Category Archives: climate change and birds

Fish deliveries…Tuesday in Bird World

5 September 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

Well, I could not possibly have anticipated what was going to happen but look who showed up at the feeding station today? Just like her Mama Calico.

Yes, the kitten that we could not find. Someone is going to help me trap her! I am not sure that Calico will be pleased. LOL. The kitten is about 62 days old.

This lovely young woman came over with the trap, smelling Sardines, everything to try and get this young lady into the kitten cage and feel safe. Wish us luck!

Calico watching out the garden doors as the trap is being set for her baby. Ironically, Calico’s baby is almost the same size as she is!

Today, Missey and Calico spent the entire day together in the main part of the house with Lewis in the conservatory. They all had poached chicken. We live in hope that soon all three will be integrated along with the kitten, perhaps.

It is 2130. The woman who loaned me the trap is on her way to help me transition the kitten to a kennel. Yes! We have the kitten. It took about three and a half hours. Overjoyed. Overwhelmed.

Osprey World just gets more quiet as the remainder begin their journeys with the last few Dads on the nest feeding chicks.

Harry has been feeding Chirpie again at Alyth today.

Aran was still at Glaslyn.

Blue 022 was seen around Poole Harbour. He left for migration last year on 10 September. No sign of CJ7 or the trio.

Dad brought at least three fish before 1400 to the Minneapolis Landscape Arboretum fledgling on Monday.

Swoop is still at Dunrovin!

Dad is still delivering to Coco at Sandpoint. At least two fish arrived on Monday early in the day.

Bruce is still delivering at Seaside. Oh, they get so excited. I am not sure the kittens are more afraid of the falcons than the ospreys when the latter are screaming for fish arrivals!

One adult on the perch at Boulder. I have not see the juveniles getting fish for several days at the nest.

Fish is still being delivered to an Oyster Bay fledgling.

Fish is being delivered to the Collins Marsh nest in Wisconsin. The juveniles are flying off with their meal!

Di Bennett and Tweed Valley report on the locations of both Poul and Glen. Will Poul stay in Morocco or continue heading south?

Want to know more about migration and how climate and changes in land use in West Africa are impacting UK birds? Have a read.

Osprey-Shortened-Migration-Scottish-Wildlife-TrustDownload

Mini was at the Osprey platform in Patchogue this morning. She is still favouring that left leg. This time she looked hungry and flew off early to try and get some fish from Dad.

At 1900 Mini flew to the perch. She was coming from the left side of the brewery. She has both feet extended and appears to be drying off her feathers.

The left leg appears to be giving Mini some issues as she holds it up. Hopefully our gal will slow down and rest that leg on the nest.

Good night, Mini.

‘H’ brings us up to date on Molly and Dorsett:


Kent Island – Molly flew to the nest early in the morning, but she didn’t stay long.  She was then not seen on cam for almost twelve hours.  At 1830 Molly flew to the nest, and it was nice to see that she had a huge crop. She seemed to have a lot to say, but she didn’t stay long at that visit either.  SOD’s, Molly.

Barnegat Light – Duke brought four fish to the nest for Dorsett.  What a good Dad!  Around 1830 Dorsett landed on the nest, and she was holding her right foot up a bit.  When she placed the right foot on the nest we could see a small bloody wound on one of her toes.  It seemed to be a minor injury though, as it did not affect her ability to handle the fish Duke delivered at 1901.  She held the fish with her right foot and eventually flew across the cove with the fish.

Gabby and V3 were at the nest in The Hamlet near Jacksonville working for the new season. Gosh, it is so nice to see them! Some worry that V3 might not be up to the job this year but, let’s wait and see. He is a year older and these two look to be bonded. We have no idea what they have been up to off camera.

Thunder and Akecheta were at their old West End nest in the Channel Islands on Monday.

On the Cornell Campus, Big Red and Arthur are up on the ledges of Bradley. So good to see them!

The Sea Eaglets had an early fish breakfast Tuesday morning! Yippeee. ‘A’ reports: “

At WBSE breakfast was early for a change, with Dad bringing in a medium-sized whole fresh fish shortly before 06:39. Lady was straight in. SE32 was slow to get up. Lady started eating herself while SE31 dealt with a PS (medium sized, a little thin but way healthier than yesterday’s) and then headed for the table, where she got the first bites just before 06:41. By 06:42, SE32 is on his feet. He too deals with a (healthy) PS before heading closer to the table. Lady is still feeding SE31. Through most of the feeding, Lady fed first one, then the other. SE31 ate more than SE32 but that was largely because SE32 could not be bothered making a huge effort. When he decided he did want to eat, he quickly shuffled further forward to get himself into prime position and then proceeded to eat a dozen or two bites consecutively. He had another similar bout of eating at the end of the feeding, eating most of the last dozen bites or so. Both eaglets had smallish crops after breakfast, though SE31 had a larger one than SE32. 

Dad brings in another fish soon afterwards, at around 10:52. It looks like a big one. Lady takes a moment or two to arrive at the table, as does SE31. And although SE32 has been sleeping on the table, he is not eager to jump up and rush to start eating. He takes his time. The fish is on the large side of medium and Dad has already eaten the head (and a little more). :Lady takes a couple of minutes to start feeding the eaglets, and by the time she does, at 10:55:20, both are ready and waiting, up at the table, and 0SE32 gets the first bites. This pair are very civilised at meal times over the past week. I have not seen any intimidation of any kind, let alone beaking. They have been absolute angels at the dinner table. SE31 waits patiently until it is her turn for a bite or two, at 10:57. Lady then feeds SE32 almost exclusively. He eats fast and with confidence. He is getting a lot of food in a short period of time. It is after 11:00 when SE31 gets her next proper bite. Lady then feeds the two alternately for a few bites, then returns to feeding SE32. 

Throughout this, SE31 is extremely patient. At no point does she try to steal a bite, push in front of SE32 or in any way intimidate or bonk him. She just waits beside him while he eats. When she is offered a bite, she takes it, but that is all. SE32 has had by far the best of the first half of the feeding, but as the feeding wears on and his crop enlarges yet further, he is less enthusiastic about taking every bite and leaves many of those he is offered for his sister. Over the second half of the feeding, SE31 gets more of the food. By the time the feeding is over, both eaglets have very healthy crops indeed. Both have eaten well, Lady has had a good share of that fish herself, and there was no dispute at all between the eaglets. This nest is just lovely to watch. Even on the days when a single large meal is brought in, no-one really seems to go hungry and there is never any type of unpleasantness between the eaglets. They just play and sleep and snuggle. And wait patiently. SE31 is getting really good up on her feet now and is really enjoying practising her walking and wingercising. SE32 is quite a few days behind, as he spent a while cowering while SE31 was growing into her changing body, as it were. He will catch up soon, but for now, he is still very ungainly and often needs his wings for balance.”

Mum and Dad incubate their egg at 367 Collins Street for a few minutes. Looking for egg 2!

Xavier and Diamond are incubating their three eggs at Orange.

At Port Lincoln, mating continues – not always successful.

‘A’ reports that there is action in NZ. Four of the Royal Albatross chicks have now fledged. She also adds, “Poor UQ chick has come down from his hilltop nest to sleep next to Manaaki (who was asleep when he arrived, so may be surprised to see him there when he wakes up). I am pretty sure UQ is seeking either safety in numbers or simply a safer distance between himself and Miss NTF higher up the hill. She is a very pushy and precocious female and has made UQ’s life more than a little difficult, given he is a somewhat shy and reticent albie. He gets on well with Manaaki, though, so obviously feels better down there than up on his hill. So cute, the two of them. As I said, there are two male and two female chicks whose nests we can see (or almost see) around Manaaki. Miss NTF has taken a fancy to the camera, which Manaaki regards as his, so there have been several altercations over the camera, with much clacking of beaks. She thinks she rules the hilltop but Manaaki has other ideas. These four have been an absolute joy to watch these past seven months, each with a very distinctive personality (and, as I mentioned the other day, each currently has a very different ‘hairstyle’ in regard to where each chick wears their remaining fluff – one of the chatters did a cartoon of all the chicks with all their hairstyles about a week ago – very accurate and just TOO funny).”

The third osplet at Osprey House in Australia has died of siblicide.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, H’, Alyth, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Jeff Kear, Mary Kerr and Glaslyn Osprey Group, Poole Harbour Ospreys, MN Landscape Arboretum, Dunrovin Ranch, Sandpoint, Seaside, Boulder County, PSEG, Collins Marsh, Tweed Valley, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Kent Island, Wildlife Conserve F of NJ, NEFL-AEF, IWS/Explore, Suzanne Arnold Horning and Cornell Hawk Chatters Club, Sydney Sea Eagles, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, and PLO.

V3 arrives back at NEFlorida!…Friday in Bird World

1 September 2023

Good Morning,

Calico had her vet appointment and I cannot possibly describe the relief. No HIV, No Feline Leukaemia, her teeth and ears are perfect. She is between 8-10 months old so the vet let us choose a ‘birth’ date for her and we picked 2 November, the day Lewis and Missey arrived. Calico does have mastitis and is on an antibiotic and she will have ‘the’ operation and be microchipped on the 12th at 0800. Everything is good. She was cleared to join Missey and Lewis but she is so tired from it all that she is sleeping and sleeping. I have to add that while Lewis howls like you are pulling his toe nails out when he is in the car, Calico was polite and sweet during each and every event this morning. What a sweetie she is.

Lewis and Missey will get to meet their new sister tomorrow now that she is all clear for any issues – how lucky are we? No obvious fleas, ticks, parasites, etc. And all tests came back negative.

On the way to the vet.

Here are some interesting facts about Calico cats taken from the Website All about the Calico Personality:

  • Calicos are one of the subjects of “The Duel,” a popular children’s poem by Eugene Fields. The poem describes a fight between a “calico cat” and “gingham dog.”
  • Because of their rarity, Calico cats are considered lucky by many around the world. The Calico cat is thought to bring good luck and fortune to the homes and families that adopt them. They are also considered to be a little magical because of their three colors.
  • In the 1870s, Calico cats were named the official symbol of fortune in Japan. They’re sometimes called “money cats” here and elsewhere.
  • The Calico cat became the official cat of the state of Maryland in 2001. The Calico cat was chosen because the colors of its fur are similar to that of the Baltimore Oriole, which is the official state bird.
  • According to Irish folklore, if you have a wart that you want to get rid of, just rub it against a Calico cat’s tail.

You will recall that I have been feeding and cuddling with Calico for months and months outside. She was brought into the house at 1900 last Saturday, the 26th. After that, extensive effort was put in by the neighbourhood to find any kitten or kittens. One of the neighbours ran over to tell me that the kitten had been found late Thursday. Well, it turns out that ‘a kitten’ was found and turned in to the Humane Society. It was processed through their intake the morning of Friday, the 25th – thirty-four hours before Calico moved in. I am not convinced it is Calico’s kitten because the posting said 2 weeks old. But if it is, it is a beautiful white kitten that someone is going to love. Calico’s kittens would have been approximately 54-55 days old. Still, it tells me that people know what to do if they see a lost kitten! No other sightings that I am aware of currently.

‘H’ report at Fortis Exshaw is fantastic, “Overall, it was an extremely quiet day.  The female intruder flew to the nest alerting at 0646, and after twelve minutes she flew away.  We did not see her on cam the rest of the day.  The male intruder has not been seen since the afternoon of 8/30.  We would occasionally hear an osprey call, but not often.  The highlight of the day was a surprise visit by Banff.  At 1130, Banff casually flew in and landed on the right side of the T-perch.  We were absolutely delighted to see her.  She was calm.  The intruders were not around, and Banff knew that.  She exuded confidence and maturity.  She appeared regal.  She shifted her position once in a while.  She preened a bit.  She roused once.  She surveyed the entire area.  Was she reminiscing?  After all, she had spent her entire life there.  Of course, I know she wasn’t reminiscing, ospreys live in the moment.  But while I watched Banff on that perch, I was reminiscing.  Everything that had transpired over the past few months, good or bad, happy or sad, flashed before my eyes.  After twelve minutes, Banff gracefully and majestically flew away toward the river.  Was that ‘Goodbye’?  We did not see her or hear her for the rest of the day.  We will continue to look for her, just in case.  Banff has made it.  She is ready.  “Well done, Banff.”  

Thanks, ‘H’. You have done. great job reporting on this nest. It is so wonderful to see Banff thumb her nose at the intruders but, at the same time, allow all of us to see that she survived it – she survived it all. Go Banff!

Mini did a good PS at 0602 before flying off the perch at Patchogue. It is impossible to tell what happening with her left leg. She does not return to the nest during the day like she used to, and from the size of the PS she is being fed off-camera or catching her own – my bet is on the former.

I would give anything to have GPS tracking on Mini. After watching and worrying for so long, she has become so big a part of so many people’s lives it is difficult to let go and not know how her life is unfolding like we do that of Poul.

Tweed Valley’s sat packed fledgling, Poul, is in Spain. Great time!

The main camera has not returned to the Sydney Sea Eagles cam. ‘A’ has been watching: “Dad brought breakfast for the eaglets (I presume a fish) at around 07:37. Lady had flown in and taken control of it within 10 seconds. She is impressive. I can’t see any heads so I don’t know who is in front and whether both are being fed, but she is feeding eaglets, so based on yesterday and the four days before that, I am sure all is well.”

Update: “As of about ten minutes ago, the nest camera came back up at WBSE. The time stamp says 23.32:12 when the screen changes but the time just before the screen changed was 21:27:27 (which wasn’t the correct time either). It is currently 21:41 in Sydney (1 September). Lady is on the nest with the babies, who are sleeping peacefully. SE32 looks even bigger than last time I saw him! “

Mum and Dad2 at Port Lincoln. Still hoping.

Dad2 is a really good provider for Mum.

There was one super large fish that arrived on the Boulder County Fair Grounds nest. One happy osplet and one wishing and hoping some will be left!

At Sandpoint, Coco had at least one fish delivery part of which she left on the nest and there was also an intruder. Everything is fine. Coco is getting fed well.

There is at least one of the two fledglings coming to the nest at Collins Marsh. I did not see any fish deliveries to the nest on Thursday.

Gorgeous fledglings getting some nice fish at the Dunrovin Ranch Osprey Platform in Colorado.

These female Ospreys can fish. Just look at the catch Maya pulled on the nest! Now, where is Blue 33? He flew off on Wednesday. Was he checking the territory to make certain that the fledglings were all dispersed before he leaves? He is always there until they are gone and this year Maya is still there with him.

‘H’ other reports:

Barnegat Light – Dorsett is still enjoying her life at the bay, and her dad, Duke, continues to provide fish for his girl.

Kent Island – I didn’t see a single fish brought to the nest for Molly on 8/31, but perhaps she had a meal or two off the nest.  

Osoyoos – The livestream has been offline for the past two days.

Thanks, ‘H’.

The big news is that the AEF is 99% certain, based on physical markers, that V3 is back on the NEFlorida Bald Eagle Nest near Jacksonville on 31 August! We wait for the arrival of Gabby.

Muhlady and Pepe are both at Superbeaks!

The beautiful view of the Glacier Gardens Bald Eagle Nest.

David Abram writes what the salmon were like in 1988 – the eagles in Alaska have historically lived on salmon.

I got up and walked over to the water’s edge; the stream, I now saw was thick with salmon, boiling with salmon, all jostling and surging against the current in fits and starts – it was as though the stream was made of salmon! I gazed and gazed for a couple hours, then went back to my tent and tried to sleep, but couldn’t. So I hiked back into the middle of the night and stood staring into that moon-illumined river of fish, and then I waded out into that mass of sparkling, silvery muscles, all shoving and lunging against the water’s flow. In the middle of the stream, I was up to my knees in salmon, but they didn’t care – didn’t even notice; they bumped into my legs and then plunged on past with a single-minded determination I’d never encountered before, nosing aside their dying cousins who were floating back downstream on their sides, too exhausted to swim, with their mottled skin starting to peel off. Yet the vigorous salmon around me just nudged me out of the way, wholly intent on making their own way upstream to reach the remembered place of origin – their spawning place – so they might deposit their eggs, and fertilize those eggs, before they too began to fall apart and die.

D. Abram, ‘Creaturely Migrations on a Breathing Planet’, Emergence Magazine, vol. 4, pg. 146.

Pat, one of Martin and Rosa’s trio this year from the Dulles-Greenway Bald Eagle nest, has been released. How wonderful!

M15 and his lady seem to be quite the couple. So happy that he has kept his territory – M15 certainly deserves it after the stunning year he gave us following Harriet’s disappearance in early February.

How long will our changing climate support the Chum Salmon that eagles like Hope depend on for their food?

Xavier gets some precious egg time while Diamond takes her break.

A prey delivery at 12:31 (off camera) got Diamond off the eggs and Xavier some more incubation time. Oh, what a character he is!

At The Campanile, Lou and Annie are bonding – something they continue to do since the eyases fledged.

The Black Stork nest in the Karula National Forest in Estonia is quiet. All three fledglings of Karl II and Kaia have now left the natal nest and begun their journeys south towards Africa. Kalvi flew first and has the satellite tracker. This is the information at the time of my writing.

This is the area where Kalvi is foraging.

This short video shows the last time that the storklets of Karl II and Kaia were together.

The last data:

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, H, PB’, All About the Calico Personality, PSEG, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, Sydney Sea Eagles, PLO. Boulder County, Sandpoint, Collins Marsh, Dunrovin, LRWT, NEFL-AEF, Superbeaks, Glacier Gardens, Linda Russo and NEFL and SWFL Eagle Watcher’s Club, Emergence Magazine, Dulles-Greenway Eagles, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, SK Hideaway and Cal Falcons, Maria Marika, MadliaA, Fortis Exshaw, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Kent Island, Looduskalender, and All About Black Storks.

CK7 dies in Wales…Wednesday in Bird World

30 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

Thank you so much for being with us today. Summer is winding down. People are taking the last of the holidays and our Osprey nests (among others) are almost going quiet. The hummingbirds and Blue Jays continue to come to the garden so neither has started their southern journey and soon, many more species will join them. The house is quiet as the kittens continue to learn the smell and sound of one another. Despite fall nipping at our heels, it is expected to be 34 degrees in southern Manitoba on Saturday.

Calico has settled into a routine and is playing more and more. Tonight, for the first time, she went onto the Ladybird blanket and fell asleep before I finished reading. She goes to the vet on Friday, and I hope for an all-clear to allow her into the rest of the house. Lewis is curious but a wee bit jealous, and Missey is pretending she doesn’t notice anything. We will see. Missey is the Alpha cat.

Calico’s book of the month recommendation. [I took the rug out because of putting cat food down, and neither Calico nor I like this bloody old floor – a remnant of long ago.]

Anyone want to play?

Nite, nite.

There is good news coming out of the meteorologists regarding Idalia. She is now degraded to the strength of a category 2 hurricane. But the new track has changed and the eye is headed decidedly northwest and will not hit Fort Myers or St Petersburg as a category 3 or 4 hurricane. There will still be lots of water but the sustained winds are no where what was earlier predicted. This does not mean that Idlia is not dangerous – every storm is dangerous!

Notice how far that white cone area extends northward. We want all our migrating birds to sit quiet. And to all my friends in the path of this storm, please stay safe. You are on our minds and we are sending out positive wishes.

Hurricane Franklin’s cone will veer east and should be no threat.

The winds of Idalia can clearly be seen impacting the Bald Eagle nest of Connie and Clive at Captiva on the Barrier Islands.

Let’s check on Fortis Exshaw since it has been one of the problem nests. Thanks ‘H’ for your report! “Fortis Exshaw – The intruders were on the nest or perch a few times throughout the day, but most of the time, the nest was empty.  We did not see Banff.  She did not come to the nest, and we did not see her being chased around.  We may have seen less of the intruders today due to the fact that they had not been concerned with Banff.  There were a couple of brief osprey chases seen in the distance, but they could have involved the intruders and another osprey.  Some thought that they heard Banff’s voice in the distance a couple of times, just briefly, but it was difficult to say.  It seems that Banff may have finally learned to stay away from the nest, and the entire area that had become hostile and dangerous for her.  This is a good thing, and a necessary lesson for her to learn.  It seems as though Banff has received a year’s worth of education since she fledged on 8/13.  The last time we saw Banff on 8/28, she was well.  We will be watching and listening for Banff today. “

Today I wanted to see who was home in the UK, but first, let us deal with a tragic death. CK7 was an eleven-year-old osprey from Tweed Valley who died in Wales. His tracker indicated that he had stopped. The search in difficult terrain has not revealed the corpse, but people will continue to search. Our hearts go out to Di Bennett and the team at Tweed Valley. CK7 had been in the wildlife hospital after being trapped in netting. He was released on the 10th of August at St Mary’s Loch. Everything looked perfect, and it appeared that he had set off on his migration. Then something strange happened, and he reverted course and headed to Wales. His tracker indicated a stationary position on the 18th of August.

Here is the latest news from Di from Tweed Valley.

29th-August.docx-Google-DriveDownload

Tweed Valley: Poul is making excellent progress!

Rutland Manton Bay: Both Maya and Blue 33 were on the nest and it looked like they still had some intruders.

Dyfi: Cannon is 98 days old and Seiont is 96. Everyone is wondering if both of them will be home to mark a century. It would be the first time for this nest that both fledglings stayed 100 days before making their departure.

Glaslyn: Aran and the two fledglings, OH1 and OH2 were home.

Poole Harbour: I observed both Blue 22 on the nest and Mum, CJ7, who had delivered a fish. 5H3 was also there. There could be other fledglings about and I just did not see them – indeed, I imagine all three are home. CJ7 may leave first.

Llyn Brenig: I caught a glimpse of one fledgling -7B5-and another on the perch but I cannot confirm if they are one and the same.

At Patchogue Mini flew in at 0619 screaming for a fish and promptly flew off towards the lake.

Here she comes!

Gorgeous. One of the reasons that I advocate for Darvic rings and trackers on special birds like Mini is to find out how their lives unfold – good or bad. This young lady is simply beautiful. She is being fed off nest by Dad. The latest news from Hawk Mountain does not indicate a big swing in Osprey migration yet. Thank goodness due to the weather south of Mini!

A few raindrops falling as Mini was perched for a bit.

Hawk Mountains migration count to 29 August 2023.

Boulder County: All fledglings home. Eating well. Two with a fish at one time and the one without has a nice crop already.

Sandpoint: Three fish delivered on Tuesday and one took over 2 hours to finish!

Thank you ‘H’ for your other reports.

“Forsythe –  Once again, there was no sign of Ollie.  And, for the second day in a row, Oscar made a brief stop on the nest, perhaps for the last time.  He just wanted to make sure that his girl was not still around.  You are a really good Dad, Oscar.”

“Barnegat Light – Dorsett’s latest favorite hangout is the utility pole at 22nd street.  And, she doesn’t miss a thing from that vantage point, lol.  Dorsett saw Duke flying across the bay with a fish and she was back on her nest at 24th street within seconds to grab the fish from her Dad.”

“Kent Island – Molly had been waiting a long time, and Tom arrived with a nice dinner fish.  Molly must be eating off the nest, as she has been seen with a crop sometimes when she arrives at the nest.”

“Osoyoos – There is plenty of fish, and the young fledgling seems to be luvin’ life.”

Moving to Australia:

First up, Ervie. Our dear Ervie!

Port Lincoln: With no eggs at any of the South Australian Osprey nests that I am aware, there is plenty of time for Mum and the new Dad. They will certainly go down as trying!

Sydney Sea Eagles: It is raining and the camera has been on and off but the little eaglets are doing just fine – both of them.

The Godwits are arriving in Australia from Alaska! Just think about that.

Godwit ID for UK birds. It is the Bar-tail that flies from Alaska to Australia.

They make history flying from Alaska to Australia.

More little osplets hatch in Australia!

In Orange, Xavier loves to have his egg time. Diamond arrives with a huge crop and her chest feathers looking all fluffy. Xavier takes his time giving up his shift.

Lots of excitement with the Royal Albatross chicks in New Zealand.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Please take care. Stay safe!

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, posts, videos, reports, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, H, M’, Noaa, Window to Wildlife, Tweed Valley, LRWT, Dyfi Ospreys, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Poole Harbour Ospreys, Llyn Brenig, PSEG, Hawn Mountain, Boulder County, Sandpoint, FortisExshaw, Conserve Wildlife of NJ, Osoyoos, Kent Island, Forsythe, PLO, Pikorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, BTO, Sydney Sea Eagles, Wildlife at Osprey House, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Lady Hawk and NZ DOC.

Eggs, migration, the impact of hurricanes on raptors…Tuesday in Bird World

29 August 2023

Greetings Everyone,

It is 28 degrees C on the afternoon of the 28th of August on the Canadian Prairies. On Saturday, it is expected to be 34 degrees C. That is hotter – by several degrees Celsius than where my son lives in the Caribbean.

Our summer weather began to change 5-6 years ago. I joked and said it was time to put in a swimming pool – “If it is the shot next year, I am getting a pool!”. Before 2017, people would have laughed at the thought of a pool. Our summers never got hotter than 20 degrees C, and they were short, with the first frost normally in August, sometimes early August. The last snow might have been 15 May. Well, it is all different. I didn’t put in the pool, but I might build a pond for the birds and small mammals late next spring. Remember – water is essential to their lives. Leave out containers of water. Ensure they are topped up at night – many critters are nocturnal.

The weather has caused so many problems this year for the Ospreys. The storms and flooding led to starvation at many nests. The overfishing of Menhaden was another, but the weather has just thrown everyone for the proverbial loop. It has led to the infamous wildfires and played with the birds’ arrival and departure dates. In Manitoba, we have had the type of weather that I grew up with in Oklahoma as a young child. Large hail, winds ripping trees out, and tornadoes. The displacement of wildlife from the affected wildfire areas will have a lasting impact for decades until those old, big, beautiful – trees can regrow.

Missey, Lewis, and Calico continue to do well. The biggest shock has been Lewis. I know to open the office door – enough for cats to put their noses through. Whenever Lewis gets close to Calico’s nose, he leaps backwards. It is hilarious. Missey is more reserved, preferring to sit on the top of the wood stove playing with pussy willows and acting like she is not interested in her new sister. We have moved Calico’s appointment date to this Friday, 1 September. That way, she can be integrated into the family a little earlier. Today, she has been playing with me and with toys by herself. Perhaps she can recapture some of her lost kitten hood.

Our giggle of the day comes from Osprey House in Australia posted by Linda McIlroy. Wouldn’t we love to see crops on all the osplets like this one?!

A blast from the past!

A recorded Webinar from Cornell Bird Lab on the race to save our vanishing birds.

As many of you are aware, there is a category 3 or 4 hurricane heading towards the western shores of Florida that is expected to cross the entire state. Weather systems such as hurricanes can cause such harm to raptors and other wildlife. We have celebrated in the past when we discover they survived Hurricane Ian, for example. Lost nests but not lost birds! Here is some information if you are wondering how hurricanes can impact our beloved feathered friends.

How-do-hurricanes-affect-migrating-birds-All-About-Birds-All-About-BirdsDownload
Flooding-Hurricane-Season-and-Extreme-Weather-Impacts-on-Wild-Birds-Association-of-Avian-VeterinDownload

Fledglings getting fed well at the Dunrovin Ranch Osprey nest of Harriet and Swoop. Indeed, fledglings continue to be well fed around the world as the adults – mostly but not exclusively the males – fatten them up for migration.

Idris continues to fill the fledglings to the brim at the Dyfi nest in Wales.

At Glaslyn, Aran is bringing in the fish. His new mate, Elen, has left. She took the place of Mrs G, the oldest osprey in the UK, this year. Mrs G was 21-24 years old (unringed so not known for sure how old she was) and did not return from migration. Elen proved she was a very worthy successor taking amazing care of the two fledglings this year.

Dad has not delivered fish to the Patchogue nest for either Sunday or Monday. It is 1730 nest time there. Everyone is missing seeing Mini. Maybe she will come and rest her leg. She is, no doubt, being fed off nest like many of the other families are doing.

Mini flew in at 1800. Oh, what a strong flyer she is and she did not look like she was starving even thought she was really doing a lot of fish calling!

You can see her coming in near the top left.

‘H’ gives us her report on Fortis Exshaw: “The action started early.  At 0614, we heard Banff calling as she approached the nest.  Two minutes after Banff landed, she was buzzed three times by the male intruder. The intruder flew to the tall pole, and then landed on Banff twice.  Then the intruder stood on the nest, and proceeded to jump on Banff three times, then flew away.  But the intruder wasn’t done, he soon returned and hit Banff on the fly, and Banff was knocked overboard.  For the next several hours the intruders were on and off the nest, the horizontal nest perch, and the lookout post.  The male even brought in some nesting material.  At 1306 Banff was calling, then she flew under the left side of the nest toward the pond, turned toward the road, and then flew back east, and all the while she was being chased.  At 1654 Banff landed on the nest and was immediately dive bombed then jumped on by one of the intruders.  Banff managed to fly away.  Banff was involved in another chase at 1858, and she briefly landed on the nest for a few seconds, but was not hit.  At 1918, Banff flew over the nest being chased.  At 1948 Banff flew toward the nest being chased and she immediately diverted rather than land on the nest.  She seemed to clip her right wing on the nest as she passed by.  At 2054 Banff was again being chased.  She touched down on the nest and was immediately hit by an intruder, then she was dive bombed, and Banff flew off the nest.  Are you noticing a pattern here?  Banff is definitely eating, and is most likely still being provided fish by Louise.  If Banff has managed to catch some fish, it may be supplemented by Louise.  We do not see Louse on camera.  Louse knows that the entire area around the nest has become hostile.  It seems that young Banff has yet to fully come to that realization.  I wish Banff would stay completely away from the nest area, hang out near Mom, and perhaps practice fishing.”

‘H’ catches up with some other nests:

Forsythe – The last remaining fledgling, Ollie, has not been seen since early on 8/27.  On 8/28 Oscar landed on the nest briefly at 11:11.  He made a quick survey of the nest, and then he flew away.  That was our only osprey sighting of the day.

Osoyoos – There were at least four fish brought to the nest by Soo and Olsen. They and their fledgling are doing well. 

Barnegat Light – Duke continues to provide fish for his hungry fledgling, Dorsett.  Daisy was last seen on the nest the night of 8/27.

Kent Island – Audrey was at the nest on 8/28.  She helped Tom with nest defense, and she brought a fish for Molly.”

Thank you so much ‘H’ – we appreciate your continuing reports on these nests knowing that FortisExshaw is a very difficult nest to observe.

There should be no more concerns about SE32 at the Sea Eagles nest. 32 appears to have caught up in size to 31 and the meals are very civil. Both eaglets stuffed at the morning feed. It is a wonder they could even move.

‘A’ remarks: “The civility continues at WBSE. The breakfast fish (another nice large one, minus Dad’s breakfast) around 07:45. SE32 was slow to get up to the table, but started his breakfast first. SE31 was busy organising her morning PS. When she eventually dealt with that, she was keen to practise her walking. Her balance is improving and she got up to the table, then flopped down. She soon got a bite, though Lady was concentrating on feeding SE32, giving SE31 a bite here and there. SE31 is happy to sit beside her little brother and watch. Once again, no bonking or intimidation. Just two happy eaglets in the morning sun, knowing there’s plenty of fish for both.”

“Oh my. Just look at the size of the thighs on those sea eaglets! And those extra-round little bottoms. Just darling!! And those tails are really coming along now – especially SE31’s. It looks like lace. Dad and Lady are doing one of their raucous duets around 13:33:30 (usually reserved for around 6am). “

“SE31 is getting much steadier on her feet. She seems to enjoy practising her walking. She sits up looking very pleased with herself afterwards. Both these two have really large crops. Lady coaxed each of them to eat until they could eat no more. Somehow that big fish has been devoured. Have a look at their relative sizes now. It is as though SE32 has caught up to SE31 in size. I presume he is still the smaller of the two but not by much. I am now wondering whether the genders I had assumed all along are in fact correct. Maybe we have two males here, one of which was younger and went through a state when it was more nervous than the other. Unfortunately, as they do not band these eaglets, we won’t know unless they end up in care (which I suppose is highly likely, based on previous seasons). But certainly, SE32 has grown quite dramatically over the past three or four days, since he began eating his fill several times a day. Just lovely to see how healthy and happy they look, with their gorgeous feathers sprouting on their shoulders and wingtips and their little tails growing. “

‘A’ also checked on Xavier and Diamond for us. “At Orange, Xavier has just come bouncing into the nest box with a starling, which surprisingly, Diamond takes and flies off with. This buys Xavier some precious egg time, and as always, he chats to his eggs as he settles down to brood. Oh he is the sweetest little falcon. These little males are adorable, aren’t they? Like Alden and then Lou at Cal Falcons, both similarly small but gorgeous. Diamond and Xavier had another of their lengthy half-asleep bonding sessions this morning, from 04:54:52 to 05:39:08. These two are SO cute. “

‘A’ also adds: “We are worried about an intruder at Orange. There has been an unknown falcon upsetting Diamond and Xavier at exactly the worst possible time. Of course they would not desert their nest box and their eggs. This is their territory and they will defend it. But of course the very last thing this scrape needs is the loss of a parent. Diamond is a very large, powerful female, but we would not want her risking her safety. And Xavier is essential to the provisioning of this scrape, so he too cannot be injured. There are suggestions that this might be a previous fledgling – Indigo or even Izzi! These two have tended to have male eyases and it is the males who return to the natal nest area, is it not? So far, the intruder is not causing major problems, but s/he is hanging around. If it is a female, of course, the problem could become more serious. “

Thanks, ‘A’.

There are no eggs at Port Lincoln, but I quite like the new male. He is good to bring Mum fish, and they are trying. Let’s all send them a wink, nod, and some good positive energy. We might be surprised! I cannot think of anything nicer than this Mum having a nest full of osplets but also full of fish – and everyone living to fledge!

It is to be noted, as ‘A’ reminded me this evening that none of the other Osprey nests in South Australia have eggs either – so either they are all late (at least historically) or we won’t see any osplets this year! I prefer to think that they know something we don’t and the eggs are just late.

There are no eggs at 367 Collins Street yet. This is the latest update.

The death of a single Kakapo rattles the world. There are now only 247 of these gorgeous green non-flying parrots alive in the world.

It is that time of year when window collisions are happening more frequently. Here is a good little article to help you or someone you know understand how to deal with a bird that has hit a window.

We are experiencing Hummingbirds on their migration from the north to the south. If you are also, please provide sugar water for them. Do not purchase this at the shop with the dye…make your own. The recipe is simple: 4 cups of water to 1 cup of white sugar. Heat to dissolve the sugar only. Cool before putting in your hummingbird feeder. These little ones need all the energy they can get, and right now, some of the flowers no longer have nectar. They are dried up due to the summer heat!

Thank you so much for being with me today. For everyone in the area of Hurricane Idalia, please take care. We hope to see everyone with us soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, posts, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, H, PB’, Linda McIlroy and Raptors of the World, Susan Butler and FOBBV, Cornell Bird Lab, ATV, Dunrovin Ranch, Fortis Exshaw, Kent Island, Osoyoos, Forsythe, Wildlife Conserve Foundation of NJ, Ian Dragnet and Friends of Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, PSEG, Sea Eagle Cam, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, PLO, Nazz Derbz and Peregrine Falcons Melbourne, Kakapo Recovery, and Maureen Eiger.

Fledge at Osoyoos…Sunday in Bird World

27 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

Saturday was a beautiful ‘fall’ day – yes, ‘fall’ day on the Canadian Prairies. The top of the trees have a kiss of gold and it was a perfect morning, after feeding Missey, Lewis, and Calico, to head and check on the American White Pelicans that spend their spring and summer near me breeding.

Oh, I am very blessed. Three amazing rescue kittens. So sweet and so gentle.

Calico has moved in to be part of the family. Early Saturday evening I went to feed her. She ate like she had not seen food before and she began to follow me home. At one point she rolled on her back and I sat on the sidewalk and rubbed her tummy. No milk. All dried up – not like on Thursday when there was some milk at one teat. No indication of anyone sucking. I carried her the full block home. No one growled – I guess I smelled of Calico for so long that Missey and Lewis just accepted her. Still, she has a special room with several baskets, a carrier, an open donut bed and anything she could want including a small area to hide behind a basket. I will sit and read to her and stroke her and we will take time integrating into the rest of the house.

Letters went into mailboxes for the area where Calico had her kittens. Posters have gone up. Sadly, if there were any surviving kittens, I do not know what they look like, but people around here are good, and they will bring any kittens to me if they see them on the streets – if they can catch them or let me know where they saw them. For now, Calico is safe. No more life on the streets – it is a new beginning for her and us! She is sleeping in a basket on top of a quilt made in the early 1800s by my great-great-great grandmother. I spent much time scratching her face and rubbing her. Not a burr in sight. Slee well, Calico!

At least a third of all North American White American Pelicans arrive in Manitoba in spring and depart late summer or early fall. They are truly a wonderful sight. Many grab a picnic lunch and sit on the shore of the Red River, watching them at a place called Lockport – there is a dam, and they catch the fish when they come over. There were a few Cormorants today.

On Thursday, I wrote to Michael St John in Barbados to see if there had been any further sightings of Blue KW0. Ah, he wrote back and sadly had not see the British osprey blown off course last year since March. Oh, but wait…Saturday afternoon I received a note – did I bring Michael some luck (he thinks so) – twice since our correspondence, he saw and photographed this famous osprey. Oh, fantastic!
I look forward to seeing Blue KW0 in person later this year and meeting Michael and everyone working so hard for wildlife on the island. Thanks for allowing me to share the photographs, Michael.

Speaking of famous Ospreys, Zoe is infamous for some reasons many do not like to discuss but, many of you might not know who she is. Fran Solly wrote Zoe’s Story back in August. I will post it here in case you do not know what could be the sad ending to the only surviving osplet from Port Lincoln in 2022.

Prior to her departure, Zoe was often characterised as a ‘fish eating machine’. Her two siblings perished due to siblicide in the nest…it was quite sad and there were times I found myself upset with Zoe especially when it was clear that Mum was so hungry. Middle was an especially sweet osprey, but food deliveries were down for a period, and many believed that Dad might have been having health problems.

Zoe’s sibling Ervie (2021) used to fish with Dad at Delamere. I wonder when they were last seen fishing together? Does anyone know?

Mum with her new mate. Remember, for identification, it is the markings on the head that never change from year to year. Take photographs and compare them from all angles. It is unclear whether or not the couple will successfully produce eggs in their first year together. Many do not. We wait. There is no urgency. The ospreys do not migrate, but the breeding season coincides with better weather and fish.

These special times of seeing Mini on the Patchogue nest could be drawing to a close. She arrived on the platform Saturday morning at 0855 with a chunk of fish. She worked down the last of it at 0901 and flew off. She has developed a good strategy for holding on to small pieces by using her beak. And we can get a good look at her leg. Yes, it is still a bit wonky.

Mini makes funny faces. I want to remember her like this – spunky and full of life. She did not let anything get her down and she delighted in the most curious of things – a sandal and a piece of cardboard.

Good night, Mini!

At Glaslyn, 0H2 had four fish deliveries…0H1 was nowhere to be seen. Thanks, Aran! The birds are moving south. Everyone feels a change of seasons.

Fish continue to arrive at the nest of Idris and Telyn at Dyfi in Wales.

Saturday morning, Maya was still enjoying being with Blue 33 for another day at least. These two are such a very special couple.

People often ask if the females deliver fish to the fledglings..yes, and often before they fledge! CJ7 has been busy delivering fish to 5H5 at Poole Harbour on Saturday.

There was also a goshawk that landed on the nest and Blue 022 drove it away. This is so scary. The couple lost a chick last year to a goshawk and we do not want anyone to get injured or worse now. It is migration time – even in Poole Harbour where thousands of birds on their way to Africa stop over to rest and feed before crossing the water to France.

‘H’ brings us up to date on what has been happening at Fortis Exshaw. “The intruder osprey pair that completed a nest takeover a few days ago was on and off the nest throughout the day.  Louise was last seen at the nest or perch three times on 8/24, and possibly once on the 25th.  On 8/26, Louise may have landed on the T-perch once and the tall pole once, but it was impossible to say.  There were quite a few times when we heard Banff either in the distance or closer to the nest, but for the most part, she stayed away from the nest.  Perhaps Banff had heeded our warnings!  At 0857 we heard Banff approaching, and the female intruder jumped up to intercept her.  We did not get a good look at Banff, but we knew it was her.  There were also other times when we knew the intruders flew off the nest to chase Banff, because we had heard her.  A couple of times when the intruder pair was on the nest, they alerted when an osprey flew close.  It could have been Louise, or another osprey, but Banff tends to announce her arrivals, lol.  Listening to Banff’s vocals at 1409 and also at 1757 was particularly notable, and enjoyable.  We could hear her chatter starting in the distance and progressively getting closer to the nest.  We did not see her (thankfully she did not land on the nest).  But what was utterly delightful was the ‘cheerfulness’ heard in her voice!  Banff actually sounded ‘happy’.  She was having fun.  You go girl!  I was grinning from ear to ear.  Banff was adjusting to her new life, out and about in the world without needing the nest-of-her-youth as her anchor.  Banff is technically still youthful, but after facing and surviving the many trials and challenges she has had to endure since she fledged, she is no doubt, wise and skilled way beyond her days.  So, to summarize, it was a relatively uneventful day . . oops, uh . . wait just a minute . . At 2049 Banff was heard calling, and she landed on the nest!  She may have been chased, and she immediately assumed a slightly submissive posture.  In less than twenty seconds, Banff was dive bombed and hit twice.  She then quickly flew off the nest.  It seems that the intruders constantly have the nest in their crosshairs and they are on Banff like ‘white on rice’.  Banff is still learning to accept that she is a defenseless ‘sitting duck’ on the nest, and she is not safe there.  Good night, Dear Banff, stay safe.  Good night, Dear Louise, and thanks for continuing to take such good care of your girl (our girl).”

Oh, what a terrible season Louise has had. Our hearts really go out to her and Banff. Thank you ‘H’ for your careful monitoring and concern for this family.

Here are the other four reports by ‘H’.

Kent Island – Tom brought four fish to his young lady, but Molly wanted more.  Molly stood on the nest in the afternoon, staring down at the water, contemplating and triangulating.  Then she plunged straight down toward the water.  We could hear a splash, and we had a brief glimpse of her emerging from the water empty taloned.  Nice try, kiddo!  Audrey was last seen on 8/24.

Osoyoos – There was an empty nest for a large part of the day, but Junior may be perching just out of our view.  I only saw two fish brought to the nest, but I might have missed one, and Junior may be eating off nest.  All seems to be well for this osprey family.

Barnegat Light – Duke delivered five fish for Dorsett.  Dorsett was still eating fish #4 on the utility pole when she saw her dad flying to the nest with another fish.  So she held onto her fish and flew back to grab fish #5.  Dorsett had two fish at once!

Thanks, Suzanne Arnold Horning, for chasing after any Ms still on the Cornell Campus. Your photos are always heartwarming. Nice to see one of the Ms!

Well, it was a grand day – full of prey – for the sea eagles! ‘A’ fills us in: “For the first time last night, Lady didn’t sleep with the eaglets. Soon after midnight, she went to the perch branch behind the nest, where she slept for the remainder of the night. She was keeping an eye on the youngsters, but they were alone on the nest. They are awake, waiting for breakfast, at 06:22…..”

“There is a chunk of that fish left at the back of the nest. It appears to be the tail and attached flesh and may represent a quarter of that large fish (I have no idea why Lady went to so much trouble to get the flesh off the bony parts of this fish while leaving this chunki at the back of the fish, I have no idea. She must have eaten it through the middle and then finished off the head end (which they seem to prefer starting with for some reason). SE32 has been aware of this for a while, and has even approached it to consider a nibble, but he is simply way too full. SE31, however, has a much smaller crop, and at 12:15, SE31 reaches out and grabs the open end of the fish tail, pulling it towards herself. Smart girl, SE31. She looks around, perhaps hoping a parent will come and help her. She then surveys the fish again. She is unable to work out the problem and resumes wingercising. The size discrepancy between the two eaglets, while still obvious, appears to have shrunk significantly over the past three days. SE31 was getting close to twice SE32’s size, but just have a look at them now! I am starting to believe in this nest turnaround. This is the third day of SE32 gaining confidence and eating plenty. While he began by retaining a little caution, he has now thrown that entirely to the winds and is acting as though he is the dominant chick on the nest. SE31 is deferring to him, reinforcing his belief that he is top eaglet. He is quite prepared to rear up and stare SE31 down on the rare occasions it is necessary, and the timid submissive little man we saw only four or five days ago is a thing of the past. This is an entirely new nest. What a joy it is. And the fishing has been excellent for the past few days as well. I do wonder what would happen if the fish suddenly disappeared for a day or two. Would things revert to an SE31-dominant situation? Or would the relationship that currently exists survive a food shortage? Let’s hope we do not have to find out. Just after 12:36, Lady arrives with a small-medium fish for lunch. SE32 is closer and sits up. SE31 remains in duckling position and watches. Lady is looking around, so SE32 sits down again. After a while, she starts feeding SE32 while SE31 watches. There really is a large chunk of leftover fish from this morning. It’s way bigger than I realised (it was hard to see initially) – it is significantly larger than this fresh fish, which itself is a reasonably sized fish of the same variety of the small fish that were being brought in earlier in the week. Still a nice fish, and SE32 is enjoying it, but that fish this morning was another monster and should feed the nest for the remainder of the day. It is the bottom third of the fish, so it is open at one end. I am wondering whether either chick will attempt it. SE32 is so full, I doubt he will be motivated to bother, but SE31 has not eaten enough yet today so she may well be hungry enough during the afternoon. We will see. For now, Lady is feeding SE32 again. Still. At 12:40:53, she gives a grateful SE31 a bite. SE32 pulls himself up and shuffles forward a little so that both eaglets are sitting up side by side at the table. SE32 gets the next bite but Lady then starts feeding SE31. It appears SE32 is a bit distracted and at 12:41:45, as he takes care of yet another PS, Lady offers another big bite to SE31, who is happy to take it. Around 12:42 Lady switches to the leftover chunk of fish. She feeds both eaglets a bite, then concentrates on feeding SE31, who eats big bites. She is hungry. SE32 sits beside her and watches her eating. Dad flies onto the nest at about 12:45. It’s hard to see if he has prey. It looks like a bunch of eucalypt leaves. Dad has a very large crop. Lady continues feeding SE31. Dad flies up onto a perch branch and Lady continues feeding SE31. Just before 12:34, SE31 gets up, turns around and walks away from the table to collapse on the front rails. Her crop now matches SE32’s. Lady proceeds to start feeding SE32, in case he can fit any more, and he does his best to oblige. He keeps eating steadily until just after 13:00, at which point he too stops. It is 13:04:15. He looks like a Thanksgiving turkey!! He turns away from the table, despite Lady’s best efforts at coaxing him to see whether an eaglet can physically burst through eating. (Spoiler alert: Apparently not. Probably …. )”

“Today was the third consecutive day and this nest has turned around. Today, SE32 occasionally pecked at his sister (just gently), such as when her wingercising hit him by mistake, and he was first up to each feeding (unless he was in a food coma, in which case SE31 would get fed). He is so confident that the casual viewer would assume him to be the dominant chick on the nest. Both are happy, very very full, and playing together so nicely. They will both sleep well tonight. The fishing is extraordinary, with plentiful fish being brought in (two of the biggest fish I’ve ever seen have come in over the last three days, along with additional smaller fish). Both parents are also eating heartily. The nest is humming along, which of course makes one fear it is all about to come crashing down. But let’s remain positive and just enjoy these two beautiful siblings growing up together happily and peacefully. It is just lovely.” 

This video clip by Gracie Shepherd was too cute to leave out…32 honking at 31! Just smile. 32 is getting its mojo.

Darling Xavier and the first time with his egg captured in video by Elain. Oh, Xavier is such a darling. Goodness…

And I love this post! Have a laugh!!!!!!

Annie and Lou have been pair bonding again..don’t you love peregrine falcons?

Ah, the air is still crisp. In Manitoba, it is time for local corn and apples. Even though it is not yet September, it feels like fall is officially arriving. It is a beautiful time of year. The wasps will leave. Hopefully, the heat and humidity will be gone, and walks will be done with a little quicker step. The Canada Geese will begin arriving at the nature centre from up north. They will take a break and spend a few days with us. By the middle of September, hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands, will arrive just after dusk. It is my favourite time of year…there is something about the scent of fallen leaves, just slightly damp, the tussle of the ones that have dried, the squirrels working hard for winter. It is lovely!

But for now, I will sleep so well – Calico is home. She is off the streets and safe. No more worries about her being hit by a car. The challenge is to continue to get her fur in good order, get her health checked and everything that goes along with that…. it is time for Missey and Lewis (almost) to have their annual check-up! They have been spreading their joy for almost a year. Life is good.

Calico slept in the basket on the antique quilt waking up to breakfast without wasps attacking her. She has not cried or growled or scratched or tried to leave her space. Missey and lewis are curious – but no growling. They saw one another for the first time this morning. The trio will be eased into one another’s lives slowly. For now, though, it is really blissful.

The kittens ask that you remember their friends outside!

Thank you for being with me this morning. It is time to feed the garden animals. I will be counting Blue Jays wondering if they will migrate or if they will stay over for the winter. Their ‘blue’ is gorgeous when it is snowing! Take care all. See you soon.

Thank you to ‘A and H’ for their wonderful reports, to MSJ and SAH for allowing me to use their photographs, Fran Solly, PLO, PSEG, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Dyfi Ospreys, LRWT, Poole Harbour ospreys, Fortis Exshaw, Kent Island, Osoyoos, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Sydney Sea Eagles, Sk Hideaways and Sydney sea Eagles, Gracie Shepherd and Sydney Sea EAgles, Elain and Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Karen Leng and Orange Australia Peregrine Falcons, and SK Hideaways and Cal Falcons.

First egg for Diamond and Xavier…Saturday in Bird World

26 August 2023

Good Morning!

Friday was a particularly cloudy day on the Canadian Prairies with some drizzle. The birds, all of them, have been more than frantic today. The ground quivers with the hundreds of sparrows looking for seeds that fell from the feeders. They are great clean-up crews. The Blue Jay siblings – the four that survived (there were originally six) – have been here all day eating and bathing or just squeaking in the lilacs.

“Splish splash, I was taking a bath, Long about a Saturday night, yeah
A rub dub, just relaxing in the tub” – that is precisely what the youngest of the Blue Jays did most of the day. This is that little ‘rather round’ one that has grow up but it still retains that sweetness when I first laid eyes on it sleeping on the two clay birds.

If there is a peanut on the property, Mr and Mrs Little Red will have their claws on it. My wood box is going to be so full of peanuts by the end of September these two should be able to sleep in the home I built in there (and insulated) two summers ago near their food source.

Everyone is accounted for…including Calico, who was here Friday morning for food and who was brushed til my arm got numb because she had gotten into burrs.

I wish I could tell you that I have a kitten in hand. The food left under the deck was not eaten Thursday evening or Friday. The kitten is alive. I could tell by the slightly dry fur around the one teat, and Calico was sunken in like the old mules and donkeys that used to be on some classic television Westerns. Calico ate well Friday evening – 4 small tins of food. I sat on the step and fed her in front of me instead of placing the food under the deck for her to eat alone), pushing the food up with a fork now and then removing some more burrs. She did not want me to leave and kept rubbing my legs and pulling me back to the step so I could hold her. Calico loves having her cheeks and head scratched. Then, a van stopped suddenly on the street, and she became fearful. It is a quandary on what to do. There are pros and cons to every approach. The kitten is now 57 days old. It should be eating kitten milk and gruel and some solid food. Perhaps it is out hunting with Calico at night. The trail cam was removed, and I will put it in a different place – aimed at the area in front of the deck where Calico comes and goes on Sunday or Monday. At the moment I dream of a ccrow bar and dismantling that deck!!!!!!!!

You might recall that I stopped going to the ‘bird seed’ shop and began purchasing Black Oil Seed, Chicken Feed, and Mixed Birdseed at a farm supply. Mixing them in a ratio of one to one was ideal. Then I found a farmer who sells seed directly to customers. The farm is 60 km north of Winnipeg. They deliver – this is seriously wonderful. The driver carried those 50 lb bags of seeds into the house for me. The only thing they did not do was open the bags and put the seeds in their metal storage bins. What a joy. The birds are enjoying the first of the new seeds.

I love this – farm-to-feeder -without all the middle businesses. I desperately try to live as ‘local (within 100 km)’ as possible and forego plastic when possible. The birds have taken to the seed, and the total cost of their food will be 30% less per month. It is a win-win as farmers try to monetise their land and crops differently than previous generations. Many are setting up their farm shops, and one is advertising pet food. Must check that out! If you use a lot of bird food, you can check it out. You could also have a farmer-to-feeder situation where you live.

Oh, jump up and down for joy. We have lift off in Orange. Diamond laid her first egg while Xavier was on the ledge Saturday morning in Australia. Oh, how brilliant. She had been looking a little ‘eggy’. Congratulations!

Xavier was there cheering Diamond on – time was around 0435.

Xavier got some eggy time at 0636.

We always welcome news of Ervie, and is it possible that he is looking for a forever home and mate? Will Ervie get a platform? And a camera? I cannot imagine a more worthy osprey – and for the life of me, I cannot imagine that it won’t happen once he settles down. Everyone loves Ervie, the third hatch from Port Lincoln in 2021.

‘A’ has a snapping report on the Sydney Sea Eagle nest: “This morning was very strange at WBSE. Somehow, they have demolished that gigantic fish/eel (what did you think it was?) overnight, although the table is scattered with some sort of leftovers and there are fish flakes galore. The first breakfast arrived soon after 06:28 and it was a small fish. SE31 ate it all, with SE32 not even bothering to get out of bed for it. The pair lay about on the rails, stretched a bit and were generally convivial. The second small fish (almost identical to the first) arrived at 09:56. This one was for SE32, who confidently headed up to the table, sat up happily, and ate the lot without a single grab or cringe. He didn’t turn away as he took the bites. He just ate. Normally. At 10am SE31 got up, turned around and stretched, and started watching the feeding. She then moved towards the table, but stopped when she got level with the back of SE32, who continued eating. At 10:00:25 Lady reaches forwards to give SE31 a bite. She then returns to feeding SE32, who keeps eating. SE31 stays where she is, looking around her, not at all interested in intimidating SE32. At 10:00:50, SE31 shuffles up to the table, next to SE32, and Lady leans forward to give her half a dozen more bites. SE32, though not in submission, is no longer sitting up. His head is up though and he is watching mum. SE31 seems hungry. SE32 had already eaten about two-thirds of the fish before SE31 arrived so is not as hungry (it has been three and a half hours since SE31 ate the first small breakfish). But he is now not as confident as he was, very aware of SE31’s proximity. Will be be brave enough to accept the next bite he is offered?That bite comes almost immediately, with a very large piece of skin and flesh from near the end of the fish. SE32 grabs it, turning his head away as he does so. This could well be to stop Lady trying to retrieve it, as she often does with such large pieces, and SE32 is well aware of this and does his best to thwart her – he is not scared of SE31 or he would not have risked taking the bite with her right next to him in perfect position to beak him for eating it. The fact that he took it without hesitation was very exciting. Yesterday was not an alternate reality. It seems to have persisted! The fish is now gone and Lady is looking for leftovers and table flakes, which she is either eating herself or feeding to SE32, who grabs them without hesitation. At 10:02:10, SE31 shuffles closer to the table. SE32 shuffles his position slightly, turning towards Lady a little, letting her know that he is still up there in the foodline. Lady surveys the scene and decides now would be a good time to leave. The two sit there for a minute or so, looking around, looking at the table. Around 10:03:30, SE32 stands up for a good PS and then considers the leftovers. He stands up on his feet, stretches his little wings out and flaps them, falling flat on his face onto the table at 10:03:44!! He is quickly up and tries it again, with slightly more success. He sits down, looking pleased with himself. Both chicks are looking very interested in the leftover scraps on the table. They are sitting side by side in front of it, wondering whether and how to approach eating it. When SE31 reaches out to nibble at it, SE32 (gently) pecks her, then again, on the top of the head!! He then stands up and does it again. Twice. SE31 rears up and goes to beak him back but SE32 remains standing and just leans back to avoid her. She withdraws and both stand their side by side. SE32 was definitely the dominant chick in that interaction. I think you see what is going on here from my description. SE32 is still a little cautious if he is eating with SE31 touching him. but it is not stopping him from eating and he has not been beaked or intimidated for a day and a half now. He is getting his share of the food, as is SE31, and he is doing so without having to pay for it with beakings from SE31. This is wonderful to watch. I do hope the food supplies remain as good as they have been recently (yesterday, I think, SE32’s crop was bigger than I’ve ever seen it) so SE32 can consolidate his newfound confidence and SE31 can get out of the habit of automatically intimidating her little brother, hungry or not.”

Thanks, ‘A’. This is certainly a terrific change of behaviour.

 

The season is kicking off at SouthWest Florida as M15 and his Lady begin pair bonding! OK. How excited are you that this amazing male is with us again this year with a new female? Oh, is she one lucky Bald Eagle!

https://youtu.be/15jN8EuzleY?si=YGgEfg6C_D6GWwKm

Eagle on the nest at Superbeaks Friday morning in Central Florida.

At Glacier Gardens, Hope loves to sit on her favourite branch just out of view of the cam. (to the left). An adult flies in with prey and she is there in a hop and a jump. Oh, a beautiful eaglet.

Mini snags a fish at 0904 that was on the nest and squawks at Sneezy (Three) when it lands on the perch. No one is taking that fish – or her nest! Oh, she is a spunky gal. Mini returns later to the nest to get the tail that was left. Lucky girl – no one spotted it. Not the Crows and not Sneezy. Mini returns for the tail that she left on the nest along with all manner of little scraps, which she cleans up like Dyson! She appears to be putting more weight on that left leg – not completely but looking better. Mini had at least three fish on Friday. She ate them in fine spirits not wanting to share with anyone and not wanting to lose any overboard.

Mini has scratched her head a few times with her left talon. For all the talk about capturing her, this will not happen unless she is desperately dehydrated or ill. She is doing better, and like it or not, she adapts to whatever situation that injury throws her. Was it ever a fracture? We will never know. Was it only a serious infection? We will never know. We are only armchair observers of her life – and each of us wants her to succeed. Would we have liked her to have help immediately? Of course, No question about it.

Maya was still at the Rutland Manton nest on Friday morning. Her mate, Blue 33, continues to not only protect the nest but is working to get it in ship shape for next spring. Just look at that beautiful abode. Many are falling apart with fledglings going in and out. Incredible Blue.

At the Dyfi nest of Idris and Telyn, Idris was busy bringing fish to Cennen and Seiont. Telyn was last seen on Saturday the 19th of August.

At Glaslyn, Aran and both osplets OH1 and OH2 are still home. It also looks like Elen is also here. She is believed to have been seen perched on the lone pine. I do not have a screen capture of Elen and cannot confirm that she is still in the Glaslyn Valley. We wait to see if she shows up on the nest or the perch.

At Poole Harbour, 5H3, 5H4, and 5H5 are still home as are Blue 022 who is busy delivering fish and CJ7.

The Alyth Male still delivers fish to at least one fledglings. Mum Flora, HKO, was last seen on the 10th of July.

Loch of the Lowes is so desperately silent. Here is the latest season summary for the nest!

Earliest-arrival-and-departure-of-webcam-ospreys-Scottish-Wildlife-TrustDownload

Geemeff gives us our last glimpse of Ludo at Loch Arkaig. Mum Dorcha was last seen on 17 August with Louis last seen delivering a fish on the 24th. Safe travels!

At Sandpoint, Coco is 67 days old. Three fish were delivered on Friday up to and including 1530.

Despite some rain – I mean seriously: does an Osprey have a problem with water? – things are fine at Boulder County Fair Grounds Osprey platform.

Mum and the male at the Port Lincoln Osprey barge in South Australia are a striking couple. Many people think today might be the day for the egg, while others believe there will be no egg for this newly paired couple this season. We will see.

Things continue to be upsetting at the platform of Louise and her mate, feared dead, Jasper, and their only surviving fledgling, Banff. ‘H brings us the news, “The intruders must have been off fishing in the morning, and Banff decided to try her luck at her nest.  She flew to the nest at 0649.  She called for fish.  There was peace . . for a while.  At 0816 there was a close intruder flyby, and several seconds later the intruder landed directly on Banff and attacked her a couple of times, and then Banff was dragged off the nest.  From 0836 to 0856 the male and female intruders spent time at the nest together.  At 1226 we could hear Banff calling, and she flew over the nest being chased.  A few seconds later Banff landed on the nest.  She was immediately buzzed by one of the intruders and then dive bombed.  Banff flew off the nest.  At 1228 the female intruder landed on the nest.  Another adult landed on the nest at 1252.  There was a controversy as to the identity of that bird.  We had a side view of a slight necklace, and the bird seemed to be about the same size as the female intruder.  The female intruder jumped on the 2nd adult’s back, and then began to push it off the nest.  The 2nd bird resisted, but did not fight back.  After several tries, the intruder was successful in pushing bird #2 off the nest.  We did not get a look at the top of the head, but the necklace seemed to rule out the male intruder (and why would the female intruder have treated her mate that way?)  O’Hara was ruled out.  Could it have been a new rogue intruder?  Or, could the 2nd adult at that time have been Louise?  The back of the head was similar to Louise.  Over the next hour, the female intruder was on and off the nest.  After that, for a couple of hours we would occasionally hear Banff’s calls, and we would also see a few osprey chases in the distance.  Banff came back to the nest at 1526, and after a few minutes she began intruder-alerting.  At 1533 Banff was buzzed twice, and she flew off.  At 1637 Banff was chased over the nest, then the intruder pair both landed on the nest. Within seconds the male flew off to chase Banff, followed by the female.  Banff landed on the nest at 1639, and was immediately dive bombed twice, so she flew off.  From 1701 to 1724 the female was at the nest.  At 1757 Banff flew to the nest.  Then at 1807 an intruder approached from the south and landed directly on Banff, and grabbed Banff’s head with its talons.  Banff managed to break free and she literally staggered over to the side of the nest.  The intruder jumped on Banff’s back.  Banff tried to fly away, but she was attacked again.  Then Banff managed to fly from the nest, but the intruder was right on her tail.  The female intruder was back in the nest from 1844 to 1857.  We noticed that the intruder had a very hollow crop, and before she flew from the nest she did a very small PS on the nest that only projected a few inches.  Why hasn’t intruder-F eaten?  A chatter that lives near the nest informed us how the intruders keep the nest in their cross hairs.  One of the intruder pair hangs out in a tree near one side of the nest, and  the other one perches on a utility pole across from the other side of the nest.  So, that way they can keep a constant eye on the nest and the surrounding air space.  We did not see Banff with much of a crop today, but it wasn’t exactly hollow like the intruder’s had been.  Banff is doing a great deal of flying, so she obviously has hydration and calories to burn from ingesting fish.  She is most likely being supplied fish from Louise, but we don’t know how much.  Most of the time when we saw Banff today, she seemed to be hungry, and tired.  And, she would stand on the nest with a hunched posture, looking forlorn and defeated.  The primary key to Banff’s survival at this point is for her to stay completely away from the nest.  She is going to be seriously injured or killed from a violent attack by the intruders.  “But, it is the only home she has ever known, and it is her instinct to go the the nest,” is heard repeatedly on the chat.  I’m sure there is a learning curve for Banff.  But hopefully, she will come to associate her nest with DANGER.  Banff must come to that realization, or she may not survive to migration.  “Please do not come to the nest any more, Banff.  We are worried that you will be hurt.  We are very sorry sweetie, but the nest is no longer your home.  Go hang out with Mommy, and eat lots of fish.  You don’t know it yet, but you will have a very long journey coming up soon.  And, Mommy does too.” 

‘H’ so has reports for us on Kent Island and Forsythe.

Kent Island – Audrey did not spend the night at her nest for the first time, and she was not seen throughout the day.  Molly spent a lot of time fish calling, but she was off the nest a good bit as well.  Tom brough Molly a nice fish in the afternoon, which she took off the nest to eat.  Tom may have also taken a fish to Molly at the nearby dock or a tree as well.

Forsythe – I only saw Oscar bring one fish to the nest for Ollie, at 1613, but perhaps I missed one.  It seems as though activity at the nest is tapering off for Dad and his girl.

Thanks ‘H’ – we all hope that the situation at Fortis Exshaw calms down so that Banff and Louise can spend their remaining time in the area getting prepared for migration.

Things could not be better for the Royal Cam chick! Manaaki has had feedings for 5 days in a row! Thankfully this means that L is not have to venture so far to find food for both of them.

The Condor Chat with Ventana Wildlife Society. One good news item is that none of the California Condors that have received the HPAI vaccine have shown any adverse effects. There are currently 93 California Condors and there are 5 active nests.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, videos, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘ A, H’, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, PLO, Sydney Sea Eagles, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Superbeaks, Glacier Gardens, PSEG, LRWT, Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, Poole Harbour Ospreys, SSEN Alyth, LOTL, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Sandpoint, Boulder County, Lady Hawk and NZ DOC, Fortis Exshaw, and the Ventana Wildlife Society.

The curious happenings at Fortis Exshaw…Wednesday in Bird World

23 August 2022

Good Morning to each of you!

It was a drizzly sort of day in the garden. The sun never came out and everything felt cold and damp. Everyone was here, at one time or another, including one of the Crows. Calico had her tracker on during the day. In the early afternoon, she was here, and when I went outside to freshen up the table feeder, she lept to the deck. It startled me as I am so used to her meandering in from the back of the lilacs. She ate her food, chased a moth, and then had a siesta under the lilacs. It was different behaviour, but in a bit, she went back to the place where she has her kitts. She returned at her usual time in the evening, and while she ate, I removed her tracker for charging. Once in a while, I will check to ensure she has not moved the Kitts.

Dyson was here chasing peanuts and trying to get as many or more than Little Red.

Dyson was smart. She had dumped the covered feeder and then when the drizzle began she decided to go inside the feeder!

This is one way to get a drink!

In the frenzy between Little Red and Dyson, the Black-capped Chickadee swooped in and occasionally grabbed a seed!

There is some celebrating going on!

Jane Dell posted (on a couple if FB websites) a really good document on Western Osprey identification. This will be a very helpful resource – maybe put it in a file with useful articles, etc. for when the time comes.

Western-Osprey-–-Raptor-Identification-–-The-complete-raptors-guideDownload

‘H’ has one report for us today and that is about the intrusions that continue at the Fortis Exshaw nest in Alberta, Canada.

8/21 had been an unusually tranquil day for the fledgling Banff.  The first half of the day was also very peaceful on 8/22.  Banff took a couple of early morning flights, and she was out when Louise delivered the first fish.  Banff flew in quickly at 0715 to claim the large whole fish.  At 0729 Louise delivered a tiny whole fish to Banff.  Banff managed to swallow the last half of the fish in one big gulp!  For the next three hours Banff enjoyed numerous out-and-back flights and spent some time on the big T-perch and the nest perches.  At 1032 Louise brought the third fish of the day, a medium sized whole fish.  After she ate that one, Banff resumed her brief fly-abouts.  Fish #4 from Louise at 1155 was a huge live fish.  Louise wanted to keep the fish, and there was a brief tug-o-fish, but Louise gave in.  Banff was eating intermittently, and had eaten about 1/3 of the large fish, when, at 1313 a female intruder landed on the nest.  At 1316 the intruder made a move for the fish, but Banff fended her off.  Then there was a long standoff.  At 1334, the intruder moved aggressively to take the fish.  There was a struggle as Banff tried to hold on to her fish.  Both birds ended up going overboard, and it looked like the intruder had the fish in her left talon.  At 1335 Banff flew back to the nest, and was almost immediately dive bombed three times by the intruder (apparently the intruder had dropped the fish).  Banff flew off the nest.  An aerial chase between ospreys could be seen at 1409, but we don’t know who was involved.  At 1438 Louise landed with a partial fish, but Banff was still off the nest.  Within seconds, a different intruder landed on the nest.  Some thought it was O’Hara, but the markings didn’t seem quite right.  Louise was not happy at all, and at one point she flapped at the intruder, but that had no effect.  Louse flew off with the fish at 1447.  The intruder starting moving some sticks around, and that really confused us!  At 1458, as Banff flew toward the nest, the intruder flew off, but it immediately circled back and dive bombed Banff a couple of times.  Louise immediately returned with the partial fish and Banff grabbed it.  The intruder dive bombed Banff three more times while Louise was on the nest.  That was a first.  No intruder had ever attacked while Louise was on the nest.  We were dismayed that the intruder had become more brazen and had elevated its aggressiveness to a higher level.  Banff flew off the nest at 1459, leaving the fish behind.  Louise waited for Banff to return, but she flew off with the fish at 1545.  At 1553, the intruder brought a stick to the nest, and left.  That was so bizarre, and so confusing for the viewers, who were trying to make some sense out of everything.  Louise landed on the nest with a different headless fish at 1655 (fish #6).  Banff quickly flew to the nest to claim it and Louise departed.  Banff was nervous, and mantled the fish, scanning the sky.  At 1702 the intruder buzzed and dive bombed Banff at least six times, and at 1703 Banff hurriedly flew off, leaving the fish on the nest.  The intruder departed.  Banff flew back to the nest at 1734, and grabbed her fish.  This time, she got down to business and ate without hesitating.  The latter part of the evening was intruder-free.  Banff took a couple of short flights, and she landed on the T-perch at 2026.  Dear, sweet Banff elected to roost on the T-perch overnight.  It had been a very complex, and stressful day for Banff, but she was well fed.  Onward, Banff.

Thanks so much ‘H’.

As of Tuesday, Elen was still at Glaslyn and Aran had delivered a double-header at 1735 – there were more fish during the day despite some windy periods. Aran you are amazing. Everyone is home and safe, eating well thanks to this amazing dad – and well, what a great year with new Mum, Elen. So happy for Glaslyn!

Elen eating a flounder Aran brought for her. She will be gone very soon. are travels, return to us!

Maya and Blue 33 were still on the nest on Tuesday 22 August. You can always tell Blue from that look in his eyes before you see the Blue Darvic band.

That is one brave Hoodie going after Ludo! Good thing Ludo is an osprey and not an eagle.

What is happening with Bird Flu? It was big news and then something else takes over and the impact of this deadly disease is put aside. What is going on and what is happening in Africa where our beloved European and UK birds will spend their winter. Mark Avery brings us some of the latest data to his blog on Monday, 21 August. “In 2023, up until 14 August, 45 species have tested positive. The last month has seen a bunch of colonial seabirds adding their names to this year’s casualties. Here’s the list (with additions in bold): Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Fulmar, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Teal, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Sandwich Tern, Little Tern, Razorbill, Guillemot, Puffin, Curlew, Ringed Plover, unspecified heron (!), Grey Heron, dove/pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Red Grouse, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Reed Warbler and Carrion Crow.  Last year will be remembered as the first year when impacts on seabirds in the breeding season were noticed. This year the disease spread to many colonial gulls, in particular Black-headed Gulls, all over the UK.”

Mini has been eating well, resting her leg, and using the right foot more.

Early morning.

0815. Beautiful. I think this one will deserve a spot on the bulletin board. She is so lovely.

1605. Looking up and expecting a delivery?

She was slightly wonky on that leg with that 1609 fish.

1908

Mini flew into the nest with a huge drop around 1957! Gracious. It looks like our girl had a nice fish meal off-camera.

At Dunrovin, Harriet is still home and there was at least one chick at the nest today – possibly all, I did not watch or rewind. This nest of Swoop and Harriet has done well this season! So happy for them.

Boulder County: Throughout the day I only saw two fledglings at the nest at any one time. It is impossible to know if they are the same two each time.

At Orange, Xavier came in with a Starling for Diamond. What a guy. She doesn’t always want them! Eggs should be coming before the end of the month. But then later Xavier comes in with a Red-Rumped Parrot (thanks ‘A’) to the delight of Diamond who is looking a little eggy these days.  

In California, Annie and Lou continue to come to the scrape in The Campanile. They also bond in the scrape but we won’t be seeing any eggs until spring of 2024. Stay safe you two!

It is sometimes painful to watch the early feedings at the Sydney Sea Eagles. Even after 31 was full and 32 had finally gotten itself up to Lady’s beak, Lady had to try and try to get this very intimidated little man to eat. ‘A’ provides a complete narrative for us: “The little one gets up to the table by about 06:45 but he cowers away from Lady’s beak when she tries to feed him. She keeps feeding SE31, even though SE32 is right up to the table – she tries periodically to coax SE32 to eat but he just won’t accept the food, no matter how patient mum is. He finally takes a bite at around 06:50:45, just before dad arrives at 06:50:50 with yet more food. Surely there wasn’t another nestling in that nest. It is a fourth! At 06:54 mum finally manages to get him to start eating, albeit very gingerly. He is so nervous that even though SE31 is full and nowhere near him, he is still not confident about taking a bite from Lady, who is only inches from him. He is facing her, watching the food, but still cringes each time she tries to feed him. It is SO frustrating to watch. But there are still at least two nestlings on that nest and SE31 is full, so surely SE32 will get a decent breakfast. Lady is doing everything she can but she cannot force-feed SE32! She is certainly being as patient as she can. By 06:56 he is eating with a bit more confidence but SE31 is moving back towards the table, considering a second helping. She stays back for now. SE32 continues to eat, very nervously. Lady is now feeding them alternate bites. SE32 grabs at each mouthful, turning away as he does so. He is SO scared, even though he has not been bonked at all during this feeding and SE31 is sitting back, not leaning over him or making any contact with him. He should be gaining confidence and eating faster but he is still cringing with each bite. Lady returns to feeding SE31, offering SE32 a single bite for every four or five she gives his big sister, whose crop is now huge. Around 07:05, she returns to feeding SE32 bite after bite. This is fresh juicy red meat and should be very nutritious for SE32, who is slowly developing a crop. And surely, out of four nestlings, there is enough food for both to eat plenty. Lady is also eating. Dad is the only one who seems to have missed out on breakfast, so I would suggest he is currently out fishing. Mum was certainly not letting him take any of the four chicks he brought in for his own chicks to eat! She made that very clear, physically and verbally, when he delivered the fourth. At 07:08 she is still feeding SE32 bite after bite, some of them extremely large. He is eating everything he is offered, no longer turning away from Lady but confidently staying at her beak at last. He has a good crop and has eaten a lot of food quite quickly (he is grabbing huge chunks and swallowing them all). At 07:10 she gives SE31 a few bites, then returns to feeding SE32, whose crop is still only half the size of his sister’s. At 07:20, she is still feeding SE32 the last remnants of the nestlings. He now has a very large crop, though nowhere near the size of his sister’s, which is so huge that she actually refused a mouthful a few seconds ago.”

 

Another prey delivery and ‘A’ notes: “Dad brought in a small whole fish just before 08:38 but by the time the little one got up to the table, the fish was all gone. He is still SO nervous, he cannot eat, even with a full crop and SE31 not being aggressive. He did take one small mouthful and was beaked in the head (just once) for doing so, which of course sent him straight into submission for the remainder of the feeding. This attitude is so worrying, but then occasionally, when he is hungry enough, he suddenly finds some courage and stands up for himself and his food.”

Port Lincoln: Mating but no eggs yet.

Taiaroa Head: ‘A’ reports: “In New Zealand, there was no weighing of Manaaki yesterday, but he has had six or seven parental feedings since last week’s 9.8 kg so is no doubt at a healthy weight! Mum arrived around 09:54 this morning to feed her little man yet again, leaving again at 10:01. It’s great to see you, mama. We missed you so much. We adore Manaaki. He is such a special little person, very laid back but also very confident, having spent his childhood living on a crowded street corner. He has been the most entertaining chick to watch, excavating and gardening as he engages in his endless nest-building, as well as exploring his surrounds and visiting his many neighbours. We will miss you, Manaaki. We have another fortnight or so with him, but that fluff is fast disappearing, and he will fledge in the not-too-distant future.”

He found the camera!

 

Karl II’s mate, Kaia, who had not been at the nest since 23 July but had been out foraging to regain her strength for her long travels, came to the nest to say goodbye on 15 August and began her migration on the 22nd. Thanks, ‘PB’ for the confirmation. Here is the information from Looduskalender.

Maria Marika reports that Timmy has also begun its migration. Soon they will all be on their way and we will be fingering our worry beads until we know that they are safe and sound in their winter homes.

Karl II continues to feed the three fledglings at the nest. All three were present on the night of 22 August. They, too, will begin their migration shortly.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Take care. Hope to see you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, posts, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to compose my blog this morning: ‘A, H, PB’, Megan McCubbin, Jane Dell, Fortis Exshaw, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, LRWT, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Mark Avery, PSEG, Dunrovin Ranch, Boulder County, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Cal Falcons, Sydney Sea Eagles, Lady Hawk and NZ DOC, Looduskalender, Maria Marika, LizM and the Eagle Club of Estonia.

Banff has a great day…Tuesday in Bird World

22 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope that you are all well.

It was a grey drizzly day on the Canadian Prairies. All of the garden animals are present and accounted for. None of the Blue Jays appear to be thinking about leaving on migration. The Chickadees have been out in force and as I am writing, Little Red is busy stocking away all the peanuts he can get his little hands on and the duvet is out – signalling that it is beginning to feel a little hippy in the evenings now. There is a tinge to the top of the trees, just a hint of chartreuse with a soft yellow in places that signals a change of season is on us..

For all those wondering…I found Calico’s hiding spot with her kitten or kittens. Ironically it was the first spot where I believed she was- it was ideal – lots of piled up things and a huge deck that was difficult for anyone to get under – including any dogs or foxes (yes, there is a fox that lives in a garden of Tiger Lilies in the summer near to where Calico is hiding). A neighbour had informed me that a raccoon was living under that deck, but that was untrue. It was Calico! The young man who owns the house has given me full permission to come and go in his garden. Sadly, I cannot get under the low part of the deck to get to her, and there is no access to the higher part without cutting into the structure. So we wait to try and lure this kitten out. It will not be for lack of trying, but one day that kitten will play with the laser pointer, see the fluffy feather toy, smell the sardines and come walking out. It is certainly in a safe place – and I am no longer worried except for car traffic. Calico comes to eat and scurries back – quick as a wink she is away. Patience and more cunning than her mother will be required…and I am not sure the latter is possible. Calico is one smart Mama. The score is now Calico 10- Mary Ann 2.

The storm in California has passed. Checked on four nests. Just because I did not see the eagles on the streaming cam does not mean there is a problem. I have not seen eagles often at the West End or recently at Fraser Point. The amount of rain and flooding has been considerable, but the nests and the trees appear to have survived fine. I hope that is the case and that they have not been weakened.

Jackie and Shadow are safe.

Chase & Cholyn are alright.

Did not see Andor or Cruz.

The West End Cam at the ‘old’ nest is now up and running. Did not see Akecheta or Thunder.

Did not see anyone at Sauces.

Beautiful Mini. She was not bothered when Three (Sneezy) joined her on the nest except when Sneezy was trying to rearrange ‘Mini’s nest and move her cardboard. Mini did give her sibling ‘the look’ a few times. Mum even stopped in. We have not seen her for a bit. Did she come to check on Mini and say goodbye as she leaves on migration?

Mini had at least three fish on Monday and when my friend ‘R’ writes that he is now ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Mini, the smile goes across my face from one ear to another. Like many of us, he has noted that Mini is using her right foot to hold down the fish and eat them quickly, a tool she will need to survive in the wild. No more fiddling around the nest. I love the term ‘R’ used – ‘she was able to rip through them’. ‘R’ also noticed that the swelling in the left knee is “diminishing, and at times she even bears weight on it” adding that the rest on the nest has meant that she has been caring for her leg very well. We hope that this young lady is one of the luckiest osplets in the world. She is certainly one of the most strong-willed ones I have met. ‘R’ says it is too early for any prognosis but she appears to be healing. — What a wonderful note to wake up to. Thanks ‘R’ for keeping an eye on our gal.

Mini had a bit of a crop and one good ‘ps’ was observed.

Mini had a good breakfast and was flexing that left talon this morning. Keep sending your good wishes. As I finish writing this, two fish have been delivered by Dad!

The fledgling at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is doing very well. Flying around, returning to the nest to rest and eat.

Dyfi Osprey Project: Telyn has not been seen since Saturday. She ‘might’ have started her migration. Sometimes she takes some time and returns to the nest before departure. We wait to see. Lots of nice fish coming for the fledglings -Seiont & Cennen. Idris is doing a fine job fishing.

Glaslyn: OH1 and OH2 have been on the perch and in the nest eating fish from Dad Aran. The weather is raining and it is thought that Elen might have started her migration Monday morning. We wait to see.

Poole Harbour: CJ7 and Blue 022 are still home and providing for all three fledglings who also remain – coming and going off the nest for fish. What a great year it has been at Poole!

Rutland: Blue 33 found himself defending the nest against intruders and Maya was on the nest too – at times – helping. .

Time for ‘H’s reports –

Fortis Exshaw: “Oh, what a splendid day!  Banff woke up hungry, having only eaten a small part of a fish the previous day.  So, she did not take any long flights away from the nest in the morning, instead opting for a few quick out and back flights.  Banff did not want to take a chance on missing breakfast!  But, starting at 1021, it seemed as though Banff was on to something.  She was calling, she resumed taking several short flights from the nest, and she always flew off in the same direction.  At 1027 Louise landed with a large headless fish and Banff flew to the nest right on her tail!  Aha, Banff had known that her Mom was eating a fish, and Banff had been telling Mom to save some for her.  A very hungry Banff ate ravenously.  Throughout the afternoon Banff was quite vocal, calling for more fish, and she also seemed to be warning unseen intruders not to mess with her!  The ‘I’ word (intruder) was conspicuously absent from the chat . . no one wanted to jinx Banff.  At 1407 Louise delivered a medium-sized whole fish to the nest, and Banff grabbed Louise’s left foot with her beak, and would not let go.  So, Louise attempted to fly off, and in the process they were both dragged overboard, lol.  Within seconds, Banff circled around to the nest to claim what she had originally intended . . the fish.  After eating her second fish, and having an intruder-free day (thus far), Banff was feeling pretty good.  She seemed relaxed, bright, and ‘happy’ for a change (and the chatters were too!).  Liberated by an intruder-free day, Banff took several more short flights around her neighborhood.  And, again we learned that she had been keeping an eye on her Mom.  At 16:33 Banff flew to the nest just five seconds ahead of Louise who had a partial fish in her talons, “Thanks a lot, Mommy!”  Banff had a lovely evening, she took a couple more quick flights, and all was right with the world!!!  SOD’s, Banff.”

Osoyoos – “The Osoyoos chick fledged at 0624 on 8/21, at 56 days of age.  Congratulations to Junior, Soo and Olsen!  Junior returned to the nest at 1124, and she was hungry.  It would be a while before her first meal of the day however, so s/he took another short flight at 1344.  At 1439 Soo brought a very large fish to the nest, and Junior feasted!  A juvenile visitor landed on the nest at 1530, and Junior found it quite interesting.  Soo however, was less intrigued, and she gently persuaded the young fledgling to go home, lol.  It was a fine day, indeed.”

Barnegat Light – “Duke and Daisy both delivered fish for Dorsett.  Dorsett seems to always take her meals to her favorite utility pole to dine.”

Severna Park – “Oscar delivered a nice fish to the only fledgling that has been coming to the nest for several days.”

Gosh, those are good reports, ‘H’. Thank you so much!!!! It is nice to see these fledglings doing so well and no bad news.

Lou and Annie are bonding in the scrape. They are staying close to their home, The Campanile, on the grounds of U-California-Berkeley. It has been lovely to see them along with Monty and Hartley when they are not raising chicks.

Diamond and Xavier are also bonding at Orange and they fell asleep during an extremely long bonding session!

Karl II continues to bring fish and frogs for his three fledgling Black Storklets. What a devoted Dad. When he begins his migration, Karl II will eventually arrive at his destination near Chad where Kaia spends the winter.

Did you know there is a stork rehabilitation centre in Lublin in northeastern Poland? Look at the beautifully woven baskets for these sweet babies on top of the barn roof. Oh, these precious ones are treasured by so many people in Europe.

In many ancient traditions, when someone died their soul would go into a bird – most often a stork. The soul of the dead would travel for 40 days before it reached the underworld or paradise inside the stork. The birds would return in the spring when life was reborn. In other traditions, any home that had a stork nest on top of the house would have harmony and peace. Every type of calamity would beset someone who would deliberately harm the storms in any way.

“The stork rehabilitation center is run by the “Chance for Stork” Association in Kozubszczyzna near Lublin. Storks injured in various types of accidents find help here. They are treated, rehabilitated and released here. However, some storks, due to their injuries, are not able to get up in the air, so they stay in the Asylum until the end of their days. There are 14 such individuals here.”

Kate was at the nest of her parents, White-tailed Eagles Milda and Voldis, in Durbe County. Isn’t she beautiful? The couple fledged two this year – so over the moon happy for Milda!

There is good news about the Kakapo that were reintroduced on the mainland of New Zealand after being made extinct there. Before we arrived, Kakapo, these adorable green flightless parrots, were abundant across New Zealand. There are now only 248 birds living on four tiny NZ islands. The cause of their demise was hunting, predation, and loss of habitat. Today there are 248 Kakapo. The reintroduction project is the first to try and bring them back to the mainland. It took place in 2023. They are critically endangered.

At Port Lincoln, everyone has been watching the nest and wondering what is going. n. ‘A’ often comments to me that the mating has been sporadic and often not successful. Odd for an experienced male such as Dad. So is there a problem? or has the male been misidentified and this is a new one this year? PLO says it won’t be for lack of trying that there are no eggs! PLO has a fantastic obs board and chat under the streaming cam. ‘H’ sent me the following note from the chat last evening. Question: Has anyone seriously compared the head plumage of this male with the Dad from previous years? I have to admit that we were quite worried about him last year when he had what appeared to be seizures.

Checking on the Sydney Sea Eagles, ‘A’ reports: “Dad brought in a small whole fish (bream perhaps) at 15:46:09. Both eaglets sat up, but it was little SE32 who headed up to the table first. Dad had a couple of bites and then offered one to SE32, who took it. Instead of offering him another, Dad had the next bite himself, and before he could finish it and give a second bite to SE32, SE31 beaks her little brother in the back of the head and twists and pulls at the beakful of fluff. She puts him down but he is still between her and the fish so she repeats the dose. She then proceeds to eat the entire fish, with SE32 remaining in submission throughout (and for a while after Dad left). At one point, SE31 circled around SE32 and went right up to Dad, leaving separation between herself and SE32, but that didn’t help his confidence at all. He remained submissive and motionless. He is hungry, hence his dash for the table, which was a brave move from him and not one we would have seen two days ago. Yesterday was such a good day for the little one that he did actually gain some confidence from it but all it takes is one of SE31’s attacks (as opposed to the single beak to the back of the head, which he usually quickly brushes off) to restore his victim mentality. It is most discouraging. For his self-feeding abilities to help him, there need to be some leftovers on this nest. Apparently, there were some overnight but of course SE32 was not at all hungry and was not ferreting around on the nest looking for food overnight. Mum and Dad found all the nestovers on the WBSE nest while the IR lights were still on this morning and SE31 got them all. But SE32 did get the breakfish – nearly all of it – and has had a good crop all day. Hoping another fish (this time, a big one) comes onto the nest before nightfall.”

Sightings of M15 at the nest site are being reported in Fort Myers!

Thank you for being with me today. Please take care of yourself. Look up and listen for the birds!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to compose my blog this morning: “A, H, R’, FOBBV, IWS/Explore, PSEG, MN Landscape Arboretum, Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, Poole Harbour Ospreys, LRWT, SK Hideaways and Cal Falcons, Eagle Club of Estonia, LizM, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Severna Park, Sydney Sea Eagles, PLO, Sydney Sea Eagles, SK Hideaways and Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, and the Kakapo Recovery.

SE 32 eats and eats…Monday in Bird World

21 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

Calico’s new world is waiting for her and any kitten/s that have survived. She has been so good to let me fiddle around with ‘training’ collars. Her GPS tracker arrived on Sunday and we spent considerable time together trying to get the kitten size to fit. Nope. Too big. She is the tiniest thing. So now I have a much smaller kitten collar for her. The debate is whether or not to fit her late this evening or wait til in the morning. I am thinking in the morning is better for me…wider awake to go digging around in hiding spots for the little one. We are almost there.

The Canadian Government is evacuating people from Yellowknife NWT. Fires are burning around BC, and I have friends now that I cannot get in touch with. I hope they are safe. The rain is pounding down in Big Bear Valley as an unprecedented hurricane hits the western coast of the US. In Bird World, our focus remains on three nests: Fortis Exshaw, Patchogue, and Sydney Sea Eagles – and our thoughts with all of the birds and wildlife being impacted by Hurricane Hillary.

We know that our feathered friends – M15 and Harriet – survived Hurricane Ian as did many of those on Captiva. Still, our thoughts are with those in the line of the storm including, as I was reminded, all those hummingbirds.

Heavy rain was hitting the Big Bear Valley when I last checked. At the time the wind seemed to have calmed.

We always start with Mini at Patchogue. Mini had two nice fish by the time 1630 rolled around on the clock. She managed to eat all of the first one in good time and worked hard on the second, flying away with the tail in her beak. Her fans cheered her on nothing how her eating is so improved now that she is holding down the fish with that right talon! Just see below our wonderful girl. She is a survivor!

Mini was back on the nest cleaning her beak with ‘someone’ on the perch.

Mini did a lot of talking to the bird on the perch. Mini loves her piece of cardboard that the Crows pulled out of the nest Sunday morning. She was using it as a pillow one time. Some of you might recall that a flip-flop or a sandal arrived on the nest, and she slept on it too. So precious.

Mini was also seen on camera scratching her head with her left foot.

I have just checked and Mini is eating a fish. Dad is taking good care of his girl. She is adapting to a situation that was beyond her control. An old falconer told me decades ago that the raptors live in the moment. At this moment, Mini is doing the best she can without help for her leg.

I know that there are individuals upset that Mini is not getting help. The rehabbers can’t help her unless she is down on the ground or low enough for them to get her without injuring her further.

This was the situation early Monday morning at Sydney Sea Eagles. WBSE 32 finally got some much-needed nourishment. ‘A’ reports: “SE32 has had a small fish for breakfast, without any interference from an already stuffed SE31 (who had just eaten someone else’s baby chick – perhaps half her age). The good news about this (as well as the eating, obviously) is that once he had eaten a couple of bites, SE32 began to eat with confidence and by the end he was eating greedily and without hesitation. That is excellent, though it will take more than one bonk-free feeding I fear to rebuild his carefree little spirit. The second and possibly more important thing was that SE31 was not interested in preventing SE32 from eating. On a couple of occasions, she got up, but only to change position and flop back down, duckling style, to rest her giant crop!”  Later, ‘A’ writes: “SO good that the little one got to eat as much as he needed without paying for it by being bonked and beaten. That is just wonderful, and it’s happened twice today. He is still fearful and cringing, from mum as well as from SE31, though his confidence builds as he eats more and doesn’t get bonked. But even during that eat-a-thon, he was nervy between bites. But he has eaten and he has eaten very, very well. Lady did a great job of managing that fish so that SE32 ate more than half of it. She has been working hard at dealing with this situation over the past couple of days. It may not look like it at times, but she really has been thinking about him and how to get enough food to him. That feed was a particularly good example of it, but what happened late yesterday was also something I’ve rarely seen – all those deliveries in such a short time and in an obvious effort to feed SE32. That gives me heart.”

Fortis Exshaw: ‘H’ has been my helper all season and we have both taken to the antacids on more than one occasion. She has lived with Fortis Exshaw and its tragedies. She writes a very moving report on Banff and Louis this morning: “

It can be very frustrating watching raptor nests.  Quite often, things simply do not follow our desired script.  On 8/19 Louise had treated Banff to a ‘whale’ fish that she worked on for most of the day, and later Mom brought Banff a smaller fish.  But by late afternoon, with parts of two fish still in the nest, the intruder had driven Banff from her nest, and she spent the night roosting elsewhere.  On 8/20 Banff flew to the nest at 0621, and we were very glad to see her.  She immediately picked up one of the leftover fish.  But, it was almost as if the intruder had been lying in wait.  Less than a minute after her arrival to the nest, the intruder began dive-bombing her, and at 0622 Banff was dragged off the nest (for the third time).  We were able to see that Banff had been released from the intruder’s grip.  Banff had a piece of fish in her talon as she went over the side.  Poor Banff simply cannot get a break.  We waited, and we worried.  At 0918 Banff flew back to the nest.  We do not know if Banff had been able to hold on to the fish she had in her grasp when she was dragged off the nest.  When she returned to the nest, her crop was rather flat, but three hours had passed.  Over the next few hours, Banff did not retrieve the other piece of fish from the nest, so it must have been dragged overboard during the earlier melee.  Poor Banff was almost constantly fish-calling to her Mom.  At 1323 Banff was twice buzzed by the intruder, and as the intruder approached for the third time, Banff flew off the nest and was then chased by the intruder.  At 1424 Louise landed with a whole medium-sized fish.  She waited for Banff to show, but Louise was hungry too, so she began to eat.  Banff finally flew to the nest at 1444 and grabbed the partial fish from her Mom.  Louise immediately flew off and we were sure that she would bring in another fish.  For most of the rest of the day Banff was alternately calling her Mom for more fish, or she was alerting when she would see a perceived ‘unfriendly’ bird in the sky.  No more fish came for Banff today.  Eventually Banff laid down in the nest and resigned herself to going to sleep hungry.  Banff is learning many lessons that will prepare her for her challenging life ahead.  Banff is a survivor.  NOTE: We don’t know what role the ‘stepdad’ O’Hara has at this point (if any).  O’Hara was instrumental in helping Louise flush out the intruder on 8/14, after the intruder dragged Banff off the nest for the first time.  O’Hara was last seen on camera on 8/17 when he stood on the nest for a while.  He has not delivered a fish to the nest for at least ten days.  While the intruder problem continues, we do not know how many intruders there are, and O’Hara may still be playing a role in keeping most of the intruders at bay.  Louise is likely dealing with intruders in the area as well, and we feel certain that she is doing the best she can for her only surviving ‘child’.  Banff fledged on 8/13, and Louise would normally be tapering off her ‘Mom’ duties to prepare herself for her long migration.  But, without a male to take over the support of Banff until she disperses, there has been a role-reversal for Louise.  While O’Hara was instrumental in ensuring the success of the family early on (and we will be forever grateful to him for that), Louise has essentially had to be both Mom and Dad ever since Jasper disappeared on 7/7.  We are observing a unique situation.  Will Louise continue to support Banff until Banff is ready to leave?  Will hunger encourage Banff to learn how to fish sooner rather than later?  Would the intruders even allow Banff to keep her hard-fought prey once in her talons?  We are filled with such love and empathy for this young osprey.”

‘H’ also checked on two other nests for us today.

Kent Island – We have not seen Molly fly to the nest carrying a fish, but we have seen her diving from the nest, possibly fishing.  Meanwhile she continues to be well fed by Mom and Dad. 


Osoyoos – There were only two small whole fish brought to the nest (that I saw), and both were delivered by Mom.  ‘Junior’ continued to practice wingercising, and at 56 days of age s/he is definitely on fledge watch.

Reports of a fledge at Osoyoos. Need confirmation from ‘H’.

Thank you ‘H’ as always.

Waiting for eggs at Port Lincoln and at Orange.

At Sandpoint, by 1626, there had been six fish delivered. I am not even certain that Coco is hungry!

At Minnesota, Mum is happily feeding her fledgling. It was a great fledge but coming back to an empty nest, Mum looked a little shocked by it all. Everything is fine.

Mum sure likes to feed on this same corner. 1245 and later, after 1700.

Hello Iris! You are gorgeous. No wonder you are getting so much attention. Wonder if it will be Bachelor Number 1, 2, or 3? I guess we will have to wait til spring to find out.

Two beautiful fledglings at Collins Marsh continue to return to the nest for fish. This has been a good season for this nest and what appears to be two new parents.

Boulder: Everything is just fine. Fledglings continue to come to the nest for fish like at most of the others. They all appear to be present in the last shot. Life is good in Colorado.

The eagles continue to be at Superbeaks!

Waiting for Gabby…

It’s a crazy busy morning. Calico has her tracker on – just – and the collar is still too big. As Geemeff says, ‘Kittens having kittens’. The tracker is stationary. I hope it has not fallen off. Wish us luck. I understand that there has also been a feeding at the Royal Cam Albatross colony of the little Manaaki. Yeah! Looks like both parents have been in recently. More news tomorrow.

I want to thank ‘H and A’ for their continuing reports and Geemeff along with all of the streaming cams and individuals who posted information that helped me write my blog today: Fortis Exshaw, Kent Island, Osoyoos, PSEG, Boulder County, Sydney Sea Eagles, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, IWS/Explore, AEF-NEFL, Collins Marsh, Superbeaks, Montana Osprey Project, MN Landscape Arboretum, and Sandpoint.

Mini and More…Sunday in Bird World

20 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

My goodness. At 2000 the garden just lit up with visitors -two Ruby-throated Hummingbirds came to feed on the Vermillion plants. They are on their migration, coming down from northern Manitoba, feeding in Winnipeg, and continuing southward. Then the Cooper’s Hawk that was on the Conservatory roof a couple of days ago flew in and landed in the lilacs, being ever so quiet -hoping to get a snack before light’s out. The Blue Jays and Sparrows are quiet ten minutes later, as are Dyson and Gang, who were scurrying around when the hawk arrived. I was watching to see if Calico would return for a snack.

Heavily cropped and poor lighting.

11:36:58 Saturday. Minnesota Arboretum chick takes to the skies. Mum is still waiting – late Saturday afternoon – for her baby’s return. Get a fish Dad!

The osplet returned to his waiting Mum at 18:11! Well done. Congratulations!

The youngest osplet at Charlo Montana C15 also fledged on Saturday and it flew when the Highlights were on.C15 has returned to the nest.

‘A’ alerted me to an incident Saturday morning with Mini. Mini had flown to the perch from the brewery side of the road and was chased by one of her siblings, who forced her off the perch and onto the nest—very aggressive behaviour by 3 who spent the night on the north perch chattering. Mini will later get a fish and eat it without incident- 0658.

Mini went on to enjoy her morning fish. She ate every bite.

1417:

By 1600 that left leg is causing Mini considerable discomfort.

1711: Dad brings Mini a nice live whole goldfish! Thanks for the notification ‘L’. Hang on, Mini! Dad has a really nice crop…good for you, Dad. You have been so incredible this season feeding a family of six!!!!!!!!!

Look at our girl hold that fish down with that right talon. Way to go, Mini!

At 1735, twenty-four minutes later, our gal is ready to hork that fish tail. Down it goes at 1736.

Holding the fish down tight with the right foot has allowed Mini to eat much faster and she did not lose the fish over the nest. So proud of you, Mini.

Mini finished that up and flew off only to return to the nest a few minutes later. We can see her nice crop. She wants another goldfish – fish calling to Dad!

Good night, Mini!

After Three had left the nest, Dad delivered a big fish to Mini. S he was jumping all over the nest in excitement as he arrived. She ate every bit flying off with the tail. Mini is doing so much better with her feeding now that she is holding the fish down with that right talon.

Clean up crew arrives.

Wow. There were so many fish deliveries on the Sandpoint Osprey nest and my goodness, the Mum fed the osplet rather well in comparison to other days. No one was hungry. At 1533, the 7th fish arrived on the nest. Unbelievable.

Coco has a big wingspan and is flexing those wings getting them strong. There was a good ‘ps’ around 11:11 as well.

Looking good at the Dunrovin nest with fledglings continuing to return and screaming for fish from Swoop and Harriet. What a beautiful day they had in the mountains.

‘H’ has some good reports for us! As always, thank you for keeping such a good eye on these nests.

Fortis Exshaw – “After missing the only fish delivery to the nest from Louise on 8/18, a very hungry Banff wisely decided to forgo an early morning flight.  She was waiting on the nest when Louise delivered a ‘whale’ fish at 1001.  That fish was equal to 2.5 to 3 fish.  Oh my goodness, the temperament of teenage ospreys . . after taking possession of the fish, Banff lunged and flapped at her mom to get her off of ‘Banff’s nest’!  Lol, Louise understands . . this is not her first rodeo with teenagers.  Banff feasted on the huge fish on-and-off for several hours, and never let go of it.  There was at least 1/4 of the fish remaining when Louise delivered another fish at 1509.  A very excited Banff celebrated with a couple of high hovers while holding the fish!  Banff ate some of the new fish, but she was not very hungry.  Then at 1728 an intruder decided to harass Banff.  Banff was buzzed with close fly-bys four times, then Banff quickly flew off the nest to avoid potential harm.  Good girl.  She left a partial fish and a nearly-whole fish on the nest.  Banff did not return to the nest for the rest of the day, and the intruder did not take the fish.  Banff will have breakfast already waiting for her in the morning.  Stay safe Banff, wherever you are.”

[News has come in that Banff was taken off the nest and dropped at the side by the intruding Osprey at 0622 this morning. Thanks PB].

Osoyoos – “Olsen brought two fish to the nest,  The first fish at 0837 was a huge headless fish that lasted nearly two hours.  And the second fish at 1400 was also a good-sized fish.  At 54 days of age, ‘Junior’ was doing some high hovers, and at 1833, s/he was completely out of view of the cam for a few seconds.  Keep an eye out . . Junior just might fledge today!”

Forsythe – After having not been seen for 20 straight days, mom Opal made a surprise appearance on the nest at 0909.  And guess what? . . Oscar brought her a fish!  How cool is that?  Oscar to his gal: “See ya’ next year, honey. Stay safe.”  It was wonderful to see Opal again before she starts on her long journey.

Barnegat Light – “Here’s a photo of the multi-talented fledgling, Dorsett, as “captain of the ship.”  And, after she was not seen on camera for two days, Daisy was on the nest in the morning.  Later in the afternoon, Daisy delivered a fish to Dorsett on the nest.  Nice to see you, Daisy.”

Severna Park – “There has only been one fledgling seen on the nest for the past five days.  We cherish every chance that we get to see her and her dad, Oscar.”

Thank you again, ‘H’. It is that time of year when, as you said, it is always a pleasure to get a glimpse of the youngsters and their parents.

It looks like Diamond was hungry when, after turning down the European Starling, she finally accepted it!

It was not typical behaviour for Louis to be away from the nest and not delivering fish to his youngster/s. Ludo was certainly getting anxious. The weather was terrible and the water choppy. What relief when lewis shows up after a two day absence…

The weather has been terrible in Wales, evens Aran is out there fishing!

Louis has been delivering to Ludo today. I wonder if the water is as choppy at Loch Arkaig as it has been. Fish 2.

We are still waiting – and so is Dad – for the first egg at Port Lincoln. The good news is that Ervie is back in Port Lincoln!

As of 2330 Saturday in Canada, this is the situation at the Sydney Sea Eagles as reported by ‘A’: “

Breakfast was very late this morning – around 11.25 – and the fish took 15 minutes for Lady to feed to SE31. There were no bites for SE32, not even a little one, though to make up for it, he got beaked and lifted off the ground by its back and its neck several times. SE31’s viciousness is increasing. Today, when both were hungry, SE31 was a little stinker, really hurting little SE32 when she lifted him up by the loose skin between his shoulder blades. SE31 had literally mouthfuls of feathers to spit out on several occasions. Little SE32 crept forward and around and did everything possible to get near mum but to no avail. SE31 beaked him wherever he tried to go. Just as Lady left the nest, all food gone, SE32 makes it up to the empty table. Poor little mite looks so sad. We need a large lunch fish fairly quickly, as that was not a large fish and we need SE31 to be too full to eat before SE32 is going to get anything at all. He had a bad day yesterday food-wise and we really need him to eat this afternoon.”

Later news: “So there were three small whole fish brought in between 11:25 and 13:06 and SE32 got one small piece. This situation is worsening, and although SE32 is getting up to the table, he is too scared to raise his head once he gets there. He rushes up to the table to try and find leftovers he can self-feed but there have been no leftovers for him to find over the past 24 hours, so this is not helping him right now. SE31 keeps a close eye on him, so if he found food to self-feed, SE31 would probably be up there joining in without moments! And he makes sure SE32 stays in submission during feedings by simply leaning over him (and sometimes grabbing a beakful of feathers and shaking him violently, even picking him up off the ground, his little feet flailing to gain traction).” Thanks, ‘A’. I h ope the situation changes quickly

Let us all hope that little 32 gets some courage and a lot of fish!

At Taiaroa Head – home of the Royal Albatross Colony, Manaaki gets wonderful feedings two days in a row!

One of my heroes that fights for wildlife and whose early love of Kestrels keeps him going in the face of death threats is Chris Packham. There is a really good article in The Guardian today about this man who is one of the founders of Wild Justice.

Chris-Packham-‘I-would-lose-my-voice-immediately-if-I-went-to-prison-for-protesting-Wildlife-TDownload

Thank you to everyone for being with me today. As the wild fires grow in Canada, please keep all of our feathered friends (and the humans and other wildlife) in your thoughts. Take care! See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, H, L’, Mn Landscape Arboretum, Charlo Montana, PSEG, Sandpoint, Dunrovin, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Severna Park, Forsythe Ospreys, Cilla Kinross, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, E Lewis and Glaslyn Osprey Group, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Lady Hawk and the NZ DOC, and The Guardian.