Big Red and Arthur – Page 5 – Mary Ann Steggles

Wednesday in Bird World

7 May 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

You are all truly amazing! I absolutely cherish your questions, and I want to apologise for not being able to respond to each one personally. Time often slips away from me, but please know that every letter and comment you send means the world to me. Keep those questions coming! I promise to do my utmost to address the latest inquiries before we shift our focus to our beautiful feathered friends.

Hugo Yugo’s Fan Club is eagerly awaiting updates on her upcoming surgery and her dental health. I truly appreciate all the love and concern you’ve shown! Hugo Yugo is set to undergo surgery and extraction on June 11, but to be honest, I’m uncertain about what will actually be done.

I’m thrilled to share that we’ve been diligent in brushing her teeth twice a day, sometimes even three times. Recently, we’ve noticed a positive change: Hugo Yugo has started eating kibble instead of her usual chicken and rice wet food. I believe this shift has been beneficial in helping to clean her teeth.

At the moment, I can only spot a very tiny red area, with no signs of extensive redness in her gums. I want to remain hopeful and cautious—so I’ll knock on wood that I’m seeing accurately and not just what I want to see. We have an important follow-up in five weeks, and I’m optimistic about what we’ll discover!

The second most frequently asked question is: How are The Girls adjusting to Toby? As of Tuesday evening, Toby has been with us for 72 hours, or three days. Initially, The Girls were filled with curiosity; they simply can’t comprehend what “a tiny bundle of energy” means. While Toby isn’t a cat, he has certainly intrigued them. There have been a few hisses as they navigate this new presence. Baby Hope, in particular, prefers to keep her distance from Toby. Meanwhile, Hugo Yugo is always on guard, closely observing him, while Calico has surprisingly become more focused on Toby and is leaving Missey undisturbed. Missey, for her part, quietly watches from a distance.

Despite these initial adjustments, The Girls gradually returned to their familiar routines. Hugo Yugo continues to demand food with his usual enthusiasm, and Calico was extra affectionate with Anne today, vying for her attention. Overall, they are settling back into their typical behaviours. We’ve devoted ample time to engaging with them in our usual activities, ensuring they feel cherished and not sidelined.

The third question everyone seems to be asking is: How is Toby doing? Anne had the pleasure of meeting Toby for the first time today, and she was thoroughly impressed—she gave him the thumbs-up! Toby’s role as a therapy dog is already taking shape, and while he will receive formal training soon, he is truly stepping into that role exceptionally well.

During a walk, Anne and Don expressed some concern about leaving Toby home alone. However, when they returned, they found him peacefully asleep in his little bed, completely undisturbed. It’s heartwarming to see how much joy he brings, especially as he energetically shakes his new toys like a bull in a ring. It’s amazing to think how strong a 1.5 kg puppy can be!

Toby is now sporting a brand-new collar; we had to hunt for an extra extra small size, but we finally found the perfect fit. Today was also a success because we discovered his ideal food at a charming family-owned shop that specializes solely in pet food—no beds or toys. The shop is just a few blocks away and offers free delivery, which will be incredibly convenient for me in the future. Toby is truly settling in wonderfully! I feel blessed and every day I am just so grateful. I feel surrounded by very supportive individuals, including yourselves. That means the world to me.

I have exciting news to share! The young man who provided invaluable help with snow shovelling this winter will now take on all our gardening responsibilities. I’ve come to a realisation about my capabilities and limitations, and my top priority is to ensure Don remains comfortable at home without completely depleting my energy.

While I’m still searching for someone to assist with house cleaning, my strategy is to save the funds I would have spent on a regular cleaner and hire a professional service for a comprehensive deep clean twice a year. Besides, the floors need cleaning once or twice a day with four cats and a puppy. How much fur (hair?) finds its way into the corners is amazing! This way, I can maintain a comfortable environment for Don while hopefully managing my well-being as effectively as possible.

Spring has arrived. Green is popping up everywhere. It was cooler today. 16 C instead of 28. What a change! We are now under a fire ban because it is so dry so no outdoor fire pits or barbecues. Plants ordered on a fundraiser for the feral kittens arrive next Saturday so we will begin to have some colour and there are plans for seven 8′ tall cedar trees (I think they look like Lebanon cedars- very upright). We have a pen to put together so Toby can be outside when we are working in the garden. Hopefully The Girls don’t decide they want to go out too! They can’t.

Toby plays really hard for about 30 minutes and then instantly goes to sleep for at least 2 hours. And I am sleeping well!!!!!! Can’t believe it.

The most fun is playing chase and soon, I think that The Girls will join in. For now they know to get up higher than the ‘little yapper’. Hugo Yugo watching Toby – will try to get a chase scene soon!

Well, a major break through. Both Toby and Hugo Yugo slept together in my left warm pit last night. Yippeeee.

I truly appreciate your kindness, and I think of you every day. I hope you’re in great health and making the most of the outdoors whenever possible. Getting outside is essential for our mental well-being and for keeping our bodies active for as long as we can! Even taking a moment to sit and listen to the birds can rejuvenate a tired spirit almost instantly.

Spark Bird: There is a lovely little book by a similar name about birds that inspired people to become involved in birding. For many of us, the birds that catapulted us into wanting to know more, to help preserve, and to educate ourselves came through the nests on the streaming cams. So many of you responded to ‘LS’s’ comments about Harriet being her spark bird, and it brought back tearful memories. Indeed, so many of our much-loved birds are no longer with us. Still, we need to keep them alive in our memories, and they are, of course, alive in the DNA of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, should they have been lucky enough to have survived those treacherous early years. Tens of thousands of people certainly loved Harriet – if not more.

For ‘CL’, a local bird sparked her love of everything with feathers. She writes: ‘I grew up on The Orkneys. At the weekend, my parents would take me and my brothers and sisters to the shore to tire us out looking for ‘pirate treasure’. I was captivated by the Purple Sandpipers that populated the shore especially when the tide went out.

I had never heard of a Purple Sandpiper so I had to look them up! This is the RSPB’s description: “The Purple Sandpiper is a medium-sized wading bird that is larger, stockier and darker than a Dunlin. It is mainly dark grey above and whitish below. It has a downcurved beak and bright orange legs. In flight, it shows a white wing-stripe. A couple of pairs nest in Scotland, but this species is mainly a winter visitor to almost any rocky coast in the UK. Most are found in Orkney, Shetland and along the east coast of Scotland and northern England – it is rare south of Yorkshire, except in Devon and Cornwall. The breeding areas in Scotland are kept secret to protect the birds from egg thieves and disturbance. It is listed on Schedule 1 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act.”

“Purple Sandpiper ( Calidris maritima ) … Filey Brig , Yorkshire (53266204391)” by peterichman is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Time to move on….I could ramble all day. Life is beautiful and being surrounded with kindness comforts me more than anyone could ever know. It is calming and reassuring. I am also grateful for many of you who are providing fish for the raptors. I know that several have created koi ponds near to the platforms while others are placing fish – these generous outpourings might prove to save chicks that otherwise might have succomb to heat and starvation. We have taken their land, their resources, and their food supplies. Giving back is a good thing.

Let’s start with Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 6th May 2025

Louis started the day by bringing the earliest fish of the season at 5am, and followed it up with a second at tea time, taking his tally to seventy fish, not bad since his season only started on 2nd April. Apart from a few minor alarms, no low-flying owl or Osprey intruders bothered Dorcha or the eggs today, and steady progress is being made towards first hatch. Over on Nest One, the new Arkaig Osprey pair are also making steady progress. No intruders bothered them although Garry LV0 was scared off the nest by a piece of bark. He brought two fish for Aurora 536 which seems to have satisfied her as she didn’t appear when he brought a third fish, and his tally now stands at thirty nine. The promised sunny spells materialised, the weather was settled and due to stay that way with more sunny intervals due tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.28.43 (03.50.45*); Nest Two 22.18.01 (04.19.19)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/Ap8s269oY3g N2 Season’s earliest fish 05.00.02

https://youtu.be/xG3Lh8YLrE8 N1 breakfast for Aurora and a bark surprise for Garry 09.23.59

https://youtu.be/oLDAq_ILX7Y N2 Dorcha’s calls finally quieten as fish number two arrives 15.15.09

https://youtu.be/gvIrP6Pu5Q4 N1 Garry brings a second fish and watches a jet go by 16.10.25

https://youtu.be/vtp8n5kldRU N1 Garry brings a third fish, Aurora’s not there so he has a nibble 18.36.00

Bonus read – the many facets of the strong partnership between WT and the People’s Postcode Lottery:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/partnerships/our-partners/peoples-postcode-lottery

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/rDDH4Z8zHEc N1 Health and safety first, says Louis 2020

https://youtu.be/2ULJmAe1b5E N1 Louis bashes Aila with a big stick 2020

https://youtu.be/B5w5Yemqvyo N1 Social distancing is for the birds! 2020

https://youtu.be/hOnID1xMcys N2 Coronation Day – breakfast fit for a queen arrives 2023

https://youtu.be/usB2iBz2BQM N2 Ringed Osprey visits 2023 (super slo-mo, zoom)

https://youtu.be/Dfmo_U46rCY N2 Dorcha has a stretch and a squirt 2024

https://youtu.be/oI3R7TrjVHA N1 A little Passerine visits 2024

https://youtu.be/sa-_Txps92s N2 Throwing shapes – Louis and Dorcha are winging it 2024

*day cam switched on during cam reset, mid point time used

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

Heidi’s Osprey News:

Smallwood State Park: Their first baby hatched the evening of 5/6.

Patuxent River Park (nest 1) – Mom and Dad have their first hatch. The hatchling was first seen the afternoon of 5/6.

Patuxent River Park (nest 2) – They also have their first baby, seen the evening of 5/6. The egg cup is very deep and we have not been able to see any eggs. We can just barely see the new baby’s head.

OBX (Outer Banks): Betsy laid her second egg early on 5/7. It was laid almost 5.5 days after she laid egg #1.

Audubon Boathouse at Hog Island: 5/7, Dory laid her second egg early this morning.

Big Red and Arthur: Pip is getting bigger on O2. Just look at how many squirrels Arthur is already bringing to the nest – soon those babies will have a squirrel bed. https://youtu.be/gTDiCN_px-E?

Border Ospreys: Recent update on everything!

FULL SET Download

Trempealeau Eagles: A beautiful scene – Mum guarding her only surviving baby who she is caring for alone.

Denton Homes: If the weather will continue to cooperate, this family will be just fine. Look at those gorgeous eaglets getting their juvenile feathers.

Kistachie National Forest E3: The surviving eaglet is gorgeous and returns to the nest for all to see how well s/he is doing.

Little Miami Conservancy: Two beautiful eaglets squeeing their heads off when food arrives.

Duke Farms: These three look ready to fly!

Fort St Vrain: Chucking down rain on the two surviving eaglets.

NEFlorida: Stunningly beautiful Bodie.

Big Bear Valley: Family Portrait.

Sauces: Betty Lou is gorgeous and much, much loved. She has been standing on the cot rails!

Fraser Point: Lovely.

Tweed Valley Ospreys:

Latest news from Tweed: On 6th May Newboy brought a good- sized fish back to nest 2 where Mrs O was sitting on eggs. She instantly stood up and pounced on the fish and took it in her talons. She began to eat at the nest but a hungry F2 returned and tried to grab the fish. When food is involved, it seems that this is the only time that any aggression between the birds is evident, Mrs O was fiercely holding on to the fish and had no intention of letting F2 take it. A slight squabble broke out and she then launched into the air taking the fish with her. F2 then settled on to the four eggs and the male took off from the nest too. Ten minutes later Mrs O returned to the nest with the remaining leftovers of the fish and she let F2 take it from her.

Loch of the Lowes: Second egg has arrived for the new couple

Loon Preservation Monthly News:

Loon Preservation Committee Month at a Glance Download

Hellgate Canyon: Louis is busy providing fish for Star as she incubates her eggs and there is now a persistent male visitor at Iris’s nest. There is considerable ‘wonderings’ if this is Finn. Did Finn return earlier and was chased away by Louis? Did Finn bring the fish earlier? Remember. I keep saying it. Tim Mackrill and Roy Dennis will tell you. The only two places on an osprey where the plumage pattern does not change is the top of the head and the underwing. It is extremely difficult to get good images of the underwing unless you are lucky enough to be directly under the bird in flight. Images have been posted of Iris and the new male and of Finn. ‘PB; sent me copies for your consideration (and my pondering).

I would like it to be Finn – I would liked it to have been Finn a month ago. I am not sure. It would be nice for Iris to be courted with fish- for her to feel special and I believe that these intelligent raptors know the difference. To Iris and all the love that might come her way still!

Port Lincoln Ospreys: Beautiful Mum was at the barge! Be sure to renew your membership. Every membership (very reasonable) goes to erect platforms for the growing osprey population in South Australia. The Friends of Osprey Sth Australia is incredible – what they do with the funds they have. They have motivated community members and in doing so, everyone protects these endangered raptors.

What cute faces! Monty and Hartley’s little ones lined up for breakfast.

Take care everyone. thank you for being with us today. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘CL, Geemeff, Heidi, PB’, RSPB, Openverse, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Cornell Bird Lab Red-tail Hawk Cam, Rosie Shields and Border Ospreys, Trempealeau Bald Eagles, Denton Homes, Kistachie National Forest E3, Little Miami Conservancy, Duke Farms, Xcel Energy, NEFL-AEF, FOBBV, IWS/Explore, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, Loon Preservation Society, Hellgate Osprtey Cam, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Smallwood Osprey Cam, Patuxent River Park, OBX, Audubon Boathouse, Loch of the Lowes, San Jose City Hall

Tuesday in Bird World

6 May 2025

Hello Everyone,

Morning Update: Hellgate Canyon. The timing could not be more perfect since Finnegan did not return (or did he?). Iris laid her three eggs and poof – Ravens took them. Starr, Louis’s mate, will have her eggs and Louis will be busy providing Starr with fish. The battle of the nest took place on Monday and early Tuesday morning, Iris and the victor sat on her nest together. We wait to see what happens.

[On an Osprey, the only two markings that never change yearly are the head markings and the underwing markings. Remember that. Everything else could vary.]

Big Red and Arthur: O2 making its way. O1 eating well and Arthur is stocking up the nest! It is a Hawk Delight buffet!

Another ‘summer’ day at the beginning of May on the Canadian Prairies. It was a perfect day. Toby’s ‘godmother’ visited with a toy basket full of everything a tiny dog would love to chew. Toby is really feeling at home. He likes to play tug of war with the hem of my long linen dress, growling and hopping around. He had his first bath today. Didn’t seem to mind and loved the drying off with the towel. I hope he sleeps well tonight!

The Girls are fine. They are curious but not intimidating. They keep their distance trying to figure out what this ball of energy that is either wide awake with great energy or sound asleep ‘is’. Not a cat. None of them have ever seen a dog before. It is quite interesting.

Hugo Yugo thinks it is just a great day to sleep in the conservatory where the temperature is in the 30s.

I really would like to hear from you about those birds on the streaming cams that sparked your interest. So send them in! I will try and include one a day for the next few weeks!

‘LS’ wrote: “What sparked me was when I saw Harriet and M15 profiled on the nightly news in 2018. It intrigued me to hear that a camera was installed so the public could watch an eagle’s nest. I would watch occasionally and was fascinated with learning things about eagles I never knew. It was 2020, the year E14, died that really grabbed my heart and attention. When Harriet and M15 reclutched I fell in love with E16 and then E15 who didn’t leave the area until early November. I still miss those 2 eaglets.”

Thank you, ‘LS’.

The last time I checked there was a good size pip in O2’s egg at the Cornell Red-tail Hawk nest of Big Red and Arthur. Cornell Bird Lab has it on video: https://youtu.be/dJNVLRdb6Dc?

More activity at the Ithaca nest! https://youtu.be/Edn2Ayvrt5s?

Hellgate Canyon: There was a lot of activity going on at the nest of Iris today. The third egg was taken by the Raven on Sunday. Today another male took on Lewis and appeared to want to be friendly with Iris. The situation is ongoing.

Xcel Fort St Vrain: Those two surviving eaglets that we worried so much about seem to be doing just fine. Always a relief.

Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest: Things are going well despite Mr T’s theft of fish. Eaglet has its blood feathers coming in!

White Rock Nest: ‘PB’ writes that the eaglets eat well Monday afternoon. A lovely fish fairy. 🙂

San Jose City Hall Falcon Scrape:

Golden Eagle Nest, Latvia, Spilve and Grislis: Hatch is underway!

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: First egg for the new couple. Thanks, ‘MP’.

Glacier Gardens Bald Eagles, Juneau, Alaska: Two eggs.

Glaslyn: I posted about Aran Monday morning. What a wonderful osprey he is.

West Point Eaglets: A storm took down the nest and the eaglets have perished just like Scout and Bella’s triplets at NCTC.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 5th May 2025

Today’s news is that Blue 536 has been given a name: Aurora. George WTS comments: Now that it looks like 536 is going to stick around we have decided to call her Aurora. This is a popular girl’s name in Scotland these days. Its root meaning is “dawn” which vibes well for her as a new beginning for Garry and Nest One. It is also a nod to the northern lights aka aurora borealis. Aurora strengthened her claim to Garry LV0 and his nest by bring some moss and a tiny twig and doing a little gentle nestoration. Garry on the other hand spent time mating but didn’t bring any fish, although we suspect he is providing fish to her away from the nest. His tally remains at thirty six. It was far busier on Nest Two, where Louis and Dorcha had at least two incursions by intruder Ospreys, and Louis spent much time fighting aerial battles. He still managed to find time to fish, and brought one fish to the nest, raising his tally to sixty eight. The overnight forecast is for a clear sky and light winds, and sunny intervals tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.39.32 (04:10.24); Nest Two 22.57.08 (04.21.44)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/VvL_ZaQsu7s N1 Woodland Trust have given Blue 536 a name – hello Aurora! 06.10.22

https://youtu.be/PNRVXZc0NDU N2 Louis alarm calls as an intruder Osprey flies overhead 08.10.56

https://youtu.be/GVFzskmn1_s N2 Dorcha’s fish number one and only finally arrives 16.16.04

https://youtu.be/SYZq9BrLbWs N2 An unringed Osprey intrudes on Louis who gives chase 16.28.58

Bonus read – plan to connect rainforest habitat from Cornwall to Scotland

https://www.scotsman.com/hays-way/scotland-included-in-ps40m-project-to-connect-rainforest-habitat-along-uk-coastline-5112723

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/vi57aF6RvWs N1 Aila suffers an owl strike 2019 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/50n9gpytiy4 N1 A typical night on the nest for Aila 2020

https://youtu.be/fCzbYErsSgA N1 Persistent Hoodie won’t leave Aila alone 2020 (Slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/pBzJsBFIzek N1 Strange Osprey lands on the empty nest 2023

https://youtu.be/Rg-hxBiPEPM N2 Louis has an aerial encounter with an intruder 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/4KzkpgYcDBc N1 Aida arrives fish calling, Garry LV0 arrives with moss but ignores her 2024

https://youtu.be/eX9kUX1m6QM N1 Aida wants fish, Garry wants to mate and gets rejected 2024

https://youtu.be/J0T2g4AjXv0 N2 Finally – Louis delivers the first fish to 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

Geemeff sends us a good news story about Laysan Albatross, Wisdom!

74 years old, she is a marvel, has a chick this year: https://friendsofmidway.org/the-wisdom-ohana-family/

Yes, we get attached to them!!!!!!!!!!! Citizens in Wales love their ospreys.

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

Why should wildlife ever lose out? But especially when there is criminal activity underway?

Why should wildlife lose to businesses underpinned by criminal activity Mark Carwardine on driven grouse shooting BBC Wildlife Magazine Download

If you are a member of Ospreys of Nova Scotia, voting is now underway for three names for Ethel and Oscar’s 2025 chicks! Great names suggested! And voting made easy. Just click on the name.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care! We hope to see you again 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, MP, PB’, Cornell Bird Lab Red-tail Hawk, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Cam, Trempeauleau Bald Eagle Cam, White Rock Eagles/D Hancock Foundation, LDF, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Ospreys, Glacier Gardens Eagles, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, West Point Eagle Nest, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Xcel Energy, Friends of Midway, The Guardian, Raptor Persecution UK

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

Saturday in Bird World

3 May 2025

Good Morning All,

Morning Update: The first hatch of Big Red and Arthur comes in some pouring rain – last I checked the little one is almost free of the egg. BR is keeping it dry!

My Friday newsletter was hacked. Ads originating with Facebook appeared where the information images and posts from the White Rock Eagles should have been. I have sent this to WordPress. At the same time, I am so sorry. I will be removing all information other than my own wording about White Rock today in the event that their posting is ‘infected’ as WP thinks it could be. Please let me know if you see other ads. They should not appear. Thank you, Geemeff and Heidi, for calling this to my attention.

Calico and Hugo Yugo are helping me write to you today. Calico is a typical toddler – the minute their parent gets on the telephone, they want attention and will do anything for it including walking all over the keyboard! Hugo Y is more interested in a large basket that has appeared in the conservatory and Missey has decided, along with Baby Hope, that the best thing to do today is have a nap. The sitting room is clean enough a baby could eat off the floor. There is positively nothing that could go into a puppy’s mouth including the much loved peants in the shell that the girls like to use for hockey late in the day. The deck has been cleared and the feral feeder has been moved. No need for heated bowls anywhere but water will be very welcome as it is to be – yes, hold it, 25 degrees C tomorrow when we pick up Toby. He might need a cooling pad even with the AC in the car. Unbelievable. Winter to what would have been the very heat of summer and it is just May. I fear for our birds this year.

The biggest news of the day is that Bodie flew. Our first miracle of the year has flown. Friday morning. Bodie just up and flew off the nest like a professional.

As I write this, the bird that I love the most, Big Red, the Cornell 22 year old Red-tail Hawk, has her first hatch of the 2025 season underway.

It started raining in Ithaca. I ‘hate’ rain and hatchlings. Yes, to be sure, Big Red and Arthur are perfectly capable of keeping the eggs warm and dry and any hatchling the same. What I dislike is when the cold and the damp set in and take over the next and little ones die of what we might simply call a ‘cold’. It is harder to feed them when it is pitching rain and prey scrambles to keep itself dry, too, so might not be as abundant. Let us hope that the rain subsides.

What was your ‘Spark’ Bird when you first started watching the streaming cams? If you are inclined, I would love to include your initials and your comments in my blog.

‘PB’ wrote that she is enamoured with the little eyases at the San Jose City Hall falcon cam.

What about the little falcons at Lincoln Cathedral? They are darlings!

Most of what I hear, over and over again and in my own head, is the silence at The Campanile and the difficulty in realising that Annie is gone. Those were such beautiful years that she gave us with her mates always raising beautiful fledglings. DDT took them and now it appears HPAI is destroying the remaining numbers.

Will my grandchildren even get to hear the beautiful songs of birds? I wonder.

We have falcons in Canada, too!

There are four little falcons at Union County now! https://youtu.be/Bw1fUWiVJOc?

Salisbury Cathedral:

Tewkesbury: So cute. It has been a very rough year for the eagle families, and the ospreys will have a difficult time. Is it time for us to step up and watch the smaller raptors – the hawks and the falcons?

Duke Farms: Just look at them looking out to their world.

Xcel Energy, Fort St Vrain: Eaglets in heraldic pose. Tried to shade under Mum today. Appear to be doing well.

Two other miracles at the Big Bear Valley nest of Jackie and Shadow are preparing to fly.

Sauces: Betty Lou is one ‘big’ gal! She has done so well and is another of the miracles from 2025 that we should never forget.

Farmer Derek GHO nest of Bonnie, Clyde, and Starr: As you will remember, Starr fludged unexpectedly. She returned to the nest. Androcat has it all on video in case you missed it earlier. https://youtu.be/7A4kOTOF1kg?

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 2nd May 2025

Today was mainly quiet apart from Louis & Dorcha being buzzed by a low-flying intruder Osprey. The ringed intruder didn’t land nor did s/he give us a good look at its blue Darvic ring but as it was worn on the left leg, we know it’s a Scottish Osprey. Louis brought two fish to the nest taking his tally to sixty five, and two fish were brought to Nest One taking that tally to thirty three. However, the second fish unusually arrived carried in by Blue 536 rather than by Garry, although it’s suspected he handed it to her off-nest. The weather forecast states light rain and light winds overnight, but keep in mind the nests are exposed at the tops of tall trees so the conditions might not be that light. However the forecast for tomorrow is brighter and drier with light clouds, a gentle breeze, and a few sunny spells.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.08.52 (04.39.22); Nest Two 22.02.14 (04.44.57)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/J5_6QOg7l8I N2 Sweet birdsong greets fish number one 05.23.07

https://youtu.be/WLLCALZOinI N1 Blue 536 gets the first fish from Garry LV0 the second times 05.34 20

https://youtu.be/Cp3WkBSAZ_I N2 Intruder Osprey buzzes Louis & Dorcha10.05.54 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/oKoy1bMp2AY N2 10-second handover for fish number two 15.00.36

https://youtu.be/vF0HagQMSb8 N1 fish number two but it’s B536 who brings it! 16.336.56

Bonus read – what do Rhizocore, Woodland Trust and magic mushrooms have in common?https://www.rhizocore.com/blog-3-1/500000-rhizopellets-planted

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/0Rw_H0C8-SE N1 Owl strike on unsuspecting Aila 2020 (Slo-Mo)

https://youtu.be/JJRPS8QYvpY N1 Lockdown Ospreys star on BBC Breakfast 2020

https://youtu.be/rwa2_9rR24Q N1 WT’s Dr Jessica Maxwell discusses the nest on BBC Breakfast 2020

https://youtu.be/1syQj_jjjxw N2 Golden variation: Dorcha is bathed in the setting sun 2022 (Classic Ospreys Bach)

https://youtu.be/efwVjBqAYpA N2 Gerroff and go fishing! 2023

https://youtu.be/bdcOT9JEGB8 N1: Garry LV0 brings moss, flies to Pole Tree then away 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/GioCl06202I N2: Fish number one and only for Dorcha 2024

https://youtu.be/EKAjiNbY3A0 N2 Shadows seen near the nest at the time of the Eagle encounter 2024 (zoom)

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

White Rock, BC. It is a wonder the two little sweeties are still alive. When food is present, they fight and don’t eat getting only a few bites and then one of the intruding males takes the food. ‘PB’ writes of an incident Saturday evening: “WR 20:18-20:22 the male was on the nest moving material on top of the babies and was pecking them. He did this several times, and on his last peck on the baby’s head, mom yelled at him, and he backed off and then flew away. I’m scared this guy will kill the babies.”

Rutland Manton Bay: We will be on pip watch by the end of the week.

One of the things I am learning about having a puppy is precisely how much I do not know. At the same time, as I read Louise Glazebrooks’s book, One of the most eye-opening experiences of having a puppy is realizing just how much I have yet to learn. As I delve into Louise Glazebrook’s insightful book, “Everything Your Puppy Wants You to Know,” I can’t help but draw parallels to my husband’s journey with dementia.

Here are some essential insights that have significantly shaped my approach:

Never allow people to jump or lean into the carrier with the puppy—it’s crucial for their safety and comfort.
Ensure a calm environment for your puppy; a tranquil setting fosters a happier pet.
Establish a consistent routine; this creates a sense of security for your new furry friend.
Refrain from scolding for accidents; instead, offer praise for good behavior to encourage positive habits.
Invest in high-quality food for your puppies; nutrition is key to their development and health.
Pay close attention to your puppy’s cues—understanding their needs strengthens your bond.
Always ensure they go to the bathroom before breakfast; a simple step that can make a big difference in your day.
Be prepared to sacrifice some sleep; the rewards of companionship and unconditional love are worth it.

These lessons not only enhance my understanding as a pet owner but also serve as reminders of patience, care, and the importance of nurturing relationships.Everything your puppy wants you to know‘, I am reminded of my husband with dementia. Don’t let people jump and lean into them in a carrier. Keep the puppy calm. Establish a routine. Do not scould for accidents. Give praise for things well done. Feed the puppies good food. Listen to what your puppy is saying. Make sure they go to the bathroom before breakfast! Be prepared to lose sleep.

I am smiling. My father always had a dog. Surely I have told you this many, many times. The first was, of course, the three-legged terrier, Trixie. Then there was a Manchester Terrier. Somewhere in the mix was a poodle that my dad just knew I would love. His last dog came from a family that dumped three Doberman puppies next to our fence in a box. People knew my dad would feed any animal or person – he could not stand for anyone to be hungry. Besides the dogs we also had cats. He stayed home from his position at Tinker Airforce Base to help with one female have her kittens. She would press her back legs against the palm of his hands. He would make sure that they were all well and that the garage was secure so the males could not come in and kill the kittens. It was a different time. No one took dogs and cats to the vet to be spayed or neutered. Later, of course, he did. The Doberman’s name was Daisy and she was the most gentle dog I ever met. She rode in the passenger seat of his car and they were never separated until he broke his hip and had to go into hospital. Daisy would have killed anyone who tried to harm my father. Thankfully no one ever did. I tear up just thinking about the two of them together. They were so peaceful, calm, and quiet together. Daisy would sit right next to my dad as he handed the Cardinals and Eastern Bluebirds in his garden. Which reminds me why I started on this – puppies, I now understand, as well as people with demential, also require lots of calm quiet time. No drama. Well, as it turns out nesting birds also need the same!

Country diary: Capercaillies need peace to survive, let’s give it to them | Amanda Thomsonhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/02/country-diary-capercaillies-need-peace-to-survive-lets-give-it-to-them?CMP=share_btn_url

I hope that Toby is as happy with our family as Daisy was with my father.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, messages, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB’, NEFL-AEF, Cornell Bird Lab Red-tail Hawk Cam, San Jose City Hall, Lincoln Cathedral, Canadian Raptor Conservancy, UCFC, Peace, Roger Smith and Salisbury Cathedral, Teweksbury Abby Peregrine Falcons, Duke Farms, Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain Eagles, FOBBV, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig, IWS/Explore, The Guardian, Farmer Derek Owl Cam

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

Wednesday in Bird World

30 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It is a special day for Aran at Glaslyn today! They write, “Roll back to April 30 2015. On this day ten years ago Aran landed on the Glaslyn nest for the very first time, when the original male 11(98) failed to return. He arrived just in time and raised two chicks with Mrs G that year. Ten years on and the situation at the nest is no less dramatic!” Well, done Aran.

It feels like winter hit us again! The sky is blue and the sun is shining but it is cold. The central heating is back on and my friend, who was going to put the pump in her pond, has decided to wait til the end of May!

Still, we have wildfires, and this one does not please me. It is about 20 km north of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. I go to Delta Research to see the birds, and there is an eagle family that has their nest there, which would be close to where the fires are burning.

Some Ospreys continue to arrive in Canada. It feels late, but I am not certain that it is. Will have to check the forms one day.

Snow Lane, Newfoundland: Beaumont is home. We wait for Hope.

FOBBV: Beautiful video of Sunny and Gizmo. Please savour every second we have with them. Soon they will fly and while that is their destiny, what little miracles and what amazing joy they have brought to us, to their parents Jackie and Shadow, and to one another. https://youtu.be/I4WMS9H3HrQ?

‘TU’ sends us some news: “WTE couple from Tatarstan in Russia got their chick and we hope it will be a good season. Couple of booted eagles in the same region have 2 eggs, second appeared yesterday. But as we remember for booted eagles in Spain it was always bad story for the small eaglet.”

Sad news coming out of Hancock Wildlife White Rock Bald Eagle nest:

Why can’t these chicks be moved to another nest for fostering? Or can we have intervention in the form of supplementary fish until the eaglets are old enough for Mum to leave them to go hunting? Or, pray tell, why, knowing the situation, were the eggs not moved to another nest to be hatched and raised? If you haven’t guessed by now, I believe firmly in intervention when it can occur and when there is a chance of a better outcome than watching two little eaglets starve to death.

Hellgate Canyon. Don’t pass out. Iris needed a break and probably some fish and look who came to take care of the egg. Am I dreaming?

The egg was rained on and rolled by Louis and then the Raven took it.

Beautiful Iris and her whopper of a fish.

Charlo Montana: Charlie and Lola have their first egg of the season.

Salisbury Cathedral Falcons:

Cornell Red-tail Haw cam of Big Red and Arthur: We are on pip watch.

Most of us are aware that Murphy the Eagle died some time ago. I received today and I thought I would put all of the information that was sent to me with the question by the reader: “Tragedy struck on a stormy weekend. Violent weather swept through Missouri, and Murphy was found dead in his aviary. Authorities reported that the severe storms and tornadoes that passed near the area played a role in his untimely demise. As First Alert 4 reports, a full necropsy later revealed that he sustained significant head trauma. The sanctuary stated they could not determine if the trauma resulted from a fall or from the fierce winds and heavy precipitation. This uncertainty adds to the sorrow felt by wildlife lovers and local residents alike. Additional reports highlighted the unpredictability of nature. Officials explained that Murphy had weathered many storms during his long life. Yet this particular outbreak proved too much for him. KTVI reports that his death came as a shock not only to the staff at the sanctuary but also to a community that had followed his journey closely. The sanctuary confirmed that no other birds were injured during the incident. They stressed that their safety plans had prevented further harm, though Murphy’s case remained an unfortunate exception.”

So the question is: with the reasonable accurate weather forecasting, why are not raptors and other animals/birds moved inside until the storms have passed? Sadly, I do not know the answer to this question but with climate change the increasing frequency of severe weather, one would think, if funds and staff are available, that all animals would be removed to a safe place until the storm had passed. I think here of the evacuations that occur throughout Florida.

Achieva Credit Union: According to MP, Jack and Jill are being harassed by some very persistent Blue Jays. There it is up on the perch. That Blue Jay is lucky that ospreys only like fish!

Sydney Sea Eagles: Lady and Dad have been photographed.

Heidi’s Nest Notes (please note that she does not cover every nest in the US nor every nest daily, just highlights):

South Cape May Meadows osprey nest: The camera was down for the better part of a few days. It was live streaming again late afternoon of 4/27 for just a couple of hours, and there were no eggs seen. When the cam resumed again on the morning of 4/29 at 07:30, Hera was incubating one egg. So, the egg could have been laid as early as the evening of 4/27, or on 4/28, or overnight on 4/29. Just in case, we should be on egg watch for egg #2 by the afternoon or evening of 4/30.

While the live stream was down, a motion-sensing infrared night light was installed for the purpose of helping us see when there is activity in the dark. The GHO has had a significant presence at the nest all season so far. Please see the following chat posts from the Nature Conservancy of New Jersey, to explain what has been done to try to deter the owl:

_______________

Lake Murray ospreys: It looks as though Lucy will not have any chicks from this clutch of eggs. Lucy laid 3 eggs and one of them broke on 3/29 (not known which egg). Her mate, Kenny, was usurped by the current male on 3/27-3/28. The new male (named Newman) has been bringing Lucy fish, and he has also been doing some incubating. Even if we go out on a limb and say that the two remaining eggs are egg #2 and egg #3, they are ages 44 and 41 days on 4/30, and no sign of a pip.

4/30 – The Frenchman’s Creek chick fledged this morning at 57 days of age! That first flight happened at 09:50, and s/he returned to the nest in just over a minute.

At Syracuse University, two of the Red-tail Hawk eggs hatched on Monday.

Geemeff writes: “Every time I hear anything at all on the subject of hen harrier persecution, my teeth start to ache from being ground very hard. What is it about this amazing bird that causes the idiots with guns who like to kill for ‘fun’ to persecute it so relentlessly? Surely the bird can’t be taking more than one grouse per day in breeding season? Given that the sport shooting industry raise and release around fifty million game birds annually simply to be shot, the very low numbers of hen harriers in the UK can’t begin to make a dent in those numbers. Even if each hen harrier took two or even ten a day, it still wouldn’t affect the vast numbers of game birds reared merely to be killed and most often not even eaten as they’re riddled with toxic lead shot.

It makes me ashamed to have a government that protects the so called ‘sport’ shooting industry.”

https://raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/04/28/138-hen-harriers-confirmed-missing-or-illegally-killed-in-uk-since-2018-most-of-them-on-or-close-to-grouse-moors/

Geemeff continues, “And another four satellite-tagged Hen Harriers have gone missing since the beginning of this year”:

https://raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/04/28/four-more-satellite-tagged-hen-harriers-have-gone-missing-since-january-2025/

Thank you, Geemeff. You are absolutely right. Anyone who wants to begin to understand just needs to read any of the many books on the topic, but I particularly like Bowland Beth.

And, sadly, it is not just your government. The cutting of funding to rangers, changes to the migratory bird act in the US, etc, make life for all wildlife very precarious. I am embarrassed and infuriated. We all should be.

Falcons and other birds need them to survive. Can we not figure out a way to get along with pigeons?

Ruffling feathers on the allotment | Brief letters https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/27/ruffling-feathers-on-the-allotment?CMP=share_btn_url

Calico’s Tip for Everyone: It’s Migration. Turn out the Lights. Ask your cities and towns to turn them off!

Trempeauleau: Mrs T at Trempeauleau Bald Eagle nest in Wisconsin is incredible. She is going to raise this little eaglet of hers to fledge. I can feel it. The baby is getting its thermal down, and there must be fish ready. Just about as soon as she catches one, or in this case, brings what appears to be a road kill possum and a fish, Mr T comes to get it to take it to the other nest. Regardless, things are going well for now. Let us all send positive wishes that they continue to do so. Is he lazy? Opportunistic? This is his eaglet, too!

Video of Mr T stealing a possum Mum brought in and then a fish. https://youtu.be/KaGPMBaL-dg?

Great Bay Ospreys: Egg #2, 4/29 at 20:05.

Xcel Fort St Vrain: Two surviving babies are doing well.

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 29th Apr 2025An exciting day today on Nest One where it looks like Garry LV0 and Blue 536 have mated successfully, not once but at least three times today. Furthermore, as if to fully claim possession of the nest (and Garry!), Blue 536 brought a stick to add to the furnishings. He brought her two fish taking his tally to twenty six. We wait to see how things progress, but it’s looking very good for finally having a resident pair on Nest One

since she arrived on Friday 18th April. Over on Nest Two, Louis and Dorcha went about their usual business of giving and receiving fish and taking turns incubating the eggs, and Louis’ two fish deliveries take his tally to fifty seven. Tonight’s forecast is for clear skies and light winds, and a sunny day with gentle breezes tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.10.49 (04.47.08); Nest Two 22.25.41 (04.52.28)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/IVnRt58Tuws N1 At last! Successful mating between Blue 536 and Garry LV0 05.13.00https://youtu.be/rOUzWiOpTpI N2 Dorcha’s keen to tear into fish number one 05.47.04https://youtu.be/Rqv12H8GHP0 N1 Handover of fish one is interrupted by an unseen intruder 10.44.31

https://youtu.be/NA39q-kBs_0 N1 Blue 536 accepts the tiny tail end of fish number two 16.50.59

https://youtu.be/il6HhuVaY2s N2 Dorcha’s happy to see Louis with fish number two 18.38.15

Bonus action – a significant, lasting way you can support Woodland Trust and stand up for trees:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/give/gift-in-will

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/rxYqoHxXPMY N1 Louis coy-mantles for Aila 2017

https://youtu.be/wO972vIFy8U N1 First mating for Louis & Aila 2017

https://youtu.be/shhxI4hywlY N1 Tawny Owl attacks Aila 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/rYQg6ow0Krg N1 Aila helps Louis log on 2020

https://youtu.be/TCoPSKsYP4w N1 Aila chases an intruder leaving the eggs unattended 2020

https://youtu.be/5zVFnXl94p8 N1 Affric & Prince return 2022

https://youtu.be/h0lIyo4MYQw N1 The Art of Weave 2023 (Classic Ospreys: Bach in quicktime)

https://youtu.be/FoF0b5rBZ4s N2 Dorcha’s glad to see Louis bringing breakfast 2024

https://youtu.be/_ptnXEqz0JI N1 Fish number one for Garry’s potential girlfriend 2024

https://youtu.be/en2jZLwlbtg N1 Garry LV0 tries and fails mating with his new female friend 2024

https://youtu.be/KgbhdQWyOZE N2 Dorcha’s not interested when a third fish arrives 2024

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

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

Dyfi: Mark the 17th of May for pip watch for Idris and Telyn.

Thank you so much 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 blog today: ‘BHA, Geemeff, Heidi, PB, SB, TU’, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, SK Hideaways, Newfoundland Power, Terry Anita and Bald Eagles Live Nest News and Cams, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Raptor Resource Project, Salisbury Cathedral Falcons, Eagle Cam, Cornell Red Tail Hawk Cam, The Guardian, Raptor Persecution UK, Achieva Credit Union, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Trempealeau Bald Eagles, Peace, Xcel Fort St Vrain, SCMM, Lake Murray Ospreys, Frenchman’s Creek, Dyfi Osprey Project

Thursday in Bird World

24 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

The sky is the most beautiful clear blue. The winds have died down and everyone is enjoying all that the garden has to offer. We went to check on the chickadees and saw signs saying, ‘The Bears are Awake’ and others that said not to feed the wildlife because of the bears. There was not a chickadee in sight. It was, however, so nice to get outside and now sipping our afternoon tea, the squirrels and Starlings are having a frenzy at the new suet cylinders. There has been snow to the west and northwest of us. I hope this feeding frenzy is not because the weather is going to turn!

Mr Crow was not pleased with Dyson and the kits spending so much time on the big table feeder eating all of the nuts.

Meanwhile Brock was sunning himself on the top of one of the wood boxes when another cat went to eat at the feeder. It was the tiny all black kitten from last year. I have never seen Brock move so fast as to get that cat out of ‘his’ territory!

There is, however, bad weather heading through Nebraska and the eagle and osprey nests in the area. Stay safe. ‘PB’ tells me it is to get so bad that the storm chasers have come to town.

The storm went north of Denton Homes and the Majestics but ‘PB’ reports that more are popping up all over the state.

Hellgate Canyon Osprey Nest: Dr Greene reminds us:

“Hi everyone,

We know that some folks are upset with Louis, but we would like to remind you that these are wild creatures, and we should not project our human values on them. These cameras give us very intimate views into the lives of these fantastic wild ospreys, but there it does not always go as “we want.”

To put things in perspective, Iris has had an AMAZING run – she has probably fledged more chicks during her lifetime than most other ospreys anywhere in the world! And she keeps on trying!

Sincerely, Erick Greene and the Montana Osprey Team”

I am not mad at Louis. I am disappointed that Finnegan did not return, but as I continue to say, we must treasure each moment because we do not know when something terrible will happen. Yes, I had hoped for another nest of chicks and to see Iris as the great mum she is. I wish a male would bring her some good fish when she calls. But I do not want her to lose her nest at this stage in her life. And that is where Louis is important. Hopefully, he will continue to defend her against all male and female intruders, including Blue ZO, a four-year-old female from Fort Missoula. I cannot imagine Iris being homeless. Without a Finnegan, I also don’t want her to have to raise chicks. She should enjoy her summers so she can be fit for migration and return to us again and again.

Iris chased a female down the river today. Oh, darling Iris. We do not want you to get injured. I don’t think we could take it.

Llyn Brenig: The latest:

“After laying the first egg on 15 April from her pairing with 416, 372 went on to lay another two over the Easter weekend. In the meantime, LJ2 asserted himself and fought for his nest, attacking both 372 and 416 in the process. After some initial struggles, LJ2 looks to have achieved dominance and evicted two of the eggs from the nest (the third remains on the periphery of the platform and is being ignored by both birds). After this lively start to the osprey season, we continue to watch with great interest.

Follow all the drama on our webcams – https://ow.ly/GrzY50VGiVl – or visit the North Wales Wildlife Trust Lookout at Llyn Brenig (follow the signs from the visitor centre!).”

RSPB Loch Garten: Oh, another nest that might be a failure this year. RSPB Loch Garten writes,

“The latest action-packed instalment of #TheOspreyDiaries is here!

It’s touch and go now at Loch Garten. Will Asha return? Will a new female appear and get Brodie’s attention? Or will we see an empty nest this season? Stay tuned for all the updates right here.”

As I continue, you will notice that Iris is not the only one having nest issues!

Glaslyn: Elen laid her second egg at 1417 on Wednesday. The other three are gone due to the kerfuffel between Aran and Teifi. Will this egg go the way of the others? Will Aran reclaim his nest? Will Teifi leave? Will Elen accept Aran? It really is a soap opera.

Usk Valley: Things look like they could be encouraging.

ENCOURAGING SIGNS — Usk Valley Ospreys Download

Thank goodness there is a movement to erect some badly needed safe osprey poles! Can you chip in? I would love to see this happening at Achieva!

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 23rd April 2025

Another quiet day where not much happened. Blue 536 visited Nest One in the morning but when Garry LV0 didn’t bring fish and attempted mating instead, she left. She should have returned later because he brought a fish at supper time and took it away as there weren’t any takers. His fish tally rises to thirteen. Nest Two saw Louis delivering two fish, taking his tally to forty seven, and getting rewarded by being allowed on egg duty while Dorcha went off to have her meal. Male Ospreys have brood patches like the females, but not all male Ospreys are as enthusiastic about egg-sitting as Louis. The weather was settled, the promised rain didn’t materialise and the forecast is dry tonight – a good night for owls, they are calling as this report is being posted (midnight) – and sunny intervals tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.47.54 (04.35.40); Nest Two 21.44.19 (04.55.28)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/hu5NnXsXYHk N1 Great Tit visits at dawn and returns later 05.47.45

https://youtu.be/6bVxUOVXQEo N2 Dorcha shrieks when she sees breakfast arriving 05.56.38

https://youtu.be/B_iuG4WfwjQ N1 Blue 536 calls in vain but no fish from Garry LV0 08.41.27

https://youtu.be/eq2Jw7PlqW8 N2 Louis brings lunch for Dorcha – second fish today 13.41.30

https://youtu.be/NJpWUVhmuWY N1 Garry brings a fish but no one’s there 19.33.06

Bonus read – discover Woodland Trust’s partnership with Sainsburys – it’s more than just eggs:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/partnerships/our-partners/sainsburys

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/HC8FSMTgKWk N1 Aila lays the first egg 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/Cnif4BNYFuM N1 Louis brings a fish to the empty nest 2021

https://youtu.be/OpyGsxeMGwE N1 Is this emaciated unringed female Aila? 2021 (long version)

https://youtu.be/fmNwPCmnz5k N2 Louis the pole vaulter 2022

https://youtu.be/VgOVHWjXnkk N1 Sweet little singer singing its heart out 2022

https://youtu.be/qLyRSw-879A N2 Ravens alarm Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/45Svwh7f7qA N2 Wind-swept lovers 2023

https://youtu.be/wpswrPe2VU0 Garry returns with his fish, still no takers 2024

https://youtu.be/6NqL5vXG91w N1: Prince attacks Affric 2024 (slo-mo zoom repeat)

https://youtu.be/oStv3X3SDiM N2 Louis brings Dorcha a fish supper 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

San Jose City Hall Falcons: Oh, wow. I am in love. Just look at these four – and do not worry. As SK Hideaways’ video shows, that fourth hatch (two days after the first three) got right up front to get its food! https://youtu.be/iPwcVApFTPA?

There might not be many falcon or hawk streaming cams, but these are such precious little angels. I think we should all watch Monty and Hartley raising these four without hesitation.

Remember. Cornell Redtail Hawk Cam. Big Red and Arthur will be on hatch watch in about six days. This is my favourite raptor nest. I love this Red-tail Hawk, who, at 22 years old, is so special I cannot even find the words to describe her.

There are two streaming cams you can see what is happening from all sides.

A tender moment between Arthur and Big Red.

NE Florida Bald Eagles: Gabby and Beau have been delivering fish to Bodie. Three on Tuesday! And Bodie was eating well on Wednesday when I checked. She is up on the branch looking very much like her beautiful Mum, Gabby, in that heraldic pose. Dear Juvie has not been seen since Saturday on any camera.

Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain Bald Eagles: The two surviving eaglets are doing very well and were full to the brim on Wednesday!

Farmer Derek’s Bonnie and Clyde Owl Cam: Look at little Starr up on those branches. She jumps down to the nest to get prey from Bonnie! Oh, my goodness, if GHOS would just leave the eaglets and osplets alone, I would love them.

Denton Homes Majestics: A lovely day on the nest.

Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest: Mum is doing an amazing job raising her only surviving chick. Dad has come to steal fish she has caught. Don’t get me started. Today T3 has some fish and Mum also fed T3 one of its siblings (T4, perhaps). Thermal down is coming. It cannot come fast enough as good weather is not promised.

Duke Farms: Some have written to me about their concern for the amount of food coming to this nest. We often see the adults cutting back. These are beautiful, fully feathered eaglets. Let’s hope prey is plentiful enough for all to be healthy when they fumble. They are undoubtedly gorgeous and are climbing around those nest rails.

Decorah Goose Cam: We are on hatch watch.

Union County Falcon Scrape. It is hot. Mum is panting and there is at least one hatch, but I think two so far!

Heidi’s US Osprey Notes:

Cape Henlopen osprey cam: The new platform was installed over two years ago, and it went unused (except for the vultures that used to hang out there every day). There were a few different ospreys spotted on the platform this spring, and one female in particular. Then on 4/16 a handsome fellow showed up, and the two quickly became an item. They have had some intruder issues which they have handled well. The male has brought in nesting material, brought the female fish gifts, and they have been mating several times a day!

Wolf Bay osprey cam: Josie and Bert now have two little hatchlings. The second baby hatched the morning of 4/23.

Venice osprey cam: There is no shortage of fish at this nest, and the three kiddos are doing great. They are 18, 21, and 22 days old on 4/24.

Frenchman’s Creek: This only-chick is 50 days old, and has been doing some great wingers with small hops!

Brevard County osprey cam: The youngest osplet finally figured out that being on the other side of Mom during a feeding tends to work out pretty well… look at that crop!

Thanks, Heidi!

A couple of other notes scrolling through the nests:

Bay and Beau at Island Beach State Park have their first egg.

Calico’s Tip of the Day: Listen to Jane Goodall’s message for Earth Day. On Earth Day, we finally made all of the changes to the cleaning supplies that we use in the house. Today, we are going to install a rain barrel. What else can you do? Can we do? https://youtu.be/gIpQa0k7y3A?

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

Thank you to the following for their posts, comments, notes, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB’, The Weather Channel, Dr Ericke Green, Louis Matteau/Hellgate Osprey Cam, Llyn Brenig, RSPB Loch Garten, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Usk Valley, Carol Fuller/The Joy of Ospreys, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Heidi McGrue/The Joy of Ospreys, San Jose City Falcons, SK Hideaways, Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam, NEFL-AEF, Xcel Energy, Farmer Derek’s Owl Cam, Denton Homes, Trempealeau Bald Eagle Cam, Duke Farms, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, Union County Falcon Scrape, Cape Henlopen, Venice Golf and Country Club Ospreys, Wolf Bay Osprey Cam, Frenchman’s Creek, Brevard County, Jane Goodall Institute

Thursday in Bird World

17 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

This morning marked the arrival of our first Brown Thrasher, energetically scratching in the soil, while several dozen Dark-eyed Juncos flitted about, along with our regular visitors, all eagerly waiting and searching as I savored my coffee before feeding them.

Anne made a generous donation of a large bag of hot dogs for the crows, and their delight was palpable! Additionally, a neighbor brought over a hefty 50-pound bag of kibble for our outdoor cats. It’s heartwarming to see ‘Squishy’—the beloved cat with one ear folded down—making a comeback at the feeder after a long absence.

Everyone has their favorite birds and animals, yet they’re unable to set up feeders of their own, making their contributions all the more meaningful. It’s truly wonderful to witness such kindness and community spirit.

Our rescue facilities are currently overflowing and desperately in need of supplies. One essential item that we often overlook is thin protection gloves. If you have any spare pairs at home, consider donating them to someone in your community—they can make a significant difference!

As we dive into spring cleaning, tidying up our gardens and swapping out winter clothes, let’s not forget the countless items that animal rescues and rehabilitation shelters desperately need. Before you throw anything away, take a moment to consider whether it could be of value to a local shelter.

Donating your unwanted items is not only an excellent way to declutter your home, but it also provides critical support to those caring for animals in need. It’s a powerful act of kindness that benefits both you and the animals—let’s make a positive impact together!

————————————————————————————-

The notice arrived in my inbox shortly after I published my post on Wednesday morning. I promised Geemeff that it would be prominently displayed today!

News! Egg – well done Dorcha!!! First glimpsed at 17.52.55

17.50 Dorcha is on the nest sitting down and making little squeaking noises. She’s getting ready to lay her first egg!

17.52.55 She gives a little wiggle and stands up and the egg can just be glimpsed. Congratulations Dorcha!

And Louis, not forgetting his 5-second contribution..

18.06.12 She stands up and as she does, she gives the egg a little push with her leg and we get a clearer view.

(zoomed)

Iris: Iris: There’s someone who’s been visiting Iris, trying time and again to steal her incredible fish. You know who I am talking about. His persistence drives me up the wall! However, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the ‘good’ Louis brings to the nest. Take Blue NC0 at Loch of the Lowes, for instance—she lost her partner, Laddie LM12, in 2024. Last year, there was genuine hope for her to bond with the Dark Night this year. Sadly, without a male to defend her territory, Blue NC0 lost both her nest and her land. Louis is the one who now safeguards Iris’s territory (she was there before him!). Finn, the only young male bold enough to challenge Louis, managed to oust Louis and keep him away from Iris. Together, they raised two beautiful chicks last year. If, heaven forbid, Finn doesn’t return, I have faith that Iris will still hold on to her nest because Louis is so protective of ‘his’ territory. Iris absolutely deserves it! So, if there is any silver lining, that is it. Thin like aluminum foil, but a reality nonetheless.

Elen has laid yet another egg at the Glaslyn nest, and this one is likely Teifi’s. Aran, having taken possession of the nest he initially shared with Mrs G, faces a crucial decision. With uncertainty surrounding the paternity of this new egg, it seems almost inevitable that he will choose to remove it. After all, why would Aran invest time in raising a chick that could belong to another male, jeopardising his own genetic legacy? It’s a tough call, but the instinct to protect his own lineage is likely to prevail!

Pitching rain in Wales Wednesday afternoon.

In contrast to Glaslyn, at the Tweed Valley 2 nest, Mrs O and an unringed female seem to be inclined to share the single male at the nest! They only get disgruntled when a fish is delivered. Maybe he should try bringing in two at a time. We might have a Trio at Tweed!!!!!! That would be really interesting.

Sauces: Betty Lou has had the most amazing care an eaglet could ever dream about. Jak and Audacity have kept her full and safe and relished every second getting to be parents again. One of those miracle moments of this year that we must cherish.

Dyfi: Idris and Telyn have three eggs they are incubating. The wind is blowing like it is a gale over at Dyfi! They may get some of that rain, too. The skies over the distant hills certainly seem to imply that damp weather is descending on the Glaslyn valley.

Llyn Clywedog: Seren Blue 5F is getting soaked, too. Did you know that Aran from Glaslyn courted Seren while he was bonded with Mrs G? Seren luckily gave up on losing her eggs and flew north a bit and found Dylan. They have raised some wonderful chicks together. I believe they still hold the record for the largest male osplet ringed in Wales.

Boulder County Fair Grounds: First egg arrives on Wednesday!

Loveland, Colorado: Two eggs as of Wednesday.

PSEG Oyster Bay: One egg as of Wednesday.

Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain Bald Eagles: Out of four, the two surviving eaglets appear to be doing quite well.

Charlo Montana: Lola is not too fond of the new male hanging around the nest. Charlie has yet to return and is very late.

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 16th April 2025

Only one topic of conversation tonight – the arrival of the first egg! With a few squeaks, Dorcha produced the egg at 17.52.55 today and tonight there’s the welcome sight of her on the nest protecting the egg from the weather. Congratulations to Dorcha, and to Louis who did his usual classic double take at his first sight of the egg! Many on the forum are celebrating by making a donation to Woodland Trust: if you’re able to give, any amount is welcome, and the info is in the bonus section. Link to George WTS’ fundraising comment here: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=24512818. In other news, no activity at Nest One today – we had reports of a third Osprey at Bunarkaig, which might explain Garry LV0’s absence, perhaps we’ll see him tomorrow. Louis delivered two fish today to take his tally to thirtyfive, Dorcha chased a Hoodie away, and the wet weather is due to continue overnight and through to Friday.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One (05.20.12); Nest Two 21.22.09 (05.26.09)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/s_kzQzXLhzM N2 Dorcha uses her crow voice to scare off a Hoodie 10.58.30

https://youtu.be/ps0VU6SZ-F4 N2 Elevenses for Dorcha when fish number one arrives 11.46.13

https://youtu.be/BKHSD1BymP0 N2 Dorcha quickly returns when Louis brings a second fish 16.41.45

https://youtu.be/yMqIGkUXvnc N2 First EGG! Congratulations Dorcha! 17.52.55 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/WJOWeX-Hxd8 N2 Louis’ first look at the egg 19.04.11

Bonus action – if you’re eggcited by the first egg, anticipating a second in three days, and have any spare funds… Woodland Trust will put them to good use protecting Louis & Dorcha’s home. Hit the yellow button on this page or use this link: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/give/donate

If you prefer to donate offline call WT’s friendly team on 0330 333 3300 between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/I-VmcgzVveY N1 Aila watches a Red Deer near the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/7_XmXGafimM N1 Lonely Louis skydances in vain 2021

https://youtu.be/CJl9LiQ23eQ N1 Louis is vertically challenged 2021

https://youtu.be/XNiNQjkUSBs N1 Louis does his demented penguin impression 2022

https://youtu.be/3g5njmmeykE N1 Comedy as Louis forgets he’s got a fish and tries mating! 2022

https://youtu.be/mJrYkJieaSo N1 A Robin sings in the dark 2023

https://youtu.be/krmpSP7wVU0 N1 Louis does a flypast with fish number two 2023

https://youtu.be/qYLZK_Iym44 N1 A Barn Owl visits 2024

https://youtu.be/g4S95JxjN_k N1 Interesting triangular encounter – with a new player! 2024

https://youtu.be/GH6XNHVJR1M N2 Dorcha didn’t take long to sort out Louis’ awkward stick! 2024

https://youtu.be/OI9pOORSzXA N2 Nest One A Hoodie lands, interrupting Garry’s nest prep 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

What can we do to help our garden birds?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/16/garden-birds-need-a-hedge-against-decline?CMP=share_btn_url

Sandpoint: Geese continue to incubate eggs while Keo and Keke attempt to build a nest on a light pole.

I have been worried sick about Finnegan. If I could these beautiful birds would have tracking devices – I know it is silly – so we would know where they are and what is happening with them. I needed a smile and after checking on Betty Lou and Sunny and Gizmo, I went to check on Big Red and Arthur. There was snow starting to fall. Arthur had arrived to give a shift change and with some prey for the Queen of the Red-tail Hawks.

They have been together for 8 seasons!

The first egg was laid on April 2. Incubation is typically 28-32 days, making pip watch set for April 30.

Adorable Arthur.

Smile. CROW rescues a pair of osplets.

Lastly. It is time to stand up for the nests. In off time, those running streaming cams should refurbish and restore their osprey platforms which should include building rails, making certain that the base can allow for the drainage of water but has SS mesh to keep from sticks, eggs, and chicks form falling through. Nesting material should be provided. It has been shown that a proper nest can encourage good care of osplets (Snow Lane, Newfoundland, 2024).

Salem Electric, the osprey family wanting to use this platform needs help. Get the bucket truck up there and help them! Get everything ready and let your crews do this quickly!

Kielder Forest: KF13 laid her and W6’s first egg of the season at 13.01 today at Nest 1A.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff’, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Bwywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Tweed Valley 2, IWS/Explore, Dyfi Osprey Project, Llyn Clywedog, Boulder County Fairground, Loveland Colorado Ospreys, PSEG, The Guardian, Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain, Cornell Bird Lab, CROW, Charlo Montana, Sandpoint, Salem Electric, Kielder Forest, Foulshaw Ospreys

Friday in Bird World

4 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Thursday was a gorgeous day. +5 C. Sunny. We spent the day out in the country away from the city taking in the spring air.

Animals are really important to one’s well-being. My husband thrives around them. We brought carrots for the goats today. Isn’t this little one with its blue eyes just a darling? One of our favourites.

And we brought our own goose home! She will no longer lure ducks or geese to their peril and doesn’t need food!

At home, Calico spent the afternoon watching the birds fly in and out of the garden. We are so grateful she is inside with her daughter, Hope. My heart pangs thinking of her ever living outside in the harsh weather.

I always welcome your e-mails. Don’t stop sending them. It keeps me connected with people of like minds who love the birds and who cry with them throughout the joys and the sorrows.

‘JB’ writes: “I know you got hundreds of emails but I still wanted to add mine. When Dorcha arrived, I was happy for her, but it also low-key, unofficially confirmed in my mind that maybe Louis really was gone since he usually arrived first. But I was still planning to hold onto hope for one more day. Perhaps he was taking an extra rest, esp after last summer. But I still couldn’t shake off that realization that Dorcha arrived FIRST. I was riding the subway to work and was actually feeling really sad thinking that this world is without Louis and how strange it felt, when I saw someone post on the Woodland Trust chat about an osprey on the nest but not being sure who it was. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it on the livestream. It really is a miracle! The fact that any bird can keep coming back year after year is already a miracle, but especially Louis! So many of us, myself included, had doubts. But this shows to never count an osprey out!

And so now I wait with baited breath for Iris’s arrival. I created another drawing. It’s meant to be cheeky and silly, Iris looking at the calendar with anticipation and packing her best summer feathers, some fish jerky, and Finnegan’s love letter to her over the winter. Haha, it gives me a good chuckle.

Hooray for Louis and Dorcha!”

‘JB’s art to go with this letter!

We are all waiting while crossing toes, fingers, eyebrows, and hoping beyond hope to see our Queen land on her nest. Thank you, ‘JB’.

Geemeff sends us the news for today from The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust Daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 3rd April 2025:

The day started with owls hooting and the dawn chorus starting up before day cam switched over, but the best music was the sound of Louis skydancing. However when he landed on the nest at 06.22, he ignored Dorcha who had made herself available by raising her tail almost vertically. But it was only a short while later that he departed, circled round, and came back to the nest for a full-on mating with Dorcha at 06.48. The pair spent the rest of the day popping on and off the nest, mating, nestorising and generally showing typical behaviour of newly returned Ospreys. Louis brought the first fish of the season around 5pm but Dorcha wasn’t there to get it. When he returned with it later, she was on the nest and took it from him, however her nicely filled out crop suggests he’s either giving her fish off-nest, or she’s fishing for herself. That single fish kicks off the start of the daily fishing report, with Steve Q expertly crunching the numbers. New volunteers are encouraged to sign up, it’s easy and you don’t need to know much about fish species, so if you’d like your very own Fish Counter badge, please send Deb a message. In other news, a Buzzard touched down on Nest One. S/he mantled protectively on the nest but arrived with empty talons, and no other bird was seen, at least not on nest cam, so its behaviour was interesting. George WTS put on his Press Officer hat, and the return of our Ospreys made the news, link to one article in the bonus section.

Night cam switches on (day cam):

Nest One 21.10.23 (05.39.11); Nest Two 21.27.26 (05.53.18)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/j2Sum_Ko7Lc N2 Dorcha’s keen but Louis isn’t! 06.22.48

https://youtu.be/xMhCZ5qGTqQ N2 Finally – successful mating 06.48.31

https://youtu.be/hzODfj11JQ4 N1 A Buzzard visits mantling over its empty talons 15.32.48

https://youtu.be/zMMO3WcJR_Q N2 First fish of the season arrives but Dorcha’s not there 16.57.54

Bonus read – the return of the Arkaig Ospreys makes the news:

https://news.sky.com/story/famous-osprey-louis-returns-to-nest-in-scotland-after-illness-13340970

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/09TOby_yPfU N1 A Woodpecker visits 2021

https://youtu.be/-BwfbQolDAE N2 Aerial antics: ACrow chases a Buzzard near the nest 2022 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/_Er_85c3FZU N2 Louis brings a fish supper but Dorcha’s not home yet 2023

https://youtu.be/XRUIQug73eo N1 Louis touches down briefly on his old nest 2024 (slo-mo repeat)

https://youtu.be/dZWAEwRxHGA N2 Dorcha accepts fish number three at the second offering 2024

https://youtu.be/NKWmX-eR-94 N2 Successful mating 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

‘J’ sent us an interesting opportunity for someone who might want to visit Oklahoma.

Wild Heart Ranch

9h ·

Our spring tee shirt logo! I will have them on our store later today! We have youth sizes up to 3X!
That’s Raegan flying over Greg’s head!

The Wild Heart “Bed and Baby Experience”

It is PRIME CABIN STAY TIME! If you have ever wanted to spend a few days helping to feed the babies, but live too far away to volunteer, OR you live local enough to drive but don’t want to start out volunteering doing dishes, floors and laundry, NOW IS THE TIME TO BOOK A CABIN! The “Cabin experience”; 18 or older, all access to Wild Heart, you start out feeding whatever animals you would like to help with so long as it is safe for you and the animals. We invest one-on-one time teaching you to feed babies even though we may never see you again. (which isn’t often the case) In exchange for our time, your cabin rental helps fund our staff to care for the babies! Once you are experienced (with us) and do not require supervision, we give you winter rates for your stay! Our cabins are fully equipped, cozy, comfortable and convenient. They are small, but you won’t be spending a lot of time in them. You are here to experience the magic of Wild Heart and that lives in the clinic and on the land!

We have three cabins to choose from:
Raptor Cabin: Queen bed $350 for one night, then $300 for any additional nights
Retreat: (available Friday & Saturday nights) Twin bed+futon+loft, laundry, stove top and large shower $300 one night, then $200
Lodge: Full sized bed $250 one night then $200

All cabins have kitchenettes with fridge, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, all your linens, showers, TV, a place to sit and store your belongings. They are adorable and we are very proud of them.

Now is the BEST TIME EVER to rent a cabin because we have a larger staff so you can count on more attention and less chaos. We have recently invested in upgrading and renewing our cabins AND we have Dava assigned to tending our cabins so they are spotless and perfect for your stay. She misses NOTHING! Text Susan at 918)600-8237 and she will call you when she is back at her desk and get you booked! We book only to our Facebook followers and our monthly donors now get fall and winter rates YEAR ROUND! Raptor $250/200, Lodge $150/100, Retreat $200/150. COME SEE US!
Annette

Osprey News:

Loch Arkaig: I can’t stop smiling. Louis and Dorcha. Home.

Dyfi: Beautiful Idris and Telyn.

Llyn Clywedog: Stunning. Dylan and Seren are both home from migration.

Glaslyn: Elen waiting for Aran. Aran, come home!

Hellgate Canyon, Missoula:

Goitzsche Wildnis: J Castnyer comments on the day: “Zeus has done a great job rebuilding the nest from four badly placed sticks and, right now, what he is doing is providing a large amount of loose material not just to cover possible cracks, but to provide comfort to the nest and for Fjona to feel at ease. Males like Zeus are a treasure, on the level of the mythical Monty (Wales) and Teo (Latvia) or an Idris (Dyfi) or a Dylan (Llyn Clywedog).”

Zeus has done a great job rebuilding the nest from four badly placed sticks and, right now, what he is doing is providing a large amount of loose material not just to cover possible cracks, but to provide comfort to the nest and for Fjona to feel at ease. Males like Zeus are a treasure, on the level of the mythical Monty (Wales) and Teo (Latvia) or an Idris (Dyfi) or a Dylan (Llyn Clywedog).

Eschenbach: Concern expressed over the new female’s immaturity at the nest. Joan Castnyer: “We are not on the right track. The new female is strong and has character, yes, but at the same time she is (rather than young) quite immature. She does not spend much time in the nest and (what is more worrying) does not respond to Herbert’s attempts to mate, as you can see in the video. It is possible that this year no young chicks will fly from this nest and that moving Hermine will turn out to be a mistake. We will remain attentive and confident.”

Boulder County: No eggs yet for Mum and new Dad.

Rutland Manton Bay: Maya reveals egg as she gets up for early night stretch.

Birds of Poole Harbour: Beautiful CJ7 and a couple portrait with her mate, Blue 022.

AlythSS: Harry is home!

Kielder Forest Nest 7: Both ospreys back live! https://www.youtube.com/live/bJONIQs4Sfg?

Threave Ospreys: Egg on nest 1.

Farm Field: Not sure that Heidi will include this in her report:

From Heidi:

Achieva osprey nest: Jack has a new mate this year, named Jill. Jill laid two eggs, but egg 1 did not hatch. Egg 2 hatched overnight 4/4, and our first sighting of the little baby was at 07:08. Congratulations to Jack and Jill!

Bald Eagles:

‘J’ writes that we have new hatches!

Fort St Vrain: So far twins out of those four eggs! FSV52 and FSV53

Big Bear: Is Sunny practising for her maternal duties in the future? https://youtu.be/H6zU37pL8Kk?

Sunny and Gizmo are so adorable.

Fraser Point: Andor and Cruz’s two eaglets are adorable.

Sauces Canyon: Jak and Audacity could not be more proud of their little Betty Lou.

Kistachie National Forest E3: A nice fish on the nest for 03 who is looking good.

Big Red and Arthur, Cornell’s darling Red-tail Hawk couple make the news: https://youtu.be/3QjjH2DEh2E?

In Hertfordshire, a hawk was harrassing villagers. Now it has been caught.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/apr/03/flamstead-man-catches-hawk-that-had-been-attacking-villagers-for-weeks?CMP=share_btn_url

Geemeff sends us more news:

Good news for all UK wildlife – and us humans too. But a great pity the authorities not only failed to act to clean up our rivers, but appealed the decision when they lost to the charity Fish Legal who took them to court for failing in their duty. They lost – again! It’s cost us tax payers a fortune in court fees which would have been better spent starting the clean-up.

https://preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webview/510835/150736527066924323

A call to action:

Protections are being dismantled, but public lands and waters belong to you, whether it is a National Wildlife Refuge, National Park, Forest, Marine Sanctuary or Marine Monument. Your tax dollars provide a way for you to safely visit, hunt, fish, birdwatch, swim and hike. These lands and waters are where native wildlife have reared their young for millennium and are now protected in perpetuity for the specific purposes laid out by Congress in their establishment.

Call to Action!

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care everyone. We hope to see you again soon.

Thank you to the following whose comments, notes, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams helped me to write my blog today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, J, JB’, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Wild Heart Ranch, The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig, Dyfi Osprey Project, Birds of Poole Harbour, Bywyd Gwllyd Glaslyn, LRWT, Llyn Clywedog Osprey Cam, Montana Osprey Cam, Joan Castnyer and Goitzsche Wildnis and Eschenbach Osprey Cams, Boulder County Fair Grouds Osprey Cam, Farm Field Ospreys, SK Hideaways, FOBBV, IWS/Explore, Kistachie National Forest, WENY TV News, The Guardian, Achieva Credit Union, Fort St Vrain, Alyth SS, Kielder Forest, Threave Castle, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Info

Thursday in Bird World

3 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone!

Well, I am over the moon with the arrival of Louis and Dorcha at the Loch Arkaig 2 nest on Wednesday. I mean, seriously, this is magical. I couldn’t believe it and then I couldn’t stop smile and quietly giggling to myself. Just like the miracle eagle babies in the US, it just doesn’t get much better than this in UK Osprey World!

‘The Girls’ divide themselves into couples.

Hugo Yugo and Missey are always together. Always.

Calico and her only surviving kitten, Baby Hope, are likewise always together. Hope waits for Mum to finish eating before she eats – just as she did when she was a kitten.

I am showing it again just for you to get the idea. Hope is very good friends and plays with Hugo Yugo and she doesn’t mind Missey. Calico and Missey are not pals. They do not like one another and so, today, I am off to get some more of that diffuser that should make them ‘love one another’. Wish me luck!

While they are curious about the feral cats and tolerate Brock, they do not like the new ones that are arriving. To keep the stress down for them, the plan is to move the feral feeder to the back of the garden area away from our garden door. I can still keep an eye to see if Brock is coming and if he needs our help.

This blog contains the mention of Louis’ arrival home at least three times. Here are the videos in case you missed them. This in response to the more than 400 e-mails of you with tears in your eyes and the following from one of our long time Bird World friends. ‘B’ writes: “Oh, thank goodness!! Thank you Mary Ann! It has been such a difficult year, with the loss of Annie and Archie, and Thunder and Akecheta, E24 and E25, and (so far) the loss of Chase and Cholyn’s eggs at Two Harbors. We have to be thankful for every blessing we get with Jackie and Shadow at Big Bear, Audacity and Jak at Sauces, Bodie at NE Florida, and now the return of Louis (Louis the Legend!!) and Dorcha at Loch Arkaig.”

‘B’ is so right. There are miracles and blessings and each day with our feathered friends has to be treasured and never taken for granted. We love them dearly.

Welcome home Dorcha! Resident female Osprey returns to Loch Arkaig Nest Two 2nd April 2025 (zoomed):13.58.57 An Osprey call is heard off camera – is it Louis? Sounds like him. I boosted the audio the better to hear the call. 14.04.19 An Osprey lands with a chirp – but it’s Dorcha, not Louis! Welcome home!

14.06.20 She departs, flying lochwards and disappearing into the distance. Where is Louis?

Welcome home Louis! Resident male Osprey returns to Loch Arkaig Nest Two 2nd April 2025 (zoomed):19.43.55 An Osprey comes unseen from the cam side and lands on the cam post with a thunk and a soft cry. 19.47.30 The Osprey takes off, circles round, heads back to the nest

19.47.44 It lands – it’s Louis!! Welcome home, it’s so good to see you.

https://youtu.be/8WyDfBGdXgYTogether again! The reunion of the resident Loch Arkaig Ospreys Louis and Dorcha 2nd April 2025:

20.11.35 Louis is on the nest and starts displaying, flapping his wings 20.12.00 Dorcha arrives and is reunited with Louis Louis starts coy-mantling, she just stands there quietly 20.21.54 Dorcha leaves, Louis remains behind and starts nest prep, doing some nest scraping 20.46.57 Louis leaves for the night

Heidi’s US Osprey Report:

4/2 – Venice Golf Club: Congratulations to Mom and Dad on their first hatch. The baby hatched sometime overnight.

4/2 – Brevard County: Mom was very secretive, but the first baby hatched at approximately 13:30.

Updates to the hatches from Heidi!

4/3 – Brevard County: A pip was first seen 4/2 at 21:00, and the second baby was out of the shell 4/3 by around 00:30.

4/3 – Venice Golf Club: The second baby arrived sometime in the overnight hours.

4/3 – Havre de Grace osprey nest: The first egg of the season was laid this morning at 06:59.

Heidi asked me to make a correction: CORRECTION: PLEASE CHANGE DATE OF Maryland Western Shore egg #2 to 4/1.

And I missed this one from Heidi!

Kent Island: 3/30 – Kent Island, Maryland (Chesapeake Conservancy): ‘Tom’ arrived home on the same day that he returned last year. Nice to see you, Tom. Tom is waiting for Audrey, who is currently a week past the date that she arrived last season.

Mary Ann’s Osprey News:

Rutland Mantou Bay: Maya lays her first egg on 2 April.

Golden Gate Audubon: Richmond and Rosie welcomed their first egg of the 2025 season on Tuesday 1 April.

Loch Arkaig: If you missed it, Louis and Dorcha are home. More from Geemeff below but I had to mention it twice. My inbox flowed with over 400 e-mails about this fantastic couple. We all remember Louis and Aila and their triplets during the pandemic. We miss Aila, we embraced Dorcha, and then we worried ourselves to death that Louis might not return this year. Well, he fooled us and I hope that he has recovered from whatever ailed him last season.

Glaslyn: Elen is home waiting for Aran. Now we have a visitor, a male.

Cowlitz PUD: Electra arrived at the nest on 30 March.

Goitzsche Wildnis : J Castnyer writes: “If yesterday it was Herbert, from the Eschenbach nest, who brought a red fish to the new couple, today Zeus did the same to the one from Goitzsche Wildnis. Very attached to the claws, yes. There was a moment of tug-of-war between him and a Fjona who was very interested in the teak, not only because of the color, but because of the appetite it had.” From this it would appear that the original Fjona has not returned but I hope this is just my misunderstanding. Stay tuned for clarification.

Here is that ‘red fish’ that Herbert brought to the Eschenbach nest yesterday:

Geemeff’s Daily Summary for Loch Arkaig!

Daily summary Wednesday 2nd April 2025

What an eventful day – apart from the Really Dark Female (RDF) turning up on Nest Two this morning, the main action took place in the afternoon and evening. Louis and Dorcha have returned! We heard Louis’ characteristic call off-camera then an Osprey arrived, but confusingly, it was Dorcha! Looking a little hollow cropped but otherwise in good shape. She left and the nest stayed empty as the light started to fade but then a chirrup was heard and a wingtip seen from someone up on the cam post, then the Osprey departed, flew off, circled round and landed on the nest – it was Louis! He is looking in magnificent shape with a nicely rounded crop. He stayed on the nest looking around then suddenly started displaying and the reason soon became obvious when Dorcha arrived. Their reunion was quiet, no noise, no mating attempts, just some coy-mantling from Louis, with Dorcha not calling for fish as judging by her crop, she’d eaten since first appearing on the nest. Had she caught her own fish, or had she met up with Louis earlier and he’d given her a fish off-nest? We’ll never know, but what is certain is the resident pair are both safely home, and the nest cam community is absolutely thrilled. And for a bonus, the weather cooperated too.

Night cam switches on (day cam):

Nest One 21.10.08 (05.41.53)

Nest Two 21.23.55 (05.58.36)

Today’s videos, all Nest Two:

https://youtu.be/GdxCrcgFs9w First visit by an Osprey – and it’s the RDF! 10.35.35 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/0at1Hn1OO68 Welcome home Dorcha! 14.04.19 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/8WyDfBGdXgY Welcome home Louis! 19.47.44 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/drkXe1oXJ6E The resident pair are reunited 20.12.00

Bonus link – several members of the community have kindly made donations to celebrate the return of our Ospreys, here’s the link if you’d like to join in: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/give/donation

If you prefer to show support in other ways, you can buy from Woodland Trust’s shop: https://shop.woodlandtrust.org.uk/

Or become a member: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/woodland-trust-membership/

Or link your Nectar points and donate them to WT: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/join/nectar/

Blast from the past, all from this day last year:

https://youtu.be/jKAmWUAhVTY Dorcha stars on BBC Breakfast TV

https://youtu.be/xopDMmwwx2E Louis delivers the first fish of the day

https://youtu.be/GVX93Gmg5KI George on BBC Radio Scotland

https://youtu.be/ziFi6Kiqclc Prince brings another fish to Nest One

https://youtu.be/5eWslEsf8-A Freeze frame comparison of the stranger with Garry LV0

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

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

Bald Eagle News:

‘J’ sends news that we have a pip/hatch underway at Fort St Vrain in Colorado!

Big Bear: Sunny and Gizmo just cannot stop growing. Snow has started falling but let us all wish that this nest misses any big storms heading for the north of California. https://youtu.be/3rTqyFDnlXE?

More cuteness from the FOBBV Cam: https://youtu.be/CLYP4TJXuYs?

NCTC: It might have been horrific year for Bella last year, but this year is an entirely different story. Bella and Scout’s triplets are doing very well.

John Bunker Sands: The kids are really wanting to fly! https://youtu.be/R06mn7eepQQ?

Other Birds:

Cornell Red Tail Hawks: I reported that Big Red laid her third egg Wednesday morning. Oh, I love this 22 year old incredible Mum and dear Arthur. Here he nudges her off the eggs so she can have a break and he can have some incubation time. I always wonder if Arthur senses that she is more tired than she was 8 years ago? And he is really stepping up to help. Love them. So glad to have the privilege to watch them raise another family. https://youtu.be/ih0pGF7rguQ?

Great Spirit Bluff: Newmann and Elaine have their third egg on 2 April.

‘T’ sends us a video of the Imperial Eagles in RU welcoming a new breeding season.

https://vk.com/feed?w=wall8472470_5332&z=video8472470_456239537%2F8c0732251b6beea12d%2Fpl_post_8472470_5332

Calico’s Tip for the Day: Please read this and educate everyone you know.

I don’t want to end the blog on a negative note so I am putting this article here. I want you to pause and think about how many billions of animals we – humans – kill in the factory farms across the world and the inhumane conditions those animals live in. Now, the EU is allowing the shooting of doves. Seriously? I get an ‘acidic’ stomach just thinking about this. What is wrong with people?

Turtle doves to be shot for sport again across Europe as EU lifts hunting banhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/02/turtle-doves-to-be-shot-for-sport-again-across-europe-as-eu-lifts-hunting-ban?CMP=share_btn_url

Huge storms heading east from Arkansas could impact many of our beloved birds. Stay safe everyone.

Always nice to see a utility company helping our beloved raptors:

Utility company trying to help nesting Ospreys find suitable nests and prevent electrocution and / or power outages:

Eversource Hoping To Help Ospreys Establish Proper Nesting In Chatham

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

Thank you to the following for giving me help with my blog today: ‘B, Geemeff, Heidi, J, T’, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, VGCCO, Brevard County, LRWT, Kent Island/Chesapeake Conservancy, Golden Gate Audubon, Jeff Kear and Byryd Gwylld Glaslyn, Cowlitz PUD, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, NCTC, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, Great Spirit Bluff Ospreys/Explore, Joan Castnyer, Eschenbach Osprey Platform, Goitzsche Wildnis Osprey Platform, SK Hideaways, The Guardian, CapeCod.com, Kaitlin Wright Meterologist, RU Imperial Eagle Cam

Category Archives: Big Red and Arthur

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