Well, be careful what you wish for. I was longing for winter and snow and got both. Tuesday morning the winds were howling, the gusts shaped the snow in all kinds of configurations around the garden, covered part of the car, and made the sidewalk impassable. It was -18 C. With the wind chill, I suspect it was nearer to -30 C. Time to get out the heavy coat, toque, mitts, scarves, and anything else to help keep warm. Of course, hot chocolate helps, too!
The cats are unphased by it all. The Boyfriend came to eat at his feeder after it had been cleared and refilled several times. I wish he would stay in his little house here instead of wandering everywhere, but isn’t that silly when I advocated for Flaco to be able to fly all over the place?
Hugo Yugo will get her onsie on Thursday. It will give us a fortnight for her to get used to it before her surgery. Bless her heart. She is so so tiny.
Calico has really taken to wanting to be brushed again. She isn’t too keen on the Dental wipes and, as a result, she has to be wrapped up like a burrito. It works. Only her head sticks out and I can get the wipe way back to the distant teeth that might, otherwise, not get cleaned. I sure hope these wipes work!
Calico is becoming more active. Not sure if it is the warmer days we had before the storm or if the weight that she has lost is making her feel better.
Missey is always beautiful. She has had her teeth cleaned with wipes and her nails trimmed and didn’t make a single fuss. Oh, that lovely Maine Coon disposition.
Jackie and Shadow were still a little wet when they woke up Tuesday morning. As the morning progressed their feathers dried off. We are now at the 28th day of February. The eggs are still in tact. We are one day away from pip watch for the first egg. Can you believe it? Many of you will remember that Shadow has incubated eggs for 60 days that were not viable. Oh, please let one of these hatch!
Shadow comes in with a fish and Jackie sys her thank yous. There is a good long look at the eggs. Still intact. We are now ONE day away from pip/hatch watch for egg number one.
I love Shadow looking at their eggs. Staring at them. Can they hear the little eaglet?
More incubation exchanges and at 14:19 on Tuesday there were 11,252 people watching this couple incubate their three eggs. Gosh, they did. More than 10,000 people. We are all holding our breath.
Shadow was in the branches above the nest. Jackie was chortling to him when she flew off. He arrives and carefully takes his place over the eggs.
Making the news!
Diamonds for Jackie. ONE day away from pip/hatch watch. Might there be triplets in Big Bear?
Richmond is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Rosie!
The new Bald Eagle couple that has been coming, going, and inspecting the Dulles-Greenway nest of Rosa and Martin and then Rosa and Lewis must not believe their luck.
Did Rosa ‘divorce’ Lewis? Is she OK? Is he? I always wonder when there is a failed nest and the eagle or eagles just leave.
Egg three for Mum and new Dad at Centreport. ‘H’ says reported time of arrival was 18:08 nest time Tuesday.
It isn’t just Royal Albatross chicks that build play nests. E23 had some fun making his/her own, too.
Sutton Centre shows us the three eggs that are at the Bartlesville, Oklahoma Bald Eagle nest.
Jolene and Booth have their second hatch at ETSU, JC24. You can see the hole shortly after 10. That little one is working hard. It will be out of this shell in three hours from the top image.
It is about three weeks until pip/hatch watch at Moorings Park. Circle your calendar for March 20-21. Spring babies!
Things seem to be alright at Eagle Country. Less prey evident on the nest and fewer feedings.
Lots of fish on the nest of Pepe and Muhlady for the eaglets.
I sure might have missed it, but I am not seeing the male come and give Mum a break at Duke Farms on Tuesday. She got up off the eggs after 1600.
R6 still likes Mum or Dad to feed him even though he is fully capable of finishing off any fish brought to the WRDC nest.
There was concern over another pigeon band, which R6 expelled. It was thought that he might try eating the pigeon leg that had the band again, but Ron arrived and, to the relief of all, ate the leg and band. Whew.
Really windy at the JB Sands Wetlands eagle nest. That metal tower just shakes…you have to turn the volume down. Both adults at the nest. Everything looks alright.
Bella and Scout have their first egg ever together at the National Conservation Training Centre bald eagle nest. Scout was in attendance during the labour.
It is the third egg for the couple at the FOLFAN Eagle nest. Lots of third eggs this year.
Denton Homes has its third egg, too, on the 27th!
I always see hawks hunting rodents, but I have to admit I have never seen a Peregrine Falcon with a rodent. We think of the falcons as aerial hunters. I do hope this one was not poisoned – it makes me very uneasy.
It is enlightening that California has passed legislation to ban rodenticides. I hope everyone joins with them.
At Great Spirit Bluff, it appears that Newman has selected Lisa as his new mate!
There are all kinds of lotteries on which osprey will be at the nest first in the UK, in Wales, or at specific nests. ‘L’ sent me the link to the history of the Glaslyn nest of Aran and Elen (formerly of Aran and Mrs G). This will be Elen’s first return – will she arrive before Aran? Mrs G used to arrive early, and sometimes, she got into mischief with Aeron Z2 over at the Pont Cresor platform.
I had a question today. Do songbirds practice siblicide? The answer, as far as I know, is ‘no’. And while we might, on rare occasions, see siblicide in hawks or falcons, there are some species for which killing the younger siblicide is ‘normal’. As we move deeper into Bald Eagle season and Osprey season approaching, it is a good time to educate ourselves about this behaviour. Here are two articles to get you started.
How closely will they investigate? A groundsman of 20 years shot dead while out walking who is connected with the notorious Edradynate Estate. What did he know? Was he going to testify? Or was he simply unlucky?
Thank you so much for being with me today. So many nests and not time to watch or cover all of them. Just hold your breath. ONE day away from staring at the Big Bear nest of Jackie and Shadow for any hint that an eaglet might be thinking of making its way into the world. Oh, Shadow is going to be so delighted. Take care!
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, screen captures, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog: ‘Geemeff, H, J, L, R’, FOBBV, Golden Gate Audubon, Dulles-Greenway Eagle Cam, Lady Hawk, Johnson City ETSU-E1, Moorings Park, Eagle country, Superbeaks, Duke Farms, WRDC, JB Sands Wetlands, Wings of Whimsy, Cal Falcons, Ashley Wilson, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, Research Gate and Explore Blog.
It is -21C on the Canadian Prairies. The cold weather has arrived. It was a good day to wake up to hot coffee and warm cardamon rolls out of the oven. LOL. The girls didn’t care! They wanted breakfast and story time before I started my day. Calico now ‘walks’ me out to the conservatory sofa to read. It is too funny. The cats have me fully trained.
As you know, if you have read my blog over the summer of 2023, a large family of Crows lives in my neighbourhood. They bring their fledglings to the garden to get peanuts and for the bird bath, where they dunk their food and have baths. The numbers have decreased since the end of autumn, and I am worried about them. Today, I was happy, but simultaneously sad, to see a single crow at the corner waiting for another person who feeds birds. I know she specifically feeds the crows, but where are the others?
I have also been reading more about Crows, and if you are interested in the intelligence level of the members of the Corvid family include Crows, Ravens, Magpies, and Jays, I have a book for you! It is called Bird Brains, and it is by Candace Savage. This is the latest edition from 2018.
I was impressed by the writing that drew me in and made the new findings on this amazing species’ intelligence level relatable. The photographs are top-notch. (Sorry about the glare from the light)
The introduction included mention of anthropomorphism. Put simply it is ascribing human traits to animals. if, however, you study the behaviour of animals, the apologies of individuals such as many on chat for doing just that will more than irk you.
Savage discusses the ‘ascription of meaningful intelligence to nonhuman creatures’ as problematic. She notes that at a point, scientists and researchers into behaviourist psychology who looked into memory, insights and thoughts stopped looking at nonhumans. Some had been tricked, and she noted that no one wanted to be embarrassed. It paused the subject of knowledge and intelligence…She notes that anyone who dared to state that nonhumans were intelligent was accused of the dreaded anthropomorphism. Savage’s entire book bunks the notion of ‘dumb animals’, stating that humans ‘have a lot invested in keeping animals dumb’ (19). Think about it – humans can treat animals any way they want if they believe they do not feel pain, have feelings, share emotions, solve problems, etc. Savage points to the research of many, including Irene Pepperberg from the University of Arizona, who concludes that Corvids are superbly intelligent, capable of identifying items by name, able to distinguish similarities and differences in objects, as well as ‘capable of acquiring complex vocal and nonvocal behaviours that many scientists believe are co-or prerequisites for referential communications’. Pepperberg, in her research, discovered that Corvids have the same cognitive capacities as primates. Indeed, their superior powers might be higher than primates (18).
If you are interested in avian behaviour and love the Corvid family or want to learn more about the intelligence of our feathered friends, this is an excellent book. It is well-written, wonderfully illustrated, and at a good price point.
One of my favourite Corvids, the baby Blue Jay from the summer, came to visit the feeder on Monday. Delighted to see it!
The girls are doing great. The plumbers were here again today – they will be finishing up tomorrow – and I could not ask for better behaviour. They all stayed out of the way of any danger!
Missey has a new sleeping spot. It is on top of one of the tallest cabinets – almost touching the ceiling – next to a carved cat on a skateboard that my late friend, Charlie Scott, made. Missey is very smart. What a safe place and out of the way of Calico. They do not always get along. I would say they tolerate one another.
Hugo Yugo and Calico slept on the cat tree together, ignoring the workers who dumped the vanity behind them piled with anything and everything.
I was so delighted when ‘AM’ sent me some beautiful images they had taken of Blake Kites near their home in Japan.
Nature Japan gives us some information on one of the country’s most beautiful raptors: ”The Black Kite or “Tobi” トビ as it is known in Japanese is a common sight in the skies throughout Japan. This raptor is thought to be the world’s most abundant bird of prey. Its numbers are healthy and is under no threat.
This bird can be mainly found in Eurasia, Australasia, Oceania and is a year-round resident here in Japan. You can see this powerful looking bird often soaring in the thermals high above coastal areas, rivers and lakes. I’ve also seen them in farming areas throughout the Kansai region of Japan. They are very graceful flyers that soar with ease and turn with precision.
Male and female Black Kites look very similar and are very opportunistic hunters. They prey upon fish, rodents, and other birds. They are also known to scavenge which is one of the reasons they are so successful a species. I have watched them dive towards the ocean plucking fish from the water and I have also seen them dive-bomb people at highway rest stops trying to steal their rice balls and bento box lunches.” Their only predator is the Eurasian Eagle-owl. “This powerful owl can easily pick off even adult Black Kites and can sometimes be found in northern parts of Hokkaido (common throughout Europe and other parts of Asia).”
Wilde Nature gives us the size variations for these birds of prey: “The Black-eared Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey, measuring about 45–55 centimetres in length with a wingspan of up to 150 centimetres. The distinguishing feature of this subspecies is the black patch of feathers on the sides of the head, located behind the eyes, which gives it its name. Its eyes are dark brown; its bill is short and hooked. The outer wing feathers are black, with dark crossbars and a mottled base. The underparts are pale brown and become lighter towards the chin. The body feathers have a dark shaft, giving it a striped appearance. The corner of the mouth is yellow, but the bill is black. Male and female birds look the same, but females are slightly longer with a larger wingspan.”
Black-eared Kites are opportunistic hunters and feed on various prey such as small mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles. They are often seen soaring high in the air on thermal updrafts, effortlessly gliding while searching for potential prey on the ground.
Thank you ‘AM’ for allowing us to share these beautiful images of the kites.
Look at this beautiful White-tailed Eagle that visited one of Finland’s Osprey (Selli Island) nests on Monday. Gorgeous.
Connie with C10 and C11 today. Note more dandelions are missing! There are pin feathers coming in along the wing tips.
‘A’ comments on these little eaglets: ”Speaking of having enormous appetites, so does CE10, who is absolutely massive in comparison to baby brother CE11. I am still not entirely sure that CE10 has the temperament of a female, but certainly she has the physical characteristics of one. Little CE11 seems to eat his fill most of the time, but she can eat SO much more. Today, both of them had very big crops mid-afternoon (of course CE10’s was larger), and then Connie came in and CE10 was fed the majority of a good-sized speckled trout! CE11 lifted his head from his afternoon nap and initially decided not to bother, but about 20 minutes later, he eventually got up and made his way to the table, by which stage you might have expected CE10 to have long since fallen into a food coma, but no, she was continuing to eat, so that CE11 still had to wait some time to get perhaps a dozen mouthfuls out of the entire fish. CE11 is definitely getting enough to eat, but CE10 is bottomless. She is making no specific effort to prevent CE11 from eating, and has not really done so at any point in their development. She eats and eats and eats, while CE11 is a confident eater but not a pushy eaglet at the table. Occasionally, when big sibling is asleep, CE11 gets a quiet private feeding, usually from Connie, but the size differential continues to grow between the two eaglets. Fortunately, there has been no real food shortage (except one day where there was an inkling of ‘hungry’ experienced on the nest). The bonking has been minimal throughout (and instigated often by CE11, who has been prepared to look his older sibling in the eye from an early age, despite the inevitable results). “
‘J’ has a reminder: Today is also Connick’s first birthday. Connie and Clive’s 2023 hatch will be the Ambassador at the Smithsonian. Maybe you will be able to travel to see him!
Changing before our eyes. Thanks for the close-ups, cam op.
Faxinating caught the whole fish drop to F23 for her and E23 today – we all cheer when the Dad doesn’t eat the head, but we also cringe when the fish flops everywhere. Not to cause alarm, but these live fish have killed eaglets and Osplets. (more on SW Florida below)
Tonya Irwin reports on the action at the Kistachie National Forest E1 nest that Louis shared with his late mate, Anna.
Not a lot of action at the nest of Beau and Gabby. I really hope Gabby is getting to eat enough. It looks like Beau is busy with the defence of their territory.
All is well with M15, F23, and E23 at the SW Florida Eagle nest after the earlier fish delivery. Dad stopped in before bedtime to feed the cutie pie some fish.
The Great Horned Owls are nesting at the Hilton Head nest it seems.
On their social media page, the Hilton Head Island Land Trust posted a short video of the male bringing prey and being in the nest with the female. You can see the two eggs.
Meanwhile at the nest of Bonnie and Clyde on Farmer Derek’s property in Kansas, it is snowing. No sign of the owls.
Just northeast of Kansas, in Iowa, the snow is coming down in Decorah, home to the Decorah North Bald Eagle family as well as the Hatchery Bald Eagle Family.
Snow was also coming down on the Denton Home Nest.
Baiba caught Blazer going after a squirrel coming up to the Eagle Country nest where he is incubating his and Abby’s eggs.
At Port Lincoln, Gil got himself a really nice fish off the nest. This is not just any fish – this is a delivery by the fish fairy at 0938.
The lads have been fighting for the fish and today Gil was the clear winner until…
Mum came in with a really large fish at 1344. The lads struggled. Gil had a nice crop – come on, Gil. Let Brad eat! Brad was hungry and got that fish and really enjoyed it. Well done, Brad.
‘A’ sends the report for the WBSE: “January 9: Early this morning, just one eagle was spotted at the river, moving between roosts. Just before 9am, SE31 was finally seen soaring high above the wetlands and the river. Then, at 9:15am, she was at River Roost with Lady, both flying back and forth a bit. At 9:20am, SE31 took flight, followed by Lady, up high, circling then off over Homebush Bay. Neither had returned at 10:15am. Just after 12 noon, SE31 was seen at River Roost, but no parents. But then we heard that at 11:06am, she had been seen catching a fish shortly after returning from her flight with Lady. At 4:30pm, one adult was seen at River Roost, and it then flew off to the west. Shortly after, at 5pm, both adults were spotted on the island, then SE31 was seen there as well.”
BirdGuides review of the week for the UK, including some unusual finds.
Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretative Centre is closed for renovations, but they have some online events for people living in my province. Want to know where to go birding? Check this virtual information session on the 14th of January from 1300-1400.
Thank you so much for being with me. Please take care everyone. See you soon.
I would like to thank the following who also helped me with my blog today: ’A, AM, J’, Nature Japan, Wilde Nature, Finnish Osprey Foundation, Window to Wildlife, Faxinating, Tonya Irwin, Carol Shores Rifkin, Hilton Head Island Trust, Farmer Derek, Raptor Resource Project and Explore.org, Denton Homes, Baiba, PLO, Bart M, Eagle Cam, Bird Guides, and Oak Hammock Marsh Wetland Centre.
Oh, it has rained. We are to have rain throughout the weekend and into next week. The river does not look so dismal (muddy and low) and there were lots of Canada Geese out swimming when I went to the farmer’s market this morning. We have everything local save for peaches which are coming in from Ontario. Oh, how I remember the big peaches my mother used to buy that came from Georgia when I was a wee lass. The juice would roll down your chin! These are not quite that good, but – they are delicious.
Calico continues to visit every 3 hours and eats like she has 25 kittens somewhere…that somewhere is beginning to be a monkey on my shoulder. If she were healthier, that Go Pro would be strapped on her and off we would go….but she isn’t. So we wait. Waiting is a little like waiting and watching Mini’s left leg heal. We all want it to happen now. ‘M’ reminded me of Royal Albatross OGK. He was missing for 40 days and returned with a limp. It was painful to watch, but he eventually healed. OGK would come down the hill ever so slowly. Made us all ache in sympathy. OGK is due to return this November on Taiaroa Head – if he did not perish. I have him on the Memorial Wall but will be ever so delighted to delete that…he was the most amazing dad. Do you remember?
The many faces of Mini today. To my untrained eye, Mini’s leg did not look any worse on Friday.
She did not lose that fish piece that arrived from dad around 0951. She almost did and then she recovered. She will fly away with it in her beak.
1627. A much bigger fish came on the nest and Mini also flew off with it in her beak. Let’s hope that she did not lose it! That would have been a feast!
This amazing Dad is off – more fish to catch – a huge family to feed!
Mini is off at 1429 with the fish in her beak.
1838. Mini is really wanting Dad to land with a fish for her.
Mini is not lethargic. She is flying and eating, and she is managing. This is all good. We need to just breathe – in and out – and send all our positive energy to our brave girl. She can do this! Healing takes time. It does not happen in a day.
In other news:
Let’s start with the nests that ‘H’ is monitoring:
Fortis Exshaw: “Oh, dear. It’s either feast or famine for JJ. There were two fish delivered to the nest by Louise (13:24,16:16), and the older sibling, Banff, ate them both, mouth to tail. Life is difficult for JJ. Not only is JJ at the bottom of the pecking order, but JJ seems to be a smaller, non-aggressive male. Fortunately, JJ ate quite well on 8/10. The stepdad, O’Hara, made an appearance at the nest on 8/11. At 1850 Louise landed in the nest, quickly followed by O’Hara. He helped Louise ward off an intruder, and stayed at the nest for several minutes. There had been some concern that we had not seen O’Hara for a few days. The last positive identification of O’Hara was on 8/8. But truth be told, with all the pixelation of the video lately, we could have easily misidentified an adult doing a quick fish drop as being Louise. One day at a time . . hoping for some fish for our beloved JJ today.”
Kent Island – ‘Good Golly, Miss Molly!’ Molly fledged, at 60 days of age. But . . we did not get to witness her take off for her maiden flight. The Explore.org livestream was showing one of their frequent ‘highlights’. Bummer. When the brief ‘highlight’ period ended, we saw that the nest was empty! Tom soon landed with a fish to lure Molly back to the nest, and he was joined by Audrey. Molly was later spotted in a nearby tree (photo credit Mrs. Com). By nightfall, Molly had not returned to the nest. Congratulations to Audrey, Tom, and Molly! Well done, all.
Osoyoos – The livestream returned, and we saw that the osprey family was doing well. My goodness, ‘Junior’ had grown in the past 48 hours. And, it was evident that s/he had progressed with the wingercising, even achieving a few inches of lift off the nest. There were five fish brought to the nest after the stream returned.
Forsythe – Oscar brought three fish to the nest for Ollie. Ollie spent more time away from the nest on 8/11. Older sibling Owen, has not been seen for 8 days, and we hope that she is doing well.
Dahlgren – D12 caught a small fish! In recent days, D12 had landed on the nest with a fish a couple of times, but we weren’t sure if she actually caught it herself. This time, we witnessed the catch. D12 scoped out the fish directly below the nest, made a pinpoint dive, emerged with her catch, circled around and landed on the nest with her prize. Well done, D12! Older sibling, D11, was not seen on 8/11.
Severna Park – We are fortunate to be able to still see the fledglings. One or both can often be found at the nest. Oscar is doing a great job making sure his juvies are fed.
Thank you so much ‘H’ for your keen eye and your informing commentary!
The story at the Osprey nests throughout the Northern hemisphere is that of final fledges, fledglings returning to the nests hoping for fish meals, and pending migration.
Muonio Finnish Nest: The first fledge was on Friday. Just look at that crop in the middle! The one on the far left is getting ready to take its first flight. Bravo!
Ilomantsin: The fledglings – all have flown now – are returning to the nest and Mum is more than happy to feed them when she gets a chance.
MN Landscape Arboretum: Maybe it is just me but I would love to see this chick get some more fish! The small mud puppies are easy for the chick to eat but gosh…could we have a few more please and thank you.
Steelscape: ‘PB’ reports that it was a fantastic day for the third hatch who had been losing out severely. Fantastic news.
Sandpoint: This is not a nest that I have observed in previous years. It was added this year to the data base. Does anyone know if these are inexperienced parents? Or is the local fish situation really dire? Timestamps on the chat for Friday: By Karyn: Fish count stands at 3 from Keo Ts 5:38:58. Coco steals 5:53:32 and downs tail 6:09:04 2nd fish 10:47 and most eaten by dad. Coco tries to take from Mom but ends up with one bite & literally a tail. 3rd fish is a micro mini at 11:47:11 and mom eats the head and Coco steals…just a few bites to that fish.”
Cowlitz: Everything looks good. Fledgling continues to return to the nest!
Clark PUD: Fish on the nest and look at that wing span!
Seaside: Naika and Kawok are on and off the nest wanting fish! It is all good.
The Bridge Golf Club Ospreys: The cam had been going on and off line and now it is back up. Reports are the two surviving chicks have fledged but are returning to the nest for fish! Congratulations everyone!
Dyfi: The UK nests are getting rather lonely. T he fledglings no longer have to wait on the nest for fish to arrive. They can see their parents and chase after them or they can go and practice in the water preparing for their future fishing adventures.
Telyn has migrated from the 13-28th of August in past years. Wonder what it will be this year?
Glaslyn: Aran is delivering fish to the two lads. Elen was last seen at the net on Friday morning. It is possible she is taking time to prepare for migration – or has she departed?
Llyn Brenig: Everyone has a fish!
Llyn Clywedog: The rain drops hitting the nest sound like someone tossing small stones and the wind is howling in the distance.
Loch Arkaig: The nest of Dorcha and Louis is not quiet. Ludo is right there waiting for Dad to bring him a fish – and he is decidedly not silent about it! This chick is going to need lozenges before the season is over!
Tatarstan Eastern Imperial Eagles: Oh, goodness the plumage on these birds is magnificent. They both lived…lots of food and superb parenting. They are both females.
Sydney Sea Eagles: Perfect little angels at this feeding. 31 had a huge crop and Mum was filling 32 to the top of its crop, too! There is such a variety of prey in the pantry – birds, fish, and eels. Pin feathers are starting to emerge and if you note the size difference already, you ,right be inclined to believe that 31 is a Bib Sister while 32 is a wee brother.
Loch Garten: KL5, the 2020 male fledgling from the Loch Garten nest, appears to not be going anywhere. He is looking for his own nest as are many two year old returnees. Thankfully he will be leaving for migration sooner than later and will allow some peace and order to return to the nest. The juveniles are getting much experience defending this nest and themselves against very aggressive intruders.
Congratulations to the West Midlands for the very first ringed osprey in centuries!
Kurzeme Black Kite: Dad is making all the deliveries for Bronza. Mum was last seen on 8 August and is most likely preparing for her migration by fattening up off the nest. What a gorgeous Black Kite!
Stepping back in time: There have been many favourites on the SW Florida nest but E17 and 18 were nothing short of adorable…will never forget 18 having to go into ‘time out’ in the rehabbers!!!!!!
It is an important moment for those involved in the reintroduction of raptors in the UK.
Birds In Helping Hands wants us to spread the word and not use insecticides and herbicides.— Please write down the ingredients for the safe weed killer (if you are inclined to kill them) somewhere for next year! Tell friends and family. Most of the cleaning firms in my City only use white vinegar – no harsh chemicals at all. Think about it. We need to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Most of you have experienced some very hot weather this summer. Ever wonder what that heat does to our birds? to the seas that they depend on for their fish? Birdlife International has a short informative article to educate all of us.
Thank you so much for being with me today! Please take care. Hoping to see you soon.
Thank you to the following for their comments, notes, postings, articles, tweets, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘H, M, PB’, PSEG, Fortis Exshaw, Kent Island, Osoyoos, Forsythe, Dahlgren, Severna Park, Finnish Osprey Foundation, MN Landscape Arboretum, Pam Breci and the Joy of Ospreys FB, Clark PUD, Sandpoint, Cowlitz PUD, Seaside, Diane Lambertson and The Joy of Ospreys FB, Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, Llyn Brenig, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Tatarstan Imperial Eagles, Sydney Sea Eagles, Sue Wallbanks and Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys, West Midlands Ringing Group, LDF, Laura Davis Nelson and SWFL Eagles, @Timmackrill, Birds in Helping Hands, and Birdlife International.
The inbox was bulging with happiness as each of you watched Little Mini at Patchogue eat its heart out Wednesday morning. My goodness, that little one even went back for seconds! More on Mini, later, but suffice it to say it made my day on Wednesday just a wee bit better.
The wildfire smoke is somewhat gone, the air outside is a little cleaner, and the skies are clear in southern Manitoba. There is no sign of the Blue Jay fledgling in the garden Tuesday evening, but I will check again as it gets late. Maybe. What a joy that little one was to observe! And the parents, too, keep a close watch. Overhead, at least 150 Canada Geese headed north to find space, food, and cooler temperatures. They might find some of this smoke from the burning fires. These are the ones without families to care for – so many, and this is not the first chevron of geese going over in the last week. So many without families this year. It is worrisome.
On Monday the 16th, I will be travelling north to do a Bald Eagle nest count. I hope to have some good images of wildlife for you on Tuesday. Today I am going to Delta Marsh on the southern tip of Lake Manitoba to see if I can find some shorebirds! Wish me luck. I will be out all day so hopefully, Little Mini will be persistent and get some nice fish.
Lewis was growling at the rain at couple of days ago.
Today he decided to play with his piece of Honeysuckle branch.
Missey just wants to remind everyone that she is ‘sweet’.
Both kittens remind everyone that planting a tree to remember someone or some pet is good for the environment!
Lewis and Missey also remind us that if you are doing some late spring cleaning, see if there is anything you have and don’t need that your local wildlife rehab clinic could use. It is incredible the things they need – check their wish lists and then also think of power tools to help build and repair buildings and fences. Anyone die recently leaving a lot of tools? Find out if the rehab can use them. What a lovely way to remember a loved one by donating to a good cause.
Wednesday turned out to be a mixed blessing day. We might as well start with the ‘good’ before I throw in a little of the sadness.
‘H’ reports that the Dahlgren Osprey platform and its osplets are doing fantastic. You can see the age difference in the plumage…this is good news.
It is day 41 for the second egg at Kent Island. I wonder if that one is unviable as well.
The other nests that ‘H’ has been monitoring are all doing well and she hopes that there are no turn arounds on them! Me, too.
Severna Park: Oh, we worried about Middle after we lost Little to siblicide but, things continue to go well. Middle is older and bigger and the pair are eating side by side. ‘H’ reports that fish are plentiful.
‘H’ reports that the Barnegat Light feeding 0944 to 1006: The feeding was peaceful eating side by side until, at 0955 Big beaked and bit Little. Little was able to return at 1001 and ate beside Big. Total bites for Little = 60. (I hope this nest won’t go sour now, like so many others that started out peacefully).” We wait and see. Send good wishes..that Big one is rather vicious. Let them make it out of the reptile stage!
At the Cape May Osprey nest, it is day 38 for egg one and ‘H’ says we are on pip watch.
I spent the day checking on some nests that I monitor but do not often report on – or a few even that have fallen through the cracks for one reason or another. At the Collins Marsh nest in Wisconsin, there are three osplets for what I believe to be new adults at the osprey platform near the local nature centre. This nest is very difficult to watch as fish are not always plentiful – at all! Malin, the only surviving osplet, force fledged in 2021. I criticised the local caretaker consistently because help was not at hand and the little one died on the ground. There is a new person at the nature centre. I hope if there are issues they will get out and look for those babies on the ground! The nest is on top of a fire tower that was moved. There is no perch and access to the desk would be difficult (or so I was told by the last caretaker – I don’t believe it!).
No chicks yet at Fortis Exshaw near Canmore, Alberta. You can see the fires burning in the distance. It was raining when I checked in. That is good…no chicks! Bad for little ones.
What you are seeing below is the Marsh Meadows osprey platform in Jamestown, Rhode Island. It is one of several nests on Conanicut Island. The three eggs hatched on May 29, 29, and 1 June. By the 7th of June, all three chicks were dead. Was it starvation by parental neglect? or was it starvation through mitigating circumstances – male was missing?
Both adults were on the nest this morning so, since the male is not missing (so he did not die of Avian Flu as suggested on 7 June), did the chicks die of starvation from inexperienced parents?
Bay and Beau’s two little osplets at Island Beach are doing well.
The three at Wolf Bay, Alabama are thriving. Gosh, look at those three big osplets!
The three at Oyster Bay should be getting along but, there is often beaking.
Dad delivering a fish to the Oceanside, NY, Osprey platform.
Two chicks at Seaside. So far so good.
‘H’ reports that both of the Patuxent River Park Osprey nests have osplets that are full and civil!
I just caught the Dad at Patuxent II bringing in a monster of a fish at 2002. Wow.
Oh, just sit down and cry – joyful tears. It really is OK. Newmann is feeding his peregrine falcon babies. Their Mum, Savanna was killed protecting her nest from a GHO. Newmann has called Savanna and called her and is now taking full responsibility for their last chicks together.
Dale Hollow DH17 has been caught on cam and appears to be doing quite well. River has a new mate (or so it appears). Only time will tell if she rebuilds at the original nest she shared with her partner, Obey, who disappeared this spring.
Bonus and Waba are on the move (slightly).
Now, let’s take a look at Little Mini at Patchogue. Is the saying ‘The Early Bird gets the fish’ applicable? Mini did well for when the Big ones were sleeping. That early fish that landed on the nest at 0536 was a bonus. Little Mini ate, then the Bigs woke up, and by 0639 Little Mini decided he would go back to the table for seconds. He finished eating at 0652. Mini got some from the 0846 delivery between 0908 and 0912. He had nothing from the 1526 delivery. He was in submission. At 1537 two of the Big siblings are having a tug o war with the fish. Then it rains. During some of this time Little Mini seems to be shoved down and around. Parents are trying to encourage self-feeding amongst the big siblings. This may or may not be an issue for Mini. If he can get those early feeds, he is OK.
According to someone on the chat there are three lakes nearby and 2 creeks connected to the bay. Should be lots of good fishing.
0540
0639 Up for seconds.
0652. Full. Leaving the table for the second time.
0912. Enjoying a meal. How does it feel to go hungry and see all the other siblings fed. I hope Little Mini feels full and alive this morning!
Later…after ‘they’ wake up. LOL.
1536. Mini shut out.
1537. Tug o war for the fish.
Fish – teasers and big fish – land at the Patchogue nest after the rain and all the time that big chunk of fish is still on the nest. Mini is quick to take opportunities when the Big ones show no interest. Mum feeds a small live fish at 1723 and then moves to the big chunk left at 1736. Mini rushes and is at the beak at 1737 . He ate until 1751ish. Then another big fish comes on the nest at 1800. Mini is right there – two big pieces of fish. He starts getting fed at 1802 and is moved out of the way at 1830. We should really see some growth in Mini by Friday with all this fish.
Smart Mini. He is filling his crop and then dropping it so he can hold more fish. I hope Mum has a good look at this persistent third hatch. It reminds me of Tiny Tot Tumbles from Achieva or Blue 464 from Foulshaw Moss. A Survivor.
Mini had a really good day and he is going to sleep well tonight. Happy Osplet dreams, Mini.
Mini was up and had an enormous crop Thursday morning…way to go Mini! Dad came through at Patchogue with three large fish by 0959.
Speaking of the Foulshaw Moss nest, White YW and Blue 35 have three osplets again this year.
At the Boulder County Fairgrounds, a team feeding by the adults really helped the third hatch, Little, who has been beaked and shut out from most feedings. This nest is still problematic…and each pulls at our heart.
After…this little guy is really struggling. Send your best wishes that they team up to feed the chicks until Little is old enough to hold its own.
At the SWFlorida Eagle nest, M15 visits. Unclear if E22 is still around. Not seen at the nest for a couple of days. M15 will not leave the area until E22 is known to be gone. M15 has taken his parental duties very seriously since Harriet went missing in early February. Thanks Vijay!
The Ms are well…growing up on Big Red and Arthur’s nest. Fledge watch is what? a week away? They may be big but, when the rain came they all wanted under Mum! Oak leaves. Across Tower Road there are Oak Trees. Big Red likes her chicks, when they fledge, to fly to those trees. The eyases have imprinted everything from the type of prey that is safe to eat to now these leaves. (The pine is for insects).
Big Red’s E3 was out doing an educational visit today.
Murphy is enjoying the life of a single foster dad now…it is quiet and no one takes his food!
There is now only one eaglet in the Estonia hybrid eagle nest. ‘T’ explains: “Good news in Estonia is that the baby hatched in the nest of Greater and Lesser Spotted eagles. There are not enough Greater Spotted eagles, and many of them are lost during their massive European-African migration. They create mixed couples. This nest, in Harju County, Estonia, was the nest of male Tõnn, who used this nest since 2016. Sadly, Tõnn, did not return from Spain in 2020. We don’t know what happened to him.”
Here the chick is taking a mouse form one of the adults.
‘T’ writes that the Russian Ornithologist “Michail Korepov went to the National Park “Sengileevskiye Gory” to check the breeding situation of large raptors. So this year, they found 12 white tail eaglets, 6 owlets and 2 Imperial eaglets – they are growing up in the national park! And the number is not including 2 chicks of Altyn and Altynay.” Very good news on trying to increase the population of these critically endangered raptors for the area.
‘A’ has been keeping an eye on Deyani and writes, “Meanwhile, there are either storms on the way or Angel is having a sudden burst of empty nest syndrome at the thought of Deyani fledging, because at 7.30pm, Deyani has an OBSCENE crop and the nest is FULL of prey. A rabbit, a vole and something unrecognisable are literally filling the nest bowl. I have NEVER seen this on this nest. Any food that arrives is dealt with in seconds by Deyani and nestovers are non-existent. But not tonight. Angel is attempting to tempt Deyani, who is taking the occasional small mouthful from her, but essentially, mum and daughter are standing side by side at the back of the nest, surveying the smorgasbord spread out at their feet. Deyani is going to have to find an appetite if she is to sleep on that nest tonight. It is just after 9.30am here in Melbourne, and it is another cold day. Sunny thus far, but that will change apparently.”
Baby bunnies. They seem to have cleared out an entire nest! Oh, dear.
‘H’ reports that Mini at the Forsythe Nest had only 30 bites on Wednesday. It is, as she says ‘feast or famine’ for this little one.
The third hatch at the Evergy Topeka Falcon scrape still has feather issues. The feathers have grown but have not broken the shaft and it is having difficulty jumping up to the ledge of the scrape to get food.
Will be sending a note to Evergy. The little one tried to jump up to the perch so it could have prey but failed…
Just look who has returned to the Cal Falcons scrape!
Doug Gillard reports on the little Red-tail hawk, Tuffy, let that has survived in the Bald Eagle Nest with his foster sibling, Lola.
Kathryn reports that one of the goshawks in Estonia has branched. She adds, “I have somehow watched this nest since the eggs were laid and I thought none of them would hatch since they were left out in the cold so often! But look at them now!” Beautiful hawks.
At the Black Kite nest in the Kurzeme Forest, the only chick of Gold and Griegis is doing well.
Dulles-Greenway gives us an update on Pat, the eaglet of Rosa and Martin, that is in care.
Meanwhile, Pi and Flora are being fed by the adults in the wetlands.
Each of us needs to know that what we do matters. We can change the lives of our raptors, but we have to take action. Sometimes it is simply ‘baby steps’ towards our goal, but each success will lead to another. We must realise and inform others that the fate of our wildlife, our beloved raptors depends on us because most of their challenges are human-caused.
Thank you to everyone for being with me today. Please take care. See you soon.
Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, Geemeff, H, Kathryn, T’, Dahlgren Ospreys, Severna Park Ospreys, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, Collins Marsh Ospreys, Fortis Exshaw, Marsh Meadows, island Beach Ospreys, Wolf Bay Ospreys, PSEG, Oceanside Ospreys, Seaside ospreys, Patuxent River Part Ospreys, Lachelle Koestert and Peregrine Falcons at Great Spirit Bluff, Aliengirl and Bale Eagle Live Nests and Cams, Maria Marika FB, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Boulder County Fairgrounds Ospreys, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Vijay and SW Florida Eagle Cam, Cornell RTH, Cornell Cam Chatters, World Bird Sanctuary, Eagle Club of Estonia, Looduskalender Forum, Window to Wildlife, Evergy Topeka Falcon Cam, SK Hideaways and Cal Falcons, Canadian Peregrine Falcon Foundation, Doug Gillard and Nor Cal Birding, Latvian Fund for Nature, Dulles-Greenaway and Forstythe Ospreys.
