Oh, gosh. I can’t keep up with eaglets hatching and ospreys arriving so…watch those eagle nests as I will be chasing after osprey arrivals.
The pair at the Port of Ridgefield have arrived.
Blue 33 and Maya arrived within hours of one another at Rutland’s Manton Bay nest! I am over the moon – and I will keep saying that. Geemeff has Maya’s arrival. https://youtu.be/Zc_Zd__2jZY?
Some want to argue that it isn’t Maya. As keen osprey observers know, the head of the osprey does not change, and Maya has a distinctive ‘X’ on her head. Thanks, Geemeff.
RSPB is giving a Zoom talk, ‘The Return of the Osprey’ in May. Here are the details if you are interested: Go to Eventbrite.co.uk. It is free. Below is the date and time for me.
Big Red and Arthur have their first egg as of the 23rd. Please consider joining the Cornell Hawk Cam Chatters if you are not already a member to keep up with the latest and learn when and where the live chats will take place during the hatch-fledgling period.
Osprey pair back at Cape Cod Mashpee, MA nest.
My goodness – I did say that they are arriving fast and furious.
Heidi’s watching a lot of nests and one of those is Seaside. We have Port of Ridgefield home so the rest should be arriving soon.
Heidi reports that there are now three osplets at Venice Beach and Golf Course Osprey platform as of 23 March!
The little one at Moorings Park is having some difficulties getting up to the table when fish arrive. It is having to wait but Sally is a good mum and the little one did get fish!
It takes a good food source and exceptional parents to have three osplets fledge – never mind four. I wonder if CJ7 and Blue 022 at Poole Harbour will go for another four this year? Their nest is waiting for them.
A memorial video dedicated to Rosie, Richmond’s mate who did not return this year to her nest at Golden Gate Audubon in the SF Bay Area, has been compiled. https://youtu.be/i4h2jIE8xuU?
Did I say get your tissues out?
Richmond loved putting sticks on Rosie’s back.
It is really hard to say goodbye to such a good Mum. Soar high, Rosie dear.
Thank you for being with me this evening. Osprey World is very busy – and so are the eagles and hawks. There will be some fledges soon – I might miss them so please send me the news. Take care.
Thank you to everyone for their wonderful videos, and to SF Bay Ospreys for a fine memorial video of Rosie and Richmond. To those who contributed news and images on FB, I am forever in your debt, as we all are to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to witness the lives of these incredible birds.
The highlight of Thursday was the fledge of Betty Lou, chick of Jak and Audacity, at 76 days. Oh, she had been doing some incredible hovering on Wednesday.
Nestflix Memories caught that fledge! (I wonder if Jak and/or Audacity saw their miracle chick fly for the first time?). https://youtu.be/k1egvndhupg?s
Betty Lou likes the pine tree branches!
She returned to the nest and grateful parents Jak and Audacity presented their fledgling with a whole fish, which she devoured! There was a lot of squeeing…check it out on the live webcam.
If that wasn’t enough, ‘PB’ sent me the message by Pat Burke that all three of the Duke Farm’s eaglets fledged one after the other on Thursday. Amazing!
We are just waiting for Sunny and Gizmo and the San Jose Falcons and we are just sitting on pins and needles.
One of the incredible stories of this year has been the Tweed Valley nest where two females with a single male laid their eggs. All along the two females have supported themselves, sharing fish, and tending to the eggs. The male hasn’t been around the nest for many days (but seen in the area). The females have taken turns fishing and sharing their fish. They have each cared for and fed, together or separately, the two chicks that have hatched.
You will need to join their FB group to see the video but here is a screen capture.
This may well be the year that we see females rise to the occasion and raise chicks alone – White Rock, Tempeauleau, and Tweed are three that come to mind. Can you think of others?
The garden has been busy! The Baltimore Orioles have arrived along with a host of different Warblers, to the garden! The birdsong is phenomenal. We have made a little nook to sit with Toby, and it is like being in the middle of a jungle surrounded by birds.
I sincerely appreciate your understanding and the wonderfully supportive letters I have received. Choosing to reduce the frequency of my posts from Bird World was a tough decision, but it is essential for my family’s well-being at this time. I am committed to creating Bird World updates that not only educate and inform but also keep you connected to the happenings in the nests. I truly hope you find the content I share valuable and enjoyable!
The weather in Winnipeg has been warm and sunny. In the north and east of my province, large wildfires are raging. The Province has declared a province-wide emergency. People from larger towns that are threatened with being burned to the ground are being evacuated to Winnipeg. The smoke has coloured the sky, and many people are having health difficulties due to it.
Just one image of hundreds showing Flin Flon, Manitoba. The entire town has been evacuated. (Someone flew a drone and the water cannon aircraft could not fly setting off this catastrophe!).
IIn Norway House, the only highway access in or out is on fire. This is just one of the many fires burning in the northern and eastern parts of my province. We are okay for now, aside from the smoke. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, including all the wildlife in the forests that were once their home but are now ablaze.n Norway House, the only highway access in or out is on fire. These are only two of the numerous fires burning in the north and east of my province. We are alright except for the smoke. Our thoughts are of course with every breathing soul including all of the wildlife in the forests that was once their home and is now blazing.
This is the current fire danger map for Canada. We need some of that rain that has been plaguing our raptor nests.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who reached out to check on us after hearing about the wildfire conditions in our area. Your concern means the world to me and truly showcases the strength of our community. The dry conditions are quite alarming, but there’s hope on the horizon as the forecast indicates a couple of days of rain next week.
In the meantime, I’m grateful to have Toby and Don by my side, helping to keep the garden containers watered. Our dried peas and beans are beginning to sprout, which is an exciting sign! We experimented with cayenne pepper around each planter box, but the squirrels have completely ignored it in search of cozy spots to stash their peanuts. Dyson and I definitely need to have a chat about their antics!
I’m optimistic that in a few weeks, I’ll have some stunning photos to share of our thriving climbing peas and beans, so let’s keep our fingers crossed! Meanwhile, the lilacs continue to bloom magnificently. We’ve discovered a charming, shady spot for a couple of chairs and a small table, the perfect setting to enjoy our coffee with Toby. It’s such a joy that he is now trained to go outside. Sitting there, listening to the cheerful birdsong and surrounded by the delightful fragrance of blooming flowers, truly elevates our moment of tranquillity together.
The view of some of the lilacs, the crabapple tree, and the trees at the back from inside the sitting room. This entire space is full of birds singing. It is wild. Nothing controlled by humans here, just the way the birds like it! And the rabbits, the raccoon, and the squirrels. What about those deer that visit?
One type is so gorgeous.
I’m truly relishing every moment spent outdoors. Tonight we played a captivating game of ‘Miss Marple.’ After finishing his late meal, Brock piqued our curiosity, prompting us to follow him and, perhaps, uncover his current living situation. To our surprise, he appears to be residing under the deck of a house just half a block away. This could be an ideal shelter for him, except for one drawback: he must cross the street to access our feeder.
I hope you’ve had some time to reflect on the incredible rescue at the osprey nest in Western Maryland Shore Old Town Home. How many times did we urge people to remove some of the osplets from nests around the Chesapeake Bay when food was scarce in 2024 due to the overfishing of Menhaden, the primary food of ospreys, in the Chesapeake Bay by a Canadian company, Omega? Many of you yelled at your screens when help did not come to the osplet at Colonial Bay. Of course, there were at least another hundred nests in the same situation.
It is unclear whether or not the rehabilitation of the third hatch at Old Town Home will be successful. These are some things to consider:
Young ospreys in rehabilitation have variable outcomes, depending on the severity and nature of their injuries or circumstances, as well as the quality of rehabilitation provided. While some ospreys, such as those with leg injuries, can recover and return to the wild, others may face challenges with feeding and development, which can impact their long-term survival.
Injury or Condition:The type and severity of the injury or condition will significantly influence the likelihood of successful rehabilitation.
Age and Developmental Stage:Young ospreys are particularly vulnerable and rely heavily on parental care for essential skills like hunting and flying.
Access to Food and Water:Providing the right diet and ensuring proper hydration is crucial, especially for young ospreys who may not eat well in captivity.
Rehabilitation Techniques:Some rehabilitation centers use innovative approaches like introducing juvenile ospreys to the concept of fish from the water through supervised practice.
Release Strategies:Successful release often requires careful planning, considering factors like the bird’s physical condition and the availability of suitable habitat.
Examples of Successful Rehabilitation:
Ospreys with leg injuries that regain function and are successfully released back into the wild.
Young ospreys rescued from entanglements that are rehabilitated and released.
Ospreys that are re-nested in new nests after being rescued.
Challenges in Osprey Rehabilitation:
Difficulty with Feeding:Ospreys can be notoriously difficult to feed in captivity, and some may not eat at all, making it challenging to rehabilitate and release them.
Developmental Delays:If young ospreys are not properly cared for and lack parental guidance, they may develop delayed or incomplete hunting skills.
Entanglements and Other Threats:Ospreys can be entangled in fishing nets, twine, and other materials, potentially leading to injuries or death.
The third hatch at Maryland Western Shore was quite tiny and young. It had a head injury and could have had other internal injuries caused by the male stepping on its body. It was also denied food but had a large crop when removed from the nest. Looking forward to updates with the hope that this little one is another miracle of 2025.
Sadly, on Wednesday, there was some concern for the middle hatch at Maryland’s Western Shore. It has died of hypothermia. Thanks, ‘PB’, for keeping me informed of the situation.
Weather and lack of fish have plagued the osprey nests in the Chesapeake Bay area for the past few years. It is taking its toll this year. I wonder how many osprey nests will fledge their own clutch this year?
Some interesting spring migration counts and news is coming out of Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania. “Count coordinator David Barber summed the season up as follows: The count ended on a low note with three days of fog and rain. The last official migrant of the 2025 count was an unidentified raptor on the afternoon of May 12. Trainees, staff, and volunteers counted 220 hours over 38 days. The total count of 1,271 birds was 30% above the 10-year average of 980 and was the fourth highest spring count recorded at Hawk Mountain. The high day was April 18 with 581 birds including 2 turkey vultures, 6 ospreys, 3 bald eagles, 6 northern harriers, 1 sharp-shinned hawk, 12 Cooper’s hawks, a season high 542 broad-winged hawks, 5 red-tailed hawks, 3 American kestrels, and 1 merlin. The broad-winged hawks count of 885 was 71% above the 10-year average and a new record high! The count of 33 northern harriers was 61% above average and the highest count since 2013. Counts of Cooper’s hawks, American goshawk, and American kestrels also were above average, whereas counts of black vultures, turkey vultures, ospreys, sharp-shinned hawks, red-shouldered hawks, and red-tailed hawks were below average. All other species had average counts this year.”
White Rock, British Columbia: The single Mum, together with a generous fish fairy, is keeping the two eaglets alive. I don’t think anyone would have believed that these two would live to get their thermal down, and if you look closely, you will see some feathers coming through!
Kielder Forest: The first hatch at nest 1A for parents W6 and KF13. The latest post from KF also reads, “The weather has been very poor since Saturday with strong winds and rain at times. The parents on Nest 7 have been doing a wonderful job balancing sheltering with feeding their three chicks.
Although there is rain in the forecast for Kielder Forest it should be mainly just showers with less wind and warmer temperatures.”
Well, by Thursday all three eggs had hatched at Kielder Forest. Congratulations!
FOBBV: By the time this is posted, I expect that both Sunny and Gizmo will have fledged. (more below)
Sauces Canyon: Betty Lou is ready to take to the skies, too. And as reported above, she did just that! https://youtu.be/8bsdSUkulpY?
White Rock Eagles: The two raised by the single Mum are doing fine. Thanks, fish fairy, for lending a hand and some fish!
Ely Cathedral Falcon scrape: Two eyasses this year as one of the eggs did not hatch.
Birds of Poole Harbour: An update by BoPH for us on this year’s happenings. (more below)
Glaslyn: It appears that it is now official. Five-year-old Teifi, the son of Idris and Telyn from the Dyfi platform, has now taken over the lead male role at Glaslyn. Aran continues to be seen in the region.
Dyfi: Idris and Telyn feeding their clutch as high winds make their way through the valley. Check out the cows below.
Birds of Poole Harbour: CJ7 and Blue 022 now have four osplets in the nest as of Thursday. The 4th hatch has already had its first fish meal.
Llyn Clywedog: The miserable weather has the two hatches of Dylan and Seren beaking one another. Let’s hope that cold and wet clears up.
Foulshaw Moss: White YW and Blue 35 are doing a good job with their three.
Trempeauleau: Mum doing a great job – all alone!
Denton Homes: The nest has dried out and we are just waiting for these three beauties to branch.
Little Miami Conservancy: Two beauties. Like the others getting ready to branch.
Cardinal Land Conservancy: These two are so ready to fly.
Cornell Red Tail Hawks: O1 and O2 are standing, walking around, and getting their beautiful juvenile feathers. Both are doing exceptionally well as we would expect with parents Big Red and Arthur. Big Red is still staying with her babies at night.
Hellgate Canyon: NG has been fighting intruders at the nest over the last days. Iris has also been coming around.
San Jose City Hall: They are ready to go. Will they take off at the same time? Like Duke Farms? (Thanks, PB, for the screen capture.)
Big Bear Valley: Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo were all together on the nest Thursday evening. What a beautiful family. This could be one of the last images of the four on the nest, as fledging can happen at any second.
Patuxent River Park 2: All three chicks have perished while the camera was down for a week. Cause unknown.
Moraine State Park:
Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home: The only surviving chick of three with a big crop on Thursday.
Loch Arkaig: The latest from Geemeff on what is happening at Loch Arkaig!
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 29th May 2025 Today was all about fish – plenty on Nest Two but none on Nest One. Garry LV0 did turn up where Aurora 536 had been waiting for hours – she wanted fish, he wanted to mate, and neither got their wish. This is day six of thirteen without fish, his tally is becoming slightly meaningless and remains at sixty six. Louis on the other hand is performing magnificently and delivered another five today, and as Steve’s stats show, he’s Mr Consistency as it was the same as this day last year. His tally shoots up to one hundred and twenty two. Although it appeared bob3 didn’t have much, it must be remembered that being so much smaller than the other two means needing less food, and Dorcha did take care to include all three chicks when sharing out the food. It rained today as forecast but there were breaks in the weather. The forecast is light rain showers and light winds with a low of 11°C tonight, and light rain showers and a gentle breeze tomorrow morning, clearing in the afternoon with a high of 17°C.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.33.57 (03.40.51); Nest Two 22.43.36 (04.03.43) Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/1gX2u2eGvIE N2 A chick nutmegs Dorcha with a squirt! 10.00.58https://youtu.be/yZEt_-fipSU N2 Breakfast is very late because dad’s eaten most of it! 10.09.55https://youtu.be/uJJIn3vt96o N2 All three chicks get some of fish two 15.43.44https://youtu.be/wsqyBae4VAo N1 Aurora wants fish, Garry wants to mate, neither succeeds 16.43.03https://youtu.be/M7avkNa__fw N2 Fish number three is finished quickly but bob3 does get some 18.53.49https://youtu.be/za_qjIHMpaU N2 Dorcha blocks the view of fish four being shared out 21.07.49 https://youtu.be/GMtWeYvN1_4 N2 Fish number five arrives – will there be another today? 22.14.10 Bonus guide – when is a wood not a wood? When it is a forest!http://woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2024/12/difference-between-wood-and-forest/
‘A’ shares a few of her thoughts: “Did you see Mrs T brought in a huge bouquet of flowers to the Trempeauleau Eagles nest this afternoon (29 May)? I’ve never seen that before. T3 had a bit of a nibble. Mr T hasn’t stolen a fish from this nest for several days now – we hope his other nest is doing as well as this one is.
And the hawklets at Cornell are doing well, although the younger one is still much smaller than its sibling. Plus, I thought you might like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxbrs5MplyA
And Betty Lou is a wonderful outcome for a nest that has seen so much heartbreaking disappointment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbNysUP8how Such a happy family. Well done Jaks and Audacity. Perseverance pays off for darling Audacity, whose determination has made her one of my favourites as you know! I do hope her bone density is not compromised by all those fragile eggs she kept laying.
And Jackie and Shadow are watching their pair preparing to leave the nest. Both Sunny and Gizmo are looking fabulous. It really has been a mixed season – great success for some nests and tragedy for others, including the RTHs at Cornell, usually a nest that never loses a chick.”
And than you to ‘L’ who had a Cooper’s Hawk visit their birdbath in South Carolina reminding all of us that water is essential for the birds – please put out some bowls!
Calico’s Tip for the Week: Get your legs moving! You don’t need to hit the daunting target of 10,000 steps every day; studies have shown that just 4,000 steps can keep you healthy and active. It’s crucial to maintain strength and muscle in our legs. As a wise surgeon once told my mother after her hip replacement, “If you don’t use them, you will lose them.”
This past winter, we relied on a stationary bike because the icy sidewalks made walking outside too risky. To avoid falls, we opted to stay indoors, venturing out only for short walks at places like The Leaf and IKEA.
Now that summer is here, we’re excited to take Toby out in his stroller for our walks. In just five weeks, once Toby has completed his vaccination series, we’ll be ready to let him explore on his leash, helping him maintain his fit and energetic puppy figure. Let’s stay active and enjoy the great outdoors!
The New York Times has some ideas on how to get walking.
Thank you so much for being with us today. We will see you on Monday. Take care.
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, Geemeff, L, PB’, Nestflix Memories, Pat Burke, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, Streetheart, Chesapeake Mermaid, Maryland Western Shore, Hawk Mountain, White Rock Eagles Community FB, Birds of Poole Harbour, Gywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Dyfi Osprey Project, Llyn Clywedog, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Trempeauleau Eagle Cam, Denton Homes, Little Miami Conservancy, Cardinal Land Conservancy, Cornell Bird Lab Red-tail Hawk Cam and Hellgate Canyon, Big Bear Valley, Popular Science, IWS/Explore, Accuweather, Moraine State Park, Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home, SK Hideaways, The New York Times, Laura Rose and Trempeauleau Eagles, UK Osprey Info FB
It was positively freezing on Monday. After sorting through the winter boots, coats, hats, and scarves from spring, we now find ourselves digging into the old closet to grab a jacket. Don had his phlebotomy appointment today. So, what is that? It means his body cannot eliminate iron properly. What’s particularly curious to us and his doctors is that the excess iron lodges in his brain. The nurses extract a litre of blood monthly to lower his iron levels. Additionally, I cannot use anything containing iron, such as cast iron pans or foods high in iron (those lovely grapes!). I’ve noticed that his thinking seems clearer afterwards. I have requested they review the literature to investigate any correlation between Hemochromatosis (excess iron in the blood) and Lewy Body Dementia. I even asked if they could flush the iron out of his brain.
Everyone is getting ready for Saturday when we will pick up the little puppy. I had considered naming him after my dad -Clyde. But, the more I look at him, the more he becomes a ‘Toby’. Something easy to say and hopefully easy to remember. Toby will be the size of the cats and smaller than Calico. Will they get along? Toby has grown up with other dogs, cats, and small children. So fingers crossed! Toby is not just a ‘pet’. He is a therapy dog for Don. Whether it is the walks in the woods, the feeding of the chickadees, the restrictions on daily activities, everything that I do for Don is to try and improve his life. Toby is just one more tool in that toolkit. Everyone is getting ready for Saturday when we will pick up the little puppy. I had initially considered naming him after my dad, Clyde. However, the more I look at him, the more he seems like a ‘Toby’ to me. It’s a name that is easy to say and hopefully easy to remember. Toby will be about the size of the cats and smaller than Calico. Will they get along?
Toby has been raised with other dogs, cats, and small children, so fingers crossed! Toby is not just a pet; he is a therapy dog for Don. Everything I do for Don—whether it’s taking walks in the woods, feeding the chickadees, or accommodating daily activity restrictions—is aimed at improving his quality of life. Toby is just one more tool in that toolkit.
The animals outside are doing well, but this morning I only counted four grey squirrels, which causes me some anxiety. Otherwise, there are two reds, one male Hairy Woodpecker, one male Downy Woodpecker, 9 Chickadees, 2 Crows, and 2 Blue Jays. Brock and Squishy come to the feral feeder daily. I saw Star once on the IR in the middle of the night several days ago.
I am so grateful that SK Hideaways put together a tribute to our dear Annie at The Campanile on the campus of University of California-Berkeley. Get some tissues!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you! https://youtu.be/BdaB7xKYCYc?
Hellgate Canyon: We anticipated this would happen. If the Ravens do their job, Iris’s hormones will soon settle down, allowing her to enjoy a relaxing spring and summer retreat before migrating south to her winter home. Without any chicks to raise, she will quickly regain her strength after laying those eggs. The time for the first was 10:36 on Tuesday.
I feel for her. No male to bring her a fish. No on there to cheer her on. And as Louis gets busy with Star, well, she won’t even have his daily visit. Indeed, Iris did not leave her precious egg once, not once, despite being hungry. Louis did nothing but come and mate right after she had laid that egg. How difficulty would it be for him to bring her a fish. It is afterall his chick!
At the same time, I am so very grateful to have seen her have a dutiful mate in Finnegan last year and raise two chicks to fledge. She was a superb Mum. It is something that I will never forget.
‘A’ writes: “Isn’t Iris exquisite? She spends her days lying on her nest unless she is off fishing. Speaking of which, her legs and feet look SO strong. I am sad that Finnegan has not returned, if only because it suggests something bad has happened to him. I suspect he would have returned to his Iris had he been able to do so. He seemed very attached to her last season and really looked after her. I remember him coming down to the nest in a rainstorm and trying to keep Iris and the osplets warm by covering her with one wing. He loved her. So it saddens me greatly to think of why he has not returned to Hellgate. How I wish they would band or even track some of these well-known birds – they have huge fan bases after all and doesn’t money talk in this world?”
Heidi’s Nest Notes of US Ospreys:
The Bridge Club osprey nest: Mom laid their third egg at 10:32 on 4/28. I’m not sure if this is the same female as last year, but last season Mom laid four eggs.
Cape Henlopen State Park osprey platform: This male is a rockstar! We don’t know his story, but in my opinion, he has done this before. There are no telltale signs of him being a young inexperienced male. He knows the ropes! Today M brought fish to F four times, he brought in nesting materials 8 times (4 sticks, 4 gobs of soft nesting), and they mated 7 times (not including 2 additional attempts). F is one lucky gal!
Trempealeau: Mr T came and took the food off the nest last night. Mrs T went and got two more fish for her and little T3 Monday morning.
Little T3 valiantly defended the nest against a squirrel while Mum was out fishing.
Tuesday morning, ‘PB’ reports that Mr T took both fish before Mum or T3 could eat! Sorry. Why couldn’t he have left one of them!!!!!!!!
Teweksbury Abbey Falcons: We are on Pip Watch.
Little Miami Conservancy: Eaglets going to bed with huge crops Monday night.
Still waiting for the goslings to hatch at the Decorah Goose Cam.
Ospreys at the nest at Salt Point. The water was a little rough – ospreys need really calm water in order to have success fishing – today.
At Rutland, folks are getting anxious. These are the dates for those four eggs: Today is day 27 since the first of 4 Osprey eggs were laid on the RutlandManton Bay nest – 2nd April, – 5th April, – 8th April, – 11th April.
Frenchman’s Creek: The Only Bob is certainly getting some height with its hovering!
Moorings Park: Ozzie hatched on the 9th of March and he is ready to soar into the skies! Harry and Sally raise the most beautiful chicks.
Wetlands: Diana Lambertson reports that the couple have three eggs.
Sandpoint: Will Keo and Keke retake their nest once the goslings jump?
From the peeps, it looks like they might have all hatched.
San Jose City Hall Scrape: Monty and Hartley’s babies are full and ever so cute.
Lodz: So windy the female falcon got blown off her eggs.
US Steel: USS8 has all its juvenile feathers and is doing well.
Loch of the Lowes: Looks like a failed nest for 2025. Eggs are normally laid by the end of April. Chicks generally hatch late May or early June. Chicks are sometimes ringed at approximately 5 weeks- early to mid July. Chicks fledge at about 7 weeks old- generally late July. It is just getting too late to hope.
Golden Gate Audubon: Richmond and Rosie have two eggs. The first egg was laid on April 21, and the second on April 18, 2025. A third egg may have been laid, but it’s not confirmed in all reports.
Collins Marsh: There appears to be no activity at the osprey platform.
Cardinal Land Conservancy: Growing and Growing.
RSPB Loch Garten: No Sign of Asha since the 25th. A new female is interested in the nest and it appears Brodie might be keen. We wait.
Glaslyn: The air is tense at the Glaslyn nest. Elen and Aran appear to not really be bonding in the way that they were last season. The single egg is still in the nest and most believe it is Teifi’s. Aran has not routed it. Aran needs to eat but if he goes fishing will Teifi come? Will he lose his nest? What a nest mess!
Glaslyn responds Tuesday: “It is now one week since Aran began the battle to regain the nest from KC6/Teifi. Teifi continues to intrude at the nest, but Elen now sees him as a threat to the nest rather than a potential mate and works with Aran to drive Teifi away from the nest.
The fourth egg is still being incubated by Elen, but is ignored by Aran. Elen is unlikely to be responsive to Aran’s attempts to mate her while the egg remains in the nest. At the moment there is still time for the pair to produce a second clutch of eggs. We can only continue to watch and learn.”
Duke Farms: Will they fledge on the same day?
Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain: Just look at these little babies. It was not that long ago that we worried we would lose them.
Denton Homes: There are storms all around the nest and the nest is rocking. Send good thoughts to this family.
OPPD Fort Calhoun: Weather has not hit the nest so far.
Worcester Peregrines: Second eyas has hatched and the third egg has a nice pip as of Tuesday.
Geemeff’s Daily Summary for the Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig:
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 28th April 2025
Another quiet day, on Nest Two Dorcha endured a wet and windy night and an equally wet day today, but was largely undisturbed although an intruder Osprey was seen in the distance when Louis delivered his only fish. His tally now stands at fifty five. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 and Blue 536 spent a little time on the nest together, there were some mating attempts and a bit of nest tidying, and one fish was delivered taking Garry’s tally to twenty four. While we await information on Blue 536’s background, tonight’s bonus guide to aging Ospreys by their plumage might come in handy. The weather forecast is much brighter with light winds overnight and full sunshine tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.00.00 (04.54.34); Nest Two 21.54.37 (05.01.37)
Conversations surrounding protecting and caring for our planet and its diverse life forms are undeniably political. As my premier and our soon-to-be prime minister champion the establishment of additional national and provincial parks to preserve our environment, another government is determined to dismantle the hard-won advances achieved over many decades. Understanding why logging and mining are strictly banned in national parks is vital—they are essential safeguards for our natural heritage and future. It is up to the people to cry out so loudly that the 9th of April declaration will also halt the shooting of migratory bird populations. As someone who treasures outdoor spaces and all the living creatures that live in them, who has fought for their protection here and elsewhere, I am simply ill.
I want to close with something that has worried and touched our hearts for many years – the Achieva Osprey Platform. One of my long time readers and a keen observer of this nest has worn their computer out writing to people to help. A recent letter was sent to Connor O’Brien with Window to Wildlife. This is part of that response. If you live in St Petersburg, why not take up the baton and with what Connor is saying get on the phone and try to get some help for these lovely ospreys!
This was Connor’s response:
“I’ve heard about this nest, and I’ve been advising a very passionate person on how to get state law enforcement involved. I’m hopeful that it will help. From my understanding, it seems to be a fairly easy fix.
Sadly, it’s not a nest we could afford to take over. If the company reached out to us to work on it, we could help or advise them. At the end of the day, this company should fix it and make it safe. The state government should enforce that as well, since it is a man-made nest.”
Connor is referring to Achieve Credit Union and I find it interesting that he also refers to law enforcement. Please help if you can by writing to anyone in the St Petersburg area.
Thank you so very much or being with us today. Please take care. See you soon.
Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, Geemeff, Heidi, MP, PB’, SK Hideaways, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Raptor Resource Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Little Miami Conservancy, Salt Point Osprey Cam, Kielder Forest, LRWT, Frenchman’s Creek, Moorings Park Osprey, Wetlands, Sand Point, San Jose City Hall, Lodz, PixCams, Cardinal Land Conservancy, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Duke Farms, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Golden Gate Audubon, Collins Marsh, Raptor Persecution UK, Xcel Energy, Denton Homes, Denton Homes, OPPD Fort Calhoun, Worcester Peregrines, Teweksbury Falcons, IWS/Explore, Cape Henlopen State Park, RSPB Loch Garten
I am finishing reading David Gessner’s book, The Book of Flaco. The World’s Most Famous Bird. I have about a quarter more to go, and I will send a review. However, I have discovered another writer who brings up topics we should contemplate within this volume. The author is Jack Turner, and the excerpts from his book, The Abstract Wild, set me out to order a copy.
The thread that bonds ‘us’ is our deep love and caring for animals, whether real or virtual. I have found it as easy to care for the lives of Jak and Audacity and suffer through their struggles as I have with Hugo Yugo and her teeth. Now, seeing the second hatch on the Kistachie E3 nest being beaten to death and starving causes acute anxiety and tears. Gessner writes about Turner: “In his brilliant manifesto….Jack Turner mourns the loss of our deep connection with animals. Implied in this is our unwillingness to fight for wild animals.” He then quotes Turner: “To reverse this situation we must become so intimate with wild animals, with plants and places, that we answer to their destruction from the gut. Like when we discover the landlady strangling our cat.” (135)
We turn to nature, to the trails in the woods, to the open skies for relief from what is surely a deplorable state on our planet. Nature is healing. I can no longer read the news where country upon country is attacking others and killing ordinary people, destroying their lives and homes – and, of course, the pets and the wildlife alongside this. Or the news that truck loads of people have powerful rifles and are aiming at the skies in Lebanon to kill innocent storks – the ones who survived the winter and the long migration and are returning to breed. What makes us so unique to think we can do this? Thank goodness there are a few people willing to get out there and stand up to make sure those people leave.
Each of us needs to find a way to stand up and help. And it doesn’t have to be money because everyone is struggling in this current economy. We have discussed this before, but right now, your volunteering, those old clean sheets, that bottle of bleach or detergent, and a flat of cat or dog food are more needed than ever. Each day, more beautiful animals are being left tied to the doors of pet shelters, surrendered by families who can no longer afford to feed themselves, never mind a much-loved pet. Help if you can in whatever way you can. Time, money, making phone calls, helping with fundraising, whatever…please help. Even that single bowl of water refilled during the day for migrating birds is a huge help. Do not underestimate these small acts of kindness. They save lives. Show that humans do care about wildlife and domesticated pets. Stay positive! Look for the beauty. It is right there, and it might need your help.
Turning to something different, I am so happy today. In the very late fall, when snow and ice were at the nature centre, we found two Canada Geese. They were ‘stranded’ here, and it was too late to fly. We told the lovely girl at reception, and she phoned Wildlife Haven, and they picked them up to add to four others from the centre from the previous day. Today, all six were released to the lake to join hundreds of other geese that have arrived, marking spring in Manitoba.
It was so lovely to be there to witness their return! [Please note the pet carriers. All rehab centers need them to help transport animals. If you have some sitting around please do donate them!]
All of the preparations for the outside animals have been made along with The Girls or our mini-break to Hecla Island. We are not gone long, returning late on Friday. We have a new cat sitter, but a miracle has happened. I do not know why we are so blessed, but I will take it. Anne, who has been with us for 15 months, helping with respite care for Don and giving me a break, has offered to take care of the girls when we travel. The Girls love Anne, they know her well. They run to the door when she arrives. This is so much of a relief. I do not know how many longer trips there are in our future, but I know that I will be much more relaxed now!
Bald Eagle News:
NE Florida: Bodie is learning to live like an eagle and doing well. (more news below)
Kisatchie E3: Three fish came on the nest. The eldest got all of then while the youngest was both submissive and attacked vigorously by the oldest almost to the point of death. They are both starving. The oldest will live another day, but will the youngest. This nest needs food, more food so that the adult might ‘decide’ (she or he is ignoring it)* and intruders and owls are not helping. Send them positive wishes, please. (Warning or watching this nest).
*As we have often seen, adults do not respond to chicks that are submissive and hungry. This nest was going OK, not great but it had the potential to fledge two. Now that is in jeopardy.
West End: Makaio’s new mate FV at the West End nest has been chosen by a donor an winner in the nest challenge.
Sauces Canyon: Jak and Audacity do not wish for SC1 to go hungry. The nest is full of seal placenta, seabirds of some type, fish. The little one is so protected in that deep nest bowl. This family is simply delightful.
The first egg has been laid at the Surrey Bald Eagle nest of Brit and Rey in British Columbia, Canada.
‘J’ sends sad news from PA County Farm:
Osprey News:
Heidi’s News:
3/18 – Fenwick Island osprey nest (Delaware, Captain Mac’s Fish House) – Woohoo, Johnny arrived back at the nest a day after we first saw June. How wonderful! Happy to see this pair again. Last season, June and Johnny lost their first two eggs to crows… so “I would advise that you two be more diligent this season, okay?” lol.
3/18 – Wolf Bay osprey nest (Alabama) – Congratulations to Josie and Bert. Egg #2 was laid in the early morning hours today.
3/18 – South Cape May Meadows osprey nest (New Jersey) – We have been awaiting the return of Hera and Zeus from their migration. Last season their two very young babies were predated by a Great Horned Owl. Then this morning… We witnessed a GHO visit the nest, and our hearts sank.
Thank you, Heidi.
There has been no news of new arrivals in the UK or Europe at the time of this writing.
Eschenbach, Germany: “Herbert is already in nesting mode and has started working on the nest, carrying and moving branches. He is waiting for Hermine, of course, but if there are other candidates, the place must be attractive, not only for the capabilities of the titular male, but also for the comfort it offers. A long migration is well worth it!”
PARQUE NACIONAL MARÍTIMO-TERRESTRE DEL ARCHIPIÉLAGO DE CABRERA: Both adults have arrived at the nest and are refurbishing and mating. https://youtu.be/vEaRhXjFrkc?
Loch of the Lowes: Blue NC0 has begun refurbishing her nest waiting for the male who will be her new mate and provider.
Not only is Blue NC0 a good mother, she is also an amazing fisher. Look at that salmon!!!!!!!!
Guildford, Connecticut: Osprey on the nest!
Threave: Osprey has touched down. Believed to be a male. We are hoping it is Black 80.
Other Nest News:
At 4:51:54, Beau takes a fish from the juvenile intruder and gives it to Bodie who horks that fish down looking straight at the camera. While we might all have been ‘sick’ to see this intruder, it is possible that Bodie not having a sibling has learned many survival skills she will need in the wild by having this visitor.
They appear to be ‘friends’ now as long as it does not involve food. Bodie beaked and protected his food yesterday. This is a great learning experience. I think Gabby and Beau have decided that too.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care of yourself. Tomorrow we leave for Hecla Island. We will return on Friday after hopefully seeing American White Pelicans, Trumpeter Swans, and Geese that have arrived recently. I do not know if I will be sending out a blog during that time but I will be back with you for sure on Saturday.
Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, J’, NEFL-AEF, Carol Shores Rifkin, Institute for Wildlife Studies, Fenwick Island, Wolf Bay, SCMM, Eschenbach Ospreys, PARQUE NACIONAL MARÍTIMO-TERRESTRE DEL ARCHIPIÉLAGO DE CABRERA, Loch of the Lowes, Guildford Connecticut Osprey Group, SK Hideaways, Knepp Farm and Torrington Storks, World Bird Sanctuary, Maria Marika, Elain, IWS/Explore, Kistachie National Forest E3, PA Country Farm
– 2nd April, 
