Monday in Bird World

22 September 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It is the autumn equinox and here is everything you should know.

The Autumnal Solstice, or equinox, marks the first day of astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and occurs on September 22, 2025. At this precise moment, the sun is directly above Earth’s equator, resulting in days and nights of roughly equal length, though atmospheric effects make them not perfectly equal. This seasonal milestone also brings winter to the Southern Hemisphere and concludes summer in the Northern Hemisphere.  

What is the Autumnal Equinox?

  • A Moment of Balance: The term “equinox” comes from Latin, meaning “equal night”. While day and night are close to equal in length, the Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight, making days appear slightly longer than nights. 
  • Orbital Position: The equinox occurs when Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, and the sun is positioned directly over the equator. 

When is it?

  • Date: The autumnal equinox falls on September 22 each year. 
  • Time: In 2025, it will occur on Monday, September 22, at 2:19 p.m. EDT. 

What it means for the Hemispheres:

  • Northern Hemisphere: The autumnal equinox ushers in the start of fall and signals the end of summer. 
  • Southern Hemisphere: For those in the Southern Hemisphere, this day marks the start of spring and the end of winter. 

Additional Facts

  • Harvest Moon: The full moon closest to the autumnal equinox is known as the Harvest Moon, which historically allowed farmers to harvest crops for longer into the evening due to its earlier moonrise. 
  • Cultural Significance: The autumnal equinox is a significant date in various cultures, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival in East Asia, which is often celebrated around this time. 

Late updates:

Dyfi Osprey Project:

Little Buckaroo or Eeny at Dunrovin appears to have started its migration. Last seen eating breakfast on Thursday, the 18th of September.

Charlie is still at Charlo, Montana on the 21 September (Sunday). Gail Woodstock posted some lovely screen captures of this dedicated male.

At the Boulder County Fairgrounds, it appears the male is still present, too! Thank you for the screen capture and post – Barb and Bob Larsen. The ospreys are staying later. Does this mean a late and milder winter? I wonder. We still have ospreys in Canada, too.

SK Hideaways latest videos!

Two Harbors Eagles Cholyn and Chase (2025 Sep 19)

Chase brought a late lunch, having to dodge ravens during his meal. He managed to quickly finish his fish and then departed. Cholyn arrived later with a whopper fish, which she took her time to eat. She lingered into the late afternoon, chatting remotely with Chase, who we could hear off camera. It was a special treat to see them both. 

Video: https://youtu.be/vvXeaSus5M0

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org

Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ

367 Collins St. Falcons Dad M24 Boycotts Changeovers Till Mum F24 Sets Him Straight (2025 Sep 20)

After a typical morning of clockwork-like changeovers, Dad decided he wasn’t going to relinquish his egg time when Mum returned. She waited patiently for nearly 10 minutes before gently persuading him it was time to give up his boycott. He left without incident.

Videohttps://youtu.be/xeJOumxQUDE

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY

North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

FalconCam Project, NSW Australia ~ home of Diamond and  Gimbir (2025 Sep 17)

Gimbir was proud of his starling gift ~ the first time he’s brought one to Diamond, who historically has refused starling gifts except to feed growing chicks. She gave him quite an earful, about which he seemed somewhat confused. In the end she e-chupped him completely out of the nest box and proceeded to eat some of the starling. Maybe Di’s taste’s have changed.

Videohttps://youtu.be/7Fibnk3qEt4

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW (http://www.csu.edu.au/special/falconcam/)

Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA

Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adCIawe2WWI

Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj1Y6ydRl1c

Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4332mBQdnc

Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles Lady, Dad, SE35 & SE36 (2025 Sept 22)

After Lady and Dad woke the neighbourhood with a duet, SE35 and SE36 entertained themselves till breakfast arrived. Between beaky kisses, wingers, twig swapping, and napping, they were well occupied for the few hours till Lady returned with a nice, big breakfast.

Videohttps://youtu.be/j5_brVPp7XE

What’s happening? SE35 Steps Aside as SE36 Eats a HUGE Breakfast! (22 Sep 2025, 9:47-10:29 a.m.)

When Lady arrived with a whopper fish for breakfast, SE36 stepped right up to receive the first bites. SE35, typically, the dominant eaglet sat back and watched SE36 eat…and eat…and eat. The meal lasted for more than 40 minutes with SE36 getting most of that big fish.  There was no aggression between the eaglets, which was a welcome sight to see.

Videohttps://youtu.be/tzy323L7v2g

Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html)

Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/@SeaEagleCAM4/streams

Ventana Wildlife will be releasing condors! You can go to their website and sign up for this live event. No costs. I always watch these events. You learn so much and it is so exciting to see the youngsters go out into the world.

“`Carefully transferred from the Los Angeles Zoo to our San Simeon Release Site, seven (1.5-year-old) condors are preparing for their highly anticipated release into the wild in late October.

Condor Release – Saturday, October 25, 9AM-12PM (PT).
– Six female condors126512891300130213071312
– One male condor:1290

Here is all the information:

I want to thank each of you for taking the time out of your busy lives to check on how our feathered friends in Bird World are doing. I would also like to welcome the more than 5,500 readers from China who have joined us recently. It is so lovely to have you with us in Bird World! Welcome.

To celebrate, here is a lovely article in 10,000 Birds on the Raptors of Nanhui, Shanghai, with some beautiful images. Please check it out and see how many of our feathered friends you knew were in China. I am particularly fond of the Chinese Sparrowhawk.

Tuesday -Great news. The Royal Cam chick fledged on the 17th of September!

Cornell Bird Lab has this maiden flight on video! https://youtu.be/zYqzddsT6pA?

Elain also has a video of that initial flight! https://youtu.be/1JhCsH0JTO4?

Albatrosses forage at sea for an extended period after fledging, typically remaining at sea for 3 to 7 years or more before returning to their natal colony to find a mate and eventually breed. During this time, young albatrosses, known as juveniles, learn to forage and socialise in groups called gams to develop their courtship rituals.  

Post-Fledging Journey

  • Years at Sea: After leaving the nest, young albatrosses will spend several years at sea, some for as long as 5 to 8 years, continuously foraging and only returning to land for breeding. 
  • Socialization: Young albatrosses gather in groups of potential mates, known as gams, to learn complex courtship dances and develop their unique “language” for finding each other later in life. 
  • Maturation: This period allows them to mature, molt their juvenile plumage, and gain the energy and experience needed for their first breeding attempt. 

Return to Breed

  • Colony Return: Eventually, the adolescent birds return to their natal colonies. 
  • Finding a Mate: They then begin the lengthy process of finding a mate and developing a pair bond before their first breeding attempt. 
  • Breeding Frequency: After a successful breeding attempt, many albatross species take a year or more off from breeding to regain their energy and condition before their next breeding season

All the information that you could ever want to know about Albatross by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation:

The latest post from Ranger Sharyn Broni posted by Sharon Dunne.

Holly Parsons has posted some additional information:

‘A’ now has the latest: “Since our baby girl fledged on 16 Sepember, she has been steadily making her way towards South America. The tracker tells us that she is about 200 kms from the headland, heading north. She has stopped off in an area where she probably found food and is progressing well. She is a strong girl. She’ll need to be – her journey is 9000 km long. Safe travels beautiful albie. “

Many of you have been fascinated by the great prey gifts that Gimbir has been bringing Diamond. None of them were Starlings – we know that Diamond does not like Starling. Well, our poor little lad made the mistake of presenting a Starling gift to Diamond and she rebuffed him. SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/7Fibnk3qEt4?

Gosh, is there anything cuter in the adult raptor world than a male peregrine falcon? Gimbir has certainly been winning hearts and minds with his generosity and excellent hunting skills. Will there be any eggs? Maybe not this year, but we will wait.

Tuesday afternoon was also magical on the Canadian Prairies. I sat in my friend’s garden, surrounded by the yellow leaves from the trees falling gently around us. Fall is truly here. It is one of the most loved seasons, yet each of us knows what follows. Winter should be a time of relaxation, sitting by the fire, reading a book, sipping hot chocolate or the best leaf teas wrapped with a soft blanket.

We are looking forward to spending several hours in the nature centre on Wednesday, checking out the geese and ducks while Toby is being groomed. There are places where dogs cannot go (understandably), and this is one of them. We have not been there for several months, so I am really looking forward to spending time on those very familiar paths.

The geese are still fattening on the golf courses and at the nature centres. They were in an area of our City that had been abandoned when one of the military bases closed. Now it is a building site. Where will those geese, who have returned to this same place each year, go now? What are humans leaving our wildlife?

We are taking away habitat minute by minute. The City I live in is no exception. For over a hundred years, the population remained stable at approximately 600,000. Now our City is a construction site with the population soon set to reach one million. It sprawls, and many city planners have, for decades, criticised this practice as it is now taking away good agricultural land, along with woods that are perfect for wildlife and birds. It makes me quite angry – the City should be safe, built up, not out, with good public transport. As it stands, things are so spread out that cars are almost a necessity, and every morning, the traffic jams reveal automobiles with a single person in them! I’d best not get started on my soapbox, or we could be here all day.

Humans to push further into wildlife habitats across more than 50% of land by 2070 – studyhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/aug/21/humans-to-push-further-into-wildlife-habitats-across-more-than-50-of-land-by-2070-study-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

Researchers at Cornell, along with colleagues worldwide, are searching for missing birds. Here is one of the webinars that was posted, so we can join in their discoveries as well. https://youtu.be/sri3ciYgCS4?

It was an extremely sad year for the Black Stork nests in Latvia as reported by Maria Marika. As we know, we must mourn but also celebrate the success. As we take over habitat, the planet and oceans warm, there will be fewer successes unless we radically change our human behaviour.

Border Ospreys latest newsletter:

‘A’ reflects on the Australian nests:

“It was another windy day at WBSE and the chicks were left alone on the nest for most of the day. They are really developing their juvenile plumage now, especially SE35, whose feather development is well ahead of its sibling’s. One reason for this is probably the lack of food SE36 gets in comparison to SE35. I saw only one food delivery today, a gull, and SE36 was fed four or five bites of this (beause it happened to be in the right place at the right time) before SE35 intimdated it into a cowering defensive position, which it maintained until the food was gone. There were no late food deliveries as there have been on previous evenings and little SE36 went to bed with an empty crop. SE35 did relatively well, although would have preferred another two feedings. It is fortunate indeed that both eaglets were well fed on the previous two days. Here are the three reports, from today, yesterday and Sunday:

September 14: another fine day. Last night Lady slept on the rim of the nest, or just by them – disturbed at one stage by the possum passing. Early duets and she was off, returning after 6am and trying to settle in the bowl with the nestlings – but off again a after a short time. When Dad brought in a gull carcass at 7:50 she grabbed it and fed them both –for an hour. Dad came in and took off some of the scraps, with Lady very protective. He fed 36 a couple of bites, then Lady came in again and fed them a little more – protecting the food from him. Then Dad returned and fed them a little himself – and more when Lady took over and fed 35, then 36 – a massive feeding session. As the nest warmed up, chicks were panting – full crops too. They rested, sprawled out in the nest at times, moving into the shade when they could. Dad came in a couple of times and took off a scrap of bone. Late afternoon, Dad came with a whiting, claimed and fed by Lady, to SE35 first. Both ate – full and peaceful at end of day.

September 15: Lady spent most of the night on the nest rim, coming in very early to the bowl, then away. She returned as Dad brought in a Red Rock Cod at 6:15am, claimed by Lady and fed it to both chicks. Both chicks are calling now as the food comes in. A very warm day then, with both of the eaglets moving into the shade when they could. The parents were in and out a few times, with leaves – or nearby – but the chicks were mainly left alone on the nest. Lady came in at last light, but there was no more prey until just after 6pm, when Dad brought a fish. Lady then fed both nestlings before settling for the night.

September 16: Lady slept on the rim last night. She was off very early, then duets, with the nestlings joining in. Dad came and started feeding SE35 a fish scrap early, offered a bit to Lady, then she took over – though there was not much left. The eaglets then waited all morning until Dad brought a gull chick just after 2pm, on a windy afternoon. Lady claimed it and fed both, with SE35 getting most. SE36 has been venturing right to the nest rim, then returning safely to the nest bowl. Both chicks are calling on the nest now – begging for food or parental attention. They were waiting for more food all afternoon. Lady came to the nest just before 6pm, but with no food, then left again, flying to the perch branch. She returned to the nest bowl, settling on the nest next to the chicks. Will there be a late prey delivery again? (Spoiler alert: No, there wasn’t, and poor SE36 went to bed with an empty crop and a hungry tummy.)

At Collins Street, the three eggs are being carefully tended by both falcons, though mum is doing most of the shifts. 

At Taiaroa Head, we are told, Miss SS Trig is further down the hill. However, I am not convinced she has not already fledged today because there is an albatross sleeping on her nest and according to Ranger Sharyn Broni, that albatross is her father, who is waiting to feed his girl. (I wondered why, if it is him, he has not called for her at all, though he has looked around and he is sleeping on her nest – also I believe Ranger Sharyn has actually confirmed his identity on her recent travels.So we will have to take her word for the fact that Miss SS Trig has not yet fledged and that there is a goodbye breakfast with dad awaiting her if she decides to head up the hill early tomorrow morning (17 September). The wind will determine her schedule, in all likelihood, but we are hoping she will stay at least another week, until her tummy mohawk (it really is most distinctive) has been shed. 

I thank you so much for reminding me that the birds in our own gardens are the interface between ourselves and the natural world. We don’t need to filter these experiences through streaming cams from the other side of the world, although the chance to share the experiences of birds like the red-tailed hawks is something extra special (and a bird like Angel is something too precious for words). 

Meanwhile, all appears well at Port Lincoln, where the night herons are doing well with the fish light it seems. They caught two fish in rapid succession the other evening. With three healthy-looking eggs, I do have some fears about the upcoming season – there is an aggressive quality to ospreys.”

“Wednesday: The littles were up and stretching at 6am and the breakfast fish arrived at around 06:08 courtesy of ever-reliable Dad. Lady was quickly in to take control of the feeding, with SE36 finding itself in prime position at the table. It was too intimidated though by its older sibling and went into submission pose, allowing SE35 to push past and take the front spot and the first of the food. But SE36 was still closest to the fish, and had the courage to turn its head and take occasional bites when Lady offered them. It was a good-sized fish and eventually, both nestlings ate a large breakfast. 

When I checked back at lunchtime, SE35 was in a food coma and SE36, despite sporting the most gigantic of crops, was still eating like a small feathered machine as Lady fed him still more fish. Oh my goodness those eaglets were full. After yesterday’s lean pickings, I’m sure they both enjoyed the food overload they got today. They have become very vocal in recent days, chittering away to each other on the nest and vocalising to their parents whenever food approacheth. Oh they are the cutest small people. SE35 is starting to show caramel colours on its breast and head feathers and will soon begin to resemble a juvenile sea eagle. SE36 is still a huge ball of fluff with some feathertips on its wings – at least two or perhaps three days behind its older sibling. 

At Collins Street, dad brought in such a large pigeon (I think) at 15:24:20, he could hardly get it up onto the ledge. It was as big as he was. Mum was less than impressed, after all his hard work, and stayed on the eggs, so he dived off the ledge again with his prey, at which mum looked rather surprised but still didn’t move. I presume he ate it himself, or stashed it on a floor above the nest (he glanced up there before diving off the ledge). At least there appear to be enough workers back in the Melbourne CBD to feed a good crop of pigeons for the falcons to feed their chicks once those eggs hatch. Dad is obviously a good hunter – that really was a very large catch. 

Dad returned with empty talons soon after 16:28, and the pair had an animated conversation before mum dived off the ledge and presumably headed off to the pantry for the pigeon remains. Finally! Egg time for dad. He is such a cutie. A very neat little falcon. And his sweet little voice is adorable. Mum is back at 17:27:30. Another changeover at 18:02:30. “

The cam operator gave us some great closeups of the little sea eaglets and their gorgeous juvenile plumage coming in.

“Here is yesterday;s ranger report:

The eaglets both ate a large breakfast at around 10am this morning, with SE36 doing particularly well at this feeding. Both chicks finished the meal with huge crops, and spent the rest of the afternoon resting in the sunlit nest. The weather has improved, with the winds dying down and no rain today, so things are drying out and the fishing is easier. 

September 21: A lovely sunny day. Last evening, Dad brought in a last prey offering, another young gull, and Lady fed them, though SE35 ate most. SE36 found a last scrap itself. Lady spent most of the night beside them on the nest rim. A quiet morning until Lady herself brought in a young gull. SE36 did quite well at this feeding. Both are picking at things in the nest. Then, in the late afternoon, Dad brought part of a fish, having already eaten himself. He fed them a little first, then Lady took over until all was gone. As the eagles called, the youngsters joined in too at  the end of the day. Both adults settled nearby.

And today (22 September), the eaglets both ate a large breakfast at around 10am, with SE36 doing particularly well at this feeding. Both chicks finished the meal with huge crops, and spent the rest of the afternoon resting in the sunlit nest. The weather has improved, with the winds dying down and no rain today, so things are drying out and the fishing is easier. 

These two are starting to look so grown up (especially SE35). It is scary to think that they are nearing the time when their privileged life on the nest will be exchanged for their annual losing battle with the currawongs.It seems so futile – all the hard work the parents have put in and yet it is destined to be fruitless, with the fledglings unlikely to survive without human intervention (and even with that assistance, their futures are very uncertain).  

At Collins Street, the incubation continues, with the three eggs looking good and being well looked after by both parents. Mum headed off at 06:14 this morning to get herself some breakfast, and little Dad quickly arrived to take over, making his tiny chirping noises. The way he talks to the eggs is so adorable. He loves these chicks before they’ve even hatched. 

At Port Lincoln, mum is still waiting for food – nothing has been brought in so far today. There are usually two fish (or one huge fish) brought in per day, but I am not confident that this is going to increase sufficiently to feed a family of five when these eggs hatch. I do hope the Fish Fairy is ready for action because I fear she is going to be needed on this nest this season. I do wish they would stick to two eggs. 

Mum is doing the vast majority of the incubating at Port Lincoln – some days, dad spends less than an hour in total on the eggs, with mum taking care of the rest. She is doing a great job, but as I said, I’m hoping the fish supply will step up when the eggs hatch – as things stand, mum isn’t getting enough for her own needs. “

Pat Burke got the cutest screen capture of the little sea eaglets, who are a month old now.

TE3 is still hanging around the natal nest in Tempeauleau Wisconsin. This gorgeous juvenile was raised by her Mum basically single-handedly. Many thought the eaglet would not survive, but she did and what an amazing eagle she is going to be. Thank you Bud Whillock for these great images that you shared on FB.

The American Bird Conservancy announces a huge win:

ABC is celebrating a much-needed win for seabirds with the announcement that the U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF) has suspended its proposal to use Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge as a site for commercial rocket landing pads. ABC was among the first organizations to raise concerns about the plan and request further study on the potential impacts on the more than one million seabirds that nest on the tiny Pacific Ocean atoll each year. The DAF’s pause on their plans gives seabirds like the Brown Noddy and Red-tailed Tropicbird breathing room and keeps this important site a safe refuge for birds, for now.

As our population grows, the impact on wildlife is enormous.

The ospreys are almost all gone on their journeys to their winter quarters. Iris is no longer at Hellgate Canyon, and Charlie is no longer at Charlo, Montana. A few linger in Nova Scotia, and one of CJ7 and Blue 022’s fledglings was photographed in Poole Harbour.

It appears that the male at the Boulder County Fair Grounds osprey nest is still at home, too.

Swoop continues to deliver to the fourth hatch, known fondly as Eenie or Little Buckaroo, at Dunrovin Ranch. Lin Lawson did a physique comparison between the father and the juvenile.

Connie Dennis reminds us that this is the number of days we have until they return in Nova Scotia:

Each of us will be sitting on pins and needles waiting for Iris to return to Montana next spring! Lovely montage Lucille Powell, thank you.

There are still some ospreys in Manitoba! Marlene Mitchell caught this one where we go to see the Pelicans.

At the Golden Gate Audubon nest site – lamp and crane – one fledgling and the parents that remain are Beacon, Rosie, and Richmond. “At 128 days old, Beacon has now lingered the longest of any of Rosie and Richmond’s offspring. And apparently her calls for more fish are working, as she received two separate deliveries today, after visiting the Whirley Crane several times. Rosie also visited the crane. http://www.sfbayospreys.org”. https://youtu.be/sT1WdpdP4-Q?

Rosie is still there on Thursday. Thanks, Lucille Powell.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust gives us the remarkable story of White YW and Blue 35 at Foulshaw Moss, who raised three chicks, with White YW now 17 years old and Blue 35 fourteen years old. And then, White YW feeds and cares for another’s fledgling. A good read. White YW and Blue 35 are two of my favourite osprey couples in the UK, often overlooked.

It is that time of season when there are summaries and highlights. Cornell Bird Lab takes us through the life of the Barred Owls. “Relive five unforgettable moments from our 2025 Barred Owl Cam, sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited! This season was full of fun and heartwarming memories as this feathered family raised their two adorable owlets, Moss and Maple, in a nest box nestled in the backyard of WBU Founder and CEO Jim Carpenter. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/HfW9vYw2HSY?

It is also cam maintenance time for both the ospreys and the eagles.

Gabby and Beau continue to work hard on their nest in NE Florida, with Gabby even trying out the egg bowl. Will we have eggs early this year? We wait to see.

Duke Farms nest is waiting for its eagles.

There was an eagle at the ND-LEEF in South Bend, Indiana, on Tuesday.

Hawk Mountain’s Migration chart for this week:

Robert Fuller‘s six kestrel chicks have fledged! https://youtu.be/Fqc19QvkE-k?

Reports from Raptor Persecution UK.

Welsh government is in trouble as Avian Flu spreads.

While the news from Wales is worrisome, there is some good news. Hen Harriers will not be introduced into the south of England. I am delighted.

The American Bird Conservancy Bird of the Week is the Belle’s Vireo. Don’t know this bird? Have a read.

The Maori, along with North American Native Tribes, along with many other cultural groups, believe that birds carry messages, especially when someone dies. A lovely short read from The Guardian:

In the days after my mum died, a blackbird lingered like a messenger of solace | Mark Saunokonokohttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2025/sep/18/in-the-days-after-my-mum-died-a-blackbird-lingered-like-a-messenger-of-solace?CMP=share_btn_url

Toby wants to know how many people remember Murphy the Bald Eagle who incubated the rock and then got to raise an eaglet? Thanks National Geographic!

Thank you so much for being with us today! Take care of yourself. We look forward to having you with us again next Monday.

I want to thank our notable contributor, ‘SK Hideaways’ for their videos highlighting the nests we are following as well as the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, other individuals and institutions who create videos and the authors of posts such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name but whom I have tried to cite in bold. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers and journals that still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends. A special thank you to Raptor Persecution UK for keeping us well informed about what is happening to the raptors in the UK. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Calico wants me to add an essay, “The Thin White Line,” from Emergence Magazine. She thinks it is thought-provoking.

Thank you so much for being with us today! Take care. See you next Monday.

I want to thank our notable contributor, ‘SK Hideaways’ for their videos highlighting the nests we are following, ‘A’ for their Australian commentary, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos and the authors of posts such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name but whom I have tried to cite in bold. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers and journals that still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Friday in Bird World

25 July 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

I can tell you that Pelican Lake is beautiful and that it is actually home to so many American White Pelicans. I can also tell you that Lewy Body Dementia is a challenging disease for both the person who bears the burden of it and for those trying to enrich their lives. We were at Pelican Lake precisely two hours before Don ‘lost me’. I will not bore you with the details of someone spiralling downwards, but suffice it to say I was happy to be able to administer his medication, repack the car (thank goodness we hadn’t really unpacked), and get him and Toby in the car and back home. No more holidays. I was beginning to wonder if the days of travelling were over several months ago. We will take our trips within the confines of the city, so that if something goes sideways, home is close at hand. I already have a list of parks that we haven’t yet visited – just imagine all the things we might have been missing!

Toby and I spent Thursday doing some projects. He now has a fully enclosed back garden where he can roam freely. We also played with a new camera. ‘AK’ knew that I was fed up with carrying heavy, long lenses and big medium-format cameras. That is the reason you have seen so few images of birds this year. The weight is phenomenal. The total weight of what I used was more than 12 lbs. So ‘AK’ recommended that I check out the P1000 with its fixed 3000mm zoom lens. I was only able to get the P1100, and at three pounds with a 3000 mm zoom and a ‘bird’ setting, Toby and I had a lot of fun testing it out on the birds at the feeder. The images are not great. This is my first hour using this camera, but I can tell you it feels like a winner in terms of what I need for my life at this moment. It sure was fun, even with squiggly Toby on my lap.

Notice the texture. This camera is not supposed to do well in low light – well, that squirrel is deep in the lilacs and it was dark with light just filtering in from the West!

And for anyone wondering, this is not just any squirrel. This is Dyson. Look at her large arms and long fingers. She is our matriarch.

Junior is moulting, so no crest. Those feathers, the layers and layers, are quite amazing. (I am roughly 16 metres from the bird feeder).`

Tiny little female house sparrow.`

Three baby crows with their velvet heads.

My sidekick, Toby. He is enjoying the freedom of the garden but also likes to lounge in the chair and always comes when I call. Kitties aren’t allowed outside in Winnipeg.

My first hydrangea bush! I have a friend who mailed me dried hydrangea blooms one year. They made it all the way from British Columbia! Now I have my own.

Please do not believe everything you read on a chat. In fact, it is almost the last place to find accurate information sometimes. The PSEG Oyster Bay osplet with the injured leg did NOT fledge, it was rescued and taken into rehab.

Here is Heidi’s Osprey report for the US:

Raptor Persecution UK confirms that there are some 143 Hen Harriers illegally killed or missing since 2018.

Other Hen Harrier chicks fledge but with the help of the RSPB after their parents go missing.

Balgavies Loch: Partial Nest collapse this week. 4L1 and 4L2 were both in the nest together on Thursday! How wonderful. Flying strong.

Lyn Brenig: Older sister, 7M4 fledged at 52 days. We are waiting for little brother, 7M5, who is 50 days old today.

Wensley: No camera, but three magnificent chicks in the nest.

Kielder Forest: Blue 3B5 Irthing took her first flight on Thursday the 24th. More news from Kielder here:

Birds of Poole Harbour news:

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 24th July 2025
Today was all about fish – arriving, departing, returning, reappearing and causing confusion among the nest cam watchers until sharp eyes sorted out the details. Dorcha did not supply any new fish, all six deliveries to Nest Two were made by Louis, and his tally now rises to three hundred and forty four. 

Dorcha found and ate the fish lost last night in the nest furnishings and today’s fresh fish were shared out between her and the two chicks, with Breac 7P7 getting the lion’s share. Darach 7P0 made sure he hung onto his share causing Breac to fall over the edge and hang upside down in an OMG moment. However Breac managed to untangle himself and fly away, returning unharmed to a chorus of relief on the forum, and later he achieved the milestone of flying with fish for the first time, another event noted by sharp eyed watchers. Steve Q crunched the numbers and posted last week’s fish stats, link in the bonus section, and although the fish counters noted Garry LV0’s one delivery to Aurora 536 today, taking his tally to one hundred and thirty five, it’s hoped that we will need Steve to include Nest One fish stats in future reports if Garry and Aurora produce the longed for chicks on that nest next year. The weather was settled but is expected to turn damp overnight and through tomorrow with light rain and light winds, a low of 13°C tonight and a high of 18°C tomorrow.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.15.40 (03.51.48); Nest Two 23.00.46 (04.15.30)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/qry_vU46fGw N2 Breac fights and gets the first fish: Dorcha & Darach lose out 05.53.51

https://youtu.be/08tLoYhbP7c N2 Oh no! Breac hangs upside down off the nest! 07.33.20

https://youtu.be/C4fGv8x0HUE N2 Dorcha spots the fish lost by Breac last night and grabs it 09.33.59

https://youtu.be/JkPf_AOvnmU N2 Louis brings a third fish: it’s Dorcha turn and she grabs it fast 12.40.55

https://youtu.be/SBNbIl0Tp-I N2 Another milestone achieved – Breac flies with fish 13.23.55

https://youtu.be/3R4FM0hTYYg N1 Garry brings a flatfish for Aurora 13.47.06https://youtu.be/yDZ8oYDskiA N2 Dorcha’s waiting when fish four arrives: she lets Darach have it 14.14.28

https://youtu.be/psTRt9-NuAQ N2 Good mum Dorcha allows Breac to take fish number five 16.51.36

https://youtu.be/Jeo0-VlMQGg N2 Dorcha holds onto fish number six but feeds Breac 22.06.48
Bonus shopping opportunity – Woodland Trust shop summer sale now on:

https://shop.woodlandtrust.org.uk/sale

Bonus nutrition info – the fish stats for Week 16, expertly compiled as always by Steve Quinn:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=26854776

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/5B4tYF5XWeI  N1 FLEDGE Vera finds her wings 2020

https://youtu.be/IEpTHTQ83MU N1 FLEDGE Captain takes off <three hours after Vera 2020

https://youtu.be/CsH62EjSANk  N1 Vera returns from her maiden flight 2020

https://youtu.be/_x8G4wApzFY  N1 Captain returns safely but not very gracefully 2020

https://youtu.be/SEOkidLKvJc N1 Fledge compilation video: The Four Ospreys (Classic Ospreys – Vivaldi 2020)

https://youtu.be/nV0kAGoM-y0  N2 Dorcha and Sarafina just watch as Willow grabs the first fish 2022

https://youtu.be/iGA54OTD6BQ  N2 Hop and a skip but no jump – Willow decides to wait 2022

https://youtu.be/wsjKHvZAXpo  N2 Chicks bemused by a flapping flatfish 2022

https://youtu.be/lOKNG5FLCv0 N1 RAF jet causes Affric & Garry to flee 2023

https://youtu.be/WNOA0O4wA6Q N2 Another milestone for Ludo, dealing with a live fish 2023

https://youtu.be/5z5M0SPFXu4 N1 Garry arrives with a stick 2024

https://youtu.be/mZHjWrUX0kQ  N1 Various little birds flit around 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 23rd July 2025
Another slow day with not much action apart from the chicks Darach 7P0 and Breac 7P7 trying to get as much fish as possible when Louis made deliveries to the nest, and fighting anyone who got in their way. Louis brought four fish to the nest today, one of which Breac managed to lose in the muddle of sticks on the right hand side, with luck it will be found and consumed tomorrow. Louis’ tally now stands at three hundred and thirty eight, while Garry LV0’s rises to one hundred and thirty four following his single delivery to Aurora 536. The weather was settled today and set to continue with a forecast of light clouds and light winds overnight and tomorrow, with a temperature spread of 13 – 21°C, and the prospect of sunny intervals tomorrow afternoon.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.49.56 (04.09.34); Nest Two 23.04.31 (04.20.45)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/wPUO11fOGlA N2 Breac can only watch as Darach consumes fish number one 05.59.16https://youtu.be/s_fU3fE5EsE N2 Darach gets fish number two and attacks Dorcha to keep it 11.05.01  

https://youtu.be/tIuWuRFD4zk N1 Aurora seizes the fish from Garry LV0 and flies off with it 14.15.40https://youtu.be/jAj48B05YfU N2 Louis brings a third fish but Breac manages to lose it 21.08.08https://youtu.be/tgnHuJFSmpg N2 Breac gets the fourth fish and doesn’t lose it this time! 21.59.21  
Bonus read – Painting of Scotland’s oldest wild Scots pine puts the plight of unique pinewoods in the spotlight:https://pressat.co.uk/releases/painting-of-scotlands-oldest-wild-scots-pine-puts-plight-of-unique-pinewoods-in-spotlight-2436dbdb42c832c92f5ae3f248615373/Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/ZqWuqafl36c  N1 Captain helicopters! 2020
https://youtu.be/cSDip8llxAY  N1 Doddie has a tug of fish with Vera 2020
https://youtu.be/a3UUPQUtnkg  N1 Low flying RAF plane causes Aila to flee 2020 (slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/9K11f2xd0Ww  N1 Vera does a helicopter completely off the screen 2020
https://youtu.be/zFcnK8aIKqk  N1 Aila brings a nuisance stick and stands on Captain! 2020
https://youtu.be/9_avX1YHofU  N2 All three females want fish number four 2022
https://youtu.be/olWHydNGMV4  N2 Results are in: meet Willow and Sarafina! 2022https://youtu.be/5B_o4EM_oyE  N2 Dorcha is harassed by invading Hoodies 2023
https://youtu.be/mtWqo9g5K6A  N2 Ludo helicopters with moss 2023 (zoom)
https://youtu.be/CEDLQcHPA1Y N1 Garry arrives with a fish for Affric 2023
https://youtu.be/WcKyGvhpqI4  N2 Hangry Ludo grabs Louis’ leg wanting fish 2023
https://youtu.be/yw2IAFZ5Iro N1 Dorcha pays another visit to Nest One 2024
https://youtu.be/Z8amhCfcwhQ  N2 Dorcha returns to her own nest 2024 

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 22nd July 2025
It was a slow fish day today, Aurora 536 was disappointed when Garry arrived bearing nesting materials but no fish, so his tally remains at one hundred and thirty three, and Louis delivered three fish, raising his tally to three hundred and thirty four. Breac 7P7 is extremely dominant and got the first two fish, his older brother Darach 7P0 had to wait until he’d had enough before getting his own chance to eat. Louis brought the final fish after dark, giving Dorcha the opportunity to eat in peace before she returned the fish to the nest and handed it over to one of the chicks – Breac, of course. Nest cam watchers would like Darach to become more competitive. It rained through the night but the weather was reasonably settled during the day, however it’ll be damp again tonight as the overnight forecast is for drizzle and light winds with a low of 13

°C, improving tomorrow with light cloud, light winds and a few sunny spells with a high of 19°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.08.25 (04.09.55); Nest Two 22.59.28 (04.24.20)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/zOdvFUukCXE N2 Dorcha gets the first fish from Louis then lets Breac have it 08.53.55https://youtu.be/LrxqVtV3uPY N2 Darach wants fish two but Breac’s not letting go 11.31.32  

https://youtu.be/b7dWNaTq2gk N2 

Dorcha arrives on the nest and gets fish three from Louis 22.15.40
Bonus watch – 

N2 Long lens video of Aspen LW3 & Alder LW4 seen near the nest 2021 (thanks LizB)

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/C9r2h07HYeM N1 Carnival of the Ospreys 2020 (Classic Ospreys: Saint-Saëns)

https://youtu.be/u-2jWDOe8dg N1 Vera is fascinated as Captain feathers his nest 2020

https://youtu.be/j6YDTQA5stk  N1 Aila decides what’s needed is another stick 2020

https://youtu.be/B-JGsEAwA4I  N2 Midnight callisthenics 2022

https://youtu.be/CoLyqB6O_iI  N2 Nearly but not quite! LW5 prepares for lift-off 2022

https://youtu.be/h87JPZiw5no  N2 Louis chases a Hoodie away, watched intently by the chicks 2022

https://youtu.be/4N64tTO4iJE N2 Ludo returns after his first night away 2023

https://youtu.be/nWjM3BF9wxw N1 & N2 Two beautiful pairs of Ospreys posing for the camera 2023

https://youtu.be/Rqz_dXEyC8w  N2 Louis arrives to help Dorcha get rid of Hoodies 2023

https://youtu.be/NOUuCyUUt2M N1 Garry brings a second fish for Affric 2023

https://youtu.be/bDbqDZ8sN64 N2 Dorcha spends some time on her nest, no sign of Louis 2024

https://youtu.be/g0q-Tf1BJIc N2 Louis arrives with a stick and does some nest work 2024

https://youtu.be/SgnwBnDdY-g N1 Garry LV0 brings a fish but no one’s there 2024

https://youtu.be/z52q-f7fFmg N2 Spectacular sunset 21.30 to 22.30 (2.3 minute time lapse) 2024

Tweed Valley Ospreys/UK Osprey Information:

Rosie Shields brings us up to date on everything about the Border Ospreys season.

Dunrovin Ranch: Those four beautiful osplets are looking really good!

Charlo: Two surviving osplets are doing fantastic. They are getting some gorgeous juvenile feathers and growing as fast as Toby!

Boulder County: One chick would really like some fish! They both seem to have survived one of the worst nests for human debris I have ever seen!

Hellgate Canyon: Iris still has one of the most beautiful well maintained osprey nests I have ever seen.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: Three surviving osplets are looking good.

More news from the UK: David Wick writes:

sSdoroptenh3aag7i9586l4m6139190i1lh87i0u9mlhaa044uglill9f4f7 ·

“Morning all, both chick’s have fledged at NWT Ranworth .That makes it first to breed and hatch and fledged in about 250 years”

Threave Garden:

Osprey House Environment Centre in Australia where the older sibling is not only being fed but helping feed!

UK Hobbys: https://youtu.be/V4xohmzR0Mo?

Ferris Akel found the Os today and the other evening, and Cornell released a video of Big Red feeding her babies a week ago. https://youtu.be/k-dHLxtlrOI?

Arthur.

One of the Os.

Robert Fuller gives us insight into Red Kite chicks. https://youtu.be/3FtIHHfp2i4?

Is it possible to resurrect a 600 year old extinct bird?

It’s 12ft tall, covered in feathers and has been extinct for 600 years – can the giant moa bird really be resurrected?

 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/11/de-extinction-extinct-giant-moa-bird-colossal-bioscience-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. We will see you again on Monday!

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘AK, Geemeff, Heidi’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, and the authors of posts such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers that still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Friday in Bird World

13 June 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It is so nice to have you with us today! There is even some sunshine peeking through the haze.

Late News: Foulshaw Moss nest 2 has 2 Bobs! Congratulations.

T3 at the Trempeauleau Bald Eagle nest is 9 weeks old today.

Thank you to everyone for your good wishes for Hugo Yugo. She is a strong-willed, ginger female, and she is fine. She woke up her old self, ready to romp and jump with Toby on Thursday morning. It was beautiful to witness.

After the rains, the temperature cooled. We took Toby for a walk on Wednesday evening and needed a light jacket and socks. What a change!

On the way to take Hugo Yugo to the vet Wednesday morning for her dental surgery, we spotted a Crow on the street. There was one of the grey squirrels that had been hit by a car. As I walked home to get a shovel, I kept hoping that the squirrel that had been killed was not Dyson. Thankfully, it wasn’t, but it was one of the kits that came to the garden. The squirrels now have to take the road to cross the street (I keep telling them there is no reason to go over there, but they don’t listen) because the trees are gone. They used to climb up on one side, cross over the huge branches that overlaid one another to form a magnificent canopy. Yes, some fell, but it was much safer for them than it is now. I know animals die, but I don’t like it when it can be avoided. If there is a silver lining at all, it would have been quick compared to being poisoned. Rodenticide should be outlawed, confiscated, and destroyed. Employ all those owls that take the osplets off the nets to be the rat hunters!

Hugo Yugo’s appointment was a fantastic success, surpassing all our expectations. Her teeth were thoroughly cleaned, and all the gingivitis was completely eliminated. Even better, there was no need for any extractions—such a wonderful relief! We could hardly believe our luck. She will be back in six months for another cleaning to maintain her healthy smile. As for Toby, he’s set for his final vaccinations next Wednesday, and he will be neutered in early September. We’re confident this will set him up for a happier and healthier life!

‘B’ and ‘D’ let me know that the link that ‘A’ sent did not work. ‘D’ wrote: “The long link you posted with T3, Betty Lou, and Blue and Kai didn’t lead anywhere for me, but I found this Explore eagle nest update which has these moments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XngiaRqFxcw

It was a better week in Osprey World – thank goodness.

Charlie and Lola have triplets at Charlo Montana!

Two lovely osprey chicks for Herr and Frau Rauer in Norway.

Alukin shows us the kindness shown to the storks in Poland. I wish we saw more of this at the osprey nests in the NE USA. https://youtu.be/aKO4NblRq0o?

They are all cute but Willow tried to push it to new heights at the San Jose City Hall falcon scrape. https://youtu.be/yMLyhXcabrc?

Fort St Vrain, Colorado: Fort St. Vrain, Colorado: One eaglet left to fledge! These two were the survivors of that heat spell, and many of us worried ourselves sick when they got stuck in the stick rails.

Trempeauleau: T3 is gorgeous.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: The ospreys have not given up on the one egg – yet.

Blue fludges. https://youtu.be/Nz9lsIsfjfo?

Hellgate Canyon: It was too late for New Guy2 and Iris to have chicks but he has been attentive bringing our Queen fish, helping with nest renovations, and spending a lot of time with our gal. Let us hope, beyond any kind of hope we can imagine, that both of them return to raise a family next year when Iris is what? 30?

Dyfi Osprey Project’s Telyn and Idris are working overtime to keep the three osplets fed as they grow their juvenile feathers!

Boulder County Fair Grounds: Two chicks. I don’t know if they both look ‘good’. Keeping an eye on that second hatch. There were four original eggs. One chick died of hypothermia, and the other did not hatch.

Seaside: Three osplets are lanky and emerging from that Reptilian phase. They are looking good. Bruce and Naha doing well.

Cowlitz: The only feathered friend at home is a House Sparrow (male). Maybe they are taking over Electra’s nest.

Carthage: Dad came in with a large fish, and Mum and Only Bob were excited.

Finland # 4: The chicks range from a cute, fuzzy head to an oily, reptilian one, but Nuppu seems to be doing a fine job of keeping the three fed.

Pitkin County: The third hatch has died. Cause unknown.

At Rutland Manton Bay, Blue 33 stepped in late on Wednesday to give Maya a break. It is a colossal job feeding four osplets! Tiring.

CJ7 and Blue 022 at Poole Harbour know precisely the issues of having to keep four full of fish, too!

Usk Valley, Wales: This is the first time in 250 years that ospreys have hatched in the Usk Valley. Eggs were laid on April 24, 27, and 30. Only the first egg has hatched.

Balgavies Loch: There are two osplets.

Rutland Water: You will have heard that only 30% of first year osprey fledglings survive. Well, Rutland Water popped the corks because all of the 2023 fledglings have been seen and photographed. Unbelievable.

Llyn Brenig:

Loch Doon: Two extremely healthy and strong osplets for Angel and Frankie.

Kielder Forest Update:

Taipalsaari, Finland: Two of the cutest little osplets.

How do you spell cute? Big Red and Arthur’s Os on the Cornell Campus?

Cornell Bird Lab caught Arthur delivering prey! https://youtu.be/hOe3UFe4NvQ?

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 12th June 2025
With the livestream being down between 8am and 5pm (GMT+1) due to essential maintenance by the local wifi provider, and the server not yet rebooted, a full report of today’s events will be made later. One fish each was delivered by Louis and Garry LV0 before the livestream outage, taking their respective tallies to one hundred and seventy seven, and eighty four. Steve Q posted his weekly fish stats showing Louis is consistent with previous years, full details here: 

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=25766428. The weather was settled today, but the overnight forecast is for light rain and light winds with a low of 13

°C, changing to drizzle and a gentle breeze tomorrow with a possibility of sunny intervals in the afternoon, and a high of 21°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.42.14 (03.10.05); Nest Two 23.14.17 (03.44.09)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/GZ2WrSR3VfI N2 Another early breakfast arrives for Dorcha and the chicks 04.41.26

https://youtu.be/UhaVxXOlh2U N1 Aurora 536’s calls are answered when Garry brings an early fish 07.15.14
Bonus read – article about Captain Knight, the eccentric falconer and former WW1 sniper who attempted to reintroduce ospreys to Loch Arkaig in the 1920s: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=25768953

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/t5fExtS-g24  N1 Louis is in charge and causes chaos 2020

https://youtu.be/5v3mXd8jiP0  N1 Middle chick syndrome? Bob2 pecks mum 2020

https://youtu.be/CJZtoG43aOQ  N1 A Jay (Garrulus glandarius) pays a visit 2021

https://youtu.be/VtqM02uMCck  N2 Careful with that ax, Eugenie 2022

https://youtu.be/0x2UY3d9nEs  N2 OMG littlest chick is in big trouble 2022

https://youtu.be/ZKENudlj1gI  N2 RIP little bob3 15.44 – 19.22 (full version, edited, zoomed) 2022

https://youtu.be/3Tb7ULBiY-w  N2 Are the parents reacting to the loss of their chick? 2022

https://youtu.be/kkV6jT1ddEA N2 Mum keeps watch as chick wanders by the edge 2023

https://youtu.be/XC_XytW-0IA  N1 LV0 yo-yos on and off 2023

https://youtu.be/_FvG707X7z0  N2 Bob’s all alone in a violent rainstorm 2023

https://youtu.be/gYHA-fUukN0  N1 LV0 won’t give Affric his fish and departs with it 2023

https://youtu.be/X670uBiI8vg  N2 Fish number two, whole trout, C1 attacks the others to get all the food 2024

 https://youtu.be/1OrPesmMXjQ  N2 Fish number three, nice big trout, C2 & C3 manage to get some 2024

https://youtu.be/hhe82fYjd5Q  N1 A pair of Redpolls visit 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/6-jk8QhKxbI  N2 Fish number five, huge headless trout, but C1 wants it all 2024

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

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 11th June 2025
Another day where there was no drama and the main event was the steady supply of fish. Garry LV0 brought three fish for Aurora, taking his tally to eighty three, but she only got two of them as she was absent when he delivered the third. Over on Nest Two, the chicks started and ended the day with hugely distended crops from Louis’ delivery of a constant supply of fish. He brought five today and his tally rises to one hundred and seventy six. The weather was settled and continues that way with clear skies and light winds overnight – owl weather – and a low of 11°C, and sunny intervals and gentle breezes tomorrow with a high of 22°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.03.24 (03.11.40); Nest Two 23.22.54 (03.52.11)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/6Th1vJv_J_o N2 Louis brings breakfast and leaves 17 seconds later 04.02.15

https://youtu.be/KIt0sZpMeAI N2 Only 23 minutes after the first, Louis brings a second fish   04.25.31https://youtu.be/jYAuAHj0QDE N1 Garry LV0 brings the first fish of the day for Aurora10.20.53 

https://youtu.be/RmV11t5lv_Y N2 Louis brings a third fish and stays to do some housework 11.52.52

https://youtu.be/DTMcyJm41ew N1 Aurora seizes the second fish from Garry and they both leave 15.04.49

https://youtu.be/062cWZOy6po N2 Dorcha receives a nice big whole trout, fourth fish today 16.47.47https://youtu.be/TOESTSDJ1ZM N1 Garry LV0 brings a third fish but Aurora’s not there 17.16.38 https://youtu.be/CwYJ_9St9Cw N2 Late night fish supper is eagerly received 22.48.24
Bonus read – Woodland Trust update The State of Woods and Trees report

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/state-of-uk-woods-and-trees

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/tegK6JTrCqE  N1 Louis brings a log and promptly loses it overboard (2019)

https://youtu.be/I40hGDuk6ow  N1 Aila leaves and the bobs take lumps out of each other (2019)

https://youtu.be/G5ccJ8SQQZU  N1 Feisty bob3 gives bigger sibling what for (2020)

https://youtu.be/nRL8UTESZPU N1 Pecking order: bob1 takes on the younger two (2020)

https://youtu.be/vrFI8LKkzXg  N1 Louis has a little chat with Aila (2020)

https://youtu.be/z_4B96iW9Q8  N2 Breakfast for the bobs, little bob gets a share (2022)

https://youtu.be/lPoCS6I2HjA  N2 Bob3 faces the wrong way again but eventually gets fed (2022)

https://youtu.be/dP2-EKmSSGY  N2 Dorcha clouts the chick with a stick then stands on it! 2023

https://youtu.be/XKmwGghcGkQ  N1 Affric rejects LV0 and sends him for fish 2023

https://youtu.be/NWUgq_YJ63s  N2 Fish number three, season’s first mackerel 2023

https://youtu.be/HiKXdWuQ6Vs  N2 Fish number one, and a fight breaks out 2024

https://youtu.be/qnuJM6ufSEY N2 Chicks do housework while Dorcha preens 2024

https://youtu.be/w_n5eC7_3Fo N2 Hello Louis – where’s our fish? 2024

https://youtu.be/DMs71z6YJYE  N2 C2 attacks the other two while Dorcha screams at Louis 2024

https://youtu.be/O_dw1p-GGTE  N2 Louis departs after being told off 2024

https://youtu.be/npYHeJjqMRs N2 Full unedited sequence 21.25 – 21.41 from Louis’ arrival to his departure 2024

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

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig  Tuesday 10th June 2025  

The weather was mainly settled today, but there were several intruder alerts causing alarm, although only on one occasion was a culprit seen on camera in the distance. Dorcha carefully removed the body of little chick3 from the nest, having a good nibble on it before she did so, and presumably the rest of it made a good meal for other forest denizens. After a busy morning repelling intruders, Louis delivered three fish taking his tally to one hundred and seventy one, while Dorcha delivered chaos by bringing various unsuitable and / or pointy sticks to the nest, and her day ended with being decorated by one of the chicks. It was calmer over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora, taking his tally to eighty, but she still urges him to leave her alone to eat in peace. Tonight’s forecast is dry with light cloud and light winds and a low of 9°C, and the dry weather continues tomorrow with sunny intervals, gentle breezes, and a high of 21°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.50.11 (03.21.09) ; Nest Two  23.12.15 (03.55.50)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/59sdGTP1GyM N2 Graphic warning: Dorcha nibbles the body of chick3 before removing it 05.13.00

https://youtu.be/h0-_12kbYtM N2 Breakfast is a little late as Louis has been chasing intruders 09.11.35https://youtu.be/9Nn6Fcg-nGw N2 Compilation clip of three nest furnishing incidents! 11.57;15.33; 17.23https://youtu.be/KQqxltNVaQc N2 Louis delivers a big trout for lunch, second fish today 12.22.22   

https://youtu.be/tIpNLQPY30g N1 Garry brings a fish for Aurora then stays despite her shouts 14.05.04

https://youtu.be/oDHpn2dYK7U N1 Garry LV0 brings an early fish supper 18.49.51

https://youtu.be/ekh1Ru4dsMs N2 Louis delivers a fish supper and stays to watch it being eaten 21.20.57

https://youtu.be/cGmrsfunqfc N2 Mum takes no notice of being decorated by one of the chicks 23.57.25

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/y6Xv5QjmtT4  N1 Eeek! Aila nearly throws bob3 out of the nest 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/Er2bFIWVR3E  N1 Aila only just avoids bashing the bobs with huge logs 2020

https://youtu.be/eBk3mIRU_bc  N1 Bob3 rides the slippery slope of the fish to get a mouthful or two 2020

https://youtu.be/te0rHGZfiWo  N2 Pesky crow harasses Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/zEmjQK41hzI  N2 Sudden gust forces Dorcha to do an involuntary headstand 2022

https://youtu.be/5i2j1JmAauY  N2 Little bob3 finally gets a bit of fish 2022

https://youtu.be/5-rYbkudNYU N2 Size matters –  little bird visits Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/aFW075n_WWQ  N1 LV0 brings Affric a fish 2023

https://youtu.be/7W_NxX2pt0I  N1 Affric doesn’t want to mate with LV0 and leaves quickly 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/Z-iI78_2FH4   N2 Louis helps sort out the cot rails now that the chick is more active 2023

https://youtu.be/x-dM1-WszI0  N2 Tempers fray as the chicks have to wait for the first fish 2024

https://youtu.be/QVM9Tn8MxMo N2 Big chick attacks C3 during feeding 2024

https://youtu.be/teeOKym65Nw N2 Fish number two, flatfish, everyone queues up nicely, no fighting 2024

Big Bear Eagles: SK Hideaways caught the entire family having dinner together! https://youtu.be/iJatrHcq8Cw?

Heidi’s Osprey News!

Curlews eavesdrop on prairie dogs. Really?

Crafty curlews: birds eavesdrop on prairie dog calls to evade predatorshttps://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jun/12/prairie-dog-calls-curlews-predators?CMP=share_btn_url

I want to end with a big smile – Bradley, Kasse, and yes, our dear Ervie with a puffer fish from Port Lincoln!!!!!!!!!!

The American Bird Conservancy’s Bird of the Week is the Black-crested Titmouse. Learn more here.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. We hope you have a lovely weekend and we will look forward to having you with us on Monday.

I would like to express my gratitude to Geemeff, Heidi, and PB for their notes and comments, as well as their daily and weekly reports, which greatly assisted me in writing my post. I also want to thank the owners of the streaming cameras for the nests mentioned in bold. It is truly amazing to witness their lives, with all the highs and lows. I am thankful to those who take the time to create videos for us to enjoy, including Cornell Bird Lab, SK Hideaways and Geemeff. If I have overlooked anyone, I apologize. Additionally, I would like to thank The Guardian for its excellent wildlife reporting and the American Bird Conservancy.

Tuesday in Bird World

20 May 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

The Victoria long weekend is over. People have gone to the greenhouses and planted their annual flowers and herbs. We now live in the hope that frost does not return!

Toby is doing much better. His switch is either on or off. There is nothing in the middle! Today Toby discovered The Girl’s water fountain. He loves drinking out of it instead of his dish. Yes! That makes my life much easier. And he even got to go on an adventure. Toby went in his pram to the greenhouse so we could pick up some red and purple fuchsia for the hummingbirds and some bright red Salvia. Once home we planted three different types of peas/beans: Latvian Soup Peas, Osayo Endo Pea, and a Kentucky Wonder Climbing bean. The cherry tomatoes are in big pots with frames along with the peppers. Dill and Rosemary are planted and all we need are to move the Hibiscus outside and plant some Japanese eggplant, English cucumbers, and maybe some of the small watermelons. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. I bought a new watering hose last fall and the hope is that it does not tangle around itself – it is not supposed to!

I should say that Toby was an angel both in the car and in the pram moving around the greenhouse. What a wonderful little traveller. Today I knocked on wood because he also doesn’t bark or whine. If he is on the sofa and needs to get down, he makes two faint little barks and I do mean faint. I could not ask for anything more – he loves his cheese and peanut butter, eats his kibble, and is about 97% accurate when hitting the bull’s eye on the puppy pads. Our friend ‘AK’ sent us an ad for scrunchies to hold back the ears. These should really help as his ears and legs seem to grow over night. I am hoping that they will help prevent water getting in the ear when he is drinking and maybe help with infections! So cute.

The Girls are doing very well. Do you remember when Hugo Yugo was small? It seemed that she was destined to stay small. Well, something happened. Overnight, she seemed to grow, and I do mean grow. She is long and tall, and I believe it is bigger than Calico overall!!!!!! I hope to take some better photos in the next few days, so you can see what I’m talking about. It is a shock. She is still the lovable baby of the group, regardless.

The relief in hearing about Akecheta’s survival has filled my inbox. Monday morning there were over 1900 letters with more than 1000 of them overflowing with love for A61, blue wing tag, male resident at the West End nest. Each and everyone of us hopes, beyond hope, that Thunder is with him. I will continue to ask: Why not? The experts didn’t think Akecheta would be near Ojai, California so why not have Thunder with him? She left her eggs (almost unthinkable for an eagle mother) and was not seen at the West End after the 28th of February. That was approximately six weeks after Akecheta’s injury on the 19th of January. It makes sense to me. Everyone wishes Thunder had a wing tag, too! But maybe someone will capture more images of Akecheta with a female and we can see if it might be Thunder.

Coupled with this unbelievable miracle was the sadness at the Golden Eagle nest of Spilve and Grislis. It is a rare exception that the second eaglet survives. Knowing that this is practically inevitable in this species, it is much better if the little one goes quickly right after hatch. We have, in the past, witnessed the second eaglet survive to the point they were getting juvenile feathers and then get starved or killed or both in that order.

If you watch, there is often a pattern. The adults will withhold food. Once the second eaglet is no longer, food arrives, like a reward.

More information: In golden eagles, siblicide – the killing of a sibling – is a well-known phenomenon, particularly when there is a difference in size or strength between the nestlings. The older, larger chick may aggressively attack the younger, smaller sibling, leading to its death through physical injury or starvation. This behavior is often referred to as “bill-stabbing,” where the older chick jabs its younger sibling. 

Here’s a more detailed look at siblicide in golden eagles:

  • Asynchronous Hatching:Golden eagles often lay two eggs, and the first-hatched chick is usually larger and stronger. 
  • Size and Strength:The larger chick may start aggressively attacking its smaller sibling soon after hatching, leading to its death. 
  • “Bill-stabbing”:A common method of killing involves the older chick stabbing the younger one around the neck or body. 
  • Obligate Siblicide:In some cases, siblicide can be obligate, meaning that the younger chick almost always dies. 
  • Survival:The larger chick’s survival is often favored due to the potential for more efficient resource allocation and a better chance of fledging

Many theorise that the siblicide in Golden Eagles is based on the gender of the first hatchling.

We have certainly noticed the difference in ospreys. There is a higher likelihood of siblicide if the first hatch is a female and is much larger and older than the third hatch. All we have to do is think of Solly or Zoe at Port Lincoln to understand this. There is, of course, the all-time issue of enough food for all the chicks and the ability of the female to manage the feeding of all.

Border Osprey News:

Glaslyn: It would appear that Aran has, indeed, relinquished his nest to Elen and Teifi. I am glad that he is alright. Many times these raptors will fight to the near-death or death for their territory.

Llyn Brenig: We have sat mesmerised by the ringing of the chicks on all of the nests, whether it be an osprey, an eagle, or a hawk. Chicks are weighed, measurements are taken, and identification rings applied along with satellite trackers (sometimes). Genders are announced based on the measurements at the time. A colleague once told me “Don’t argue with the ringers!” They do not always get that gender correct. Olwen is a good example!

Hellgate Canyon Ospreys:

Union County Falcon chicks are ringed! Watch Sylvia’s video for all the action: https://youtu.be/JMxgasJZLT4? She comments: “It’s banding day for the 4 eyasses of Union County. The chicks are taken out one by one, put in a tote bag and taken downstairs where they will be banded and examined out of view. The inside cam is wiped clean and the igloo gets some new gravel inside. The torn greenery is also replaced. The crew returns with 3 females and 1 male. Unfortunately there was a big glitch in the stream and time gap. Three are already inside and the 4th comes out of the bag. They have a lot to say but eventually they calm down and recover from their field trip”

White Rock Eagles: The two eaglets being raised by the single mother are still thriving! Sandy Jo captured a recent feeding. It does include a live bird as prey so exercise caution if you might find this disturbing. https://youtu.be/fxTg8DNHXPU?

Trempeauleau Eagles: Another eaglet being raised by a single Mum. T3 is doing very, very well. There is a big fish waiting for dinner!

‘PB’ reports that it is going to be a wet day for this nest.

Denton Homes and OPPD Fort Calhoun Ospreys are in the line of a huge storm that is approaching as I write this (1900 Monday the 19th of May). The winds are really picking up. ‘PB’ advises that the storm chasers are in the area as the line of tornadoes approaches.

At 1930 the winds are really picking up at Denton Homes. You cannot see the swaying unfortunately. Mum is on the nest with the babies.

By 1955, the winds were roaring, and the sway of the tree could make even a sailor seasick. Hang on, Majestics. This is a bad storm. We need this nest to hold. Remember, Clive rode out Hurricane Milton by hunkering down in the nest. Many people are sending prayers and positive wishes to the Majestics.

Mum and chicks are shaking off the rain while it and the wind continue. The nest is soaked to its core. I hope the weight of it is not a problem.

‘PB’ says the rain should stop for both nests around 0300 – that is six more hours.

The nest held!

Foulshaw Moss: The second chick has arrived for White YW and Blue 35.

Heidi’s Nest Note:

Brevard County: The eldest chick is practicing self-feeding and doing some wingers.  The chicks are 41 and 40 days old. There is no doubt in my mind, chick 2 has thrived because of Mom catching those huge fish at least once a day.  That has made all the difference at this nest.

Heidi is absolutely correct. Many of the females resort to adding to the pantry and in almost every instance it has meant that a smaller chick has survived to fledge!

Geemeff Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 19th May 2025

Daily summary Monday 19th May 2025

As I was preparing this report stating no fish today, Louis turned up with an unusually late first fish – just a tiddler, but Dorcha tore into it and polished it off on the nest while Louis stood next to her, not moving towards the eggs, and he departed soon after she’d swallowed the tail. His tally rises to ninety seven. On Nest One, Aurora paid a visit in the morning but Garry didn’t come to the nest today, although an Osprey was seen via LizB’s telescope eating fish in a tree near the nest, with another Osprey perched nearby. As only fish delivered to the nest are included in the fish stats, his tally remains at fifty eight. The weather was settled again and will stay that way until the weekend. If the forecast is correct, hatching could take place in the rain, but Dorcha is a very good mumbrella and should keep the the tiny chicks warm and dry.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.27.00 (03.14.45); Nest Two 23.50.27 (03.45.19)

Today’s videos: https://youtu.be/p8Yth43EMw8 N2 Sunset delivery of fish number one and only 22.32.21
Bonus history – how much do you know about the remarkable Kenneth Watkins who founded Woodland Trust in 1972?https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/about-us/working-with-us/our-people/our-founder/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/4gYRLpvvSRs  N1 What startles Aila? 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/rZ424IJOGjg  N1 Aila chases an intruder Osprey 2020

https://youtu.be/hgdwz6wYRbU  N1 A tiny toy deer grazes by the nest 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/haFOLmUsLbQ  N1 Has Aila swallowed a fly? 2020

https://youtu.be/bcSQSQaeRGE  N2 Dorcha is disturbed by an intruder Osprey 2022

https://youtu.be/Ts2KcLv9_YQ  N2 Previous day’s unringed intruder female is back 2023

https://youtu.be/T7OstzxP05A  N1 Little songbird serenades as dusk falls 2023

https://youtu.be/7VpUP7pU9LU  N1 Who’s causing Garry LV0 alarm? 2024

https://youtu.be/73Bvt21AH5k N1 Garry LV0 returns bringing moss 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/LLle366zcQg N2 Louis brings Dorcha a second fish 2024

https://youtu.be/dX1RADsAqbs N1 Garry LV0 returns a third time, brings more moss 2024 (zoom)

Latvian White Tail Eagles, Durbe County: Milda and Zorro’s chicks have names -Leo and Neo -and are going to fight over prey! https://youtu.be/XzgP_axFDsE?

Cornell Red-tail Hawks: O1 and O2 are the cutest little things. They are getting big and often peek out from under Big Red.

Everyone’s welcome to join the community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and friendly:

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

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge that Kelly Sorenson is celebrating thirty years with the Ventana Wildlife Society. Congratulations!

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. We hope to see you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘AK, Geemeff, Heidi, PB’, Wilson Bulletin, Cornell Bird Lab Birds of the World, Rosie Shields and Border Ospreys, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, Llyn Brenig, Montana Osprey Cams, Sylvia, Sandy Jo, Trempeauleau Eagles, Denton Homes, OPPD Fort Calhoun Ospreys, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Lizmn, Brevard County, Foulshaw Moss/Cumbria Wildlife Trust