Category Archives: Dyfi Osprey Project

Monday in Bird World

9 September 2022

Good Morning Everyone,

It is Sunday, and the sky is hazy. It is 27 C at 1730. Sorry for the mantra, but 27 C is nearly as hot as St. George’s Grenada, WI, which is 29 C. Tomorrow is forecast to be 30 C, then 28, and again 30 C on Wednesday. Please let me know if I am wrong, but this is exceptional heat this time of year for Winnipeg. Fort Myers, home to M15 and F23, is 31 C, while it is a cool 13 in Port Lincoln, 10 in Orange, and 12 C in Melbourne. One of the hot spots is Osoyoos, home to Soo and Olsen, which is 34 C. I have yet to see anyone on the nest there, and I hope they have begun their migration. The temperatures are important. We witnessed what heat can do to raptors this summer. The Bald Eagles feeding here in Manitoba (one of the coldest places on the planet in the winter, according to many sources) would stay during the winter if there were food. Several remain in Winnipeg – one lives on the roof of one of our major hospitals. The other couple did live at Ft. Whyte Alive. There is plenty of prey in the winter. Some were seen pecking at ice, trying to get fish at Lake Winnipeg.

The birdfeeders and the feral cat station were filled early Sunday morning. We have a raccoon who is visiting some nights. It makes a huge mess of everything. Tips the lower bird bath over and dumps and eats all the food for either the community cats or the Crows. It ate an entire chicken carcass one night! I am sitting watching Little Red and one of Dyson’s kits alternate gathering peanuts along with the Blue Jays.

They are taking them away, storing them somewhere. I do hope not in or on the bark of a tree destined to be cut. There are House Wrens and House Sparrows around, too. The cheesy dog bowl is full and Mr Crow has finally arrived. It is 1022. Baby Hope is eating hard food, and Calico is staring at the other cat dishes, wondering what happened to all the wet food. Missey ate it and cleaned up all the extra. So now they wait until 1700 – vet rules. While we want some fat on our ospreys, the vet wants the cats ‘more lean’ than ‘pleasantly plump’. Calico has done well on her diet, and her playfulness is a testament to how weight can impact their behaviour.

‘The Girls’ are fine. They are enjoying having more songbirds in the garden to watch and all the squirrels scurrying around.

Hugo Yugo curled up in the house of the cat tree, sleeping after dinner. It seems cats go into food comas, too!

Missey used to sleep in the plant pots with Lewis after they were watered. She barely fits now.

Everyone would like to sleep in the little basket! Hope is waiting patiently. It is impossible for both to sleep together, not enough room. Hugo Yugo is small, but Hope is nearly the size of Calico.

Hope is busy checking out one of the Blue Jays. I must have startled Hugo Yugo! She had been busy watching the Jays flit around eating cheesy dogs, trying not to get stung by the wasps that had invaded the space.

We have several visitors to the feral cat feeder now. There is ‘The Boyfriend’ who has been coming for over 18 months, the other black cat with an entire bowtie moustache and now a young solid black kitten and a ginger male. We know that the ginger male belongs to a neighbour who insists on leaving him out. We hope that he does not get hit by any of the cars that use the streets like they are race tracks.

Calico was very interested in the younger solid black cat. She watched it moving back and forth from the door to the small cat tree. It is really sweet and I will post its image in our neighbourhood FB group tonight.

Gosh. Sunday was just the most beautiful day. Perfect weather. We need rain, but I am thankful for these days. Let it rain at night!

In Bird World, Gabby has been seen mating with ‘the visitor’ – not Beau. Are we destined to have another year of males fighting over Gabby with no eaglets produced?

Every talon is checked and the folks at the AEF are busy trying to identify the necrotic male. Is it A1 from last year?

There is conflicting information, and I cannot see the eagle’s feet to the left. AEF said that Gabby and Beau were at the nest. Their moderator further stated that Gabby and Beau flew off later, and Beau returned to the nest. Gabby did not return. Others have posted that it was ‘the visitor with the necrotic feet’ on the branch next to Gabby, noting that Gabby and Beau hardly ever perched next to one another. We will have to wait and see how this season’s drama unfolds.

The AEF confirms that this is Beau in the tree. He arrived just at 1150.

Then Gabby returned and the couple worked on their nest before heavy rains began.

Beau is still at the nest (confirmed by AEF). He shakes the rain off and looks out over the horizon from the Lookout Tree.

Send good energy that Beau is up to be a great mate AND Dad this year and that all the others leave this couple alone!!!!!!

At Hellgate Canyon, Finnegan delivered the breakfast fish to Antali who, after taking a few bites, flew off the nest with his fish. No sign of Sum-eh at the nest fighting for fish and everyone thinks that she has now left the area. Iris normally departs on the 8th of September. Will she stay longer? or will we see her one last time on Sunday?

Antali certainly went to sleep with an enormous crop.

Beaumont and Hope were on the nest bringing fish to the two juveniles on Sunday so everyone is home at Snow Lane in Newfoundland.

Fish deliveries continue to happen at Sandpoint.

Charlie is still delivering fish to the Charlo Montana nest for C16.

Big Bear and the diamonds. No Jackie or Shadow.

‘J’ writes that Bowen’s body has been removed from the Boundary Bay Nest by the Hancock Wildlife Foundation in the hopes that they might be able to determine what caused the eaglet to die.

There are ospreys know not to return to their natal nest area. Researchers are curious about why this is the case. Gregorius Joris Tooen (he worked with the translocation project of ospreys to Ireland) posted some information and thoughts on this phenomena that I believe will interest you.

In Wales, LJ2, the male at Llyn Brenig, partner of Blue 372, is believed to have left the nest and begun his migration after the last of the chicks departed.

Geemeff’s daily summary for Loch Arkaig and The Wooden Trust.

Daily summary Sunday 8th September 2024

No activity today, other than magnificent scenery on the nests this morning when the promised fog materialised. The weather did brighten up but heavy rain is forecast, and tomorrow will be a good day to end these summaries and close the season by posting my unofficial season highlights video. Woodland Trust will be posting the official highlights and closing this comments page soon, but the livestreams will be available on YouTube, links below, plus previous seasons and plenty of interesting content on Woodland Trust’s channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@woodlandtrust/videos

Nest One livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/–l_qKzu2kE

Nest Two livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/cThAEtbegKk

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 20.46.35 (05.39.02); Nest Two 20.49.31 (05.47.00)

Today’s videos: none

Bonus feel-good moments:

https://youtu.be/GxOwVJ8LeEY  Together again: the reunion of Aila & Louis (2018)

https://youtu.be/zFWxru4yOOY  Together again: the reunion of Aila & Louis (2019)

https://youtu.be/j_2zRRZeJQY  Together again: the reunion of Aila & Louis (2020)

https://youtu.be/9p84l65VnYo  Together again: the reunion of Louis & Dorcha (2022)

https://youtu.be/2I51i5kIVa0  Together again: the reunion of Louis & Dorcha (2023)

https://youtu.be/_5ll1MON-d0  Together again: the reunion of Louis & Dorcha (2024)
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/0vx1Z3vHCao Hello Sarafina! Still here! (2022)
https://youtu.be/vmErkxkRRf4 Hoodie darts in and steals a scrap (2022 slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/-YWJzjJRAJM Confirmed – last sighting of Louis (2022)
https://youtu.be/VltxbEF37Ow Exit Sarafina, pursued by a Chaffinch (2022)

Watch the Loch Arkaig Osprey livestream 24/7 and join in the conversation here:

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

M22 and F23 are talking (or is it singing) to their eggs. Incredibly sweet. https://youtu.be/_k5CMRjQhtE?

The only surviving osprey chick at the Osprey Environment Centre in Queensland is growing and thriving. The other chick, the smallest one, died on the 12th of August after severe weather, poor fish deliveries, and according to the centre, some bullying from the oldest sibling.

The end of season summary from Dyfi Osprey Project in Wales. They are truly proud of Idris and Telyn pulling off ‘another hat trick’. Thanks, Dyfi. I wish that every streaming cam in the world would produce an end of year detailed summary such as this!

2024 DOP Summary – Another Hat-trick Year | Dyfi Osprey ProjectDownload

This applies to both hemispheres.

At the Olympic Park Eagle nest, Judy Harrington gives us a good summary of the events of the 8th.

In Melbourne, our lovely CBD falcon couple discuss issues related to incubation! https://youtu.be/NyNmGPncatg?

Frankie is still at Fenwick Island still bringing fish to his juvenile, Fen.

The Royal Cam chick (hardly a chick anymore!) has gorgeous wings and has been hoping around and hovering. Soon, very soon, this beauty will take to the skies.

In Bulgaria, the Greater Flamingo has been residing there, but they have never nested and bred. Now they have.

Greater Flamingo breeds in Bulgaria for first time – BirdGuidesDownload

Friends of Sth Australia Ospreys (our Port Lincoln friends) need a treasurer. Do you know someone qualified to help? (This is the biggest I can cut and paste, apologies).

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, J, PB’, NEFL-AEF, Montana Osprey Project, Newfoundland Power, Charlo Montana, Sandpoint Ospreys, FOBBV, Gregorious Joris Toonen, Llyn Brenig Osprey Project, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Osprey House Environmental Centre, Dyfi Osprey Project, Birds of South Jersey, Judy Harrington and Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, SK Hideaways, Heidi McGrue, NZ DOC, BirdGuides, and Fran Solly and Friends of Osprey.

Sad news from Niagara Bee…Saturday in Bird World

7 September 2024

Hello Everyone!

I have put a warning in one group of images and the report from Niagara Bee. I did not believe we could lose another osprey this late in the season and, yet, it has happened. So be mindful when you get to that spot if you are sensitive and move down to the next news item.

I can confirm that Cobey, the Colonial Beach osplet on the streaming cam, was not one of the three ospreys from the area that had a necroscopy. I can, however, confirm that Cobey was noticeably ‘malnourished’ when his body was examined. That will not be a surprise to anyone. Individuals from the area are speaking up to stop the commercial fishing for Menhaden that has impacted hundreds of osprey nests in the area.

It really does feel as if fall has come to Manitoba. The leaves are changing before my eyes, the squirrels and Blue Jays are busy storing peanuts for the winter, and the Crows are getting fat. How many will remain here during the winter? Junior finally has his crest, and he is back to his handsome self. He wouldn’t smile at me but there he is on the left, crest flattened, but there! It took more than two weeks to grow in.

This is one of the little Red Squirrels born in our wood shed in the summer. It has a lot of white and is simply tiny and adorable.

Hugo Yugo has a fascination with dry flowers! These came from our local market, but I am drying herbs in the utility room, and she would love to be taller!

Last evening, Hugo Yugo must have felt the chill of the changing seasons, and I found her cuddled under two duvets. She loves her creature comforts and still sleeps with her head draped over my left arm on my pillow. She prefers the satin pillowcase. What a girl.

We are all having withdrawals or are starting to fret and worry about our dear Ospreys – particularly Iris and her entire family, as they prepare for migration. My inbox contains letters from you sitting and wringing your hands and toes. We know that Iris has survived for nearly 30 years in the wild. She is eating well. Finnegan is helping with Antali, and it appears that Sum-eh might have departed. Of course, she could be somewhere along the Clarke-Fork River eating some enormous fish and not revealing her quite perky and independent self. These two fledglings have good DNA. Tiger Mozone told me once they need two things: good DNA and good luck. So, we know that they have great genes. Just look at Iris and how long she has lived. She has also had the best of luck (OK, maybe not with Louis) during her migration. Let us hope that she has given clear and concise instructions to her two juveniles, Antali and Sum-eh, so they have long and productive lives carrying on her gene pool when they are ready to start their own families.

Antali is undoubtedly handsome. He would like Dad to get a big fishie on that nest. Iris is still home and delivered a whopper this morning. Thanks, ‘PB”.

When I speak about luck, I mean staying away from the harm that much of modern human life causes. The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds by Scott Weidensaul describes many of those. One of the most formidable is ‘light’. “Ornithologists have known for generations that artificial light disorients birds; as far back as the 1800s, lighthouse keepers described huge bird kills on foggy nights, when migrating songbirds battered themselves against the glass” (144). Weidensaul continues, “Lighted skyscrapers remain a major cause of mortality during migration so much so that campaigns have been launched in many cities to convince building managers to turn off lights during the peak of migration…some 90,000 birds a year die from building collisions in New York City alone.” Weidensaul notes that the lights that are set up for the memorial to the 9/11 victims is in peak migration period. “Some years the heaviest flights have occurred on the same night as the tribute…Radar studies have shown that the twin beams concentrate migrants at 150 times the normal rate”. (144). Since 2005, if the migration detectors notice 1000 songbirds whirling in dismay in the lights, they are now automatically turned off to save the birds and allow them to get on their way without harm” (144).

The route that Iris and her family, along with other Montana birds, take when they migrate might not take them through large cities with tall skyscrapers. It depends on where they go and below is the map constructed by the Montana Osprey Project with the birds that have been tracked.

The odd bird seems to have had trouble and went north and then to Florida, but you will notice that the concentrated stream takes them over Colorado into Texas, Mexico, and Central America. Many believe that Iris winters in south Texas but with no tracker or distinctive Darvic Ring we will never know for certain.

I am reposting an article from one of the Hellgate Osprey groups on FB by ‘CW’ that you might find of interest. ‘Osprey Migration Explained’.

Osprey Migration Explained – Avian ReportDownload

Autumn migration news from Knepp Farm in Sussex, UK.

The Great Autumn Migration – KneppDownload

At Llyn Brenig, Bethan 8B9 was last seen Friday morning and is believed to have departed for her migration. LJ2 was at the nest in the evening.

News from Tweed Valley.

I caught ‘someone’ at the NE Florida nest on the branch but cannot confirm if it is Gabby or Beau. They were photographed in the LY tree together around 10:00 am. Thanks, ‘J’.

It is difficult to see eagles with injured talons. This particular one with its necrotic talons came and went and spent some time on the NE Florida nest. It has been identified as the same eagle that intruded on the nest last year. Oh, please leave Gabby and Beau alone! https://youtu.be/Pg8g_M3wrWc?

WingsofWhimspy notations sent by ‘J’ as the eagles return:

We know that Jackie and Shadow, Beau and Gabby, and M15 and F23 are here! (listed above, too)

Well, this is where we will be on the 22nd and then rushing back for the Goose Flights at the nature centre.

How clean energy can help save our birds. Audubon has some ideas.

How Clean Energy Can Benefit Climate, Communities, And Conservation _ AudubonDownload

It is hard to imagine how quickly our little ones grow and they are on their way to independence and trying to survive on their own. Dyfi reminds us!

Just look at those little faces wanting fish. That is why I love this species so much.

WARNING. DISTURBING NEWS AND IMAGE IN THIS REPORT FROM NIAGRA BEE. Before I check the nests, news has come in late Friday from ‘PB’ that something there is a dead osplet on the Niagara Bee nest. It’s body was there in the early morning. Was it killed? and if so, why was the prey that was hunted left? or did it die of a disease? In either case, the remaining two fledglings are in danger. (If it was a predator during the night I could not rewind enough to confirm it was an owl. Eagles hunt during the day.)

At 0802 one of the fledglings looks down to see its dead sibling.

Nestled by its sibling.

The body of the osplet was eaten by a raccoon that came to the nest after dusk.

At the Snow Lane nest in Newfoundland, Beaumont is still delivering amazing fish to the two fledgings. He arrived Friday afternoon with a nice crop after finishing the head. Both juveniles are still home. I cannot confirm if Hope is still in the area.

Look at the size of the wings on that fledgling. I ‘think’ it is the second hatch. The other has a really lovely crop so both are getting fed well. Yeah to Beaumont and Hope for a great year. Hope delivered a big fish to the nest on Friday and was hungry herself but the kiddos got it. Beaumont was delivering on Thursday. He could have been on Friday, too – it is hard to catch them they are trying to get off the nest without having their talons torn off. Who would have thought we would be witnessing this?! It is special. A miracle nest.

River at the Sandpoint osprey platform wanting fish. No deliveries by mid-Friday afternoon that I could see.

Juvenile on the nest at Cowlitz PUD wanting fish.

At Fortis-Exshaw, Harvie delivered a fish Friday morning and both juveniles were at the nest wanting it.

I did not see anyone for ever so long, but Heidi caught Soo delivering a fish on Friday. There were some leftovers and a juvenile, cannot tell which one, came in later and ate it.

There is at least one juvenile at home at Collins Marsh Osprey Platform receiving fish from Dad.

‘PB’ reports that the OPPD ospreys have left the Fort Calhoun nest near Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

‘PB’ also sent me the latest notice. I am thrilled that people are speaking up against the Canadian company, Omega, for wiping out the Menhaden fish stocks that the ospreys (and others) depend on for their survival. Please, regardless, of where you live, write your Senator if you feel strongly about this issue. Other States who have bordering the Chesapeake Bay have restrictions against this industrial fishing — all but Virginia. Do it for Cobey!!!!!!

Geemeff’s daily summary for Loch Arkaig and the Woodland Trust:

Daily summary Friday 6th September 2024

The promised sunshine materialised and tempted a Coal Tit out onto Nest One for a few moments. Another sunny day is forecast for tomorrow but then it’s back to cool and damp for the rest of the week.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.00.28 (05.32.42); Nest Two 21.07.49 (05.44.10)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/n85DjMBiPQY The unusual sunshine tempts a Coal Tit out onto the nest 17.12.42

Bonus read – are migration patterns for UK Ospreys changing?
https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/2023/09/osprey-shortened-migration/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/Xl_8AxlIfkc  N1 Cheeky Hoodie invades the nest despite Rannoch nearby 2019
https://youtu.be/poMrwR2FX_w  N1 Confirmed: Final sighting of Rannoch on the nest 2019
https://youtu.be/hL6JazzmUEg  N1 Confirmed: Vera’s final visit to the nest 2020
https://youtu.be/Y3XChI4pFV4 N1 Small raptor (Sparrowhawk?) visits the empty nest 2020https://youtu.be/rkJolVwk_Y8 N2 Business as usual for Louis and Sarafina 2022
https://youtu.be/HHXIj2ufC50  N2 Hoodie alert! Sarafina exits hastily with her fish 2022
https://youtu.be/o5NcT2J4KTc  N2 Is Sarafina feeding fish to the crows? 2022

Watch the Loch Arkaig Osprey livestream 24/7 and join in the conversation here:

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

Our cute pie Cal Falcons Annie and Archie are pair bonding! https://youtu.be/mv2yafsUozM?

Morning changeover at 367 Collins Street. ‘A’ comments: “I understand that Victor has identified the male as the same male we had here last year (M22) and the female as a new bird (neither F22, who was probably killed by an intruder last season, nor the intruder). So she is being called F23 (though surely it should be F24 – the whole thing is confusing me greatly). At both scrapes, hard incubation is well underway, with Xavier doing his usual adorable chatting to his eggs (though I have not yet seen him attempt to feed them so far this season – there’s plenty of time of course for him to do something typical of this cutest of falcons).”

I note that someone whom I trust explicitly and has detailed images of head patterns, etc. does not believe that this is M22, but a new male despite Victor Hurley’s statement that it is. Without Darvic rings, it is incredibly difficult to identify birds unless there is a peculiar identifying mark.

At the Sea Eagles cam, SE34 is still shy of 33. There is a quiet jerk, and the stance of his body indicates that the youngest hatchling always keeps a keen eye on him in case 33 is going to reach over and beak him. SE33 ate first, and even when 34 moved up to the beak, Lady kept feeding 33 for a bit.

This feeding was caught by Nesting Bird Life and More: https://youtu.be/1cB4L9Xz1Nw?

‘A’ comments: “The more I watch WBSE, the more I wonder whether the temperaments of these two, combined with the lack of an obvious size difference, suggest that we may indeed have two boys on this nest. SE33, though the first hatch and therefore top of the ‘pecking order’, is certainly not a vicious chick in the manner of a killer like Zoe. 

But SE34 definitely remains very intimidated at feedings, despite the excellent fraternal relationship the two nestlings seem to have the rest of the time. Usually, SE33 doesn’t even need to beak SE34, who cowers away at the slightest hint that SE33 is even considering moving in his direction. About ten minutes into the breakfast feeding, SE34 shuffled forward to get closer to the food, and for the next ten minutes or so, Lady seemed to concentrate on feeding him, so that he got the vast majority of the bites, just as SE33 had done early in the feeding. 

After flying off this morning, Dad returned very quickly with breakfast, and Lady quickly took control of what looked like something furred, though it could have just as easily been slightly feathered (it was definitely red meat and looked very nutritious – probably someone else’s half-grown chick. As the feeding progressed, and each chick had been fed for about 10 minutes, Lady fed them both alternately for a while. SE34 appeared slightly wary but was relatively confident, even competing with SE33 for bites (and winning). At all times, though, SE34 was aware of SE33 and was monitoring its movements carefully, while still participating in the feeding. 

It was a very lengthy feeding, and by its end (around 07:17), both eaglets had very healthy crops. Their exquisite white fluff is now decorated with rows of shiny blue-black feathers growing through, making the chicks look spectacularly beautiful (as opposed to the cutest little fluff balls). These sea eaglets really are exquisite as their juvenile plumage develops – and the camouflage it provides is extremely impressive (like red-tailed hawklets, these sea eaglets grow the most wonderfully effective camouflage). “

At the Charles Sturt Falcon Cam in Orange, Xavier is getting a lot of eggie time Saturday morning.

Xavier on the eggs.

Mum and Dad at the nest on the Port Lincoln barge.

Remember Ervie and then Bradley with their Puffer Fish? ‘L’ sent us a posting of another osprey enjoying that particular delicacy. It feels like that old saying ‘Shooting Fish in a Barrel’. These Puffers must be easy to catch!

Mark it on your calender. Cornell’s Big Bird Day (counting birds) is 12 October. Please register to participate. I will send reminders and links closer to the date!

Conservation without Borders with Sacha Dench is Crowdfunding for The Flight of the Vulture. Here is some information and below it is the e-mail about contributing to the Crowdfunder.

Flight of The VultureDownload
Exciting News Flight of the Vultures is Live Heres How to Double Your ImpactDownload

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

Thank you so much to the following for their notes, comments, posts, tweets, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, H, J, L, PB’, Niagara Bee, Cornell Bird Lab, Thinura Nisal Bandara, Port Lincoln Osprey, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, 367 Collis Street by Mirvac, Olympic Park Eagle Cam, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Virginia Osprey Foundation, Collins Marsh Ospreys, Fortis Exshaw Osoyoos, Fortis Exshaw Canmore, Cowlitz PUD, Newfoundland Power Snow Lane Osprey Cam, Sandpoint Osprey Cam, Dyfi Osprey Project, Audubon, MB IBA, Wings of Whimsy, NEFL-AEF, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, Knepp Farm, Llyn Brenig Ospreys, Avian Report, Montana Osprey Project, The Global Odyssey of Migrating Birds, and Conservation without Borders.

Tuesday in Bird World

3 September 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

It is our area’s first day of school – always the day after Labour Day and, for parents and children, it marks the end of summer. The weather certainly doesn’t indicate the end of summer and crisp air. It was a sunny, hot 26 C on Monday. Everyone was enjoying the last holiday before our Thanksgiving, which is in mid-October (unlike the American one, which is in November).

We went to check on the fields north of the City. Migrating birds depend on leftover grain from the harvest. In the evening, these fields could be full of Canada Geese and gulls fattening up for their long trips. Twenty-five flew over our garden this evening at 1930.

In this same area are quarries—old and new. The old ones, now long deserted, have filled with water and are home to ducks, geese, the local deer, which are here year-round, and all other types of wildlife. They are quiet spaces away from humans, leaving the animals to ‘do their thing’.

It doesn’t look very secure, but there are security guards around 24/7 that can arrive quickly if notified.

‘The Girls’ had their party. The marking of having Calico and Baby Hope as part of our family for a full year still brings tears to my eyes when I think of dear Calico living in the cold winter, having been dumped by her former family. It just hurts me to my core, even though I know she is happy, healthy, and much loved now. She is also safe, and we are triple-checking that garden door so that she doesn’t run out until the locksmith can get here. The four have brought more joy to us than can be imagined. Hugo Yugo will be a year old, and in late November, we will celebrate her year with us. She is not the tiny kitten that arrived. She is still the smallest but also the ‘boss’ of everyone else.

There were hard treats (some healthy for teeth), squeeze treats, catnip, several small new toys with a Halloween theme, and a new scratch post. The top hits were: catnip, squeezy treats, and the scratch post. They can certainly make a mess of things very quickly!

Baby Hope and Hugo Yugo were the first to check out all the goodies. Within seconds, Hugo Yugo had claimed the catnip that was inteded for Calico!

Missey was over at the new scratch post marking it before you could blink while waiting for the squeezy treats.

Calico decided that the catnip was truly hers and Hugo Yugo needed to scat!

Then Hugo Yugo wanted the scratch post!

Baby Hope didn’t like all the bother on the table and preferred playing with the stick toy and little frilly things.

Calico was the last to leave the party enjoying the reclining aspect of the scratching post and the catnip.

They seemed to have a good time. They have given such joy and comfort this past year. Life could never be the same without them and I thank my lucky stars every day (many times a day) that fate sent them my way. ‘J’ says, “Happy Einzugstag!!. That’s what I call it, “move-in-day“. Congratulations to all of you for finding each other to build a new family!!!”

Calico Approved: With four cats and a complete dislike for cat hair and cat food (it almost makes me sick), I am always on the look out for the perfect thing to remove cat hair. I think I found it today! It was my present from the party!!!!!!

It worked so well. 10 Paw Prints!

Moving on to our birds – eagles continue to arrive, geese are flying south, falcons are incubating in the Southern Hemisphere along with the Ospreys.

Heidi has worked really, really hard on this video summary of Mispillion Harbour in Delaware. These summaries are so difficult. Hours and hours of footage and no professional equipment. So bravo, Heidi.

Please go and watch her efforts, give her a thumbs up and subscribe to her channel. She deserves every like she gets! This nest, and it is a wonderful one, has been overlooked until she started monitoring it. Thank you so much. https://youtu.be/IOTOSegZTsU

Moving over to Montana –

Video on how they track the Montana Ospreys that are ringed:

https://youtu.be/lFQUgAXcF88?

Poor Diamond tried to get in the scrape and the wind was horrific. Xavier watched his mate struggle. https://youtu.be/SMFeIZ1hrM8?

Geemeff has created a summary of the entire season at Loch Arkaig for The Woodland Trust – and us! Thank you, Geemeff, for all the video summaries and your dedication to this nest and sharing all with us. We look forward to another season next year with dear Louis an Dorcha!

Daily summary Monday 2nd September 2024

Back to wet and windy weather so no activity on either nest, no change expected tonight or tomorrow. The nights are lengthening rapidly, today’s cam switchover times are: Nest One 21.04.58 (05.43.42); Nest Two 20.57.16 (05.51.13)

Here is the synopsis for Loch Arkaig’s 2024 roller coaster Season Eight: 

Louis arrived at 15.18.38 on Thursday 28 March 

Dorcha arrived at 14.21.27 on Saturday 30 March 

First Egg laid 11.13.47 Sunday 14 April 

Second egg laid 05.55.52 Wednesday 17 April

Dorcha is injured in an Eagle attack 11.08 Friday 19 April

Third egg laid 02.26.08 Saturday 20 April

First chick hatched 06.16.48 Wednesday 22 May

Second chick hatched 22.26.15 Wednesday 22 May

Third chick hatched 16.36.10 Friday 24 May

Sad death of little Chick3 approx 19.02 Sunday 16 June

Louis last seen Wednesday 26 June 

Louis returns with fish, uninjured but definitely not himself Saturday 29 June

Chicks 1&2 are removed to a translocation programme Monday 1 July

Chicks ringed with Spanish yellow Darvic rings: C1 – 1JW & C2 – 1JR  Thursday 11 July

Sadly 1JR started having seizures and succumbed to a heart condition Tuesday 23rd July

FLEDGE! The surviving chick 1JW found his wings and flew 3pm Thursday 25 July 

Dorcha last seen on camera on Nest One 11.19.43 Saturday 27 July

Louis last seen on camera on Nest Two 13.31.18 Tuesday 30 July

And the regular visitors:

Garry LV0 last seen 13.35.57 Wednesday 22 August (first seen 9 April)

Affric 152 last seen 15.09.07 Saturday 17 August (first seen 10 April)

Prince last seen 09.24.01 Saturday 29 June (first seen 1 April)

Today’s videos: none

Bonus guide – Meteorological Autumn started yesterday, WT explain the tell-tale signs showing nature gearing up for the next season:

https://woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/08/first-signs-of-autumn

I mentioned Finnegan as new Dad of the Year and, of course, forget another amazing Dad who helped raise four. Archie! ‘B’ writes, “You know, I have to agree with you that Finnegan gets a “New Dad of the Year” award.  It has been so amazing to see Finnegan arrive at Hellgate, completely displace Louis, and be such a wonderful mate for Iris and super dad to Sum-eh and Antali.  But what is also amazing is that in any other year Archie would be the runaway New Dad of the Year, showing up for Annie at Cal and being such a great dad to Aurora, Eclipse, Sol, and our dear Nox.  It has just been a really good year for new dads all around!”

It is hard to believe but those little sea eaglets are doing wingers and have pin feathers. What is it with time? It is passing so quickly! Soon they will be scampering all over the nest! https://youtu.be/trE2K9UQTSA?

There is some really sad news coming out of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. There is a possibility that the entire family is no longer with us. I had thought that I had seen Dad on the nest, but it turns out it was the intruder as there was no federal band (that was the Wednesday). This is so very, very sad.

Black MS – was banded in 2002 at the nest off of Kings Point Road just north of HWY 7 and Carver Park Reserve in Hennepin County, Minnesota. In 2024, he is 22 years old.

Both juveniles and at least one adult (if not two – both Beaumont and Hope) are at home on the Newfoundland Power nest on Snow Lane.

Want to know how important it is that fishing be regulated to support wildlife and not industry? No Menhaden came into the Potomac. Few, if any, of the Colonial Beach ospresy survived. They starved to death. It is a sobering read and please do sit down with a cuppa and write to people in power and let them know that you care before the ospreys are starved out of existence.

Virginia is fighting for its wildlife. The contacts are in the file below. Please help them!

The Osprey Flyer, Volume XXVI, September EditionDownload

Iris is still with us. She was on the nest fish calling a couple of times on Monday. Antali was fish calling late afternoon.

Nesting Bird Life and More caught Finnegan delivering a magnificent fish to Antali. https://youtu.be/0UiClVDZq2c?

Aran is still delivering fish to two fledglings at Glaslyn. Elen and one juvenile have departed for migration.

News from the Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross at Orange. Mark those calendars!

I did not catch them on rewind but Pa and Missey were at the Berry College Eagle nest making nestorations Monday morning.

Jolene and Boone were caught by Sara A making nestorations at Johnson City: https://youtu.be/bFvDiI8-HIY?

Beau has been at the nest. Observers have noted some scratches, etc., to his feet due to territorial protection. Gosh, I wish him and Gabby could cut a break this year.

Annie and Archie have been courting around The Campanile. https://youtu.be/wS94ETIf-14?

At the Dunrovin nest, beautiful Junebug on the perch and a huge fish comes to the nest!

C16 at the Charlo nest with a huge crop later in the day.

At Sandpoint, River has been on and off the nest all day according to the local observers. The camera is offline.

Pam Breci caught up with Niagara Bee ospreys:

White YW is still at Foulshaw Moss but all fledglings and Blue 35 have departed. He should be heading south shortly.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We are glad to have you here. Take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, B, Geemeff, H, J’, Heidi Mc, Montana Osprey Project, SK Hideaways, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Olympic Park Eagles, Twin Cities Metro Osprey Watch, Newfoundland Power, Virginia Osprey Foundation, Nesting Bird Life and More, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Holly Parsons, Sara A, Dunrovin Ranch, Charlo Montana Ospreys, Sandpoint Ospreys, and Pam Breci.

Monday in Bird World

2 September 2024

Good Morning,

For many around the world, today is a holiday. I hope that you are enjoying this long weekend, that the weather was good, and that you made some fantastic memories.

It is a beautiful day – Sunday, as I write this. It must be about 24 C. I have not looked, but it is comfortable, and the sun is out. The Crows are pulling worms and insects from the ground around the neighbourhood and pecking at the wooden bark that the City put around the newly planted trees. I have two now in the front to replace the 122-year-olds that had to be cut down due to disease.
We look forward to planting five more trees during the local fall Re-Leaf campaign. That should make the garden area a complete forest, but it will take some time for them to get big enough to be of benefit. I wonder why more aren’t planting large shade trees with summer heating up?

Today will the party for all the girls – Calico’s arrival into the house a year ago, Baby Hope’s coming into the house, and Hugo Yugo’s first birthday this evening. I will take photos. They only needed a new scratch post and we picked up some Halloween toys and treats. They are incredibly spoiled. I tell everyone the four of them have given to me much more than I can ever do for them. Last evening we had a fright. The garden door was closed but I guess not all the way and the wind whipped it open. Three girls flew out – Calico, Hugo Yugo, and Baby Hope. I ran out to the deck and Baby Hope and Hugo Yugo flew back in the house. Calico didn’t. She went under the deck. My fear was she would leave the garden area. I sat and read to her and took out food just like I did when I was wooing her last summer to come into our house. She would stick her head out. She was terrified of the outdoors – not curious or happy to be out, but terrified. Eventually, I put three girls in the conservatory, opened the garden door, called her and she flew into the house. She went to sleep on the reclining scratching post and didn’t wake up for three hours!!!!!!!! I cannot tell you how relieved I am.

There are now three eggs (as reported in my last post) at the Port Lincoln Osprey platform in Australia. Oh, I hope the fish faeries are getting ready to get permits for delivering supplementary dinners!!!!

Iris wanted a fish delivery, too. She landed on the nest fish calling and in came Finnegan with a nice lunch. What a guy. Does he get the ‘New Dad of the Year’ Award? Surely, he would!

At 1221 Iris flew away with the headless fish. (Finnegan had a nice crop so he is feeding himself as well – thank goodness). Now where did she eat it?

Iris on the Owl Pole later. Was it here? Cannot tell from the camera footage. Or did she hand that fish off to a fledgling?

The Corncrake population is increasing in Ireland again.

RSPB describes them thus: “Corncrakes are related to waterbirds Moorhens, Coots and Water Rails but, unlike their family members, they live on dry land. Corncrakes are surprisingly small – only a little bigger than a Blackbird. This Schedule 1 species is very secretive, spending most of its time hidden in tall grass or reedbeds, you’ll probably hear its rasping call before you see it.”

Waternish has a good description of everything one might need or want to know about Corncrakes:

Corncrakes – Visit WaternishDownload
Irish Corncrakes increase again – BirdGuidesDownload

It is clear that something must be done to the type of material that the Blue Darvic Rings are made of. Blue NC0 lost hers and now a broken one has been found – thankfully the osprey is alive!

Skylor, the surviving juvenile of Oscar and Ethel at the Marshall Lake osprey nest in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, is still with us. Mum Ethel is migrating or has reached her winter spot and sadly, sister Heidi died from being electrocuted. Oscar and Skylor should be on their way south soon. Good to see you Skylor!

Fast action the part of Nova Scotia Power who have put up a ‘Yellow thing’ to protect the ospreys (and other raptors) from being electrocuted. They should be proactive and put these on other commonly used nests. The people who monitor those nests in Nova Scotia know which poles those are – it would surely help save lives in the future. So sorry that beautiful Heidi was lost – what a healthy osplet she was!

USK Valley gives us a delightful view of osprey behaviour. It is a good read.

KEEPING WATCHFUL EYES — Usk Valley OspreysDownload

Power to the Glaslyn osprey nest is down. It is possible the cable might have been damaged by agricultural equipment. It is unclear when it will be restored.

I did not get a screen capture but Blue 022 did bring a fish to Blue B52 at the Poole Harbour nest on Sunday. So both were still home then. Birds of Poole Harbour also confirmed with a sighting turned in by a local.

No confirmed sighting of Idris at Dyfi on Sunday.

At Llyn Brenig, Fledglings Blue 8B8 and 8B9 were home on Sunday with Blue 372 busy delivering fish to both of them.

In the top image, notice the osprey on the tree in the distance eating a fish. The juvenile is waiting for Dad to finish his meal and bring the leftovers – which Dad does!

Both juveniles are still at home at the Newfoundland Power osprey nest at Snow Lane. Fish deliveries are being made. I cannot confirm if Hope is still present. (If you have news, please send me a note). These youngsters are gorgeous. They are dark just like Mum. And notice the difference in size. There is, I believe, the female as the oldest and the younger male.

Keo at Sandpoint delivering a fish to River on the platform. On the chat, “Dorothy Auld​​: Keke was last seen on cam on 28th, cam was down on 29th and part of 30th but Keke was seen on 1 of those days. She was not seen yesterday.”

At Charlo, C16 and Charlie are still there. I cannot confirm Lola. If anyone has seen her at the nest, please let me know.

The Collins Marsh Osprey platform in Wisconsin fledged three osplets this season. I can confirm that there is at least one juvenile still at the nest receiving fish from Dad.

At Blackbush at Old Tracadie Harbour, again, there is at least one juvenile at the nest wanting fish. I did not see a delivery. Without Darvic rings it is impossible to tell them apart without a close analysis of their head markings. It appears to be the same fledgling.

At Osoyoos, Olsen is on a fishing frenzy bringing in some huge fish for a change. Gosh, I wish we had this size of fish when the chicks were small. We might not have lost Little. Weather in various parts of Canada has cooled down a bit for the weekend making fishing much better for the raptors. Heidi has confirmed that Mum Soo is still in town and delivered a fish to fledgling 2. Well done.

Juveniles so full there is a large piece of fish left on the nest.

At Oyster Bay PSEG nest at least one juvenile is there. I cannot confirm that this is one of the fledglings. It could be an osprey passing through on its migration. I did not see a fish delivery and the osprey has a really nice crop.

No one sighted at the Boulder County nest so far on Sunday. It is awfully quiet there!

There is at least one juvenile at the Pitkin County Open Spaces and Trails osprey platform in Colorado – on the nest calling for fish. I did not see a delivery there during the time I watched and in rewind.

White YW and one fledgling are still at Foulshaw Moss in Cumbria.

There are Dads working hard for their fledglings!

Gabby, get home quick! Beau is waiting for you.

A post by Trudi Kron concerning the Minnesota Bald Eagle cam (DNR nest).

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

Daily summary Sunday 1st September 2024

Another dry sunny day brought more visitors – Nest One was visited by a pair of Ravens. One settled on the centre perch while the other flew over to Stick Tree and was joined by a third bird. It’s back to rain in the Inver Mallie area tonight however, and heavy rain is forecast for tomorrow. Osprey sightings are being reported down the length of the country as most of the UK Ospreys are now on the move southwards – fingers crossed for safe passage for all migratory birds. 

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.16.55 (05.15.36); Nest Two 21.08.34 (05.33.20)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/6hi6ZJAJNpQ N1 A Raven perches on the nest, a second perches in Stick Tree and a third flies in the distance 19.04.19 (zoom)

Bonus read – how Woodland Trust is saving the rare and internationally important Celtic Rainforest:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/scotland/saving-scotlands-rainforest

Watch the Loch Arkaig Osprey livestream 24/7 and join in the conversation here:

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

I was so very happy to be the donor of a new book to the Friends of Loch Arkaig FB group’s grand fundraiser organised by Mary Cheadle. Mary does an incredible job raising funds for the Woodland Trust. This one netted GBP 610.47. Well done, Mary Cheadle!

Xavier might be wanting some eggie time. Diamond is now in hard incubation with three eggs!

‘A’ reports: “Xavier arrived early in the scrape this morning (06:50) to spend a little time with Diamond (he didn’t bring any breakfast though, which was very remiss of him). When he left (07:10), Diamond followed him, presumably with food on her mind, and Xavier took his opportunity to sneak back into the scrape and get some egg time (07:11:12). He was, as is his wont, chatting to his eggs, which is just the cutest thing ever. He is having some difficulty covering all three eggs, as he is even by falcon standards a very tiny little male, but he persisted until he managed to do so. Oh he is SO adorable. 

Diamond was back at 07:14:33 and after a short conversation, Xavier got up off the eggs and left the scrape via a classic GCW leap (07:15:10). Diamond settled back down on the eggs, where she has remained, dozing, ever since. Hard incubation is underway here at Orange, and also at Collins Street, where the eggs are rarely unattended and then only for short periods. I haven’t seen food brought to the ledge this morning, though mum has been out herself and perhaps organised something to eat. “

Good Morning Melbourne!

‘H’ sends us Victor Hurley’s fact sheet! All you wanted to know about eggs and more – that is falcon eggs.

FFS 03-24 Egg incubation requirements (2)Download

Good Morning Mum and Dad at Port Lincoln!

For those who live in Australia, you will understand the joke. I often comment on the fat little bottoms and legs of the falcons and the sea eagles. This sends some Aussies into hysterics? Why? It appears that the largest chicken producer in the country is called Steggles! Seriously I am not scouting them out for human consumption, I promise!

SE 33 and 34 have definite fat little bottoms.

‘A’ reports on her thoughts about the Olympic Sea eagles for the day: “At WBSE, Lady flew off the nest at 05:46:30. She was back in the nest tree, duetting with Dad, by 05:56 but no food is in sight. At 06:56 she is back on the nest, which excites SE34 enough for him to stand up as he comes to the table, flapping his cute growing wings. He is growing nicely now he is getting plenty of food and looking very similar in size to his sibling. His wing feathers are coming through too now, so both eaglets are itchy. SE34 sits up eagerly at the table, but unusually, there are no leftovers on the nest so breakfast is not forthcoming. 

By 7am, SE33 has joined SE34 at the table. Lady has left again, and the eaglets want breakfast. Mum is back again at 07:32 but still with empty talons. She is gone again by 07:39. The eaglets fall asleep waiting side by side at the table. It is nearly 08:23 before Lady returns but again she brings no breakfast. She leaves again almost immediately. When Dad arrives just after 10am, both eaglets eagerly line up in front of him, hoping he has brought food but yet again, they are disappointed. 

10:13:05 and a parent (Lady?) arrives with breakfast. It appears to be an eel. SE34, who happens to be closest, gets the first bites. When he gets a third bite in a row, SE33 loses patience and beaks him. He tucks his head down. With SE34 in submission, SE33 leans over him to take bites of eel. SE34 starts to lift his head around 10:24 but he is not in a position to eat again until after 10:26.As it nears 10:28, SE34 sidles closer. By 10:29:20 his head is up, which prompts SE33 to attempt (unsuccessfully) to beak him again, and he scrambles away from his sibling and goes back into submission. 

At 10:33, Lady is still feeding SE33 and SE34 is still in submission. There is not much of the eel left. SE34, his head still tucked, creeps closer and closer to mum, who continues feeding SE33. By 10:36, SE34’s head is up but Lady continues to ignore him. There is much honking at low-flying smaller birds towards the end of this feeding, as has often been the case this season. They are really bothering the parents in ways they have not done in previous years. Regardless, the meal ends without SE34 being fed. Still, he must be getting enough food because he is very close to SE33 in size and he is growing well. I continue to worry about his lack of survival skills and his unwillingness to ensure he gets fed. That really worries me.”

In Fort Myers, here is an update on M15 and F23 who can be seen in the video working on their nest!

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. Have a great week everybody! See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their posts, notes, images, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, H’, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Montana Osprey Project, RSPB, Waternish, BirdGuides, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Info, Balgavies Loch Ospreys, Connie Dennis and Ospreys of Nova Scotia, USK Valley Ospreys, Dyfi Osprey Project, Llyn Brenig, Newfoundland Power, Sandpoint Ospreys, Charlo Montana, Collins Marsh Ospreys, Blacbush at Old Tracedie, Fortis-Exshaw, PSEG, Boulder County, Pitkin County Open Spaces and Trails, Jeff Kear, Heidi McGrue and Joy of Ospreys, NEFL-AEF, Trudi Kron, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Olympic Park Eagles, wskrsnwngs.

Sunday in Bird World

1 September 2024

Hello Everyone,

It was a gorgeous albeit windy 22 C on the Canadian Prairies for the Labour Day long weekend. The sky is a beautiful blue with a few fluffy clouds. It was a good day for a walk and lunch by the lake at the nature centre. Lots of children trying their luck at getting tadpoles and little frogs jumping all around on the paths. There were several species of ducks, some Canada Geese, various species of woodpeckers, American Goldfinches, squirrels, etc. Missing were the calls of the Red-wing Blackbird which is striking in its absence.

My sanctuary at the nature centre. The wind was rather silent and the songbirds were singing their hearts out.

Well, we had a bit of a scare last evening. The garden door appeared closed when doing the final bits and bobs with the outdoor animals at 1800 but it was windy. A gust caught it and it went open and in seconds four cats on the deck! I know. Holding my breath and hollering, three ran into the house. Only Calico remained. She is actually ‘terrified’ of the outdoors – as a community cat she knows its perils. She hid under the deck for two hours. Finally, the other three were secured in the conservatory and the garden door opened. Calling and Calico ran in! I had read on the step like I did when she lived outside and she would stick her head out. Poor thing. All is well this morning, thank goodness – and a new lock will be fixed to that door after our long weekend.

We have new eggs at Port Lincoln and at Charles Sturt Falcon scrape, home to Xavier and Diamond on Saturday. Congratulations everyone! Surely we will now be in hard incubation mode.

35-40 days folks for all.

Video of Diamond laying the third egg: https://youtu.be/BgHpmXzRZzc?

And there are the three beautiful osprey eggs at Port Lincoln:

With the departure of Glenwais at the ripe age of 102 days at Dyfi, it is believed that Idris – not having any takers for his fish now – will begin his own migration either Sunday or today. I will keep you posted. What an amazing dad he is and like all others, we want him to eat well, rest up during the winter, and return to Wales healthy in the spring! Idris was last seen on the 30th of August at 19:53.

The empty nest. Idris has indeed departed for Africa. Idris has been breeding at Dyfi for five years, taking over for the iconic and much-loved Monty, who was here for nearly 12 years.

I wish that every streaming cam, no matter their location, would keep records and post them for the public such as those kept and published by the Dyfi Osprey Project. Their website is wonderful. Here is the information for this year. Imagine finding this at other sites!

More data to help us try and understand the return rate of the juveniles.

All four at home on Saturday at Llyn Brenig in Wales.

It was a fabulous year for Knepp Farm and their translocation project of the White Stork. They introduced injured birds from Poland. We watched them on the streaming cam and now that they are migrating, that will pause according to their FB posting.

This is why this project is so important as discussed on this BBC programme: https://youtu.be/dku18keuWUE?

I am pretty excited about the wetlands that are being created at Knepp Farm by a pair of beavers. This video shows what they have been doing, but beyond that, remember that wetlands are wonderful places for many species of birds!

https://youtu.be/2Ski21XVuR4?si=jKnUVA4cIwWUmhW2

At Poole Harbour, Blue 5R2 appears to be the only fledgling left at the nest. Blue 022 is delivering fish. Blue 5H6, the fourth hatch, migrated on the 30th of August. CJ7 and the others left earlier.

Just look at how healthy this chick is – its crop is full and its body has the kind of fat on it needed for migration. Despite having four to feed, Blue 022 and CJ7 did just that and had four really healthy fledglings this year. Bravo.

R52 would have liked another fish but Dad did not oblige at Poole Harbour.

Blue KL5 is still at RSPB Abernathy. Eating fish and getting ready for his long migration.

It looks like everyone has departed from Llyn Clywedog. Blue 5F Seren might already be in her winter spot in The Gambia. She has the same post every year and many travel to see her there. They are an amazing couple always raising big healthy chicks. Stay safe Dylan and Seren!

I missed him but Blue 33 was on the Manton Bay nest Saturday morning at 0611 for four minutes. Maya was seen on the nest on Friday at 1869. Blue 1R0, their only fledgling this year, has left on migration. They will both be leaving soon. Maya might have already departed. We wait to see for sure for a couple of days.

Bart M has done an amazing job giving us a detailed observation board and a list of key events at Manton Bay. Oh, I sure wish more nests would do this! There is a video archive, photographs, a nest history and more for anyone interested. Just go to the streaming cam and click the link to the obs board. For example, you will learn that Maya has been at this nest since 2010. Blue 33 took the nest and Maya in 2014 – he really wanted both of them! And the history of their nest and all the chicks they raised is there.

There is even a fish chart!

Finnegan delivered two fish to Antali on the nest. There might have been others at a different location. I have not seen Iris at the nest on Saturday but she was eating a fish on the Owl Pole on Friday at 1906. She could be fattening up and letting Finnegan take care of Antali and Sum-eh if she is still around.

A juvenile osprey was observed on the Osoyoos nest Saturday afternoon. I could not see what happened prior to that time and I did not see a fish delivery. Someone else might have – please let me know if you did.

At the other Fortis Exshaw nest in Canmore Alberta, both juveniles were seen on the nest wrestling for a fish from Harvie at 1534. It is presumed that Louise has left on her migration. The oldest won the prize with the smaller fledgling having to wait for another delivery. That delivery came sixteen minutes later! According to the chatters, there was a fish delivery at 0703 and 1005 also. Harvie is really working to get these two fit for flying. So it looks to me like two juveniles and Harvey with Louise and one juvenile away. Feel free to correct me!

Juvenile on post at Fortis at 1602 with adult on nest with another partial fish at Fortis. Wow.

Fish deliveries continue to come to the Newfoundland Power nest at Snow Lane. Both juveniles accounted for. Beaumont is delivering lots of fish. I cannot confidently confirm Hope’s presence but I also cannot confirm that she has departed. She did an amazing job feeding her two chicks this year and it was a happy surprise to see these two take their first flights. One of the really wonderful events of the 2024 season that will not be forgotten soon. Previously, the nest failed for four years in a row.

Heidi posted the link for the new 4K camera of Window to Wildlife at Captiva. They are doing tests.

https://www.youtube.com/live/H3Lpm6jNRXk?

Sharon Pollock catches us up with the Crawley Falcons:

Congratulations to Connie Dennis and Hope for Wildlife on a successful fundraising.

It is one of the reasons our zoo does not have many feathered ambassadors – when Avian Flu H5N1 hit, all of the birds had to be kept indoors for two years.

‘A’ comments on the Royal Cam chick: “at Taiaroa, the chicks are practising whenever there is enough wind, hopping and using their wings to get some air. No real hovering yet but we have had both paddles in the air. I love the way TF has built himself another nest this season. The chicks often build ‘play nests’ but they usually don’t move into them. One of the viewers noted mum sniffing at TF’s play nest yesterday and was wondering whether there was a bolus there. We await a response from the rangers to that question, as there was something white in the nest but it was blurry when you tried to zoom in on it. If it is a bolus, it would be interesting to know its contents, though of course I hope it’s not because that would suggest TF is only a day or so away from fledging. September is the month when we lose them, but not quite yet! It is the first day of spring here in the southern hemisphere, although the weather has been very vernal for weeks now. “

That lucky chick got a feeding, too!

and on the WBSE: “At WBSE, Dad was honking at 05:45, so Lady got up at about 05:50 began feeding leftover fish to SE33. She ignored SE34, who was facing the table side by side with SE33 but further from mum’s beak. After a few minutes, SE34 shuffled closer to mum, and from )5:53, she fed him exclusively, and because it was nearing the end of the fish, he got the larger bites, nearly all of which he managed. He has nearly caught up to his older sibling in size, though SE33 is still larger. Certainly, he got the better of the breakfast feeding today. There has not yet been fresh food delivered to the nest today and the pair are as usual lying in their cuddle puddle, sleeping and growing. Feathers are starting to show along SE34’s wing and both chicks are presumably itchy, as they are doing a lot of preening. 

There are baby rails being brought in and positioned, and the eaglets assisted in arranging some of the smaller pieces of nest material. Too cute. There are SO many fresh green leaves on that nest. They have so far been used primarily as a table, as well as to line the nest bowl area. I believe the eucalyptus would be good at minimising bacteria and discouraging insects, as eucalyptus oils have those qualities. The pair are looking active and healthy and are getting along fine today. There was no antagonism at the breakfast table, even when Lady began feeding SE34 only for a good two minutes, his sibling right beside him. There was no intimidation from SE33 and no fear shown by SE34. So that was progress. It still seems like SE34’s head look larger than his sibling’s, probably because he retains a lot of fluff atop his head while SE33’s head appears quite sleek. Otherwise, they are easily distinguished by the feather growth on the wings. The littles are really starting to move around, validating the baby rails decision. At the moment, they have snuggled up on the green leafy dinner table, up the back of the nest. They have moved from further towards the front, where they have been for their life so far. ” 

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, H’, Falcon Cam Project at Charles Sturt University, SK Hideaways, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Dyfi Osprey Project, Brenig Osprey Project, Knepp White Stork Project, Birds of Poole Harbour, RSPB Abernathy, Llyn Clywedog, LRWT Manton Bay, Montana Osprey Project, Fortis-Exshaw Osoyoos and Canmore, Newfoundland Power, Heidi and Window to Wildlife, Sharon Pollock, Connie Dennis and Ospreys of Nova Scotia, RSPCA Stapeley Grange, NZ DOC, and Olympic Sea Eagle Cam.

Saturday in Bird World

31 August 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

We went to the zoo today. The weather was a little cooler. What we did differently was we took the tram and had a great chat with the driver about how much the zoo has changed over the decades – from a zoo focused on the people visiting the animals to a focus solely on the welfare of the animals. Everyone used to love the petting zoo, but probably not the animals petted and pulled. Today, there are lots of goats doing silly goat things, a couple of llamas, and a pair of pigs. Our feathered friends are really no longer visible. Years ago the zoo was full of owls and peacocks – everywhere. Bird flu put an end to that. The geese and other waterfowl that had Avian Flu kept the birds inside and some could not be…I didn’t ask what happened to the, but I will. The birds were my favourite and I do miss them. Now, we rely on the polar bears and their antics. Most of the animals were outside today including the Tiger because of the cooler weather. More pictures next time!

Some of you will recall the Norwegian osplets that were translocated to Ireland. Well, guess what? A couple built a nest and fledged a chick this year! Bravo.

The oldest chick, a female, Glenwais, is still having Idris bring fish to the nest at Dyfi. She has not departed! Idris has been in Wales for 5 full months now. His talons must be itching to get to Africa!

Then she was seen soaring in the thermals at 11:16 Friday. It is believed it will be the last sighting and she is on her way South at the age of 102 days. Idris shows up with a fish waiting for a taker and no one is there.

Idris will feed up and leave. He will rejoin his mate Telyn at the nest late March or early April of 2025 if all goes well. What a wonderful year they had.

Blue 022 is still delivering to the nest at Poole Harbour. I checked late (so little rewind before dark) and caught him and one of the fledglings.

If you missed the August Condor chat of the Ventana Wildlife Society in California, which highlighted filmmaking and storytelling to get people interested in and concerned about the Condors, they have hired a staff member for videography, storytelling, and media. The full chat is in the link below. Meredith Evans is the new team member. Digital Communicator is the official title. Listen and see what they are doing! VWS Condors if their film channel on YouTube and they have a long range of videos including those about Red Wood Queen and at least two award winning films for you to watch. So check that out, too. This group is incredible and we need those condors!

https://youtu.be/PpkI6y-wpJs?

Geemeff sends her daily summary for Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust. Looking forward to her year summary which will be coming up!

Daily summary Friday 30th August 2024

Same as yesterday – wet and windy, no birds of any size or species. However, from Ian at the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation comes an update on our chick 1JW who’s in the care of Fundación Migres in Valencia: “The birds are all doing well. JW is still on the marsh with all the other chicks. They’ve settled into a routine now where they are feeding by taking fish from the feeding stations and flying off with it to eat on perches. They are starting to make longer flights and it won’t be too long before one of them leaves, but at the moment they all seem happy enough. Migration starts later in southern Europe so we would expect them to be around for a couple of weeks more.” Surprisingly, tonight’s weather forecast is clear skies and light winds, and sunny tomorrow with a high of

  20°C. Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.31.39 (05.39.07); Nest Two 21.30.23 (05.44.50)
Today’s videos: none
Bonus watch – Woodland Trust’s vital work to provide habitat our wildlife needs to survive and thrive, and support some of our most vulnerable species, including bats:https://youtu.be/VKkrnBYRcQA   (watch to the end for the delightful bat soundscape)
Compare and contrast our two resident females past and current:
https://youtu.be/_23wRVnATc4 Golden goddess: Aila 2017 – 2020 (Classic Ospreys – Chopin)
https://youtu.be/1syQj_jjjxw Golden variation: Dorcha 2021 – (Classic Ospreys – Bach)

Watch the Loch Arkaig Osprey livestream 24/7 and join in the conversation here:

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

At the Olympic Park Sea Eagle nest, the camera operator gave us a good look at SE33. Notice the down away from the front top of the head and the pin feathers coming through. This eaglet is changing before our eyes! They are both growing. We need SE34 to just get a little braver.

SE34 got a good feeding right before bedtime! Yippee.

https://youtu.be/IML6YGxgCOk?

‘A’ comments on the action at the Olympic Sea Eagle nest: “This morning, it was a super early breakfast at WbSE, too early for SE33, which meant SE34, although initially nervous because he could feel SE33 moving against him (stretching and changing position and so forth), ended up being fed a personal breakfast. He was starting to feel more comfortable by the time Dad flew off the nest tree shortly before 6am. He is still eating at 06:07, his sibling lying beside him but facing in the opposite direction and looking around, alert and very interested in its surroundings. By 06:09 Lady is really having to coax SE34, with SE33 repeatedly moving beside him, standing up and stretching its wings. By 06:10, SE33’s preening is spooking SE34 somewhat but he is nevertheless continuing to eat. By 06:11, SE33 has flopped back down again, appearing to still have a crop from last night. Lady is being very patient indeed with SE34, who keeps eating. At 06:12, SE34 is having difficulty swallowing a previous bite, but eventually does so and accepts another. 

Lady is having a hard time getting bites off this carcass and at 06:13 gives a bite to SE33. And another. SE33 has clown feet and her head looks sleek without its fluff. Lady offers another bite to SE34, who accepts it. But that’s it. Breakfast is over, and by 06:14 Lady has flown off. Both eaglets have visible crops but SE34 did by far the best out of that feeding. He has a healthy crop and is looking very healthy. SE33 is sporting growing feathers along her wing. 

As I type, Lady and Dad are again dueting, although we all wish they wouldn’t. Another egg is expected at Orange tomorrow lunchtime, apparently (Sunday Australian time, so in about 22 hours). I do NOT want a third egg for Diamond. That would not be at all good. I don’t have to elaborate to you on my reasons for that opinion but I would be surprised if you did not agree. 

At 06:14:35, SE34 is sitting up, as is SE33, and the younger chick looks the older one in the eye. Oh dear. The resulting beak to the head is predictable, but SE34 quickly pops back up again.This annoys SE33, who repeats the beak to the back of his head, and gives him a third for good measure, leaving SE34 with his head tucked under. Lady flies down to check on the kids and ensure they are playing nice, but with nest hierarchy restored, things quickly return to normal, with both eaglets’ heads up and the pair interacting peacefully. She leaves them to it. 

At 06:20, Lady flies down to the nest with a tiny morsel of leftover something. This causes SE33 to beak SE34, who ducks down but is still beaked a second time, so stays there. Lady feeds the older eaglet the few bites she can get off this piece, with SE34 remaining cautiously tucked throughout. By 06:27 mum is gone and the mini-feeding is done. 

After this, the two eaglets were left alone for the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon (although with parental supervision from above for much of the time). At 14:57 Dad flew in with more nest material. The eaglets immediately line up at the table but there is nothing to eat. When Lady and Dad start dueting shortly after 13:00, SE34 appears to be attempting some sort of vocalisation to mimic his parents. Aw, too cute. 

I have no idea what they are discussing but it could be the need for a late lunch, as the littles have not been fed since before dawn and it is now after 3pm. It will be starting to get dark in about two hours, and will be completely dark by 6pm. So unless the eaglets are to go without a second meal today, one of the parents needs to go fishing. So I would suspect this is what their conversation is about. We shall see. The key thing here is that Lady is looking after SE34, coaxing him to eat and being very patient in ensuring that he does. This morning’s breakfast was a real demonstration of  that. Further, SE34 himself is taking more responsibility for getting himself fed. He was braver today and made efforts to ensure he was close to mum’s beak. He even grabbed a bite from in front of his sister at one stage, which was encouraging. Also, I notice that the size gap between these two, which shrank after they hatched and then blew out again over the past fortnight, again appears to have got a lot less noticeable. I am now starting to wonder once again whether we may in fact have two males on this nest. Certainly, SE33 does not have the full-on aggression we often see with females, though there has been some bonking in the interests of maintaining nest hierarchy, that has been all it is, with no unnecessary or prolonged acts of violence and no determination to prevent SE34 from eating. So It may well be that their similar sizes may indicate brothers, which could be a hopeful sign for the post-fledge period when we hope both will return to the nest to be fed. “

Gorgeous Mum at Port Lincoln incubating the two osprey eggs. Will there be a third?

Gorgeous Diamond doing the same. We have a few weeks to go – watching incubation is worse than watching paint dry. LOL.

Peregrine Falcon eggs are gorgeous. It is one of the problems. They were collected and that along with DDT drove the birds to the brink of extinction.

Diamond rejected the first Starling on Saturday morning but took the second then mated with Xavier on the roof of the tower.

Brink of Extinction: Climbers Help Bring Peregrine Falcons Back to El Capitan — Access FundDownload

There are three eggs in Melbourne at 367 Collins in the CBD.

If you missed it, Dad’s first look at the three eggs on the ledge of 367 Collins Street. https://youtu.be/GObVI1DHQ_A?

Also, you might have missed this article. The Collins Street falcons made The Guardian!

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/27/melbourne-peregrine-falcons-collins-street-breeding-season-cameras?CMP=share_btn_url

The new dad at Collins Street loves to incubate, just like Xavier! SK Hideaways catches his enthusiasm!

https://youtu.be/ujt09ZzSEOw?

At Hellgate Canyon, Antali was waiting on the perch when he sighted Finnegan flying to the nest with a lovely fish.

Antali and Sum-eh both at Hellgate Canyon Friday.

And again after lunch! Finnegan is quite amazing. He is making sure that his kids are fed and fed well so they are fit for migration. Most people wonder why the osplets don’t catch their own fish. In fact, it is very rare for fledglings to catch their own fish before they leave for migration. 61 million years of DNA teaches them – their instincts – they know how to fish.

A wide shot of C16 eating at the platform with the adult on the perch.

Junebug sleeping on the perch at Dunrovin.

Both osplets on the Newfoundland Power platform at Snow Lane.

The Omega ships ran out of Menhaden to catch.

On Thursday, August 29, Maya was still in the nest at Manton Bay. I didn’t get an image, but one is on the Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys FB group.

Blythe’s Reed Warbler breeds in the UK for the very first time. https://youtu.be/IML6YGxgCOk?

Fishing line showing up again and again this year as one of the worst thing impacting the lives of our birds (besides domestic cats). You can help by spreading the word to people to clean up after themselves when they go out for the day. Recepticals can be found at many fishing places now, use them and why not set up a clean up the shore day?

Kingfisher found dead in fishing line – BirdGuidesDownload

If you live near Winnipeg, it is the fun and frolicking Open House at Wildlife Haven coming up! Great time to see all of the facilities and meet all the ambassadors including Majestic, the Bald Eagle.

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: ‘A, Geemeff’, O Tuathall, Dyfi Osprey Project, Birds of Poole Harbour, Ventana Wildlife Society, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Olympic Park Eagles, Nesting Bird Life and More, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Access Fund, 367 Collins Street Falcon Cam by Mirvac, SK Hideaways, The Guardian, Montana Osprey Project, Charlo Montana, Dunrovin Ranch, Newfoundland Power, Wm Dunn- Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal FB, and Wildlife Haven.

Friday in Bird World

30 August 2024

Good Morning Everyone!

What a day it was in the garden. A former student -now great friend- is moving and came to spend the afternoon with us. The Crows certainly put on a show, but, at first, we didn’t know what was happening! Then we saw him swoop through and land on the large bird feeder after having spent time on the fence – a juvenile Cooper’s Hawk. He had everyone being cautious including ‘The Boyfriend’. Crows and Jays were alerting loudly. Dyson was flat as a pancake!

According to my neighbour, this hawk comes every day around 1800. Isn’t it lovely?

I hope you enjoyed Geemeff’s story of their adventures at Poole Harbour and the Birds of Poole Harbour tour. How exciting! It is on my bucket list for next year.

On Thursday, the New York Times published an article on changes at the Grand Teton National Park (and other parts of the US). All of this will impact our raptors from dying forests to no water, meaning no fish and fewer and fewer small mammals for the birds to eat. I am becoming more and more concerned as weather-related events are driving the starvation of our ospreys and eaglets.

Climate Signs of change in the Grand TetonsDownload

At Hellgate Canyon, Finnegan feeds his second chick, Antali, at the nest. What a whopper it was, even with the amount that Finnegan took for himself on the owl pole. What a glorious year this has been. Finnegan really gave us a different outcome than we had come to expect when Iris returned from migration. I bet she was blown off her talons, too!!!!!!!

Antali knew Dad had a whopper and really wanted him to hurry up!

Late evening fish delivery to Antali who flies off the perch to get his meal.

Two fish at the Charlo nest at the same time -. Nice.

Will Gwenlais break the record for a fledgling staying on the nest before migration?

Some news about Giliath (Bradley’s brother from the 2023 Port Lincoln nest)!

There is also good news about the sea eaglet! It is still with us and appears healthy. Fantastic news.

And there are the markings for the second egg at the Port Lincoln osprey barge. Lovely.

Congratulations to those who work so hard and care so deeply for the ospreys in South Australia!

Last year, donations helped with platforms and the purchase of fish for the fish fairies—just look at Bradley and Giliath and smile. Those fairies saved their lives. Membership is only $20, which has big dividends for the ospreys. It doesn’t go to administration fees!!!!!!

The new couple at 367 Collins Street are adorable.

https://youtu.be/BKv6RJSPd_Y?

The Northern Ibis has been brought back from extinction, but it needs help figuring out migration.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/aug/28/northern-bald-ibis-bird-back-from-extinction-now-scientists-in-a-glider-are-teaching-it-to-migrate-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

Some videos of the birding tour at Poole Harbour from Geemeff:

Peregrine chases Black-Tailed Godwits seen from Birds of Poole Harbour Osprey cruise 28 Aug 2024:
https://youtu.be/fa-q7SiBiys

Osprey in 40x super slo-mo seen from Birds of Poole Harbour Osprey cruise 28 Aug 2024:

Geemeff’s daily summary for Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Daily summary Thursday 29th August 2024

Tonight’s summary is fast becoming the norm – nothing to report except rain, wind, and no avian activity. Forum friends are drifting off and promising to return in spring, and season highlights videos are nearing completion. It’s been a rollercoaster of a season, but one chick did fledge successfully in Spain, and we hope for another update on his progress soon.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.21.06 (05.34.42); Nest Two 21.10.24 (05.35.23)

Today’s videos: none!

Bonus update on the Irish Osprey translocation programme:

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0eefa-minister-noonan-releases-osprey-chicks-back-into-the-wild

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/gYLmi9ILHEo N2 Cocky Corvid tweaks Sarafina’s tail and steal her fish 2022

https://youtu.be/Ni3VtPGi4Pw N2 Harassing Hoodies eventually cause Sarafina to flee the nest 2022

Watch the Loch Arkaig Osprey livestream 24/7 and join in the conversation here:

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

Monty and Hartley are bonding in San Jose. https://youtu.be/PJC3V_5kyoQ?si=j2v8HZaqBYsoHNZ2

Fledglings fighting for fish in Omaha. Still at home.

Both juveniles at the Osoyoos Osprey platform. Nice crop on one. It looked like a couple of small fish delivered on Thursday.

At Minnesota Landscape, an adult visitor has been coming on and off to the nest on Thursday and was also seen there on Wednesday. No sign of the juvenile or Dad. The visitor has no federal band (Dad does).

Ospreys coming and going at Field Farm. Decidedly hard to identify.

Androcat caught M15 and F23 at the SW Florida Eagle nest doing some work. https://youtu.be/Uf1_4gVEByY?

It is almost time to say goodbye to the Royal Cam chick who will spend from 5-6 years on the water looking for food before ever setting their webbed feet on land again! Hard to imagine, isn’t it?

https://youtu.be/FbHi83z8k_A?

Some information on the life of the Northern Royal Albatross from the NZ DOC.

Life Of The Northern Royal | Royal Albatross CentreDownload

Beautiful sea eaglets. Both had a crop after the morning breakfast.

‘A’ remarks: “Little SE34 had to wait until nearly 01:28 for breakfast, although SE33 ate a little a lot earlier. At the second feeding, SE33 ate first, then turned away, full. SE34 got fed from about 13:28 until SE33 rejoined the feeding about 13:38. There was am incident of bonking before SE33 turned away but SE34 didn’t stay down for long. He was shuffling closer and closer to mum during her feeding of SE33 and for the first time, he was brave and determined about getting himself fed. I was overjoyed to see this, because it has, as you know, been seriously worrying me that his drive to live does not seem strong enough. But today, it was. He was hungry and he was brave.  When his sister rejoined the feeding and Lady turned back to feed SE33, SE34 leaned in and stole the bite from in front of his sister’s nose. It was very reassuring to watch. 

I am hoping that this will represent something of a turning point for this nest. Once the attitude changes, the behaviour normally follows. So perhaps SE34 is going to be a bit more proactive about his own existence, which would be a huge relief. 

The two are looking adorable. Their head shape and faces are so different from one another. Little SE34 is the prettier of the two, with more delicate features and cranial bone structure. “

This week’s migration statistics from Hawk Mountain, PA, USA:

Handsome Beau waits for Gabby to return. Her return dates have been 1 September, 8 September, and several times on the 12th. I am hoping for the 1st!

One of our Big Bear eagles with a large crop!

‘J’ notes the following eagles present in the last few days at their nest: At Duke Farms both of the adults were seen on the nest. Boone and Jolene were at Johnson City while Scott and Bella were at the NCTC nest. Beau returned to NEFL and we await the arrival of Gabby. Both adults at Trempealeau with two adults at Kistachie nest E-1.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, summaries, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, J’, The New York Times, Montana Osprey Project, Charlo Montana, Jeff Kear and the Dyfi Osprey Project, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Fran Solly and Friends of Ospreys Sth Aus, 367 Collins Street Falcons, The Guardian, Geemeff, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, SK Hideaways, Pam Breci, Field Farm, Androcat, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, NZ DOC, Olympic Park Eagles, Hawk Mountain, NEFL-AEF, FOBBV,

Wednesday in Bird World

28 August 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Morning Update: Second egg at Collins Street. https://youtu.be/vm5solPjnqI? Waiting for Orange and Port Lincoln!

Tuesday was cooler—21 C. Visiting the nature centre required a windbreaker and it was just so much more excellent walking. There were lots of Canada geese, wood ducks, and mallards at the pond, as well as a single Solitary Sandpiper – the first time I had seen one at the park!

All About Birds describes them: “The natty Solitary Sandpiper, with its olive-gray wings, black-and-white tail, and bold eyering, is a distinctive exception among the many lookalike sandpipers. Its helpful habit of bobbing the back half of its body or trembling its tail (and often feet) while foraging make it instantly recognizable. In flight, look for blackish underwings against a white belly, a pattern unique among North American shorebirds. As the name suggests, this species is normally seen singly. On migration, it turns up very widely, even in very small or temporary wetlands.”

From the map below you will see that this little bird is on its migration. What a distance it will go!

There is a small flower garden, and every blossom seemed delighted that the heat had passed. It feels like fall and even some of the leaves are changing colour.

It was a great walk!

News of fledglings from the UK in the Iberian Peninsula on their migration are reaching us. Threave’s 4B9 was seen and photographed on a stork nest in Portugal! These youngsters are making good progress. This is the first confirmed sighting of a fledgling from a public nest this year.

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

Daily summary Tuesday 27th August 2024

A lot of rain, a bit of sun, and no visitors to the nests – the season appears well and truly over. However, LizB reports: “One osprey spotted flying west to east along Loch Arkaig yesterday afternoon. Possibly the Bunarkaig male heading back to the nest but no way of knowing.” Perhaps we may yet have a final Osprey visitor before this comments page closes to end this eventful season.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.22.18 (05.34.50); Nest Two 21.20.17 (05.44.14)

Today’s videos: None

Bonus opinion: State-sponsored environmental vandalism or a good idea? What does WTS think?

https://www.ukclimbing.com/news/2024/08/highland_phone_masts_-_conservationists_call_for_government_rethink-73774

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/TT9PseXWqGM  N1 Dangerous intruder: a Pine Marten visits! 2020

https://youtu.be/R-KhzHiFgLw  N2 Willow’s wonderful wings 2022 (slo-mo with zoom)

Watch the Loch Arkaig Osprey livestream 24/7 and join in the conversation here:

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

At Dunrovin, Junebug was knocked off the nest by a GHO. This caused great fear amongst avid watchers. Junebug did safely return to the nest and Mum Winnie rewarded the bravery of her little one with a nice fish!

Antali had an early breakfast fish on the nest and then Iris is fish calling. Finnegan flies around the nest once and returns with her dinner! Iris flies off. Iris is now taking care of herself – as is Finnegan – so she can prepare for her migration.

Iris and her family have suffered through the most extreme heat for long periods of time, hurricane force winds, and now some are saying the earliest snows are on their ways. We wait to see.

Some concern that the juveniles had not been seen on the Newfoundland Power nest at Snow Lane. Here they are. One had a nice fish! And then Beaumont came in at another time with fish for both! Things are going so well this year.

In Wales, everyone has departed the Dyfi Osprey nest, but Idris, the male, who is keeping his oldest daughter Gwenlais, Blue 6B1, full of fish.

All three fledglings were seen on Tuesday the 27th at the Glaslyn nest. Not sure Elen is still here but Aran is still delivering fish. Will try and find out!

All three fledglings at Fortis-Exshaw along with Dad.

The fight against Omega’s industrial fishing in Virginia waters. Write your Senator to stop this. Our Osprey depend on these little fish to live.

Look at the amount. 112 million pounds. An Osprey family of five needs, on average, 500 fish a season – let’s be generous 750 pounds. Come on!

The antics of Xavier and Diamond are endless. If you are not familiar with Diamond, she does NOT like European Starlings for her dinner! or breakfast. or lunch. or for a snack. Nope. Not a Starling.

‘A’ writes, “The first egg at Orange was laid around lunchtime today (timestamp 12:08:07. TOO exciting. Now we all get to watch Xavier bargaining for egg time (I don’t think starlings are going to cut it, Xavier) and talking to his egg. (He is the CUTEST falcon dad of  them all – he has even been known to try and feed the egg!!!) I do LOVE these two. I hope Diamond only lays one more egg. She is not getting any younger and I don’t want her to be overly stressed, though unlike our precious Iris, she doesn’t have to suffer the stresses of migration. She gets to live here in her scrape with Xavier all year round, which is a huge bonus for them and for us! I am SO excited. “

Watching at Poole Harbour to see who is home. Three of the four juveniles along with Blue 022 and CJ7 were seen on the nest on Monday.

Collins Street Falcons are waiting for their second egg at which time hard incubation could start. They might lay one or two more eggs. It has happened at this nest. Until hard incubation begins, the egg will be left unattended now and again.

We have rejoiced at four hatchlings and cried last year when the female was injured and the eggs were not incubated. There are high hopes for this year as this article in The Guardian discusses.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/27/melbourne-peregrine-falcons-collins-street-breeding-season-cameras?CMP=share_btn_url

Here is the link to the south camera at 367 Collins Street where the scrape with the egg is located.https://www.youtube.com/live/VLLNNTjaSEA?

Holly Parsons is a wonder of information. She has included a video with David Attenborough on how eggs are made. I think you might be interested. https://youtu.be/PcI72ldPvx8?

Great photographs of Mum and Dad’s Calypso and her mate, Bradley, on the Tulka platform in South Australia. They have survived quite a wind storm.

Fledglings are still at Llyn Brenig!

‘AR’ sends us some news items…when will the shooting stop? Don’t people realise that eagles (all living souls) have emotions, feel pain, have families, partners and deserve respect?

https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-u-s-news/ap-a-bald-eagle-was-shot-in-the-beak-a-care-team-in-missouri-is-hopeful-it-can-be-saved

https://www.komu.com/news/state/bald-eagle-thought-to-be-injured-later-deemed-too-fat-to-fly/article_4408bf00-634a-11ef-a3d8-d76a490d0a06.html

‘AR’ also brings us up to date on the stunning project to try and eradicate the mice that are eating albatross alive – young and adult. This is the plan:

“It is a joint endeavor between the South African Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries and the environmental NGO BirdLife South Africa—is to deploy helicopters to drop 600 tons of pesticide-laced pellets across the island.”

Here is the complete story: https://www.newsweek.com/mice-free-marion-project-south-africa-albatross-seabird-1944856

A young eagle has a glorious bath in Goose Creek near the Dulles-Greenway nest. https://youtu.be/FHmjk5UszCo?

I am still seeing SE34 being submissive and sometimes not eating because of SE33. The pin feathers are coming in, and surely SE33 will settle shortly. Dad and Lady are great parents.

The first egg for Mum and Dad at the Port Lincoln Osprey barge was 26 August. Today is the 29th in Port Lincoln. You know what that means – egg #2 is expected!!!!!!!

Dad has been making enquiries as to when this might happen!

And both juveniles are still at Osoyoos being fed!

‘The Girls’ and I have started a new book. It is a bit of a how to, but since they enjoy watching the birds and we want to make their lives in the garden as good as we can, there are some interesting ideas. These include making suet, plantings, upcycling items as bird houses and feeders, etc. Calico did listen to the beginning. She tends to like longer narratives so we will see, but for anyone interested in creating a wonderful spot for birds in their gardens, it is a good read. I plan to work on the various birdbaths and ponds next year! When I start you can follow my progress – or lack thereof.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, observations, videos, articles, books, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, AR, Geemeff, J, PB’, All About Birds, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Montana Osprey Project, Dunrovin Ranch, Newfoundland Power, Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Heidi McGrue and Fortis Exshaw, Brian Collins and Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal, Holly Parsons, Birds of Poole Harbour, The Guardian, 367 Collins Street Falcons, Bazz Hockaday and Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, Brenig Osprey Project, Newsweek, Olympic Sea Eagles, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Dan Rouse, komu.com, thehill.com.

Thursday in Bird World

22 August 2024

Good Morning Everyone!

We hope that you are well. The end of summer (or winter, depending on where you live) is soon coming to an end! Already some children are heading back to school. Here it is the day after Labour Day. That really does mark the end of the summer for many.

It continues to be hot, and the garden birds are spending more and more time in the baths. It looks like another host of House Sparrows has appeared in the garden. I even ‘thought’ I saw a couple of new baby red squirrels the other day, but I am not sure. I feel very sorry for them and all of the eagles and ospreys we have been monitoring who are caught in this extended heat wave. Please put out water for all the animals and change it regularly, and if you can afford it, feed them. If billions of people joined together, the lives of our feathered friends would be much improved.

Wednesday is our local Farmer’s Market. It has grown over the years to have some exceptional vendors as our neighbourhood community grows and grows in population, attracting many young professionals who like the vibe. From the original stalls selling produce, organic meats, and local honey, we now have artisan ice creams, flowers, organic breads, the most amazing dumplings, empanadas, and Japanese baking. The temperature was not so hot making it that much more congenial to mingle with friends and neighbours this afternoon.

Oh, I hope they continue to come to the market. Their handmade dumplings are delicious. And look at the price!

A mother and daughter grow fields of flowers right outside the City for the bouquets. They are lovely. Just the right size.

I wanted to show you all of the goodies, but Hugo Yugo got on top of the table before I could blink. She is always the first to be curious, quickly followed by Missey! For some reason, Hugo Yugo was not interested in dumplings. Could it have been that they were tofu and cabbage? I could easily be completely Vegan if it were not for dairy. I am trying, but ice cream and cream for my coffee get me every time.

Yes, there she is! Missey first tried the tofu cabbage dumpling and loved it. Then she moved on to the Ube Melon roll! Both got her thumbs up!

Calico and Hope are curious and sweet, but they prefer watching the animals in the garden instead of human-related ‘things’.

Before we went to the market, we stopped in at the duck pond. What a surprise. The Canada Geese were feeding on the Cricket grounds and, for the most part, the ducks had the pond all to themselves. OK. There were about twenty geese at the pond compared to hundreds feeding on the pitch. Most ducks were the sweetest little Wood Ducks – tiny compared to the Mallards. Some of the images are pretty dark despite lightening them…apologies.

I am ready for some rain. For an afternoon, curling up in a chair and reading a book, the stack on the bedside table grows, and by the time I get myself tucked in, I am too exhausted to read. I am not complaining! How many of us wish there were at least 36 hours in a day?

And to my great joy, ‘The Boyfriend’ showed up during the daylight hours. I catch him on the video cameras coming in the middle of the night, but had not seen him during the day. He looks to be in good form.

You might have noticed that we are not hearing from Heidi regularly. She is having a much-deserved break after a season of great sadness. The osplets on all the nests she has been monitoring have fledged (or died). Please give her a big round of applause so she can hear it! Thanks, Heidi, for your outstanding contributions and for taking care of all that data for me on those nests. You will never know how much I appreciate it. Thank you is hardly adequate.

I received a letter today from a family on the Potomac River that put up an osprey platform. They attracted a family that fledged two chicks. They wrote to me to enquire about siblicide occurring after fledge. What happened was that the older sibling prevented the younger one from getting any fish, and the younger one died on their lawn. Years ago, when we thought of siblicide and indeed, until a couple of years ago, the older sibling (usually) killed the younger one on the nest before the age of 21 days. With the heat domes and the lack of fish during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, we are seeing more and more competition between the fledglings of a nest and various intruders for local resources such as food.

Siblicide happened at Port Lincoln several years ago, pre-fledged at 65 days. The chick was pushed off the nest into the water and died. So there is a range. As the planet heats up and more fish dive deep or are lost to commercial fishing trawlers (unless that dire practice can be stopped), we will likely see many more deaths on the nests than we have seen this year. I regret painting a gloomy picture, but I would rather be entirely wrong than write as if we live in Disneyland where everything ends beautifully. Oh, how I wish it were so.

The Ospreys are leaving. The Storks are migrating. Shorebirds are flying south from the Arctic to their homes in South America. The move is on. Bald eagles return to check out their nests’ condition and lay claim to them again. The Eastern Ospreys are preparing to lay eggs like the falcons in Australia. We already have baby sea eaglets. For the next few months, the action will be coming to us from Australia, and then the eagles in the US will begin to lay their eggs.

We will start with a good news story about wind turbines sent to us from Geemeff. I was starting to think there was nothing good about the darn things. One of the things I hate about wind turbines is the refusal of so many factories to paint one blade black. What a simple solution someone found Let’s see what is happening here to protect the sea eagles in The Netherlands.

https://www.dutchnews.nl/2024/08/zeeland-wind-farm-activates-sea-eagle-protection-system

It is fantastic to see the fledglings return to the nest months after their first flight. Today, Alma visited the San Jose City Hall scrape to the delight of all. SK Hideaways caught it.

Xavier arrives with prey. Diamond prefers bonding to eating! https://youtu.be/STISiz5bv34?

This is nothing short of animal cruelty. Do people think birds have no feelings? Help spread the word about the use of birds and include balloons when you ask friends to protect wildlife. Thank you.

The dark eye lines on Hope and Beaumont’s osplets are wide and magnificent. Dark beauties they are! There is a rumour that the second chick fledged on Wednesday the 21st. I did not see it and there is nothing on the FB group. Will confirm later.

Dad arrives to much enthusiasm at the Royal Albatross colony to feed the Royal Cam chick.https://youtu.be/3as5kXIFb18?

Geemeff’s daily summary for Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Daily summary Wednesday 21st August 2024

Nest One had a few little songbird visitors today despite the wet and windy weather, but otherwise no activity. Garry LV0 was last seen briefly on Sunday 18th and seems to have left the area, so with increasing reports of final sightings from UK Osprey projects, tonight’s bonus is the excellent webinar on Osprey migration by Dr Tim Mackrill.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.35.33 (05.14.32); Nest Two 21.27.36 (05.19.35)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/08N3dt1mD6k N1 A Warbler & Coal Tits visit 09.34.52

Bonus info – Osprey migration webinar with Tim Mackrill: 

Watch the Loch Arkaig Osprey livestream 24/7 and join in the conversation here:

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

Iris brings fish to the nest. Sometimes there is a fledgling there to nab it! The chicks are looking good and no doubt being fed at the nest and elsewhere as Iris, we hope, is packing in the calories, too, for her long flight.

Beautiful fish arriving on the nest for C16 at the Charlo Montana nest.

Junebug on the perch at Dunrovin waiting for fish.

River has been on and off the nest all day at Sandpoint getting fish! She had a big morning brekkie to help start the day.

One lucky chick at Blackbush has a fish dinner.

I did not see anyone at home at Cowlitz. Maybe I missed our fledgling.

At Saaksilvie #1, ringed and unringed are getting some fish dinners.

Clean up crew at the Seilli nest in Finland.

I saw no activity at nest #4 on Wednesday in Finland.

Both fledglings on the nest in Latvia having some nice fish with Mum.

‘A’ reminds us: “We are on egg watch at Orange. As I mentioned, Diamond laid her first egg on 26 August last season, so we are nearing that time. There is lots of bonding and mating taking place. 

22 Aug BONDING 05:50:59, 10.30.59, 14:47:34, 17:30:42 PREY 07.02.32 X takes; 07.04.12 X stashes; 09:15:07 D takes; 13.23.42 D takes

TOWER MATING 07.05.16 LR 17s, 07.06.27 LR 18s, 07.10.49 LR 15s, 07.56.23 LHC 15s, 09:46:48 MW 12s, 13.53.31 MW 10s, 13.54.48 MW 6s

Diamond and Xavier are both looking healthy, unlike the starling Xavier stashed in the front corner of the scrape this morning – Diamond has treated it with the disdain it deserves but it will be recycled in the morning. Nothing is wasted here. There is discussion on the site about the worth of maggots in starlings. Of course we know from bald eagle nests that there’s good protein in maggots. Perfectly edible. “

Always good to see Jackie and Shadow. As a couple they spell, HOPE.https://youtu.be/UCkug0-kyW0?si=XbT6zm2FPZkbCkH8

A big shout out to Mary Cheadle who organises all of the fundraisers for the Lock Arkaig FB group. Thousands of pounds go to The Woodland Trust each year from viewers and fans. Thanks, Mary, for all you do!

There is one more fundraiser. For a donation of 3 GBP or more, you have a chance to win some expensive books on Ospreys, totes, etc. Check out the Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys FB if interested. The deadline is 30 August. It is the last fundraiser of the year.

Blue 1RO was 100 days old on Wednesday. Does anyone else think s/he looks exactly like their daddy Blue 33?

It was rainy and looked like a gale was blowing at the Glaslyn nest. The fledglings still think that Aran can pull off a miracle fishing for them! Two came in early in the day but no late fish to keep those crops full during the night.

It was windy with some rain at Dyfi but the wind did not appear to be blowing as strong as it was at Glaslyn. (Maybe just me…)

It was blowing hard at Llyn Brenig – the two fledglings were holding on tight to their nest!

Juveniles at Poole Harbour screaming their heads off for fish at Poole Harbour.

Fledgling still at Mlade Buky. Nice.

New Zealand is rushing to vaccinate its native birds ahead of what they believe will be a huge outbreak of H5N1.

New Zealand rushes vaccination of endangered birds before deadly strain of H5N1 bird flu arrives | NDownload

Studying Petrels and Albatross…what have they found out over the last decades of research?

Decades of Data, Diverse Discoveries | Friends of Midway AtollDownload

Thank you so much for being with us today. It is always a pleasure!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, letters, videos, images, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff’, dutchnews.nl, SK Hideaways, Birds in Helping Hands, Newfoundland Power, Cowlitz PUD, Cornell Bird Lab, Montana Osprey Project, Charlo Montana, Dunrovin Ranch, Sandpoint Ospreys, Blackbush at Old Tracerie, Saaksilvie, LDF, Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys, LRWT, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Dyfi Osprey Project, Llyn Brenig Ospreys, BoPH, Mlade Buky Stork Cam, The Guardian, and Friends of Midway Atoll.

Wednesday in Bird World

21 August 2024

Good Morning,

It is actually Tuesday afternoon, late afternoon, that I am beginning to write the post for tomorrow. The sounds of the Blue Jays squawking at something are overlaid with the sound of a jet aeroplane flying overhead. It was a hot day today. 29 C. Sweltering at the nature centre. A few songbirds were out getting seed at the feeders, and some ducks were sitting under one eating dropped seed, but not much more. Only a few humans were venturing out at 1400 these days! We are all idiots likely to get heat stroke! Thank goodness for the small shade gardens scattered about with benches. These have been growing to accommodate the increasing summer heat and the need for people to stop and take a breath.

The ducks are having a wonderful time searching for seed under one of the feeders near the hide. They knew I was there and cared little. Humans are no threat to the wildlife in the centre. Thank goodness there is a safe place for them.

There is a group of volunteers that care for the garden areas. They have recently finished a couple of small ponds with koi and turtles. The sound of the water is so relaxing.

A second pond.

Looks like a grebe to me!

An American Goldfinch and a Black-capped Chickadee.

There is very little news in Bird World. The revelation that Laddie died a natural death while very sad, is a tremendous relief to everyone. The thought of an individual or individuals purposefully killing this beloved osprey at Loch of the Lowes was simply unthinkable.

A few sites continue to post some of the highlights from the season. Just look at the snow at Clywedog!

There are rumours that F23, the mate of M15 at Southwest Florida, has been seen at the nest on Tuesday.

He is one of my favourite dads in the UK, and his mate Blue 35 ranks right up there, too. She is the one who creatively fed Tiny Little several years ago – the tiniest third hatch I had seen in years compared to the big siblings already in reptile plumage. Tiny Little became the dominant bird in the nest and was called Blue 464. White YW stayed late and fed her. I have seen no sightings, but I hope she has survived.

Our friend Geemeff that supplies the summaries for Loch Arkaig loves polar bears. I hope to travel up to the Arctic with them to see these beautiful creatures but, in Manitoba, you are having to travel greater distances. The bears that come into the town because they are starving to death get little respect. It is the three strikes law. After three visits, they are shot. Of course, the ice and the seals they rely on are few these days. It isn’t about birds but I am including this article because Geemeff loves those beautiful bears so much.

“The fatal encounter and sightings in unusual locations foreshadow what experts say is a looming clash between polar bears and northern communities as climate change upends the habitat and food sources of the apex predator.” “Across the region, sea ice will play a critical role in polar bears’ future prospects, including where they are spotted and how well-fed they are. Some populations faced near-record-low ice cover this summer, while other bears like the western Hudson Bay population had “excellent” ice coverage. But even extensive ice cover isn’t enough: across swaths of the bay, the ice was thick but lacked ridges and snow cover, meaning it was a poor breeding site for ringed seals, a top polar bear prey. Shifts in seal populations will put immense pressure on bears to find enough food.”

They are starving. I wonder what humans do when they are starving and their children are starving?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/aug/20/polar-bears-climate-change-human-encounters?CMP=share_btn_url

Royal Albatross Chick is spreading those big wings and it is only the 20th of August!

‘A’ remarks: “The Cornell footage of our TF testing his wings is impressive. What a wingspan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqzeozQW_SM&list=TLPQMjEwODIwMjQgpA2JbubKqA&index=5 Isn’t that magnificent? I am unsure whether that is TF or TFT. If it is TF, he has far more fluff left on him than I thought from last week’s shots, when there appeared to be very little left on his wings and back. And he should have lost more since those pictures, so this chick appears to have quite a lot to still get rid of. “

‘MB” sent us a great article about the growing White Stork colony at Knepp Farm. It is on my bucket list!

Young Storks Begin New Life at Knepp – KneppDownload

There is still activity at the Hellgate Canyon nest of Iris and Finnegan.

Geemeff sends her daily report for Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Daily summary Tuesday 20th August 2024

Nothing to say, not one visitor big or small on the nests today. Affric and Prince are perhaps still around looking after their fledgling on the Bunarkaig nest as the male and chick were seen there as recently as Sunday 18th, but Bird Guides reports more and more sightings of Ospreys on the move and we wish all of them a safe migration journey and hope to see the adults back next year. The wet and windy weather certainly makes migrating now the best option, for Scottish Ospreys anyway.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.41.41 (05.08.00); Nest Two 21.36.44 (05.13.09)

Today’s videos: None!!

Bonus Highlands walk report including Loch Arkaig:

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=125825

Watch the Loch Arkaig Osprey livestream 24/7 and join in the conversation here:

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

The latest from Richmond and Rosie’s nest on top of the light stand in San Francisco:

‘H’ caught up with Fenwick Island:

Remember. Those Omega ships in the Bay are causing the ospreys to starve especially in the extreme heat periods. If you live in the US and feel strongly about this issue, please write your Senator!

There is growing concern that the area that Omega has been fishing has caused this – impacting jobs and tourism.

One of the things that keen observers of Canadian geese know is how loyal the mates are to one another. In one of the books at the farm animal sanctuary, there was a story of a couple. The female had a broken wing and could not fly. The male would walk, fly a short distance, and wait for his mate to catch up. The story of the swans in the post below reminded me of this kindness. How many of you remember the story of Arnold and Amelia? Two Canada Geese living at a pond on the grounds of a wildlife rehab centre in the NE US? Arnold had his foot attacked by a snapping turtle and required care. Amelia waited on the porch of the clinic, looking in. Eventually, they were allowed to eat together and then be together as Arnold improved. It was beautiful – sheer devotion.

Beaumont and Hope’s second hatch has been doing a lot of hovering. It will be flying with the rest of the family soon.

Four at home at Dyfi – still not seeing Senni.

Remembering SW Florida’s beautiful season.

Nine fish were delivered to the Muonion nest in Finland on the 20th of August! NINE. Everyone was seen.

Altyn and Nova’s fledglings at the Imperial Eagle nest in RU.

For those of you that remember the agonising death of Golden Eagle Spilve’s chick, Klints, I am happy to say that Spilvie and her new mate are at the nest in Latvia doing some restorations.

Thunder and Akecheta at the West End nest in the Channel Islands on Tuesday. Cholyn, Thunder’s Mum and mate to Chase, was seen at the Two Harbours nest a few days ago.

The USK Valley in Wales has a new streaming cam for ospreys! Congratulations.

View the birds — Usk Valley OspreysDownload

We have something a wee different from a reader. I want to add that every living creature is impacted when humans use poisons.

‘MP’ writes: “I thought I’d send a little something different. Like the rodenticide to Raptors, insecticides have done the same to the hog-nosed skunk. Skunks don’t ask for anything other than to just be left alone. Insecticides have done in many insects which is what the hog-nosed skunk feeds on and the insecticide that killed the insects too kills the skunk who eats the insect. This species of skunk is hard to find now in Texas where it was plentiful once. 

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Hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus mesoleucus) are about the same size as striped skunks but have some differences in appearance. They have a long, hairless nose pad and come equipped with long claws and powerful front legs that are good for digging. They typically have a single broad, white stripe that starts at the head and extends down the back to the end of the tail. Their diet consists mostly of insects. Hog-nosed skunks are found in the western parts of the state. A subspecies from the Big Thicket of East Texas is thought to be extinct. Alternate name: rooter skunk. Texas Parks and Wildlife.”

‘A’ writes about the little sea eaglets: “Early breakfast at WBSE was lovely. Both chicks ate side by side, with mum offering them both bites and no bonking was observed. SE34 is noticeably smaller than SE33 but not fearful to eat today at all. He leaned forwards and even shuffled forwards a couple of steps at one stage to get closer to mum’s beak. SE33 did do better from the feeding but this was due to Lady favouring the older eaglet. 

Certainly, both had enough food at that meal, which ended when Dad turned up and shortly before 06:32 began that godawful cackling that the ranger’s report calls ‘duets’. There is nothing musical about them – they are a dreadful din, slightly reminiscent of a gaggle of backyard geese greeting a rain shower. Duet? I don’t think so. Anyway, participation in said duet distracted Lady from the job of feeding the eaglets. By 06:33 when it ended, the chicks had both dozed back off. 

Around 06:35 the littles again wake up and the feeding resumes. But Lady now has to stretch too far to reach SE34 so she feeds SE33. SE34 is looking interested, head up, and even tries to get a little closer to mum, who ignores him. Finally, at 06:37:41 Lady reaches the extra distance to SE34 and gives him a bite. And a second. She then resumes the easier option of feeding SE33. When SE33 refuses a bite at )6:38:10, Lady offers it to SE34, who takes it gratefully. Lady is now down to leftover scraps and is working hard to get edible pieces for the littles. 

She feeds the second half of a bite to SE34, but otherwise feeds SE33. SE34 gets a bite at 06:38:40. Again, Lady resumes feeding SE33. By 06:39:30, SE33 has decided it is still hungry and stands up to better reach the food. SE34 shuffles forward as well, but SE33 is now even closer to Lady and is now eagerly eating, so SE34 is not offered any food until 06:40:24, when Lady makes a real effort to reach SE34 with a bite. SE33 again shuffles forward. SE34 does the same but SE33 is much closer to mum, who resumes feeding SE33. 

By 06:41:20, SE34 is obviously trying to eat and each time SE33 gets a bite, SE34 watches and tries to get closer to mum. Lady eventually stretches to give him a bite just before 06:42. She then gives him a second bite, before cleaning his face and feeding what she removed to SE33. SE33 again sits up eagerly, moving forward, so gets offered the food. At 06:42:46, SE34 sits up tall, hoping mum will notice him, and she does. He gets a bite. SE33 considers, then rejects the idea of turning away from the table. 

Around 06:43 Lady is patiently feeding a bite to SE34 when SE33 leans in and steals the last piece from literally in front of SE34’s beak. Lady is only feeding SE33. The two are sitting up side by side looking cute as fluffy little buttons. At 06:45:28 Lady reaches to give SE34 a bite but then resumes feeding SE33. At 06:46 Lady makes a real effort to feed a bite to SE34. There has been no intimidation or bonking and no sign that SE34 is nervous or reluctant to eat. Both eaglets behave perfectly throughout the meal. 

Lady then takes the remaining carcass (bones mainly) off the nest, and the littles were then left alone for a long time. SE34 is determined to use SE33 as a pillow, then they switch positions, and eventually the two settle down into a cuddle puddle. There is obviously still some close parental supervision, as evidenced by a periodic cackle. The littles are sleeping. 

At 08:42 a parent visits the nest and checks the babies, scattering some dry leaves over them like a blanket. SE33 wakes up and what I believe to be Lady does some allopreening of her older hatch. SE33 sits up and turns around, revealing its large crop. Around 08:46 Lady heads up the perch branch. She flies off just before 09:23. The little pile of white fluff is already asleep again. 

These two seem to be doing okay, but SE33 is certainly dominating most of the feedings, largely because of Lady. I am not sure whether this is happening at all the feedings, and certainly SE34 did not appear intimidated when offered food at this feeding. Whenever Lady bothered to reach far enough, SE34 readily accepted the mouthful. There was no hesitation. He did look at his sibling a few times, but never in the eye. Nest etiquette was observed and as a result, there was no aggression and both were very civilised. This is what we want to see. “

‘H’ posts about the Fortis Exshaw nest – doing good!

Please lobby to get the lights turned out in your town or City. It is migration season. Billions die from collisions each year because the lights in our city’s tallest buildings are full on.

Global Bird RescueDownload

Thank you so much for being with us today. Hugo Yugo wants you to have the most marvellous day ever!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, MB, MP, PB’, George Green and The Clywedog Osprey Group, @Foulshaw Ospreys, The Guardian, Knepp Farm, Montana Osprey Project, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, SF Bay Ospreys, Dyfi Osprey Project, Heidi McGrue, Menhaden – Little Fish, Big Deal, Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary, Newfoundland Power, The Real Saunders Photography, Saaksilvie, Liznm, IWS/Explore, USK Valley Ospreys, Wesley A. Brasheat, Global Bird Rescue, and Olympic Park Eagles.