Category Archives: Eastern Osprey

The many things we are grateful for…Thursday in Bird World

28 November 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Today is Thanksgiving in the US. (We had ours eons ago). My calendar tells me that I got the date correct this time. We will make a special pumpkin pie to celebrate with our American readers. It doesn’t take a special day for me to be thankful for each of you for opening your hearts and lives to me throughout the years. I always enjoy hearing from you, seeing the images of your faithful pets or the birds in your gardens, and hearing about the wonders of your holidays, road trips, or just the musings of your day. That you have allowed me into your life is so precious, and I am very grateful and touched.

I am also grateful for my life, no matter how challenging. Every day I enjoy with my husband is a real gift. Each minute is treasured. I urge you to cherish all the beautiful moments – they are fleeting like the delicate snowflakes that fall. I wondered what life might be like, but that no longer happens. We have not allowed Lewy Body Dementia to destroy us. We travel, see birds daily, play with and read to our girls, have dinner with friends and family, watch movies and laugh hysterically. We are even starting back on writing the children’s book about garden birds. What more would I want?

I am also grateful to The Girls. They are huge characters who bring so much comfort and laughter. Of course, there is also Brock, Dyson and her family, Junior and the Missus, and the two Crows. Sadly, I cannot tell one sparrow from the other, but their presence is huge. You can hear the bird song from our garden a half block away, where there is nothing but silence.

I am also grateful to all of the writers who have brought the most amazing stories – real and not – into our lives this year. We are reading Chloe Dalton’s book, Raising Hare, for the second time. It is the story of how caring for a leveret changed Dalton’s life. It is writers like her that give me hope. We have just finished reading The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The Saskatoon or Serviceberry is a metaphor for the gift economy and how each of us can, through simple grassroots, ways help change the type of rampant consumerism that lies at the heart of our climate crisis. Public libraries, free farm stands where surplus produce is left for anyone to take and use, The Little Free Libraries doting the neighbourhoods where you live, clothing depots for people who need something to wear to a job they thought they would never get — free gifts that trickle through society. We can all take part!

So thank you to all of you, to my husband struggling with Lewy Body Dementia, my children and close friends, to my girls and the garden animals who make my life worth living.

Now for something fun related to Thanksgiving, Audubon published 10 Fun Facts about Wild Turkeys. See how many you know!

10 Fun Facts About the Wild Turkey _ AudubonDownload

Today, we were scheduled to take Missey and Calico to the vet. However, I have been concerned about Hugo Yugo’s teeth since we adopted her, so at the last minute, I decided to bring Hugo Yugo instead of Calico. It turned out to be a good decision. My fear of dental issues stems from losing Lewis last year. Unfortunately, Hugo Yugo does have dental problems, but thankfully, her condition is not as severe as Lewis’s was.

We have been using dental wipes and brushing her teeth every day, which has helped keep the issue manageable. However, she will need professional cleanings every six months. Hugo Yugo is scheduled to have a cleaning and surgery to remove her incisors. Our vet has offered to come in during her holiday if Hugo Yugo stops eating, but we are hoping to secure an appointment within the next two months.

Please send your warmest wishes to little Hugo Yugo, as she is in considerable pain but is not showing any signs of it.

The pair really looked over that office. They even had a chance for play fighting and at the end of the day they both wanted to come home together in the same cat carrier, not separately. Enjoy.

Missey is well-behaved, gentle, and extremely healthy. She has only gained 300 grams in a year. No teeth problems! No gum problems. Maine Coon. How lucky were we to get this loving motherly cat? Someone found her under a truck only a couple of days old.

Hugo Yugo was into everything – on every shelf!

Getting acquainted with the room.

Missey knew there were some squeezy treats on that counter somewhere.

It was nice to be home. Hugo Yugo had a double dinner and has been asleep since her return.

Today, I want to introduce you to the work of Emma Buck. I found Emma through a friend in the UK and was instantly taken by the intricate stitching she uses to create her birds. I had been looking for birds for a ‘tree’ in my living room and, also as holiday gifts for friends. They fit both of my loves – our feathered friends and having beautiful handmade objects.

Emma Buck describes herself as a “Norfolk birder and ringer but have spent a lot of time in Canada and wannabe wildlife artist.” Emma has recently moved from the UK to Canada, and this year – for the next few months – her only income is derived from the gorgeous handmade birds she makes. There is no comparison to the birds made in China by a machine!

Emma did not think she could master a Blue Jay, but she tried, and this is the result. It is now her favourite, and I think she captured Junior rather well. I sure love the result!!!!!!

I hope to eventually have one of Emma’s birds for each of the species that visits our garden.

And the three altogether:

These are some of the examples of past birds and animals that Emma has created. You can see the size by comparing the bird with her hand.

These handmade gems are $45 CDN each plus shipping and handling. If you have questions or are interested in commissioning a bird or animal, here is Emma’s contact information: emmarosebuck@gmail.com

Emma also has an Instagram account, too: emmas_wildlifeart 

The shock of Hugo Yugo’s need for surgery is sinking in, even though I knew there was going to be a problem early on. She does not have the underlying conditions like feline leukaemia that Lewis had, thank goodness. She has slept since coming home, but did eat well. I need to watch to make sure she continues to eat. Right now, all I want to do is cuddle up with her and a warm blanket – hoping that we can make a miracle happen overnight.

So, I had little time to check on the birds today. I constantly checked Port Lincoln because it is the only active nest. Thank goodness the rest of Bird World is relatively quiet.

The morning started off pretty rough at Port Lincoln with wind gusts and damp conditions.

Dad came through with a fish that he had eaten quite bit from. Still, it is better than nothing. It is a good day for the Fish Fairy.

By 1213, there had been no other deliveries – Mum, Dad, or Fairy. Fingers crossed.

The Fish Fairy came and delivered 10 fish. Wilko is right there and it isn’t going to be long til he is claiming one of those and unzipping it. Kasse time to figure this out! Dad claimed one. Mum and the kids got the rest. Fantastic.

I will continue to advocate that providing supplementary fish to this family in Port Lincoln ensures that the chicks not only survive to fledge, but are also healthy and strong. Thank you Fran, Janet, and Bazz.

I didn’t see any activity at the NE Florida nest of Gabby and Beau.

At Cal Falcons, Annie and Archie are starting to think of romance! https://youtu.be/bhAmpg9dQZs?

Holly Parsons posted a moving video of a peregrine falcon that became blind and was raised in captivity. Thanks, Holly. Wildlife are so resilient. https://youtu.be/wJCl-U6ena4?

Do you remember the only eyas raised in the flower pot in Sydney, Australia? Well, the Crawley fledgling returned to her balcony and nest after two weeks on the wing!

News from Ranger Judy on the Olympic Park Eagles. I am hoping that we will have some pictures of SE33 in rehab soon!

Jackie and Shadow have been busy. https://youtu.be/HpV-4iq5jMc?

Wisdom has returned to Midway Island in search for a mate!!!!!!!!!!! This is amazing news. The entire staff and Laysan osprey lovers of this 74 year old albatross are giving thanks for her health and return. Let us all be grateful. She is the one with the red band on her right leg.

It’s Rita’s History Monday and ‘J’ sent me the link!

A 4 year old eagle has come to check out the Dulles-Greenway nest of Martin and Rosa. https://youtu.be/tAtLJOgGRnU?

FORE has decided that the pine cone that Jackie brought into the nest isn’t going anywhere. It is a female cone as they are much larger and have a list of names you can choose from. Have some fun. Go and vote. Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1orWPap_URi7yZbpiyaEUEuSetfPWE_hvCUe69JtWeng/viewform?edit_requested=true

If you have been following the issues surrounding the cutting down of a Bald Eagle nest by a developer in Alabama, here is a summary that was posted of a meeting where the issues were discussed.

The Kakapo Recovery still has some adoptions open! We adopted Ralph’s father, Rangi, a couple of years ago. It is another great organization – like so many others – reaching out for help this season.

‘J’ reports that the 2024 Raptor Day at WINORR raised over $20,000 to help with Bobby Horvath’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts for raptors on Long Island.

Calico’s Tip of the Day: Ignore all of the Black Friday Week Sales. Delete the ads in your inbox. Close your eyes to the stores. Put the flyers in the recycling bin. Instead of buying a huge TV, another purse, more tools for the garage, or the temptation of a new phone or big fancy camera, pause. Think of the birds and the people who rescue and care for them, and if you can, give – a little or a lot on or before Giving Tuesday so your donation is doubled.

We wish all of you celebrating Thanksgiving a day of laughter and love with those near and dear. To everyone else, take time to be grateful for something little or big that makes your life worth getting up for. If it is a person, tell them! We all need to know we are valued. Enjoy your dinner – lots of love, effort, and expense went into it!

Thank you for being with us. Please take care. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write this short blog today: ‘J’, Audubon, Emma Buck, SK Hideaways, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Judy Harrington, Hob Osterlund, Rita the Eagle, Holly Parsons, Untamed, Orange Australia Peregrine Falcons and Crawley Falcons, FORE, Dulles-Greenway Eagle Cam, Wings of Whimsy, Kakapo Recovery

Wednesday in Bird World

27 November 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

The two doe and fawns did not return to the park. City workers have been digging up the street for the past two days. That said, we believe that the four have safely found their way to the river and, we hope, are back in a larger park area away from traffic.

I could easily be fooled into thinking this is Calico. It is Baby Hope. Every day she looks more and more like her Mum. She will be 17 months old on 2 December.

She was looking out the window at the birds. There is an increasing number of European Starlings with two crows, two Blue Jays, five grey squirrels, two red squirrels, and about 100 sparrows. The winter weather and cold have made everyone hungry.

One of the most remarkable transformations within the house and among The Girls. Baby Hope has taken up with Missey. Hope rubs her head lovingly against Missey’s just like she used to do with Calico. It happened slowly, Calico distancing herself from her daughter. So, as you can imagine, I am delighted. Missey is the perfect Mum – she continues to care for Hugo Yugo and there is no reason to believe that she will not continue to bond with Hope.

The two Crows are now coming every day for peanuts. One is quite large and the other is the smaller from the summer. A bonded pair. The fledglings have not been seen since the end of the summer/beginning of the fall. After they finished the peanuts (shared with the others), they ate a nice big pizza!

It is wonderful to see them come to the garden every morning. It is not that long until spring! Yes, I keep telling myself that very thing as more snow falls.

There is little happening in Bird World. We are waiting for Wilko and Kasse to be ringed, and I would like to have a more positive sighting of Yira. There are many more Bald Eagle nests to lay eggs in the coming weeks.

Gabby and Beau continue to work on their nest. When will we have their first egg.

Cali Condor wonders if the sub-adult visiting Big Bear might be Spirit. How wonderful if it were! https://youtu.be/wehjVdpEF_Q?

This sub-adult was later seen at the nest with a federal band. It wouldn’t be Spirit. https://youtu.be/BbVt7EckjGo?

At the Coobowie Osprey nest, Libby has fledged. This is the nest in South Australia that initially had four chicks. Libby is the oldest.

Mum, Wilko, and Kasse are waiting for their breakfast.

Yesterday, Kasse, Wilko, Mum and Dad had six supplementary fish.

Today it is so windy that neither Dad or Mum will surely be able to catch fish. Fish Fairy!!!!!!!!! We need you.

I really hope that Wilko doesn’t decide to stand up and start flapping his wings. He could wind up in Melbourne with these high gusts!

Incubation continues for M15 and F23.

We know that M15 is one of the most capable male Bald Eagles around. We watched him raise his two eaglets alone after Harriet disappeared. Now he would like a little more incubation time! https://youtu.be/D5tdZyavHcw?

The Hilton Head Land Trust caught a Bald Eagle on the nest that the GHOs hope will be theirs. https://youtu.be/DqylzZ66z98?

Milda and Zorro continue to work on their White-tail Eagle nest in Latvia. https://youtu.be/iNOtDeSCtj8?

Fiona visits Jackie and Shadow’s nest. https://youtu.be/45Nhop6-aCg?

Holy Moli.

Did you know?

Want to help the birds in winter? Here are 12 tips.

https://www.gardenista.com/posts/how-to-help-birds-winter

‘J’ sent us a beautiful image from a naturechatter post of Abby with Swampy and Meadow. Soar High!

For our GHO lovers, here is the link to the Owl Cam: https://youtu.be/fuyfFF2IvgI?

Calico’s Tip of the Day: Mark the date. December 3rd is Giving Tuesday. Many wildlife groups rely on donations and Giving Tuesday is often coupled with a doubling of your donation by other donors. If you can, could you help? With the cost of living escalating, so many cannot so every dollar helps. Small or large, no one cares. It all adds up!

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. 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: ‘J’, NEFL-AEF, Cali Condor, Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and PLO Obs Board, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Androcat, Hilton Head Land Trust, SK Hideaways, LDF, Hob Osterlund, Backyard Birds of North America, Gardenista, Eagle Country and nature chatter, Owl Cam

Yira fledges…15 November 2024

Good Evening Everyone,

There is some news coming in after I was away for all the day so I am sending out what would be my Saturday newsletter Friday evening.

Yira fledged at 0734. Prior to this, the female 2024 hatch of Xavier and Diamond had been ‘losing’ it in the scrape box. She was running, pulling at fluff, flapping her wings, and attacking the parents. She watched them fly and lure her. And she appeared to fly well. Here are some images from before that first flight:

The moment before she flew. She is strong and determined. It looked like the best fledge. Go girl!

Send good wishes for her survival!

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

There was a parent in pursuit as Yira flew down over the trees and circled back.

A magnificent flight!

It is Friday, and it is time for the second instalment of the Poole Harbour 2024 year for CJ7 and Blue 022 and their four chicks!!!!!!! https://youtu.be/HTsguUDXPPs?

It was historic. Never in the last 600 years did they have four chicks in an osprey nest in Poole and it is rare in other parts of the UK as well. It is also a challenge for all four to survive. CJ7 and Blue 022 worked together from the start to provide fish for this fast growing family. In the middle of the screen with its soft down – ever so tiny 5H6 – aside its big siblings already into the Reptilian phase. No one believed 5H6 would survive, but survive she did. What a scrapper.

I get lots of news. Many are from wildlife rehabilitation clinics that have patients that have survived or died. They send reminders for us and the first one is from World Bird Sanctuary in St Louis. It is still migration – we still have birds here to leave – and they have had so many window collisions. Please spread the word:

Window strikes are one of the most common causes of injury we see in our patients and are responsible for the deaths of millions of birds each year. Depending on the current lighting and angle, windows can look like more sky or a reflection of the surrounding woods rather than the hazard they are. You can help prevent window strikes by putting anti-collision decals on your windows. These decals are minimally visible to humans but reflect UV light making them more visible to birds. They are now available in a huge range of designs so you can choose a pattern that suits your style. Click the button below to see the various types of decals.

If you witness a bird colliding with a window, swiftly containing it is crucial for its survival. Many birds seem to recover and fly away shortly after the impact, only to succumb to their injuries days later. Gently place the bird in a box or pet carrier and keep it in a quiet, dark area while reaching out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Even if the bird appears uninjured, a licensed rehabber can treat hidden injuries and monitor its recovery to ensure it’s safe for release.

California Condors are always on my mind. So few people are making such a huge difference to increase the numbers of these very endangered carrion eaters. The Ventana Wildlife Society has a fundraiser where every dollar you send is matched with some more on top of that. Here is the letter from the Director with the information in case you are interested.

Help Save the California CondorDownload

At Collins Street, F23 spent the night with her last remaining chick in the scrape. https://youtu.be/3KDeB74gSZg?

Oh, dear. Mum brought in a tiny little part of a fish early on Saturday and by noon Dad had brought nothing. Fish Fairies please come! Kasse had none.

A reminder from Toronto.

One of my favourite wildlife rehabbers in the world – A Place Called Hope. It reminded me that we must have hope and believe in the birds. I wish someone had believed that Garrama had something to give to the world. Why isn’t there a service that addresses the right of physically challenged raptors like we have for people? (A reminder to put Garrama on the Memorial Wall – oh, geese. That is hard!)

Beau and Gabby continue to discuss the comfort of their nest in Northeast Florida.

Thank you so much for being with us today. ‘The Girls’ are all fine. Hugo Yugo recovered completely and is now trying to find the next string, cord, or cable that she could chew and swallow so she would get all the attention again! The Boyfriend has much competition. We watch for him to get his bowl outside but there are now 8 cats at the feeder, an increase in a week of three. The Starlings are still here along with the Crows and Blue Jays, but not as many Sparrows. They still keep me busy – and of course, smiling. We walked today in the forest with the chickadees and took my good friend with us. It is always a treat. At the end of doing that ‘forest bathing’ there is nothing in our minds but happiness and hope.

Take care everyone. I will be back Sunday morning.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post: ‘A, J’, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, SK Hideaways, Birds of Poole Harbour, World Bird Sanctuary, Kelly Sorenson and Ventana Wildlife Society, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Port Lincoln Osprey Cam, Bart M for the Obs Board at PLO, Toronto Wildlife Centre, A Place Called Hope, NEFL-AEF.

Wildlife Updates: Eagle Nests and Osprey News-Wednesday in Bird World

13 November 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

The first thing. WBSE33 is thin but no fractures and will do well. Relief. But, how many of you remember Daisy the Duck who tried desperately to have ducklings on the nest but lost to the Crows two years in a row. Look at this little sweetie on that sea eaglet nest!

Thank you, and welcome to all our new subscribers. I have exited Twitter and will no longer be posting on that platform. You can now find me on Bluesky with the name OspreyLover. I will figure out how to post my blog there this weekend. Otherwise, the best way to be assured of getting Bird World news is by subscribing. The link is below. I will not send you spam. I will never have a fee for the blog. I publish only one post per day under normal conditions. If there is news that you would not wish to miss, then yes, there could be a second. You can unsubscribe at any time. Please feel free to share the blog with your friends and family. You can also find my blog on FaceBook or by going to maryannsteggles.com

Oh, goodness. A cold, fierce wind blew into Winnipeg Monday night and Tuesday morning. My Soleri chimes were waking up everyone. The outdoor carpet was tangled. Everything was tossed about. Thankfully, Friday is to be a bit warmer. It is time to find the ‘warmer’ coats and boots. Have them at the ready. That 10 C day should also give us time to finish up things for the soon-to-be-named tuxedo cat, ‘The Boyfriend’.

Hugo Yugo is 100% better and looking for more ways to get into mischief and have to have to go to the vet! We still cannot believe that she ate a shoestring with a knot. Incredible. You wouldn’t think she had been on death’s door. The mere fact that had she not passed this shoestring, she would have had to have undergone major surgery. It gives me chills.

These images were taken on Tuesday morning after the ‘expulsion’ Monday evening. Such a cheeky girl. Please believe me when I tell you that Hope is the ‘angel’ in the family of four girls. Hugo Yugo is still quite small for her age.

Darling Hope.

On Tuesday we stopped to remember dear Lewis who died on this day in 2023. He was the dear companion of Missey – and a great kitty to all.

Every year, I prepare myself for the little sea eaglets. They have such a beautiful life in the nest. We grow to love them dearly. Then there is the reality of their lives right after fledge. Heart-breaking. I hope SE33 survives. Some of its older siblings have survived in care. I hope SE33 is trained and released. Then it can have a life. It feels like a triple kick in the gut when the news arrives. Despite knowing to expect something, we always hope. We hope two eaglets will fly out of the nest to the River Roost. There, they would sit next to Lady and Dad, eat fish, and start a family with babies. So today, I am gutted.

In Montana, someone cut down Iris’s Owl Pole where she eats her fish. Dr Greene is investigating. I mean – seriously? Why would anyone do that? But then why would someone cut down the Llyn Brenig platform? Humans need more training so we can co-exist with wildlife in our shared world.

Muhlady laid her first egg on Tuesday. (I do not cover Superbeaks other than the very main points due to the restrictions of the cam owner).

There continues to be hurricanes that can alter the fate of some of the nests in Florida.

Migratory birds are under continuous threat. They are essential to the well-being of our planet.

https://bbc.com/news/science-environment-68254027

In Port Lincoln, Dad is at the nest. Here is the obs board so far. Please note that Mum is fishing!!!!!!!! Way to go. I do not recall her fishing for the kids on the nest in past years. Thump me gently, as I could easily forget. This is excellent news. We know that the nests where females share fishing duties have a greater chance of success. I am smiling so big. I wish you could see it.

First fish is a large one that Mum caught right under the nest. Dad left his fish and then came back and took it. There is some dominance behaviour happening.

Early morning in Melbourne. The rain will come as it did in Orange. These three are staying home. As you know, females are larger. It takes longer for their bodies to bulk up and their feathers to come in because they have so many more to grow. That is also why they require more food and are aggressive. They need all they can get to be bigger and bigger. Let’s all be grateful that they are not flying. I wish Garrama had not gotten startled and flown because it began to rain right after.

Yira and Gammata are cute, adorable, and will be preparing to fledge. I worry about them, too. In the images, unless the camera is playing tricks on us, we can see the difference in size in what could be a female and a male for Diamond and Xavier.

Garrama fledged at 11:26:44 after beaky kisses with Yira.

There is the fledge. https://youtu.be/dk8u-xnmCFw?

Cute video of Bubba preparing to fledge in case you missed it. Thanks, Heidi. (I could not find the live stream today). https://youtu.be/Hbi_1T2zyfc?

Just look at Bubba! Oh, the benefits of being the only osplet on the nest.

There are three beautiful fully feathered osplets at the Coobowie platform in South Australia. This is wonderful news. This nest originally had four chicks, unheard of in Australia. Sadly, the fourth hatch died.

At Captiva Eagle Cam, Connie and Clive are there. When should we expect our first egg, do you think?

The nest at NE Florida looks ready.

It was windy in Iowa and from the historical records, we should not be expecting an egg with The Majestics at Denton Homes any time soon. Both eagles were at the nest late Monday night.

Gigi and the new male were at the ND-LEEF nest on Tuesday in South Bend, Indiana.

Hope and Chandler visited the nest at Port Tobacco separately. But like the ND-LEEF nest, they could both be sitting on branches above the nest. Sometimes you can see shadows.

At least one eagle at Avon Lake.

Beautiful Liberty and Guardian at the Redding nest on Tuesday together.

Mr North is bringing in sticks! https://youtu.be/IC8Qaj9dD-A?

At the nest of Bonnie and Clyde, there is a possum! Oh, geez. I am glad there are not eggs to eat. I love this couple despite the fact that they ousted a young eagle couple and well, we know what GHOs do to young osplets. https://youtu.be/q6hxRXKEDxk?

The latest news from Hawk Mountain. Either some species have not started to move South or we have a huge problem. Take your time and look at the up to date numbers and the ten-year average. Others are doing better – the vultures and the Bald Eagles.

Wild bird numbers continue to decline dramatically.

Wild bird numbers continue ‘alarming’ decline in UK, Defra figures show | Birds | The GuardianDownload

A teenager in British Columbia has the first case of Bird Flu, assumed to be H5, in Canada.

A Golden Eagle with a satellite tag missing in the infamous Angus Glens Grouse Moor Estate!

Satellite-tagged golden eagle ‘disappears’ in suspicious circumstances on grouse moor in the notorioDownload

Your smile today comes from Missey. I now know why I cannot grow ferns.

Thank you for being with us today. I have some good images to share with you. I just need time to get my long lens camera plugged in to download them. There are never enough hours in the day!!!!!!!! Take care everyone. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, H, J’, Judy Harrington, Meterologist Bryan Bennett, BBC News, Port Lincoln Osprey Cam, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Growing Home, Dave Wetherall and Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, SK Hideaways, Growing Home, Window to Wildlife, NEFL-AEF, Denton Homes, ND-LEEF, Port Tobacco Eagle Cam, FORE, Farmer Derek, tulsaducati, Hawk Mountain, The Guardian, Raptor Persecution UK.

Sad news, WBSE34 euthanised and 33 is in care…Tuesday in Bird World

12 November 2024

Hello Everyone,

Sad news has come in this morning. As you were aware, it appeared that only one sea eaglet was seen around the parents. WBSE34 found itself far, far from home and blinded. We have also received word that WBSE33 is in care. This could be very good news if her condition is good. Oh, these poor babies. Thanks, Heidi.

Hugo Yugo is fine. It could, however, have ended badly. She ate a shoelace with a knot at one end! I will spare you the details, but suffice it to say that the ‘evidence’ arrived in the middle of dinner with my ‘bestie’. Hugo Yugo is back to her cheeky self and is now cuddled under my left arm, making it difficult for me to keyboard. Her sisters might well wish she was still under the weather as they had quite a bit of peace while she was under the weather. We are all relieved, and to think we thought she was trying to pass a fur ball!!!!!!! Not our girl. Where in the world she found this shoestring is beyond me; none seem to be missing. Gracious. I thought only dogs did things like this!!!!!!

Quickly skipping to our birds…

As anticipated, the second egg arrived for M15 and F23 around 6:15 PM. F23 experienced some intense contractions, which made me feel uncomfortable! I don’t expect a third egg, so we should be entering the hard incubation phase. A hatch is expected in mid-December.

Here it is caught on video! https://youtu.be/CyGBfYAPlDk?

We might have at least one fledge at Collins Street when you read this. The eyases are hungry, the parents are teasing them, and they can fly – they don’t know it yet! https://youtu.be/lauS5ZxHfaw?

Still there, but not for long.

Gosh, they are cute. SK Hideaways caught two on the perch and beaky kisses, too. We are so going to miss these three! https://youtu.be/xTzR2lhGCh8?

The family is waiting for breakfast at Port Lincoln. One fish arrived at 0924, and another at 1018. Mum brought them both to the nest, but as you will see from the images, she is not wet, so it is assumed that she picked them up from Dad. Unless, of course, she dried really quickly before returning to the nest.

Yesterday, Dad delivered four fish. He will probably do that again today. He is off to a good start! Kasse and Wilko can eat all the fish that comes to the nest – guaranteed.

.These fish counts and observations are absolutely critical in understanding osprey behaviour and the fish demands of a nest. I am still collecting data for the people working in Virginia to end the commercial fishing of menhaden. Yesterday, I received a fish count from ‘SD’ who counted 579 deliveries at Glaslyn. Counts vary due to the weather, the nests close proximity to good fishing, competition from other ospreys, eagles, gulls, etc. (More about the overfishing of Menhaden and need for accurate counts like they do at Port Lincoln below).

Morning images from the scrape of Diamond and Xavier. They might not have the runway that the Collins Street triplets have, but there is a whole lot of flapping going on with downy feathers flying everywhere! These two are more than adorable. Diamond and Xavier are demonstrating their flying skills and showing the kids how much fun it is to be a bird outside the window of the scrape.

Lots of food at Orange. The down is disappearing with only a few dandelions left. This year I have spent more time watching this scrape than Melbourne. Oh, how I hope that Yira and Garrama triumph without any issues soaring high above the tower chasing Diamond and Xavier for prey and getting it! With no bad weather when they fledge. Yes, let’s wish – all of us for sunny days and no rain!

Lots of activity at the nest of Gabby and Beau on Monday.

In migration news, Blue 511 appears to have flown with the good winds south out of Poole Harbour Monday morning. There is news of an osprey still in The Netherlands that has not left on its migration.

If you missed part 1 of the five part series on what CJ7 and Blue 022 got up to in raising four osplets to fledge in 2024, then here it is. There is a new release every Friday so do subscribe. (It’s free). The first episode is ‘The Arrival’. https://youtu.be/IlySzcfTh3c?

Isn’t it about time that all power companies need to be respectful of wildlife and amend and erect new poles or place them underground so no bird gets fried? Eighteen swans found dead. Please read about their unnecessary deaths here: https://bbc.com/news/articles/cew2nzvdyklo

The posting below addresses Stripped Bass; if you look closely, you will see that this was over a year ago. Never mind the date – everything still applies. I want to add that the osprey chicks and some adults starved to death because of Omega’s industrial fishing of Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. Not just a few, nearly every chick hatched and not just in Virginia! This has to stop. For precious little Cobey and all the Cobeys that hatch in the future, please help. If you do not live in Virginia, write to their Governor. Let’s flood his office from around the world. You can get a digital form by searching for Governor Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia and clicking the ‘Contact’ link at the top.

Wild Justice has just sent out its report on the Rodenticide Stewardship Report. Did the efforts to create less harm to wildlife work? Have a read – you can really educate yourself on these commercial killers and the harm that they do.

Collateral_Damage_Wild_Justice_websiteDownload

Can you help the British Trust for Ornithology?

Calico would like you to help those who cannot always help themselves or who find themselves in a difficult moment.

‘MP’ sent me a link that addresses even more ways that being in nature heals us and how touching plants can help. Thank you!

https://www.livescience.com/health/a-direct-relationship-between-your-sense-of-sight-and-recovery-rate-biologist-kathy-willis-on-why-looking-at-nature-can-speed-up-healing?utm_term=EACFAD43-2015-4ED5-BB24-0F91F8AC994E&lrh=ad9593b53bdc7d1701328fe35b20b4bcfcaf820d4b7c74c2aa18868201b08d9d&utm_campaign=368B3745-DDE0-4A69-A2E8-62503D85375D&utm_mediu

So that you know, I will no longer be posting on X but will be moving the blog to Bluesky this week. The best way to receive the blog is by e-mail subscription. There is no fee, and I have vowed that there never will be a charge for my blog or ads. You can unsubscribe at any time quickly.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please stop and go outside and be near plants and birds. Each of us needs to take care of ourselves. It is an anxious time. Tomorrow I will have some images of the geese and ducks that remain at my local pond for you. It was soothing – yes, soothing is a good word – to spend time with them on a crisp sunny day.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, images, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, H, J, MP’, SWFlorida Eagle Cam, SK Hideaways, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Port Lincoln Ospreys, NEFL-AEF, Birds of Poole Harbour, CBCN, Wild Justice, BTO, Facts that will Blow Your Mind FB, livescience.com

Sunday in Bird World

10 November 2024

Hello Everyone,

Bald Eagles are still abundant in Manitoba. The climate creates good conditions for prey as their territories move northward, so many will winter here. But what I woke up to on Saturday could have been better, much better.

I want to thank Ruth Hiebert for allowing images and a narrative of the horror she found in a field in southern Manitoba. She immediately contacted the Conservation Officer. She checked on Saturday, and the eagle carcasses were removed. She hopes to discover what happened to them, and I will pass on any news.

I am going to speculate, and yes, an egg could come on my face, but I haven’t seen eagles die of Avian Flu at the same time in the same place as this. I haven’t seen it with poisoning, either. Perhaps you have. I have, however, seen it when shooting is the issue. If that is the case, we should know soon. If it isn’t, it will be a while. So many dead in the same place is beyond sad.

That was the first news that I woke up to on Saturday morning. The only way to shake off something like that is to go out in nature, to feel the wind and the warmth of the sun, to hear the song of the birds, and that is precisely what we did. We walked the entire 4km trail and more with no less than a hundred Black-capped Chickadees taking seed from our hands! What a day. Little wind. Nice sky. 15 C – the middle of November. Everyone on the trails, most walking their dogs, was joyful to the extreme because of the weather.

The Chickadees were caching some of their Black Oil Seed in the crevices of the trees like this one.

The White-breasted Nuthatch would not take seed from our hand, but wanted it on the path.

At home, there was also a celebration. For the first time in a long, long time, I saw Dyson and her three kits in the garden together. They are all alive. In an urban environment, with their trees cut down, they have to run across busy streets; this is amazing. Tears. Tears and more tears. Dyson is the equivalent of a Senior Citizen in the Squirrel World. She has survived being poisoned, run over, or trapped and removed from the area. We are so pleased to see her and the three kids. Photos on Monday!

At Orange, Garrama almost fludged. Not a good way to start its independence! https://youtu.be/6SKCxY-L0bQ?

Yira and Garrama are changing into fully fledged falcons. Not a lot of down left!

Watching.

More on the two as they get close to the ledge at Orange by SK Hideaways: https://youtu.be/p0oQTto_yLs?

It is a whole lot of flapping going on!

A remarks: “Fledge watch formally begins on 12 November at Orange, I believe, which is Tuesday. I think they are a little further behind the Collins Street three than that but time will tell. Garrama is having difficulty getting fed now that he has to fight his giant sister for every mouthful, usually without parental intervention. Xavier is so much smaller than Yira that he doesn’t dare interfere once she has claimed a piece of prey, while Diamond does sometimes assert maternal authority and feed the chicks herself, under which conditions Garrama gets at least some food. Otherwise, he is reduced to finding leftover scraps around the scrape, and I suspect he will be somewhat relieved when Yira fledges and he gets the food to himself for a few days before it’s his turn to take the plunge. “

No fish yet at Port Lincoln. Mum, Wilko, and Kasse are waiting to see if Dad returns with a good breakfast. Otherwise, I bet those fairies are waiting in the wings to help.

Dad came through with a partial ‘flat’? fish at 10:34. Notice how big Kasse is – larger than Wilko!

Kasse still has the white stripe on the back.

Big stretch as Mum toe dances and calls as Dad is arriving with the fish.

‘A’ gives us the day’s run down at PLO: “At Port Lincoln, our osplets are SO cute and they’ve had a pretty good day. Breakfast was a large whole fish that arrived courtesy of Dad at 10:34. At 13:55, he brought in a small tidbit in the form of a fish tail. At this point, Mum decided to get involved and brought in an extra-large whole fish at 14:49. Impressive work, Mum! The resulting feeding lasted for NEARLY AN HOUR. Both osplets got plenty to eat today, and there is still plenty of time for another fish to be brought in before dark (it’s only just after 4pm at Port Lincoln right now). “

There are still three eyases on the ledge at 367 Collins Street in the Central Business District of Melbourne as of 1017 Sunday morning.

Latest sea eagle report:

‘

There are no other nests with eggs at the time of writing that I am aware.

Beau and Gabby were at the nest. Female eagles have three periods where they are fertile and will want to mate. Of course, Eagles bond at other times, but Saturday, Gabby was not in the mood. Sorry Beau!

That precious egg of M15 and F23’s is never left for very long without someone around.

Gracie Shepherd got the shift change! Watching the care and attention these eagles give to their first egg of the season is hugely moving. I cannot comprehend why anyone would ever wish to harm one of their species. They are parents who care and who are concerned for their young just like us.

Could Captiva be next?

Will there be a different outcome at the NCTC nest of Bella and Scout this year? https://youtu.be/rW1IE9BzUkg?

Connick leaves the Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey and heads north to the Smithsonian. Connie and Clive’s little one, who fell from the nest and had feather development issues, will live an excellent life without the fear of being shot or poisoned. Let’s hope he can educate people to care for wildlife including these majestic birds.

Take a look at this!

More sadness near the grouse hunting estates in Perthshire, Scotland.

Buzzard found shot next to grouse moor in Strathbraan, Perthshire – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

Now a smile. This Sharp-shinned Grouse has all the right moves, ladies.

Lady Hawk posted information about Lucina, the female at the Wild Bucovina Golden Eagle nest in Romania. Lady Hawk’s take from the information that is current is that Lucina died of either lead or rodenticide poisoning. The font is small so please refer to Lady Hawk’s FB page.

Audubon Florida’s Eagle Watch report looks at the challenges, some new, and the successes of the 2023-24 season. Those challenges include nest removal!

audubon_florida_eaglewatch_2024_v7_webDownload

Why are thousands of sea birds washing up on Australia’s coast?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/09/thousands-of-dead-seabirds-are-washing-up-on-australias-beaches-researchers-want-to-know-why?CMP=share_btn_url

Last, a learning experience from the Toronto Field Naturalists on hawk migration and raptors. https://youtu.be/hrQk8Dg1Ebo?

Thank you so much for being with us today. 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, J, Ruth Hiebert’, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Port Lincoln Ospreys, NEFL-AEF, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Gracie Shepherd and SW Florida Eagle Cam, Window to Wildlife, Deb Stecyk, Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey, USFWS Columbia Pacific Northwest, USFWS, Lady Hawk FB, Audubon Florida, The Guardian, Toronto Field Naturalists.

First egg of the Bald Eagle season at SW Florida…Saturday in Bird World

9 November 2024

Hello Everyone. Good Morning!

Congratulations to M15 and F23 on beating everyone to the start line for the 2024-25 Bald Eagle breeding season. Wow. 8 November. These two are early!

M15 was above the nest during the labour and immediately went down to share the moment with his mate. And then, of course, the gift of fish. Congratulations!

SK Hideaways captures this historic moment and the delivery of the fish gift for his mate by M15 on video: https://youtu.be/EAsqF1jMMWg?

I wonder which eagle nest will be next.

There were two major breakthroughs on Friday morning with ‘The Boyfriend’. He did not go under the step when I took ‘his’ food out. He stayed about a metre away. Then he sunned himself looking in the window at Calico and Baby Hope. About an hour later, one of the ‘pets’ that get let outside arrived. ‘The Boyfriend’ did not attack the cat, but that cat hissed and howled like someone was pulling its ears off. He just sat still and stared and then went back to getting some sun. I have put a call in for a trap to catch the tiny black kitten so that it can go to a shelter, be socialized, and have a home. And now for the fun part. How long have we been calling this tuxedo cat ‘The Boyfriend’? Don’t you think it is time for him to have a name? Please send me suggestions either in the comments or by sending me an e-mail. I will put all of them in a jar and pull one out on the 15th of December. So, please help us name this kitty we have grown to love so much! He has now started his de-worming treatments.

Please, also, send your best wishes to little Hugo Yugo who is quite under the weather. We are hoping that she is only having difficulty with a hairball. She now has medicine which should send that mat of hair out the other end like the Atlas rocket!

She has been drinking lots of water and resting. Even Hope knows she is unwell and is letting her sleep in the basket without bothering her. Thanks, Baby Hope! (Of course, Baby Hope is no longer a ‘baby’ as she is now as big as Calico!)

Gosh, I am glad the fish fairy came to Port Lincoln. What a relief. Wilko and Kasse are growing and they need more and more fish. I wonder if there is any parallel between the weeks each year when Dad’s fishing seems to slow?

Mum, Wilko, and Kasse are waiting for fish.

Kasse is one month and one day old today. There she is nearest the screen in the image above – she still has a bit of the white stripe down her back. it will be gone shortly. It was a quick and easy way to tell her apart form Wilko. Is Kasse the largest? Kasse is three days younger than Wilko. I think Kasse is a female third hatch. They are both antsy and we need more fish on this nest – for Mum, too. Come on Fish Fairies!

At this feeding, Kasse got the fish tail.

Great view of Kasse with her white stripe.

Yeah. Three Tommy Ruffs delivered to Mum, Wilko, and Kasse at 1147. Thank you, Fish Fairies.

News from Sydney–:

Both chicks ate early at Orange amidst a lot of wingersizing!

“Please feed me the Starling!”

The Collins Street eyases are looking more and more like their adult parents on Saturday.

Karen Leng caught the triplets in a FB video on Friday when F23 flew in with prey. Oh, they are hungry and it got a wee bit chaotic as would be expected as we near fledge. The baby is last up to the beak. Notice the difference in the amount of down still clinging to the wing feathers.

SK Hideaways caught the triplets branching and getting rid of a lot of fluff! https://youtu.be/YTHBvEzfNsA?

One of the triplets makes it to the perch! Heidi caught the moment on video: https://youtu.be/zZp3Q-xeBm4?

F23 protects her babies. https://youtu.be/ZW3vdXxADcc?

Bubba continues to thrive at Growing Home nest near Sydney, Australia.

It was an amazing year at Poole Harbour. CJ7 and Blue 022 raised four osplets to fledge without even missing a beat in the music. CJ7 contributed much fish to the nest to help her mate. I don’t recall any animosity and of course we all fell in love with the fourth feisty hatch Blue 5H6 which just has to be a female. There is a five part series celebrating the triumphs of the season, please take the time to watch. What a year it was!

Just look at that beautiful family.

The first segment is ‘The Arrival’. Here are Blue 022 and CJ7 meeting one another after their migration, an early scene in the segment.

It’s annual adoption time at the Kakapo Recovery.

Read Bluster-Murphy’s profile and learn how to adopt a kākāpō here: https://www.doc.govt.nz/…/get-involved/adopt-a-kakapo/

The latest news from Knepp Farm on the White Stork’s reintroduction and the huge success of 2024. It is a remarkable story of Polish storks that were injured and could not fly being brought to the UK to re-establish the population there.

A Stork’s Story – from the Ground, Up! – KneppDownload

Connie and Clive have been at the Captiva Nest. I wonder if they will be next to lay eggs?

Jackie and Shadow were at their nest, too! https://youtu.be/MDW_573xNpU?

And if you can keep track of the numbers, E1-M2 and E1-F3 were at the Kistachie National Forest E1 nest working hard.

The Majestics are working hard, too!

There are so many Bald Eagle nests. These aren’t even scratching the surface.

Is climage change changing eagle migration and prompting early breeding?

Bald Eagle Climate Change Impact GuideDownload

Geese make me smile. I love my Canada Geese, Ross’s Geese, White-fronted Geese and dream of seeing seas of Barnacle Geese and Pink-footed Geese. Maybe!

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

Thank you to the following for their posts, notes, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, H, J’, SWFlorida Eagle Cam, SK Hideaways, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Judy Harrington and Olympic Park Eagles, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Karen Leng, SK Hideaways, Heidi McGrue, Growing Home Osprey Cam, Birds of Poole Harbour, Kakapo Recover, Knepp Farm, Window to Wildlife, Cali Condor, Kistachie National Forest, Denton Homes, Zero Hour Climate, Wild Sligo.

Rookie Release Day…Thursday in Bird World

7 November 2022

Good Morning Everyone,

Wednesday was a cold to the bone, grey, damp day on the Canadian Prairies. The birds, once again, were feeding frantically. It felt like we could have a snow storm any moment. The skies were the colour of new down on an osprey chick.

It was also release day for the Ventana Wildlife Society. They had six 18-month-old condors that had hatched and been raised at the Los Angeles Zoo to send out into the wild. The timing of the release is parallel to that of chicks born in the wild. They are about a metre tall (36 inches) and weigh 9 kg or 20 lbs. Their wing span is 3 meters or 9.5 – 10 feet. They are giant birds. Before their release, they were tagged, had radio and satellite transmitters put on them, and were vaccinated against HPAI and West Nile Virus.

There was a Zoom presentation with questions, a visit with a group of second graders who asked questions and showed their pictures of condors, and the count down to the release. Interestingly, it was female 1233 that went out first to feed on the carcass left for them (they had not been fed for six days), then males 1232 and 1226 known as Pongo. The three most dominant birds while the flock was in the cage were the last to leave.

Condors are social animals and they survive as a group. There is a hierarchy and the least dominant learn how to cope and get food after the ‘King Pins (a nod to the dominant male released in 1997, now deceased, the mate of Redwood Queen who was the father of Iniko) have fed.

These are some of the screen shots I took during the Zoom presentation. The entire discussion with release will be available on YouTube.

Older birds feeding on the carcasses of lead-free carrion.

Current statistics. Once all chicks fledge and the Rookies are released, there will be 119 California Condors in the wild in Central California. This is amazing. There were none in 1997. Ad notice that in 2024 they had no deaths. Knock on wood this continues til the end of the year.

They did pay tribute to Condor 171 Traveler, the matriarch of the Central California Clan, who was declared dead in October after being missing for an entire year. She was released in 1997 in the first cohort of Condors to be sent out into the wild after DDT and Lead decimated their populations.

She had reproductive issues all her life and finally raised a chick in 2022. Male 1182 is that chick and heir and is doing fine.

In the release pen waiting for the gates to open.

As I said earlier, female 1233 was the first out and she did get a nice little feeding before males 1232 and 1226 flew out to feed.

If you are unaware of the challenges and hard work that the Ventana Wildlife Society undertakes, I encourage you to visit their website and explore the information available. That address is ventanaws.org

There are two organizations that I fully support for their dedication that knows no bounds. That is the Ventana Wildlife Society and the IWS where our dear Dr Sharpe continues to work beyond his desired retirement. Yesterday he was out with a volunteer team doing camera maintenance at the Nest of Thunder and Aketcheta at the West End.

The Bald Eagle numbers in the Channel Islands can be attributed to this amazing man. How many chicks have gone over the edge that you have seen rescued there?

So a big shout out to VWS and the IWS! Thank you for all you do.

For those interested in Ferringuous Hawks, their migration patterns that are determined by prey availability, and the challenges especially climate change, please take the time to view this extremely interesting presentation by HMANA: https://youtu.be/gdYRmoBitNo?

The latest on the Sea Eagles:

‘A’ sends the latest ranger report:
“November 7: A flock of Rainbow Lorikeets visited the nest this morning, with a couple of Scaly-Breasted lorikeets as well. Shortly after 7am, both parents were seen on Mangrove Island – neither juvenile was spotted. At 8:15am, the adults were seen on the island, one with a fish. A juvenile flew closer – the adult was eating and the juvie seemed to be eating a little as well. The other adult moved to River Roost. There was some light rain, then a hot day. At 12:14pm, one adult was at River Roost, with the other on the island. There with no juveniles in view. Later, at 3:40pm, one juvenile was seen on Mangrove Island with an adult – the other adult was still at River Roost, though it flew to the island soon after. There were no further reports of sightings at the end of the day.”

Sounds windy at Port Lincoln. Mum, Wilko, and Kasse are waiting for breakfast.

Wilko and Kasse are a month old and Heidi has them on video. Hasn’t Dad done a marvelous job this season with his fishing? https://youtu.be/0VYcHkyu2Y8?s

A reports: “At Port Lincoln, it was nearly 5pm before any food arrived at the nest, and even then, it was only a small partial fish that provided little sustenance for the osplets. The two shared a feed of just under 20 minutes. The only other fish of the day arrived at 20:09. Again, it was a small partial fish only, and the resulting feeding lasted just over half an hour, during which period Wilko did better than Kasse. It is noteworthy that twice during the feeding, Wilko bonked Kasse. This has not happened during a feeding, until now, so I suspect that unless the Fish Fairy steps in to ensure a good couple of days for both osplets, we could create a problem for Kasse here, now that Wilko has experienced proper hunger and has realised that Kasse is limiting the food available for Wilko.”

At Orange, Diamond looks on as her two chicks try to tackle a Starling breakfast — unpacked!

Diamond will make sure that the youngest gets food to eat.

‘A’ gives us a long commentary on the eating and feeding at Orange today: “Xavier brought in a quail just before 6am and Yira grabbed it from him. He wasn’t arguing. Diamond soon arrived and Garrama rushed to complain to mum. Garrama tried self-feeding from the prey Yira was able to hold down, and soon, Yira ripped a piece off and took it into the far corner. Diamond at this stage arrived to help Garrama, who was left with the prey but couldn’t handle it alone. Diamond fed him – he’s a sweetie and SO much smaller than his gigantic sister. 

By 06:02 Yira had finished her piece of prey and returned to steal the remainder from Diamond, who looked a little startled. Garrama was far from pleased. She tried to grab it back but Yira took it back into her corner! Diamond leaves the kids to sort it out, watching from in front of the camera, near the Cilla Stones.She obscures our view of the chicks, who are both self-feeding, Yira holding the food down and both pulling pieces from it. There are many cute noises accompanying this activity. 

Around 06:04 Yira gets sick of sharing and brings the food over near the Cilla Stones, which Diamond has rapidly vacated. Garrama follows his sister and again tries self-feeding from the prey as Yira holds it down. It’s a technique that seems to be working well for both of them. Yira could weigh nearly twice what Garrama does. It’s hard to tell with their remaining fluff. 

Yira is doing better, though, than Garrama, who gives up his efforts by 06:05. He heads over to see whether there are any dropped pieces where the chicks were eating earlier, but no joy, so he approaches Yira and the prey from the other side. Garrama gets a couple of bites but is largely disappointed, and by 06607 he has again given up. 

He watches his sister, stares wistfully at Diamond, who stays on the ledge, watching the kids but makes no move to assist Garrama. He is frustrated and pecks a little at Yira’s wing feathers. By 06:06:30 he is again having a go at pulling some pieces off Yira’s quail (it’s a big piece of prey and Yira is eating A LOT of food). She obscures our view of her little brother, but it seems he too is managing to get some pieces. 

At 06:07:48 Garrama picks up a large meaty morsel Yira has dropped. He turns away with it Diamond comes over to him to see whether he needs help eating it but then seems to change her mind, deciding that he should be able to manage it. Good mum. Shortly after 06:10, he is finished and turns back towards Yira, wanting more to eat. 

Diamond moves to pick up Garrama’s leftovers and he literally begins screaming in her face. Is he annoyed with her for touching his piece of prey or is he simply demanding that she offer him some food? I suspect the latter, as Garrama starts nipping at Diamond’s toes, hoping to find food there. Diamond has to use her beak more than once to free her talons from Garrama’s grip and beak. He is certain there is food between those toes. There isn’t, and Diamond is very patient with him, all things considered. 

Diamond moves towards the ledge and Garrama follows her. His breast feathers are exquisite. Mum has no food and dives out of the box. For a second, I feared he would follow her but he didn’t – just stayed where he was, looking out after her. Yira continues to eat. She has eaten a very large breakfast indeed and at 06:13 shows no sign of slowing down. 

There was another food delivery (a juvenile starling) just before 06:56 – I didn’t watch that feeding – and another, grabbed immediately from Xavier by Yira, shortly after 11:01. Xavier briefly considered trying to retrieve it from her but quickly decided against this and left the scrape. Poor little Garrama watched his gluttonous sister, who has already devoured nearly a whole quail this morning but is still the epitome of greed. Around 11:03, Yira pauses in her eating to do some vigorous wingercising, making contact with Garrama, who objects. Yira returns to eating her starling. 

Garrama sits and looks out of the scrape while his sister feasts on. He flaps across the scrape, does a PS out of the scrape, and returns to looking outside while Yira eats. Poor little Garrama hasn’t had that much food today – neither of the parents seem prepared to face down Yira once she has taken control of a piece of prey! Even Diamond was happy to leave her to it, though she did try to help (Garrama was managing that piece on his own anyway). She is aware that he is not getting enough to eat – she’s just not willing or able (could be either or both) to challenge her massive daughter to take back control of prey. Xavier has zero chance – she is twice his size – and although he did valiantly consider a quick snatch and grab on one occasion, he thought better of the move. So I am a bit worried about whether Garrama is getting enough. 

At 11:08:30 he moves in and again tries self-feeding from the food his sister is holding down. He gets perhaps a small bite or two, then gives up. He tries again about a minute later, but only managed to nibble a toe. Soon after 11:10, he again approaches and tries to eat. Still, he is only able to get hold of a foot, and there is not much meat on it. He gives up again. Yira eats on like a machine. She has eaten SO much this morning, while Garrama has managed perhaps a snack at best. 

These two are rapidly losing fluff and their juvenile plumage is really starting to show through. They are exquisite, especially Garrama, who is an absolute darling. He is not getting enough to eat under the present arrangements, with the parents having effectively ceased to feed the chicks, leaving them to self-feed. They can both do that, both of course Garrama has no chance of beating his sister in a battle over a piece of prey, and given how greedy she is, there is rarely anything much but feathers left over once she has finished eating. So unless something changes here, I am officially worried about our little male hatch at Orange. He is simply not getting nearly enough to eat. “

The 367 Collins Street triplets were digging through the gutter looking for prey. I had seen no breakfast delivery prior to 0823.

At least once of the chicks has made it to the ledge above the scrape today. A milestone to fledging.

Triplets react to a rain storm! https://youtu.be/QkDeJjYBNhs?

At NE Florida, Gabby and Beau were working hard.

Just look at the wings on this eagle in South Australia! Lukin is 82 days old today. Growing and getting ready to fledge. My goodness. Congratulations to everyone.

Well, what an amazing event. I wish I were in South Australia. What an opportunity! Spread the word.

Eric Kotz produced a history of Tumby Island to demonstrate how really tough it is for the ospreys in South Australia.

When we go out to feed the Chickadees and then have lunch outside the City, we drive past the many sites where industry is digging and digging for the things that make concrete – sand is one of those. But, at the sites now disused, there is water and wildlife. It makes me smile that something nice can come out of something so ugly and dusty. Here is an article about how the largest landfill site is now a home to wildlife. I hope it makes you smile, too.

Fresh Kills in Staten Island: A Park Built on a Landfill, Now Teeming With WildlifeDownload

Smile. The first batch of Iris and Finnegan pens are on their way to your home if you ordered! What a great fundraiser.

I am not too sure it is too late for an order. They seem to be working flat out on the pens.

Smile. A person who cares about wildlife!

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/nov/05/shetland-man-bond-otter-award-winning-film-billy-and-molly?CMP=share_btn_url

Calico’s Tip of the Day: Please be careful!

And, of course, Calico hates these noisy things for more than one reason:

Seren 5F, Dylan’s mate from Llyn Clywedog, was photographed again today in The Gambia on her favourite pole. So happy she is alright. All of these sightings are priceless.

‘J’ sent the latest report from Redding for Liberty and Guardian but the text was too small and I could not enlarge it. Please check the FORE FB page – and watch Liberty and Guardian on camera building their new nest!

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. Bird World is quiet. It is time to rest up. We are expecting Bald Eagle eggs within a fortnight. Then, the prolonged incubation til the end of December. We will continue to monitor the sea eagles as long as there is news. We will watch the falcons in Melbourne and Orange for Fledge, Buddy to Fledge at Growing Home, and then Wilko and Kasse. Take care everyone. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, presentations, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A’, The Ventana Wildlife Society, IWS, HMANA, Sydney Sea Eagles, Rohan Geddes, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Heidi McGrue, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, SK Hideaways, NEFL-AEF, Gardenista, Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Eric Kotz, Montana Osprey Cams, The Guardian, Tamarack Wildlife Centre, Leaf of Life.

Wednesday in Bird World

6 November 2024

Hello Everyone,

On Tuesday we woke to a hard frost all over the plants in the garden and the deck making it very slippery when delivering bird seed and cat food. There is now a new addition to the feral feeding line. The tiniest Jet Black kitten. I cannot get close enough to tell if it is a male or a female, but it is decidedly frightened. Thinking of trying sardines in a kitten trap so that it can get to a shelter before our cold winter sets in. Things did not thaw out until nearly noon. Oh, I dislike the deep cold and hibernation of winter!

All of the garden animals were present including Mr Woodpecker and the Chickadees. It is dark by 1700, or nearly dark and it is very cold. Jumper and Jacket weather along with wool socks. It will go down to -1 C tonight.

Let’s take a quick look at what is going on in Bird World.

The latest news on the Olympic Park Eaglets, Lady, and Dad:

‘A’ sends us the latest from Ranger Judy: “November 6: For the first time in a while, Dad was seen by the nest last night – with two ringtail possums passing, a flying fox visiting and a swooping owl. Lady was nearby early as well. Then a Black Duck and a flock of lorikeets. At 7:30am, both adults were down on the island. Then one juvenile was spotted, moving to get closer to the parents. Shortly after, it circled behind the island and out of sight. The parents were still there together. Later, both parents were seen, one on the island and one at River Roost around 2pm – on a hot day. A juvenile was seen again at 4:15pm on the island. Dad brought in a fish and tried to draw the juvenile out –it finally came to the branch to get the fish, but appeared to fall and was on the ground. Then Lady flew in with a fish as well and the juvie was seen eating the fish on the mudflats. It had finished feeding at 5:20pm.”

The Collins Street triplets are testing out their wings! https://youtu.be/gXu655rtHvA?

Breakfast at Port Lincoln filled Wilko and Kasse crops.

Don’t you love how all the chicks in a falcon scrape get fed? It is remarkable. Yira and Garrama are no exception even when one takes the prey initially.

At The Hamlet, Beau and Gabby both worked on the nest. Beau flew in with a really nice fish and waited, but Gabby didn’t show up. She missed her fish gift! Beau ate it.

M15: We really do not want you trying to impress F23 with your flying and hunting abilities over the main road! Stay safe young man. https://youtu.be/olnW6dI_HOA?

Every Monday on Rita the Eagle’s FB page, you can find out some history. Thanks to ‘J’, we have the latest!

There is still an Osprey in the UK on November 5. What do they know?

A good news story!

The view of the new cam at the NCTC nest thanks to Deb Stecyk for posting. https://www.youtube.com/live/dk6Xk44PNwA?

It doesn’t matter what happens to them, people still kill raptors on the hunting estates! It is time for the UK Government to instigate very strict laws like the one handed down to the man who killed all the Bald Eagles and hawks in Montana.

Dismembered golden eagle found in plastic bag – Police Scotland appeal for information – Raptor PersDownload

Red Kites are poisoned.

Red kite found poisoned in Highlands – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

The battle for the Chesapeake Bay and commercial fishing will not go silent. I hope to have a document ready by the end of this week or the beginning of next that might help the folks in Virginia. For now, Omega continues to scoop up the fish that is the ‘lifeblood’ for our Ospreys. Without those little fish, we will have another breeding season 2025 in where almost all the chicks starved to death. And, of course, they use spotter planes to find the schools. What if this was disallowed? What if all technology were disallowed? That would be interesting. Maybe these commercial fishing companies should have to fish just like the Ospreys! Oh, I would love to see that.

A smile comes from Geemeff – a heart warming tale. https://youtu.be/pT8gONS_Las?

And another for sea otters!!!!!!!

Calico’s Tip for the Day: We are still talking about bird collisions. Calico wants you to read the information below carefully. Do not put your decals on the inside of the window. Everything must be on the outside. But did you know the other issues like distance that your bird collision decals can be seen?

Thank you so much for being with me today. Take care everyone. 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, J’, Judy Harrington and the Olympic Park Eagles, SK Hideaways and 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, NEFL-AEF, The Real Saunders Photography, Rita the Bald Eagle, Jeff Kerr, Dixie Rottler, Deb Stecyk, Raptor Persecution UK, William Dunn and Menhaden – Little Fish, Big Deal FB, On the Red Carpet, Wildlife Adventures North East Vancouver Island, World Bird Sanctuary.

Tuesday in Bird World

5 November 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Monday was a rainy grey day on the Canadian Prairies, but the weather wasn’t what weighed on my mind. While driving past what was once a vibrant golf course, I reflected on how the University of Manitoba is transforming it into a site for student and faculty housing, along with a grocery store. Although this project aimed to enhance campus life, it comes at a significant cost to our local wildlife. Once again, we are witnessing a concerning loss of habitat. Our city is rapidly becoming a place devoid of the natural spaces that our feathered friends depend on. Without grass for the Canada Geese to forage, trees for nesting, and adequate food sources, we risk the disappearance of these beautiful creatures. While there are a few ponds near housing developments, they lack the connectivity necessary to foster a thriving ecosystem. We must reconsider our development priorities to ensure that we do not sacrifice our local wildlife in pursuit of urban expansion.

Nearer to home, ‘The Boyfriend’ finally relaxed and ate his food out of a dish right outside the garden door! Yahoo.

Calico looked on and wasn’t so happy. “How come he gets more cat food than we do?” was what all the squawking was about.

Baby Hope was not bothered about our visitor this morning. Odd. I hope she isn’t feeling unwell. She is normally standing at the window watching ‘The Boyfriend.’

At the feeders, the European Starlings were eating suet as fast as they could before the rain came.

In my mailbox was a sad note from ‘J’. The beautiful female Golden Eagle from the Bucovino nest in Romania has died. Her name was Lucina and many of you will have watched her raise her annual eaglet for the past four years. Her mate was Calliman. Here is the announcement. On the Memorial Page, Lucina is #183 and 2024 is not yet over.

This is Lady Hawk’s video about the death and a warning – it shows the body of Lucina. https://youtu.be/J0eH1vIyKto?

Lucina and Calliman in February of 2024 working on their nest.

Condolences to all who loved this beautiful female who took such amazing care of her babies raising four to fledge in four years. Fly high, Lucina!

At Port Lincoln, a nice whole fish arrived on the nest. Was it Dad? or a fairy? The camera turned away right at the time of delivery. It doesn’t matter. What does is that Wilko and Kasse get the calories they need to develop properly.

Mum is such a treasure. Both are going to be full. Just look at how their tails and the beautiful juvenile plumage are growing.

Mum managed some bites of fish for herself and then the rains began. Both Wilko and Kasse tried so hard to get under Mum!

Mum wiggled and squiggled and got both her babies under her as the drops became heavier and heavier.

Dad flies in with a big crop and a partial fish for Mum and the kids.

The partial fish is completely gone in ten minutes.

With the heat heating the ledge at 367 Collins Street, F23 and the triplets take refuge in the cool shade of the North end scrape. They are quickly losing those baby feathers. My goodness. Soon these three will look like Mum and Dad.

The latest news from Sydney on the Sea Eaglets, SE33 and SE34.

‘A’ has the latest ranger report: “November 5: Both parents were seen down on the river early in the morning, and several more times. One juvenile was seen on the island at around 7:30am and it was quiet later, so may have been fed. There have still been no eagle visits back to the nest. I was watching from just before 1pm – both parents and one juvenile on the island. I saw the juvenile fly and change position and both parents took off. One returned with a fish at 13:10. It flew past the juvenile, ate some and spent some time, it seemed, trying to encourage the young one to take the fish or come closer. Finally, at 13:46, the juvenile stood beside the parent and was fed. It did not seem to try to grab the fish or feed itself. Just after 2pm, the adults flew off and the young one may have been self-feeding for a while. I did not see it perch anywhere else on the river, though it did fly about at one stage. When I left, before 3pm, both adults were out of sight. Swoopers have not bothered them much on the island today. Later in the afternoon, one adult and juvenile could still be seen on the island.”

In Orange, Yira and Garrama have been self-feeding for several days. https://youtu.be/hRXw1nEKFdQ?

It is precisely the same at 367 Collins Street where the chicks are similar ages. They are meeting milestones at both scrapes just as they should. Despite their determination, each Mum eventually takes the prey so that all chicks are fed. Beautiful. https://youtu.be/mNsKgks91lA?

‘A’ comments: “At Collins Street, the littles are very mobile, and currently we have two at the sheltered end, very much awake and looking mischievous, while the third sleeps in the unsheltered scrape at the other end. The three tend to sleep at the northern end but seem to like to move about between the two scrapes during the day. It is a great relief to mum and dad, who no longer have to worry about brooding or sheltering the trio. Feeding, on the other hand, is a loud and vigorous affair, the remnants of which are really starting to pile up in the gutter. I remember reading somewhere that a messy scrapeI r (full of feathers and streaked with PSs) was evidence of a healthy brood. Collins Street appears to support this view! The trio are SO adorable. Very active and exploratory. I wonder who will be first to fly onto the window ledges – the Collins Street equivalent of ‘branching’. I do so love the sound of gutter stomping in the springtime. “

At Growing Home near Sydney, Bubba is waiting for breakfast. S/he will not have to wait long.

The wind is helping move the mess of nesting material at the Achieva Osprey nest in St. Petersburg, Florida. I wish a colossal gust would just come and rip it off. We can see the large drainage holes where the chick from 2024 might have fallen to its death. (No one seems sure of the exact cause of its demise – was it a predator?). A predator baffle has been installed, but I do not believe the tree has been trimmed so raccoons can climb and jump to the nest. No organization has yet taken the holes seriously enough to want to help put stainless mesh to protect the chicks and eggs.

Ron and Rose were at the WRDC working to get their nest ready for this years breeding season that is set to begin with the first eggs begin laid in three weeks or less.

Poor E1 F3 picked a mate, E1 M2, that loves catching turtles. Tonya Irwin caught the moment that the ‘gift of turtle’ that the male had brought to Kistachie National Forest Nest E1 F3 bite and hung on to the female’s talon!!!!!!! Ouch.

‘J’ sends us news about the Kakapo and in particular, Kumi, who will be 20 years old next year. Isn’t he gorgeous? He is up for adoption as part of the fundraising efforts of the Kakapo Recovery. For details, see their website.

In Canada, many organizations are joining together to purchase land to create or expand wetland areas. One of the most active is Ducks Unlimited. Similar projects are helping internationally and this is one reason that waterfowl numbers are climbing while so many others, like Prairie Songbirds, are declining in population numbers rapidly.

We must educate our youth about the privilege of living alongside wildlife. At the same time, we need to guide them to understand the importance of protecting their habitat rather than destroying it!

Join the Ventana Wildlife Society on Wednesday for the release of the Rookies into the wild of Big Sur and Pinnacle. (Go to the website of the Ventana Wildlife Society to sign up).

If you missed their condor chat for October, here it is: https://youtu.be/TUVUjut9Z-A?

The current status of the California Condor:

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, information, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, J’, Lady Hawk, Bucovina Golden Eagles, Port Lincoln Ospreys, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Judy Harrington and the Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Liznm, Charles Sturt Falcon Project and Cilla Kinross, Growing Home Osprey Cam, Achieva Credit Union, WRDC Eagle Cam, Tonya Irwin, Kistachie National Forest Eagle Cam E1, Kakapo Recover, Suffolk Wilderness Trust, Friends of the SIBC, Ventana Wildlife Society.