMkY?

Talk about a loving and devoted mother. Mrs T sure is that and more. I get all weepy seeing the two of them together. It was such a challenging year for Mrs T raising this fledgling from hatch alone – and often, as I have said many times, without the help of Mr T, who was a hindrance stealing fish for his other nest with two youngsters from this one! But, nevermind, Mrs T did the unthinkable. She is amazing.

SK Hideaways also catches up with the Southern UK Hobby Falcon nest in the UK: https://youtu.be/7S9hwxdwaQ0?

Oh, my goodness, they are sooooo cute.

Tatarsan White-tail Eagles, RU: Fledgling visits nest, hoping for food.

Latvian Golden Eagles: Food delivery from Grislis. Spilve feeds – and it was a long feeding. https://youtu.be/-_HhGdK-pi8?

Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal: The entire article and the information on how to write is in my late Monday, 14 July blog. There is a big meeting on May 7. Don’t sit on this. Could you write to the Virginia Legislators? Cute and Paste – send it to all of them, demanding proper biodiversity and an end to commercial fishing in the Chesapeake and along the coasts of the Atlantic. We don’t want any more osplets to die, along with many other species.

If you love osprey, don’t sit on this. Get busy. Set aside two hours – that is all it would take to compose a letter – and send it out to every Virginia politician, along with the journalist who wrote the article, The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, etc. This is not the time to be silent.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 20th July 2025

The two chicks practised their flying and landing skills today, popping on and off the nest especially when Louis was around delivering fish. Breac got most of the two fish delivered by Louis, but Darach was determined and attacked both Dorcha and Breac to get a share. Both chicks were mantling and squawking over the fish so it appears hyperphagia (compulsion to eat) is setting in as migration looms in the not too distant future. Louis’ tally rises to three hundred and twenty eight, and Garry’s one fish delivery takes his tally to one hundred and thirty one, although it was such a small piece of fish, Aurora might not consider it worth counting. After staying dry most of today, the rain started this evening and scattered showers will probably continue through tonight with cloudy skies, light winds, and a low of 15°C causing muggy conditions. There’s a weather warning in place for the Highlands tomorrow of heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms causing localised flooding, and a high of 21°C in the Inver Mallie area.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.26.53 ( 03.50.00E); Nest Two 23.19.12 (03.57.54)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/4l4BfjYbvU0 N1 Garry brings Aurora a tiny bit of fish but she takes it anyway 06.59.02

https://youtu.be/1XR3T6twJ-g N2 Dorcha takes fish one from Louis then allows Breac to take it 14.01.16

https://youtu.be/AcWKLikcyc8 N2 And repeat! Dorcha gets fish two from Louis then lets Breac get it 19.28.55

https://youtu.be/_Xh5vhdm9qI N2 Dorcha & Breac are attacked by Darach after he gets hold of fish two 20.29.10

Bonus watch – LizB’s long lens videos from a mile away of Darach and Breac just after Darach fledged yesterday:

Blast from the past, 19th July* in previous years:

https://youtu.be/BIHDRrpe6Qo N1 My turn daddy! Louis feeds Rannoch 2019

https://youtu.be/TwqqSshM42E N1 Doddie drops in to grab all the breakfast 2020

https://youtu.be/-xNiwmN-xQI N1 Doddie does an evening flypast of the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/EYDBamjYrf8 N1 Hey! who put that there? Prince makes an undignified departure 2021

https://youtu.be/304-lrclaZw N1 Third visit by the new pair Blue 152 & Prince YP 2021

https://youtu.be/xW2CIMG3IDM N2 Hooked on you – the chicks get hooked together! 2022

https://youtu.be/lmPZ_jmuEz0 N2 Dorcha reacts to an intruder Osprey seen on camera 2022

https://youtu.be/L1DG3H9gUUM N2 RAF flypast doesn’t stop Louis (2022)

https://youtu.be/k_2pVwLNAZU N2 Louis brings a fish and eats it himself 2023

https://youtu.be/Lq9DbF3I6J4 N2 LY7 does a massive double helicopter! 2023

https://youtu.be/9SyP31iXLbc N2 FLEDGE! Ludo LY7 is off into the world! 2023

https://youtu.be/xArpA43gG1Q N1 Affric 152 receives another fish from Garry 2023

https://youtu.be/6SBcqw1oX38 N1 A Wood Pigeon visits 2024

https://youtu.be/wp5mZUIOlQU N2 No fish and a failed mating attempt 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 19th July 2025
Today was a day for celebration – not only did Breac 7P7 return safely after not returning to the nest after his maiden flight yesterday, but Darach 7P0 also fledged, and returned in time to be fed by his mum Dorcha. His fledge wasn’t the nonchalant take off his brother made – Darach did some flapping, hopping, and squeaking before launching himself off the right edge of the nest and out of sight. However, his return was pretty good, he made a smooth landing looking confident as if he’d been flying for a while. So that’s both chicks achieving this milestone, and while some on the forum express sadness at no longer having them around all the time, this is the major step in their development, their parents have been working towards. Many watchers are celebrating by making a donation towards the upkeep of their home in Arkaig Forest – there are many ways to donate, the easiest one is to use the yellow button on this page above ‘What’s been happening on the nest today?’ All donations of whatever size are gratefully received and will be put to good use. In other news, Louis delivered four fish to the nest today, one of which Breac tried to eat starting from the tail! But soon realised his mistake, flipped it around neatly, and started tearing into the head as Dorcha has shown them. Louis’ tally now stands at three hundred and twenty six, while Garry’s rises by one to one hundred and thirty following his delivery to Aurora today. The promised rain materialised and the chicks were just a damp huddle, the forecast calls for more rain overnight continuing tomorrow with thundery showers, with a low of 16°C tonight and a high of 21°C tomorrow.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.43.27 (03.31.43); Nest Two 23.55.24 (04.00.52)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/lm8l1KbeW_w N2 Darach & Dorcha ignore Louis’ fresh fish preferring the old one 04.56.26https://youtu.be/B56rYKu0NdQ N2 That’s no way to treat your mum! Darach pecks Dorcha 07.13.28 https://youtu.be/B89bbPQVaPk He’s back! Breac returns from his maiden flight N2 09.05.27 https://youtu.be/OdCbe-kLjjA N2 Both helicopter together, Breac takes off for flight two 10.38.00

https://youtu.be/2ks2GzdtlO8 N2 FLEDGE! Darach has done it! also found his wings 13.02.38 (zoom)https://youtu.be/hnm7TNtng34 N2 Dorcha allows Breac to have the second fish 15.45.52 https://youtu.be/i-scN7LGgIY N1 Aurora grabs the fish and goes, Garry stays and tidies up 17.26.48

https://youtu.be/tQMpMSjGkpo N2 He’s back! Darach returns and sticks the landing 17.31.27https://youtu.be/OAkKQWbpQRU N2 Two wet chicks greet Louis arriving with fish number three 18.31.50 Bonus watch – another brilliant video from Steve Quinn of the nest seen from a kilometre away:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/bzD0ewEZPy0 N1 FLEDGE!! Mallie takes her first flight! 2019

https://youtu.be/nyUAdw2pU64 N1 I’m home mum! Mallie lands gracefully after her maiden flight 2019

https://youtu.be/NZL4TzrXZJ4 N1 A different perspective: the family in split-screen, 2020 (thanks LizB)

https://youtu.be/Dn8RbvlOV_s N1 Vera lands on Captain 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/S9BxyRx0wUA N2 Night moves: LW5 prepares for liftoff 2022

https://youtu.be/EcWKtfYf9OU N2 Have fish will travel: Fish number two arrives, departs and returns 2022

https://youtu.be/Mz4fJSZ_LUQ N2 Dorcha and LW6 fight over a fish 2022

https://youtu.be/T8wtZ_Zrq_E N2 Ludo’s second flight 2023

https://youtu.be/kYV3QZ-BIa8 N2 Ludo’s eventful third flight – gets divebombed and crash lands 2023

https://youtu.be/ZtKWJC9nqiU N1 Affric eventually gets a fish from Garry 2023

https://youtu.be/VmlZ8LP5KjU N2 Ludo makes a perfect landing this time 2023

https://youtu.be/HQpwZ0KNtUU N2 Ludo gets tired of waiting and self-feeds 2023

https://youtu.be/n5V3RcoCZJI N1 Garry arrives with a third fish for Affric 2023

https://youtu.be/yx5Yoxe0feY N2 Not tonight! Dorcha’s not accepting of Louis’ attentions 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/Vkh1bYP9V_U N1 Sweet little singer visits 2024

https://youtu.be/U2bBn4PpMoM N1 Garry LV0 brings a stick and does nest prep 2024

https://youtu.be/jN1-tY56wnA N1 A pair of little birds pay an early evening visit 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 18th July 2025

Today’s main story is Breac 7P7’s fledge. After doing a proper high helicopter off the screen in the morning, around lunchtime he casually had a quick preen, then without any fuss, spread his wings and launched himself out into the world. Older brother Darach 7P0 looked slightly bewildered but mum Dorcha flew off her perch to deal with the interloper, mistaking him for one of the intruders who’ve kept her and Louis busy today. He didn’t return to the nest, but thanks to LizB and her trusty scope, he’s been sighted perching on a tree behind the nest. Link in the bonus section to those trees via the drone flyover video. Despite intruder alarms, Louis delivered four fish to the nest, taking his tally to three hundred and twenty two. Nest One cam was up and running again this morning, allowing us to see Garry LV0 and Aurora 536 on the nest. He didn’t bring her any fish but they did have a successful mating, and when Affric 152 intruded and landed on the nest, they flew off together in the same direction showing their strong bond which bodes well for next year. His tally remains at one hundred and twenty nine. The weather was settled today, the thundery showers didn’t materialise but are forecast to show up tomorrow with a high of 22°C, but overnight it’s expected to be dry and partly cloudy with light winds, and a low of 14°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.41.29 (03.51.51E); Nest Two (04.08.30)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/FAR3H2mrmRY N2 Darach wins the tug of war for fish one 06.59.30

https://youtu.be/jiKLX7mriNA N1 Garry and Aurora are scared off by Affric 11.02.30

https://youtu.be/Dehz9bEl9po N2 Breac gets high! Proper off-the-screen helicopter 09.40.27

https://youtu.be/Y3McAjshYKw N2 FLEDGE! Breac 7P7 has found his wings and flown! 13.23.30

https://youtu.be/G_madcp0b3c N2 Louis brings a second fish but only one chick is there 14.51.40

https://youtu.be/632J3R7_bUk N2 Darach is alone on the nest and gets fish three to himself 16.59.16

https://youtu.be/JIAeVM0yzpY N2 Darach does a good job of tackling a whole fish, 4th today 21.56.24

Bonus watch – LizB has spotted Breac 7P7 perched behind the nest, in the trees seen in this drone flyover video:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/hVAZXaUtY_M N1 Did Aila pop out for a quick pint? Looks tipsy on landing! 2019

https://youtu.be/25QSyNV93w8 N1 Sibling rivalry – Rannoch gets a beating 2019

https://youtu.be/fZq4NVQVZGk N1 FLEDGE! Doddie finds his wings 2020 (Classic Ospreys: Chopin 2020)

https://youtu.be/FXbWOQ9_eII N1 Vera and Captain bow to Doddie 2020

https://youtu.be/jzeN92U37KU N2 Dorcha makes off with fish number two, chicks not happy 2022

https://youtu.be/QLDYCp-9mQE N2 Dorcha makes room for LW5 to wingercise 2022

https://youtu.be/gGXO_xyQDws N1&2 RAF do another flypast – three jets this time 2023

https://youtu.be/vxdVywfJT3U N1 Garry finally brings a fish for Affric 2023

https://youtu.be/mmcV4tRItZk N2 LY7 gets high! Proper helicopter! 2023

https://youtu.be/qaojgIgK74A WTScotsocial tweet and footage of 1JR tucking into his fish dinner in Spain 2024

https://youtu.be/wa59vTuwYJc N2 No fish, just a failed mating attempt 2024

https://youtu.be/pxWsh7-M96g N2 Is this a juvenile Tawny Owl calling nearby? 2024

From the Ventana Wildlife Society. I am starting with a quote from the newsletter. The work that these remarkable individuals do should get the highest praise. There are few of them and they really live their lives caring for these amazing creatures.

“If you watched our wildlife documentary, Condor Canyon, you got to know Amigo (204) and his long-time mate, Kodama (646). Often the first condors seen by blossoming birders in Big Sur, CA, Amigo and Kodama were fixtures in their territory at Sea Lion Cove. They raised three biological chicks together playing a key role in the recovery of the species.

On December 13, 2024, Amigo was found deceased on the cliffs of his coastal territory. It is known that condors can live more than 5 decades, however, at the time of his death, Amigo was just 25 years old. Necropsy results confirmed his cause of death was lead poisoning. The lead bullet recovered from his digestive tract was consistent with a .22 caliber. While this caliber is legal in California, lead-based ammunition has been banned for hunting wildlife since 2019 due to its devastating effects on condors and other wildlife. Lead poisoning accounts for half of all known causes of death in condors and unfortunately for Amigo, his life was cut short.

However, this isn’t about blame, but rather, about solutions. Hunters and ranchers across California are following the law and doing their part to protect wildlife. Many responsible land stewards want to make the switch but still face limited availability of reliable non-lead options for smaller calibers like .22, which is America’s most popular rifle. Expanding access and awareness is key to protecting condors and supporting people whose livelihoods depend on working and living off the land.

Let’s honor Amigo’s legacy by advancing practical tools and partnerships that benefit both people and wildlife. If you or anyone you know hunts or has a ranch in central California, please pass along information about our Free Non-lead Ammunition Program. Click or tap the button below to get started.” That button is in the newsletter. If it doesn’t work, go to their website.

Lead toxicity impacts more than just condors. Many of the Bald Eagles taken into care have enormous amounts of lead, so don’t just do this for the condors, do it for all raptors. Call for a lead-free world in terms of ammunition (both recreational and military) as well as in fishing gear, etc. It is do dangerous!

The Full Crop Download

I have received news from ‘TU’ that the mother stork hit by the car in the Czech Republic has died. Thankfully, her storklets are doing very well. Had their rescue taken any longer, it might have been a different story.

‘TU’ and I also discussed Bonus the much beloved Black Storklet that was orphaned, raised for a bit in a clinic with Urmas and Dr Madis, and then fostered by Karl II and Kaia. We all loved Bonus and followed ‘his’ journeys and then his satellite transmitter went dead and our hearts sank. Well, Bonus might not have a transmitter but SHE is very much alive and has been seen and photographed at many nests. Urmas also agrees that Bonus is a female. Yippee. I hope that Bonus finds a safe nest – many more are needed along with artificial ponds full of frogs and little fish – but that she lives long, raises many storklets, and carries on the DNA of her parents, Jan and Janika.

Grandaughter Elysha highly recommends David Attenborough’s Ocean. It is a documentary that raises the issue of overfishing in the ocean and sheds light on our beloved albatross. Please check out the official trailer and then find the documentary on your streaming channel: https://youtu.be/O7V8OuS2BMY?

A new FB group that also looks at Kakapo.

The Cornell Red Tail Hawks, Big Red, and Arthur’s Os are still enjoying their time around the Cornell Campus and having Mum and Dad provide them with meals!~

Thank you so very much for being with us. We are taking a brief retreat-type holiday this week. The forecast, however, is for rain both where we live and at our destination. It is easier to be home to care for Don and Toby, but we are going with open minds and eyes, knowing that home is only 2 hours and 20 minutes away! My Friday blog may be short.

Brock is waiting for food. Then the wasps came and he left. Thankfully, he returned and ate his entire meal. I felt relieved, as he doesn’t look so good these days.

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB, PS, TU’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, and the authors of posts such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all those at Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal FB. I am very grateful to you and all the others and to the newspapers that still 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.

Friday in Bird World

18 July 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope that the week was kinder to you than it was to the little osplets on the nests. Gosh, I hate to be a bearer of bad news. This year has really ‘gotten’ to me and Heidi. She said something very important on Tuesday and I hope she does not mind my repeating it since it was public. Heidi wrote, “I love them, and I want to be there for them… because it is happening to them whether we watch or not. If they can endure the pain, then so can I.” Precisely how I feel and I know from many of you who have written to me in the middle of the night that you sit up and virutally hold their little talons as they pass. Thank you for being there for them.

The plight is getting news coverage – keep up the pressure! Thanks, Heidi.

Menhaden Scarcity Leads to Bleak Outlook for Ospreys – The SandPaper Download

The book decluttering was quite the event. The final books went to the fire station thanks to my neighbour for their book drive. They were shocked to get thousands of almost new books! A great place for them. A win-win. The picnic table is assembled. The new beds are lovely and now, the last task is to pick a paint colour for the living room. It is the only room that I am going to refresh. Sometimes these things can become overwhelming so the goal is to stop before that becomes a reality.

In a week, we are going on a short holiday. Toby is going and The Girls are staying with Anne. On our return, Toby will begin his training. The trainer will come to our home. Looking forward.

There has been some sadness in the garden. We discovered that we had two baby Blue Jays. This evening when we took Toby on his walk, he wanted to go a different direction than normal. There in the back lane was one of the Baby Blue Jays. It had either hit one of the utility lines or landed on one and fell to its death. We scooped it up and brought it home burying it under the lime green hydrangea – a place where the little ones often flew. So sad. The adults work so hard to raise their young and in the end, so few survive those first months. There is also other sadness coming. For two nights Brock has not wanted to eat. He rests on the chairs on the deck and then goes back to the woodbox. Despite supplements, lots of good quality hard and wet food, dewormer, Brock is getting thinner and thinner. He does not run away from me but only allows me so close. I told him tonight how much his presence has meant to me and that I only wish he had trusted me enough to let me help him. He will be buried in the garden when he passes under the very large Crab Apple tree. I hope this time is not soon, but it feels as if it is. Send Brock your good wishes. All of this coloured what was to be a fun birthday party for Missey. So we will postpone that for a couple of days. The height of the party will be a small container of KFC. Missey loves KFC!!!!!!

‘PS’ report from Seattle Friday morning: “The two chicks continue to seem to do quite well, with multiple feedings witnessed, lots of flapping and hopping up and down on one leg, and some eating (though also a lot of still being fed by mom). I imagine, if all goes well, they will be fledging within the next 7-10 days? Can’t wait!

Managed a lucky capture of mom coming back to the nest with a Starry Flounder one day, too. Rest of the photos here (https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/00d128UF4o). “

Mum has turned out to be a great fisher! It is so nice to see a nest doing well. They did lose one chick but these two are really flapping and getting strong. Thanks, ‘PS’

Some osprey nests have been neglected. As I race to try and decipher all my notes and get the data into the forms, it is time to start at the top and check to see what is happening. Before I do that, my inbox is full of great individuals wanting to help stop the commercial fishing that is taking all the Menhaden. Here is a new posting from Ben Wurtz and his team at Conserve Wildlife NJ.

First, pick a story to make the decline of ospreys ‘real’. Ask these lawmakers if they want to be the ones to go down in history as the killers of the Chesapeake and the cause of osprey genocide? Here is the individual listings of everyone in the Virginia House of Delegates and their e-mail addresses. Write to them. Make it clear what is at stake. Make it personal. Then sit down and write the radio, local television, local newspapers, anyone who will listen. We are gaining traction in our fight to get a moratorium. I want that and a clear 10 mile limit with no use of helicopters or spotter planes!

Virginia House of Delegates Member Listings Download

Heidi’s Osprey Report:

Allin’s Cove East: The trio are approximately six and a half weeks old. They will be thinking of fledging very soon.

Allin’s Cove West: One chick on the nest. It looks good.

City of Independence: The fishing seems to have slacked off a bit. River and Laurel have two osplets and there is a Bald Eagle nest right across the river! No doubt the eagles try and grab some of that fish that River catches for his family.

Charlo Montana: Mum and both osplets got lots of fish on Thursday evening. Delighted.

Dyfi: All fledglings are on the nest and accounted for Tuesday evening.

Dunrovin:

Latest Dunrovin Ranch newsletter:

Heat Masks and High Drama in the Nest Download

Thursday evening at Dunrovin. Little 4 figured out, after several attempts, how to get up and get some of that fish! Thank goodness.

Alyth SS: Flora is an incredible Mum. They lost one this year but two will fledge.

Birds of Poole Harbour: CJ7 and Blue 022 make beautiful babies. Blue has stepped up his fishing and everyone is full to the brim before light’s out.

Glaslyn: Elen continues to keep a careful watch over her nest, which appears she will share with Teifi if both safely return from migration nest season.

Foulshaw Moss 1: Home to White YW and Blue 35.

Steelscape: Two osplets were ringed on Wednesday the 16th!

Yorkshire Dales Castle Bolton Estate: Ringing of three osplets!

San Jose City Hall Falcons thanks to SK Hideaways! https://youtu.be/gWiPEYENiFk?

Cornell Red-tail Hawks and Ferris Akel: Ferris managed to catch up with the Os.

One or more of the Os have been sleeping in the natal nest on the Fernow Tower recently,

Bald Eagles on the mend at Hoo’s Woods:

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 17th July 2025

Nest One cam went down shortly after day cam switched over and is still down – technical issues mean it might be down for a while. Fortunately Nest Two cam is unaffected, as all eyes are on the nest awaiting the fledge of the two chicks, which didn’t happen today but is imminent. There were several intruder alerts causing Dorcha to alarm call but no intruders were seen. The chicks spent a great deal of time hopping, flapping, and getting quite high liftoff, and also spent a bit of time peering over the edge and triangulating, the process of determining distance or location which takes the form of rapid head bobbing by the chicks. Louis delivered four fish to the nest taking his tally to three hundred and eighteen. Due to the cam outage we have no idea if any fish were delivered to Nest One today, therefore Garry’s tally remains at one hundred and nine, however off-nest reports from LizB suggest both Nest One residents, Garry and Aurora, were in the area. The rain materialised later than forecast and is expected to last through the night with thundery showers, light winds, and a low of 16°C, and continue tomorrow with thundery showers, gentle breezes, a high of 21°C and a few sunny intervals.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One cam still down since 03.48.19 (03.05.51); Nest Two 22.57.45 (03.51.26)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/WS8ORUqI5A4 N2 The chicks have a tug-of-war over fish number one: Breac wins 05.01.58

https://youtu.be/JT-ncpD1424 N2 Dorcha’s absent when fish two arrives so Breac takes it 07.28.22

https://youtu.be/pBRkRI0jyBk N2 Breac helicopters and hovers getting ready for fledging 09.51.51

https://youtu.be/54NqajNZADI N2 Dorcha returns in time to get fish three from Louis 14.05.26

https://youtu.be/rc1Ez7Lsdg0 N2 No one wants fish four so Louis drops and goes 16.45.39

Bonus video – Woodland Trust’s restoration work at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest featuring gentle giant Tarzan:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/ck2Pg7Q5eLY N1 You little plucker! Aila has her feathers plucked out 2019

https://youtu.be/lgknSbXblXc N1 Louis brings a protesting pike 2020

https://youtu.be/iDqoJdLmn_k N1 Doddie gets high – helicoptering! 2020

https://youtu.be/h-Cl2LeaLKE N2 Early morning wingercising: getting ready for lift off 2022

https://youtu.be/JVDiG_6Oyuo N2 Dorcha is attacked by her chick 2022

https://youtu.be/g0lqwAW8cgo N2 Pesky persistent Hoodie 2022

https://youtu.be/KZglDL7mQK0 N2 Three females and a colourful sunset 2022

https://youtu.be/azPfrKSwNcA N2 Loud gunshot near the nest – Dorcha flees instantly 2023

https://youtu.be/vwRQv_1sNL0 N1 Affric follows Garry to the nest but he has no fish 2023

https://youtu.be/CwKUyPR_ync N1 & N2 Noisy RAF jets disturb the females on both nests 2023

https://youtu.be/AogYtfshRZU N2 Dorcha’s unwieldy stick nearly knocks the chick off! 2023

https://youtu.be/4wpfSlXahCc N2 Louis & Dorcha meet on the nest but there’s no fish 2024

https://youtu.be/-M7049KwfMA N1 Who does a distant flash flypast? 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 16th July 2025
The weather was settled today and it looked a good day for first flights, but neither chick fledged. Perhaps the intruder alerts in the morning put them off as they spent a lot of time pancaked and didn’t make any helicopter attempts today. They did however do plenty of wingercising and bunny hops, including an amusing incident when Breac 7P7 did a flap and a hop from one side of the nest to the other and landed on Darach 7P0’s back in a flurry of wings then immediately hopped backwards again. Right before that they’d been perfectly in sync, both standing at the front of the nest turning in unison to watch something off-cam then checking out the view over the edge. Steve Quinn was also checking out the view from his vantage point a kilometre away and took some stunning long lens footage of the nest and its residents, link to his video in the bonus section. It was also a good day for fishing – Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536, and further strengthened their bond with what looked like a successful mating attempt. His tally now stands at one hundred and twenty nine fish. Louis brought five fish to the nest, taking his tally to three hundred and fourteen, but Dorcha didn’t get all of them as the chicks especially Breac are asserting themselves and taking fish directly from Louis as he lands. Tonight’s forecast is dry overnight with a clear sky, light winds and a low of 13

°C but it’ll change tomorrow to heavy rain, a gentle breeze and a high of 23°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.43.23 (02.56.41); Nest Two 23.39.24 (03.28.04)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/VtMiUVtqDmc N2 Early breakfast arrives 04.07.14https://youtu.be/8Ca-PVst_OM N2 Darach takes the second fish from Louis 06.02.56https://youtu.be/8bUM0B9iWBg N1 Aurora calls for fish but Garry mates with her instead 06.53.40

https://youtu.be/7DW28KMMB80 N1 Garry responds to Aurora’s calls with a fish 14.09.44

https://youtu.be/4rn3HjvGPRMN2 The chicks take fish three from Louis and tussle over it 14.14.14

https://youtu.be/qKdynluAV9k N1 Aurora squeaks her excitement at getting a second fish 18.37.47

https://youtu.be/YFu-Ctayry4 N2 In and out of sync: the chicks together on the nest 19.20.57https://youtu.be/gaUsRO5PJFo N2 Against a colourful sunset, Louis delivers a fourth fish 21.47.05

https://youtu.be/3UCjzdxVnEc N2 Late night fish supper, fish five, arrives 22.43.22
Bonus watch – Steve Quinn’s amazing long lens video of the nest from a kilometre away:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/4Ab9eT-jFjE N1 Louis finally turns up with fish, gets mobbed by hangry chicks 2020

https://youtu.be/dED37P7d8HQ N1 Synchronised stretching 2020

https://youtu.be/VOjowNQ9fqE N2 Stretching & squirting: what the chicks get up to home alone at night 2022

https://youtu.be/3BVXtY_Bzx0 N2 Louis flies with fish 2022 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/BF_0tp4x8j8 N2 Hi def version of Dorcha’s injury 2022 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/h817CRnJtF0 N2 That’s no way to treat your mum! 2022

https://youtu.be/CSswPOm8JvE N2 LY7 nibbles the rotten egg 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/yn79acfwWD0 N2 The infertile egg is finally crushed by LY7! 2023

https://youtu.be/8SQiPHQE5tw N1 Affric and Garry check out an intruder threat 2023

https://youtu.be/bcctn-mHR5s Comedy moment: the wind blows Louis away during a mating attempt 2024

https://youtu.be/tmvFGPHenBo How does Louis manage to fly with a 10 foot pole? 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 15th July 2025
Intruder alerts and mini-helicopters were the order of the day but not much in the way of fish. Louis delivered only two fish today, a breakfast fish at 5am and a late night supper around 10.45 pm, taking his tally to three hundred and nine. However, an intruder Osprey was in the area causing multiple alarms and came close enough to be caught on camera on one occasion, which would have occupied Louis’ attention, and the second fish was a big lively trout, good for several dinners worth. The chicks’ energy levels are high enough for them to be preparing for fledging by flapping energetically, lifting off, and doing little hovers throughout the day when they weren’t pancaking because of the intruder alarms. Over on Nest One, Aurora 536 had a long wait before Garry LV0 finally brought her a fish at 8.15pm – was she the intruder at Nest Two, looking for free fish? The timings would work but the intruder wasn’t seen clearly – and his tally now stands at one hundred and twenty seven. The weather was mainly settled and set to continue with light clouds, light winds and a low of 12

°C overnight changing to sunny intervals and light winds with a high of 23°C tomorrow. Perfect for fledging? We shall have to wait and see!Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.07.30 (03.17.10); Nest Two 00.33.44 (03.34.57)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/AARQYgzR5Vo N2 Breakfast arrives and again Breac gets the fish first 05.31.11

https://youtu.be/pU9KyEAD0bQ N2 Intruder Osprey seen on nest cam – both adults defend 09.09.23

https://youtu.be/77_DfKJgquw N2 Lift off! The chicks get ready to fledge 11.51.14

https://youtu.be/jGPJxnvnJFw N1 Finally! Aurora’s first fish arrives at suppertime 20.14.53

https://youtu.be/bn1_moU9mZ8n N2 Late night lively fish supper arrives, fish number two 22.46.14Bonus watch – with fledging imminent, here’s what our chicks will see when they find their wings:

https://youtu.be/wiSNcrl7_mM and https://youtu.be/JALrf51Ljfk

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Y6uqbk9cB5I N1 Aila sees off an Intruder Osprey landing on the nest 2019

https://youtu.be/d1TPzhnNURo N1 Aila lands on a chick and gets nipped 2020

https://youtu.be/iFO12gpfwOs N1 Daylight sonata: Doddie in slow motion 2020 (Classic Ospreys – Beethoven)

https://youtu.be/2qGCifFHKS0 N1 Vera dances, Doddie joins in, Captain just watches 2020

https://youtu.be/9sIzFlMDITo N2 Lovely wingercising by both chicks 2022

https://youtu.be/FfxiO3U1nu4 N2 Ready – aim – sorry mum.. 2023 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/LXNdASNtViU N1 Affric departs Nest One after no response to her calls 2023

https://youtu.be/AM_F3zl7x9I N2 LY7 wingercises facing the nest cam 2023 (slo-mo repeat)

https://youtu.be/rmFJdA2wDCc N1 Juvenile Buzzard (Buteo buteo) visits 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/5Y9kwM70tXI N2 Two fish in two days! Louis brings an early breakfast 2024

https://youtu.be/qJEOIijj5Hc Valencia: the chicks are preening, plus tweets & FB posts 13-15th July 2024

https://youtu.be/h9oCsNTe8zE N2 Louis returns and this time gives Dorcha the fish 2024

Moraine State Park: First fledge Wednesday morning.

Tweed Valley:

Cornell Red-tail Hawks with N Sirohi:

Fish for all – just not industry. The petition on Change.org has gathered all the required signatures. Letters are going out to members of the Virginia Legislature. Keep sending them. I am reminding them that they could go down in history as the individuals who killed the Chesapeake Bay. Shame.

‘A’ brings us up to date with what is happening in Australia: “I have two major concerns about WBSE this year. First, the gap between the laying of the two eggs is huge – nearly 80 hours (17:50 on 4 July to 01:15 on 8 July) – although delayed incubation was practised until the second egg was laid. Already, I’m hoping that first hatch will be a male. Second, there have been a number of days when no prey has been brought to the nest at all and I am wondering why. Of course it’s not a major concern at the moment but when there are two fast-growing eaglets in that nest, it will matter a lot more than it currently does. Also, Lady and Dad are not the only white-bellied sea eagles on the block, with another adult eagle being spotted on the river a few days ago. That is wonderful of course but it also makes me a trifle nervous, for obvious reasons.

Dad has been doing his share of the incubating, with the pair splitting the nest-sitting duties fairly evenly on many days, though Lady always takes the night shifts. Dad has been sleeping close by and is very attentive. I love how keen the dads are for egg time (and later on, for chick time). These sea eagles really are exquisite birds. I love the delicacy of their heads.

At Orange, there is much bonding and mating occurring. Diamond and Xavier are adorable, and both are looking particularly healthy and well fed.

Eggs are still six weeks away at Port Lincoln and we have heard nothing about Collins Street so far this season.”

Many of you will recall that we had hoped to go and see Puffins this summer. It did not happen. Today an article appeared in The Guardian showing how climate change and the heating of our planet is impacting these precious little seabirds.

How this summer’s heatwaves are affecting breeding birdshttps://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/jul/17/how-summer-heatwaves-affecting-breeding-birds?CMP=share_btn_url

The bird of the week!

Cochabamba Mountain Finch Rufous and Slate Download

Missey, Calico, Baby Hope, Hugo Yugo, Toby and all the garden family including Brock wish you a very happy weekend.

Including Baby Blue Jay (the adults are moulting and have lost their crests).

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care everyone. See you on Monday!

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PS’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, and the authors of posts and articles, including The Guardian, Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all those at Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal FB. I am very grateful. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Monday in Bird World

14 July 2025

Happy Monday! We hope that you had a great weekend.

The three Blue Jays living in the trees in my garden will wake you up! This is how they sound when I deliver a new pail of peanuts. They have lost all their trees but one, and I saw a new orange circle on it, which means it will be cut down, too. Thankfully, we have a home for them.

I want to start with some interesting news and a request for help. Two years ago, Michael St John from Barbados took some photos of an Osprey with a Blue Darvic Ring. That number was Blue KW0. It was unfamiliar. Where was it from? And how did it get to Barbados? Well, it was from the United Kingdom, and whether it was blown off course, got on a ship, one will never know, but it wound up in Barbados and was photographed by Michael. Now he has another quandrum that he is hoping we can help – especially if you are or know someone who is a specialist in Harriers.

There are several species of harriers, all belonging to the genus Circus. The most well-known include the Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), the Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), and the Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus). Other species include the Eastern Marsh Harrier, African Marsh Harrier, Swamp Harrier, Malagasy Harrier, Réunion Harrier, Long-winged Harrier, Spotted Harrier, Black Harrier, Cinereous Harrier, and Pallid Harrier. Some species, like the Papuan Harrier and Eyles’ Harrier, are also recognised.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Northern Harrier:
Found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and they prefer open habitats like marshes and grasslands.
Marsh Harrier:
A group of harriers, including the Western Marsh Harrier, Eastern Marsh Harrier, and others, is often associated with marshland and reedbeds.
Montagu’s Harrier:
A migratory species, often confused with other harriers due to similar plumage.
Other Species:
The African Marsh Harrier, Swamp Harrier, Malagasy Harrier, Réunion Harrier, Long-winged Harrier, Spotted Harrier, Black Harrier, Cinereous Harrier, and Pallid Harrier each have unique geographic distributions and characteristics.
Harriers – Raptor Identification – The complete raptors guide
The classification of some harrier species, particularly within the marsh harrier group, is still being refined.

This is a young Reunion Harrier (Raptors are the Solution).

Michael St John has sought out the advice of many agencies and I was happy that one of them acknowledged that raptors (birds of all types) get off course.

Doing his own research, Michael has these findings:

“1/ Prominent white rump patch at base of tail

2/ Length of tail…its an obvious longer than normal tail

3/ Five fingers on the hand, makes it either a Northern or Hen, female. This Rules out Pallid and Montague, they have 4 fingers on the hand.

4/ Faint white ring around neck

5/ Wing Bars pattern

6/ Curve of the beak

7/ Yellowish legs

8/ Underbelly plumage: yellow/ ochre streaking

9/ I notice the curvature of the trailing edge of the secondaries in the Female Hen and not the Female Northern, the northern has straighter trailing edge secondaries. I haven’t seen this mentioned anywhere in the literature, I just see this feature popping out in the online photos.

After carefully reviewing Northern & Hen Pictures online I’ve ruled out Northern completely and the 5 photos below, in my opinion… are identical to Hen, female.

My call at this stage of research is Female Hen Harrier.”

These are the images. This is the type of detail you need if you are looking to properly identify a ‘vagrant’.

Still, Michael wants to be certain, and he is reaching out to anyone who is an expert to assist in this identification. Note that Barbados is far south and closer to South America. It is easy for birds from Central America and Africa to get off course and wind up in this region.

Thank you so much for any help. You can leave a comment or write to me at maryannsteggles@icloud.com

‘PS’ sends us the Seattle report for the weekend:

A good weekend for the nest! Numerous feeds (including one where Harry brought back the rear half of the largest fish I’ve seen on the nest this year!) seen on July 11, 12, and 13, and both chicks continue to do well and look good! They both continue to flex their wings a lot, with one jumping ever so slightly up on one leg yesterday. Also they are both trying to take bites out of food on their own, with the larger one actually feeding itself yesterday! Mom had brought back a Coho Salmon and was feeding one chick when the other started pecking at something – I couldn’t tell what. But when it turned sideways to me I could see it had another salmon in its beak! I guess there was a “spare” fish in the nest that it decided to try and eat. Mom and sibling took several funny looking glances at the youngster as it tried to rip pieces off the fish, but it did so many times so seemed to successfully (if inefficiently) feed itself. Several intercept missions by both mom and dad, and I spotted a group of 3 Osprey hanging out atop a nearby crane (that drew Sally off the nest). ~40 days old now, give or take – fingers remain crossed! Few pics here, many more up here (https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/8459V5m6z6).

Check out Ping’s gorgeous images on his Flickr account. Link is in the information above!

Sharon Pollock sent the following video link to me remarking that I might cry my eyes out. I did. Get the tissues. It is the story of T3 from egg to fledge. Remarkably raised by a single Mum! https://youtu.be/xj8ZQw63Nzw?

Mrs T is a very remarkable eagle. I have seen others raise eaglets alone but never from the egg to fledge. Great video by Explore!

In the United States, several osprey nests have been attacked by individuals in boats. On Sunday, the three osplets at Smallwood were forced to fledge. They have not returned, and we do not know if they drowned or if they made it to a safe place. The individuals in the boat repeatedly returned to the nest.

So many other nests in the US struggling for food and with high heat or both.

Heidi’s Osprey Nest Reports for the US:

Chick 2’s passing at Cape Henlopen… I don’t intend to post a separate nest-news item regarding this.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15stgoZpQ9

Thank you, Heidi.

We have sadness at the Osoyoos nest in British Columbia. The first hatch was stepped on and died. The second died. Ann-Marie Watson has created a flower garden in memory of all the osplets lost at this nest—poor little souls. I also want to add that she has returned to Osoyoos after working and heading home to retrieve the little bodies that fell off the nest to place them in a quiet, peaceful spot. Her actions always touched my heart – no one else in the town seemed to care! Many have passed away over the years, primarily due to heat domes affecting the region and the male Olsens’ struggles to provide for their family adequately.

Waiting for a food delivery while keeping her four osplets cool at Dunrovin Ranch in Colorado.

Swoop just flew in with a late Sunday evening fish. Thanks, ‘PB’.

Little 4 is full.

Charlo Montana – waiting for Charlie to finish with the fish!

It is hot in Idaho at Coeur de’Alene where the three osplets seem to be doing very well after the starvation of little four.

Birds of Poole Harbour: All four fledglings were back in the nest for night with fish arriving at the following times: 10:02, 16:14, 18:32, 19:29, 21:17. Big round of applause for CJ7 and Blue 022 – they raised four to fledge again.

Dyfi Osprey Project: All three back in the nest for an evening fish and a good sleep.

Everything to know about the fledging of Idris and Telyn’s trio:

All Three Chicks Fledge 2025 _ Dyfi Osprey Project Download

Rutland Manton Bay: The three surviving osplets return on and off during the day for fish, which is continually provided!

Alyth SS: Sadly we lost Oakley to siblicide/starvation when they were fullty feathered. The two older osplets are doing well.

Llyn Clywedog 1: Seren and Dylan have had their first fledge since Friday.

Foulshaw Moss 1: White YW and Blue 35 have their first fledge.

At Finnish #3 nest, the Raven helps himself to the three osprey eggs.

At Wildnis-Goitzsche, Zeus delivers the last fish of the day as the sunset captures the reflections. The osplet has fledged. Thanks, Joan Castnyer. https://youtu.be/bdWWyZ_vFK4?

Other images form the live stream from Wildnis-Goitzsche:

Renee and Ricci doing very well at Eschenbach!

Up close and personal with Bety and Bukacek’s two storklets at Mlade Buky.

A nest full of storks in Trutnove in the Czech Republic.

Two Black Stork babies waiting for a food delivery in Bolewice, Poland.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 13th July 2025
Today was all about helicopters – both chicks spent considerable amounts of time practising lift off, and even getting quite high, but not the only-feet- visible-on-nest-cam sort of height for a true helicopter. However, practice makes perfect, and provided Dorcha doesn’t push them over the edge, as nearly happened to Darach 7P0 this evening, both chicks are on course to fledge this week. Louis delivered four fish to the nest, the second of which was his three hundredth for the season, but at times the chicks seemed more interested in bunny hopping and wingercising than eating, although Breac 7P7 did grab a fish directly from Louis, hold it away from Dorcha, and start having a munch on it. Louis’ tally now stands at three hundred and two. There were a couple of intruder alarms, but no one seen on nest cam, although over on Nest One, a shadow was seen briefly as Aurora 536 flapped her wings and squeaked before flying off. Garry LV0 brought her two fish – well, one and a half really, the second was just a small piece – and his tally rises to one hundred and twenty five. He also brought several sticks, one of which he actually rode in on and perched upon for a comedy moment. It was hot again today, at 29.7

°C slightly hotter than the forecasted 29°C, and the overnight conditions call for partly cloudy and light winds with a low of 16°C but the temperature is expected to drop tomorrow to a high of only 20°C, with thundery showers and a gentle breeze to cool things down.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.51.42 (02.48.36); Nest Two 23.41.08 (03.13.59)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/kIin3dspeg8 N2 Dorcha returns one second after Louis brings breakfast 04.32.09https://youtu.be/-TCD6tobTbw N1 As the sun rises, Garry brings a fish for Aurora 05.21.12https://youtu.be/sZJGRtOX3CM N2 Today’s second fish is also season’s number 300! 07.16.54https://youtu.be/qc9jnAuqO6o N1 Garry shows off his pole vaulting skills but Aurora wants fish 11.21.51

https://youtu.be/G2Kg57yBQIE N2 Breac 7P7 takes fish three from Louis 13.54.20

https://youtu.be/Lvw0yyPQVY4 N2 Both chicks practise helicopters until Dorcha returns to dish up fish 14.11.36

https://youtu.be/v0e4qbX8bmA N1 Aurora receives half a trout from Garry, second fish today 15.37.39

https://youtu.be/7x9lw0-yZmg N2 When Louis delivers a fourth fish neither chick seems interested 16.18.36

https://youtu.be/Y0dlcEBocmg N2 Danger! Dorcha nearly causes Darach to have an early fledge 21.59.39 (slo-mo zoom)Bonus action: voting now open for Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/11/beatles-virginia-woolf-uk-tree-of-the-year-shortlist-culture

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/0Cl8FINNtoo N1 Ouch! Ungrateful chick! (2019)

https://youtu.be/ffII5_YiOdg N1 The chicks’ names are revealed on BBC Breakfast (2020)

https://youtu.be/GP_us9LEcMw N1 Doddie JJ6 tackles nest furnishings (2020)

https://youtu.be/CGdPBqFGdz8 N2 Dorcha brings a very big stick (2022)

https://youtu.be/bN7HPh85yqs N2 Takes two to tangle! The girls are hooked! (2022)

https://youtu.be/UcwVIYkX9kc Ospreys and wildlife disturbances: BBC Breakfast 2023

https://youtu.be/LOk6dL2laVY N2 LY7 kicks the egg and gets in a flap preparing for lift off 2023

https://youtu.be/S68l64FV5oQ N1 Affric departs chased by another bird 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/f4cyHgyr1-c N2 Louis is heard skydancing before landing 2024

https://youtu.be/39BScubJvE0 N2 Louis affirms his bond with Dorcha with a mating attempt 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 12th July 2025

On a hot day where temperatures soared to more than 33°C, the chicks didn’t seem to want extra fish, in fact, they appeared uninterested when the second and third fish arrived, preferring to wingercise and do the odd bunny hop. As seems to be the pattern now, Breac 7P7 acts keen on fledging first, flapping energetically and attempting lift off more than his older brother Darach 7P0. Louis brought three fish to the nest, taking his tally to two hundred and ninety eight, and despite appearances the chicks did eat enough to get the fuel they need at this stage of development. Dorcha had her fill of fish too, and spent time perching on the high perch or out of sight behind the nest on the cam post, relaxed despite being dive bombed by an intruder Osprey who buzzed the nest twice before leaving the area. Was it Aurora 536? The timings would work, but the intruder wasn’t seen clearly enough to notice if there was the blue flash of a Darvic ring. Garry LV0 brought two fish to Nest One but took the first away as the nest was empty. Aurora turned up too late shortly afterwards but was present when Garry delivered the second fish, and did her usual grab and mantle before leaving with it. Garry’s tally now stands at one hundred and twenty-three. Tonight’s overnight forecast is clear sky and light winds and a low of 15°C, continuing very hot tomorrow with sunshine, light winds and a high of 29°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.17.27 (02.42.05); Nest Two no switchover as at 00.45 (03.07.08)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/Xo_q03kNy3M N2 Louis arrives with a not so early breakfast 07.56.37

https://youtu.be/v8IwCZVzsIE N1 Garry takes fish one away as Aurora’s not there 08.51.08

https://youtu.be/sjjZaaIqymE N2 Dorcha is divebombed by an intruder Osprey 15.22.31

https://youtu.be/FiGyxf_ToX8 N1 Louis brings a second fish but the chicks don’t seem interested 17.29.18

https://youtu.be/Ki-EokaeiA8 N1 Aurora’s there this time to take the second fish 18.09.46

https://youtu.be/201ZoZUQV58 N2 Third fish arrives but Breac’s busy flapping and trying to get airborne 21.15.40

Bonus look – in case you missed Jelf’s artwork yesterday, here’s her fabulous drawing of our family:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o6r9cg4s5wtvfaj3tcx28/ospreys-at-arkaig.jpg?rlkey=2m1969sw0xgmzsnye3dch4cha&st=rjo91bu5&dl=0

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/7TuZUUU01Zk N1 Fish arrives but Aila is reacting to an intruder 2020

https://youtu.be/Wikzl0L2al0 N1 The chicks are too big for mumbrella 2020

https://youtu.be/y9bWx04ZpDs N1 Silver tourist arrives but Aila keeps calling 2020

https://youtu.be/j9Q-6R_wTsA N2 Dorcha in hi-def close up 2022

https://youtu.be/gQtZdZ87KiY N1 Is that Louis chasing away visitors? 2022

https://youtu.be/mVPRbvjXYak N2 Meet LW5 and LW6: now we await the gender info 2022

https://youtu.be/qVf3XW17uNY N2 Chick self feeds, moves around the nest holding a fish 2023

https://youtu.be/s9fhcpnTL90 N2 Chick plays football with the egg 2023

https://youtu.be/Iq1v2o1P-Yo N1 Late night mating attempt but no fish 2023

https://youtu.be/Nb4V8EKa_os WTS tweets and footage of our chick 1JR in the Spanish aviary 2024

https://youtu.be/Zv55S0PD-T0 N2 Dorcha arrives fish-calling, Louis arrives but brings no fish 2024

https://youtu.be/WnoPi5nkNGY N1 Garry LV0 brings nesting materials and keeps a lonely vigil 2024

There is so much news. The UK osplets are taking to the skies. All four of Blue 33 and Maya’s chicks have fledged. Sadly, we lost one who found himself in the water near the shore. A post-mortem is being conducted. Ringing has finished as far as I know. I wonder how many osplets over the entire UK were fitted with their Darvic rings and their BTO identification. I will try and find out.

Some include:

I am happy to report that the three osplets at the Green Ledge Light Preservation Society nest survived the storm and are now busy flapping their wings, preparing for fledge. Aren’t they beauties? No shortage of fish here! Long Island and New York have strict laws regarding the catching of Menhaden.

‘EJ’ thought we could use a hopeful Osprey article! I agree.

Marais d’Orx: a wetland with a rich history, diverse nature and birds of prey | Euronews
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/07/07/marais-dorx-a-wetland-with-a-rich-history-diverse-nature-and-birds-of-prey

Good morning! Have a look at this, it’s so wonderful!
I thought we could each use a hopeful, uplifting osprey article.

It has been crazy hot. How do animals keep cool?

Panting, gular fluttering and sploots: how Britain’s animals try to keep coolhttps://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jul/11/panting-gular-fluttering-sploots-how-britain-animals-try-keep-cool-heatwaves?CMP=share_btn_url

A heartwarming story about a rescue that refused to give up on this eagle: the images tell the entire story. Smile. Thanks, ‘J’.

World Bird Sanctuary adds:

“Happy 1 year intake anniversary to Bald Eagle 24-390!

While it seems strange to celebrate a patient having to be in our care for a whole year, it originally seemed unlikely that 390 would even survive the week. 390’s injuries were severe. He had gunshot injuries to both his left wing and his beak. with a significant portion of the middle of his beak missing due to the injury. Today we celebrate how far he’s come and the fact that his is still with us and progressing towards release!

There were many times, especially early in 390’s care, when we questioned whether it was time to give 390 the final gift we could, an end to his suffering through humane euthanasia. We diligently monitored his pain and stress levels and made adjustments to our treatment in order to keep him as comfortable as possible. At each turn we considered if his chance at recovery was worth everything we had to put him through.

But each time we considered calling it, 390 would take a step forward and show us that he was still fighting. He started taking his hand feeding without needing to be handled, was keeping down food, and started gaining weight again. His beak injury seemed less painful by the day as it started to heal and we reached the right balance of pain medications. His attitude and energy improved as he became feistier for care. All the while the beak was healing and enabled him to start eating on his own again.

It took 7 surgeries and countless wound cleanings over a period of 4 months to get 390’s beak to aligned and healing free of necrotic tissue. It required 8 1/2 months of healing before the gap in the bone finally finished closing. Now we are in the stage of keratin regrowth. 390 will need to grow an entirely new layer of keratin over his upper beak before we can consider him for release. This will likely take a full additional year of care. His beak will always be abnormally shaped due to his injury, but only time will tell if will regrow in a way that enables release.

Thank you to everyone who supports WBS and makes it possible for patients like 390 to have a fighting chance. A special thank you to our Rescuer’s Giving Club, whose monthly contributions go directly to our hospital and enable us to proved care to over 750 injured raptors each year. If you’re interested in getting more involved in supporting our patient’s journeys, you can learn more on our website.”

Another rescue. Father was missing. Mum tried to feed storklets. The fourth one passed. Then Mum was hit by a car. They were rescued. Here is Mum with her Babies. Czech Republic. Thanks, ‘TU’.

Here is the video of Mother and storklets having rest after all stress. They are all together. Mama got a name Freya, goddess of love ) https://www.facebook.com/1073024352/videos/738388092008980?idorvanity=830475097910416

We continue to monitor what is happening with the Ospreys in the US. Thanks, ‘EJ’.

Osprey came back from the brink once. Now chicks are dying in nests, and some blame overfishing
https://www.yahoo.com/news/osprey-came-back-brink-once-112937843.html

So glad to hear there could be two to fledge! This is a miracle in a very dire situation. Omega Protein Ocean Harvesters takes 112 metric tons, or roughly 230 million lbs, and it is based on science that measures the population in the ocean, not in the Bay.

Please sign the petition. I am Canadian and I don’t care what country you belong to – this needs to be stopped and I am embarrassed it is a Canadian company. The donations go to change.org. You do not need to donate but please share widely. We need this to stop.

https://www.change.org/p/stop-industrial-fishing-kick-canada-out-of-the-chesapeake-bay-and-virginia-waters

Also read this article and support the actions of this singular politician who wants to help.

No-fish story_ Milde afraid that lack of menhaden is dooming osprey – Fredericksburg Free Press Download

Want to know ‘why’ politicians aren’t doing anything? What is the cost of the collapse of an eco-system and the deaths of thousands of ospreys? Well look below.

“Political contributions muddy waters

Reedville-based Omega Protein, which makes fish oil products, is the main beneficiary of menhaden fishing in Virginia, and it’s no stranger to politics.

The company has given $955,783 to Virginia political campaigns since 1996, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, a nonprofit that tracks money in politics.

That total includes money given to politicians on both sides of the aisle. The company, for example, has donated $38,000 to the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus over the years, and $34,500 to the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus, according to VPAP.

Locally, Omega Protein has given $32,843 over the years to state Sen. Richard Stuart, a Westmoreland County Republican whose 25th District includes Caroline and King George counties.

And this year alone, the business has given $500 to Del. Joshua Cole (D-Stafford).

Milde, however, said he will not accept contributions from Omega Protein.”

Even with such a catastrophic year, there is a glimmer in some parts of New Jersey after months of bad reports.

In Orange, Australia, Diamond and Xavier are bonding. Seriously, the time is passing so quickly! Thanks, SK Hideaways. The WBSE have their eggs. Collins Street will have eggs soon. Diamond and Xavier will have eggs and geez…I feel like it is still March. https://youtu.be/NK2lhcIPD2w?

Lady and Dad at the Olympic Park WBSE nest.

The latest rewilding success news from Knepp Farm:

Knepp news record butterflies market garden bounty tomato tasting Download

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. We will see you again on Friday.

Thank you so much for being with us today. I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘EJ, Geemeff, Heidi, Michael St John, PB, PS, TU’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, and the authors of posts and articles, including Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information. I am very grateful. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Monday in Bird World

7 July 2025

Hello Everyone,

Before Ervie. The morning starts with some great saddness at Rutland Water. 3R6 is one of this year’s fledglings.

Posted on Rutland Ospreys FaceBook 7 July 2025:

We thank you for all your kind messages this morning at this difficult time. We wanted to share the timeline of events as it occurred last night (6 July 2025). At 21.31 we see 3R6 take off from the nest and shortly afterwards there is a splash and we see both Maya and 3R8 look towards that direction. At 21.41, with both 3R5 and 3R8 on the nest, we then see Maya take off from the perch and do a fly around the nest. At this point we see 3R6 in the water, making his way towards the shore. The decision was made to not intervene last night due to the challenging conditions and not wanting to disturb the other Osprey, particularly 3R8 who has yet to fledge. We checked at first light and subsequently Tim Mackrill sadly found 3R6 deceased on the shoreline with a wound on its left side below the neck. We are trying to organise a post-mortem to see exactly what might have happened.

Fledge at Loch Doon.

I want to start with Ervie. What a character. He paid the WBSE a visit!

Port Lincoln wrote: “

That wasn’t Ervie’s only adventure. He went and landed on Bradley’s ‘nest’ the other day! Bradley sent him packing. Ervie you need a nest and a girlfriend.

rvieErvie was also sighted at Delamere!!!!!!! He sure is making the rounds.

We had a glorious Saturday. The temperatures dropped a tad. There were blue skies and a wonderful breeze. Several weeks ago, when we were out at Pineridge, we visited one of the Farmer’s Market stalls, Oak Knoll Farms. The flowers were lovely, the eggs delicious. So, around midnight Friday, I looked them up and discovered that I could order berries, eggs, herbs, lettuces, all manner of in-season vegetables, along with fresh flowers. So I did! Toby jumped in his carrier and along with Don away we went to pick everything up. The young woman was fixing the bouquet and then heading out to pick our gallon of strawberries, so we got to wander around the property. We met the hens who had laid the eggs. They have a movable house that is changed three to four times a day. There are goats and pigs, an orchard, a beautiful old red barn, and a large field of strawberries and Hyskap. It was magical.

I am quite sick of living in the city – it was so quiet walking around that acerage.

Now, back to the birds!

‘PS’ sends the report from Seattle: “A good, and very interesting/thrilling Sunday. For one, saw dad twice in the span of ~90 minutes, each time with a Coho salmon, which mom and both nestlings devoured quickly. Also, on the second visit, dad came home to an empty nest because mom had just taken flight to intercept another Osprey that had wandered a bit too close! They cartwheeled through the air fairly close by and I grabbed what photos I could (none are great – birds in flight are so hard! – but they give the sense of the chase well enough) over the span of a few minutes before the intruder turned tail. Mom was very tenacious and watching her defend her nesting space was quite moving. She then came back to the nest, gave an angry call or three (seemed like she was still pretty charged up, understandably so!), and started feeding everyone the fresh fish. Couple pics here, rest in the album (https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/w4u512hZe5).

So good to see the family still doing well – the youngsters took turns flexing their wings here and there too. With some gusts of wind I bet they could feel some lift! “

Let’s start with a good thing – the first two osplets have hatched in East Anglia in centuries. Think about that. It could be the Virginia or Delaware coasts or Maryland or New Jersey — the first osprey couple to breed and raise chicks. Congratulations East Anglia! The Norfolk Wildlife Trust introduces these rock stars to us! The author of the article says, “We can confirm that an osprey pair has successfully hatched at least two chicks at NWT Ranworth Broad and Marshes, making the nature reserve the first known site in the region to make a home for breeding osprey in hundreds of years.”

First ospreys breed in East Anglia for centuries _ Norfolk Wildlife Trust Download

I’ve included one of the recent comments here at the beginning of our discussions about what’s happening in Bird World. The type of empathy and kindness shown by this other species to the Dewey Beach osprey is what humans should strive to emulate. The comment by micpark reads: “The osprey who died at Dewey Beach was not alone, a faithful sparrow was with her and at one point showed his guarding stance of wings out and chirping at a likely intruder. He stayed with the young osprey through the end, and even when mom returned. His family lives beneath the nest, but he didn’t have to stay on top with her, but he did.”

Isn’t that beautiful?

Concerns about fireworks amongst those empathetic with the other living souls we share our planet with could be heard around the world and yet, there were still places that insisted that Canada Day or the Fourth of July would not be the same without them. ‘B’ sent us some articles that cement the fact that fireworks are simply destructive to both wildlife and people. Please have a read. Educate yourself and if you live somewhere that insists on burning up money, then arm yourself with the facts and get a discussion going before the next event takes place. Who knows. You could be the person to stop this practice in your town or city.

You may well have already seen this, but just in case not, I wanted to make sure you saw that there was a brief article today on the NY Times website on “The effects of fireworks on animals and people”. It is good to see this issue getting visibility in such a prominent place.

Within that article there is a link to the abstract and bibliography of an extensive scientific article on “short and long term impacts of fireworks on the environment”.

https://www.publish.csiro.au/PC/PC22040

Here is a link to the full text of this latter article:

https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/Fulltext/PC22040

Jackie and Shadow leaving their roost when the celebrations begin. https://youtu.be/YhUuytvPAZw?

The fledglings at San Jose City Hall were decidedly disturbed by illegal fireworks! https://youtu.be/0f7l5wJH7Es?

Not only falcons or eagles that were disturbed, my inbox was filled with notes from you telling me about your pets hiding under the beds or getting so anxious they ran around the house not being able to settle.

Speaking of fledglings, Betty Lou made a surprise visit to the nest at Sauces Canyon (I think it was Thursday).

Concern was growing on Friday when the fourth hatch at the Coeur d’Alene nest in Idaho was continually attacked. The neck was bleeding on the right side, and the little one had little to no fish for two days. The first hatch is a large female, and she is vicious. She reminds me of Zoe from Port Lincoln. Chick 3 also had a go at 4. If they were ever measured, I presume that chick 2 is a male or a rather intelligent female who stays out of the way. Then a small miracle happened. A fish came in, and little 4 got some fish and had a crop. But was it enough, and how damaged are its organs from not having any hydration for two days?

Before the feeding. I could not believe 4 had enough strength to stand up.

Older ones are preening later. They are huge. Little 4 in the back. I wonder if it will survive the night.

Mum knew there would be a late fish. It came, and it was a big one. Mum fed fast, and the feeding lasted a long time. Little four was there, but the big ones hovered over it and ate, shoving its body until it moved away. When they were full, there was still fish left, but four of them didn’t seem to get up there in a way that allowed them to get any food. This chick lacked the aggression of Tiny Tot Tumbles at Achieva, which had lived and proved to be a formidable female, protecting the nest when it was four months old with its dad, Jack. (Mum Diane had already left.)

Still feeding fast and still fish, but none for the little fourth hatch. It is understood that nests with four chicks struggle. Dunrovin is doing alright. A giant fish came in! And I do mean huge. All of the chicks that went down the crib rails were lucky to be rescued. These four will most likely live to fledge. Sadly, it doesn’t look like this Idaho baby will.

And then something happened. A big fish came in. The big ones are either full or still asleep (no rewind) and little four is right up there. It ate a good third of a large fish before being usurped by the bigger ones. Little four – maybe you will grow big enough and confident enough to win this battle.

It looks like 4 had some fish while we were away on Saturday. Not sure how much but looking a little perkier than yesterday.

I didn’t stare at the camera but baby 4 at Coeur de’Alene did get some fish, finally, after being attacked and losing feathers. It was #3 that did the attacking. Does that osplet worry that it will be next if it doesn’t get rid of #4?

It is around 2039 at the nest, and everyone appears to be anticipating the arrival of the last fish of the day. Four looks good – up close to Mum with its head up, not slumped in the corner. Let us hope that we have come out of a few bad days to civility here.

Cape Henlopen: It looked like a pretty good day for the two chicks.

Usk Valley: Only Bob gets ringed! This chick is the first to be ringed in the USK Valley in 250 years,

RINGING THE CHICK — Usk Valley Ospreys Download

Cumbria Wildlife Trust Nest 2: Team parenting skills on nest two!

It’s fairly unusual (but not unheard of) to see male ospreys feeding their chicks. Mum usually takes on that role, and dad does the fishing. In this case, dad Blue 476 is passing food over to mum Blue 717 to feed their remaining chick.

Here’s some more insight from our osprey volunteer, Jenny:

‘476 has done this a few times and 717 seems to accept his help. He started off tentatively when there were three chicks on the nest a while ago. It was fascinating to watch as he was uncertain as to what to do and seemed to be more comfortable feeding fish to mum, who then fed the chicks. They continued like this after this short clip until the fish was gone and little chick was well fed.’

It’s so interesting being able to compare the two #FoulshawOsprey families this year! Really hoping they both”

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch ArkaigSunday 6th July 2025
The weather brightened up as promised this afternoon, and will remain dry overnight, partly cloudy with light winds and a low of 10

°C while tomorrow will have sunny intervals until early evening when full sunshine is forecast, with light breezes and a high of 17°C. Louis brought six fish to the nest today, taking his tally to two hundred and seventy. Most of those six fish were tiddler size, leading to fighting between the two chicks, but by evening everyone had fed well and settled down peaceably as darkness fell. There was also a bit of fish-related aggro over on Nest One – Aurora 536 was not happy when Garry LV0 arrived with twigs instead of fish and showed her annoyance by nipping him. He subsequently delivered two fish to her on the nest, whether as a consequence of the nip is unknown, and his tally rises to one hundred and twelve. The naming contest for the chicks closed at noon today and the outcome of the jury vote will be announced tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.41.26 (03.32.07); Nest Two 23.39.05 (03.45.32)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/TLoFjPHNwr4 N2 Breakfast arrives but it’s not very substantial 06.41.40

https://youtu.be/_dGg8oRAi00 N1 Aurora nips Garry when he arrives without fish 09.49.38

https://youtu.be/5Eh9bU7MLQ0 N1 Aurora’s long wait pays off as Garry brings a fish 14.33.04

https://youtu.be/SVcLcZO-MTg N2 Fish number two is so small the chicks fight each other 17.06.14

https://youtu.be/HpveXUQNg-E N2 Fish number three is big enough for everybody to share 17.40.31

https://youtu.be/7WU8lpATAbk N2 Fish number four is the third tiddler today, barely a mouthful each 18.12.49

https://youtu.be/U4xuBTHaYncN2 Chick 7P7 gets all of tiny fish five 20.03.01

https://youtu.be/xdElscDq9L8 N1 Garry brings a second fish for Aurora 21.34.58

https://youtu.be/d3_BfLEkRhQ N2 Louis delivers a sixth fish, a small – medium trout 21.40.34
Bonus watch – check out Woodland Trust’s official highlights of the season to date:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/7KRmCdBb43o N1 Aila steals the tail from her chick JJ0 2019

https://youtu.be/IJbN78plGes N1 Aila brings an awkward stick and departs leaving the chicks to deal with it 2020

https://youtu.be/GPP6BnMS860 N1 Louis brings fish but everyone’s full 2020

https://youtu.be/DsSnlV5Rboo N1 Tiny tiddler fish number seven arrives looking surprised 2020

https://youtu.be/TN3x2Q7o6-0 N2 Louis is bemused Dorcha’s not there to get the fish 2022

https://youtu.be/2lrzmpxBxeY N2 Deep breath moment as the chick wingercises in strong wind 2023

https://youtu.be/vItPqUHe7oQ N1 Garry keeps trying his luck, more fish needed! 2023

https://youtu.be/CNrwPRe0qX4 N2 Louis brings a live mackerel 2023

https://youtu.be/fKAlAJUJQ0Y N2 Dyson & Henry arrive but there aren’t any scraps for them 2024

https://youtu.be/yCVDmwY87Ic N2 Dorcha pays a late evening visit and calls to no avail 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 5th July 2025

Another calm day where not much happened – the wet weather eased off this afternoon in a happy change to the forecast, giving the family a chance to dry out. But at the time of filing this report (23.45) mist is rolling in rapidly, about to envelop Nest Two and its occupants, and the rain has started again. The overnight forecast for Inver Mallie which covers the nest area shows light rain and light winds with a low of 12°C continuing until lunchtime tomorrow after which there should be sunny intervals with a high of 18°C. Louis brought three fish to the nest today, taking his tally to two hundred and sixty four, one of which was tiny and demolished in five minutes, with chick 7P7 downing the tail like an old hand. Aurora 536 received one fish from Garry today, and his tally rises to one hundred and twelve. The contest to name the chicks, males 7P0 and 7P7, closes at noon tomorrow so get your suggestions in if you haven’t already, details in the bonus section.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.38.51 (03.28.09); Nest Two 23.22.40 (03.42.36)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/NMSgZk6wQB0 N2 First fish – breakfast’s later than usual 06.08.52

https://youtu.be/IhFOsTWdiQ4 N1 Aurora grabs the fish, mantles, and departs 11.52.01

https://youtu.be/2R4kJqFGki4 N2 Titchy fish two is gone in 5 mins, 7P7 downs the tail 15.55.25

https://youtu.be/TShjk9aKvSA N2 The family’s very happy to see Louis with fish three 21.09.56

Bonus opportunity – name those chicks! Get your suggestions in by noon tomorrow (Sunday):

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=26302594

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/KmKrmLCYAdk N1 The chicks Bring Jollity doing flight prep quick time 2020 (Classic Ospreys – Holst)

https://youtu.be/2eRo86pV2Yg N1 Newsome Twosome return to Nest One 2021

https://youtu.be/bP4bq94pHFE N1 The Stranger Prince brings fish to Affric Blue152 2021

https://youtu.be/43ZWmA7jew4 N2 Fish number two arrives, departs, returns in under a minute! 2022

https://youtu.be/z2qG8vOwPeA N2 RAF Hercules flypast caught on nest cam 2022 (slo-mo, zoom)

https://youtu.be/k8RWeFXwVIQ N2 Chick 2 pecks Dorcha after a stick incident 2022

https://youtu.be/eZp5DKTAV5E N1 Garry brings furnishings and rearranges his nest 2023

https://youtu.be/Jt1e_FAyuxA N2 Chick has a really good go at self feeding 2023

https://youtu.be/IT-cvTyR6YU N1 Magical double rainbow with sparkles 2023

https://youtu.be/zakv38LnsXI N2 Dorcha’s not impressed: no fish and Louis tries mating 2024

https://youtu.be/KM9WDj8AjRk N1 Does Garry notice the two birds chasing each other? 2024

https://youtu.be/rX4DKIlw6dM N2 Louis brings a lunchtime fish for Dorcha 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 4th July 2025
The weather was every bit as wet today as forecasted – the family spent most of the day looking like soggy bundles of feathers. The chicks did stand from time to time and give their wings a good shake, but although she does her best, Dorcha is unable to cover them as they’re just too big. The forecast for tonight and tomorrow is more of the same – light rain and gentle breezes with an overnight low of 13°C and only rising by two degrees to a high of 15°C tomorrow. However, despite the rain Louis delivered four fish for his family, and the chicks have full crops to mitigate against the wet weather. Louis’ tally now stands at two hundred and sixty one, while Garry LV0’s remains at one hundred and eleven as much to Aurora’s disappointment, he turned up not with fish but with a small stick. Things were more positive and lively among the nest cam watching community as name suggestions for the newly ringed male chicks 7P0 and 7P7 keep flooding in. If you haven’t posted your suggestion yet, there’s plenty of time – you have until noon this Sunday 6th July.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.41.15 (03.38.51); Nest Two 23.19.14 (03.45.04)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/Lv97nbd21-8 N2 The drookit family are very pleased to see Louis with fish one 07.50.01

https://youtu.be/fPOukvb6ZE0 N2 Weather’s not improved when Louis brings fish number two 13.38.32

https://youtu.be/PZt6YucaOgg N2 Not much is seen of fish three as the camera lens is fogged up despite its magic coating 16.07.10

https://youtu.be/SuU0oMctnhY N1 Garry dashes Aurora’s hopes by bringing a stick not fish 19.03.02

https://youtu.be/7_HoD7ep-Gg N2 Louis brings a fourth fish and stays to do some nest tidying 20.17.07
Bonus watch – ringing photo compilation on Woodland Trust’s social media:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=755712413543585&rdid=7ppRa44GZYD4ohoI

Blast from the past,this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/JUBUmLPe35I N1 At 03.04.04 Louis brings a record early fish 2020

https://youtu.be/esStICLLZcU N1 Avian antics on the nest: nipping and tucking 2020

https://youtu.be/-Rs4bXxthc4 N1 Chick huddle prevents Aila getting to the fish 2020

https://youtu.be/d4ts6sBxnVw N1 Aila causes chaos with a stick until a chick helps out 2020

https://youtu.be/ZrutG-grqZM N1 Doddie nips Aila when she stands on him 2020

https://youtu.be/4moO8dO8Avc N1 As the light fades Louis delivers fish number six 2020

https://youtu.be/lmejeER58ik N2 After a cold wet night an early breakfast arrives 2022

https://youtu.be/tWKLeEeKIMA N1 Garry LV0 arrives with a headless fish 2023

https://youtu.be/UGq6LQrd_Lk N2 Dorcha reacts furiously to an intruder alert 2023

https://youtu.be/mc8TIefie18 N1 Affric turns up too late and misses out 2023

https://youtu.be/73KK4iKeVGQ N2 Very enthusiastic wingercising, mum gets smacked repeatedly 2023

https://youtu.be/TZR8lcMqDZs N1 Garry LV0 returns with moss and does some housework 2024

https://youtu.be/mUwYTyBdkxU N2 Louis arrives fishless and coy-mantles for Dorcha 2024

https://youtu.be/rLoGqpsGXGQ N2 Dyson and Henry pay a visit 2024

https://youtu.be/i69C0tAgKxI N2 Dorcha pays a late afternoon visit 2024

American Bird Conservancy’s Bird of the Week is the James Flamingo. How much do you know about this beautiful water bird?

James’s Flamingo – American Bird Conservancy Download

‘EJ’ sends us two smiles for the day:

A Teen Lifeguard Saw an Osprey Struggling in the Ocean. His Training Taught Him What to Do Next. – Garden & Gun
https://gardenandgun.com/articles/a-teen-lifeguard-saw-an-osprey-struggling-in-the-ocean-his-training-taught-him-what-to-do-next/

Video shows conductor stopping train, getting out and shooing young U.S. Steel eagle off the tracks – CBS Pittsburgh
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/bald-eagle-train-tracks-ocho-us-steel/

Newsletter 7 from Chichester catches up with their falcons.

Chichester Peregrine Newsletter Download

Next time you pick up something at a shop, think twice. If you tire of it quickly or it is of low quality, it could be spoiling African wetlands!

Fashion lays waste to wetlands Download

Norwegian osplets at Ostfort are ringed! You can watch. The ‘girls’ were ringed and will be on their way to Ireland as part of the translocation project. https://youtu.be/2jXgCsOnHds?

Fru Rauer, Norway: Those two chicks couldn’t be more beautiful.

“Ringing of ospreys at Rauer (norway) in 2025 under the auspices of the Osprey Project in Østfold. Project Leader – Rune Aae. In the nest and ring marking: Sondre Krokeide. (the sound is a recording from the same time the ringing was taking place) 2 individuals ringed at Mrs. Rauer’s nest. There are 2 more nests on the island, making a total of 5 chicks across 3 nests. DNA sampled from both chicks at Mrs. Rauer – gender results will be available in autumn/winter 2025. They have been given the names 12L (Frøy) and 13L (Runi). White ring with black lettering. DNA results are likely to come at the earliest in autumn. The metal ring is unique and has an address to the Stavanger Museum, while the color ring is attached to the metal ring with large symbols to facilitate reading the ring with binoculars. This will provide us with more information about our birds. All scientific ringing in Norway is organized by the Ringing Center at Museum Stavanger.”

Charlo Montana: All three had nice crops on Saturday.

Dyfi, Wales: Idris continues to catch a lot of fish until late in the evening. That nest is sure getting full! The little male is hovering!!!!!!!!!!!

Dunrovin Ranch: All four continue to stay on the nest after those two troublesome days. Little four is a real reptile!

Santiam SCSD: Two lovely ospreys are doing well.

Boulder County: Two beauties there, too, and they are also doing well.

Trempeauleau Eagle Nest: Dad comes in with a fish and fledgling T3 flies down to the nest to get it! Beautiful. https://youtu.be/vnRcAfmCUvQ?

Russell Lake Ospreys, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia: Oscar and Ethel have two of the cutest osplets.

Green Ledge Light Preservation Society: The osprey nest is relatively low on the breakers to the lighthouse. There was a big storm the other evening. I have written to find out if the osprey family is OK. There are two fully feathered chicks since the image below was taken on 11 April. They hatched on 2 June.

Muonion Osprey Platform, Finland: Two chicks and lots of fish coming to the nest.

Juurusvesi, Finland. At least six large fish were delivered on Sunday to Mum and the two osplets. One is heavily feathered and looks like a juvenile while the younger retains some of that ‘look’ of being the second hatch. Kala Saaskia is responsible for the images captured in the video below.

SK Hideaways not only caught the arrival of the first WBSE egg but also that incredible morning duet. Toby sat still and listened! https://youtu.be/wNcpLqDi5DM?

Thank you for being with us. Please take care. We hope to see you soon!

Thank you so much for being with us today. I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘EJ, Geemeff, PB, PS’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, and the authors of posts and articles including Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information. I am very grateful. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Monday in Bird World

30 June 2025

Hello Everyone!

First up. Port Lincoln Ospreys posted a lot of flight paths of the ospreys, but one will interest all of you – Ervie. I put in the details of what this most loved fledgling from the barge has been up to.

To give everyone a smile. This has been a generally good weekend in the garden. The European Starling parents are ready for their fledglings to leave the nest and garden area and go and find their way. This is perfect for Mr Crow and his two fledglings, who started coming to the garden Saturday evening. The baby Crows are as big as their parents. They are easy to spot as they will land on the craziest of things and they can’t quite balance themselves on the wires. They also walk all over the roof of the conservatory! The cats were absolutely fascinated with them.

Hugo Yugo almost popped her eyes out!

Baby Hope seemed a little frightened with the scratchy noise on the glass.

Calico was simply fascinated.

Missey was no where to be found.

I write this blog with a continuing heavy heart. Baby osplets are dying everywhere in the area that Omega, the Canadian corporation, is doing its industrial/commercial Menhaden fishing. We know only of those nests on the streaming cam unless you start to read Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal FB where many have answered my posts with information. No surviving osplets around the Virginia coast. None on St. George’s Island, Maryland. Ben Wurtz of Conserve Wildlife tells us that there is no use putting fish on the nests in NJ because when the chicks fledge, there is no fish to eat! Remarkably, even the adults are surviving, so I tell you, be happy if any of those nests fledge one chick. Please don’t be hard on the male who is working his little tail off to find fish that aren’t there.

The fault lies with politicians taking donations from Omega and a three-mile fishing limit. We need a ten-mile safe space. That might do it, although I would be much happier with a complete moratorium on the fishing of Menhaden. There are petitions to sign. I will put them at the end of the blog. Please sign them, write people, write the newspapers, the radio stations, The New York Times, 60 Minutes…whatever. There must be someone out there who has the agency to get this topic of extinction on the airwaves and get more people lobbying to protect the osprey.

One of our long-time readers, ‘EJ’, sent this to me to share with you today. There is little mention of the lack of Menhaden, never mind the direct cause.

Osprey population ‘near complete collapse’ on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, scientists report Download

Terrapins are dying along with the Striped Bass and Blue Crabs. The whales and dolphins have left the area.

More sadness. Trolls are trying to blame this on Bald Eagles! Seriously. Omega Corporation (I am embarrassed that it is a Canadian company) takes 112 million pounds of adult Menhaden and perhaps even more when they are scouring the shores of New Jersey and Delaware. Ospreys need adult Menhaden to survive. That is it. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Please don’t skip the image below of a dead osplet. Perhaps I have said this twice. You are watching the extinction of a species in this area. It can be stopped, but no politician in the area seems to have the will to do anything for wildlife. Are they so afraid of the next election and those great big donations?

Instead of stop watching these nests where the babies are dying – watch and learn and then get mad and do something. Sit down and write 20 letters – cute and paste is easy. Get the information on the overfishing in the area by a commercial company, the need for a 10 mile limit instead of 3, and write and write. Get everyone you know who cares about wildlife to write. Send it to the papers, the radio stations, those who care about the environment. Write Corey Booker in NJ. Maybe he will help!

Today, we lost the second hatch at Island Beach State Park, NJ. Notice it is NJ. It isn’t just the Chesapeake Bay. Omega is fishing off the shores of NJ and Delaware, but the ospreys are impacted in all the states in the region, including Maryland. Strangely, we are now having some issues with the third hatch at the Great Bay Osprey Platform in New Hampshire. it might not survive the weekend. We wait to see. Little Peabody died Monday morning.

It is the last day of June. Where did the days go? Tomorrow is Baby Hope’s second birthday. It’s also Canada Day, so we’ll be having a big party! I am not going ‘crazy’. The world doesn’t need to manufacture any more stuff and my ‘fur babies’ do not need a thing. Baby Hope loves those squeezy treats and what my friend, Geemeff, knows as Dreamies in the UK. She also has a new toy. Anne will be with us, so it will be grand. I might even get some vanilla ice cream and share it with everyone!

Good news coming in from our reader ‘PS’ who is keeping a close eye on the osprey family in Washington with its three chicks. Just look at them. They have outgrown the Reptile stage and are developing juvenile feathers. Each has a nice crop.

‘PS’ reports: “Quick update for today, June-28…a very good day! The family was finishing up a meal when I arrived, and all crops were very full, even the littlest one. Which was good enough, and a delight to see, but then dad showed up with another fish (looked like some kind of flounder or sole) 20 minutes later! Nestlings were mostly sleeping and couldn’t even be bothered to get up, except for the littlest one who figured why not, and continued to eat more. Mom ate a lot of this one too, then took a quick break down to the shoreline, walked around a bit, dunked her head in the water, then flew back. Dad was mostly taking a break on a nearby lightpost. Seems like the eating was very good today (bright, sunny, warm, calm winds). So good to see!”

If you haven’t checked out ‘PS’s’ Flickr diary of this family, please do:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/3Y3f5314rM)

We also have a report from ‘PS’ for Monday morning: “Hope your weekend has been a good one – one update for you from today, June 29. Unfortunately it was a slow day from what I could see, at first – not only were the three nestlings not sporting bulging crops, but mom left the nest three times after I arrived, for up to ~12 minutes at a time, presumably to hunt on her own. No dad during this time. First two times she came back empty-taloned…then after she left a third time one of the parents returned, at last, with a fish! I thought it was odd, though, that this adult landed in the nest, looked a bit befuddled, left the fish, then decamped for the perch, without feeding the kids (in looking at my images later I realized that this was dad, but didn’t realize it at the time)…some ten minutes later, the other adult returned, this time with a pretty large southern Rock Sole (headless – fuel for the journey no doubt) which was immediately fed to the nestlings (this was mom, though at the time I was still somewhat confused as to who was who). Sadly, #3 was bullied out of the way by #2 (the size difference is enormous). I had to leave before the fish was finished, but hopefully everyone had enough and/or the parents were able to get more fish.

It was sunny today, but very windy, so perhaps challenging conditions…it was worrisome to see mom leaving so often, and coming back with nothing. Clearly she didn’t want to leave for so long, but felt she had to…”

While chicks have been lost on nest 2 at Foulshaw Moss in Cumbria, at nest 1, White YW and Blue 35 continue to raise their three chicks without issue! White YW brings in these huge fish, and Mum is excellent at getting the bites spread around despite having three ravenous beaks.

Notice the difference in plumage between the three chicks on the Washington nest and Foulshaw Moss 1. The most petite chick on the Foulshaw Moss nest still has ‘slight’ remnants of that big white wide stripe of its youth, while all the chicks at Washington are slightly younger and retain the white stripe on their back. Soon it will be covered with gorgeous, beautiful juvenile plumage!

At Rutland Manton Bay, the oldest chick is doing some amazing hovers. Landings on the nest are tricky with three large siblings! Watch for the first fledge of an osprey in the UK anytime!

Birds of Poole Harbour are celebrating the return of CJ7 and Blue 022’s of two-year-old Blur 5H3.

This year’s four will be ringed on Sunday morning the 29th so I will be able to report this today!

Here’s the video of the four pancaked and showing the Blue Darvic Ring 5R4 on the chick from Birds of Poole Harbour! https://youtu.be/eaxk967rTQI?

The cutoff for the weight for males usually is below 1600. Over is female, coupled, of course, with measurements to support that weight. In the end, though, only a DNA test can definitively provide the gender. (Sometimes the ringers are wrong.)

Here are the results:

Llyn Clywedog: Seren Blue 5F with her two gorgeous, big, healthy chicks. Unringed Dylan does a marvellous job of feeding his family. One year, he was tracked and timed by John Williams, revealing he flew 25 miles to chase an intruder away, returning with some lovely Brown Trout. (Trout was available at the nearby reservoir, but this fish did not come from there – he was watched closely.)

The Llyn Clywedog ospreys were ringed in 2025. Instagram reports that two chicks were safely ringed at the Llyn Clywedog nest as part of ongoing conservation efforts. The chicks were ringed with blue rings, and the specific numbers were not mentioned in the Instagram post.

Dyfi Osprey Project: Idris arrived with a fish on Saturday night around 2000. Look at the flurry. You can see some of the new bling on the chicks in the second image.

Loch Doon: Angel and Frankie’s two surviving osplets are now hovering!

Saaksilvie #4, Finland: Three healthy osplets, stretching and walking around the nest and one dirty camera lens!

Saaksilvie #2 LS: Three osplets finished their meal, and the fish left on the nest!

Couer de’Alene, Idaho: The four osplets are doing very well! No overfishing here that I am aware.

Smallwood: Look at these three beauties.

Boulder County: Family portrait.

Charlo, Montana: Someone is going to ‘yell’ at me and tell me I’m wrong, but right now, I have a little concern for the third hatch at this nest. The two larger earlier hatches are eating a lot of food, and the little one is in submission a lot. It is clever and finally sees an opportunity, getting on the opposite side of Mum to come away with a crop. That crop was not easy – it worked hard for it.

Dunrovin: Oh, that wee third hatch makes me ache. But, look, it is right up there – all three in a line being fed by Winnie. Dad Swoop up on the perch after flying in with the family fish meal.

Independence City: We can finally see that there are two beautiful chicks in this nest!

Heidi’s Osprey Report:

Great Bay: All the chicks survived the heat dome that lasted for a few days, but since the weather cooled, it seems that Dad just cannot deliver enough fish to the family. The chicks are 27, 26, and 23 days old on 6/30. The two older chicks have big appetites, and Little3 has not been able to eat much for a few days. Little3 may not make it. But, he has won the hearts of many people who are praying for him. Little3 is much loved.

Dewey Beach: Dad has not been seen since 6/26. Mom has been fishing for the osplet, in fact, she had already been fishing for several days prior to Dad’s disappearance. But, for some reason, fishing has been slow for a few days. Mom is catching fewer fish per day now, than when she was supplementing Dad’s fish deliveries. The osplet is 47 days old, and has been doing some flapping.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 29th June 2025
The weather was much more settled today and both males provided plenty of fish. Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536 taking his tally to one hundred and five, and Louis’ four fish deliveries saw his tally rise to two hundred and forty one. Chick2 is developing rapidly and not only downed a tail today, but also made off with a whole fish, taking it away from Dorcha who’d only just received it from Louis. But the chick wasn’t allowed to keep the prize for long, Dorcha reclaimed it and feeding commenced as usual. However chick1 also attempted to make off with a whole fish but Dorcha didn’t let go and the chick lost the tug of fish battle. The ringers are due in a few days time, a far cry from this time last year when a rescue mission was needed which saw the chicks getting their rings in Spain after joining a translocation programme, but this year everything is going well and both chicks are developing nicely. The overnight forecast for the Inver Mallie area which covers both nest is for light rain and light winds with a low of 17

°C, changing to heavy rain with a gentle breeze and a high of 18°C tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.57.10 (03.07.04); Nest Two 23.19.26 (03.34.20)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/S_0SrrYyZ64 N2 Another milestone achieved as chick2 grabs the whole fish from Dorcha 06.54.30

https://youtu.be/odnZYrgorqU N1 Elevenses arrives for Aurora, first fish of the day 11.08.24

https://youtu.be/84ZjnB_bAsU N2 Louis delivers lunch, second fish today 13.41.31

https://youtu.be/O1w_ato2-I0 N1 Early evening fish supper arrives for Aurora 18.23.52

https://youtu.be/p6uhCD-EqFA N2 Fish number three doesn’t last long and chick2 downs the tail 18.58.55

https://youtu.be/Z51plMTQem4 N2 Late night fish supper arrives, fourth fish today 22.29.52

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/6PfZNX338WY N1 Is the littlest Osplet attacking mum or just begging for food? 2019

https://youtu.be/VsVBpGjxCds N1 Aila’s pleased to see a fish but one chick prefers doing flight prep 2020

https://youtu.be/Hi01r-gxXb4 N1 Legendary Louis and the midnight fish – well, nearly 2020

https://youtu.be/jxFvhSbXcIQ N2 Drama as an intruder tries to land: Louis gives chase 2022

https://youtu.be/yIWqt92hZEI N2 Yet another intrusion by the stranger: Dorcha gives chase 2022

https://youtu.be/-nguqm1IS1c N1 Affric rejects Garry’s advances, stays until a stick falls 2023

https://youtu.be/PP5IneygLtA N2 Open – Squeak – Gulp – Repeat! Fish number two 2023

https://youtu.be/t4k0cpkaBv8 N1 Affric finally gets a fish from Garry 2023

https://youtu.be/CtkFrypee0Y N2 Four week old chick looks enormous exercising its new wings 2023

https://youtu.be/qX0KLkUsPr4 N2 On a very wet night mumbrella Dorcha makes the chick seem invisible 2023

https://youtu.be/eNupYkdkQ8w N2 The welcome reappearance of Louis, bringing fish number one 2024

https://youtu.be/Q6y-LYkhTFo N1 Garry LV0 is intruded upon – is it Prince? 2024

https://youtu.be/T1ef16z0eKs N2 Fish number two arrives, but only one chick gets to eat 2024

https://youtu.be/TiKtuGDYD4I N2 Submissive chick desperate for food eats grass 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 28th June 2024
After a stormy night leaving the family wet and bedraggled, the weather brightened up somewhat, although at the time of filing this report (midnight) the rain has started again and the wind’s picked up. Dorcha’s plumage is pearled with raindrops as she does her best to shield the chicks who none the less remain partly exposed to the weather. Today was a very low fish day, only two from Louis and none from Garry, so their tallies stand at two hundred and thirty seven and one hundred and three respectively. There were some intruder alerts, none too close to the nest, and with the choppy conditions of the loch Louis might be forgiven for only delivering two fish. However, it does bring back memories of this time last year when he stopped delivering fish and licensed raptor experts had to be called in to save the chicks from the twin threat of hyperthermia and starvation. Fortunately this year’s weather is much better than last year’s and tonight’s forecast is light cloud and a gentle breeze with a low of 11°C followed by sunny intervals and a high of 19°C tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.16.26 (03.23.11); Nest Two 23.18.10 (03.35.21)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/sLFUneYm7DAN2 The family’s glad to see breakfast arrive after a wild wet night 07.22.01https://youtu.be/19TjA7ShPk0 N2 Everybody’s hungry and ready when fish number two finally arrives 18.21.22https://youtu.be/XTmA9TtWnGkN2 Up up and away! Louis makes a wind-assisted exit 18.26.43https://youtu.be/DfdspR4jUqM N2 Is moving sticks on a windy day a good idea?18.42.48
Bonus map – keep cool during the hot weather and go down to the woods, the updated Woodland Trust map will guide you:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/woodland-trust-woods/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/hAJchYM7NIo N1 Aila ignores an intruder Osprey skydancing for her attention 2020

https://youtu.be/6T4blnBVQXA N1 Louis looms out of the mist with an early breakfish 2020

https://youtu.be/GvBAoPCLWDc N1 Louis brings a very large trout 2020

https://youtu.be/B2msIMScD6s N2 Lots of happy squeaking when fish arrives 2022

https://youtu.be/r0IOlFls9Og N2 Another intruder Osprey alert 2022 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/wZ-KmF2cTNA N2 Dorcha strikes the wrong note 2022 (Classic Ospreys: Chopin)

https://youtu.be/OjdfAzv_aYI N1 Affric stays and calls for hours but Garry doesn’t return 2023

https://youtu.be/BQ-is6X0Gqs N2 Louis sorts Dorcha’s tricky stick 2023

https://youtu.be/tN0NyYd1Bk0 N2 Fish arrives but the chick’s home alone 2023

https://youtu.be/tcUkgVA5LFs N1 Short-Eared Owl pays a visit 2023 (slo-mo, zoom)

https://youtu.be/6maD-9zG5xk N1 Garry LV0 visits twice and brings nesting materials 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/Fw08D6I83msN2 Hand feeding of the chicks by the licensed raptor expert 2024

https://youtu.be/9HYxpRU-hjY N2 Dorcha returns when the fish fairies leave after feeding the chicks 2024

https://youtu.be/c2oZrwNXbvI N2 Dorcha and the two chicks huddle together on a dreich night 2024
Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 27th June 2025

The weather was the main feature today, it rained almost continuously, with a few dry patches here and there, leaving the chicks frequently looking very wet and bedraggled, but Dorcha did her best to protect them although she’s no longer able to cover the big chicks fully. Louis kept the chicks and Dorcha fueled with three fish deliveries and his tally now rises to two hundred and thirty five. Despite the weather the chicks are developing nicely, and chick1 passed another milestone today by uttering alarm calls, to which Dorcha responded by flying off the nest to investigate. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought Aurora 536 a single fish, taking his tally to one hundred and three. The weather forecast calls for overnight rain and a gentle breeze with a low of 13

°C but looks to improve by mid morning with sunny intervals and a fresh breeze, with a high of 17°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.44.36 (03.15.18); Nest Two 23.17.34 (03.53.44)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/5QGsGqpXlXM N2 Louis delivers the first fish and stays to do some feaking 07.59.09

https://youtu.be/U5A7TNhF3P0 N1

Aurora seizes the fish from Garry as soon as he lands 10.32.37

https://youtu.be/Y3eZ0kROhw0 N2 Chick 1 spots something and alarm calls 11.09.07

https://youtu.be/fMZxwQzGQ2g N2 The soaked chicks tuck into the second fish 15.15.33

https://youtu.be/vWGOfJ8L-hI N2 The still-soaked chicks stretch their wings before tucking into fish three 19.28.25

Bonus activity – Woodland Trust asks us to forage responsibly, here’s their guide to foraging and what’s in season

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2021/06/foraging-in-june

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/things-to-do/foraging/foraging-guidelines

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/K45u41D6zlI N1 Midnight chick fight 2020

https://youtu.be/lB9x_rg5mfk N1 Aila wears an Eiffel Tower hat – then throws it away 2020

https://youtu.be/ZpwTFmAeZss N1 Osplets feed themselves while Aila watches an intruder 2020

https://youtu.be/c-Np1yrrrlY N2 Intruder Osprey full sequence 2022 (audio boosted, slo-mo, zoom)

https://youtu.be/kTnD5iZwyT8 N2 Persistence pays off! Dorcha sorts a tricky stick 2022

https://youtu.be/5GXLNowB4_A N2 Bad-tempered bob2 has a go at mum 2022 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/4Wv_FJSFrIw N2 Antics with logs when Louis arrives 2022

https://youtu.be/emLHtjnOSEo N1 Garry finally answers Affric’s calls but no fish 2023

https://youtu.be/NCX9qSkiBtc N2 Extra large late night fish supper arrives 2023

https://youtu.be/8wwUVY5L_P8 N2 Louis returns and claims some fish for himself 2023

https://youtu.be/BQMQTT_q0yg N2 Dorcha goes fishing and brings back an eel 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/lJMENKfuHSI N2 OMG! Chicks nearly blown off the nest! 2024 (super slo-mo repeat)

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

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

Trempealeau Eagle Nest, Wisconsin: T3 has hatched but not fledged. Mum needs a gold medal. Her mate had two nests. He often took the fish she caught for her eaglet. She overcame the adversities. Just look at T3! Well done.

Buddy’s Mum has the video of T3 branching! https://youtu.be/-_iAbHAEyBs?

Denton Homes: They survived severe weather in their nest, which stayed in place. How lucky. So many worried! They have now fledged. Of course, the bad weather is still around. The camera has all these views, trying to keep up with those fledglings.

FOBBV:

San Jose City Hall: Chico keeps returning for food! No vacation yet for Monty and Hartley. SK Hideaways caught the last hatch, little Chico (everyone’s favourite) on the ledge with his distinctive red band. https://youtu.be/wi-93Aur43s?

Mlady Buky, Czechoslavkia: Bety and Bukachek’s two storklets have their bling! Aren’t they gorgeous?

Cornell Red-tail Hawks: The Os have fledged. The nest is empty and all the BOGs are getting great exercise chasing the fledglings around the Cornell campus trying to get a photo.

Nesting Bird Life and More video of Lesser Spotted Eaglet, Estonia: Mum feeds breakfast! https://youtu.be/XvS1kPgPwjM?

Golden Eagle, Latvia: Spilve has already delivered prey. Her baby is no longer a baby!

‘A’ sends us report for happenings down under: “The sea eagles at Olympic Park are mating constantly and sleeping in the nest tree. Lots of fish gifts are being brought to the nest for Lady. The nest itself could not be more prepared for eggs. They lined it perfectly last week. We are on tenterhooks awaiting the big day. Last year, their first egg was laid on 27 June so they’re running late. I’m expecting an egg this weekend.

The pair at Port Lincoln are so close, they even snuggle on the nest at night. I don’t recall this being the case last season so maybe it’s a different pair or maybe they are just more tightly bonded a year on. The first egg wasn’t laid at Port Lincoln until late August last year so there are still eight or nine weeks to go by that schedule. August 27 was the day the first egg was laid at Orange last year, so those two nests are on a similar schedule.

Our sweet albatross chick is the most beautiful creature. She is snowy, fluffy white, but her grown-up plumage is starting to show through in a major way now, so that she is rapidly beginning to resemble an albatross rather than a giant fairy floss. It is scary to think that when they take off, it will be years before they return, and they head off to fend for themselves with no training in flight or fishing, essentially alone, on a 6,000-mile journey. It’s incredible. And then, as if that were not miraculous enough, they return to within 50 metres of the nest in which they were raised. (Or is that just the males?) Every year, it amazes me anew. What incredible navigation systems they must have.”

Birdlife International has some great news including a link to the AviList – don’t know what that is? Well, check it out and discover something new.

AviList unites the world’s bird species – BirdLife International Download

Thank you for being with us today! Please take care. We look forward to having you back with us on Friday and pictures of Baby Hope’s second birthday party complete with ‘pet friendly cake’ and ice cream.

Thank you to the individuals who have sent me articles, information, observations and photographs, and news – you are amazing: ‘A, EJ, Geemeff, Heidi, PB, PS’, – thank you so much. Thank you to all the individuals whose names are in bold and who made videos from information on the streaming cams – and to all the owners of the streaming cams in bold, we are so appreciative as well as all the FB groups and individuals with their posts!

Friday in Bird World

27 June 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

One of our dear readers from Japan suggested a ‘snood’ to help protect Toby’s ears. What do you think? It is excellent for baths! Those big curly floppy ears are prone to infections, and I cannot thank ‘AK’ enough. Toby is a little shy and asked that his sisters not see him!!!!!!!!

We continue to declutter, and thank you for all the letters sharing your efforts to reduce clutter in your life. I appreciate the fact that I have kick-started some activity. Today, we are hosting a book sale. I wish you lived close if you like fine art, craft, ceramics, Asian art, and cookbooks. They are in mint condition and going for $5. Donations will be made to local pet rescues, as well as supporting the food for the feral cats that visit our garden. It feels good to clean out these books, knowing that they will have new life in someone else’s home. My mind feels lighter with them gone — they are in boxes wrapped in plastic waiting for 1400 to arrive! Anne is going to take Don on an excursion, and my friend, Susan, is coming to help me and Toby. We will be exhausted at the end of the day.

The book sale has kept me from losing my mind over commercial fishing for Menhaden – the boats have set their nets outside the Bay because there are no more adult Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. Can you believe this! We are witnessing the decline and potential extinction of ospreys in this region.

As I sat listening to the birds in the garden and the distant sound of a Pileated Woodpecker working on one of the utility poles, I was drawn to a quote by Rachel Carson in her insightful volume, Silent Spring. I have substituted part of the paragraph, and the words that I have inserted are very apt for today. Carson would approve.

As man proceeds toward his announced goal of the conquest of nature, he has written a depressing record of destruction, directed not only against the earth he inhabits but against the life that shares it with him. The history of recent centuries has its black passages – the slaughter of the buffalo on the western plains, the massacre of the shorebirds by the market gunners, the near-extinction of the egrets for their plumage. Now, to these and others like them, we are adding a new chapter and a new kind of havoc – the direct indiscriminate killing by starvation of birds, mammals, fishes, and indeed other species by the commercial over fishing of Menhaden fuelled by greed and power. (85)

At Fenwick Island, on Tuesday afternoon late, the Only Bob suffers from heat exhaustion and what appears an inability to cast a pellet. On Tuesday, it was weak and refused to eat much fish. Mum tried to shade it and feed it so this is not a case of parental neglect nor siblicide, no siblings to harm it. Heidi and I have struggled. Does a physically weakened chick have a lesser ability to cast a pellet?

A fish did come to the nest later, and only Bob ate, but it did not matter. This feathered beautiful osplet perished. More is included in Heidi’s report, below.

Many people want to know how they can help halt industrial fishing. Do not think it might not happen in your state. It’s time to establish a ten-mile limit. That would help. They might also want to breed some Menhaden in fish ponds to place back in the Chesapeake Bay.

Heidi’s Osprey Report!

Fenwick Island osprey nest (Captain Mac’s Fish House): Johnny and June’s only surviving chick died on 6/25 at 38 days of age. The cause of death was most likely starvation/dehydration, but it was not for a lack of fish. Despite the heat in recent days, Johnny had delivered (starting with 6/19) 5, 5, 6, 6, 3, 5 fish for June and her chick. On 6/24, we noticed that the chick was not eating despite being offered fish many times. Once in a while June’s baby would attempt to eat, perhaps ate a few bites, but then would quit. The temperatures were in the mid to upper 90’s, so the chick was dehydrating rapidly. On the morning of 6/25 the chick was seen attempting to cast a pellet a couple of times, but was unsuccessful. At 08:03 on 6/25, June brought her first fish to the nest since she laid her eggs. She wanted to make sure her youngster had a good breakfast. The chick moved closer to Mom, and June attempted to feed her baby. The chick was obviously hungry, wanted to eat, and tried to eat, but simply was not able to. Perhaps it was the inability to expel a pellet that caused the youngster to not be able to eat.

In 2024, June was a first-time mom, and she obviously had a lot to learn. She did not protect her first two eggs that year, and they were predated by crows. She did not incubate egg #3 adequately, and it did not hatch. Her fourth egg produced her only osplet, named ‘Fen’, and he was her pride and joy. Johnny and June nurtured Fen, and Fen fledged.

I was watching June very closely this season to see what kind of mom she would be. I must say, I will give her an ‘A’. She did very well. It is unknown why baby #3 died this year at 10 days of age, but it was possibly weather related. Baby #2 died of siblicide/starvation on 6/6 at 18 days of age, after a few days of bad weather caused Johnny to have difficulty fishing. Now, my heart simply breaks watching June look down at the body of her last remaining chick. Take care, June… You and Johnny did your very best.

Mispillion Harbor has two cameras that show the osprey nest. However, the Nature Center cam is set on auto-tour, and shows different views of the harbor. Once in a while, I can manage to find one of our ospreys flying to or from the nest, and that’s pretty cool. But, yesterday, I was extremely lucky to actually see Warren catching a fish in the river! Very cool indeed! I recorded a video of the event.

And a late addition to put a smile on your face form Heidi! Cape Henlopen osprey nest: An intruder delivered a fish to Hennie! Miles soon arrived to take charge. The kids thought it was ‘Uncle Bob’ bringing a fishie to Mommy, lol.

Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FD2duIvU2UE

Thank you, Heidi! Great report. Sure is wonderful to see some healthy chicks in Canada, too!

There was a great feeding for all three at Chesapeake Bay.

Smile. Big Bear. ‘PB’ sent a screen capture of Sunny and Gizmo together on a pine. When the nests in the NE get us so despondent, there were miracles this year that we did not think possible. Big Bear is one of them, and we should never forget these two amazing fledgling eagles. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about them and seeing them together.

Please sign the petition to halt fireworks displays in the Big Bear Valley. Can you imagine the havoc this causes to wildlife including Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo!

Petition · No Big Bear Lake Fireworks Show for the Safety of Sister Eaglets (Gizmo and Sunny) – United States · Change.org Download

There is other good news. A reader from the NW United States wrote to me. They have found an osprey nest and have been monitoring the progress of the couple, the eggs, and now the osplets. ‘PS’ is delighted to share the images with all of you. There are plenty of fish, and the nest is doing tremendously well. Have a look. You can see the timeline and follow the progress on PS’s Flickr account!

This should brighten your spirits. There is no commercial fishing in the area, which impacts the wildlife.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/x125M54o11

Rutland Manton Bay: The four youngsters have new bling on those legs! At least one is hovering!

Birds of Poole Harbour: Chicks to be ringed shortly – maybe before publishing time.

What a startling contrast. Rutland’s Manton Bay and the Birds of Poole Harbour easily (well, the parents worked hard) raised four osplets. Something truly needs to change in the United States regarding the overall affection and care for wildlife, our planet, and all living things. What the politicians are allowing to be done to the water and the fish that provide life for so many other species is beyond unthinkable.

A beautiful website with everything you wanted to know about the Llyn Brenig Ospreys and a link to their camera:

Llyn Brenig Ospreys – Llyn-Brenig Download

Kielder Forest: Sad news. The only chick at nest 5A has died.

Double bad news _ Kielder Ospreys Download

The Dyfi Osprey Project Family Tree with this year’s chicks! You will see that the ringers believe that the first chick is a female with two little brothers.

The latest news from the Usk Valley. The only osprey chick to hatch in this area of Wales for 250 years is now three weeks old. Brilliant.

Family Life at 3 Weeks — Usk Valley Ospreys Download

Hen Harriers continue to be killed near the estates that practice grouse hunting.

New report highlights the ongoing criminal persecution of Hen Harriers on UK driven grouse moors – R Download

Red Kites being poisoned – come on people.

Police launch investigation after Red Kite killed in poisoning hotspot – Raptor Persecution UK Download

Sending a big thanks to Geemeff for all her daily summaries for Loch Arkaig.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 26th June 2025
Today started out very wet and improved as the day wore on, allowing the chicks and Dorcha to dry out. The fish likewise improved, starting out with a couple of tiddlers which were devoured very quickly but ending with a sixth fish that was a very good size. Louis’ tally now stands at two hundred and thirty two, while over on Nest One, Aurora 536 waited in vain – Garry wasn’t seen today so his tally remains at one hundred and two. Back with Nest Two, there were several intruder alerts causing the adults to alarm-call while the chicks pancaked, but no intruder was seen on camera. In fact, the only hint of a threat came when a disgruntled chick nipped Dorcha but the brief display of aggro didn’t last long. Tonight’s forecast is for light rain and light winds with a low of 12

°C, getting wetter tomorrow with heavy rain and gentle breezes with a high of 18°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.01.50 (03.13.11); Nest Two 23.27.44 (03.52.07)
Today’s videos https://youtu.be/UgED2vaVnqM N2 Tiny tiddler fish one disappears in 2 mins 44 secs! 06.01.22

https://youtu.be/T3wcvWqr90s N2 Fish number two is another tiddler trout, finished in 4 mins 18 secs 06.34.17

https://youtu.be/orl47PFpCZw N2 Alarm calls don’t put the chicks off fish three, C2 downs the tail 12.10.29

https://youtu.be/94_-OBRKhMg N2 The weather’s improved by the time Louis brings fish number four 14.31.44

https://youtu.be/_Tccc54DSoc N2 Dorcha seems distracted and doesn’t immediately start sharing out fish five 16.01.41

https://youtu.be/2c04CmwTpIw N2 Dorcha moves to shelter a chick and gets nipped! 20.24.31

https://youtu.be/Op1paAvV5o4 N2 Fish number six is greeted with enthusiasm by the family 22.43.48

Bonus read – BTO history of ringing (you might be surprised at how long it’s been carried out):

https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/bird-ringing-scheme/about-ringing/history-ringing

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/7yjPCfe3BBM N1 Aila is alarmed and departs leaving her chick home alone (2017)

https://youtu.be/weTByvoNmU0 N1 Little bird lands on the nest unseen by the chicks (2019, slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/FePBgx3QZcM N1 The nest’s getting pretty crowded so Aila perches for the night 2020

https://youtu.be/Vbhk_9zm_cg N1 The chicks start getting ready for lift-off (2020)

https://youtu.be/xfmi6cOZFm8 N2 Louis brings leftovers for breakfast (2022)

https://youtu.be/UolftDEfSiE N2 Chick left alone with dad watches his every move 2023

https://youtu.be/tAe5tiIbdh4 N1 Dramatic 15 mins with all three players in the love triangle 2023

https://youtu.be/staRRldEFb8 N2 Carnival of the sticks: elephant feet on the nest 2023 (Classic Ospreys – Saint-Saëns, quicktime)

https://youtu.be/Dn2-ZuLvotg N1 Affric finally gets another fish and it’s not from Prince 2023

https://youtu.be/XYwCiVtw5pE N2 The family enjoy a quiet cosy time as the day draws to a close 2023

https://youtu.be/AITavG2FXxw N2 Fish number one and only, small trout remnant, Dorcha gets very little 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 25th June 2025

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 24th June 2025

Another routine day with plenty of fish, the only disturbance was both Louis and Dorcha being pecked by their chicks, angry at being trampled. However the pair are old hands at the business of raising chicks and don’t retaliate, they merely move away. Louis delivered four fish for the family including his first flatfish this season, and his tally rises to two hundred and twenty three. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536, bringing his tally up to three figures with the second one being his hundredth fish. The weather was more settled than the forecast had suggested, and it’ll be a dry cloudy night tonight with a low of 11°C, staying cloudy with occasional showers tomorrow and a high of 18°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.52.42 (03.26.57); Nest Two 23.12.54 (03.52.33)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/OsAAdFr1wtg N2 First flatfish from Louis this season 07.46.24

https://youtu.be/QbHgqBIf850 N2 Fish number two is a headless big Silver Tourist 10.09.44

https://youtu.be/hflj4TIC2CU N1 Aurora seizes the fish as soon as Garry lands 10.10.58

https://youtu.be/pHhG2Zgdl1w N2 Fish supper for the chicks – a whole trout 20.49.43

https://youtu.be/uPinOwoSN8k N2 A mystery dark fish four provides a second supper, the chicks queue politely 21.36.59

https://youtu.be/0z96lSwSiq0 N1 Garry brings Aurora a second fish 22.22.31

https://youtu.be/SHVFvR_3BPs N2 Both Louis and Dorcha are pecked by chicks angry at being trampled 18.34.24

Bonus read – Flights, Camera, Action! Postcode Lottery discuss their sponsorship of the nest cam:

https://www.postcodelottery.co.uk/postcode-hub/news/flights-camera-action

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/ArAamS1fRzQ N1 Ouch! Bad-tempered Bob1 pecks Aila in the eye (2019, slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/fT6FvDGs30I N1 Is that a chick snoring? (2020)

https://youtu.be/Gp2lut-Uwg4 N1 Golden goddess: Aila at sunset (2020)

https://youtu.be/wZd7bvRqhOY N2 Dorcha drops the fish tail chasing Crows (2022)

https://youtu.be/2cdE4bMAN_M N2 Dorcha senses the presence of a Hoodie under the nest (2022 zoom)

https://youtu.be/b_KmDWwbjOc N2 Sleepy Dorcha rests her weary head on the chicks (2022)

https://youtu.be/cnrmWr6Mc1M N1 Fish for Affric from LV0 2023

https://youtu.be/ivJXSVb4nAs N2 Lovely waggly wing wave 2023

https://youtu.be/_x3tC69zmB4 N1 New pair Affric & Garry looking settled 2023 (quicktime)

https://youtu.be/_8Z0ryX0F5Q N2 Fish supper arrives and the chick has a nibble 2023

https://youtu.be/Alfrd7novqE N1 Garry LV0 arrives early and does some nest prep 2024

https://youtu.be/iQA9jIPeDsE N2 Fight! Is the nest getting too crowed? Chicks have a pop 2024

https://youtu.be/opTBHM-Q3jk N2 Dorcha brings a stick and hangs it round Chick1’s neck 2024

https://youtu.be/45KVDHPY0x40 N2 Fish number three, headless small trout, soon finished, Dorcha’s still hungry 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 23rd June 2025

Another wet and windy day, dawn broke showing a very soggy nest. But Louis brought an early breakfast, the rain stopped, and the well-fed chicks soon dried out. It did rain again during the day and the wind picked up with gusts strong enough to overturn Dorcha and show off her underfluffies again, but the chicks were safely hunkered down and in no danger. Louis brought a total of four fish, taking his tally to two hundred and nineteen. The third of those fish was the 2000th fish counted and recorded by Steve Q and the fish counting team over the past five years – citizen science in action, well done team! Over on Nest One, Aurora 536 did eventually get a fish from Garry LV0, taking his tally to ninety eight, but first he decided to reaffirm their bond with what looked like a successful mating attempt, purely to strengthen their pairbond as it’s not possible to raise chicks now, however this behaviour bodes well for next year. Tonight’s overnight forecast is light rain and light winds with a low of 12°C, continuing through tomorrow with a high of 15°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.01.11 (03.19.14); Nest Two 23.08.33 (03.46.25)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/5SQEpQsyBQk N2 After a wet night the family is glad to see Louis with breakfast 06.59.13

https://youtu.be/nhAAPpCkdAE N1 Aurora wants fish but Garry prefers to reaffirm their bond 11.35.37

https://youtu.be/cV1jsH31ook N2 The chicks wait politely while Dorcha shares out the second fish 15.11.20

https://youtu.be/nQTfYzY5tVY N1 Aurora demolishes her fish in 15 minutes, returns demanding more 15.20.21

https://youtu.be/ltX67OdWZmU N2 Oops! Dorcha gets blown over, underfluffies on display again! 15.36.44

https://youtu.be/bWyjtRWbBcw N2 Louis brings a third fish and stays to do some nest tidying 16.44.45

https://youtu.be/PbLaUGIVZs4 N2 Fish supper arrives when Louis brings fish number four 21.45.27

Bonus opportunity to make a difference – jobs and volunteer positions available at Woodland Trust:

https://jobs.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ and https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/act/volunteer-with-us/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Oay1Lrgh3O0 N1 Another Osprey intrusion, the chicks pancake 2019 (Slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/obBc6-JVTgU N1 The family ignore fish three and track an intruder 2020

https://youtu.be/5CFk79DzWVg N2 A large unwieldy twiggy stick arrives and departs 2020

https://youtu.be/Zl0Mf-1ZbRs N2 Dinner en famille! Dad feeds C1 from F3 while mum feeds C2 from F2 2022

https://youtu.be/ElJNzd8XcRA N2 Sunlight sonata: a slice of family life 2022 (Classic Ospreys – Beethoven)

https://youtu.be/04jToc-igIg N2 Prince intrudes at Nest Two 2023 (slo-mo, zoom)

https://youtu.be/cQ1zI4L_ng4 N2 Bombs away! Thankfully chick misses the nest cam! 2023

https://youtu.be/ovW-q9Dcbkc N1 Is Affric becoming more accepting of LV0? 2023

https://youtu.be/FaLhOxt1U50 N2 Mumbrella Dorcha does her best to shelter the chick 2023

https://youtu.be/e1DJpaL8Dlo N2 Dorcha causes chaos with a stick, tbut it soon goes overboard 2024

https://youtu.be/e3oZRUuHIzs N1 Garry LV0 visits for just seven seconds 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/35Zn71fWiCg N2 Fish number five breaks all-time latest delivery record! 2024You’re invited to join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s

friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Thank goodness for Suzanne Arnold Horning, who has a Miss Marple nose for tracking down Big Red, Arthur, and their fledglings. Otherwise, we would know nothing except for Ferris Akel and others who visit and post images. Thanks, Suzanne! If you want to see all the images, please join the Cornell Haw Cam Chatters FB group.

A recent video of the activity at Big Red’s nest in Ithaca, New York: https://youtu.be/LqRMYGHBwzA?

Norwegian Osplets at the Frau Rauer nest are doing fantastically. A video of a Gar fish delivery on the 21st and some images from today. Look at that beautiful plumage coming in. Gorgeous amber eyes, paired with a bold black band, will help them avoid glare when catching their fish. https://youtu.be/8JYzeY3e2gg?

News from Loch of the Lowes:

San Jose City Hall. SK Hideaways caught Monty and Hartley having some bonding time now that their four fledglings have flown the scrape! https://youtu.be/ZxdGDgrU7kE?

Charlo Montana: Mum and her three chicks! So far, Charlie is keeping the fish coming for his family. Cheer them on.

We were not sure that the female at the Trempeauleau Bald Eagle nest in Wisconsin could provide for her eaglet to fledge. Well, she did it! T3 is gorgeous! https://youtu.be/YjTK95bVETc?

Boulder County: Family portrait.

Saaksilvie #4: Three chicks are doing well.

Eschenbach, Germany Osprey Platform: Joan Castnyer reports: “This morning, early in the morning (07:23), the two young birds of this year were ringed in the Eschenbach nest. The operation was perfect and quick. Tomorrow (if the wind permits) the only chick from Goitzsche Wildnis is scheduled to be ringed. For reasons of protecting my own image, I have not published the specific moment, but when the ringer leaves and only the helmet is visible. I hope you understand.”

Golden Eagle Nest of Spilvie and Grislis, Latvia: Looks like our eaglet is fully feathered or nearly.

White Storks, Mlade Buky, Czechoslovakia: Bety and the two lovely storklets on the nest waiting for Bukacek to come with food.

Smile. Alukin’s new video of the white storks in Poland, which a generous and caring human helped. https://youtu.be/murd58vSLsU?

Marcin Kus films more help at another nest for little storklets in Poland! https://youtu.be/QJAD98Jp81o?

I would like to see this kind of caring – and courage – in parts of the US. Just feed them! With all that is going on – seriously? Wildlife is suffering.

I was shocked to receive a note from ‘B’ in California appraising me of the removal of Peregrine Falcon eggs to be hatched away from their natural nest. ‘B’ writes: “Hi Mary Ann,

I wondered if you had seen this, that three Peregrine chicks have hatched at Ojai Raptor Center (ORC)? US Fish and Wildlife evidently reported that the adult Peregrines had established their nest in the middle of a nesting area for endangered and threatened species (California Least Terns and Western Snowy Plovers, respectively) and were preying on those species. USF&W removed eggs from the Peregrine nest and took them to ORC, where they have now hatched.

Gosh, it is hard to know what to think. It is sad that the Peregrine nest was removed, and I do worry for the outcome of these eyases, who will need to learn to hunt and live for themselves (apparently without the benefit of foster parents?) if they are to thrive. But one also needs to weigh the fate of the endangered and threatened species. In the discussion on the ORC facegook page (https://www.facebook.com/theojairaptorcenter/), ORC says USF&W planned to capture and relocate the parents, but that sounds difficult to accomplish.

I don’t know what the plan is for the coming months. Perhaps a falconer could help with the final steps of the pre-release process, as was done for Nox, one of Annie’s last chicks in Berkeley, after he was rescued injured from SF Bay. (Recall that Nox did pass away not long after release. I am not sure if I heard the cause.)

From what I read, it sounds like ORC was not involved in discussions and decisions that led up to them getting the eggs, so I do not want to criticize them for a difficult task they have inherited. I certainly wish them — and especially the eyases! — well in what sounds like a challenging process.”

‘A’ brings us her report for Australia. Can you believe that we are now anticipating an egg for the White-bellied Sea Eagles? Where did the time go?!!!!!!

“June 24: Lady stayed in the same place all night. Dad turned up at the nest around 7am – he must have been somewhere close last night. There were early duets and mating by the nest, off for a while, then another duet and mating. A windy morning, with more bonding heard. Rain started around 10am. Later the wind was really strong. Both eagles came to the nest – but no action. Dad returned alone around 2:30pm, off again then back with leaves. Lady must have been close, as there was a duet when he left. Then both returned with leaves – then away, with another duet close – and again. They have been very vocal today. Dad brought leaves at 4:20pm, followed by Lady with more. Then again a duet, leading to mating at the end of the day. They both went to the nest – is this it? Then to the branch again. Again lots of bonding behaviour today, with duets and mating. They settled for the night nearby – but we are still watching and waiting for her first egg.

Sea-Eagle Cam: Lady and Dad worked on their nest at the Sydney Olympic Forest.

In New Zealand, our princess continues to grow rapidly, preparing for her great adventure. Mum GLG came in yesterday to feed her baby, and happened to time it perfectly such that the wee one was weighed before and after the feeding. She gained 1.6kg!!! That’s a helluva lot of squid for one feeding. Good work, mum. The day approaches. Still a few weeks to go. September I think is usual. She really is exquisite.

At Orange, Diamond is sleeping on the Cilla Stones. She and Xavier are bonding, eating and waiting for eggs. It’s very windy there tonight, as it is in Olympic Forest. And wet. Diamond has a huge crop (courtesy of a large dinner presumably) as she always seems to do when I check in on her. Xavier is a very devoted mate (although Madame would prefer duckling to starling).

Finally, in South Australia, the ospreys are both asleep on the nest, tucked and puffed up against the cold wind. Earlier in the evening, dad was actually snuggled up against mum, sheltering her with his body and wing. Too sweet. She seems happy to have him there. Both appear to have full crops (although they are also puffed up against the weather).

As for the Collins Street falcons, you know the situation there. I will begin checking the site but the cameras won’t be switched on until there are eggs (they usually wait for two to be laid before they deign to let us in on the situation but we’ll see what they do this year. I do wish they would allow us to see the pair bonding and give us a chance to get to know the pair and establish whether it’s the same two as previously or a new pair or some combination of the two. It’s usually pretty hard to be sure at Collins Street so the more time we are given with them, the more chance we have of being sure of their identities, this year and subsequently.”

Thanks so much ‘A’.

We are also getting excited about the beginning of the Kakapo breeding season in New Zealand. Read all about it in the DOC’s Conservation Blog!’

Kākāpō breeding season 2026 | Conservation blog Download

Sad news coming in. You might recall that Keo and Keke were forced to make their nest on a light stand when the goose family took over the osprey platform. Now, tragedy has struck as a result of this. ‘PB’ writes: “Sandpoint Keo and Keke 3 babies fell from their nest. A stick was brought, and that side collapsed, and three babies didn’t make it.” This is the first time that Keke has had three babies. They were healthy and will be buried under the nest today, according to Robin on the chat.

Thank you so very much for being with us today. We hope to have you with us again on Monday! Take care.

Thank you to those amazing people who help me by sending raptor news – special thanks today to: ‘A’, ‘B’, Geemeff, Heidi, ‘PB’, and ‘PS’, to the owners of the streaming cams or photographers mentioned in today’s blog and whose names I hope to have highlighted in bold. To all of the writers of the articles, chat moderators, and blogs that are included today – I am grateful for your hard work! Thank you.

Monday in Bird World

16 June 2025

Hello Everyone!

Late news: Fortis Exshaw had their third osplet hatch!

We are creeping closer and closer to the first day of summer. It is marvellous to have the sun up early in the morning and light still in the garden at 2200. Winter will be here all too soon, and it will then be dark by 1630. These days we have the summer warmth with temperatures ranging during the day from 24-29 C. Coffee in the morning along with breakfast and lingering hours in the evening with our tea and Toby by our side are so enjoyable. It is a little too hot during the early afternoon.

This evening, we sat and watched the Starling parents feed their fledglings. All seven have survived, with another family of five arriving in the garden today. We have gone through so much kibble! They will begin to disperse in a fortnight, and I will miss them so much.

While the Blue Jay babies and the little Crows have yet to arrive, the behavior of the adult birds indicates that there are hungry mouths to feed in their nests. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness these birds flourishing and not having to compete for food. However, I can’t shake the desire to find a solution to bring fish back to the areas where many nests are faltering this year.

I have been working on this post on and off and I know that I have mentioned a few nests twice. Just consider it Double Happiness.

Today, ‘VV’ confirmed the disappointing news that no osprey chicks hatched on St. George’s Island, Maryland, this year, resulting in a staggering fifteen failed nests! The adults abandoned their nests with eggs in two weeks. A few of the adults have returned, but everyone is very disillusioned with no movement in Virginia to halt the overfishing of the Menhaden, which is essential for the lives of our ospreys.

I am deeply ashamed that a Canadian company is on the verge of driving ospreys to extinction in this region of the United States. The nationality of the company shouldn’t be a factor; what troubles me is the lack of a viable solution. Despite the hard work of many advocates raising awareness about this critical issue, Virginia politicians continue to turn a blind eye. Is it true that money can buy favours? Absolutely—short-term financial gain seems to overshadow the urgent need for environmental stewardship. We must demand better from our leaders!

At home, there is no shortage of food and love for all the animals, feathered or furred. Toby and Hugo Yugo are the closest of friends, even when it comes to sifting the cheese out of Toby’s kibble. (Don was a little enthusiastic about the amount and size! My son thought they were eating nachos.)

Back to the birds…

We have been discussing some questions that might arise if you have been watching a lot of the osprey nests this year.

When do we start counting the age of the egg? The minute it is laid! When it emerges from the cloaca. There is no scientific basis for subtracting days, etc. due to delayed incubation. The age of the egg is from the minute it is laid.
Can the second egg hatch before the first egg? Yes. Sometimes it isn’t easy to know which egg is which. In other cases, it is not. The markings on the osprey eggs can be quite distinctive, helping the observer recognise eggs 1, 2, and 3 easily from one another. The data that Heidi and I have kept indicate the following days related to hatch:

2023: This is the data for 342 eggs. If you can’t see it easily, the average time for hatch for the first egg laid is 38.8 days while that for egg 2 laid is 36.9 while egg 3 is 36.4 days.

2024: This is the data for 351 eggs. If you can’t see it easily, the average time for hatch for the first egg is 39.4 days, egg 2 is 37.4 days, and egg 3 is 36.1 with egg 4 at 36.0 days.

3. If the second egg hatches first, do you still call it ‘chick one’? Yes. The first chick to hatch, regardless of egg order, is chick one or the first hatch. This has happened at several nests, including the 2011 Dyfi Osprey Project nest. This is the chart from Tiger Mozone’s log for that season at Dyfi (imagicats):

Many of you know that I have a fondness for Blue 33. I also admire many of the male ospreys in the UK. One way to determine if an osprey pair is considered ‘successful’ is not only by the number of chicks they raise but also by the rate of second-year returnees. For example, Aran at Glaslyn, who was usurped this year by one of Idris’s sons, Teifi, has had three of his sons return to Wales this year. This is a remarkable achievement, and we should keep in mind that these are only the birds that have been seen on camera or photographed, as that’s the only evidence that counts for proving their existence.

There were lots of tributes to the great osprey dads!

Idris and Telyn’s chicks will be ringed this week and we will find out their names.

Latest news from the Cumbrian Wildlife Trust – home to the Foulshaw Moss ospreys.

Meet the neighbours_ our #FoulshawOspreys have company _ Cumbria Wildlife Trust Download

Knepp Farm News!

News from Knepp Download

Been wondering what happened to the only GHO hatch for Bonnie and Clyde at Farmer Derek’s? Androcat caught up with Starri. https://youtu.be/B261Hw7-sic?

At Farmer Derek’s Bald Eagle Nest, Kanza returned home after fledging to a double fish meal. https://youtu.be/x-HOBz9SFIw?

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Nest: ‘MP’ sent shock waves through me when they wrote that the third egg had hatched at this nest. The chick has not been fed since it hatched (24 hours thus far). Attempts but Mum and chick are having trouble connecting. Fingers crossed.

Wetlands, NJ: Second hatch has died due to siblicide/starvation.

The trio at Saaksilvie #1 are doing great. They are in that terrible Reptilian phase. Hoping for three fledges!

At Saaksilvie #4, the trio are in the Reptilian phase. They seem to be doing well.

Saaksilvie nests 2 and 3 are vacant.

Taipalsaavi Osprey Platform, Finland: Two of the cutest fattest little bottom osplets.

We haven’t checked on the Royal Albatross chick for a long time. Baby fluff is disappearing. There are still 9-10 weeks before fledge. Here is the most recent weight check. https://youtu.be/y6XB3zjflNc?

Charlo Montana: A nice big fish came in for those babies.

Rutland Manton Bay: It is a nest full of osplets!

Dunrovin: ‘PB’ brings us the latest news.

I am sending some ‘old’ news. Heidi sent this for Thursday, and I missed it. The ages of the osplets will be wrong, but I want you to see her news, and we have sadly lost the Only Bob at Dahlgren as of Saturday. My apologies for missing this news. I love how Heidi puts the narrative in the image. She will also have a new report for today.

Heidi’s Report for Sunday, 15 June:

Two notes, one video link to Mispillion Harbor video, and six photos.

Dahlgren osprey nest: On 6/14, both Helen and Doug were away from the nest leaving their only chick unprotected. Sadly, the little 4-day-old baby was predated by a crow.

Happy Father’s Day to all the devoted osprey dads, especially to Warren at Mispillion Harbor. Watch Warren doing his thing, feeding and protecting his family. Here is “The Warren Waltz” https://youtu.be/jToQbVm3838

Goitzsche-Wildnis, Germany: The Only Bob that survived the Red Kite attacks has grown big and strong. It is big enough that I believe the Red Kite cannot take it! Fingers crossed no one else comes calling. This is a beautiful osplet for Zeus and Fjona.

Eschenbach, Germany: Two lovely osplets.

Dunrovin Ranch: ‘PB’ reports that Winnie and Swoopie have their second hatch as of Sunday evening. Congratulations.

Charlo Montana: There are three. I really, really hope that Charlie gets a lot of fish on this nest!

Boulder County Fairgrounds: Two remaining Bobs with full crops on Saturday.

Trempeauleau Eagles: T3 is self-feeding and has a stash under the base of the tree. Smart eaglet!

Blithfield Reservoir, UK: Jeff Kear announced in UK Osprey Info FB that they have had a reliable source confirm three little osplets in the nest.

Clark PUD: Both Bobs appear to be in a food coma.

Pitkin County: The images speak for themselves. The largest chick eats first and the smaller goes into submission. Viewers were delighted on Saturday when the little one had a nice crop! The weather is very hot – approaching 90 F.

City of Independence: There are two Bobs in this nest. We can see their little heads pop up at 0842 for a feeding on Saturday. Soon they will be bigger and easier to view!

Gilestone Ospreys Usk Valley: Cogwyn doesn’t have to wait long for her mate Syfaddan to get a fish to their nest to feed their Only Bob. This chick is the first to hatch in 250 years in this Welsh Valley.

Santiam Canyon, Oregon: There are three Bobs. They have made it through the Reptilian Phase and are now getting those gorgeous juvenile feathers. The Santiam Canyon ospreys are located at the Santiam Canyon School District in Oregon. Specifically, they have nested in a football field light for the past two years and now have a permanent nesting platform nearby. This new platform was built in partnership with Pacific Power and other organizations to provide the ospreys with a safer home.

Salt Point: Orpheus and Ursula receive high praise for the care they give their three osplets.

Great Bay: Three osplets. The images show the difference in size and age. I get nervous. Fingers crossed.

VIMS, VA Institute of Marine Science: This says it all. No food. Menhaden taken for years by the Canadian company, Omega, out of Reedsville, VA. Virginia is the only state around the waters that does not have the three-mile protection limit. As a result, no food for the ospreys who have abandoned their nests along with fish hawks in neighbouring states.

WDNU: Female caught feeding the recently hatched chick on 1 June 2025. Two osprey chicks hatched on the WNDU studio tower in 2025. However, both chicks sadly passed away shortly after hatching. The osprey pair had laid three eggs, and two successfully hatched.

This is a very unlucky nest. It is unclear why the chicks die each year shortly after hatching. The only chick to fledge in three years was Huey in 2023.

FOBBV: On Saturday, the entire family was at the nest. Sunny and Gizmo ate and spent time together. This miracle keeps on giving. Treasure it – when you feel low, remember that this year there were miracles. You are looking at them below. Jackie and Shadow make sure that their babies are fed in the nest or the pine. It is beautiful.

Denton Homes: They survived all the storms, the wind, the threat of tornadoes, the cold and sometimes the lack of food due to the weather. Just look at the trio.

San Jose City Hall Falcons: SK Hideaways checks in to see who is home. https://youtu.be/MjXHLrLbqEg?

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 15th June 2025
Another day where Louis delivered several fish, a contrast to this day last year when he was told off by Dorcha for arriving without fish and showing no inclination to go fishing.

The start of his illness, although we didn’t know it at the time.. He brought four fish to the nest, all a good size, big and beefy, and candidates to be considered Silver Tourists rather than Brown Trout. In fact one of the fish contained a big surprise – a belly full of little fish! This bonus was snapped up by Dorcha as the chicks didn’t seem to be too keen, and their hugely distended crops shows how well they’ve been eating. Louis’ tally rises to one hundred and eighty eight, while over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought one fish for Aurora 536, taking his tally to eighty nine. Although there were dry spells today, the weather forecast is for more rain and wind overnight with a low of 12

°C, continuing through tomorrow with a high of 16°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.37.08 (03.32.25); Nest Two 23.09.52 (03.51.37)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/XLkxcMgnrLU N2 Fish number one is a big silvery headless trout 05.56.58https://youtu.be/qKGEv6WQ4tQ N2 Louis delivers a second big silvery fish 13.26.31https://youtu.be/1uHKMsVgfjk N1 Garry LV0 finally delivers a fish for Aurora 14.28.29

https://youtu.be/UVotIUbtzMg N2 Louis delivers a monster fish and it has a bellyful of tiny fish! 17.50.51https://youtu.be/bB4kvztpDKM N2 Dorcha’s still busy with fish three so Louis takes fish four away 20.48.02

Bonus blast from the past: Today’s fish full of fish is not the first time this has been caught on nest cam – thanks to PaulineC for finding Doddie JJ6 eating a fish, with a belly full of fish, in my archive:

https://youtu.be/wzmzLuDZqh8 21 July 2020

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/ntv71sF-N_s N1 Simultaneous feeding – mum and dad each feed a bob! 2019

https://youtu.be/1RzPgaEWMr0 N1 Limbo dancing 2020

https://youtu.be/PvklkJGfZIc N1 Home alone chicks amuse themselves 2020

https://youtu.be/J8geReKxLxc N1 Mumbrella Aila does her best to shelter the chicks 2020

https://youtu.be/FJYbKk1hA-4 N1 A Jay visits the empty nest 2021

https://youtu.be/tsAAz0z9Ac8 N2 Hooded Crow intrudes and perches on the nest 2022

https://youtu.be/k6W6PKYMMYQ N2 Chicks battle it out as soon as mum leaves 2022

https://youtu.be/LTMLWBLOZnY N1 LV0 just won’t get the message 2023

https://youtu.be/hFbYpDjHeyI N1 Affric reaffirms her bond with Prince 2023

https://youtu.be/yvMLAjhrNaA N2 Hangry chick attacks Dorcha 2023 (quick-time)

https://youtu.be/2hIydufKS3I Fish number one, headless trout, C1 gets it all 2024

https://youtu.be/FlvoO8n_ZAk Dorcha: from menace with a stick to brilliant mumbrella 2024

https://youtu.be/OiKvZO7vkTU Louis finally arrives but he’s fishless! Dorcha can’t believe it 2024

Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 14th June 2025

Plenty of fish again today, Louis brought four fish including a late night fish which he had to take away again as his family were too full to bother with it, and his tally rises to one hundred and eighty four. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536, taking his tally to eighty eight, but disappointed her tonight when he arrived with a piece of bark instead of a third fish. Dorcha was startled by a songbird, the size difference is striking, and the Great Tit was equally startled by big Dorcha and left very quickly. All was peaceful today and there wasn’t any fighting between the chicks, and they did a little nest tidying and experimental nibbling at fish while mum was dishing out. The weather was mainly settled today with some rain but there’ll be more rain and wind overnight with a low of 11°C, continuing through tomorrow, with the possibility of sunny intervals and a high of 16°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.49.37 (02.44.46); Nest Two 23.10.14 (04.02.00)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/LptdCIh0i2Y N2 Louis delivers a very early fish with night cam still on 03.38.39

https://youtu.be/Yi4Nj3KMsb8 N2 Dorcha is startled by a songbird: the size difference is striking 06.22.59 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/0LhS8ZtGAak N2 The chicks help mum with nest tidying, one does a spot of whittling 09.41.58

https://youtu.be/jhmn2mfnPUY N1 Aurora jumps down from her perch ready to grab the first fish 10.49.23

https://youtu.be/8QUMSzhLiO4 N2 A huge second fish arrives – the chicks have a nibble 11.55.01

https://youtu.be/yeKK1a8IFBA N1 Garry brings a second fish for Aurora and stays to tidy the nest 17.38.31

https://youtu.be/XQ_1oY9y0Lg N2 Although the chicks have bulging crops they tuck in to the third fish 18.53.12

https://youtu.be/QpFug8PNXJA N1 Garry and Aurora spent a little time on the nest but she wants fish 21.51.19

https://youtu.be/8wE4v6xm67E N2 Louis brings a late 4th fish: no one wants it so he takes it away 22.49.34 (zoom)

Bonus guide to Osprey eyesight (thanks Dyfi and LizB):

https://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/facts-about-osprey-eyes

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Exn19098zow N1 First self-feeding – big bob helps herself 2019

https://youtu.be/vat-pks8C0o N1 Good luck getting those growing bobs settled for the night! 2020

https://youtu.be/Er_He7M1Z_s N1 Tawny Owl returns and strikes Aila 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/KaaAklC7VMY N2 When mum’s away, the chicks do play – not very nicely! 2022

https://youtu.be/owboya14Psw N2 Bob2 gets a really good dinner as Bob1 is finally full! 2022

https://youtu.be/FreDgrNdCn4 N2 Bob1 dominates bob2 when Dorcha goes flyabout 2022

https://youtu.be/bony4Vt5TEw N2 Little bird visits, so tiny Dorcha doesn’t notice 2023 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/BecclFVDPAw N2 Fish number one, chick has a go at self-feeding 2023

https://youtu.be/tOd-hoc2Cxo N1 High drama: rivals Prince & LVO both bring gifts 2023 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/R-32UJt7tBY N2 Dorcha takes a direct hit! 2023 (Classic Ospreys: Tchaikovsky)

https://youtu.be/cgcWVSNAr4k N2 Dad’s turn to get hit! Equal opportunity squirter 2023

https://youtu.be/xL0saakThcE N2 Fish number two today, number 200 for the season! 2024

https://youtu.be/7J_4iIlHbGE N2 Fish number three, chicks are calm and queue up with no aggro 12024

https://youtu.be/pDQXzJzcvDw N2 Oops! Dorcha gets decorated 2024

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

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 13th June 2025
Plenty of fish today, with Garry LV0 bringing two for Aurora 536, and Louis delivering three for Dorcha and the two chicks. Their respective tallies rise to eighty six (Garry) and one hundred and eighty (Louis), although as the missing footage during yesterday’s outage wasn’t retrievable as hoped, their tallies are probably higher. Aurora decided to pay a visit to the Nest Two area, and was chased away by Louis, who kept hold of the fish in his talons throughout the chase and brought it to the nest shortly afterwards. Dorcha decided to do some decorating with moss and sticks, but instead of decorating the nest, she decorated the chicks instead. Both of the two

surviving chicks are developing nicely and both have well-filled crops. The forecast is

partly cloudy and light winds overnight with a low of 10°C, continuing tomorrow with light rain, light winds and a high of 16

°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.43.32 (03.17.31); Nest Two 23.25.19 (04.05.13)Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/8ygNdz9hreQ N2 Fish number one, whole medium trout 06.39.21

https://youtu.be/1th9_-SSf6M N1 Fish number one, headless trout 07.56.54

https://youtu.be/9txqWmPu9OA N2 Two Ospreys do a flyby of the nest, Dorcha is furious 09.19.28 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/SUB7zBX8NsA N2 Fish number two, headless trout 09.52.07

https://youtu.be/j5WGjP4SooA N1 Fish number two, headless trout 14.36.30

https://youtu.be/6UHho_Lwt5k N2 Dorcha decorates the chicks 14.41.20 (quick-time)

https://youtu.be/IY1_t_Wf3yA N2 Fish number three, whole Silver Tourist 19.37.58

Bonus read – Riverscapes Partnership, of which Woodland Trust is a member, advocates developing a countrywide waterway system:

Making Space for Rivers calls for national river corridor network

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Oec9yfsqzI8 N1 Dad breaks up a fight (2019)

https://youtu.be/7h8o4P1BjOc N1 Toy-like deer graze near the nest (2020)

https://youtu.be/CmnoKwCdweU N1 Crashing and bashing: mum creates chaos (2020)

https://youtu.be/RownqjRW6Hg N2 First fish arrives in the dark (2022)

https://youtu.be/qmnWqyl9Nrw N2 The two surviving chicks enjoy a good feed (2022)

https://youtu.be/sgCSDSOspIs N2 Chicks take lumps out of each other until mum returns with a stick (2022)

https://youtu.be/QNDrgxWxl6M N1 LV0 attempts mating and is rejected again Nest One 2023

https://youtu.be/BnWHTwPBiX4 N2 Chick helps sort out the cot rails 2023

https://youtu.be/xCx56MCLBJw N2 Crash bang wallop! Dorcha lands on the chick 2023

https://youtu.be/n0Ev_HsN01M N1 More rejected mating attempts 2023

https://youtu.be/ijeXkzHe_Ew N2 Tawny Owl attack 2024 (super slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/jppiOHQt_ZI N2 Louis sticks around doing housework after delivering fish two 2024

https://youtu.be/Xvulvoc7oZU N1 A pair of Redpolls (Carduelis Flammea) flit around 2024

https://youtu.be/l2NfkpeONbw N1 Garry LV0 pops in for a quick visit 2024

https://youtu.be/-KeC7f16UvI N2 Fish number five, whole trout, C3 asserts itself and gets some 2024

Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Dyfi Osprey Project: It is terrific to see Telyn waiting and trusting Idris to get those fish on the nest for the trio. Idris never fails!

Birds of Poole Harbour: Blue 022 keeps the fish coming for the four on the Poole Harbour nest. CJ7 waits in anticipation just like Telyn! Tiny Little Bob, #4, is doing fantastic. He has a fat little bottom. There he is sleeping at the feet of Mum, CJ7.

Llyn Clywedog: It was not a good Saturday at the nest of Dylan and Seren. The rain came down. Seren kept the big Bobs as dry as she could. Dylan came in with a small Brown Trout around 1504. The chicks could be heard calling for food earlier. It looks like Dylan is feeding Seren so she can feed each Bob.

Glaslyn: So sad to see the nest without chicks this year.

Rutland Manton Bay: Maya is waiting for Blue 33. He doesn’t fail to deliver! All four chicks are doing very well, even with a delivery of a floppy fish!

Kurzeme Osprey Nest of Selga and Svings, Latvia: We have one osplet. Eggs were laid on April 23, 26, and 29. One egg was broken when an intruder came to the nest on 24 May. The Only Bob hatched on June 1. They are doing fine.

Wondering what that Stellar’s Sea Eagle has been up to?

A new osprey nest for you with three babies: Orihula, Wisconsin about 20 miles from Oshkosh or Freemont. There are three and there is an age difference. I want to be hopeful that little three will survive. It does get bonked so watch with some caution. Here is the nest information followed by the link to the streaming cam.

“The Orihula Osprey started in Orihula in 2016 when two osprey built a nest on a power pole nearby. The nest got knocked down and a nesting pole was then installed for them to lay eggs and raise baby chicks on. Since then they have been coming back every year. The names Cliff and Judy were picked for the birds this year to honor the legacy of Cliff and Judy Hahn as they were very well known and loved in the Orihula community. The male bird has a neck with more yellow feathers on it and band that has the number f24. He was banded in 2016 a few miles away in Weyauwega as a chick that year. We are not sure where the female is from but her neck is completely white and has no bands. Typically the birds come back around the first week of April and lay eggs middle to the end of April. Once the eggs are laid the mother or father will stay there 24/7 until the eggs have hatched in late May/early June. The chicks will continue to grow very rapidly from their parents feeding them from the Ospey’s fish diet. Cliff will bring fish back to the nest for Judy to feed and Cliff will then sit on the eggs until she is finished. He will also bring back fish for the chicks and Judy will then feed it to the chicks in pieces. Currently there is one egg that was laid around 5:30 a.m. April 20th, an Easter egg surprise! Egg number 2 was laid Wednesday April 23rd at 12:30 am, and Egg number 3 was laid Friday April 25th at 5:59 pm. Updates will continue to be posted with egg count and when they have hatched. You are able to zoom in on the live stream to better see the birds or eggs as well. Feel free to comment any suggestions or any other cool things that you may see while watching!”

https://www.youtube.com/live/JgPN0nlj-QA?si=NvG5wP80v8gQ_8xk

‘TU’ sends us news that Urmas is busy with the fish baskets for Kergu and his Blackstork Mate in Estonia. They write, “Urmas helps Kergu and Kerli to feed their chicks. ESTONIA nest in Pärnu County #Kerli + #Kergu + 3 chicks “A fish basket was installed on 07.june to the place where Kerli was caught last year. Next day she was already feeding there.” – info shared by our Madli Allsoo

‘A’ writes with some news on the upcoming Australian season and other things: “Thanks to you, I have discovered Bruce and Naha and their three osplets at Seaside in Florida, and what an adorable family they are. Bruce is a great fisher and all-round good dad – he and Naha did a dual feeding on Sunday afternoon. Too cute. No bonking amongst the siblings and Little Bob has no fear of its larger siblings (known as ‘the twins’). Naha is, like most female ospreys, extremely vocal when it comes to demanding fish. Poor Bruce is nagged off the nest – he dives a metre underwater to shut out the sound of Naha’s shrill fish-calling. Catching a fish down there is just a bonus!

But the three osplets are such cuties. I have to say I have only forced myself to watch ospreys because of you and your passion for them. It has taken me some time to truly warm to the species, but I think I am there now. Of course Iris had a lot to do with winning me over. It’s hard not to be won over by Iris, and of course Finnegan was SUCH a darling. I am sad to think of what has happened to Finn. I am probably anthropomorphising here, but I believe that he would have returned to Iris had he been able to do so. The fact that he didn’t leads me to the awful conclusion that he ran afoul of the bird gods on his migration. But I won’t stop hoping that he may return next season. We never know. It is amazing that Iris is again being courted by a much younger bird. Our queen really does have a very attractive piece of territory and I suspect she could probably hang onto it by herself if she had to, but at nearly 30, we don’t want her to have to, so it’s nice that she has suitors to keep Louis at bay and an eye on Iris.

The Australian season approacheth and we are watching Diamond and Xavier courting. TThe bringing of food gifts is a year-round ritual at Orange. Madame Diamond is a demanding lady. Of course Collins Street is an annual source of frustration, with no cameras until we have at least an egg or two in the scrape. We have no idea whether or not a pair is even using the scrape this season, and if so, whether or not they are the same birds as last year and which end of the ledge they are using. We will have to wait to find out any of those things.

Port Lincoln, of course, has become a much less stressful watch since the advent of the fish fairy. It is a strange nest, with uncertainty regarding dad’s identity and the possibility of some sort of neurological disorder with whichever dad owned the nest the season before last. It’s like a new adventure at that nest every year.

We have had some hopeful sightings on the Parramatta River over the past couple of months, with a juvenile WBSE sighted catching fish around the island. We have to at least consider the possibility that this is a past fledgling from the Olympic Park nest. Oh how I hope so. This is yet another circumstance in which we wish they had some sort of tracker or at least a Darvic ring or something to give us an idea of the longer-term survival rate and dispersal range of these sea eaglets. I wish I knew why it wasn’t being done. With any of our Australian raptors apart from the Port Lincoln osprey fledglings. And of course the same applies to the falcons. “

Closing with one of the most wonderful raptor nests – Cornell’s Fernow Tower Red-tail Hawk nest of Big Red and Arthur! Just look at the Os – . Big Red still feeds them even though they can self-feed, and they are exploring the flight landing for fledgling. It will come sooner than we want. Count the dark lines on the tails. We would like to have 6 (but often they fly with 5).

I am counting four dark bands. We have some more time with these two cuties.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Your presence and insights are always invaluable. I sincerely apologise for my delayed responses. The garden is flourishing, but it requires far more time and attention than I ever expected. Sadly, the osplets are dying in so many nests, and I find it increasingly challenging to keep pace with the overwhelming situation. I am actively seeking a prominent figure to help raise awareness about the extinction of these magnificent birds in the Chesapeake Bay area. It’s truly devastating. They are in serious decline.

Everyone at our home and in our garden wishes you and yours a lovely week, full of happy birdsong.

Thank you to the great folks that send me nest summaries or news – ‘A, Geemeff, Heidi, MP, PB, Tiger Mozone, TU, VV’. I also want to thank those who created the videos included in this posting: SK Hideaways, Cornell Bird Lab, and all the owners of the streaming cams indicated in bold. I would also like to thank the English Forum on Looduskalender for their news on the Latvian Osprey nest and Bruce Mactavish for his post on the Steller’s Eagle in Newfoundland as well as Jeff Kear and the UK Osprey Information FB Group! All of these wonderful people are brilliant and generously share any osprey news they find.

Betty Lou Fledges…Friday in Bird World

30 May 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

The highlight of Thursday was the fledge of Betty Lou, chick of Jak and Audacity, at 76 days. Oh, she had been doing some incredible hovering on Wednesday.

Nestflix Memories caught that fledge! (I wonder if Jak and/or Audacity saw their miracle chick fly for the first time?). https://youtu.be/k1egvndhupg?s

Betty Lou likes the pine tree branches!

She returned to the nest and grateful parents Jak and Audacity presented their fledgling with a whole fish, which she devoured! There was a lot of squeeing…check it out on the live webcam.

If that wasn’t enough, ‘PB’ sent me the message by Pat Burke that all three of the Duke Farm’s eaglets fledged one after the other on Thursday. Amazing!

We are just waiting for Sunny and Gizmo and the San Jose Falcons and we are just sitting on pins and needles.

One of the incredible stories of this year has been the Tweed Valley nest where two females with a single male laid their eggs. All along the two females have supported themselves, sharing fish, and tending to the eggs. The male hasn’t been around the nest for many days (but seen in the area). The females have taken turns fishing and sharing their fish. They have each cared for and fed, together or separately, the two chicks that have hatched.

You will need to join their FB group to see the video but here is a screen capture.

This may well be the year that we see females rise to the occasion and raise chicks alone – White Rock, Tempeauleau, and Tweed are three that come to mind. Can you think of others?

The garden has been busy! The Baltimore Orioles have arrived along with a host of different Warblers, to the garden! The birdsong is phenomenal. We have made a little nook to sit with Toby, and it is like being in the middle of a jungle surrounded by birds.

I sincerely appreciate your understanding and the wonderfully supportive letters I have received. Choosing to reduce the frequency of my posts from Bird World was a tough decision, but it is essential for my family’s well-being at this time. I am committed to creating Bird World updates that not only educate and inform but also keep you connected to the happenings in the nests. I truly hope you find the content I share valuable and enjoyable!

The weather in Winnipeg has been warm and sunny. In the north and east of my province, large wildfires are raging. The Province has declared a province-wide emergency. People from larger towns that are threatened with being burned to the ground are being evacuated to Winnipeg. The smoke has coloured the sky, and many people are having health difficulties due to it.

Just one image of hundreds showing Flin Flon, Manitoba. The entire town has been evacuated. (Someone flew a drone and the water cannon aircraft could not fly setting off this catastrophe!).

IIn Norway House, the only highway access in or out is on fire. This is just one of the many fires burning in the northern and eastern parts of my province. We are okay for now, aside from the smoke. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, including all the wildlife in the forests that were once their home but are now ablaze.n Norway House, the only highway access in or out is on fire. These are only two of the numerous fires burning in the north and east of my province. We are alright except for the smoke. Our thoughts are of course with every breathing soul including all of the wildlife in the forests that was once their home and is now blazing.

This is the current fire danger map for Canada. We need some of that rain that has been plaguing our raptor nests.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who reached out to check on us after hearing about the wildfire conditions in our area. Your concern means the world to me and truly showcases the strength of our community. The dry conditions are quite alarming, but there’s hope on the horizon as the forecast indicates a couple of days of rain next week.

In the meantime, I’m grateful to have Toby and Don by my side, helping to keep the garden containers watered. Our dried peas and beans are beginning to sprout, which is an exciting sign! We experimented with cayenne pepper around each planter box, but the squirrels have completely ignored it in search of cozy spots to stash their peanuts. Dyson and I definitely need to have a chat about their antics!

I’m optimistic that in a few weeks, I’ll have some stunning photos to share of our thriving climbing peas and beans, so let’s keep our fingers crossed! Meanwhile, the lilacs continue to bloom magnificently. We’ve discovered a charming, shady spot for a couple of chairs and a small table, the perfect setting to enjoy our coffee with Toby. It’s such a joy that he is now trained to go outside. Sitting there, listening to the cheerful birdsong and surrounded by the delightful fragrance of blooming flowers, truly elevates our moment of tranquillity together.

The view of some of the lilacs, the crabapple tree, and the trees at the back from inside the sitting room. This entire space is full of birds singing. It is wild. Nothing controlled by humans here, just the way the birds like it! And the rabbits, the raccoon, and the squirrels. What about those deer that visit?

One type is so gorgeous.

I’m truly relishing every moment spent outdoors. Tonight we played a captivating game of ‘Miss Marple.’ After finishing his late meal, Brock piqued our curiosity, prompting us to follow him and, perhaps, uncover his current living situation. To our surprise, he appears to be residing under the deck of a house just half a block away. This could be an ideal shelter for him, except for one drawback: he must cross the street to access our feeder.

I hope you’ve had some time to reflect on the incredible rescue at the osprey nest in Western Maryland Shore Old Town Home. How many times did we urge people to remove some of the osplets from nests around the Chesapeake Bay when food was scarce in 2024 due to the overfishing of Menhaden, the primary food of ospreys, in the Chesapeake Bay by a Canadian company, Omega? Many of you yelled at your screens when help did not come to the osplet at Colonial Bay. Of course, there were at least another hundred nests in the same situation.

It is unclear whether or not the rehabilitation of the third hatch at Old Town Home will be successful. These are some things to consider:

Young ospreys in rehabilitation have variable outcomes, depending on the severity and nature of their injuries or circumstances, as well as the quality of rehabilitation provided. While some ospreys, such as those with leg injuries, can recover and return to the wild, others may face challenges with feeding and development, which can impact their long-term survival.

Factors Influencing Osprey Rehabilitation Success:

Injury or Condition:The type and severity of the injury or condition will significantly influence the likelihood of successful rehabilitation.
Age and Developmental Stage:Young ospreys are particularly vulnerable and rely heavily on parental care for essential skills like hunting and flying.
Access to Food and Water:Providing the right diet and ensuring proper hydration is crucial, especially for young ospreys who may not eat well in captivity.
Rehabilitation Techniques:Some rehabilitation centers use innovative approaches like introducing juvenile ospreys to the concept of fish from the water through supervised practice.
Release Strategies:Successful release often requires careful planning, considering factors like the bird’s physical condition and the availability of suitable habitat.

Examples of Successful Rehabilitation:

Ospreys with leg injuries that regain function and are successfully released back into the wild.
Young ospreys rescued from entanglements that are rehabilitated and released.
Ospreys that are re-nested in new nests after being rescued.

Challenges in Osprey Rehabilitation:

Difficulty with Feeding:Ospreys can be notoriously difficult to feed in captivity, and some may not eat at all, making it challenging to rehabilitate and release them.
Developmental Delays:If young ospreys are not properly cared for and lack parental guidance, they may develop delayed or incomplete hunting skills.
Entanglements and Other Threats:Ospreys can be entangled in fishing nets, twine, and other materials, potentially leading to injuries or death.

The third hatch at Maryland Western Shore was quite tiny and young. It had a head injury and could have had other internal injuries caused by the male stepping on its body. It was also denied food but had a large crop when removed from the nest. Looking forward to updates with the hope that this little one is another miracle of 2025.

Sadly, on Wednesday, there was some concern for the middle hatch at Maryland’s Western Shore. It has died of hypothermia. Thanks, ‘PB’, for keeping me informed of the situation.

Weather and lack of fish have plagued the osprey nests in the Chesapeake Bay area for the past few years. It is taking its toll this year. I wonder how many osprey nests will fledge their own clutch this year?

Some interesting spring migration counts and news is coming out of Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania. “Count coordinator David Barber summed the season up as follows: The count ended on a low note with three days of fog and rain. The last official migrant of the 2025 count was an unidentified raptor on the afternoon of May 12. Trainees, staff, and volunteers counted 220 hours over 38 days. The total count of 1,271 birds was 30% above the 10-year average of 980 and was the fourth highest spring count recorded at Hawk Mountain. The high day was April 18 with 581 birds including 2 turkey vultures, 6 ospreys, 3 bald eagles, 6 northern harriers, 1 sharp-shinned hawk, 12 Cooper’s hawks, a season high 542 broad-winged hawks, 5 red-tailed hawks, 3 American kestrels, and 1 merlin. The broad-winged hawks count of 885 was 71% above the 10-year average and a new record high! The count of 33 northern harriers was 61% above average and the highest count since 2013. Counts of Cooper’s hawks, American goshawk, and American kestrels also were above average, whereas counts of black vultures, turkey vultures, ospreys, sharp-shinned hawks, red-shouldered hawks, and red-tailed hawks were below average. All other species had average counts this year.”

Migration eUpdate Spring 2025 Wrap Up Download

White Rock, British Columbia: The single Mum, together with a generous fish fairy, is keeping the two eaglets alive. I don’t think anyone would have believed that these two would live to get their thermal down, and if you look closely, you will see some feathers coming through!

Kielder Forest: The first hatch at nest 1A for parents W6 and KF13. The latest post from KF also reads, “The weather has been very poor since Saturday with strong winds and rain at times. The parents on Nest 7 have been doing a wonderful job balancing sheltering with feeding their three chicks.

Although there is rain in the forecast for Kielder Forest it should be mainly just showers with less wind and warmer temperatures.”

Well, by Thursday all three eggs had hatched at Kielder Forest. Congratulations!

FOBBV: By the time this is posted, I expect that both Sunny and Gizmo will have fledged. (more below)

Sauces Canyon: Betty Lou is ready to take to the skies, too. And as reported above, she did just that! https://youtu.be/8bsdSUkulpY?

White Rock Eagles: The two raised by the single Mum are doing fine. Thanks, fish fairy, for lending a hand and some fish!

Ely Cathedral Falcon scrape: Two eyasses this year as one of the eggs did not hatch.

Birds of Poole Harbour: An update by BoPH for us on this year’s happenings. (more below)

Osprey Webcam 2025 Update – Birds of Poole Harbour Download

Glaslyn: It appears that it is now official. Five-year-old Teifi, the son of Idris and Telyn from the Dyfi platform, has now taken over the lead male role at Glaslyn. Aran continues to be seen in the region.

Dyfi: Idris and Telyn feeding their clutch as high winds make their way through the valley. Check out the cows below.

Birds of Poole Harbour: CJ7 and Blue 022 now have four osplets in the nest as of Thursday. The 4th hatch has already had its first fish meal.

Llyn Clywedog: The miserable weather has the two hatches of Dylan and Seren beaking one another. Let’s hope that cold and wet clears up.

Foulshaw Moss: White YW and Blue 35 are doing a good job with their three.

Trempeauleau: Mum doing a great job – all alone!

Denton Homes: The nest has dried out and we are just waiting for these three beauties to branch.

Little Miami Conservancy: Two beauties. Like the others getting ready to branch.

Cardinal Land Conservancy: These two are so ready to fly.

Cornell Red Tail Hawks: O1 and O2 are standing, walking around, and getting their beautiful juvenile feathers. Both are doing exceptionally well as we would expect with parents Big Red and Arthur. Big Red is still staying with her babies at night.

Hellgate Canyon: NG has been fighting intruders at the nest over the last days. Iris has also been coming around.

San Jose City Hall: They are ready to go. Will they take off at the same time? Like Duke Farms? (Thanks, PB, for the screen capture.)

Big Bear Valley: Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo were all together on the nest Thursday evening. What a beautiful family. This could be one of the last images of the four on the nest, as fledging can happen at any second.

SK Hideaways caught some of the action at Big Bear: https://youtu.be/io-MSVvvUWQ?

Patuxent River Park 2: All three chicks have perished while the camera was down for a week. Cause unknown.

Moraine State Park:

Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home: The only surviving chick of three with a big crop on Thursday.

Loch Arkaig: The latest from Geemeff on what is happening at Loch Arkaig!

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 29th May 2025
Today was all about fish – plenty on Nest Two but none on Nest One. Garry LV0 did turn up where Aurora 536 had been waiting for hours – she wanted fish, he wanted to mate, and neither got their wish. This is day six of thirteen without fish, his tally is becoming slightly meaningless and remains at sixty six. Louis on the other hand is performing magnificently and delivered another five today, and as Steve’s stats show, he’s Mr Consistency as it was the same as this day last year. His tally shoots up to one hundred and twenty two. Although it appeared bob3 didn’t have much, it must be remembered that being so much smaller than the other two means needing less food, and Dorcha did take care to include all three chicks when sharing out the food. It rained today as forecast but there were breaks in the weather. The forecast is light rain showers and light winds with a low of 11°C tonight, and light rain showers and a gentle breeze tomorrow morning, clearing in the afternoon with a high of 17°C.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.33.57 (03.40.51); Nest Two 22.43.36 (04.03.43)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/1gX2u2eGvIE N2 A chick nutmegs Dorcha with a squirt! 10.00.58https://youtu.be/yZEt_-fipSU N2 Breakfast is very late because dad’s eaten most of it! 10.09.55https://youtu.be/uJJIn3vt96o N2 All three chicks get some of fish two 15.43.44https://youtu.be/wsqyBae4VAo N1 Aurora wants fish, Garry wants to mate, neither succeeds 16.43.03https://youtu.be/M7avkNa__fw N2 Fish number three is finished quickly but bob3 does get some 18.53.49https://youtu.be/za_qjIHMpaU N2 Dorcha blocks the view of fish four being shared out 21.07.49 https://youtu.be/GMtWeYvN1_4 N2 Fish number five arrives – will there be another today? 22.14.10
Bonus guide – when is a wood not a wood? When it is a forest!http://woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2024/12/difference-between-wood-and-forest/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/JrHUpXY-a7c N1 First chick has arrived! Happy birthday Doddie-to-be 2020

https://youtu.be/gOLg_bK_xP0 N1 First look at his chick for Louis 2020

https://youtu.be/8s40lObbaYA N1 First really good look, and a magic moment with mum 2020

https://youtu.be/oMbnjRm-XpA N1 First squirt just misses Aila’s fish supper 2020

https://youtu.be/OmRsqDDynoY N2 Dorcha goes for a quick comfort break, no pip visible 2022

https://youtu.be/7BLSruxJFzE N1 Affric (Blue 152) and Prince? on Nest One 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/KBZ2QR7ya5Q N1 Louis does a bit of nestorising 2023

https://youtu.be/wKZuLPNZEOI N2 A close up look at the eggs – is that a pip? 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/3PgLtnW4E7I N2 Rock chick song and dance 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/XQA-9K4Tu90 N2 Fish number two, small whole trout, all the bobs get some 2024

https://youtu.be/UJaqA0uIc_I N2 Louis and Dorcha have a chat 2024

https://youtu.be/RSx0V5DBRHA N2 Bob3 starts a fight then leaves bobs1&2 to get on with it 2024

https://youtu.be/VrWzAVSrBHw N2 Lovebirds – Dorcha gives Louis a hug 2024

https://youtu.be/38GAjtlL70M N2 Fish number five arrives in a sunset glow 2024

Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

‘A’ shares a few of her thoughts: “Did you see Mrs T brought in a huge bouquet of flowers to the Trempeauleau Eagles nest this afternoon (29 May)? I’ve never seen that before. T3 had a bit of a nibble. Mr T hasn’t stolen a fish from this nest for several days now – we hope his other nest is doing as well as this one is.

And the hawklets at Cornell are doing well, although the younger one is still much smaller than its sibling. Plus, I thought you might like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxbrs5MplyA

Isn’t Mama kestrel gorgeous? And those hungry chicks! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGPOAL5fUZU

And Betty Lou is a wonderful outcome for a nest that has seen so much heartbreaking disappointment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbNysUP8how Such a happy family. Well done Jaks and Audacity. Perseverance pays off for darling Audacity, whose determination has made her one of my favourites as you know! I do hope her bone density is not compromised by all those fragile eggs she kept laying.

And Jackie and Shadow are watching their pair preparing to leave the nest. Both Sunny and Gizmo are looking fabulous. It really has been a mixed season – great success for some nests and tragedy for others, including the RTHs at Cornell, usually a nest that never loses a chick.”

And than you to ‘L’ who had a Cooper’s Hawk visit their birdbath in South Carolina reminding all of us that water is essential for the birds – please put out some bowls!

Calico’s Tip for the Week: Get your legs moving! You don’t need to hit the daunting target of 10,000 steps every day; studies have shown that just 4,000 steps can keep you healthy and active. It’s crucial to maintain strength and muscle in our legs. As a wise surgeon once told my mother after her hip replacement, “If you don’t use them, you will lose them.”

This past winter, we relied on a stationary bike because the icy sidewalks made walking outside too risky. To avoid falls, we opted to stay indoors, venturing out only for short walks at places like The Leaf and IKEA.

Now that summer is here, we’re excited to take Toby out in his stroller for our walks. In just five weeks, once Toby has completed his vaccination series, we’ll be ready to let him explore on his leash, helping him maintain his fit and energetic puppy figure. Let’s stay active and enjoy the great outdoors!

The New York Times has some ideas on how to get walking.

Well 4 ways to trick yourself into taking a walk Download

Thank you so much for being with us today. We will see you on Monday. Take care.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, Geemeff, L, PB’, Nestflix Memories, Pat Burke, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, Streetheart, Chesapeake Mermaid, Maryland Western Shore, Hawk Mountain, White Rock Eagles Community FB, Birds of Poole Harbour, Gywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Dyfi Osprey Project, Llyn Clywedog, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Trempeauleau Eagle Cam, Denton Homes, Little Miami Conservancy, Cardinal Land Conservancy, Cornell Bird Lab Red-tail Hawk Cam and Hellgate Canyon, Big Bear Valley, Popular Science, IWS/Explore, Accuweather, Moraine State Park, Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home, SK Hideaways, The New York Times, Laura Rose and Trempeauleau Eagles, UK Osprey Info FB

Monday in Bird World

31 March 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It was a bit of a cool Sunday on the Canadian Prairies, but we managed our first extensive walk at the nature centre of the spring. The trails were half snow and half ice with the geese gathering at Devonian Lake.

Goose prints on a small pond.

Nearer to home, there were ‘four’ grey squirrels announcing spring had arrived along with the two reds. Both Crows were present as were the Blue Jays. It felt good seeing them all in the garden filling themselves with cat kibble, peanuts, black oil seed, and cracked corn.

‘AM’ sent me this glorious image of spring’s arrival in Japan and graciously allowed me to share it with all of you. There is nothing more beautiful than the first blossoms of spring whether they are the cherry blossoms in Japan or the crocus popping its head up out of the snow in Manitoba. I cannot wait! Thank you so much, ‘AM’.

On the campus of Cornell University, Big Red laid her first egg of the 2025 season on the 27th of March and her second on on Sunday, the 30th. https://youtu.be/ZO-_WY0dmXA?

Arthur got to see that first egg. https://youtu.be/RCChvBTKMVs?

The second egg arrives. https://youtu.be/KdZvseg9-As?

SK Hideways has it for us, too! https://youtu.be/57OPmltd5b0?

Big Red hatched in Brooktondale, New York, a mere seven miles from the Cornell Campus in the spring of 2003. She was ringed in October of that same year. It is not clear how many eggs Big Red has laid or chicks that have fledged. She has been ‘on camera’ since 2012 but she would have been breeding well before that – in fact, probably seven years prior she would have had her first fledge.

Her current mate is Arthur. When Big Red bonded with Arthur, he did not even have his red tail, but he proved to be a great provided wooing her with his squirrel deliveries. Cornell All about Birds says, “The male, Arthur, was named in honor of the founder of the Cornell Lab, Arthur A. Allen. He was first spotted on Cornell University campus as a fledgling in 2016. He is unbanded and has a paler chest, head, and nape than Big Red. The pair first spent time together in April 2017, after Big Red’s previous mate, Ezra, had died. The hawks completed their first breeding season together in 2018.”

Her previous mate was Ezra.

Big Red is internationally known. She is so loved.

Bald Eagles:

Big Bear Valley: They could not be cuter even with their blood feathers growing in. Two little miracles. Look at that chrome yellow gape (the corner of the mouth). You want to see a bright yellow-orange known as chrome yellow. Look at the feet of the adults, too. The deeper in colour, the more healthy the eagles. These two have their thermal down with the cutest of hints at their nestling life in the form of the dandelions still remaining on the top of their heads.

Little Miami Conservancy: There are now two hatches with some bonking going on within the nest!

WRDC: R7 fledged Saturday. BOGS caught sight of him/her later perched on a nearby pine tree.

News has come to me that the Bald Eagles in Alaska are starting to nest. We will be keeping an eye on the Glacier Gardens nest.

‘J’ writes: “The first of the three Centerport chicks hatched on the 29th.

Osprey News:

Tweed Valley Nest 2: Mrs O has arrived home.

Loch of the Lowes: Blue NC0 might have a new mate. https://youtu.be/nizNtoTncDs?

Llyn Clywedog: Gorgeous Seren 5F sent Dylan into doing a loud sky dance on her arrival over the weekend. Geemeff comments, “Dylan arrived on the nest at 15.34, then must have seen Seren in the distance because he suddenly flew off and loud skydancing was heard nearby before she landed at 15.36.

Welcome home Seren!”

https://youtu.be/kOVwSEKRqY4

Hellgate Canyon: Waiting for Iris and Finnegan.

Boulder County Fairgrounds: Mum and new male are on the nest.

Moorings Park: Ozzie is one of the cutest and sweetest little osplets. Feathers coming in. Full crop!

MNSA Koolpix Osprey Nest: First egg of the 2025 season laid on Sunday.

Collins Marsh Osprey Cam: Their FB posting says: “Osprey cam update…yes this is the current view of the camera…the inside of the tower! This past week the camera was brought down for maintenance, and in the coming days a new mount will be installed to help us maintain it for years to come. The birds will be back soon, last year they arrived on April 6th, so keep watching!”

Osprey House Environmental Centre, Australia: Parents George and Hope and their 2024 fledgling Marina were on the nest on Sunday together.

Rocky Lake/Waverley, Nova Scotia: Both ospreys are back.

Severna Park: First egg of the 2025 breeding season has been laid.

Balgavies Loch: An osprey has arrived. No confirmation of identity.

Wensleydale Osprey Platform: An osprey is there!

Heidi reports:

3/31 – Barnegat Light osprey nest: Duke arrived at the nest this morning, on the same date that he returned last year. Hey there, Duke!

Other Birds:

The Black Storks are reaching their nests in Estonia – and I hope they will also be arriving safely in Latvia, soon. Kergu is due to arrive at his nest today! Looduskalender Forum gives us the following information on this magnificent Black Stork: “Kergu Black Stork nest was found in 2022, but it has been there for longer. Probably even fallen down, and rebuilt again on the branches of the same aspen tree. During installation of camera I noticed that nest is only partly supported by the branches, so added some kind well visible exoskeleton to keep it more stabile (perhaps). In the end of March 2024 it seems quite good, but still, not fully safe.

Nest site is situated in Pärnu county, near wind farm development area. That was the reason to track Kergu, male stork who nested here last year, as well as reason to install webcam. There are proposed some mitigation measures, like preparing better feeding conditions in other sectors of home range. Hopefully results of those measures will be visible also through webcam in time. The measures are at the moment in planning stage, yet. So if somebody has ideas for mitigation measures in that situation, those would be valuable to analyse in current situation.

Kergu has rings (incl. left leg 7047) since childhood, he has been ringed in 2011 as one of three chicks in nest situated about 10 km of current Kergu nest. Three chicks fledged in Kergu nest in 2022 and they were in good condition during ringing. Female in this nest we did not know, most probably she was without of rings. In 2023, here we did not see female in nest. Kergu refreshed nest properly, few times neighbour male Nurme visited the nest as well as not ringed immature individuals. But in general Kergu was in nest alone, listening neighbour bird species, like woodland owls, passerines, etc.”

The nest is waiting! Pictures by Urmas.

Latvian Golden Eagle: Spilve laid her second egg on Sunday.

Port Lincoln Ospreys: “Ervie has been checking out the northern end of Boston Island but always returns to the main wharf to sleep.”

“Giliath obviously loves the town life as he just doesn’t want to go anywhere else.”

“Kasse also loves the town life of Tumby Bay”

Wilko is MIA. They are hoping he will check in soon.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. We look forward to having you with us again soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, images, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘AM, Geemeff, H, J’, Cornell Bird Lab, SK Hideaways, FOBBV, Little Miami Conservancy, Tweed Valley, UKOsprey Info, Geemeff, Llyn Clywedog and CarnyXWild, Montana Osprey Project, Boulder County Fairgrounds, Moorings Park Osprey, Looduskalender Forum, LDF, MNSA Jay Koolpix Cam, Collins Marsh Osprey Cam, WRDC, Port Lincoln Ospreys

Sunday in Bird World

2 March 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Please note that Lori had an error and has updated the cost of the six pack cards for Calico’s Corner. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please see the posting Calico’s Corner for the update.

Before we begin with all the news, ‘EJ’ sent me a magnificent image of an osprey that flew over them in Alabama. We all need smiles right now and this is a beautiful healthy bird! (I am always so grateful for your images and your generosity in sharing with all of us!)

As I write this there are three ongoing matters in Bird World. The first is the missing Thunder from the West End nest. She left at 1430 on Friday, February 28 and has not been seen since. Makaio has gallantly incubated the eggs even bringing prey to eat on the nest while taking some short breaks. The second is the anxiousness surrounding the pip/hatch watches for both Big Bear and Sauces. I am always concerned about third hatch eaglets so I guess there are four items – that wee one at Duke Farms. I recall too many dying on that nest.

In the cast of Thunder, many speculate that she has gone off for a spa day like Gabby typically does. I am not convinced. There are several possibilities to consider: she might have been injured in a territorial fight, or worse, she could have been killed. Another concern is that she may have succumbed to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), though I hope that is not the case and I am unsure if it even exists on the islands. I tried to check and could find no conclusive information.

The romantic-comedy writer in me imagines a more whimsical scenario where she went to get prey, encountered Akecheta, and they flew off into the sunset together. Of course, this is just fanciful thinking and should be taken as such, but it would make for a marvelous ending.

If we do not see Thunder back on the nest by mid-afternoon on Monday, we must assume that she has been injured or killed.

It is the beginning of March and it is time to start watching for the arrival of Canada Geese on the Canadian Prairies as well as the return of the UK and European Ospreys. But for now, my friend ‘J’ reminds me that love, companionship, and joy wrapped up in a lot of hope for this year can be seen in 5 letters: Bodie!!!!!!!!!!

What a precious eaglet that is – and yes, Bodie is NOT small! If every nest could have one single eaglet as healthy as Bodie it would be fantastic. There is no need to cheer for three eggs or even two. Sadly, too many nests last year looked like they had two healthy eaglets when, in fact, they were not. Thing Eagle Country. One well fed eaglet. That is all we need. And it is certainly all the parents and the environment need.

Last year, Heidi and I monitored over 502 osprey eggs along with VV who kept an eye on an inordinate number of nests in Maryland right out their front door! Sadly, none of the chicks at Island Creek survived and most along the coast of the Chesapeake Bay also died. While many might wish to state categorically it was due to the heat dome, there is evidence from countries much hotter and for longer – that with sufficient fish providing hydration nests of 2 or 3 osplets can survive intense summer weather. I hold no hope for the nests again this year. There has been no change in making the Canadian company, Omega, accountable and no real science behind what is a sustainable catch limit. The people fighting this in the region are tireless but they are up against lobbyist and politicians. The dolphins and whales have already left. Would anyone in this lifetime ever have believed that this entire area could be without ospreys? Well, it can happen. What we need are fish fairies and large garden koi ponds. People who will take risks to help the ospreys.

It is now the end of February. I had intended to return to posting Bird World news every morning. The last full moon saw a marked decline in my husband’s cognitive powers and his behaviour. It has been overwhelming and my colleague ‘H’ says my ‘brain is fried’ from all of it. Thankfully, osprey season has really not started and ‘H’ has been handling 99.9% of the data entries so far. I will start with the UK nests, Rosie/Richmond, and Iris plus Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. I am hoping our dear friend VV will monitor those nests in Maryland in their front yard! We won’t get up to 502 but we will do our best to get accurate information so we can see what is causing mortalities in 2025. In 2024, it was weather/starvation as the main driver of deaths. But, back to the posting of news. I am keeping my head above water by posting two larger blogs twice a week. I hope the information is helpful. These will come on either Sunday or Monday and Thursday. Essential news items will come as they happen. I will also try to post at least one or two good news items each day by mid-afternoon. I miss all of you! And I miss being in contact with the birds in their nests like I was before…

So, let’s see what is happening!

Golden Gate Audubon: Rosie has returned to Richmond on the light stand in San Francisco Bay! March 1. I am so delighted. She landed and started calling for Richmond right away.

Port Lincoln Ospreys: I am so grateful to the folks at Port Lincoln Ospreys who are regularly posting the tracking of the ospreys in South Australia. Looks like Ervie is having a fun time hanging out with Giliath! They spend the night together. How cool is that. You can find all of the tracking on the Port Lincoln FB page. I am including the one for Ervie and Giliath here because Ervie still melts my heart.

Dale Hollow Eagle Cam: Thank you to ‘KR’ for alerting me to the two eggs at this nest. As many of you will remember, there were issues getting help for the eaglets when they were tangled in fishing line. I am only putting this notice now for those of you that wish to watch this nest. I will not be covering it.

Duke Farms: There are currently three eaglets with the last hatching on Saturday, March 1. ‘A’ comments: “Another feeding at Duke Farms about four hours after the last (no time stamp on the feed as far as I can see, which is irritating) and on this occasion, the older hatch did even better, grabbing big pieces. The younger hatch was at least facing the right way this time, and sat nicely beside its sibling at the table. However, mum only half-heartedly offered it a bite or two, it made no attempt to grab at them, although like its older sibling yesterday, it is VERY loud and persistent in its begging for food. Even so, mum is adept at ignoring all pleas and simply sitting on the noisy little bundles. Oh Mary Ann they are just ADORABLE. Aren’t they the sweetest things at this early stage (while any attempts at bonking are harmless because they can’t even see their target properly.”…”I fear I can see a definite pip on egg three, which is of concern to me for the reasons outlined yesterday. This nest is already problematic – it was with only one eaglet – so I hate to think of what will happen with three. The nest is covered in fish – dad is certainly doing his job – but whether that fish gets into those little beaks is another question altogether. Mum did give the first hatch a nice feed this morning and the wee one was doing really well, swallowing quite large pieces with relative ease. Hatch two was still fairly unsteady (and facing the wrong way) but I suspect it will be 24 hours before we need to start worrying about its food intake. It is very reassuring, though, that the older chick is eating well and mum is doing a good job of feeding it. “

Like so many nests this year, Duke Farms has three eggs. Personally I do not like three egg hatches unless the male digs right in there and helps like Akecheta did at the West End. It is difficult. Some have even raised four.

Sauces: The first egg laid by Jak and Audacity is holding! ‘A’ remarks “In wonderful news from Sauces, darling Audacity’s egg continues to hold – she has it buried fairly deep and safe in the nesting material but we still get a good look at it around 13:22. (Mind you, if Jak continues to mate with Audacity while she is incubating, there are no guarantees! Men!!) Assuming the egg doesn’t break, pip watch begins in 10 days. I think everyone is praying this egg is strong and that this poor long-suffering mum will finally get the precious eaglet she has sacrificed so much to give a chance at life. My heart goes out to this couple. Audacity is so brave and so determined. I do wonder whether the repeated calcium depletion year after year has had any long-term impacts on her bones. Certainly, she has given everything she has in her efforts to raise an eaglet. She deserves this more than anyone. It’s like Iris last year. Repeated loss finally followed by a miracle baby (or babies in Iris’s case.”

Leucistic Red-tail Hawk Nest in TN: ‘A’ writes: “Meanwhile, Angel and Tom were at their nest again this morning. The nest looks absolutely ready for a couple of eggs and we are so hopeful this season that there will be eggs at this nest. Talons crossed (speaking of which, how gorgeous is Angel’s French polish?). There was even another afternoon check-in, and there have no blue jays in sight (or heard) today or yesterday, which ho-efully will persuade Angel and Tom that they can raise chicks without harassment at this nest. Still, after last season, I think we are all holding our breath every time they skip a day of nest work.

I have not seen any mating on camera but if I remember rightly, that was the case in Deyani’s season too so we shouldn’t read anything into it. Tom managed two fertile eggs out of two (even though only one chick survived) so I see no reason for concern in that regard. Young he may be but I doubt that slows down a male of any species! Just saying.”

Falcon Cam Project: Xavier and Diamond have been bonding in the scrape. Oh, how nice it is to see you! https://youtu.be/4fmYvw-ZSWo?s

Florida Slub Jay Population: Attached is Audubon Florida’s annual report on Slub Jays.

jaywatchreport2025_v5_web Download

Royal Albatross Colony, New Zealand: The Royal Cam chick is in the post-guard phase and is getting lots of good meals from the adults! https://youtu.be/5XgDs0L8A6A?

Big Bear Valley: 13,976 souls watching Jackie and Shadow as Jackie takes over the evening incubation shift. We are on pip watch at Big Bear Valley!

Both eagles protecting those precious eggs! How dare a sub-adult try and land on that nest during this crucial time!!!!!!!! https://youtu.be/bxQRZvfUftE?s

West End: Not sure how many eggs since the camera was down. Thunder and Makaio continue incubation and then Thunder disappears. Makaio was on incubation for over 24 hours. Is this a case of needing a spa day like Gabby or Gigi or has something more sinister happened to Thunder? We wait.

Makaio took several breaks on Saturday and even brought food to eat at the nest so he is doing fantastic. Let us hope Thunder returns safely.

Kansas City: Harvie and Ellie continue the incubation of their two eggs.

Achieva Credit Union: Jack and his new mate now have two eggs in that amazing nest that Jack built.

Moorings Park: Three eggs for Sally and Harry. Pip and hatch expected between March 8-12. Yes. We are that close. This is a very good nest to watch but will three be a challenge?

Frenchman’s Creek Ospreys: Continuous owl strikes.

Venice Golf and Country Club Ospreys:

Kisatchie E3 Bald Eagle Nest: Both eaglets are doing well. https://youtu.be/JOrFfsjn6ik?

John Bunker Sands Wetlands: Both eaglets are really losing the few remaining dandelions on the tops of their heads. What a wonderful nest this has been to watch this year!

Red Kite killed in the Cairngorms. ““The Park Authority condemns the illegal killing of raptors in the strongest possible terms. Raptor persecution has no place in 21st century Scotland but sadly incidents such as this are still taking place. It is an unacceptable crime that not only harms our raptor populations, but also damages the reputation of those land managers that act lawfully and work hard to care for wildlife.

“We are committed to working with partners to make sure the National Park is a safe haven for raptors and to establish the full circumstances of this incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0846 of Thursday 27 February. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously”.

Cairngorms National Park Authority condemns latest shooting of red kite – Raptor Persecution UK Download

The issues with wind power and raptors are real. This article was contained in the most recent Raptor Resource Project Journal.

Wind power development affects entire raptor | EurekAlert!Download

Manitoba is home to Polar Bears! 27 February was International Polar Bear Day! We love our bears, but their lives are becoming more and more challenging. https://youtu.be/uDN3x4sMnjs? and https://youtu.be/nYY0k0O9g6I?

Did you miss Ventana Wildlife’s February Condor Chat? Well, never fear. Here is the archived talk! The next live event is 27 March. https://youtu.be/RATJ0DwkoQE?

Thank you to all those people who help all those rehabbers every day of the week. They would not be able to save our precious wildlife without your help.

Wondering about all those three egg Bald Eagle nests? THIRTEEN nests already with 3 eggs (incl. Sauces)…Bartlesville, Big Bear, Centerport, Duke Farms, FOLFAN, Fort St Vrain, Fraser Point, NCTC, ND-Leef, PA Farm Country,Port Tobacco,Sauces 2 broke, and US Steel. Thanks, J.

A big shout out to all the teams in the UK who went out and cleaned up the osprey nests and refurbished them if needed! The raptors are on their way home and will arrive feeling most welcome. I wish every individual associated with a streaming cam (or not) would help our dear fish hawks (or others) with a cleaned out nest and new nesting material. It makes a difference. Just ask Hope and Beau at Snow Lane, Newfoundland.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care everyone. Go outside for a walk. Listen to the birds. Clean your feeders. Migration is coming! Turn off the news and feel the sunshine on your face. We hope to see you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, images, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, EJ, Geemeff, H, J’, NEFL-AEF, Golden Gate Audubon, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Dale Hollow Eagle Cam, Trudi Kron, Duke Farms, IWS/Explore, Falcon Cam Project, Florida Audubon, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, Farmer Derek Kansas City Eagles, Achieva Credit Union, Moorings Park, Frenchman’s Creek, Heidi McGrue, Kisatchie National Forest, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, Raptor Persecution UK, EurekAlert, Polar Bears International, Ventana Wildlife Society, Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center

Category Archives: Australian birds

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