bobbleheads – Page 11 – Mary Ann Steggles

Friday in Bird World

3 January 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

It’s a new year! ‘The Girls’ have been up to lots of mischief and they have given us much fun and some very loving moments as one year ends and another begins.

Who would have thought? Hugo Yugo has taken to washing Calico! Notice that HY does a great ‘bug-eyed look’ while trying to clean that ear. Calico looks like she doesn’t mind!

The European Starlings rush to eat the cat kibble if I don’t get out with the birdseed soon enough. Before they do, they hang off the vines above the door, and it drives the cats crazy. Calico and HY are being teased by them in some of the images below.

It also looks like Calico has been into holiday shortbread. Her annual check-up is on the 6th. I wonder if Dr. Green thinks she should try that diet again. (My neighbour said she is beginning to look like a Corgi!)

Baby Hope remains one of the most beautiful cats I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing my home with. Her temperament is just the same – sweet and gentle, quiet. A little shy. Never into trouble. I cannot say that about the other three!!!!!!!!!

Missey always gets the ‘sweetness’ award despite the fact that she looks like she can eat you alive.

Clive continues to win high marks. Not only did he ride out Hurricane Milton in the nest, but he recently got in with Connie to help protect the eaglets during the latest storm – and to reassure the family that it really wasn’t all that bad! Today it looked like he was going to get the angler’s award, too. That nest is full of fish. No one is going hungry on Clive’s watch. Connie picked well.

‘A’ sends her remarks: “It’s raining again at Captiva tonight but it looked to me as though lots and lots of dry grasses were brought in during the morning – by afternoon, the nest looked to have a thick dry layer on top. The littles are so cute and I am worried about the dampness on this nest, especially with more rain at the moment. It is nothing like the other night but the nest is still not dry from the storm. The parents have obviously worked hard to get a thick dry layer on top but I hope it is enough. Clive has been doing a lot of aerating too. He’s such a good dad – he does a lot of feedings too, making sure he takes care of both eaglets. He often feeds one and then the other (you will notice that on the logs). I am so impressed by him.

But then, the more you watch these birds, the more impressive you realise many of them really are. I haven’t had time this season to have much of a look at Thunder and Akecheta, but any couple that routinely fledges three has to be doing something very right indeed. So that is a pair I would like to get to know a lot better. Their nests are not only successful but largely peaceful from what I have observed. I have not seen any bonking problems at West End and nothing that would ever make one worry about siblicide. That doesn’t happen by accident. And of course Ron and Rose are becoming an old married couple by now, gaining in experience and becoming better parents by the season. I am so hopeful for Gabby and Beau but it will be an interesting season, assuming these eggs are viable. Beau has good protective instincts and he is obedient to Gabby, which is a good start. I am keeping my fingers crossed that he also becomes a great provider, but that is the big unanswered question, isn’t it?

I am still concerned at SWFL. I fear we may have a tragedy at this nest. I cannot believe that a bird with the experience of M15 is not making it clear to F23 that this is not safe practice here, and certainly not this year after what we saw pre-laying. Both adults were knocked from their perches by the GHOs at least twice, and surely that is enough to warn them. After all, these owls are their major predators. I really find it very difficult to understand. What are your ideas on this? Why are they leaving the eaglets totally unprotected and in such danger?”

To answer ‘A’, everyone continues to worry about Beau’s ability to provide for Gabby and the eaglets post-hatch. Now, of course, there is the chance that the pair will change roles with Gabby procuring the food for the family and Beau brooding the eaglets. It doesn’t sound like a real possibility, but the eagles always surprise me. I just hope that we do not have a situation here like we had last year at two of the nests when the new male did not realize the hatchlings were to be fed, not eaten. We are just going to have to wait and see and that day is fast approaching. As for M15 and F23 leaving the eaglets, I am a little suprised because of the presence and tenacity of that GHO. Perhaps the eagles know something that I do not. Certianly if the adult eagles are asleep, they might not hear the GHO approaching in time. Again, we will just have to wait and see how this season transpires and hope beyond hope that the motto, ‘Trust the Eagles’ prevails in a good way.

Beau decided to burn one of the eggs this year like he did last year. Gabby wasn’t having it and she uncovered that precious one. https://youtu.be/SAvMuo-jEPY?

Some people spent New Year’s counting albatross on nests. How lovely.

Liberty and Guardian spent their time working on that new nest after their nest tree finally collapsed a few weeks ago. https://youtu.be/iZ1Hq9z4veM?

Wilko and Kasse each have a fish so far on Thursday. Mum and Dad are doing well.

And Mum did much better:

Gorgeous Kasse.

On Friday both kids waiting for fish.

There are no eaglets in nests except in Florida at the moment. It won’t be long until there are eaglets everywhere and like this one in Alaska that was rescued earlier in the year, the wildlife rehabilitation centres will be bursting at the seams.

I love the stuffy.

Remember the clinics always need our help. Clean sheets, towels, bleach, laundry soap, tools, pet carriers, stuffys, and monetary donations. You could also volunteer your time!

Guardian is giving some love to Liberty! https://youtu.be/JYiUB7b3csE?

Input is being sought on the release of White-tailed Eagles in the UK – with several groups taking on projects after the success of the Roy Dennis Foundation on the Isle of Wight.

Public views wanted on plans to release White-tailed eagles in Cumbria, Wales, Severn Estuary & Exmo Download

There is a new female at the Achieva Credit Union nest and I wish there was a younger male, too, but it appears that Jack is there. I am 90% certain that the female bird on this nest is the female fledgling of 2020 who defended this nest against adults when she had barely fledged (June) and who stayed around and returned several times later. She has a heart on the top of her head in espresso black. She went 79 hours without food. Was given up for dead several times as a wee, wee one. Was saved because her Mum brought those big catfish on that nest and fed her privately once Diane realised that this third hatch wasn’t going anywhere. Well, I believe this female is Tiny Tot Tumbles. Thanks, MP for that head shot!

I wish I were younger! Just look at this great opportunity. If you know of anyone that might be eligible and would be interested, please pass this information on to them. A fully funded PhD – that is what I had to the University of Leicester – and it is worth a truck full of gold and more. Pass the information along, please.

Fully funded PhD available: The Impacts of Avian Influenza and Toxicants in Scottish Raptors – Rapto Download

‘A’ is only one of hundreds who have written to me about Angel, the Leucistic Red Tail Hawk who had her nest in Tennessee. What happened to her? No one knows. ‘A’ writes: “ill searching for any word on the fate of Angel and Tom. There is none, though I am not the only person looking for news. I get such a bad feeling when I think about what has happened. We would not recognise Tom in the absence of Angel – if someone were to see him, the ID could not be certain. So it is her that we would recognise and the fact that she has not been seen is very worrying indeed. Not a body either, so she hasn’t had a flying accident or caught bird flu. The landowner has kept an eye out for them I am sure – I know that was the case back when they first disappeared and I imagine that would continue in the course of the day-to-day operations on the property. So we would probably know if she had been killed or had died within or near her territory.

I do suspect she has been trapped by someone and is imprisoned in a cage somewhere or even dead. I suppose I would prefer that she be dead than locked up for life in a cage. Birds bred in captivity are one thing (and not a nice one) but those who have lived a wild and natural life like Angel would suffer dreadfully from being restrained. It makes me want to cry. Not a week passes that I don’t search the web for some news of her. “

One of the biggest problems with the streaming cams is this. No one wants anyone to know where the nest is unless it is made public. I won’t go into how people can find nests because I don’t want to add any more stress to our raptors and I don’t want to give away methods and secrets. Despite the claims to try and hide the locations, many of the chat moderators give away far too much information. It makes me really upset. The nest of Angel was one of those – too much information. We already know that there are international crime circuits that collect eggs and birds. Wonder how much a pure white Red-tail Hawk was worth? She definitely could have been trapped. She could have died of Avain Flu. She could have died of West Nile Virus. She could have been shot. She could have died of natural causes. Anyone that is on a chat – whether they are a moderator or a chatter – should never ever mention anything about where they live especially if they live in close proximity and check on nests. Criminals are clever. Nothing should be mentioned. Not even the weather! And those cameras should be careful what they show in the background. Believe me people can put the pieces together if they are intent on doing harm and making money.

Gabby and Beau continue incubation. It won’t be long now – a little over a week til we will be waiting for hatch at the NE Florida nest.

Clive continues to prove himself, over and over. Those little eaglets are the cutest things – even with fish juice all over them.

There is worry for F23 leaving those eaglets alone on the nest with that GHO about. But look at those little cutie pies with their dark thermal down coming in and their pin feathers.

Look at the body shape of the SW Florida eaglets compared to Captiva. This will give you an idea of the growth that happens in just a couple of weeks.

Look at that fluffy white mohawk.

I wish Mum would stay in that nest all night tonight!

The image below comes from the following publication: tps://www.researchgate.net/publication/313384900_Monitoring_Bald_Eagles_in_Southwest_Alaska_Network_Parks_Standard_Operating_Procedures_Version_10?enrichId=rgreq-410614b7533b2248c3f0ad792f63b549-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZXJQYWdlOzMxMzM4NDkwMDtBUzo0NTg4NTI4NjE3Nzk5NzBAMTQ4NjQxMDQ1NTgxMA%3D%3D&el=1_x_3&_esc=publicationCoverPdf

Look at the image above and then look at the screen captures from the SW Florida nest to see the age and development of the plumage of the eaglets.

This poster was created by the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee. Look carefully. It will not be long that M15 and F23’s eaglets will be moving quickly to image C.

Peregrine Falcons are amazing. 42 days. An incredible journey.

What an amazing osprey nest in South Australia.

If anyone ever tells you that our raptors and other mammals (non-humans) do not have emotions and do not grieve, please share this tragic story with them.

Grieving killer whale who carried calf’s body spotted again with dead baby | Whales | The Guardian Download

The increasing tragedy of bird migration when cities will not turn their lights off. It is so simple and yet few have had the tenacity to flip the switch. It angers me just like my city does when it decides to shoot the deer and the coyotes and not question its planning model.

Live ones go in paper bags, dead ones in the freezer: the volunteers saving birds that fly into wind Download

Sasha Dench and Conservation without Borders are trying to save ospreys from power line deaths. https://youtu.be/jlkw1cGA8aI?

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, J, MP’, SK Hideaways, Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Preserve, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, Alaska Raptor Centre, Raptor Persecution UK, NEFL-AEF, Window to Wildlife, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Researchgate, Southwestern Bald Eagle Management, Sandeepa Imasha Punsara, Fran Solly, The Guardian, Achieva Credit Union, Conservation without Borders

Wednesday in Bird World

25 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Thank you for all of your holiday wishes. We appreciate them so much and, of course, you are always in our thoughts and we hope that whatever holiday you celebrate (or not), you find time to find comfort in nature.

The latest news on Gabby:

It was -1 C on the Canadian Prairies on Tuesday. Remarkable for a day of blue sky and a bright sun, but being warm! Nearer to the forest, it is foggy. It was quite eerie and yet beautiful.

Tuesday turned out to be a day Tuesday was a day filled with gratitude. Our respite caregiver, Anne, has been with us for almost a year and has quickly become a trusted member of our family. She wasn’t with us last week, and I felt anxious until today when she quietly knocked on our door. My greatest fear is losing her.

Not long after she arrived, Anne shared that she will be retiring on January 2nd. She also mentioned that she would continue to help me without any payment, which is something you rarely hear. I was overwhelmed with emotion and broke into tears. Although I wouldn’t allow her to do that, we will break away from the current system and hire her directly. This new arrangement excites me and brings a sense of relief for the future.

The traditional roast chicken is prepared and ready for the cats, both inside and outside. To encourage Hugo Yugo to drink more water, a small pink fountain is now available. Additionally, there is a box of squeezy treats (chicken and cheese) and a container of catnip for all of them tomorrow.

The birds and squirrels continue to enjoy the contents of the baskets. While outside this morning, I spotted ‘evidence’ that we now have a large rabbit coming to the feeders. This put a huge smile on our faces. There are many predators – we hope it stays safe.

Thanks to the help of my friend, ‘R’, the requirements of David Hancock are fulfilled. He has more than enough information, films, and images for his book (I hope). It feels good to help David and to find the documents and images he needed.

If we can get the house cleaned and find some Mochi, we will be ready for the new year to arrive! I also have to prepare that book list for you and so, to clean this house – four cats can cause a lot of fur to be hiding – and do that, I plan to take a few days off. I will be back with you on Sunday morning. In the meantime, continue to check out those beautiful bobbleheads at SW Florida, and by Sunday, there should be two at Captiva!

The Captiva eaglet has no idea how fortunate it is to have Clive and Connie for parents. There will never be an empty crop. Already Clive has enough fish for a dozen eaglets.

Fish juice from one end to the other. That is a beautiful sight.

Of course, the other very fortunate eaglets are at the nest of M15 and F23 at SW Florida. Look at those wee wings. They will be big and strong and trained well to face anything that might come to them. M15 and F23 will see to that!

‘A’ adds: “Ah, the parenting at SWFL is a joy to watch, is it not? And those two fluffy bobbleheads are still in their adorable white fluffy stage, although the relatively drab thermal down will soon overwhelm the exquisite downy baby feathers altogether. I do hope their current behaviour towards each other continues – feisty but non-aggressive – and I have a lot of confidence in their parents to ensure that all remains well at this nest.”

The chat at NE Florida nest of Beau and Gabby will return Thursday. In the meantime it appears that Gabby still has not cast that pellet she has been trying to rid herself of for several days.

Continue to send this nest and all that have eggs and chicks the most positive energy. They have more challenges than you can imagine.

Why can’t eagles cast pellets? Those reading my blog will know that pellets are the indigestible. The pellets are formed in the gizzard and then cast out from the mouth. The only part of prey that they can’t digest with the very acidic stomachs raptors have is fur and feathers (and again some bones).

Eagles cannot cast a pellet if they have not eaten a prey that has feathers or fur. Is this why Gabby is having such trouble?

Beautiful female and egg at E-3 Kistachie National Forest.

Jackie and Shadow were at their nest on Tuesday in Big Bear.

We should never give up trying to improve the world for our environment and wildlife.

This is my understanding about how loud noise can impact raptors. How can the Australian government allow this when the Canadian Government would limit the noise. Yes, ospreys are not migratory birds in Australia but this nest must be protected.

Loud noises can harm ospreys in many ways, including:

Stress: Loud noises can cause birds to experience chronic stress, which can lead to a variety of health issues.
Physical damage: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause temporary damage to a bird’s ears, and in some cases, long-term physical effects like feather loss and cardiovascular disease.
Behavioral changes: Loud noises can cause birds to change their behavior, such as cowering, fleeing, or ceasing mating activities.
Reduced communication: Noise can make it harder for birds to communicate with each other.
Reduced reproductive success: Loud noises can negatively impact a bird’s ability to mate and raise young.
Reduced foraging: Noise can make it harder for birds to find food.

Canada recommends adjusting setback distances to avoid disturbing migratory birds with loud noises. Noise levels that exceed 10 decibels above the ambient noise level in the natural environment can be harmful.

What a welcome sight. Ervie.

Heidi reports on a new osprey nest.

No fish at Port Lincoln yet as it nears noon and then nears 1300.

Still no fish.

Wilko got a fish from Mum late in the day. I hope there were more fish and maybe the fairy will arrive on Boxing Day.

Geemeff has shared some wonderful news. Gary from the Loch Arkaig nest 1 (not Louis and Dorcha’s current nest but Louis’s earlier one) has been spotted in Senegal and photographed by Jean-marie Dupart. Geemeff is over the moon!

Bird flu is killing big cats in Washington Sanctuary.

20 Big Cats Die From Bird Flu at a Washington Sanctuary – The New York Times Download

Bird Flu is causing dire times for dairy farmers.

Bird Flu Has Hit California Dairies So Hard That They’re Calling It ‘Covid for Cows’ – The New York Download

More and more Trusts are working to purchase land to protect wildlife. Why are more not doing this elsewhere? On the Canadian Prairies, Ducks Unlimited works with governments and other groups to buy vast tracts of land to protect wetlands. Yes, they hunt ducks. I can’t stand it, but sometimes, we must compromise for the betterment of many other waterfowl.

In the UK, the Shropshire Wildlife Trust is raising funds to buy 50-hectare nature-rich site: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/24/shropshire-wildlife-trust-raising-funds-to-buy-50-acre-nature-rich-site?CMP=share_btn_url

The Ground Dove babies are now out of the nest in Curacao where my son is visiting.

Geemeff sends us a good news story about Sammy the Parrot!

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/sammie-the-parrot-rescued-after-two-cold-nights-outside-1.7156205?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. See you in a few days!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘CM, Geemeff, H, J’, Window to Wildlife, SW Florida Eagle Cam, NEFL-AEF, KNF-E3, FOBBV, Fran Solly, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, Heidi McGrue, The New York Times, The Guardian, Atlantic CTV news, Geemeff and Jean-marie Dupart

Tuesday in Bird World

24 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

The best of the holidays to those in the Southern Hemisphere who are celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah today. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, it is Christmas Eve. Wishing you glorious memories.

There is lots of news today. As I write, a hatch in progress for Connie and Clive at the Captiva Bald Eagle nest on Santibel Island, Florida. No doubt, Connie will be feeding a wee baby Tuesday morning!

Clive already has fish at the ready. What a grand Dad he is.

There is a hatch for the Captiva couple! Clive is so excited. That nest is going to be full of fish! https://youtu.be/O10VymOl4Xk?

There is an egg at the Kistachie National Forest E3 nest. Congratulations. What a terrible year it was for both nests last year. Good wishes to all for successful hatches and fledges this year.

WingsofWhimsy published the following ‘Worries of a First Year Eagle Watcher’ and ‘J’ sent it to us. How appropriate as the eggs begin to hatch.

The two eaglets at Superbeaks are doing well. (I cannot show images and will only mention them briefly..more on that later).

Gabby has returned to incubating her eggs with Beau. We will probably never know what caused her to leave her incubation duties. Perhaps she was unwell. She tried to cast a pellet thirteen times in 18 minutes but still no success. Oh, please let her be alright.

SK Hideaways has it all on video. https://youtu.be/OqhMujLUFE0?

At SW Florida, Gracie Shepherd catches E24 getting to the rails! https://youtu.be/O10VymOl4Xk?

The Ventana Wildlife Society has given a glimpse of the life of a condor from hatch to fledge! A lovely video. https://youtu.be/d7emYoZ7Qtw?

The Port Lincoln Osprey fledglings are always the most gorgeous creatures.

Thank goodness for the fish fairy – and Mum and Dad came through, too.

The real event for the day is Wilko. He obviously watched Mum fishing from the barge and he dove 4 times for his own fish! My heart is beating faster. How splendid. Here they are on video: https://youtu.be/b0ptEZFmX7Q?

We had a lovely day on Monday. The landscape was covered with hoar frost. Hoar frost forms on branches, foliage, etc., when water vapour in the air touches its surface if that surface is below freezing. It looks like icy needles.

It was magical.

We walked and walked and fed the chickadees. There were hundreds of them. It was like a runway with one landing for food and then another. Enjoy!

Sad news from Birdlife International:

To balance the sad, we have good news coming from Nepal where they are working hard to avoid the extinction of some species.

This Himalayan valley is home to a thriving community and population of cranes. But actions close to home and around the world threaten the landscape. Luckily, our Partner in Bhutan is there to make a positive change.-https://www.birdlife.org/news/2024/11/22/a-himalayan-haven-for-the-black-necked-crane/

More good news after a close call!

A very lucky Australian Osprey chick called Marie had a narrow escape and a good outcome which included advice from Roy Dennis:

Search and rescue

Audubon Florida’s Naturalist Magazine is attached – happy to share with you!

naturalist_winter2024_web_v7_1 Download

As I end this short post today, I have learned of a bush fire very close to the Olympic Park Sea Eagle nest. Send your good wishes for Lady and Dad and all the animals and birds in the forest – even the darn Currawongs!

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, H, J’, Window to Wildlife, WingsofWhimsy, NEFL-AEF, SK Hideaways, Heidi Mc, Gracie Shepherd, Ventana Wildlife Society, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, Birdlife International, Australian Rural and Regional News, Audubon Florida

Sunday in Bird World

22 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope the weekend has been good for you and everyone you love.

Saturday was a wonderful day on the Canadian Prairies. It was warmer, -7 C , but a little windy. No snow!

The birds and squirrels enjoyed the contents of the basket, just without the basket! Both Crows came to feed along with more than fifty Starlings, more Sparrows than I could count, a Little Woodpecker (Mrs Downy), and ALL of the squirrels, including dear Dyson. There was, sadly, only one Blue Jay. I have not gotten close enough to tell if Mr or Mrs Junior is missing. It just saddens me. Brock had his meal. So, for the most part, all is good with the world in the garden.

The deer were across from the park near me when we left them a large bag of apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots Saturday afternoon. The conservation officers disapprove. Four of us feed them because there is no food except the shrubs and Brandon Cedars planted in people’s front gardens for them since their forest area was cleared.

There were deer at another park. It is such a pleasure to see them. It is a large area with lots of bush. They appeared healthy and people driving through were very cautious of their presence. What a change from those near to where I live that drive way too fast.

It was a lovely day. Good food, many laughs, and time outside.

I did little checking on the birds. Let’s see what is happening with a few of them.

SK Hideaways gives us Hartley and Monty with a brand new brilliant camera at San Jose. Gosh, aren’t they adorable?! I love peregrine falcons except for the anxiety and challenges they face living in an urban environment like these two. https://youtu.be/cKE8Habt8BU?

At Port Lincoln yesterday. No fish have been delivered yet on Sunday.

Mum brought in a massive fish on Sunday at 1122, and it looks like Wilko claimed it.

The cuteness factor is in the nest of M15 and F23. No other place! Well, not yet.

They eat and eat and SK Hideaways caught in on video: https://youtu.be/4q-WM3nfazg?

‘J’ writes: “I think both of the E’s are going to be mighty survivors, both feisty as can be! F23 must also be a buddha reincarnation. She takes M15’s shenanigans in stride and now completely ignores her kids pulling her feathers.” We all agree!

A good video showing E25 making a prey steal! https://youtu.be/QCCEPfR4ZBY?

The rebuilding at Johnson City ETSU has begun. Jolene and Boone will make quick work of all that is required.

‘I did not catch Jackie or Shadow at the nest in Big Bear Valley.

There has been some concern for what is happening at the NE Florida nest of Gabby and Beau. Some chatters are worried that something is the matter. Gabby is giving Beau much more incubation time than she did last year. Last year, Beau wasn’t ready. this year it appears he is and he is happily looking after those eggs. Gabby appears to be fine but leaving the eggs which seems odd. Send good energy please just in case.

Ban one and keep another. Killing any bees is not good for the planet.

UK to ban bee-killing pesticides but highly toxic type could still be allowedhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/21/uk-ban-bee-killing-pesticides-highly-toxic-neonicotinoid-could-be-allowed?CMP=share_btn_url

Sadly, bird flu is causing many deaths as migrating birds carrying the virus move south. Thanks, Sunnie Day.

Bird flu has spiked in parts of the U.S. In Iowa, migrating birds play a role

https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/2024-12-20/bird-flu-spread-updates-iowa-chickens-poutry-wild-migration

The recent outbreaks at several poultry operations in northwest Iowa are connected to a virus circulating in wild birds. A different strain infected 13 dairies and 3 poultry operations in late May and June.

Looking to help. Donate produce to your local wildlife rehab clinic! Leave food for squirrels, not just birds!

Recent research shows that 40% of the food in North America is wasted. Calico’s Tip for the Day: Buy Less, Use it All, Never throw anything away!

My son is visiting Curacao for a wee holiday. He posted a beautiful photo of a Common Ground Dove on her nest. Isn’t she gorgeous? This is the tinest dove living in the Caribbean. It grows only to a length of 16 cm or a fraction over 6 inches.

I am used to seeing the Zenaida or Eared Dove. I could tell this one by the yellow on its beak. The Audubon Field Guide describes its habitat thus: “Farms, orchards, wood edges, roadsides. Mostly in semi-open habitats with low brush and grass. In the southeast, found mostly in brushy fields, understory of open pine woods, forest edges. In southwest, occurs in similar habitats including orchards, ranch yards, mesquite thickets along streams.”

All About Birds describes its feeding habits, “Common Ground Doves make their living by gleaning small seeds from wild grasses and weeds. They are also common visitors to bird feeders. They may specialize on certain seeds during the summer, when food is abundant, but eat a variety of seeds during winter. Ground doves also feed on small berries and insects. In spring and summer they may eat snail shells, possibly to replenish the calcium devoted to eggs and crop-milk during nesting.”

Their challenges are habitat loss, including areas where they can nest, cat predation or accidentally by people, and car collisions. They are currently of low concern in terms of conservation.

Hugo Yugo wishes everyone sweet dreams.

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care of yourself. It is very busy everywhere, and people are not watching or taking care on the roads. Most of all, breathe. Take time to enjoy the very simple pleasures. Take a walk. Listen to the birds. Watch them. Take any loads off your shoulders. Be kind. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write this post today: ‘A, CM, J’, SK Hideaways, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Lady Hawk, ETSU-Johnson City, FOBBV, NEFL-AEF, The Guardian, National Geographic, Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue and Rehab, Iowa Public Radio, Audubon Field Guide, Cornell Bird Lab All About Birds

Thursday in Bird World

19 December 2024

Hello Everyone,

It’s cold. The current temperature is -23 C, but it really feels much colder! Did I say I was already tired of winter? The garden animals are, too. Hugo Yugo is feeling quite herself. She and Baby Hope spent most of the day play fighting. Hope had the advantage today. She is much bigger and heavier than Hugo Yugo, but often Hugo Yugo wins because of her wit and lack of fear to do stunning manoeuvres.

I am always surprised at how rough they can get. Then after quite a few minutes they just walk away and go to sleep. Their sisters decided to simply stay away. I don’t blame them!

Missey insisted on being in the conservatory, pawing at the glass door til I gave in like a mother who spoils her children til they are rotten. You can see the sun shining bright behind her. It is most often that way on a cold, cold day here. The cloudy days are the warmest.

They are all good and I continue to be thankful for all your wonderful wishes for Hugo Yugo’s swift recovery.

It is hard to imagine a bird desiring only to fly free and have a meal and being shot dead by vast estate owners and their staff. Well, that is the plight of many Hen Harriers in Scotland despite the efforts to continue their population growth.

Two satellite-tagged hen harriers that disappeared from a winter roost both found dead with shotgun Download

Hen Harriers are some of the most beautiful and graceful raptors on our planet. They raise their chicks in the heather on the ground. Their owl like face helps them to hunt birds on the ground. And that is the problem. They eat a few Red Grouse. Well, after reading how much these estates spend on deer management just to lose 3 million GBP annually, it seems to me they could spare a few of the over subscribed partridge or some of the Red Grouse the aristocrats hunt on a weekend. Quite honestly it makes me sick!

A big shout out to Port Lincoln Ospreys and The Friends of Osprey Sth Aus for realizing how important Ervie and all the chicks are to us and posting all of their tracking information. Thank you!

Marie the Foster Chick at Gleeson’s:

Gleeson’s male is on the move but staying close to the nest.

Gleeson’s female is not flying so far from home yet.

Fran says that Wilko is spending time going from perch to perch with one long flight.

Vincent at the Price Platform has fledged and doing well.

Fran says that “Kasse has cemented her position as the class clown” …but her flying is getting stronger every day.

I didn’t see anything for Ervie, Bradley, or Giliath. Hopefully soon!

Wednesday was a jam packed day at the Port Lincoln barge if you missed it.

No fish have come to the nest, but Wilko found one left over on the nest around 1033 and is still eating.

Kasse appears later to have a large crop. It is, perhaps, just the camera’s angle as no fish deliveries are recorded at the nest.

Fran Solly posted the information on the bands of the South Australia ospreys. If you missed it, I am posting it again.

‘A’ sends us a little more news of the Melbourne Falcons: “I had a long chat today about the peregrine juveniles… I told you they had six juvenile falcons admitted with various injuries (head, wing etc), all of which the vet (Peter) has managed to heal and nurse back to health and most of which have now been released. They were not noticeably hungry and certainly not emaciated, which was news I welcomed.”

Gracie Shepherd had a good post showing Connie incubating and the two eggs at Captiva.

Gorgeous images coming from SW Florida. M15 and F23 seem to have agreed – and M15 did feed both of the chicks – that keeping both of them full to the top of their little heads is the way to keep a quiet peaceful nest.

There has already been a beautiful dual feeding.

Nesting Bird Life and More shows us some more of the little eaglets. https://youtu.be/ewprFMnfTl8?

Guardian and Liberty seem to have accepted the nest built for them by the new camera last summer since their old nest collapsed. https://youtu.be/iXshKsQ3gpY?

It was a gorgeous day at the Eagle Country nest of Skye and Blaze. No eggs yet for this new couple.

We will be so delighted to see an egg (or two) hatch for Beau and Gabby.

‘MP’ writes that there is now a second egg at the John Bunker Sands Wetlands eagle nest. Congratulations!

I get such wonderful mail. ‘J’ wrote stating they knew they were ‘preaching to the choir’ by writing to me. She did not known who was the originator of the following posting, but it spoke to their heart. They felt that we need a reminder – and to softly remind others – of what it would mean to the wildlife rehabilitation clinics and all the volunteers if all the funds we spent on lavish and unnecessary gifts were instead donations to help the animals.

What It Really Means to Rescue:

There has been a lot of unnecessary and distracting drama in the rescue community lately. I wish that everyone could take a step back and consider what it actually means to run a rescue.

Every day, there are more in need than can be saved.

Every day, your doors are open 24/7 even when your bank account is in the red.

Every day, you spend hours coaching willing finders and would be fosters/adopters/ rescuers. You also spend hours begging finders to meet you half way. Put the bird in a box please. He won’t hurt you just pick him up. No I can’t dispatch someone to meet you immediately. Please walk the bird 3 blocks to the Humane Society so I don’t have to call on my friend to drive 30 minutes one way to do it for you (this actually happened to me and yes she did drive 30 mins to bring a bird 3 blocks.)
Every day you put patience and care at the forefront, even when you just want to rage at the world.

Every day you fund raise and write grants and pinch pennies and try not to have to say No. Every day, you ask “what is the price of a life (priceless) and how am I going to afford it?”

Rescue is also about loss. Not every animal you try to help can be saved. Not every animal, even ones found by caring people, lives in a place where the proper resources are available to treat them. We do what we can, always, but sometimes it isn’t enough. We grieve those losses and we remember them all. Every single one.

Every animal found/saved/loved/not saved that comes through a rescue is encased in a human and their feelings. Their joy is our joy and their grief is our grief. The finders, the fosters, the adopters – everyone who tried, everyone who cared is a part of that rescue story. These birds and these people live in our bones, forever. Success or failure, we must soldier on. We have to, because there are more waiting in the wings. Always more, waiting.

Rescue is as much about a network as it is about taking in animals. This work is impossible alone. To really help these beings, you must have a community: local, national and even abroad. Social media makes rescue easier and harder. Every amazing connection across the world equals more lives saved. And every moment of drama that isn’t actively helping an animal is taking time away from saving a life.

You are only one person and those in need are many. You have to be able to ask for help and to give help in return. You have to be kind even when you are exhausted. You have to find a way to accept defeat when your best isn’t enough and not let it crush you. Sadly, there will always be animal cruelty and exploitation. There will always be not enough money and not enough space. There will always be times when you are too late. But…if you keep going, your best will be enough for many, and for each of those animals, your best is EVERYTHING.

Thank you to all who help and care for these birds.

In Scotland, shenanigans are going on with the grouse moor licensing!

NatureScot is stalling on releasing overdue FoI documents relating to its grouse moor licensing sham Download

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, H, J, MP’, Raptor Persecution UK, Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, Port Lincoln Osprey, Bart M and the PLO, Fran Solly, Gracie Shepherd, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Nesting Bird Life and More, Eagle Country, Raptor Persecution UK, Unknown author

Wednesday in Bird World

18 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

It is so nice to have you with us as we begin the final preparation of the solstice baskets for the garden animals. We should have a photo before they go out to the garden Thursday! I am hoping Brock’s arrives in time! It is a heated double bowl set that will solve water and wet food issues. If the snow cooperates, we will also be able to get across the City to fetch a bag of butter bark as the last ingredient to make those baskets a buffet for all the garden birds.

Our celebrations will be simple. A huge salad to accompany some homemade naan and a cashew and chickpea curry with lots of cilantro. It adds a freshness that tastes like a blend of pepper and yuzu. If you have never tried it chopped up in a salad, please do, stems and all. What to have for dessert when we have had far too many shortbread cookies and mince tarts already? So, the indulgence was two bars of the best chocolate, one a creamy Irish Cream and the other a Salted Caramel to go with a small basket of pears. There will be a warm fire for ‘The Girls’ and some special food for them. This year has been a time of discovering simple pleasures. The Solstice evening will be one of those.

Some news is coming in from Bird World while several eagle nests continue incubating.

‘PB’ writes that there is an osprey near Omaha, Nebraska. While the cold will not impact the raptors we have to remember that ospreys require fish and the water would have to be open. We had about 50 ducks fly over us the other day. They live on one of our rivers where the water is discharged back into the river and it stays open.

The New York Times has a very worrying article on climate coming from the Arctic. Its words ring true to those living in Manitoba and traveling north to see the polar bears or going there for work. The permafrost has been melting and falling into the sea! Please read. The impact is already impacting wildlife in the northern part of Manitoba and the Arctic. It will begin to impact our birds that we love so much and as the article says, “What happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic.” Warming seas are going to have a huge impact on our birds as the fish die off. It is already happening in places.

Climate Worrying signs from the Arctic Download

The RSPB has launched an interactive map showing the fate of the Hen Harriers that have satellite trackers. Very enlightening.

RPSB launches interactive map showing fates of satellite-tagged hen harriers – Raptor Persecution UK Download

The latest research paper mentioned in the document above reinforces that the fate of the Harriers lies at the hands of the grouse-killing moors.

New scientific paper confirms ongoing & widespread hen harrier persecution on UK grouse moors – Rapt Download

The killing of the raptors continues. What makes people want to kill animals?

Multiple birds of prey found dead in suspicious circumstances – police appeal for information & warn Download

Geemeff sends us the latest news from Roy Dennis who is building more platforms for Ospreys.

Roy Dennis and chums are hard at work preparing homes for the Osplets at the Pego Oliva marshes:

https://lamarinaalta.com/en/la-marjal-de-pego-se-pone-a-punto-para-la-llegada-de-doce-polluelos-mas-de-aguila-pescadora

It is past midnight on the Canadian prairies and is already Wednesday. I am reading a book, Feral, by George Monbiot. Bear with me as I copy a few paragraphs from this important book. I hope that those who are fighting the commercial fishing in the Chesapeake Bay are reading the post today! The subject is the introduction of wildlife and the economy.

“It took as its case study the country of Sutherland, a wide territory in the gar north of Scotland, covering 5200 square kilometres. Of this, the report reveals, 4000 square kilometres are in the hands of estates, which number just eight-one. In other words, three-quarters of one of the largest counties in Britain is owned by eighty-one families, or by their secretive trusts in tax havens. Across the ten it sampled, covering 780 square kilometres, it found 112 people in full time equivalent employment. Tat means that just one person is employed by the dominant industry for every seven square kilometres, an area five times the size of Hyde Park. The association’s figures suggest to me that the absentee owners and their monocultures of deer prevent not only the ecological regeneration of the region but also the economic regeneration. The report also revealed that the income generated by stalking on the estates throughout Sutherland is 1.6 million GBP. This is a tiny sum which spread across 4000 square kilometres. Their expenditure on deer management is 4.7 million GBP. In other words, stalking can be sustained there only because the bankers or oil sheikhs or mining magnates who own the land burn money on their expensive pastime. Even the tiny numbers of people employed by deer stalking are reliant on the irrational spending of absentee landlords, which could be terminated at any time. Compare these figures with a study from the Isle of Mull, which discovered that colonization by white-tailed eagles has brought 5 million GBP a year into its economy and supports 110 full time jobs. Thousands of people now travel to the island to watch the chicks hatching and fledging from the eagle hide at Glen Seilisdeir or to take an eagle cruise on Loch Shiel. The eagles now account for half the enquiries at the visitor desk at the island’s main ferry terminal. A study commissioned by the Scottish Government calculates that wildlife tourism in Scotland is already worth 276 GBP a year. Rewinding and the reintroduction of other missing species could greatly enhance this figure, generating many more jobs than deer-stalking does today.” (Feral, 102)

Why should we allow a foreign company to deplete the Menhaden population, which is contributing to the decline of whales and dolphins, the depletion of Striped Bass, and the starvation of Osprey chicks? Just imagine if the Chesapeake Bay were a thriving ecosystem. I wonder how much income and employment opportunities related to wildlife could be generated in that scenario.

The Cornell Bird Lab and Wild Birds Unlimited have a photo contest. I know that so many of you are very talented. Please check out the information below – I want to see your names for those winning prizes!

WBU Birdspotter entries Download

A week or so ago I mentioned to you that one of the Melbourne fledgling CBD falcons had been in care and was being prepared for release. That information came from someone close to the individual whose care the falcon was in. ‘J’ has just sent me a posting by Victor Hurley that gives us some additional information:

Now what is happening to those two little bobble heads at SW Florida?

E25 coming out to join the world. https://youtu.be/B82BuqHCLc4?

Images from Tuesday. I hope that E25 gets strong fast as E24 is quite the strong older sibling.

You are going to need your worry beads. I don’t think this is because I am concerned. M15 always steps in to help the underdog eaglet! Or he has in the past. This nest has never lost an eaglet to siblicide. What you will see are two eaglets fighting it out for dominance. 24 began it began the minute 25 hatched. They will bonk and twist one another, and you will want to turn the screen off. — To my knowledge, 25 has not eaten since it hatched. I am worrying.

Jackie has been at the nest in Big Bear. https://youtu.be/YnQaMHImpuk?

Jackie has also been doing a lot of flying about! Isn’t she gorgeous? https://youtu.be/slHlKI9geKc?

The day began with Wilko getting all of the first fish but a few bites that Dad brought to the nest.

Wed 18 Dec 2024 video archive

Age (chicks): Wilko : 73 days, Kasse : 70 days (10 weeks)
Fish count: Mum: 0, Dad: 1
Fish times: 07:07Feed times:

06:02	Wilko messing with his sister in the early morning sun rise.
07:07	Dad’s in with a headless, breakfast fish.	Dad (M,Part)
07:07 1	Wilko gets the 1st fish as usual. Mum was hovering over the nest but decides to fly away instead. It was already grabbed. Kasse manages to get a bite for herself when she latches onto the fish in his talons! Wilko will finish the fish tail.
08:31	wilko and mum on the old barge

Feeding Times

Start	Finish	Duration	Fed Chick
			Wilko	Kasse
1: 07:07	07:45	38 min	L	S

Another fish was delivered and it appears that Wilko got it as well.

The fish dinners improved at Port Lincoln Ospreys.

The worry about the Mum from Coobowsie who has been missing for several days continues.

Supplementary fish cannot be provided because of gulls and pelicans at Tumby Island.

At the Royal Albatross Colony, there was a royal reunion. https://youtu.be/USv_Tmmd2UI?

Geemeff wonders if she can hijack my blog to ask for help for the Highland Tiger. Of course, you can! We are concerned mostly about ospreys but that season is not here save for South Australia so yes! Please help. They are an integral part to getting the Highlands back to the biodiversity there once was in that beautiful landscape.

Geemeff reminds us that saving the Highland Tigers also helps to save and protect the birds. Please read and write to the company Vattenfalls.

Judy Harrington brings news of the Olympic Park Sea Eagles. She speaks of the heat. The forecast is for 32 C at the Park by the weekend.

We have news from the Ventana Wildlife Society:

Calico’s Tip for the Day comes to us at one of the most intensive spending times of the year:

Thank you so much for being with us today. I hope that you are enjoying time with friends and family. 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, J’ The New York Times, Raptor Persecution UK, lamarinaalta. Cornell Bird Lab and Wild Birds Unlimited, SK Hideaways, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Bart M and the PLO, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Dave Wetherall, Cornell Lab Bird Cams, Judy Harrington, Ventana Wildlife Society, 1 Million Women FB and Mari Copeny

Monday in Bird World

16 December 2024

Hello Everyone,

Today is more about Calico’s list of books that SHE enjoyed during 2024 than it is catching up on nest news. There are a few things happening and we will touch on them. I will be sending this posting out late Sunday evening and the next post will come Wednesday morning. Please watch for the hatch of E25 prior to that blog.

Hugo Yugo will be having her surgery early and my focus will be on her over the next few days and her recovery.

Sunday afternoon E25 was trying to get out of its shell and join its older sibling, E24! Terrific that the delayed incubation is working so well. F23 is a pro! M15 picked well. Thanks, ‘J’.

Here is E24 hatching if you missed it! https://youtu.be/bQ1ajd9J3xc?

It was +1 on Sunday. Gentle flakes of snow fell on Winnipeg in the early afternoon. The Starlings, some 34 of them, were busy at the feeders. There was plenty of cat kibble and it would seem that was what brought the extra birds to the garden. Dyson and Gang were here – the entire troop of five. It is wonderful to see them scurrying about. The Sparrows are busy eating snow. It is time to get the heater to keep the water warm out of the cupboard!

Calico has been sitting beside me all morning. We are writing the story of her and Baby Hope and finding photos. I so wish that I had taken images of her when she first came to the feeder in late 2022. Still, I am grateful for the ones that we have. She has sat patiently and slowly the others have poured into the warm conservatory to listen and watch the birds. I don’t think they have ever seen so many starlings! There is one Blue Jay and one Crow – which worries me. There should be two of each. The Blue Jays always come together at some point to the feeders. Little Red is busy caching peanuts and causing mischief. Oh, oh. The second Crow has arrived. Now we just wait to see if there is a second Blue Jay.

Calico’s book list for 2024 is not all about our feathered friends but often about nature, how individual lives have been changed by learning about wildlife and their transformation into good citizens of our planet. This year, it is shorter than usual – not because there weren’t a lot of books coming in to read but because she has gotten picky about what she likes to hear!

The top book for 2024 is Raising Hare. We have now read it four times. Chloe Dalton’s busy urban life is changed during the pandemic when she scoops up a tiny hare from the road and takes it into her country home. Line drawings, great narrative. Ten Golden Paws for readability!

Her second choice for 2024 publications is An Anthology of Exquisite Birds. We pick several species and read about them each evening. The writing is clear and while the book was meant for children, Calico thinks everyone would enjoy it. Packed with gorgeous illustrations!

Calico really enjoyed listening to Jennifer Ackerman’s What an Owl Knows. The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds. Who would have thought Calico would like hearing about owls! She hears me scream at the local one all the time! Small black and white illustrations within the text and a central part of coloured images. Of course, Calico doesn’t care about the images – only the words, but you might like them.

It is and it isn’t a bird book. Our Green Heart is about the special place forests and trees play in our lives. Calico really enjoyed this book!

Canada’s female astronaut examines the beauty and threat to two species, The Whooping Crane and the Lesser Flamingo in Space for Birds. It is a gorgeous book – just look at that cover! Calico appreciated the writing. I loved that and the beautiful images.

Calico must be into the symbolism and mystical qualities of birds because she truly enjoyed having several entries of Ornithography. An Illustrated Guide to Bird Lore and Symbolism read to her each evening. There are 100 entires, all illustrated. (I found it interesting that Calico sat and listened to these entries when she is always bored by field guides, and while I genuinely enjoyed Amy Tan’s Backyard Chronicles, Calico didn’t. Go figure!

It is not a 2024 publication, but Calico cannot get enough of this book about life in the Welsh countryside. It is another transformative story of a young East Indian woman who moves to rural Wales. It was the first book Calico ever heard during story time. It is I can hear the Cuckoo.

Another old favourite is The Meaning of Geese. A thousand miles in search of home. It is the story of the author who gives up a wondrous life of travel to ride a bicycle around Norfolk, his home, studying the geese that migrate to the UK during the winter from Iceland, Greenland, and Siberia. Calico says if you like geese, this is the book for you!

We read every night and sometimes in the afternoons. Some books are favourites of mine and I will be making a much longer list for the end of the year. There are quite a number of new books that we have added to the library that appealed to me, but not to Calico! She is very particular about the sound of the words and which words are joined together. She will actually get up and walk out!

Another all time favourite that we read when Calico got tired of hearing scientific data about Ospreys, Falcons, or Condors was The Comfort of Crows. A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl. It is a wonderful little book that follows the life of the wildlife in Renkl’s garden with some amusing stories.

My listing will appear before the end of the year. I hope that it will contain some new books that will delight you over the winter.

Meanwhile at the nest of M15 and F23 in SW Florida, each tries to feed little E24. https://youtu.be/_BfPWsfaJLU?

In South Australia, Fran Solly has kindly posted the nests, the names, and the banding colours of this years chicks. Kasse’s bands are red left and white right, I think.

Missy flying about from Coobowie.

At Port Lincoln, all four family members are at the barge. Wilko is 72 days old today and Kasse is 69.

Noon. Kasse and Wilko hoping for fish!

Precious eggs of Beau and Gabby.

Good news for eggs and the Moli on the island of Kauai.

On Midway the albatross are breeding, too.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We will see you again on Wednesday. Send good wishes to Hugo Yugo on Monday for a successful surgery and take care of yourself.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cam that helped me to write my post today: ‘J’ SK Hideaways, the authors of all the books and Amazon, NestFlix Memories, Fran Solly, Port Lincoln Osprey, Bart M and the PLO, NEFL-AEF, Hob Osterlund, Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

Gabby and Beau are home…Monday in Bird World

14 October 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

It is Sunday morning at 1000. The three Blue Jays are dashing in and out caching peanuts this morning. We have spread the nuts out in four different places so that there is less fussing. The Red Squirrels have the small square feeder while the Blue Jays and Crow are sharing the large one. The Grey Squirrels are on the deck. In the middle of all of this are the Starlings who have decided that they are really enjoying the solid suet cylinders more than the ‘Superior’ birdseed. They all seem happy and energetic. The rain from last night has given way to blue skies and fluffy cotton ball clouds that are moving rapidly to the South. ‘The Boyfriend’ appeared right on time. He is going to be ‘dewormed’. That is the plan for our return from the Maritimes. De Worming The Boyfriend. We will also build him a new winter home complete with lots of straw and a heat lamp. Winter feels like it is approaching fast! Today is a day for wool socks and jumpers.

We had our Thanksgiving dinner earlier in the week with my ‘bestie’, but we are sneaking in another little meal, just the two of us and The Girls and ‘The Boyfriend’ before we head to Nova Scotia. Everyone deserves a special treat. We are likely on our way as you read this. We are so grateful for everyone: the animals, our family and friends, and you, as I said yesterday. We feel blessed. Thank you so much for your good wishes for our Thanksgiving and holiday. So appreciated.

Just remember, there will be no blog on Tuesday. We will be travelling to our digs for the week.

The streaming cams that have nests with chicks are doing very well. The Sea Eaglets will be fledging soon, and we must send positive wishes to chase those Currawongs away from them when they fly. That is the only major event that will be happening while I am away. Of course, we hope all those birds not seen on camera since Milton sped through Florida will be seen soon – including Clive, Gabby, and Beau.

Feeding time for Mamma Kestrel. https://youtu.be/vU2cwxeq_kw?

Neither Beau or Gabby have been seen on camera at their NE Florida nest since Milton passed through until late Sunday evening. What a relief to see them. The last time we saw Gabby was when she brought in sticks last Tuesday.

At SW Florida, it is full speed ahead for M15 and F23 as they make that nest as cosy as possible.

Thunder and Akecheta were at the West End nest in the Channel Islands on Sunday checking it out.

Look at Kasse’s fat little bottom and that cute tiny tail. (More about this family later).

Good reasons to participate in an annual bird count – the Christmas Bird Count will be coming up in about ten weeks! https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/14/aussie-bird-count-2024-geraldine-hickey-australian-birdlife?CMP=share_btn_url

Honestly, even with their pin feathers coming in, can we imagine more cuter chicks?

Pin feathers on the go at 367 Collins Street, too. And breakfast came early!

Heidi caught a feeding on video – and there are so many feedings. These little falcon dads are incredible. https://youtu.be/xqEGJsmCfFY?

The sea eaglets are getting ‘too antsy’, hopping about the nest, on and off the branch, and looking out to the wider world.

Some news from Ranger Judy Harrington:

Oh, the first flight for 33 is getting so close. I just held my breath.

‘A’ gives us the report from Sydney’s Cam: “October 14: Again, there was some unknown disturbance during the night – SE33 was alert, with wings out. SE33 spent a lot of the night sleeping standing. Early morning duets with the young ones joining in, then eagles away. At times in the early morning, there was a very noisy flock of Rainbow Lorikeets close by the nest – youngsters standing and watching. Then calling together, reacting to lorikeets. At 10:15, one eagle was seen down on River Roost, Eaglets were resting, lying in the nest. At 10:34, Dad brought in a scrap of fish, which was grabbed and mantled by SE34 but stolen by SE33, and self-fed. When Lady brought some leaves, SE33 mantled over his prey and kept it. Mid-afternoon there was a big storm, and all enjoyed the feeling of rain on their wings. By 5pm, the sun was shining again. Dad brought in a late gull at 17:57, which was taken by Lady and fed to the eaglets. Maybe a little self-feeding with scraps. At last light, Dad came to the nest – false alarm, not prey – followed by Lady.”

SK Hideaways caught 33 and 34 doing some magnificent posing. https://youtu.be/7h51yn8bvf8?

The wind is blowing at Port Lincoln. Mum looks to Dad, who is on the ropes, hoping that a fish will be coming soon.

Mum is still waiting for fish for the Wilko and Kasse – and, of course, herself.

Dad came in with a huge Sheepshead (I think that is what it is) for the chicks the evening prior (see top image below), but they are still waiting on Monday in Australia. Mum is trying her best to just sit on them so no unpleasantness but Wilco is getting impatient.

‘A’ remarks: “
I’m writing because dad has just brought in a very late fish at Port Lincoln (it’s nearly8.30pm there) – those IR lights must really be helping (I know they helped that night heron that was fishing off the barge). This is probably a good thing, as there was only one fish brought in today, and it didn’t arrive until after 4pm. The littles behaved themselves, and mum gave a saliva feeding to keep the osplets calm at lunchtime. The fish dad brought in 8.20pm was a big one, minus its head, and mum was hungry herself so had a good dinner, as the kids were in food comas from their late afternoon feedings. “

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. See you in a few days!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A’, Charter Group, NEFL-AEF, SW Florida Eagle Cam, IWS/Explore.org, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, SK Hideaways, Olympic Park Eagles, Judy Harrington and Sydney Sea Eagle Cam.

Sunday in Bird World

13 October 2024

Hello Everyone,

We hope that the weekend has been good to all of you.

Many Canadians are celebrating Thanksgiving today with family and friends. The official day is Monday. Lots of good food to celebrate the harvest and to just look around and be thankful for all that we have. It has been a very challenging year for my family and I am so grateful to my children, my friends, to my husband and to his amazing doctor. Because of them, life has been good, full of laughter and ‘living’. I am also grateful to all of you. The wonderful letters, the photos you share with me – of you, your family, and your adorable pets. You are the best! Thank you for being there.

Just listen. ‘MI’ sent me this video taken in Niverville, Manitoba of geese, honking geese. Oh, I am going to miss them so much.

It is late Saturday afternoon and the promised rains have arrived on the Canadian Prairies. I treasure these rains. They clean off the roof of the conservatory from leaves and dust that have accumulated, but, most of all, they help the trees and shrubs prepare for winter. The birds and squirrels are still flitting about finding seed and much to the horror of our guest this afternoon, the Crows had a veritable buffet! I am clearing out the fridge and little odds and ends. Things like grapes wind up on their tray and they do love them.

Not all bird seed is alike and apparently the quality of peanuts from one retailer to the other is different – according to Junior and his Missus Saturday morning. They pecked all about those nuts searching for the heaviest!

Isn’t Junior handsome? Look at that beautiful profile. Junior will stay with us for the winter. Our job is to keep the peanuts coming!!!!!!

Selections finally made.

Inside, ‘The Girls’ are starting to notice that supplies are being left out. Suitcases will get filled tomorrow so that the girls’ anxiety level doesn’t peak too soon.

Hugo Yugo is now getting her teeth brushed twice daily to try and avoid any issues with gingivitis. She is an angel and loves the chicken flavoured toothpaste. I feel blessed. She is sooooooooo tiny. Her tail is bigger than she is. She did grow some, but goodness, she is so very little.

Missey is the ‘best’ behaved of the four. I can trim her nails every day, brush her, clean her teeth and then use dental wipes and she just lets me hold her without wiggling so I can get on with it. Calico is rather different! She is just darn difficult. She doesn’t want any part of it. Well, that is too bad, so sad. Calico will eventually settle, but, for now, it is going to happen regardless of whether she likes it or not. Hope is another story since she continues to be a little wild.

Now getting on with these words…

This is the way industry should work with wildlife! Take notice, Omega!!!!

Mum and Dad will be grandparents if Calypso and his mate’s eggs hatch! Isn’t this wonderful…oh, and Ervie and all his brothers will be uncles.

The new female at Collins Street is working so hard to shade and keep her brood cool! Let’s hope those wings can spread big and wide as it is going to get hot up there. https://youtu.be/SYliGHlf3a0?

Sunday breakfast in the CBD. ‘A’ comments: “Little Dad at Collins Street is just the sweetest. He has been working hard at his hunting and the prey he brings is sometimes a challenge for him. He’s so cute struggling down the ledge with a prey item that’s at least half his size. But he manages. I do wonder how on earth he manages to fly with it, and get it up so high too. He must be a very strong little falcon indeed. I am so impressed by what he and Xavier at Orange can carry. When Xavier brings in a monster pigeon as he did recently or a duckling, it dwarfs him, making me wonder the power to weight ratio of these small male falcons. They must be incredibly strong.”

Thanks to our Australian sleuth ‘A’, we have more news from Collins Street: “And yet more food at Collins Street. When mum brought in food at around 19:08, the chicks were all fast asleep, but they soon roused themselves at the prospect of food, and mum fed them all yet again. Those crops have been full for most of the day, and no-one is going to sleep hungry at this scrape. Mum also has a large crop and dad hasn’t missed out today either. So it seems the pigeon population of the Melbourne CBD has returned, at least in sufficient numbers to make things relatively easy for our falcon family when it comes to finding food. Certainly, this trio of eyases is being stuffed to the brim several times a day. They are adorable. Very very noisy and full of beans. So energetic in ensuring that they get fed. Mum works hard and she does a good job with the clamouring hordes. The youngest does very well indeed, both through its own efforts to get fed (it is very pushy and often grabs at food from its siblings’ beaks and is very good at positioning itself in the front row at feedings) and because mum makes the effort to feed all three beaks. Basically, as long as they are still there and still open, she will keep feeding.

At this meal, the chicks have moved into their tripod feeding arrangements, with the youngest nearest to mum. As you know, I am very keen on this particular positioning, as it makes it easy for mum to reach all three beaks, which are grouped together in the centre of the tripod, and it also provides some support for the chciks, so that early on when they are not as steady, they tend not to face-plant. Thoise crops are bulging!!! Isn’t it lovely to see? And that was a nice parrot at Orange today. I am not prepared to hazard a guess as to what sort of parrot it was but there is discussion on the chat about the colours that were evident on the plumage. Diamond loves a nice parrot almost as much as she likes a plump pigeon, though perhaps a nice duckling might be her favourite. I wonder what the other watchers at Orange think on that subject. I’d love their opinions.

Mum continues to coax the chicks at Collins Street, trying to get them to eat even more, as if they did not already have absolutely mammoth crops. She is e-chupping and continuing to offer bites and the chicks are trying hard to do what she asks. The youngest spends several minutes trying to deal with a bite that seemed to be ‘stuck’, but eventually it managed to swallow the food. OH MY GOODNESS!!! Just LOOK at those crops at 19:20!!!! Yes, I know they don’t burst, but I have to believe they are VERY uncomfortable. Surely. That is just outrageous. Crops the size of their heads, literally. I swear that is not an exaggeration. Again, as with the osplets, I predict a growth spurt in the morning. “

The cams at NE Florida nest of Gabby and Beau went live late Saturday afternoon. Neither eagle has been seen on cam at the time I am writing (4pm on Saturday) but the AEF says they have no reason to believe they are not safe and sound!

View of Redding nest of Liberty and Guardian on Saturday.

Achieva. Look at this nest and then remember what you read about the brand new super designed osprey nest that was built by the fishing company at the top to replace an old one they had to remove. I wish someone cared.

There is an eagle at the Trempealeau Eagle nest.

Ah, I was waiting. Someone asked me why I am not mentioning Pepe and Muhlady. First, they are wonderful eagle parents who have raised some impressive chicks. The owner of the property that has the nest and who runs the camera has indicated that he will prosecute anyone who uses images in any way from his site. I will not mention SuperBeaks again.

Nesting Bird Life and More caught a feeding at Port Lincoln. Yes, they are the cutest. Racing stripes and all! https://youtu.be/DSIq8tPB8fA?

I have a soft spot for Ospreys that knows no bounds. Just look at those two little fish eaters. Don’t you just want to pick them up, wrap them in a tiny blankie, and hold them?

It is now early Sunday morning. Dad has a fish he is eating on the ropes and Mum is anxiously anticipating that he will get some of it to her, Wilko and Kasse!

Dad did not disappoint. He left Mum a huge piece of fish for the family! They are just starting to dig in.

‘A’ remarks: “When I turned to the Port Lincoln tab to check the littles, I thought one of the osplets was dead, but when I rewound, it was just in a food coma from eating too much fish at breakfast (which was served in three sittings, the first when dad arrived with the large floppy fish at 07:23, the second at 08:32 and the third at around 08:53). Good heavens. By 09:30 they are eating yet again. It was a very large fish this morning. The sound is back up and the little chirps mum gives the osplets to encourage them to open their beaks are SO cute – different from those of an eagle or a falcon. The loveliest full-throated chirrups. No wonder I feared we had lost another osplet. It’s out for the count. Awwww. They are just adorable with their little bandit masks and racing stripes. (I had to explain to Jonathan how these chicks were different from all the other little fluffy bobbleheads I had insisted he see and that description interested him enough that he came and peered at my laptop to check them out. And yes, they are different, he said. I do love their livery. They really are cute as a button (unless they’re a Zoe, of course, at which point one becomes somewhat distracted by their behaviour. But these two are getting along fine, and even yesterday’s long wait for food did not provoke any dominating behaviour. What a relief. ” And more…”PLO has confirmed what we knew already – that the Fish Fairy (aka Janet) is ready for duty if she is needed. Thus far, dad has been doing an excellent job. But it is very nice to know that there won’t be any chicks starving on this nest this season. There is no aggression between Wilco and Kasse and I’m hopeful there won’t be. The long wait for food yesterday was a good indicator of how well they are getting along. “

Oh, my goodness. It is going to be a great year for ospreys in South Australia. More babies.

Poor Xavier. Diamond is away. He comes into the scrape with the morning’s Starling breakfast in the hope of feeding his chicks — and then, oops…here she comes and thwarts that idea!

There are times that I wish the Sea Eagles would have eaten every Pied Currawong in the Olympic Forest! SE33 and SE34 are branching and looking out to the wider world. Will they be able to get down to the river with Dad and Lady without being chased out of the area by those Curras?

Ranger Judy gives the summary of the day’s events at the Olympic Park Eagle nest:

Both Claire and Irv at the US Steel Plant Bald Eagle nest. https://youtu.be/RRAh2Ye5PiI?

Mamma Kestrel is totally busy with this lot!!!!!!! https://youtu.be/RRAh2Ye5PiI?

Bonnie and Clyde, the GHOs at Farmer Derek’s in Kansas, are ready to entertain all of us. https://youtu.be/JebgeGEm7iY?

When the love of birds and the understanding of their need comes first. A lovely little article.

Country diary: ‘Your need greater than mine,’ I murmur to the dotterels | Jim Perrinhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/12/country-diary-your-need-greater-than-mine-i-murmur?CMP=share_btn_url

“Banded dotterel” by Andrej Chudy is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

What challenges do Dotterels face? In New Zealand they are fighting to save them! https://youtu.be/n6Et813R3Ug?

Good descriptions from the British Trust for Ornithology. Dotterels are on the Red List in the UK.

Dotterel | BTO – British Trust for Ornithology Download

Gracie Shepherd reported on FB that Jak and Audacity were working on their nest in the Channel Islands on Saturday. I went to have a look. They are forever hopeful like we are for them. Just look at them working so hard.

We can always use a smile and these Merlin chicks are providing it today.

Hugo Yugo wishes you the very best of days! Missey is giving her a good ole’ wash.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, J’, Fran Solly and Friends of Sth Aus, SK Hideaways, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, NEFL-AEF, FORE, Achieva Credit Union, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Olympic Park Sea Eagles, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Trempealeau Bald Eagle Cam, Nesting Bird Life and More, PIX Cams, Charter Group of Wildlife Ecology, The Guardian, Androcat, OpenVerse, NZ DOC, BTO, IWS/Explore, Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary.

Friday in Bird World

11 October 2024

Good Morning!

First up. I have had some questions about donations for the fish at Port Lincoln for Wilko and Kasse. Fran Solly answered me right away. The fish donations are being handled by Port Lincoln Osprey. There is a link on their FB page and on the live stream Obs board. It is PayPal and funds can be sent from anywhere in the world to South Australia. You can specify that they go for fish for the kiddos if you like in the square where it asks what the payment is for.

Wilko and Kasse wanting some fish.

I have just had some amazing news from Janette Forster (PLO): “We have just heard we have 4 chicks on a platform we installed on Yorke Peninsula – Coobowie – so that is exciting – never heard of 4 in Australia, usually it is 3 at the most.” I am hoping some of those chicks in South Australia will be females. Ervie needs a mate!

Gosh, wasn’t Wednesday tense? Milton making a night landfall kept everyone sitting at the edge of our chairs until late. So far, we know that M15 and F23 are fine. What a relief…indeed, the news has been rather good. The osprey platform that I complained about at Achieva held – so I won’t complain again except to ask that someone (Audubon at Clearwater) fix those drain holes so we don’t lose another chick or egg. The Osprey platform at Captiva held, but they lost their new camera. We are still holding our breath to find out if dear Clive, who tried to ride out Milton in the nest, survived. Oh, please, let him be sitting there! Let’s hope that the wildlife of Florida (and all the people) can relax and that there will not be any more storms or hurricanes for the rest of the year. They have so much cleanup to do.

We are officially beginning the long weekend for Canadian Thanksgiving. I will be leaving for our second trip to the Atlantic coast on Monday. My plan is for minimal postings from Wednesday the 16th. There will be no post on Tuesday, October 15. I am looking forward to the rolling hills and the beautiful landscape and getting away from a city that has been a construction site for too many years. The concrete and all the building are really getting to me despite my little piece of land being a haven. I need ‘the wild’ and the ocean’s roar for a week.

‘The Girls’ and ‘The Boyfriend’ had their organic chicken dinner early. Gosh, the feral cat is so cute. He waits and looks in the window and now only hides close to the door til he hears me close it and he feels safe to come out. He is very afraid of humans.

Tonight he got three small bowls of chicken. It turns out that Missey is the only one who wanted ‘real meat’! His fur is getting shinier and his patches of missing fur are now mostly filled in. He really is a sweetheart.

He always stops when he has finished eating and looks in the garden door at us. He will sit for a few minutes before moving on. I wish he would walk in the door! He is quite the handsome Tuxedo.

It will be a year on Saturday that we lost dear Lewis. I am so worried about the teeth and gums of the girls. Now Hugo Yugo is showing signs of gingivitis despite wiping teeth and gums with Vetradent, brushing, and having dental treats and food. Many of her adult teeth have failed to come in. I am hoping something can be done to help her and it is not the issues that Lewis had!

Hugo Yugo is just the sweetest little kitten. Technically, she is a cat, but she remains so tiny and kitten-like. It is marvellous to wake up with her snuggled under my chin in the morning.

Everyone else is fine. All of the garden animals are accounted for except we have noticed that one of the Red Squirrels has not been at the feeder. We will keep a good watch. Maybe we are just missing it. The cars drive so fast down the streets and the canopy that the squirrels used to cross over is gone now that so many trees have been cut down due to disease. The Reds often use the power lines but then they can also fall. So, we wait and hope.

Moving on to the birds…

Peregrine Falcons being killed on the grouse moor estates!

Peregrine found shot in notorious grouse moor area in Angus Glens Download

Individual ordered to repay the profit from the crimes he committed against Scottish raptors!

Scottish court orders convicted Peregrine launderer Lewis Hall to pay back thousands under Proceeds of Crime Act Download

At the NCTC nest, Scout has been doing defense. No sign of Bella. https://youtu.be/dQHBOc4HeQE?

The Bald Eagle at the SW Florida nest has been confirmed to be F23 and M15 was there as well so both eagles seen, photographed and are alright. https://youtu.be/laT8TyVva14?

No one had seen an eagle ride out a storm in a nest like Clive at Captiva. We are hoping for our families at Captiva, Achieva in St Petersburg, and M15 to all be alright and return to their nests.

They are getting ready for Liberty and Guardian in Redding with a new camera. Let us hope they are both safe and sound.

Everyone at CROW is safe and awaiting the return to Sanibel.

We can now easily see the drain holes that need mesh so that the eggs and osplets do not fall down form the nest at Achieva and die as per last year. Please write to Audubon at Clearwater. We know everyone is busy but let’s get this nest in their sights. They built the original platform! And it has held, thankfully, including the perch that I often squawk about.

Here is news about NE Florida nest of Beau and Gabby.

Cuter than little buttons the Port Lincoln osplets.

Breakfast fish at the Olympic Sea Eagle nest in Sydney. ‘A’ is watching closely and worrying about fledging at the Olympic Sea Eagle nest. “Still two at WBSE at 10am, lying duckling style on their nest, side by side. They are SO sweet together and I do love the way they have been so friendly throughout their nestling period. I recall one minor incident of bonking and that was about it. SE34 did seem to show some level of deference to SE33 when they were younger, but even then, he was not intimidated, just waiting for his turn, and SE33 was not aggressive. Mum made sure she fed SE33 first most of the time, which also helped reinforce pecking order and avoid disputes. And of course Dad kept a good supply of prey coming to the nest so SE33 never got to experience real hunger. Well done Lady and Dad. Another season of getting two chicks ready to fledge. ” “We still have two eaglets at WBSE. This does not bother me in the slightest. The better prepared they are for their big adventure and the stronger they are, the better. It is going to be a huge challenge and I want them fed and healthy and strong.

October 11: b\Both eaglets spent part of the night standing. All were awake early, joining in a chorus and flapping about. Dad brought a good-sized mullet at 6;30 and Lady fed them. SE34 self-fed as well. Then they were alone for the morning. Late morning both eagles were still at River Roost. Currawong swooper was about the nest later. Eaglets were waiting, resting, and around 4pm enthusiastically flapping about the nest. They even squonked at a magpie calling above. After a lean day, Lady brought a bird in at 17:12, fed a little, then took it off to de-feather. She fed both, and then Dad brought a gull chick in. SE33 self-fed and Lady also fed them both. Plenty to eat at the end of day.”

Adorable. ‘A’ remarks: “At Collins Street, in a preview of what is to come, we are having a sunny day even though it is only 12C. Mum is standing with her wings outstretched, back to the street, shading the trio of sleeping eyases. She is SO good at this. The chicks are in complete shade, stretched out and growing as hard as they can. (I saw a comment once about chicks fast asleep, working as hard as they could to convert fish into eaglet, which I thought was just a magnificent turn of phrase. Well, that’s what these three are doing right now, although of course they are converting pigeon into falcon, watched over by their very conscientious mum.) This little family is wonderful to watch. I am hopeful that little dad will be able to provide for the five of them, with mum’s help a bit later on when those appetites are even larger than they are right now.

I have been amazed in the past couple of days at both Collins Street and Orange by the size of the prey these little males are able to catch and carry. Birds that appear to be more than half their size have been brought in at both scrapes this week – these falcons may be smaller and more delicate than the eagles but wow, are they stronger than they look. I’m very impressed. “

The same at Orange. Little falcons having their breakfast are nothing short of sweet and adorable even when their pin feathers are starting. ‘A’ sends us the short morning summary from Orange: “At Orange,Xavier has already brought in at least three prey items this morning, Here is the summary of the day so far:

11 Oct BOND 05.28.49; PREY 06.08 39 feeds; 07.59.26 takes; 09.32.02 takes; TOWER PREY STASH 06.55.16 on MW; 08.21.59 D eats MW stash; 08.01.14 at hatch”

Voting has ended. The names are Yira and Garrama. There is a crack in the third egg and we are thinking it could be egg damage. Surely to goodness we won’t have another chick, will we?

More of the Crimson Rosella from breakfast.

Hard to believe. Xavier gets to feed his chicks – on video. https://youtu.be/_I2F05edfso?

Annie was at The Campanile.

News about Waba!

Another reminder about leaving the leaves!

Thanks, ‘MM’ – A sad sight – lightening hits an eagle nest but – the amount of habitat being lost to wildlife is going to have devastating effects. https://youtu.be/udagWeaIw48?

It is always good to end with a smile. Does King Charles love ospreys as much as us? Just ordered. Review to come! Thanks ‘Tiger’ for the posting!

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, images, tweets, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Fran Solly, H, J, Janette Forster, MM, PB’, Raptor Persecution UK, Deb Stecyk and the NCTC Bald Eagle Cam, D Morningstar and SW Florida Eagle Cam, Liz Wutschel, Window to Wildlife, Trudi Kron and Bald Eagles 101, CROW, Achieva Credit Union, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Liz Russo and NEFL Eagle Chat, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Olympic Park Eagles, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Cal Falcons, FOX 31 Denver, Maria Marika, People’s Trust for Endangered Species, Tiger Mozone and now King Charles III.

Category Archives: bobbleheads

Friday in Bird World

Like this:

Wednesday in Bird World

Like this:

Tuesday in Bird World

Like this:

Sunday in Bird World

Like this:

Thursday in Bird World

Like this:

Wednesday in Bird World

Wed 18 Dec 2024 video archive

Feeding Times

Like this:

Monday in Bird World

Like this:

Gabby and Beau are home…Monday in Bird World

Like this:

Sunday in Bird World

Like this:

Friday in Bird World

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Feeding Times

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: