Finnegan – Page 2 – Mary Ann Steggles

Sunday in Bird World

13 April 2025

Hello Everyone,

Before we start with our feathered family, ‘The Girls’ think it is high time that they get to say hi to you, too. Hugo Yugo is doing well. We hoped she wouldn’t grow, but she has. She is still the smallest and she can hold her own with all of the others. She is due for more dental surgery in less than two months. She is sweet, energetic, and will always be the first to get into trouble.

The next one to get into mischief will be Missey and it is almost always because of a plant. When she was little (with Lewis), they would want to sleep in the freshly watered soil of the house plants. It was quite odd. Here she is checking out the water in the dish. Is she missing nutrients?

Hope is almost as big as Mamma Calico. I am always amazed. They are inseparable. I have to place their food dishes right next to one another. If I don’t, Hope will not eat. She always waits til Calico is finished and then eats what is left. They nap together, and at night, they wrap themselves around one another. Hope will be two years old on July 1.

They are the joys of my life – a lot of work, but worth every minute of it!

Now, let’s check on what is happening in Bird World.

I want to begin with something uplifting – miracles. Don’t forget them! Bodie! Betty Lou. https://youtu.be/NkRWApbNAVE

What a week! I know that your hearts have been broken just like mine. If your love could sustain them, every baby and adult on every nest would thrive. You have so much empathy for each – and from your notes and comments, I know that these bird families are so close to your hearts – they are family. If your ideas and willingness to help would save them, there would be no danger. I am so proud of each of you. To everyone who has taken photographs of the Achieva Credit Union Osprey nest, made phone calls, and contacted the local Audubon society, thank you. Being local is a big help. Clearwater Audubon installed the platform. It has withstood significant hurricanes better than many. Something has happened in the last couple of years to cause the loss of the chicks and the eggs. A very knowledgable individual needs to examine that nest from the top to the bottom, the environment around the nest, etc to try and determine what is causing this issue. No owl was seen in the footage or other large mammal like a raccoon getting up to the nest. The culprit was either too small to see, went under the nest (scaled the wooden pole and came up through one of the holes), or it is the holes themselves. The platforms MUST have drainage. Heavy rains would kill the babies just like those that killed the white storklets in Europe last year. The drain holes need non-rusting mesh applied to keep anything like an osplet or an egg from falling through them. There is lots to do and it is just the dedicated individuals working locally that might make this happen. You must get people to care and realise there is a problem. Two years in a row – . Sad.

As I write this, the second eaglet at Fort St Vrain has fallen off the rails – it could not have survived a fall from that height. We have lost the 4th and 1st hatches. The other two surviving eaglets are up under the rails. At 1709 nest time, the eaglets were still moving and appeared in food comas after being fed. Yes, the parents feed them, and there is food in the nest. The issue seems to be the heat. It is 28 C or 83 F and hotter in the nest area. Thankfully, it was cloudy today. I hope these two survive.

The eaglet on the top left of the nest is trying to get its talons from the branches. It might succeed.

Individuals below the nest can be heard but are they there to help? Who are these people? Might the adults not return? We wait. ‘PB’ has confirmed that temperatures will drop to 44 F. These two cannot thermoregulate as they are not old enough. It would be essential they both be under Mum to survive.

In terms of the temperature on the nest today, according to the local weather station, this is the hottest it has been in the area since they have been keeping records. That is 153 years! Please send them your best wishes. Temperatures are set to drop with rain on Sunday. These guys will need protection!

Mum is incredible. She fed the one eaglet and the other came out and now both are free. Tears and more tears of joy and relief.

‘PB’ sent me a note – both eaglets tucked under Mum safely!!!!!!!! What a relief for this family.

Wondering about the role of heat and how it is impacting these eaglets – as well as other species caught in these heat domes:

Extreme heat poses a significant threat to baby bald eagles (eaglets) as they lack the ability to thermoregulate effectively, particularly in the early stages of their development. Eaglets rely on their parents for warmth and protection from the sun, rain, and snow. When parents are forced to leave the nest for extended periods due to the heat, eaglets can be vulnerable to hypothermia or heat stress.

Here’s a more detailed look at how heat impacts eaglets:

1. Thermoregulation:

Eaglets cannot regulate their body temperature effectively until they develop down feathers, typically around 10-14 days of age.
Before this stage, they are entirely dependent on their parents to keep them warm and protect them from overheating.
Adult eagles can thermoregulate by panting and heat loss through their legs and feet, but eaglets lack these mechanisms.

2. Parental Dependence:

Parents play a crucial role in keeping eaglets safe from extreme temperatures.
They sit on the nestlings to provide warmth and insulation during cold weather and shade during hot weather.
When parents are forced to leave the nest for extended periods due to heat stress or other factors, eaglets are left vulnerable.

3. Vulnerability to Heat Stress and Hypothermia:

If eaglets are exposed to direct sunlight for too long, they can overheat.
If they are left in the cold without parental protection, they can become chilled.
Both heat stress and hypothermia can be fatal for eaglets.

4. Importance of Nest Protection:

Parents also protect their young from rain and snow.
They use their bodies to shield the eaglets from the elements, ensuring they stay dry and protected.
This protection is especially important during the first few weeks of life when eaglets are still developing their water-resistant feathers.

5. Environmental Factors:

Climate change is causing more frequent and intense heat waves, which can increase the risk of heat stress for eaglets.
Warmer springs can also negatively impact nest success, potentially reducing the number of eaglets that survive.
Changes in precipitation patterns can also affect the availability of food sources and create challenges for eagles raising their young.

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 12th April 2025
Another calm day today both weatherwise and at the nests, although the wind did pick up a bit. No intruders disturbed Louis and Dorcha at Nest Two, and no one turned up to visit Garry LV0 on Nest One, perhaps because he didn’t bring any fish. However Louis brought three fish to his nest, two small and one very nice trout, and his tally now stands at twentyseven. The Inver Mallie forecast, which includes the nest area, states light rain and gentle to moderate breezes tonight and tomorrow. Of course, with both nests exposed at the top of very tall trees, moderate breezes can still make the nests sway.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.13.13 (05.18.40); Nest Two 21.07.24 (05.30.05)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/8Dt5eUk016I N2 Fish number one, small half trout 06.37.58 https://youtu.be/k1Udox-wXjA N1 Garry LV0 arrives, does some prep, leaves 10.14.39https://youtu.be/WnBqnbmXPlM N2 Louis snaffles a piece of the small second fish before departing 15.08.41https://youtu.be/Jb_uOUGFJZw N2 Deliverlouis! A very fine trout is delivered 17.46.45Bonus look: PaulineC’s latest watercolour of Louis & Dorcha (thanks Pauline)

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:https://youtu.be/gHON30DPkRg N1 Nesting dance: Louis with pompoms 2021 (Classic Ospreys – Grieg)https://youtu.be/VQDncOOrCAA N2 Lovebirds: early morning mating 2022https://youtu.be/NrNcLnttpdc N1 Splitscreen – is this the same bird? 2022https://youtu.be/x_JJOmUeaF0 N2 Stunning sunset over Nest Two 2022 (time-lapse)https://youtu.be/yyMQbIUN3bI N2 Skydancing in the dark 2023https://youtu.be/UVrPq6MNPc0 N2 Mating on the high perch 2023https://youtu.be/t2R05W5xHZ8 N1 Affric 152 takes a fish from Garry LV0 2024https://youtu.be/ZjIl05N5jjA N1 Louis & Garry LV0 chase each other on and off the nest 2024https://youtu.be/cODGsUlHOns N2 Dorcha dines on the nest 2024

Come and join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Kielder Forest Nest 7: First Egg!

Revised times _ Kielder Ospreys Download

Loch Garten: KX6 (Axel) is back on the nest!

Loch of the Lowes: Occupancy is being contested! Geemeff writes: “The complicated fight for Loch of the Lowes’ nest – there are SIX Ospreys in the battle!”

https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/2025/04/loch-of-the-lowes-osprey-update-8-april-2025/

Kisatchie National Forest: At 9:15:16, KNF E3 fludged. He was up on a high branch, perch 4, flapping and, like many others, just slipped and went. There was some chatter about the eaglet hopping about on the ground. Ranger Steve searched for an hour and could not see eaglet so it is either hiding in the spring foliage or flew off. Parents were heard.

Slipping down in the air between the branches.

Border Ospreys are relieved that Samson is home!

WHAT A RELIEF Download

Iris has her nest ready at Hellgate Canyon. Come on Finnegan!

Llyn Clywedog: Dylan and Seran, Blue 5F, have their season’s first egg!

On video: https://youtu.be/lbcC2XDKFBs?

Dyfi: Idris and Telyn have their second egg on Saturday at 1337! Almost three days to the minute after the first. Amazing.

Trempealeau Eagles Live Stream: Great close-up with clear camera. Beautiful eaglet.

Birds of Poole Harbour: Beautiful CJ7.

The Week in Wildlife includes the reuniting of Dorcha and Louis at Loch Arkaig!

Week in wildlife_ ospreys reunited, a monkey thief and a London fox cub _ Environment _ The Guardian Download

John Bunker Sands Wetlands: The oldest eaglet that fledged first has returned to the nest on Friday! Bravo! https://youtu.be/G_ls92wSBNU?

Just a note: Charlo Montana is still on Highlights.

Geemeff sends us: “A good news story – sort of, it’s a pity people have to clean up after others, but it’s very good that they do! Monofilament is a killer.

https://www.ktvh.com/news/discarded-fishing-line-is-proving-dangerous-to-birds-at-spring-meadow-lake

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, messages, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, J, PB, SP’, Fort St Vrain Eagle Cam/Excel Energy, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Rosie Shields and Border Ospreys, Kisatchie National Forest Eagle Cam, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, The Guardian, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, Birds of Poole Harbour, Explore.org, scyllabub, SK Hideaways, Kielder Forest

Sunday in Bird World

6 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It is +5 on the Canadian prairies, and spring is almost here! The House Finches have arrived along with the Dark-eyed Juncos. We have had several new woodpeckers over the past couple of days at the suet cylinders, along with the garden regulars. They are all accounted for, and that is a good thing! Brock was here twice today. He is not afraid of me any more. He will sit on the chair until I put his food in the dish. Isn’t that just a marvellous change!?

Now, please tell me you have been outside. Did you smell spring in the air? Are you watching for the hummingbirds migrating through? How about the ducks? Have you seen any? I can’t wait to tell you about the first ducks’ arrival at our local park’s pond. Will they be Mallards? or Wood Ducks?

Ferris Akel’s Saturday Tour went through Wildlife Drive – the first time this spring. There were beautiful shorebirds, at least one Sandhill Crane, but Ferris thought it was guarding a nest, and ducks – ducks of many species.

Oh, I am getting so excited. It doesn’t bother me that the geese poop over everything. It is so nice to see them home. This year there will, undoubtedly, be less due to bird flu which has hit the species hard. We will be grateful for each and every one that made it back alive!

One of our favourite nature centres, Oak Hammock Marsh, is getting a real makeover. They have been renovating for the past two years. We could head out there for a walk to see who is on the water. The new building is not open yet, but the trails are, and the ice should be melted. Then, of course, the American White Pelicans should arrive at Lockport by the end of the month. There is a lot to look forward to.

Ferris says that the rust colour on the back and wings of the cranes is from the soil.

There is not a lot of activity in Bird World. As of Saturday morning, 30 well-known ospreys had not returned to the UK. The weather has been bad along the migration route, and we need favourable winds, but by the 12th, I will start to worry. I am watching the Montana Ospreys, especially Iris and Finnegan, and looking out for Aran. Many are also watching the Russell Lake nest of Oscar and Ethel, who have been raising osplets there for about 15 years. Oscar is waiting for his gal to return. VV constantly checks on 15 nests in the Maryland area while Heidi monitors a long list of US nests. We will know soon enough who has returned and who hasn’t. Send good positive energy to all of them.

Ospreys are arriving at Kielder Forest. Mrs PC8 from Nest 2 was there on Saturday. Here is their latest news.

Saturday in Bird World

29 March 2025

Hello Everyone,

I really hope you enjoyed that video of the turtle escaping Liberty and Guardian’s nest in Redding, California that was in the post Friday morning. That was one lucky turtle!

It snowed in Winnipeg. Then it snowed some more! The measurement in the garden was 43 cm. Our young man was not around so we did the shoveling which really took a lot of time – and energy. It was also chicken Friday so ‘The Girls’ and Brock had their Friday chicken dinners.

‘J’ sent me some news that raises some interesting questions. A real mystery is happening at the Pittsburgh-Hays Bald Eagle nest. Long time ‘Dad’ disappeared last year and is in the Memorial Pages. A new male appeared. Now ‘Dad’ has returned after more than a year, according to reports!!!!!!!

Was he injured and in rehabilitation and released, returning home? How do we know he is the original ‘Dad’? There are no bands that I am aware. We have not been able to find out any further information.

Osprey News:

Russell Lake, Nova Scotia: Oscar has arrived safely home! YEAH.

Oak Tree Nest, Threave Ospreys: Both ospreys are on the nest and working hard!

Loch of the Lowes: Does Blue NC0 have a new mate?

Foulshaw Moss: White YW is very popular. His mate Blue35 has not yet returned, but there are two unringed unidentified females trying to get his affections! Thanks J Kear and UKOsprey Info for the post.

UPDATE: Blue 35 is back!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fort Calhoun: ‘PB’ is keeping a close eye and notes an arrival.

Hellgate Canyon: Iris and Finnegan will have a lot of work to do when they return to their nest in Missoula. Iris traditionally returns on the 8th of April.

Birds of Poole Harbour: No one is going to mess with CJ7 and ‘her’ nest!!!!!

Dyfi Osprey Project: Idris and Telyn enjoying being back together.

HEIDI’S OSPREY REPORT:

3/29 – Moorings Park: Sally was struck by a GHO at 01:10, but she was not knocked off the nest. To my knowledge, there has not been a GHO problem at that nest before. Fingers crossed that Ozzie will stay safe. Little Ozzie is only 20 days old.

Bald Eagle News:

NEFlorida: The juvenile visitor that has been adopted by Beau, Gabby, and Bodie has been officially named ‘Juvie’.

US Steel: Tiny little bobblehead.

Little Miami Conservancy: Hatch on Friday! https://youtu.be/wkamoBLssKQ?

The baby’s first meal: https://youtu.be/qge26cRb4fE?

Baby’s first day: https://youtu.be/uf8vF8EyVQw?

NCTC: A bold owl sat near the nest while a meteorite flew by! Bella and Scout kept that owl at bay. https://youtu.be/UFfi8QFlj94?

Kansas Bald Eagles: Kanza is still the Only Eaglet. That egg is non-viable. Lucky Kanza! All that good prey just for you.

Big Bear Valley: Full crops for Jackie and Shadow’s kiddos. They are adorable. Little miracles. The two were having quite the little spat. Almost like Baby Hope and Hugo Yugo play fighting. Well, Daddy Shadow was on the nest. It was obvious he got tired of it, didn’t like them fighting, and went over and put an end to it. Yes, eagle parents to intervene. Some actually just sit on the eaglets (or osplets) to stop fighting/bonking.

Sauces Canyon: Betty Lou is the sweetest little eaglet.

Kisatachie National Park E3: ‘MP’ sends us good news: “The parents on this nest had some good luck today. They brought in a small fish first thing which chick got to tear a part. The second fish was a big bloody one without the head which dad eat, the head that is. Mom came in behind him and took it to feed chick and herself. Then, a great big Catfish was on the menu for the day. Although, no one in chat knew what it was because the parents brought it in bit by bit or piece by piece. Then, at the end of the day, the great big head was brought in which no one knew until she turned it over and then we could all see it was Catfish head. The pieces brought in were theorized as chicken filets up until then. Even the rangers thought that they had stolen them from some camp site.

So all ate good today.”

This is great news, thank you.

If you missed the March Ventana Wildlife Society Condor chat, here it is: https://youtu.be/0dPEFVWD6Ak?

Wishing all of the new little bobbleheads full crops and a safe fledge.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, news, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘H, J, MP, PB’, PIX Cams, Pittsburgh-Hayes Eagle Cam, UKOsprey Info, Woodland Trust (LOTL), Foulshaw Ospreys, OPPD Fort Calhoun, Osprey Research Project/Hellgate Canyon Ospreys, Birds of Poole Harbour, Dyfi Osprey Project, NEFL-AEF, Little Miami Conservancy, NCTC, Deb Stecyk, Kansas Bald Eagles, FOBBV, IWS/Explore, Kistachie Forest E3 Eagle Cam, PIX Cams, Ventana Wildlife Society, Moorings Park

Rookie Release Day…Thursday in Bird World

7 November 2022

Good Morning Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the release pen waiting for the gates to open.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The latest on the Sea Eagles:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At NE Florida, Gabby and Beau were working hard.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smile. A person who cares about wildlife!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smooth sailing Iris and Finn, Sum-eh and Antali…Saturday in Bird World

21 September 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Dr Greene just posted his fond farewells to Iris and family!

The garden feels intensely wet still. Hopefully today’s wind will help dry things up. Every tree and shrub got a good start to getting ready for their hibernation!

We have a full day on Friday. It started with a visit to the Japanese exhibition at The Leaf made possible by the local bonsai group. This was followed by a good old walk at the nature centre, and a birthday party for the oldest grandson. At the end of it all, life felt good. Still alive. Not ready to whither like the vines and leaves are doing.

The exact origin of torii is uncertain. “torii” means “bird sitting,” possibly referring to birds perching on the crossbeams. Torii gates are used to separate the ordinary world from the sacred, and they can be found at both Buddhist and Shinto sacred sites in Japan.

A Zen dry garden.

Cranes. Tsuru. Symbols of longevity and good luck. Thought to live 1000 years, the birds mate for life and also symbolize loyalty. They are a common motif in Japanese art.

By the time we got to the nature center, it was 21 C. There were some ducks on Devonian Lake and a few ducks at the other ponds. Songbirds included American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadees, and White-throated Sparrows. Geese were heard overhead.

Good News. Firefighters save Willow and Scout’s Bald Eagle nest from the Airport fire in California.

https://youtu.be/-5ZKEXpZuCk?

Niagara Bee looks sad and empty. This osprey platform needs a predator baffle—feel free to message them on FB! If a Raccoon killed that Osprey, as indicated by the camera footage, then this is a must, an absolute must.

The osprey on the perch at Charlo is eating a fish. It is either Charlie or C16. I cannot tell. C16 was 100 days old on 20 September.

Jack was on the perch at Achieva in St Petersburg.

Beaumont comes in with a magnificent fish for one of the fledglings.

And another delivery!

Deliveries still coming in Latvia.

Quiet at Hellgate Canyon.

Thanks, ‘PB’ for the latest update from Dr Greene:

The season is really coming to an end except for Australia and Florida.

Two difference choices of Spanish fledglings to get to Africa!

The Olympic Park Sea Eagles are doing really well. Just look at them lined up so nicely.

Waiting for breakfast at Port Lincoln.

Growing Home video about their Ospreys! https://youtu.be/VBZrz4EDdmY?

Want to know which branch Gabby is on? or the visitor? or Beau? NEFL-AEF posted us a nice graphic.

There is something very nice about watching Gabby with this male when they are working in the nest together.

Some action at the SW Florida Bald Eagle cam on Friday. https://youtu.be/ev4bTBpILAQ?

Were you watching the Royal Albatross in 2019? One has just been seen off the coast of South Africa!

You are probably sick of listening to me about the need to control the commercial fishing of Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay if our Osprey are to survive. Please send your comments to the individual in the posting below before 2 October if you think that watching Osprey chicks starve to death because a Canadian company is taking every last one of the Menhaden is wrong. Thank you. Please do it for Cobey, the Colonial Beach Osplet who starved to death on his nest along with 99% of the other chicks in that area.

In the latest issue of The Journal of Raptor Research (vol. 58, no. 3, September 2024), an article looking at window strike had some interesting information:L. “Raptors occupying urban environments may be more vulnerable to window collisions than rural raptors because of the greater density of buildings in urban areas. Although large buildings such as skyscrapers cause the greatest number of bird collisions per building, the vast numbers of residential homes across urbanized landscapes collectively pose a far greater risk (399).” Please put up window collision stickers, use window paint markers, Feather Friendly strips, whatever it takes! Thank you.

Calico’s Tip of the Day: Dryer Balls. “Dryer balls are most commonly made of tightly compressed wool, but can also be made of plastic or rubber. They help prevent laundry from clumping together in the dryer by tumbling between layers and separating fabric. This action allows warm air to circulate better which can even help reduce drying time. (Maytag)”. We discovered that with an average load, using four dryer balls, the amount of drying time was cut in less half and at a lower temperature. All towels were fluffy.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care of yourself. Have a lovely weekend. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘PB, SP’, The Leaf, Ft Whyte Alive, CBS News Los Angeles, Niagara Bee, Charlo Montana, Achieva Credit Union, Newfoundland Power, Nesting Bird, LDF, @Hellgate Osprey, Progretto Falco piscatory, Gregorius Joris Toonen, Olympic Park Eagles, Growing Home Ospreys, Jerinelle Wray, NEFL-AEF, Androcat, Sharon Dunne, Thomas Lilly and Menhaden – Little Fish, Big Deal, and The Journal of Raptor Research.

Top Flat Chick fledges…Friday in Bird World

20 September 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

The rain has continued but without the forecast storms. It just feels cold to the bone and yet the temperature doesn’t indicate that. Strange. A deep damp. All of the girls are curled up sleeping. The only one that is missing is Baby Hope. She is in hiding.

We have had rain and more rain and after it was time for a nice walk. As a consequence, I have been listening to birds outside (highly recommended) instead of watching them on a screen. I do urge you strongly to listen to the presentation by Rob Domenech. Take an hour to learn much about migration and migration patterns and challenges. Executive director of Raptor View Research Institute. This man is passionate, and he knows about his Ospreys. If your time is short, skip over to about 30 minutes. Then go back when you have a chance. It is that good. Did I say that more than once? https://youtu.be/lFQUgAXcF88?

It is a fantastic presentation and if you are at all wondering about the mortality rates, the migration patterns of the young fledglings towards the older more experienced ospreys, then you must take the time and watch this! I promise you will be sorry – he even gives some of the best reasoning behind banding!

The latest from Dr Greene via ‘PB” – thanks!:

Iris and her family made the telly, ‘The remarkable summer of Iris the osprey comes to a close’. I don’t know about you, but the departure of our beloved miracle family has left me feeling bittersweet. https://youtu.be/iKSGv30eaDc?

Reminds me of the American painter, Edward Hopper’s 1920-40s paintings.

Just look at EquiNOX. What a handsome falcon and he has done so well – getting leaned up for flight. NOX sure looks all grown up in his helmet. My goodness, Annie and Archie will be proud of him as he trains for the skies.

The two juveniles and Beaumont were at the Snow Lane nest in Newfoundland on Thursday. Beaumont delivered a fish to both of them.

In the top image, it is raining. There is an osplet on the perch on the far right bottom eating a fish.

Charlie on the perch looking over his territory.

One fledgling at home in Latvia with Dad at the Kurzeme nest. https://youtu.be/zbbOuDfALIc?

News of the Wells-Fargo Osprey is contained in the post below from SOAR:

Some Bald Eagles are working on nests such as M15 and F23 SW Florida! What a team they are. https://youtu.be/lyX6U4F3pAc?

Others, like NE Florida, are giving people indigestion that had grown fond of Beau. Just because ‘the visitor’ is sitting next to Gabby does not mean that Gabby will pick this male at the end of the day. We simply will have to wait and trust her judgment.

This is Gabby and the Visitor. This male was at the nest for part of last year, confirmed by the AEF. They certainly look intent on cleaning this space up!

Thunder and Akecheta have been trying to make nestorations at their West End Bald Eagle nest in the Channel Islands. https://youtu.be/q3RKk3eEb2I?

I heard lots of waterfowl, but did not see Jackie or Shadow at the Big Bear nest on Thursday.

Claire and Irv have been at the USS Steel nest.

https://youtu.be/Gn0q-eoky7g?

If you were watching the Black Storks on the Lodz, Poland nesting site, here is the most recent information on their migration!

Puffin Numbers on the Farne Islands are doing much better than anticipated.

Puffin increases on Farne Islands – BirdGuides Download

In New Zealand at the Northern Albatross Colony, the Top Flat Chick has fledged! She took to the skies early on Friday the 19th of September.

It is also time to ‘Name that Chick’. Here is the information, please participate. Please check out the meanings of the names before you click.

Xavier brought Diamond a tiny prey item. https://youtu.be/q7KVZqmxF58?

Lady and her beautiful babies. Both sea eaglets are doing well. They are getting more steady on those feet walking across a stick nest.

M22 gives F23 a much needed morning break at the Melbourne scrape.

Bonnie and Clyde, the GHOs, arrive at Farmer Derek’s nest in Kansas. https://youtu.be/lRBnzDIJNtg?

‘Auntie R’ sent us a wonderful link, just to put a smile on your face!

The sweetest sound in the forest. 🐦 A wren's song is pure magic. #nature #birds pic.twitter.com/34EtrYTPpG
— Genius Technology (@Geniustechw) September 18, 2024

Calico’s Tip for the Day is a tip and an article. When it is really damp outside, you might want something warm and spicy to take that chill off. Calico suggests getting a large saucepan and fill it with cold water. Place 3-4 Orange Pekoe tea bags or 3-4 T of tea leaves in a tea ball into the pan. Bring to a simmer. Add cloves, a cinnamon stick, and some slices of orange, and sugar to taste. Let it simmer. Your house will have the aroma of fall and you will have a nice spiced tea. Sip the tea while reading the following article. The very first Wandering Albatross has been seen in Ireland. There was also a Black-browed. She thought it was interesting. How do these birds get off course? or does she think they are searching for new breeding and foraging grounds. Have a read and see what you think.

Birdwatch: strong winds bring Irish sea watchers the ultimate prize | Birdwatching | The Guardian Download

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post this morning: ‘PB’, HMANA, KPAX-TV, California Raptor Center, Newfoundland Power Snow Lane Ospreys, SOAR, Sharon Dunne, SK Hideaways, NEFL-AEF, Netflix Memories, FOBBV, PIX Cams, Marika Solo, BirdGuides, Nesting Bird Life & More, Olympic Sea Eagles, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Androcat, and The Guardian.

Thursday in Bird World

19 September 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

First, landmark EU ruling protecting songbirds migrating through Malta! Thanks, Geemeff.

“n a landmark ruling, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) today declared the trapping of seven finch species in Malta, to be illegal – a practice which has been criticised by Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) for years. According to the judges in Luxembourg, the practice clearly violates Article 9 of the EU Birds Directive and may no longer be authorised. The proceedings before the ECJ are the premature conclusion of a long-running dispute between bird conservationists and the Maltese Labour Government, which has repeatedly tried to circumvent the Birds Directive in recent years in order to secure the votes of bird trappers. Because finches are strictly protected under EU law, bird-trapping was officially relabelled as a “scientific research project” in 2020 and licenses were issued for more than 2,600 trapping sites. In recent years, official complaints by CABS have resulted in the confiscation of thousands of birds that were caught illegally under the guise of the alleged research project. It is still unclear whether the Maltese government will accept the verdict or appeal and allow the trappers to continue. CABS have already confirmed that we will be in Malta in October with several teams to monitor compliance with a possible ban on trapping.”

Full article here:

In a landmark ruling, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) today declared the trapping of seven finch species in Malta, to be illegal – a practice which has been criticised by Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) for years. According to the judges in Luxembourg, the practice clearly violates Article 9 of the EU Birds Directive and may no longer be authorised. The proceedings before the ECJ are the premature conclusion of a long-running dispute between bird conservationists and the Maltese Labour Government, which has repeatedly tried to circumvent the Birds Directive in recent years in order to secure the votes of bird trappers. Because finches are strictly protected under EU law, bird-trapping was officially relabelled as a “scientific research project” in 2020 and licenses were issued for more than 2,600 trapping sites. In recent years, official complaints by CABS have resulted in the confiscation of thousands of birds that were caught illegally under the guise of the alleged research project. It is still unclear whether the Maltese government will accept the verdict or appeal and allow the trappers to continue. CABS have already confirmed that we will be in Malta in October with several teams to monitor compliance with a possible ban on trapping.

The ruling shows that international law and cross border agreements can achieve huge benefits for protecting nature. The mills of the EU Commission and the ECJ may grind slowly, but in the end the directives – as in this case the EU Birds Directive adopted in 1979 – are enforced even in the unwilling member states!

Best regards,

Alexander Heyd and Lloyd Scott

Second up today before we even get to the garden animals…it isn’t the photographs (they are great) it is a statement in there about fish fairies!

We hope that your week has been going well for you! With all of the rain the past few days, we have taken to finishing up some of those odd little things around the house that are like monkeys on your back. The space behind my desk has now received its colour block to go with the feather images. The area around the tub has been painted a deep navy black. The storage room has been cleaned and decluttered, with much donated or put out for the free weekend. The kitchen drawers and utility room are now cleaned, cleared, and washed. The Girls were not that keen on all the mopping. They sure hate getting their feet wet! It feels so good to get things off lists, open a drawer, and find precisely what you need quickly. My life needs serenity and a deep, quiet calm now. My patient nature becomes overwhelmed unnecessarily over trivial things like a messy drawer where I cannot find a bottle opener when I want nothing more than one of the Mexican watermelon sodas whose lids require them.

We woke to a garden that was bursting with green – the deepest blue emerald – after the rain we had over the past three days. Today’s was a downpour. Speaking of green, another ‘Greene’ indicated that he saw an osprey that might be Sum-eh. Is the family fishing downriver? Is Iris still here? We are waiting for confirmation and an updated posting from Dr. Greene.

The Blue Jays are sweeping down to get peanuts. There are two of them this morning. It is Mr and Mrs Junior. I suspect that their fledglings have departed or, sadly, have been killed. You might recall that I counted eighteen Blue Jays in the garden after all of the close nests had fledged their young. Eighteen. It was wondrous. The neighbour saw the hawk take one. Survival rates in urban areas are low for all of our feathered friends. No one reported any other Blue Jays found dead. I hope they found other places to feed. The competition in the garden was keen at times. That said, food is scarce as habitat turns into concrete parking lots or new condos around me.

It is now 1200, and I have returned from a quick run to the shops so that Mr Crow and Mrs Crow and at least five fledglings can have their dogs along with some fruit today in the rain. Tomorrow is hard-boiled egg day. Question: How do you keep Crows healthy through food? I am confident they need a variety and must seek out this answer. Some days, they prefer pecking at the nut cylinder. Some days, they look at the fruit and veg, declaring that l am a monster: cheesy dogs? Where are our dogs!!!!!!!! Hopefully, the Crows amuse the neighbours with all their cawing and swooping about! Right now, one is cawing loudly. He alerts us that there is a cat in the garden. It is a poor grey tabby with a bent ear. His family lets it wander. This lovely lad really likes my neighbour, who also feeds the feral cats of the neighbour. He can feel her love.

Baby Hope did not appreciate the monsoon style rain.

You can hear the rain starting and getting heavier at the end of the video below. Baby Hope moves off the post and goes into her quiet spot out of the conservatory. It is where she feels safe.

Click on the image below to get the arrow to start the video.

Baby Hope listens as the rain begins and leaves when it is heavy! It was like a monsoon.

Geemeff sent us news from the Woodland Trust and Spain about the surviving osplet of Louis and Dorcha:

“We have had an update from Spain. 1JW has not been seen since last Tuesday and may be now on migration. Sometimes the birds disappear for a few days and come back so the team are going to wait until tomorrow to confirm. If he hasn’t reappeared in the district by then we will regard him as on migration.”

I wanted to check the nest of Hope and Beaumont in Newfoundland right away. Beaumont is still home delivering fish to one of the most beautiful ‘dark’ fledglings I have ever seen. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to see Hope and Beaumont’s chicks survive and fledge. To see what they look like. My goodness. I never knew I loved dark osprey females until I set eyes on Louis’s Dorcha in 2022. Now they are fascinating. The two fledglings on the Snow Lane nest take after their Mum, Hope, who is exquisitely dark. There is no competition for this fish as expected if both juveniles were still home. We wait to see for sure. The other juvenile was seen on Tuesday the 17th.

Others in Canada are leaving. The Osoyoos’ nest appears to be empty. There continue to be reports of a few ospreys still in Nova Scotia. Those in Manitoba have headed south, and the Russell Lake group feels like empty nesters!

Fortis Exshaw at Canmore looks quiet.

I have seen no activity at the nest despite my desire for Iris and her mate to come and work on that nest for next season! That touch and go might have been her goodbye to all of us! If, however, Dr Greene has seen one osprey – if it happens to be Sum-eh – might indicate that the family is still in the area.

There is still one osprey at Charlo Montana.

At the Kurzeme nest in Latvia, the male is still home and at least one juvenile, Janice. Liznm has them on video. https://youtu.be/GK8gwFZGi18?

There are lots of nest round-ups or memory logs starting to take shape across Osprey Land. Dunrovin Ranch published theirs this morning. It is a beautiful read about Swoop and his new mate and little Junebug while, at the same time, remembering Harriet.

This ones all about the ospreys Download

Jeff Kear gathered information on all the UK Osprey nests and has added some more with a good view of all the nests. It is a reliable historical document. Please have a read.

https://ukospreyinformationcoukdatablogdomainonly.wordpre…

Geemeff – how do they do it? – also does summaries for some of the other nests including, of course, Loch Arkaig. These can prove useful and interesting to you.

https://community.rspb.org.uk/placestovisit/lochgartenospreys/f/loch-garten-ospreys/287633/loch-arkaig—the-woodland-trust—june-2024—february-2025

https://community.rspb.org.uk/placestovisit/lochgartenospreys/f/loch-garten-ospreys

It is a disappointment that the nests on streaming cams in the US and Canada do not have, for the most part (Bart is sure helping with information at some of those! Thank you, Bart), do not have detailed information on arrivals/departures, egg dates, hatch dates, and fledge dates and then the migration dates. As a researcher this is useful information. On the other hand, many of you now have good log books that would benefit from these summaries.

I need to catch up in entering data for the International Osprey Data Project. I know that I am because the starvation rate in the overall summary is not high enough. The Colonial Beach nests and 31 others from Virginia will change that dramatically, sadly, and for the worst.

More studies are linking the starvation of Ospreys to the lack of Menhaden. Now we know what is causing a lack of Menhaden —-Omega, a Canadian company that I am not proud of!!!!! I will continue to ask you to write your Senator and Congressional Representative – write anyone who has a vested interest in the upcoming election – and if you have the energy left, write to the culprits in Virginia politics including the two Senators and tell them they are starving ospreys out of existence in the Chesapeake Bay. All we need is one person with the will power like Rosalie Edge in the US to make a difference.

Study Links Menhaden Depletion to Osprey Chicks Starving in Nests | Chesapeake Bay Magazine Download

In New South Wales, Australia, the Avalon nest has a chick. I am waiting for permission to post the photo! Congratulations.

Judy Harrington brings us the latest news from her FB posting of the Olympic Park eaglets.

At the NE Florida nest, there is some confusion and it will not be settled until Gabby picks a mate. Beau was at the nest on Tuesday. Gabby was not there with him. She flew in with another male before midnight and was still there with the male in the morning. It is not time for eggs or working on the nest. I am hopeful that this will be sorted and Gabby will have baby eaglets this year with whatever male she picks.

The visitor flew off and Gabby remained. The visitor returned at 1331.

At SW Florida, M15 and F23 were on the nest on the 17th of September. https://youtu.be/2uuMhoiUky4?

Royal Cam chick gets a feeding with parent flying effortlessly off into the skies showing the chick precisely what to do!

https://youtu.be/DTbGZTu-JBQ?

Rolling the eggs at 367 Collins Street. Oh, it feels like agony waiting for eggs to hatch.

Darling Xavier only wants to incubate his eggs. This sweet little falcon tries and tries. Diamond is one formidable mate!!!!!!!!!!

Gorgeous Mum at Port Lincoln.

Estonian Black Stork Karl II’s son, Waba, has been in Ukraine for nine days in a restricted area. Feeding well, we hope. His father, Karl II, had his favourite spots to stop despite the war raging. Ironically, after spending so many weeks getting his strength up, it was to be a Turkish hydro pole that would kill this much-loved Black stork father. We continue to weep for him.

I am looking forward to taking you through the latest exhibition at The Leaf. I hope that happens next week. Here is the description: Yasuragi: Gardens of Japan. Yasuragi: Gardens of Japan, a serene journey into the heart of traditional Japanese garden design. The word Yasuragi translates to the deep, calming breath of relaxation, an invitation to slow down and immerse yourself in peaceful reflection. As you wander through this tranquil space, notice the subtle shifts in the atmosphere—vibrant pathways give way to serene, minimalist landscapes, guiding you into deeper mindfulness with each step. This display is a harmonious blend of nature, history, and artistry, featuring signature elements of Japanese garden design. Each detail, from the vibrant chrysanthemums to the contrasting green and red shades around the Torii gate, reflect a deep cultural heritage. You’ll also come across a bamboo gazebo, perfect for a moment of quiet reflection. At the center of the journey lies the Zen Garden, with its carefully placed boulders, sand, gravel, and rocks that mimic the patterns of nature. A tranquil dry river through the display is home to brass cranes that mirror the delicate 1,000 origami cranes suspended along the windows of Grande Allée.”

If you live in Winnipeg, take a look!

Calico’s Tips for the Day: This tip could save you, a friend, or a family member much money and a heck of a lot of anxiety. I am so surprised that Calico is so informed!!!

Are you feeling a little overwhelmed? Is cleaning your house getting to be too much? Have you decided to look into hiring a cleaning company? Calico wants you to be super smart and not be taken to the cleaners!!!!!! First, when things are quiet, make a list of what it is that is important to be clean? Is it your floors? Walls? Is it your windows? Your Bathroom? Kitchen? Fridge? Calico says make that list, set it aside, and then examine it again. Rank what is important. Then Calico wants you to interview the cleaning company before telling them what your priorities are. Ask them what they have trained their staff to clean first. Find out if they clean the floors last? Is fridge cleaning included if it is important to you? or is it extra? What is extra? What kind of cleaning products do they use? Are those products good for the environment? Now, did you watch the TV series House? Where he is constantly saying ‘everyone lies’? Keep that in mind? They will need to know the sq footage of your house or the number of rooms they are cleaning and what they are. You must get a quote in writing. If you don’t, well…..Calico will come back and give you a hefty tutorial!!!!!!

Let me give you an example of precisely why you need to do this. It is a true story and has happened to several people by the same company which is ‘highly rated’. The company does not do windows or fridges. Those are extra and the cost is specified. The company quoted for two girls for two hours to clean approximately 900 sq. feet for $259. The quote was in writing and it said that any time over had to be pre-approved. They gave everyone ‘a discount’ of $63 up front for being first time users of their service. After the two hours had passed and the two girls were into the third hour, each client mentioned this to the girls. They did not appear to speak good English. The clients contacted the service – now it is 3 hours. Now remember that they said that the additional hours had to be pre-approved. The clients felt their hands were tied. Each and every one of them allowed the service to continue cleaning because the essential things had not been done. Do you know what has been cleaned? Trophies in the back of a closet. All the bottles in the bathroom. All canisters, etc, on the kitchen counter. The track around the shower. The top of picture frames. No walls, not the front of the appliances, not the floors! I think you are getting the picture of what Calico is warning you about. Each client wound up with a bill of approximately $635. Floors were cleaned last as the girls crawled out the front door. Because they hurried, the floors were not that clean in some instances.

If that has happened to you, don’t feel guilty and not complain because it took so long for your house to be cleaned and you feel guilty that it was so dirty. That is what they would like you to feel. Complain vigorously on social media, BBB, to anyone who will listen.

You will notice that I mentioned hiring a cleaning service company. Hiring an individual is another species of fish. Calico will discuss that another day!

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. We hope to see you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post this morning: ‘Geemeff, H’, Geemeff, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Newfoundland Power, Connie Dennis and Ospreys of Nova Scotia FB, Fortis Exshaw, Montana Osprey Project, Owl Research Project, Days at Dunrovin, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Information, Geemeff, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, Judy Harrington and the Sydney Sea Eagles FB, NEFL-AEF, Androcat, NZ DOC and Cornell Bird Labs, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Port Lincoln Ospreys, and Looduskalender.

Iris and Finnegan still home…Wednesday in Bird World

18 September 2024

Hello Everyone,

Ah, the ads continue to appear for some – my sincerest apologies. What a headache. I have done all I can, and WordPress is trying to block the third party. Today, I wanted to forget about them!

The garden has been a flurry of activity today after the heavy rains yesterday and overnight. Six Crows have been at the nut cylinder along with the squirrels, including Dyson shown below, and a pair of Blue Jays (Mr and Mrs Junior). Numerous species of Sparrows and Wrens are filling up with seed as the days get shorter.

Junior watches Mr Crow cautiously.

Another Crow decides fighting for the nut cylinder is too much bother and goes for the Cheesy Dogs.

Most of the birds in the garden will not migrate. As their habitat in our area of the City dwindles, more and more come to the feeders. I wonder what it will be like in the winter? I am contemplating building a very large covered feeding area so their seed does not get wet from the snow.

I normally call the Fifteenth of September the end of Osprey season. In the US and Canada, there are, however, still a few Dads hard at work feeding their hungry Juveniles! One of those is not Finnegan. Dr Greene has seen two ospreys in the area that he believes are Iris and Finnegan while he believes that Sum-eh and Antali have departed.

One Dad still feeding osplets is the one at Niagara Bee. There are two survivors. And goodness, gosh, there was some ‘confusion of a sorts’ over the death of the one on the nest. If an eagle had been the predator, it would have swooped down and taken the osplet off the nest and away. Think Cowlitz PUD for a good example. If it had been a GHO, well, they might have flown down and did a grab and go which is what they did at Lake Murray, but then that owl turned around and sat on the nest eating the poor chicks leaving one. So? One keen viewer caught the raccoon attaching the fledgling on the Niagara Bee nest so, it wasn’t an eagle as Niagara Bee had pronounced earlier.

Beaumont is still at Snow Lane with the fledgling? It looks like just one to me. There is no fight over the fish so I am making a presumption that Hope and one juvenile have left the area. Please correct me if I am in error!

Sandpoint is quiet.

Charlo is quiet. Junebug has not been seen since the 15 September.

Hawk Mountains migration count to date:

Of course, there are some lovely chicks and some eggs to hatch ‘down under’. Just look at how much that little White-tail Eaglet has grown in 30 days! It has such a nice crop.

Marrum and Partney at Tumby Island now have two more eggs. The first was predated by a Raven. Let us hope that they can change shifts quickly and never leave the nest alone or those Ravens, who are watching, will be quick to come to the nest. Thanks, PLO, for the image!

In Australia, surprise. Diamond welcomes Xavier’s prey gift! Look carefully. It is not a Starling! https://youtu.be/MbWuvrz2iOo?

Changeover at Melbourne, too. Don’t you love how these urban falcons have a stash of prey. Mum flies off, Dad comes to the eggs after she has accepted breakie off camera!

Every time you see a raptor. Be kind. As ‘H’ notes, we are losing them at an astonishing rate. This is truly sad.

https://www.audubon.org/magazine/why-are-peregrine-falcon-numbers-falling-united-states-again#:~:text=In%20a%20decline%20not%20seen,avian%20flu%20is%20to%20blame.&text=Building%20collisions%20kill%20300%20million,needless%20deaths%20can%20be%20prevented.

Looks like it is eel for breakfast for the White-Bellied Sea Eagles at the Olympic Park in Sydney. Thanks cam operator for those great close ups. How many of us would love to have that plumage?!

Fat little bottom on SE34.

It is time to name the chick at Taiaroa Head.

So a question in the mailbox from ‘BHA’ and I just bet that some of you are asking the same question. How do Ospreys Navigate? This is a great question and the Scottish Wildlife Trust supplies us with a great answer that is not lost in scientific jargon.

Numerous theories have been suggested, including the presence of a protein within osprey’s eyes which enables them to visualise the Earth’s magnetic field. This would be followed to warmer climates in the south, whilst hugging the coastline to stay within reach of feeding areas.

A process of ‘vector summation’ is also suggested, as a means of segmenting the journey into achievable distances. These segments are genetically inherent, meaning the knowledge of which direction to travel in during each flight step (and the number of steps) will be present since infanthood. This process is much more greatly relied on by juveniles taking their first migration, as they will not yet have the topographical memory needed to readjust their trajectory towards recognisable landmarks.

External factors such as wind drift can impact the orientation of ospreys, which can be detrimental to their success. Once off course it is not so simple to re-calibrate an internal GPS. Often osprey do not recover well from being blown off course. Depending on the direction of the wind they could end up over deserts – with no opportunities to find food and exposed to unexpected predators – or in vast expanses of ocean where the next land is nearer to South America than the fish abundant deltas of Senegal or The Gambia.

Even staying on course has its perils. For example crossing the Bay of Biscay, the massive gulf between France and Spain represents a great challenge. With favourable winds, this path can be taken in one long stint with the aim to continue down the Spanish coastline. But continuous flight across the Bay also runs the risk of draining energy levels, and being mobbed by seagulls along the way. This increases the risk of drowning before reaching the next resting place, and is an option better left to experienced birds.

We know that youngsters taking their first flight do not have the benefit of an experienced osprey like Iris who is now using landmarks to help her get to her winter home. I like to think that they have 62 million years of DNA and a built in GPS system. We have to use computer systems to help us navigate.

It is Eagle Time (except for the Southern Hemisphere), and I will bring you news on books to give you some insight into these magnificent birds.

At Dulles-Greenway a new couple have been checking out the nest. https://youtu.be/oib7NvIEnmk?s

Beau is resting in the NE Florida nest. I had not seen Gabby by 1700. Does Beau have an issue with his left foot? and is he resting on the nest because of it? I wonder.

As the eagles begin returning to their nests, I will post information on some books you might like. There are many books that describe the birds as well as websites, but I am looking for something more for you. The books I mention will be substantially different from those. Jack F Davis’ The Bald Eagle. The Improbably Journey of America’s Bird is full of information about the cultural history of this majestic bird. What strikes me is how many prejudices that have existed for centuries continue. For example, eagles steal children! At the time of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, “Raptors were excluded…Furthermore, a few out-of-touch ornithologists insisted that H. leucocephalus, the new scientific name given to the Bald Eagle, was a nonmigratory species. This erroneous claim influenced the thinking in government agencies and Congress.” Davis continues, “It was not a marketable good traded across the Canadian border, although it was killed on both sides of it. And it was not a game bird to be protected for the sporting crowd. It was a predator, an animalis non grata, an enemy of civilisation (226).” Davis documents how the eagle became a particularly precarious bird once the US purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 and commercial fishing industries arrived there. Alaska set up a bounty on the birds! It had been 20 cents in 1806 and was increased to $1 for every pair of talons. People delivered them by the bucket load. It was not until Rosalie Edge bought up the area around Hawk Mountain and began to lobby for changes to the Migratory Bird Act that the eagles received protection. Her task was not easy.
Appearing before a meeting with Audubon, Edge was told that the public loathed the bald eagle and that the Alaska bounty should remain (237)! Edge argued that the symbol that had helped ‘win World War II’ would go extinct if something was not done (238). The argument to protect the Bald Eagle would continue well into the 1940s. Davis continues his book with the restoration of the Bald Eagle into the various states, beginning with an experimental plan at Patuxent. The book was published in 2022 and includes the challenges DDT raised about Bald Eagles, the cultural symbolism with Indigenous people, and the controversies surrounding the eagle. It is a good read, particularly if you love Bald Eagles. Indeed, it would be best if you educated yourself on their history so that you appreciate them even more today.

Why are 90% of Norways seabirds disappearing?

Stark before and after photographs reveal sharp decline of Norway’s seabirds | Birds | The Guardian Download

Jeff Kear has published the 2024 UK Season Data if you are interested. Please check it out:

2024 SEASON.

Want a feel good moment? What about a 52 year old parrot? It has been taken into care – palliative care. The caregiver spends their time on the floor with this lovely one! Thanks, ‘J’. Senior animals, whatever their species, need our devotion and love. They have certainly given it to us over the years.

There is a lesson in here. Don’t buy a parrot unless you have excellent DNA and intend to be around for about 80 years to care for them.

Calico’s Tip for the Day: Protect Yourself. Do you have a smoke alarm? a carbon monoxide detector? Then you should be going out and getting yourself one! She wants you to be safe. There are many different kinds from the standard one that uses batteries to ones connected to wifi that can alert you to hazards when you are away from home. In the end, you need one and Calico says you might get a discount on your home owner’s insurance. Best of all, they could save your life!

Calico found some information on hos those carbon monoxide detectors can be useful. Have a read. Calico suggests you read to your kitty!

carbon_mono Download

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post this morning: ‘BHA, Geemeff, H, J, Jeff Kear, PB’, Montana Osprey Project, Newfoundland Power, Sandpoint, Charlo Montana Ospreys, Hawk Mountain, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Nesting Bird Life & More, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, ‘H’ and Audubon, Olympic Park Eagles, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Sharon Dunne and the Royal Cam Albatross Group New Zealand, NEFL-AEF, Dulles-Greenway Eagle Cam, Jack F Davis’ The Bald Eagle. The Improbably Journey of America’s Bird, The Guardian, Follow the Feathers, CPSC Documents,

Iris calls, no one answers…Tuesday in Bird World

17 September 2024

Good Morning Everyone!

It is Monday afternoon. 25 C. We are expecting a thunderstorm with heavy rain any moment. We have had rain on and off since dawn and it is ‘humid’. Did anyone say New Orleans? It is still raining Tuesday morning. The garden has been rejuvenated from all the moisture. It is the deepest emerald green. Beautiful.

Hugo Yugo wishes everyone the best Tuesday ever.

Well, there is something ‘changed’ at Hellgate Canyon. Iris was on the nest early Monday calling for Antali. She had a piece of fish. Antali was not on the perch. Antali did not come flying in tearing Mum’s talons off. Antali was not there. Antali was not there later in the day. You will understand immediately that this is not Antali’s normal behaviour. So the question is: 1) Is Antali with Finnegan and Sum-eh along the river fishing? OR 2) Has Antali left the area?

Iris calling Antali.

No Antali and no more Iris on Monday. I suspect that Antali is gone and that the sun is setting on the season at Hellgate Canyon.

I would say they are gone – the entire family of four. No doubt Dr Greene and his team will be out trying establishing for certain that everyone is on their way. Mark your calendars for the end of March 2025 and 8 April. We look forward to a re-run of the Iris and Finnegan Show.

The NE Florida camera has been fixed and is now streaming. Beau has been to the nest and there are some new wounds on his left leg. I did not see Gabby.

Gabby flies in at 1853. Her and Beau fly off together a minute later.

The SW Florida Bald Eagle streaming cams are up and running. If you have Osprey withdrawal, you can watch Gabby (we hope) and Beau and M15 and F23! https://www.youtube.com/live/fMum_nLPJqM?

Eagle 22 caught Shadow at Twin Pines. https://youtu.be/yzAO4lbtr9w?

Beaumont and Hope’s two dark beautiful fledglings are still at the Newfoundland nest screaming for fish! These chicks are beauties. What a great year.

I could show you a dozen images of C16 on Monday. What a gorgeous bird. She is trying to catch her own fish. She was rewarded by Charlie with a whole trout! A nice one.

Quiet at Sandpoint. I did not see River until the time of this screen capture.

Quiet at Dunrovin. I did not see Junebug up until the time of this screen capture.

Heidi says that it appears that Fen has now started his migration from the Fenwick Island osprey platform. The kids are starting to move south. Bless their wings, everyone. Full crops all around…safe trips, productive lives.

Still home at Niagara Bee.

Port Lincoln reports that the White-bellied Sea eagle chick is doing well.

Heidi discovered a new Osprey platform in Australia with a chick.

Please, please write your Senator, your Congressional Representatives and then flood those in Virginia. Another article about Osprey chicks (and we know adults died, too) from a lack of Menhaden. They starved to death. You saw it on your screen.

“The latest study surveyed data from 12 different sites this year in both Virginia and Maryland. Osprey young were struggling to survive at 10 sites in saltier waters where osprey primarily depend on menhaden for food. However, osprey young had much higher survival rates in two freshwater sites studied for reference, where they eat mainly catfish and gizzard shad.

Menhaden are a key component in the Bay food chain, serving as a food for striped bass, osprey, and whales. For years, the industrial harvest of menhaden in the Bay by Omega Protein and affiliate Ocean Harvesters, owned by Canada-based Cooke Inc., has raised concerns due to threats to other species. Last month, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted to form a workgroup to consider additional restrictions on the industrial harvest of menhaden, following a presentation of survey results showing low osprey nesting successThis year’s osprey data adds to the growing concerns about the number of menhaden in the Bay and the importance of a robust menhaden population for species that depend on them for food and Virginia’s economy,” CBF Virginia Executive Director Chris Moore said. “We must follow a precautionary, ecosystem-based approach to setting limits on the menhaden fishery. That approach must include the study of the industrial fishing impacts to the Bay, as well as considering seasonal fishing closures from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission…Often called “the osprey garden,” the Chesapeake Bay is home to the world’s largest breeding population of ospreys. “They’re an iconic bird,” said Remy Moncrieffe, marine conservation policy manager for National Audubon Society. “They’re one of the most approachable birds in the world. They’re historically everywhere. And they are a great indicator species.” With their distinctive cheep cheep cheep, majestic dives, and admirable work ethic, osprey—a tell-tale sign of summer on the Bay—are extraordinary birds. They mate for life and each spring return (often traveling thousands of miles from Cuba, Colombia, and other points south) to nest in the same area where they were born.”

https://www.gettysburgtimes.com/sports/article_bcba7b80-7166-11ef-af20-aba799f20f91.html?

Something must be done now and politicians only listen when their constituency seats are at risk.

Another article from Martha’s Vineyard on the importance of Menhaden to whales and dolphins, too.

Martha’s Vineyard Magazine | Martha’s Vineyard Magazine | Let Us Now Praise Famous Menhaden Download

Who won New Zealand’s Bird of the Year? Have you ever heard of this smelly penguin? Hoiho is its Maori name which means ‘nose shouter’. It has the most amazing yellow eyes! They are the most rare penguin in the world and only live in New Zealand. The Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust says, “That’s not the only thing that makes this a most unusual penguin. Hoiho are not as social as other penguins. Very shy, they prefer to nest often well away and out of sight of their neighbours.

Hoiho are dependent on both marine and terrestrial habitats. The land provides nesting habitat as well as loafing, roosting and moulting space. The sea provides food for hoiho and is essential for dispersal and movement between terrestrial habitats….Hoiho face a number of threats at sea and on land which impact their survival and ultimately lead to a population decline. They have become casualties of human activities – historically they were hunted for food, fires destroyed vast tracts of habitat and people arrived with predators. Today these predators still roam the countryside and we continue to share the coastal space occupied by penguins, putting their lives at risk.

Terrestrial impacts such as predation and land-use changes, can for the most part be managed. But even on offshore islands without terrestrial impacts, a decrease in the hoiho population is evident. This indicates that marine impacts are a major cause of decline.

Hoiho are considered to be ocean sentinels, helping us to understand the effects of pollution, over-fishing and climate change. They are highly sensitive to variation in the ocean, and sound the alarm on threats to marine ecosystems.

The cumulative impact of a range of different threats means that hoiho are less resilient to any additional impacts.”

“Hoiho/Yellow-Eyed Penguin, Porpoise Bay, Catlins” by flyingkiwigirl is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Rare smelly penguin wins New Zealand bird of the year contest | New Zealand | The Guardian Download

National Geographic gives us a look at Emperor Penguins taking the leap.https://youtu.be/4PwDFddpo4c?

Please leave the leaves! Go bird watching with all that time saved!

Send good wishes to this little fella – his injuries were caused by steam! So we can add that to the list of things that ‘J’ just sent she had read about injuring our birds in a single day: “football netting, fishing line, lights at night, poison, and shooting.” I am going to toss in there habitat loss, industrial fishing, industrial fishing nets and then there are the other 35 that Heidi and I discovered one day!

This one also had burns to his legs along with feather damage.

At the Olympic Eagle nest in Sydney, the little sea eaglets are ‘friends’. Have a peek! So cute, but it is the closeups and that beautiful plumage. https://youtu.be/kR3g4p8qX7I?

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

Thank you to the following for the posts, comments, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘H, J, PB’, Montana Osprey Project, NEFL-AEF, SW Florida Bald Eagle Cam, Eagle22, Charlo Montana, Newfoundland Power, Sandpoint Ospreys, Dunrovin Ranch, Pam Breci and The Joy of Ospreys, Port Lincoln Ospreys, thegettysburgtimes.com, Heidi McGrue Raptors of the World, Martha’s Vineyard, The Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust, Openverse, The Guardian, National Geographic, Leaves for Life, Raptor Centre of Tampa Bay, and SK Hideaways.

Iris is still home…Monday in Bird World

16 September 2024

Hello Everyone,

Well, after three irritating days, the end of the ads is nigh. Thank you again to everyone who helped me spot those pop-up ads. WordPress assures me there should not be any, but…

At 1900, 38 Canada Geese flew over the conservatory in a line, not a wedge or V. Normally, geese fly in a V or wedge to conserve energy. When the leader gets tired, s/he falls back, and the next one takes its place. Being the leader is hard work; they are breaking the wind – creating a slipstream – for the other geese so that they can fly without expending so much energy. As they flap their wings, each bird helps to create a ‘lift’ for all the other geese in their formation. Research shows that flying in this type of formation also allows the group to communicate better. Talk about teamwork and cooperation. Humans have something to learn from our honkers.

Those V formations are quite extraordinary. You can’t tell from the ground, but the lead goose is the lowest of the bunch. Each goose behind is slightly higher than the one in front of it, all the way to the last goose, which is flying the highest. They do this because of the aerodynamics of their wings. The only goose that is using all its wing power is the lead goose… the point-man, so to speak. When that goose flaps its wings, it causes a certain turbulence of the air that’s following the wing. The next goose in line benefits from this swirling air, and doesn’t need to apply 100% of its wingpower. The next goose, again benefits from that one, and so on down the line. Flying in formation this way adds 71% more distance that they can fly than when flying alone!

So who gets chosen to be point-man? You’d think the one with the map! Or the leader? Or the new-guy? No. None of these. They actually take turns. When one gets tired, he will drop back so he can rest a bit and benefit from another goose’s turbulence. When migrating in good weather with favorable winds these guys can make up to 1,500 miles in a single day! That’s crazy, man! Hard to imagine, but it’s been done. They are migration masters.

So the flying at night thing … I’ve already touched upon one of the reasons they prefer the night. It has to do with that turbulence I just mentioned. You see, many other large birds (and these are large birds!) use thermals to gain altitude and to soar on. Raptors do this. Hawks, eagles, etc. During the day, the landscape is riddled with all kinds of thermals rising from the ground, all depending on what the surface looks like below; how much heat was absorbed and stored from the sun; if it’s dark or light … or even water. These thermals are great for raptors! Lots of vertical air movement all over. But geese don’t soar, and they don’t have need to fly in circles. They have somewhere to go. And all those daytime thermals are a pain in the butt; they don’t make for smooth sailing. Plus, they interfere with the aforementioned wing turbulence that they use to keep from tiring. At night, several hours after sunset, the Earth cools and those pesky vertical thermals disperse.

So that’s one reason they like the night. Another reason for night flight is to prevent over-heating (makes sense, right?) Nights are cooler, so birds that expend a lot of energy with constant flapping (as opposed to soaring) take advantage of the cool of the night.

A third reason is also something I’ve already mentioned. Hawks! And eagles! And falcons! All those guys are diurnal hunters, meaning they hunt during the day. Which goose in its right mind would want to share the not-so-friendly skies with something called a “raptor”? Now, if you’ve ever seen flocks of geese on the ground and tried to get among them or feed them or something, you may already know how mean and nasty they can get. People have used geese instead of watch-dogs. They are tough! Especially on the ground. But falcons, hawks, and eagles, hitting them from the air often spells doom. In other words, their goose is cooked. During the day, they often rest and feed and rejuvenate in the water where they are safe from raptor attack. As long as they stay in the water.

So given the choice, they take the red-eye.

Why Do Canadian Geese Fly At Night?, Forbes Magazine, 1 March 2018 (updated).

So why were the geese flying in a straight line over my house? I can’t find an answer. Maybe you know. Perhaps they were readying to land at Fort Whyte or at the river a few blocks away???

The other day Calico and Baby Hope watched ‘The Boyfriend’ as he ate at the feeder. I wonder what Calico was thinking. This was her little friend when she lived in the wild. They would come and eat together, but he always let her eat first. They would often rest under the lilac bushes. He will not come into the house; he runs away. I have tried frequently to get him to soften to me. So we make sure his food is out by 0900 and, again, at 1700. He also comes at other times, including in the middle of the night. Another animal, a raccoon, comes at night, eating everything still available and dumping the water from the bird baths. That means we must ‘jump’ in the morning to prepare everything for The Boyfriend’s arrival.

Dr Erick Greene and others around Missoula are keeping a close eye on Iris, Finnegan, Sum-eh, and Antali. It appears that all four are still fishing in the Clarke-Fork River. As far as I am aware, this is the latest that Iris has ever remained in the area. Her usual date for departure is 8 September. She must relish being a mum again to two such fine fledglings and having a mate like Finnegan.

Iris came to the nest at 0838 without fish. I did not see a delivery at the nest by 1100 on Sunday despite Antali’s persistent calling.

This person had a first hand view of Iris and family — have a read!

Hellgate Canyon Osprey Nest · iNaturalist United Kingdom Download

From Dr Greene:

Iris was at the nest at 0738 Monday morning. She was calling loud and seemed to have a piece of fish in her talons (??). She is looking for Antali and he did not come. She waited three minutes and when Antali did not arrive, she flew off towards the river.

At Charlo, is C16 catching its fish? Our fledgling observes the water below the nest and has returned wet, once, perhaps, with a fish. This is one gorgeous fledgling! That full crop sure makes me think he had an excellent breakfast.

C16 is always watching that water – unless he is sleeping! Can’t see those stunning eyes.

When I checked on the nest of Junebug at Dunrovin Ranch – which was several times including re-wind – I did not see anyone. Did you?

Just look at the fish that Beaumont delivered at the Newfoundland Snow Lane nest. Good gracious. There is enough for both of the fledglings. Will the winner share?

Still eating three hours later!

Niagara Bee Dad still delivering!

River was at the Sandpoint nest, but I saw no fish deliveries from Keke. Perhaps Keke is feeding River off the nest. River has been seen ‘wet’, and he flies back and forth to the river. Is s/he catching their fish dinner?

At the Golden Gate Audubon nest in SF Bay, Tully was last seen on the 14th of September.

Here is the video of the fly off: https://youtu.be/9MJdNDRKcEM?

Some more great information from the Dyfi Osprey Project in Wales, home to Idris and Telyn.

Hartley and Monty continue to bond – and then bond again – at the San Jose City Hall scrape. Love is in the air. https://youtu.be/pjskOK2DcNc?

Xavier. What can we say? Isn’t he the cutest little Peregrine Falcon? He always wants time to incubate his eggs, but…Diamond often has different ideas. They have been together for nine years. Today, he demanded squatter’s rights on those eggs!!!!!! https://youtu.be/fygxtkCjkwA?

Beautiful Sea Eaglets.

‘A’ remarks: “Both chicks did well out of that breakfast, and afterwards, they settled down together, side by side, to rest their giant crops (especially SE34!) and do a bit of preening. They are very companionable, the best of nest mates, and even when food is around, they have been behaving beautifully. Observing the pecking order seems to ensure peace at meal times – Lady is aware of the need to feed SE33 first if both chicks are at the table, although SE34 is now confident enough to accept food before its sibling has eaten if their relative positions create this situation. They are pretty much equal in size now and SE34 is confident and able to get himself fed. He moves forward if he needs to get closer to mum’s beak and he is not showing any behaviour that suggests that he feels intimidated at meal times. So all is going swimmingly at WBSE. “

And more from the morning of the 16th from ‘A’: “Lady was up early this morning (05:29). She found a substantial piece of feathered prey on the nest, so started feeding the littles, who roused themselves and got to the table despite the fact that it was still dark. Lady started by feeding a bite to SE33, as per pecking order, while SE34 found which direction the table was in (he had his back to it and turned around very clumsily, inconveniencing SE33 in the process). Once both eaglets were settled in their places, breakfast proceeded peacefully, with both nestlings behaving beautifully.

Oh, I adore these two. I love what good nest buddies they have become, sometimes even allopreening and nibbling gently at each other’s facial feathers. They are so cute. I love these few short weeks on the nest, being cared for by doting parents and having little to do other than eat, sleep, grow and play. Their lives will be very hard, and their chances of successfully managing as juvenile sea eagles are not great based on previous years. Although of course they don’t realise it yet, these peaceful days in the nursery, as it were, probably represent some of the happiest of their lives. It is lovely to share them. “

I love storks. Even if you can’t speak German, you can enjoy the amazing images in this documentary. Click on the link above the image or copy and paste into your browser.

Beautiful sounds from the forest despite the Line Fire…it is now downgraded. https://youtu.be/pTw5X8U-ktg?

There is news from Portugal. I have signed up, but this file is thanks to UK Osprey Information and Jeff Kear, who kindly attached a translated version. Please scroll down and see the map showing where the ospreys have their spring and summer breeding grounds and travel to Portugal for the winter.

English translation Osprey News #8 Download

Real Saunders Photography has posted some images of M15 and F23. There is action at the SW Florida Bald Eagle nest. The streaming cameras are to be operational on 1 October. https://youtu.be/3wJeooaW6oI?

‘A’ comments on the Royal Cam chick: “At Taiaroa Head, both TF and TFT are still there, though TFT in particular has been moving around a lot, going down the hill and perhaps seeking out a suitable spot from which to fledge. He may just be exploring – he’s always done a lot of that. No parents came in today, as far as I am aware, but of course the chicks will be emptying their stomachs before their big take-off. (That doesn’t make sense to me – surely they would want to keep any remaining nutrients they were given by their parents, as they have never done any fishing of their own and the next meal they get once they do fledge may be some time away – I have no idea how they understand where and how to find their own food, having never been taught how to do so nor even witnessed the adults doing it. So to leave home with an empty stomach seems to me a risky thing to do. I suppose getting and staying airborne is the most important thing, and that, too, they will be doing for the first time. It’s an awful lot of difficult things to be doing for the first time when their survival depends on getting it all right on the first try essentially. The thought of it worries me terribly.”

I caught a feeding. How wonderful!

‘A’ also checks on the falcons incubating on the ledge of 367 Collins Street in the CBD of Melbourne: “At Collins Street, Mum left the eggs just before 11:17 for a morning break, but she is back quickly, at 11:18, and repositions herself on the eggs. Dad flies up to the middle of the ledge, chupping as he arrives, soon after 12:47. He has not brought food, though he may have stashed some for her somewhere nearby. He’s such a cutie and so chatty. F24 chats back as she gets up from the eggs, so hopefully, he is telling her where he has left her breakfast. But no. He dives off the ledge, which she watches with some shock it seems, gazing after him for a while before settling back onto the eggs. I’m still not sure about food deliveries at this scrape, tbough mum does not appear to be starving so there must be some (or, more likely, she is eating off camera from a stash spot where dad is depositing food).

Dad is back at 14:46 to relieve mum, who flies off the ledge. Again though, he brings no food. He doesn’t settle down to incubate, instead flying off the ledge at 14:46:30. The eggs lie uncovered in the mid-afternoon. sunlight.”

Calico’s got two Tips for the Day: Help Stop Bird Strike and if you find a bird that has hit a window, helpful tips on how to help them.

Migration is a time for bird strike, sadly. Calico wants everyone to protect the birds from breaking their necks on windows. The most economical way to do this is by using window paints available where crayons, markers, etc. are sold. We found the white worked the best. Just scribble. After migration season, you can easily clean the window paint with white vinegar. We purchased Feather Friendly dot strips. The company says they last ten years. Calico wonders about that but they have been very effective in preventing any birds hitting our conservatory or the windows in the sitting room.

Calico asks that you read this helpful advice:

The Geese that have been breeding in northern Canada and in Winnipeg are starting to migrate. They face many challenges but the other one is BREAD. Do not feed waterfowl bread!!!!!!! It causes ducks to get ‘Angel Wing’ and that also impacts Geese. If you see others feeding ducks and geese bread, be kind, but educate them. There is nothing more fun for children than feeding bread to ducks and geese, but that is not what they should be eating! It will kill them in the end. So, please help my beloved geese. Thanks, ‘PB’ for this article. It is so timrely.

Geese are developing a fatal deformity after being fed too many carbs, park officials say Download

If you have the time, please check out Amy Tan’s talk on line about backyard birds. I have so enjoyed her book and her journey to learning about the feathered friends that visit her garden and her creation of special areas for them.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Have a fantastic week! See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, reports, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, J, PB’, Forbes Magazine, Montana Osprey Cam, Montana Osprey Project, iNaturalistUK, Owl Research Project, Dunrovin Ranch, Newfoundland Power, Pam Breci and The Joy of Ospreys, Golden Gate Audubon SF Ospreys, Dyfi Osprey Project, SK Hideaways, Olympic Sea Eagles, SOS Tesla Maria Marika, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Information, Real Saunders Photography, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Virginia Wildlife, Kelli Knight LeVan, NZ DOC, and Amy Tan.

Category Archives: Finnegan

Sunday in Bird World

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Sunday in Bird World

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Saturday in Bird World

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Rookie Release Day…Thursday in Bird World

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Smooth sailing Iris and Finn, Sum-eh and Antali…Saturday in Bird World

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Top Flat Chick fledges…Friday in Bird World

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Thursday in Bird World

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Iris and Finnegan still home…Wednesday in Bird World

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Iris calls, no one answers…Tuesday in Bird World

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Iris is still home…Monday in Bird World

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