Estonian wildlife – Page 8 – Mary Ann Steggles

1 Egg at Collins Street…Monday in Bird World

4 September 2023

Hello Everyone,

I hope that you have had a lovely weekend and for those living in places where this is a long weekend, savour all the moments left before returning to the norm.

It was the second day of integration with Missey, Lewis, and Calico. Missey and Calico are fine. Lewis still has an attitude about the new family member and was not happy today. He must have let it fester all night. So Missey and Calico spent the most time together while Lewis was in and out of various rooms depending on who was where. We continue to work with treats, nice food, and spreading the scent of Calico being mindful of the safety of all three. Tomorrow is a new day!

I wish Lewis was as relaxed in his behaviour as he appears.

Missey has been simply phenomenally well behaved and accepting.

Calico and Missey are in their favourite spots and so is Lewis. It is only a mater of time.

The entire time with Calico has been a huge learning experience for me. I rarely give my City a ‘high five,’ but I will now. There are so many programmes for feral cats and dogs – to spay and neuter them and return them to their community OR for people who want to adopt them and take them home. One agency was offering $20 spay and neuter. Others are heavily discounted, and the Humane Society will spay and neuter for people to own the animal for $50. This is an incredible discount from taking them to the vet! It also helps keep the animals off the street, gives them a home, and gives people companions who need the social interaction (in many instances). They do not help with rescuing cats and kittens under decks and this would be very helpful especially those that require trapping.

‘H’ just sent me a note that there is one egg at 367 Collins Street in Melbourne and that both cameras are operational! Yes! I had been so involved with the drama between Lewis and Calico that I missed this. This is fantastic news for all falcon lovers. Thanks so much ‘H’.

Here is the link to the cam with the egg in the scrape.

https://www.youtube.com/live/y3b2rKUPMsA?si=Ap2WyE_HGqkaEe1d

Bazz Hockaday has some more images of Ervie from the past couple of days. What a fine fisher Ervie became!

For those of you who do not know, Ervie is the third hatch of Mum and Dad at Port Lincoln in 2021. His two big siblings were also male, Bazza and Falkey. Despite his size, Ervie wanted to live, and he took no gruff off Bazza after a few days getting himself right up to Mum’s beak for the fish. It is the only year that I can recall no siblicide at the PLO nest, and I attribute that to the fact that the three fledglings were all male. During feedings, they got along in the nest, lined up like sweet choir boys. It was only after fledgling that they went at one another, becoming independent in their own right and striving to succeed. Falkey flew off the dock, flew about 350 miles away and was never heard from after the first sighting. Bazza has not been seen since leaving the area. Ervie stayed close to home. He lived on puffers for the first half a year or so it seems. He lost a talon and then to the delight of all was seen fishing with Dad. He is the love of so many people’s hearts from that year and we are overjoyed that he is thriving.

I am so glad that there is some action in Australia. There is very little happening at the Osprey nests. Most have departed for their various migration sites. The Bald Eagles are flying in to their nests and working on them.

At Turnby Island in South Australia, our couple – Marrum and Partner – now have two eggs while we wait for the first at Port Lincoln.

Dad Harry was still delivery fishing at Alyth to the third hatch, Chirpy, who is 99 days old today. My goodness he is so good to his last chick at home. Look at that super nice fish!

Idris is still delivering fish to Senior at the Dyfi Osprey platform.

Maya was still at Rutland.

White YW and one of the fledglings are still at Foulshaw Moss in Cumbria.

Aran is still busy feeding 0H1 and 0H2 at Glaslyn as of Saturday!

This morning they all seem to be in the Valley.

At Dunrovin, Swoop is still providing fish dinners for Snap and Crackle.

Iris is still home, and she is making it known that this is her nest as she does some restorations before migration. Gosh, she looks good!

Mini flew over and in front of the brewery to land on both of her legs on the perch at 1726. She looks much better than she did yesterday. She is fish crying and wouldn’t it be superb if Dad would bring her a fish – for our sakes – on the nest? Gosh, that would be grand. One last time seeing her eat a nice big fish meal.

Oh, what a lovely sight you are our dear girl! Thank you for coming to see us.

Good Night, Mini.

Thanks Rosie Shields for the End of Season report on Borders Osprey. Congratulations on a great year with Samson and Juno!

THE-END-OF-THE-SEASON-–-Border-Ospreys Download

The report for the end of season fish count at Llyn Clywedog. Dylan sure does love those Brown Trout and so does Seren and the kiddos.

‘H’ sends us her two morning reports – Fortis Exshaw is not empty of Banff and Louise and we have only Barnegat Light and Kent Island.

Kent Island – Tom brought at least three fish to the nest for his fledgling. For the most part, Molly has been taking her fish off the nest to eat. Molly is 84 days old, and she fledged on 8/11.

Barnegat Light – Thanks to the efforts of Daddy Duke, Dorsett is looking a little bit chubby. All that extra fat will serve her well though, as she will soon get the urge to start her long journey south. Dorsett is 96 days old, and she fledged on 7/30.

Karl II comes to say goodbye to his nest just like. Kaia did. The kids are on their way, there is no more mouths to feed, and Karl can make his own way to the centre of Africa for the winter. W hat an amazing dad he was and what a difficult year. I t was the first time, that I am aware, that he did a brood reduction. There was simply a drought and not enough food- thanks to Urmas and his team, the family survived and the three out of four storklets went on to fledge.

Well, Karl II did not waste any time. His tracker shows him to be in Belarus.

Kalvi is in the north of Poland.

The last transmission for Bonus was August 28 and showed him in Belarus before the battery of the tracker quit sending.

Waba and Kaia are still in Ukraine according to the last reports posted that I saw.

In Australia, ‘A’ writes: “It’s just after 9am and the eaglets are waiting patiently for breakfast. They are playing with a leaf on a stalk, grabbing it from one another. So sweet. They are the cutest little eaglets. I just adore them. I check them first thing every morning to see if they have eaten. Usually, they are in the middle of their second breakfast by now but not for the past two days. I can only assume this is a parental decision and is deliberate. When they need to, they have been quite prepared to raid a nearby nest for a meal, and when Dad decided it was time to feed them the other day, he had a fish on the nest in under ten minutes. So I can’t help but think this is not a food shortage but a life lesson. There is a lot of preening going on as those feathers grow. I can’t believe how SE31’s shoulder feathers have grown in the last two or three days. She really is more feathers than down now. They’ll have juvenile plumage before we know it. Our little fluff balls are nearly gone already. I do love their little pale grey heads though, especially SE32’s. He is a darling. And all the bald patches on his little head and neck have grown back now, so he looks a little less like a raggamuffin.”

“Lady has spent a bit of time on the nest with the kids this morning, but has disappeared again now. I’m not sure, but they bring it very quickly when they decide it’s time for food. I just get the impression they’re not in a rush to go and get anything… The eaglets have been getting at least one really good feeding per day over the past two or three days. They seem to be doing well, though obviously, we would like them to eat at least two good meals a day. From what I remember, food has not been a problem at this nest before, but we will wait and see. Still, for the third day in a row, it is late (after 2pm) and no food has arrived yet.”

SK Hideaways show us that good fish lunch the eaglets were devouring.

The adults are coming and going at 367 Collins Street!

No eggs at Port Lincoln.

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

Thank you to the following for your notes, posts, streaming cams, and articles that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, H’, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Bazz Hockaday and Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, Alyth, Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Jane Dell and UKOsprey Info, Foulshaw Ospreys, Dunrovin Ranch, Pam Breci and The Joy of Ospreys, PLO, Montana Osprey Research Project, PSEG, Rosie Shields and Border Ospreys, Alastair Cameron, Peggy Beatrice and the Eagle Club of Estonia, Looduskalender Forum, SK Hideaways and Sydney Sea Eagles, Sydney Sea Eagles, and 367 Collins Street by Mirvac.

V3 arrives back at NEFlorida!…Friday in Bird World

1 September 2023

Good Morning,

Calico had her vet appointment and I cannot possibly describe the relief. No HIV, No Feline Leukaemia, her teeth and ears are perfect. She is between 8-10 months old so the vet let us choose a ‘birth’ date for her and we picked 2 November, the day Lewis and Missey arrived. Calico does have mastitis and is on an antibiotic and she will have ‘the’ operation and be microchipped on the 12th at 0800. Everything is good. She was cleared to join Missey and Lewis but she is so tired from it all that she is sleeping and sleeping. I have to add that while Lewis howls like you are pulling his toe nails out when he is in the car, Calico was polite and sweet during each and every event this morning. What a sweetie she is.

Lewis and Missey will get to meet their new sister tomorrow now that she is all clear for any issues – how lucky are we? No obvious fleas, ticks, parasites, etc. And all tests came back negative.

On the way to the vet.

Here are some interesting facts about Calico cats taken from the Website All about the Calico Personality:

Calicos are one of the subjects of “The Duel,” a popular children’s poem by Eugene Fields. The poem describes a fight between a “calico cat” and “gingham dog.”
Because of their rarity, Calico cats are considered lucky by many around the world. The Calico cat is thought to bring good luck and fortune to the homes and families that adopt them. They are also considered to be a little magical because of their three colors.
In the 1870s, Calico cats were named the official symbol of fortune in Japan. They’re sometimes called “money cats” here and elsewhere.
The Calico cat became the official cat of the state of Maryland in 2001. The Calico cat was chosen because the colors of its fur are similar to that of the Baltimore Oriole, which is the official state bird.
According to Irish folklore, if you have a wart that you want to get rid of, just rub it against a Calico cat’s tail.

You will recall that I have been feeding and cuddling with Calico for months and months outside. She was brought into the house at 1900 last Saturday, the 26th. After that, extensive effort was put in by the neighbourhood to find any kitten or kittens. One of the neighbours ran over to tell me that the kitten had been found late Thursday. Well, it turns out that ‘a kitten’ was found and turned in to the Humane Society. It was processed through their intake the morning of Friday, the 25th – thirty-four hours before Calico moved in. I am not convinced it is Calico’s kitten because the posting said 2 weeks old. But if it is, it is a beautiful white kitten that someone is going to love. Calico’s kittens would have been approximately 54-55 days old. Still, it tells me that people know what to do if they see a lost kitten! No other sightings that I am aware of currently.

‘H’ report at Fortis Exshaw is fantastic, “Overall, it was an extremely quiet day. The female intruder flew to the nest alerting at 0646, and after twelve minutes she flew away. We did not see her on cam the rest of the day. The male intruder has not been seen since the afternoon of 8/30. We would occasionally hear an osprey call, but not often. The highlight of the day was a surprise visit by Banff. At 1130, Banff casually flew in and landed on the right side of the T-perch. We were absolutely delighted to see her. She was calm. The intruders were not around, and Banff knew that. She exuded confidence and maturity. She appeared regal. She shifted her position once in a while. She preened a bit. She roused once. She surveyed the entire area. Was she reminiscing? After all, she had spent her entire life there. Of course, I know she wasn’t reminiscing, ospreys live in the moment. But while I watched Banff on that perch, I was reminiscing. Everything that had transpired over the past few months, good or bad, happy or sad, flashed before my eyes. After twelve minutes, Banff gracefully and majestically flew away toward the river. Was that ‘Goodbye’? We did not see her or hear her for the rest of the day. We will continue to look for her, just in case. Banff has made it. She is ready. “Well done, Banff.”

Thanks, ‘H’. You have done. great job reporting on this nest. It is so wonderful to see Banff thumb her nose at the intruders but, at the same time, allow all of us to see that she survived it – she survived it all. Go Banff!

Mini did a good PS at 0602 before flying off the perch at Patchogue. It is impossible to tell what happening with her left leg. She does not return to the nest during the day like she used to, and from the size of the PS she is being fed off-camera or catching her own – my bet is on the former.

I would give anything to have GPS tracking on Mini. After watching and worrying for so long, she has become so big a part of so many people’s lives it is difficult to let go and not know how her life is unfolding like we do that of Poul.

Tweed Valley’s sat packed fledgling, Poul, is in Spain. Great time!

The main camera has not returned to the Sydney Sea Eagles cam. ‘A’ has been watching: “Dad brought breakfast for the eaglets (I presume a fish) at around 07:37. Lady had flown in and taken control of it within 10 seconds. She is impressive. I can’t see any heads so I don’t know who is in front and whether both are being fed, but she is feeding eaglets, so based on yesterday and the four days before that, I am sure all is well.”

Update: “As of about ten minutes ago, the nest camera came back up at WBSE. The time stamp says 23.32:12 when the screen changes but the time just before the screen changed was 21:27:27 (which wasn’t the correct time either). It is currently 21:41 in Sydney (1 September). Lady is on the nest with the babies, who are sleeping peacefully. SE32 looks even bigger than last time I saw him! “

Mum and Dad2 at Port Lincoln. Still hoping.

Dad2 is a really good provider for Mum.

There was one super large fish that arrived on the Boulder County Fair Grounds nest. One happy osplet and one wishing and hoping some will be left!

At Sandpoint, Coco had at least one fish delivery part of which she left on the nest and there was also an intruder. Everything is fine. Coco is getting fed well.

There is at least one of the two fledglings coming to the nest at Collins Marsh. I did not see any fish deliveries to the nest on Thursday.

Gorgeous fledglings getting some nice fish at the Dunrovin Ranch Osprey Platform in Colorado.

These female Ospreys can fish. Just look at the catch Maya pulled on the nest! Now, where is Blue 33? He flew off on Wednesday. Was he checking the territory to make certain that the fledglings were all dispersed before he leaves? He is always there until they are gone and this year Maya is still there with him.

‘H’ other reports:

Barnegat Light – Dorsett is still enjoying her life at the bay, and her dad, Duke, continues to provide fish for his girl.

Kent Island – I didn’t see a single fish brought to the nest for Molly on 8/31, but perhaps she had a meal or two off the nest.

Osoyoos – The livestream has been offline for the past two days.

Thanks, ‘H’.

The big news is that the AEF is 99% certain, based on physical markers, that V3 is back on the NEFlorida Bald Eagle Nest near Jacksonville on 31 August! We wait for the arrival of Gabby.

Muhlady and Pepe are both at Superbeaks!

The beautiful view of the Glacier Gardens Bald Eagle Nest.

David Abram writes what the salmon were like in 1988 – the eagles in Alaska have historically lived on salmon.

I got up and walked over to the water’s edge; the stream, I now saw was thick with salmon, boiling with salmon, all jostling and surging against the current in fits and starts – it was as though the stream was made of salmon! I gazed and gazed for a couple hours, then went back to my tent and tried to sleep, but couldn’t. So I hiked back into the middle of the night and stood staring into that moon-illumined river of fish, and then I waded out into that mass of sparkling, silvery muscles, all shoving and lunging against the water’s flow. In the middle of the stream, I was up to my knees in salmon, but they didn’t care – didn’t even notice; they bumped into my legs and then plunged on past with a single-minded determination I’d never encountered before, nosing aside their dying cousins who were floating back downstream on their sides, too exhausted to swim, with their mottled skin starting to peel off. Yet the vigorous salmon around me just nudged me out of the way, wholly intent on making their own way upstream to reach the remembered place of origin – their spawning place – so they might deposit their eggs, and fertilize those eggs, before they too began to fall apart and die.
D. Abram, ‘Creaturely Migrations on a Breathing Planet’, Emergence Magazine, vol. 4, pg. 146.

Pat, one of Martin and Rosa’s trio this year from the Dulles-Greenway Bald Eagle nest, has been released. How wonderful!

M15 and his lady seem to be quite the couple. So happy that he has kept his territory – M15 certainly deserves it after the stunning year he gave us following Harriet’s disappearance in early February.

How long will our changing climate support the Chum Salmon that eagles like Hope depend on for their food?

Xavier gets some precious egg time while Diamond takes her break.

A prey delivery at 12:31 (off camera) got Diamond off the eggs and Xavier some more incubation time. Oh, what a character he is!

At The Campanile, Lou and Annie are bonding – something they continue to do since the eyases fledged.

The Black Stork nest in the Karula National Forest in Estonia is quiet. All three fledglings of Karl II and Kaia have now left the natal nest and begun their journeys south towards Africa. Kalvi flew first and has the satellite tracker. This is the information at the time of my writing.

This is the area where Kalvi is foraging.

This short video shows the last time that the storklets of Karl II and Kaia were together.

The last data:

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, H, PB’, All About the Calico Personality, PSEG, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, Sydney Sea Eagles, PLO. Boulder County, Sandpoint, Collins Marsh, Dunrovin, LRWT, NEFL-AEF, Superbeaks, Glacier Gardens, Linda Russo and NEFL and SWFL Eagle Watcher’s Club, Emergence Magazine, Dulles-Greenway Eagles, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, SK Hideaway and Cal Falcons, Maria Marika, MadliaA, Fortis Exshaw, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Kent Island, Looduskalender, and All About Black Storks.

Banff flipped overboard…Friday in Bird World

25 August 2023

Good Morning,

Well, if you are following the saga – it will become an odyssey soon – with me and Calico, it is now Calico 13 and Mary Ann 2. Yesterday the food dishes were licked clean in under 45 minutes. Calico does not eat that quickly or much in that amount of time. Today, the first breakfast was the same. But the afternoon feed was hardly touched. The trail cam was set up underneath the deck at 1300. The space is so limited that it appears the motion detection system did not operate properly when I returned with food and to check the footage. Can you hear me growling like a cat? Calico is laughing her head off with a smile like a Cheshire Cat. So the camera is somewhat repositioned, and if that doesn’t work overnight, I will put it outside so that it covers the entrance to the area where Calico comes and goes. I believe that the kitten or kittens are old enough that it/they might follow Mama. I will continue to provide food in the hope that the wee one will associate food with my voice and come trotting out one day – before it is too late to socialise the kitten/s. I continue to praise this kitten that had kittens herself for finding the right place – it is so safe, and secluded. No one would know she was under there if they were not searching like me. Still, I will need to get her in hand – Calico that is – on 4 September for her surgery.

Morning Update: Calico was waiting for me at my garden door with brambles in her fur. While she ate she allowed me to brush her for over an hour and a half removing more than 3/4 of them. What patience with me! She also ate well. We then went together to retrieve the camera – they are meant to work in open spaces not in confined spots so it is now up on a pole!

Our thoughts continue to be with the wildlife (and the people) impacted by the wildfires burning in my country. These were the most recent stats that I could find on The Narwhal.

According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, there are currently 1,035 active fires burning across the country, 368 in B.C. alone. A staggering 15 million hectares (a jump of nearly 2 million hectares since last week) have burned this year so far — and there’s no end in sight to the inferno. The heavy blanket of smoke from fires in the Pacific Northwest stretches from San Diego to Great Slave Lake.

I have had several questions and letters about migration. Many of you might not be completely familiar with the reasons that the Ospreys migrate or how far they travel.

This first article is by the RSPB and focuses on the UK Ospreys but there is much good information that applies to all ospreys that migrate.

Osprey-Migration-Patterns-The-RSPB Download

This second article is full of gorgeous images and maps that will help you understand more not only about migration but about where those birds along the NE coast of the US travel. It is an excellent read.

Ospreys-Have-A-Shocking-Spring-Migration-—-Save-Coastal-Wildlife Download

If you are looking for a comprehensive book on bird migration (it includes many species), I highly recommend The Atlas of Bird Migration. Tracing the Great Journeys of the World’s Birds. It is by the Smithsonian (there is another by a similar title so I am providing the cover image). This book is everything that you wanted to know and much that you didn’t even know you wanted to know! The cost at my local nature centre was $24.95 CDN.

The tracker for Bonus, the foster storklet of Jan and Jannika, who grew up on the nest of Karl II and Kaia in 2022 has problems with the transmitter not charging. Bonus was somewhere in Belarus. Stay safe, Bonus!

Urmas’s fish basket that has helped to keep the family of Karl II alive this season is still operational. Urmas and his team refill as necessary and on Thursday, Karl II went there to fill up the trio.

Imagine how some of the fortunes of the US and Canadian Osprey nests might have changed had fish been compassionately provided during their time of need – during drought, storms, and fires. I praise Urmas and the Estonia team who try, in whatever way they can, to protect their precious Black Storks. Bonus is an example of that, and we will never forget the dummy female and the robot-feeding male stork. Enlightened is the word I often use for Urmas and Dr. Madis. Bravo! The world could use 100s of people like you who are willing to step up, take a chance, do the right thing. We made a mess of their planet – isn’t it time we fix that?

There is ‘mixed news’ in the most recent Tweed Valley report.

23rd-Aug-news.docx-Google-Drive Download

We must check on Fortis – ‘H’ has given us a grand report on what happened to poor Banff on Thursday. “Banff spent the night away from the nest. The morning started with the female intruder arriving at 0607, and her mate arrived a little later. We heard Banff’s voice, and for some reason the intruders simultaneously flew off the nest at 0626. After a few minutes we saw Banff being chased by at least one of them. The female intruder returned to the nest at 0635. At 0649 Louise hovered with a fish in her talons, and the female intruder kept her away. At the same time, the male intruder landed on the nest, and Louise flew to the T-perch. Louise did not eat the fish. She flew off the T-perch with the fish at 0653, perhaps to find Banff. The intruder pair mated on the nest at 0733. The male left the nest at 0826 and would not be seen for the next 9.5 hours. Banff flew toward the nest at 0845, but she was intercepted in the air by the female and was then chased. The female intruder brought a fish to the nest at 0905, left with it after a couple of minutes, and returned without the fish at 0916. Over the next couple of hours, the female intruder was on and off the nest a few times. Banff flew toward the nest at 1104, and once again the female intercepted her and chased her away. After that, the female intruder stood on the ‘lookout post’ for about three minutes, and then she was not seen at the nest for the next 5.5 hours. At 1336 Louise arrived with a fish. She waited for Banff to arrive for eight minutes, but then she flew off with the fish. Banff landed on the nest at 1453, but she hurriedly flew off as she saw an intruder approaching. We only got a brief glimpse, but it did appear that Banff had a small crop. Osprey chases were noted a few times throughout the day, and we assumed they may have involved Louise and/or Banff. Louise landed on the nest with a small partial fish at 1746. The male intruder landed and Louise immediately chased him off. Louise waited a few minutes for Banff to arrive, but she ate the fish herself, and flew off at 1804. Banff arrived at the nest at 1815. She looked tired. She called. But, Mom did not come back. At 1929 Banff began alerting, and she assumed a defensive posture. She knew an intruder was approaching. The intruder buzzed Banff at 1930, and Banff pancaked. A few seconds later the intruder dive bombed and hit Banff really hard. Banff was flipped over onto her back, but she seemed to be okay. She righted herself and flew off. Go roost near Mom, Banff. And, Mom will bring you a nice fish for breakfast.”

On Thursday morning, our dear Mini was on the nest and got the first nice fish of the day from Dad. She did well eating it except when it got to the small tail piece which was lodged in the side of the nest. She got it out and finished off that fish. The time is 0751.

Mini got another nice fish later in the day from Dad.

Mini ate well Thursday! Let us all hope that Dad is looking after himself. Mum is still around and the other three siblings might well be. Three is off the opposite perch this evening from Mini.

Sammy McLoughlin copied the article about Mini into the chat for Patchogue. This is what it said and it had a photo of Dad in March – sadly, not of Mini!

Every year, PSEG Long Island celebrates the return of the local osprey population in Patchogue Village by preparing for the breeding season and performing maintenance on the osprey. The monitored Patchogue nest is located on West Main Street, just south of the Blue Point Brewery. This year, watchers of the live cam noticed of the four chicks (which is rare in itself), one of them seems to have injured its leg. The youngest chick, according to New York City viewer Judith Camacho, who noticed the injury and alerted the local paper, suffered some sort of leg injury last week and she believed it was in need of help. After noticing the injury, the “chatters,” as they call themselves, contacted PSEGLI, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and wild care rehabbers in the area. The injury can be seen at 7:34 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 14, during a feeding session. “She has difficulty holding the food and you can see the injury on her left leg. She is such a fighter,” Camacho said. “Survived with three older siblings, which is extremely rare. It will be a pity if she is not helped.” PSEGLI referred to Jim Jones, one of the bird experts they work with in these situations. After being alerted to the situation, he said he has been watching the nest, on and off, for 24 hours. He confirmed that the chick does have an injury to the left foot, but he said that there are a few things to consider: The fledgling has been perching fairly easily, and the foot can grip, but a bit clumsily; it was able to finish the fish meal without incident. It can also stand on that leg without any apparent leaning. It can fly, and has been leaving the nest to forage, and possibly hunt. The parents are still there and are feeding the “All of these things are good,” he said. “The injury does not—at this time—appear life threatening. We (PSEG, myself, and a wildlife rehabber) are all monitoring the situation. At this time, we are letting things progress naturally. These kinds of injuries are not uncommon, and osprey that I have worked with have recovered. We will keep watching!”

Unfortunately, they did not include images of Mini at various stages of her life or ask locals to keep their eyes out for any ospreys on the ground. That said, Mini is progressing nicely, and there is no way that she could be easily captured currently. Nature is working its magic – and we hope for Mini that she is fit and ready to fly south soon. She is determined – a survivor, and we can only hope she has many more lives – like a cat!

At the Loch Arkaig nest of Louis and Dorcha, Louis is making up for his time away defending. I believe we are now on fish 5 but Ludo is being stalked by the Hoodies – Dyson, Hoover, and Henry – who are getting as much or more of that fish that Ludo.

Fish 5 for Ludo!

That official announcement from Ulster! Ospreys have been seen flying to and from Ireland but there were no reports of a breeding pair – and a successful one at that – until now.

Pam Breci reports that all is well at the osprey platform of Steelscape, Inc.

Our 21 year old Osprey Dad is doing a great job delivering fish to his recent fledgling at the Minnesota Arboretum nest.

‘H’s reports on Osoyoos and Barneghat Light:

Barnegat Light – Duke delivered a whole fluke to Dorsett for lunch. “Wow, thanks a lot, Dad!” Mom, Daisy, has not been seen since 8/21.

Osoyoos – Life is going well for this family of three. Soo brought a beautiful large fish to the nest at 1310, and she waited a long time for her fledgling to return for lunch. Lunch lasted three hours!

Oh, gosh it is good to hear that Osoyoos is alright. Thanks so much H’ for all three reports this morning. Always appreciated!

Blue 33 was delivering fish to Maya at the Rutland Manton Bay platform. He is helping her prepare for her migration in the hope that they both return, as usual, safely next March.

At Orange, Xavier slept on the ledge while Diamond was in the scrape.

Later, Diamond with a huge crop! Thanks, Xavier. You are keeping Mama healthy – she might not have liked the two Starlings but from the second image she devoured the pigeon. Eggs by the end of the month!

At Port Lincoln, the new couple – old Mum and new Dad – are still trying for eggs. It is definitely not too late in Australia!

Gosh, golly. I know that ‘A’ is watching the Sea Eagles much more carefully but it was sure nice for me to go through a few minutes of rewinds and see 32 up there eating and then both up at the beak and with nice crops.

‘A’ wrote us a story about SE32 and its feedings! “Lady comes in around 09:45 to deal with the fish that is left over from breakfast and again SE32 is straight up to the table and starts eating confidently. SE31 is slow to get up and stretch and she then does not move more than a step or two towards the table. Lady feeds SE32 and eats a fair bit herself while SE31 watches. She then moves towards the table, but heads around the far side of SE32, so that SE32 is between her and Lady. SE31 arranges some sticks on the left rails while SE32 keeps eating. I think you get the gist. Something is going on today. SE31 looks healthy, though the PS she just did was very small for her, but she is not attempting to head up to eat. It is after 09:53 when SE31 leans over SE32 (slowly and carefully) to take a bite from Lady. SE32 can feel his sister leaning across him but does not go into submission. SE31 is having to work to swallow the bite (there are a lot of bones in the pieces being fed by now, although there is still a lot of flesh attached), so SE32 accepts the next large mouthful, despite the very close proximity of his sister! Normally, he would get beaked for doing this but not today. Mum offers him a piecde that’s too big and SE31 thinks Lady is going to give it to her but Lady eats it herself and SE32 takes the next couple of mouthfuls. SE31 retreats slightly and just watches! What is going on? He refuses another bite because it is just too big and he is too full, and SE31 leans forward on SE32’s far side, thinking she will get this piece. But no, again Lady eats it herself and SE31 pulls back a bit, disappointed. SE32 has not dropped his head or appeared intimidated in any way so far today, and not now either. Finally, at 09:54:54 Lady starts feeding SE31, who leans forward eagerly on the far side of SE32 to eat the mouthfuls. She is hungry. SE32 stays where he is, his head up, just too full to eat. Mum offers him the occasional bite, but he is too full and only takes one small piece, so SE31 gets most of the remaining fish. It is good to see her eat. (I never thought I would have to say that!!) The meal is over just after 10am. There is still a little fish and flesh left over. Mum returns shortly after 11:04 to finish it off and again SE32 is first up to the table. Mum starts feeding him and eating some of it herself. Most of the fish is gone shortly before 11:11. Mum has worked really hard to get each morsel of flesh from it. SE32 has the most gigantic crop I have seen on a chick in a very long time. SE31 never leaves her spot on the front rails to eat. The eaglets spend a couple of hours snuggling on the rails, stretching occasionally or playing with a stick. At 13:00, SE31 turns her head to look at. SE32 eyeballs her and raises himself up slightly, leaning towards SE31 in an intimidating manner. She retreats and he settles back down. They are doing so much preening as those feathers come through. They must be really itchy. Look at the difference between the size of those crops!!! SE31 looks hungry. SE32’s is beyond description, it is so large. Dad brings in an extra large, long whole fish at 14:44 (or a very fat eel) and SE32 is straight up to the table. Dad waits for Lady, while SE31 has not even woken up yet. She is still sleeping on the front rails. Dad starts nibbling at the fish himself, looking around for Lady, while SE32 moves closer. This gives SE31 time to wake up, stretch, and move up to the table. This causes SE31 to move further forward, keeping his head down. This is not the confident SE32 from the previous feedings today. Dad feeds SE31 and continues eating himself. SE32 keeps moving forward until he is level with the fish and with dad’s beak, to one side of the table. SE31 is in the usual position in the centre of the nest, leaning forward for bites, so she is not making any contact with SE32, who is submissive but not with his head down – he is watching Dad carefully, and when he is offered a bite at 14:51 he accepts it. SE32 turns his head away as he does so Dad gives a bite to SE31 but then turns to feeding bite after bite after bite to SE32, who eats them all. SE31 crawls closer to the table and waits her turn. Dad offers her a bite at 14:54, then returns to feeding SE32. SE31 is still waiting at 14:57 and starts nibbling on the end of the fish (or very fat eel). She is up at the table but with the food between herself and SE32, with Dad in the normal parental feeding position at the back of the nest. At 14:57:27 SE31 grabs the end of this enormous piece of prey and pulls it towards herself. Good job SE31. Dad takes it back. He is still looking around periodically for Lady. He continues feeding SE32. At 15:00 she is still waiting patiently, playing with sticks, watching while SE32 eats very fast and very confidently. SE31 sits down and continues to wait patiently. Finally, at 15:02, Dad leans her way and she eagerly grabs the bite. He then starts feeding them alternate bites until soon afterwards, SE32 is full and not interested in more, so Dad feeds SE31, who is hungry. Every couple of mouthfuls, he glances at SE32 to see whether he wants a bite, then continues feeding SE31. This is a lengthy feeding – SE32 decided he could fit more food in after all – and both chicks ate a large amount. There was another feeding around , and there is also still so much leftover food that there’s enough for the whole family to eat all day tomorrow as well. This was such an interesting day because of SE32’s apparent confidence. which was diminished somewhat at that mid-afternoon feeding but was regained during it. The combination of plentiful food, SE32 getting lots of feeding from the parents and SE31 for some reason being incredibly patient and effectively taking SE32’s role for the day. She ended up getting plenty to eat with that massive fish/eel but at the time of that feeding, she had eaten very little for the day and had not seemed interested enough to press the issue.”

Thanks so much, ‘A’. We can always use a good news story on 32!

SE32 watches as 32 self-feeds. Gosh, they are just over a month old and growing so fast.

No one will say it is for certain but another beautiful image of our star single-dad M15 with a potential mate from the SW Florida Eagles nest on the Pritchett Property in Fort Myers.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Please take care! Looking forward to having you with us again soon.

My deepest gratitude to the following for their notes, posts, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to compose my blog today: ‘A, Geemeff, H’, Amazon and Firefly Press, RSPB, Save Coastal Wildlife, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Maria Marika, Liznm, Tweed Valley Ospreys, PSEG, The Woodland Trust, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Ulster Wildlife, Pam Breci and The Joy of Ospreys, MN Landscape Arboretum, LRWT, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, PLO, Sydney Sea Eagles, Gracie Shepher and Raptors of the World.

The curious happenings at Fortis Exshaw…Wednesday in Bird World

23 August 2022

Good Morning to each of you!

It was a drizzly sort of day in the garden. The sun never came out and everything felt cold and damp. Everyone was here, at one time or another, including one of the Crows. Calico had her tracker on during the day. In the early afternoon, she was here, and when I went outside to freshen up the table feeder, she lept to the deck. It startled me as I am so used to her meandering in from the back of the lilacs. She ate her food, chased a moth, and then had a siesta under the lilacs. It was different behaviour, but in a bit, she went back to the place where she has her kitts. She returned at her usual time in the evening, and while she ate, I removed her tracker for charging. Once in a while, I will check to ensure she has not moved the Kitts.

Dyson was here chasing peanuts and trying to get as many or more than Little Red.

Dyson was smart. She had dumped the covered feeder and then when the drizzle began she decided to go inside the feeder!

This is one way to get a drink!

In the frenzy between Little Red and Dyson, the Black-capped Chickadee swooped in and occasionally grabbed a seed!

There is some celebrating going on!

Jane Dell posted (on a couple if FB websites) a really good document on Western Osprey identification. This will be a very helpful resource – maybe put it in a file with useful articles, etc. for when the time comes.

Western-Osprey-–-Raptor-Identification-–-The-complete-raptors-guide Download

‘H’ has one report for us today and that is about the intrusions that continue at the Fortis Exshaw nest in Alberta, Canada.

8/21 had been an unusually tranquil day for the fledgling Banff. The first half of the day was also very peaceful on 8/22. Banff took a couple of early morning flights, and she was out when Louise delivered the first fish. Banff flew in quickly at 0715 to claim the large whole fish. At 0729 Louise delivered a tiny whole fish to Banff. Banff managed to swallow the last half of the fish in one big gulp! For the next three hours Banff enjoyed numerous out-and-back flights and spent some time on the big T-perch and the nest perches. At 1032 Louise brought the third fish of the day, a medium sized whole fish. After she ate that one, Banff resumed her brief fly-abouts. Fish #4 from Louise at 1155 was a huge live fish. Louise wanted to keep the fish, and there was a brief tug-o-fish, but Louise gave in. Banff was eating intermittently, and had eaten about 1/3 of the large fish, when, at 1313 a female intruder landed on the nest. At 1316 the intruder made a move for the fish, but Banff fended her off. Then there was a long standoff. At 1334, the intruder moved aggressively to take the fish. There was a struggle as Banff tried to hold on to her fish. Both birds ended up going overboard, and it looked like the intruder had the fish in her left talon. At 1335 Banff flew back to the nest, and was almost immediately dive bombed three times by the intruder (apparently the intruder had dropped the fish). Banff flew off the nest. An aerial chase between ospreys could be seen at 1409, but we don’t know who was involved. At 1438 Louise landed with a partial fish, but Banff was still off the nest. Within seconds, a different intruder landed on the nest. Some thought it was O’Hara, but the markings didn’t seem quite right. Louise was not happy at all, and at one point she flapped at the intruder, but that had no effect. Louse flew off with the fish at 1447. The intruder starting moving some sticks around, and that really confused us! At 1458, as Banff flew toward the nest, the intruder flew off, but it immediately circled back and dive bombed Banff a couple of times. Louise immediately returned with the partial fish and Banff grabbed it. The intruder dive bombed Banff three more times while Louise was on the nest. That was a first. No intruder had ever attacked while Louise was on the nest. We were dismayed that the intruder had become more brazen and had elevated its aggressiveness to a higher level. Banff flew off the nest at 1459, leaving the fish behind. Louise waited for Banff to return, but she flew off with the fish at 1545. At 1553, the intruder brought a stick to the nest, and left. That was so bizarre, and so confusing for the viewers, who were trying to make some sense out of everything. Louise landed on the nest with a different headless fish at 1655 (fish #6). Banff quickly flew to the nest to claim it and Louise departed. Banff was nervous, and mantled the fish, scanning the sky. At 1702 the intruder buzzed and dive bombed Banff at least six times, and at 1703 Banff hurriedly flew off, leaving the fish on the nest. The intruder departed. Banff flew back to the nest at 1734, and grabbed her fish. This time, she got down to business and ate without hesitating. The latter part of the evening was intruder-free. Banff took a couple of short flights, and she landed on the T-perch at 2026. Dear, sweet Banff elected to roost on the T-perch overnight. It had been a very complex, and stressful day for Banff, but she was well fed. Onward, Banff.

Thanks so much ‘H’.

As of Tuesday, Elen was still at Glaslyn and Aran had delivered a double-header at 1735 – there were more fish during the day despite some windy periods. Aran you are amazing. Everyone is home and safe, eating well thanks to this amazing dad – and well, what a great year with new Mum, Elen. So happy for Glaslyn!

Elen eating a flounder Aran brought for her. She will be gone very soon. are travels, return to us!

Maya and Blue 33 were still on the nest on Tuesday 22 August. You can always tell Blue from that look in his eyes before you see the Blue Darvic band.

That is one brave Hoodie going after Ludo! Good thing Ludo is an osprey and not an eagle.

What is happening with Bird Flu? It was big news and then something else takes over and the impact of this deadly disease is put aside. What is going on and what is happening in Africa where our beloved European and UK birds will spend their winter. Mark Avery brings us some of the latest data to his blog on Monday, 21 August. “In 2023, up until 14 August, 45 species have tested positive. The last month has seen a bunch of colonial seabirds adding their names to this year’s casualties. Here’s the list (with additions in bold): Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Fulmar, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Teal, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake, Roseate Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Sandwich Tern, Little Tern, Razorbill, Guillemot, Puffin, Curlew, Ringed Plover, unspecified heron (!), Grey Heron, dove/pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Red Grouse, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Reed Warbler and Carrion Crow. Last year will be remembered as the first year when impacts on seabirds in the breeding season were noticed. This year the disease spread to many colonial gulls, in particular Black-headed Gulls, all over the UK.”

Mini has been eating well, resting her leg, and using the right foot more.

Early morning.

0815. Beautiful. I think this one will deserve a spot on the bulletin board. She is so lovely.

1605. Looking up and expecting a delivery?

She was slightly wonky on that leg with that 1609 fish.

1908

Mini flew into the nest with a huge drop around 1957! Gracious. It looks like our girl had a nice fish meal off-camera.

At Dunrovin, Harriet is still home and there was at least one chick at the nest today – possibly all, I did not watch or rewind. This nest of Swoop and Harriet has done well this season! So happy for them.

Boulder County: Throughout the day I only saw two fledglings at the nest at any one time. It is impossible to know if they are the same two each time.

At Orange, Xavier came in with a Starling for Diamond. What a guy. She doesn’t always want them! Eggs should be coming before the end of the month. But then later Xavier comes in with a Red-Rumped Parrot (thanks ‘A’) to the delight of Diamond who is looking a little eggy these days.

In California, Annie and Lou continue to come to the scrape in The Campanile. They also bond in the scrape but we won’t be seeing any eggs until spring of 2024. Stay safe you two!

It is sometimes painful to watch the early feedings at the Sydney Sea Eagles. Even after 31 was full and 32 had finally gotten itself up to Lady’s beak, Lady had to try and try to get this very intimidated little man to eat. ‘A’ provides a complete narrative for us: “The little one gets up to the table by about 06:45 but he cowers away from Lady’s beak when she tries to feed him. She keeps feeding SE31, even though SE32 is right up to the table – she tries periodically to coax SE32 to eat but he just won’t accept the food, no matter how patient mum is. He finally takes a bite at around 06:50:45, just before dad arrives at 06:50:50 with yet more food. Surely there wasn’t another nestling in that nest. It is a fourth! At 06:54 mum finally manages to get him to start eating, albeit very gingerly. He is so nervous that even though SE31 is full and nowhere near him, he is still not confident about taking a bite from Lady, who is only inches from him. He is facing her, watching the food, but still cringes each time she tries to feed him. It is SO frustrating to watch. But there are still at least two nestlings on that nest and SE31 is full, so surely SE32 will get a decent breakfast. Lady is doing everything she can but she cannot force-feed SE32! She is certainly being as patient as she can. By 06:56 he is eating with a bit more confidence but SE31 is moving back towards the table, considering a second helping. She stays back for now. SE32 continues to eat, very nervously. Lady is now feeding them alternate bites. SE32 grabs at each mouthful, turning away as he does so. He is SO scared, even though he has not been bonked at all during this feeding and SE31 is sitting back, not leaning over him or making any contact with him. He should be gaining confidence and eating faster but he is still cringing with each bite. Lady returns to feeding SE31, offering SE32 a single bite for every four or five she gives his big sister, whose crop is now huge. Around 07:05, she returns to feeding SE32 bite after bite. This is fresh juicy red meat and should be very nutritious for SE32, who is slowly developing a crop. And surely, out of four nestlings, there is enough food for both to eat plenty. Lady is also eating. Dad is the only one who seems to have missed out on breakfast, so I would suggest he is currently out fishing. Mum was certainly not letting him take any of the four chicks he brought in for his own chicks to eat! She made that very clear, physically and verbally, when he delivered the fourth. At 07:08 she is still feeding SE32 bite after bite, some of them extremely large. He is eating everything he is offered, no longer turning away from Lady but confidently staying at her beak at last. He has a good crop and has eaten a lot of food quite quickly (he is grabbing huge chunks and swallowing them all). At 07:10 she gives SE31 a few bites, then returns to feeding SE32, whose crop is still only half the size of his sister’s. At 07:20, she is still feeding SE32 the last remnants of the nestlings. He now has a very large crop, though nowhere near the size of his sister’s, which is so huge that she actually refused a mouthful a few seconds ago.”

Another prey delivery and ‘A’ notes: “Dad brought in a small whole fish just before 08:38 but by the time the little one got up to the table, the fish was all gone. He is still SO nervous, he cannot eat, even with a full crop and SE31 not being aggressive. He did take one small mouthful and was beaked in the head (just once) for doing so, which of course sent him straight into submission for the remainder of the feeding. This attitude is so worrying, but then occasionally, when he is hungry enough, he suddenly finds some courage and stands up for himself and his food.”

Port Lincoln: Mating but no eggs yet.

Taiaroa Head: ‘A’ reports: “In New Zealand, there was no weighing of Manaaki yesterday, but he has had six or seven parental feedings since last week’s 9.8 kg so is no doubt at a healthy weight! Mum arrived around 09:54 this morning to feed her little man yet again, leaving again at 10:01. It’s great to see you, mama. We missed you so much. We adore Manaaki. He is such a special little person, very laid back but also very confident, having spent his childhood living on a crowded street corner. He has been the most entertaining chick to watch, excavating and gardening as he engages in his endless nest-building, as well as exploring his surrounds and visiting his many neighbours. We will miss you, Manaaki. We have another fortnight or so with him, but that fluff is fast disappearing, and he will fledge in the not-too-distant future.”

He found the camera!

Karl II’s mate, Kaia, who had not been at the nest since 23 July but had been out foraging to regain her strength for her long travels, came to the nest to say goodbye on 15 August and began her migration on the 22nd. Thanks, ‘PB’ for the confirmation. Here is the information from Looduskalender.

Maria Marika reports that Timmy has also begun its migration. Soon they will all be on their way and we will be fingering our worry beads until we know that they are safe and sound in their winter homes.

Karl II continues to feed the three fledglings at the nest. All three were present on the night of 22 August. They, too, will begin their migration shortly.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Take care. Hope to see you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, posts, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to compose my blog this morning: ‘A, H, PB’, Megan McCubbin, Jane Dell, Fortis Exshaw, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, LRWT, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Mark Avery, PSEG, Dunrovin Ranch, Boulder County, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Cal Falcons, Sydney Sea Eagles, Lady Hawk and NZ DOC, Looduskalender, Maria Marika, LizM and the Eagle Club of Estonia.

Skydancing…the plight of the Hen Harrier and Mini is adapting…Friday in Bird World

18 August 2023

Good Morning,

It is Thursday afternoon and it is nearly 1400. A Cooper’s Hawk has just landed above my head on the Conservatory. A summer fledgling who has found the garden and its hundreds and hundreds of Sparrows, the snack of choice for this raptor. You have to look in their eyes – just once – directly and you will melt. It was a long time ago now that I ran into the garden through deep snow for fear that a very large female Shark-shinned Hawk was eating Hedwig, the resident rabbit. She wasn’t but, in an instant, our eyes met one another. There was a meeting of spirits. I understand fully the Circle of Life and for this beautiful raptor she needed food. I love raptors – some people don’t. They see them as big mean birds.

Today, there will be little news from nests but I want you to understand, by listening, what all the fuss is about the hunting estates, and the extinction of the Hen Harrier.

So please listen! You also get an explanation of the Inglorious 12th of August. I hope you understand why stomping on a nest of innocent Hen Harrier chicks makes me ill and causes my anxiety to rise. The wealthy pay 1000s of GBP per day to shoot grouse but they also stay in hotels, eat at restaurants, and spend money in the villages. The fines and punishments mean nothing because killing birds is big business with the Driven Grouse Moors seen to be a ‘part of traditional Britain’ – which they are. We live in the 21st century and our attitudes towards killing have changed since medieval times.

There are three episodes. Educate yourself and listen to all of them. Imagine the vast expanse of Scotland because this is where this happens.

Part One. Susie’s Chicks

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/audio/2023/aug/15/killing-the-skydancer-episode-one-susies-chicks?CMP=share_btn_link

Part Two. The Perfect Crime.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/audio/2023/aug/16/killing-the-skydancer-episode-2-the-perfect-podcast?CMP=share_btn_link

Part Three. An Open Secret

https://www.theguardian.com/science/audio/2023/aug/17/killing-the-skydancer-episode-three-an-open-secret-podcast?CMP=share_btn_link

There are so many good books out there on Hen Harriers. They are such beautiful raptors. These are two of my favourites:

At Patchogue, Mini had four fish on Thursday. She ate the majority of each of them proving that she is adapting to her situation. It has been over a week now that she appeared on the nest with her injury.

When there is not much of the fish left – or if they are small, to begin with – Mini has difficulties because she still cannot put weight on that left leg. She can’t hold down the fish and pull. Today, she was persistent in working on the tail of one of those deliveries. Tried to work on a tiny piece! Dad brought the fourth fish in, a small one, late in the day. Mini worked and worked, and she succeeded – this fish, not a bite of it, went overboard.

Gosh, she is beautiful.

Mini is desperately trying to get every morsel of that fish tail.

Mini worked and worked an she horked all of that fish tail!

All gone.

We have to watch Mini’s progress. She appears more steady on her legs, less wobbly – although at the end of the day – around 1952 when she flew off the perch she appeared to have trouble -, uses her wings to help her, and is enthusiastic in her fish calling. She is flying. Dad continues to feed his youngest. What we know about Mini’s personality is this – she survived against great odds – one of only a few (I have to find those stats) fourth hatches to live this season. She is intelligent, tenacious, and she does not give up. She works hard. If all of my university students had those qualities, teaching would have been a breeze!

Good Night, Mini.

There is good news about Ervie who is enjoying Turnby Bay!

Waiting and watching as Dad continues to deliver fish to Mum at Port Lincoln.

At Sydney Sea Eagles, little 32 (noticeably smaller now than 32) still waits submissively while 31 eats. The fish was very large, and 31 was full, and the baby ate. The pattern of domination was set early. We can still see some of the feathers missing from 32.

“A’ gives us the rundown: “Dad came to the nest shortly after 9.35 and asked Lady whether it was okay for him to have some of the leftover fish. Surprisingly, she actually agreed! She stood up from brooding the chicks and flew off, leaving him to have a snack and then feed the remainder of the fish to SE31 (well, SE32 got about half a dozen or perhaps eight mouthfuls at the beginning of the feed, but as soon as SE31 beaked him, pulled out another beakful of feathers (she can’t shake SE32 any more – he’s too big now – but still grabs a beakful of feathers somewhere on SE32’s head or neck and twists back and forth till he pulls out the feathers, leaving herself spitting out fluff), he went into submission. Late in the feed, Dad tried to offer him a bite but SE32 shrank away, which confused Dad, who didn’t try again. SE32 still has a huge crop from breakfast, so if he doesn’t eat again for the rest of the day, he will be fine… As long as SE31 has had enough, she is perfectly happy to watch her little brother stuffing himself to the brim. On other occasions, though, she continues to return to the table, and as long as she is that close, SE32 is fearful, with good reason, as SE31 will often react to any food given to SE32 by beaking him.”

Friday morning Xavier had stashed a fresh European Starling in the corner of the scrape. We know that this is not Diamond’s favourite breakfast but…she was hungry. Went over and accepted the food gift and out she went. Still waiting for eggs.

Three healthy and happy fledglings at Boulder County hoping that they will be the lucky one to get the fish delivery.

At the time of my writing, Maya was still at Rutland.

Only four so far reported crossing over the Straits of Gibraltar.

This is Thursday’s chart from Hawk Mountain in PA, USA.

Migration is on everyone’s mind and Tiger Mozone posted an older chart showing the relationship between fledge dates and migration from Loch Garten.

A note came to me today stating that the Middle hatch at Achieva is doing very well and is flying around. He needs to gain some weight before release. This is all good. You might recall that he was falling off the nest – dehydration/starvation – and was monitored and picked up for rehab.

Voldis and Milda continue to provide prey items for their two fledglings at the Durbe County White-tail Eagle nest in Latvia. LizM catches one of those deliveries on video.

LizM catches Karl II coming in with a load of fish for his three fledglings in the Karula National Forest nest in Estonia.

Ludo has not had anything to eat as of 0900 Thursday morning due to intruders at Loch Arkaig. Has Dorcha left for migration? Geemeff reminds us that she departed on the 18th last year. Louis is probably fighting intruders. Certainly Ludo is having to deal with them. Poor thing. What is up with these intruders this year?

‘H’ reports that it was a good day at Fortis Exshaw: “All things considered, it was a good day. I think the cam viewers are in agreement that any day where Banff has a couple of fish to eat and she is not snatched from the nest by an intruder, it is a good day! Louise delivered one of her signature ‘whale’ fish at 0619. Banff would eat from that monster fish on and off until 1551. At 0626 Louise flew off the nest with one of the nearly-whole leftover fish that she had delivered in the evening on 8/16. At 0630 and 0631 Banff was buzzed by an intruder. Louise quickly flew to the nest holding what appeared to be the same fish she had just removed. Then, when Louise flew off to chase the intruder, she left that fish in the nest. Banff picked up the 0632 fish and deftly laid it right beside her ‘whale’ fish. That was so cute. So, the 0632 fish brought to the nest seemed to have been a recycled leftover fish from 8/16. Louise brought a big gob of fluff to the nest at 0720. We thought that she may have intended to cover JJ’s body with it, but she did not. Louise flew out at 0742 chasing an intruder. At 0907 O’Hara landed on the nest and was scanning the skies, then he flew off quickly in pursuit of something a few minutes later. At 1442 O’Hara was back again and stood on the nest as a sentry until 1502. Starting at 1618, Banff had been intermittently nibbling on the recycled leftover fish, when an intruder started buzzing and dive bombing her. She was buzzed at least seven times until 1621. At 162130 there was an adult that flew higher over the nest, but we weren’t sure if it was the intruder, Louise or O’Hara. Banff’s response to the attack was to ‘pancake’ as flat as she could until the threat subsided. Then, cool, calm and collected, Banff finished eating the recycled leftover fish. She was also dive bombed twice at 1649. At 1819 Louise delivered the last fish of the day. Banff was buzzed twice by an intruder at 2004, and she pancaked again. Then an intruder (or ‘friendly’?) hovered over the nest briefly at 2005. After all her flying and being chased by intruders the previous few days, and the stress of twice being snatched off the nest, Banff decided to rest and refuel today. She took no flights, she was a total homebody.”

‘H’ also reports:

Osoyoos – There were five fish brought to the nest at 0604, 1039, 1243, 1357, and 1742. Despite the ongoing heat wave, this family is doing great. The young osplet is 53 days old.

Forsythe – Dear Ollie is spending much more time away from the nest, but she did have three fish delivered to the nest for her by Oscar.

Severna Park – At least one of the juvies is still coming to the nest and eating fish provided by Oscar.

Thank you for being with me today. Please take care. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow with a look at what is happening on the European nests.

Thank you to everyone for their notes, videos, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, Geemeff, H, PB, R’, The Guardian, PSEG, Port Lincoln Osprey, Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Bart M and LRWT, Jane D and Ospreys, Hawk Mountain, Boulder County Fair Grounds Osprey Cam, Tiger Mozone, Liz M and the LDF, LizM and the Eagle Club of Estonia, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, FortisExshaw, Osoyoos, Severna Park, and Forsythe Ospreys.

5 fish and counting for Mini…Wednesday in Bird World

16 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope that the start of the week has turned brighter for everyone with the return of Banff to the Fortis Exshaw nest and Mum, Louise. Certainly, Mini is doing better, and Dad is fishing overtime for his girl – so for once, this newsletter sparks a cheery note rather than one full of profound anxiety or sadness.

As for me…well, Tuesday was a bit of a nightmare but, in the end, it turned out grand. You get worried when a stray cat comes like clockwork to be fed and does not show up. After waiting and missing what would have been 3 feedings, I hit the street. I asked anyone who passed me if they had seen her – after discovering that if you carry a blanket and a smelly dish of sardines, people believe you are looking for a lost cat and are not some crazed stalker. Well, it happens that the place thought to be where she was hiding is home to a raccoon. He has been living there for a couple of years.

It seems that Calico is the Queen of MisDirection! At least when she knew I was tracking her. I worry that she is locked in a shed or garage. So I have taken to social media, and tomorrow a new set of flyers will go in mailboxes based on what I learned – which is that she hangs out in an area that I had not known about. If I only had thought of the Air Tag earlier…oh, well. My grandmother always said that things work out how they should. Sometimes I want to ask: Really?

My grandmother welcomed all of my pets even allowing my duck to have almost full reign of her home. She also encouraged me to fall in love with her ‘hens’. They were the girls -beautiful Rhode Island Reds and White Leghorns. At the far end of her garden, past the vegetable patch, was the hen house. The smell of the fresh straw put in the boxes after collecting the eggs still reminds me of her. The cats stayed at my parent’s home, but anything with feathers was welcome at hers. What would she advise me about Calico?

Calico looks much healthier after being dewormed and getting rid of fleas or ticks. Her fur is getting shiny, and she is putting on some weight.

UPDATE: Calico appeared cowering in the lilac bushes as I chased a brute of a male out of the garden. She is in season again..she ate four tins of Cat food and drank 1/3 cup of kitten milk before running the opposite way. I will get an Air Tag and collar locally early tomorrow morning, find the kittens, and help her end her life on the streets – and the future of her kittens. And it is pitching down raining here so hopefully Calico is tucked in with her kitty.

There is a new fire burning in Yellowknife, NWT. And there is smoke in our City…it is not haze, not fog, but smoke. Smells like burning tyres. The birds have been frantic today at the feeders and bird baths. They eat any seeds they can find. Do they think the fire is close? The Blue Jays have been here all day, along with Dyson and Gang and Mr and Mrs Little Red. So everyone is accounted for, but Calico – even the four Crows arrived along with the Chickadees and the woodpeckers.

Could we have some little Little Reds? If you do not know, Little Red lived in the old cedar shake shed until he was evicted for the conservatory to be built. I still feel guilty. He rejected several houses – one a rather nice one with a beautiful tin roof – but this summer, he has returned to the garden and is living in the wood box in a house built for him, insulated with all the squirrel mod coms. Now it seems he finally has a mate! She has been very busy with the peanuts today. I wonder if she is decorating?

Mini did well on Tuesday. Dad brought in five fish and there could be more delivered later in the afternoon or evening. Yes, Mini lost 2 over the edge but, by the 5th one she had it figured out – do not eat at the rim! Keep the fish off the edge. It was a huge fish and Mini ate 7/8ths of it. She is also adapting to using her right leg to hold the fish down instead of her left and personally, I thought she was doing better with her left leg. No, she is not perfect. Yes, it could be a fracture that will heal wonky. Could she survive? Well, her chances might be as good as any others. Who would have thought an osprey would lift Banff off the nest? Life is precarious for all of our feathered friends. They don’t live and think about retirement. It is living right now, at this moment. So for this moment, Mini is doing well – better than expected. We should smile.

By 1724, Mini was full. She had eaten at least 3/4 of that big fish that Dad brought. You did well, Mini!

Mini returned and had a good landing from the perch to the nest. Gosh, she is really adapting. She immediately headed over to the piece of fish she had left on the nest. Thankfully no crows were about and she is enjoying a nice topper upper.

She horked the fish tail down at 18:14. Good work Mini. You ate that entire – huge – fish that Dad brought! Soon we can put the Mini worry beads back in their box if you keep this up. Wouldn’t that be nice

Mini got a small fish from Dad early Wednesday morning. You can have a good look at her leg! Thanks for the heads up ‘PB’ and for those two close-ups of her foot.

The three fledglings were at the Finnish nest #1 – they had crops and one had a fish. So beautiful and nice to see that they are doing very well.

At Muonio, Y1J plans for his first flight on the 9th of August. Sibling Y4J flew on 13 August and Y9J took to the skies on the 12th. Osp caught that first flight for us with some interesting commentary.

There has been lots of fish delivered to the Janakkalan nest.

There are lots of fish coming to the nest for the fledglings at Ilomantsin, too. So the Finnish nests look like they are doing alright.

I was looking for information on Finnish migratory patterns for ospreys and found an article on birds from Norway that might interest you. It is the migratory season!

Migration Download

Looks like all is well for our third hatch at Steelscape! This is good news. The last few days have been excellent for this little one.

Karl II continues to find food for his three fledgling Black Storklets. What a heart warming scene this is – and such a wonderful Papa to these babies.

Wish it were the same for the chick at Sandpoint. Crying for food, Mum eating and not feeding any fish. The name of this nest is appropriate. So if Mum is the role model, will this chick treat its osplets the same? Talk about sad.

Thankfully the Mum at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum figured it out before she lost her third chick. This survivor is doing great.

At the nest in Orange, Alabama, Wolf Bay, the fledglings are fighting over fish – it often ends badly with the fish being lost to both! There is no love lost between these two and that fish went flying to the bottom of the nest. The cleaners will be happy.

A huge storm went through Maryland and positively soaked the fledgling on the nest at Maryland Old Home Town.

Everything is good at Boulder County. Mum is home with the three fledglings and one of them has a fish while the other two will ‘wish’ that Dad returns for them.

The last of the chicks have fledged at Kielder Forest.

New-post-Final-lift-off-in-Kielder-Forest Download

Ludo continues to enjoy Louis’s remarkable fishing!

Blue 33 continues to supply remarkable fish to the kids at Rutland.

‘H’ has good news from Fortis Exshaw: “Fortis Exshaw – After the intruder dragged Banff off the nest on 8/14, and she wasn’t seen for 17 hours, we were so relieved when she flew to the nest at 0629 on 8/15. Louise was on the nest at the time waiting for her, and she soon brought Banff a nice fish. Banff appeared to be completely unharmed physically, but she had most likely been psychologically traumatized (so were we). But, by golly that intruder came back at 0905 and began dive-bombing Banff again! After 30 seconds of that, Banff knew that she had to get off that nest, and she flew off. Because of her previous experience, Banff had learned that she was literally a sitting duck up there, and she risked being hurt or dragged off the nest again. Throughout the attacks of 8/14, Banff’s instinct had been to defend the nest, and she had stoically fought the intruder. Banff is smart, and a quick learner. She now knows that her own survival is her number one priority. At 1327, Louise brought a fish to the nest for Banff, and she waited for nearly 1/2 hour for Banff to show up before a very hungry Louise ate the fish herself. After fleeing the intruder in the morning, Banff was not seen for five hours. She finally flew to the nest at 1403, and Louise was still on the nest. Upon Banff’s arrival Louise flew off, presumably to catch another fish to feed her hungry juvie. But, another fish never came for Banff. Fishing conditions may have been difficult in the area. The temperature reached 32C/90F, and it was extremely windy. A hungry Banff spent the night on her nest, dreaming of a huge fish for breakfast.”

‘H’s other reports:

Osoyoos – “The last time I checked, the temperature at Osoyoos had reached 37C/99F at 1505, and it may have gotten even hotter. There was only one fish delivered to the nest by Olsen at 0759. That fish was a really good sized headless fish, though. It is thought that Soo had tried to fish as well. Their 50-day-old osplet spent most of the day seeking shade from Mom as protection from the hot sun. Some relief from the high temperatures is expected by the weekend.”

Dahlgren – “Harriet has not been seen for 12 days. The older sibling, D11, has not been seen for 5 days. And, Jack has not been seen on camera for 4 days. D12 was only seen in the morning on 8/15. We know that D12 can catch her own fish, and Jack may be supplementing what D12 is able to catch. Dahlgren has been a wonderful nest this year, but our time with our friends is winding down.”

Kent Island – “Molly enjoys exploring her neighborhood, and she loves to perch on the back of the Adirondack chair on her neighbor’s dock.. Molly has spent the last two nights away from the nest.”

Severna Park – “Since I can no longer tell the fledglings apart, I was relying on seeing them together at the nest to know that they were both still around. But on 8/15, I could not find a time where the two of them were together in the nest.”

Barnegat Light – ‘The fledgling, Dorsett, is amazing, and fun to watch. Kudos to the camera operators who do such a great job tracking her. Daisy is still around, and the family is doing well.”

Thanks so much ‘H’. We will collectively hope that the heat dome over Osoyoos dissipates quickly or that Olsen is able to catch some fish regardless.

To the surprise of everyone, Kaia stopped by the nest but did not feed her three storklets. Many think she came to say goodbye before leaving for Chad where she will overwinter. I am so happy that she is alive. Like elsewhere, the changing weather has caused so many disruptions and near deaths and in the case of Karl II and Kaia, Karl took the hard decision to do a brood reduction early on. Thankfully with the help of the fish baskets and then some rain he was able to fledge these three beauties.

This is the location of this Black Stork Nest in Estonia:

Karl just brought breakfast for the storklets. If you have never seen how storklets behave during a feeding, please take a look.

Look who’s home?! It’s Pepe and Muhlady at Superbeaks. Talk about a beautiful sunrise. So happy to see the two of you!

Tonya Irwin thinks she also spotted Louis home at E-1 in the Kisatchie National Forest.

Tonya has confirmed that Louis is definitely back and we wait for the arrival of Anna!

I am anxious for Gabby to return and it looks like there will be a new cam in operation at the NEFlorida Bald Eagle Nest near Jacksonville.

Everyone is watching Mum at Port Lincoln and thinking eggs.

Sunnie Day posted some great news from Freshkills Park in NY. Every nest fledged young osprey this year! Marvellous.

Freshkills-Park-wildlife-resurgence-Every-osprey-nest-fledges-young-silive.com_Download

Thanks so much for being with me today. It is so good to have you here with all of us. Take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘H, PB’, PSEG, FOF, Osp and FOF, Ornis Fennica, Pam Breci and The Joy of Ospreys, Eagle Club of Estonia, Sandpoint, MN Landscape Arboretum, Wolf Bay, Maryland Western Shore for Old Home Town, Boulder County, Joanna Dailey and Kielder Forest, The Woodland Trust, LRWT, Gotyid Exshaw, Osoyoos, Dahlgren, Kent Island, Severna Park, Conserve Wildlife F of NJ, Looduskalender Forum, LizM and the Eagle Club of Estonia, Superbeaks, Tonya Irwin and KNF, Gracie Shepherd and Raptors of the World, Sunnie Day, and PLO.

Monster Fish, Mini and more…Friday in Bird World

11 August 2023

We are supposed to have rain over the next week. Everyone knows this and was in a bit of a panic to get outside and be in the nature centre today before it rains for 6 or 7 days. Of course, it never rains all day long. It is like Asia when it looks like the forecast is 100% for all day, but the rains begin, on time, at 1600 and are downpours and then stop. That said, it has been raining for the past four hours…Little Red, the Blue Jays, and all the sparrows continue to eat regardless. I am putting a bit of food out every hour so that it does not get wet for them. They also have seed cylinders, the solid ones inside the lilac bushes.

Calico has a covered area where she can eat (along with a few of her friends if they stop by). She comes on the dot just about every 3 hours. Her fur looks better since the worm and flea/tick treatment. I was reminded by ‘RP’ today that often kittens will follow their mother to find food. Maybe a kitten or two or three will show up! I live in hope because Calico surely has them hidden well.

The new wetlands area begins at the lake. The water is pumped to another pond where it flows downwards, filling all of the pool areas in the park. (All photos taken with iPhone).

I went to count goslings. There were only 14 visible but mostly there were mature Mallards, a few American Goldfinches, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Black-capped Chickadees. The animals and birds were quiet. Humans were loud. It was nice to have the nature centre garden market open – lots of freshly picked veggies, the profits going to a good cause.

The day continues to be consumed with Mini and her left leg. There are visible two puncture wounds above the ankle and before the knee of the left leg. Did Mini injure her leg stretching it and having someone’s talons caught in hers? A fish fight? We don’t know.

Indeed, any observer knows very little. We can deduce that she is keeping her balance with her wings. She appears to be in some pain. She is still flying and she is hungry. She is not – and I want to repeat this – she is not lethargic. She is not grounded. My friend ‘R’ and I know that if it is a sprain it will heal. If it is a break, it will heal – maybe not the precise way that it would if set in a cast but there is no guarantee that a wildlife rehabber would —- OK and this is harsh — put Mini’s leg in a cast and keep her in residence til late next spring when she could be released. She would not be ready for this year’s migration. This is something that has to be considered. I know that it is hard to watch her but she is alive, eating, flying, screaming for fish.

My reaction to Mini comes out of remembering many others, like Mini, that did not get a second chance. The first one that comes to mind is WBSE 26. We need to take a deep breath, send positive wishes, and not panic but observe.

1530: Fighting with one of those hard to eat fish unless the head has been taken off…it is good practice for our girl to try and open up these fish, though. No matter how frustrating it is to watch. She will have to do it soon enough in the real world without parents.

The two puncture marks above the left ankle before the knee. Two spaced black dots the distance of talons. We do not want these to get infected. (Mini could we ask that you go and stand in some salt water and soak that leg? Salt water aids healing).

You can see the punctures better here.

Mini has been on and off the nest. She has been fish-calling. Flying down from the perch. It was not a bad landing.

Our beautiful survivor.

Gone.

Bobby Horvath has a practice on Long Island. He rescued Pale Male (the 31-year-old celebrity Red-tail Hawk with its nest on one of the most expensive properties in Central Park) and held him as Pale Male was dying. Horvath is willing to come out to help Mini if she is lethargic. Here is the note that he sent ‘L’ and the phone number. Write it down! Bobby might be our best hope that she would get good care instead of being euthanised. But he is busy – like everyone, and please note that he is stressing weak or lethargic – low or on the ground – not on the nest. Please don’t call him otherwise. All the rehabbers are busy. There are strict laws – and we don’t want anyone to get tired of hearing about Mini. We want them to respond when it is necessary. At least one local individual is making trips to check around the nesting area if Mini were to get grounded.

One diagnosis from a trained reader ‘MP’ suggests that this could be a lunated patella (a dislocation). I found an academic paper on this orthopaedic problem.

Avian-luxations-occurrence-diagnosis-and-treatment Download

Steelscape: The third hatch has a huge crop today. And wait…more news. The third hatch had 3 fish today…and one of the older siblings had a huge crop. All is fine. We can relax. Thanks so much for the images and the report ‘PB’.

Fortis: ‘PB gave me the head’s up early that we would be getting a very good report from ‘H’. There were two whoppers brought on to the nest!

‘H’ writes: “It turned out to be a very good day. The youngest osplet, JJ, had not had very much to eat for the previous three days. The viewers were all extremely worried for him. The day started out with Louise delivering a headless fish, which JJ initially acquired. JJ had the fish for a couple of minutes and managed to pull off a few bites before big sis, Banff, took it away. Banff ate that entire fish, but JJ managed to grab the tail. For JJ’s sake, we knew there had to be another fish delivered soon while Banff was still full, but the next fish did not arrive for four hours. At 1215, Louise delivered the largest fish to date this season. It was massive. Louise initially wanted to hold on to the fish to feed, but Banff took it. It was a tough fish and Banff had not made much headway, when JJ managed to drag the huge fish from Banff at 1242. They traded possession of the fish a couple more times before Louise returned to the nest at 1355. She confiscated the fish and fed JJ! That’s what we were all hoping she would do. JJ was fed for 10 minutes before he got the boot from Banff, and then Louise fed Banff. By 1422 Louise was clearly distracted by something and she stopped feeding. She was on alert. At least 1/2 of that huge fish was left, and JJ tried to pull off a few more bites. Louise flew off the nest at 1456 taking the rest of the fish with her! She returned at 1535, with the same fish. There was still about 1/2 of the fish remaining, it did not appear as though Louise had eaten any of it. Banff claimed the fish at that point and ate until 1608. JJ then fed for an hour before Banff reclaimed the fish at 1707. When Banff quit eating again, JJ ate from 1730 to 1808. Then Banff ate some more, and finally downed the tail of that massive fish at 1821. That had been a 6-hour fish! So, there were only two fish delivered to the nest, but the monster fish had provided at least six or seven meals each for JJ and Banff. JJ had his largest crop in days. The siblings are 54 days old. Banff has managed to increase her lift off the nest during her wingers, but has not hovered as yet. JJ has only achieved a few inches of lift off the nest while wingercising. During the night of 8/11, the siblings both slept upright and tucked for the very first time.”

Those are two North American nests I have been concerned about in addition to Mini. The other nest is PSPB Loch Garten and the attacks on the two male juveniles by a male fledgling from that same nest in 2020. Remember the males return to their natal nest area and things are getting crowded in parts of Scotland.

There remain intruders including an unringed female at Loch Garten. The injured chick 2C4’s wing has stopped bleeding. Hopeful he will be fine.

Sadly, the 2020 fledgling KL5 is back again this morning at the nest.

Thankfully all is well at the nest of Louis and Dorcha at Loch Arkaig – and Ludo is as noisy as ever.

Suzanne Arnold Horning found all of the hawks on the Cornell Campus Thursday. So grateful for her diligence and kindness in sharing her images of Big Red and Arthur’s family.

‘A’ reports on the Australian and NZ nests:

Sydney Sea Eaglets: “This morning’s breakfast had to wait for Dad to bring in a fish. Eventually, just before 09:20, he came in with a whole fresh small-medium fish, which Lady fed to the chicks and ate herself. After the breakfish was consumed, Lady headed off. Dad brought in part of a fish (slightly less than half – he had eaten the head and then kept going for a bit longer). He stood there for some time, waiting for Lady to arrive and feed the eaglets, but she never came and the chicks were obviously begging him for food, sitting up at the table and trying to move closer to him and the fish. Eventually, he decided to feed them, and both got quite a few bites before Dad downed the tail, fed the kids a few more bites, then took the remaining morsel to the perch branch to eat himself. So now the nest is again devoid of food and we do need a good feeding day today. I was happy to see that both chicks waking up hungry and waiting for a later-than-usual breakfast did not precipitate bonking behaviour. Both were peaceful while they waited for food to arrive and once it did, there was negligible bonking. SE32 has taken to pushing itself forward, in front of SE31, to ensure it gets fed, and SE31 is allowing it to eat without interference most of the time. SE32 is still wary, and ducks for cover if SE31 does beak it, but the shaking by the back of the neck has largely ceased.”

Royal Cam Albatross: “We are hoping that Manaaki gets his supplementary feeding today – he looks literally flattened as he lies in his nest and seems to be low on energy (or just conserving it). He had built up significant reserves, according to the rangers, and is not on the high priority list but is still scheduled to be fed by today. As every day passes, I worry more and more about his parents.”

I just noted before I closed the blog this morning that the supplementary feeding was given to the Royal Cam chick. This is a great relief to everyone who sat and worried about this little bundle of joy.

Collins Street: “Cameras won’t be back up at Collins Street until the first egg is laid (last year, that was 25 August, so some time in the next two weeks is likely).”

Port Lincoln: “At Port Lincoln, they are on egg watch. To be honest, every time I watch and see mum sitting on the nest, I wonder whether she is laying that first egg. She is in that position now and I am wondering if this is the big moment. Surely, there will be at least one egg on that barge before the weekend is over.”

Orange Falcons: “Orange is as it always is – Diamond with a full crop, Xavier dancing about looking handsome. It’s just after 1pm in eastern Australia. A lovely day in Sydney, Orange and Melbourne, though they are expecting rain in Port Lincoln.”

Wondering about Dmitri and his stork? Excellent post on Thursday from Karla Pilz!

At the nest of Karl II, the three fledglings slept on the nest and then were there for the morning and flew off.

‘H’s other reports!

Kent Island – This Chesapeake osprey family is doing very well, and dear Mollie seems to be very close to fledging. She hovered high out of sight for several seconds, and for a while we didn’t know if she had fledged. Audrey and Tom’s youngster is 60 days old.

Barnegat Light – Life is grand for the fledgling, Dorsett. And, she has shown a definite preference for eating her meals on the utility pole. Dorsett is 72 days old, and fledged 12 days ago.

The Osoyoos osprey cam was offline for the second straight day. We miss the ‘O’s and we are anxious to see how they are doing. The young nestling is 46 days old.

Thanks ‘H’.

Skipping to a couple of other nests before I close for the morning.

Boulder County: All three fledglings were perched for the night and off the nest in the morning. They are being fed off cam it appears and all is well for this family as it prepares to migrate.

At the Dyfi Osprey Centre, they are remembering Monty. Monty was the male at Dyfi from 2011-19. He had three mates – Nora, Glesni, and Telyn. Of their children, 8 have returned as two year olds. A remarkable number and his DNA continues throughout the area….his perch is inside the new Centre.

The Dyfi website adds: “Monty was the breeding male at the Dyfi from 2011 to 2019 and he is arguably the most famous, and loved, osprey in the world!
Monty was unringed so we never knew exactly how old he was or where he came from. We know that he has been around on the Dyfi since at least 2008 and probably 2007, so his year of birth has to be 2005 or earlier…Monty was a fantastic fisherman whose fishing habits have been closely studied. Two separate scientific studies conducted in 2013 and 2015 have concluded that there is no correlation between the fish species that Monty catches and environmental factors such as tidal phase, temperature, time of day etc. It seemed he was able to catch a fish whenever he (or his family) was hungry and did not need to link his fishing trips to any other factor. Monty’s typical catch was grey mullet but he has been known to bring home some more unusual fish including a long eel-like garfish, a poisonous greater weaver fish and the occasional twait shad!”

The other nest I want to mention is Iris. She is still with us in Missoula and she has not been visited by Louis as much this year (it seems) as in years past. Pe chaps it is the weather and the challenge of feeding the trio and Starr. Iris has had a persistent visitor, a ringed male and here is some information posted on him this morning. Iris is, by the way, not chasing him off.

Thank you for being with me today…please send good wishes to Mini. Take care. See you soon!

I am so grateful to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: “A, H, L, MP, PB, RM, RP’, PSEG, Steelscape, Veterinary Quarterly, Fortis Exshaw, RSPB Loch Garten, Sue Wallbanks and Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Suzanne Arnold Horning, SK Hideaways and Sydney Sea Eagles, NZ DOC, Lady Hawk and NZ DOC, PLO, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Karla Pilz and Stork 40, Eagle Club of Estonia, Kent Island, Conserve Wildlife of NJ, Dyfi Osprey Project, and Mary Anne Miller and Montana Ospreys at Hellgate.

Mini’s leg, fosters in Norway…Wednesday in Bird World

9 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

It has been a long day of staring at the computer screen, hoping to see Mini, hoping that her swollen leg was better, wondering if she has a fracture or just is sore from a scuffle.

I had a lot of comfort in the three furry balls – Missey and Lewis (inside) and they’re soon to be sister, Calico (outside). Today Calico allowed me to pick her up, cuddle her and rock her back and forth like you might do a baby. At some point she had a family. Something happened. We are hoping that she will want to be a part of our family. I have been unable to locate any kittens. Tomorrow I am going back out with smelly tins of sardines trying to see if I can coax them out – if they are alive and if I can find their hiding spot -. They deserve a home, too. I now know that Calico will wean them and expect them to be hunting on their own. That is so hard to imagine. They will be approximately 40 days old today.

I am not expecting any issues with Lewis and Calico but it could well be a different story with Missey, the Alpha Cat, and the new family member. Hopefully, they will all feel safe, and secure, and have no rivalry like we see on Osprey nests!

Without X-Ray vision, we will not know what is wrong with Mini. I know that each of you is probably having sympathy pains right now. We do know that Mini flew onto the nest late Monday afternoon, and she was visibly having issues with her left leg. She slept duckling style, taking the pressure off that leg and allowing it to rest and heal. She would have been in some pain. She had difficulty holding her fish tight and could not finish it. MP observed that one of the adults came down from the perch concerned. Later a Crow ate the fish that Mini left – and yes, Mini leaving a morsel of fish tells us much. Worrying, of course, does not help. For Mini to get help, she would need to be grounded, just like Middle at Achieva.

Animal Help Now lists three wildlife rehabbers that deal with raptors in the area of Patchogue. This is the information for each of them. Please put it somewhere so if you see Mini fall off the nest, please start calling. STAR would be my first point of contact. If you were also to see Mini struggling on the nest, it might be worth a call. Because Mini is not always on the nest and we are not always able to stay on the screen, it is vital that everyone watches and is alert to an immediate need and has these numbers handy.

Mini is a fighter. She has overcome such adversity to fledge and be the strong osplet she is this is nothing short of heartbreaking. But, let us please send our most positive wishes and hope that what we are seeing is nothing serious.

Mini from 0851-905.

At 1000, the part of the leg above the knee was swollen. Mini was eating but there was some difficulty in holding the fish down tight.

At 1606, that leg looked better to me but it could have been the camera angle.

Keep sending your most positive wishes to our gal. She can do this.

There are a lot of fundraisers and some are extremely worthwhile and others not so much. I want to mention to you the Loch Arkaig annual calendar fundraiser. If you live outside the UK, Mary Cheadle can figure the postage for you. Except the costs of printing, the funds go to The Woodland Trust so that you can see Louis and Dorcha and that the area can be cared for. So think about it! I thought calendars were out of date because of our phones, but mine from last year, with its images of the nest and the chicks, is right here in front of me – being used and reminding me of important dates. You can connect with Mary Cheadle on the Loch Arkaig FB group or through FB Messenger. Please order quickly – read below for the details. Mary raises a lot of funds for the Lock Arkaig nest through her fundraising efforts – it is volunteers like her and at the wildlife clinics that make a difference in the lives of the birds we love so much.

I am just going to scramble through a few of the nests today. My mind really was on Mini and not much else! — OK. The female at Sand Point had me raise my voice once or twice. She has to be starving…well, I hope that explains her behaviour.

Fostering in Norway. The Mum returned to the nest and fed the foster and snuggled with all the chicks. Let us hope this goes well.

Wondering about Newmann, the Great Spirit Bluff male that lost his mate to a GHO attack and raised to fledge his youngsters. He is back near the scrape.

Boulder County: Everyone is eating. Three fledglings in and off the nest. Smile. All is good.

MN Landscape Arboretum: All is fine.

Steelscape: All three fledglings on the nest. Hard to tell how each is doing without witnessing all of them eating.

Sandpoint: Well, the Mum is either ‘starving’ herself, like the chick (probably) or has no maternal instincts. The chick finally got some fish by self-feeding…my heart sank listening to its fish calling.

When was the last time you saw a fully feathered chick in submission because of its Mum?

Cowlitz PUD: Fledgling on nest self-feeding.

Now to move over and check on the nests ‘H’ is checking on!

Fortis Exshaw: “There were two fish brought to the nest, thought to have been delivered by Louise (the video screen is pixelated again!). The younger sibling, JJ, was able to claim both of the fish and mantled strongly, despite his older sister being stronger, larger, and bossy!. It was nice to see JJ’s increased level of confidence. But, big sister, Banff, was not about to make it easy for JJ. She harassed JJ the entire time he was trying to eat his fish. JJ managed to maintain possession of the first fish for 7 minutes before Banff stole it. The fish had been headless upon delivery so it was easier for JJ to tear off bites while continuously having to defend his food. The second fish was whole, so JJ had to unzip his prize while repeatedly being pestered by Banff. Banff was able to grab the second fish from JJ after 12 minutes. In both cases JJ only managed a small crop, and Banff clearly ate most of the fish. But, being about 1/3 larger than JJ, Banff would understandably need to eat more than JJ. There is nothing apparent to the viewers to provide a clue as to why more fish are not being brought to the nest, but we would all like to see JJ with a huge crop today!”

Osoyoos – Olsen brought seven fish to the nest. The one at 1746 was a small headless fish that 43-day-old ‘Junior’ grabbed and self-fed, while learning to hold the fish with his talons. Shortly after Junior ate that fish, Olsen delivered a small whole fish and Junior grabbed that one as well. This time, Junior was much better at holding the fish while tearing off chunks. Nice job, Junior! Note: Thank you to HS for recovering chick 2’s body from the ground and giving him a proper burial. Very much appreciated.

Forsythe – Oscar brought Ollie two fish on 8/8. Ollie spent almost the entire day at the nest, taking just a few brief flying excursions. Ollie cuts such a lonely figure on the nest, and some viewers feel sorry for her. But, she will most likely spend the next few years of her life leading a solitary existence. Older sibling Owen has not been seen for five days.

Dahlgren – Jack delivered a whale fish to D12 for dinner. D11 did not fly in to make a bid, so D12 had it all to herself. She spent the entire evening eating that fish, and then fell asleep standing on a huge leftover portion, and dreaming of breakfast.

Barnegat Light – It seems that every day there is a new ‘first’ for the fledgling, Dorsett. On 8/8, Dorsett discovered the utility poles.

Kent Island – We were all very relieved when the livestream returned in the morning after the dangerous storm the previous evening. Audrey, Tom, and Mollie had all weathered the storm. And, 57-day-old Mollie self-fed nearly an entire menhaden in the morning.

Thanks so much, ‘H’. Excellent news. Everyone is safe, they are all eating! And to that very kind person who took care of the little osplet’s body – thank you from all of us for your compassion.

At The Campanile, Lou and Annie are bonding!

Kissey-kiss.

The nest of Karl II in the Karula National Forest and Kaia is now empty. All three storklets fledged.

7192 was the last to leave the nest at 06:42.

Karl II is a fantastic father. Here he is with the last feeding of his storklets before they leave the nest. Wishing all of them full crops and safe flights.

Storks have already started their migration in Europe. Many have sadly gotten caught in ferocious storms and died. It has been a tragic year for many species. Sassa Bird posted some images of the Swedish storks killed by the storms.

In North America, Sunnie day reminds us about BirdCast. Check out your region.

At Rutland, everyone is fattening up and preparing for their journeys.

Ludo is quite the character. Louis is such a patient Dad.

At the Sydney Sea Eagles, life is excellent. ‘A’ writes, “

Little SE32 really has turned the dynamic of this nest around over the past few days. The youngster (I suspect a younger brother) has gained tremendously in confidence and this has caused SE31 to largely cease its attempts at intimidation. Occasionally, there is an interaction, but it is as often caused by SE32 as by SE31! The younger sibling is quite prepared to look its older sibling in the eye, drawing itself up as tall as it possibly can and sometimes beaking SE31. Not a great idea, but not at all vicious – more posturing – and certainly an indication that SE32 has decided to stand up for itself. It eats and eats, without any fear of SE31 beside it or behind it. If it is offered a bite of fish, it eats it, regardless of SE31’s position or attitude. It is glorious to watch this little one realising that its sibling was never really trying to hurt it and that all it has to do is stand its ground. So the nest has become a happy place, with both eaglets eating and eating and then eating a little more. So far, both parents are doing some feedings, though Lady is doing the majority. Lady is also doing some fishing sometimes, though Dad is bringing in most of the prey. Yesterday’s fish was MASSIVE. A very long brown fish that fed everyone for the afternoon and much of today. Of course, things could turn on a dime and everything could head rapidly downhill, as we know, but at this stage, both these parents are doing a wonderful job and their eaglets are healthy and active and both eating extremely well. Their major problem is hauling their massive crops around. SE31 eats so much, it falls into a food coma, allowing SE32 to then eat for up to half an hour (or however long Lady is prepared to continue coaxing it to eat more and more and more). Eventually, SE32 is stuffed to the gills and turns away, at which point SE31 often wakes up for seconds. Lady sometimes feeds the pair for over an hour at a time. Very patiently. She is amazing.”

Thanks, ‘A’.

Mini’s leg doesn’t look worse this morning. Relief. She would like a fish! And she is spunky enough to chase a crow off the nest. Let us hope that she heals quickly and Dad gets a nice fish to her soon!

Thank you for being with me today. Please take care of yourselves. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, websites, streaming cams, and videos that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, H’, Animal Helps, PSEG, Mary Cheadle and the Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys, Rune Age, Ashley Wilson and Peregrine Falcons at Great Spirit Bluff, Boulder County, MN Landscape Arboretum, Steelscape, Sandpoint, Cowlitz PUD, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Dahlgren, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Kent Island, SK Hideaways and Cal Falcons, Eagle Club of Estonia, Sassa Bird, Sunnie Day, Gaye Kelly and Osprey Friends, and Sydney Sea Eagles.

Does Mini have an injury…Tuesday in Bird World

8 August 2023

Hi Everyone,

I hope the beginning of the week has been kind to each of you! It is nearing 1700 on Monday as I begin to write after spending some time checking on the birds – both on the screen and in the garden. Things are winding down. Spotters in the UK are starting to see migrating ospreys flying south. Here it was sunny and is now overcast. The Blue Jays and a single Crow have offered joy in the garden today. It will not be long before the migrating birds appear, including the hummingbirds and the Baltimore Orioles looking for their grape jelly and oranges, before continuing their southern journeys. I plan to get to the nature centre on Wednesday for a long walk and check on the ducklings and goslings. They should be all grown up! Little Red was there, too, and Dyson and the gang will, hopefully, be around later this evening.

There is severe weather headed for the east coast of the US that is predicted to produce 75-80 mph winds, hail, and tornadoes. Thinking of all our nests including, potentially, our Mini – and all of you. Stay safe.

Mini was on the nest at least twice today. In the image below, at 16:32, she has a crop. She got the 0601 fish delivery! Not huge, but a fish, and she will have another during the day for sure – as is noted in that 16:32 crop.

It is hard to see Mini’s nest empty…one day soon she will not show up, she will be on her way south. While we will never know for certain what will happen to this young lady, she has been a survivor. There is some concern Monday evening that Mini might have an injury to her left leg. Let us all just breathe. We have seen ‘slight’ injuries on nests take several days to heal. Mini will rest and Dad will bring fish if she is, indeed, having an issue.

Oh, goodness. Mini is still favouring that left leg this morning. She cannot put much weight on it. She has a fish and let us all hope that our little one heals..she has plenty of time before she might think about migrating in September. Just rest, Mini!

Can she hold down the fish hard well enough to eat…let’s keep an eye.

We fretted over the debris in Mini’s nest and thankfully, none of the twine or the bin bags endangered the health of the adults or the osplets. In Montana, they continue to find osprey chicks when they are being banded in nests where they are tangled – dangerously so. Thankful for the intervention.

Oh, what a cute little one. So grateful he is recovering.

A hope, skip, and jump around the nests. There is not a lot of action – that is a good thing.

MN Landscape: Chick is self-feeding, but when Mum has a fish she is eating, this baby is loud with the fish begging!

Boulder County: That nest just seems to get smaller and smaller when all three of the fledglings are home!

Seaside: Naika and Kawok continue to fly in and off the nest. Naika had a beautiful big fish that could not be finished. Kawok got to finish the best part – the tail half!

Clark PUD: One osplet has fledged. Both on the nest and being fed. All looks good.

Loch of the Lowes: Please note that Blue NC0 has not been seen since 15 July and the male, Blue PF5 for several days now.

Janakkala, Finland: Ospreys watching for Dad who delivers fish – and then the great tug o war begins.

Muonio, Finland. Video of the ringing of the chicks has been released.

Port Lincoln Osprey: The date of Zoe’s egg tells it all. Soon we will be staring at incubation in Southern Australia.

Mum and Dad on the nest of the barge at Port Lincoln. They are both anticipating the arrival of the first egg.

It is time for ‘H’s report:

Fortis Exshaw: “It was not the best of days for the youngest chick, JJ. In the early morning, both Banff and JJ took turns trying to eat the large fish tail left over from the very tough fish the previous day. The tail also had a large piece of attached skin dangling from it. JJ finally managed to eat the skin and tail at 0816. As it turned out, that was all that JJ had to eat on 8/7. Two large fish were delivered to the nest, the first one by O’Hara at 0844, and Louise delivered one at 1352. The older sibling, Banff, ate both of those fish. JJ did have a couple of good meals the previous day, however, and we’re hoping the fishing improves for Louise and O’Hara today. The air was visibly smoky or foggy for most of the day, and a nearby viewer confirmed it was smoke from a distant fire. Perhaps the smoke had made fishing more difficult for the adults. There were no major intruder issues that we could see.”

Osoyoos – It was another good day for the family. There were six fish delivered to the nest. The body of chick #2 had been slipping off the edge of the nest for a few hours, and at 1205 when Soo shook the nest as she flew, the body finally fell to the ground. A member of the Facebook group who lives in Osoyoos was going to try to retrieve #2’s body.

Kent Island – A severe storm system went through the area in the evening, with heavy rains and wind gusts that were predicted to be up to 70 mph. The live video stream went off, and the cam is showing highlights. During the day, young Molly had been ‘helicoptering’ so high that she was out of cam view a couple of times. I hope she wasn’t too excited with all the wind and continued practicing her hovers. We hope that Molly and her parents, Audrey and Tom, stayed safe during the storm. We anxiously await the return of the live stream, and for any news from the Com family.

Barnegat Light – A couple of ‘firsts’ for this osprey family on 8/7: On 6/28 Dorsett was banded, and afterward the bander installed a new perch for Duke near the Bay. On 8/4, the fledgling Dorsett, was on the perch for the first time, and then on 8/7 Daisy tried the perch for the first time! The other ‘first’ was that Dorsett flew in and landed on the railing with a big gob of soft nesting material in her talon. A surprised Daisy said, “Well how lovely, thank you very much, Dear!”

Severna Park was another nest impacted by the strong storm system on 8/7. Here is a photo of the two fledglings after the worst of the storm was over.

Patuxent Nest-1 was also inundated by the storm on 8/7. In this photo the two fledglings are waiting for their ‘breakfish’ delivery on 8/8.

Audubon Boathouse – It is not very often that Skiff and Dory are seen together at the Boathouse nest, but they were on 8/6. Little Skipper was predated by an owl 15 days ago. The view from the Boathouse nest cam is one of the most picturesque of any osprey streaming cam, and perhaps soon I will be able to find solace in its beauty. But, it’s just not happening yet.

Black Stork Karula Forest: This is the nest of Karl II and Kaia. Karl II has the sole responsibility for feeding the three storklets since 23 July at 16:19 when Kaia was last seen on the nest. She is not dead. She is foraging in an area with a brook about 6km from the nest site. Storklet 7194 fledged on 7 August.

Big Red and Arthur’s Red Tail Hawk Nest:

Ferris Akel has some really good footage of the Ms and family!

A good article on L2’s release with video.

Red-tailed-Hawk-22L322-Released-After-a-Year-of-Recovery-Cornell-Lab-Bird-Cams-Cornell-Lab-Bird-Cam Download

The 2023 season highlights – life with the Ms.

San Jose City Hall: SK Hideaways caught more bonding between Monty and Hartley. Wonder where Soledad is and how she is doing?

Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Orange: Xavier and Diamond continue bonding and mating as the 2023 breeding season is getting ready to begin in Australia. ‘A’ remarks, “At Orange, bonding activities are increasing, including mating up to several times an hour and much prey being brought to the scrape. Diamond will occasionally accept a starling but only if she is particularly hungry, which is rare – she is not often seen without a noticeable crop. Xavier brought her an eastern rosella she was happy about the other day and a pigeon was on today’s menu, but he usually dances around with his starlings before leaving again, taking his starling with him. He is so svelte and handsome with his snowy bib and his orange feet.”

Sydney Sea Eagles: Both eaglets are being fed very well. There is a variety of food including fish and today an eel! Their big crops have made lovely cushions to sleep on. What a relief.

Roy Cam Albatross: ‘A’ reports “The big news is that Manaaki weighed only 8 kg at today’s weighing (he is 200 days old today, only 40 days from the average fledge age, and today was one of 20 chicks at the colony, 10 males and 10 females, to be fitted with a data logger). The 8 kg he weighed today is down from his peak weight of 11 kg, and a supplementary feeding is scheduled for him tomorrow or Thursday. Imagine, we never thought we would see our big boy needing supplementary feeding, but that is what happens when a parent fails to return, and sadly, it has been way too long since we last saw L (20 July). GLY has done his best but he is unable to sustain a male chick on his own. At this point, GLY has not been in since 30 July, which is a very long time for GLY, who usually has half that time between visits. Before this absence, L was gone for 15 days in April and again in May, but this is significantly longer than those absences. So we are all worried about both parents at this stage and Manaaki has obviously been hungry for several days, begging other chicks’ parents for food. It would be a tragedy to lose either one of this couple, who had already successfully fledged two chicks before Manaaki so were a well-established pair.”

Lady Hawk gives us a video of the GPS tracking device and the weighing.

Going back to Port Lincoln, there is news of Ervie and Zoe from the Port Lincoln FB page today:

Please send all your most positive energy to our Mini if she has an injury to her leg so that she rests and recovers fully.

Thanks, everyone for being with me today. Please take care. I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, H’, CNN Weather, NOAA, PSEG, Wild Skies Raptor Centre, MN Landscape Arboretum, Boulder County, Seaside, Clark PUD, LOTL, FOF, PLO, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Audubon Boathouse, Patuxent River Park, Severna, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Kent Island Ospreys, Eagle Club of Estonia, Looduskalender, Ferris Akel Tours, Cornell Bird Lab, SK Hideaways and San Jose City Hall, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, and Lady Hawk and NZ DOC, Sydney Sea Eagle Cam and Port Lincoln Ospreys FB.

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

26 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

So, let’s get checking on our nests:

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

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

Clark PUD: Both surviving chicks are doing very well.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time for ‘H’s reports:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An osprey nest is saved! Thanks Sunnie Day.

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

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

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

Category Archives: Estonian wildlife

1 Egg at Collins Street…Monday in Bird World

Like this:

V3 arrives back at NEFlorida!…Friday in Bird World

Like this:

Banff flipped overboard…Friday in Bird World

Like this:

The curious happenings at Fortis Exshaw…Wednesday in Bird World

Like this:

Skydancing…the plight of the Hen Harrier and Mini is adapting…Friday in Bird World

Like this:

5 fish and counting for Mini…Wednesday in Bird World

Like this:

Monster Fish, Mini and more…Friday in Bird World

Like this:

Mini’s leg, fosters in Norway…Wednesday in Bird World

Like this:

Does Mini have an injury…Tuesday in Bird World

Like this:

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

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: