Category Archives: Dorset Hobby Falcons

Soo returns to the nest…Tuesday in Bird World

1 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

It is the first day of August and I am reminded that we have about 7 more weeks of summer. It cooled down in the garden today and the birds were noticeably happier. The lilacs have given them respite when it was really hot and the bird bath – remember to keep putting out water. Dehydration is a terrible problem. Many wildlife rehabbers say it is worse than not having regular meals. Clearly, the Blue Jays, now totalling more than 14, find the bird bath a source of pleasure!

Today it will go up to 31 degrees. It has been like a yo-yo – temperatures going up to the 30s and then dropping to the low teens.

Missey and Lewis continue to enjoy watching the birds and ‘talking to them’ – and as always, staying rather close to one another.

Once in a while, a bird will land on the glass ceiling, which fascinates the kittens.

On days when we lose an Osprey, it is always comforting to have the garden birds and the kittens.

I want to start with some amazing news coming out of Loch of the Lowes. The female fledgling, PF4, – a strong and determined and hungry fledgling – caught her first fish today. Why is this such a big deal? It is rare for a fledgling osprey to catch a fish before it has left for migration. This is still July! It was small but that does not matter. The skill and coordination required – well, it looks like this one is well equipped to face the world. Fantastic.

I am really hoping that LOTL will post a video of this special moment in PF4’s life.

Others have been wondering if anyone could remember another UK fledgling successfully catching a fish before migrating. The only one that has come to mind so far is Oswald who hatched in Naimshire in 2011. He did not migrate until October!

At Llyn Brenig, Mari tried over and over again to catch a fish. Maybe she will be successful like PF4 tomorrow. That would be fantastic.

We always need a feel good moment and here is the one to begin our day. Couple saves Osprey! Salmon Arm, BC.

And because we can all use good news about more generous and compassionate people, another osprey save.

Staying in British Columbia, the second hatch at Osoyoos died Monday 31 July.

The little one, the second hatch, is alive at 0531 when fish comes in before the attack by One. (I do not like the images of the chicks being brutalised or dead…one of the last looks when this one could hold its head up). It has been an incredibly difficult year for the Ospreys around the world this year.

Soo, the female has not been seen since Saturday. Olsen has been bringing in nice fish but this little one was too weak to eat Monday morning. Problems with starvation/siblicide were mitigated by the growing heat domes in the area and the wildfires and then the disappearance of Mum. Olsen has been doing splendidly under the circumstances. This evening, good news has come from ‘H’ who says that Soo is back on the nest at 1633. She adds, “After Soo returned to the nest at 1633, she fed #1 from a large fish that had been left on the nest.  Soo was on the nest with #1 when Olsen delivered a fish at 2008.”  Thank you, ‘H’. With two parents and a single osplet, let us hope that all goes well for this little one to fledge.

In order to highlight the threats to our feathered friends, NZ is adding some very interesting birds to its ‘Bird of the Century’ contest.

“This year five extinct species will be included among the 75 contenders, to bring attention to the pressures facing the natural world. In New Zealand, 82% of birds are threatened with extinction.”

New-Zealand-to-add-extinct-species-to-bird-of-the-century-poll-to-highlight-wildlife-threat-New-ZeDownload

Bruce Yolton continues to follow the Eurasian Owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo as the owl continues to live and hunt in the wild.

At Steelscape, things continue to look good.

Patchogue: Mini enjoying a fish while another sibling is envious.

Mini enjoying another fish! Our girl is doing well.

Bridge Golf: Cam went down late on the 27th of July. Both osplets were fully feathered, healthy, and eating well. No reason to believe that they will not fledge.

MN Landscape: Even with lots of intruders around and Dad on the nest, this 21 year old father has made sure there is fish on the nest. The only surviving osplet is doing well – and there are many, many nests in this area that have suffered this season. A number of reports indicate that a number of males are missing and the females are having to provide protection and hunt. Lots of nests have lost osplets in the area because of this.

Collins Marsh: The first hatch has flown. I am not certain that 31 July was the first time because this bird flew like a pro! Congratulations.

Sydney Sea Eagles: SE31 and 32 are off to a very good start. They are about the same size and Lady is a pro at feeding them the tiniest bites of fish. Both are doing so well.

SK Hideaways gets us up close and personal with these little fluff balls:

The three little Osplets at Osprey House in Australia will melt your heart.

Dorsett Hobby Falcons: Cuteness overload. Gosh, it is easy to forget that the little hawks and falcons grow so much faster and fledge sooner than the ospreys and big eagles. I just love their little beaky kisses!

Finnish Osprey Nest 1: Roihu, the little male on the nest with two sisters, fledged today! Congratulations.

Finnish Nest at Muonio in Lapland: All three are doing super.

Alyth: The trio have all fledged. They did not spend the night on the nest but nearby and were there at dawn waiting for fish deliveries.

Poole Harbour: Lots of fish coming to the nest and every once in awhile you just wonder if CJ7 might like to have a long fish lunch. There has been at least one intruder in the area but so far everything is going smoothly at the nest.

RSPB Loch Garten: Five fish were delivered before the camera went down. It was a really good day at the nest.

Fish scuffle at Manton Bay: Blue 33 flies in with a fish with two of the fledglings on the nest. Another flies over after the delivery. There was a bit of a fight for the fish but nothing like we have seen on other nests. They all know there will be more fish — and look at the size of it. Can you imagine if a fish this size fell on the Osoyoos or Forsythe nest?

At Loch Arkaig, a Sparrowhawk visits the nest of Louis, Dorcha, and Ludo…it is no threat to them but what a lovely chance encounter.

Boulder County: All three safely flying and on the nest. Life continues to be good at Boulder.

Time for ‘H’s reports: Fortis Exshaw: Mr. O made a quick stop at the nest at 0612.  Louise had not yet arrived at the nest in the morning, so only the kids were there.  Mr.O stood there for ten seconds, looked around, checked the skies, then he left.  Mr.O was just checking up on things for the family.  Smile.  There were three fish delivered to the nest, including one by Mr.O.  Chick #1 is undergoing a bit of a personality change.  S/he is slightly aggressive toward #2 when a fish is delivered, and often grabs the fish, and self-feeds.  All perfectly normal at this stage in its development.  Chick #1 ate the first two fish that were brought to the nest.  When the third fish was delivered by Louise at 1221, #1 sent #2 to the sidelines, and then was fed by Louise.  After several minutes, #2 managed to get to the other side of Louise to be fed as well, but it was the only meal of the day for chick #2.  Chick #2 will learn to try to acquire fish as well, and s/he needs to improve its self-feeding skills.  But, a few more fish would help in this situation, I think.

Forsythe: “After two days of much cooler temperatures, it seemed that fish were easier for Oscar to catch.  Oscar started the day off like gangbusters, delivering fish at 0839, 0852, 0949, 1024, and 1052.  There were three fish for Owen, and two for Ollie.  But, then there were no more fish for the rest of the day.  Go figure.  So, as the fledglings became hungry later in the day, there were a couple of kerfuffles between them.  Five fish is not bad, though.  With easier fishing, perhaps it’s a good time for the juvies to try to catch their own fish.  They are 70 and 71 days old and fledged two weeks ago.”

Thank you, ‘H’!

I have often mentioned Urmas and his fish baskets. These baskets have saved the life of Karl II and his family. It is a beautiful intervention intent on saving these rare birds. Kindness. Compassion.

Emyr Evans (Dyfi Osprey Project) has posted a short article discussing inbreeding in Ospreys. you might find this interesting.

Inbreeding-in-Ospreys-A-Matter-of-Affordability-Dyfi-Osprey-Project-WalesDownload

On the Cornell Campus in Ithaca, New York, Suzanne Arnold Horning was able to catch sight of some of the Ms. The three fledglings have done well…super well in fact. I won’t say another word because I do not want to jink this year.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Please take care of yourself. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Thank you so very much for being with me today. Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘AMW, Geemeff, H, MP’, LOTL, Carol White and Friends of Llyn Brenig Osprey Project, Sunnie Day, Linda McIlroy and Raptors of the World, APCH, Osoyoos, The Guardian, Bruce Yolton, Steelscape, Patchogue, Bridge Golf, MN Landscape Arboretum, Collins Marsh, Sydney Sea Eagles, Osprey House, SK Hideaways and Dorsett Hobby Falcons, Finnish Osprey Foundation, Alyth, Poole Harbour, RSPB Loch Garten, LRWT, Boulder County, Fortis Exshaw, Maria Marika, Emry Evans and Dyfi Ospreys, and Suzanne Arnold Horning.

Fish Battles and more…Monday in Bird World

31 July 2023

My goodness. It is the end of July. Where did the summer go? and the Osprey season? It seems it was only a couple of weeks ago that we were wondering if Blue NC0 would lay the first egg of the UK season or would it be Maya?

I woke up to a note from a friend living on a farm in southern Manitoba with a pond. She wanted to know what is up. The geese typically are not on her pond until the middle of October, and at least 65 landed on Sunday. Is migration starting this early?

‘PB’ sent us a smile for the day. After Louise feeds the osplets twice from the big fish she brought to the nest, look at those crops.

‘H’ adds: “Mr.O was not seen on 7/29, and we were worried that he may have been injured while fighting an intruder the day before.  We were so relieved when Mr.O flew to the nest with a fish on 7/30 at 0911.  I’m sure many viewers were jumping for joy.  Louise flew to the nest a few seconds later to greet him.  They immediately had an intruder issue and Louise and Mr.O spent the next few minutes sending the intruder packing.  Louise brought three more fish to the nest throughout the day, including a couple of her signature ‘whoppers’.  The chicks had bursting crops.  All is well.”

Now for a break through….a simple coat of paint! We have known this for years but there was no action. Now there is no excuse.

How a pool ring helped a little vulture.

More fishing hooks…

Swinging through the Nests:

We are going to start with Australia and ‘A’ has some news to add:

Lady has had a busy morning, organising the three half-fish on the nest and ensuring Dad didn’t remove a single flake of it. She is very jealous about guarding the food once it is on the nest. Dad very rarely gets away with removing any food from the nest. There were cot rails to replace this morning after the first breakfast sitting. Both eaglets ate well. They are beyond adorable. Dad is bringing fish after fish for his family and Lady is absolutely devoted to her chicks. Such a sweet family. Those little faces are just darling. 

In Orange, Xavier arrived for the early morning bonding session but he has not had a good morning, with two starlings rejected by Diamond. I’m not sure why he keeps bringing them. Surely he must know by now that they are not a popular offering. He is on the ledge as I type, surveying his world. It’s an idyllic place for them to raise their family, Ah, something has caught his attention. He e-chups a few times, then flies out of the box. No idea what he’s spotted but something below the nest box certainly interested him. Such a handsome wee falcon. Gorgeous. I love little Xavier. There is regular mating on the tower and much digging of deep indentations in the nest box. 

In New Zealand, Manaaki is looking especially gorgeous this morning. It is a lovely sunny day at the colony and our beautiful albie chick has had a quiet morning, relaxing on his nest. For once, he has not been gardening or exploring, just enjoying a quiet rest. He is gradually losing his fluff and is starting to look increasingly like his parents. Our giant fluff ball is nearly an albatross. What a beautiful boy he really is, Darvic bling and all. We’ll miss him terribly when he fledges. It’s such a very long time before there is any chance of seeing them again – several years in most cases – so their fledge is particularly bittersweet. We still wonder and worry about little QT, who fludged early in a storm. Lilibet was only 220 days old when she became the first fledge of the season last year. That look on her face ….. 

At Collins Street, it is a cold but sunny morning. There is still some time to wait before we can expect eggs to be laid. Last year’s first hatch was on 30 September, so it should be up to four weeks before the first egg is laid. The last week of August probably, although as I keep saying, who knows what climate change will do to the birds’ inner clocks. I have been rewatching some of last year’s videos from Collins Street in an attempt to discern enough identifying features to determine whether or not this is the same couple we saw in the second part of last year’s season. 

Thanks ‘A’.

Moving back to the nests we have been following:

Collins Marsh: Two beautiful, fully feathered chicks standing in the blowing wind on the nest. This couple looks like they will fledge a pair of osplets this year! It is fantastic. Last year the nest was abandoned, and the year prior, the chick Malik had a forced fledge and was found dead below the nest. This is a new couple in 2023 who diligently cared for their young. Fingers crossed for safe flying.

Boulder County: Two fledglings, one to fly and Mum on one of the successful US nests this year. This beautiful couple that fed one another and did tandem feedings in the beginning so that little third had a chance did it! Success.

Finnish Nest 1:

Fish brings both fledglings in – Mum has a full house. There was still one to fledge at the time of my writing.

Finnish Nest 4: It was a little wet and the three were huddled together for warmth and some fresh fish. Notice the difference in plumage in the two nests. The little ones at nest 4 still have the white stripe. We are a ways from fledgling here! Indeed, they can still, for the most part, fit under Mum to stay dry.

Ilomantsi Finland: This nest is the most eastern of all the Finnish nests and is right on the Russian border. It is the home of parents Manta and Manu who have raised three beautiful osplets. Two females and a male. All have been ringed and at least one has fledged.

The ringing of the chicks took place on 11 July.

Patchogue: Watching for a fish delivery! Our Mini (top) is magnificent. Look at those ‘snake eyes’. Just like Iris! Not nearly the fish deliveries coming to the nest that we saw a few days ago. Dad is feeding off nest. Oh, we need a GoPro on Mini!!!!

Steelscape: Three got some fish and had a nice crop for a bit. Oldest sibling is doing a good job self-feeding. Keep sending good wishes to this little one.

Sandpoint: Wishing for fish for Coco who has not had a lot of fish over the last 24 hours. Keke is very hungry as well and has eaten fish and then tried to feed Coco. Wish for lots of fish!

MN Landscape Arboretum: All is good! The first image is from Sunday and the second Monday morning when Mum and chick are waiting for a delivery. Gosh this nest looks better than it did at the beginning of the season and this new female has really turned into a good Mum.

Alyth: Everyone appears to be doing well after the big tumble out of the nest on Saturday.

Dyfi: Nothing deters Indris – not even a bit of Welsh wind and damp – from getting fish to his kids.

Glaslyn: Looks like there is more rain at Glaslyn and wind. Elen hunkered down on the perch.

One of our Manitoba Osprey nests:

‘H’ has her reports – thanks ‘H’.

Forsythe – There were three fish brought to the nest by Oscar.  Ollie was the beneficiary of all three fish.  But at 0612, two minutes after the first fish was delivered, Owen flew to the nest and a battle ensued with both fledglings going overboard in a mass of wings and talons.  Ollie was seen flying away and Owen returned to claim the fish lying on the nest.  There were a few more brutal battles between those two juvies throughout the day.  Someone is going to get hurt.  More fish is needed at this nest.

Barnegat Light – Dorsett had the pleasure of experiencing several flights on her fledge day.  In these photos, the new fledgling is hanging out with Mom and Dad, and later she is shown enjoying a well earned dinner fish.  

Osoyoos: I’m not quite sure how many fish were delivered to the nest . . many were delivered by Dad, but then some were removed from the nest.  It was a confusing day, and a sad day.At 0542 Dad dropped off a partial fish.  Over the course of the next 2 1/2 hours both chicks tried to self feed from the fish.  #2 was more interested than #1, as #2 was literally starving, but at 33 days of age, did not have the skills to self-feed.  Most of the time that #2 was attempting to eat, s/he was attacked by #1.  There were a few times when #2 held the fish with its talon he did seem to pull off some bites.  Eventually at 0811 that fish either went over the east side of the nest or became lodged in some sticks.  Chick #2 had been facing away from the camera, but when #2 turned around, his crop was still flat.At 0724 Dad arrived with a partial fish and fed chick #1.  Whenever #2 attempted to approach, s/he was attacked by #1.At 1321 Dad was feeding, with a chick to either side.  #2 actually ate 8 bites of fish, before #1 lunged in front of Dad to reach #2, and attacked.  The incident seemed to be disturbing to Dad.  He stopped the feeding and flew away.  The remainder of the fish was left in the nest.  Chick #1 picked up the fish and did a pretty good job of self-feeding.  #2 managed to grab a large tail piece and tried to eat, but unfortunately he dropped the fish over the side.There were other feedings by Dad at 1415, 1529, 1959, and 2014.  Chick #2 did not receive any bites of fish at those meals.I’m not sure if Mom was seen at the nest on 7/30.”

McKeun ParK:
I took this pic yesterday afternoon.  Looks like they all fledged!

Thanks so much ‘H’.

A note has just come in from Kielder Forest that Grasslees is the first osplet to fledge from nest 2. That happened on Saturday, the 29th. Return to nest safely.

Glacier Gardens. The eaglet has been named Serak and is beautiful in that dark chocolate plumage.

Eastern Imperial Eagles: At the Tatarstan nest of Altyn and Altynan, the two eaglets have branched!

Karl II and Kaia: The three surviving storklets have been ringed. One has a transmitter. Karl II has been providing all of the feedings. Kaia was last seen on the nest on 23 July at 16:19. I asked my friend ‘T’ what is happening at this nest and she went and consulted the Forum to check for theories. We know that food appears to have been very limited due to the drought in the area and that Urmas has had to supply fish baskets so this family could survive. For the first time in the history of the nest Karl II did a brood reduction. So this is what ‘T’ sent to me, “She finds good food for herself further away. But she would probably have to find three times as much to give it to the chicks.” As was noticed by some observers, Kaia often stole food from Karl II and did not provide all the food she found for the chicks. Karl II has often sent her away from the nest so that he could take care of the storklets. Is Kaia off finding food for migration? Has she abandoned her nest? We do not know this answer and we wait – perhaps until next year.

The storklets are hungry. Karl II has brought in some fish that were not provided in Urmas’s fish basket and we should thank this generous man who kept this family alive and all who donated to purchase fish for them.

Karl II feeding. Kaia has left early. Is it because of a lack of food and she must build up her strength for migration?

Here is the latest news on Waba and Bonus.

Before we close, it looks like Mini might have gotten a fish on the nest from Dad Monday morning. She was up on the perch when Dad delivered at 0821. Smart girl!

Thank you so much for being with me today. Please send the struggling nests your most positive energy – Osoyoos and Forsythe could use many more fish. Please take care! See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ” ‘A, H, J, PB, T’, Fortis Exshaw, Ars Technics, Alis Jasko and Nor Cal Birding, Tonya Irving, Raptors of the World and VulPro, Sea Eagle Cam, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, NZ DOC, Collins Marsh, Boulder County, Finnish Osprey Foundation, Ilomantsi Finland, PSEG, Steelscape, MN Landscape Arboretum, SSEN Alyth, Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, MB Birding, Forsythe Ospreys, Wildlife Conserve F of NJ, McKuen Park, Osoyoos, Kielder Forest, Glacier Gardens, Eastern Imperial Eagles, Eagle Club of Estonia, and Looduskalender.

Collins Street is live, cute little sea eagles…Saturday in Bird World

29 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

It is 22:20 Friday, the 28th of July. Things should be getting quiet in Osprey World. The chicks should be fledging or fledged, working those wings and getting them strong. The fledglings and those about to fledge should be adapting well to self-feeding. Dads should be delivering more fish to the nests while the Mums also are fattening up like the osplets – preparing for migration. There should be a magical lull where everything is alright, but – it isn’t. ‘MP’ has just written to tell me that Mum could be missing from the Steelscape, Inc nest. There is still one osplet on the nest nearing fledge, and one has flown. ‘H’ just sent me a note that Louise is missing from the FortisExshaw nest and that Mr O has protected the nest and osplets from an intruder. The Scottish Wildlife Trust has now acknowledged that Blue NC0 is probably dead. I listed her on the Memorial Wall 13 days ago. Things are volatile in the nests of our Ospreys, so please, join me in sending them all your very best and most positive energy.

Update: ‘MP’ has written to say the female at Steelscape has returned. Good news. Maybe she is sunning herself and eating fish preparing the chicks for her departure while Dad is upping the deliveries to help the chicks get ready.

Lewis still does not care and he certainly doesn’t mind having the cat tree house all to himself even if he no longer fits. It is hard to imagine that they will be a year old now – Missey already is and Louis was born about the middle of August.

We are all anxious for more of the news from Australia now that the cutest little sea eaglets have hatched. Well, Collins CBD is now live! ‘H’ sent me the links…

South facing:

https://www.youtube.com/live/y3b2rKUPMsA?feature=share

North facing:

https://www.youtube.com/live/xUUK5c-Gsz0?feature=share

And yes…there is a falcon on the north facing camera Saturday morning in Canada….yippeeeeeee.

This wonderful rescue spread around the world like wildfire. Thank you to the dozens of people who sent me the link to the stories! Osprey -water logged and exhausted – hitches a ride on a boat.

Exhausted-baby-osprey-hitches-ride-to-Jersey-Shore-on-familys-boat-VIDEO-nj.com_Download

Oh, I respect Isabella Tree. In this short article, ‘Don’t Be Afraid to Rewild’ for The Guardian, she explains what rewilding is to gardening and it isn’t about letting it all ‘just go’. “Our gardens, now, must help us in the battle against the climate crisis. The planet is on fire. Water is catastrophically scarce. The sprinklers, mowers, leaf-blowers, high-carbon gismos, peat compost and chemical inputs pushed on us by garden centres – the billion-pound horticultural industry that Titchmarsh has been defending to the House of Lords – is as bad for the planet as industrial farming.”

Dont-be-scared-of-rewilding-Monty-Don-and-Alan-Titchmarsh-its-a-garden-revelation-Isabella-TreDownload

California Condors. The Ventana Wildlife Society is doing amazing things and there is a lot of good information on tagging, on a 20+ year old Condor with lead toxitocisis. The effort to move this Condor from the Oakland Zoo to the LA Zoo for quick surgery is incredible and again shows us that there are people out there who will do anything for the wildlife. Ventana WS has a Condor chat every month. Check it out. They also post the Zoom chat on YT later if you cannot make it.

Update on the Dulles-Greenway eaglet that remains in care:

It just feels good that so many incredible and ordinary people are trying to make a difference…I hope it spreads like a bad cold. Imagine if we woke up to find everyone feeding the animals, insisting on ponds being stocked, signing up for shore clean-ups, refusing to buy plastic, finding ways to limit their use of fossil fuels, putting away the leaf blowers and planting Milkweed and other native plants for the birds, bees, and butterflies. Wow.

A Swing around the Nests!

Let’s start with ‘H’ because she has some concerns on her nests….

Osoyoos: Fishing remains very difficult.  There were three small fish brought to the nest on 7/28.Feeding from 1509 to 1512, a very small fish.  Chick #2 was beaked and intimidated by #1, and was prevented from eating.  Feeding from 0517 to 0526, a slightly larger fish, and once again chick #1 prevented chick #2 from joining in the feeding.  At 1719 Olsen brought a fish to the nest, and Soo flew away with the fish.  There was no feeding.  She must have been absolutely starving.Chick #2 last ate a decent meal at 0647 on 7/26.  On 7/27 chick #2 ate a total of 24 bites of fish at four feedings.  On 7/28, chick #2 had nothing to eat.  And, even though chick #1 has eaten some small meals, it is not enough, especially considering the heat.  The high temperature in Osoyoos is predicted to be 34 Celsius on 7/29.  The osplets are 32 and 33 days old.”

Fortis Exshaw:

It was not a good day at the Exshaw osprey platform.  There were only two fish brought to the nest, including one by  Mr.O.  The last fish was delivered at 1040.  Intruders seemed to be the problem.  Mr.O flew to the nest at least six times to help provide defense against intruders.  And, Louise was not seen after 1456.At 1642, there was a terrible altercation at the nest between Mr.O and an intruder, ending with their talons becoming locked together, and both of them tumbling overboard.  Mr.O was not seen after that.  As darkness fell, an osprey flew to the T-perch, and we are hoping that it was Louise assuming her usual roosting spot.”

Kent Island –  All is well for this family on the Chesapeake.  This lovely 47 day old girl of Audrey and Tom will soon have a name!

Barnegat Light – Oh goodness, Dorsett was so very close to fledging on 7/28.  Many times we were on the edge of our seats.  Just look at the height of that hover.  Dorsett is 59 days old, and today will be the day for her first flight!  (I’m positive, lol)

Forsythe – The fishing has been poor for a few days, most likely due to the extreme heat which is expected to last at least another day.  Oscar only managed to deliver three fish to the nest for the two fledglings.  Opal was last seen on 7/25, and she may be taking some time for herself at this point in the season.

Thanks so much, ‘H’. We are not sure if Louise is missing so please continue, as always to send positive wishes to all the nests especially those in trouble or that could be facing difficulties.

Patchogue: Mini got a nice fish and took it up to the perch to eat…milestone after milestone this chick has shown us that she can survive and do well, not just ordinary but, very well.

There has been some concern on the chat and by ‘L’ about Mini’s voice. I s it hoarse? is there a case? Unfortunately there could be many causes including food stuck in the wind pipe or bacterial or fungal infections. It could be the dirt in the area and we don’t know where Mini is now most of the day. That said it would be extremely stressful to have people chasing Mini to try and get her to a rehabber now that she is flying. Let us all hope that this is ‘nothing’ but if she should appear ill on the nest, then PSEG should be notified as well as Brookhaven Wildlife 631 451 8696. They are the closest. Do not call them unless Mini is sick on the nest. If she is eating and flying about sit back and observe.

Mini wants a fish!

Good Night, Mini.

Allin’s Cove East, RI: Both osplets fledged on Friday!

Steelscape: Three gets on the other side of Mum and gets some fish. During the afternoon Dad delivered 3 fish while Mum was away.

Carova Beach: Fledglings/Juveniles continue to come to the nest sometimes with pieces of fish.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Many nests are struggling in this area with only a single parent (lots of missing males) and intruders. We are fortunate that this little one is doing well after a terrible beginning to the season. Dad is doing his very best to get fish on the table despite the ravaging heat that has come and gone over the summer.

A nice fish before bed.

Bridges Golf Osprey: The fish just keep coming. These two are so ready to fly. They are looking particularly well.

Sandpoint: Waiting for fish.

Loch Arkaig: Has Louis been injured or is this blood from his latest fish delivery?

Dyfi: Lots of big fish coming on the nest for the fledglings of Idris and Telyn. Some of the nests in the Pacific NW of Canada and the US would like just one of those a day! Maybe Forsythe, too….the size of the fish is incredible.

Alyth: Lots of hungry fledgling squawking for fish!

Cowlitz: Nice fish for the fledgling.

Oyster Bay: The fledglings are really doing well and there appears to be enough fish being delivered for all. This has been a good nest all year.

Wolf Bay: There seems to be – like the other nests – one fledgling with a fish and another one wishing it was theirs.

Boulder County: Three gorgeous osplets – Big Sibling has fledged (on the 26th and returned to the nest after a minute and 17 seconds) but all still like Mum to shade them and feed them…despite the fact that they are getting good at self-feeding.

The Dorset Hobby Falcons: Fantastic. No hunger at this nest! Stop and notice that all that white fluffy is giving away to some beautiful silky deep charcoal coloured feathers.

San Jose City Hall: Hartley and Monty are happy to see one together. Wonder what Soledad is doing? I sure wish these fledglings would check in on camera!

Sydney Sea Eagles: Both of the little fluff balls are doing so well…you can almost see Lady ‘glow’.

West End, Channel Islands: Thunder and Akecheta’s 2023 fledglings – Scout and Starlight -can often be seen at the old nest that was used in 2022 and before. Gorgeous fledglings and so happy to see them together. We missed seeing them grow up on the new nest this year so this is a real treat.

One last smile…little ducks! You gotta’ love them.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/28/country-diary-little-grebes-swim-around-me-like-bath-toy-ducks?CMP=share_btn_link

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

Thank you to the following for all their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, G, H, K, L, M, MP, S, R’, Sunnie Day, NJ.com, The Guardian, Ventana Wildlife Society, Mirvac, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Kent Island, Conserve Wildlife of NJ, Forsythe Ospreys, PSEG, Allins Cove East, Steelscape, Inc, Carova Beach, MN Landscape Arboretum, Bridges Golf Club, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Dyfi Ospreys, Alyth, Cowlitz PUD, Wolf Bay, Sharon Pollock and the Dorset Hobby Falcons, Boulder County Fair Grounds, SK Hideaways and SJ CH Falcons, Sydney Sea Eagles, IWS/Explore.

SE31 is here…Thursday in Bird World

27 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

I am starting to write my blog at 1700 Thursday evening after a lovely but short trip to the local farmer’s market. It is 31 degrees C, but the humidity makes it feel like 34 C. There is yet another thunderstorm warning for this evening until tomorrow morning. This has been the norm for a week now with massive dark – near black-blue clouds coming in and torrential rain and wind. Thankfully the storm passed north of where I live because the hail that occupied it was the size of a large heirloom tomato! I can only think of the osplets in the nests along Lake Winnipeg. It had to be horrific.

When I got home, it was time to put out the evening spread for all the garden animals. Little Red ‘decided’ that he was going to stash all of the peanuts before the Blue Jays could have even one. What an energetic tenacious little squirrel! What he doesn’t know is that I know where he is putting all those peanuts – in the home that I made for him last year! So…those peanuts will be brought out again on Thursday evening and he can take them all over again! No wonder he stays so slim and trim.

Missey had been watching all of the action until she got totally bored! BTW. you can see some of those pink bird collision squares on the window…just barely. They work!

Sometimes she sits, like the Queen of the Conservatory, that she is!

This is the little stork that Dmitri saved named after the coin in the RU because he was the fifth hatch and his mother was killing him. Dmitri has had his surgery and is up the ladder saying hello and feeding Pyatachok! This is fantastic. Both are looking well. Pyatachok is obviously pleased to see the person who saved his life. Smile. There are wonderful people in the world living the most ordinary lives but doing the most extraordinary things.

Here is the video!

Gosh, it was nice to open the mailbox on Wednesday and find two news articles sent to me by ‘EJ’. Each was a fantastic rescue. These will warm your heart!

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Bald-eagle-rescued-from-James-River-after-getting-caught-in-fly-fishing-line-WRIC-ABC-8NewsDownload

Whenever you think about a rescue or an intervention that people tell you is impossible, I want you to always remember Dale Hollow 2023. We were told the terrain was too steep, no cherry picker could get to the nest, that it was just impossible. Well, geez. Remember that it was an arborist that got onto the nest and worked a miracle getting the two eaglets untangled from one another. While DH17 went on to live and fledge sadly we lost DH18 because of the arguments and paper trails that had to be created for the rescue. So, please do not give up. Remember — a way was found for a nest deemed impossible!

A rescue in Canada. You know when we begin to despair and believe that humans don’t care – we have lots of examples that tell us otherwise!

SE31 got out of that shell in great time. Can’t wait for 32 to be with us…this nest is always a really bittersweet one. The chicks are incredibly lovable and beautiful. They are harassed by the Pied Currawong that chase them out of the forest so that they are unable to return to the nest to be fed and learn to fly and fish by their parents. They end up on the sidewalk by the Discovery Centre if they are lucky and taken into care and then released. Can I even begin to hope that this year might be different?

The saddest thing is that Lady and Dad do not get to experience training their fledglings and seeing them thrive in the wild. Bittersweet.

Dad watching his wee baby hatch. Beautiful. How touching is this?

‘MP’ got a great screen shot of this little fluff ball. Thank you for sharing it with all of us!

Dad is so proud of his new baby!

SK Hideaways gives us a video of all the excitement in the Sydney Olympic Forest:

SE32 is on its way.

Around the Nests:

Tweed Valley 2: Poul, the surviving osplet from the goshawk attack that killed Sasha, fledged on Wednesday. Congratulations!

Osoyoos: Sadly, the heat of the area around Osoyoos is causing the fishing to be slow. The fish will go deeper into the water (if there are fish) and then the Osprey cannot get them. ‘H’ is already reporting a drop in fish for those two lovely osplets of Soo and Olsen. It is what we fear every year.

Dunrovin: The second chick, Snap, fledged on Wednesday. Only one more to go!

Steelscape, Inc.: Not sure about the number of bites of fish but chick 3 did get some fish dinner. The older chick that will be fledging any time is more interested in flapping those wings now than eating so this is now a good thing for Third. It may not stay that way but for now…fingers crossed.

Patchogue: Those parents continue to amaze me. Chicks in and off the nest. Mini getting fish. What a lovely year. What a devoted family. I would so love the precise gender mix in this group…but, like all of you, I am still smiling.

Mini and the live fish that flipped and flopped. That was a brilliant save!

Loch Arkaig: Ludo keeps making milestones. Carrying fish by themselves is one of those! Well done.

Glaslyn: Elen with OH1 and OH2. Aran and his new mate did very well…two Welsh lads to return and breed!

Kuopia Saaksilvie Kallavest: The three osplets were small in weight when they were ringed on the 17th of July. Each appears to still be doing well and is ready for flying.

Time for ‘H’s report – as always, I am so grateful ‘H’.

Forsythe: There were five fish brought to the nest for the two fledglings, and all were delivered by Oscar.  Owen acquired three, while Ollie managed to grab two of the fish.  But, my goodness these two fought.  There was quite a battle between the two of them at 1726 that lasted two minutes, and resulted in Ollie being ejected from the nest!

Barnegat Light – Wow, look at the height of that hover!  Dorsett is 57 days old.  Stay tuned . . .


Kent Island – The Biologist that banded Tom and Audrey’s chick determined that she is a female.  The soon-to-be-named chick is 45 days old.


Patuxent Nest 1 – On 7/26, while the fledglings were on the nest, and Sib-B was eating a fish, a Great Blue Heron landed on the nest!  They sibs both skedaddled, but Sib-B managed to keep her fish, and then later returned with it.


Osoyoos: Fishing was poor for the second day in a row.  Dad delivered three small fish to the nest, and Mom may have tried to fish as well.  Chick #2 had some bites of fish during the first meal of the day, but due to aggression by chick #1, s/he was prevented from eating at the next two meals.  Chick #2 was subjected to chick #1’s aggression at off-meal times as well.

FortisExshaw: Louise brought seven fish to the nest, and Mr. O delivered one.  At 1612, Mr. O landed with a fish while Louise was out.  He waited for a couple of minutes, then flew off, leaving the fish on the nest. The two kids looked at each other like “What are we supposed to do with this?”, lol.  At 1157 and 1204, Mr. O landed on the nest to assist Louise with intruder defense.  What a guy!  The 39-day-old chicks are both practicing wingers.  And, one of the two chicks tried a bit of self feeding in the evening. 

Thanks Heidi. How many remember the battles between Ervie and Bassa at the Port Lincoln nest after those two had fledged? Gosh that Forsythe nest sounds like Port Lincoln! Bassa left – and Ervie stayed and our dear little third hatch survivor, Ervie, is still in Port Lincoln waiting for a mate and a nest. Not so fast, Ervie!

Black Eagles:

When you are feeling a little despair at the nests, what do you do? I recall ‘MP’ told me that he watches the sparrows in Mini’s nest! Well, my Geemeff sent this to me this morning. It isn’t raptors but it is people working hard to get seals untangled from fishing nets and line! Remember…there are our super heroes working quietly every day to help wildlife.

Royal Cam Albatross: ‘A’ loves this little guy. She writes, “This is priceless. First up, have a look at the size of that pile of nesting material at the beginning of the video. It is HUGE. It looks like the pile of lawn clippings after my large back lawn has been mown. He is amazing. And then check out how aggressively he works on pulling out the grass. I have never seen bunches of grass pulled out like that, even by the adults. They normally pull out a token blade or two at a time, not beakfuls like Manaaki. He is not playing around here. This albie is one serious builder.”

The osplets were given health checks, ringed, and bagged to head to Ireland for the translocation project to restore Ospreys to the Emerald Isles. There is much excitement and here is the image of the flight being tracked. They are travelling by private jet! A person from Irish National Parks and Wildlife Service is with them.

Thank you so much for being with me today. The big story is down in the Sydney Olympic Forest and it is not going to be long until we begin to look rather closely at Xavier and Diamond, the Peregrine Falcon couple that everyone loves in. Orange, Australia. Then it will be the Port Lincoln Ospreys and the CBD Falcons. It is hard to believe but in a fortnight many ospreys will start their journey south in North America. Those that fly over Cuba will arrive about the middle of September as they make their way to Brazil and other areas of South America. Take care everyone. 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, EJ, Geemeff, H, MP’, Storks 40 Pyatachok, Fox News, ABC 8 News, Western Wheel, Sydney Sea Eagles, SK Hideaways and Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Gracie Shepherd and Raptors of the World, Conservation Without Borders, Osoyoos, Dunrovin Ranch, Steelscape, Inc, PSEG, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Forsythe, Conserve Wildlife of NJ, Kent Island, Patuxent River Park, Osoyoos, FortisExshaw, Ocean Conservation Namibia, Lady Hawk and the NZ DOC, Gregorius Joris Toonen, and Merry Kotka.

Fledges at Boulder and Seaside…Zeus Returns…Pip at Sea Eagles! Wednesday in Bird World

26 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

Every once in awhile there is a lull…a time when chicks are ready to fledge but haven’t quite yet. Others are eating fish and coming on and off the nest. It is a good thing. It has been a bittersweet year full of dramatic miracles like M15 raising the 2 Es, River getting a male partner to help with intruders and fish so that the only surviving eaglet at Dale Hollow could live, Mr O showing up right on time to help Louise at the Fortis Exshaw nest – and, of course, Little Mini living to fledge. She is a survivor.

At a time when many nests lots all their osplets, there is much to be thankful for – every time you look at an osplet surviving this year, smile. It has been a whirlwind of losses and tears due to weather, starvation, and predation. We must celebrate those that lived and continue to send positive energy to the nests that are struggling or that could potentially have issues with predation. The Osprey season is not over yet in the Northern Hemisphere until the last chick or adult has lifted its wings and started its long journey south. In Australia, the first osplet chicks are hatching! Soon we will turn our attention in that direction, but today, there is the pip in the first egg at the nest of Lady and Dad in the Sydney Olympic Forest, and everyone is cheering.

‘H’ and I are monitoring the life of 311 osprey eggs. So far 10.61% of those eggs did not hatch. 23.74% died meaning that 76.26% so far have lived. Starvation was the most common cause of death followed by predation by other raptors then siblicide.

Now, in the garden, because you have asked. The Little Blue Jay is doing well. I might have mentioned this – I meant to. The frightened Little Blue Jay lost its tail feathers so it would not die by cat predation. The month old fledgling met up with a tiny little Blue Jay who recently fledged from another nest who came to the garden. Its parents told it to sit and not move. The two were rather cute. Yesterday evening that little blue jay flew back with its parents to their nest at the corner of my street. Meanwhile, the older Blue Jay lacking a tail, joined its siblings, eating and flying around the garden. I am hopeful. It is sitting in the square feeder with a roof covering tonight.

Our weather has been nothing short of horrible. The clouds are holding the smoke from the wildfires in place. We had a thunderstorm that began Monday night around 2200 and lasted til the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday. Lightning and thunder kept me awake, along with Lewis and Missey, who hate the storms. Everything is humid and saturated, making it difficult to breathe. The plants and trees love it, though! The birds do not. Their seed was soaked and needed a thorough removal. Now, because of all the rain, seed will only be put out in small amounts and refilled…oh, does it ever get gross when it is wet and begins to ferment. Yuck!

So, let’s get checking on our nests:

Steelscape, Inc. This nest and Forsythe are right up there for continuing worries. There are intruders, and fish deliveries might not be plentiful. On Tuesday, keen-eyed fish bite counter ‘PB’ watched as the third hatch at Steelscape, Inc had two feedings before 1300 with 100 bites. That is fantastic. This osplet will not do much rushing around the nest, so don’t worry. It has to conserve its energy and make those bites of fish count. It is a survivor, and the Mum is fantastic, offering bites whenever that big sister allows. Another reader, ‘MP’ took a great screenshot of Third’s ‘ps’. It is good…a dehydrated chick would not be able to project its ps over the side of the nest like this… and then ‘PB’ watched Three was fed an entire fish. Life is good. Thanks, everyone! Our worries are not over but this fully feathered chick has not died and will definitely live to see another day.

Cowlitz: Fledgling continues to come to the nest! Excellent.

Clark PUD: Both surviving chicks are doing very well.

River Ospreys, Blackwater NWR: All three osplets have fledged and today a visiting juvenile came to the nest. This nest is located in Maryland and is one that survived the storms to raise three healthy birds.

Dunrovin: Pop fledges on Tuesday. Wasn’t interested in the fish, just flying!

Boulder County: The two oldest chicks fledged Wednesday morning! Way to go Boulder!

Patchogue: Little Mini got a great big fish for breakfast on Wednesday. All is well. Each of the four fledglings has been seen in the last 24 hours. Excellent news.

I did promise that we could check on the UK and European nests today and that is where we are heading.

Finnish Nest 1: Oh, my goodness. If I didn’t worry about goshawks I would smile every time I see this beautiful nest in the forest. The three osplets have been ringed – Yellow HKU a female named Usva, HXT a female named Tuomi, and HXR, a male named Roil. Usva is really flapping her wings and wanting to fly. Lots of nice fish coming to this nest. It is wonderful.

Finnish Nest 4: The is the nest of Nuppu and Nemo. They had three chicks. One died. Both survivors are females named Lumo, HWL and Apila, HXA.

Finnish Nest L-S5: Two surviving chicks of four eggs. The first egg was displaced by the male and never incubated and the fourth egg did not hatch. The two remaining osplets are Sade Yellow K1S a female and Slim K2S a little male. They were ringed on July 13. Both are doing very well.

Janakallan: Both osplets are doing well. I am looking for information regarding ringing and gender reveal.

Loch Arkaig: Louis and Dorcha’s fledgling, Ludo, is quite the pesky osplet!

Dyfi: Telyn watching over her chicks as they eat their fish.

Glaslyn: Aran makes sure that both of his boys have fish to eat as Elen looks on.

Loch of the Lowes: Laddie continues to deliver fish and this one is getting eaten in the rain. As far as I know there has been no sign of Blue NC0.

Rutland: Fussing over Fish Deliveries! Normal osprey behaviour after fledging. As long as they don’t kill one another.

Osprey House, Australia: Third egg hatched on Tuesday! Congratulations.

Time for ‘H’s reports:

Fortis Exshaw – This family had another nice day.  The Stepdad, Mr. O, delivered one fish for the family and Louise brought 4 large fish.  One of the fish caught by Louise was so big, it allowed for two meals.  Mr. O also contributed a splendid stick, which Louise immediately took command of and deftly placed it exactly where she wanted it.

Forsythe – What a difference a day makes.  Oscar and Opal delivered 8 fish to the nest for their two fledglings.  After all the wrangling and stealing, it appeared that Owen and Ollie each had 4 fish.  Fantastic!

Osoyoos – It was an atypical day, in that Olsen apparently had some difficulty fishing.  There were only three fish brought to the nest where there are typically 6-9.  At the last fish delivery of the day at 2029, there was some bonking of sib #2 by sib #1.

Kent Island – What a big surprise … Audrey and Tom’s 43 day old youngster was banded!  And, there is currently a naming contest, so ‘Junior’ will soon have an official name.

Barnegat Light – The big news is that Dorsett managed to double the height of his/her brief hovers on 7/25.  A day or two more until s/he fledges?   Dorsett is 56 days old. 

Severna Park – The two fledglings are often seen in the nest enjoying a fish.  Oscar has been bringing them fish, and I’m not sure, but Olivia may be taking a break.

Audubon Boathouse –  This is a photo of Dory on the nest at sunrise, a day after she lost her only baby to a predator.  My heart breaks for Dory and Skiff.


South Cape May Meadows – Since the terrible 3-day storm in June resulted in the deaths of her three young nestlings, Hera can occasionally be seen at her nest, sometimes eating a fish.  Her mate, Zeus, had not been seen since 6/20, and it was feared that he died in the storm.  Well, Zeus was at the nest on 7/25 with Hera (confirmed by an ‘expert’).  How wonderful that Zeus is still alive.

‘H’ also adds that the second osplet at Seaside, Naiku, fledged on Tuesday. Congratulations Seaside. Thank you, ‘H’! Your reports are always appreciated.

Dorset Hobby: My goodness, those little falcons are the cutest things and can they ever devour prey! They are seriously cute as Mum feeds them.

Lesser Spotted Eaglet, Zemgale, Latvia: Doing great. Should be branching in the nest week? Beautiful eaglet.

Eastern Imperial Eaglets, Tatarstan RU: Talk about beauties. These two – again defied the odds – and this nest will have two fledge. No Jainism here! These parents found lots of food for their two youngsters.

An osprey nest is saved! Thanks Sunnie Day.

Osprey-family-a-threatened-species-makes-a-home-at-Romeoville-plant-–-Shaw-LocalDownload

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

My special thanks to those that sent notes, screen captures, observed nests, made posts and who operated streaming cams that all helped me to write my blog today. Thanks to ‘H, MP, PB’, Se McGregor and Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Steelscape Inc, Cowlitz PUD, Clark PUD, Dunrovin Ranch, River Ospreys, Finnish Osprey Foundation, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Dyfi Ospreys, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, LOTL, LRWT, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Wildlife Conserve F of NJ, Severna Park, Forsythe Ospreys, Cape May Meadows, Audubon Boathouse, Kent Island, Boulder County Fair Grounds, PSEG, SK Hideaways and the Dorset Hobby Falcons, Osprey House, LDF, Sunnie Day and Shaw Local, and RU Imperial Eagles.