Category Archives: Cornell

Monday in Bird World

14 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It was a bit nippy on Sunday, but spring is definitely here. It was time to shake off the winter and get back to walking 4 or 5 times a week. Our first trip was around St Vital Park and then over to the duck pond. There were approximately 85 Canada Geese there along with 5 male Wood Ducks and 2 females, and a couple pair of Mallards along with 3 Ring-billed Gulls. There is still some ice on the pond. It was nice to see families with proper seed feeding them as we wait for the grass to turn green and grow.

You have no idea how happy I am that the walkways are free of ice. This winter has been long because of this. I so enjoyed all the walking that we have done in previous years. Oh, this is wonderful!

Moving on to our feathered friends…

Eggs are starting to land in those osprey nests! Eaglets are growing or fledging or halfway there.

Birds of Poole Harbour: CJ7 laid the season’s first egg for her and mate, Blue 022, on Sunday.

Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home: There are now three eggs in this osprey nest.

Glaslyn: Ospreys can count and they ‘know’. Aran arrived on Saturday and Elen laid her first egg on Sunday the 13th. It would have been KC1’s, Teifi’s. Aran tried to evict it and then when that did not work, he buried it. Aran might have trouble holding on to the nest he shared with Mrs G and then Elen when Mrs G did not return from migration. We wait to see how this works out.

So why did Aran (and other males at different nests at different times) try to eject and then bury the egg?

Male ospreys eject eggs from their nest if they suspect they didn’t fertilise the eggs. We quickly learn that ospreys can count! This behaviour is a strategy to ensure their offspring survive, as they may eject eggs from the nest that they don’t believe to be their own. Ospreys are generally monogamous and mate for life, but if a male suspects infidelity, he may eject eggs to remove potential competitors. 

  • Ensuring their own genetic line: Male ospreys are motivated to ensure their offspring survive. They may eject eggs if they believe they are not their own, as they are essentially removing potential competitors. 
  • Guardianship of the nest: Ospreys fiercely protect their nests and mates. If another male is suspected of mating with the female, the male may eject eggs to ensure his own paternity. 
  • Courtship and Mating: Male ospreys engage in frequent courtship displays and mating behaviours, which can increase the likelihood of fertilisation by their partner. If they witness a female with another male, they may attempt to eject the eggs to ensure their genetic line is the only one present. 
  • Territoriality:Male ospreys are territorial and will defend their nest and mate from other males. This can extend to ejecting eggs if they suspect other males have been involved in mating with the female. 

In summary, the ejection of eggs is a behaviour driven by the male osprey’s instinct to protect his mate and ensure his genetic line continues. It’s a natural defence mechanism against potential rivals and a strategy to maintain the success of his breeding effort. 

Film showing a bathing osprey. It is delightful. https://youtu.be/rev2Y0sbFhk?

Oh, what a worry KNF-E3 O3 was to everyone. Steve looked. Cody helped. And on Sunday that fledgling flew up to the nest like a pro wanting fish. Mum and Dad did not disappoint. Isn’t this wonderful? We will count every one of these moments as gold.

Little Miami Conservancy: These two are doing well but cannot yet thermoregulate their temperature.

Foulshaw Moss: White YW and Blue 35 have their second egg on Sunday. at 1308.

Fort St. Vrain: Less drama today at the nest. Both eaglets fine.

Fat little bottom. Cute.

NCTC: The trio of Scott and Bella are doing extraordinarily well. Little angels.

Port Tobacco: All is well.

Johnson City ETSU: I blinked and that little fluffy chick now has juvenile feathers!

Bluff City ETSU: And just look at these two!

Duke Farms: Then there is this trio. All doing well.

US Steel: Only Bob is doing well. Getting his pin feathers.

Sauces: Betty Lou. Look at those feathers coming in!

Fraser Point: Two adorable babies being well cared for by Andor and Cruz.

Big Bear Valley: Is it possible they will be too full to fly? We would love to keep them on the nest.

Geemeff’s Daily Summary for Loch Arkaig. Just look at the number of fish that Louis has brought in. Now he started out, as Geemeff reminded me, like this last year. But bad weather and an illness and/or injury turned the tide on the nest and the two osplets were translocated. One survived. One did not.

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 13th April 2025

Another calm day without intruders, Affric 152 or Prince dropping in. And sadly, no unattached female visitors for Garry LV0 despite his bringing a fish and making Nest One very cosy with sticks and bedding. Garry’s fish tally rises by a whopping 50% up to a total of three since he arrived on 9th April, fingers crossed that this will be the season he finds a mate. Louis on the other hand is providing so well for Dorcha that she initially refused the second of his two fish deliveries today, and his tally now stands at twentynine since they returned on 2nd April. At the time of filing this report (23.45) Nest Two is empty – will Dorcha return and spend the night as she did last night, will she lay the first egg tomorrow? We must wait and see. The weather forecast is light rain and light winds overnight and into tomorrow, not the best weather for eggs but Dorcha will cope.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.31.19 (05.28.03); Nest Two 21.29.45 (05.32.34)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/cJRzg3GKcZw  N1 Garry LV0 brings a fish but takes it away seconds later 07.58.17

https://youtu.be/tJxdXWMuArw N2 Louis brings a late breakfast 09.02.07

https://youtu.be/2sWdD3SyZQI N1 Garry LV0 stays a little longer on his second visit 08.56.47

https://youtu.be/8_TK0aK9cus N1 Garry pole-vaults in for a third visit 09.33.50

https://youtu.be/Y2Zr8mmDBxA N2 Dorcha doesn’t want the second fish 20.19.17 

Bonus guide to Osprey egg production:

https://kielderospreys.wpcomstaging.com/2013/05/04/copulation-and-laying-eggs-a-bit-of-a-biology-lessonBlast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/S79vEf6sTV0  N2 Louis chases an intruder 2020 (Slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/aw9gnUSlGO0  N1 Late night drama as Louis chases another intruder 2020
https://youtu.be/6yGNxv2KqNQ  N2 Misty morning mating 2022 (x-rated!!)
https://youtu.be/P60wseTCepU  N1 Louis brings a fish to his old nest 2022
https://youtu.be/NmUONfZzPeI  N2 Louis loses a stick and nearly gets lucky 2023
https://youtu.be/9dNWnjbzqEY  N2 Dorcha sees off a Hoodie 2023https://youtu.be/NHDU63bbEag  N1 Garry LV0 brings another fish 2024 (zoom)
https://youtu.be/G1l5YJriSt8   N1 Garry LV0 startles a little songbird 2024 (slo-mo zoom)
https://youtu.be/9MU4DHe21Ak  N2 No egg tonight: both depart 2024

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

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

Loch of the Lowes: News from The Woodland Trust:· 

“Over the last 5 days, things appeared to have settled into a fairly relaxed routine for LM24 (The Dark Intruder) and his new mate the Unringed Female. The pair have been spending more time on and around the nest, often appearing at first light, indicating they are likely to be roosting nearby. Mating has been regular, though the male is still sometimes getting himself back to front, but he has also busied himself with bringing material into the nest, skydancing and bringing in fish to his mate – everything you would expect a breeding male to do.

Throughout the week there had been little in the way of intruders, with only a fleeting incursion on the 9th April, which the Unringed Female easily defended against. Not content with LM24’s offerings, she brought in a huge trout yesterday, which unusually she caught on the Loch where it is usually more common to see pike and perch.

This morning it was only LM24 who appeared on the nest at dawn, and it remained quiet for much of the day, with no sign of the Unringed Female. Ospreys can be a little bit like buses, with not much happening and then everything happening all at once! True to form it all kicked off mid-afternoon with the arrival of yet another new intruding bird (another unringed female) who was very ‘hangry’!

This female wasted no time in demanding food from LM24, who although initially reluctant, passed his half eaten pike to her, before trying to attempt to mate. The female, with very striking markings (a large triangle on the back of her head, dark chest and a white gap between her eyes) was not keen to reciprocate, but quickly began rearranging the furniture. This female behaved in a way that was very confident and suggested that she may be a little older and more experienced than both LM24 and his Unringed Female partner.

The ‘hangry’ female (who devoured her fish) very vocally began demanding more food from the male, who was keeping a close and perhaps rather confused eye on the things from the top of the camera. After several more failed mating attempts, he finally managed to encourage the female to lift her tail and mate successfully, before……enter stage left; LM24’s mate, the Unringed Female landed on the nest, flapping her wings and mantling, clearly unhappy with proceedings!! She was closely followed by LM24, who briefly touched down before being chased off by the ‘hangry’ intruder!

All three osprey then took to the skies in a spectacular display of flying, diving and shouting, before the Unringed Female returned to the nest. Her respite was short lived however, with the other female returning to launch another furious attack! Once again the birds took off in a flurry of talons and wings, before order finally seemed to be restored 5 minutes later with both LM24 and his mate the Unringed Female settling back onto the nest together.

Things appear to have settled down and order for now seems to have been restored, but for how long?

Follow the webcam for all the action, or come and visit the centre, open 10:30am – 5pm each day”

https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/…/loch-of-the…

Hellgate Canyon: Gorgeous Iris. Still waiting for Finnegan. He was there on the 14th last year. Fingers crossed he arrives today!!!!!!! Oh, tears will flow around the world. Please let this miracle happen again…

Salem Electric: Lots of work to do on this nest. I sure wish that humans in the US would follow some of the UK’s practices where the nest is refurbished each year while the ospreys are on migration!

Clark PUD: Both ospreys are on the nest. Lovely.

Port of Ridgefield: Both home.

Seaside: Bruce has been supplying Naha with some really nice fish since their return. Sunday was no exception with a Redtail Surf Perch and two trout.

Niagara Bee Ospreys: No eggs but a Canada Goose is visiting the nest.

Farmer Derek’s Owl Nest: Bonnie and Clive have one owlet this year, Starr. She is a beauty.

Russell Lake, Nova Scotia: Oscar arrived so early. It seems that he was so happy to have Ethel return that he has been out looking for any kind of gift to brighten her day! OK, Oscar. You can stop now. Those eggs and chicks don’t want to get mixed up with human litter!

Coeur de’Alene, Idaho: No ospreys in sight. Canada Goose nesting on the north platform.

In 2024, with four osplets on the nest and everyone hoping for them, the male disappeared during a heat dome. Mum tried but it is difficult to raise four even if both parents are fishing. Three of the chicks died of siblicide/starvation. One fledged.

Update from Fort St Vrain:

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post: ‘Geemeff’, Birds of Poole Harbour, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home, RAKPhotographic, Kistachie National Forest, Little Miami Conservancy, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Fort St Vrain, NCTC, Port Tobacco, Johnson City ETSU, Bluff City ETSU, Pix Cams, Duke Farms, IWS/Explore, FOBBV, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, The Scottish Wildlife Trust, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Salem Electric, Clark PUD, Port of Ridgefield, Seaside Ospreys, Niagara Bee Ospreys, Farmer Derek, Ospreys of Nova Scotia, City of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, The Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Loch of the Lowes Visitor’s Centre, Fort St Vrain/Excel Energy

Sunday in Bird World

13 April 2025

Hello Everyone,

Before we start with our feathered family, ‘The Girls’ think it is high time that they get to say hi to you, too. Hugo Yugo is doing well. We hoped she wouldn’t grow, but she has. She is still the smallest and she can hold her own with all of the others. She is due for more dental surgery in less than two months. She is sweet, energetic, and will always be the first to get into trouble.

The next one to get into mischief will be Missey and it is almost always because of a plant. When she was little (with Lewis), they would want to sleep in the freshly watered soil of the house plants. It was quite odd. Here she is checking out the water in the dish. Is she missing nutrients?

Hope is almost as big as Mamma Calico. I am always amazed. They are inseparable. I have to place their food dishes right next to one another. If I don’t, Hope will not eat. She always waits til Calico is finished and then eats what is left. They nap together, and at night, they wrap themselves around one another. Hope will be two years old on July 1.

They are the joys of my life – a lot of work, but worth every minute of it!

Now, let’s check on what is happening in Bird World.

I want to begin with something uplifting – miracles. Don’t forget them! Bodie! Betty Lou. https://youtu.be/NkRWApbNAVE

What a week! I know that your hearts have been broken just like mine. If your love could sustain them, every baby and adult on every nest would thrive. You have so much empathy for each – and from your notes and comments, I know that these bird families are so close to your hearts – they are family. If your ideas and willingness to help would save them, there would be no danger. I am so proud of each of you. To everyone who has taken photographs of the Achieva Credit Union Osprey nest, made phone calls, and contacted the local Audubon society, thank you. Being local is a big help. Clearwater Audubon installed the platform. It has withstood significant hurricanes better than many. Something has happened in the last couple of years to cause the loss of the chicks and the eggs. A very knowledgable individual needs to examine that nest from the top to the bottom, the environment around the nest, etc to try and determine what is causing this issue. No owl was seen in the footage or other large mammal like a raccoon getting up to the nest. The culprit was either too small to see, went under the nest (scaled the wooden pole and came up through one of the holes), or it is the holes themselves. The platforms MUST have drainage. Heavy rains would kill the babies just like those that killed the white storklets in Europe last year. The drain holes need non-rusting mesh applied to keep anything like an osplet or an egg from falling through them. There is lots to do and it is just the dedicated individuals working locally that might make this happen. You must get people to care and realise there is a problem. Two years in a row – . Sad.

As I write this, the second eaglet at Fort St Vrain has fallen off the rails – it could not have survived a fall from that height. We have lost the 4th and 1st hatches. The other two surviving eaglets are up under the rails. At 1709 nest time, the eaglets were still moving and appeared in food comas after being fed. Yes, the parents feed them, and there is food in the nest. The issue seems to be the heat. It is 28 C or 83 F and hotter in the nest area. Thankfully, it was cloudy today. I hope these two survive.

The eaglet on the top left of the nest is trying to get its talons from the branches. It might succeed.

Individuals below the nest can be heard but are they there to help? Who are these people? Might the adults not return? We wait. ‘PB’ has confirmed that temperatures will drop to 44 F. These two cannot thermoregulate as they are not old enough. It would be essential they both be under Mum to survive.

In terms of the temperature on the nest today, according to the local weather station, this is the hottest it has been in the area since they have been keeping records. That is 153 years! Please send them your best wishes. Temperatures are set to drop with rain on Sunday. These guys will need protection!

Mum is incredible. She fed the one eaglet and the other came out and now both are free. Tears and more tears of joy and relief.

‘PB’ sent me a note – both eaglets tucked under Mum safely!!!!!!!! What a relief for this family.

Wondering about the role of heat and how it is impacting these eaglets – as well as other species caught in these heat domes:

Extreme heat poses a significant threat to baby bald eagles (eaglets) as they lack the ability to thermoregulate effectively, particularly in the early stages of their development. Eaglets rely on their parents for warmth and protection from the sun, rain, and snow. When parents are forced to leave the nest for extended periods due to the heat, eaglets can be vulnerable to hypothermia or heat stress. 

Here’s a more detailed look at how heat impacts eaglets:

1. Thermoregulation:

  • Eaglets cannot regulate their body temperature effectively until they develop down feathers, typically around 10-14 days of age. 
  • Before this stage, they are entirely dependent on their parents to keep them warm and protect them from overheating. 
  • Adult eagles can thermoregulate by panting and heat loss through their legs and feet, but eaglets lack these mechanisms. 

2. Parental Dependence:

  • Parents play a crucial role in keeping eaglets safe from extreme temperatures. 
  • They sit on the nestlings to provide warmth and insulation during cold weather and shade during hot weather. 
  • When parents are forced to leave the nest for extended periods due to heat stress or other factors, eaglets are left vulnerable. 

3. Vulnerability to Heat Stress and Hypothermia:

  • If eaglets are exposed to direct sunlight for too long, they can overheat.
  • If they are left in the cold without parental protection, they can become chilled.
  • Both heat stress and hypothermia can be fatal for eaglets. 

4. Importance of Nest Protection:

  • Parents also protect their young from rain and snow.
  • They use their bodies to shield the eaglets from the elements, ensuring they stay dry and protected.
  • This protection is especially important during the first few weeks of life when eaglets are still developing their water-resistant feathers. 

5. Environmental Factors:

  • Climate change is causing more frequent and intense heat waves, which can increase the risk of heat stress for eaglets. 
  • Warmer springs can also negatively impact nest success, potentially reducing the number of eaglets that survive. 
  • Changes in precipitation patterns can also affect the availability of food sources and create challenges for eagles raising their young.

Geemeff sends us the daily Loch Arkaig summary for The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 12th April 2025
Another calm day today both weatherwise and at the nests, although the wind did pick up a bit. No intruders disturbed Louis and Dorcha at Nest Two, and no one turned up to visit Garry LV0 on Nest One, perhaps because he didn’t bring any fish. However Louis brought three fish to his nest, two small and one very nice trout, and his tally now stands at twentyseven. The Inver Mallie forecast, which includes the nest area, states light rain and gentle to moderate breezes tonight and tomorrow. Of course, with both nests exposed at the top of very tall trees, moderate breezes can still make the nests sway.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.13.13 (05.18.40); Nest Two 21.07.24 (05.30.05)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/8Dt5eUk016I N2 Fish number one, small half trout 06.37.58 https://youtu.be/k1Udox-wXjA N1 Garry LV0 arrives, does some prep, leaves 10.14.39https://youtu.be/WnBqnbmXPlM N2 Louis snaffles a piece of the small second fish before departing 15.08.41https://youtu.be/Jb_uOUGFJZw N2 Deliverlouis! A very fine trout is delivered 17.46.45Bonus look: PaulineC’s latest watercolour of Louis & Dorcha (thanks Pauline)

Our #LochArkaig ospreys inspire some wonderful art. 🎨 We love this watercolour of Louis and Dorcha by Pauline Conley 👏 #ospreycam #arkaigosprey

— Woodland Trust Scotland (@wtscotsocial.bsky.social) 2025-04-12T15:01:40.358Z

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:https://youtu.be/gHON30DPkRg  N1 Nesting dance: Louis with pompoms 2021 (Classic Ospreys – Grieg)https://youtu.be/VQDncOOrCAA  N2 Lovebirds: early morning mating 2022https://youtu.be/NrNcLnttpdc N1 Splitscreen – is this the same bird? 2022https://youtu.be/x_JJOmUeaF0  N2 Stunning sunset over Nest Two 2022 (time-lapse)https://youtu.be/yyMQbIUN3bI  N2 Skydancing in the dark 2023https://youtu.be/UVrPq6MNPc0  N2 Mating on the high perch 2023https://youtu.be/t2R05W5xHZ8  N1 Affric 152 takes a fish from Garry LV0 2024https://youtu.be/ZjIl05N5jjA  N1 Louis & Garry LV0 chase each other on and off the nest 2024https://youtu.be/cODGsUlHOns  N2  Dorcha dines on the nest 2024

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

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

Kielder Forest Nest 7: First Egg!

Revised times _ Kielder OspreysDownload

Loch Garten: KX6 (Axel) is back on the nest!

Loch of the Lowes: Occupancy is being contested! Geemeff writes: “The complicated fight for Loch of the Lowes’ nest – there are SIX Ospreys in the battle!”

https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/2025/04/loch-of-the-lowes-osprey-update-8-april-2025/

Kisatchie National Forest: At 9:15:16, KNF E3 fludged. He was up on a high branch, perch 4, flapping and, like many others, just slipped and went. There was some chatter about the eaglet hopping about on the ground. Ranger Steve searched for an hour and could not see eaglet so it is either hiding in the spring foliage or flew off. Parents were heard.

Slipping down in the air between the branches.

Border Ospreys are relieved that Samson is home!

WHAT A RELIEFDownload

Iris has her nest ready at Hellgate Canyon. Come on Finnegan!

Llyn Clywedog: Dylan and Seran, Blue 5F, have their season’s first egg!

On video: https://youtu.be/lbcC2XDKFBs?

Dyfi: Idris and Telyn have their second egg on Saturday at 1337! Almost three days to the minute after the first. Amazing.

Trempealeau Eagles Live Stream: Great close-up with clear camera. Beautiful eaglet.

Birds of Poole Harbour: Beautiful CJ7.

The Week in Wildlife includes the reuniting of Dorcha and Louis at Loch Arkaig!

Week in wildlife_ ospreys reunited, a monkey thief and a London fox cub _ Environment _ The GuardianDownload

John Bunker Sands Wetlands: The oldest eaglet that fledged first has returned to the nest on Friday! Bravo! https://youtu.be/G_ls92wSBNU?

Just a note: Charlo Montana is still on Highlights.

Geemeff sends us: “A good news story – sort of, it’s a pity people have to clean up after others, but it’s very good that they do! Monofilament is a killer.

https://www.ktvh.com/news/discarded-fishing-line-is-proving-dangerous-to-birds-at-spring-meadow-lake

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, messages, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, J, PB, SP’, Fort St Vrain Eagle Cam/Excel Energy, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Rosie Shields and Border Ospreys, Kisatchie National Forest Eagle Cam, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, The Guardian, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, Birds of Poole Harbour, Explore.org, scyllabub, SK Hideaways, Kielder Forest

Thursday in Bird World

10 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Oh, I got the most ‘heart felt’ note and link from ‘EJ’ Wednesday morning. They write, “https://pethelpful.com/pet-news/kind-womans-effort-to-help-baby-great-horned-owl-touching-hearts

Dear Mary Ann,
For every nasty human who crushes falcon eggs, there is one who rescues a baby GHO.
At least, that is my hope.
Have a great day. 🐦‍⬛
EJ”

‘EJ’: There are MORE beautiful helping people in the world than nasties. The nasties just get the headlines. This is why we should refuse to watch the YouTube videos that make so much money for people when they are showing ‘death or killing’ images. We should support those that don’t!

My offering today is mostly going to be limited to one main event (unless Aran shows up). HAS FINNEGAN RETURNED TO THE HELLGATE NEST THAT HE SHARES WITH QUEEN IRIS OR DID WE SEE LOUIS VISIT QUICKL?

Montana Hellgate:

Dr Green posted this:

It doesn’t look like totally dark markings on that left leg but if I look closely there is some dark so is the white covering up Louis’s dark line? There was no fish delivery and the behaviour was like Louis flying over from the baseball park where Star can’t see him and then leaving quickly. We cannot see the chest. Finnegan’s chest is pure white. I hope I am not missing something here. I want it to be Finnegan so much. I have not seen Iris with a male working on the nest so it makes me think it is Louis, sadly. And it feels like it is Louis – not a mate that cares!!!!! Get home soon, Finn.

Russell Lake, Nova Scotia: Oscar has been waiting for his Ethel. He has been through snowstorms and he waited. Ethel came home today! Seriously. Tears were flowing in Dartmouth and around the province and outside it – we love Oscar and Ethel.

I want everyone who posts events on FB. Please note that we have the name of the ospreys, the date, the name of the nest, and who took the photo. If EVERY individual putting announcements in FB groups would include this information it would go a long way to creating a detailed historical record of the nest. Thank you, Connie and Don Dennis!

Alyth SS: Flora has returned! She had to oust the visiting unringed female and Harry might have wondered what Flora was thinking. So glad another couple is reunited.

Border Ospreys: Blue 500 has returned on the 9th!

ONE DOWN… – Border OspreysDownload

Dyfi Osprey Project: Idris admires the first egg with his mate, Telyn, laid on the 9th.

Here is the video: https://youtu.be/GafS2YUdhqU?

Llyn Brenig: LJ2 is home.

Now if we really had Finnegan this would be a great opening. If we had Aran at home, it would be off the charts.

Heidi’s Osprey News.

Apologies, yesterday I posted an old photo from Brevard County and attached it to the Dewey Beach nest note.

4/9 – Carthage osprey nest:  Mom laid their second egg at 10:40. Congrats to Mom and Dad.

4/9 – Havre de Grace osprey nest:  Egg #3 was laid in the early morning while the cam was down.  Congrats to this pair.

4/9 – Mispillion Harbor:  Congratulations to Della and Warren!  Della laid her second egg at 13:02.

4/9 – Moraine Preservation osprey nest: Mom laid the first egg on 4/9 at 17:50

Geemeff’s daily summary for The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 9th April 2025

Another exciting day – today saw the return of Garry Blue LV0, effectively the resident male on Nest One, in a repeat of last year when he also returned on 9th April. And as with last year, it didn’t take long before Affric Blue 152 turned up soliciting fish from him, and he duly obliged. However, she has a mate, Prince, and they’ve fledged at least two chicks over at the Bunarkaig nest since they paired up in 2021, so it would be nice if she either pairs up with Garry full time and they raise chicks on Nest One, or she leaves him alone to find his own mate and the new pair become the rightful residents of Nest One. That nest had a fair bit of traffic today as a Buzzard also visited, skipping in quickly in between Garry LV0’s frequent appearances with nesting materials. Nest Two had its own excitement when a ringed Osprey, probably male, intruded on Dorcha. She got rid of him so quickly we didn’t have an opportunity to read the blue Darvic ring, worn on the left leg indicating this is a Scottish bird. Details have been sent to the Roy Dennis Foundation in hopes of making a positive ID. Louis delivered two fish to the nest taking his tally to sixteen, and with the forecast for the nest area of sunny weather with a gentle breeze and a high of 19°C, his fishing prospects look excellent. The day ended with Dorcha returning to the nest at 22.14, still there at the time of posting (midnight) looking like she might spend the night there – not long now for the first egg! However, the Tawny Owls aren’t far away, and Dorcha aborted her first landing attempt at 22.13, with owl calls heard in the background and something on the cam post. Hopefully she’ll have a peaceful night.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.27.27 (05.24.41); Nest Two 21.42.30 (05.39.53)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/sq0iW1T36zg N1 Welcome home Garry!  Arrived 09.27 58

https://youtu.be/vtcwfp-rrRI N2 Fish number one – is it a rare Arctic Charr? 09.53.36 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/c7sOtUoE2Kc N2 Ringed male intrudes on Dorcha – who is it? 12.43.48

https://youtu.be/lfaawh1jB7c N1 A Buzzard visits 13.16.02

https://youtu.be/r6g_6__zaxs N1 Affric gets a fish from Garry 14.20.34

https://youtu.be/ja3IJbDYdpY N1 Fish & chips! Affric returns chipping – intruder around? 15.36.32

https://youtu.be/RQfqK5eCWNs N2 Dorcha gets an early fish supper 17.09.59

https://youtu.be/65UDocr9mxI N2 Is it an owl causing Dorcha to abort her landing? 22.13,.56

Bonus read – Woodland Trust blog on avian pairbonding:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2020/02/which-birds-mate-for-life

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/urAbbtSOcC8  N1 Fishy frolics and fumbles 2020

https://youtu.be/v-D7efdAnrQ  N1 The Stranger aka Young Pretender returns 2021

https://youtu.be/42CrOP5m8UE  N2 Night storm 2022 (Artistic Ospreys)

https://youtu.be/6R0DNlZfH9  N1 Chaffinch visits Nest One 2023

https://youtu.be/0kFa_ghXf7k  N2 Welcome home Dorcha! 2023

https://youtu.be/Ra2hSrRhtJs  N2 Dorcha’s fourth visit but still no Louis 2023

https://youtu.be/0iCP59ypmps  N2 Intruder Osprey does a flyby watched by Louis and Dorcha 2024 (slo-mo zoom) https://youtu.be/D02DTNcDNdM  N1 Welcome home Garry! LV0 arrives on Nest One 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/0WR_9m9lGZY N2 Arkaig Ospreys: a sticky situation in quick time 2024 (Classic Ospreys: Saint-Saëns) https://youtu.be/OEK5ampEWhs  N2 Garry LV0 stays for over an hour on Nest One 2024 (zoom)

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

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

Bald Eagles:

NCTC: A reader wrote and asked about the history of this nest. Let us say that Scout has grown up – really grown into a wonderful father this year with Bella. Their triplets are thriving under their good care. It is a wonderful nest to watch.

Great Lakes: Something is going on at Great Lakes. The tiny eaglets were left alone in the cold and damp for 2 hours. Where was Mum? And why did this happen? Will they survive? We wait. https://youtu.be/W-IamS7G6a0?

Harriet was away for 24 hours. Thanks, Harry, for stepping in and brooding and feeding the eaglets. Harriet appears wounded. Remember that the females will take on other female intruders, not the males. Males defend the nest from other males. Get well soon. Send positive wishes to this family with young babies in the nest. https://youtu.be/fw4vMOlOQbM?

Other News:

‘J’ sent me a detailed note following Wednesday morning’s posting:

“An error slipped into the blog, as I wrote, DH19 is the third chick for the Majestics. (Thanks, J)

Dr Sharpe deserves his retirement, and already put it off once, so good for him. But I think I speak for all when I say I feel like crying. He is our Channel Islands Hero. He will be sorely missed.

Spend more time outside. 

Funny you mention that today, because today, I was out on the balcony until about half an hour ago. Not sitting or reading, not yet. I finished the clean up, and then redid the „decorating“ of the balcony. The icky mealworms are now farthest away from where I will be sitting. Bit sad, during the cleaning I found several dead bumble bees. I will put the  bee house somewhere else next year,  hopefully then it won’t happen, although I am not sure why it happened at all.

I planted a few plants – fingers crossed, because I am a serial plant killer. I don’t understand plants. I even managed to kill one of them immediately… Sigh.”

Is this a book you might like? I haven’t read it yet but I will try to get a copy – it will be released in Canada on 24 June 2025. The review reminds us of what Saint Francis Assisi proposed. Assisi loved animals, particularly birds. He wanted to see that a law was passed: a “that everyone who is able should scatter grain and seed on the streets, so that … there should be plenty for the birds, especially our sister larks”. Nicolson put up a hide and observed his precious garden birds, much as we do the animals in our garden. He built a hide so as not to disturb them. What a brilliant idea. And he watched, season after season.

Here is the review of Bird School by Adam Nicolson in The Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/apr/09/bird-school-by-adam-nicolson-review-close-encounters-of-a-feathery-kind?CMP=share_btn_url

Glad to hear that you have been outside – balconies, gardens, front stoops, whatever we have access to. I went to see my doctor today and she noticed a difference in my entire demeanour since our weather is improving and I can now walk easier. Being outside is essential to our well-being. Essential. I hope no one gets tired of hearing me say it and turns me off…one thing I have learned since before covid, but even more now that dementia has hit my partner, we have to go outside. We need also to speak up for large parks in our cities and towns, the protection of wetlands, stopping the cutting of trees. Which reminds me. The City did cut down the trees on my street with their big orange circles. When I moved here 26 years ago, there was a huge canopy that went from one side to the other. The squirrels never had to run on the road; they could cross on the branches. The birds had wonderful places for their nests. There were even dead trees for the woodpeckers. It looks more and more like a moonscape. Just means we need to plant 3 trees that will grow strong and tall for the future animals.

Thank you for ssending me your notes and sharing your outdoor adventures with me. Please take care. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me write my post today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, J’, Montana Osprey Cams/Cornell Bird Lab, Ospreys of Nova Scotia/Connie and Don Dennis, Alyth SS, Rosie Shields and Border Ospreys, NCTC Bald Eagle Cam, Great Lakes Osprey Cam, The Guardian, Dyfi Osprey Project, Carthage, Havre de Grace, Mispillion Harbour, and Moraine State Park Ospreys, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Llyn Brenig

Thursday in Bird World

3 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone!

Well, I am over the moon with the arrival of Louis and Dorcha at the Loch Arkaig 2 nest on Wednesday. I mean, seriously, this is magical. I couldn’t believe it and then I couldn’t stop smile and quietly giggling to myself. Just like the miracle eagle babies in the US, it just doesn’t get much better than this in UK Osprey World!

‘The Girls’ divide themselves into couples.

Hugo Yugo and Missey are always together. Always.

Calico and her only surviving kitten, Baby Hope, are likewise always together. Hope waits for Mum to finish eating before she eats – just as she did when she was a kitten.

I am showing it again just for you to get the idea. Hope is very good friends and plays with Hugo Yugo and she doesn’t mind Missey. Calico and Missey are not pals. They do not like one another and so, today, I am off to get some more of that diffuser that should make them ‘love one another’. Wish me luck!

While they are curious about the feral cats and tolerate Brock, they do not like the new ones that are arriving. To keep the stress down for them, the plan is to move the feral feeder to the back of the garden area away from our garden door. I can still keep an eye to see if Brock is coming and if he needs our help.

This blog contains the mention of Louis’ arrival home at least three times. Here are the videos in case you missed them. This in response to the more than 400 e-mails of you with tears in your eyes and the following from one of our long time Bird World friends. ‘B’ writes: “Oh, thank goodness!!  Thank you Mary Ann!  It has been such a difficult year, with the loss of Annie and Archie, and Thunder and Akecheta, E24 and E25, and (so far) the loss of Chase and Cholyn’s eggs at Two Harbors.  We have to be thankful for every blessing we get with Jackie and Shadow at Big Bear, Audacity and Jak at Sauces, Bodie at NE Florida, and now the return of Louis (Louis the Legend!!) and Dorcha at Loch Arkaig.”

‘B’ is so right. There are miracles and blessings and each day with our feathered friends has to be treasured and never taken for granted. We love them dearly.

Welcome home Dorcha! Resident female Osprey returns to Loch Arkaig Nest Two 2nd April 2025 (zoomed):13.58.57 An Osprey call is heard off camera – is it Louis? Sounds like him. I boosted the audio the better to hear the call. 14.04.19 An Osprey lands with a chirp – but it’s Dorcha, not Louis! Welcome home! 

14.06.20 She departs, flying lochwards and disappearing into the distance. Where is Louis?

Welcome home Louis! Resident male Osprey returns to Loch Arkaig Nest Two 2nd April 2025 (zoomed):19.43.55 An Osprey comes unseen from the cam side and lands on the cam post with a thunk and a soft cry. 19.47.30 The Osprey takes off, circles round, heads back to the nest  

19.47.44 It lands – it’s Louis!! Welcome home, it’s so good to see you.

https://youtu.be/8WyDfBGdXgYTogether again! The reunion of the resident Loch Arkaig Ospreys Louis and Dorcha 2nd April 2025:

20.11.35 Louis is on the nest and starts displaying, flapping his wings 20.12.00 Dorcha arrives and is reunited with Louis Louis starts coy-mantling, she just stands there quietly 20.21.54 Dorcha leaves, Louis remains behind and starts nest prep, doing some nest scraping 20.46.57 Louis leaves for the night

Heidi’s US Osprey Report:

4/2 – Venice Golf Club: Congratulations to Mom and Dad on their first hatch.  The baby hatched sometime overnight.

4/2 –  Brevard County:  Mom was very secretive, but the first baby hatched at approximately 13:30.

Updates to the hatches from Heidi!

4/3 – Brevard County: A pip was first seen 4/2 at 21:00, and the second baby was out of the shell 4/3 by around 00:30.

4/3 – Venice Golf Club: The second baby arrived sometime in the overnight hours.

4/3 – Havre de Grace osprey nest: The first egg of the season was laid this morning at 06:59.

Heidi asked me to make a correction: CORRECTION:  PLEASE CHANGE DATE OF Maryland Western Shore egg #2 to  4/1.

And I missed this one from Heidi!

Kent Island: 3/30 – Kent Island, Maryland (Chesapeake Conservancy):  ‘Tom’ arrived home on the same day that he returned last year. Nice to see you, Tom.  Tom is waiting for Audrey, who is currently a week past the date that she arrived last season.

Mary Ann’s Osprey News:

Rutland Mantou Bay: Maya lays her first egg on 2 April.

Golden Gate Audubon: Richmond and Rosie welcomed their first egg of the 2025 season on Tuesday 1 April.

Loch Arkaig: If you missed it, Louis and Dorcha are home. More from Geemeff below but I had to mention it twice. My inbox flowed with over 400 e-mails about this fantastic couple. We all remember Louis and Aila and their triplets during the pandemic. We miss Aila, we embraced Dorcha, and then we worried ourselves to death that Louis might not return this year. Well, he fooled us and I hope that he has recovered from whatever ailed him last season.

Glaslyn: Elen is home waiting for Aran. Now we have a visitor, a male.

Cowlitz PUD: Electra arrived at the nest on 30 March.

Goitzsche Wildnis : J Castnyer writes: “If yesterday it was Herbert, from the Eschenbach nest, who brought a red fish to the new couple, today Zeus did the same to the one from Goitzsche Wildnis. Very attached to the claws, yes. There was a moment of tug-of-war between him and a Fjona who was very interested in the teak, not only because of the color, but because of the appetite it had.” From this it would appear that the original Fjona has not returned but I hope this is just my misunderstanding. Stay tuned for clarification.

Here is that ‘red fish’ that Herbert brought to the Eschenbach nest yesterday:

Geemeff’s Daily Summary for Loch Arkaig!

Daily summary Wednesday 2nd April 2025

What an eventful day – apart from the Really Dark Female (RDF) turning up on Nest Two this morning, the main action took place in the afternoon and evening. Louis and Dorcha have returned! We heard Louis’ characteristic call off-camera then an Osprey arrived, but confusingly, it was Dorcha! Looking a little hollow cropped but otherwise in good shape. She left and the nest stayed empty as the light started to fade but then a chirrup was heard and a wingtip seen from someone up on the cam post, then the Osprey departed, flew off, circled round and landed on the nest – it was Louis! He is looking in magnificent shape with a nicely rounded crop. He stayed on the nest looking around then suddenly started displaying and the reason soon became obvious when Dorcha arrived. Their reunion was quiet, no noise, no mating attempts, just some coy-mantling from Louis, with Dorcha not calling for fish as judging by her crop, she’d eaten since first appearing on the nest. Had she caught her own fish, or had she met up with Louis earlier and he’d given her a fish off-nest? We’ll never know, but what is certain is the resident pair are both safely home, and the nest cam community is absolutely thrilled. And for a bonus, the weather cooperated too.

Night cam switches on (day cam): 

Nest One 21.10.08 (05.41.53)

Nest Two 21.23.55 (05.58.36)

Today’s videos, all Nest Two:

https://youtu.be/GdxCrcgFs9w  First visit by an Osprey – and it’s the RDF! 10.35.35 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/0at1Hn1OO68  Welcome home Dorcha! 14.04.19 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/8WyDfBGdXgY Welcome home Louis! 19.47.44 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/drkXe1oXJ6E  The resident pair are reunited 20.12.00

Bonus link – several members of the community have kindly made donations to celebrate the return of our Ospreys, here’s the link if you’d like to join in: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/give/donation

If you prefer to show support in other ways, you can buy from Woodland Trust’s shop: https://shop.woodlandtrust.org.uk/

Or become a member: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/woodland-trust-membership/

Or link your Nectar points and donate them to WT: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/join/nectar/

Blast from the past, all from this day last year:

https://youtu.be/jKAmWUAhVTY Dorcha stars on BBC Breakfast TV 

https://youtu.be/xopDMmwwx2E Louis delivers the first fish of the day

https://youtu.be/GVX93Gmg5KI George on BBC Radio Scotland 

https://youtu.be/ziFi6Kiqclc Prince brings another fish to Nest One 

https://youtu.be/5eWslEsf8-A Freeze frame comparison of the stranger with Garry LV0 

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

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

Bald Eagle News:

‘J’ sends news that we have a pip/hatch underway at Fort St Vrain in Colorado!

Big Bear: Sunny and Gizmo just cannot stop growing. Snow has started falling but let us all wish that this nest misses any big storms heading for the north of California. https://youtu.be/3rTqyFDnlXE?

More cuteness from the FOBBV Cam: https://youtu.be/CLYP4TJXuYs?

NCTC: It might have been horrific year for Bella last year, but this year is an entirely different story. Bella and Scout’s triplets are doing very well.

John Bunker Sands: The kids are really wanting to fly! https://youtu.be/R06mn7eepQQ?

Other Birds:

Cornell Red Tail Hawks: I reported that Big Red laid her third egg Wednesday morning. Oh, I love this 22 year old incredible Mum and dear Arthur. Here he nudges her off the eggs so she can have a break and he can have some incubation time. I always wonder if Arthur senses that she is more tired than she was 8 years ago? And he is really stepping up to help. Love them. So glad to have the privilege to watch them raise another family. https://youtu.be/ih0pGF7rguQ?

Great Spirit Bluff: Newmann and Elaine have their third egg on 2 April.

‘T’ sends us a video of the Imperial Eagles in RU welcoming a new breeding season.

https://vk.com/feed?w=wall8472470_5332&z=video8472470_456239537%2F8c0732251b6beea12d%2Fpl_post_8472470_5332

Calico’s Tip for the Day: Please read this and educate everyone you know.

I don’t want to end the blog on a negative note so I am putting this article here. I want you to pause and think about how many billions of animals we – humans – kill in the factory farms across the world and the inhumane conditions those animals live in. Now, the EU is allowing the shooting of doves. Seriously? I get an ‘acidic’ stomach just thinking about this. What is wrong with people?

Turtle doves to be shot for sport again across Europe as EU lifts hunting banhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/02/turtle-doves-to-be-shot-for-sport-again-across-europe-as-eu-lifts-hunting-ban?CMP=share_btn_url

Huge storms heading east from Arkansas could impact many of our beloved birds. Stay safe everyone.

Always nice to see a utility company helping our beloved raptors:

Utility company trying to help nesting Ospreys find suitable nests and prevent electrocution and / or power outages:

Eversource Hoping To Help Ospreys Establish Proper Nesting In Chatham

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

Thank you to the following for giving me help with my blog today: ‘B, Geemeff, Heidi, J, T’, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, VGCCO, Brevard County, LRWT, Kent Island/Chesapeake Conservancy, Golden Gate Audubon, Jeff Kear and Byryd Gwylld Glaslyn, Cowlitz PUD, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, NCTC, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, Great Spirit Bluff Ospreys/Explore, Joan Castnyer, Eschenbach Osprey Platform, Goitzsche Wildnis Osprey Platform, SK Hideaways, The Guardian, CapeCod.com, Kaitlin Wright Meterologist, RU Imperial Eagle Cam

Monday in Bird World

31 March 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It was a bit of a cool Sunday on the Canadian Prairies, but we managed our first extensive walk at the nature centre of the spring. The trails were half snow and half ice with the geese gathering at Devonian Lake.

Goose prints on a small pond.

Nearer to home, there were ‘four’ grey squirrels announcing spring had arrived along with the two reds. Both Crows were present as were the Blue Jays. It felt good seeing them all in the garden filling themselves with cat kibble, peanuts, black oil seed, and cracked corn.

‘AM’ sent me this glorious image of spring’s arrival in Japan and graciously allowed me to share it with all of you. There is nothing more beautiful than the first blossoms of spring whether they are the cherry blossoms in Japan or the crocus popping its head up out of the snow in Manitoba. I cannot wait! Thank you so much, ‘AM’.

On the campus of Cornell University, Big Red laid her first egg of the 2025 season on the 27th of March and her second on on Sunday, the 30th. https://youtu.be/ZO-_WY0dmXA?

Arthur got to see that first egg. https://youtu.be/RCChvBTKMVs?

The second egg arrives. https://youtu.be/KdZvseg9-As?

SK Hideways has it for us, too! https://youtu.be/57OPmltd5b0?

Big Red hatched in Brooktondale, New York, a mere seven miles from the Cornell Campus in the spring of 2003. She was ringed in October of that same year. It is not clear how many eggs Big Red has laid or chicks that have fledged. She has been ‘on camera’ since 2012 but she would have been breeding well before that – in fact, probably seven years prior she would have had her first fledge.

Her current mate is Arthur. When Big Red bonded with Arthur, he did not even have his red tail, but he proved to be a great provided wooing her with his squirrel deliveries. Cornell All about Birds says, “The male, Arthur, was named in honor of the founder of the Cornell Lab, Arthur A. Allen. He was first spotted on Cornell University campus as a fledgling in 2016. He is unbanded and has a paler chest, head, and nape than Big Red. The pair first spent time together in April 2017, after Big Red’s previous mate, Ezra, had died. The hawks completed their first breeding season together in 2018.”

Her previous mate was Ezra.

Big Red is internationally known. She is so loved.

Bald Eagles:

Big Bear Valley: They could not be cuter even with their blood feathers growing in. Two little miracles. Look at that chrome yellow gape (the corner of the mouth). You want to see a bright yellow-orange known as chrome yellow. Look at the feet of the adults, too. The deeper in colour, the more healthy the eagles. These two have their thermal down with the cutest of hints at their nestling life in the form of the dandelions still remaining on the top of their heads.

Little Miami Conservancy: There are now two hatches with some bonking going on within the nest!

WRDC: R7 fledged Saturday. BOGS caught sight of him/her later perched on a nearby pine tree.

News has come to me that the Bald Eagles in Alaska are starting to nest. We will be keeping an eye on the Glacier Gardens nest.

‘J’ writes: “The first of the three Centerport chicks hatched on the 29th.

Osprey News:

Tweed Valley Nest 2: Mrs O has arrived home.

Loch of the Lowes: Blue NC0 might have a new mate. https://youtu.be/nizNtoTncDs?

Llyn Clywedog: Gorgeous Seren 5F sent Dylan into doing a loud sky dance on her arrival over the weekend. Geemeff comments, “Dylan arrived on the nest at 15.34, then must have seen Seren in the distance because he suddenly flew off and loud skydancing was heard nearby before she landed at 15.36.

Welcome home Seren!”

https://youtu.be/kOVwSEKRqY4

Hellgate Canyon: Waiting for Iris and Finnegan.

Boulder County Fairgrounds: Mum and new male are on the nest.

Moorings Park: Ozzie is one of the cutest and sweetest little osplets. Feathers coming in. Full crop!

MNSA Koolpix Osprey Nest: First egg of the 2025 season laid on Sunday.

Collins Marsh Osprey Cam: Their FB posting says: “Osprey cam update…yes this is the current view of the camera…the inside of the tower! This past week the camera was brought down for maintenance, and in the coming days a new mount will be installed to help us maintain it for years to come. The birds will be back soon, last year they arrived on April 6th, so keep watching!”

Osprey House Environmental Centre, Australia: Parents George and Hope and their 2024 fledgling Marina were on the nest on Sunday together.

Rocky Lake/Waverley, Nova Scotia: Both ospreys are back.

Severna Park: First egg of the 2025 breeding season has been laid.

Balgavies Loch: An osprey has arrived. No confirmation of identity.

Wensleydale Osprey Platform: An osprey is there!

Heidi reports:

3/31 –  Barnegat Light osprey nest:  Duke arrived at the nest this morning, on the same date that he returned last year.  Hey there, Duke!

Other Birds:

The Black Storks are reaching their nests in Estonia – and I hope they will also be arriving safely in Latvia, soon. Kergu is due to arrive at his nest today! Looduskalender Forum gives us the following information on this magnificent Black Stork: “Kergu Black Stork nest was found in 2022, but it has been there for longer. Probably even fallen down, and rebuilt again on the branches of the same aspen tree. During installation of camera I noticed that nest is only partly supported by the branches, so added some kind well visible exoskeleton to keep it more stabile (perhaps). In the end of March 2024 it seems quite good, but still, not fully safe.

Nest site is situated in Pärnu county, near wind farm development area. That was the reason to track Kergu, male stork who nested here last year, as well as reason to install webcam. There are proposed some mitigation measures, like preparing better feeding conditions in other sectors of home range. Hopefully results of those measures will be visible also through webcam in time. The measures are at the moment in planning stage, yet. So if somebody has ideas for mitigation measures in that situation, those would be valuable to analyse in current situation.

Kergu has rings (incl. left leg 7047) since childhood, he has been ringed in 2011 as one of three chicks in nest situated about 10 km of current Kergu nest. Three chicks fledged in Kergu nest in 2022 and they were in good condition during ringing. Female in this nest we did not know, most probably she was without of rings. In 2023, here we did not see female in nest. Kergu refreshed nest properly, few times neighbour male Nurme visited the nest as well as not ringed immature individuals. But in general Kergu was in nest alone, listening neighbour bird species, like woodland owls, passerines, etc.”

The nest is waiting! Pictures by Urmas.

Latvian Golden Eagle: Spilve laid her second egg on Sunday.

Port Lincoln Ospreys: “Ervie has been checking out the northern end of Boston Island but always returns to the main wharf to sleep.”

“Giliath obviously loves the town life as he just doesn’t want to go anywhere else.”

“Kasse also loves the town life of Tumby Bay”

Wilko is MIA. They are hoping he will check in soon.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. We look forward to having you with us again soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, images, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘AM, Geemeff, H, J’, Cornell Bird Lab, SK Hideaways, FOBBV, Little Miami Conservancy, Tweed Valley, UKOsprey Info, Geemeff, Llyn Clywedog and CarnyXWild, Montana Osprey Project, Boulder County Fairgrounds, Moorings Park Osprey, Looduskalender Forum, LDF, MNSA Jay Koolpix Cam, Collins Marsh Osprey Cam, WRDC, Port Lincoln Ospreys

Friday in Bird World

28 March 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

The predicted snow storm to bring 25 cm to our region began about ten minutes ago at 1616 on Thursday. Big flakes are blowing in the garden. The grey squirrels are still gathering peanuts and the Starlings are eating. The Crows, Jays, and a female Downy Woodpecker were here earlier along with Little Red – who has just appeared again – and the Sparrows.

At the end of the day, the ruler tells me that more than 35 cm of snow fell in the garden. We need the moisture and it is so beautiful and white!

Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam: Great News. Twenty-two year old Big Red, Cornell’s Iconic Red-tail Hawk, has laid her first egg of the season on Thursday.https://youtu.be/RCChvBTKMVs?

Osprey News:

Birds of Poole Harbour: National UK news reported on the presence of Maya’s daughter, 1H1 (2022) at the nest of CJ7 and Blue022. (Posted on UKOsprey Information)

Kielder Forest: Blue K13. She landed briefly on another nest. Hers is nest 6. All of her three chicks were sadly lost, along with so many other nests, to the unseasonal weather in 2024.

Another female returns today | Kielder OspreysDownload

Loch of the Lowes: A male visits the nest of Blue NC0.

Geemeff comments: “NC0’s potential suitor is interesting – he’s not the Dark Intruder, but is he the Pale Male, or a new one? The action took place over 55 minutes, I condensed it into a 4 minute clip. This is what SWT says:

A male landed on the nest next to NC0 at 13:44 this afternoon, and spent around 55 minutes quietly sitting alongside her. After engaging in a spot of ‘nestorating’ and a failed mating attempt he flew off, leaving her alone to enjoy last night’s fish supper on the ‘Split Birch’. Weather conditions are making it hard to make positive comparisons with footage of various males from last year, however this bird does not look to be the osprey known as the ‘Dark Intruder’ who defended the territory last season after the death of her long term mate, LM12. It could be possible that it might be the ‘Pale Male’ who destroyed the eggs and tried to claim the territory as his own, or another male entirely- at this stage we can’t be sure and will need to watch to see how things play out. One things for sure, things are about to get exciting!

https://youtu.be/H6yHEn2CaH8“

Boulder County Fairgrounds: The female has arrived home to the nest!

Dyfi Osprey Nest: Telyn has arrived home to her Idris! Geemeff says: “Idris was so happy to see Telyn, he brought her a fish and then mated with her while she was eating it 😃

In this heavily edited clip shortened from 53 minutes down to one minute: Telyn Blue 3J arrives at 12.40, looking in very good shape. Her mate Idris arrives with a fish at 13.15, and she grabs it eagerly. Idris leaves shortly thereafter, and Telyn takes her fish and flies up to the high perch. 13.33 Idris returns and flies up to join Telyn where she’s eating her fish on the high perch. But instead of joining her, he proceeds to mate with her! The cam operator zooms in and we see Telyn is clutching her fish determinedly while Idris goes to work. He flies away leaving her to her meal. Welcome home Telyn!”

https://youtu.be/2EzHbkMtcug

Goitzsche Wildnis: JC comments: “Zeus is still waiting for his Fjona. He looks restless, scanning the horizon, as if his gaze were guiding his partner to reach the nest. There is a touch of melancholy and sadness in this solitude of Zeus. No other female has passed by the nest looking for an opportunity to nest. Hopefully this situation has its hours numbered. We’ll see how the day presents itself tomorrow 😀.”

Bald Eagle News:

NEFlorida: Bodie has learned so much from his nestmate. He has learned to steal food, to share food, and to let the juvie enjoy his own prey. He is now jumping up and down and flapping and soon Bodie will be flying with JV.

Big Bear Valley: https://youtu.be/Sezx1r9w-yo?

Update and naming contest: https://youtu.be/VCNErs_fqkU?

NCTC: There was almost another potentially harmful accident today. Thankfully, all is well. https://youtu.be/YdEb8VmmCMs?

US Steel: First hatch on Thursday.

Little Miami Conservancy: Hatch in progress on Thursday. https://youtu.be/C-rRpAd1WWc?

Kisatchie National Forest E3: E03 has officially branched.

Other Avian News:

White-Tailed Eagle in Nizhnyaya Kama National Park Russia: We are awaiting the laying of the second egg on Thursday.

San Jose City Hall Falcon Scrape: Tensions rise at the scrape. https://youtu.be/dG–zX15XAM?

This should make us want to find ways to do better!

Biodiversity loss in all species and every ecosystem linked to humans – report
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/26/human-link-biodiversity-loss-species-ecosystems-climate-pollution-eawag-study-nature-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

‘EJ’ says ‘run turtle run!’

https://www.thedodo.com/daily-dodo/tiny-animal-accidentally-ends-up-in-eagles-nest-and-plans-a-great-escape

Thank you so much for being with us today. We love having you with us. Take care of yourself. Go outside and smell the spring air, listen for birds and geese, walk through the trees, and just sit still. We need to take care of ourselves, one another, and our wildlife.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: “EJ, Geemeff’, Cornell Red Tail Hawk Cam, Birds of Poole Harbour, Kielder Forest, Woodland Trust (LOTL) and Geemeff, Boulder County Fairgrounds, Dyfi Osprey Project, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, KCAL, NCTC, Deb Stecyk, PIX Cam, Little Miami Conservancy, White-Tailed Eagle in Nizhnyaya Kama National Park Russia, San Jose City Hall Falcon Scrape, The Guardian, Joan Castyner, Kistachie E3 Bald Eagle Cam, The Dodo

Monday in Bird World

24 March 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It is 0 degrees on the Canadian prairies. The sky is blue and peppered with a few wee cottontail clouds. We spent part of the day outside of the City watching geese fly overhead and deer near the woods. It felt so good.

The two Crows have been visiting the feeder. This morning they had a treat – pizza! There have been regular visits from the two Blue Jays along with the Red Squirrels, the Starlings, a few grey squirrels, and some sparrows. Several male House Finches have been visiting, too.

I am so grateful to see the Crows returning to the garden and the Blue Jays. Long-time readers will remember that these couples bring their babies to the garden when they fledge. It is quite entertaining especially the baby Crows who peck on the conservatory’s roof demanding more ‘cheesy dogs’!

Baby Hope relaxing in the sunshine in the conservatory. She was less interested in the birds than having a nap.

Hugo Yugo had other ideas – like leaping down to play fight with Hope.

They are certainly enjoying the warm weather!

About a week ago, some quotes from Jack Turner’s book, The Abstract Wild, were included in my blog. They focused on our lack of connection to nature and how we must regain a true and deep empathy and connection in order to truly help the wildlife.

One of our readers chronicled an event after reading those quotes that touched my heart. They wrote, “Deep connection with animals. That reminds me that I have a great little story for you. After months, I finally went to the cemetery on Monday. Only a short walk, but I was outside and it was sunny. On the way back to the bus station I passed a caterpillar crawling on the pavement. After a few more meters, it clicked, I sighed and walked back. Found some leaves to put him on and put him in a garden. I walked on and a lady was standing at a bus stop (not the one I needed) and asked me what I had just picked up. So I told her. She said she had thought something like that and that I am like her. She said something similar to your quote, people lost their connection to nature. We continued talking and agreed on every topic we discussed until her bus came, and we hugged goodbye!”

It reminded me of a period when I stayed in Udaipur, India. Many of my friends were Jain and are always careful not to harm anything in their path. Gentle souls, I recall.

After several days of tenseness on the nests – the fishing line and hook at Big Bear, SC1 almost killed by the sea pup corpse, and the death of KNF-E04 – we need a break. There are good things happening and it is so nice to read about them.

Action is being taken to save penguins! Bravo.

Hope for endangered penguins as no-fishing zones agreed off South Africahttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/18/hope-for-endangered-penguins-as-no-fishing-zones-agreed-off-south-africa?CMP=share_btn_url

Ever wondered how the birds migrate from their winter homes to their spring and summer? And land on the same branch? Sometimes we can’t do it with the apps on our phone! Quantum Mechanics is the answer.

‘They have no one to follow’: how migrating birds use quantum mechanics to navigatehttps://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/23/they-have-no-one-to-follow-how-migrating-birds-use-quantum-mechanics-to-navigate?CMP=share_btn_url

Good news article from Geemeff on an osprey rescue!

Trapped Osprey rescued from twine by firefighters

‘L’ sent me a note: “Isaac has spotted the osprey couple at Patchogue on their new nest!” Fantastic. Hopefully Isaac will provide frequent updates so we know when the osplets hatch and how this family, so dear to all of us, is fairing. (There is no camera as PSEG took down the old nest and did not install a new one on the new nest).

‘J’ sent a post from naturechat about the age of the juvenile visitor at NEFlorida with Bodie.

‘J’ sends us a good news story:

Raptor Education Group, Inc.

Sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) are magnificent birds! They have inspired people from various cultures worldwide, including scientists, conservationists, and nature writers such as Aldo Leopold. Sandhill cranes are an ancient species, with the oldest fossil estimated to be 2.5 million years old. Their rich natural history includes spiritual and cultural significance. 

One endearing aspect of Sandhill Cranes is that they are long-lived and mate for life, with pairs remaining together year-round for two decades or more. The oldest Sandhill Crane on record was at least thirty-seven years and three months old. This fact plays a vital role in our patient’s story. 

In mid-December, The REGI clinic received several calls about a solitary Sandhill Crane near McDill Pond in Stevens Point. Sandhill Cranes in the area have migrated south by that date. This crane was languishing on a property. It had not been flying for weeks. It was hiding under a resident’s porch. The reports were concerning indicators that the bird may have a wing injury or lead or another type of poisoning. We suggested the crane be captured and transported to Raptor Education Group Inc. (REGI) for care. The property owner was due to be away; she alerted a UWSP natural resources college student to the crane’s dilemma. On December 21st, in below-zero temperatures, UWSP student Kayla Allred gathered a group of friends and family members and captured the crane. REGI volunteer transporters Randy and Anne Orlikowski transported the crane to REGI in Antigo. 

REGI staff were prepared and waiting for the crane’s arrival. The large male was lethargic; however, we saw no apparent signs of fractures or injuries during the initial physical. We tube-fed him a liquid diet, gave him fluids, and let him rest for a few hours to recover from his capture and transport. Radiographs and blood work were negative for injuries or toxins. His physical exam revealed no concerns. Our work with wildlife must include the whole bird, not only what clinical tests offer as a diagnosis. Every medical concern was checked. He had no medical issues that we could prove, but we remained faced with a very depressed, healthy adult male with no injuries or abnormalities. When a patient is admitted, we request a history from the person who reports the bird. That includes questions about the bird’s behavior when found. Were physical movements regular or odd for the species? Could the bird be threatened by a dog or other predator, or what changed in the surroundings to prompt unusual behavior? Everything is a clue to the patient’s condition. Our adult male sandhill crane patient was hiding under a porch! Not normal behavior. The one thing that changed was that there were two sandhill cranes, and now he was alone. 

Wildlife rehabilitation is a complicated field that requires knowledge of each species’ natural history, dietary needs, habitat requirements, and medical aspects in our care. Understanding that sandhill cranes have a long lifespan, The oldest Sandhill Crane on record was at least thirty-seven years and 3 months old. Once paired, they are together for life, two decades or longer for these magnificent birds. Youngsters migrate with their parents. They stay together as a family for about 10 months after hatch. 

We realized our handsome patient was grieving the loss of his long-time mate. He had no will to go on without her by his side. While we do not know what happened to her, she disappeared in late fall. According to the property owner, the pair had been on the same property for at least ten years or longer. (If anyone in Stevens Point near Mc Dill Pond does know what caused her demise, please let us know) 

We gave this patient supportive care. In cases like this, we do whatever works to help our patients recover. Massages around his head, neck, and face made a difference and perked up his sensory system. He started eating again. We moved him from a small enclosure to successive larger areas to allow him to investigate his surroundings. Slowly, he recovered and began behaving in a typical fashion; however, he had not vocalized during the three months we had him in care. We had cameras on him in the flights, and while he was exercising his wings and jumping as cranes do, we could not document vertical flight, which was necessary for his successful release back to the wild. 

Spring was approaching, and we expected our local sandhill cranes to arrive home at any time. On Tuesday of this week, we heard loud crane vocalizations. At first, we thought it was our wild resident cranes announcing their return home. To our surprise, it was our patient in the flight jumping, flapping, and calling out with great excitement to whoever would listen. The following day, we moved him into a large outdoor enclosure. The enclosure has 12 ft. tall sides but a mostly open top, as it usually houses our resident flightless bald eagles. He would have to have an excellent vertical flight capability to fly out of the compound, which was the one aspect we could not prove in the enclosed flight building. The crane showed great excitement being outdoors again. He began acting like any other wild crane, probing the soil, chasing mice, and investigating the enclosure. He vocalized all day. Soon, the resident pair joined his happy sounds. The following morning, he ate well and was filled with more excitement and enthusiasm than we had ever seen in him. At about noon, a staff member observed the crane testing his vertical flight abilities, and then, with one effortless jump, he was airborne and took flight, gaining altitude until he was a speck in the sky. The event occurred so quickly that our staff forgot to take photos. However, they got another chance as the crane returned and circled our facility a few times before he headed out!

We wish this handsome sandhill crane the best in his future. We hope he finds another mate, but that is not assured in their species. No matter what, we hope he lives happily ever after. 

Birds amaze and teach us every day. It is an honor to work with them. Their lives are complicated and mirror our own in many ways. This is not our idea of how they live; it is not anthropomorphic information but biologically sound evidence. 

Thank you to Sharon, the landowner, and UWSP student Kayla Allred and the capture team she gathered after noticing his odd behavior and giving this handsome crane a second chance at life just when he thought his reason for living was over. The capture occurred in below-zero temperatures, with wind chills reaching -35 below zero F. 

If you want more information on Sandhill cranes, please find a link below. 

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/id

Photos on their facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaptorEducationGroupInc

A quick check on some of our nests- all mixed up with no order at all today.

Blue IHI, the Rutland 2022 hatch, landed on the Poole Harbour nest this morning. (The nest of Blue 022 and CJ7).

Pont Cresor: Z2 (Aeron) and Blue 014 are reported to be back on the nest.

Foulshaw Moss: White YW has arrived back at his nest!

Goitzsche Wildnis, Germany: Zeus returned to the nest on Sunday the 23rd. We are waiting for the arrival of his mate, Fjona.

Brevard Osprey Nest, Florida. Three eggs.

NEFlorida Bald Eagle nest of Gabby and Beau: Bodie is stealing food from JV. These two are so good together! https://youtu.be/6OxI8s55jGc?

Dahlgren Osprey Nest: Two ospreys on the nest Sunday afternoon. LO and MO1 as identified by the chat moderator.

Kansas Bald Eagles: Kanza is doing very well. Second egg has not hatched (yet).

Fraser Point Bald Eagles: Andor and Cruz have their first hatch. It is deep in that nest bowl.

NCTC Bald Eagle nest of Bella and Scout: Two eaglets are doing well. They are simply adorable.

Mispillion Harbour, Delaware: Della and Warren have returned!

Roundhouse Loch Doon: Resident female named Angel has arrived on Sunday the 23rd.

Big Bear Valley: All is well with Jackie and Shadow and the eaglets. Thank goodness.

Threave Valley Ospreys: Two Ospreys on the nest!

Achieva Credit Union: Jack delivered the first fish of the day on Sunday after 1700. Oh, my goodness. I hope these deliveries get better.

Two Harbours: The second egg broke on Sunday. No one knows precisely what happened. Chase and Cholyn will be fine. Dr Sharpe was interviewed and says there is plenty of time for a second clutch and we should be checking back around the end of April.

Eschenbach: Hermine has not returned. Joan Castanyer reports: “Herbert seems to have made a connection with the new female. Days pass and Hermine does not return, although there is still some hope. But the thousands of kilometers of migration must have a benefit and the option of mating with a female is the most reasonable. However, in the afternoon Herbert seemed melancholic in the nest without his Hermine 😥.”

Sauces Canyon: Jak and Audacity’s baby is growing and strong. So pleased it is alright.

Cornell Red Tail Hawk Cam: On goodness. Isn’t Big Red, at 22 years old, just the most beautiful Red-tail Hawk?

Decorah North: Windy and rain coming. Waiting for the first hatch.

Researchers have noted that the plumage of some birds is getting duller. But why? Have a read!

Pollution May Affect the Color of City Birds, Research Shows – The New York TimesDownload

Mini-Book Review: David Gessner, The Book of Flaco: The World’s Most Famous Bird

I recently completed Gessner’s captivating book about Flaco, the Eurasian Owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo in February 2023. Many of you likely followed his remarkable journey, either in person or through social media, as he adapted to life as a wild owl, skillfully expanding his territory throughout the year.

Gessner delves into the intense controversies that surrounded this extraordinary bird. For instance, the size of Flaco’s enclosure at the zoo, described as “the size of a department store window,” raised significant concerns. Questions erupted about whether more proactive measures should have been taken to recapture him and return him to the zoo. The debate over whether Flaco’s freedom outweighed the risks of safety was a poignant theme throughout his story, especially against the backdrop of the widespread use of rodenticides in the area.

Gessner compellingly introduces readers to notable figures who have delved into the concepts of ‘wild’ and ‘wilderness’, such as Jack Turner in his thought-provoking book, The Abstract Wild, and the writings of Henry David Thoreau. Despite living more than 150 years apart, Turner and Thoreau offer strikingly relevant insights into environmental and wildlife issues. It is refreshing to see how their perspectives resonate with contemporary challenges, bridging the gap between past and present. Gessner masterfully intertwines their observations with his own and the life of Flaco, raising profound and challenging questions about the impact of human activity on wildlife. His exploration urges readers to confront these critical issues with urgency and reflection.

I strongly recommend this book for its profound exploration of pressing wildlife issues. Gessner’s exceptional writing is truly captivating, making it nearly impossible to put it down. However, if you’re in search of a beautiful picture book about Flaco, you might want to look elsewhere. The book does feature a central section filled with coloured images of Flaco, captured by individuals whose lives were deeply touched by his presence, alongside dedicated photographers who meticulously documented his daily adventures.

You can order the book through your local lending library (since it is recently released it could take some time to receive a copy) or purchase it for $24.95.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, H, J, L’, The Guardian, ABC7, nature chat, Raptor Education Group, Inc, all about birds, Goitzsche Wildnis, Brevard Osprey Platform, NEFL-AEF, Dahlgren Ospreys, Kansas Bald Eagles, IWS/Explore, NCTC Bald Eagle Nest, Heidi McGrue and Mispillion Harbour, Roundhouse Loch Doon, FOBBV, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Info (Threave Valley, Achieva Credit Union, IWS/Explore, Joan Castanyer an Eschenbach Ospreys, Cornell Red Tail Hawk Cam, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, The New York Times

Fledge at Captiva…other quick news in Bird World

16 March 2025

Greetings Everyone,

I was so busy watching our little bobbleheads and poor Bodie that I missed a double fledge. Dasher and Dancer flew out of the Captiva nest on Sunday morning together! Stunned parent looks on. No doubt there will be footage posted on FB.

They have not returned to the nest yet. 80 and 82 days old.

Sylvia posted a video of the fledge: https://youtu.be/iqEAN_ZhI1k?

At Big Bear, Shadow fed the chicks and then removed the deceased chick to the pantry area before brooding the two survivors. Do not be alarmed by this behaviour. They are carrion eaters. This is not what we saw at the NCTC nest with Scout last year (infanticide/cannibalism). Shadow is cleaning the space and they may or may not consume the dead eaglet. Sometimes they are left to become part of the nest. Other times they are removed from the nest or eaten.

I was worried about the wee ones earlier but Jackie was back brooding quickly.

SC1 is so cute peeking out of that deep bowl. As someone noted, Jak had better start building those cot railings.

Dr Sharpe will be on Santa Cruz Island repairing the signal next week.

Feedings at Duke Farms. Little one gets some!

The trouble with the juvenile intruder at Gabby and Beau’s nest continues. Gabby and Beau got rid of it again so that they could feed Bodie!

Bodie had a great meal and even did some self-feeding. Relief.

Ferris Akel found Arthur on the scaffolding at Cornell on Saturday. (No bands on leg. BR has federal band).

Thank you for this quick check in. Congratulations to Dasher and Dancer and to Connie and Clive and everyone at Window to Wildlife for a great year at the Captiva Bald Eagle nest.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams: Window to Wildlife, Sylvia, FOBBV, NEFL-AEF, Ferris Akel Tours, Duke Farms, IWS/Explore

Tears. Baby for Jak and Audacity. Saturday in Bird World

15 March 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Jak and Audacity’s baby worked its way, a long time, out of that crushed shell to the joy of everyone who has cheered and cried for this couple.

Just look!

It is cold to the bone on the Canadian Prairies despite the hint of spring arriving. There were two beautiful Blue Jays in the garden along with the two crows so it appears that all is well with part of the garden family. Brock is eating as I write. The Girls are resting – waiting for their late night snack.

I am certain that most of you have checked on several Bald Eagle nests today including that of Jackie and Shadow, Jak and Audacity, and Beau an Gabby. Maybe you even went to see if the eaglets at Kistachie E3 have been fed.

There were still two eaglets at the nest of Jackie and Shadow on Friday. More Coot has come to the nest supplementing the usual fish. The snow on the water must be keeping the fish at bay.

In the feeding below both are up. Earlier they appeared cold and worry set in. We do not know the fate of the the other eaglet (I am not saying it was the third hatch – it looked to be the second to me but the experts can confirm). It has made our hearts drop and feel ever so sad. But let us wish these two a long and healthy life.

I am worried that one of the eaglets does not appear as well as the other.

‘PB’ reports that both eaglets were fed well at 17:28. The feeding lasted approximately 10 minutes for the eaglets and another five for the adult. I wonder if the one is ‘sweaty’ from the warm brood patch or damp from the nest???

Feeding video by SK Hideaways: https://youtu.be/_SpuLJYXMh8?

Saturday morning and both eaglets are alive at Big Bear. We might never know which one perished.

Hatched! The last time I checked on Friday the eaglet at Sauces was still trying to break free of that membrane.

That eaglet is moving and moving and it looks like it is almost here. Pinch me please.

VH Hock caught it on video. This is a small capture form that FB video:

Dr Sharpe says:

So many are hoping so much, hoping beyond hope for this couple. Thanks, J.

The two eaglets at the Kisatchie E3 nest were fed yesterday and there was food on the nest today. Some relief there!

I believe you are looking at the only hatch at Moorings Park Osprey platform in Florida this season. The other eggs do not appear viable. Let us wish this one strength!

Was there a visitor at the nest of Gabby and Beau today? Or was i seeing double? Beau finally sent the visitor packing.

Milda and Zorro have two eggs in their White-tail Eagle nest in Durbe County, Latvia. Wonderful.

My heart leaps whenever it sees Blue 33. He has been flying around with fish hoping for his Maya to appear. We need her to come home healthy. She had a difficult year in 2024.

It happened last year. Everyone wants Blue 33! Geemeff writes, “Rutland Ospreys: resident male Blue 33 eventually gives intruder female Blue 25 his fish 

And since I recorded this, there have been mating attempts- hurry home Maya and Blue 11!”

I am waiting for Blue NC0 to land on the Loch of the Lowes nest as well as well as all of the other UK ospreys. Oh, let them have a good season.

We have an egg at Lake Murray. ‘H’ writes: :3/14 – Well, the Lake Murray Osprey nest of Kenny and Lucy really has an egg now.  We don’t know what to make of the fact that they have both been incubating an unseen egg for the past 6 days, which may or may not have been hidden inside of a glove, lol.  We are calling this egg #1, and it was laid on 3/14 at 10:59.”

We can just see a wee osplet from under Mum’s breast at Frenchman’s Creek.

Maintenance on Big Red and Arthur’s cam at Cornell University.

From the nest it appears that Angel and Tom have been working on their nest. There is even a pinecone in the centre!

The eaglets at Hilton Head are getting their juvenile feathers!

Egg at Wolf Bay.

‘J’ asked me if I have purchased or read any books on Flaco, the Eurasian owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo. As it happens, I am reading the recently released book by David Gessner on Flaco. Half way finished. Will let you know the verdict soon!

Rescuers help birds caught in Cyclone Alfred.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/15/a-perfect-storm-the-dedicated-rescuers-caring-for-sodden-seabirds-blown-in-by-cyclone-alfred?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you so much for being with us today. I need to take a wee bit of a breath so the postings for the next couple of days might be quite short while we wait to see what happens at Big Bear and Sauces. Surely there will be more osprey arrivals as well. Take care everyone. See you soon.

Thank you so much to the following for their notes, posts, images, conversations, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘Geemeff, H, J, PB’, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, IWS/Explore, VH Hock, Dr Sharpe, Kistachie National Forest E3, Moorings Park, NEFL-AEF, LDF, LRWT, Loch of the Lowes, Lake Murray Ospreys, Frenchman’s Creek Ospreys, Window to Wildlife, Hilton Head Island Trust, The Guardian, Wolf Bay Ospreys, Geemeff

Thursday in Bird World

13 March 2025

Hello Everyone,

Update: Hartley lays second egg and at Port Tobacco the first and second eggs are pipping! Nothing at Sauces yet.

It is +2 and sunny and oh, my goodness, spring is really in the air. No doubt I will write about some huge snow storm hitting us mid-April as it often did on my eldest son’s birthday, but, for now, there is a lovely sound in the garden – bird song!

The deck and gardens are getting cleaned. As you can see there is still some snow and ice. These two wanted a wee bath! But, the water is now out an the bath turned upside down in anticipation of snow arriving Thursday morning.

Dr Sharpe’s talk on the Channel Islands Eagle Restoration! https://youtu.be/f2x_7KyTA90?

Thank you so much for archiving that talk! So much to learn.

At the nest of Jackie and Shadow, it is impossible not to melt when you see those little ones.

SK Hideaways caught this cuteness on video: https://youtu.be/1kiyqM1Y-t4?

‘B’ writes that the weather is turning again. Poor Jackie and Shadow have a nest full and can’t get a break with the weather!

“The weather at Big Bear is looking better today (Wednesday) than I had expected, given the previous forecasts.  But the bensweather.com prediction now shows the heaviest snow tomorrow (and snow continuing Friday), so still a good time to lay in supplies! ”

Bodie. Not so long ago, this magnificent juvenile eaglet was the size of those little bobbleheads. It is hard to remember. Bodie was our first miracle that gave us hope.

I have to admit that like many of you I have been so captivated by the triplets at Big Bear and Bodie that I have not checked on other nests today. This will be a short posting!

GLG has returned to the Royal Cam chick after foraging. What a gorgeous sky call. https://youtu.be/Nl3qnUZKGCo?

Meanwhile, on the Cornell Campus, Big Red and Arthur are busy working on their nest. We will have eggs in a fortnight! https://youtu.be/Ebb5ZPRcZTs?

White Storks are incubating eggs at Knepp Farm.

One egg has hatched at Moorings Park.

No eggs for Edie and Lloyd at Captiva yet. It is late. Maybe the nest will be empty this year.

Food is scarce or not existent at the Kistachie E3 nest. What in the world is wrong? Please send good wishes to them, please.

Important condor dies of lead poisoning. Please let us end this painful and needless way for our wildlife to die.

There is concern that the only surviving egg at Sauces is not viable. Still waiting at Port Tobacco and also for that second egg at the nest of Bonnie and Clyde. We had all hoped that Jak and Audacity would have a family this year. We will give it a couple more days.

‘L’ writes that the Bald Eagle Cam at the Sutton Centre in Bartlesville, Oklahoma is up and running with eagles on the nest.

‘J’ sent a note that Keke at Superbeaks had fledged and returned to the nest successfully.

The birds are migrating.

Howard was the Bald Eagle that the great folks at Wild Heart Ranch helped through a series of ‘boots’. Look at how well he is doing now.

Poachers being arrested that have been killing our beautiful storks. The Akkar region is in Lebanon.

The killing of migrant birds for fun in Lebanon (and other areas) has been of ongoing concern.

CyprianKozera-WhiteStorksKillingInLebanonDownload

Thank you for being with me today. I hope you can get outside and smell the freshness of spring. See you soon.

Thank you to the following fort their notes, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘B, J, L’, IWS, SK Hideaways, FOBBV, NEFL-AEF, Cornell Bird Lab, Knepp Farm, Moorings Park Osprey Cam, Window to Wildlife, Kistachie National Forest E3 Bald Eagle Nest, US Weather Service Hastings Nebraska, Wild Heart Ranch, Soraya Z Mouawad, Research Gate