The predicted snow storm to bring 25 cm to our region began about ten minutes ago at 1616 on Thursday. Big flakes are blowing in the garden. The grey squirrels are still gathering peanuts and the Starlings are eating. The Crows, Jays, and a female Downy Woodpecker were here earlier along with Little Red – who has just appeared again – and the Sparrows.
At the end of the day, the ruler tells me that more than 35 cm of snow fell in the garden. We need the moisture and it is so beautiful and white!
Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam: Great News. Twenty-two year old Big Red, Cornell’s Iconic Red-tail Hawk, has laid her first egg of the season on Thursday.https://youtu.be/RCChvBTKMVs?
Osprey News:
Birds of Poole Harbour: National UK news reported on the presence of Maya’s daughter, 1H1 (2022) at the nest of CJ7 and Blue022. (Posted on UKOsprey Information)
Kielder Forest: Blue K13. She landed briefly on another nest. Hers is nest 6. All of her three chicks were sadly lost, along with so many other nests, to the unseasonal weather in 2024.
Loch of the Lowes: A male visits the nest of Blue NC0.
Geemeff comments: “NC0’s potential suitor is interesting – he’s not the Dark Intruder, but is he the Pale Male, or a new one? The action took place over 55 minutes, I condensed it into a 4 minute clip. This is what SWT says:
A male landed on the nest next to NC0 at 13:44 this afternoon, and spent around 55 minutes quietly sitting alongside her. After engaging in a spot of ‘nestorating’ and a failed mating attempt he flew off, leaving her alone to enjoy last night’s fish supper on the ‘Split Birch’. Weather conditions are making it hard to make positive comparisons with footage of various males from last year, however this bird does not look to be the osprey known as the ‘Dark Intruder’ who defended the territory last season after the death of her long term mate, LM12. It could be possible that it might be the ‘Pale Male’ who destroyed the eggs and tried to claim the territory as his own, or another male entirely- at this stage we can’t be sure and will need to watch to see how things play out. One things for sure, things are about to get exciting!
Boulder County Fairgrounds: The female has arrived home to the nest!
Dyfi Osprey Nest: Telyn has arrived home to her Idris! Geemeff says: “Idris was so happy to see Telyn, he brought her a fish and then mated with her while she was eating it 😃
In this heavily edited clip shortened from 53 minutes down to one minute: Telyn Blue 3J arrives at 12.40, looking in very good shape. Her mate Idris arrives with a fish at 13.15, and she grabs it eagerly. Idris leaves shortly thereafter, and Telyn takes her fish and flies up to the high perch. 13.33 Idris returns and flies up to join Telyn where she’s eating her fish on the high perch. But instead of joining her, he proceeds to mate with her! The cam operator zooms in and we see Telyn is clutching her fish determinedly while Idris goes to work. He flies away leaving her to her meal. Welcome home Telyn!”
Goitzsche Wildnis: JC comments: “Zeus is still waiting for his Fjona. He looks restless, scanning the horizon, as if his gaze were guiding his partner to reach the nest. There is a touch of melancholy and sadness in this solitude of Zeus. No other female has passed by the nest looking for an opportunity to nest. Hopefully this situation has its hours numbered. We’ll see how the day presents itself tomorrow 😀.”
Bald Eagle News:
NEFlorida: Bodie has learned so much from his nestmate. He has learned to steal food, to share food, and to let the juvie enjoy his own prey. He is now jumping up and down and flapping and soon Bodie will be flying with JV.
Thank you so much for being with us today. We love having you with us. Take care of yourself. Go outside and smell the spring air, listen for birds and geese, walk through the trees, and just sit still. We need to take care of ourselves, one another, and our wildlife.
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: “EJ, Geemeff’, Cornell Red Tail Hawk Cam, Birds of Poole Harbour, Kielder Forest, Woodland Trust (LOTL) and Geemeff, Boulder County Fairgrounds, Dyfi Osprey Project, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, KCAL, NCTC, Deb Stecyk, PIX Cam, Little Miami Conservancy, White-Tailed Eagle in Nizhnyaya Kama National Park Russia, San Jose City Hall Falcon Scrape, The Guardian, Joan Castyner, Kistachie E3 Bald Eagle Cam, The Dodo
Thank you to everyone for sending in news items. It is much appreciated and it is all too easy for me to miss something which is important. So, we are going to put the news items in my inbox up front today.
‘J’ let me know that the much loved Latvian Golden Eagle Spilve, mother of the late Klints, has laid an egg. In 2020, Spilve laid her first egg on 29 March. It is believed that she has not been breeding since then – at least not at this nest. https://youtu.be/DOj7tYjk1j0?
“EJ’ sent me a wonderful news article. Imagine gold fish ponds everywhere ——–imagine ponds and large holding tanks, no deeper than 3 feet – full of koi. That sure would put an end to hunger on some of those osprey nests! I remember marveling at the adults at Collins Marsh one year. The normal fish were small and one day the adults found a koi pond. I wondered if it was a garden centre or a home. Their babies ate well then.
Port of Ridgefield, WA: ‘BHA’ writes: “Sorry the photo isn’t very good – this is on my t.v. New camera is great, complete with date and time this year (which doesn’t show in this picture). As you can see it’s a beautiful day here in the Pacific Northwest. 🌞”. The couple laid three eggs last year with only one chick reaching fledge (2 DNH).
I think that image is very good and we so appreciate your sharing it with us. What a nice day for this couple to be home!
‘PB’ sent us the 2025 US State of the Bird Report and it shows numbers os birds are dropping significantly.
Patuxent River Park osprey nest (MD) – 3/26 the cam went live for the season, and I was delighted to see the same ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’ at the nest. It’s good to see they both made it back.
Seaside osprey nest (OR) – Bruce returned on 3/24, and Naha arrived on 3/26. It’s always wonderful when a beloved pair are reunited after a long migration.
Crooked Lake osprey nest (IN) – An osprey pair is at the nest. The chat is referring to the male as Noble, and is referring to the female as ‘Mom’ (rather than Whitley), but I think it is the same female.
Moorings Park osprey nest (FL) – The chatters were fond of calling Sally and Harry’s only osplet ‘Solo’. But, on 3/26 the community bird club officially named the 17-day-old youngster “Ozzie.”
Other Osprey news:
Bassenthwaite/Blackgate Farm Ospreys: J Kear reports that both ospreys have returned to their nest.
Llyn Brenig: Blue 372 is eating a lot of fish and restoring her strength and health in time for breeding season.
Dyfi Osprey Project: Perhaps Idris is trying out for the Olympic pole vaulting team! Idris worked hard on that nest and now he can celebrate with his mate Telyn who returned today.
Birds of Poole Harbour: CJ7 got down to business and got rid of Maya’s 2022 daughter, Blue 1H1, and has been getting nicely reacquainted with her mate, Blue 022. These two raised four osplets to fledge – the little one won everyone’s heart for its tenacity!
Loch of the Lowes: Blue NC0 is some great fisher. She is going to be incredible shape.
Colonial Beach Ospreys: A mystery female appeared on the nest on Wednesday.
Sun Coast Ospreys: Sara and Sota have their second hatch.
Lake Murray: At least two attacks on the nest by other ospreys yesterday. Hoping resident ospreys, Kenny and Lucy, are safe.
Blithfield Reserve, UK: Male has returned to the nest.
It is possible that one of Bella and Scout’s eaglets is injured. Deb Stecyk reports that it could be puncture wounds. Please send good wishes. https://youtu.be/8KsYYqn5qOU?
Decorah North: Mr and Mrs DNF have a failed season. Their first eaglet tried for five days to free itself of a crushed shell before dying. The second egg is 41 days old today and deemed unviable.
Duke Farms: The triplets still doing very, very well.
Sauces Canyon Eagles: Betty Lou is growing and growing!
West End: The blood from the encounter off camera to save territory is drying on Haku as she stands proudly by Maiko.
Sutton Centre Eagles: They have their second hatch of the season.
Glacier Gardens: The male died last year. Mum was seen ‘eyeing’ a potential new mate in late December. Mum was at the nest on Wednesday.
Kistachie National Forest E3: E03 had at least one prey delivery today. I rewinded late in the day, but the eaglet did appear to have a crop earlier, too. 03 appears to have branched, slightly.
The nest appearance was an empty taloned adult.
Birds and their eggs were rescued from the California wild fires – what a nice ending for today!
Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. See you soon.
Thank you to those who sent news, for comments, videos, articles, images, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘BHA, EJ, Geemeff, H, JK, LDF Golden Eagle Cam, Fox5Vegas, Port of Ridgefield, Birds & Blooms, OspreyInfoUK, Dyfi Osprey Project, Birds of Poole Harbour, Woodland Trust (LOTL), Colonial Beach Ospreys, Moorings Park Ospreys, Sun Coast Ospreys, NCTC, Deb Stecyk, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, Duke Farms, IWS/Explore, Hilton Head Island Trust, Sutton Centre, Bartlesville, OK, Patuxent River Park, The Guardian, Crooked Lake, Seaside, Patuxent River Park, Lake Murray ospreys, Kielder Forest
Tuesday was an unforgettable day on the Canadian prairies. At 6:30 PM, I glanced outside and was mesmerized by one of the largest skeins of geese I’ve ever seen—more than 100 incredible birds soaring overhead! I only wish you could have witnessed the spectacle and heard their joyful honking with me. Spring has undeniably arrived; you can practically smell it in the air, and the snow and ice are finally melting away.
You may have noticed that we haven’t been out walking as much this winter. The trails have been treacherously icy. Although I’m usually accustomed to anything winter can bring, I took a spill once and quickly realized I needed to prioritize safety over stubbornness. Riding the indoor bicycle has been my alternative, but honestly, it doesn’t compare. There’s something profoundly uplifting about watching little birds flit around, nibbling seeds from your hand; those moments wash away any troubles and remind you of the beauty all around us.
Every year I find myself thanking Heidi for all of her reports. She has been such a big help in keeping up with many of the US arrivals and I will thank her today before I forget! [I also want to thank everyone that sends me news, images, articles, videos, or just lovely e-mails to chat. I do so appreciate them!]
Heidi’s Osprey Report:
OBX – Outer Banks osprey nest (North Carolina): Frederick and Betsy are back together.
Moraine Preservation Fund (PA): Mom and Dad have both returned for another nesting season.
Maryland Western Shore: Arthur and Marilyn have both returned to their dockside home.
3/25 – Geese have taken over the Sandpoint, Idaho osprey nest. Momma goose laid her first egg on 3/25. Keke and Keo are expected to return in about a week.
UK Osprey News:
Birds of Poole Harbour: CJ7 has arrived at her nest at 1828 on Tuesday! Blue 022 was very happy to see his mate! Geemeff caught the moment on video: https://youtu.be/UYSUPLELU5M? She will have to send Blue 1H1 packing!!!!!!! 1H1 has refused to leave. CJ7 even defended her nest against her mate on Wednesday! Things are confusing but osprey love is not happening yet. CJ7 will become fierce toward’s Maya’s girl – let us hope no one gets hurt.
Llyn Clywedog: Dylan has returned to the nest at 1650 on Tuesday.
Roundhouse Loch Doon: Frankie and Angel were so happy to see one another they were doing ‘osprey kisses’.
Allin’s Cove West: The male arrived earlier and the female arrived on Tuesday the 25th.
Allin’s Cove East: The male arrived on the 24th of March.
Loch Arkaig: Please return Louis and Dorcha.
Frenchman’s Creek: It is hard to catch a glimpse of the Only Bob but it is doing fine. Pin feathers are coming in. Look carefully and you will see its little tail.
Loch of the Lowes: Blue NC0 waits for a dark handsome male to arrive at the nest in Scotland.
A dark osprey has appeared on Wednesday at her nest. I am awaiting confirmation to see if it is the Dark Knight from last season.
Glaslyn: Elen waiting for Aran to return today. Fingers crossed.
Dyfi: Idris waits for Telyn to come home.
Llyn Clywedog: An unringed female was on the nest with Dylan. We are awaiting the return of Blue 5F Seren, his mate.
Loveland, Colorado: Both ospreys are back at the nest.
Bald Eagle News:
Sauces Canyon: The miracle baby has a name!
Decorah North: The Raptor Resource Project posted the following:
“We are sad to announce that DN19 died in hatch. We saw the egg’s first external pip at 12:03 PM on March 20, but after four days of hatch in progress, all movement ceased. Hatch had been proceeding for about 103 hours at that point: longer than the longest documented hatch time that we could find, and much longer than the 24 to 48 hours post-pip that we usually see here.
As of this post, we don’t know why DN19 failed to hatch. As usual, DNF laid two eggs about three days apart. She and Mr. North incubated them through roller-coaster temperatures and some bad weather, but spring is unpredictable: if bald eagles couldn’t cope with weather variability, they wouldn’t be nesting here. The first external pip happened on schedule and things appeared to be proceeding normally…until they weren’t.
What about the second egg?
We finally got a good look at the blunt end of the second egg and confirmed that there was not, contrary to our Thursday announcement, a pip: good news, since it means that DN20 could still hatch. DN20 turns 39 days old today and we are watching for a pip.
We’ll be sticking to DN19 and DN20, even though DN19 failed to hatch. We’ll discuss future plans moving forward: nomenclature gets complicated, and I’d like to know what researchers have done in similar situations.
What will you do if both eggs fail to hatch?
If both eggs fail, we’ll try to retrieve them for necropsy and testing. We might not learn what happened, but there are causes – malpositioning, HPAI, environmental contaminants, injury – that we can confirm or rule out.
We would especially like the eggs tested for HPAI if neither egg hatches. Early on, it was believed that the disease was fatal to Bald Eagles regardless of age: if anyone had HPAI, everyone died. But it’s become clear that isn’t the case. If the outbreak is killing young at greater rates than adults, that could have serious implications for population health five to ten years from now.
Will the Norths reclutch if both eggs fail?
Right now, the North’s hormonal regime is driving incubation and brooding behavior. If egg two remains intact, they will probably incubate it for quite some time: long enough to interfere with any potential reclutching. But if it breaks or we retrieve the eggs, they might reclutch. We saw a reclutch at the North Nest in 2018 and reclutches have been documented elsewhere. Mr. North would need to bring DNF back into condition for reclutching to happen.
For you, the broken-hearted nest watcher, I quote Kaeli Swift: “Please, rather than shutting down those deep feelings you have for wildlife…lean into them. Teach your friends and neighbors and children to feel those deep feelings. Because it’s from that space that we can do best by wildlife…”. Thank you so much for taking this journey with us.
Hatch watch starts at our Fort St. Vrain nest on March 31st, and at our Trempealeau nest on April 9. If we have any new updates about the North nest, we’ll post them on our website and Facebook page.”
West End: There have been more territorial disputes it would appear. Haku arrived at the nest covered in blood on Tuesday. I know that we all cannot even contemplate that Akecheta and Thunder are not on this nest, but it would be good if territorial matters calmed down in this region. That is the problem with successful breeding – fighting over the best nest sites!
‘J’ has updated the information list on Bald Eagle season. (Thank you so much).
BALD EAGLES – SEASON 2024-2025
eagle nest dates chart from
facebook group Raptors of the World
any typos are mine
101 eggs laid:
6 broken
2 taken by ravens
4 non-viable
1 failed to fully hatch
6 eaglets died
44 hatched (incl those that died)
38 surviving hatches
4 fledged
0 fledged but died
CHICKS HATCHED
december: 6 hatchlings
january: 8 hatchlings
february: 6 hatchlings
march: 24 hatchlings + 1 not out of egg
14 december hatch 1 SWFL E24 † 26 january 2 eggs, 2 hatched, 2 died
17 december hatch 2 SWFL E25 † 28 january 2 eggs, 2 hatched, 2 died
19 december hatch 1 Superbeaks SB5 / Keke fledged 12 march 2 eggs, 2 hatched, 2 fledged
21 december hatch 2 Superbeaks SB6 / Barron fludged 16 march 2 eggs, 2 hatched, 2 fledged
24 december hatch 1 Captiva C12 / Dasher fledged 16 march 2 eggs, 2 hatched, 2 fledged
26 december hatch 2 Captiva C13 / Dancer fledged 16 march 2 eggs, 2 hatched, 2 fledged
11 january hatch 1 Dade County R7 2 eggs, 2 hatched
12 january hatch 2 Dade County R8 2 eggs, 2 hatched
13 january hatch 1 Dataw Skylar 2 eggs, 2 hatched, 1 died
14 january hatch 1 Dataw Whisper † 2 eggs, 2 hatched, 1 died
Thanks so much for being with us today. Please take care. See you soon!
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, J, PB’, Outerbanks Osprey Cam, Moraine Preservation Fund, Western Maryland Shore, Birds of Poole Harbour, Llyn Clywedog, Geemeff, East Ayrshire Leisure, Woodland Trust (LOTL), Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Dyfi Osprey Project, IWS/Explore, Raptor Resource Project, USFWS, Allin’s Cove East, Allin’s Cove West, Woodland Trust (Loch Arkaig), Audubon/Explore
Update: Sadly the little eaglet at Decorah North with the crushed egg that fought valiantly to get out for more than 4 days has sadly died. The second pip is still in progress at DN. Andor and Cruz have their second hatch at Fraser Point. Chase and Cholyn were seen mating near their old nest.
Monday was glorious. The sky is blue with a few fluffy white clouds coming in from the West around 1633. We were outside for awhile. Geese are landing on the local soccer fields and flying overhead while the Crows are making a racket wanting more food. The two of them are quite loud. So glad that the weather is warming up and the animals are coming back to the garden daily.
At the time I am writing this there is not a lot of news – other than to say that the eaglets on all the nests seem to be doing alright today.
I missed it on Monday. Scout and Bella now have triplets and Blue 372, the female at Lyn Brenig in Wales has returned at 15:54 on Monday. At the Decorah North nest, the chick is still moving inside the egg after 4 days of trying to hatch on Monday. I hope by the time you read this that little one is safe and out of its shell – finally. Another eaglet at Decorah is also hatching as of Monday.
Gracie Shepherd posted Terry Anita’s message on FB:
The mystery of why the adults at the KNF-E3 nest did not feed their second hatch and did not bring in much food for four days remains. ‘MP’ reports that one of the Rangers (Steve) said plenty of Coots were in the lake for prey. Others cite recent chats where intruders were blamed and earlier claims of the eagles’ inexperience. Whatever the cause, watching the KNF E3 nest compared to the nest of Beau and Gabby at NEFlorida should give us all pause to reflect on whether it is better to resort to competition or cooperation. [Thank you to everyone who sent in comments and copies of chats regarding the KNF nest].
Gabby came in with a fish. Bodie was waiting on the nest and VJ flew in for a family meal. Gabby fed Bodie and VJ together Monday afternoon! Cooperation. Both eaglets thriving.
An unringed female has visited Tweed Valley Nest 2 on Monday.
Moorings Park: The Only Bob is entering the Reptilian Phase. Notice the copper-red feathers coming in at the back of the head and the nape of the neck. In a couple of days, this cute little bobble head will look like it dipped its head in dark black oil.
Manton Bay: Blue 33 delivering fish and helping Maya work on the nest. Guesses as to when the first egg will be laid were seen on the chat. I always lose, but it is fun to take part. My guess was 31 March. We will see how far off I am!
Loch of the Lowes: Blue NC0 continues to fish and to work on her nest while she waits the arrival of a male partner after the loss of LM12 Laddie last season.
Llyn Clywedog: Reports that two ospreys were seen flying over the reservoir and one landed on the nest of Dylan and Seren. The streaming cam is not yet operational. John Williams hopes to have it up and running today. Williams reports damage to nest 2 stating the couple will nee to work to get it in shape. Last year Dylan and Seren arrived on the 28th of March.
Bald Eagle News:
Sauces Canyon: Isn’t this just the most beautiful sight? A healthy full to the brim eaglet with a parent that tried so hard for this moment? I sure hope they get some more cot rails on this nest!!!!!!!!! That little one is scooting around like it has wheels on those talons.
Fraser Point: One eaglet and a second egg is pipping on Monday. Cruz and Andor do not like to show off their eaglet!
NCTC: Then there were three. Send this nest the most positive wishes that you can.
Big Bear: Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets are moving about and flapping those sweet wings. Their thermal down is coming in and look closely for feathers.
The largest was walking across the nest on Monday using its wing for balance.
It is no wonder these two are growing like bad weeds. They had 11 meals on Monday. Jackie and Shadow are going to make sure that these precious gifts are never hungry. I don’t know about you but just knowing that Jackie and Shadow and Jak and Audacity finally got to be parents again has really made the pain of this breeding season tolerable. Here is that last feeding caught on video by SK Hideaways: https://youtu.be/HAVcM_3_XiI?
Bluff City-ETSU: Squirrel and fish were on the menu Monday.
Johnson City-ETSU: The only eaglet is growing like a wild weed. Look at the little dandelion mohawk!
‘PB’ sent me great news. The ducks are coming, the ducks are coming!!!!!!!
Thank you for being with us. It is spring. We hope you can get outside and smell the freshness of the air. It is such a nice change from being inside for the winter so much. And smile. We are so lucky to spend time with these wonderful Raptor families. I am looking forward to the arrival of the ducks, many more Canada Geese, and the Pelicans! Take care of yourself. 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: ‘H, J, L, MP, PB’, Gracie Shepherd and Terri Anita, NEFL-AEF, Kielder Forest, IWS/Explore, Osprey InfoUK, East Ayshire Trust, LRWT, Woodland Trust (LOTL), The Clywedog Osprey Group, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, Duke Farms, NCTC, Bluff-City ETSU, Johnson City-ETSU, SPO, Nonsuch Expeditions, Cohen Wildlife
It is 0 degrees on the Canadian prairies. The sky is blue and peppered with a few wee cottontail clouds. We spent part of the day outside of the City watching geese fly overhead and deer near the woods. It felt so good.
The two Crows have been visiting the feeder. This morning they had a treat – pizza! There have been regular visits from the two Blue Jays along with the Red Squirrels, the Starlings, a few grey squirrels, and some sparrows. Several male House Finches have been visiting, too.
I am so grateful to see the Crows returning to the garden and the Blue Jays. Long-time readers will remember that these couples bring their babies to the garden when they fledge. It is quite entertaining especially the baby Crows who peck on the conservatory’s roof demanding more ‘cheesy dogs’!
Baby Hope relaxing in the sunshine in the conservatory. She was less interested in the birds than having a nap.
Hugo Yugo had other ideas – like leaping down to play fight with Hope.
They are certainly enjoying the warm weather!
About a week ago, some quotes from Jack Turner’s book, The Abstract Wild, were included in my blog. They focused on our lack of connection to nature and how we must regain a true and deep empathy and connection in order to truly help the wildlife.
One of our readers chronicled an event after reading those quotes that touched my heart. They wrote, “Deep connection with animals. That reminds me that I have a great little story for you. After months, I finally went to the cemetery on Monday. Only a short walk, but I was outside and it was sunny. On the way back to the bus station I passed a caterpillar crawling on the pavement. After a few more meters, it clicked, I sighed and walked back. Found some leaves to put him on and put him in a garden. I walked on and a lady was standing at a bus stop (not the one I needed) and asked me what I had just picked up. So I told her. She said she had thought something like that and that I am like her. She said something similar to your quote, people lost their connection to nature. We continued talking and agreed on every topic we discussed until her bus came, and we hugged goodbye!”
It reminded me of a period when I stayed in Udaipur, India. Many of my friends were Jain and are always careful not to harm anything in their path. Gentle souls, I recall.
After several days of tenseness on the nests – the fishing line and hook at Big Bear, SC1 almost killed by the sea pup corpse, and the death of KNF-E04 – we need a break. There are good things happening and it is so nice to read about them.
Ever wondered how the birds migrate from their winter homes to their spring and summer? And land on the same branch? Sometimes we can’t do it with the apps on our phone! Quantum Mechanics is the answer.
‘L’ sent me a note: “Isaac has spotted the osprey couple at Patchogue on their new nest!” Fantastic. Hopefully Isaac will provide frequent updates so we know when the osplets hatch and how this family, so dear to all of us, is fairing. (There is no camera as PSEG took down the old nest and did not install a new one on the new nest).
‘J’ sent a post from naturechat about the age of the juvenile visitor at NEFlorida with Bodie.
Sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) are magnificent birds! They have inspired people from various cultures worldwide, including scientists, conservationists, and nature writers such as Aldo Leopold. Sandhill cranes are an ancient species, with the oldest fossil estimated to be 2.5 million years old. Their rich natural history includes spiritual and cultural significance.
One endearing aspect of Sandhill Cranes is that they are long-lived and mate for life, with pairs remaining together year-round for two decades or more. The oldest Sandhill Crane on record was at least thirty-seven years and three months old. This fact plays a vital role in our patient’s story.
In mid-December, The REGI clinic received several calls about a solitary Sandhill Crane near McDill Pond in Stevens Point. Sandhill Cranes in the area have migrated south by that date. This crane was languishing on a property. It had not been flying for weeks. It was hiding under a resident’s porch. The reports were concerning indicators that the bird may have a wing injury or lead or another type of poisoning. We suggested the crane be captured and transported to Raptor Education Group Inc. (REGI) for care. The property owner was due to be away; she alerted a UWSP natural resources college student to the crane’s dilemma. On December 21st, in below-zero temperatures, UWSP student Kayla Allred gathered a group of friends and family members and captured the crane. REGI volunteer transporters Randy and Anne Orlikowski transported the crane to REGI in Antigo.
REGI staff were prepared and waiting for the crane’s arrival. The large male was lethargic; however, we saw no apparent signs of fractures or injuries during the initial physical. We tube-fed him a liquid diet, gave him fluids, and let him rest for a few hours to recover from his capture and transport. Radiographs and blood work were negative for injuries or toxins. His physical exam revealed no concerns. Our work with wildlife must include the whole bird, not only what clinical tests offer as a diagnosis. Every medical concern was checked. He had no medical issues that we could prove, but we remained faced with a very depressed, healthy adult male with no injuries or abnormalities. When a patient is admitted, we request a history from the person who reports the bird. That includes questions about the bird’s behavior when found. Were physical movements regular or odd for the species? Could the bird be threatened by a dog or other predator, or what changed in the surroundings to prompt unusual behavior? Everything is a clue to the patient’s condition. Our adult male sandhill crane patient was hiding under a porch! Not normal behavior. The one thing that changed was that there were two sandhill cranes, and now he was alone.
Wildlife rehabilitation is a complicated field that requires knowledge of each species’ natural history, dietary needs, habitat requirements, and medical aspects in our care. Understanding that sandhill cranes have a long lifespan, The oldest Sandhill Crane on record was at least thirty-seven years and 3 months old. Once paired, they are together for life, two decades or longer for these magnificent birds. Youngsters migrate with their parents. They stay together as a family for about 10 months after hatch.
We realized our handsome patient was grieving the loss of his long-time mate. He had no will to go on without her by his side. While we do not know what happened to her, she disappeared in late fall. According to the property owner, the pair had been on the same property for at least ten years or longer. (If anyone in Stevens Point near Mc Dill Pond does know what caused her demise, please let us know)
We gave this patient supportive care. In cases like this, we do whatever works to help our patients recover. Massages around his head, neck, and face made a difference and perked up his sensory system. He started eating again. We moved him from a small enclosure to successive larger areas to allow him to investigate his surroundings. Slowly, he recovered and began behaving in a typical fashion; however, he had not vocalized during the three months we had him in care. We had cameras on him in the flights, and while he was exercising his wings and jumping as cranes do, we could not document vertical flight, which was necessary for his successful release back to the wild.
Spring was approaching, and we expected our local sandhill cranes to arrive home at any time. On Tuesday of this week, we heard loud crane vocalizations. At first, we thought it was our wild resident cranes announcing their return home. To our surprise, it was our patient in the flight jumping, flapping, and calling out with great excitement to whoever would listen. The following day, we moved him into a large outdoor enclosure. The enclosure has 12 ft. tall sides but a mostly open top, as it usually houses our resident flightless bald eagles. He would have to have an excellent vertical flight capability to fly out of the compound, which was the one aspect we could not prove in the enclosed flight building. The crane showed great excitement being outdoors again. He began acting like any other wild crane, probing the soil, chasing mice, and investigating the enclosure. He vocalized all day. Soon, the resident pair joined his happy sounds. The following morning, he ate well and was filled with more excitement and enthusiasm than we had ever seen in him. At about noon, a staff member observed the crane testing his vertical flight abilities, and then, with one effortless jump, he was airborne and took flight, gaining altitude until he was a speck in the sky. The event occurred so quickly that our staff forgot to take photos. However, they got another chance as the crane returned and circled our facility a few times before he headed out!
We wish this handsome sandhill crane the best in his future. We hope he finds another mate, but that is not assured in their species. No matter what, we hope he lives happily ever after.
Birds amaze and teach us every day. It is an honor to work with them. Their lives are complicated and mirror our own in many ways. This is not our idea of how they live; it is not anthropomorphic information but biologically sound evidence.
Thank you to Sharon, the landowner, and UWSP student Kayla Allred and the capture team she gathered after noticing his odd behavior and giving this handsome crane a second chance at life just when he thought his reason for living was over. The capture occurred in below-zero temperatures, with wind chills reaching -35 below zero F.
If you want more information on Sandhill cranes, please find a link below.
A quick check on some of our nests- all mixed up with no order at all today.
Blue IHI, the Rutland 2022 hatch, landed on the Poole Harbour nest this morning. (The nest of Blue 022 and CJ7).
Pont Cresor: Z2 (Aeron) and Blue 014 are reported to be back on the nest.
Foulshaw Moss: White YW has arrived back at his nest!
Goitzsche Wildnis, Germany: Zeus returned to the nest on Sunday the 23rd. We are waiting for the arrival of his mate, Fjona.
Brevard Osprey Nest, Florida. Three eggs.
NEFlorida Bald Eagle nest of Gabby and Beau: Bodie is stealing food from JV. These two are so good together! https://youtu.be/6OxI8s55jGc?
Dahlgren Osprey Nest: Two ospreys on the nest Sunday afternoon. LO and MO1 as identified by the chat moderator.
Kansas Bald Eagles: Kanza is doing very well. Second egg has not hatched (yet).
Fraser Point Bald Eagles: Andor and Cruz have their first hatch. It is deep in that nest bowl.
NCTC Bald Eagle nest of Bella and Scout: Two eaglets are doing well. They are simply adorable.
Mispillion Harbour, Delaware: Della and Warren have returned!
RoundhouseLoch Doon: Resident female named Angel has arrived on Sunday the 23rd.
Big Bear Valley: All is well with Jackie and Shadow and the eaglets. Thank goodness.
Threave Valley Ospreys: Two Ospreys on the nest!
Achieva Credit Union: Jack delivered the first fish of the day on Sunday after 1700. Oh, my goodness. I hope these deliveries get better.
Two Harbours: The second egg broke on Sunday. No one knows precisely what happened. Chase and Cholyn will be fine. Dr Sharpe was interviewed and says there is plenty of time for a second clutch and we should be checking back around the end of April.
Eschenbach: Hermine has not returned. Joan Castanyer reports: “Herbert seems to have made a connection with the new female. Days pass and Hermine does not return, although there is still some hope. But the thousands of kilometers of migration must have a benefit and the option of mating with a female is the most reasonable. However, in the afternoon Herbert seemed melancholic in the nest without his Hermine 😥.”
Sauces Canyon: Jak and Audacity’s baby is growing and strong. So pleased it is alright.
Cornell Red Tail Hawk Cam: On goodness. Isn’t Big Red, at 22 years old, just the most beautiful Red-tail Hawk?
Decorah North: Windy and rain coming. Waiting for the first hatch.
Researchers have noted that the plumage of some birds is getting duller. But why? Have a read!
Mini-Book Review: David Gessner, The Book of Flaco: The World’s Most Famous Bird
I recently completed Gessner’s captivating book about Flaco, the Eurasian Owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo in February 2023. Many of you likely followed his remarkable journey, either in person or through social media, as he adapted to life as a wild owl, skillfully expanding his territory throughout the year.
Gessner delves into the intense controversies that surrounded this extraordinary bird. For instance, the size of Flaco’s enclosure at the zoo, described as “the size of a department store window,” raised significant concerns. Questions erupted about whether more proactive measures should have been taken to recapture him and return him to the zoo. The debate over whether Flaco’s freedom outweighed the risks of safety was a poignant theme throughout his story, especially against the backdrop of the widespread use of rodenticides in the area.
Gessner compellingly introduces readers to notable figures who have delved into the concepts of ‘wild’ and ‘wilderness’, such as Jack Turner in his thought-provoking book, The Abstract Wild, and the writings of Henry David Thoreau. Despite living more than 150 years apart, Turner and Thoreau offer strikingly relevant insights into environmental and wildlife issues. It is refreshing to see how their perspectives resonate with contemporary challenges, bridging the gap between past and present. Gessner masterfully intertwines their observations with his own and the life of Flaco, raising profound and challenging questions about the impact of human activity on wildlife. His exploration urges readers to confront these critical issues with urgency and reflection.
I strongly recommend this book for its profound exploration of pressing wildlife issues. Gessner’s exceptional writing is truly captivating, making it nearly impossible to put it down. However, if you’re in search of a beautiful picture book about Flaco, you might want to look elsewhere. The book does feature a central section filled with coloured images of Flaco, captured by individuals whose lives were deeply touched by his presence, alongside dedicated photographers who meticulously documented his daily adventures.
You can order the book through your local lending library (since it is recently released it could take some time to receive a copy) or purchase it for $24.95.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care everyone. See you soon.
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, H, J, L’, The Guardian, ABC7, nature chat, Raptor Education Group, Inc, all about birds, Goitzsche Wildnis, Brevard Osprey Platform, NEFL-AEF, Dahlgren Ospreys, Kansas Bald Eagles, IWS/Explore, NCTC Bald Eagle Nest, Heidi McGrue and Mispillion Harbour, Roundhouse Loch Doon, FOBBV, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Info (Threave Valley, Achieva Credit Union, IWS/Explore, Joan Castanyer an Eschenbach Ospreys, Cornell Red Tail Hawk Cam, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, The New York Times
There was quite the scare at Sauces Canyon Friday when a huge placenta was brought in that covered most of SC1. The wee one was shivering. The camera operator stayed and caught Audacity doing everything she could to save her little one. She was moving and shuffling and removing matter to free SC1. It took two hours. Everyone was holding their breath.
Meanwhile the nest is simply full of food including a dead seal pup and a lot of Mackerel.
SC1 standing up for a meal after its arduous ordeal. Another miracle. Poor little thing could use a bit of a wipe. But who cares – SC1 looks fine.
In other Eagle news, Bodie and the visitor at NE Florida are quite settled in with one another. Gabby even fed the other juvenile – and, of course, Bodie got fed as well. Many are hoping that the American Eagle Foundation will give the adopted eaglet a name.
Bodie did not go hungry! Look at this crop. It is a wonder she can stand upright.
The two at Big Bear Valley are doing so well. Look closely, the pin feathers are coming in. The little one is scampering around that egg cup wanting ‘out’. They are flapping their little wings and growing fast.
The eaglets at John Bunker Sands Wetlands are gorgeous.
The triplets at Duke Farms are doing well. Their mum was heroic in keeping them as dry as she could during the recent storm. They have their dark thermal down coming in which allows them to regulate their temperatures but, oh, what a lovely sight she was tucking them in as best she could. Just look today.
At the NCTC nest, Bella and Scout’s little one had its first feeding. It is fine. Scout was there to see it hatch and has brooded the wee one. This is good news. https://youtu.be/0aPqI9_OW5c?
Mr North and Mrs DNF have a hatch in progress or two at the Decorah North nest in Iowa.
Hancock Wildlife Foundation announced today that their Surrey nest of Brit and Rey has their second egg of the season.
We are keeping eyes on several other nests for pips that include Harvey and Ellie at the Kansas Eagle Cam on Farmer Derek’s land, the other egg for Bella and Scout at the NCTC nest, and US Steel.
Osprey News:
Dyfi Osprey Project: Idris has arrived home. They just turned the camera on and as if by magic, there he was. So happy to see him home. It is nine days earlier than his usual arrival date of March 30th. Now let’s get his mate Telyn home soon – and safe.
Known as ‘Daddy Longlegs’, Idris is an excellent fisher. He must have been hungry. Look at those whoppers at the nest.
Kielder Nest 7: Female KX7 arrives! This is the earliest arrival ever of an osprey back at Kielder Forest. Her mate is KM18, yet to arrive.
Threave Castle: Blue KC has arrived on the nest to join her mate Black 80 on the 20th of March.
Birds of Poole Harbour: Blue 022 that helped raise our fine osplets to fledge with its mate CJ7 has arrived home safely! He wasted no time in starting to work on their nest.
Glaslyn: Elen, Aran’s mate, arrived back on the Glaslyn nest this morning and then flew over to the PC nest which interestingly has a camera this year. Wonder who will get to watch it?
Meigs Point, Connecticut: The unringed male has returned on the 19th of March. He immediately began to work on the nest – cleaning out that egg cup.
Eschenbach: Hermine has not returned yet. The visiting female is getting more comfortable. Joan Castanyer writes: “Herbert follows the courtship rituals with the female, from gifts in the form of fish to displays of submission. In the video we can see him with his back to her, flapping his wings. Meanwhile, the female complains because he, instead of fish, has brought material for the nest. The candidacy of the new partner is strengthened, although there is still time for Hermine.”
Mark Avery has an update on Bird Flu in his latest news blast. I am cutting and pasting here for all of you. This is going to be a potentially catastrophic year for our feathered friends.
Bird flu 1: there are currently many UK cases of bird flu and the list of affected bird species has reached 31 for 2025: Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Bewick’s Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, White-tailed Eagle, Red Kite, Buzzard, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Kestrel, Curlew, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Little Gull, Cormorant, Razorbill, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Grey Heron, Pheasant and Starling. It might look as if gulls, wildfowl and raptors are particularly affected, and it’s possible that’s the case, but the flaws in the ‘surveillance’ scheme (negative tests not publicly reported, limited numbers tested, no systematic testing) mean that it is difficult to know what this species list means in terms of species affected – click here. An interesting gull list and just one passerine in the list!
Bird flu2: wintering Sandhill Cranes have been dying of bird flu in Indiana – 1500+ of them (click here). This link – click here – provides information from the USA on detections in wild birds but also in dairy cows (quite a lot) and there are some human cases including one death, it seems. Robert F. Kennedy, who was put in charge of health matters by Trump, has suggested letting the disease rip in order to find the resistant birds that could form the basis for building a resistant stock. Something similar was considered as a covid response in the UK. US scientists are quoted as opposing Kennedy’s suggestion because intensively-farmed chickens and turkeys are killed so quickly that they never (?) produce antibodies to the disease. I wonder what the death rate is in Wild Turkeys in the USA?
Bird flu3: a paper in British Birds (by Tim Birkhead and Ben Hatchwell) assesses the impacts of bird flu on the Guillemot colony on Skomer which has been studied for five decades. The 2023 outbreak of bird flu led to a higher-than-usual number of recoveries of (dead) ringed Guillemots that July and August and counts of ringed birds in 2024 suggested that about a quarter of the colony had been lost the year before. There were impacts on nesting success too which will take some years to work their way through. For a not very relevant comparison (perhaps), UK human covid deaths in 2020 numbered around 72,000, or 1 in 1000 of the population, or 0.1%.
In Manitoba, the Assembly of First Nations has issued a statement on Bird Flu. As you can see, the concern is world-wide. Please help by keeping your feeders and bird baths clean and follow any directives that you are given. So far no one is asking for songbird feeders to be taken down. The fear is for the migratory birds that are coming to their spring and summer breeding grounds.
‘PB’ loved Smallie like all of us. She sends news that there are three falcon eggs at Amersfoort. How grand!
At Robert Fuller’s kestrel nest, the couple, Apollo and Athena, are fighting to protect their eggs. https://youtu.be/qFeLnxjXT24?
The’ quiet’ was one of the best things about being on Hecla Island during the winter. (The hardest was being away from The Girls). Hardly anyone was there except for those ice fishing and the odd tourists. The snow was pure white – not dirty with salt and sand like the City. You could see the deer in the woods, the Crows and Eagles flying overhead, and some small birds murmuring. A few gulls were sitting on the top of the lighthouse and, of course, at least one very large grey wolf. Without the foliage, it was also easy to spot Crow nests, a few eagle nests and one osprey, one near Winnipeg Beach. It felt so good. As most of you know, I am not fond of the City. While I have dreamed of moving to ‘the middle of nowhere’, my heart is also with the animals that occupy our garden. So this summer, we must plant even more trees to enclose us; perhaps, it will be a buffer for noise and other humans. Yellow Warblers on the Galapagos Islands feel the same as I do about traffic noise!
Closing on a really upbeat note – Cornell’s Red Tail Hawk Big Red has been working on that egg cup on Friday. We could have eggs soon!
Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. We hope to have you with us again soon!
Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, images, articles, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, J, PB’, IWS/Explore, NEFL-AEF, FOBBV, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, Duke Farms, NCTC, Deb Stecyk, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, Dyfi Osprey Project, Kielder Forest Ospreys, Threave Castle, Meigs Point Ospreys, Eschenbach Ospreys, Joanna Castanyer, Woodland Trust (LOTL), Lynn Cracknell, Knepp Farm White Storks, Cultured Northeast, First Alert 6, Mark Avery, Robert Fuller, Town of Amersfoort Falcons, The Guardian, LRWT, Cornell Red Tail Hawk Cam, Hancock Wildlife Foundation, Manitoba Assembly of First Nations, Osp, Birds of Poole Harbour, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn
I always start my blog early in the day and add to it. As I ready for bed Thursday night it is with a very heavy heart that I tell you that KNF E3-04 passed Thursday evening after having only a few bites of food and the tiniest – one gulp – of fish on Wednesday – since Sunday. The eaglet was, as you know, battered by its older sibling. This nest began very hopeful with two beautiful eaglets, and ‘something’ changed that. Was it the adult’s inexperience, as the Rangers believe? Is there such a shortage of food? Why did things begin to go ‘sideways’ for this family last weekend? These eaglets were fully feathered? If the parents were inexperiened might not this have shown up much earlier with the eaglets dying before getting their juvenile feathers? It just feels odd. Kincaid Lake should be full of fish as it is stocked (or was) annually for the people who come for recreational fishing, so why isn’t this nest full? Ale II hasn’t been seen for a day and a half because there is no reason for him to come to the nest if he has no food to bring. We will never know the circumstance or the combination of circumstances that caused such a dramatic change on this nest, but let us now hope that the older sibling will have food and survive to fledge. It would be a tragedy to lose both and it could easily happen. (More later in the blog).
Just a note. I will be sending this out very late or early on Friday morning and I could miss news of hatches or osprey arrivals. If so, I will include them for Saturday.
Happier Times for the eaglets:
Yesterday was the spring equinox and our feathered friends are on the move. But how is a changing climate impacting some of them?
There is more sadness with the return of migrating birds in North America. ‘PB’ reports that numerous Canada Geese are dying of HPAI in Nebraska on their way to Canada. This horrible disease is spreading and spreading and no doubt we will lose many in various species as it continues to wreck havoc.
Heidi’s Osprey Report:
3/20 – Carthage osprey nest (Tennessee): Mom and Dad are back together! Dad arrived about 11 days ago and another female has had her sights set on him. Finally Mom arrived a couple days ago and had a serious talk with the ‘other woman’, lol.
3/20 – Lake Murray osprey nest (South Carolina): Congrats to Kenny and Lucy… Lucy laid their third egg early this morning.
Thanks, Heidi!
There are ospreys flying over every area of the UK, it seems.
Argathy Red Kites found themselves in need of a quick fix to their osprey nest that was destroyed in a recent storm.
“Crisis averted! Yesterday we headed to our osprey nest tree planning to quickly install a new camera before the birds return… unfortunately we swiftly discovered that recent storms had destroyed our old nest platform. Our legendary tree climber Keith had a mammoth job but built a beautiful new platform and got the camera installed. Now the long wait for the birds begins!”
River Gwash – Rutland female reaches age of 20 and is still returning to breed:
Dyfi: The camera will be live by the time you read this!
Balgavies Loch: Three ospreys, yet to be identified, have been seen flying over the loch.
Thanks Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Information or posting these news items.
Loch of the Lowes: Blue NC0 is bringing in moss in anticipation of eggs and having a marvellously soft nest for them and the osplets.
Bald Eagle Nests:
Pips at Decorah North! Yes, both eggs have pips.
NCTC Nest: Scout and Bella have their first hatch of the 2025 season at NCTC. The egg shell is the proof!!!!!!!
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING ENTRY ON KISTACHIE E3 IS DISTURBING AND HAS DISTURBING IMAGES.
Kistachie E3: The younger eaglet, 04 has been beaten and was down in the centre of the nest bowl most of the day. It had one small fish. I was hoping for a miracle, but it appears the wee one is near death or has died as of 1828 there was no more movement Thursday evening. I am grateful if its suffering is ended quickly. This has been quite the nest to watch. At one point in time if you had asked me, I would have said it was like a Black or Golden Eagle’s nest where the death of the second hatch is enshrined in the DNA of the species. But this was a Bald Eagle’s nest. The real question is what went wrong to cause such a blatant siblicide?
To those on the chat who wanted an intervention, the Migratory Bird Act does not allow it unless there is a clear human-caused issue. Even then with another fully feathered eaglet on the nest, permissions would not be given (if there is staff to provide them with) because it could cause a premature fledge of 03 and its possible death.
Soar high and free little one.
Food must be very scarce as Andria II plucked 04 preparing it for dinner for 03 and then flew off. Why are they not bringing fish from Kincaid Lake?
I was asked if I am working on a Memorial Wall for 2025. Yes, I am. I had to stop with Akecheta and Thunder and just take a break. It was getting to be too much. And the deaths have continued. I hope to have the wall up honouring those souls by the end of March. If you know of a feathered friend to include, please remind me so I do not fail to include them. Thank you.
I do not want to end on a sad note. There is so much to be thankful for and so I am including our miracles!
A deep egg cup to keep a wee much loved and longed for eaglet safe and contained at Sauces.
The love and struggles of a mother desperately trying to keep her three eaglets dry during a bad storm in New Jersey at Duke Farms.
What might have been a problem is proving that eagles, too, can adopt! Check out Bodie with VJ.
Thank you for being with me. We have had a lovely time on Hecla Island, but are looking forward to being home with ‘The Girls’ tomorrow and will set up early. Take care. See you soon.
Thank you to Heidi for the images of the E3 eaglets in a better time and to ‘PB’ for the news from Nebraska, The Guardian, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Info FB, Argathy Red Kites, River Gwash Ospreys, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, NCTC Nest, Kistachie National Forest E3 Bald Eagle Nest, FOBBV, IWS/Explore, Duke Farms, NEFL-AEF,
It was a bright, sunny drive to Hecla Island. Just as we parked, a Bald Eagle flew overhead, and I felt blessed. Snow started later in the evening. It is quite beautiful! This is such a welcome break for us – and especially for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to take time off from ordinary life to do nothing for a couple of days. Wishing the same for each and every one of you! We have to stop once in awhile. Hoping that the ice will be gone tomorrow so that a nice walk in the woods can be on the agenda. It is about 1km to our favourite restaurant and there are small songbirds in the trees and Crows everywhere.
Our premier has just announced that entry to all of Manitoba’s Provincial Parks will be free for the next year. Thanks, Wab!
I am not going to cover a lot of news but I wish I could drop a pile of fish on the Kistachie National Park E3 nest.
It is hard to believe that despite being beaten, dragged around the nest, and not fed that E04 at the Kisatchie National Park Bald Eagle nest is still alive. This poor baby certainly deserves a big fish – it has the ‘will to live’.
And believe it or not that baby got that fish – 04 did – and gulped it down! Bravo. It will live another day.
What a contrast to the NorthEast Florida nest of Gabby and Beau where ‘tolerance’ has become the word of the day after the intruding juvenile made itself at home for the past week. Bodie has learned to defend her food, Gabby has fed the eaglet and it will not die. I know that this sounds strange but both it and Bodie will thrive.
04 has the will to live. Send your love and positive wishes.
FOBBV have put out a statement that they believe it was the eldest chick that perished on the nest.
Pip watch begins at Decorah North today. The weather is horrible.
Additional pip watches for today include: Bella and Scout at the NCTC nest, Port Tobacco, and the Kansas City Eagles on Farmer Derek’s land.
Update: Pip at NCTC!
The first egg hatched at Kansas City on Wednesday named Kanza.
An unringed female is trying to attract Herbert at the Eschenbach nest in Germany in case his mate Hermine does not return from migration. Joan Castanyer has it on video: https://youtu.be/lcVRaxZbRg8?
FORE has announced that it is past the date that Liberty would be laying eggs and so egg watch for Liberty and Guardian is over for the 2025 season. This is their posting:
You could not have two more proud parents than Jak and Audacity that insist on dual feedings for their little SC1. Lucky is the person who signed in for the IWS Nest Adoption that gets to name this little sweetheart.
Jackie and Shadow are keeping the kidlet stuffed. Just stop for a second and look at the fish on that nest. These two are over the moon to have babies to feed! Just like Jak and Audacity. Isn’t it precious? https://youtu.be/rlp2cLqQmwI?
Only eaglet at Johnson City doing exceptionally well.
Both eaglets at Bluff City enjoyed full crops of squirrel on Wednesday.
Just look at the two beautiful eaglets on the John Bunker Sands Wetlands nest! What a delight these two have been this year.
Many are concerned about the Denton Homes nest. There are big storms going through the Nebraska area with some people, including my readers, having long power outages.
Lincolnshire man gets a fine and license revoke for harming raptors.
Geemeff writes: It’s Earth Hour this Saturday 22nd March.
Good for the City of London, I wish more would do this, and prevent bird strike deaths in peak migration times. The Audubon Society says up to 230 thousand birds are killed each year just in New York alone, from crashing into skyscrapers while disoriented by the lights and reflective surfaces. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that as many as 988 million birds die in building-glass collisions each year.
The camera is now on at Alyth SS and a Rutland bird, HJ8, has returned safely from migration.
Just a quick review. Send good wishes to all of the nests! Take care. See you on Saturday for sure.
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, J’, Kistachie National Forest E3, FOBBV, Raptor Resource Project (Decorah North), Kansas City Bald Eagles, FORE, IWS/Explore, Johnson City-ETSU, Bluff City-ETSU, John Bunker Sands Wetlands Eagles, Denton Homes Eagle Cam, Raptor Persecution UK, Audubon, SK Hideaways
Thank you to ‘PB’ who sent me a CBS video of the Sandhill Cranes, thousands, hundreds of thousands? of them gathering in Grand Island, Nebraska. What a beautiful sight. I wish everyone would wake up this morning and see the beauty in wildlife and nature and become so empathetic – not separate – but together with nature to actually do something about making their lives and our planet a better place.
Not the same video but the event of a few years ago!
Well, osprey season is starting off with a flurry of arrivals. As you probably know, my first love was the Red-tail Hawks in my birthplace, Oklahoma. I then had an ‘experience’ with a very large female hawk in my garden, and so, the smaller raptors – the hawks and the falcons – have a special place in my heart. My knowledge is, however, about ospreys. I am, therefore, over the moon that so many are returning.
I have a tiny, but dedicated group of helpers. I have said, many times, that we monitored 502 osprey eggs last year. That is a phenomenal number. I could not do it without Heidi. We prop each other up emotionally when things go sideways, as they might well do again this year with poor little ones starving. But, I want to start the year off on a positive note in the hope that it will be different. I can personally use a break from what has been happening on the bald eagle nests especially Kistachie E3 where the adult seems to not respond to the two starving eaglets on the nest – with their full juvenile feathers. Andria had two owl strikes and there has been an intruder flying around the nest. Intruders steal prey intended for eaglets in the nest and the hits from the owl could have caused injuries.
As I was told many years ago by an eagle expert, the Bald Eagles will first defend their territory, then they will protect themselves and their mate, and the chicks/eggs, etc are last on the list. If Akecheta died, it was because he was protecting his territory. Even so, I find it utterly gut wrenching to watch babies die on a nest from lack of food – either because of intruders or a sick or missing parent. If these two are to pass, I hope that it is quick. They have no one giving them supplementary food like Brodie at the BBC nest last year.
Meanwhile, Gabby has decided to feed the intruding juvenile at the NE Florida nest to the dismay of many onlookers. I have mentioned her own fledgling getting lost and going from nest to nest in the area (BOGs watched and reported) trying to find food. Then I remembered that a couple of Richmond and Rosie’s fledglings from the Golden Gate Audubon Osprey platform also left their nest, went for food elsewhere, and were fed. Bodie has no siblings and while this has been ‘tough’, Bodie has to be a fighter in the real world of eagles. No one is going to cut her a break. Gabby and Beau have enough food for both of the juveniles. Gabby knows what she is doing by feeding the intruder. Yes, it will return for food. Hopefully Bodie and it will both have good crops. Bodie can learn from watching the intruder and if it is fed, maybe it will be nicer. We do not know what we would do if we were starving.
The warm sun has melted the snow, or most of it, in the nest of Jackie and Shadow. Shadow has been doing some really good work as daddy and it turns out he is a great feeder. Those two little ones were stuffed to the top of their heads and quickly into a food coma!
The Only Eaglet at Sauces, SC1, is the sweetest luckiest little eaglet in the Channel Islands.
But back to the ospreys. I am returning to the format that I used where I include Heidi’s reports and mine daily under our names. If I miss something, it is entirely my fault. I wish that we could aim for as comprehensive a study this year as we did last year, but my life is more challenging than I ever imagined, so if we get half the number of eggs watched and all the data recorded, that would be just fine. (I have hired a Girl Friday to help with other things so I have Friday afternoons free to work on all things osprey).
If you wish to add to our knowledge and data bank, we welcome your input. We need the name of the nest, its location, the link to the streaming cam if there is one, the names or ID numbers of the adults, the dates of their arrival and departure, the dates of eggs laid, hatch dates, fledge dates, and death dates and causes.
Please note that this might not be a comprehensive listing of every osprey nest. Rather, it will include significant milestones.
Heidi’s Osprey News:
Fenwick Island: 3/17 – Fenwick Island, Delaware (Captain Mac’s Fish House): June arrived back home to her nest in the early evening! June is the ‘queen of the striped bass’… she caught so many of those large fish last season to feed her only osplet ‘Fen’.
Lake Murray, South Carolina: 3/17 Congrats to Kenny and Lucy. Lucy laid egg #2 at 10:16.
Dewey Beach, Delaware: 3/17 – The female of the pair arrived on 3/12, and today at 08:30 her mate finally arrived. It was immediately apparent that this is a bonded pair, and they fell right in step with fixing up the nest. Best wishes for their success this season.
(Gosh those two are a handsome pair)
Mary Ann’s Osprey News:
Maya arrived at Rutland and Blue NC0 at Loch of the Lowes on the 17th.
Blue NC0 sleeping on the perch branch protecting her nest. Come on Dark Knight!
Eschenbach Osprey Platform, Germany: The news under the streaming cam is: Herbert arrived on the 16th of March. “We are waiting for Hermine to arrive, but the activity in the nest does not stop. Other females are present: some claim the place, others are passing by and take advantage of the male’s generosity. Today Herbert appeared accompanied by an unringed female. A very demanding girl who has demanded (and obtained) several deliveries of fish. What will happen? We will wait to see the events of the next few days.”
Last year Herbert arrived on April 4.
Birds of Poole Harbour:
Who will return to Loch Arkaig?
RSPB Loch Garten has had its share of drama.
Many more ospreys will be arriving in the next fortnight. At some of the US nests there are little bobs and only bobs. May each and every one flourish.
Moorings Park: Beautiful Only Bob.
Frenchman’s Creek: Only Bob doing well also!
Venice Golf and Country Club are incubating.
Incubation at Brevard, Florida:
Oceanside MNSA Osprey Nest: Blondie returns on the 13th of March.
News from Others (various birds):
Geemeff sends lots of news items including this one about Wisdom!
Worcester Cathedral Falcon Scrape has its first egg of the breeding season.
Lead can and is being replaced by other materials. Lead is toxic and deadly to our raptors. Why do the governments that make up the UK miss deadlines to stop its use? Why do people no longer care about the suffering the wildlife experience?
Pip watch for Bella and Scout at the NCTC nest begins today.
‘A’ brings news of Angel and Tom: “Again, Angel spent more time at the nest this morning than Tom did – and again, she is doing a lot of nestcupping, as if making final preparations to lay in this nest. I do hope so. In 2023, she laid her first egg on 24 March, which is under a week away, so I am hoping we see two eggs, as we did in 2023, rather than what happened in 2024, when they simply disappeared before Angel laid any eggs at this site. We have no idea whether she laid elsewhere, though I still think the landowner would have spotted Angel at least if she had still been nearby last season. We will never know of course and their whereabouts last season will forever remain a mystery. But ol course they may do the same thing this year and simply stop showing up at the nest.
But I am still determined to be hopeful – after all, we have seen joyous outcomes for Iris and her Finnegan, Gabby and her Beau, and now Jak and darling determined Audacity. If this is to be a year for miracle chicks, then please let Angel and Tom’s be among them. “
Thank you for being with me today. We are always delighted to hear your news and have you with us. Take care in the times we are in. Look for the positive and the good. Take care of your neighbours, your friends, and your family – even if it is only a smile you have to offer or a hello in an e-mail.
Migrating Birds are passing through. Protect them from your windows. Put out high-energy food if you can and water. Water is good!
We were so happy to see Star back at the feeder today.
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, Heidi, J, MP, PB’, Rhoda A, American Eagle Foundation, NEFL-AEF, FOBBV, IWS/Explore.org, Fenwick Island, Lake Murray, Dewey Beach, Geemeff and Loch of the Lowes, Eschenbach Ospreys, Birds of Poole Harbour, The Woodland Trust, RSPB Loch Garten, Moorings Park, Frenchman’s Creek, Breward Ospreys, VGCCO, The Guardian, RSPB, Cassandra McClurkin, Chichester Peregrines, Worcester Cathedral, Raptor Persecution UK, The Guardian, OpenVerse, South Australia Department for the Environment and Water, Guinness World Records, Rita the Eagle FB, Visit Kearney Nebraska
Best news of the morning! Geemeff writes” 09.51 Intruder Blue 25 is on the nest when resident male Blue 33 lands, looking agitated. Suddenly a third Osprey appears and lands at 09.52.26 – it’s Maya! There is much display of wings from all three but not much sound, then Blue 25 takes herself off as the rightful female has returned. Welcome home Maya!”
‘The Girls’ informed me that they have been ignored. So I tried to take some photos of them relaxing in the sitting room this morning.
Who could resist those eyes? They are like celadon or beautiful green glass. Baby Hope is the sweetest, most quiet, peaceful young lady.
Her mother is equally beautiful, but not ‘so sweet’. Calico wants to be the ‘boss’. At the same time, she wants to be held and cuddled ever so tightly. Calico has gorgeous eyes, too but there is something about the placement and/or the shape of Baby Hope’s that just shock you into stillness.
Missey prefers spending her time sunning herself on the wickers. She is so wooly!!!!!!
The angle makes her look a little ‘plump’. Hugo Yugo isn’t but she is a real character always getting into trouble and it is possible to hear her crying a block away. Her teeth are bothering her. It is such a shame.
At the nest of Jackie and Shadow in Big Bear, Jackie removed the deceased eaglet from the nest and flew away with it. Sometimes the dead chicks become part of the nest, sometimes they are taken a distance from the nest, and sometimes they are eaten. This is all normal behaviour. Research on ospreys has shown that they often take the little chicks a distance of about 100 metres.
The other two chicks have eaten well. The nest is full of prey items and one even has enough energy to start bonking the other. It feels good! I was quite worried that they would get a chill.
Jak and Audacity are overjoyed to have a baby. The number of dual feedings is substantial. They are such proud parents!
The little one at Moorings Park is doing very well, indeed.
So far there is not an egg at the nest of Liberty and Guardian. Information provided says, “Liberty has not laid her 1st egg yet & she is now past her latest egg laying date ever including a 2nd Clutch in 2017 where she laid an egg on 3/10 & 3/13. This is uncharted waters for Liberty who has laid eggs every season for the last 19 years with her 3 different mates. It is also uncharted waters for all of us who love & follow them. We don’t always know why things like this happen but we do know that we need to continue to TRUST THE EAGLES! Everything happens for a reason even though we may not always know what that reason is. So let’s sit back & enjoy watching Liberty & Guardian as their beautiful bond continues to deepen day by day.”
Is there hope? Liberty continues to stay on the nest in the rain Sunday evening.
The American Eagle Foundation captured the antics of the visiting juvenile to Gabby, Beau, and Bodie’s nest: https://youtu.be/vn9M7Es8HFU?s
Is there a tragedy brewing for the two fully feathered juveniles on Kisatchie Forest’s E3 nest? An adult arrives at 19:19:40 empty taloned and is attacked by the starving eaglet.
The eaglets have been searching for anything on the nest to eat and resting. There is a lake you can see that is stocked each year with fish. What in the world is going on at this nest. Is this a repeat of what happened at Boundary Bay in BC?
The adult fed the oldest one a bite of something, nothing really, and the little one went into submission. Adult went to branch. Are the adults ill? Are there intruders? Where on earth is the fish from that lake?
Even first time parents – here I am thinking of Louis and Anna at the E1 nest – filled their pantry with fish. 20 one day! There is something incredibly wrong. It is a shame to sit and see these beautiful babies starve to death.
What a challenging year it has been, starting with the deaths of E24 and E25 of HPAI at SW Florida. As one reader said today, there is so much more of the season to go and so far it has been devastating. Another said that, to add insult to injury, pigeons are now roosting on The Campanile as we mourn the possible loss of Annie and Archie.
A research project is focusing on Annie and her impact on our lives. They are requesting anecdotal stories. Please do consider contributing. I could not imagine a world without Annie and Grinnell and now to have lost so many other mates and possibly Annie now is beyond thinking.
“What have Berkeley’s falcons meant to you? Gretchen Kell from UC Berkeley’s news office is looking for personal anecdotes with specific examples of how Annie and company have impacted your life/health/awareness, during the pandemic or any time Email her at gkell@berkeley.edu.
The trio appear to be all over the nest at Duke Farms and they seem to be doing alright.
A Harris Hawk threatens the people of a UK village!
Harris’s Hawks face challenges like habitat loss from urbanization and oil/gas development, electrocution on power lines, poisoning, and vehicle collisions, which are common threats to birds of prey.
Here’s a more detailed look at the challenges:
Habitat Loss:
Urbanization and oil/gas development reduce habitat quality and prey availability.
Loss of natural perches and nesting sites can lead to hawks perching on power poles, increasing the risk of electrocution.
Harris’s hawks are known to live in sparse woodland, semi-desert, and marshes, so habitat destruction in these areas poses a significant threat.
Human-Related Threats:
Electrocution: Perching on power poles, which are often unshielded, can lead to electrocution and death.
Poisoning: Poisoning from pesticides or other toxins can affect Harris’s hawks.
Vehicle Collisions: Collisions with vehicles can cause injury or death.
Killing by Humans: While not as common, some hawks are killed by humans.
Natural Challenges:
Drought: Droughts can reduce prey availability and impact nesting success.
Fire Weather: Droughts and fire weather can lead to habitat loss and increased risks for hawks and their nests.
Spring Heat Waves: Spring heat waves can endanger young birds in the nest.
Captive Breeding Challenges:
Isolation: Harris’s hawks are social animals, and isolation can lead to behavioral problems like thigh-plucking, aggression, and mis-imprinting.
Overdependence on Falconer: Overdependence on the falconer, often promoted by food association, can create problems with captive-bred hawks.
Other birds are facing challenges – indeed, all of them. Birds Canada gives an interesting webinar on what our forest birds are finding difficult in our world today. Notice that I said, ‘our world’. Birds around the world are facing the same challenges. https://youtu.be/_vX4K3HO7IM?
At the time of this writing, the fledglings, Dasher and Dancer, had not returned to the nest at Captiva.
Snow in Michigan. Traverse Eagles trying to keep their eggs warm and dry.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Please send all your good wishes to all of the nests. It is an unusual year and they need all the help we can send them. Take care. See you soon!
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, pictures, streaming cams, videos, and articles that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, H, J, MP, SP’, SK Hideaways, FOBBV, IWS/Explore, Moorings Park Ospreys, FORE, Gary’s Eagle Videos, American Eagle Foundation, Kisatchie National Forest E3 Bald Eagle Nest, Cal Falcons, Duke Farms, The Guardian, Open Verse, Birds Canada, Traverse City Bald Eagles
