Big Bear Valley – Page 6 – Mary Ann Steggles

Tuesday in Bird World

13 May 2025

Good Morning,

Set your clocks if you can and watch Monty and Hartley’s chicks get their bling this morning!

San Jose City Hall: Chicks will be ringed live on streaming cam today!

Thanks ‘PB’ for sending the announcement:

Hi all,

Zeka Glucs from PBRG here with some more details on the San Jose City Hall Banding Day. We are looking forward to banding the four chicks and reporting back to this group on check sexes and overall health. They are looking quite active for their age (~20-21 days today) so I expect they are developing well.

Tomorrow morning we will likely arrive to the roof at around 10:30am and then rappel to the nest ledge soon after that. We will be keeping the cameras running during the nest entry and try to arrange ourselves so that you can see the process of measuring and banding the chicks. Each chick gets one metal identification band per leg: a black band with a large alphanumeric code and a silver US Geological Service band which we will cover with temporary colored tape for more identification ease in the nest and during fledge watch. Once they are measured and banded we will be able to discern if they are male and female. Then we collect a wing feather clipping for contaminant stable isotope analysis and three newly emerged body feathers for genetics before returning them to the nest. During the nest entry you may see and hear the parents defending the nest. This is normal and expected, and quite convincing in person! We will complete our work as quickly and safely as possible, then leave the chicks in the nest box for the parents to discover are all well and accounted for so they can know that they successfully chased us off and can resume their job of parenting the young.

Thank you all for your interest and investment in this peregrine family. If you miss the live banding there will be a recording of the nest entry posted on youtube at a later date as well for you to observe.

Zeka”

Today’s blog is relatively short. It is the Full Flower Moon, and any full moon means that my life, as well as Don’s, is turned upside down for about four days. This is despite the fact that this is the last micromoon of the year. The others will be larger and more, thus, more concerning. The lunacy of ‘luna’ is quite real. Be gentle with anyone with mental health issues during this time.

It is also stifling hot on the Canadian prairies, and any plants left outside yesterday were rushed in and placed in a tub, soaked. It is expected to be a hot and dry summer. A wildfire broke out in a northern part of Winnipeg, and fires are burning throughout our province. The fire ban continues. We brought the dill and rosemary plants into the house, where it is cool. I cannot imagine what it will be like this summer. Perhaps it is time to get one of those enormous umbrellas!

I keep reminding myself- and you – that we have had some miracles this year. Several continue to unfold and we need to remember and rejoice in their struggles and survival.

Against all the odds, the female at White Rock has incubated her eggs, alone, and raised two eaglets so far, alone. The two are doing well and there is fish on the nest.

This is an incredible story unfolding and if there is no other news today, well, this is gold! The one is at the White Rock Bald Eagle nest. I have no images and the other at Trempealeau.

Trempealeau Bald Eagle Mum is doing amazing, too. These two really deserve some kind of gold medal this year!

More Miracles. Sunny and Gizmo.

Jackie knows it isn’t long now. What a beautiful year it has been for her and Shadow to be parents again. Monday night she slept in the nest with the ‘babies’. https://youtu.be/ff5x80cJdJ0?

Sauces: Another Miracle. Betty Lou is preparing for ledge just like Sunny and Gizmo.

NEFlorida: Bodie fledged. The nest is pretty empty without that big presence of her and her adopted sibling, Juvie.

Bodie dancing before fledgling: https://youtu.be/uje9p0LAZoQ?

Fort St Vrain: It isn’t over til they fly off the edge of the nest, but it looks like the two surviving eagles at Fort St Vrain will do just that.

Cornell Red-tail Hawk: I thank all of the stars that Big Red is still with us. Here she is with her two surviving O1 and O2 from this year.

Hellgate Canyon: The male visited the nest. I did not see Iris. She is off somewhere in the hills fishing and enjoying her summer without the need for little ones. If she returns next year and forms a strong bond with this male, then we may see another family. For now, Iris is living the spa life and this fellow is wondering where she is.

Rutland Manton Bay: Both chicks doing well.

Latvian Golden Eagle Nest: Two days ago, Spilve was feeding two of the sweetest little eaglets. https://youtu.be/2ANQ-FoirgE?

Nizhnyaya Kama National Park in Tatarstan: Chulman feeds chick on the 11th! https://youtu.be/qYSslwIatZE?si=4sNVYvfnppXPzVyY

Black Stork Nest Jogdeva: The intruder ate the last two of the chicks (they were already dead as the female did not cover them). Sad ending what was hoped to be a return of the Black Storks to the area.

Worcester Cathedral: Due to the stress of losing two of their chicks this year, with one surviving, a decision has been taken not to ring the chicks as it could be too stressful.

Norwich Cathedral: Three beautiful little eyases.

Michigan State Spartan Scrape: Three eyases and one egg.

Salinas Falcon Cam makes the news: https://youtu.be/WlCr5g_hHO8?

Tweed Valley 2: This amazing threesome, two females and a single male, are doing fantastic. These chicks will be truly blessed.

Geemeff Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 12th May 2025

An interesting day, with two fish brought to each nest by the respective males. However, Garry LV0 made Aurora 536 wait for the first fish, by showing it to her then flying off with it and not returning for several minutes. He didn’t pull that stunt with the second fish, she moved in and took it as soon as he landed. His tally now stands at forty nine. Louis brought the season’s earliest breakfast for Dorcha, and followed it up with a trout for lunch, and his tally rises to eighty three. He and Dorcha joined forces to see off an intruder Osprey who buzzed the nest several times but wasn’t given an opportunity to land, and the eggs are safely making their way towards hatching, we’ll be on pip-watch in under two weeks. The weather was sunny and settled and is forecast to continue like that for the rest of the week. Fingers crossed tonight’s clear skies and light winds don’t attract the owls who’ve been heard nearby.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.53.24 (04.05.00); Nest Two 23.05.18 (04.11.38)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/ylEhZH07-eY N2 Season’s earliest breakfast for Dorcha 04.56.06

https://youtu.be/yVlU4fGjDEw N2 Dorcha leaves with lunch as soon as Louis delivers it 13.40.47https://youtu.be/AImTtGwHR64 N1 Aurora gets Garry’s fish the second time he brings it 14.38.05https://youtu.be/PwjwvCqeWYg N2 Louis & Dorcha join forces to see off an intruder overhead 16.48.40https://youtu.be/H1uWYmgtyhE N1 This time Garry doesn’t make Aurora wait for the fish 17.52.48

Bonus watch – how tough are Ospreys? Check out this valiant female across the pond on Mother’s Day:

https://youtu.be/tziVm7AIHPY

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/BFfBZitcjv0 N1 Haven’t you forgotten something? 2020

https://youtu.be/_rGpAZaTjmQ N1 Oops! Where’s it gone? Aila loses her fish! 2020

https://youtu.be/7fjub6AqXts N1 Stickgate! Louis lands a stick on top of Aila then perches on it! 2020

https://youtu.be/Ah7wghdmEsA N1 Look who’s back bringing moss! 2021

https://youtu.be/x9ltb4rsX-w N1 The Stranger nestorises while Blue 152 calls for fish 2021

https://youtu.be/Kdo-dxeZv3Y N1 That technique needs work! Amusing mating incident 2021

https://youtu.be/Avbi8BbEvC4 N2 Intruder Osprey flyover 2023

https://youtu.be/bLMSoIgb1Yc N2 Another year, another stickgate!! 2023

https://youtu.be/IR7bJxY7AsE N2 Louis brings a fine flapping trout 2024

https://youtu.be/0bNLIxCelsw N1 Female Chaffinch visits 2024 (zoom)

Everyone’s welcome to join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, fun, and free:

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

Duke Farms: On Fledge Watch. Thanks, PB.

Oak Hammock Marsh: One of my favourite places to wander and look for birds of all species is set to reopen after an extensive refurbishment that has taken 2 years!

As I end this there is some concern that the second hatch at Venice Golf and Country Club is unwell. Heidi is keeping a watch. The symptoms sound an awful lot like Molate at the Golden Gate Audubon Nest of Richmond and Rosie. Molate did not receive a necroscopy so the cause of its death is unknown.

Eagle Country will be shutting down their cameras for maintenance very soon.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Please take care. If it is as hot where you are living as it is on the Canadian Prairies, please drink lots of water. Don’t go outside during the heat of the day and leave a bowl of water for the birds and animals outside. They will thank you for it. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their posts, notes, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB’, White Rock (Hancock Foundation), Trempealeau Bald Eagles, WI, FOBBV, NE-Florida, Lady Hawk, IWS/Explore, Cornell Bird Lab Red Tail Hawk Cam, Montana Osprey Project, LRWT, LDF, Liznm, Nesting Bird Life and More, Looduskalender Forum, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Norwich Cathedral, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, Ashley Wilson Hawks and Falcons, Cali Condor, Oak Hammock Marsh, Eagle Country, Worcester Cathedral, SK Hideaways

Sunday in Bird World

11 May 2025

It is a very, very sad day in Bird World. Not the Happy Mother’s Day that I hoped for all these beautiful birds that have raised so many amazing chicks and brought us such happiness. This morning Dory (Audubon Boathouse) was savagely killed by a GHO. She had just laid her third egg.

Heidi writes, “I loved Dory. Mom to Skipjack, Schooner, Sloop, Skipper, Harbor, and Grey. Sadly, three of her offspring suffered the same fate.”

Is there ever a possibility that knowing the owls are there and will strike that those individuals or organizations owning streaming cams will work together to set up methods that would keep the GHOs from harming the Ospreys? The osprey do not kill the owl chicks and eat them. They are no threat to their food supply. If people can go for a space ride for millions of dollars, cannot we come up with even a simple earthly fix to help our fish eaters? In this instance, this has been a long standing known problem and there are people who should have worked on solutions including red strobe lights!

Soar High Dear Dory.

———————————————————————————-

Happy Mother’s Day to Anyone who has ever cared for another living, breathing being! And It doesn’t matter how many legs it has!!!!!!!!!

I was fortunate. My ‘mothers’ were fascinating people. My mother has always wanted to be a registered nurse. She was the Valedictorian of her high school class and won three scholarships to three excellent universities in Oklahoma to realise her dream. All her father had to do was provide funds for room and board and her books. Well, ‘no’. She was a girl. She was bitter all her life. I was born eleven years after she had worked for the US Navy during WWII in Long Beach, California. When I was eighteen months old, she was offered a position she could not refuse, and the most wonderful thing happened. There was no daycare. My maternal grandmother cared for me until my early teens, so my mother could work. (She continued to work for many decades; it was in her DNA). While my grandmother let me do everything my mother would not allow me to do including braiding my hair (can you imagine it might straighten the curls??) and gave me this easy going sense towards life and a love of gardening and chickens, my mother spent her life making certain that I had the very best education that I could have and that opportunities she only dreamed of I did. My PhD was, in part, her desire that every woman on the planet be able to care for themselves. She was a ‘Tiger Mum’ in a sense! I am full of love and grateful to them because they gave me balance.

No doubt each of you will have a raptor Mum that has touched your heart this year in a way that was not thought possible.

I want to remember an amazing raptor mother who is not with us this year. We will never know what happened to her, but she will live on in our hearts whenever we think of the University of California at Berkeley. The Campanile will never be the same. My first Mum of this year is Peregrine Falcon, Annie.

Big Red has always been on the top of my list because she is the raptor on streaming cams that first touched my heart. She hatched in the spring of 2003 in Brooktondale, New York, seven miles from her nest on the campus of Cornell University. She has had at least two mates – Ezra and now Arthur.

Finally some sun for Big Red, Arthur, and the Os.

‘B’ swept me away because they included some of the most miraculous mothers of this 2025 season! They wrote, “Special to me are three moms who are once again mothers this year after each has had difficult years: Jackie at Big Bear, Audacity at Sauces, and Gabby at NE Florida. Also very special to me is Mrs. T at Trempealeau, who is working so hard (and doing so well) raising eaglet TE3 pretty much by herself.”

Here is ‘B’s list!!!!!!!

FOBBV: Mark your calendars fledge watch begins on 13 May or Sunny and Gizmo. Can you believe it?

A video with Mamma Jackie! https://youtu.be/_P7jg-nW_1A?

Fish delivery by Mamma Jackie! https://youtu.be/GAyUI5s-nVU?

Sauces: Betty Lou is the spitting image.

NEFlorida: Bodie leaves the nest and misses a fish delivery from Mamma Gabby: https://youtu.be/ph-qZGmAGR4?

Trempeauleau Eagles:

‘A’ has Mrs T as a hero. She writes: “Since your blog alerted me to the plight of Mrs T at Trempeauleau, I have been keeping an eye on that nest. So tragic that she had to leave her eaglets in freezing rain – she has been doing such an amazing job with her surviving first hatch. This morning she left just as the skies were starting to lighten – and she was back within 15 minutes with a fresh fish for the wee one’s breakfast. She fed little T3 a couple of times during the day and there was no sign of Mr T, although I have seen footage of him removing a fish from the nest and flying across the river to the island, where he obviously has another nest, to which he delivers the fish (www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bp-_oilfqc). There has been speculation on the chat that this phenomenon will become increasingly common because of the larger numbers of eagles sharing territories. It’s a double-edged sword – yes, we want more eagles but not if it means they are competing for territory to the point where they hurt each other and cause eaglets to starve. We need to provide habitat for the eagles, not just increase their numbers without thinking about how the additional eagles will live.

But back to T3. It had a funny interaction with mum in the middle of the night last night – mum jumped down from the branch above the nest where she spends most nights and the eaglet went into nest defence mode like a little warrior. Stood up as tall as it could and pecked at mum!!! This interaction went on for several minutes – mum eventually bonked T3 back. T3 responded by pecking at mum’s breast feathers several times, still standing as tall as it could, flapping its wings occasionally for balance as it lunged forwards to peck its mum. That’s no way to treat your dedicated single parent mother on Mother’s Day T3! Especially when she’s come down to the nest for a snuggle on a windy night – she rarely joins T3 on the nest and the little eaglet, who has lost both its siblings to hypothermia, snuggles up to the trunk of the tree for warmth and comfort. Sometimes, it looks up at mum longingly – but when she did decide to come down, T3’s reaction made me wonder whether eaglets have far less acuity at night than adult eagles because it was as if T3 didn’t recognise Mrs T at all and was defending the nest against an intruder. It was very strange. Eventually, after a five or six-minute stand-off T3 snuggled down as if nothing had happened and Mrs T arranged some nesting material (she’d been bringing in fluff a lot during the day). Teenagers!! It’s a little delinquent. Here’s the footage. It’s just TOO funny: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnFmArd8jh0. “

‘VS’ said: “Love Naha at Seaside and Mum at Port Lincoln.”

Naha

Oh, yes, absolutely. Thank you.

Mum at Port Lincoln

Rutland Water: One of the finest osprey females, a super Mum, Maya, is right at the top of the list for more than two dozen people. Her and Blue 33 just had their second hatch of the season!

Heidi’s Osprey Report:

Everyone fledged at Smith Rock Park! https://youtu.be/Nt7nZI0sc4s?

This drives me crazy!

Geemeff Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 10th May 2025

Today on Nest One started with a visit from a male Tawny Owl, who perched and made an unusual call, perhaps trying to attract a mate. Later there was much excitement as Garry LV0 saw off a persistent intruder Osprey. The unringed female tried to land several times with Garry on the nest actively dissuading her, and then they had quite the aerial battle with much chasing and circling round both nearby and in the distance, all caught on nest cam. She did return and managed to land shortly after her epic encounter with Garry, but was very wary and then startled off the nest by a Jay rustling through the branches of the nest tree. Aurora 536 wasn’t around or at least not visible on nest cam during the female’s visit, but did turn up in the afternoon to get a large whole trout from Garry. That one fish took his tally to forty six, but he has a long way to go to catch up with Louis, whose two deliveries took his tally to seventy nine. The first fish he brought wasn’t much more than a tail end which explains Dorcha’s enthusiastic reception of the second, she even gulped a few mouthfuls on the nest before departing and leaving Louis to egg-sit. The weather was settled and sunny as promised, but in a change from the forecast, light rain is expected tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.51.44 (03.45.47); Nest Two 23.08.52 (04.07.40)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/lz68zyEX6Uw N1 A Tawny Owl perches, calls but no response 00.24.40 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/KQPgI_C2YfE N2 Louis does a flyby before delivering fish one 05.13.15

https://youtu.be/NKSslCjZ2AY N1 Garry’s dramatic encounter with an unringed Osprey 11.19.56

https://youtu.be/yr5AUEabxDk N1 Unringed intruder returns but is startled by a Jay 11.35.43

https://youtu.be/CnBTtPySvKM N1 Aurora takes Garry’s fish immediately 15.31.44

https://youtu.be/DQBB7OIY92I N2 Dorcha gulps a few mouthfuls before leaving with fish two 18.53.41

Bonus read – looking at those clouds of insects on the nests today, this study shows the amazing biodiversity of the Arkaig ancient Caledonian rainforest:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/press-centre/2023/08/loch-arkaig-invertebrate-survey

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/WRJVln57L5w N1 Cheeky Tawny Owl perches next to Aila 2019 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/1IEDIyo9rCQ N1 Louis adds to the chaos on a windy day 2020

https://youtu.be/zcl511TMr_0 N1 Louis resists Aila’s blandishments 2020

https://youtu.be/e_xzfE0KTlk N1 Louis chases a pesky Hoodie 2020

https://youtu.be/iStLjLcvl2I N1 Eurasian Wren pays a visit 2021

https://youtu.be/VPfvH9XEqzU N2 Unringed female intruder steals Dorcha’s fish 2022 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/AM_UsK1riDg N1 Juvenile Tawny Owl plays on the nest 2023

https://youtu.be/0Mbyxj-Wr90 N1 A handsome Jay visits 2023

https://youtu.be/Pe8lgQ2Pdbs N2 Season’s earliest breakfast for Dorcha 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

My top book recommendation for last year – and Calico’s too – was Raising Hare. ‘B’ sent along an article from The New York Times. Raising Hare was in their top 15 for 2025! Feeling delighted.

Just in case you didn’t see it, Raising Hare is on the NY Times list of the Best Books of the Year (So Far). One of 15 books on the list.

The Best Books of 2025 (So Far) – The New York Times Download

Cumbria Wildlife Nest 2: Two eggs laid very late in the season for the new couple. Fingers crossed.

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

I am going to be doing a very abbreviated blog for the next week or so. It is gardening time and with Toby and The Girls, there isn’t enough hours in the day to keep up. Geemeff and Heidi will be with us when they have news and I will be covering the hatches in the UK.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, B, Geemeff, Heidi, PB, VS’, Cal Falcons, SK Hideaways, Cornell Red Tail Hawk, FOBBV, NEFL-AEF, Trempeauleau Bald Eagles, IWS/Explore, LL, Seaside Osprey Cam, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Smith Rock Park Eagles, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Maryland Western Shore, Fostythe, Fortis Exshaw, Audubon Boathouse, Rutland Water, Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Friday in Bird World

7 May 2025

Hello Everyone,

It has been one of the most roller-coaster years that I can remember in Bird World. Mates not returning. Mates arriving late only to find that younger birds have taken their place. Long standing residents have lost their nests. Single Mums struggle to tend their chicks. Today, for the very first time, Big Red’s third hatch O3 died shortly after hatch. In her history on camera, which began in 2012 (she probably began raising chicks in 2005-06), no chick has died on the nest. Every hatch has fledged except for one and that was K3 who had a problem with her jaw. She was rescued but had to be euthanised. I have to admit that I am heart broken. Like all other raptors, Big Red and Arthur have two other chicks to raise to fledge and then teach them the ways of the hawk so they can survive in the big world. Arthur has the nest full of food and the other two appear to be healthy. It has been the wettest season I can remember on this nest and I hate ‘wet’ nests. Many chicks of various species die from what harbours in that damp and with lung problems.

This made me feel very weepy. Friday and it is pitching down rain on Big Red and Ithaca. Send her good wishes, please.

Cornell’s official notification of the loss of O3.

Sad News_ Red-tailed Hawk Chick _O3_ Dies Shortly After Hatching _ Cornell Lab Bird Cams Download

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 8th May 2025

Today was mainly calm and routine – Garry LV0 delivered two fish for Aurora 536 but seems to have adopted a pattern of making her wait, by arriving on the nest with the fish then immediately taking it away, and returning a bit later to give it to her. No mating behaviour has been observed lately, but as they’re off-nest most of the time, we don’t know if it’s taking place elsewhere on one of the other vacant nests in the area, or not at all. The two fish take Garry’s tally to forty three, while Louis, who also brought two fish for Dorcha, raises his tally to seventy five. Steve Q posted his fish statistics for week five, summing up Louis’ output as “Remarkably consistent numbers over the last 3 seasons”. There weren’t any overnight owl visits, but something unseen scared Dorcha off the nest today, leaving the eggs unattended for about two and a half minutes. However, they came to no harm and we’re still on track for first hatch in just about two weeks time. The weather was settled again, another stunning sunset was seen from Nest Two, and the forecast is clear skies and light winds tonight, and a positively balmy 19°C and full sunshine tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.39.20 (04.07.01); Nest Two 22.54.02 (04.12.47)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/Rq6jzQKsGi0 N2 Louis settles down to egg duty after delivering the first fish 06.09.05 (zoom)https://youtu.be/tS6l2Py6V74 N1 Yet again Garry makes Aurora wait to get the first fish 10.05.36

https://youtu.be/Z29I7aHzXyoN1 Fish 2 is a repeat of fish one – taken away before Aurora can get it 16.03.12

https://youtu.be/o2ZMRUIF0PQ N2 What makes Dorcha flee the nest? 17.43.47

https://youtu.be/3Ab39-Ps8TI N2 Dorcha’s still wary when fish number two arrives 17.53.59

Bonus action – Before vandals attack any more of our ancient trees, we can become citizen scientists, and help Woodland Trust record ancient trees:

https://ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/hGuegL1duZM N1 What scares Aila at midnight? 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/fv2-S7IAT7g N1 Aila employs a tried and tested Louis-removal technique 2020

https://youtu.be/RydYvBR0m5I N1 Aila invents a new Louis-removal technique 2020

https://youtu.be/Ys65Fgfu9sM N1 Unusual visitor – a Twite (Linaria flavirostris) visits 2021

https://youtu.be/oMCTfmauWKA N2 First Owl-strike on Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/meJb_ovW0V8 N2 Second Owl-strike on Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/ea0yqDp1ups N2 Third Owl-strike on Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/uecjKN_3VQI N2 Late night fish supper arrives for Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/WD9vJ3lVeMk N1 Garry LV0 & Aida pay a flying visit 2024

https://youtu.be/vXtY4BrntTM N1 Garry LV0 wrestles with a huge clump of moss 2024

https://youtu.be/ZrKyT_jo5DI N2 Dorcha headbutts Louis to get him off the eggs 2024 (slo-mo repeat with zoom)

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

Life at home today was very interesting. The plan is to make certain that Toby loves to go in the car and behaves himself when we are out and about.

Many, many years ago when I travelled to Japan regularly, I loved watching the little puppies and dogs being pushed in the specially designed prams for them. I had never seen anything like it! Well, today, Toby got his very own little enclosed stroller so that we can literally take him almost everywhere.

Oh, but wait!!!!!!!! Who’s in the stroller?

Calico: ‘Can I go for a ride, too?’

We did have a delightful day. Toby got to take in all of the shops, see the animals, and even enjoy the sunshine while we had a picnic. No whining, no barking, just a quiet puppy playing with his toys in his carrier or sleeping. Did I tell you that I feel blessed?

Back at home, the energy came out and this old pair of shoes took a bit of a beating!

Being outside really helped to get over the loss at Cornell. Toby and The Girls help, too. As I told someone today, ‘Toby is my heart’. He is the most incredible little creature.

I checked on only a few other nests, but will try and catch up tomorrow. Sometimes it is just nice to ‘stop’ and reflect on how much these amazing birds mean to us.

Heidi’s Nest Notes:

You will be hearing about intruding ospreys – lots of them. Many are the two year olds returning after their first migration. Kielder Forest has some of those visitors.

Another ‘new to here’ intruder and Nest 5A update _ Kielder Ospreys Download

FOBBV: SK Hideaways caught our dear Gizmo and Sunny sleeping alone. Their time with us is getting shorter and shorter. Visit the cam as much as you can – you will not regret it. You will only regret it if you don’t. https://youtu.be/vnLAyVBKCPI?

Trempealeau Bald Eagles: Baby has a full crop!

Video of little T3 protecting the nest. https://youtu.be/tYbkLV7v-60?

Duke Farms: ‘PB’ writes: “Duke Farms. 6:31am…mom brings fish and feeds all 3 then dad brings large Eel and other 2 share a meal…all 3 having breakfast!”

Hellgate Canyon: Iris has a new male companion and he brings fish. What more can we ask? Oh, and he’s pretty cute.

Will there be more eggs?

If the first clutch is lost early in the season, they may attempt a second nesting attempt. A second clutch is likely if the eggs are lost early in the season, but the pair is less likely to breed again if the eggs are lost later in the season.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Single Breeding Attempt: Ospreys generally have only one breeding attempt per year.
Early Loss: If the first clutch of eggs is lost early in the breeding season (before the eggs hatch), the pair may attempt to lay a second clutch.
Timeframe for Second Clutch: A second clutch is usually laid about three weeks after the failure of the first one.
Late Season Loss: If the eggs are lost during the middle or later stages of the breeding season, the pair is more likely to skip breeding that year.

Dr Greene has some thoughts for us:

“Hi everyone,

Sorry for the radio silence – I have been travelling and busy. At the start of the season, we cautioned you to buckle your seatbelts for the Hellgate Soap Opera! And our cautionary warning was warranted – there has certainly been a lot going on.

Finnegan did not return, and alas, we suspect that he might have died over the winter. He could have gone somewhere else, but with such a successful breeding season last year, if he was still alive he would have most likely returned to the Hellgate nest.

Louis visited Iris and mated repeatedly with her, and she laid three eggs (April 29, May 1 and May 4). Iris’ behavior is very interesting: without a dedicated mate, she has not been super attentive to her eggs. We suspect that from previous experience, she knows that without a partner bringing her food and helping to share incubation with her, the eggs won’t survive. So she has been flying off leaving them unguarded.

The astounding thing to us is that the half life of an untended osprey egg is measured in seconds or minutes!! Almost as soon as Iris leaves an egg untended, a raven swoops in and flies off with the egg. This demonstrates the need for the eggs and small chicks to be tended 24/7, and without a bonded pair bringing up young is not possible.

But a few days ago, NEW GUY 2 showed up, and Iris seems to be pairing with him! He has been bringing in fish and driving off Louis. This is exactly what happened last year, and so Iris may lay some more eggs. Stay tuned . . . .

I have posted a timeline that summarizes events from the 2024 breeding season (on the bottom half), and the 2025 events so far.

More later!

Think pure thoughts, Erick Greene and the Montana Osprey Team

More osprey news from Geemeff for us!

Ospreys will nest where they want to nest, whatever humans do! Let’s hope the landowner doesn’t kick this nest into the water again..https://www.easthamptonstar.com/villages/202558/ospreys-return-to-site-wrecked-nest

——————-

A migrating Osprey spotted at night!

https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/sefton-coast-natterjack-toad-song-an-experience-to-be-remembered

I will continue with the Spark Birds that inspired you. If you have a comment on a bird, please send it. Thank you!

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB’, Cornell Bird Lab Red-tail Hawk Cam, Cornell Bird Lab, SK Hideaways, Trempeauleau Bald Eagle Cam, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Dr Greene, East Hampton Star, inyourarea.co.uk, Duke Farms, Colonial Beach. Osoyoos, Smallwood, Patuxent River Park Nests 1 and 2, Kielder Ospreys

Thursday in Bird World

8 May 2025

Hello!

Sssshhhhh. Toby is ‘not’ spoiled.

Toby has grown. He has legs! So far, he does not mind his collar and having his leash attached going about the house. He goes to his potty pads, twirling around like a ballerina, which is a good sign that something is about to happen. My son says I must teach him to sit and to behave on his lead. I do not doubt that this intelligent little man will be fine.

If I forgot to say, Hugo Yugo and Toby slept in the bend of my left arm Tuesday night. Calico was back on the conservatory table this morning and well, The Girls have settled into their ordinary routine and just don’t seem to be bothered by his presence this afternoon.

The weather continues to be ‘weird’. It is going to be 36 C next week. I have a serious problem with this because of the dryness and the fires. What about the birds? I have lived in Manitoba, on and off since I was a late teenager, and having a 36 degree C was something that was rare. Of course, that temperature has been more familiar the last four or five years but not until ‘summer’. Not the beginning of May. We will make certain there is plenty of water for all the outdoor animals.

Today, Mr and Mrs Crow began, in earnest, to eat the cheesy dogs, which tells me that they have either babies in the nest or are thinking about it! The Blue Jays are here in earnest, and Dyson took five peanuts this evening at one go! She has to be at least ten years old, and it is her.

My goodness. When ‘LS’ submitted her ‘Spark Bird’, I am not certain she realised how many people love Harriet and miss her so much. The fact that we will never know what happened to Harriet has left holes in so many hearts. People are pleased that M15 was able to raise their last two eaglets, E21 and E22, alone and that he was happy to find a new mate BUT everyone would like Harriet back! Thank you, ‘LS’ for taking us down memory lane – albeit full of tears.

Eleven people sent in the name Louis. You know who you are! No, not Iris’s Louis, but Louis from Loch Akraig, specifically Louis with his mate Aila, whom they met during the pandemic when the pair raised their triplets, JJ5, JJ6, and JJ7. 400,000 people are said to have watched the couple from the Loch Arkaig I nest that year. When Aila did not return, Louis moved the nest to nest 2, where he raised chicks with his current mate, Dorcha. I must admit that I was devastated when Aila did not return, and it did take me a while to warm up to Dorcha.

Louis and Aila feed the triplets. https://youtu.be/jBE6pWdWlgM?

News of a Norwegian osprey couple! What a gorgeous place for a nest! https://youtu.be/C8B9sYYWo58?

Big Red and Arthur: It appears that the last two eggs are pipping. O2 is taking some time and we have seen this many times this year. Wishing both those little ones a good hatch!

O2 has hatched!!!!!! Arthur has covered the nest with chipmunks and squirrels. O3 is on its way too and should arrive by today. What joy!

I love watching Big Red and Arthur raise their family. Arthur just fills up that nest with every kind of critter he can so that no one ever goes hungry. Big Red stuffs those babies and keeps them warm and cosy alternating brooding with Arthur. I cannot tell you how much I adore this Red-tail Hawk. She is, of all the birds on streaming cams, my ‘Spark’ Bird.

SK Hideaways has all the drama at Ithaca on video! https://youtu.be/yWjP7_1t5Os?

Cornell Bird Lab shows us that O3 is almost here! https://youtu.be/0WWZd7Gi0H0?

Someone commented about all the prey. Thank goodness for Arthur’s good hunting skills. The pantry is always full and in case of a bad weather day this is essential for these babies. Great parents.

Hellgate Canyon: The New Boy has finally brought Iris a fish!!!!!!!!!! Viewers around the world jumped up and down for joy and shed tears. It appears not to be Finnegan – I really hoped it was – but, a new male interested in our Queen and her nest.

Foulshaw Moss: White YW and Blue 35 incubating eggs. It won’t be long.

Agrippina & Antares Peregrine Falcons: https://youtu.be/kMtd_9UtYfE?

Jose City Hall Falcon Scrape: ‘PB’ sends us a screen capture of some very full crops! Monty and Hartley are taking superb care of these four. Brilliant.

Our favourite couple, Jackie and Shadow bonding at Big Bear: https://youtu.be/Ou9u3uMPdZ4?

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 7th May 2025

Today’s main story is all about Aurora 536 – we received word today that she was ringed in Loch Fleet in Sutherland in 2022. This means she’s a three year old, and a good match for five year old Garry LV0 who was ringed in Loch Garry in 2020. They’re both young and healthy, he’s an excellent fisherbird and has a good nest with a well stocked loch nearby, and she appears to have adopted him and his nest. So everything has aligned for them to be successful parents – fingers crossed it works out as hoped. The Tawny Owl who visited Nest One this morning might find surprise occupants next time if the young pair produce eggs this season! Garry brought two fish taking his tally to forty one, and over on Nest Two, Louis’ three deliveries for Dorcha take his tally to seventy three. The weather was settled and the day ended with a colourful sunset best seen from Nest Two, and the forecast promises more settled weather and sunny spells tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.46.52 (04.23.21); Nest Two 22.56.24 (04.31.52)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/iZCtZxSvdtQ N1 A male Tawny Owl visits, calls but gets no reply 04.06.45

https://youtu.be/zoVG6Xtn21o N2 Dorcha has a quick nibble before departing with fish number one 05.54.01

https://youtu.be/9AUcpQbxfI4 N1 Lunch arrives for Aurora 13.21.08

https://youtu.be/ICUoOHx0qBg N2 Louis delivers a second fish for Dorcha 16.44.58

https://youtu.be/qGapMARckT8 N1 Aurora gets the second fish when Garry brings it back again 18.22.50

https://youtu.be/AFxIoXOi7hU N2 Dorcha’s fish supper arrives against a colourful sunset sky 21.13.23 (quick time)

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/8OaqnwQiaBI N1 Aila does a bit of Louis-bashing before he takes the hint 2020

https://youtu.be/2qFBiVop8DQ N1 Clumsy Louis clatters the camera! 2020

https://youtu.be/T8wmG4NbfIo N1 Late night bat visits Aila 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/VA8CwMT9qyA N1 Eurasian Siskin and Crossbill visit 2021

https://youtu.be/0FlIlYJMsGQ N2 Cheeky Tawny Owl perches on the nest 2022

https://youtu.be/LcPUWA3mWDo N2 Tawny Owl strikes Dorcha then returns to perch on the nest 2022

https://youtu.be/kJIFH0RyeSk N1 Louis pays a visit to his old nest 2023

https://youtu.be/6z_D0r_72h4 N1 A little songbird flits around for a while, then nudges a stick over the side 2024

https://youtu.be/1MzoKTgPm4w N1 Aida lands on the perch, welcome back, we missed you 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

I am so angry. There are some of us that wish we lived in Virginia and could make an impact on these decisions. The ospreys and their chicks are dying. We saw this in earnest in 2024. Have a read!

“Menhaden – Little Fish, Big Deal!

Thomas Lilly · nsdoorpetSccag140a5f51a25m8i0a227h3i9ca1ca8a66u1hch057g8ati3 ·

In case you haven’t heard the menhaden board met today at 1 PM to discuss area and seasonal protective options for Chesapeake Bay menhaden …the options the work group proposed concentrated on ospreys and their critical times for raising young for example May 1 through August 15 . Area restrictions were proposed by the WG for Chesapeake Bay and the mouth of Bay during the critical time periods.

Please be aware that Lynn Fegley, the director of DNR fisheries and Allison Colden , CBF’s chief scientist who was the Maryland representative on the work group sat in silence when the time came for them to make a persuasive presentation on the options that they favored, the benefits of the options and the benefits to Maryland. A few questions were directed to them about ospreys and striped bass and they gave very incomplete one might say incompetent answers. For example, they could not explain to the questioner the difference between the freshwater ospreys, successful breeding, and the saltwater ospreys that rely on menhaden to survive’s dismal breeding success. This is completely covered in Dr Bryan Watts’s scientific article titled a Tale of Two Bays , but they ignored these well-known sources or had never bothered to read them.

Lynn Fegley and Allison Colden are two very intelligent women who decided to sit mute during the most important moment that we have ever had for Chesapeake Bay in so far as protecting its food supply. I am quite sure they had read all of the articles about ospreys and that they completely understand the ERP science it says when ospreys and striped bass are in poor condition it is menhaden over harvesting that is to blame. The ERP science was never mentioned. They both know completely, how our Maryland recreational, commercial and charter fishing for striped bass has collapsed but they did not discuss it. Their silence was deafening .

The question is why these two menhaden board leaders did not speak out to convince this board to adopt options to protect Maryland. When the time came for them to make a motion for the board to pass protective options to protect our bay’s food supply, they sat in silence. Because of the inaction of these two people today , there is nothing that is going to happen to prevent the starvation of thousands of osprey babies this season and nothing to prevent more of our charter fishing captains from going out of business and no hope for progress here to restore the bay’s food supply so millions our children could enjoy the bay the way it should be.

If you can find factual evidence as to why this disaster to Chesapeake Bay occurred I hope you will post it on this website so the public will know why this happened

By the way, the end result was this board abdicated its responsibility and kicked the matter back to “discuss” it again in August. You can be sure that in Virginia’s Pat Geer and his cohorts at Omega protein are celebrating victory, once again, tonight., I expect the advocates for menhaden reform are in shock over what happened today.”

Black Stork Nest in Poland: Two hatches on Wednesday!

Golden Eagle Nest in Latvia of Spilve and Gristlis: One egg has hatched. Still watching and waiting to see if the second egg will hatch.

Black Stork Nest of Kergu and Kerli: They are still incubating. The eggs were laid on: Looduskalender Forum listed when the eggs were laid:

1. egg on 21.4.2025, 00:06
2. egg on 22.4.2025, 23:35
3. egg on 24.4.2025, 22:41
4. egg on 27.4.2025, 02:02

Wild Bucovina Golden Eagle Nest 2: Eaglet was stuffed today!

Bety and Bukachek, Mlade Buky, Romania: Incubating two eggs (I think).

Glaslyn: Teifi and Elen have been at the nest. Individuals are observing Aran who is remaining in a familiar place and fishing for himself.

Ladies showing off their osprey eggs!!!!!!! Heidi’s Nest Notes are Visuals today! Love the labels – those really help. Enjoy!

Port Lincoln Ospreys: New has come in that Phantom is alive and well. Fran Solly writes,

“In what surely is the proverbial “needle in a haystack” search we were thrilled to find Phantom this afternoon and to see her with another bird. Phantom is the 2021 female bird from the Price Artificial Platform. She flew to Kangaroo Island shortly after fledge. In October 2024 her tracker stopped operating but locals reported sightings of her. Today we can confirm those sightings with these photos.”

Ospreys of Nova Scotia: Names have been chosen for Oscar and Ethel’s chicks by popular vote: Nova, Russell, and Sunny. Congratulations. Lovely names!

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their posts, comments, notes, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, PB’, Liz Bracken, Norwegian Ospreys, Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam, SK Hideaways, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Agrippina & Antares Peregrine Falcons, San Jose City Hall Falcon Scrape, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Menhaden- Little Fish, Big Deal FB, Bociany Czame Online, LDF, Looduskalender Forum, Wild Bucovina, Mlade Buky Stork Cam, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Dahlgren, Forsythe, Kent Island, Fortis Exshaw, Maryland Western Shore, Cape Henlopen, Port Lincoln Ospreys,

Sunday in Bird World

4 May 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Morning Update: Glacier Gardens streaming cam is now live and Liberty appears to have a new mate!

NEFlorida: Gabby brought Bodie two fish on Saturday! Yippee.

Ciril Nest, Threave: Mary Cheadle has posted that PF4, the unringed female that came to the nest, is none other than Laddie LM12 and Blue NC0’s fledgling from 2023! Oh, how wonderful that one of their chicks, who had one of the harshest starts in terms of weather and lack of food, is alive.

Saturday was a long day. It took nearly three hours over rolling hills, past farmer’s planting their fields, and ponds full of ducks and geese. The trip to pick up Toby was magical and so good for our souls.

Toby is tired. He slept all the way from his home in the country with his brothers and sisters to the City. He played for a bit with a tiny rope chew toy and he is now asleep again. The Girls have been curious, but not aggressive in any way. I don’t think they know ‘what’ Toby is! The key is going to be making certain that each and everyone of them does not feel left out but gets lots and lots of love and cuddles.

Calico looking at me wanting to know what ‘that thing’ is!

I don’t think Hugo Yugo had seen anything so tiny – and Toby is VERY tiny.

Toby likes to be held or be in his very soft bed. Nothing else.

Toby is going to fit into the family just fine. All I had to do was look over at Don’s face as he held Toby on the trip home and well, I melted. A gentle puppy for a very gentle man.

I am going to check on a few nests but before that Geemeff sends us the daily summary for Loch Arkaig – and oh, goodness, poor Dorcha. The owls are at it again!

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 3rd May 2025

Another day of low activity and nothing out of the ordinary. Dorcha and Louis continue to take turns incubating the three eggs, Dorcha gets a break to eat, bathe, and stretch her wings when Louis brings fish and takes over egg-sitting, and Louis does whatever male Ospreys do when they’re not fishing, egg-sitting, or patrolling their territory. Louis brought one fish today, taking his tally to sixty six, while over on Nest One, Garry brought two fish to take his tally to thirty five. Blue 536 continues to come to the nest and Garry continues making mating attempts, not always successful. However, he seems to have developed a teasing strategy whereby he brings a whole fish to the nest, shows it to her then takes off with it, returning it headless a little later and only on the second go round letting her take it. Interesting times on Nest One. The dry weather’s set to continue with an overnight forecast of partly cloudy with a gentle breeze, and sunny intervals tomorrow.

EDIT: So much for nothing out of the ordinary – after this report was filed, a Tawny Owl struck Dorcha. Neither she nor the eggs were harmed. We’ve been hearing owls for some time and anticipating a strike and it’s come tonight – when will the next one happen?

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.25.48 (04.30.05); Nest Two 22.24.58 (04.39.52)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/-UydAzTc7fw N1 Garry LV0 brings and takes away a whole fish, returns it headless to Blue 536 13.17.07

https://youtu.be/hmAqX1qE0FM N1 Yet again Garry LV0 makes Blue 536 wait for the fish 16.20.24

https://youtu.be/QtzXJFp8qDc N2 Louis does a flyby before landing and giving Dorcha this late first fish 16.37.49

https://youtu.be/vQ2GdD48Pqw N2 Tawny Owl strikes Dorcha! 22.58.41 (slo-mo repeat with zoom)

Bonus watch – stunning drone footage of the two nests, filmed last year before the birds returned of course:

https://youtu.be/HKIxtz_ICXU N1

https://youtu.be/wiSNcrl7_mM N2

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/_ldayacEJVk N1 Domestic abuse? Aila makes Louis move 2020

https://youtu.be/O66MzVbKdEk N1 Louis chases a Hoodie wanting his fish 2020

https://youtu.be/EXKZvJIsSnU N1 Poor old Louis! First a kick then a bit of fish stuck in his beak 2020

https://youtu.be/U-5w06vRVgc N2 Dorcha wears a fake moustache 2022

https://youtu.be/475Qa4mMr_M N2 Louis gets a bashing with a big stick 2022

https://youtu.be/aGybeh25I3I N2 Size matters! Coal Tit is startled by Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/hr9oHiTH2EA N2 Mute button needed as Dorcha sees Louis bringing dinner 2023

https://youtu.be/9NftDmPybXk N1 Garry brings fish number one for hollow-cropped Aida 2024

https://youtu.be/mmOwq1QEOTQ N2 Louis misjudges landing with a big stick 2024

https://youtu.be/zp36YlZE3yA N2 Two Lesser Redpolls arrive and one perches near Dorcha 2024

https://youtu.be/eAqcolh9_VQ N1 Woodland visitors: Tree Pipit, Coal Tit, Wren 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

Usk Valley Ospreys: No birds breeding in the valley for at least 250 years. This pair is much loved and they made The Guardian! Will they turn out to be super media stars like Jackie and Shadow?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/03/nesting-ospreys-villagers-excited-wales-usk-valley?CMP=share_btn_url

Cornell Red Tail Hawk Cam: Arthur has brought in a bird and some other type of prey for Big Red, their first hatch of the season. It is a rainy, wet day. I am beaming like a godmother!

This little one is O1. Sometimes I think Big Red will make it til the end of the alphabet! What an amazing hawk.

Sunday is rainy in Ithaca.

White Rock Eagles: ‘PB’ reports that Mum fed the two eaglets the leftover duck, and instead of fighting, they ate and had crops. Mum later brought in a fish for the two of them. If the males leave this nest alone, we might see a female not only incubate but also raise eaglets without help. I hope she makes it! Send such good energy.

The eaglets are the 25th and 26th of this great Mum and they are named Yankee and Zulu.

Hellgate Canyon: Iris took a break – a very short one – and the Ravens came and took the second egg.

Trempealeau Bald Eagles: Mum and Baby are holding their own. Just smiling.

Duke Farms: It feels like fledge is coming soon. Eagles fledge from 10-14 weeks and can spend from a month to three or four months in the area of the nest being trained and fed by parents.

FOBBV: Beautiful Gizmo and Sunny at Big Bear are getting as anxious as the Duke Farms eaglets to fly.

Charlo Montana: The second egg has arrived for Charlie and Lola.

Much news coming out of the UK:

Police are seeking information on the killing of two Red Kites.

Police Scotland appeal for information after two Red Kites found poisoned in Castle Douglas – Raptor Download

Two men charged in relation to the killing of the Red Kites in Cairngorms.

Two men charged in relation to illegal killing of Red Kites in Cairngorms National Park – Raptor Per Download

Gamekeeper in court accused of killing Hen Harriers.

Gamekeeper due in court today in connection with alleged shooting of hen harrier on grouse moor in Y Download

Gamekeeper appears in court and pleads not guilty to offenses against Hen Harriers.

Gamekeeper Racster Dingwall pleads not guilty to two charges relating to alleged conspiracy to kill Download

You are invited to a free webinar (you do need to register) with the Cornell Bird Labs: Here is the information:

Red-tailed Hawk by Cynthia Sedlacek

Dear Friend, More than 1 billion birds are killed from collisions with windows every year. Fortunately, affordable and effective solutions are available for residents just like you! Join the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for a free, virtual webinar to learn how YOU can make the windows at your home safer for birds. Everyone who attends will be entered to win up to $500 in bird-window collision deterrents.* Register today, spots are limited!

When?WednesdayMay 14, 20257:00 p.m. EDT

Where?Zoom Platform

How?RegistrationRequired

To register, click the button below or copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lh-fQfXFQsWWBPiibRqjUQ

Register to Reserve Your Spot!

*The prize-drawing winner will receive a gift card for $500 to apply toward products to deter bird-glass collisions. The winner will be randomly selected and notified on May 15, 2025, at the email address they provide during registration. We hope to see you there, Dr. Tina PhillipsOn behalf of the Bird-Friendly Action TeamCornell Lab of Ornithology

This webinar is part of a research initiative conducted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology about our outreach to reduce window strikes. You must be 18 years of age or older to register. By registering, you consent to sharing your name and email address as part of the study, but we will code and remove any personal information so the data are anonymous and not personally identifiable.

That is it for me today. It is time to pay some attention to a very late dinner and some four legged friends. Take care everyone! See you soon.

Thank you to everyone for their notes and to those who especially sent me the sometimes vulgar ads that appeared on my blog. I have sent these to WP trying to determine what has happened. Thank you to those that sent notes, posts, images, videos, ideas, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, PB’, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Cornell Bird Lab Red-tail Hawks, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, White Rock Eagles and Hancock Wildlife Foundation, Trempeauleau Bald Eagle Cam, Duke Farms, FOBBV, Charlo Montana/Raptor Resource Project, Raptor Persecution UK, Cornell Bird Labs, Glacier Gardens, NEFL-AEF

Friday in Bird World

2 May 2025

Hello Everyone,

As we prepare for the arrival of Toby, my time is running out. Anything that could fit into a small mouth must go into hiding along with ‘precious’ rugs, shoes, etc. Cords must be taped to the wall so they cannot be seen. It is a big learning curve from having cats! As a result, my blog will be brief for the next several days. I will try to catch the latest news and follow up on the White Rock and Trempealeau eagle nests and any happenings in the UK.

Cornell Red-tail Hawks: On Thursday, Big Red and Arthur have their first pip of the 2025 season.

Here is the video: https://youtu.be/lPqiUSN3wwE?

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: ‘MP’ alerts us to a new couple on the nest. “I don’t know if you are aware of this nest having 2 new osprey residents. A new male and female. The nest looks amazing compared to the other resident’s nests.”

‘AR’ sent me a great good news story to share with you! One lucky Eagle.

https://www.fox13news.com/news/sarasota-county-man-dives-lake-save-eagle-this-is-symbol-america-man

White Rock, BC Bald Eagle nest. Read this carefully – the female incubated the eggs alone for 42 days. She might be fine if the males would stop stealing the food. Then there is the issue of the heat. This nest needs a sunshade! They are the sweetest little eaglets and well, I do not believe this is going to end well. Maybe all these eagles should take a page out of the osprey playbook from Threave!

The latest post on the White Rock eaglets from Terry Anita:

“

Weird and Wonderful Secondhan

Lord’s Shoes & Apparel

News Feed posts

Facebook

Bald Eagles Live Nest Cams and News

Terry Anita · ronsdpteSou2hugui4cu78lc9itlhaliu5h4983cilc65837219m7utc6th0 ·

5/2/25 This is the White Rock, BC, Canada post for today. Please comment here. I’ll be updating & adding screenshots & info throughout the day. Eagles Mom (Dad missing) 2 eaglets. Hatched 4/30/25.

Screenshot 1: The male with the missing feathers above the right eye visits the nest. #2: Mom and male fly out. #3 Eaglets looking good this morning. Mom returns with no food. Male returns, digs in the nest for leftovers, then leaves.

These are believed to be Moms 25th and 26th eaglets. She has a lot of experience. But the circumstances are so difficult. She just spent 42 days incubating alone. And if it wasn’t for the males stealing all the food she brought in. She’d be in a better position, with left overs in the pantry. Local residents have left out grasses for her, to line the nest. But she hasn’t taken them. She’s doing the very best she can. The eaglets are also left alone in full sun on that nest. And are way too young to be able to regulate their temperature. All we can do is keep positive vibes going. This is a very big uphill battle for Mom.

Live cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Suz5R5mBV7s

There are other nests in close proximity. And many bald eagles in the area. There have been several males vying for Mom since Dad went missing. However most of the males seem more intent on taking food from the nest, than anything else. Mom has been tolerant of a few of these males and mated with more than one of them. The area gets a lot of eagles visiting when the herring run takes place. The White Rock, BC herring run typically happens in spring, with the most intense activity usually occurring in early to mid-March. The exact timing is unpredictable, but it generally begins in late February or early March and can continue into April.

We are watching nature unscripted. Should it become distressing to watch. Please step away & take a break.. Please do not try and compare this situation with other nests. No two nests, eagles or circumstances are the same.

Backstory. Mom is not a first time Mom. She’s been in the area for several years. And is believed to have had around 26 hatches, including this seasons eaglets. The male (Dad) went missing shortly after the first egg was laid. That egg was left unattended for over 11 hours and deemed non viable. The second egg was laid. But with her mate missing the female had to incubate the eggs alone. She was obviously gone for long periods of time, multiple times. As she has to find food for herself. The male visitors weren’t bringing her food and had no interest in the eggs. The eggs hatched on 4/30/25.

***Several males have been around, trying to win Mom over.

You might see any one of these males on the nest, usually stealing food. It’s very difficult to distinguish one male from another… A young male “Smudge” with dark feathers on his head just above the beak is one that can be easily recognized.. Smudge has been a frequent visitor… He’s been seen for about the last month and a half, on and off. But had stayed for the past few weeks.. Smudge seemed to be invested and even brought a fish in on 4/30/25.

Update. Smudge was in a fight with another male on the evening of 4/30/25. We are waiting to see if he’ll return. Or if the male he fought with has taken his place.”

Hellgate Canyon: Iris laid the second egg on Thursday 1 May. Poor darling. I would give almost anything to see Finnegan fly onto that nest right now.

Hilton Head Eagles: E1 fledged three days ago. https://youtu.be/nGnlkFIXzbI?

FOBBV: Gizmo and Sunny are really working their wings. https://youtu.be/prd7vuG7xjY?

Heidi’s Osprey Nest Notes:

Kent Island (Chesapeake Conservancy): There’s a new Audrey in town. ‘Fair Lady’ beat out a couple other females and won over Tom, and she laid her first egg on 5/1 at around 11:10. Meet Audrey4, aka simply ‘Audrey’.

OBX (Outer Banks): Oh my, what an early rough start to the season it was for Betsy and Frederick. There were so many intruders and battles. But, finally things settled down and Betsy laid her first egg of the season on 5/1 at 14:07. This first egg is almost a month later than last season.

My inbox continues to be filled with the most devastating news for wildlife that I have witnessed in my lifetime.

Each of you should know the name ‘Wisdom’, the oldest ringed bird in the world, a Laysan Albatross, who nests on the Midway Atoll. So when you read the following, sent in by Geemeff, I want you to think about ‘Wisdom’ and I hope that this will cause you to act to fight against any policies that destroy the lives of those, like Wisdom, who cannot speak for themselves.

Now is Our time!

A Nai’a (Spinner Dolphin) springs forth on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) 2025
Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer Joe Owen

Supporters of Friends of Midway Atoll (FOMA) are needed now more than ever to be the voice for the public lands and waters known as Kuaihelani (the backbone of heaven), which is designated as a National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial within the larger Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM). The Administration has reduced the federal workforce, is proposing new policies and rescinding long-standing environmental policies, all of which are negatively impacting the ability to conserve, honor and protect our Nation’s public lands and waters.

With these unprecedented challenges, the FOMA Board is committed to sharing specific requests and calls to action via this newsletter and our newly launched advocacy web page here.  Addressing and finding solutions to the critical needs of wildlife and people on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Battle of Midway National Memorial has our sleeves rolled up. We are positioned to help but the need is greater than our current capacity.

One Way to Help

FOMA takes its responsibilities seriously by aligning your donations with priority conservation needs that cannot be met by the refuge. We promise to continue to direct our funds to projects that offer immediate support for wildlife, bridge the financial gaps needed to continue collecting one of the longest sets of seabird data on the planet, share the stories and magic of Midway, and supplement core volunteer functions lost to budget and personnel cuts. As an example, the current refuge volunteer coordinator position will be vacated and unfunded in May. However, your donations have enabled FOMA to fund a volunteer coordinator position to mentor, train, and lead a 4-person crew of 6-month volunteers to implement critical on-the-ground conservation work. This will allow critical work to continue without losing ground to protect species and their habitats.

We are exploring creative ways to support Midway, including directing FOMA funds to pay contractors who can continue to protect habitats from invasive species. After nearly 3 decades of continuous effort, the refuge is close to eradicating Verbesina encloides; and stepping back now is inconceivable. Additionally, we will ensure efforts continue to honor those who fought in the Battle of Midway. We also commit to building a relationship with the PMNM Culturally Working Group while illuminating the cultural significance of Kuaihelani by honoring native Hawaiian species and place names.

Heavy Hearted Farewells

As a result of recent actions by this Administration to reduce the federal workforce, Midway has lost critical operational and administrative staff capacity. In February 2025, Midway Atoll and its sister Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge lost their supply, shipping and travel logistics coordinator, Dan Link. This is a critical position given the logistics of supporting these remote refuges in Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. On Friday, April 17th Midway Atoll lost its full-time Budget Analyst who managed Midway Atoll’s budget including paying bills, making purchases and supporting large contracts.

Also on April 17th we bid a heavy-hearted farewell to an irreplaceable brain trust in the Pacific Islands Refuges and Monuments Office in Honolulu that provided direct support to Midway Atoll and the other refuges and monuments in the Pacific. We bid farewell to Science Manager for the Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative Jeff Burgett, Refuges and Monuments Area Supervisor Ric Lopez, Deputy Area Supervisor Susan White, Supervisory Wildlife Biologist Beth Flint, Biology Science Technician Anna Vallery, Administrative Officer Eloise Wong and Wildlife Biologist Megan Laut (pictured below).

Photo by: USFWS/Laura Beauregard

These individuals were the backbone of the support office for all the National Wildlife Refuges including the Battle of Midway National Memorial and the Marine National Monuments in the Pacific. Their cumulative time spent working at the field level for wildlife (and people too) along with upper level managerial and planning experience is measured in centuries of knowledge, passion, intellect and wisdom. Known throughout the Pacific for their expertise, these now former employees had to secure their files and walk out the door with only a few days’ notice.

The impact of this loss will be felt for decades and has crippled the ability of those remaining to protect Midway and meet the mission of the agency. Unfortunately, this is just the beginning as more staff cuts are anticipated as well as a possible Reduction in Force. Along with budget and staff reductions, Executive Orders to eliminate previous provisions to protect nature further threaten the ability to conserve fish and wildlife in these extraordinary and unparalleled environments.

Imminent Threats to Midway’s Wildlife and What You Can Do!

Unfortunately, these warp speed actions by the Administration are now producing major threats to wildlife and habitat through the dismantling of federal laws protecting the islands, reefs, and waters at PMNM and more urgently at Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument (PIHMNM). This monument encompasses 7 National Wildlife Refuges and protects wildlife that knows no ocean boundaries as they transit in the greater oceanic ecosystem.

Grey reef sharks and schools of anthias in the waters of Jarvis Island, Pacific Remote Island Areas Marine National Monument. President Biden has an opportunity to fully protect the area. (Kelvin Gorospe/NOAA/2017)

In an effort to create a collective strength in numbers, we will continue to highlight the most pressing threats and point to those non-profit organizations protecting these monuments. On our webpage you will find links to recent executive orders or actions that seek public comment. We will also provide clear guidance and helpful tips.

Now is our time to hoist the sails and voyage together. We feel honored to join you and look forward to speaking out together for what we deeply value as we malama (take care of) Kuaihelani.

I Mua!

In the Hawaiian language the words I Mua mean to “move forward” or “move ahead” towards a goal and can express a deep commitment to support a feeling, an idea, a person or a cause.

Mahalo for all your support,
Your Friends of Midway Atoll

friendsmidway@spanchoo

We need to treasure and protect them.

Farmer Derek Kansas Bald Eagle Nest: Continually hit by owl strikes. https://youtu.be/JPBxkZYEXn4?

As many of you might recall, I have praised the wildlife vet, Dr Tess, that has spent the last year at our rehabilitation clinic, Wildlife Haven. She maintains that wildlife are more resilient and can survive with many physical challenges. What this means is that new wildlife vets like Dr Tess are reluctant to simpy euthanise wildlife simply because they are missing a limb or have an inconvenient broken bone. ‘MP’ sent me an example of another surviving nicely in the wild with one leg! They write, “This is an example of what you were talking about. Ron Dudley captured this photo of a Brewer’s Blackbird missing a foot but still able to go on. It didn’t stop her from gathering nesting materiel for her nest. She was just as efficient as the other females. Only the female builds the nest in this species, as you probably know. So, all the males around just sat back and watched. They appear to have big feet too. I thought you’d be interested in seeing it play out in real time.”

Border Ospreys: Samson and Augusta have their first egg of the season!

FIRST EGG Download

San Jose City Hall: There is joy to be found. Look at those crops. Thank you, ‘PB’.

A magnificent rescue!

Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest: T3 is getting stuffed. Despite male taking food, the little one is doing well. Please send good positive energy.

How thoughtful.

Geemeff’s daily summary for Loch Akraig and The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 1st May 2025
After an absence of a few hours which had us feeling a little edgy in case Blue 536 was ‘doing an Aida’, she turned up on Nest One ready to accept fish and mating advances from Garry LV0, and succeeded in getting both. Just as well, as females need ongoing mating for egg production to be stimulated, and the male needs to deliver a steady supply of fish to keep the female’s interest. Bearing in mind that Aila & Louis met on 28th April, mated for the first time on 29th April and still managed to fledge a chick in time to migrate, this pair are in line with that schedule so there is still an outside chance of chicks on this nest this season. Garry’s three fish deliveries take his tally to thirty one, and over on Nest Two, Louis also delivered three fish to Dorcha, raising his tally to sixty three. There was a bit of rain today, but the Inver Mallie forecast for tonight and tomorrow is more settled, with light clouds and light breezes.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.08.23 (04.37.31); Nest Two 22.03.42 (04.43.17)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/ilG9n0vf8YE N1 Garry LVO brings a fish to the empty nest 05.06.50

https://youtu.be/jIX9worErpA N2 Dorcha stays on the nest to dine on the first fish 11.02.05 https://youtu.be/gHoeec_K298 N1 Successful mating after a short absence 11.29.39

https://youtu.be/CggxUpYOh3M N1 Another successful mating 11.51.15 https://youtu.be/vfGb0sFlXtk N2 Dorcha does a grab and go with the second fish 13.39.56https://youtu.be/EfXhITns0qo N1 Blue 536 grabs the second fish immediately 14.16.16 https://youtu.be/ym2B_bnn8SA N1 Fish number three is very well travelled! 16.23.16 https://youtu.be/iHguhJna2Os N2 Dorcha wastes no time taking the third fish 19.04.28

Bonus lesson – how to pronounce Dorcha’s name:
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/Easandorcha.shtml

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/l-f7VaXK21A N1 Two red deer graze near the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/fnHg9LxETHA N1 Louis pays a flying visit 2021 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/wE6nWxP8JTU N2 Dorcha’s third egg arrives just after midnight 2022

https://youtu.be/w3jSNo9VC3g N1 Affric & Prince are back with moss! 2022

https://youtu.be/KiQW-kUOBnM N2 Louis is oblivious as a bat flits around 2022

https://youtu.be/iF-53Y6h0IA N2 Dorcha’s finally able to persuade Louis to leave 2022

https://youtu.be/7fF-jH2_83k N2 Dorcha tells Louis off for taking so long 2023

https://youtu.be/0wwxhyiiz24 N1 Aida arrives with the sunrise, Garry is heard but not seen 2024

https://youtu.be/oHU-qlnE6lQ N2 Intruder flying nearby causes Dorcha & Louis to flee the nest 2024 (slo-mo repeat with zoom)

https://youtu.be/8mdWTR5kpcE N1 Garry LV0 brings a fish but Aida’s not there 2024 (zoom)

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, posts, letters, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘AR, Geemeff, Heidi, MP, PB’, Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam, Cornell Bird Lab, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Fox News, Hilton Head Eagles, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, Friends of Midway Atoll, Pukaha National Wildlife Centre, Farmer Derek Kansas City Bald Eagle Nest, San Jose City Hall, Deborah Victoriana Friends of Duke Farms, Raptor Resource Project, Kent Island, OBX, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust

Monday in Bird World

28 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Unless you have been on an island somewhere, you probably know that Canada has a federal election today. Most voted early, and please, if you live and vote elsewhere, do not mail in your ballot. Go and vote in person. You want your ballot to count. Take an audio book or a magazine or something, even a bottle of water to help you stay in line so your voice is heard. There are people to help you get there. And by all means, go early and vote. We had a 450% rise in turnout for early voting at our polling station!!!!!!!!!

I have been looking at therapy dogs and have finally found one that will be picked up next Saturday. For over a year I considered a rescue dog but it appears they have more trauma than i can deal with at this point in my life. Most of the ones here are a Shepherd mix. Instead, we will see which one of the little boys in the picture below picks us. I am partial to the one with the wide white stripe on the left facing you.

Update: Second egg at USK this morning.

NEFlorida: Gabby has brought a fish for Bodie. Bodie did not get any prey yesterday. Beau has not been seen for four days.

Geemeff sends us the daily summary for Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 27th April 2025

Quiet today on both nests, just a routine day – both females called for fish and took them quickly away on delivery to their nests, and both males brought two fish each, taking their respective totals to 23 (Garry LV0) and 54 (Louis). The weather was wet and windy as forecast, and it’s raining as I file this report (22.15 GMT+1). The main difference between the nests is that one has a long established pair, currently incubating three eggs, while the other has a new couple in the early stages of pairbonding. Season Nine is off to a good start, fingers crossed it continues. The overnight forecast for the Inver Mallie area (https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2646094) is light rain and a gentle breeze continuing through tomorrow afternoon.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.44.03 (04.54.09); Nest Two 21.44.00 (05.00.50)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/3hwN14iQOV4 Nest Two, fish number one 05.51.44

https://youtu.be/emNgeo_CV3A Nest One, fish number one 11.14.44

https://youtu.be/tghASM3eMek Nest One, fish number two 16.35.01

https://youtu.be/7RE-LA7Pdwo Nest Two, fish number two 16.58.46

Bonus guide to ‘nature’s fireworks’ which are out early: George WTS advises where and how to visit Scotland’s best bluebell woods – but please don’t leave the path!

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/travel/14704931/scotland-bluebell-woods-top-spots

Blast from the past, this day in previous years

https://youtu.be/q_WwmwEsYBA N1 Louis won’t let Aila have his fish 2019

https://youtu.be/p3aqIV2VHuo N1 Owl attacks Aila 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/OsGsdpzZVdY N2 Owl strikes Dorcha as she guards her egg 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/2RPYImn6HsQ N2 Egg number two for Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/AtdFILU2Sm0 N2 Owl attacks minutes after the second egg 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/E2U7-JML07w N2 Egg number three! 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/jT3MesYLieY N2 Hooded Crow intrudes on Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/-JTu8Cr1Guo N2 First fish does a flypast before landing 2024

https://youtu.be/MfQttkWT3Uk N1 Garry LV0 leaves Nest One and perches on Pole Tree 2024

https://youtu.be/B-zPWF3ZiJg N2 Takes two to tangle: Loch Arkaig Ospreys bump into each other 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

Llyn Brenig: Has it stopped?

Venice Golf and Country Club Ospreys: Ildiko Pokk says they are doing great.

Longmont: Some snow but some pretty osprey eggs, too.

Decorah Goose Cam: Still waiting for hatch!

Xcel Energy: Fort St Vrain: All is well.

Denton Homes: Beautiful triplets. Bad, bad storms set to hit the area on Monday. Send positive wishes those tornadoes will go somewhere else.

OPPD Fort Calhoun is in line for the storms, too.

Trempealeau Eagle Nest: Is also in line with the heavy storms pushing through the Nebraska region. Mum has been doing a grand job feeding her only surviving eaglet alone.

I often wonder if Iris remembers Finnegan, Sum-eh and Antali?

Moorings Park: The expected date of Ozzie’s fledge if 4 May. That is this coming week.

Big Bear Valley: The snowstorm that hit the nearest area on Saturday has all but melted.

Farmer Derek Owl Cam: Starr goes up and down the 2 x 4 attached to the tree to go up and down easily from the nest to the ground.

West End Bald Eagle nest: Makaio eating prey on top of Tor.

Redding: Little darlings Liberty and Guardian continue to work on their new next with hope for next year.

Little Miami Conservancy: Flapping and hopping.

Sandpoint: Geese should hatch and jump today or Tuesday. Will this give Keo and Keke time to lay eggs?

Duke Farms: It appeared that the rabbit (or squirrel) was enough for all three eaglets to get some bites. ‘PB’ writes that a big fish came on the nest Monday morning and all ate well.

SW Florida:

Latvian Osperey Nest in the Kurzeme. Selma and Svings are here and we might have osplets again this year. Wish them luck! Thanks, Sassa Bird!

Link to the cams: https://www.youtube.com/@LatvijasDabasfondsOnline/streams

Sassa Bird sends us a history of this nest we are watching: “The nest we are observing is located in Kurzeme. According to the information available to Aigars Kalvāns, it has been known since 2004. The nest is built in the branches of a bent old pine tree. From 2007 to 2023, the nest has been inhabited every year, and only in 2007, 2010 and 2019 was nesting in it unsuccessful. In the remaining years, 1-3 young ospreys left the nest. In 2023, the male and female were without rings, so the origin of these birds is unknown to us. The camera system was created by Jānis Ķuze and Jānis Rudzītis. In 2024, a pair of ospreys Selga and Svings, both unringed, nested. Two chicks (Līga and Jancis) hatched and successfully fledged. Children’s ring No. 59T, 59V”.

Latvian Golden Eagle: This is Spilve’s nest. In 2020, her beautiful fully feathered chick, Klints, died of starvation when she lost her mate and could not find food. Golden Eagles will practice cainism and there are two eggs. It is extremely rare – and I do say extremely rare – that the second hatch would survive. Grislis is a good mate.

Geemef sends us another news item: “‘In Britain, we burn precious peatland for sport’ – article in Prospect magazine about the shameful practice of grouse moor burning:

https://raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/04/25/in-britain-we-burn-precious-peatland-for-sport-article-in-prospect-magazine-about-grouse-moor-burning/

This is a good article, sent to us from our friend ‘EJ’. They say: “I know it’s not good news, but I needed to send you this article.
Nothing we can do about it except take care of our own back yards.
I take heart that my son and stepson are planting pollinator friendly gardens, watering the bees and bugs in the heat, and now leaving leaf piles and flower stalks in the fall for the bumblebees and birds and all the other insects we cannot see.” https://www.sustainability-times.com/environmental-protection/alarming-saudi-construction-this-colossal-105-mile-long-desert-skyscraper-risks-exterminating-thousands-of-birds-across-critical-migration-routes/

‘EJ’ is right. I never thought I would see a reverse in the caring of our world but, I continue to believe that if we each take charge of where we are, we can make a positive impact.

Sent from my iPhone

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘EJ, Geemeff, Heidi, SB, PB’, King Cavaliers, Cartwright, MB, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig, Alaistair Cameron and Llyn Brenig Project FB, Ildiko Pokk and VGCCO, Pam Breci and Longmont, Raptor Resource Project, Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain, OPPD Fort Calhoun, Trempeauleau Bald Eagles, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, FoBBV, Farmer Derek GHO Cam, Duke Farms, Redding, Sandpoint, Little Miami Conservancy, Karen Meadows, SW Florida, LDF, Raptor Persecution UK< UK Osprey Information

Saturday in Bird World

26 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It was a gorgeous spring day on Friday the 25th of April on the Canadian prairies and it is just as nice today. We drove a friend to Wildlife Haven (our great rescue and rehabilitation clinic) to drop off donations of supplements, enrichment items, and clean sheets and towels. They are all intended for Baby Days celebration which happens on the 24th of May.

If you live in the area, here is the information:

Wildlife Haven in Ile des Chênes, MB, is hosting its third annual Wild Baby Shower on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, from 1 PM to 3 PM. The event aims to support the care of orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife during their peak baby season. Attendees can enjoy interactive games, prizes, and meet Wildlife Ambassadors. There will also be guided hospital tours, a baby-themed photo booth, and a gift table for wild babies.

The Wild Baby Shower is a chance to support Wildlife Haven’s mission of saving wild animals. Attendees can make a donation or bring a gift from the registry, which includes items like specialized food, warmth, and medical supplies, according to MyRegistry.com. Wildlife Haven anticipates admitting over 750 wild patients during their peak season, so any support is greatly appreciated.

I like to remind everyone that baby animals will be coming into care around the world in the northern hemisphere and if you have anything that can help, please donate.

I want to start with a very special nest – this nest could teach the world some good lessons! Then we will check on what is going on with Heidi and those osprey nests in the US.

Heidi’s US Osprey nest note:

Wolf Bay osprey platform: The third baby for Josie and Bert hatched on 4/25. The three cuties are only three days apart in age.

Geemeff reminds us of a special day – Mark Your Calendars!

“Sunday 4 May marks International Dawn Chorus Day 2025. Here’s the top tips from the RSPB for enjoying it.’

https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/the-dawn-chorus-all-you-need-to-know-about-natures-big-show

Names were given and a memorial planned for the three eaglets of Scout and Bella that died when their nest was tossed out of the tree by high winds this week.

Glaslyn News: “It has been a dramatic season so far with KC6/Teifi and Aran fighting for their place on the Glaslyn nest. On Tuesday it became clear that Aran had started his campaign in earnest to recover his nest. He began aggressively divebombing KC6/Teifi on the nest and chased him through the valley, leading to spectacular views for visitors and volunteers who watched them in the air from the Visitor Centre.

On Wednesday morning he brought a large Mullet to Elen before chasing Teifi out of his territory once again. He has been present on the nest today, and this evening returned with another fish for Elen. We have not seen Teifi on the nest camera since Wednesday morning.

Is this the beginning of a fresh start for Aran and Elen?”

Here is that nest battle on video: https://youtu.be/MIcDcKGlwWo?

Big Bear Valley: I don’t know about you but I really don’t want Sunny and Gizmo to fledge for a long, long time! https://youtu.be/EHzKcNE3WG4?

Trempealeau Bald Eagles: T3 is 15 days old today. Mum is working hard to provide for herself and her only surviving eaglet. She came in with the big fish and fed T3 twice, brooding her eaglet inbetween so it could not get a chill. What a great Mum. Dad showed up today to feed a few bites of fish to little T3 and then flew off taking the fish to his other nest and chicks. (Don’t get me started!)

Peace caught it on video: https://youtu.be/yaubm2K6sAw? I really want this little one to survive. It is getting its thermal down, but the rain can cause Mum to not be able to fish, so Dad taking their food is not good.

Cromer Peregrine Falcons: Poppy and Henry have two chicks at the time I am writing. https://youtu.be/Q8E4xLgv55s?

Cal Falcons: Please read the post by Cal Falcons carefully. I hope you are as angry as I am at the changes that could make our beautiful raptors – endangered and extinct. What are you going to do to stop this

Cal Falcons

eordnosSptl6tum2m51haal60fa2ah381082575i5a4l5062l5084708tuc2 ·

Due to the use of DDT and other pesticides, there were fewer than 100 Peregrine Falcons in the lower 48 United States in the 1970s. Bald Eagles had dropped to fewer than 1000 individuals across the same area. Thanks to the effects of science-based environmental regulations such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), there are currently ~5,000 Peregrine Falcons and ~300,000 Bald Eagles in the lower 48!

The recovery of these two species is due almost entirely to legislation that is scheduled to be officially “sunset” by Executive Order dated 9 April 2025 (“Zero-based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy). The damage that this could cause is immeasurable and could take decades of concerted effort to recover from. In some cases, the damage could be irreversible, as many endangered species could very quickly go extinct without protections.

Environmental regulations protect not only plant and animal species but every person on the planet through clean air and water, and it is estimated that the environment provides approximately 150 trillion dollars of economic benefit globally every year for free (Jiang et al. 2021). Recovery of the Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle are just two of many stories that demonstrate the power of regulation in conserving the natural world that we all live in, depend on, and enjoy.”

These orders impact birds in the United States and those that migrate to my country for their spring and summer breeding. They also impact the nests that we watch. We need help for our wildlife and the natural areas of our world, not hindrances and indifference.

Defenders of Wildlife, a US-based organization states, ““Rolling back these kinds of protections for migratory birds such as snowy owls, red-winged blackbirds, and white pelicans will undoubtedly result in the deaths of tens of thousands of birds,” said Daniel Moss, senior government relations representative at Defenders of Wildlife. “This action is particularly egregious as we approach the 15th anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon explosion which resulted in catastrophic mortality rates for sea birds. Only thanks to the MBTA, BP was forced to pay $100 million in fines. Weakening this law by giving businesses a free pass to do harm is the exact opposite of what our government should be doing.”

Geemeff’s Daily summary for Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 25th April 2025

This day in 2021 saw the first appearance of Affric 152 on Nest One, and this day in 2023 saw the first appearance of Garry LV0 on Nest One, although he’d first appeared in 2022, intruding on Nest Two. This year things are looking different on Nest One – Affric has been chased off back to her own nest at Bunarkaig with her mate Prince, and Garry has definitely claimed the nest as his own and is fighting off all comers, while his relationship with new female Blue 536 goes from strength to strength. With mating attempts not being rejected and plenty of fish being offered, we can be cautiously optimistic that we finally have a bonded pair on Nest One, with the slim possibility of chicks this year, although it’s more likely to be next year assuming the pair return together. Garry brought three fish to the nest including the season’s first flatfish, and his tally rises to eighteen. Things are very settled over on Nest Two, with Louis taking turns to incubate the three eggs while Dorcha goes off to eat the fish he brings her. His two deliveries today take his tally to fifty one. The weather was settled today with the forecasted drizzle staying away, but rain is due tonight and all day tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.51.59 (04.29.33); Nest Two 21.45.59 (04.48.50)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/R8f0rZc_Ltc N2 Breakfast for Dorcha as the first fish arrives 06.56.43

https://youtu.be/nupk9f0MtmE N1 Breakfast for Blue 536 – Garry LV0 brings a whole trout 08.46.59

https://youtu.be/jGh2w8AI_WA N1 Garry LV0’s second fish is the season’s first flatfish 13.18.34

https://youtu.be/_pNEypf6mYU N1 A Hoodie arrives and flies off the perch to chase an Osprey 17.08.47 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/XHIsDRQ7YH4 N2 Louis delivers fish number two, a headless trout 17.21.46

https://youtu.be/8iv8nJJBeF8 N1 Blue 536 eventually comes for Garry LV0’s third fish 17.59.05

Bonus watch – how do Woodland Trust create a new woodland?

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/1_Sm9SEu0PI N1 Ringed female stranger visits 2021 (slo-mo, zoom)

https://youtu.be/F65FJe4xMHc N1 Louis visits the nest shortly after the ringed female 2021

https://youtu.be/0swlIF7VWuM N1 Woodpecker and Blue Tit visit 2021

https://youtu.be/6frCvYMt4a0 N2 Louis is too busy mating to notice Dorcha’s new egg 2022

https://youtu.be/OVCVE1wwydU N2 Louis sees his egg and takes over incubation for the first time 2022

https://youtu.be/15WD6z9hROg N1 It’s last year’s intruder from N2: LV0 visits N1 for the first time 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/0-quAK2Ju1Y N1 He’s back! Garry LV0 arrives 2024

https://youtu.be/EQN51E_PIO4 N2 Unringed intruder Osprey seen off by Louis 2024 (real-time with slo-mo repeat)

https://youtu.be/1TGdaSB0t04 N2 Female Chaffinch looks tiny perching next to Dorcha 2024 (zoom)

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

If you missed the April Condor chat by the Ventana Wildlife Society, here it is: https://youtu.be/sCGnKrFcHcM? I highly recommend that you watch, and if you loved Iniko, there is a video of her journey over the five years, especially the time of the Dolan Fire of 2020 that killed her Dad, Kingpin.

Iniko (Born during Troubled Times) is getting some orange/red on her head! Remember, she rose from the ashes as they mention in the video blog.

The Ventana Wildlife Society continues to work hard to protect these amazing birds from HPAI.

All I can say is I am glad the individual was caught. Unbelievable.

Vengeful shooter laid poisoned baits in attempt to frame a Scottish estate for raptor persecution –Download

Fraser Point: Both eaglets have names – Blue and Kaimani. Many of you have noticed the number of eels showing up at nests. Dr Sharpe was on the chat today and said this: “I wonder if wolf eels are especially susceptible to domoic acid poisoning. They must be turning up dead a lot along the western coast of Santa Cruz.” He went on to say, “We had two chicks die at the Pelican Harbor nest at about 1 week old one year. The red tide often seems to peak around the time the eagle chicks hatch.” “That’s probably what is killing the pelicans that are showing up at some nests. I saw a pelican spiral into the ocean and die a few weeks ago.” [Dr Sharpe is referring to Red Tide]. Dr Sharpe was asked about the Fraser Point eagles being older and would it impact them. He remarked, “Only if they eat a lot of fish and the red tide is still around. I’m in Colorado, so I don’t know the current conditions there.”

Decorah Goose Cam: Waiting for hatch!

Golden Eagle Cam in Romania: The new mother at this nest, Pausa, has never had eaglets before or so it appears. She has absolutely no idea what to do and when the eaglet hatched on day 43 she kept picking it up and moving it out of the egg bowl causing it to get cold. She stepped on it. Picked it up and moved it again. Eventually the poor little thing died. The third egg could hatch in 3-4 days time but I doubt if the eaglet will are any better than this one. Being parents is not always instinctual.

Cromer Falcons: Dad, Henry, watches Mum, Poppy, feed the chicks! They are such little darlings and such an attentive Dad!

https://youtu.be/aaC4hjDnOkg?

It is free and it is fun. Guess the day of the first hatch at Rutland Water’s nest of Blue 33 and Maya at Manton Bay! Put your choice in the chat and Bart M will tabulate everything.

The Bald Eagle, Majestic, arrived at Wildlife Haven in 2014. She was dehydrated and emaciated and had an old wing injury that had did not heal properly. She is a great ambassador and loves her new cage. She did some loud chortles as we walked up to say hello.

So cute. Ducklingham Palace.

Fort St Vrain: Wet days and a damp nest. The eaglets have their thermal down and are looking good despite the weather. Keep sending this family good vibes.

Newfoundland Ospreys have returned. We wait for the Snow Lane camera to come live to see Beaumont and Hope.

Why on earth are koalas being culled? (I asked the same question when authorities in New Zealand were going to cull Canada Geese).

Why were hundreds of koalas shot in an aerial cull in Victoria?https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/25/why-were-hundreds-of-koalas-shot-in-an-aerial-cull-in-victoria?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. We will see you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB’, Wolf Bay, RSPB, Deb Stecyk/NCTC Eagles, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, FOBBV, Trempealeau Eagle nest, Cal Falcons, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Ventana Wildlife Society, Raptor Persecution UK, IWS/Explore, Wild Bucovina Association, Cromer Falcons, Defenders of Wildlife, Wildlife Haven, LRWT and Bart M, Xcel Energy, The Guardian, Ian Winter and Snow Lane Osprey Nest with Beaumont and Hope

Friday in Bird World

18 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Latest Update:

Dyfi: Idris and Telyn have three eggs!

Oh, Thursday was wonderful. We got to spend time with our granddaughter and her Australian boyfriend. We will have her in Winnipeg until the fall, and then she will be heading ‘Down Under’. Thursday has been busy and I did not check on many nests.

I am happy that we had ‘dinner and a show’. The deer came to the bird feeders while we had dinner in the conservatory. Josh so wanted to see a deer, and I had no idea that they were still coming to the garden. I have not seen them. It was magical. They stayed for about an hour and a half, eating birdseed.

Aren’t they adorable with the seed stuck to the end of their nose?

Iris caught herself one of those whoppers she is known for showing up with, to the envy of that male from the Baseball Park. No Finnegan. Ospreys are still arriving in Nova Scotia. I want to be hopeful for those heading to Montana.

Like you, tears will flow if this Finn returns to deliver a big fish to our Queen, Iris.

‘A’ comments: “Iris does appear to be searching for Finnegan. She is at least eating well – whenever I see her, she seems to have a large crop. But it is so sad that Finnegan has not returned to her. Is it Louis who is hanging around? Or is it some other osprey? Certainly, whoever it is is very persistent, as you say, and she is not happy about it. For that reason, I wonder whether it is in fact Louis, because surely she wouldn’t be so keen on protecting the nest from him. The fish, yes, obviously she doesn’t want him stealing that, but would she try driving him away? I’m sure if it is Louis, regular watchers of this nest would recognise him.

‘A’ notes on Friday: “This visiting osprey has brought Iris a nice fish (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcxvXwiAElI) but she is not interested and is obviously still waiting for Finnegan. And to me, that also suggests that this is not Louis, because Louis was a cad. He would have arrived empty-taloned and tried to mate with Iris. So at least this osprey is attempting to woo her, but still, she is not interested. At least, not yet. PLEASE come home Finn.”

I thought your readers deserved to see this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T03RYu5Z8s8.

Is Athena just the cutest thing? And aren’t her owlets just too adorable for words? I know they’re deadly enemies of our eaglets and osplets but they are truly the most exquisite creatures, are they not? And the little owlets are SO sweet. “

‘CG’ sends us news from Raptor Resource:

This year’s season of ‘The Falcon Bachelor’ flipped the script! As usual, Newman passed out roses – by which we mean food gifts – to a succession of female falcons. We spotted Julie 90/Z (a regular visitor), Kandiyohi H/34, Hope E/60, and Newman’s mate from last year, Elaine U/09! Elaine celebrated her second birthday and first year as an adult this spring, and we were excited to see a little less drama than we saw last year. Or so we thought!

Real Falcon Housewives of the Mississippi River

*US Bank to GSB: Five miles as the falcon flies*

We have a nest box at the US Bank Building in La Crosse, Wisconsin, roughly five miles SE of Great Spirit Bluff as the falcon flies. Male Ardy 06/D, a 2015 hatch from Ardent Milling in Lake City, MN, has nested there with Karen 44/P, a 2016 hatch from MPL’s Clay Boswell plant in Cohasset, MN since at least 2021. We were quite surprised to see Elaine show up in Karen’s stead this spring. Or did she? For at least two weeks, Elaine flew back and forth between La Crosse and Great Spirit Bluff, chasing competitors away, receiving food gifts, and copulating with both males. Twice the courtships, twice the attention, and most importantly, twice the food gifts!

Elaine accepting a food gift from Ardy at US Bank.

Elaine accepting food gift from Ardy

We’re usually wondering which falcon the irresistible Newman will end up with! But Elaine flipped the script by locking down two territories and two potential mates. Since she appeared to prefer Ardy – she certainly spent more time with him – we were wondering if Newman would end up with a mate at all. When Elaine laid an egg at US Bank La Crosse, we figured it was game over. Sorry, Newman! But Elaine confounded our expectations by laying her next four eggs at Great Spirit Bluff! As I write this…

Elaine and Newman are in full incubation at Great Spirit Bluff. We expect hatch on or around May 5.
Ardy is pursuing an unbanded two-year-old female. Addie isn’t caring for Elaine’s lone egg, but will probably lay her own.
Elaine dropped by to visit US Bank on April 7 while Newman was busy incubating the couple’s eggs. She tussled with Addie, briefly chasing her away. Is she still locking down the territory and/or copulating with Ardy? We’d love to see how closely related the GSB nestlings are to one another, since Newman might not have fathered all of them!
PS: In case you don’t know, mother Savanna was killed by a GHO June, 2023, while protecting her four eyases. No one replaced her in 2024. This scrape is worth a looksee. Great cameras with great views of the surrounding area from near the top of the bluff. I-90 and the Mississippi River below. Across the river is Wisconsin.

Mum and Dad were on the nest at the Sydney Olympic Park.

Geemeff sends us the daily summary for The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 17th April 2025

After the excitement of the first egg arriving yesterday, today fell into a steady routine. Louis delivered two fish taking his tally to thirty seven, he and Dorcha spent time on the nest, sometimes together, sometimes taking turns off the nest. A Hooded Crow nearby, not seen on nest cam, made the pair startle and fly off the nest but not for long, and the egg, barely seen in its cocoon of moss, was mostly kept covered from the light rain. The second egg is due in three days, should be sometime on Saturday, but delayed incubation is being practised until it’s laid, and this egg won’t suffer from being left unbrooded for short periods. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 returned with some bedding and spent some time doing nest prep and surveying his territory. The overnight forecast is for mist turning into light rain tomorrow but there should be some dry and sunny spells.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.37.43 (05.23.58); Nest Two 21.40.39 (05.29.07)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/94MaMt_CENM N2 Dorcha carefully tends the egg 01.23.30

https://youtu.be/CnwSIqV7HJ0 N2 Dorcha nibbles the first fish before leaving Louis to egg-sit 08.58.47

https://youtu.be/d4JCzUL6RlA N1 Garry LV0 brings bedding and stays to survey his territory 09.14.28

https://youtu.be/ObDC3cxYrsI N2 Second fish arrives but the pair are troubled by unseen intruders 16.10.05

Bonus watch – the Beò Airceig initiative founded by Achnacarry Estate, Arkaig Community Forest, Forestry & Land Scotland and Woodland Trust Scotland to revitalise an area larger than Edinburgh:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/d3Y9CGoYsvY N1 Bold Hoodie takes advantage of Aila’s absence 2020

https://youtu.be/UPtm4jmy9Zo N1 Louis finally manages to subdue a tricky stick 2021

https://youtu.be/mZYG9XNCof8 N2 How to tell Louis & Dorcha apart 2022

https://youtu.be/NIeUiK4R_r8 N2 Noisy helicopter gets Louis & Dorcha’s attention 2023

https://youtu.be/GITGVoOkg2o N1 & 2 Hercules caught on both nest cams 2023 (split-screen zoom)

https://youtu.be/n974C1G3zig N2 Moody cloudy sunset 2023 (time lapse)

https://youtu.be/SGa5_hOLmmg N2 The second egg arrives! 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/oJc06aWLkAg N1 Garry LV0 brings fish but no one comes for it 2024

https://youtu.be/DUPOg7KJH_U N1 Affric calls for fish but Garry brings a branch 18.07.48

Why not 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

Rodenticide is never a good idea. This is why:

“It’s difficult to give a precise number of poisoned mice an eagle needs to eat before succumbing to rodenticide poisoning. The exact amount of poison that will cause death in an eagle depends on factors like the type and concentration of rodenticide, the size and health of the eagle, and how much of the poisoned prey is consumed. However, it’s clear that eagles can be poisoned through secondary poisoning, meaning they can die from eating prey that has already ingested a lethal dose of rodenticide.

Here’s what the research shows:

The effects of rodenticides can persist:Even after an eagle has eaten poisoned prey, the effects of the rodenticide can last for several months.

Rodenticides are lethal to various animals, including eagles:When a rodent eats bait containing rodenticide, it can take days for the poison to take effect, causing internal bleeding and eventually death.

Eagles can be exposed to rodenticides through their prey:Eagles that eat poisoned mice or rats are at risk of secondary poisoning.

Exposure to rodenticides is widespread:Studies have shown that a significant percentage of eagles tested have anticoagulant rodenticides in their bodies, indicating widespread exposure.

Rodenticides can be a cause of death:While rodenticides aren’t always the direct cause of death in eagles, they have been confirmed as the cause of death in some cases.

The amount of rodenticide ingested is crucial:The lethal dose of rodenticide varies depending on the specific chemical, but it can be relatively small.

OPPD Fort Calhoun: First egg of the season!

Foulshaw Moss: Third egg for White YW and Blue 35.

FOBBV: Sunny and Gizmo are strengthening their wings! https://youtu.be/bF-40dLc2Ik?

Charlo Montana: Lola and New Guy – will they get acquainted? Is she still holding out hope for Charlie like Iris is for Finn?

Friends of Dillon Ranger District, Colorado: Ospreys home. https://youtu.be/sAPm-K3NyLI?

SW Florida Bald Eagles: M15 and F23. Gorgeous couple. Offseason but thinking of the future. https://youtu.be/pvCpxYiIB_Q?

Latvian White-tail Eagle Nest, Durbe County: Milda and Zorro have two little eaglets! Liznm catches a feeding for us: https://youtu.be/uJUZL1D295g?

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, CG, Geemeff, MP, PB’, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Cornell Bird Lab, Sydney Sea Eagles, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, OPPD Fort Calhoun, Cumbrian Wildlife Trust, FOBBV, Charlo Montana, Friends of Dillon Ranger District, Vija, Dyfi Osprey Project, Raptor Resource Project, Liznm

Tuesday in Bird World

15 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

I am growling. Can you hear me? I have lots of images in today’s blog, but Heidi tells me that they continue to be scrambled, sometimes being replaced with old images or the images are so cropped you cannot see them. When I look at my screen, everything is as it should be. I apologise. This is WordPress and I guess it is time to have another long chat or get a divorce with them!

After being outside on Sunday and proclaiming spring had arrived, we woke up to snow Monday morning. It is falling down fast (but will not accumulate, thankfully). Silly me. I jinxed it!

Despite this, the Dark-eyed Juncos showed up by the dozens to search for the new White Millet that had been scattered.

Today it is sunny and warm!

The latest from Glaslyn before we begin: “We have not seen Aran since 11:20 yesterday, but he was possibly one of three Ospreys we saw chasing one another over the valley yesterday afternoon. It was KC6/Teifi that returned to the nest yesterday evening and shared a Flounder with Elen. We do not currently know where Aran is.

This morning Teifi delivered a Flounder to Elen, but since then he has been in aerial combat with Blue 685 (Tweed Valley 2021) and the two males are chasing one another around the valley. We can only watch as the drama unfolds.”

On Monday, the Decorah N1 Geese ushered their six goslings to the leap of faith. Five made it. Sadly, one did not. ‘J’ says turn up the sound! Here is a video of that amazing event! https://youtu.be/rpwrXIqmTcw?

The Raptor Resource Project explains this incredible feat.

Raptor Resource Project: Bald Eagle and Bird of Prey Cams Download

As I do the spring cleaning in the conservatory, I have Iris on the screen. She has been working on her nest and the horizon. I worried about Iris returning; I briefly considered the possibility that Finn might not return, but I couldn’t think about that. Migration is fraught with dangers. However, my primary concern is that our Queen awaits her Finnegan’s return. Send positive wishes, let’s get him home.

This is the way we want to see it. Bart M caught the mood on Manton Bay perfectly!

Dyfi: Idris and Telyn have their third egg.

Black Storks are arriving at their nests!

‘TU’ sends news: “9:48 AM Estonian black stork female KERLI arrived to KERGU who was already in the nest waiting )) 14.04.2025 They also posted photo of the male visitor in Karl’s nest in Karula And in Latvia black stork chose an empty nest and we could see him sleeping at nights – then the real owner lesser spotted eagle Anna appeared and they met today! What a Monday! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzo0fsqZuaI

It isn’t just the Loch of the Lowes that is confused, BHA brings us up to speed on the Port of Ridgefield Osprey nest: “No eggs on Ridgefield nest yet and today the activity has been confusing with three Osprey coming and going. (Similar to some of your own Osprey reports!) Not sure who was who but I think it was the female and a strange male on the nest, then a third Osprey flew in with fish and the female mantled and ate a little. She then took off with the fish leaving the two males. From there it got confusing as it appeared there was another fish on the other side of the nest which one started eating. (Maybe the 3rd Osprey was a female?) But then they started fighting and both went over the side of the nest. A few minutes later one returned and it appeared to be the interloper. It stayed awhile, then left. Nest is empty now. Guess it’s a good thing there are no eggs! (I left comments in chat, hoping one of the other 5 viewers might have some input, but no other comments yet.)

Geemeff sends us her daily summary for The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 14th April 2025

A very wet day today, no intruders or visitors, and only two fish deliveries. Garry LV0 paid a long visit to Nest One, bringing moss instead of fish, and doing a fair bit of nest work before perching on the centre perch and looking around before departing. Over on Nest Two, Louis brought two fish today, taking his tally to thirty one, but the first fish only arrived well after 2pm, and when he delivered the second shortly after 4pm, Dorcha wasn’t there so Louis tucked into it himself. When she arrived back a little later, Louis picked up the remains of the fish and flew off with it. However as both he and Dorcha have nicely rounded full crops, neither one is going hungry. The weather forecast calls for more rain overnight and into tomorrow, but there is a prospect of a break from the rain in the afternoon. As of the time of filing this report (23.30) the nest is empty so it’s unlikely the first egg will arrive overnight.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.19.53 (05.31.04); Nest Two 21.12.25 (05.41.25)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/LTAYF-7tmqQ N1 Garry LV0 brings moss and stays a while

https://youtu.be/lL_QYANa9C4 N2 Finally! A fish arrives for Dorcha 14.39.28

https://youtu.be/rvg7SdHjZZg N2 Louis brings a second fish but Dorcha’s not there 16.08.11

Bonus guide to delayed incubation – what to expect when the first egg arrives:

https://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/blog/emyr-mwt/delayed-incubation-ospreys

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/UU44l6A5Vy4 N1 Touchdown – but who? 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/09e-9iR9Uvg N1 Lonesome again – Louis waits in vain 2021

https://youtu.be/No4cPpPY9eM N1 Cheeky Crow wants Louis’ fish 2021

https://youtu.be/ZHbPfslJSb4 N2 Dorcha finally gets Louis’ fish 2022

https://youtu.be/epotlXiS6_w N2 Dorcha wants dinner, Louis wants Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/GwydfsZfM1s N2 Louis looking magnificent 2023

https://youtu.be/0rLUKr-CEmE Nest One sunset 2023 (quick-time)

https://youtu.be/HIEpIrsKACA Nest Two sunset 2023 (quick-time)

https://youtu.be/PMBJ6rBYv6o N1 Garry LV0 visits the nest then perches on Pole Tree 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/GR5uY71Ebvc N2 FIRST EGG! 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/-GKcJeJWPlQ N2 Louis sees the egg for the first time 2024

https://youtu.be/3xzJPU206Rg N2 Louis has his first incubation session 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

Heidi’s Osprey Report:

Brevard, Florida: There were three fish deliveries on Monday: 15.30 Mom arrived with small fish, 5 min feeding, nothing for youngest; 15.57 Dad arrived with large partial, good meal for both chicks. Another large partial from Dad at 1820, both ate well. So, they ended up pretty well-fed today.

NCTC: Scout flew into the nest with blood all down the side of his neck on Monday. Was it a territorial battle? Or prey? All the kids were full to the brim and more. ‘J’ says they look like they ate ‘golfballs’! I agree.

Rita the Eagle: ‘J’ sends us Rita’s posting for Rita’s History Monday:

Captiva Eagle Nest: Both fledglings continue to visit the nest on occasion.

Big Bear: Fishing line appears to be on the nest again! Thanks, naturechat.org and ‘J’

‘J’ says she hates fishing line. Join the club! One of the most significant issues is even if humans clean up after themselves, which they don’t, lines can get broken and stay in a fish, get broken and hang around tree branches in lakes and get picked up. Oh, if we could dissolve the fishing line after so many minutes of exposure to water. I know, I know…It was seen at 0820. Jackie and Shadow are aware of it and hopefully they will be able to deal with it. (Yes, it is a human-made issue. Intervention in this situation and with Sunny and Gizmo this age could be highly dangerous for them even if someone could do it!)

Games keeper charged in the Yorkshire Dales for Hen Harrier killing.

Gamekeeper from a Yorkshire Dales grouse moor charged in relation to alleged shooting of hen harrier Download

Cornell Owl Cam: Athena and her owlets. https://youtu.be/URYbidkMpAc?

NEFlorida: Bodie tucked into a nice big fish that Gabby delivered.

Hummingbird Migration Map:

Norwich Cathedral: Four eggs for the falcons!

Wells Fargo, West Des Moines, Iowa: First Osprey egg of the season on Monday!

Glaslyn: We do not know what will happen at Glaslyn. Aran hid Teifi’s egg under the nesting material, and he was not seen at the nest on Monday. Will Elen have more eggs? Will Teifi become her bonded partner beginning this year? Will Aran prevail? We wait.

‘PB’ sent a great image of the little third hatch at Duke Farms. It made it. We often wondered and look at how sweet it is.

Fraser Point Announcement:

Steelscape Osprey Platform: First egg of the season.

Latvian White-Tail Eagle nest at Durbe: Milda’s first egg has hatched!

Tonight, I am deeply troubled and appalled by the actions of some individuals in my province who should know better. The thought of shooting crows and magpies for fun is both outrageous and disturbing! In 2025, it’s unimaginable that some people remain unaware of the intelligence and emotional depth of non-human animals. We must urgently advocate for protections for all species to prevent the senseless mass killings that are happening. Our moral responsibility is to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves.

Crows & Magpies Will be Shot Dead in Mass Killing Contest in Manitoba – Animal Justice Download

And if that is not enough, we litter our home with all our garbage and it can kill them. Think fishing line at Big Bear today or all those osprey nests littered with human junk.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, images, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘BHA, EJ, Geemeff, Heidi, J, PB, TU’, Raptor Resource Project, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Bart Molenaar, LDF, Eagle Club of Estonia, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Brevard Florida Ospreys, NCTC Bald Eagle Nest, Rita the Eagle FB, Window to Wildlife, FOBBV, Raptor Persecution UK, Cornell Bird Lab Owl Cam, Ryan Vaughn, Norwich Cathedral, Iown DNR, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Duke Farms, Steelscape, PETA, LDF, Dyfi Osprey Project

Category Archives: Big Bear Valley

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