Category Archives: eagles

Osprey eggs galore…Late, late Tuesday in Bird Worl

14 April 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

We woke up to snow. I almost cried. By the afternoon, the temperature had risen to 6 C. Tomorrow is to be much warmer before we are plunged into the deep freeze again. Talk about a roller coaster ride to spring!

So many Osprey eggs were laid today that I do not know if I can keep up with them –

Frankie and Angel at Roundhouse Loch Doon have their first egg.

Maya and Blue 33 have their fourth egg. Yes, you read that right. Our super couple are aiming for four again!

Nest 7 at Kielder Forest where Mum KX7 laid her first egg of the 2026 season.

CJ7 and Blue 022 have their first egg at Poole Harbour. Will they go for four?

CJ7 Lays Her First Egg!First egg! – Carey Osprey Tours Begin – Osprey Diary 2026 – Spring Safaris – Heathland Bird ID – Seabird Fundraiser CJ7 with her first egg of the seasonWe are excited to announce that at 12:56 this afternoon, in rather drizzly conditions, CJ7 laid her first egg at the Carey’s Secret Garden nest! This is brilliant news and 1 day later than last year, due to 022’s delayed arrival. 
Eggs tend to be laid 3 days apart, this means we’ll expect the second egg on Friday. Delayed incubation until the second or third egg is laid is not uncommon. This can bring the hatching times closer together, sometimes resulting in a less significant size and development difference between the chicks.

Idris and Telyn have their first egg at the Dyfi nest.

I have probably missed some, apologies! Will catch up.

At Glaslyn, it appears that Elen is still the reigning female. Teifi has been feeding her some fish. People have asked if Aran has a ‘nest’. To my knowledge, the answer is no. He does have a tree in an area that he seems to be claiming as his territory. Perhaps someone will put up a platform there! Hey, Darren Moore!!!!!!

We are expecting an egg any time at the Pont Cresor nest of Aeron Z2 and Blue 14.

Two Ospreys perched on a nest made of sticks, with a green landscape in the background.

Geemeff gives us the latest knews from the Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 14th April 2026After yesterday’s constant nest swapping, today was very much quieter. Everybody stayed on their own nests, Garry LV0 brought Aurora 536 two fish, taking his tally to thirteen, and Dorcha had an unusual visitor in the form of a Carrion Crow, a species not seen in this area before. JJ4, the male from the western nest who’s visited twice before did not make it three days in a row and sadly neither did our lovable Louis put in a much longed for appearance. While hopes for his return are fading, his nine years in Loch Arkaig have given us many wonderful moments to cherish, and he leaves a legacy of fourteen fledged chicks, six with Aila and eight with Dorcha – not bad for the inept youngster who turned up in 2017.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/o6yYQ8JU-Ro N1 Garry lands twice with the first fish 09.11.46

https://youtu.be/DuXk9odvJSo N2 Cheeky Crow (Corvus corone) gets sent packing by Dorcha 15.08.37

https://youtu.be/FgHG5WAl9_g N2 Dorcha waits patiently alone before departing for the day 15.46.33 https://youtu.be/x9rKH2wBU4o N1 Aurora grabs fish number two and leaves the housework to Garry 17.51.23

Bonus watch – birds-eye view of both nests seen via drone footage:

https://youtu.be/HKIxtz_ICXU Nest One

https://youtu.be/wiSNcrl7_mM Nest Two

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/UU44l6A5Vy4  N1 Touchdown – but who? 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/09e-9iR9Uvg  N1 Lonesome again – Louis waits in vain 2021

https://youtu.be/No4cPpPY9eM  N1 Cheeky Crow wants Louis’ fish 2021

https://youtu.be/ZHbPfslJSb4  N2 Dorcha finally gets Louis’ fish 2022

https://youtu.be/epotlXiS6_w  N2 Dorcha wants dinner, Louis wants Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/GwydfsZfM1s  N2 Louis looking magnificent 2023

https://youtu.be/0rLUKr-CEmE  Nest One sunset 2023 (quick-time)

https://youtu.be/HIEpIrsKACA  Nest Two sunset 2023 (quick-time)

https://youtu.be/PMBJ6rBYv6o  N1 Garry LV0 visits the nest then perches on Pole Tree 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/GR5uY71Ebvc  N2 FIRST EGG! 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/3xzJPU206Rg  N2 Louis has his first incubation session 2024

https://youtu.be/LTAYF-7tmqQ N1 Garry LV0 brings moss and stays a while 2025

https://youtu.be/lL_QYANa9C4 N2 Finally! A fish arrives for Dorcha 2025

https://youtu.be/rvg7SdHjZZg  N2 Louis brings a second fish but Dorcha’s not there 2025

You’re invited to join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

In the world of eagles, Jackie and Shadow have had to work hard to protect their babies! SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/as3C9WW-3ho?si

Suzanne Arnold Horning reminds us of the dates of Big Red and Arthur’s eggs: Big Red and Arthur welcomed their egg#1 of 2026 at 804pm on 3/23, egg #2 appeared at 203pm on 3/26, egg#3 around 11am on 3/29 and egg#4 around 11am on 4/1. This is only the 3rd time the clutch as been 4 eggs (2022 and 2024 as well).

A close-up of a hawk resting in its nest, surrounded by twigs and branches.

Today seems like a long day and I am ready for a big mug of tea and a chat with The Girls. Toby has been out helping me in the garden and he desperately needs a bath!

I have sadly added two new entries to the Memorial Wall: Louis from Loch Arkaig and Ethel from Russell Lake, Nova Scotia. Neither returned from migration this year. Basic information only at present. Will be filled in within a week, I hope.

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

Thank you to Geemeff for their great summary and videos, SK Hideaways for capturing how challenging life can be for dear Jackie and Shadow, to all the streaming cam owners and people who post information on FB – we are terribly grateful to you!

Iris and Blue 35

6 April 2026

Hello Everyone!

It could be a very busy day at the UK nests and in the western part of the US as favourable winds are blowing in the ospreys.

It has been confirmed that our dear Iris is, indeed, the osprey that landed early this morning on the Hellgate Canyon nest. I hope everyone had a good cry – a joyful one. Now let’s get that young male osprey back that was courting her last season!

Louis and Starr are already back. Starr was the first to arrive in Missoula. Their nest is at the Baseball Park – and despite all we think, Louis is a good mate to Starr and they raise 2 or 3 chicks to fledge every year.

Gosh, Iris looks good.

An osprey with spread wings standing on a nest made of sticks, with a view of an empty parking lot in the background.
An osprey spreads its wings while standing on a nest made of sticks. The background shows a parking lot and lampposts.
A close-up view of an osprey nest made of branches, with an osprey perched nearby. The scene is set against a parking lot in black and white.

Blue 35 has returned to Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve in Cumbria and is reclaiming her nest after Blue 717 got a little friendly with White YW.

We are waiting the arrival of Louis at Loch Arkaig Nest 2 in Scotland. His mate Dorcha will be delighted to see him land with a nice big trout.

Busy day at the Glaslyn nests:

A social media post detailing an eventful day at Glaslyn Valley, highlighting the presence of ospreys at the Glaslyn nest, with mentions of various birds and activities throughout the day.
A close-up view of two ospreys in a nest made of twigs, with one osprey standing and another slightly turned. The nest contains some moss and dirt. In the lower corners, there are additional images of ospreys, one in flight and another perched.

Lots of action at Loch of the Lowes.

Ospreys at Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre engaging in territorial behavior as one female osprey defends her nest from another.
An osprey perched on a large nest made of twigs, surrounded by trees and a scenic lake in the background. Two smaller images show the osprey in flight.

Thanks, Alison Copland. BoPH have created a genealogy chart. The Carey nest is the one for CJ7 and Blue 022, and it has a streaming cam.

A flowchart detailing the breeding history of ospreys in Poole Harbour from 2022 to 2025, including nests and individual codes for each bird.

Latest arrival news from Kielder Forest:

More males, at last!

One of my favourite males, Tegid Z1, Monty’s son, who breeds on a private nest, has returned safely.

A screenshot of a Facebook post detailing the return of a BTO ringed male osprey at Glaslyn, alongside a female osprey, with information about their breeding history and nesting partners.

So the males are starting to show up in Wales, too. Come on Louis!!!!!!!!!

The feeding is going very well at the Achieva Osprey platform. My goodness, if I didn’t know better, I would think this was a new male. (Maybe it is – I am not trying to start rumours here, just pondering the fish deliveries. I was never that pleased with Jack’s deliveries for Diane and the kids. Has anyone truly identified head markings?)

A bird sitting in a nest made of twigs, with a second bird perched nearby on a wooden post. In the background, trees and residential buildings are visible.

Bella and Scout’s two eaglets are doing just fine although there was a choking concern for the baby earlier on Monday.

Two adult bald eagles are tending to three fuzzy chicks in a nest made of twigs and straw.

Nature chat’s banner:

Interloping Common Buzzard laid 2nd egg today at Lesser Spotted Eagle Cam, as usual LSE pair hasn’t arrived for the season yet.

Hatch occurred yesterday for 2nd egg at Fort St. Vrain Station Eagle Cam, and pip observed on 3rd egg.

Pip watch continues for 3rd egg at ND-LEEF Eagle Cam.

Peanut has branched at the Winter Park, Florida Bald Eagle nest. Best be watching this energetic second hatch. She is going to take off fast!

News about California Condors:

A California condor egg resting in a hollow cavity inside a towering redwood tree, surrounded by mist and foliage.
Text discussing the California condor's history and its relationship with ancient megafauna, highlighting its role in ecology and conservation.
An image depicting a California condor with a tracking device, alongside a nest containing an egg, set against a backdrop of a coastal redwood forest and ocean.

Stop over and see the two little cuties that Jackie and Shadow are feeding and brooding. They are two little round teddy bears! So very happy for our darling couple.

Take care everyone. Iris’s arrival has made this day much brighter! We are all delighted. If Louis returns, I will be posting again. Otherwise, I will see you later in the week.

Thank you to ‘PB’ for her messages, to the owners of the streaming cams for my screen captures and for allowing us to witness the life of these incredible birds. I am grateful to everyone who posts on FB with information. Without your eyes, we might miss something!

Both eaglets have hatched at Big Bear

5 April 2026

Wow. Isn’t this a great morning?! We had marvelled at Jackie and Shadow’s first hatch keeping a keen eye on that second egg that was pipping knowing full well there would be two eaglets today – and there are!

We missed the second hatch. Thanks to ‘PB’ for sending me some great images while we were out walking Toby.

It has been a while since I watched the news. In fact, I have made a conscious decision to live in the moment, to rejoice in what is happening in our garden as the seasons change, and to monitor how our on-screen bird families are faring. The world is too dark and from past experience checking on streaming cam videos that show ‘death’, it would seem that more people prefer to see a ‘snuff’ video of an eaglet than one where a much loved and wanted chick is hatching. To me that is simply ‘sick’. So, I don’t post them and I don’t watch them.

Today was also a glorious day in the garden. At 0900 three Blue Jays appeared! Three. One of Junior’s and the Mrs fledglings from previous years has returned. They make their nest in the tree across the lane now that their big elm has been cut down. Mr and Mrs Crow have arrived. We have started putting out leftover chicken and their cheesy dogs as they begin to build up after the winter and prepare for their nesting. The Starlings are here, the sparrows are down in number, and the chickadees arrive at dusk and dawn. The Red squirrels are busy caching peanuts – I do not know why and to date, we still have dear Dyson coming with her kits. She is VERY old. We know it is her because of markings that we have compared over the years. With lots of good food and a safe environment, Dyson can possibly live for several more years. That makes me happy.

The Starlings yesterday:

I could never catch the three together in the same frame.

Two blue jays perched near a feeder, one holding a peanut, with a background of twigs and branches.
Two blue jays at a bird feeder filled with peanuts, one in flight with a peanut in its beak and another perched on the feeder.

I record the seasonal changes in the garden including the arrival of more species in this book:

Cover of 'The Naturalist's Notebook' featuring illustrations of birds, plants, and natural elements, with titles and authors' names.
An open book page featuring illustrations of a large beetle with wings and a black bird perched on a tree branch.

Just like many of the large nature centres keep track of the arrival and departure of their ospreys and eagles, I do the same with all of the garden animals over the years. It is a wonderful way to keep yourself in ‘the present’. Nature heals us – it does not destroy us. We need to embrace the life around us.

Each of us should turn off the outside world to keep our hope and kindness. Most of you will recognise that we are all interrelated and that what is good for wildlife and the planet is also good for humans. Then why do we allow people to destroy our precious home? Clearly, Jackie and Shadow do nothing to destroy Big Bear, and yet their habitat is constantly under threat, as it is now from proposed construction at Moon Camp. I want ‘the people’ to triumph for Jackie and Shadow – not just for them but as a signal that we care about wildlife, their habitat, and the sheer joy that their existence gives to us. If there has ever been a time to step up and be heard on this matter, it is now. Being silent is no longer an option. Whether you do it at the ballot box, by donations or volunteering, writing letters or op ed pieces, do something. That something could be as simple as a dish of life-saving water put out daily and refreshed for the birds and animals.

Baiba has the first feeding attempt at Big Bear for hatch 1. (Gosh, I hope they name this one Sandy!), and they could name the second Speers. That would be a wonderful tribute to a woman who worked so hard for these eagles. https://youtu.be/Lyo3kpR280M?

Baiba has the arrival of the second eaglet: https://youtu.be/CB0Jfj3dVoQ?

My gosh they are cute.

A fluffy gray chick sits in a nest surrounded by sticks and two unhatched eggs, with some straw and twigs scattered around.

There continue to be ospreys arriving. We are keeping a close eye out for Louis and I would love to see Blue 35 return to Foulshaw Moss although I have to say that hope is dwindling by the day. Blue 717 has really taken a liking to White YW and why wouldn’t she? He is an amazing provider.

Fish deliveries at ​​the Pont Cresor nest of Z1 Aeron and Blue 14 are at 07:03 – 11:29 – 16:23 according to chat. This is the new streaming cam at Glaslyn owned by Friends of Osprey.

Z1 Aeron is an excellent provider – one of Monty’s boys. Making his dad proud.

A bird with outstretched wings is perched on a nest made of branches, set against a cloudy sky at dawn. The image is slightly blurred due to water droplets on the camera lens.
A close-up view of an eagle perched on a branch near its nest made of twigs, with a scenic landscape of hills and greenery in the background.

At the nest of Aran and Elen, close to the Pont Cresor platform, Aran is delivering fish in terrible conditions, but no Elen to eat them. It is not clear to me that Aran and Elen have seen one another at all since Aran’s return. Please correct me if I am wrong.

A bird perched on a branch amidst bare trees, with greenery in the background.

Storm Dave has brought rain and wind, with some snow, to Wales. It was particularly bad last evening in Sotlad at the Loch Arkaig nest. Will Louis return today or tomorrow?

Dorcha had a sunken crop. She is waiting for Louis to bring her a fish but she doesn’t know he has not arrived. Oh, please, Louis come home.

A bird sitting in a nest made of twigs and branches, overlooking a mountainous landscape with patches of snow in the background.

Asha has arrived home at RSPB Loch Garten.

A female osprey is seen in a nest made of twigs at Loch Garten, surrounded by a forested landscape with hills in the background.

Keep your eyes on those screens for arrivals and if you haven’t seen the second baby at Achieva, check it out. Dad is doing an amazing job bringing in the fish! What a relief.

An osprey chick stands in a nest made of twigs on a platform, with an adult osprey perched above it. In the background, trees and a street are visible.

To those celebrating, Happy Easter or Happy Passover. May you find peace and joy and have good times with friends and family.

Take care everyone. That is it for today. Toby is getting a nail trim in the house tomorrow. Another one of the convenient services I have discovered and it is now time for me to think of what we might have for lunch. We hope to see you soon!

Remember – if you are feeling the least bit down, put on a jacket and head outside. Sit and listen. Feel the breeze on your cheek. I promise you will feel a thousand times better. If you are up to it, go for a walk. Check out the birds around your home. Let me know what you are seeing. Bye for now!

Thank you to Baiba for the videos of the Big Bear Valley family of Jackie and Shadow. Thank you ‘PB’ for alerting me to the full second hatch at BBV and to all the owners and people who post news including Jeff Kear and the UK Osprey Info FB, I am so grateful. Thanks a billion!

Seren with Dylan and White YW arrives at Foulshaw Moss…

29 March 2026

Hello Everyone!

It is pitching down rain and Seren, Blue 5F has arrived home. She is now in the trees sheltering from the storm with her mate Dylan. Tears of joy!

An osprey standing on its nest with a green landscape and trees in the background, captured in a misty setting.

And another famous osprey is home – this time a grandfather!

An Osprey landing on the water with wings spread, surrounded by greenery.

I am writing this late Saturday with the hope and anticipation that Sunday will be a less dramatic day! A call has gone in to the people who installed the locks in our doors. They will be out on Monday with recommendations on how to ‘know’ if Don is getting out of the house. There are locks and devices to go over door knobs, but I have opted to have them tell me my options. An alarm system sounds best. It doesn’t need to be monitored. In Canada, that is often the most costly part. I am also going to get a digital door opener for all the doors. Then I don’t have to worry about keys. One set has already gone ‘walkabout’. My goodness…dear little Toby did get his reward. A nice piece of tenderloin and a bath after our last walk. The sidewalks are flooding and are like a slush cone. He was dirty and wet, so it seemed like a good time to try our first shampoo. (Normally, the groomers do this. He was incredible. He just stood on the mat in the tub and let me shampoo him!!!!!!!!!! He had such fun with the towels and loved being rubbed dry.

I have a feeling that this little puppy is gold-plated underneath all that fur. Whatever power in this universe sent this baby into my life really knew what they were doing. Indispensable.

Toby’s fur is quite long. He has had to wait a month since his last blood event to get groomed. That will be 11 April. He was so good in the bath, I wonder if he will let me trim him??? We have a lovely woman coming to trim his nails on Easter Monday, and she will show me how. Toby is a bit anxious about the groomer since she had to shave the matts off his tummy from when he had to stay at the vet’s for 4 nights in December. Poor baby. He might not look like he is show ring ready if I trim him but if it keeps his anxiety down, it will be worth it!

The Rod Stewart look! And he’s getting his Grinch feet.

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lying on a beige couch, looking directly at the camera with a slightly concerned expression.

White YW is one of my favourite UK ospreys. He and his mate, Blue 35, are at the Foulshaw Moss nest in Cumbria.

Here is the link to the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. There are two views and a replay camera: https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/osprey-webcam

There is now a YouTube station: https://www.youtube.com/live/8K0V8qFl1N4?

White YW looks good.

A young osprey stands on its nest made of twigs and branches, overlooking a vast open field with rolling hills in the background.

Samson also returned to the Borders Osprey platform. Rosie Shields writes,

A very quick note as it’s late and I’m not long back home but I had to share the good news that Samson arrived back today, some 2 weeks earlier than last year. He’s already brought sticks to the nest and has engaged in some crow bashing. I don’t have any photos as yet because the camera is throwing a small temper tantrum but, if I throw enough money at the system I’m sure it will work eventually!! 
Luckily, we had just finished doing some repairs to the nest following the severe battering it and the tree got during the various winter storms but Samson will no doubt not be satisfied and will furnish it himself in his own inimitable style. 
I’m delighted and relieved that he’s back. All eyes to the skies for Augusta now.

Windy and cold at Poole. Beautiful CJ7.

An osprey sitting on a nest made of twigs and branches, with a landscape view of trees in the background.

Blue 33 and Maya are already thinking about babies even in the cold wind.

Two ospreys sitting in a nest made of twigs and branches beside a body of water.

This wind might blow in more ospreys to the UK. Let’s hope.

Fru Rauer, the Norwegian osprey of some renown, is on her way home. She has a sat pak and her location will be announced the beginning of the week.

A scenic view of a coastal landscape with a large osprey nest in the foreground, overlooking a calm sea and distant shoreline at sunset.

The first feeding of DH13 (Decorah Hatchery) by Earlybird. https://youtu.be/ff_avdLYMKI?

A close-up of a bald eagle in its nest, surrounded by twigs and grass, with warm sunlight illuminating its feathers as it focuses on its surroundings.

Everyone saw the pip at Fraser Point for Cruz and Andor. It is now 2128, and there is some concern about activities at 1922 at the nest. It is unclear whether the chick has hatched or if there was a problem. We will find out in the morning. Fuzzy head now seen.

Close-up of an animal's head near a nest filled with straw and twigs, with a blurred background.
Close-up of a bald eagle near its nest, with a chick visible among the straw.

We are on pip watch for Irwin and Stella at the US Steel nest in PA.

A bald eagle resting in its nest at night, surrounded by branches, captured in black and white.

JBS24 at the John Bunker Sands Wetlands is getting a lot of air under those beautiful wings. The eaglet looks really good. Do you remember worrying about whether or not 24 would survive after 25 suddenly died? I do. So happy for the parents that they have one splendid eaglet nearing fledge.

A nest on a metal tower containing several eaglets, with greenery in the background.
A young bird sitting in a nest made of twigs and branches, positioned on a metal tower structure. The background features greenery, indicating a natural environment, and a logo for a wetland center is visible in the corner.

I am delighted that Richmond’s new mate has been named Wendy after the ‘Wendy Welders’ at the Richmond Shipping Yard. In World War II, my mother was one of those women!

There are ospreys – two of them – at Steelscape in WA.

Two ospreys perched on a nest made of branches and foliage atop a platform, with a view of an industrial area and vehicles in the background. Environmental data displayed includes weather conditions and time.
Two calico cats resting on a beige quilt.
Three pets relaxing on a couch: a gray cat sleeping on the back cushion, an orange cat curled up on the side cushion, and a black and white dog chewing on a stick on the front cushion.

Thank you for being with us. Keep your eyes os the screens! Second hatch at Decorah Hatchery and first for Irv and Stella. My reporting of the US Bald Eagles will slow as the UK and European ospreys arrive. Even with everything going on in the house at times, I am going to try and see if Heidi and I can get back near our record of monitoring 500 osprey eggs this season. So take care, let me know of any sightings!

If you are subscribed via Facebook, you may be missing posts. You can subscribe by sending your address and clicking subscribe. It is easy to unsubscribe. I do not send ads, but during busy times, you could get several posts a day. Alternatively, you can check my Blue Sky account and sign up: ospreylover.bsky.social.

Thank you to everyone who posted images and information on FB groups and to the owners of the streaming cams, we are forever in your debt. We would not be able to enjoy these amazing bird families without you.

Wednesday in Bird World

18 March 2026

Hello Everyone,

We are in the midst of an unexpected blizzard, while thousands of miles to our southeast, it is green, and geese are enjoying the grass on a golf course. Thank you, ‘L’, for letting me share this lovely image of spring! We love our geese, but there is no place for them here, and yet, many arrived several weeks ago! The ponds have frozen, but there remains some open water in the two rivers that wind their way through our City. It is supposed to warm up beginning tomorrow, but I will believe it when I see it. We were not expecting this much snow today!

It doesn’t look like much, but the snow is blowing and accumulating so quickly! The lad who shovels or us thought snow was finished – he is going to get a real surprise! It is more than 30 cm deep on the walkway he cleared a few days ago, and is within 45 cm of covering the large bird table feeder. Unbelievable.

Toby loves it. He bounces through the snow if there is even a whiff of a ‘cat’ in the garden. My plan is to have a tall wooden fence built to match the one constructed a few years ago. I had not planned to put a fence on that part of the property, but the theft of dogs in our City has become quite troubling. Of course, ‘the cats’ – distinguished from ‘The Girls’ – come in from that back corner, so it is important to close it in. Toby loves his sisters, ‘The Girls’. He plays with them, but those that make their way into his outdoor territory will be ousted unless they are Brock (who now still spends 99% of his time at the neighbour down the street)!!!!!!!!!

I hope, after all these years, that each of you knows that I love all animals, but there is a special place in my heart for Big Red and Arthur, the late Annie at The Campanile, and ospreys. I have posted this song before, but I want you to get in the mood. Osprey season is starting in the UK – and has already begun in the US. Here are those wonderful school children with the Osprey Song (2011): https://youtu.be/KoOQK6ejuXY?

At the Lake Murray Osprey platform, Lucy has laid her second egg with a new mate. Please, please put up the owl defences for this family Lake Murray!

Company for Brutus. Storms are tearing down eagle and osprey nests around the US including an osprey nest that Penny Albright monitored near Sanibel that lost two chicks when the nest collapsed. These eaglets made it through…

Blue 25 has made another visit to Blue 33 and Maya’s nest at Manton Bay – Blue 33 normally arrives a few days prior to Maya, and Blue 25 enjoys his company! Geemeff caught her time on the nest: https://youtu.be/HU_XGU3NTro?

We have an osprey at the MNSA Osprey nest in Oceanside’s Jay Cool platform.

“WYL greets his chick upon returning to the nest in New Zealand. The adult male arrives from a foraging trip over the Pacific to feed his growing chick at the Plateau nest site. As the chick gets bigger, the parents will take longer foraging trips to collect enough food for both themselves and their chick.” (Cornell Bird Lab)

Peanut defended the Winter Park Florida nest against a RTH! Nestflix Memories (Gracie Shepherd) caught it on video: https://youtu.be/cQksMDubVEc?

Tonight, Wink is taking now chances. She is right in the nest with Peanut if that GHO returns – and, of course, it will – they never give up! Wink is an incredible mother – I am truly amazed and thankful for her diligence.

Gabby with her babies, Kai and Eve, at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest in Florida. Best keep a close eye on these two – they could fledge before you blink.

At the Johnson City nest of Boone and Jolene in Tennessee, snow arrived. Jolene kept those two babies warm and tried to feed them at the same time. Like Wink, she is an experiened and an exceptional Mum.

Huge crop on JBS 24. Mum and Dad are delivering food and leaving it for self-feeding on occasion.

Harry and Sally are up there in my list of osprey parents. Three babies, three little fat bottoms. Large fish coming in and Harry on guard as it appeared there could have been an intruder around today during a fish delivery. If you haven’t been watching Moorings Park, then check out this osprey family. It is a success story – and believe me when I tell you that there will be few such stories in the NE USA this season unless a miracle happens.

Rutlands Lagoon 4 nest is trying to keep the Egyptian Geese from laying eggs while everyone waits for the ospreys to arrive. This is a second nest with a camera amongst several nests at Rutland Water. AI says: “Based on 2025/2026 sightings, the Lagoon 4 nest at Rutland Water is often occupied by male 359 (a 2021 Rutland-born osprey) and female 3H9 (a 2023 Rutland-born osprey). They have been observed investigating the nest and strengthening bonds. Note: 359 and 3H9 are a distinct pair from the main Manton Bay pair, Maya and 33(11).”

I am getting impatient – and it is a tad early – for Maya and Blue 33 to arrive at Manton Bay.

At the Whitley Crane nest known as the Golden Gate Audubon Osprey nest, Richmond has worked and worked. There is a new female at the nest with him. I do not believe Rosie will make an appearance. Why do I say this? Well, when Aila did not return, Louis moved his nest to another location when he bonded with Dorcha. We often think animals and birds are not intelligent. If I have said it once, I will say it again million times, my teacher about raptor behaviour, the late Laura Culley, taught me that they are smarter and use higher levels of intelligence and communication that humans have lost.

I noticed in one of the chats – it was the Winter Park Florida chat – that someone noted that ‘animals have feelings’. Dr Mark Beckoff and Dr Jane Goodall taught us this. There are several good books out there. I urge you or anyone who is interested in the behaviour of non-humans to read any or all of the following.

Saddness at the Two Harbours as Chase & Cholyn lose their last egg. SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/8vmMpnkNsh4?

Big Red and Arthur have snow on their nest at Cornell University.

Suzanne Arnold Horning caught Big Red relaxing on the lights!

Cameras are now live at the Poole Harbour nest of CJ7 and Blue 022.

We have an osprey at Threave. Is it Black 80?

At Achieva the third egg was laid on the 25th of January. Can someone who is watching this nest tell me if Jack is delivering enough fish to his mate? I did not see deliveries today, but I might have missed something.

Dyfi is live! Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/tOS_34MKI5E?

In fact, start checking out all your favourite UK and European nests as the cameras are being turned on faster than I can keep a list.

The Pitkin County Osprey nest in Colorado is live.

I have such a soft spot for this White-tail eagle in Durbe County Latvia. Milda. Her current mate is Zorro. There was sorrow and now Zorro has proved to be a good mate and provider.

April 7. Hellgate Canyon. Iris’s favourite day to return to her nest in Missoula, Montana. Count the days – 20. Less than three weeks! The snow has melted.

There is evil in the world. I cannot imagine how anyone could harm an animal and yet, every day I find myself telling people not to give their kittens away to anyone. Russell Mason beat a Goshawk to death – how in the world can someone do this?

Large estates, with no eyes around in Scotland (and elsewhere), allow many horrific things to happen to our beautiful feathered friends. What can be done to stop this?

Scottish gamekeeper Russell Mason pleads guilty to battering a Goshawk to death on shooting estate iDownload

The Cornell Bird Lab gives us hope that people around the world are increasingly engaging with nature and birds. Yes, there are incredibly vicious people anywhere in the world that will harm birds and other animals, but there are more, I hope, that love and help them.

To put a smile on your face:

A total hoot! Beautiful birds – in pictures

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2026/mar/17/a-total-hoot-beautiful-birds-in-pictures-claire-rosen?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you so much for being with me today and for your patience, as my posting is often irregular. I had hoped to keep to Fridays and Mondays til the UK osprey season began, but every day there is something new and exciting! I will continue to post at the oddest of times, sometimes two or three times a day as news comes in. As you can imagine, my life is anything but routine. We do have a schedule, but it all depends on my husband’s mood, which can vary. I am impatiently waiting for spring to arrive. What I miss most is reading. Yes, we have story time, but it isn’t the same as sitting quietly on a park bench with squirrels dashing around, the wind gently blowing, with a good book in my hand, reading in silence. So, no promises other than there will always be a Monday blog, often coming out late Sunday, until we have osprey chicks on the nests in the UK and Europe.

Thank you to everyone who created videos, wrote informative FB posts, to Raptor Persecution UK for keeping us informed, and to the Cornell Bird Lab for continuing to support education. I remain forever grateful to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to venture into the challenging lives of our feathered friends. To all my readers who are now long-time friends, I appreciate your support. Your letters and comments mean the world to me.

3 little ones at Moorings Park….late, late Saturday in Bird World

7 March 2022

Hello Everyone,

It is late. I have been worried about Toby all day. As you are aware, he has HGE, and he had some blood in his stool this morning. I am not panicking, just monitoring and worrying, aka wringing my hands. It is entirely possible that it is the raw tenderloin from his birthday dinner; this is what the vet is thinking. I am overly sensitive since he had to spend four nights in the emergency vet clinic in late December, and I almost lost him! The Girls and Toby are often the glue that holds my life together when my husband’s dementia gets the best of me.

Toby had a wonderful birthday. New slush suit, sweaters, and hopefully a few indestructible toys! Please send him your good wishes. I hope everything is alright tomorrow, or it will be a rush to the emergency vet.

There is so much news in Bird World that I cannot keep up with all the happenings.

There are now three of the cutest little osplets at the nest of Harry and Sally at Moorings Park. Harry is one super dad and fish are plentiful.

Sally had some fish for herself when the babies were sleeping.

I am partial. I am so glad that osprey season is here – with all the bonking, the siblicide – the works. Those cute little bottoms with that light down, the dark line by the eye to protect them from the glare so they can see to do those amazing dives, even that ugly oily phase with the copper coloured feathers! Bring it on!!!!!!!!

After a 21-hour absence, Jackie (who scared the life out of many of us) has returned safely to the nest. Then she left again, leaving Shadow to incubate the eggs. Is there a female intruder in the area? I hope not. I hope she is just taking a much-needed break.

That cute Only eaglet at Duke Farms is getting its thermal down. Are there even a few pin feathers coming in??? There is enough food for several eaglets – there are no worries at this nest.

Mr North is not with us but we have the first egg for Mrs DNF and the New Male at the Decorah North Nest today.

Bluff City now has two little eaglets for Frances and Franklin at the ETSU nest. OK. Baby eaglets are also adorable!

One eaglet has hatched at the Kansas City nest of Ellie and Harvey and the second one is on pip watch. The first hatch has been named Osage.

There are now 52 new baby Kakapo. ‘J’ writes: “There are now just as many chicks, as there were adults 30 years ago when the recovery project started!!”

‘J’ also sent an article about everything you should know about Kakapo (thank you!): https://earth.org/?endangered-species=endangered-species-spotlight-kakapo

Another osprey nest with a couple arriving. The PKS nest – a new one to me but it is all over FB. It is the Pine Knolls Osprey Nest in North Carolina. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/7-wS9I-fj1w?

We all miss Annie and her mates at The Campanile. It seems unthinkable that no falcons are breeding at that magnificent site. ‘B’ has sent me the following note with links to articles. I urge you to read them to understand only one of the dangers that all of our avian friends face. “I thought you might be interested in this article on the impact of avian flu on Peregrine Falcons in the SF Bay Area, which appeared on the SFGATE website::

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/bird-flu-peregrine-falcons-21959370.php

(SFGATE is a digital news site owned by Hearst.  Hearst also owns the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper, but SFGATE operates independently of the Chronicle.)  

The article discusses results of a study conducted by a team of scientists from several institutions, where among other things they monitored occupancy of 47 known Peregrine Falcon nesting sites in the greater Bay Area.  The decline of Peregrine population since the avian flu arrived in wild birds in the state in 2022 is reflected by the observation that nearly all of the 47 nest sites were occupied each year between 2000 and 2022, but in 2023 only 65% of the sites were occupied, and only 36% were occupied in 2025.

Here also is the abstract of the scientific study that the SFGATE article is based on:

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.11.705416v1

Thank you, B.

Heidi reports that Marilyn has returned to the Old Town Home Osprey nest in Maryland.

‘PB’ sent me a note that there are now four eggs at the Fort St Vrain Bald Eagle nest.

Thank you so much for being with us for this quick post. We will be back on Monday. In the meantime, take care of yourselves.

Thank you to ‘B, H, J, PB’ for their letters and all the great information and articles they sent. Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams and to the authors of FB posts for generously spreading the information of happenings on the nest!

Where is F23?

28 February 2026

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Concern is growing over F23, the mate of M15 at the SW Florida Bald Eagle nest. She has been an incredible mate and mum and E26 is nearly ready to fledge having branched a few days ago.

This is what the Pritchett Family have posted:

Screenshot

I have to say that when I saw this, my heart sank. The only good thing is that M15 is well prepared, having raised two eaglets from one month to fledge after Harriet went missing.

There is no word about Mr North either and Mrs DNF and MU are in the nest.

Jolene and Boone have their first hatch at the Johnson City ETSU nest.

Another egg:

Honestly, I am having trouble keeping track of all the eggs being laid, branching, hatching – thank goodness the ospreys are not arriving yet in the UK.

Brutus and Peanut ate well on Saturday. Peanut? Peanut might be bigger than Brutus by the time they fledge.

The kids at Dade ate well, too!

Ferris Akel found Big Red and Arthur today on his tour. This is a great way to end this short post. Send best wishes to all the raptor families but a little more for F23 to return home safe.

On the Canadian Prairies, it is cold. Was -28 C this morning and Toby took one sniff of the freezing air and decided that ‘going on the potty pads’ was what was going to happen this morning. He’s very good. He might be able to win at darts!

We are moving my office, clearing boxes, and waiting for a new Magic Mouse from Apple to arrive. Toby and Hugo Yugo are having a nice nap in the conservatory.

In the garden, the European Starlings are gathering in mass.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We are tired from moving tonnes of boxes. I think Toby and I will have a wee nap before a big mug of tea. Take care of yourself. See you soon with the new Kakapo chick hatch count!

Thank you to Ferris Akel for chasing after Big Red and Arthur, the Pritchett family for their streaming cam and website announcements, the owners of the other streaming cams and those who post on FB and keep us up to date. You are greatly appreciated.

Jackie lays egg 2, clutch 2!

27 February 2026

Hello Everyone,

I didn’t expect to be back so soon – well, there is great news. Jackie and Shadow have egg 2 of clutch 2.

Thanks SK Hideaways for the video capturing the moment! https://youtu.be/FKRbz02gZG0?

Featured image from SK Hideaways video capture.

Happy Valentine’s Day

14 February 2026

Good Morning,

Well, actually it is Valentine’s Eve and Toby and I are up and I am sending this out to everyone as he is going for a grooming early. I hope to have a nice walk with Don in the English Gardens while Toby is being washed and blow dried. It is hard to describe how fast his hair and nails grow, but he is healthy and that is all that matters!

Geemeff sent me Explore.org’s Valentine tribute to the animals on their screens to share with you:

r-e-tkkdhjx-bduitydlki-aDownload

We hope that you are having a day full of love or full of memories of great love.

We loved the VERY young dad, Gimbir, and what is there not to adore about this one very special peregrine falcon fledgling – now a juvenile – at the Charles Sturt University falcom scrape. Girri is amazing. Many of you have been waiting for years – really since the time of the beginning of the cam – to be able to see one of Diamond’s fledglings survive like Girri is doing. She is living her best life chasing parents around wanting food. I love it.

Gimbir has his ‘mature’ plumage now and he is such a darling. Let’s send him a valentine kiss, too!

Falcon Cam Project gives us the latest video of Girri: https://youtu.be/Bse_W0YDmbs?

Red-shouldered Hawk has been causing misery to Willow, the GHO incubating eggs at the Eagle Country nest, who is incubating eggs. https://youtu.be/k3OhNDmqKlA?

Valentines should also go out to Window to Wildlife and those who facilitated the removal of the human debris on Connie and Clive’s nest at Captiva. Quinn is fine!

Ah, and send them some love – two of my favourite Eagle parents, Gabby and Beau and their kids Eve and Kai. Both can stand up straight!

Royal Cam chick is growing and growing. Those NZ DOC Rangers need a virtual hug for all the great work they do keeping the Albatross safe! Last weighing on video: https://youtu.be/k3OhNDmqKlA?

Hope for an endangered bird in Scotland.

‘We are hopeful’: small signs of recovery for Scotland’s rare capercaillie birdhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/13/small-signs-of-recovery-scotland-rare-capercaillie-bird?CMP=share_btn_url

There has been some intense sibling rivalry on the Kisatchie E1 nest of Anna and Louis II. Let us hope that it passes and that prey will be plentiful and settle the nest.

First egg for Bonnie and Clyde at the Cardinal Land Conservancy Bald Eagle nest.

There are three eggs on the new Dale Hollow Bald Eagle nest of Amonette and Franklin.

Calico wants everyone to remember that osprey season in the UK and Europe starts in about a month. To get everyone warmed up, here is the Juniors of Hurst Lodge School singing the Osprey Song during Osprey Week in 2015. https://youtu.be/KoOQK6ejuXY?

Thank you for being with us today. I will see you again on Monday. Take care of yourselves. I hope that you can get outside for some fresh air and bird song.

Thank you to everyone who wrote articles, FB posts, and created videos. I am extremely grateful to you and your amazing talents. They make my blog much better and to Geemeff and others who send me wonderful bird news! I am thankful.

Egg at Venice Beach…Late Tuesday in Bird World

10 February 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

We have another Osprey egg – the first one laid at Venice Beach for the season.

The latest Kakapo chart sent to us by ‘J’:

JBS24 remains seemingly healthy more than 18 hours after JBS passed. This is welome news. HPAI ‘normally’ takes siblings closer together – so, it would appear HPAI is not the COD for 25.

Family portrait late Tuesday 10 February.

News of the Laysan Albatross from Hob on the island of Kauai:

The USK Valley is in Wales. The region has recently had its very first osplet fledge. In 5 weeks we hope to be welcoming the adults back to the nest.

SPO posts about the anticipation of the first egg at the US Steel nest:

Egg Watch Begins at the U.S. Steel Bald Eagle Nest as Familiar Patterns ReturnDownload

Jean-marie Dupart counted 61 ospreys in the Somone Lagoon in Senegal recently. They will be departing for their nests in the UK and Europe soon.

Scout and Bella have been so busy working on their nest. These wonderful pair lost their eaglets last year when their nest collapsed. It was a real tragedy – those beautiful babies had their juvenile plumage. Sending this pair good energy for a successful year.

SW Florida’s E26 stands on the rails in heraldic pose, is self feeding, and still loves to be cared for by Mum and Dad.

First egg for Franklin and Amonella. Here is the link to their streaming cam: https://youtu.be/N0DA2GlzCPc?

Eve and Kai are growing and doing so well. They are getting their ‘tails’ at the nest of Beau and Gabby.

That piece of fencing is still in the nest of Connie and Clive. Nothing can be done about it at this point. Notice where Quinn is standing. Quinn could have a pre-mature forced fledge. Let us just hope that this piece of human junk that made its way to the nest is not harmful to anyone and that it will be removed in the off season during camera maintenance.

R9 and R10 are doing very well at the Dade County nest, too. We have much to be thankful for despite the loss of three eaglets this season.

Gus and Willow laid their first egg at the Eagle Country nest in Florida on the 11th of January. Blaze has not been seen for some months. Skye was seen after Blaze went MIA.

How did a European Robin get to Canada?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/10/european-robin-canada-birdwatchers-montreal-rare-sighting-bird-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

“European Robin – Roodborst (Erithacus rubecula)” by Martha de Jong-Lantink is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Thank you so much for being with us tonight as we catch up with a few of our bird families. Take care of yourself. Spring is just around the corner! But our bunch have ‘Valentine’s Day’ on their minds despite the fact that Toby’s ‘bunny ears’ arrived today. (Toby wasn’t so sure about these!) They are supposed to be a bit of a hat with ears, but we need some alterations!!!!!

We hope to be back with you the end of the week.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams, the authors of the FB posts, the creators of the videos, OpenVerse for its image bank, and The Guardian. My blog would not be the same without your talents and generosity in sharing.