The spring weather dipped and it was chilly. Don was really looking forward to going to Fort Whyte on Wednesday, but 5 C with wind meant that he got to visit his other favourite place, The Leaf, with Ann. There are koi and the butterfly area that give him great delight.
Toby and I stayed home. Had a wee walk, did a tiny bit of clearing up, and then relaxed. I immediately fell asleep with Toby wrapped around my head. Sometimes we don’t know when we are ‘dog tired’.
It is now late Wednesday night. There is growing concern for the second hatch, Blinken, at the Moorings Park Osprey Platform in Naples, Florida. The osplet cannot eat, and its poop shots are ‘dry’. The bird is very dehydrated, and I fear it will not live much longer.
You might recall that Richmond and Rosie lost a fully feathered osplet several years ago. Molate died immediately after falling from the nest to a platform below on July 16, 2022, at 58 days of age, following a decline in health. The body of Molate was on the platform but not retrieved and no necroscopy was conducted (as I recall the situation). The behaviours of Blinken and Molate are similar – it is unfortuante that we do not know what caused Richmond and Rosie’s chick’s demise.
Molate:
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 29th April 2026Dorcha produced her second egg right on schedule today – it arrived bright and early with a few squeaks and whistles. The branches and bedding is hiding it from view for now, but her behaviour made it quite clear she’d laid another egg. Third and probably final egg due in three days time. Meanwhile over on Nest One, Aurora 536 is keeping us guessing, no egg as yet despite showing quite promising signs from time to time. The males performed as expected, both Louis and Garry LV0 delivered two fish each, taking the Nest One tally to thirty five and the Nest Two to thirty two. Today’s videos:
Quiet Eagle caught one of this year’s fledglings returning to the NE Florida nest of Beau and Gabby! What a wonderful surprise! https://youtu.be/VXg35bQvgTI?
It is raining on Big Red at the Cornell Red-tail Hawk nest as we await pip.
Arthur is such a good mate! Here in a video by Cornell Bird Labs, he delivers prey to the Queen of the RTHs. https://youtu.be/IcX48z_ZTNA?
At the other Red-tail Hawk nest of Ruth and Oren, the two little ones are doing well.
Milda and Zorro’s White-tail eaglets in Latvia are nothing short of adorable. They are four days old.
Migration Update from Hawk Mountain, PA:
Sharon Pollock brings us an interesting video from the Big Bear nest of Jackie and Shadow. (copy and paste the link into your computer)
I am closing tonight with a very disturbing incident that happened in my City. A seventeen year old male drove an SUV over sleeping Canada Geese. Warning: This video is very disturbing. https://youtu.be/G8EqFpLOi4w?
Citizens are outraged, and many in the mental health field are stating that this type of violence towards innocent wildlife is only a short way from harming humans.
We must close with some happiness, and that is the Achieva osprey nest. Mum, Jill, is incredible. As Mother’s Day approaches, surely she might be the top nominee in Bird World this season. She has kept her babies alive and herself by going out and fishing, some mornings and almost every evening but one that I am aware. Other osprey nests might be successful when fish are short if those females would follow her lead.
Thank you for being with us tonight. Please take care. We look forward to having you with us again soon.
Thank you to Sharon Pollock and the Cornell Bird Lab for their videos, to Geemeff for their extensive daily summary and videos of all things at Loch Arkaig, to the authors of the FB posts, and the owners of the streaming cams. I am very grateful. Thank you also to The Guardian for reporting on environmental and wildlife news and ‘PB’ for keeping me up to date on Blinken and the Achieva osprey nest.
We hope that you had a wonderful weekend – and please tell me that you had some time to go outside. It was a tad cooler here today but we sat in the warm sun on the deck and listened to birdsong coming from the feeders. Oh, it made my heart skip happy beats! It was another quiet day – a most welcome one. We did some spring cleaning and celebrated by making strawberry shortcakes. Tomorrow, Toby goes for a much-needed grooming (Monday). I’m hoping for a trip to Fort Whyte for a walk in the forest and a check on the geese that should be laying eggs.
Shadow continues to bring in big fish for Jackie and the kids. The snow is melting.
Isn’t he handsome? Teifi is one of Idris and Telyn’s fledglings – he is Maya’s grandson. How cool is that? I am so glad that the Glaslyn nest has settled down or him and Elen. As you know, I adore Aran and it seems that he has also found a platform and a mate. Smiling. Calm is good.
The Dyfi family tree now has its fledglings at Glaslyn:
Here’s Teifi. It was the first year, 2020, that Idris was bonded with Telyn after Monty:
News from Loch of the Lowes:
SK Hideaways videos for the week – always grateful!
Jackie & Shadow got everything in order as a storm approached ~ The chicks enjoyed meals 7 and 8 ~ They’re tucked and warm under Jackie (2026 Apr 25) Video: https://youtu.be/ZHZwUvD7SEw One Chick Escapes Egg Bowl ~ Jackie has a Word with Shadow About It (2026 Apr 19) Video: https://youtu.be/Af1ZfwYL1bk
Fraser Point Eagles ~ Santa Cruz Island, CA ~ Cruz, Andor, Sasha, Zuma, and Ryder Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s
I’m not going to swear but…how many ospreys die because of hooks and fishing line? This one was rescued.
So happy. This time it was a happy ending.
It was a booming year (no pun intended). Kakapo breed every four years. Records broken this year on this critically endangered species, but the species remains in decline from four years ago.
Osprey baby in Italy!
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 26th April 2026
Today’s momentous news is the arrival of the first egg – around 06.50 Dorcha started making little squeaking sounds and at 06.56.29 she laid the first egg of Season Ten. The nest cup is too deep and there are branches obscuring the view, but it was clear from her behaviour that she is now brooding an egg. Louis came along about an hour later with her breakfast, and we were able to watch his reaction before he happily took over egg duty, allowing her to depart to eat her fish. No sign of eggs yet for Aurora 536 and Garry LV0 but things will take longer with them as they aren’t a long-established pair like Louis & Dorcha. Garry delivered two fish taking his tally to thirty, and Louis delivered three fish, taking the nest tally to twenty five. At the time of this report (23.30), Dorcha is still away after departing with her third fish, and Louis is looking very settled on the nest.
It was a good day at Achieva thanks to Jill who is really stepping up to take care of her babies. Jack was late today – last time I checked Jill had delivered a fish and then went out later, at her usual time, to bring in another catfish.
In the image below, you can see the significant size difference between the two chicks. Big is almost fully feathered. Little is just getting its tail. We still see the white stripe on Little.
Alaska and Australia teaming up to help protect the Shearwater!
‘The birds are a global citizen’: Indigenous groups in Australia and Alaska team up to track a feathered adventurer’s epic journey.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care of yourself and have a great end of the weekend and the beginning of the week. See you soon!
Toby loving his Bully Stick.
Thank you so much to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their great contributions – their work takes so much time. I am very grateful to those who post current information on FB and other platforms, to The Guardian for its reporting on wildlife concerns, and to Dyfi Osprey Project for keeping such wonderful historical information. To the owners of the streaming cams, thank you seems too small. We would know about these amazing birds and their environmental challenges if it were not for you.
We woke up to snow. I almost cried. By the afternoon, the temperature had risen to 6 C. Tomorrow is to be much warmer before we are plunged into the deep freeze again. Talk about a roller coaster ride to spring!
So many Osprey eggs were laid today that I do not know if I can keep up with them –
Frankie and Angel at Roundhouse Loch Doon have their first egg.
Maya and Blue 33 have their fourth egg. Yes, you read that right. Our super couple are aiming for four again!
Nest 7 at Kielder Forest where Mum KX7 laid her first egg of the 2026 season.
CJ7 and Blue 022 have their first egg at Poole Harbour. Will they go for four?
CJ7 Lays Her First Egg!First egg! – Carey Osprey Tours Begin – Osprey Diary 2026 – Spring Safaris – Heathland Bird ID – Seabird FundraiserCJ7 with her first egg of the seasonWe are excited to announce that at 12:56 this afternoon, in rather drizzly conditions, CJ7 laid her first egg at the Carey’s Secret Garden nest! This is brilliant news and 1 day later than last year, due to 022’s delayed arrival. Eggs tend to be laid 3 days apart, this means we’ll expect the second egg on Friday. Delayed incubation until the second or third egg is laid is not uncommon. This can bring the hatching times closer together, sometimes resulting in a less significant size and development difference between the chicks.
Idris and Telyn have their first egg at the Dyfi nest.
I have probably missed some, apologies! Will catch up.
At Glaslyn, it appears that Elen is still the reigning female. Teifi has been feeding her some fish. People have asked if Aran has a ‘nest’. To my knowledge, the answer is no. He does have a tree in an area that he seems to be claiming as his territory. Perhaps someone will put up a platform there! Hey, Darren Moore!!!!!!
We are expecting an egg any time at the Pont Cresor nest of Aeron Z2 and Blue 14.
Geemeff gives us the latest knews from the Woodland Trust:
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 14th April 2026After yesterday’s constant nest swapping, today was very much quieter. Everybody stayed on their own nests, Garry LV0 brought Aurora 536 two fish, taking his tally to thirteen, and Dorcha had an unusual visitor in the form of a Carrion Crow, a species not seen in this area before. JJ4, the male from the western nest who’s visited twice before did not make it three days in a row and sadly neither did our lovable Louis put in a much longed for appearance. While hopes for his return are fading, his nine years in Loch Arkaig have given us many wonderful moments to cherish, and he leaves a legacy of fourteen fledged chicks, six with Aila and eight with Dorcha – not bad for the inept youngster who turned up in 2017.
In the world of eagles, Jackie and Shadow have had to work hard to protect their babies! SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/as3C9WW-3ho?si
Suzanne Arnold Horning reminds us of the dates of Big Red and Arthur’s eggs: Big Red and Arthur welcomed their egg#1 of 2026 at 804pm on 3/23, egg #2 appeared at 203pm on 3/26, egg#3 around 11am on 3/29 and egg#4 around 11am on 4/1. This is only the 3rd time the clutch as been 4 eggs (2022 and 2024 as well).
Today seems like a long day and I am ready for a big mug of tea and a chat with The Girls. Toby has been out helping me in the garden and he desperately needs a bath!
I have sadly added two new entries to the Memorial Wall: Louis from Loch Arkaig and Ethel from Russell Lake, Nova Scotia. Neither returned from migration this year. Basic information only at present. Will be filled in within a week, I hope.
Thank you for being with us. Please take care. See you soon!
Thank you to Geemeff for their great summary and videos, SK Hideaways for capturing how challenging life can be for dear Jackie and Shadow, to all the streaming cam owners and people who post information on FB – we are terribly grateful to you!
It could be a very busy day at the UK nests and in the western part of the US as favourable winds are blowing in the ospreys.
It has been confirmed that our dear Iris is, indeed, the osprey that landed early this morning on the Hellgate Canyon nest. I hope everyone had a good cry – a joyful one. Now let’s get that young male osprey back that was courting her last season!
Louis and Starr are already back. Starr was the first to arrive in Missoula. Their nest is at the Baseball Park – and despite all we think, Louis is a good mate to Starr and they raise 2 or 3 chicks to fledge every year.
Gosh, Iris looks good.
Blue 35 has returned to Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve in Cumbria and is reclaiming her nest after Blue 717 got a little friendly with White YW.
We are waiting the arrival of Louis at Loch Arkaig Nest 2 in Scotland. His mate Dorcha will be delighted to see him land with a nice big trout.
Busy day at the Glaslyn nests:
Lots of action at Loch of the Lowes.
Thanks, Alison Copland. BoPH have created a genealogy chart. The Carey nest is the one for CJ7 and Blue 022, and it has a streaming cam.
One of my favourite males, Tegid Z1, Monty’s son, who breeds on a private nest, has returned safely.
So the males are starting to show up in Wales, too. Come on Louis!!!!!!!!!
The feeding is going very well at the Achieva Osprey platform. My goodness, if I didn’t know better, I would think this was a new male. (Maybe it is – I am not trying to start rumours here, just pondering the fish deliveries. I was never that pleased with Jack’s deliveries for Diane and the kids. Has anyone truly identified head markings?)
Bella and Scout’s two eaglets are doing just fine although there was a choking concern for the baby earlier on Monday.
Nature chat’s banner:
Interloping Common Buzzard laid 2nd egg today at Lesser Spotted Eagle Cam, as usual LSE pair hasn’t arrived for the season yet.
Peanut has branched at the Winter Park, Florida Bald Eagle nest. Best be watching this energetic second hatch. She is going to take off fast!
News about California Condors:
Stop over and see the two little cuties that Jackie and Shadow are feeding and brooding. They are two little round teddy bears! So very happy for our darling couple.
Take care everyone. Iris’s arrival has made this day much brighter! We are all delighted. If Louis returns, I will be posting again. Otherwise, I will see you later in the week.
Thank you to ‘PB’ for her messages, to the owners of the streaming cams for my screen captures and for allowing us to witness the life of these incredible birds. I am grateful to everyone who posts on FB with information. Without your eyes, we might miss something!
Wow. Isn’t this a great morning?! We had marvelled at Jackie and Shadow’s first hatch keeping a keen eye on that second egg that was pipping knowing full well there would be two eaglets today – and there are!
We missed the second hatch. Thanks to ‘PB’ for sending me some great images while we were out walking Toby.
It has been a while since I watched the news. In fact, I have made a conscious decision to live in the moment, to rejoice in what is happening in our garden as the seasons change, and to monitor how our on-screen bird families are faring. The world is too dark and from past experience checking on streaming cam videos that show ‘death’, it would seem that more people prefer to see a ‘snuff’ video of an eaglet than one where a much loved and wanted chick is hatching. To me that is simply ‘sick’. So, I don’t post them and I don’t watch them.
Today was also a glorious day in the garden. At 0900 three Blue Jays appeared! Three. One of Junior’s and the Mrs fledglings from previous years has returned. They make their nest in the tree across the lane now that their big elm has been cut down. Mr and Mrs Crow have arrived. We have started putting out leftover chicken and their cheesy dogs as they begin to build up after the winter and prepare for their nesting. The Starlings are here, the sparrows are down in number, and the chickadees arrive at dusk and dawn. The Red squirrels are busy caching peanuts – I do not know why and to date, we still have dear Dyson coming with her kits. She is VERY old. We know it is her because of markings that we have compared over the years. With lots of good food and a safe environment, Dyson can possibly live for several more years. That makes me happy.
The Starlings yesterday:
I could never catch the three together in the same frame.
I record the seasonal changes in the garden including the arrival of more species in this book:
Just like many of the large nature centres keep track of the arrival and departure of their ospreys and eagles, I do the same with all of the garden animals over the years. It is a wonderful way to keep yourself in ‘the present’. Nature heals us – it does not destroy us. We need to embrace the life around us.
Each of us should turn off the outside world to keep our hope and kindness. Most of you will recognise that we are all interrelated and that what is good for wildlife and the planet is also good for humans. Then why do we allow people to destroy our precious home? Clearly, Jackie and Shadow do nothing to destroy Big Bear, and yet their habitat is constantly under threat, as it is now from proposed construction at Moon Camp. I want ‘the people’ to triumph for Jackie and Shadow – not just for them but as a signal that we care about wildlife, their habitat, and the sheer joy that their existence gives to us. If there has ever been a time to step up and be heard on this matter, it is now. Being silent is no longer an option. Whether you do it at the ballot box, by donations or volunteering, writing letters or op ed pieces, do something. That something could be as simple as a dish of life-saving water put out daily and refreshed for the birds and animals.
Baiba has the first feeding attempt at Big Bear for hatch 1. (Gosh, I hope they name this one Sandy!), and they could name the second Speers. That would be a wonderful tribute to a woman who worked so hard for these eagles. https://youtu.be/Lyo3kpR280M?
There continue to be ospreys arriving. We are keeping a close eye out for Louis and I would love to see Blue 35 return to Foulshaw Moss although I have to say that hope is dwindling by the day. Blue 717 has really taken a liking to White YW and why wouldn’t she? He is an amazing provider.
Fish deliveries at the Pont Cresor nest of Z1 Aeron and Blue 14 are at 07:03 – 11:29 – 16:23 according to chat. This is the new streaming cam at Glaslyn owned by Friends of Osprey.
Z1 Aeron is an excellent provider – one of Monty’s boys. Making his dad proud.
At the nest of Aran and Elen, close to the Pont Cresor platform, Aran is delivering fish in terrible conditions, but no Elen to eat them. It is not clear to me that Aran and Elen have seen one another at all since Aran’s return. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Storm Dave has brought rain and wind, with some snow, to Wales. It was particularly bad last evening in Sotlad at the Loch Arkaig nest. Will Louis return today or tomorrow?
Dorcha had a sunken crop. She is waiting for Louis to bring her a fish but she doesn’t know he has not arrived. Oh, please, Louis come home.
Asha has arrived home at RSPB Loch Garten.
Keep your eyes on those screens for arrivals and if you haven’t seen the second baby at Achieva, check it out. Dad is doing an amazing job bringing in the fish! What a relief.
To those celebrating, Happy Easter or Happy Passover. May you find peace and joy and have good times with friends and family.
Take care everyone. That is it for today. Toby is getting a nail trim in the house tomorrow. Another one of the convenient services I have discovered and it is now time for me to think of what we might have for lunch. We hope to see you soon!
Remember – if you are feeling the least bit down, put on a jacket and head outside. Sit and listen. Feel the breeze on your cheek. I promise you will feel a thousand times better. If you are up to it, go for a walk. Check out the birds around your home. Let me know what you are seeing. Bye for now!
Thank you to Baiba for the videos of the Big Bear Valley family of Jackie and Shadow. Thank you ‘PB’ for alerting me to the full second hatch at BBV and to all the owners and people who post news including Jeff Kear and the UK Osprey Info FB, I am so grateful. Thanks a billion!
Heidi brought me the good news: “Moorings Park had their first hatch at 12:45 this afternoon.” She noted that the first hatch had its very first fish dinner at 1504 while the second egg was hatching!
Sally is incredible at delayed incubation!
Oh, it’s nice to have some good news!
‘B’ also sent a story from the LA Times. They write: “Cute story in the LA Times today on “How two Big Bear eagles became social media’s hottest love story”.
I really hope it helps raise funds to purchase the land around the nest of Jackie and Shadow!
Thank you for being with us. Take care. See you tomorrow when there will be two — or could there be three?
Thanks, Heidi, for the heads up and to ‘B’ for the very cool article on Jackie and Shadow. If you are a member of The Joy of Ospreys FB, there is a video of the event. Thank you to Moorings Park for the streaming cam that lets us into the lives of Harry and Sally and their osplets.
Oh, the sadness that the loss of Jackie and Shadow’s eggs has caused. It was like a grey cloud that covered the entire world. Of all the nests, these two tug at our heartstrings more than any others – or so it seems by the continued number of letters I am receiving. They are certainly a very special couple.
Everyone is complaining about the weather. My friend, Geemeff, in the UK, is tired of rain, and we are tired of snow. There is little room in my garden for anymore! The rain in the UK is having a huge impact on the birds and wildlife there.
Here, the wind and the freezing cold are surely impacting the birds that come to the garden. Surely. It is difficult enough for humans – and for our dear Brock. We will be ever so happy when spring arrives.
Meanwhile…Toby continues to try on little coats. This one will be for a warmer day. The aviator coat and his red jump suit are perfect for the weather now. The jump suit is the best as he can leap into deep snow and not have it cover all of him.
Ann rescued a three-year-old dog. Lucy is a little smaller than Toby. Toby used his allowance to get her a very adjustable pink vest. We hope she likes it.
Once Lucy is fixed, she is coming over to meet Toby. Let us hope they are real friends. It would be brilliant.
Morning delight: There is an osprey at the Wolf Bay nest in Alabama.
There has been so much discussion about Jackie and Shadow and that is simply because we love them. They are the most loved bald eagles in the US if you count the number of viewers along with all the news coverage. We are sad for them – and for us. What a joy it has been to watch Spirit fledge and then Sunny and Gizmo last year. Oh, what a year it was and we hoped for another. Perhaps there will be. It was unusual for Jackie to be off the eggs for so long. Each of us knew that. You felt something was wrong. Those eggs are so precious to them. I got a note from ‘B’ that might help clarify what happened – and why we must always ‘trust the Eagles’.
‘B’ wrote: “I hadn’t looked at the Friends of Big Bear Valley facebook page until now, so I hadn’t realized that FOBBV had seen that one of the eggs was cracked even before the ravens visited. So, yes, maybe Jackie had sensed that something was off. Hopefully Jackie will quit incubating what remains now, so that she can move on, even if there isn’t a second clutch. I totally understand you not sending a note upon learning the news — I had thought that might be a possibility even before you mentioned. Much as we love all these nests, Jackie and Shadow are special.”
No matter what happens we will keep these two in our hearts and continue to check in on their daily activities. We might be surprised by a second clutch. As I mentioned, second clutches are, indeed, rare but Jackie and Shadow did have one in 2021.
SK Hideaways Videos Week of 25 January 2026
FOBBV Bald Eagles: Jackie & Shadow ~ Happy Birthday, you two!
While their precise hatch date is unknown, we celebrate both their birthdays on 1 February. Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley Resident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014 Resident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012 Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://youtube.com/live/LCGYWfbyBWc LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz Big Bear Eagle History: https://www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org/eagle-history/ Raven Breaks Both of Jackie & Shadow’s Eggs (2026 Jan 30) It was a very sad day in Big Bear. Jackie and Shadow were away from the nest for nearly 4 hours. During that time, ravens made multiple visits and ultimately breached both of the eggs. But before they did, we could see that one egg was already cracked. Perhaps Jackie and Shadow’s extended absence indicated their sense that something was off with the eggs. Absent an eagle mind-reader, we will never know. Video: https://youtu.be/PT0yZCVYKJE Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
JACKIE LAYS 2ND EGG! Shadow Will be So Eggcited Tomorrow! 2026 Jan 26 Jackie had another short labor laying her second egg of the season just before dusk. Shadow had been visiting just 20 minutes before, so he’ll get a welcome surprise in the morning. Video: https://youtu.be/TTBhA0nK7NU
John Bunker Sands Bald Eagles: Mom & Dad Courtesy John Bunker Sands Wetland Center Eagle Cam Eagle Tower Camera 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wdo7BzUU_g Eagle Tower Camera 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEDb2KqvvyQ Eaglets JBS 24 & JBS 25 Begin Bonking Despite Full Pantry (2026 Jan 28) 3-day-old JBS 24 and 2-day-old JBS 25 are being very well fed. They even have tiny baby crops and a very full nest of food. Despite that, instinct has kicked in and one eaglet, likely JBS 24, has begun a food competition. But it’s pretty minor and the video shows just one instance of the eaglet being aggressive against its sibling. It is reported that this nest historically has very little sibling aggression (except for last year), so let’s hope the typical trend continues. Even with the one bonk shown here, these two are a joy to watch. (2026 Jan 28) Video: https://youtu.be/GPwd5POXfuM
1- and 2-Day Old Eaglets Get to Know the Joys of FISH (2026 Jan 27) JBS 24 hatched on January 25th; JBS 25 on January 26th. We join them as Mom feeds them an afternoon fish snack. They make the troubles of the world simply fade away. Video: https://youtu.be/CIvPlG-vqNc
San Jose CH Falcons: Hartley & Monty’s Rooftop Rendezvous ~ Nesting Season in Full Gear (2026 Jan 29) Despite what the calendar says, spring is already in the air for Hartley and Monty. Today they met briefly on the ledge before a rooftop rendezvous. Hoping for eggs in just over a month. Video: https://youtu.be/cMUzsVTn408
San Jose CH Falcons: Hartley & Monty Are in the Mood for Love (2026 Jan 24) Nesting season kicks off in earnest as Hartley and Monty increase mating frequency. Video: https://youtu.be/RjN3HDNp_Wo
The GHO has caused the female at Frenchman’s Creek to stop incubating her egg at night. She has only laid one. Heidi has kept a close eye on this nest. It is so sad and at the same time, I am glad that the female wants to survive and has learned to stay away when the owls are flying at night. Osplets can wait another year or never until the owl is not around.
Finally. The murder trial of a gamekeeper who killed his colleague will begin. This all began, as I understand, with the killing of raptors.
A trip down memory lane: ‘A’ wrote, very excited. She found some information from three years ago and she wants me to share it with you. I know that you will remember the little red-tail hawklet raised by the Bald Eagles on Gabriola Island in British Columbia, Canada. ‘A’ writes: “I found this from 15 March 2023:
As a followup to last year, a local observer reported that the hawklet Malala was being seen with the adults on the beach and seemed to be doing well – apparently young hawks stay with their parents longer than eaglets, and the parents are accepting this.
Isn’t that just wonderful? And how amazing that the adult birds maintain a caring and teaching relationship with the hawklet for some significant period of time after it fledges, even though this is not the usual behaviour with eaglet fledglings of a similar age. And how wonderful that the little hawklet is on the beach with its adoptive parents, learning how to hunt for eagle food. I cannot tell you how that just makes my heart sing. As you know, I adored that spunky little hawklet, and had SO many questions after it fledged that I never thought would be answered. So it is wonderful to hear that single piece of news – it makes me so incredibly happy. I suppose the courage of the wee thing was what made the difference. It was cautious in its early behaviour on the nest but equally, it stood up for itself, literally fought for respect once or twice, and generally behaved in a very assertive manner. I’m not sure whether the outcome would have been different if Malala had been a bit more timid.
In the end, the basic behaviours of a chick were interpreted by the parents as warranting parental care because they are programmed to react that way and because their hormones were in the ‘chick caring’ phase. See a begging small beak, fill it with food. Hawklets are brave, bold little things – they do mature very quickly – and I suppose that is what saved this small person. But I really think this must happen quite frequently – some birds rely on the parental instincts of other species to reproduce at all (cuckoos, some ducks and a range of others), so I think we’d be surprised at how frequently it does occur if we knew the exact numbers. Parental instincts are just so incredibly strong. Look at the seemingly irrational devotion of parents of most species. The self-sacrifice involved in raising young is incredible (look at the albatrosses) and yet it is demonstrated by almost every species.
As you might have picked up, this has absolutely made my weekend. I am beyond thrilled! Please update your readers. I know how popular the Gabriola Island nest became in 2022 as a result of this blended family – so much so that the landowners chose not to allow the livestream the following season (2023). They did continue to monitor the bald eagle pair in 2024, I think, though I don’t know about 2025. It was a GROWL project, but there is no current information about the nest on their site.”
Deb Stecyk has posted the following about the activities at the NCTC nest of Bella and Scout. You might have difficulty viewing the log here so please go to Bald Eagles 101 FB.
I am so ashamed that I forgot about some nests, and I do not intend to – look at the two eaglets at Hilton Head! They are so gorgeous and have all their juvenile plumage!!!!!! And what a feast – six fish. Lovely.
As i the Winter Park Bald Eagle nest had not endured enough with the earlier rivalry between the eaglets, difference in age by five days, then a huge storm has torn off the rails! https://youtu.be/zyHx4-fMUxg?
Send them good wishes. The eagles can quickly build up the rails if the chicks can manage to stay in the nest.
ABC’s Bird of the Week is the Painted Bunting. Have a read. These colourful birds remind me of the Rainbow Lorikeets that visited Daisy the Duck while she was incubating her eggs or the sea eaglets when they are on the nest. I find I always learn something about these little focused stories.
There is a second egg at the Pink Shell Osprey nest in Florida.
Thank you so very much for being with us today. We hope that Monday brings you a wonderful start to your week. Our friends in parts of France are beginning to see small flowers, a Quince blossom here or there – tiny little reminders that spring will come! It is sunny with a beautiful blue sky today and it is -19 C. It will warm up a bit. Toby is getting excited about going for his walk with Ellen in half an hour. I am so grateful for all the help and support that I have.
As for us, we are doing well. It is 2 February and it is our anniversary. Last year we were in Guadeloupe. This year we are sharing a very special Chocolate Haskap cake and are simply grateful that we have a home, food, are able to heat that home in the winter and take care of the other animals that bring joy to our lives. It is the little things around us that are important – keep them safe and make the land and the lives of those that share it better. If everyone did that, we would not have a problem!
We look forward to having you with us again later this week. Take care.
Thank you to SK Hideaways for their videos, to the others who create videos and information posts on FB and the authors of articles and posts that tell us much about our feathered friends. I am grateful to all of you as well as the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to look into the lives of our favourite raptors.
I didn’t write. Each of you knows what happened at Big Bear Valley’s Bald Eagle nest of Jackie and Shadow. After having left the eggs uncovered for a number of hours, the Ravens came. Of course, all of us are devastated. I have had more than 100 letters full of sadness from you. Jackie and Shadow hold a very special place in our hearts.
Jackie and Shadow will move forward – and so will we. Will there be a second clutch? We will have to wait and see. For me, I am thankful that at that altitude, with its issues about egg thickness and fertility, we got to enjoy Sunny and Gizmo. If we get an eaglet this year, it is a bonus.
Sue Bruhling has the idea!
At 0823, Jackie was looking down at the shells. It broke my heart. I cannot show you that image because of the restrictions set by the owners of the streaming cam. But keep watching our beloved Big Bear family – and continue to send them the most positive energy. They can surprise us!
How often do Bald Eagles lay a second clutch? Bald Eagles rarely lay a second clutch, doing so only if the first set of eggs is lost early in the season, typically within the first two weeks of incubation. This “replacement” or “double” clutch happens in roughly 3% of total nesting attempts, or about 27% of cases where the first clutch fails. A second clutch is possible only if the first is lost early enough for the female’s hormones to allow a new cycle. Second clutches are usually triggered by early-season nest failure due to predation, human disturbance, or destroyed eggs. Energy Requirements: The pair must have sufficient food and energy resources to produce a second set of eggs, typically 1 or 2. Jackie and Shadow did just this in 2021 when they lost their first clutch.
Thank you to reader ‘A’ in Japan who sent me the most beautiful images of a hen harrier that they took – and allowed me to share with you. This is that gorgeous raptor that is so persecuted in parts of the UK.
There is an osprey couple incubating at Captiva but not on the Window to Wildlife streaming cam.
Scotland creates the first UK law to have homes install Swift bricks. Don’t know what a swift brick is? Read on.
If you missed it, Harry and Sally have three eggs at Moorings Park osprey platform in Florida.
‘A’ is keeping an eye on our Royal Albatross: “Dad WYL returned from foraging yesterday and immediately fed his chick. Look at that adorable bill and those sweet little pink paddles. Are they not the cutest things you’ve ever seen? Look at that cute little yawn from Plateau Chick? Seriously. It’s even cuter than a hawklet, and you know how I feel about those. Deyani was just the sweetest chick I’ve ever seen – except for these tiny albatross chicks. There is absolutely nothing like them. They grow to such a size, with that immense wingspan, but for now, they’re just like little fluffy toys. These birds are beyond special. Their patient stoicism is awe-inspiring. So incredibly gentle and yet so powerful in their own way. Such solitary birds for so much of their lives, and yet so loving when they do interact with their chicks or partners. They never cease to amaze me.
I read that the departing parent pulls the grass and dumps it over their shoulder as an offering of nesting material to the remaining parent, and that this gesture is an indication of their intention to return. If that is true, it is just one more adorable feature of these wonderful birds. I’m sorry if I’m sounding a little albatross-obsessed, but it’s only because I am. Which reminds me, thank you for the link to the Laysan albatross on Midway Atoll. The sweet chick on the camera is such a woolly little person. Too cute.”
Jack and Jill continue to work on the Achieva Credit Union nest.
I have been told that Owlvira and Hoots have a couple of owlets in their nest.
Owlvira is certainly looking as if she is feeding babies under her!
Little ones at John Bunker Sands are doing well. Lots of ‘bird’ prey on that nest today.
It is warming up for us. Snow is starting to fall, and with the warmer weather, the forecast is for snow on and off through the end of Sunday. We hope the wind will stop. We had a lovely walk with Toby this morning and cleaned up around Brock’s feeding station. Oh, spring, please come early!
Take care of yourselves. See you soon!
Thank you so much to the authors of the posts, the owners of the streaming cams and to ‘A’ for her lovely photos.
Oh, it was a grand day today. -15 at noon. Toby went for a walk with Ellen and I got to attend to some much needed recycling. The decluttering/downsizing continues at a rampant pace which makes me feel rather happy. Less really is more! It will get colder but by next Monday, we are going to be looking at -5. One of our favourite places, Pineridge Hollow, has been closed for renovations and I plan to make it a day for Ann, Don, Toby, and me. Monday is our wedding anniversary and an outing on Tuesday to feed the chickadees and be out in the country without freezing to death is in order. Oh, I can already smell the conifer trees and hear the chickadees sing!
A few quick announcements. I had not expected to be back with you til the end of the week but…
Gosh, those eagles just keeping laying eggs and hatching and doing well!
Good news, really, at the Winter Park, Florida Bald Eagle nest. E2 seems to be figuring out how to survive, and the parents are doing well. There have been some good feedings without any rivalry. If the food keeps coming – and there is a huge hunk of fish on the right side of the nest, all should be well. (I am being positive because siblicide is RARE on Bald Eagle nests compared to other species).
Jackie and Shadow now have their second egg. So egg 1 on the 23rd and egg 2 Monday, the 26th. Whoooooooo yeah! I am really hopeful as these eggs are ‘early’ like last year. Last year, the first egg of 2025 was laid on Jan. 22. The second and third eggs came a few days later on Jan. 25 and Jan. 28. Their first successful chick to hatch was Spirit in 2022.
CBS LA announces the moment! (As well as so many other news agencies – Jackie and Shadow are truly loved!). https://youtu.be/fMlh1KuSPvA?
News of Royal Albatross:
Life at the E1 nest of Anna and Louis II is going along nicely.
Sally and Harry have their second egg at Moorings Park on Monday the 26th. Thanks, Heidi!
The Abu Dhabi Cams on four nests:
The second chick has hatched at John Bunker Sands Wetlands Centre!
I want to remind you that there is now a streaming cam at the Kakapo nest. This is a first, and it is a real treat. Please check out these amazing flightless parrots that are nearly extinct. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/BfGL7A2YgUY?
Thank you so much for being with us. Please take care of yourself. So many people are in storm areas. Stay warm, stay safe. We hope to have you with us again soon.
Thank you to Heidi for sending me the note about Moorings Park, to the owners of the streaming cams where we watch our favourite raptor families and use screen captures to tell their stories, to SK Hideaways and others for their videos to bring those lives to life, and to those who post announcements on FB. I am very grateful to each of you. My blog would not have all the news it does without your input.
CJ7 with her first egg of the seasonWe are excited to announce that at 12:56 this afternoon, in rather drizzly conditions, CJ7 laid her first egg at the 
