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Osoyoos under evacuation alert, Dorsett and Huey fly..Sunday in Bird World

30 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

I have a huge tip for you today if you feed birds in your garden. The weather could not have been more grand. It was a good day to work in the garden. The humidity had dissipated, there was no hot sun, the wasps were visiting somewhere else and life felt good. I did not stare at the computer screen worrying. We have some troubling nests and must wait and see how things unfold.

M’ asked me about the window dots/the pink squares that I use for to prevent bird collisions. They are a brand called Feather Friendly, and a single roll does about 100 sq ft and costs about $25 at my nature centre. you can purchase them online at many places, but the key is the name Feather Friendly. Clean the windows and let them dry. Apply lots of pressure on the strips outside the windows, then pull the supporting strip off easily. They work, and I have tried everything. The single decals must be placed outside – anything to prevent bird strike -must be on the exterior.

Today I am experimenting with birdseed. It is expensive as you know. Someone told me to go to the feed and seed store. I wish I could remember who that was and thank them. So today I mixed up 1/3 chicken scratch with 1/3 birdseed and 1/3 black oil seed. It is undoubtedly Dyson approved. She scooped it up with her paws for several minutes. It thwarted Little Red, who only wanted peanuts! LOL.

The seed mixture is a winner! I pushed the chicken scratch even further at the late top up. It appears that I can do 50% chicken scratch, 25% black oil seed, and 25% birdseed and everyone continues to approve. There were 8 Blue Jays at one time vying for space on the square feeder. Some stayed on the telephone wires and others were on the ground. Wow.

‘The baby with the tail’ – the little one that is slightly more round is changing every day. It still loves to be in the bird bath splashing about and it also loved the new seed mixture. I cannot put out peanuts for them because Little Red and Little Red2 take them all. They are so fast!

The little one that lost its tail is flitting around everywhere with the bigger ones and seems to be so agile. I am so surprised. It has adapted, like all birds seem to do, to the challenges that are thrown at them.

Little Red yesterday quickly removing about 35 peanuts from the table one by one. He could win an Olympic medal.

Oh, good news is always so welcome. An 11-year-old Osprey has been saved from netting!

SP sent me a fantastic article about tenacity and commitment. 50 Years of working with Puffins…a jolly good read.

50-Years-of-Project-Puffin-An-Oral-History-of-An-Audacious-Idea-AudubonDownload

Twirling around the nests:

We will start with ‘H’s reports this morning because two of the nests are under the radar for needing boxes of worry beads – Osoyoos and FortisExshaw, both in Canada.

Barnegat Light: “At 60 days of age, Dorsett opted for an early morning fledge on 7/30, at 06:09:10.  She first flew north, then headed east toward the ocean, hung a right at the Atlantic, then flew south, made a right turn at 24th street, and made a perfect landing back onto the perch at her nest.  Dorsett has since taken a couple of additional flights.  Congratulations to Duke, Daisy, and Dorsett!”

FortisExshaw:

Fortis Exshaw: “It was a good day for Louise and her kids, with only a few indications of minor intruder issues.  Louise brought three fish to the nest.  The first fish at 1104 was so large, it resulted in a prolonged period of feeding that was the equivalent of three meals.  Prior to Louise feeding, she allowed the chicks a chance to practice self-feeding from the headless fish for over an hour.  Chick #1 has learned the advantages of holding the fish down with its talons, and s/he was able to tear small pieces from the fish.  Chick #1 is now grabbing and mantling fish when Louise delivers.  Even though they hatched less than 12 hours apart, chick #1 is more advanced in skills development.  Mr.O was not seen on Saturday.  I hope Mr.O was not injured during the altercation with the intruder on Friday.”

Forsythe – Oscar delivered three fish, and Opal delivered a fish after a few days’ absence.  It was nice to see Opal.  Owen was the recipient of three of the fish, Ollie just one.  As with most nests during the post-fledge period, any given day may seem unfair in that one sibling gets the most fish.  But, it does seem to even out in the long term.  Ollie had eaten the majority of the fish the previous two days.  Starting Sunday there will be a break in the heat wave, with cooler temps the next several days. 

Osoyoos – There were four fish brought to the nest.  Dad ate the first small fish at 1041.  I’m sure he was very hungry, but perhaps he should have eaten it off the nest.  Just the fish being brought to the nest caused #1 to attack #2.  The fish at 1131 was very small, and chick #1 was fed a small meal.  At 1237 Mom brought a partial fish.  Chick #2 was beaked and bit by #1, and had no chance to eat.  At 1531 a larger partial fish was delivered.  Chick #1 wasted a full minute of feeding time attacking #2.  Chick #2 later snuck up on the other side of Mom and grabbed a large piece of fish equivalent to about 6 bites of fish.  It took a while, but #2 managed to swallow that whole piece of fish.  Chick #2 has had 30 bites of fish to eat in the last three days.  Note:  There is a wildfire located SW of Osoyoos, which has been renamed the Eagle Bluff Wildfire (previously called the Lone Pine Creek fire).  Parts of Osoyoos are under an evacuation alert, that currently does not include the area where the nest is located.

[‘H’ has just written that the nest area is, according to AMW not under an evacuation alert. Please send your best energy to Soo and Olsen. Just look at those two beautiful chicks. The camera feed could go down and we might not ever know what happens to these chicks if the fire does rage through. Our thoughts are with everyone…]

Dahlgren – Really big news . . the youngest of the two fledglings went diving! D12 dove from the nest platform four times, and did a little swimming and bathing.  While she did not catch a fish, this was an important milestone.

Severna Park –  Oscar continues to provide fish for his two fledglings at the nest.  It’s always nice to see them.

Patuxent Nest 1 –  The fledglings, Sibling-B and Foster, are frequently seen at the nest. But, it’s a good thing they no longer sleep there, because a Great Blue Heron has decided to make the nest its nighttime roosting spot.  Last night the GBH found a welcome surprise . . a fish had been left on the nest, which he quickly gobbled up.

WDNU Tower, South Bend, Indiana: The only surviving osplet on the WDNU Tower, Baby Huey, endured a horrible storm and then took his first flight on Saturday the 29th. Amazing. Congratulations. It was a tough year on the nest. So pleased for everyone.

Pathogue: Every time I checked Mini had a fish. At least three on Saturday. Dad is obviously feeding the fledglings off the nest as we do not see the older siblings bombarding Mini for that fish like they are doing on some other nests. These parents really know how to keep the climate chill.

Charlo Montana: Those osplets are adorable.

Boulder County: All is good.

Dunrovin: Harriet and the three fledglings pose together.

Pitkin County Open Trails and Spaces: Both fledglings continue to return to the nest. Everything is excellent.

SSEN Alyth: When everyone is hungry and scrambling for fish, things happen. Mum came in with a fish at Alyth, it got caught on the talon of one of the chicks and they both went overboard….and the first then went to the third hatch! Some of the nest went down with them.

Well, the good news is that everyone is alright at the nest after this terrible entanglement and high tumble. Thank goodness.

Manton Bay: Blue 33 delivers fish and everyone goes crazy.

It may look rough on the nests but in the real world, the ability to eat is literally ‘life and death’ to our fledglings. They have to learn strategies, be quick – and be ruthless.

Loch of the Lowes:

Cowlitz: It is hot in the Pacific NW and the nests could be suffering. The fledgling at Cowlitz has rested on the nest and has had at least one fish on Saturday.

Sandpoint: At least two fish were delivered Saturday morning. I am not clear about deliveries the rest of the day.

Steelscape: I did not watch the nest closely enough to count deliveries but I do know that the third hatch had some fish on Saturday.

Minnesota Landscape: The weather has cooled down a bit and it makes for much better fishing. This one is doing well.

Maryland Old Town Home: The fledglings continue to come to the nest and like many of the others there is a lot of rivalry over fish deliveries.

Dfyi: All is good. Idris continues to bring in the fish! And Telyn loves to feed her ‘big and more independent every day’ babies.

Glaslyn: Aran is delivering lots of fish and the two fledglings are doing very well indeed.

Loch Arkaig: There were winds beginning to blow and rain starting late on Saturday at Loch Arkaig. Ludo is hoping for fish! Oh, by the way. The Crow that vacuums up the Loch Arkaig nest so well has been named Dyson!

Poole Harbour: It is all good.

Llyn Clywedog: Seren on the perch and beginning to get in form for migration. She will fly and will land on the same tree in the Tanji Reserve that she does every year. Meanwhile, the surviving fledgling of the goshawk attack has been photographed flying all over the area. So all is well.

Sydney Sea Eagles: Cuteness Overload. The pantry is stocked and Lady is joyful. 31 and 32 are delicate little snow people.

My friend ‘A’ lives in Australia and she loves the royal Albatross and most of the Australia nests and is happy to send us reports on recent events at those nests. A says: ” in Sydney, Dad brings in a lovely big fresh fish at 06:51:18. He heads off up the branch off the back porch and shakes himself off. He is still wet from catching that fish. He hasn’t even eaten the head. It’s been left on the nest for Lady and the chicks. He is a good provider. That should keep the family going for the rest of the day. Lady starts working on the head herself, and around 07:01 starts feeding the chicks. SE32 is ready to eat now, and the first bites go to the baby. It does really well, managing four or five consecutive mouthfuls without dropping them and without falling flat on its face. By now SE31 is awake too and ready for some more food. She feeds both chicks plenty of fresh fish, though concentrates on the younger one. These two are doing great.”

Orange Peregrine Falcons: “In Orange, Diamond spent the night perched on the ledge of the nest box, tucked and facing inwards as usual. Xavier arrived for an early morning bonding session at 06:28:24. These two are just beyond adorable. Xavier really is only half Diamond’s size. He is so svelte and handsome. She appears significantly older and lazier than Xavier. She watches the sunrise from her ledge and leaves the box at around 06:51. Both spend a few moments on top of the tower before Xavier heads off to get some breakfast..He arrives back at the box with prepared food at 07:37:05, with Diamond hot on his heels. He hardly has time to e-chup before Diamond has swooped in, grabbed the food and left again within three seconds! Xavier looks a little stunned. He glances down a couple of times at where the food was, as if wondering where it’s gone. Then he cleans a few feathers out of his talons. Oh but he is such a handsome falcon. Tiny but gorgeous.”

Collins Street: “At Collins Street, there was a short falcon visit about 9.30am – the falcon flew off the nest at 09:42. It doesn’t look as though any eggs have been laid but I note that the birds seem to be favouring the same nest box as last season. There has not been any shelter added at that end, which surprises me after what happened last year. (I’m sure you well remember the day mum went for a spa morning and returned to find two chicks in the gutter and two in the nest, all baking in the hot sun and looking as if they might be in serious danger. And mum pulled the smallest chick back into the box by lifting it with her beak! It was a very dramatic day.)”

Reports that a new camera is being installed at Port Lincoln and the stream will be back up sometime on Monday or Tuesday.

At the Royal Cam Albatross colony, ‘A’ notes: “I forgot to mention that on Friday (28 July), all 33 of the albatross chicks at the New Zealand colony received their permanent Darvic bands (no more coloured leg bands). Manaaki’s is black (for male) and his Darvic number is D36. They used Darvic bands last season but for some reason, this season’s are the first that are permanent and will last a lifetime. (And as we know, a lifetime can be 70+ years for an albatross!)”

Thanks, ‘A’! And thanks for giving me the head’s up that Ervie has been out fishing with Dad. Port Lincoln Ospreys posted these images of Ervie, and I knew you would love to see our favourite Eastern Osprey! —- Do you remember when we thought Ervie would eat Puffer Fish all his life? When he lost a talon, and we feared he would starve to death? Well, here we are. Ervie is almost two years old. I have not heard any news about Bazza or Falky, but Ervie, that little third hatch that didn’t take any gruff off Bazza, the first hatch, grew up big and strong and stayed near the natal nest – safe—still fishing with Dad. Do you recall those chin wags that Ervie had with Dad down in the cave? What a season that was! (I still want to forget last year…that was traumatic).

The Lesser Spotted Eaglet in Latvia is nothing short of adorable…and happily a small vole was brought in for food.

I think the eaglet has spotted the camera! Just look. Almost all of the natal down is gone revealing a soft brown plumage with stunning blue eyes.

The fledgling ospreys – three of them – return to the platform for some lovely fish meals at the German Goitzsche Wildness nest.

At the Finnish #1 nest, tummy and Usva took their first flights on 28 July. Only Roihu is left and that could be any moment. Beautiful healthy osplets!

Finnish #4. The two surviving chicks were younger when they were ringed and both are still on the nest. Neither has taken their first flight yet.

Whew…I hope I didn’t make you dizzy with that swing around the nests…in no particular order! Thank you so much for being with me today. Take care everyone. Have a great weekend. See you soon.

Thank you to absolutely everyone for their notes, comments, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, H, M, SP’, Audubon, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Patuxent River Park, Dahlgren, Conserve Wildlife of NJ, Forsythe Ospreys, Stephen Basly and WDNU, PSEG, Charlo Montana, Boulder County, T Barrington and Dunrovin Ranch, Pitkin County Osprey Cam, SSEN Alyth, LRWT, Loch of the Lowes, Cowlitz PUD, Sandpoint, Steelscape, MN Landscape Arboretum, Maryland Old Town Home, Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, The Woodland Trust, Poole Harbour, CarnyXWild, Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, NZ DOC, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Latvian Fund for Nature, Fischandler Webcam, and the Finnish Osprey Foundation.

OH1 at Glaslyn just took off…Thursday in Bird World

20 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

It has rained every day for ever so many days. The garden is emerald green. Without even looking at the forecast – the storm clouds roll in quickly – you can tell that something is going to happen by the frantic activity of everyone trying to eat!

One of Dyson’s kits got so excited and then lost its peanut over the edge of the feeder. Ahhhh….

The little sparrows lined up on the branch of Abigale’s tree hoping to get fed or get a turn at the feeder after the squirrel.

It was delightful to see Little Red at the feeders! He knew I was watching and thwarted my gaze.

Baby Blue Jay having a nap.

The little one only woke up when a sibling came to pester. There are five of the babies alive out of the original six…they were all in the garden on the feeders, having baths, and eating today. That is pretty good…they bring me such joy I cannot even describe it properly sometimes.

The baby on the left (above) is the one that slept with the little garden ornamental birds. Its crest finally has blue on it! But I can still tell which one this wee baby is from its behaviour. Adorable. Always loves a good long bath.

Lewis, of course, could care less. These days he is either sleeping or eating!

Oh, my goodness, the ospreys were fledging on Wednesday! I am going to lose count of all of them quickly! It took great effort to get all of the data in my forms along with the continued quest to find more French and German osprey nests.

And they were fledging on Thursday. OH1 just took off not long ago at the Glaslyn Nest! Congratulations! Time was 14:33.

‘D’ wrote and told me that it looks like it is possible all three on the Crooked Lake, Iowa osprey platform of parents Nobel and Whitley fledged on the 19th. Sunnie Day was going over to the footage to make sure that the first hatch CL16 also flew – and the verdict is ‘yes’ – all three flew today.

Take off and return for the first chick’s flight.

Siblings watching.

A great return.

‘H’ wrote and the second chick at Dahlgren flew!

Geemeff wrote that Ludo, the newly named osplet of Louis and Dorcha at Loch Arkaig, fledged before he got his official name. It was apparently the shortest trip ever from the nest take-off to the return landing.

Here is the video of that short flight:

Blue 5H3 took off at Poole Harbour at 1719 on the 19th.

These are exciting times for these young birds but, we have to remember that their journey is just beginning. Like many others less fortunate, these birds got to fly and we hope they will be safe.

The news coming out of the Chesapeake Bay Area that has been hit with storms and whose ospreys are starving to death underscores the coming challenges for the osprey population in the area.

“Williamsburg, VA – In 2023, The Center for Conservation Biology has documented the highest rate of osprey nest failure ever recorded within the lower Chesapeake Bay.  Only 17 of 167 nests monitored during the season produced any young.  The nesting population produced only 21 young resulting in a reproductive rate of 0.13 young per pair.  This rate is below that recorded during the height of the DDT era.  In order for the population to sustain itself, pairs should produce 1.15 young per pair.”

Here is the full report:

The-Center-for-Conservation-Biology-documents-unprecedented-osprey-nest-failures-within-the-lower-ChDownload

When a goshawk attacks a fledgling osplet on the nest while it is eating along with its sibling and Mum, my heart stops. Those are dangerous raptors and all of you know that predation by goshawks occurs throughout Europe and the UK. The loss of these chicks is personal to those who live and work around the nests – to whom the birds really are family. Have a read of John William’s poignant blog regarding the loss of the Llyn Clywedog fledgling on the 18th of July.

Tragedy-The-Clywedog-OspreysDownload

Translocation projects continue.

Instead of chopping down the Osprey platform for the demolition, it will be left standing long after the osplets fledge! We needed a good news story like this one. Thanks, Geemeff – it is “one for the good guys” as you say.

Rare bird spotted in the UK. Accident? Intentional? Black winged Kites are a “Small and distinctive falconlike kite. Light underneath, blue-gray above with conspicuous black shoulders formed by black wing coverts. Juveniles have a scaly back and brownish-washed breast. Found in open savannah, semi-desert, and agricultural lands with scattered woods; frequently seen on exposed perches. Varied flight style, hovering like a kestrel or gliding like a harrier with deep wingbeats and raised wings.. ” (eBird).

Rare-black-winged-kite-spotted-in-Norfolk-Broads-BBC-NewsDownload

Time for a spin around some of the nests not covered above:

Boulder County Fair Grounds: A Fantastic news with diligent devoted adults and three very healthy nearly ready to fledge osplets.

MN Landscape Arboretum: It is all good. Lots of nice fish meals beginning very early. Our 21 year old Dad is doing fantastic.

Patchogue: Little Mini had a nice fish first thing as the sun was coming up.

The time was 0525 and Mini scrambled with that fish stuck on its foot!

Cowlitz PUD: All is well. Chick is eating, sleeping, and growing. And the metal grids are still holding out against the Bald Eagle predation. At the suggestion of ‘MB’, I wrote to Tweed Valley and Llyn Clywedog about the metal grids erected on the nest at Cowlitz to try and stop predation. It is something that the UK nests might have to consider if the goshawk threat to ospreys continues.

Oyster Bay: All present and accounted for.

Wolf Bay: Fledglings come to the nest hoping for a fish dinner.

Dunrovin: Everything is fantastic.

Poole Harbour: Getting lift and then gone. Blue 5H3 fledged at 1719 while its siblings watched.

Glaslyn: I thought it was the best screen capture I had seen of Aran’s new mate Elen and their two lads. Everything is fine. No fledges as yet. Soon.

‘H’ reports on the nests she is monitoring:

Fortis Exshaw: “Thankfully it was a mostly intruder-free day for this blended Osprey family.  There were a couple of minor intruder issues, with Mr. O quickly flying to the nest at 0624 and 0651 to assist with defense.  There were a total of 5 fish brought to the nest, one by Mr. O.  At 1249 Mr. O landed on the nest and got an earful from Louise.  She may have been telling him to go fishing, and even the two kids got involved and had a ‘talk’ with their stepdad, lol.  This went on for about three minutes, with poor Mr. O just standing there and responding with soft chirps.  It was comical.  He showed up later with a headless fish.  After Louise had brought the last fish of the day at 1951, Mr. O came to the nest and simply stood by for 27 minutes, while Louise fed the kids and enjoyed a meal for herself.  Very cool, Mr. O.”

Dahlgren – At 1246 D12 became a fledgling at 58 days of age, although it was unclear if that was her intention at the time.  She flew across the nest and may have intended to land on the other side, but miscalculated and tumbled over the edge.  There was the sound of sticks hitting the water, but no splash or ripples were seen.  Several seconds later, D12 was seen flying low past the nest toward a nearby dock.  D12 landed safely back on the nest 4 1/2 hours later.  Enjoy your new life as a flighted bird, D12! 

Kent Island – All is well on the Chesapeake for Audrey, Tom, and their 38 day old youngster.

Severna Park – Olivia and Oscar continue to provide for their two fledglings at the nest.

Forsythe –  At 57 days of age, Ollie jumped up, flapped three times and landed on the camera pole.  Then 52 minutes later she jumped back down to the nest.  Perhaps she will fly away from the nest and take a spin around the marsh today.

Boathouse –  At 40 days of age, Skipper has been taking wingercising very seriously.

Thanks so very much, ‘H’!

Dorset Hobby: Oh, my goodness gracious. These little Hobbies are adorable.

Port Lincoln: Mum and Dad seem to be staying more and more on the barge nest as egg-laying approaches in August. ‘A’ reports some failed mating attempts, and you might recall that there was some concern for Dad last season.

Sydney Sea Eagles: ‘A’ reports that the 19th was “another quiet night, possums passing a few times. Lady left for a short break just before 7am and back straight away. Dad brought part of a fish shortly after, which she took away to eat. Both were then in and out during the day though Lady spend more than 2 hours longer than Dad on the eggs today. In the whole incubation period to date both have spent an almost equal time on the eggs. At dusk, Lady was settled as usual for the night.”

Durbe County, Latvia: Milda and Voldis’s male eaglet returns to the nest looking for a meal. Isn’t he gorgeous?

The female fledgling also visited the nest! both are safe and flying well.

Lesser Spotted Eaglet Nest in Zemgale Latvia of Anna and Andris. the eaglet enjoyed having a vole and a frog for a meal. I wonder how scarce food is in the forest?

Three beautiful storklets at the nest of Karl II and Kai in Estonia.

Four beautiful storklets of Bety and Bukacek are superb.

Lady Hawk captures a feeding at the Selati Verreaux Black Eagle Nest in South Africa.

Black Eagles are large raptors that live in various parts of Africa. The pair will lay two eggs four days apart. Incubation is 40-45 days. If two eggs and both hatch, the oldest chick will kill the second one. There will be only one chick to raise and fledge. They eat mammals such as monkeys, small antelope, squirrels, and rabbits.

Thank you so much for being with me today. P lease take care. Have a good end of the week. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Thank you to the following for their alerts, notes, videos, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, D, Geemeff, H, MB’, Timothy Dygert Live Street, Pool Harbour Ospreys, Friends of Loch Arkaig and the Woodland Trust, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, The Centre for Conservation Biology, John Williams Blog, Gregorious Joris Toonjen and Ospreys, CBS2, ITV News, BBC News, Boulder County Fair Grounds, MN Landscape Arboretum, Wolf Bay, Dunrovin Ranch, PSEG, Annie Roc and The Glaslyn Osprey Group, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Fortis Exshaw, Dahlgren Ospreys, Kent Island Ospreys, Severna Park, Forsythe Ospreys, Boathouse/Audubon, Dorset Hobby Nest, Pool Harbour Ospreys, Cowlitz PUD, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Sydney Sea Eagles, LizNM and the Latvian Fund for Nature, Latvian Fund for Nature, Eagle Club of Estonia, Mlade Buky Storks,Lady Hawk and Selati Verreaux Black Eagles.

Thankfully -A quiet Sunday in Bird World

16 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

The weather was coolish on Saturday morning. I am sitting here with a heavy jumper on, deciding whether or not to go and find the wool socks. It would be a nice day if it were not for the ‘air quality advisories’. So we no longer have the heat but the smoke from the wildfires northwest of us. Not nice. So far, all of the animals have been to the garden today. I did not get a photo of Dyson, but that girl can suck in’ the peanuts. The Blue Jays decided it wasn’t safe to land to disturb her, so she sat in the middle of the feeder, eating a huge pile. She had to be hungry as she did not move to store any of the nuts. Then, while painting the front door, the Blue Jays decided to come and tell me all about Dyson eating the peanuts. It looks like the tray feeders may need to be really separated!

Dyson two days ago on the 13th of July. I am trying to figure out how old she is – she is not a youngster, for sure.

Oh, I finally caught her. Dyson on the 15th. Not a great image..she knew I was there.

I did not go out until the evening and oh, what a surprise there was in store. A week and a bit ago I saw hundreds of Canada Geese doing a ‘day care’. That day the little ones were on the grass and heading back down to the Red River. Today, they were in a ‘train’ – a Goose Day Care outing – to the pond! It was unbelievable. I had my long lens on and could not get a single view so here you go…what you are looking at are the older goslings getting their feathers. There is still baby down in places and the adult are in charge of this long line of youngsters.

‘A’ wonders if they fought – no they did not. All just kept following the lead adults!

They kept going. It was brilliant! The goslings are now so big that it is hard to tell them from the adults unless you look closely at their heads which still have some baby fuzz.

There were others about also. These five little tiny ones were separated from Mum and Dad. A gentle walk around got them back to the other side of the road where they should have been.

This remarkable time at the pond was marred by a small group of young people and a teenager who had some bread and were luring the goslings up on the bank and then kicking pebbles at them. I turned and spoke to them. Their parents did nothing…when I was across the pond, they started up their behaviour again. — We must educate the pre-schoolers on wildlife rights and how stressful their lives can be and their parents. This was completely unacceptable – it was ‘mean-spirited’. Perhaps, like the geese, ducks, and raptors, the children only copy the behaviour they see in the adults who are part of their lives. If so, what a sad world.

Now for some good news!

I mentioned this the other day. Everyone is still celebrating Nova Scotia Power’s rescue of the two osplets. Their parents built a nest on a power pole and then one day they brought in a stick that made the wrong connection causing the nest at Musquodoboit to catch on fire. The adults were frantic. The fire crew got there in time. The chicks were a little smokey but not injured. They were kept in rehab for a fortnight and then returned to a new nest on a new pole dedicated to them and their parents. The icing on the cake? the parents returned to care for their babies! Two weeks! Yes. Can you see my smile?

The nest is on fire.

Osplets in Rehab.

New nest.

New nest on a new pole close to the one on the power line but this one is safe! The parents return. Thanks CBC for the coverage!

Mini is still at home. The parents are still bring fish and Mini is getting much better at self-feeding as s/he grows and grows. Oh, I hope our little one is patient and enjoying life alone – or semi-alone.

Mini is really enjoying the fish that Dad brought.

Fire Island News has an article about the PSEG sponsored nests – at Patchogue (our little Mini) and Oyster Bay.

The-Ospreys-of-Long-Island-—-Fire-Island-NewsDownload

The heavy rains in parts of the UK on Saturday continued from Friday. Aran came in with fish for the two at Glaslyn – he is the king of fishing in the rain and appears to have broken some kind of record Sunday.

It was really blowing at Dyfi, the home of Idris and Telyn, on Saturday. That wind was a help to Cannon who fledged Sunday!

Those high winds and heavy rains were over in the Lake District impacting Foulshaw Moss.

Sunday morning and it is still wet in Alyth but let us hope that as the sun rises over the UK the Osprey nests will dry out.

Things are so much better in Poole Harbour Sunday morning. Blue 022 arrives with breakfast for CJ7 and the trio.

At Loch Arkaig, Only Bob is flapping those wings and looking around to see if Dorcha or Louis are bringing a breakfast fish.

Geemeff catches Louis bringing in a super fish for lunch at Loch Arkaig on Sunday.

Everyone is still home at Boulder County but for how long?

All is well at Collins Marsh.

Only Bob at Cowlitz PUD is self-feeding! If this osplet fledges, it will be the first time in many years this nest has had a fledge. All others died due to the heat domes and lack of food or predation by Bald Eagle. Keep your fingers crossed. Cowlitz PUD is counting on those wire grids protecting this family! If they do, let us put this design into use elsewhere. Lake Murray would be a good start!s

Lots of nice fish for the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum chick on Saturday.

This post showed up regarding some of the nests around Minneapolis. Please read. I commented that we have a lovely situation at the Fortis Exshaw nest with a wonderful step-dad osprey!

I wonder how common it is for Osprey males to step up and help with the fishing when a male goes missing? are there so many looking for mates and nests? It is all very interesting.

Louise and her two beautiful surviving ‘well fed’ and cared for osplets – the last of the line for her and Jasper.

‘H’ reports on FortisExshaw: “What a splendid day they had!  There were a total of 11 fish brought to the nest, including two by ‘Mr.O’.  Fish were delivered by Louise at: 0548, 0638, 0735, 0757, 0903, 1423, 1807, 2050, 2117.  Fish delivered by ‘Mr. O’: 0731 (but Louise was off nest, so he waited for 2 1/2 minutes then left with the fish), and 1244.  ‘Mr. O’ also brought sticks to the nest three times.  After his last stick delivery there was a brief period where Louise was helping ‘Mr. O’ move some sticks.  You know you have really made it to the big time when you and your potential new mate have engaged in mutual nestorations.  Nicely done, ‘Mr. O’!”

Audubon Boathouse:  Skipper claimed his first fish!  He took a couple of little nibbles, but then of course Mom, Dory, reclaimed the fish and fed her youngster.  Skipper is 36 days old.

Barnegat Light:  At 46 days old, Duke and Daisy’s youngster is doing great, S/he has been doing some impressive wingers.  Check out ’09’s impressive wing span.

Kent Island:  At 34 days of age, little ‘Junior’ has passed a couple of mini-milestones.  He stood up, took a couple of tiny steps, and did a mini-winger.  He also tried to move a stick.  But, the stick he chose to move was too big . . and he just happened to be standing on the end of the stick, lol.

Forsythe:  There were 3 fish delivered, two from Oscar, one from Opal.  The high temperatures are predicted to be slightly lower this week, with heavy rains and storms in the forecast for Sunday.  The 55 and 54 day old opletes are doing well.

Severna Park:  Both of the fledglings continue to come to the nest to eat, and occasionally to simply hang out.

‘A’ has been observing Diamond and Xavier nothing that Diamond spent much time in the scrape with a sunken crop: “Her crop appears unusually sunken. She nearly always sports a huge crop, so I am most unused to seeing her like that. She arrived at the nest box at 17:24:45, e-chupping. For some reason, she appeared fascinated by the ceiling – or something above and spends some time gazing up. She waits. At 17:45:23 we hear an e-chup from outside the box and she answers immediately. She then moves into the centre of the box, e-chupping and obviously expecting a bonding visit. After a minute or so, it becomes obvious he is not coming, but she stands expectantly in the centre of the nest box for several minutes, occasionally letting out an e-chup. At 18:05:28, she suddenly looks up and to her right again. I am sure Xavier is up there somewhere. She bobs her head, looks around, prepares for departure, and flies out of the scrape at 18:05:40.”

Diamond will be glad of the scrape and the rest. She fought off an intruder earlier in the day.

In Dorset, the Hobby Falcons are serving up ‘bat breakfast’. Oh, goodness, those chicks are the cutest.

In California, Annie is enjoying her Saturday! Lovely to see you Annie and hear all that e-chupping.

Studies are beginning to reveal that human disturbance can cause nest failure.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-scotland-66200130?fbclid=IwAR2uxf2RW5St_IVvaQRcKf9w5njexQSFJessCHVHyzNV-PC_0RgwEJl-lvE

I do not have a bird feeder with a camera but many of you have written to me to know if I did or if I know anything about them. I do not know anything about them but Wired – part of The New Yorks Times – has an article devoted to the three best in their opinion bird feeders with built in cameras in case you are interested.

The-3-Best-Smart-Bird-Feeders-of-2023-Reviews-by-WirecutterDownload

Thank you so much for being with me today. it is a cool and damp morning again on the Canadian Prairies and it is time for me to fill the feeders! 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 blog this morning: ‘A, H’, CBC, PSEG, Fire Island News, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, Dyfi Osprey News, Polly Turner and Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys, Alyth, Poole Hrbour Ospreys, Friends of Loch Arkaig and the Woodland Trust, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Boulder County Fair Grounds, Collins Marsh, Cowlitz PUD, MN Landscape Arboretum, Twin Cities metro Osprey Watch, Fortis Exshaw, Audubon Boathouse, Conserve Wildlife of NJ, Kent Island/Explore, Forstythe ospreys, Severna Park, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Dorset Hobby Falcons, SK Hideaways and Cal Falcons, BBC, and The New York Times Wired.

Good news at Fortis Exshaw…Friday in Bird World

14 July 2023

UPDATE: THE STORK NEST IS DIMITRI IN BELARUS NOT DMITRI IN RU. MY ERROR!

Good Morning Everyone,

It has been crazy weather with downpours and then suddenly the sun comes out. Great for the garden. The Blue Jays and Sparrows are good barometers of what is happening. They feed frantically before the black clouds and thunder roll in. Today, however, the Blue Jays frightened me – the new fledglings. They would simply not stop getting peanuts and flying despite the pouring rain. One sat on the neighbour’s roof and then flew – it was drenched and reminded me of Yurruga before it perished a year ago at Orange. I do wish they would just perch in the lilac bushes – and today, they could have waited with a Northern Cardinal! It was the first time I have seen a Cardinal in the garden – or, rather, the first time that I witnessed a Cardinal. The bushes are so thick it is impossible to see through them this time of year. My father used to call them ‘Red Birds’ and they would eat out of his hand – fascinated a young child.

In his new book, Reflections. What Wildlife Needs and How to Provide it, author Mark Avery, chooses to start with his back garden. Many of the most recent publications sitting on my desk or pre-ordered are written by well-known individuals who have specifically chosen to ponder the world’s fate through the lens of their own space and the birds they observe daily. Avery bemoans the loss of the Nightingale and its beautiful song at dusk or the Hedgehog while applauding the Red Kite reintroduction. It is a beautifully written book and every time I read someone else’s words about their own garden friends, I return to the view out of my conservatory that gives me so much joy. I hope that you do, too.

This image could be a better quality – apologies. It was starting to rain, and I had to try and miss those pink squares, but there is proof of the Cardinal in the lilacs – taking refuge there from the downpour. Cardinals are familiar birds in eastern and southeastern Canada, but they seem to visit central Canada more often, as the images posted on FB noted. I hope it is the new birdseed I am purchasing from a local farmer – it is all part of a plan to try and exist 90% local and without plastic.

You can see the big drops of water hanging from the branches. it really was a torrential downpour.

The Blue Jays are so fantastic. The little one that sat on the two garden ornaments and made a nest is distinctive and he loves to eat grain, not peanuts – and he loves to splash about in the bird bath. I adore him. Notice that his crest is black with a few light blue steel grey feathers in the front. I can spot him from the others instantly.

One of the adults moulting.

This one loves the peanuts and he is wet from the rain. They must have a spotting scope because the minute I put out fresh peanuts they are there!

This one was not happy with one of Dyson’s kits who wanted a peanut, too.

Recently fledged sparrows are everywhere. If ever there was an explosion of a species in the garden, it is them!

Besides spending much time just observing the behaviour of everyone in the garden and ticking off the list to make sure everyone was accounted for, I went off to the English Garden at our local zoo. The plan was to check on the local Cooper’s Hawk nest but there were so many people in the area that the hawks were silent.

That was not the case with the goslings that I had seen a couple of weeks ago. Someone had given them ‘bread’ despite the signs all over the area and they were fighting for it. Silly waterfowl.

The gosling day care still exists even though the goslings might think they are very independent.

Drying off after coming out of the water.

Then someone began to throw bread and the young ones immediately grabbed it and fled to the water chased by others.

It was quite the afternoon watching everyone.

I did not spend a lot of time watching the nests today. So my report is rather short but I want to start with one nest that both ‘H’ and I have been watching. The news is good this morning coming for Fortis Exshaw. ‘H’ writes, “

Louise brought fish to the nest at 0630, 0750, 0849, 1249, 1545, 1603, 1818, and 1958.  Wow!  In addition to that, a male Osprey gifted a partial fish at 0856, which Louise accepted.  Wow!  There was some minor intimidation from Big toward Middle at the early feeding, otherwise the feedings were tranquil, and both chicks’ crops were stuffed all day.  I noticed something interesting regarding the issue of osplets having a feeling of ‘food security’ when adequate fish are brought to a nest, vs the awful aggression that is a manifestation of ‘food insecurity’ felt by the dominant osplet when food is scarce.  When there is plenty of food for a couple of days, the dominant chick starts to relax.  S/he no longer tries to eliminate a food competitor by prevent the sibling from eating, because it no longer feels that it may starve to death.  But, what struck me watching the Exshaw nest yesterday was that the establishment of harmony at mealtimes may be a two-way street.  The non-dominant chick also starts to relax, knowing that it will survive because of the ample availability of food.  The non-dominant chick at Exshaw, ‘Middle’, simply started to hang back and wait at feedings, and let ‘Big’ eat first.  Not only was Big more relaxed because of the amount of food available, but Middle was more relaxed as well.  This enabled Middle to become more accepting of his hatch-assigned place in the pecking-order, and by not so much as even trying to get a bite of fish and potentially annoying ‘Big’ early in a feeding, Middle aided his own cause.  It’s all about the food.  But, we already knew that.It seems that Louise may have some help.  A male osprey (that I believe was the same one she chased off the nest twice on 7/12), landed on the nest four times.  At his first visit he gifted Louise a partial fish, and she accepted it.  She fed some to the kids and ate some of it herself.  Also at that first visit, the male moved a couple of sticks, and defended the nest.  The male osprey also vocally defended the nest at a couple of his other brief visits to the nest.  At his last visit he was even more vocal toward an unseen intruder, and he flew off chasing said intruder.”—————-

It sure seems like there could be a pot of gold at the end of Louis’s rainbow and for this nest. This is fantastic. I will suggest that Louise accepting the new male indicates that she was well aware – from the beginning – that Jasper is no longer with us.

For those wondering, the new male is not Jasper. The head markings are entirely different.

Both osplets fledged from the nest of Laddie LM12 and Blue NC0 at Loch of the Lowes Thursday morning. The little male flew first – gosh, what a joy that was – and the sister a little later.

I adore Mini. Mini gives me hope and every day that s/he self-feeds a little better gives joy. These days with her on the nest and adults making sure she is fed just is glorious. Today there was a goldfish just for Mini!

Trying to work those wings in a crowd.

Minnesota Landscape: I did not see a whole lot of fish being delivered but the little one is being fed. The rain came to the nest about the same time it began in Winnipeg!

Cowlitz PUD: My continued worry about this nest are the eagles in the area. I hope the protective guards work and that fish continue to come in. If you check on this nest, use the overhead cam view.

Boulder County: Doing Great.

The Bridge Golf Club: Both parents are now fishing and supplying the nest. There were 7 fish deliveries on Thursday. Both chicks doing well.

Charlo Montana: Continues to be offline.

First District Utility: Camera is frozen.

Collins Marsh: Everything is excellent.

Moorings Park: Victor went to bed without the usual fish form Harry. Several times today Victor was caught on camera diving trying to get a fish. Please send this wonderful fledgling all your good luck so that he can get his own fish! He needs to get this well in hand, and now is the time to be practising. Victor, you can do this! (I do wish someone would dump about 20,000 fish in that pond so he had some chance of success!)

Janakkalan: Both osplets doing well.

Dyfi: Both are flapping and hopping.

Glaslyn: Things look fine.

Alyth: Lots of good fish deliveries.

Now let’s get to those other reports by ‘H’:

Kent Island – “The big story is a new arrival to the nest.  Audrey gifted her little chick a stuffed pink octopus!  The nest owner has named the stuffie ‘Molly’.”

Barnegat Light – Daisy delivered one of her specialty bluefish, as hubby Duke was chillin’ out lying next to his kiddo.  At 44 days of age, 09/N is growing up fast.

Severna Park – After #2 fledged in the morning, she skidded to a landing on the nest 5 1/2 hours later.  Well done fledgling! 

Forsythe – There were only two fish brought to the nest on 7/13, both by Opal.  Oscar did not come to the nest.  Opal came to the nest several other times throughout the day, but arrived empty taloned.  There were also only two fish delivered on 7/12, one each by Opal and Oscar, but the first fish was so large that Opal made three feedings out of it.  The mid-Atlantic area has been suffering from a heat wave for a few days, which may be making fishing more difficult as the fish seek cooler, deeper waters.  The siblings are 52 and 53 days old. 

Audubon Boathouse – Life is splendid at the Boathouse platform. Little Skipper is 34 days old.

‘H’ also checked in on McEuen Park in Idaho. Look at how big those three osplets are! Fantastic. Thanks so much, ‘H’.

Waiting word on Dmitri’s surgery. Before he went into hospital, he built a new place for the storklet that he rescued. Incredible man.

For our education – an article on the importance of water and agriculture to our planet and to our birds from the British Ornithological Trust. Indeed, one of the biggest detriments to the stability of our wildlife is the changing methods in agriculture over the past two centuries including deforestation and the use of pesticides and herbicides.

Agriculture-and-nature-inevitably-intertwined-BirdLife-InternationalDownload

Thank you so much for being with me today. Please take care of yourself. See you soon!

Thank you so much to ‘H’ for her continued monitoring and to the following for their posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: Fortis Exshaw, Mary Cheadle and Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys, PSEG, MN Landscape Arboretum, Cowlitz PUD, Boulder County Fair Grounds, The Bridge Golf Club, Collins Marsh, Moorings Park, Janakkalan and Finnish Osprey Foundation, Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Alyth, Kent Island, Conserve Wildlife of New Jersey, Severna Park, Forsythe ospreys, Audubon Boathouse, McEuen Park, BTO, and Dmitri Storks.

Time to keep an eye on Mini! Thursday in Bird World

13 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

It is humid and sultry (but not hot and sultry) on the Canadian Prairies. The skies feel like they could unload a whole lot of rain if they ever decided to open. My phone says they won’t. Let’s wait and see.

Today saw the arrival of some Japanese snacks and the kittens go crazy. What is it about White Peach Mochi and those crispy melon wafer cookies that cause them to turn into something besides kittens?

Later, look who is in his sister’s basket?

First up, I want to thank Gayle at Fortis Exshaw and Robyn at AIWC and the Alberta Birds of Prey for their immediate responses to the call for help if Louise at the Fortis Exshaw Nest should become injured or killed and the osplets left abandoned. Everyone was ready to help if help was needed. Thankfully, Louise is alright and is doing a splendid jog.

The fish deliveries for Wednesday, according to ‘H’ were: “Fish deliveries: 07:18:09, 12:28:02, 12:59:13, 13:36:54, 17:09:03”. All is well.——— Gosh, it is windy there. Louise is a fantastic fisher. Oh, gosh. Another large fish came in at 18:16.

‘H’ notes that Big intimidated Middle throughout the day but that Middle did wind up with some nice crops. Louise is fantastic even flushing out intruders from the nest.

This is wonderful news – Louise is amazing. Continue to send your positive energy to this incredible female.

‘B’ sent me the most fascinating article. I am so grateful as these ospreys have not given me a chance to read the papers. The birds are smart, they are taking things meant to keep them off buildings and using them to fortify and protect their own nests. Have a read – and thanks ‘B’.

Birds-in-Europe-use-anti-bird-spikes-to-fortify-nests-researchers-say-The-Washington-PostDownload

Our dear Mini is starting to really spread its wings and is watching the older siblings intently on what to do when you get the itch to fly. Everyone keep an eye on Mini – s/he could fly at any time it seems. Let me know if I miss it!

Mum feeding Mini a private meal.

We just need Dad at Patchogue. All three fledglings and Mini are home wishing for fish.

Beautiful or handsome Mini.

Minnesota Landscape: The chick is getting its pin feathers. It was hot in Minnesota today. Mum is not always the most devoted mumbrella but she is much better at feeding.

First District Utility: The streaming cam continues to be frozen.

Moorings Park: I have never seen a fledgling spend so much time on a nest waiting for a fish delivery as Victor.

Boulder County Fair Grounds: This nest is fabulous.

Collins Marsh: A wet day but all is well. Mum and Dad on the nest with the two surviving osplets.

Poole Harbour: Family image. Watch the chicks and CJ7 as they see Blue 22 arriving.

CJ7 stays on the nest at night. Last year she lost a chick to a goshawk. Goshawks do not normally hunt at night but there could be Tawny owls or other predators in the area. She is not taking any chances.

Glaslyn: Elen and the two beautiful osplets waiting for a fish delivery. Everything is fine. Aran continues to impress with the fish deliveries.

Dyfi: Another family portrait and all is well with Idris, Telyn, Seiont and Cennen.

Llyn Clywedog: At 20:31, Seren Blue 5F brought in a huge Rainbow Trout to the nest. This is significant. It is the first fish she has caught and brought to the nest since April. Dylan has been supplying all the fish. Seren will begin to build up her strength for her trip to Africa. She goes to the exact tree in The Tango Marsh in The Gambia every winter and has done now for 7 or 8 years.

Alyth: All appears to be well at Alyth substation. The nice day turned into a very wet late evening.

Loch Arkaig: Geemeff caught the osplet picking up and moving a fish and self-feeding. Fantastic. Another milestone.

But, hey. Geemeff caught our chick – gosh, let’s get it a good name – playing football? Trying out for the Premier League?

Loch of the Lowes: She is gorgeous – Blue NC0. She will be dreaming of Africa and migration having laid the first eggs of the season along with Maya at Manton Bay. Chicks are gorgeous. All is well.

We must all hope that the situation concerning Avian Flu in West Africa has dissolved by the time these beautiful birds reach their winter homes. (I must check on that situation).

Loch Garten: I think this FB post says it all!

Foulshaw Moss: We have the first fledge of the 2023 season for White YW and Blue 35.

Tweed Valley: The two osplets were ringed, and their names are Sacha and Paul. Very appropriate for those great individuals behind Conservation Without Borders.

Finland #1. Everything is good.

Finland #4. It is often difficult to tell but it appears that things are alright on this nest.

‘H’s report on Patuxent 1: “Sibling ‘A’ that fledged on 7/11 at 0745, has not returned to the nest as yet.  Nor has s/he been seen on the perch.  The juvenile on the perch has always been identified as ‘Foster’.   I hope all is well with the fledgling, sibling ‘A’. Sibling ‘B’ was very close to fledging on 7/12.  You can just barely see its talons during a hover in one of the attached photos.”

Severna Park: “I’m pretty sure that Middle (chick #2) fledged at 0758 this morning at 65 days of age.  Chick #1 flew off the nest at 0657.”

Dahlgren – The eldest chick (D11) fledged on 7/12 at 1148, at 55 days of age.  S/he did not return to the nest on 7/12, but was seen resting on the nest owner’s boat with her dad, Jack.  At 5 pm it was reported that D11’s mom, Harriet was seen feeding her on the boat!

Kent Island – It was another wonderful day for Audrey, Tom, and their little 31 day old chick.  You will hardly ever find that youngster with a flat crop.

Osoyoos – After a couple days offline, the livestream resumed on 7/12.  Ample fish were brought to the nest to feed the 15 and 16 day old osplets.  Those kiddos are really looking good!

Why do ‘H’ and I make such a big deal about fledglings returning to the nest? Unless it is a case like Dahlgren where the chick is seen being fed by the parent nearby, fledglings return to the nest to be fed for about a month, sometimes much longer like Victor, while they learn to hunt and perfect their flying skills. If they do not return to the nest, something has happened to them.

Well, as ‘H’ watched, she is pleased to report, “Dahlgren D11 (chick #1) made a beautiful return landing on the nest this morning at 0744.”

At the nest of Big Red and Arthur: All of the Ms are fine and watching parents for prey deliveries!

Those Dorset Hobby Falcons are certainly cute! Who could resist watching them most of the day?

At the scrape of Xavier and Diamond – isn’t Xavier precious? Expect to see lots of bonding and Diamond trying to fatten up prior to egg laying next month.

‘A’ notes, “I need to mention sweet Xavier. He brought some breakfast to the nest box this morning at 07:37:38 and Diamond was into the box within seconds to claim it – but then realised it was a starling and jumped straight out of the box. Xavier looked a bit startled and somewhat nonplussed, and he hangs around for about four minutes, but then departs with his starling. An hour or so later (at 08:52:02) he tries again, and Diamond is more receptive to this offering. Well done, Xavier. This pair always seem to have crops – Madame Diamond is frequently too sleepy to take hers anywhere, so she rests on the ledge of her nest box for much of the afternoon. It’s a hard life for a peregrine at CSU in Orange!” 

We are more than half way through incubation at the Sydney Sea Eagles nest of Lady and Dad. Dad came in to give Lady a break so she could go and have her morning meal and stretch her legs after a long night of incubation.

‘A’ writes, “Meanwhile, the dedicated incubation continues in Sydney. These two have a good rhythm. Let’s hope they do their usual excellent job of raising two fledglings this season. Both varieties of Australian possum are potential predators for both the eggs and the newly hatched chicks, though the brushtails are larger and more dangerous. The ringtails will eat those eggs just as fast as a brushtail, and although both species are primarily vegetarian, they will eat small chicks if they come across them. It is unusual for either type of possum to eat the chicks, but it has definitely been witnessed from both ringtails and brushtails. (I watched a little ringtail with a baby on her back crossing my street last night, like a tightrope walker above the road, clinging to the electricity cabling that crosses the road from one pole to another. They don’t seem to slip off, though I have occasionally seen one hanging from the wire and pulling itself across. Most walk along the wire with amazing speed and balance. The baby clings to mum’s back, or sometimes to her tummy. They are a protected native species, which is more than a little annoying for suburban dwellers with trees in their garden. The sound of possums thundering across the roof (or, worse yet, peeing inside the roof, staining the ceiling from above) is enough to wake the dead at 2am. And the sounds they make, especially during courting and mating season (now), are other-worldly in a very scary way!” 

With all of the storklets killed and little Okrusezek fighting for his life as he lost it to the goshawk in Poland, I needed to check on a couple of the stork nests that we follow closely to make sure that all are home.

Mlade Buky: Everything is good with Bety and Bukacek’s beautiful storklets.

Karl II and Kaia, Karula National Forest: The storklets are losing the baby down and getting their feathers. They look good. Urmas continues to provide fish for the family in the fish baskets otherwise, we might not see these healthy ones. This is a man with a huge heart for storks just like Dmitri – and I checked. Dmitri was in the hospital awaiting his surgery Wednesday evening.

Tukums, Latvia: Everything appears to be good.

‘A’ loves the Royal Albatross. I do not report on them very often but as fledge is 6-8 weeks away, let us keep a closer check. ‘A’ reports: “In New Zealand, Prince Manaaki had a very busy day fixing up his nest, doing more excavations and heading off on some hill-climbing excursions. I can only suggest that you check today’s chat for some amazing pics of him (I particularly love the one where he is covered in nest material but the hill-climbing one is pretty cute too – let’s face it, he’s always adorable). https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/royal-cam-discussion/ Don’t you just love a nest where we get to watch a loving couple reuniting and courting, doting parents incubating their egg for over two months, and then a safe hatch in a supervised incubator followed by no sibling rivalry, just one absolutely gorgeous fluff ball that we get to watch for a whole 240 days? And all the time knowing that they will be kept cool, given hydration and supplementary feedings, weighed and health-checked weekly, and generally treated in the manner they deserve. What an incredible treat that albatross colony really is.”

A quick check and Mini is still with us on the nest!

I want to thank ‘J’ for helping me extend my data to include some of the German Osprey nests. In doing so, she sent me links to valuable information, including a 1996 study on the ospreys in Germany. It is a good read and sheds some light on what is helping Ospreys to thrive or not in a limited area of Germany. That area is home to many of my ceramic friends who still run potteries with wood-burning kilns in the Mecklenburg area north of Berlin.

OspreyCentralEuropeDownload

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, B, Geemeff, H, J’, Fortis Exshaw, PSEG, MN Landscape Arboretum, Moorings Park, Boulder County Fair Grounds, Collins Marsh, Poole Harbour Ospreys, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Dyfi Osprey Project, CarnyXWild, Alyth, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, LOTL and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Livia Armstrong and Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys, Polly turner and Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys, Jeff Kear and Ospreys, Severna Park, Kent Island, Osoyoos, Dahlgren Ospreys, Patuxent River Park, Finnish Osprey Foundation, Cornell Bird Lab, Dorset Hobby Falcons, Holly Parsons and Orange, Australia Peregrine Falcons, Sea Eagle Cam, Mlade Buky, Eagle Club of Estonia, Latvian Fund for Nature, NZ DOC, and Researchgate.

Fortis Exshaw? …Wednesday in Bird World

12 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

Besides entering data in the forms, the day was spent making jam and gardening while running in to check on nests every 30 or 40 minutes. The Baby Blue Jays now know – just like last year – to come and peck on the window when the peanuts are all gone. They are adorable. The jam is just finishing up. It is the last of the strawberries. The heat of the early summer cooked the plants out in the local fields. So it was a short season. Hopefully, there will be some raspberries!

We need to start out with something wonderful and today that story comes from Nova Scotia, Canada – and it comes from Nova Scotia Power! By now everyone is aware of the deadly wildfires in that Atlantic Canadian province. These little osplets lost their nests and with the kindness of humans regained their lives with their parents.

‘L’ wrote to me yesterday to see if I knew about the chicks at The Wetlands Institute. I went to check, and sadly, one died on Monday of starvation, and the other died on Tuesday. It is hard to believe. They both hatched on the 28th of May, making them 43 days old. They were both fully feathered. Their cause of death was starvation. The nest is in the Stone Harbour area of New Jersey, and it is one of the nests in the region of that big storm that hit that caused so many nests to lose not only all the chicks but some of the males. Our hearts go out to all these osprey families.

The average age for fledging varies from 46-60 days giving some perspective on what a great loss these osplets are to the future population.

These big beautiful osplets should not be dying. They should be getting ringed and getting fat and strong for fledge and migration.

A tragedy also began on 7 July in the making at Fortis Exshaw when the male, Jasper, disappeared. ‘H’ has astutely noted that the nest is beginning to look like what happened at Cape Henlopen last season when intruders killed the male, then killed or injured the female leaving 3 healthy osplets on the nest – they starved to death on camera. It was horrific. Louise was last seen on the nest at 1337 on Tuesday when she chased intruders that had been landing. Louise did return to the nest and was noticeably tired. She checks on the chicks and ‘H’ reports that Louise provided five feedings for the two. So, please send continued positive wishes. We have help if it is required but it will also involve getting the community in the Canmore area involved.

‘H’ reports the following: “Feeding 0704 to 0714 – A brief bonking battle sent Middle to the side.  0708 Middle got a little closer, and ate its first bite at 0709.  Most of the feeding was blocked from view.Feeding 1100 to 1105 – This feeding was peaceful.Feeding 1109 to 1113 –  Louise quickly returned with another small fish.  The view of the feeding was partially blocked, but Middle initially spent some time off to the side, indicating that s/he had been intimidated.Feeding 1244 to 1250 – The view was partially blocked but it seemed that both chicks were eating peacefully side by side.Feeding 1328 to 1333 – Again the feeding was partially blocked from view, but it seemed peaceful with both eating.As you can tell by the length of feeding times, most of the fish Louise caught were on the small side.”

The AIWC in Calgary has told me they will take the orphaned osplets if – that is if they are orphaned – if they can be retrieved from the nest and transported to Calgary. If any of you live near the nest on the Bow River in Canmore, I would suggest reaching out to the Canmore Fire Department to try and coordinate an effort along with Fortis Exshaw. This was the response I received – please note that they did not understand that the osplets were in the nest (or their wording is a bit hazy on that). Permits might be required. If you do live in the area please send me a comment or e-mail and I will provide you with further details.

Hello Mary, I am so sorry to hear that these little ones might be orphaned. We appreciate everything you have done for them thus far, and for reaching out to us regarding their care. We are more than happy to take the orphaned osplets at our wildlife centre just north of Calgary. Unfortunately, we are short on resources at the moment, and therefore are not able to complete any pickups and/or rescues at this time. Our rescue program is volunteer-run, which sadly means that we are dependent on when drivers sign up for shifts. We are happy to send a call-out looking for volunteer drivers, however, I cannot guarantee that we would be able to send someone right away.
If yourself, a friend, or relative might feel comfortable containing the osplets, we would be more than happy to receive them at our centre, if someone is able to drop them off with us. 
Thank you again for your message today, and please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we are able to assist. 
Kind regards,The AIWC Team

Two little osplets calling for Mum so loud it breaks your heart.

Louise was back brooding the chicks as night fall begin to settle in.

Let us just bracket that sadness with something else wonderful and that are Big Red and Arthur’s Ms who are going strong, learning every day and getting those wings and hunting skills honed. Thanks to Suzanne Arnold Horning we have some great images of the hawks out and about on the Cornell Campus.

At the Balgavies Loch, three gorgeous osplets were ringed on the 11th of July. What wonderful news.

At Patchogue, everyone knows when Dad delivers a fish to the nest!

After Big, guess who is working on that big fish? None other than Little Mini. Sweet.

Mini is still working away at that fish – home alone, so not rush – an hour later.

‘L’ sent me a sweet screen capture of our Little Mini. What a great crop! Looks like she is full of fish up to her beak!

Moorings Park: Not sure about Victor. He slept on the Moorings Park nest and he was there all day waiting for a fish delivery from Harry.

Collins Marsh: Nice fish landed on the nest. The two osplets are feathered up, not quite completely but getting there, and doing well. Fingers crossed for this new couple to the nest in what looks like a very hot Wisconsin on Tuesday.

Oyster Bay: Now isn’t that the most beautiful image? Dad on the edge. Mum feeding those three gorgeous osplets.

Boulder County: Mum is working overtime to keep those three large osplets shaded form the hot sun!

Cowlitz PUD: That is one beautiful osplet! Cheeky one…doesn’t want us to see the amazing juvenile plumage…looks like a good hit on that camera lens.

Seaside: All is well.

Alyth: Raining. Big drops coming down. Three beauties. I hope there are no goshawks in this area.

Poole Harbour: Last year one of the chicks around fledging time was predated by a goshawk. So hoping that this does not happen this year.

Blue 022 in with a huge fish at 1738. CJ7 takes charge and that big fish is gone in a blink.

Loch Arkaig – nest 1 home of Affric and two potential mates:

Loch of the Lowes: Beautiful Blue NC0 and her two fledglings. All is well.

Llyn Brenig: All is well.

Llyn Clywedog: Dylan is such a good provider. When they wonder why osplets areople starving in the US, I remind pe that many of the ponds and lochs are stocked in the UK. The Clywedog Reservoir gets 40,000 fish annually deposited. Now think about that and then look at these two healthy chicks – and then look at Manton Bay which is also stocked. Why not push where you live for USFWS to provide fingerlings in all the lakes and ponds for the birds that rely on them? Why not! And maybe instead of increasing fish quotes let us just cut them entirely.

Dyfi: A whole lot of flapping going on. If you want to order any merchandise from Dyfi (or otherwise) and they do not take your postal code, contact them. Dyfi arranged for me to donate and shipped Emyr Evan’s book to me in Canada for a small additional postage charge. It was not much. (Their tote bags are great, too!)

Glaslyn: Lovely family portrait of Aran and Elen with their two sleeping babies in the nest. What a beautiful image…when I feel really ‘low’ over the deaths in North America, I just think of this nest with this new Mum who took Mrs G’s place and did an amazing job first time around.

Tweed Valley 2: the two chicks have been ringed and fitted with sat pads! Love the names.

‘H’ reports on the following:

Patuxent Nest 1 –  ‘Sibling A’ that fledged at 0745 on 7/11 has yet to return to the nest.  Sibling ‘B’ was doing some vigorous flapping and slight hovering, and may be ready to take his/her first flight.  Their older foster sibling spends most of her time hanging out on the perch where she can keep a lookout for incoming fish.  ‘Foster’ prefers to be in the nest before Dad lands with a fish, but as you can see in the attached photo, Foster arrived a little late from the perch for the last meal of the day.  Sibling ‘B’ took that fish, but Foster stole it!  Not to worry, sibling ‘B’ was able to eat a large portion after Foster ate her fill.

Audubon Boathouse –  My goodness, 32 day old Skipper is getting so big.  The proud parents, Dory and Skiff, are doing a great job.

Forsythe – Oscar is not ‘missing’.  There were six fish brought to the nest on 7/11.  Oscar delivered a fish at 0750, and Opal delivered the others.  Is there a ‘Manual for Osprey Life’ that dictates that the male must deliver most of the fish to the nest?  Perhaps Oscar has been busy keeping intruders out of the territory.  Opal and Oscar seem to have a great partnership.  Their kids are 51 and 50 days old.There was an epic tug of war for the fish that Oscar delivered.  The battle for the fish between the kids and their Mom went on for nearly a full minute.  In the end, one of the siblings won.

Barnegat Light – Daisy delivered a couple of live bluefish and the whole family feasted.  Duke and Daisy’s youngster is doing great, and at 42 days old, ’09/N’ has been doing some wingers.

‘A’ sent a note about the Royal Cam Chick: “Manaaki had a big day yesterday, with a visit from the rangers (for weighing day) and then a visit from mum for a feeding. Happy little man. Can’t wait till they fill in that weight chart. Here are the highlights of his day: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=ZOf5Smgt9kY&list=TLPQMTIwNzIwMjMLCopcQu6ATg&index=3 Listen to all that happy wheeing away when mum arrives. She is not giving him nearly as much food as dad GLY does at a feeding. In fact, she appears very reluctant to give up any of her stomach contents to Manaaki, and no wonder – he’s MUCH bigger than either of his parents (though some of that, of course, is due to his remaining fluff).”

Hartley and Monty have been bonding since Soledad fledged. Give this young couple a pat on the back! What a chick they raised in Soledad.

Thank you so much for being with me. Please send your positive wishes to our dear Louise at Fortis Exshaw and to all the nests. Take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, images, videos, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, Geemeff, H, L, L’, Hope for Wildlife, Fortis Exshaw, Suzanne Arnold Horning, SL Security Pros, Moorings Park, Collins Marsh, PSEG, Boulder County Fair Grounds, Cowlitz PUD, Seaside Ospreys, Forsythe Ospreys, Conserve Wildlife F of NJ, Patuxent River Park, Alyth, Poole Harbour Ospreys, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Friends of Loch of the Lowes and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Llyn Brenig, CarnyXWild, Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, NZ DOC, and SK Hideaways and SJCH Falcons.

A whole lot of flapping’ goin’ on, fledges, and predation…Tuesday in Bird World

11 July 2023

Good Morning,

If you watch long enough, you will begin to see flapping. Osplets so close and dreaming of flying. It is marvellous. They become what they are destined to be – beautiful feathered flyers. Such a bittersweet time for us.

It is hard for me to believe that the summer is just flying by as if someone or something switched gears and put us in supersonic mode. The females on the nests of the fledglings will begin to fish for themselves (while also bringing in fish for the chicks along with the male). The 30% of their body weight that they lost during the breeding season – laying eggs, tending to chicks, fighting off intruders, etc. – will be regained, hopefully, so that they can make their 5000 km migration in good health.

Meanwhile, the kittens remain together almost 90% of the time. They love watching the birds from their perch. Missey enjoys having her small round basket inside a taller rectangular one, while Lewis prefers a hard basket lid! Go figure. You cannot see the pink bird collision dots in the images. That is super.

She is sound asleep.

The sunflowers are compliments of all the garden animals who scattered seeds. Gos h, I wish I had a field for them to plant peanuts!

We will start with the sadness. As we know, Jasper, the mate of Louise at the FortisExshaw nest has been missing now for nearly four full days as I write this. Louise has been out fishing and has had to deal with intruders. ‘H’ has confirmed that the youngest of the three chicks has now died. She writes, “Chick #3 passed away at 20 days of age.  ‘Little’ was not seen at all on 7/10.  ‘H’ notes that there were at least four feedings with Big attempting to intimidate Middle by beaking. Middle prevailed and ate and in the end the three had some nice meals together. We can only wait and see what happens. Send this nest your most positive energy, please.

Louise managed to eat and fill her crop too. She will need all the energy she can gather to fight off intruders and be Mum at the same time.

There are many who wonder about the wiseness of reestablishing Ospreys while, at the same time, introducing Goshawks. Today there is more goshawk predation – again at Kielder Forest. Joanna Dailey writes, “The female goshawk returned to Nest 5A last night. Despite being mobbed, she predated 1B9/Greenlee.In the circumstances there won’t be a further post with ringing photos.Despite the establishment of a new wild nest, the lack of breeding on Nest 6 and Nest 1A, plus the loss of chicks, means that a maximum of eight youngsters can fledge from Kielder Forest. This is the poorest productivity since 2018. Let’s hope next year is an ‘up’ after the ‘downs’ of this season.” Later, Joanna writes, “A short time ago UV gave Mrs UV a large rainbow trout. It is encouraging to see their pair bond is holding.” You will often see the ospreys pair bonding or having fish exchanges after the death of a child. I equate it to humans giving one another a big hug and telling them they still love one another when an immense tragedy occurs like the death of a child.

Has anyone been following the Urdaibai nest closely? I am wondering about the fledge dates of the two? One appears to still be home.

The ringing of the two surviving osplets at Finnish nest #4 took place on 10 July 2023. Here is the video!

Missing the sound of starving falcon chicks? Well check out these four in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

The only serving Lesser Spotted Eaglet in Latvia is growing and is so gorgeous. Dad has just delivered a vole.

The two Imperial Eaglets of Allyn and Altynay in the Tatarstan nest in RU, have names. The oldest is Alma and the youngest is Batyr. Both are males. The third sibling died on 9 June from starvation due to bad weather.

Here is our spin around the Osprey nests:

Crooked Lake: If you have been wanting to check in on the three osplets of Whitley and Noble at Crooked Lake, here is the link. These three are doing fantastic and giving Dad some attitude when he delivers those fish.

Cowlitz PUD. A nice fish delivery caught on the overhead cam by the PUD company. The nest continues to do well.

Boulder County: This nest with three is doing fantastic! My goodness we worried for a bit about Little but all is well because these two parents worked together to make sure that wee one survived. Now look.

Seaside: All is well. The camera angle sometimes cuts off one of the osplets and today I took a deep breath thinking one had fledged. No there was its tail! Mum has been busy aerating that nest!

Moorings Park: Gosh, Victor is waiting and waiting for that fish before lights out.

Outerbanks: Everyone is eating. Two at home now and it seems that everything is going well for the three fledglings.

Oyster Bay: Gosh those are beautiful osplets…now look at the one whose face you can see…doesn’t that look like Little Mini from Patchogue?

Little Mini has a slightly distinctive profile. So does this chick.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: This new Mum has caught on. The only surviving Bob out of the three had a nice meal and a big crop and spent time looking out over the landscape with Mum. Dad was not there watching either..fingers crossed. This little one is getting some fat reserves which is good. Notice also that it is losing the down on the back of its head as we enter the Reptile phase.

The Bridge Golf Club: Lots of good fish. Mum and the two surviving osplets are doing extremely well.

Clark PUD: Doing great. No worries.

Collins Marsh: Some nice fish landing on the nest. Fingers crossed!

Dyfi Osprey Project: It is windy in Wales late Monday and Tuesday is starting off a wee damp. The osplets are flapping those wings! Both are super. No problems here!

Glaslyn Valley: Windy and set and the camera got disconnected after 2100 Monday evening. Heather advises that it will be repaired and the Circle of Doom will be gone sometime Tuesday. Otherwise everything is fantastic.

RSPB Loch Garten: Wet and miserable. Everyone waiting for fish.

Llyn Brenig: Oh, the same weather pattern seems to be around most of Wales. It was very windy late Monday and now the rain is pitching down at Llyn Brenig. These kids know not to try fledging when they are soaking wet.

Loch Arkaig: Dorcha is taking no chances. S he is with her soon to be named little boy in the nest in case silent night callers come to visit.

Loch of the Lowes: The chicks had fish before night fall and then the rains came and they were soaked. Blue NC0, too. Gosh, the skies ahve cleared and they are fish calling. Seriously these two are so loud you could hear them in Stirling!

Alyth: Very windy at Alyth. Hopefully no one will do a lot of flapping and prematurely take off.

Poole Harbour: Those osplets of CJ7 and Blue 022 are so grown up. There was an intruder about and the three suddenly became as thin s pancakes. But later just look. They are so big and already wing flapping in the early morning before the breakfast fish. Parents must be thrilled – three healthy osplets soon to fledge.

Fischadler: The trio in Germany have been ringed. I am hoping to get details but that nest is getting awfully full. Aren’t they gorgeous?

‘H’s reports on the other nests she is monitoring:

Patuxent Nest 1 – Neither sibling fledged on 7/10, although the one that I refer to as ‘Chick A’, at  57 days of age, seems to be very close to becoming a flighted bird.  —And ‘H’ was right, she adds “I knew that it would be soon.  The chick that I refer to as sibling ‘A’ based on different markings, was very active with hovering this morning.  Sibling ‘A’ fledged at 0745.  I am not referring to the oldest sibling.  The siblings are 57 and 56 days old.  Now to keep track of all three juveniles to determine when the third chick fledges, lol.”

Without Darvic rings, it is nearly impossible unless there is a good differentiation in head markings.  

McEuen Park: Three beautiful osplets!

Forsythe – There were only two fish brought to the nest yesterday, at 1136 and 1754.  Both fish were delivered by Opal, and they were not very big.  Each of the siblings self-fed from parts of each fish. Oscar was not seen on 7/10.”

So I am now wondering if something has happened to Oscar and we have another instance of a single parent nest. This is really tragic.

Kent Island –  Ample fish were brought to the nest.  What a lovely Osprey family.  Gosh, I wish the nest owners would give Audrey and Tom’s little one a name.

Dahlgren – At 54 days of age, I think ‘Big’ is close to fledging.  Big can ‘fly’ from rim to rim and has been doing some mini-hovers.

Severna Park – At 62 days of age, chick #2 seemed to be seriously thinking about taking its first flight . . but was not quite ready.

‘H’ notes: “The Ospreys at Barnegat Light and Audubon Boathouse are doing well, I will cover them tomorrow.  The Osoyoos cam was offline on 7/10.”

‘A’ has been watching Lady and Dad at the Sydney Olympic Park. She writes, “At Sydney’s Olympic Park WBSE nest, the chilly morning starts as always with a vocal interchange around 06:33. At 06:34 she gets up, still vocalising, and backs slowly away from the eggs. She flies off just after 06:34:30 and Dad arrives on the branch behind the nest a couple of seconds later. By 06:35 he is arranging himself carefully on the eggs. Lady is only gone for a short while before returning and insisting on resuming her position on the nest. Lady and Dad have both been incubating this morning, taking turns. Each is reluctant to move when the other arrives. They are both very fond of incubating. As the morning progresses, a large crop appears first on one, then on the other, so I think they are both hunting for themselves at this stage. I have not seen very much food brought to the nest this week – several days go by with no sign of food at the nest but parents who are definitely not going hungry.”

This is a really good article on fish availability, the recovery or not of ospreys after DDT from The Center for Conservation Biology. It focuses on fish availability.

A-tale-of-two-bays-Osprey-fortunes-diverge-The-Center-for-Conservation-BiologyDownload

Never fear, Little Mini is here! Not to forget to include our miracle survivor of the Patchogue nest of four osplets who continues to dream of fish, being fed by Mum, and flying like its three older siblings.

Thank you so much for being with me today as we check on some of the nests we monitor. Except for Fortis Exshaw, the pulse is good. Of course, things can change momentarily for the worse, especially with intruders around and about. Send your most positive wishes to Louise. It is a difficult time for her. Take care of yourselves. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, H – always grateful’, Fortis Alberta, Urdaibai Biosphere, Finnish Osprey Foundation, Cilla Kinross, Latvian Fund for Nature, Tatarstan Imperial Eagles, Timothy Dygert Live Stream, Cowlitz PUD, Boulder County Fair Grounds, Seaside Ospreys, Moorings Park, Outerbanks 24/7, PSEG, MN Landscape Arboretum, Bridge Golf Ospreys, Clark PUD, Collins Marsh, Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, RSPB Loch Garten, Llyn Brenig, Friends of Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust, Friends of Loch of the Lowes and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Alyth, Poole Harbour Ospreys, Fischadler Ospreys and Severna Park, Dahlgren Ospreys, Patuxent River Park, McEuen Park, Forsythe, Kent Island, Sydney Sea Eagles, and The Center for Conservation Biology.

Monday in Bird World

10 July 2023

Greetings Everyone,

I hope that you found time to be outside, to sit, and to just listen to the birds. What a lovely feeling it is. I spent part of Sunday searching for a gravestone. It was not to be found but the little cemetery sits on the bank of the Red River and the birds were singing. What a tranquil place. The benches were also lovely and I could imagine sitting there sipping tea and reading a book. Just might do that one day!

Across the road there was a fawn that had lost its mother and was in a right panic. By the time the Wildlife Reha number was dialled, it was gone – hopefully back with Mum.

It is always good to start with a wonderful Osprey nest and what better one than Moorings Park. Have you still been checking in? If you are then you know that Victor is at the nest fish calling. Did Harry think he would still be supplying Victor with fish in July? Who knows but – Harry is doing an excellent job and just look at what a beautiful bird Victor is!

If you are worried about Soledad, San Jose City Hall’s fledgling falcon, she is fine! Screaming for prey!!!!!!!!!!!

We have been distressed about the fireworks and the raptors. Friends of Big Bear Valley have noted the impact on our dear Jackie and Shadow, the Bald Eagles, that live in the Valley. They are hoping to gather enough evidence to stop the fireworks in that area. Please send them anything you have in terms of articles, and also, if you have images of instances of fireworks near raptors that caused them stress, please also send that. Here is the information that ‘B’ sent me today:

The latest post on the Friends of Big Bear Valley facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FOBBV/) from Sandy Steers. She talks of how Jackie and Shadow disappeared for three days after the Big Bear fireworks show, and how last year they disappeared for six days after the show.  Sandy closes with: For any of you who might be interested, we are gathering information on the intense and detrimental impact that fireworks have on wildlife, on the lake, on the environment in general and even on domestic animals and humans. If any of you have references to studies about any of this, please share them with us at fobbvinfo@gmail.com. Thank you!

I sent Sandy a number of articles and I am attaching a few of those here for you to read if you would like. Perhaps we need a movement that begins in the name of Jackie and Shadow and spreads across North America to stop fireworks out of respect for our non-human friends.

Fireworks-have-long-lasting-impacts-on-wildlife-•-Earth.com_Download
How-Do-Fireworks-Harm-Wild-BirdsDownload
Fireworks-BC-SPCADownload

Sandy also included a history of the eagles Jackie and Shadow. Enjoy!

Two Imperial Eaglets at the Tatarstan nest in Russia got their bling, and they are both girls! Anyone reading my blog for any time will know that female raptors are highly aggressive. Imperial Eagles are no exception. Rarely does the second hatch survive. Well, this nest is a bit of a miracle for having two eaglets survive, but never mind, they were both girls. There were plenty of small mammals, and the male just kept bringing in prey. There was never a feeling of food insecurity, so both survived. Beautiful.

The three osplets at the Dunrovin Ranch have been ringed and it looks like there are two males and a female! Congratulations. More information as it becomes available.

‘H’ is concentrating on the FortisExshaw nest as it appears tragedy is just brewing. She writes, “What a mess this feeding was . . from 0903 to about 1115 – 090253 Louise brought in a monster fish, and she began to feed.  Big beaked both its siblings right away.  Louise began to have intruder problems at 0909.  There was a pair of intruders, and the feeding was disturbed many times, as Louise defended and flew off after the intruders.  Each time she returned she would resume the feeding.  At one point, one of the intruders landed on the nest while Louise flew after the one on the perch.Long story short . . Over the course of more than two hours, Big and Middle each ate the equivalent of two or three meals.  Little never got a chance.  If it hadn’t been for those intruders, there would most likely have been a couple of opportunities for Little to get fed from that huge fish while the others were full and napping.  But, it just didn’t work out that way.  Total bummer.   In addition to Jasper being missing, Louise does not need intruders to interfere with her attempts to care for her three offspring.After that, Louise left the nest a few times throughout the day, and would usually return with nesting material.  But at 2032 she returned with a fish.  It was difficult to be certain due to the  raindrops on the camera, but the fish appeared to be partially eaten.  The feeding lasted until 2041.  At the beginning of the feeding, Big once again beaked both of its siblings.  Middle did get to eat however, while Little cowered and stayed tucked behind the feeding line.  At that point Little had not eaten for about 34 hours, and Little did not have very much to eat on 7/7 or 7/8.  Little seemed to be weak, with waning resolve.Jasper has been missing since 0930 on 7/7.  

The intruder on the nest at Fortis Exshaw. We may lose Little but please send this nest your most positive wishes. When Jasper disappeared these babies were so tiny. Most of the Mums do not go easily slip into getting fish for their chicks and it is going to be very difficult for Louise.

The two osplets have been ringed at the Borders nest and if you watched it is no surprise that the bigger and more aggressive second hatch is a female with the first hatch being a male. The male weighed 1480 grams and is Blue 733 and the female weighed in at a good 1720 grams and is Blue 732.

I still love how Dad likes to be on the nest ‘to see’ Mum feed the only surviving osplet at the MN Landscape Arboretum nest.

The little one got a late night feeding. Feeling optimistic.

Little Mini might have dreamed about being home alone and getting a huge fish delivery from Dad until it became a reality on Sunday at 12:41. Mini worked on that fish til 1330 when one of the Big siblings came home and took it. Oh, how I wish Mum had flown in and fed Mini.

There was so much left I wonder how much Mini was actually able to eat…I know she pulled really hard on the skin – you could see this on the streaming cam.

Mini got a late night feeding by Mum. These parents will not forget their fourth chick!

Awwwhhhh. After seeing fish on the nest and wishing, Mum feeds little Mini at 10:15 Monday morning. Mini I son Mum’s right.

So a spin through some of the nest that I have been monitoring:

Cowlitz PUD: Nice fish on the nest and it looks as if some was left so the Only Bob could practice self-feeding. Fantastic.

Collins Marsh: The two osplets were doing well on a rather misty/foggy Sunday. The fish cannot be huge or plentiful – or else that streaming cam goes through quickly. Still everyone seems to be alright.

Clark PUD: Sometimes the camera angle is so bad you cannot see a feeding! The only hint I have is that one of the osplets has a large crop and there was a fish left on the nest. Looks like the adults are teasing the waters of self-feeding at this nest, too.

Bridges Golf: Everything is fine.

Boulder County Fair Grounds: Lots of nice fish coming on to the nest. Sometimes Little tries to go under Mum to get some bites but, at the end of the day, Mum was hungry, too.

Island Beach: Beau and Bay and their lovely feathered osplets are doing fantastic. The kids are starting to try self-feeding.

Loch Arkaig: He is a beautiful little man who will soon have a name. Louis on top of his game with the fish deliveries on Sunday.

Llyn Clywedog: No place better than home!

Llyn Brenig: Everything is fantastic.

Loch of the Lowes: Blue NC0 did some feeding while one of the chicks delighted in having a piece on its own. Lots of wheeing…just like an eagle. Blue NC0 made sure that both were fed. Fantastic Mum.

Manton Bay: We get a glimpse of them now and then if we are lucky.

Dyfi: Two beautiful birds. Everything is good and better than good with Idris and Telyn and their two chicks. Fledging will be soon.

Glaslyn: Lots of nice fish coming in for these two. Elen and Aran made a great team and I think we have all fallen in love with the new Queen of Glaslyn.

Poole Harbour: Blue 022 made sure that CJ7 and the trio had a nice fish before bedtime!

Alyth: Lots of fish coming on the nest. The chicks give self-feeding a go but Mum comes in and makes sure that everyone gets some fish.

Finnish #1. A middle of the night feeding for what looks like Little.

Finnish #4. Now only two.

Finnish #5. Only two chicks to begin and now two as well. They appear to be alright and not suffering from bad weather or poor fish deliveries.

Moving over to ‘H’s’ reports- thank you ‘H’:

Kent Island – Despite some afternoon storms, all was good for this Osprey family on the bay.  I am so happy for Audrey that she has a little one to care for this year.  Tom and Audrey’s little kiddo is 28 days old.  

Barnegat Light – Duke brought a fluke for his family in the afternoon.  At 40 days old, 09/N was doing some wingers.


Severna Park – Chick #1 fledged on 7/9, at 62 days of age.  She made a nice return landing on the nest three hours later, and she enjoyed several more flights throughout the day.  Chick #2 is 62 days old on 7/10.


Forsythe – All is well for Opal, Oscar, and their two chicks aged 49 and 48 days. 

Osoyoos – The fish have been plentiful at the nest.  At 14 and 13 days old, those two kids are doing great.

South Cape May Meadows –  Hera was seen at her nest in the morning of 7/9, where her three babies died of starvation due to the prolonged storm in June.  Zeus has not been seen since the storm.  My heart aches for Hera.

Dahlgren – We could see chick #1 fledge this week.  The chicks are both doing well, and are 53 and 49 days of age.

Patuxent Nest 1 – There could be another fledge any day.  The two siblings are 56 and 55 days old, and I think I can tell them apart, lol, so hopefully we’ll know which one fledges next.  Foster loves that perch so much, she spent the night on it, with Mom back on the nest last night.

Audubon Boathouse – Dory and Skiff’s only chick is 30 days old already, and little Skipper is doing great!

It is always a joy to receive your e-mails, to read your comments, and to have you hear with us in Bird World. Take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘B, H, T’, Moorings Park Ospreys, SK Hideaways and SJCH Falcon Cam, Earth.com, Page, BC SPCA, FOBBV, Tatarstan Eagle Cam, Dunrovin Rach, Fortis Exshaw, Borders Ospreys, MN Landscape Arboretum, PSEG, Cowlitz PUD, Collins Marsh, Clark PUD, Bridges Golf, Boulder County Fair Grounds Ospreys, Island Beach State Park, Friends of Loch Arkaig and the Woodland Trust, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, CarnyXWild, Llyn Brenig Ospreys, LOTL, LRWT, Dyfi Ospreys, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Poole Harbour Ospreys, Alyth, Kent Island, Severna Park, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, Forsythe Ospreys, Osoyoos, Audubon Boathouse, Patuxent River Park, DAhlgren Ospreys, and SCMM.

Saturday in Bird World

8 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

Gosh, it is Friday and right now it is a few minutes before Saturday. The day flew by! Too many things to do and not enough hours in the day. I imagine all of you know that feeling. On Wednesday I was given a large basket of freshly picked strawberries and today – finally – they were made into David Leibowitz’s Parisian Strawberry Jam. There is no pectin although you can grate apples with the berries – they thicken it like pectin. I wanted that lovely slightly runny jam that isn’t too sweet that can go on scones, ice cream, or puddings. Tomorrow will be scone making! Need I say that Lewis and Missey both love scones. Bless their hearts. We are also getting ready for kitty birthdays. Missey will be a year the middle of July and Lewis a year the middle of August…wonder what special meal they will want?

Missey always poses.

Dyson is looking very healthy. She is at the feeders several times a day and often suns herself on the deck.

The babies are doing well. This one stayed long enough for me to focus the camera!

My neighbour informed me that there was an ‘explosion’ of Blue Jays this year – yes, there was! Six babies. There are also a similar number of baby Crows. Two Crow families came to get peanuts, cheesy dogs, and eggs again this evening.

Several years ago I did extensive research on the cost to the environment of the mega-dams that were constructed in the north of my province beginning in 1969. I learned that the lakes, the water, and the land remain toxic from the mercury dredged up by the construction of the Churchill-Nelson project by Manitoba Hydro. Then I began to think about Hope at the Newfoundland Power Osprey nest. Newfoundland Power has also built mega dams. Is it possible that Hope suffers from neurological damage caused by methyl mercury toxicity in the water and fish? Surely we can all agree that the behaviour of this female Osprey is not seen often.

This is a short portion of a book chapter about ceramics that includes mention of my research in Manitoba:

In Manitoba, a Crown-owned public utility produces hydropower for domestic consumption and export. This hydroelectric energy originates with the waters of northern Manitoba.  It is then carried south to markets beyond provincial boundaries via a vast and intricate transmission network.  In the 1960s, the provincial and federal governments built generating stations, powerhouse structures, control dams, and transmission lines on the Churchill and Nelson Rivers and their diversions to produce the electricity we use and sell.  But what was the cost to the people who had lived on the land for generations?  
The damming of the rivers in Treaty 5 Territory caused flooding on an unparalleled scale to the homes, the traditional hunting grounds, and the burial sites of Indigenous people. Extensive documentation details the social ramifications of these actions.  Ramona Neckoway, a member of the Nisichawayasihk Cree nation impacted by the mega-dam states:
Manitoba Hydro’s vast and impressive network, including the labyrinth of transmission lines, affected and continue to impact entire generations of indigenous peoples in Manitoba. My grandparents’ generation, my parents’ generation, my generation, my children’s generation and their children’s generation, have borne witness to and experienced a kind of cultural genocide resulting from Hydro’s generation in Manitoba; these experience to varying degrees and severity are akin, in some ways, to the residential school era that devastated many Aboriginal communities, children, parents and grandparents.  


The impact of these mega-dam projects is not limited to the province of Manitoba.  In November 2019, people from around the world met in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for a conference organised by the Wa Ni Tan, a group trying to stop the building of mega-dams worldwide.  People came from as far away as Brazil and Panama to mobilise against these hydroelectric projects’ social and environmental damage.  Underlying their concern were the pronounced changes to their communities since the construction of the dams.  These include “significant social disorder, the abuse of drugs and alcohol, racial discrimination and the destruction of ancestral hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering practices. “ The people used to drink the water from the river eat the fish they caught or the game they killed. Today, all of the animals, the fish, and the people have been poisoned by methyl mercury developed in the reservoirs upstream. The result of the mercury poisoning is that many indigenous people living near the mega-dams have had to abandon their fisheries and their traditional diets resulting in an elevated increase of diabetes amongst the population.  

Sadly, despite all of the harm done to the land, the people, nature, and all living creatures, it is also known that these hydro dams are incredibly inefficient.  The effectiveness even of the newest turbines is only around 60%, meaning that 40% of the primary energy is wasted. 

Can Ceramics Ever be a Sustainable Cultural Practice? University of Nantes, 2021.

I intend to research the situation at the Snow Lane nest further. Their nest is far from the Muskrat Falls plant discussed in the article below. I also hope to hear from wildlife specialists in the area I have written to in order to establish if my theory has any weight.

Muskrat-Falls-hydroelectric-project-poses-risks-for-Canada-that-are-being-ignoredDownload

Everyone commented on how tranquil the nest of CJ7 and Blue 022 was at Poole Harbour this season. Well, guess what? They ringed the three osplets on Friday and believe the first two hatches are males and the third is a female. That is a great solution to the beaking that often comes when the female is the first hatch and the wee lad is the third. Well done, CJ7 and 022!

Gosh, I remember when I thought CJ7 might never find a mate and then that you man flew to the perch of her nest two years ago. They made history and continue to do so. So happy for this family.

The two surviving chicks were ringed at Llyn Brenig today as well – two girls. The first hatch is Blue 7B5 weighing 1775 grams, and the second is 7B6 weighing 1730 grams. Aren’t they gorgeous?

Just a quick run through some of the nests:

Alyth: The chicks are loud and getting bigger by the day.

Aran and Elen and their two sons are doing really well at Glaslyn. Elen proved to be a superb mother in her first year raising chicks! Great choice, Aran.

Idris delivered a double-header for the kids at the Dyfi nest that he shares with his mate, Telyn.

The Only Bob of Louis and Dorcha at Loch Arkaig is massive and it has these incredible ‘snake eyes’. Reminds me of Iris and Mrs G sometimes. The ringing should take place shortly and my bet is on a female! Or one of those males that simply breaks all records like Only Bob did at Clywedog a couple of years ago.

The ring number is LY7 but no release of gender yet.

Geemeff writes that the cam is down and the chick is being ringed! Here is some of its big wing flapping early on Saturday. Look at those wings!

There is an expected fledge today coming out of Loch of the Lowes. PF4 is really getting some height to that hovering!

The Only Bob at the Cowlitz PUD appears to be doing well.

Equally everything appears fine at Collins Marsh.

Everyone is preening at Oyster Bay. The nest is good.

The trio at the Pitkin County Open Trails Osprey Nest in Colorado are doing well. Mum was busy shading them from the heat on Friday.

The MNSA Jay Koolpix ospreys in Oceanside, NY are doing great, too.

Things appear to be going smoothly at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum nest. There is a bit more nesting material and a few more sticks and the wee one is able to eat larger pieces of fish that Mum is feeding. Feeling hopeful.

This new Mum is learning and if the winds would cooperate and not take off all their efforts in getting material to the nest, this could become a very comfy place to brood this chick.

A quick check on the two remaining osplets at the Bridges Golf Osprey platform seem to indicate that this nest is doing alright. Fingers crossed for this family.

Is there is a potential problem brewing at nest #4 in Finland? The first hatch is not allowing the third hatch up to get fish. The third hatch is looking very thin. It has been raining but ‘T’ confirms that the third hatch got some fish. Hoping that this is just a one off.

There is also a potential problem unfolding at the FortisExshaw nest near Canmore, Alberta. Jasper has not been seen for nearly 24 hours. ‘H’ reported Big beaking Little and keeping it from eating. This is the last fish that Jasper delivered around 0930 on Friday. ‘H’ reports that

Feeding 0559 to 0608 –  Louise blocked the view again, lol.  I think Little may have been fed a couple of bites, but at 0601, Little tried to ‘exit stage left’, and s/he ran out of real estate in the nest cup. I believe Little had most likely been bonked.  0924 to 0958 – Ah, a different set-up. . Mom in the centre, Middle and Little on one side, Big on the other side.  Louise fed to her right, exclusively feeding Middle and Little.  Big kept peeking around the corner “hey, what about me?”  Eventually, Big figured it out and moved to the right side of Mom.  The two big kids squeezed Little against the cup wall and at 0934 Little backed out, and moved away.  At 0942 Little tried to return to the feeding, but was beaked by Big.  Big quit the feeding at 0951, and Middle quit shortly thereafter.  At that point Little received a long private feeding.  Little ate at least 81 bites.There were no other fish deliveries on 7/7.”

‘H’s other reports. Thank you:

Severna Park – “Chick #1 may be a large gal, and has yet to fledge at 60 days old.  I wonder if the slightly smaller chick #2 (59 days old) will fledge first.

Kent Island – Tom is such a great provider.  He delivered at least 5 big fish for his family, there may have been an early delivery that I missed, but the lighting was such that it was very difficult to view the nest in the morning.  Tom and Audrey’s chick is 26 days old.

Forsythe – Well, thank heavens, Opal must have shown Oscar where she catches those huge fish!  Opal brought in a big one, and Oscar delivered four very large fish.  The kids are 47 and 46 days old.

Barnegat Light – Other than Daisy being dive bombed by the Red-winged Blackbird, life is good on the bay for Duke, Daisy, and their 38 day old youngster.

Boathouse – Dory and Skiff continue to dote over their cherished offspring.  Little Skipper is 28 days old.

Dahlgren – At 51 and 47 days old, Harriet and Jack’s kids are growing up fast.  They were both taking advantage of a breezy day and working those wings.  And, one of them managed to get quite a bit of lift!

Osoyoos – Soo and Olsen’s 11 and 12 day old kids are simply thriving!

Patuxent Nest 1 – ‘Foster’ decided to take a quick spin around the marsh for her second flight from the nest.  She landed on the nearby perch, just as pretty as you please!

Until the magistrates impose proper fines and penalties, the estates will continue to get away with murder.

The Hobby Falcons are busy feeding their chicks! This family is seriously adorable. Highly recommend you check out the streaming cam on YouTube: Dorset Hobby Falcons.

Before I get on my soap box about people shooting Red Listed birds, there is sad news coming out of Kielder Forest this morning. A chick has been predated. This is nest 5A home to Mr and Mrs UV.

UK Raptor Persecution has released the following information about the recent confirmed shooting of at least two red kites (with a third one suspected) near Westerdale in the North York Moors National Park (see here). The North York Moors Park Authority has issued the following statement:

I am absolutely outraged, along with you in the UK and elsewhere, that the legal system is punishing those responsible in a manner that is fitting and proper…meaning high fines, loss of licenses, custodial sentences. Is that what it takes to stop people having fun shooting birds? The real other enemy is that it is the ultra-wealthy who are doing the shooting. They have ‘friends in high places’. Indeed, some of them are the ‘friends in a high place.’

Murphy’s Eaglet was released today. Here are some images and the press release from World Bird Sanctuary.

Plastic. BirdLife International research is showing the extent to which this deplorable material that we cannot seem to get out of our daily lives is destroying the oceans and harming wildlife. The project has identified the most vulnerable sites and maybe there is something we can do to help.

New-research-highlights-where-threatened-seabirds-are-most-exposed-to-marine-plastics-BirdLife-IntDownload

Always gives us a smile – Annie and Lou – who are enjoying their time without the constant challenge of caring for eyases.

Last but never least, Little Mini. Mini had a nice breakfast this morning and it appears that the larger of the two are more interested in being on the perch!

Thank you so much for being with me today. Have a lovely Saturday! See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, Geemeff, H, T’, Google Maps, Poole Harbour Ospreys, Llyn Brenig Ospreys, Alyth Ospreys, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Dyfi Osprey Project, Friends of Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust, Geemeff and Friends of Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust, Friends of Loch of the Lowes and Scottish Wildlife Trust, Cowlitz PUD, Collins Marsh, PSEG, Pitkin County Open Trails, MNSA Jay Koolpix Osprey Cam, MN Landscape Arboretum, Bridges Golf Club Ospreys, Finnish Osprey Foundation, Jackie Morris and Friends of Dyfi osprey Project, Dorset Hobby Falcons, Fortis Exshaw, Severna Park, Kent Island Ospreys, Forsythe Ospreys, Conserve Wildlife of NJ, Dahlgren Ospreys, Boathouse Ospreys, Osoyoos, Patuxent River Park 1, Kielder Forest, UK Raptor Persecution, World Bird Sanctuary, BirdLife International and SK Hideaways and Cal Falcons, and PSEG.

Little Mini working on a Big Fish…Friday in Bird World

7 July 2023

Hello Everyone!

There is another big thunderstorm brewing. Without even checking the weather forecast you could feel the anxious energy as 13 crows came to eat peanuts, cheesy dogs, and eggs. The Blue Jays were flying in and out, having baths, and eating anything in sight as were the squirrels, the Grackles, and the Sparrows. Now it is only 1900 and the sky is dark, like this page. The thunder can be heard rolling in the distance and now there is lighting. Lewis is hiding. Our weather is quite crazy. It was 32 C a few days ago and then dropped to 14 C. Having been so hot for so long it felt like we needed to take out our woolen jumpers and socks. Hoping all the animals are safely tucked in their little dens and trees for the duration.

I have had several letters concerning the Newfoundland nest. Each writer wanted to know why the male at the Newfoundland nest doesn’t leave the female if all the chicks die. That is a very interesting question. Of course, I can only speculate, but contrary to the popular urban myth that raptors bond for life, many do ‘divorce’. In the case of this male, my only thoughts are he has no other available option. As we know, Osprey males return to the area of their natal nest while females, usually but not always, disperse. This could be his natal nest. Until the arrival of Hope, the nest had been successful. He is a very good provider, and there would appear to be ample fish. My guess is no other female in the area at this time, so his urge to breed takes over, and Hope is there.

In Latvia, the male Osprey has waited for a new female mate for years, and just recently, a single Black male stork has found a mate in Latvia. So, let us hope for Beau to find a great mate and for Hope to retire and live by the lake catching and eating her fish.

Checking in on those UK nests as promised:

Loch Arkaig: Dorcha is keeping her very large Only Bob dry during the rain in western Scotland. Geemeff writes, “Bit of a heart-stopping moment. Chick is 37 days today so at least two and a half weeks from fledging – we do not want a wind-assisted fludge! Chick would be injured or maybe not even survive!”

Only Bob is right in the range for getting ringed…will Only Bob be a boy or a girl?

Louis did not deliver the first fish of the day until around 1225. Intruders? Weather? Not like Louis to be so late.

Loch of the Lowes: The chicks are self-feeding. The fish have ranged from small to a good size and both seem to get something to eat although the wee brother would like to have some fish all the time. He is hoping there could be some left. At one point Blue NC0 brought in two fish – one she had caught and another that Laddie brought in.

Llyn Brenig: Everything is fine at Llyn Brenig. Like the other nests in Wales it was a bit windy and damp on Thursday at times.

Llyn Clywedog: Oh, it was sometimes windy at nest and at least one of the osplets loved it and was jumping up and down and hovering. Scared the wits end out of me – . All I could think of was the poor dear being caught up and being blown to Ireland!

Loch Garten: It is wet at this nest also at times on Thursday. Brodie has been getting some fish into the nest and, of course, Asha is one of the females not afraid to go out fishing. The chicks are doing well.

Glaslyn: It was a tad windy with some drizzle and Elen happily brooded her two little boys.

Dyfi: All is well. Idris is up on the perch and Telyn is in the nest feeding those two beautiful chicks, the female Cennan and the little boy, Seiont.

Poole Harbour: It is another successful year for CJ7 and Blue 022. Those three osplets are feathered and are just waiting to be ringed which could happen any day. This is so wonderful. Last year this couple made history by fledging the first osplet in more than 250 years in Poole Harbour.

Alyth: It has been a bit of a wet one at Alyth. The oldest chick is now 46 days old and the fledge window opens at 48 days in the UK. They hatched on May 21, 23, and 25. Their mother, Flora, hatched in 2014 so she is 9 years old this season. Aren’t they gorgeous. Just look at those feathers and wet crests!

The last chick at the Manton Bay nest of Blue 33 and Maya, 3H5, fledged on Thursday, 6 July. Congratulations for a successful season. All of the fledglings have returned to the nest.

Remember Murphy’s chick? That eaglet will be released today, Friday July 7 by the World Bird Sanctuary.

More places are giving up fireworks…remember. If you want to do something that will help the lives of so many, get together with your like-minded friends, family, colleagues and urge your city to ban fireworks and to use the funds that were spent for something to help.

I cannot tuck in until I check on Little Mini at Patchogue. The nest is really getting full of chicks and Mini just continues to grow. I did not get to watch her as closely today as I would have liked. I hope that any concerns today about her coughing were nothing. But we must be vigilant and continue to monitor her closely.

Mini really wanted some of that 19:31 fish that a big sibling had…in the end she gave up and had a snooze. Later Mini got the fish! Thank goodness. She was looking a bit peckish. (I like Mini with a nice big crop!)

Two did a lot of hovering and joined Big on the perch at 16:45. So Big has fledged and Two has ‘branched/perched’. Wonder who will be next. The worrisome part of Two’s branching is that its talons almost got caught in that black bin liner. Oh, human garbage…

Boulder County Fair Grounds continues to look good. Lots of good fish being brought in and the kids are quite civil at the table in the image below.

Collins Marsh: Two beautiful feathered osplets. I watched for a long time to try and see if there were many fish being delivered and during that time there were none. If you are watching this nest, do let me know about the fish deliveries. Thank you!

Because ‘H’ is worried about FortisExshaw, so am I. The first hatch is so much bigger than little 3. Big ate first, then Middle got to eat with Big, and I held my breath and then Mum fed the wee babe some fish. Thank goodness but under ‘H’s close ye, she notices that the beaking by Big is often and that the nest cup is deep and narrow in places causing Little to have trouble getting in the food line. Louise is good and ‘H’ notes she will take the fish to Little and feed it. “Little is managing to get fed, and I don’t feel that the situation with Big’s dominance and aggression toward Little is dire at this point.  Some feedings are not viewable.” Please send positive wishes. There are fish and two good parents just a huge difference in size between the first hatch and Little. This is a ‘Little’ that needs our good energy!

‘H’ reports on the Patuxent 1 nest: “There were five very large fish delivered to the nest by Dad.  All of the chicks are occasionally self feeding, but are also fed by Mom.  The fledgling ‘Foster’ is estimated to be about a week older than her foster siblings (ages 52 and 51 days), and she is the most adept at self feeding.  At 1514 Dad delivered a huge headless fish, and ‘Foster’ took the fish from Mom, without any resistance from Mom.  ‘Foster’ ate about a third of that fish, and then each of the siblings gave it a go.  There was still a large portion remaining and Mom fed everyone. You will recall that ‘Foster’ was placed in the nest as a rescue on 6/29, and she fledged on 7/3.  ‘Foster’ has not left the nest since she returned to the nest on 7/4 after fledging.  In all of the attached photos, ‘Foster’ is the one standing on the rim.”

‘H’ reports that all of the other nests are doing really well. Isn’t that wonderful?

‘A’ has been keeping an eye on what is happening in Australia and New Zealand. At the Royal Albatross Colony -“In New Zealand, the gale force winds of the past two weeks or so have finally died down. Those winds have been so incredibly strong, many parents have been unable to come in to feed the chicks. Still, of the 33 chicks at the colony this season, only three are requiring supplementary feeding, which is wonderful. This means that the other 30 are being adequately fed by their parents. Little UQ chick was supplementary fed again today (it was fed last Tuesday, though it was not weighed). Weighing was abandoned this week, due to the strength of the winds, so we will have to wait for next Tuesday’s weighing to see how Manaaki’s weight is coming along. He still has plenty of time to slim down, regurgitate his bolus and so on before fledging time – there’s about ten weeks to go now, I think.” “Here is a very short piece from yesterday, when Manaaki took the chance to have a good preen after having his plumage blown in all directions for the past couple of weeks. What a lovely juvenile he really is. Just gorgeous. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLXBhFj9vUw&t=24s. What a handsome albie. The chatters call him Prince Manaaki. He sure knows the Royal part of being a Northern Royal Albatross! And just for the memory, look at our little chick at about one month of age (he was born 27 January, I think) so this would be just before the post-guard phase. The last few days and nights of constant parental presence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw2r53APHGQ. Just look at that adorable little ball of fluff. And look at him now! A lot of squid has gone into that transformation.”

Charles Sturt Falcon Cam -“At Orange, Diamond is perched on the ledge, with a full crop, as darkness falls. She will no doubt spend the night in the nest box, probably on the Cilla Stones. It seems that Xavier needs to relearn the bit about handing over the prey all over again every season. He brought in what appeared to be a largish grebe at 14:25:23. Diamond arrived within eight seconds, but Xavier took the prey and left!! C’mon Xavier, not again. We discussed this last season. And the one before. Still, Diamond already had a large crop when she arrived, and she is sure not looking hungry this evening. She never does, come to think of it. At least it wasn’t a starling, which is progress. (As you no doubt recall, Diamond hates starlings.) “

Speaking of Falcons, here is the latest video by SK Hideaways on trying to find Soledad! It must be very difficult to keep up with a falcon but isn’t she the cutest thing? I cannot wait for Diamond and Xavier’s eggs to hatch – and they haven’t even

Ferris Akel did some highlights of the Ms and he caught one of the Ms going after a squirrel amongst other day events.

At 0702, Little Mini at Patchogue was working on a huge fish…Mum comes to the rescue. Those bony heads are difficult for chicks.

Thank you so much for being with me for this nest round up. Take care everyone. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their diligent monitoring, their notes, videos, and the streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, Geemeff, H’, Friends of Loch Arkaig and the Woodland Trust, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Friends of Loch of the Lowes and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Llyn Brenig, CarnyXWild, RSPB Loch Garten, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Dyfi Osprey Project, Poole Harbour Ospreys, Althy, LRWT, World Bird Sanctuary, Celia Aliengirl and Bald Eagles Live Nest Cams and News, PSEG, Boulder County Fair Grounds Ospreys, Collins Marsh, Fortis Exshaw, Patuxent River Park, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, SK Hideaways and San Jose City Hall Falcons, and Ferris Akel Live Stream.