Category Archives: Latvian Wildlife

Monday in Bird World

1 September 2025

Good Morning Everyone!

I’m late! Lots of news.

Exciting Update: George Anderson has posted that a confirmed sighting of Breac (Loch Arkaig 2025) on the north coast of Spain on the 30th of August. He was last seen at Loch Arkaig on 15 August. This is incredible news.

The photographer sent the Woodland Trust the images to share including this one of the location – and they note that Breac was flying with another osprey.

I am so thankful for this BlueSky post. White YW is one of my all-time favourite UK male ospreys, and he is often overlooked by the nests at Rutland and in Wales. He deserves a gold medal. This year, he stayed and fed a juvenile that wasn’t even his at Foulshaw Moss in Cumbria!

August is now a page turned in the calendar. Children are getting excited about returning to school to see their friends, and, for us, it really marks the time that most of the ospreys have migrated to their winter homes, with the Bald Eagles thinking about returning to their nests. In fact, M15 and F23 have now returned to SW Florida! Fantastic.

The real active nests are those in Australia. There are chicks in the nest in the Olympic Park, eggs being laid on the ledge at Collins Street in Melbourne’s CBD, eggs expected at the Port Lincoln barge and the other nests around South Australia, and then there is Diamond’s scrape. It may be a failed year if dear Xavier does not return. In New Zealand, the Royal Cam chick is set to fly off on her grand adventure within the next fortnight.

At Port Lincoln, Mum and Dad are cosy, and I get the feeling that eggs are imminent.

The weather in the Canadian prairies is hot and humid. The paint stores are busy as new colours are appearing around my neighbourhood. We even managed to get our front door re-painted. It was ‘too’ blue for me, so now it is ‘nearly’ black, a colour called Railings. It works well. Now to do the window frames.

Brock looked pretty shabby not that long ago. His coat is improving, and the missing fur from his tail is growing back. Toby often scares him, but Brock appears to have learned to let me know that he is here for food, then step back, let me put it out, and come back up to the deck to eat. Tonight he had two huge bowls! Another cat has appeared. She is a lovely grey, almost tortoiseshell, with some nice apricot splotches. She has either had kittens or is going to have kittens – she will not let me get close enough to tell. Toby often sends her running.

Baby Hope. Gosh. I had no idea it was a long weekend. That is what happens when you are retired. It was impossible to get a vet! She continues to allow me to have a ‘guarded look’, but clearly, she would benefit from antibiotics. Anne and I are going to attempt to trick her into a carrier and get her to the clinic on Tuesday. She is eating well and had jumped up to the ledge of the piano window in the living room, where she was last seen washing herself. I am grateful for your good wishes for this darling girl and to ‘MP’ for their expert guidance on what she might benefit from, including a long-term antibiotic injection. — Well, I haven’t slept much because of the injury, which is on her chin, where she can’t wash easily, looked bad on Saturday, and, as a consequence, I didn’t sleep. Come Sunday morning, and I got a great look, and things are very much improved. I will have to trap her, but ‘MP’ has given me some great advice about getting medicine to calm her to help that along if it is needed – a tiny bit of Gabapentin. How kind. At any rate, she seems to be on the mend. Fingers and toes crossed.

The Troublemakers:

Bird World news is going to become ‘thin’ as we wait. I hope to fill some of the void with book news and articles for you to read over the winter in the coming months as we wait for baby eagles to hatch in North America.

Our Canadian osprey fledglings are very smart! One or the other or both from the Russell Lake osprey platform in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, is catching their own fish! Thanks, Connie and Don Dennis.

SK Hideaways new videos!

Flirty Haku Gets Frisky with MV on Night Perch🌠

West End Eagles🦅 Catalina Island, CA (2025 Aug 29)

The budding romance between Haku and MV is fascinating to watch. Here, Haku is in a particular frisky mood when she arrives on the night perch. 

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org

Dad Juggles Growing Chicks🤹‍♂️ SE36 Gets Wise for Bites! 

Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles Lady & Dad (2025 Aug 30)

At 2 weeks old, SE35 and SE36 are getting too big for Dad to brood, but he does his best. SE36 is finding clever ways to get plenty to eat when Lady brings a whopper for breakfast.

Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html)

Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/@SeaEagleCAM4/streams

SE35 and SE36 Nibble Clown Feet, Beaky Kiss, and Cuddle

Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles (2025 Aug 31)

SE35 and SE36 had the nest to themselves, so cam ops took the opportunity to zoom in to the cuteness. 

Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html) 

Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/@SeaEagleCAM4/streams

Here’s one more – the young tiercel at Orange.

Diamond has a Young Suitor ~ He’s Making Himself at Home (1 September 2025)

Diamond’s long-time mate, Xavier has been missing for 5 days. In that short time, a young male falcon (tiercel) has appeared and seems to be courting Diamond. The tiercel visited the nest and took a good look around. Diamond met him there for what appeared to be a short bonding session. We will have to watch and wait to see how the story unfolds.

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW

Sacha Dench and Conservation Without Borders have uploaded the entire 22-episode series of The Flight of the Osprey to YouTube. There is some really great information and discussion in these. Here is your link:

The Queen of the North American ospreys, Iris, is still at her nest at Hellgate Canyon in Missoula, Montana. She arrived on Friday in need of a fish! Was she looking for the New Male to chase her down? He has been very good at providing meals and helping renovate the nest.

Hard not to check on Iris all day long. She is still home and as beautiful in that golden light as ever.

Iris is still home in Missoula on Monday.

Charlie continues to deliver nice fish to C19 and C20 at Charlo Montana. What an amazing place for ospreys. It is a gorgeous landscape.

At least one fledgling is still in Idaho at the Coeur d’Alene South Osprey platform.

Teifi is still at Glaslyn. Here he is on the old Oak snag. Elen has not been seen since Thursday, 28 August. Teifi was also seen on Monday and so was Aran so both of the males are staying around Aran’s ‘old nest’? Or will Aran return early and try a takeover in 2026??

At Rutland Water, both Blue 33 and Maya and their 110-day-old fledgling 3R8 are still home.

Birds of Poole Harbour: 1H1 from Nest 2 was seen fishing at the Christchurch Harbour on Monday.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 31st August 2025
Not much to say – a handful of songbirds and a Great Spotted Woodpecker paid a visit, and amidst concerns about the invasive spruce bark beetle, currently trending in the news, Woodland Trust’s 2025 update to their 2021 State of the UK’s Woods and Trees report is available, link in the bonus section. Within the report there are links for each of the four home nations, it’s a very interesting read. George will post the official season summary on this page when it’s ready, and I’m working on my highlights video and hope to be able to post it here before the comments close. In any event, I’ll shut down the increasingly redundant daily summary in the next few days.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.07.46 (05.41.14); Nest Two 21.01.03 (05.48.18)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/eVzQjLMvX0E N2 Songbirds and a Great Spotted Woodpecker visit 09.57.55
Bonus read – Woodland Trust’s 2025 updated 

State of the UK’s Woods and Trees report:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/state-of-uk-woods-and-trees/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/ECZCvjfv2RE  N1 Breakfast for Lachlan 2017 (thanks Scylla)

https://youtu.be/BrP-yVmDLTg  N1 Daddy’s little girl: Louis brings breakfast for Rannoch 2019 

https://youtu.be/ASzCFlv2ZWU  N1 Daddy’s little girl: Louis brings Vera another mackerel 2020

https://youtu.be/0dzTFe878FI N2 Daddy’s little girl: Louis brings Sarafina a flapping fish 2022

https://youtu.be/P1ssYays84o  N2 No takers for the fish so Louis takes it away again 2022

https://youtu.be/cdSV6EEtVwA  N2 Sparrowhawk causes Hoodies to flee the nest 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/FzP9g_92PQI  N2 A small raptor flies across the nest 2023 (slo-mo zoom)

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 29th August 2025

Today started with Nest One receiving a midnight visit from a Tawny Owl, and both nests had daylight visits from songbirds but the most interesting event was Steve Quinn publishing his end of season fish stats. Louis delivered four hundred and thirty seven fish, and Dorcha doubled her previous score with two deliveries, ending the season with four hundred and thirty nine fish brought to the nest. Steve says: “As a community we have now counted/reported 2222 fish over the 5 seasons”. 

Every single one of those fish was observed and recorded and scrutinised to make sure it wasn’t an earlier fish returning, and everyone who played a part should congratulate themselves for a remarkable feat of citizen science, with huge thanks to Steve for his very thorough analysis. 
Link to his report:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=27717133
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.24.35 (05.13.38); Nest Two 21.15.19 (05.34.04)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/ParQX-rqPec N1 Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) pays a midnight visit 00.44.09

https://youtu.be/TFLcoXLuJOE N2 Coal Tits and a Blue Tit investigate the nest 09.20.27

https://youtu.be/7geTciJSH4s N1 Coal Tit flits around the nest 10.30.31Bonus read – WT scientist is examining the 800 year old Druid Oak to see if its DNA can help save future forests:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2xz8r7egpoBlast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/jsDHToe6rUM N1 Breakfast arrives for vociferous Vera 2020
https://youtu.be/yqjTp04jfSc  N1 Vera does a flypast before arriving ready for Louis with fish 2020
https://youtu.be/-hi-VABn-l4  N1 Little songbirds visit the empty nest 2020
https://youtu.be/gYLmi9ILHEo N2 Cocky Corvid tweaks Sarafina’s tail and steal her fish 2022
https://youtu.be/Q384cYlIOz0 N2 Louis does a flypast then waits patiently until Sarafina arrives 2022
https://youtu.be/Ni3VtPGi4Pw N2 Harassing Hoodies eventually cause Sarafina to flee the nest 2022

Idris is still delivering fish to Brianne at the Dyfi Osprey Platform in Wales.

‘DL’ found a juvenile landing on the Clark PUD nest in Washington State, US.

‘IP’ posts news of the Norwegian Nest:

13L has been spotted trying to fish at the Frau Rauer Norwegian nest: https://youtu.be/_dPJuiJ2JOc?

In Finland, at the Ilomantsin nest, the three juveniles remain at home screaming for fish! https://youtu.be/-ACc1KOu3_0?

Milda is delivering prey to her two fledglings in Latvia! Liznm caught it. https://youtu.be/KrAgqNWzBv0?

Meldrs is roosting off the nest of his mum, Spilve and father Grislis in Latvia. Isn’t he a gorgeous Golden Eagle?

A gorgeous Black Eaglet in the Sellati.

Victoria the Eagle has died.

More about the Berkshire Bird Paradise Sanctuary and its founder:

About — Berkshire Bird ParadiseDownload

Your smile for today: African Crowned Eagles incubate Egyptian goose eggs and they hatch! Liznm captures it on video! https://youtu.be/Jh9X9yV7rpg?

On Monday, one of the goslings jumped to the ground safely and was confirmed to be alive and well by the environmental team at the Zimbali Estate. Liznm has it on video: https://youtu.be/3Iv4wfRnxCw?

The August newsletter from Birdlife International:

August newsletter see how conservation is helping wetlands and oceans thriveDownload

On the Cornell Campus, Big Red and Arthur have been seen. O2 appears to be off exploring the area. It is that time when the fledglings leave their parent’s territory to set off on their own. We wish the three of them a good fall and winter and will watch for Arthur and Big Red to bring sticks in for next year.

In Orange, a new male has shown up at the scrape.

Then Holly Parsons noticed a similarity with one of our favourite fledglings from this nest – Izzi. Poor Cilla. She put him back in the scrape twice that season. Izzi was such a character – do you remember his cicada popsicles?

Thanks, Karen Leng.

Richmond and Rosie are still home with 112 day old fledgling Beacon keeping them company at the Golden Gate Audubon osprey ‘light’ nest in San Francisco Bay. https://youtu.be/fcqdZFri2DU?

Our Melbourne commentator ‘A’ writes: “This is such devastating news, and at this stage, there seems little possibility of his return. A hunting accident is being considered the most likely but perhaps we’ll never know for certain. It is a tragedy, but Diamond is not wasting any time in moving on. There is a male juvenile falcon (such a cutie) who has been bonding with her and who seems very at home in the scrape and on the ledge. He has been eating in a leisurely manner on the tower as well, and Diamond has been engaging in bonding behaviour with him (see 06:08:10 this morning and again at 13:02:03 – on both occasions he was in the scrape, e-chupping, and Diamond came in for bonding). So it seems as though she may be getting to like him. His plumage is still not adult, though, so he is still too young I think to be a mate for Diamond. Time will tell. 

Meanwhile, I have been so sad about the loss of Xavier, who has been a wonderful mate for Diamond. We all adore Xavier. I really didn’t know how to cope with his disappearance initially. I still don’t. He was the sweetest falcon, and we’ll never forget the way he stepped in and stepped up when Diamond was left to raise eyases alone. He is a huge loss to all of us who watched him and loved him. 

There has been talk of a second male hanging around Diamond, so perhaps she has two suitors. Most of the chat seems to think there will not be fertilised eggs this year, but mating has been seen, so Diamond for one is not giving up just yet. To be honest, there is a surreal aspect to even typing this. I tried to do it yesterday but I just couldn’t. I’ve kept on thinking if I don’t acknowledge it, maybe it won’t be true. I know. It’s pathetic. But I keep wondering what it is that is so lethal in that seemingly idyllic environment for falcons. Why do none of the fledglings seem to survive? What kills the males at this scrape? Is there that much competition in this area? “

Want to know more about hummingbirds – and who wouldn’t? Great programme with David Attenborough – so much nicer than the news (which we don’t watch anymore). Forty-five minutes of great images and information: https://youtu.be/Lbmy4TLkVFU?

If you would like to attract hummingbirds to your garden, have a watch! The Nature of Things shows you how to create the perfect environment. https://youtu.be/g02Ss3xgABc?

We are right in the middle of migration season. Many have written to tell me that the Canada Geese have arrived in some southern locations. This is about European geese. If you haven’t seen it, take the time to do so. The images are magnificent and, as always, there are many things to learn. This could be, along with some of the others mentioned above, a good alternative to the news cycle. We found that our minds are no longer spinning since we literally stopped watching or listening to the news! Yes, we buried our heads in the sand, and it is terrific. https://youtu.be/Rxo-IbAF7kQ? Thank you Animal Documentaries.

If you missed the August edition of Condor Chat with the Ventana Wildlife Society, here it is archived on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SrasdEJfexw? This is the 5th anniversary of the Dolan Fire and the rescue of Condor 1031, Iniko.

There is a discussion about Bob Cats killing young condors. The Condor Chat is excellent – you can learn and learn and never know enough about these amazing carrion eaters.

Calico wants everyone to try and aim for zero waste!

Thank you so much for being with us. Please take care. We look forward to having you back with us on Friday.

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘A, Geemeff, PB, and SK Hideaways’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos and post them on YouTube, and the administrators of FB groups such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers that still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding. I also want to thank ‘MP’ for the generous sharing of their knowledge of veterinary medicine with me so that I could help Baby Hope.

TE3 added beauty to our year…Bird World on Monday August 18

18 August 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Oh, my goodness. The weather has turned. We have had some nice rain, much needed. Not enough to quell the fires raging in the north of our province, sadly. As we look out to the garden with the golden rays of dusk settling on the tops of the lilac bushes, we can see the leaves beginning to change colour in the large trees about a block away. While I welcome the cooler temperatures which are much nicer for walking and sleeping – and much easier on the wildlife – it only reminds me that in a few months winter will be setting in. I have already said that I am dreading this season this year.

The rhythmn in our lives has changed for the good. I told my husband’s doctor that ‘knock on wood’, life is boring. Boring is good. It is calm, routine, life is anticipated. We had a big hiccup around a trip that turned out to be rather hilarious. We went to Pelican Lake. It was gorgeous. Don associated ‘pelican’ with the pelicans we see at Hecla Island and things began to unravel. Ever since those revelations came ‘out’, something changed. This coming week, in an effort to check on the pelicans and see some amazing Golden Eagles migrating through, this coming week we will be at Hecla Island. That was where Don thought we were going when we went to Pelican Lake – so again, something familiar is best! We will stick with Hecla Island for now!

The Guardian reports that the UK is set to reintroduce Golden Eagles into the landscape:

Golden eagles poised for reintroduction in Englandhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/17/golden-eagles-poised-reintroduction-england?CMP=share_btn_url

I want to start off with something that is beyond sad and if you live near Virginia, I want you to reach and help if you can. There are wildlife rehabbers who have rescued starving osplets but cannot get any fish to feed them! Debbie Campbell posted the link in the FB group Menhaden – Little Fish, Big Deal: https://www.facebook.com/groups/765772041406313/permalink/1484585112858332/?mibextid=W9rl1R

I have corresponded with the rehabber, who is not the only one in Virginia struggling to feed these babies. In the comments of several posts, Ben Wurtz, who you will know from the Wildlife Conserve of New Jersey, has said that they are also having difficulty. Maybe Omega Protein – who is taking all of the Menhaden they can find in the region should step up and provide some fish!!!!!!!!

Or maybe someone to organize a ‘fish train’ to Virginia to feed the ospreys in care that might draw national attention to their plight that would embarrass those individuals who could help but aren’t. Oh, how I wish I lived closer and could take this on. Anyone reading this want to help?

Ospreys are being photographed taking needlefish – not a great substitute but when you are starving, you have no choice.

In other areas, the ospreys that are surviving are dying due to human garbage. Unbelievable. In each instance, the deaths of these amazing fish hawks is at the hands of humans.

Are we truly the only animal that destroys its own home? APCA reminds us about the tragedies associated with fishing.

That one didn’t make it but, there is one at Christine’s Critters that will survive fishing line! Thanks, ‘J’. I really need some good news. Please check out the video in the link below.

Christine’s has a young osprey at the moment that was hurt by fishing line.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/763677599586928

S/he is beautiful.

When the cam went off at the Tremealeau Eagles Live Stream and highlights came back on, I am certain that more than half of you shed a tear. What a year it has been – the most bittersweet I remember. TE3 was certainly one of the highlights. A single mum, Mrs T, raising such a beautiful eaglet to fledge. How many doubted this miracle would happen? I sure did at times!

We will never know the fate of this much-loved fledgling. There is no Darvic Ring. If several things could change on these streaming cams, it would be the will to try and band every raptor – eagles, ospreys, falcons, etc., so that the thousands of watchers (and those studying the birds) could track their migration and their longevity and breeding. We are only lucky that Iris is so distinctive, or we might never know that she is getting close to being 30 years old and still much in love with her new man.

SK Hideaways sends us some great videos!

Southern UK Hobby Falcons ~ banded female, unbanded male 

In their short, 30-day life, CT and CV captured our attention and our hearts. The adorable hobby falcons were vibrant, energetic, adorable chicks, whose fans cheered them on to thrive. Tragically, their lives were cut short when a goshawk took them both from their nest. 

This tribute attempts to help us remember the good times with CT and CV with scenes from each week of their lives. Fly high and rest in peace (16 July – 15 August 2025).

With gratitude to and courtesy of Dorset Raptor Study Group (https://drsg.co.uk/),

SK Hideaway’s second video showing our beloved Eagle family from the Big Bear Valley:

Big Bear Valley, CA, home of Jackie & Shadow

A juvenile eagle roosted on Twin Pine until a Great Horned Owl struck in the wee hours. It’s possible that it could be Sunny or Gizmo, but a positive ID cannot be made. Jackie and Shadow settled on their roost tree overnight. They gifted us with long and loud chortles and snortles before traversing separately to the lookout snag at dawn. After they departed, cam ops found a beautiful red-tailed hawk first on the cactus snag and then on the headless tree. It was a busy morning in the habitat.

Sunny is 165 days old, Gizmo is 161 days old. 

WBSE 35 and 36 have had fish and bird prey in their feedings. We also have a video installment from SK Hideaways about these two adorable fluffly little snow people…seriously, watching these two, even with the expected bonking, makes you smile. So far prey deliveries have been good.

E35 & SE36 Feedings and Fluff ~ Parents Deflect Marauding Magpies

Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles, Lady & Dad (17 Aug 2025)

In this video, SE35 is 3 days old, SE36 is 2 days old. Their jobs are to eat, sleep, and try to stay upright at this point. They’re both doing a brilliant job, as are Lady and Dad. In addition to caring for their chicks, the parents are dealing with swooping magpies ~ a common nuisance at this nest. 

Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html)

Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/@SeaEagleCAM4/streams

Beautiful family portrait at the Olympic Park nest.

‘A’ catches up with the Australian nesting season: “These two are just so cute. They are eating strongly and the bonking has begun. Fortunately, they are very close together in size and ability – both can hold their heads up and both are keen to get to the table. Lady is such an experienced parent – she is so skilled at putting small pieces of fish into tiny swaying beaks, although these two are better than most hatchlings at keeping their heads still. Once they can see properly, they will be all over this feeding business. 

Dad is a wonderful provider, although his diligence has not really bought him much in the way of chick time or even glimpses of his offspring. Lady is very protective indeed, and so very gentle with those sharp talons around the littles when she is positioning herself and enfluffeling. (I did love your blog mentioning that this is a real word. It’s long been a personal favourite of mine.) 

So far, so good. I do worry that there is bonking on day three for SE35, but there is no real size discrepancy and SE36 does not appear intimidated, plus Lady leans across SE35 to feed SE36, who is in the safer position when it’s behind its sibling! They have no strength to hurt each other yet nor the eyesight to aim with any precision, so hopefully, they will be sweet with each other. Neither will go hungry if Lady is brought enough fish to feed them with. She really is so good at feeding newly hatched chicks. Such a vital but difficult task. 

We are nearing egg time for the ospreys at Port Lincoln AND the falcons at Orange – it is just 10 days until 27 August, which is the date Diamond laid egg number one last year, and nine days until 26 August, when the first egg was laid at Port Lincoln Ospreys last season. 

It’s still about six weeks until we can expect to see the breeding birds beginning to return to Taiaroa Head. Eggs are laid from about mid-November, with a 77-day incubation period and hatches around Australia Day (26 January), which means that courting should be getting underway by early October. 

So within a fortnight, we should be watching eggs at two Australian nests as well as the adorable pair of sea eaglets, and waiting for a New Zealand fledge (our precious princess at Taiaroa Head, SSTrig chick). Of course any progress in the 2025 breeding season of the Collins Street falcons will not be revealed to us until a second egg is laid, assuming the falcons return to their scrape on an upper ledge of the Mirvac building in Melbourne’s CBD. “

Rutland is looking at their connection with Poole Harbour.

Knowing who is returning and breeding is so important! Cannot be done without those Darvic Rings.

While the owner of this camera had great luck seeing CJ7 with her fish, our dynamic Mum, who has now raised several clutches of four, including another this season, lost her fish en route to feeding those babes. It will not be long til she has departed for her migration, but, being the great female she is, it might mean she remains til September to help Blue 022 get their four on their way in good health.

It isn’t wildlife stealing from wildlife in Canada but the wild fires that rage from one end of my country to the other that are causing serious issues.

A Dyfi Osprey Project fledgling who appears to be drying off after trying his luck at fishing.

Poole Harbour: 5R3 had three fish on Sunday!

Harry was sky dancing and delivering flounder to the nest at Alyth SS hoping that Flora might show up. She has not been seen and it is believed she has left for migration.

All of the Danish ospreys have left for migration.

J Castnyer catches Zeus working on the nest at Goitzsche Wildnis, but it appears that Fjona has started her migration.

At Escherbach, J Castnyer catches Hermine. She writes, “Hermine is still in the nest territory, although she doesn’t show much. Today she came perhaps because she saw that there was no one there and that Herbert had just taken a fish out of the water. She gave us a few minutes, but she left as soon as one of the young ones arrived. The teak for the boys, she must think. She can fish by herself, although it’s beautiful when your partner does it for you.”

Runi, 13L, continues to get some nice fish at the Fru Rauer nest in Norway.

Beau continues to wait for Gabby at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest (in fact he is more than a week early on his arrival). It wasn’t Gabby but there was a visitor – a Black Vulture!

There are two Turkey Vultures! Wonder what Beau thinks.

Charlo, Montana: Lola and Charlie are still at the nest with C19 and C20 getting fish at the nest.

Dunrovin: The 4th hatch, commonly known as Little Buckaroo, is getting some height and should be fledging soon.

Hellgate Canyon: Iris and the NM continue to visit the nest.

Boulder County: Osprey fledglings continue to get fed well at the nest.

Golden Gate Audubon Ospreys with Richmond and Rosie: Fledglings fly about! https://youtu.be/z0HKZsf1bbA?

Dyfi Osprey Project:

Not Ospreys. These are Black Eagles at the Selati Wilderness Nest: https://www.youtube.com/live/AW4oNVgjYb4?

Black Eagles or (Verreaux’s eagles) practice siblicide. This behaviour, where one sibling kills another, is particularly prevalent in nests with multiple chicks and is often driven by competition for limited food resources. This gorgeous youngster is already jumping about the nest and will hover like we see in the osprey nests as there is no place on the side of this cliff for it to branch.

An article on siblicide in Black Eagles:

Siblicide in Black Eagles | SpringerLinkDownload

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 17th August 2025

Louis only brought one fish to the nest today, taking the nest tally to four hundred and thirty, and Darach 7P0 was there to get it. No sign of Breac 7P7, last seen 15th, nor any of the other Arkaig Ospreys, and no visitors to Nest One other than a Great Tit. Darach entertained us with a barrel roll as he left the nest, but his manoeuvre, lovely as it was, was nothing compared to the heroics of Morag Hughes who completed her epic swim down the eleven miles of Loch Arkaig in 10 hours, 6 minutes and 37 seconds. Congratulations Morag! She even got to see an Osprey during her swim, and was seen by the nest cam watchers as she swam through the nest view, albeit as a tiny white dot, you can see it in today’s videos. Link to photos on Woodland Trust’s blue sky social media (you don’t need an account to view them) in the bonus section along with the fundraiser link. So far she’s raised nearly £5,000 for Woodland Trust, and her just giving fundraiser is still open for contributions. The weather cooperated – it was sunny and the loch was calm, and after some overnight mist, tomorrow’s forecast is for more of the same.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.07.34 (04.36.51); Nest Two 22.22.38 (04.57.06)  

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/z3xqSXc15mY N2 Aerial antics: Darach does a barrel roll 06.05.33 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/jGdaIym_CQM N2 Darach gets a mackerel from Louis 14.02.49

https://youtu.be/82sO7EuH77Q N2 Morag Hughes seen on Osprey Cam during her Big Swim 17.07-17.17 (zoom)

Bonus read and / or action – photos of Morag on her epic swim, and donation link:

She has done it!Massive thanks and congratulations to Morag Hughes of Fort William who swam 11 miles along the length of #LochArkaig today, raising funds for our restoration of the forest. Morag completed her big swim in 10 hours, 6 minutes and 37 seconds.🧵 1/2

— Woodland Trust Scotland (@wtscotsocial.bsky.social) 2025-08-17T20:33:59.913Z

https://www.justgiving.com/page/mary-cheadle-3

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/u6uN8ZibHro  N1 Aila gives her fish to Lachlan (2017)

https://youtu.be/-_FoOMH8mkc N1 Finally! Vociferous Vera gets a fish (2020)

https://youtu.be/3_bmzl48f7I  N1 Go away, this is mine: Vera pushes Captain off the nest (2020)

https://youtu.be/jlBKU00ODG8 N2 Sarafina crash lands and makes Willow depart (2022 slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/lmkgO09bCrg N2 Willow’s turn to crash land! (2022)

https://youtu.be/x73ZF4gTIHo N2 Would-be thief Willow gets what for (2022)

https://youtu.be/6Vlp-KsbJLo N2 Dorcha waits in vain for fish 2023

https://youtu.be/RPwIVtERtIk N1 Little birds and a Tree Creeper visit 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/bVpNB4iHLPY N2 Handsome pair – father and son 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/K86m0Q234Sc N1 Something scares Garry and Affric off the nest 2024

https://youtu.be/_qwTc6b2sdY N1 Affric wants to see Garry’s fishing skills, not nest-building ones 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 16th August 2025
It was a three fish day and all for Darach 7P0 as there was no sign of younger brother Breac 7P7, last seen leaving the nest at 

09.11.28 yesterday. Has he headed south, or is he still in the area, either attempting to fish for himself, or being fed off-nest, or both? As always, the answer is wait and see. Darach didn’t appear very grateful for the fish, he launched a sustained attack on poor old Louis, grabbing him firmly by the leg and then lunging at him with open beak when Louis didn’t leave the nest after delivering the fish. Darach probably didn’t realise that Louis was unable to leave due to being firmly held in his talons. It made for uncomfortable viewing, but experienced adult that he is, Louis just tried to duck away from the worst of the attack and didn’t retaliate. He returned later with two more fish, taking the nest tally to four hundred and twenty nine. Darach was harassed by marauding Hoodies and stood up to one persistent individual, forcing the crow off the nest and away from his fish which he’d left unattended, luckily it was too big for the crow to carry off and Darach was able to rescue it. Garry LV0 brought a stick to Nest One and did a bit of tidying during his brief visit but there was no sign of Affric 152 today. The weather was sunny and the loch was mirror calm today and forecast to remain the same tomorrow, which will aid Morag Hughes in her epic fundraising swim. Link to the details and her just giving page in the bonus section. With luck, we might be able to make out her escort of kayaks as she passes through the nest view.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.14.47 (04.48.40); Nest Two 22.28.33 (04.52.56)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/Sd4KB7rZLmU N1 Spring Sonata sunrise 04.50.39 (Classic Ospreys – Beethoven time lapse)https://youtu.be/uLFmU8IPOag N2 Poor Louis suffers a sustained attack by Darach 07.18.51 (zoom)https://youtu.be/HLhGx6GKPyk N2 Darach gets rid of a Hooded Crow who’s after his fish 08.05.11

https://youtu.be/45pZ-bgAsDE N2 Louis brings a second fish and gets away unscathed this time 10.07.35https://youtu.be/UQAvIJ9oiAE N1 Garry LV0 flies in with a long thin stick and does a bit of tidying 10.40.39  https://youtu.be/mzaHv6MUFtY N2 Darach rescues his fish from a marauding Hoodie 17.59.51

https://youtu.be/IrYYqCnBBDc N2 Louis brings a third fish and waits patiently for Darach 19.27.46 
Bonus action – you can still support Morag who’ll be swimming Loch Arkaig tomorrow to raise funds for Woodland Trust:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=27390542

https://www.justgiving.com/page/mary-cheadle-3

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/plpQ3BYG-Rc  N1 All grown up: Rannoch defends her fish 2019

https://youtu.be/K4Kbj7NQ0q8  N1 Aila brings fish but looks like she needs it most 2020

https://youtu.be/qcBatA6qgTY N1 Size matters! Split screen 2020

https://youtu.be/hiFrQx0H8TQ  N1 Captain steals Vera’s fish 2020

https://youtu.be/XaxM2NwNUCg N2 Dorcha stays on the nest until Sarafina gives her a nip! 2022

https://youtu.be/5hvJRi33SFM N2 Sarafina practises flying with fish but isn’t quite there yet 2022

https://youtu.be/F0ys6FiFeeM N2 Cleaning crew arrive too early 2022

https://youtu.be/7XYT94gy-Ig  N2 Louis and Dorcha do a rapid fish handover 2023

https://youtu.be/bLzUfkvwasE  N1 & N2 USAF flypast 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/rW3CJVJqZLU  N2 Ludo waits ready to grab the fish 2023

https://youtu.be/RnY54XNtci8 Spain: more photos and tweets of 1JW and the other ten translocatees

https://youtu.be/rQYUcsjAKB0 N1 Affric joins Garry but he brings sticks not fish 10.51.20

https://youtu.be/lD-oLI2NjpA N1 Garry and Affric return later but there’s still no fish 16.20.59

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 15th August 2025

Fish deliveries were the main event today – Affric 152 turned up on Nest One and received a nice sized trout from Garry LV0, whose tally, after stagnating since 4th August, finally moves up a notch to one hundred and forty one. Louis delivered three fish today, all mackerel, and the nest tally now stands at four hundred and twenty six including two deliveries by Dorcha, who was last seen a full week ago on 7th August. The three fish were all taken by Darach 7P0 as apart from a brief visit lasting 26 seconds this morning, Breac 7P7 hasn’t been seen on nest cam today. In his eagerness to get the second fish, Darach locked talons with Louis and got pulled off the nest! But returned unharmed a few moments later and claimed the fish before the Hoodies showed up. The weather was settled and sunny today, the overnight forecast is for mist and light winds with a low of 12°C changing to sunny with a high of 24°C tomorrow.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.13.44 (05.04.19); Nest Two 22.34.20 (05.13.40)
Today’s videos: 

https://youtu.be/LTj4hQvEr7Q N2 Both Breac 7P7 and Darach 7P0 visit the nest, fish calling 09.11.02

https://youtu.be/KBRLr1auvUQ N2 Darach gets the first fish, a whole mackerel 15.07.58

https://youtu.be/xPi3XmjMIZ0 N1 Fish for Affric! Garry brings a whole trout 15.22.35

https://youtu.be/SXP2ua3CrHA N1 Affric & Garry spend time together, leave in opposite directions 15.40.14

https://youtu.be/S2U6mrELCwg N2 Darach locks talons with Louis and gets pulled off the nest! 16.45.28 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/AOvludmDLRM N2 A third mackerel arrives and again it’s Darach who’s there to get it 18.18.10 
Bonus action – support Morag Hughes who’ll be swimming Loch Arkaig this weekend to raise funds for Woodland Trust:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=27390542

https://www.justgiving.com/page/mary-cheadle-3

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/2EqB8ZLlLNQ  N1 Get a grip, Mallie! (2019)

https://youtu.be/q4v0VblhLDE  N1 Confirmed: final sighting of Doddie on the nest (2020)

https://youtu.be/JNjzfsGJMd0  N1 Stramash over the first fish (2020)

https://youtu.be/Btn2GxS_waQ  N1 Fish delivery from Aila (2020)

https://youtu.be/41z2mZ9rRNI  N2 Dorcha chases crows but they return to plague Willow (2022)

https://youtu.be/N-Z7Z-WV_1U  N2 The Mystery Fish makes its appearance! (2022)

https://youtu.be/GOsbIENNolA  N2 Spotted Flycatchers visit (2022)

https://youtu.be/_KZr32ZVd74  N2 Dorcha’s fish calls get no response 2023

https://youtu.be/3ReQ1_Bhj0I N2 Ludo does a faceplant 2023

https://youtu.be/mwUhXluhRss N2 Great Tit catches Ludo’s attention 2023

https://youtu.be/pL-09gIw4A8 N1 Garry LV0 brings moss, tidies, and has a preen 2024 

https://youtu.be/1mt2ZZZhteM N1 Affric 152 arrives followed shortly after by Garry LV0 2024

https://youtu.be/U9CxLSmhoTM N1 Noisy RAF flypast doesn’t faze Affric & Garry 2024

https://youtu.be/-c3lZKY7Blc  N1 Garry brings Affric a teeny tiny fish 2024 

J’ sends us a good news story about a Black Vulture release from the World Bird Sanctury:

https://www.facebook.com/WorldBirdSanctuary 

“Released after over a year in care!

Turkey Vulture 24-380 originally came to our hospital on July 7th, 2024 as a fledgling that had either been orphaned or abandoned due to his numerous health issues. Even with the July heat, 380 was hypothermic. His feather condition was poor, with several flight feathers having broken and the rest covered in heavy stress bars that made them weak and prone to breakage. Despite being nearly full grown, 380 was severely emaciated and weighed less than half of what he should. 

He had recently gotten into some feed corn and bird seed and stuffed himself full with it despite these items not being something that he could digest and get nutrition from. We used tongs to manually remove as much of the corn and seed from his crop as possible and got to work rehydrating 380 and giving him some easily digestible liquid diet. Emaciated juveniles are usually able to process solid food relatively quickly compared to adults, but when we tried to introduce some, it just sat in 380’s crop and ended up having to be manually removed.

It took 3 weeks of tube feeding liquid diet before we were finally able to transition 380 to solid food. In that time, 380 battled other illnesses including an infection with a protozoan parasite called trichomoniasis (which causes thick lesions in the mouth), intestinal parasites, mild lead toxicity, and a West Nile Virus infection that started causing his feathers to pinch off and fall out.

Between the West Nile Virus and 380’s initially poor quality feathers, he ended up with no intact flight feathers and had to remain with us until it was time to molt. He’s spent the last year with our foster dad, Volo, whose presence has been essential in keeping 380 from imprinting or becoming too comfortable around humans. 380 started his molt in April, but it took 3 months for him to grow a full new set of flight feathers. Thanks to a year of quality nutrition, this round of feathers came in healthy and structurally sound.

380 was released in late July. He wasted no time before spreading his wings to soak up the sun from a high tree branch. When he realized that he was partially shaded, he moved to a higher branch above the canopy to maximize his sun exposure. Turkey Vultures are known for their love of sunning and can be regularly seen exhibiting this pose.”

How many times do you happen to be heading to an appointment early in the morning and you see cars – so many cars – with only one person in them? or homes that could benefit from grants to help insulate them to save energy costs? Our use of fossily fuels and the growing decisions internationally to open coal mines are putting wildlife in further jeopardy.

Plan to extend Queensland coalmine would bulldoze ‘critical’ koala habitat https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/15/plan-to-extend-queensland-coalmine-would-bulldoze-critical-koala-habitat?CMP=share_btn_url

Spilve and Grislis’s Golden Eaglet, Melders, has fledged but returns to the nest for prey. What a beautiful season it has been.

Speaking of Golden Eagles, they are arriving in the area of Hecla Island. We will be there this week and hope to see some of the migrants! That would be unbelievable.

Hurricanes and tropical storms are beginning to form for the Atlantic season which will run until the end of November. This is Erin.

The eye Saturday afternoon by Storm Chaser. Thankfully, our raptors and other migrating birds can sense the weather and will be able to take shelter. Erin went from a tropical storm to a Category 5 in a mere 24 hours. The storm has now settled down and as of the time of writing, Sunday afternoon, it has been downgraded to a cat 3.

Wind Turbines. There are a number west of where I live in the hills that provide the thermals for the migrating birds coming in the spring and departing in the late summer. They do not have to die. There is a simple solution. If you live in an area considering wind farms, please enter the conversation about how to make them safe for our raptors.

Lots of waterfowl rescues. Wildlife Haven, near to where I live, have just cleaned some Canada Geese that got into a ‘substance’ in the northern part of our City. They will be released just like these mallard ducks at another Canadian rescue.

Please put out water and/or food for the migrating birds, volunteer if you can, donate if you can, but please leave out water!

Thank you for being with us today. The osprey season is winding down. The Bald Eagles will begin to arrive slowly, with eggs expected in the US in November-ish. Focus will switch to the raptors in Australia, and we wish every raptor on their way to their winter home good winds and a bursting crop.

I will not be posting on Friday as we will be on our break at Hecla Island but I will be back on Monday the 25th of August. Please take care. We look forward to having you with us in a week.

Toby hopes that everyone has a great week and something wonderful to chew on like his Blueberry-Yak Milk Bully stick!

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘A, Geemeff, J, SK Hideaways, PB’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos and the authors of posts such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, Debbie Campbell at Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal and all others, often too many to name. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers that still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends including The Guardian. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Monday in Bird World

21 July 2025

Late breaking news that cannot be ignored:

I love storks – white, black or even rainbow coloured. Storks are wonderful and we are killing them along with other birds such as ospreys because of our general disregard for what plastic does to the world. “The chief culprit was baler twine, a plastic string used to secure hay bales: either the twine or its wrapping was responsible for almost all the entangled chicks. A few were caught up in domestic plastics such as bags or milk containers. The chicks died from strangulation, amputation and infected wounds.

“They roll and roll and they go around and it’s almost as if they tie the rope around their legs even harder as they move,” Franco says.

Acácio likes to talk about successful rescues, too. Once, she peered into a nest built on the stump of a cork oak tree to find two three-week-old siblings, their limbs coiled in spirals of blue baler twine.”

How many times has Dr Greene talked about the baling twine issues with ospreys in Montana? We need to find a solution for this plastic monster. It is more than sad.

Please read the article from The Guardian. It is enlightening.

Killer in the nest: how young storks are being strangled by plastichttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/14/discarded-plastic-baler-twine-killing-birds-white-storks-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

A situation is developing at Osprey House Environment Centre in Australia. The female is feeding last year’s fledgling and her two young osplets! ‘MB’ sends us the FB link:

https://www.facebook.com/OspreyHouseEnvironmentCentre?

Whew! Welcome to the beginning of the week! We hope that each of you had a wonderful weekend.

The Girls enjoy watching the dozens of new baby birds in the garden. They come up close to the conservatory windows and cause quite a stir! Cute little wrens today. The baby Crows still arrive wanting their peanuts, and you can hear the Blue Jays two blocks away if the feeder is empty. It is a joy! Toby has had several walks. We have met many new neighbours and their puppies. He is growing leaps and bounds. I cannot quite believe it. His halter had to be loosened today, and I swear he is 15 cm or 6 inches longer. My new bed seems much smaller, and he really snores. We had a wonderful barbecue celebrating my daughter’s birthday. Everyone was there. It was fantastic. Even the wildfire smoke and wasps could not dampen anyone’s spirits.

I am now a member of the Virginia Wildlife FB group. (Thank you so much for letting me join – I really want to learn about the situation of all wildlife in Virginia.) First thing I noticed – images of Bald Eagles chasing Ospreys to get their precious fish! Check it out on their FB group. Ospreys have trouble with all manner of feathered ‘friends’ trying to get their fish. Gulls, eagles, even other ospreys.

Heidi’s Osprey Nest Notes:

Seaside osprey cam has had issues with their live stream all season, and  it has been frustrating for viewers and the chat moderator, Jewel.  There was a fledge the morning of 7/20 that occurred when the livestream was down, and reports came in from ‘boots on the ground’, John and August.  With a brief nest view later.

Thank you, Heidi.

Gorgeous photograph of the three fledglings from the Centreport Bald Eagle Nest on Long Island, New York.

A good news story about wildlife is always welcome, and I received one last week from one of our regular readers, ‘MP’. I have tried to attach the images, but alas, I gave up. I know that you can imagine a barbed wire fence with large barbs and how, if an animal jumped over the fence, they could easily become injured.

“Hi, Mary Ann. All these photos and writings are from Ron Dudley. He’s showing a good side of ranchers and Nature Conservancy working together for nature. thought this to be a positive side.I thought you’d like to know.~M

Some ranchers in the valley have installed pronghorn-friendly barbed wire fences that have no barbs on the bottom wire. This fence is one of them. 

And pronghorn-friendly fences aren’t the only example of ranchers trying to protect wildlife in the valley. Much of the huge valley is Sage Grouse country. When in flight, grouse have a hard time seeing barbed wire, so they often crash into it. When a 6+ lb. Sage Grouse crashes into barbed wire at speed, the results are predictably disastrous. 

So some ranchers have allowed organizations like the Nature Conservancy to install bright white fence flags on their fences. The flags are easy to see and research has shown that they significantly reduce grouse/fence mayhem. I took this photo on June 19th in one of the more remote areas of the valley.

Not long after this photo was taken, I talked to a local rancher (Justin) about the fence flags. Here’s what he said (paraphrased) – “As long they (the Nature Conservancy and organisations like them) are willing to pay for them, and install them, I’m certainly willing to allow them to do so.”

Foulshaw Moss and Cumbrian Wildlife Trust:

All three at Foulshaw Moss have now fledged. Congratulations White YW and Blue 35 for another fantastic and very successful year.

Dyfi Osprey Project: Idris is one of my all-time favourite male ospreys. He is known as ‘Daddy Long Legs’, but he is a great fisher. Now he has broken another record. Watch the video to find out what that is: https://youtu.be/Y_GEb2QQapM?

Dunrovin Ranch Osprey Platform:

Allin’s Cove West: “A day in the life of the single parent offspring. Sleep, stretch, wing flat, call for food, and when none arrives, sleep some more.”https://youtu.be/cQx9eX2G31w?

Goitzsche-Wildnis with J Castyner: “Being an only child seems to have only advantages. Zeus and Fjona have focused on taking care of the boy, protecting him and feeding him in the best possible way. We can see it in the video. Mother and son are (I think) on the camera pole screaming to claim the teak, but when the father arrives alone the young man goes down to collect the piece: a beautiful headless fish, a luxurious fillet. For the boy, the best.” (The two older siblings were predated by a Red Kite). Other report below on this nest.

Sauces Canyon: Betty Lou comes home. https://youtu.be/19Ah8LzbEfI?

Two Harbours: Date night with long-time bonded mates, Chase and Cholyn by SK Hideaways. https://youtu.be/4PCwSnUvu2k?

West End Nest: Haku is on and off the nest. Makaio has not been seen for some weeks. Many believe he has left for migration since this is off-season. We must wait. It looks like Haku is warming up to the new visiting male.

I receive many questions about Akecheta since he was photographed on the mainland near Ojai. To my knowledge, no other photographs with his blue wing tag have been taken. I am sure he is alright. Is Thunder with him? Well, we haven’t seen her around the nest, and I just think she left eggs so abruptly that it is possible.

Haku and MV (male visitor) are a nice looking couple.

Coeur de’Alene, Idaho: The three surviving osplets are doing well. Mum has not removed the body of the fourth baby yet.

Fru Rauer: The Norwegian Osprey Project and Translocation of Norwegian birds to Ireland.

Short explanation video. Click on CC for English. The ten are already in Ireland. https://youtu.be/o6mjGxTfAbs?

Ringing of Ospreys in Taipalsaari 2025: https://youtu.be/opE1IBwXeN0?

mie caught a fish delivery at the
Kallaveden sääksilive: https://youtu.be/K4pDiyKbUTg?

Ringing at the Janakkalan Nest in Finland: https://youtu.be/UFhpbkVDrwA?

J Castnyer catches a fish delivery at the Goitzsche Wildnis Osprey nest in Germany. That fledgling was in there quick – ‘Mine and Mine Alone’ is the message. https://youtu.be/C7sh8ngNEVo?

And they give us an update at Eschenbach: “Despite the problems in broadcasting the live broadcast from the Eschenbach nest, I have uploaded this short video to confirm that everything is going well: Herbert has delivered a fish, Hermine is repeating the teak between the children and, most importantly, both are now flying. Normality is a gift from heaven.” https://youtu.be/yp5U1QXB_LQ?

Rutland Manton Bay: Will Maya stay home, postponing the start to her migration to help feed all those babies? We wait to see.

Birds of Poole Harbour: Everyone wants fish. Caught three on the nest.

Big Bear Valley: Jack and Shadow ‘almost’ visit. SK Hideaways catches it. https://youtu.be/SjMY4TyS_Ws?

Trempeauleau, WI: Mum is home, but where is T3? Well, that fledgling is never far away. Mum comes in with a fish and you can hear the sqeeing and then T3 is there to grab her dinner.

SK Hideaways caught Mum bringing in one of her whoppers for her ‘baby’. https://youtu.be/rmu1eJKTMkY?

Talk about a loving and devoted mother. Mrs T sure is that and more. I get all weepy seeing the two of them together. It was such a challenging year for Mrs T raising this fledgling from hatch alone – and often, as I have said many times, without the help of Mr T, who was a hindrance stealing fish for his other nest with two youngsters from this one! But, nevermind, Mrs T did the unthinkable. She is amazing.

SK Hideaways also catches up with the Southern UK Hobby Falcon nest in the UK: https://youtu.be/7S9hwxdwaQ0?

Oh, my goodness, they are sooooo cute.

Tatarsan White-tail Eagles, RU: Fledgling visits nest, hoping for food.

Latvian Golden Eagles: Food delivery from Grislis. Spilve feeds – and it was a long feeding. https://youtu.be/-_HhGdK-pi8?

Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal: The entire article and the information on how to write is in my late Monday, 14 July blog. There is a big meeting on May 7. Don’t sit on this. Could you write to the Virginia Legislators? Cute and Paste – send it to all of them, demanding proper biodiversity and an end to commercial fishing in the Chesapeake and along the coasts of the Atlantic. We don’t want any more osplets to die, along with many other species.

If you love osprey, don’t sit on this. Get busy. Set aside two hours – that is all it would take to compose a letter – and send it out to every Virginia politician, along with the journalist who wrote the article, The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, etc. This is not the time to be silent.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 20th July 2025

The two chicks practised their flying and landing skills today, popping on and off the nest especially when Louis was around delivering fish. Breac got most of the two fish delivered by Louis, but Darach was determined and attacked both Dorcha and Breac to get a share. Both chicks were mantling and squawking over the fish so it appears hyperphagia (compulsion to eat) is setting in as migration looms in the not too distant future. Louis’ tally rises to three hundred and twenty eight, and Garry’s one fish delivery takes his tally to one hundred and thirty one, although it was such a small piece of fish, Aurora might not consider it worth counting. After staying dry most of today, the rain started this evening and scattered showers will probably continue through tonight with cloudy skies, light winds, and a low of 15°C causing muggy conditions. There’s a weather warning in place for the Highlands tomorrow of heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms causing localised flooding, and a high of 21°C in the Inver Mallie area.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.26.53 ( 03.50.00E); Nest Two 23.19.12 (03.57.54)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/4l4BfjYbvU0 N1 Garry brings Aurora a tiny bit of fish but she takes it anyway 06.59.02

https://youtu.be/1XR3T6twJ-g N2 Dorcha takes fish one from Louis then allows Breac to take it 14.01.16 

https://youtu.be/AcWKLikcyc8 N2 And repeat! Dorcha gets fish two from Louis then lets Breac get it 19.28.55  

https://youtu.be/_Xh5vhdm9qI N2 Dorcha & Breac are attacked by Darach after he gets hold of fish two 20.29.10

Bonus watch – LizB’s long lens videos from a mile away of Darach and Breac just after Darach fledged yesterday: 

Blast from the past, 19th July* in previous years:

https://youtu.be/BIHDRrpe6Qo N1 My turn daddy! Louis feeds Rannoch 2019

https://youtu.be/TwqqSshM42E N1 Doddie drops in to grab all the breakfast 2020

https://youtu.be/-xNiwmN-xQI  N1 Doddie does an evening flypast of the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/EYDBamjYrf8  N1 Hey! who put that there? Prince makes an undignified departure 2021

https://youtu.be/304-lrclaZw  N1 Third visit by the new pair Blue 152 & Prince YP 2021

https://youtu.be/xW2CIMG3IDM  N2 Hooked on you – the chicks get hooked together! 2022

https://youtu.be/lmPZ_jmuEz0  N2 Dorcha reacts to an intruder Osprey seen on camera 2022

https://youtu.be/L1DG3H9gUUM N2 RAF flypast doesn’t stop Louis (2022)

https://youtu.be/k_2pVwLNAZU  N2 Louis brings a fish and eats it himself 2023

https://youtu.be/Lq9DbF3I6J4  N2 LY7 does a massive double helicopter! 2023

https://youtu.be/9SyP31iXLbc  N2  FLEDGE! Ludo LY7 is off into the world! 2023

https://youtu.be/xArpA43gG1Q N1 Affric 152 receives another fish from Garry 2023

https://youtu.be/6SBcqw1oX38 N1 A Wood Pigeon visits 2024

https://youtu.be/wp5mZUIOlQU N2 No fish and a failed mating attempt 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 19th July 2025
Today was a day for celebration – not only did Breac 7P7 return safely after not returning to the nest after his maiden flight yesterday, but Darach 7P0 also fledged, and returned in time to be fed by his mum Dorcha. His fledge wasn’t the nonchalant take off his brother made – Darach did some flapping, hopping, and squeaking before launching himself off the right edge of the nest and out of sight. However, his return was pretty good, he made a smooth landing looking confident as if he’d been flying for a while. So that’s both chicks achieving this milestone, and while some on the forum express sadness at no longer having them around all the time, this is the major step in their development, their parents have been working towards. Many watchers are celebrating by making a donation towards the upkeep of their home in Arkaig Forest – there are many ways to donate, the easiest one is to use the yellow button on this page above ‘What’s been happening on the nest today?’ All donations of whatever size are gratefully received and will be put to good use. In other news, Louis delivered four fish to the nest today, one of which Breac tried to eat starting from the tail! But soon realised his mistake, flipped it around neatly, and started tearing into the head as Dorcha has shown them. Louis’ tally now stands at three hundred and twenty six, while Garry’s rises by one to one hundred and thirty following his delivery to Aurora today. The promised rain materialised and the chicks were just a damp huddle, the forecast calls for more rain overnight continuing tomorrow with thundery showers, with a low of 16°C tonight and a high of 21°C tomorrow.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.43.27 (03.31.43); Nest Two 23.55.24 (04.00.52)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/lm8l1KbeW_w N2 Darach & Dorcha ignore Louis’ fresh fish preferring the old one 04.56.26https://youtu.be/B56rYKu0NdQ N2 That’s no way to treat your mum! Darach pecks Dorcha 07.13.28 https://youtu.be/B89bbPQVaPk He’s back! Breac returns from his maiden flight N2 09.05.27 https://youtu.be/OdCbe-kLjjA N2 Both helicopter together, Breac takes off for flight two 10.38.00

https://youtu.be/2ks2GzdtlO8 N2 FLEDGE! Darach has done it! also found his wings 13.02.38 (zoom)https://youtu.be/hnm7TNtng34 N2 Dorcha allows Breac to have the second fish 15.45.52 https://youtu.be/i-scN7LGgIY N1 Aurora grabs the fish and goes, Garry stays and tidies up 17.26.48 

https://youtu.be/tQMpMSjGkpo N2 He’s back! Darach returns and sticks the landing 17.31.27https://youtu.be/OAkKQWbpQRU N2 Two wet chicks greet Louis arriving with fish number three 18.31.50  Bonus watch – another brilliant video from Steve Quinn of the nest seen from a kilometre away:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/bzD0ewEZPy0  N1 FLEDGE!! Mallie takes her first flight! 2019

https://youtu.be/nyUAdw2pU64  N1 I’m home mum! Mallie lands gracefully after her maiden flight 2019

https://youtu.be/NZL4TzrXZJ4  N1 A different perspective: the family in split-screen, 2020 (thanks LizB)

https://youtu.be/Dn8RbvlOV_s   N1 Vera lands on Captain 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/S9BxyRx0wUA  N2 Night moves: LW5 prepares for liftoff 2022

https://youtu.be/EcWKtfYf9OU  N2 Have fish will travel: Fish number two arrives, departs and returns 2022

https://youtu.be/Mz4fJSZ_LUQ   N2 Dorcha and LW6 fight over a fish 2022

https://youtu.be/T8wtZ_Zrq_E  N2 Ludo’s second flight 2023

https://youtu.be/kYV3QZ-BIa8  N2 Ludo’s eventful third flight – gets divebombed and crash lands  2023

https://youtu.be/ZtKWJC9nqiU  N1 Affric eventually gets a fish from Garry  2023

https://youtu.be/VmlZ8LP5KjU  N2 Ludo makes a perfect landing this time  2023

https://youtu.be/HQpwZ0KNtUU  N2 Ludo gets tired of waiting and self-feeds  2023

https://youtu.be/n5V3RcoCZJI  N1 Garry arrives with a third fish for Affric  2023

https://youtu.be/yx5Yoxe0feY  N2 Not tonight! Dorcha’s not accepting of Louis’ attentions  2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/Vkh1bYP9V_U  N1 Sweet little singer visits 2024

https://youtu.be/U2bBn4PpMoM  N1 Garry LV0 brings a stick and does nest prep 2024

https://youtu.be/jN1-tY56wnA  N1 A pair of little birds pay an early evening visit 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 18th July 2025

Today’s main story is Breac 7P7’s fledge. After doing a proper high helicopter off the screen in the morning, around lunchtime he casually had a quick preen, then without any fuss, spread his wings and launched himself out into the world. Older brother Darach 7P0 looked slightly bewildered but mum Dorcha flew off her perch to deal with the interloper, mistaking him for one of the intruders who’ve kept her and Louis busy today. He didn’t return to the nest, but thanks to LizB and her trusty scope, he’s been sighted perching on a tree behind the nest. Link in the bonus section to those trees via the drone flyover video. Despite intruder alarms, Louis delivered four fish to the nest, taking his tally to three hundred and twenty two. Nest One cam was up and running again this morning, allowing us to see Garry LV0 and Aurora 536 on the nest. He didn’t bring her any fish but they did have a successful mating, and when Affric 152 intruded and landed on the nest, they flew off together in the same direction showing their strong bond which bodes well for next year. His tally remains at one hundred and twenty nine. The weather was settled today, the thundery showers didn’t materialise but are forecast to show up tomorrow with a high of 22°C, but overnight it’s expected to be dry and partly cloudy with light winds, and a low of 14°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.41.29 (03.51.51E); Nest Two (04.08.30)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/FAR3H2mrmRY N2 Darach wins the tug of war for fish one 06.59.30

https://youtu.be/jiKLX7mriNA N1 Garry and Aurora are scared off by Affric 11.02.30

https://youtu.be/Dehz9bEl9po N2 Breac gets high! Proper off-the-screen helicopter 09.40.27  

https://youtu.be/Y3McAjshYKw N2 FLEDGE! Breac 7P7 has found his wings and flown! 13.23.30  

https://youtu.be/G_madcp0b3c N2 Louis brings a second fish but only one chick is there 14.51.40

https://youtu.be/632J3R7_bUk N2 Darach is alone on the nest and gets fish three to himself 16.59.16

https://youtu.be/JIAeVM0yzpY N2 Darach does a good job of tackling a whole fish, 4th today 21.56.24

Bonus watch – LizB has spotted Breac 7P7 perched behind the nest, in the trees seen in this drone flyover video:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/hVAZXaUtY_M  N1 Did Aila pop out for a quick pint? Looks tipsy on landing! 2019

https://youtu.be/25QSyNV93w8  N1 Sibling rivalry – Rannoch gets a beating 2019

https://youtu.be/fZq4NVQVZGk  N1 FLEDGE! Doddie finds his wings 2020 (Classic Ospreys: Chopin 2020)

https://youtu.be/FXbWOQ9_eII  N1 Vera and Captain bow to Doddie 2020

https://youtu.be/jzeN92U37KU  N2 Dorcha makes off with fish number two, chicks not happy 2022

https://youtu.be/QLDYCp-9mQE  N2 Dorcha makes room for LW5 to wingercise 2022

https://youtu.be/gGXO_xyQDws N1&2 RAF do another flypast – three jets this time 2023

https://youtu.be/vxdVywfJT3U  N1 Garry finally brings a fish for Affric 2023

https://youtu.be/mmcV4tRItZk  N2 LY7 gets high! Proper helicopter! 2023

https://youtu.be/qaojgIgK74A  WTScotsocial tweet and footage of 1JR tucking into his fish dinner in Spain 2024

https://youtu.be/wa59vTuwYJc N2 No fish, just a failed mating attempt 2024

https://youtu.be/pxWsh7-M96g N2 Is this a juvenile Tawny Owl calling nearby? 2024

From the Ventana Wildlife Society. I am starting with a quote from the newsletter. The work that these remarkable individuals do should get the highest praise. There are few of them and they really live their lives caring for these amazing creatures.

“If you watched our wildlife documentary, Condor Canyon, you got to know Amigo (204) and his long-time mate, Kodama (646). Often the first condors seen by blossoming birders in Big Sur, CA, Amigo and Kodama were fixtures in their territory at Sea Lion Cove. They raised three biological chicks together playing a key role in the recovery of the species.

On December 13, 2024, Amigo was found deceased on the cliffs of his coastal territory. It is known that condors can live more than 5 decades, however, at the time of his death, Amigo was just 25 years old. Necropsy results confirmed his cause of death was lead poisoning. The lead bullet recovered from his digestive tract was consistent with a .22 caliber. While this caliber is legal in California, lead-based ammunition has been banned for hunting wildlife since 2019 due to its devastating effects on condors and other wildlife. Lead poisoning accounts for half of all known causes of death in condors and unfortunately for Amigo, his life was cut short.  

However, this isn’t about blame, but rather, about solutions. Hunters and ranchers across California are following the law and doing their part to protect wildlife. Many responsible land stewards want to make the switch but still face limited availability of reliable non-lead options for smaller calibers like .22, which is America’s most popular rifle. Expanding access and awareness is key to protecting condors and supporting people whose livelihoods depend on working and living off the land.  

Let’s honor Amigo’s legacy by advancing practical tools and partnerships that benefit both people and wildlife. If you or anyone you know hunts or has a ranch in central California, please pass along information about our Free Non-lead Ammunition Program. Click or tap the button below to get started.” That button is in the newsletter. If it doesn’t work, go to their website.

Lead toxicity impacts more than just condors. Many of the Bald Eagles taken into care have enormous amounts of lead, so don’t just do this for the condors, do it for all raptors. Call for a lead-free world in terms of ammunition (both recreational and military) as well as in fishing gear, etc. It is do dangerous!

The Full CropDownload

I have received news from ‘TU’ that the mother stork hit by the car in the Czech Republic has died. Thankfully, her storklets are doing very well. Had their rescue taken any longer, it might have been a different story.

‘TU’ and I also discussed Bonus the much beloved Black Storklet that was orphaned, raised for a bit in a clinic with Urmas and Dr Madis, and then fostered by Karl II and Kaia. We all loved Bonus and followed ‘his’ journeys and then his satellite transmitter went dead and our hearts sank. Well, Bonus might not have a transmitter but SHE is very much alive and has been seen and photographed at many nests. Urmas also agrees that Bonus is a female. Yippee. I hope that Bonus finds a safe nest – many more are needed along with artificial ponds full of frogs and little fish – but that she lives long, raises many storklets, and carries on the DNA of her parents, Jan and Janika.

Grandaughter Elysha highly recommends David Attenborough’s Ocean. It is a documentary that raises the issue of overfishing in the ocean and sheds light on our beloved albatross. Please check out the official trailer and then find the documentary on your streaming channel: https://youtu.be/O7V8OuS2BMY?

A new FB group that also looks at Kakapo.

The Cornell Red Tail Hawks, Big Red, and Arthur’s Os are still enjoying their time around the Cornell Campus and having Mum and Dad provide them with meals!~

Thank you so very much for being with us. We are taking a brief retreat-type holiday this week. The forecast, however, is for rain both where we live and at our destination. It is easier to be home to care for Don and Toby, but we are going with open minds and eyes, knowing that home is only 2 hours and 20 minutes away! My Friday blog may be short.

Brock is waiting for food. Then the wasps came and he left. Thankfully, he returned and ate his entire meal. I felt relieved, as he doesn’t look so good these days.

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB, PS, TU’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, and the authors of posts such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all those at Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal FB. I am very grateful to you and all the others and to the newspapers that still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Friday in Bird World

27 June 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

One of our dear readers from Japan suggested a ‘snood’ to help protect Toby’s ears. What do you think? It is excellent for baths! Those big curly floppy ears are prone to infections, and I cannot thank ‘AK’ enough. Toby is a little shy and asked that his sisters not see him!!!!!!!!

We continue to declutter, and thank you for all the letters sharing your efforts to reduce clutter in your life. I appreciate the fact that I have kick-started some activity. Today, we are hosting a book sale. I wish you lived close if you like fine art, craft, ceramics, Asian art, and cookbooks. They are in mint condition and going for $5. Donations will be made to local pet rescues, as well as supporting the food for the feral cats that visit our garden. It feels good to clean out these books, knowing that they will have new life in someone else’s home. My mind feels lighter with them gone — they are in boxes wrapped in plastic waiting for 1400 to arrive! Anne is going to take Don on an excursion, and my friend, Susan, is coming to help me and Toby. We will be exhausted at the end of the day.

The book sale has kept me from losing my mind over commercial fishing for Menhaden – the boats have set their nets outside the Bay because there are no more adult Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. Can you believe this! We are witnessing the decline and potential extinction of ospreys in this region.

As I sat listening to the birds in the garden and the distant sound of a Pileated Woodpecker working on one of the utility poles, I was drawn to a quote by Rachel Carson in her insightful volume, Silent Spring. I have substituted part of the paragraph, and the words that I have inserted are very apt for today. Carson would approve.

As man proceeds toward his announced goal of the conquest of nature, he has written a depressing record of destruction, directed not only against the earth he inhabits but against the life that shares it with him. The history of recent centuries has its black passages – the slaughter of the buffalo on the western plains, the massacre of the shorebirds by the market gunners, the near-extinction of the egrets for their plumage. Now, to these and others like them, we are adding a new chapter and a new kind of havoc – the direct indiscriminate killing by starvation of birds, mammals, fishes, and indeed other species by the commercial over fishing of Menhaden fuelled by greed and power. (85)

At Fenwick Island, on Tuesday afternoon late, the Only Bob suffers from heat exhaustion and what appears an inability to cast a pellet. On Tuesday, it was weak and refused to eat much fish. Mum tried to shade it and feed it so this is not a case of parental neglect nor siblicide, no siblings to harm it. Heidi and I have struggled. Does a physically weakened chick have a lesser ability to cast a pellet?

A fish did come to the nest later, and only Bob ate, but it did not matter. This feathered beautiful osplet perished. More is included in Heidi’s report, below.

Many people want to know how they can help halt industrial fishing. Do not think it might not happen in your state. It’s time to establish a ten-mile limit. That would help. They might also want to breed some Menhaden in fish ponds to place back in the Chesapeake Bay.

Heidi’s Osprey Report!

Fenwick Island osprey nest (Captain Mac’s Fish House):  Johnny and June’s only surviving chick died on 6/25 at 38 days of age.  The cause of death was most likely starvation/dehydration, but it was not for a lack of fish.  Despite the heat in recent days, Johnny had delivered (starting with 6/19) 5, 5, 6, 6, 3, 5 fish for June and her chick. On 6/24, we noticed that the chick was not eating despite being offered fish many times.  Once in a while June’s baby would attempt to eat, perhaps ate a few bites, but then would quit.  The temperatures were in the mid to upper 90’s, so the chick was dehydrating rapidly.  On the morning of 6/25 the chick was seen attempting to cast a pellet a couple of times, but was unsuccessful.  At 08:03 on 6/25, June brought her first fish to the nest since she laid her eggs.  She wanted to make sure her youngster had a good breakfast.  The chick moved closer to Mom, and June attempted to feed her baby.  The chick was obviously hungry, wanted to eat, and tried to eat, but simply was not able to. Perhaps it was the inability to expel a pellet that caused the youngster to not be able to eat.  

In 2024, June was a first-time mom, and she obviously had a lot to learn.  She did not protect her first two eggs that year, and they were predated by crows.  She did not incubate egg #3 adequately, and it did not hatch.  Her fourth egg produced her only osplet, named ‘Fen’, and he was her pride and joy.  Johnny and June nurtured Fen, and Fen fledged.

I was watching June very closely this season to see what kind of mom she would be.  I must say, I will give her an ‘A’.  She did very well.  It is unknown why baby #3 died this year at 10 days of age, but it was possibly weather related.  Baby #2 died of siblicide/starvation on 6/6 at 18 days of age, after a few days of bad weather caused Johnny to have difficulty fishing.  Now, my heart simply breaks watching June look down at the body of her last remaining chick.  Take care, June… You and Johnny did your very best.

Mispillion Harbor has two cameras that show the osprey nest.  However, the Nature Center cam is set on auto-tour, and shows different views of the harbor.  Once in a while, I can manage to find one of our ospreys flying to or from the nest, and that’s pretty cool.  But, yesterday, I was extremely lucky to actually see Warren catching a fish in the river!  Very cool indeed!  I recorded a video of the event.

And a late addition to put a smile on your face form Heidi! Cape Henlopen osprey nest: An intruder delivered a fish to Hennie! Miles soon arrived to take charge. The kids thought it was ‘Uncle Bob’ bringing a fishie to Mommy, lol.

Video on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/FD2duIvU2UE

Thank you, Heidi! Great report. Sure is wonderful to see some healthy chicks in Canada, too!

There was a great feeding for all three at Chesapeake Bay.

Smile. Big Bear. ‘PB’ sent a screen capture of Sunny and Gizmo together on a pine. When the nests in the NE get us so despondent, there were miracles this year that we did not think possible. Big Bear is one of them, and we should never forget these two amazing fledgling eagles. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about them and seeing them together.

Please sign the petition to halt fireworks displays in the Big Bear Valley. Can you imagine the havoc this causes to wildlife including Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo!

Petition · No Big Bear Lake Fireworks Show for the Safety of Sister Eaglets (Gizmo and Sunny) – United States · Change.orgDownload

There is other good news. A reader from the NW United States wrote to me. They have found an osprey nest and have been monitoring the progress of the couple, the eggs, and now the osplets. ‘PS’ is delighted to share the images with all of you. There are plenty of fish, and the nest is doing tremendously well. Have a look. You can see the timeline and follow the progress on PS’s Flickr account!

This should brighten your spirits. There is no commercial fishing in the area, which impacts the wildlife.

 https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/x125M54o11

Rutland Manton Bay: The four youngsters have new bling on those legs! At least one is hovering!

Birds of Poole Harbour: Chicks to be ringed shortly – maybe before publishing time.

What a startling contrast. Rutland’s Manton Bay and the Birds of Poole Harbour easily (well, the parents worked hard) raised four osplets. Something truly needs to change in the United States regarding the overall affection and care for wildlife, our planet, and all living things. What the politicians are allowing to be done to the water and the fish that provide life for so many other species is beyond unthinkable.

A beautiful website with everything you wanted to know about the Llyn Brenig Ospreys and a link to their camera:

Llyn Brenig Ospreys – Llyn-BrenigDownload

Kielder Forest: Sad news. The only chick at nest 5A has died.

Double bad news _ Kielder OspreysDownload

The Dyfi Osprey Project Family Tree with this year’s chicks! You will see that the ringers believe that the first chick is a female with two little brothers.

The latest news from the Usk Valley. The only osprey chick to hatch in this area of Wales for 250 years is now three weeks old. Brilliant.

Family Life at 3 Weeks — Usk Valley OspreysDownload

Hen Harriers continue to be killed near the estates that practice grouse hunting.

New report highlights the ongoing criminal persecution of Hen Harriers on UK driven grouse moors – RDownload

Red Kites being poisoned – come on people.

Police launch investigation after Red Kite killed in poisoning hotspot – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

Sending a big thanks to Geemeff for all her daily summaries for Loch Arkaig.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 26th June 2025
Today started out very wet and improved as the day wore on, allowing the chicks and Dorcha to dry out. The fish likewise improved, starting out with a couple of tiddlers which were devoured very quickly but ending with a sixth fish that was a very good size. Louis’ tally now stands at two hundred and thirty two, while over on Nest One, Aurora 536 waited in vain – Garry wasn’t seen today so his tally remains at one hundred and two. Back with Nest Two, there were several intruder alerts causing the adults to alarm-call while the chicks pancaked, but no intruder was seen on camera. In fact, the only hint of a threat came when a disgruntled chick nipped Dorcha but the brief display of aggro didn’t last long. Tonight’s forecast is for light rain and light winds with a low of 12

°C, getting wetter tomorrow with heavy rain and gentle breezes with a high of 18°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.01.50 (03.13.11); Nest Two 23.27.44 (03.52.07)
Today’s videos https://youtu.be/UgED2vaVnqM N2 Tiny tiddler fish one disappears in 2 mins 44 secs! 06.01.22

https://youtu.be/T3wcvWqr90s N2 Fish number two is another tiddler trout, finished in 4 mins 18 secs  06.34.17

https://youtu.be/orl47PFpCZw N2 Alarm calls don’t put the chicks off fish three, C2 downs the tail 12.10.29

https://youtu.be/94_-OBRKhMg N2 The weather’s improved by the time Louis brings fish number four 14.31.44

https://youtu.be/_Tccc54DSoc N2 Dorcha seems distracted and doesn’t immediately start sharing out fish five 16.01.41

https://youtu.be/2c04CmwTpIw N2 Dorcha moves to shelter a chick and gets nipped! 20.24.31

https://youtu.be/Op1paAvV5o4 N2 Fish number six is greeted with enthusiasm by the family 22.43.48

Bonus read – BTO history of ringing (you might be surprised at how long it’s been carried out): 

https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/bird-ringing-scheme/about-ringing/history-ringing

Blast from the past, this day in previous years: 

https://youtu.be/7yjPCfe3BBM  N1 Aila is alarmed and departs leaving her chick home alone (2017) 

https://youtu.be/weTByvoNmU0  N1 Little bird lands on the nest unseen by the chicks (2019, slo-mo) 

https://youtu.be/FePBgx3QZcM N1 The nest’s getting pretty crowded so Aila perches for the night 2020 

https://youtu.be/Vbhk_9zm_cg  N1 The chicks start getting ready for lift-off (2020) 

https://youtu.be/xfmi6cOZFm8  N2 Louis brings leftovers for breakfast (2022)

https://youtu.be/UolftDEfSiE  N2 Chick left alone with dad watches his every move 2023 

https://youtu.be/tAe5tiIbdh4  N1 Dramatic 15 mins with all three players in the love triangle 2023 

https://youtu.be/staRRldEFb8  N2 Carnival of the sticks: elephant feet on the nest 2023 (Classic Ospreys – Saint-Saëns, quicktime) 

https://youtu.be/Dn2-ZuLvotg N1 Affric finally gets another fish and it’s not from Prince 2023 

https://youtu.be/XYwCiVtw5pE  N2 The family enjoy a quiet cosy time as the day draws to a close 2023

https://youtu.be/AITavG2FXxw N2 Fish number one and only, small trout remnant, Dorcha gets very little 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 25th June 2025

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 24th June 2025

Another routine day with plenty of fish, the only disturbance was both Louis and Dorcha being pecked by their chicks, angry at being trampled. However the pair are old hands at the business of raising chicks and don’t retaliate, they merely move away. Louis delivered four fish for the family including his first flatfish this season, and his tally rises to two hundred and twenty three. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536, bringing his tally up to three figures with the second one being his hundredth fish. The weather was more settled than the forecast had suggested, and it’ll be a dry cloudy night tonight with a low of 11°C, staying cloudy with occasional showers tomorrow and a high of 18°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.52.42 (03.26.57); Nest Two 23.12.54 (03.52.33)

Today’s videos: 

https://youtu.be/OsAAdFr1wtg N2 First flatfish from Louis this season 07.46.24

https://youtu.be/QbHgqBIf850 N2 Fish number two is a headless big Silver Tourist 10.09.44  

https://youtu.be/hflj4TIC2CU N1 Aurora seizes the fish as soon as Garry lands 10.10.58

https://youtu.be/pHhG2Zgdl1w N2 Fish supper for the chicks – a whole trout 20.49.43

https://youtu.be/uPinOwoSN8k N2 A mystery dark fish four provides a second supper, the chicks queue politely 21.36.59

https://youtu.be/0z96lSwSiq0 N1 Garry brings Aurora a second fish 22.22.31

https://youtu.be/SHVFvR_3BPs N2 Both Louis and Dorcha are pecked by chicks angry at being trampled 18.34.24

Bonus read – Flights, Camera, Action! Postcode Lottery discuss their sponsorship of the nest cam:

https://www.postcodelottery.co.uk/postcode-hub/news/flights-camera-action

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/ArAamS1fRzQ  N1 Ouch! Bad-tempered Bob1 pecks Aila in the eye (2019, slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/fT6FvDGs30I  N1 Is that a chick snoring? (2020)

https://youtu.be/Gp2lut-Uwg4  N1 Golden goddess: Aila at sunset (2020)

https://youtu.be/wZd7bvRqhOY  N2 Dorcha drops the fish tail chasing Crows (2022)

https://youtu.be/2cdE4bMAN_M  N2 Dorcha senses the presence of a Hoodie under the nest (2022 zoom)

https://youtu.be/b_KmDWwbjOc N2 Sleepy Dorcha rests her weary head on the chicks (2022)

https://youtu.be/cnrmWr6Mc1M  N1 Fish for Affric from LV0 2023

https://youtu.be/ivJXSVb4nAs  N2 Lovely waggly wing wave 2023

https://youtu.be/_x3tC69zmB4  N1 New pair Affric & Garry looking settled 2023 (quicktime)

https://youtu.be/_8Z0ryX0F5Q N2 Fish supper arrives and the chick has a nibble 2023

https://youtu.be/Alfrd7novqE  N1 Garry LV0 arrives early and does some nest prep 2024

https://youtu.be/iQA9jIPeDsE N2 Fight! Is the nest getting too crowed? Chicks have a pop 2024

https://youtu.be/opTBHM-Q3jk N2 Dorcha brings a stick and hangs it round Chick1’s neck 2024

https://youtu.be/45KVDHPY0x40 N2 Fish number three, headless small trout, soon finished, Dorcha’s still hungry 2024

Geemeff’s     Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 23rd June 2025

Another wet and windy day, dawn broke showing a very soggy nest. But Louis brought an early breakfast, the rain stopped, and the well-fed chicks soon dried out. It did rain again during the day and the wind picked up with gusts strong enough to overturn Dorcha and show off her underfluffies again, but the chicks were safely hunkered down and in no danger. Louis brought a total of four fish, taking his tally to two hundred and nineteen. The third of those fish was the 2000th fish counted and recorded by Steve Q and the fish counting team over the past five years – citizen science in action, well done team! Over on Nest One, Aurora 536 did eventually get a fish from Garry LV0, taking his tally to ninety eight, but first he decided to reaffirm their bond with what looked like a successful mating attempt, purely to strengthen their pairbond as it’s not possible to raise chicks now, however this behaviour bodes well for next year. Tonight’s overnight forecast is light rain and light winds with a low of 12°C, continuing through tomorrow with a high of 15°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.01.11 (03.19.14); Nest Two 23.08.33 (03.46.25)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/5SQEpQsyBQk N2 After a wet night the family is glad to see Louis with breakfast 06.59.13

https://youtu.be/nhAAPpCkdAE N1 Aurora wants fish but Garry prefers to reaffirm their bond 11.35.37

https://youtu.be/cV1jsH31ook N2 The chicks wait politely while Dorcha shares out the second fish 15.11.20

https://youtu.be/nQTfYzY5tVY N1 Aurora demolishes her fish in 15 minutes, returns demanding more 15.20.21

https://youtu.be/ltX67OdWZmU N2 Oops! Dorcha gets blown over, underfluffies on display again! 15.36.44 

https://youtu.be/bWyjtRWbBcw N2 Louis brings a third fish and stays to do some nest tidying 16.44.45

https://youtu.be/PbLaUGIVZs4 N2 Fish supper arrives when Louis brings fish number four 21.45.27

Bonus opportunity to make a difference – jobs and volunteer positions available at Woodland Trust:

https://jobs.woodlandtrust.org.uk/   and    https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/act/volunteer-with-us/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Oay1Lrgh3O0  N1 Another Osprey intrusion, the chicks pancake 2019 (Slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/obBc6-JVTgU  N1 The family ignore fish three and track an intruder 2020

https://youtu.be/5CFk79DzWVg  N2 A large unwieldy twiggy stick arrives and departs 2020

https://youtu.be/Zl0Mf-1ZbRs N2 Dinner en famille! Dad feeds C1 from F3 while mum feeds C2 from F2 2022

https://youtu.be/ElJNzd8XcRA  N2 Sunlight sonata: a slice of family life 2022 (Classic Ospreys – Beethoven)

https://youtu.be/04jToc-igIg  N2 Prince intrudes at Nest Two 2023 (slo-mo, zoom)

https://youtu.be/cQ1zI4L_ng4  N2 Bombs away! Thankfully chick misses the nest cam! 2023

https://youtu.be/ovW-q9Dcbkc N1 Is Affric becoming more accepting of LV0? 2023

https://youtu.be/FaLhOxt1U50  N2 Mumbrella Dorcha does her best to shelter the chick 2023

https://youtu.be/e1DJpaL8Dlo N2 Dorcha causes chaos with a stick, tbut it soon goes overboard 2024

https://youtu.be/e3oZRUuHIzs  N1 Garry LV0 visits for just seven seconds 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/35Zn71fWiCg N2 Fish number five breaks all-time latest delivery record! 2024You’re invited to join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s 

friendly, free and everyone’s welcome: 

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

Thank goodness for Suzanne Arnold Horning, who has a Miss Marple nose for tracking down Big Red, Arthur, and their fledglings. Otherwise, we would know nothing except for Ferris Akel and others who visit and post images. Thanks, Suzanne! If you want to see all the images, please join the Cornell Haw Cam Chatters FB group.

A recent video of the activity at Big Red’s nest in Ithaca, New York: https://youtu.be/LqRMYGHBwzA?

Norwegian Osplets at the Frau Rauer nest are doing fantastically. A video of a Gar fish delivery on the 21st and some images from today. Look at that beautiful plumage coming in. Gorgeous amber eyes, paired with a bold black band, will help them avoid glare when catching their fish. https://youtu.be/8JYzeY3e2gg?

News from Loch of the Lowes:

San Jose City Hall. SK Hideaways caught Monty and Hartley having some bonding time now that their four fledglings have flown the scrape! https://youtu.be/ZxdGDgrU7kE?

Charlo Montana: Mum and her three chicks! So far, Charlie is keeping the fish coming for his family. Cheer them on.

We were not sure that the female at the Trempeauleau Bald Eagle nest in Wisconsin could provide for her eaglet to fledge. Well, she did it! T3 is gorgeous! https://youtu.be/YjTK95bVETc?

Boulder County: Family portrait.

Saaksilvie #4: Three chicks are doing well.

Eschenbach, Germany Osprey Platform: Joan Castnyer reports: “This morning, early in the morning (07:23), the two young birds of this year were ringed in the Eschenbach nest. The operation was perfect and quick. Tomorrow (if the wind permits) the only chick from Goitzsche Wildnis is scheduled to be ringed. For reasons of protecting my own image, I have not published the specific moment, but when the ringer leaves and only the helmet is visible. I hope you understand.”

Golden Eagle Nest of Spilvie and Grislis, Latvia: Looks like our eaglet is fully feathered or nearly.

White Storks, Mlade Buky, Czechoslovakia: Bety and the two lovely storklets on the nest waiting for Bukacek to come with food.

Smile. Alukin’s new video of the white storks in Poland, which a generous and caring human helped. https://youtu.be/murd58vSLsU?

Marcin Kus films more help at another nest for little storklets in Poland! https://youtu.be/QJAD98Jp81o?

I would like to see this kind of caring – and courage – in parts of the US. Just feed them! With all that is going on – seriously? Wildlife is suffering.

I was shocked to receive a note from ‘B’ in California appraising me of the removal of Peregrine Falcon eggs to be hatched away from their natural nest. ‘B’ writes: “Hi Mary Ann,

I wondered if you had seen this, that three Peregrine chicks have hatched at Ojai Raptor Center (ORC)?  US Fish and Wildlife evidently reported that the adult Peregrines had established their nest in the middle of a nesting area for endangered and threatened species (California Least Terns and Western Snowy Plovers, respectively) and were preying on those species.  USF&W removed eggs from the Peregrine nest and took them to ORC, where they have now hatched.

Gosh, it is hard to know what to think.  It is sad that the Peregrine nest was removed, and I do worry for the outcome of these eyases, who will need to learn to hunt and live for themselves (apparently without the benefit of foster parents?) if they are to thrive.  But one also needs to weigh the fate of the endangered and threatened species. In the discussion on the ORC facegook page (https://www.facebook.com/theojairaptorcenter/), ORC says USF&W planned to capture and relocate the parents, but that sounds difficult to accomplish.

I don’t know what the plan is for the coming months.  Perhaps a falconer could help with the final steps of the pre-release process, as was done for Nox, one of Annie’s last chicks in Berkeley, after he was rescued injured from SF Bay.  (Recall that Nox did pass away not long after release.  I am not sure if I heard the cause.)

From what I read, it sounds like ORC was not involved in discussions and decisions that led up to them getting the eggs, so I do not want to criticize them for a difficult task they have inherited.  I certainly wish them — and especially the eyases! — well in what sounds like a challenging process.”

‘A’ brings us her report for Australia. Can you believe that we are now anticipating an egg for the White-bellied Sea Eagles? Where did the time go?!!!!!!

“June 24: Lady stayed in the same place all night. Dad turned up at the nest around 7am – he must have been somewhere close last night. There were early duets and mating by the nest, off for a while, then another duet and mating. A windy morning, with more bonding heard. Rain started around 10am. Later the wind was really strong. Both eagles came to the nest – but no action. Dad returned alone around 2:30pm, off again then back with leaves. Lady must have been close, as there was a duet when he left. Then both returned with leaves – then away, with another duet close – and again. They have been very vocal today. Dad brought leaves at 4:20pm, followed by Lady with more. Then again a duet, leading to mating at the end of the day. They both went to the nest – is this it? Then to the branch again. Again lots of bonding behaviour today, with duets and mating. They settled for the night nearby – but we are still watching and waiting for her first egg.

Sea-Eagle Cam: Lady and Dad worked on their nest at the Sydney Olympic Forest.

In New Zealand, our princess continues to grow rapidly, preparing for her great adventure. Mum GLG came in yesterday to feed her baby, and happened to time it perfectly such that the wee one was weighed before and after the feeding. She gained 1.6kg!!! That’s a helluva lot of squid for one feeding. Good work, mum. The day approaches. Still a few weeks to go. September I think is usual. She really is exquisite. 

At Orange, Diamond is sleeping on the Cilla Stones. She and Xavier are bonding, eating and waiting for eggs. It’s very windy there tonight, as it is in Olympic Forest. And wet. Diamond has a huge crop (courtesy of a large dinner presumably) as she always seems to do when I check in on her. Xavier is a very devoted mate (although Madame would prefer duckling to starling). 

Finally, in South Australia, the ospreys are both asleep on the nest, tucked and puffed up against the cold wind. Earlier in the evening, dad was actually snuggled up against mum, sheltering her with his body and wing. Too sweet. She seems happy to have him there. Both appear to have full crops (although they are also puffed up against the weather). 

As for the Collins Street falcons, you know the situation there. I will begin checking the site but the cameras won’t be switched on until there are eggs (they usually wait for two to be laid before they deign to let us in on the situation but we’ll see what they do this year. I do wish they would allow us to see the pair bonding and give us a chance to get to know the pair and establish whether it’s the same two as previously or a new pair or some combination of the two. It’s usually pretty hard to be sure at Collins Street so the more time we are given with them, the more chance we have of being sure of their identities, this year and subsequently.”

Thanks so much ‘A’.

We are also getting excited about the beginning of the Kakapo breeding season in New Zealand. Read all about it in the DOC’s Conservation Blog!’

Kākāpō breeding season 2026 | Conservation blogDownload

Sad news coming in. You might recall that Keo and Keke were forced to make their nest on a light stand when the goose family took over the osprey platform. Now, tragedy has struck as a result of this. ‘PB’ writes: “Sandpoint Keo and Keke 3 babies fell from their nest. A stick was brought, and that side collapsed, and three babies didn’t make it.” This is the first time that Keke has had three babies. They were healthy and will be buried under the nest today, according to Robin on the chat.

Thank you so very much for being with us today. We hope to have you with us again on Monday! Take care.

Thank you to those amazing people who help me by sending raptor news – special thanks today to: ‘A’, ‘B’, Geemeff, Heidi, ‘PB’, and ‘PS’, to the owners of the streaming cams or photographers mentioned in today’s blog and whose names I hope to have highlighted in bold. To all of the writers of the articles, chat moderators, and blogs that are included today – I am grateful for your hard work! Thank you.

Monday in Bird World

16 June 2025

Hello Everyone!

Late news: Fortis Exshaw had their third osplet hatch!

We are creeping closer and closer to the first day of summer. It is marvellous to have the sun up early in the morning and light still in the garden at 2200. Winter will be here all too soon, and it will then be dark by 1630. These days we have the summer warmth with temperatures ranging during the day from 24-29 C. Coffee in the morning along with breakfast and lingering hours in the evening with our tea and Toby by our side are so enjoyable. It is a little too hot during the early afternoon.

This evening, we sat and watched the Starling parents feed their fledglings. All seven have survived, with another family of five arriving in the garden today. We have gone through so much kibble! They will begin to disperse in a fortnight, and I will miss them so much.

While the Blue Jay babies and the little Crows have yet to arrive, the behavior of the adult birds indicates that there are hungry mouths to feed in their nests. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness these birds flourishing and not having to compete for food. However, I can’t shake the desire to find a solution to bring fish back to the areas where many nests are faltering this year.

I have been working on this post on and off and I know that I have mentioned a few nests twice. Just consider it Double Happiness.

Today, ‘VV’ confirmed the disappointing news that no osprey chicks hatched on St. George’s Island, Maryland, this year, resulting in a staggering fifteen failed nests! The adults abandoned their nests with eggs in two weeks. A few of the adults have returned, but everyone is very disillusioned with no movement in Virginia to halt the overfishing of the Menhaden, which is essential for the lives of our ospreys.

I am deeply ashamed that a Canadian company is on the verge of driving ospreys to extinction in this region of the United States. The nationality of the company shouldn’t be a factor; what troubles me is the lack of a viable solution. Despite the hard work of many advocates raising awareness about this critical issue, Virginia politicians continue to turn a blind eye. Is it true that money can buy favours? Absolutely—short-term financial gain seems to overshadow the urgent need for environmental stewardship. We must demand better from our leaders!

At home, there is no shortage of food and love for all the animals, feathered or furred. Toby and Hugo Yugo are the closest of friends, even when it comes to sifting the cheese out of Toby’s kibble. (Don was a little enthusiastic about the amount and size! My son thought they were eating nachos.)

Back to the birds…

We have been discussing some questions that might arise if you have been watching a lot of the osprey nests this year.

  1. When do we start counting the age of the egg? The minute it is laid! When it emerges from the cloaca. There is no scientific basis for subtracting days, etc. due to delayed incubation. The age of the egg is from the minute it is laid.
  2. Can the second egg hatch before the first egg? Yes. Sometimes it isn’t easy to know which egg is which. In other cases, it is not. The markings on the osprey eggs can be quite distinctive, helping the observer recognise eggs 1, 2, and 3 easily from one another. The data that Heidi and I have kept indicate the following days related to hatch:

2023: This is the data for 342 eggs. If you can’t see it easily, the average time for hatch for the first egg laid is 38.8 days while that for egg 2 laid is 36.9 while egg 3 is 36.4 days.

2024: This is the data for 351 eggs. If you can’t see it easily, the average time for hatch for the first egg is 39.4 days, egg 2 is 37.4 days, and egg 3 is 36.1 with egg 4 at 36.0 days.

3. If the second egg hatches first, do you still call it ‘chick one’? Yes. The first chick to hatch, regardless of egg order, is chick one or the first hatch. This has happened at several nests, including the 2011 Dyfi Osprey Project nest. This is the chart from Tiger Mozone’s log for that season at Dyfi (imagicats):

Many of you know that I have a fondness for Blue 33. I also admire many of the male ospreys in the UK. One way to determine if an osprey pair is considered ‘successful’ is not only by the number of chicks they raise but also by the rate of second-year returnees. For example, Aran at Glaslyn, who was usurped this year by one of Idris’s sons, Teifi, has had three of his sons return to Wales this year. This is a remarkable achievement, and we should keep in mind that these are only the birds that have been seen on camera or photographed, as that’s the only evidence that counts for proving their existence.

There were lots of tributes to the great osprey dads!

Idris and Telyn’s chicks will be ringed this week and we will find out their names.

Latest news from the Cumbrian Wildlife Trust – home to the Foulshaw Moss ospreys.

Meet the neighbours_ our #FoulshawOspreys have company _ Cumbria Wildlife TrustDownload

Knepp Farm News!

News from KneppDownload

Been wondering what happened to the only GHO hatch for Bonnie and Clyde at Farmer Derek’s? Androcat caught up with Starri. https://youtu.be/B261Hw7-sic?

At Farmer Derek’s Bald Eagle Nest, Kanza returned home after fledging to a double fish meal. https://youtu.be/x-HOBz9SFIw?

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Nest: ‘MP’ sent shock waves through me when they wrote that the third egg had hatched at this nest. The chick has not been fed since it hatched (24 hours thus far). Attempts but Mum and chick are having trouble connecting. Fingers crossed.

Wetlands, NJ: Second hatch has died due to siblicide/starvation.

The trio at Saaksilvie #1 are doing great. They are in that terrible Reptilian phase. Hoping for three fledges!

At Saaksilvie #4, the trio are in the Reptilian phase. They seem to be doing well.

Saaksilvie nests 2 and 3 are vacant.

Taipalsaavi Osprey Platform, Finland: Two of the cutest fattest little bottom osplets.

We haven’t checked on the Royal Albatross chick for a long time. Baby fluff is disappearing. There are still 9-10 weeks before fledge. Here is the most recent weight check. https://youtu.be/y6XB3zjflNc?

Charlo Montana: A nice big fish came in for those babies.

Rutland Manton Bay: It is a nest full of osplets!

Dunrovin: ‘PB’ brings us the latest news.

I am sending some ‘old’ news. Heidi sent this for Thursday, and I missed it. The ages of the osplets will be wrong, but I want you to see her news, and we have sadly lost the Only Bob at Dahlgren as of Saturday. My apologies for missing this news. I love how Heidi puts the narrative in the image. She will also have a new report for today.

Heidi’s Report for Sunday, 15 June:

Two notes, one video link to Mispillion Harbor video, and six photos.

Dahlgren osprey nest:  On 6/14, both Helen and Doug were away from the nest leaving their only chick unprotected.  Sadly, the little 4-day-old baby was predated by a crow.

Happy Father’s Day to all the devoted osprey dads, especially to Warren at Mispillion Harbor.  Watch Warren doing his thing, feeding and protecting his family.  Here is “The Warren Waltz”  https://youtu.be/jToQbVm3838

Goitzsche-Wildnis, Germany: The Only Bob that survived the Red Kite attacks has grown big and strong. It is big enough that I believe the Red Kite cannot take it! Fingers crossed no one else comes calling. This is a beautiful osplet for Zeus and Fjona.

Eschenbach, Germany: Two lovely osplets.

Dunrovin Ranch: ‘PB’ reports that Winnie and Swoopie have their second hatch as of Sunday evening. Congratulations.

Charlo Montana: There are three. I really, really hope that Charlie gets a lot of fish on this nest!

Boulder County Fairgrounds: Two remaining Bobs with full crops on Saturday.

Trempeauleau Eagles: T3 is self-feeding and has a stash under the base of the tree. Smart eaglet!

Blithfield Reservoir, UK: Jeff Kear announced in UK Osprey Info FB that they have had a reliable source confirm three little osplets in the nest.

Clark PUD: Both Bobs appear to be in a food coma.

Pitkin County: The images speak for themselves. The largest chick eats first and the smaller goes into submission. Viewers were delighted on Saturday when the little one had a nice crop! The weather is very hot – approaching 90 F.

City of Independence: There are two Bobs in this nest. We can see their little heads pop up at 0842 for a feeding on Saturday. Soon they will be bigger and easier to view!

Gilestone Ospreys Usk Valley: Cogwyn doesn’t have to wait long for her mate Syfaddan to get a fish to their nest to feed their Only Bob. This chick is the first to hatch in 250 years in this Welsh Valley.

Santiam Canyon, Oregon: There are three Bobs. They have made it through the Reptilian Phase and are now getting those gorgeous juvenile feathers. The Santiam Canyon ospreys are located at the Santiam Canyon School District in Oregon. Specifically, they have nested in a football field light for the past two years and now have a permanent nesting platform nearby. This new platform was built in partnership with Pacific Power and other organizations to provide the ospreys with a safer home.

Salt Point: Orpheus and Ursula receive high praise for the care they give their three osplets.

Great Bay: Three osplets. The images show the difference in size and age. I get nervous. Fingers crossed.

VIMS, VA Institute of Marine Science: This says it all. No food. Menhaden taken for years by the Canadian company, Omega, out of Reedsville, VA. Virginia is the only state around the waters that does not have the three-mile protection limit. As a result, no food for the ospreys who have abandoned their nests along with fish hawks in neighbouring states.

WDNU: Female caught feeding the recently hatched chick on 1 June 2025. Two osprey chicks hatched on the WNDU studio tower in 2025. However, both chicks sadly passed away shortly after hatching. The osprey pair had laid three eggs, and two successfully hatched. 

This is a very unlucky nest. It is unclear why the chicks die each year shortly after hatching. The only chick to fledge in three years was Huey in 2023.

FOBBV: On Saturday, the entire family was at the nest. Sunny and Gizmo ate and spent time together. This miracle keeps on giving. Treasure it – when you feel low, remember that this year there were miracles. You are looking at them below. Jackie and Shadow make sure that their babies are fed in the nest or the pine. It is beautiful.

Denton Homes: They survived all the storms, the wind, the threat of tornadoes, the cold and sometimes the lack of food due to the weather. Just look at the trio.

San Jose City Hall Falcons: SK Hideaways checks in to see who is home. https://youtu.be/MjXHLrLbqEg?

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 15th June 2025
Another day where Louis delivered several fish, a contrast to this day last year when he was told off by Dorcha for arriving without fish and showing no inclination to go fishing. 

The start of his illness, although we didn’t know it at the time.. He brought four fish to the nest, all a good size, big and beefy, and candidates to be considered Silver Tourists rather than Brown Trout. In fact one of the fish contained a big surprise – a belly full of little fish! This bonus was snapped up by Dorcha as the chicks didn’t seem to be too keen, and their hugely distended crops shows how well they’ve been eating. Louis’ tally rises to one hundred and eighty eight, while over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought one fish for Aurora 536, taking his tally to eighty nine. Although there were dry spells today, the weather forecast is for more rain and wind overnight with a low of 12

°C, continuing through tomorrow with a high of 16°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.37.08 (03.32.25); Nest Two 23.09.52 (03.51.37)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/XLkxcMgnrLU N2 Fish number one is a big silvery headless trout 05.56.58https://youtu.be/qKGEv6WQ4tQ N2 Louis delivers a second big silvery fish 13.26.31https://youtu.be/1uHKMsVgfjk N1 Garry LV0 finally delivers a fish for Aurora 14.28.29

https://youtu.be/UVotIUbtzMg N2 Louis delivers a monster fish and it has a bellyful of tiny fish! 17.50.51https://youtu.be/bB4kvztpDKM N2 Dorcha’s still busy with fish three so Louis takes fish four away 20.48.02 

Bonus blast from the past: Today’s fish full of fish is not the first time this has been caught on nest cam – thanks to PaulineC for finding Doddie JJ6 eating a fish, with a belly full of fish, in my archive:

https://youtu.be/wzmzLuDZqh8  21 July 2020

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/ntv71sF-N_s  N1 Simultaneous feeding – mum and dad each feed a bob! 2019

https://youtu.be/1RzPgaEWMr0  N1 Limbo dancing 2020

https://youtu.be/PvklkJGfZIc  N1 Home alone chicks amuse themselves 2020

https://youtu.be/J8geReKxLxc  N1 Mumbrella Aila does her best to shelter the chicks 2020

https://youtu.be/FJYbKk1hA-4  N1 A Jay visits the empty nest 2021

https://youtu.be/tsAAz0z9Ac8  N2 Hooded Crow intrudes and perches on the nest 2022

https://youtu.be/k6W6PKYMMYQ  N2 Chicks battle it out as soon as mum leaves 2022

https://youtu.be/LTMLWBLOZnY  N1 LV0 just won’t get the message 2023

https://youtu.be/hFbYpDjHeyI  N1 Affric reaffirms her bond with Prince 2023

https://youtu.be/yvMLAjhrNaA  N2 Hangry chick attacks Dorcha 2023 (quick-time)

https://youtu.be/2hIydufKS3I Fish number one, headless trout, C1 gets it all 2024

https://youtu.be/FlvoO8n_ZAk  Dorcha: from menace with a stick to brilliant mumbrella 2024

https://youtu.be/OiKvZO7vkTU Louis finally arrives but he’s fishless! Dorcha can’t believe it 2024

Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 14th June 2025

Plenty of fish again today, Louis brought four fish including a late night fish which he had to take away again as his family were too full to bother with it, and his tally rises to one hundred and eighty four. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536, taking his tally to eighty eight, but disappointed her tonight when he arrived with a piece of bark instead of a third fish. Dorcha was startled by a songbird, the size difference is striking, and the Great Tit was equally startled by big Dorcha and left very quickly. All was peaceful today and there wasn’t any fighting between the chicks, and they did a little nest tidying and experimental nibbling at fish while mum was dishing out. The weather was mainly settled today with some rain but there’ll be more rain and wind overnight with a low of 11°C, continuing through tomorrow, with the possibility of sunny intervals and a high of 16°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.49.37 (02.44.46); Nest Two 23.10.14 (04.02.00)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/LptdCIh0i2Y N2 Louis delivers a very early fish with night cam still on 03.38.39

https://youtu.be/Yi4Nj3KMsb8 N2 Dorcha is startled by a songbird: the size difference is striking 06.22.59 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/0LhS8ZtGAak N2 The chicks help mum with nest tidying, one does a spot of whittling 09.41.58

https://youtu.be/jhmn2mfnPUY N1 Aurora jumps down from her perch ready to grab the first fish 10.49.23

https://youtu.be/8QUMSzhLiO4 N2 A huge second fish arrives – the chicks have a nibble 11.55.01

https://youtu.be/yeKK1a8IFBA N1 Garry brings a second fish for Aurora and stays to tidy the nest 17.38.31

https://youtu.be/XQ_1oY9y0Lg N2 Although the chicks have bulging crops they tuck in to the third fish 18.53.12

https://youtu.be/QpFug8PNXJA N1 Garry and Aurora spent a little time on the nest but she wants fish 21.51.19

https://youtu.be/8wE4v6xm67E N2 Louis brings a late 4th fish: no one wants it so he takes it away 22.49.34 (zoom)

Bonus guide to Osprey eyesight (thanks Dyfi and LizB):

https://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/facts-about-osprey-eyes

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Exn19098zow N1 First self-feeding – big bob helps herself 2019

https://youtu.be/vat-pks8C0o N1 Good luck getting those growing bobs settled for the night! 2020

https://youtu.be/Er_He7M1Z_s  N1 Tawny Owl returns and strikes Aila 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/KaaAklC7VMY  N2 When mum’s away, the chicks do play – not very nicely! 2022

https://youtu.be/owboya14Psw  N2 Bob2 gets a really good dinner as Bob1 is finally full! 2022

https://youtu.be/FreDgrNdCn4  N2 Bob1 dominates bob2 when Dorcha goes flyabout 2022

https://youtu.be/bony4Vt5TEw  N2 Little bird visits, so tiny Dorcha doesn’t notice 2023 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/BecclFVDPAw  N2 Fish number one, chick has a go at self-feeding 2023

https://youtu.be/tOd-hoc2Cxo  N1 High drama: rivals Prince & LVO both bring gifts 2023 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/R-32UJt7tBY  N2 Dorcha takes a direct hit! 2023 (Classic Ospreys: Tchaikovsky)

https://youtu.be/cgcWVSNAr4k N2 Dad’s turn to get hit! Equal opportunity squirter 2023

https://youtu.be/xL0saakThcE N2 Fish number two today, number 200 for the season! 2024

https://youtu.be/7J_4iIlHbGE  N2 Fish number three, chicks are calm and queue up with no aggro 12024

https://youtu.be/pDQXzJzcvDw  N2 Oops! Dorcha gets decorated 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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 13th June 2025
Plenty of fish today, with Garry LV0 bringing two for Aurora 536, and Louis delivering three for Dorcha and the two chicks. Their respective tallies rise to eighty six (Garry) and one hundred and eighty (Louis), although as the missing footage during yesterday’s outage wasn’t retrievable as hoped, their tallies are probably higher. Aurora decided to pay a visit to the Nest Two area, and was chased away by Louis, who kept hold of the fish in his talons throughout the chase and brought it to the nest shortly afterwards. Dorcha decided to do some decorating with moss and sticks, but instead of decorating the nest, she decorated the chicks instead. Both of the two 

surviving chicks are developing nicely and both have well-filled crops. The forecast is 

partly cloudy and light winds overnight with a low of 10°C, continuing tomorrow with light rain, light winds and a high of 16

°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.43.32 (03.17.31); Nest Two 23.25.19 (04.05.13)Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/8ygNdz9hreQ N2 Fish number one, whole medium trout 06.39.21 

https://youtu.be/1th9_-SSf6M N1  Fish number one, headless trout 07.56.54

https://youtu.be/9txqWmPu9OA N2 Two Ospreys do a flyby of the nest, Dorcha is furious 09.19.28 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/SUB7zBX8NsA N2 Fish number two, headless trout 09.52.07 

https://youtu.be/j5WGjP4SooA N1 Fish number two, headless trout 14.36.30

https://youtu.be/6UHho_Lwt5k N2 Dorcha decorates the chicks 14.41.20 (quick-time)

https://youtu.be/IY1_t_Wf3yA N2 Fish number three, whole Silver Tourist 19.37.58 

Bonus read – Riverscapes Partnership, of which Woodland Trust is a member, advocates developing a countrywide waterway system: 

Making Space for Rivers calls for national river corridor network

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Oec9yfsqzI8  N1 Dad breaks up a fight (2019)

https://youtu.be/7h8o4P1BjOc  N1 Toy-like deer graze near the nest (2020)

https://youtu.be/CmnoKwCdweU  N1 Crashing and bashing: mum creates chaos (2020)

https://youtu.be/RownqjRW6Hg N2 First fish arrives in the dark (2022)

https://youtu.be/qmnWqyl9Nrw  N2 The two surviving chicks enjoy a good feed (2022)

https://youtu.be/sgCSDSOspIs  N2 Chicks take lumps out of each other until mum returns with a stick (2022)

https://youtu.be/QNDrgxWxl6M  N1 LV0 attempts mating and is rejected again Nest One 2023

https://youtu.be/BnWHTwPBiX4  N2 Chick helps sort out the cot rails 2023

https://youtu.be/xCx56MCLBJw N2 Crash bang wallop! Dorcha lands on the chick 2023

https://youtu.be/n0Ev_HsN01M N1 More rejected mating attempts 2023

https://youtu.be/ijeXkzHe_Ew N2 Tawny Owl attack 2024 (super slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/jppiOHQt_ZI  N2 Louis sticks around doing housework after delivering fish two 2024

https://youtu.be/Xvulvoc7oZU N1 A pair of Redpolls (Carduelis Flammea) flit around 2024

https://youtu.be/l2NfkpeONbw N1 Garry LV0 pops in for a quick visit 2024

https://youtu.be/-KeC7f16UvI N2 Fish number five, whole trout, C3 asserts itself and gets some 2024

Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Dyfi Osprey Project: It is terrific to see Telyn waiting and trusting Idris to get those fish on the nest for the trio. Idris never fails!

Birds of Poole Harbour: Blue 022 keeps the fish coming for the four on the Poole Harbour nest. CJ7 waits in anticipation just like Telyn! Tiny Little Bob, #4, is doing fantastic. He has a fat little bottom. There he is sleeping at the feet of Mum, CJ7.

Llyn Clywedog: It was not a good Saturday at the nest of Dylan and Seren. The rain came down. Seren kept the big Bobs as dry as she could. Dylan came in with a small Brown Trout around 1504. The chicks could be heard calling for food earlier. It looks like Dylan is feeding Seren so she can feed each Bob.

Glaslyn: So sad to see the nest without chicks this year.

Rutland Manton Bay: Maya is waiting for Blue 33. He doesn’t fail to deliver! All four chicks are doing very well, even with a delivery of a floppy fish!

Kurzeme Osprey Nest of Selga and Svings, Latvia: We have one osplet. Eggs were laid on April 23, 26, and 29. One egg was broken when an intruder came to the nest on 24 May. The Only Bob hatched on June 1. They are doing fine.

Wondering what that Stellar’s Sea Eagle has been up to?

A new osprey nest for you with three babies: Orihula, Wisconsin about 20 miles from Oshkosh or Freemont. There are three and there is an age difference. I want to be hopeful that little three will survive. It does get bonked so watch with some caution. Here is the nest information followed by the link to the streaming cam.

“The Orihula Osprey started in Orihula in 2016 when two osprey built a nest on a power pole nearby. The nest got knocked down and a nesting pole was then installed for them to lay eggs and raise baby chicks on. Since then they have been coming back every year. The names Cliff and Judy were picked for the birds this year to honor the legacy of Cliff and Judy Hahn as they were very well known and loved in the Orihula community. The male bird has a neck with more yellow feathers on it and band that has the number f24. He was banded in 2016 a few miles away in Weyauwega as a chick that year. We are not sure where the female is from but her neck is completely white and has no bands. Typically the birds come back around the first week of April and lay eggs middle to the end of April. Once the eggs are laid the mother or father will stay there 24/7 until the eggs have hatched in late May/early June. The chicks will continue to grow very rapidly from their parents feeding them from the Ospey’s fish diet. Cliff will bring fish back to the nest for Judy to feed and Cliff will then sit on the eggs until she is finished. He will also bring back fish for the chicks and Judy will then feed it to the chicks in pieces. Currently there is one egg that was laid around 5:30 a.m. April 20th, an Easter egg surprise! Egg number 2 was laid Wednesday April 23rd at 12:30 am, and Egg number 3 was laid Friday April 25th at 5:59 pm. Updates will continue to be posted with egg count and when they have hatched. You are able to zoom in on the live stream to better see the birds or eggs as well. Feel free to comment any suggestions or any other cool things that you may see while watching!”

https://www.youtube.com/live/JgPN0nlj-QA?si=NvG5wP80v8gQ_8xk

‘TU’ sends us news that Urmas is busy with the fish baskets for Kergu and his Blackstork Mate in Estonia. They write, “Urmas helps Kergu and Kerli to feed their chicks. ESTONIA nest in Pärnu County #Kerli + #Kergu + 3 chicks “A fish basket was installed on 07.june to the place where Kerli was caught last year. Next day she was already feeding there.” – info shared by our Madli Allsoo 🌹

‘A’ writes with some news on the upcoming Australian season and other things: “Thanks to you, I have discovered Bruce and Naha and their three osplets at Seaside in Florida, and what an adorable family they are. Bruce is a great fisher and all-round good dad – he and Naha did a dual feeding on Sunday afternoon. Too cute. No bonking amongst the siblings and Little Bob has no fear of its larger siblings (known as ‘the twins’). Naha is, like most female ospreys, extremely vocal when it comes to demanding fish. Poor Bruce is nagged off the nest – he dives a metre underwater to shut out the sound of Naha’s shrill fish-calling. Catching a fish down there is just a bonus!

But the three osplets are such cuties. I have to say I have only forced myself to watch ospreys because of you and your passion for them. It has taken me some time to truly warm to the species, but I think I am there now. Of course Iris had a lot to do with winning me over. It’s hard not to be won over by Iris, and of course Finnegan was SUCH a darling. I am sad to think of what has happened to Finn. I am probably anthropomorphising here, but I believe that he would have returned to Iris had he been able to do so. The fact that he didn’t leads me to the awful conclusion that he ran afoul of the bird gods on his migration. But I won’t stop hoping that he may return next season. We never know. It is amazing that Iris is again being courted by a much younger bird. Our queen really does have a very attractive piece of territory and I suspect she could probably hang onto it by herself if she had to, but at nearly 30, we don’t want her to have to, so it’s nice that she has suitors to keep Louis at bay and an eye on Iris. 

The Australian season approacheth and we are watching Diamond and Xavier courting. TThe bringing of food gifts is a year-round ritual at Orange. Madame Diamond is a demanding lady. Of course Collins Street is an annual source of frustration, with no cameras until we have at least an egg or two in the scrape. We have no idea whether or not a pair is even using the scrape this season, and if so, whether or not they are the same birds as last year and which end of the ledge they are using. We will have to wait to find out any of those things. 

Port Lincoln, of course, has become a much less stressful watch since the advent of the fish fairy. It is a strange nest, with uncertainty regarding dad’s identity and the possibility of some sort of neurological disorder with whichever dad owned the nest the season before last. It’s like a new adventure at that nest every year.

We have had some hopeful sightings on the Parramatta River over the past couple of months, with a juvenile WBSE sighted catching fish around the island. We have to at least consider the possibility that this is a past fledgling from the Olympic Park nest. Oh how I hope so. This is yet another circumstance in which we wish they had some sort of tracker or at least a Darvic ring or something to give us an idea of the longer-term survival rate and dispersal range of these sea eaglets. I wish I knew why it wasn’t being done. With any of our Australian raptors apart from the Port Lincoln osprey fledglings. And of course the same applies to the falcons. “

Closing with one of the most wonderful raptor nests – Cornell’s Fernow Tower Red-tail Hawk nest of Big Red and Arthur! Just look at the Os – . Big Red still feeds them even though they can self-feed, and they are exploring the flight landing for fledgling. It will come sooner than we want. Count the dark lines on the tails. We would like to have 6 (but often they fly with 5).

I am counting four dark bands. We have some more time with these two cuties.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Your presence and insights are always invaluable. I sincerely apologise for my delayed responses. The garden is flourishing, but it requires far more time and attention than I ever expected. Sadly, the osplets are dying in so many nests, and I find it increasingly challenging to keep pace with the overwhelming situation. I am actively seeking a prominent figure to help raise awareness about the extinction of these magnificent birds in the Chesapeake Bay area. It’s truly devastating. They are in serious decline.

Everyone at our home and in our garden wishes you and yours a lovely week, full of happy birdsong.

Thank you to the great folks that send me nest summaries or news – ‘A, Geemeff, Heidi, MP, PB, Tiger Mozone, TU, VV’. I also want to thank those who created the videos included in this posting: SK Hideaways, Cornell Bird Lab, and all the owners of the streaming cams indicated in bold. I would also like to thank the English Forum on Looduskalender for their news on the Latvian Osprey nest and Bruce Mactavish for his post on the Steller’s Eagle in Newfoundland as well as Jeff Kear and the UK Osprey Information FB Group! All of these wonderful people are brilliant and generously share any osprey news they find.

Tuesday in Bird World

27 May 2025

Good Morning,

Update: Third chick just hatched at Loch Arkaig for Louis and Dorcha. Oh, I was hoping that this one would stay in the egg as the others are so big. But, no. They have three!

Hatch at Boulder County Fairgrounds.

Hello, everyone. It is nice to be back with you after being away for a week. The hours and days flew by and it was a week that was anything but uneventful! Let’s see if I can remember a few of the highlights:

-Toby’s ear infection got worse. Then he started clawing at his left ear, and went back to the vet. This time, they realised that putting drops into Toby’s ear wasn’t working for Toby, me, or the infection. They gave him a treatment that was to last a fortnight. Hopefully that will do the trick! A snood has been ordered. A scrunchie ties these floppy ears back with a covering for the ears themselves. I will send photos when it arrives. To make my life easier, Toby is sleeping through the night. He has learned to go potty outside. This is a big deal and I am shocked at how smart he is. Does every puppy parent say that? The issue is you cannot do something once and think you won’t have to repeat it so it takes thinking at every turn not to be caught into creating a bad behaviour. Toby loves to play fetch, and he drops his little lamb at my feet so I will toss it again. That poor lamb. Toby shakes it and shakes it. I am told it goes back to when Spaniels were ‘helping with the hunt’ and would subdue the prey. Today, it is often a way of getting rid of some energy, thank goodness. Toby has lots of energy and continues to be either in ‘off’ or ‘on’ mode. There is no middle ground. Toby loves Hugo Yugo, and they often play chase! Initially, I wondered if I had made a mistake getting a puppy. It was ‘my’ first dog. My father always had dogs, but they were under his care, and I loved the cats at our house. So Toby has been a new experience. It is getting easier and I adore him.

-I lost my credit card. Anyone who has lost a card will understand the frustration this causes.

-Garden planting. We have all the containers on the deck planted with pollinator-friendly plants, herbs, or a combination of three types of beans and peas. The Kentucky Wonder beans have already sprouted! There are cherry tomatoes and peppers in patio pots, and we picked up some bright red Salvia today for the hummingbirds when they arrive. The new hose is heavy. The new brass nozzle is divine. We also planted four hydrangeas, and to our delight, the three peonies we planted last year are coming up nicely.

-Little trips. We helped with my bestie’s Golden Retriever while she was away – a walk and a small feeding at noon. Then we headed out on various trips, including Baby Days at the wildlife rehabilitation centre, the opening of Oak Hammock Marsh, and a couple of trips to Pineridge, where the antique shop held a yard sale. We found two lovely French terracotta jardinieres, as well as another on a stand. The plan is to create a focal point on the deck. We have been able to visit with some friends during all of this, which was delightful. Today, at Pineridge, we ran into our granddaughter, who was there with a friend checking out its potential as a wedding venue for June 2027.

-Nice things that happened. I have desperately been trying to make my life easier. Three areas that require attention when one has a puppy is grocery shopping, hair cuts, and doctor’s appointments. We were able to solve the hair cuts by getting an appointment with one of our City’s most respected mobile salons. Will keep you posted. We ordinarily do not go to malls or large grocery stores and Toby is welcome in the Farmer’s Kitchen at Pineridge and St Leon’s Market, thankfully. That is perfect for us. Now just to figure out what to do about the doctor’s appointments or treatments. If I know that they are on prone to be on time, it is not a problem. We are trying not to be away longer than 1.5 hours due to the issues related to ‘withdrawal/separation anxiety’ within this breed.

So the week was a balance of the good and the bad. Thankfully, there was ‘no ugly’.

What I realised during this time away from writing the blog is that our summers are very short. This past winter was not conducive to being outside often due to the ice on the trails. One of the things I want to do is spend much more time in the garden with Don and Toby, as well as friends and family. Simple meals and laughter, hopefully with few wasps! (The feral feeder is being relocated to help with that.)

I have consistently emphasised the importance of spending time outdoors in nature and finding a balance in our busy lives as crucial for prioritising self-care. I often remind myself to secure my oxygen mask before assisting others. As Don’s dementia evolves—albeit subtly—he continues to help with many things around the house, which allows him to feel valued. Yet, sometimes I find it challenging to discreetly untangle his assistance without him noticing. Communication is growing more difficult, but there are moments of striking clarity that leave me almost speechless.

This summer, my intention is to dedicate more quality time to him, fostering patience, fun, and cherished memories that will sustain us during tougher times. With all this in mind, I’ve made the difficult decision to shift my blog schedule. Difficult? I have made so many long-time friends through the blog that not reaching out to you every day has caused me some anxiety. I need to slow down, and I know you understand. Rather than daily posts, I will share updates twice a week—on Mondays and Fridays.

I intend to summarise all the weekend happenings on Mondays, while Fridays reflect the week’s events. I aim to revamp the format to better engage with you by addressing your questions from the mailbox, spotlighting key happenings at the nests, and featuring one educational topic of current interest related to nest activities. I appreciate your understanding as I navigate these changes.

I also want to thank all those wonderful people who continually support me by sending me news from the nests. You have no idea how helpful that is.

Australian Bird news: Alison gives us a run down on what has been going on ‘down under’:

“In bird world, Diamond and Xavier are well. Diamond regularly has a giant crop – she was crop dropping this morning, twice actually, so she has plenty of room for a largish lunch. Xavier is such a darling. He is very fond of Diamond, though he is twinkle-toed when it comes to bonding sessions, when he darts out of the box as if afraid he’ll get squashed. 

At Port Lincoln, mum and dad were both on the barge this morning, Mum on the nest and Dad in the mancave. Both are looking well and seem to like their renovated nest. 

At Collins Street, there is no activity, and won’t be until eggs are due to hatch (assuming we get eggs this season). 

At Olympic Park, Mum and Dad have been working on the nest, bringing sticks and nesting material around lunchtime yesterday. They went fishing in the afternoon, then settled near the nest overnight. 

At Taiaroa Head, SS Trig chick is on her nest this morning, looking absolutely gorgeous as usual. It is so lovely to see that snowy-white plumage unblemished by any incidents of spilling. This is plumage that indicates a childhood totally free of bullying! She is exquisite, she really is. Mum came in yesterday at breakfast time to feed her chick and the little one was given a supplementary feeding two days ago (24 May). We’ll see what her weight is like tomorrow (Tuesday 27 May), which is weekly weighing day. SS Trig chick has fairly consistently been on the skinny side, with her parents seemingly unable to find enough food for her. Thank heavens we have the rangers – the squid smoothie fairies. These gorgeous birds really are given the very best of care. It’s astonishing how far these rangers go to ensure their safety and to assist them to breed successfully. A wonderful example to the world. 

Winter is quickly approaching in Melbourne, with icy mornings but sunny days.”

Stork Intervention is not new to the European Union.

‘PB’ reports: “Watching white stork cam in Hungary and they rescued baby #5. They said its taken to a rehab where they later release it. So happy they saved it before parents threw it over.”

So, just why do people help the storks?

People in Europe help storks due to a combination of cultural beliefs, environmental concerns, and the birds’ role as a symbol of positive aspects like good luck, new beginnings, and family life. Storks have been associated with good fortune, and their presence on rooftops was believed to bring harmony and even protect against fires.


Here’s a more detailed look at the reasons:
Cultural and Symbolic Reasons:
Good Luck and Fertility:
Storks are widely believed to bring good luck, and in many regions, they are associated with fertility and the arrival of babies.
Family Harmony:
In Central and Eastern Europe, storks are believed to bring harmony to families on whose property they nest.
Symbol of New Life:
The storks’ tendency to nest on rooftops is seen as a symbol of the arrival of new life, contributing to the belief that they bring babies.
Protection Against Fire:
In some regions, storks’ nests on houses were believed to offer protection against fires, further enhancing their revered status.
Conservation and Environmental Efforts:
Habitat Protection:
Storks are highly dependent on wetlands and other natural habitats. People in Europe are actively involved in protecting and restoring these habitats to ensure the continued survival of stork populations.
Awareness and Education:
Programs like the “Stork Route” in Brandenburg and initiatives like the European Stork Villages network help raise awareness about storks and their conservation needs.
Public Relations:
Festivals and events celebrating storks, photography contests, and other public relations initiatives help foster a positive relationship between humans and storks.
Stork Villages:
The European Stork Villages Network encourages communities to embrace storks as part of their natural and cultural heritage, fostering a sense of responsibility for their well-being.

As an advocate for intervention, I find the actions of individuals helping storks to be noble and I wish these attitudes would translate themselves to the eagles and ospreys that need help throughout the world.

One significant relationship that became internationally famous was that of a Polish man and a female white stork who could not fly and her mate. If you do not know this story then please watch this video that captures the extraordinary measures that were taken to care for this female and to ensure that each year she could spend the summer with her mate raising storklets.

Her name was Malena. https://youtu.be/sXMfbY8CawY?

Another video by Unity: https://youtu.be/b3Sb3-u4vAk?

Bonus: You might also recall when Urmas rescued the surviving storklets of Jan and Janikka after Jan disappeared on June 1, 2022. It is believed that he was probably electrocuted. The storklets were taken to the veterinary clinic on June 5, and there, along with Dr Madis, they were first raised by humans and mechanical storks before being placed into nests. Bonus was adopted by my favourite Black Stork of all time, Karl II and his mate, Kaia on 30 June. Bonus was fitted with a transmitter. We know from a sighting that the transmitter was down when he was alive and well on August 3, 2024, at Turov, Belarus.

Video of Urmas removing the storklets: https://youtu.be/oCJd5RLfN6M?

Video of storklets being fed by by humans and mechanical storks: https://youtu.be/3-Jf2gTlvbQ?

Video of Urmas placing Bonus on the nest of Karl II and Kaia: https://youtu.be/UrFLFPbDGZk?

Video of Karl II feeding his storklets and Bonus: https://youtu.be/JKU6H1NH85E?

Mlade Buky, Czech Republic: Community comes together to feed the stork nest when parent is dead. Caught on video by Tomas Borbely: https://youtu.be/nm5wTNjWfC4?

There are many more examples of human kindness towards storks. I encourage you to find them; they will warm your heart.

I want to publicly thank the individuals at Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home Osprey nest and streaming cam for rescuing baby three on Monday, the 26th of May. Owl Moon Raptor Centre will be trying to save this little one. It is one of the youngest, if not the youngest, osplets I have seen go into care. I know they will try their best to help this baby. It had been pecked and had a bloody head, had been denied food, and on Monday morning, Dad stepped on its head and stood there for some time. The little one was rescued and taken into care. It is unknown whether it is too small or ill to survive at the time of this writing, but I am grateful for the kindness shown. It is time for all interventions to occur. Fish are in short supply, and fish fairies are needed! As are rescues.

What has been happening in the UK Osprey nests (and the few North American ones) while I was away the last week?

Rutland Manton Bay: Blue 33 and Maya have four osplets this season. It is not the first time. Sadly, the last time there were four, tiny little Bob perished. Blue 33 is hauling in lots and lots of fish and all four are doing well. The tiny little Bob is quite the character and gets itself up there for the feedings!

Birds of Poole Harbour: Blue 022 and CJ7 have three beautiful and healthy chicks! Chick 4 is emerging from the egg.

Loch Doon: Frankie and Angel have sadly lost their little third hatch. It is quite cool at the nest and the older two got under Angel after a feeding, but little three didn’t. It perished very quickly being unable to thermoregulate.

Llyn Clywedog: Miserable damp cold weather here, too. Seren Blue 5F is keeping her two Bobs fed and warm. Unclear about the third egg.

Glaslyn: First up. The good news is that Aran has been seen after being MIA for a number of days. People were getting concerned. Thankfully the BOGS have been keeping a good eye and saw him!

Elen and Teifi are sheltering in the trees.

Dyfi: The weather is miserable and Idris was trying to feed them a very tough flounder this morning. Idris and Telyn have had their three eggs hatch! Dates were:

🐣 17th May at 16:22 (38.1 days)

🐣🐣  18th May at 13:15 (36.0 days)

🐣🐣🐣 21st May at 15:29 (36.0 days)

Three Chicks Hatch – Including Bobby Bach (Eventually) _ Dyfi Osprey ProjectDownload

Foulshaw Moss: All three eggs of White YW and Blue 35 have successfully hatched.

Kielder Forest:

Nest 7: KX7 and KM18 have three successful hatches.

Tweed Valley: This is the latest news, and it’s a week old. I hope the weather has improved and more fish have come for the two females – eggs should have hatched or be hatching soon!

Loch Arkaig 1 and Loch Arkaig 2: See Geemeff’s daily summary below.

Hellgate Canyon: Iris and the ‘New Guy’ are still together! She often gives him a right ear full. It is too funny. No more eggs this year, just take the time to enjoy every moment with this amazing osprey! The new guy shares some of his fish. What a couple.

Charlo Montana: Pip Watch is coming soon! Coyotes were observed on the streaming cam going across the valley.

Golden Gate Audubon: Richmond and Rosie have one chick this year, which hatched on either the 10th or 11th of May. (I have no knowledge of another hatch, but please correct me!)

Snow Lane, Newfoundland: Beaumont and the New Female have been sighted around the nest. No eggs yet. Maybe not this year.

Russell Lake, Nova Scotia: The unseasonal weather has stopped. Oscar and Ethel are incubating eggs, but only for another 7 or 8 days.

Trempeauleau Eagles: The success of this single-parent nest (male has another nest) is outstanding. Just look at T3 all kitted out with its juvenile feathers.

FOBBV: Sunny and Gizmo are getting great height as they prepare for fledging.

Sauces Canyon: Betty Lou has also been getting some amazing air. What a miracle child for Jak and Audacity. So thankful that they were able to be parents this year after so many tragic attempts.

Fraser Point: Kaimana and Blue Day are 65 and 63 days old. Adorable eaglets! Andor and Cruz are great parents.

Denton Homes: The trio are really getting into jumping on that nest. They have survived storms and what a relief it is to see that nest held during some dramatic weather. It will not be long.

Kansas City Eagles: Kanza is 9 weeks old and getting some air. Ellie, Harvey and Kanza have suffered through some rough weather like The Majestics.

Latvian Golden Eagle Nest: Spilve, Grislis, and Meldrs. Food has not been plentiful. Grislis finally brought a squirrel! https://youtu.be/7uXlT8ve3bk?

Fort St Vrain Eagle Cam: We worried they would get caught in the sticks and could not escape. We feared they would fall over the edge. Could you look at the two surviving eaglets on this nest?

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 26th May 2025

A slow day on Nest One, Aurora 536 spent time perching and waiting, then Garry LV0 arrived but without any fish. He had other ideas and mounted her successfully but it’s probably too little too late for eggs this year. His tally remains at sixty six. Over on Nest Two, Louis brought a big breakfast in the form of a massive trout from which the bobs had plenty of feeds. He’d eaten the head but still seemed hungry and returned for a mid morning raid, discovering the fish tucked under Dorcha’s feathers and foiling her attempts to stop him taking it by pulling her across the nest until she let go. He did return the fish a little later, however the fish’s travels weren’t over as he took it away again with Dorcha in hot pursuit until he returned it for the bobs’ next feed. Later Dorcha’s attention was on a distant aerial chase as two Ospreys pursued each other, too far away to confirm ID but one was probably Louis. The day’s action ended with Louis bringing a small fish supper so fresh it was still flapping, and he remained on the nest watching Dorcha feed the eager chicks. At the time of posting this report (midnight) some watchers think the third egg has pipped but the view hasn’t been clear enough to confirm it. Perhaps those who watch through the night and submit their excellent reports will have exciting news for us tomorrow morning. It was a wet and windy day today just as forecasted, and the rain’s expected to continue overnight with a low of 6°C but with the possibility of sunny intervals tomorrow and a high of 13°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One (03.50.35E); Nest Two 22.35.27 (04.04.54)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/Tz7Y_155TwI N2 Dorcha tucks into breakfast, Louis covers the chicks 07.30.55

https://youtu.be/Rb60Etc3cw0 N1 Aurora calls for fish but Garry has other ideas! 10.25.19https://youtu.be/nC9LVBEwMcg N2 Dorcha tries and fails to stop Louis taking a fish 11.40.42

https://youtu.be/43o1eD2kI3I  N2 Louis steals the fish but Dorcha makes him return it 13.57.46

https://youtu.be/2FqE3EXsIwY N2 Dorcha watches as two Ospreys chase each other 14.41.05 (zoom / slo-mo repeat)

https://youtu.be/QrzNvjRaZWU N2 Louis delivers a fresh flapping fish supper 19.44.59

Bonus – fancy solving a puzzle? Loch Arkaig jigsaw puzzle featuring Louis & Dorcha is on sale:

https://shop.woodlandtrust.org.uk/woodland-trust-loch-arkaig-osprey-jigsaw

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/j2zFGdLHFfI  N1 What spooks Aila? 2019

https://youtu.be/OtayWPtR_fo N1 Aila repels an intruder Osprey 2020 (real-time)

https://youtu.be/Ocm48b6Os7s N1 Same intrusion in slo-mo 2020

https://youtu.be/dedcBVUI0dQ N1 Tug of fish: Let go, Louis! 2020

https://youtu.be/AYQ–hL3MLU N1 A Jay visits 2023

https://youtu.be/EJXmdCL0D2g N2 Dorcha has breakfast while Louis does the housework 2023https://youtu.be/qgZZjeA6M5U   N2 Fish number three, headless trout – bobs are home alone 2024https://youtu.be/CMBJis-X6UQ  N2 No one wants fish number four so Louis takes it away 2024

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

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 25th May 2025

A soggy night and wet for a good part of the day too, but that didn’t prevent the second chick hatching. Pipping was seen yesterday  around 10pm, and tucked away warm and dry under Dorcha, bob2 allowed brief glimpses from time to time as it made its way out of the shell, emerging fully by 3am. By 5am bob2 had had a first feed from Louis’ first fish delivery, and things are looking good for these two. The third egg is a few days away from hatching and will need to be strong and determined to compete with this pair. Louis delivered a second fish and his tally rises to one hundred and eight. Unusually when returning the second fish to Dorcha, he sat on top of the chicks and wouldn’t let her feed them, prompting a discussion about his usual lack of enthusiasm for chick-sitting as opposed to his extreme enthusiasm for egg-sitting. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 put in an appearance after not being seen yesterday, and rewarded Aurora’s patience with a fish. His tally rises to sixty six but Aurora would probably prefer it rises a bit faster as she sat patiently perching for many hours waiting in vain for him to return with more fish. Dorcha’s mumbrella skills will be needed as more rain is forecast throughout the night with a low of 6°C, and thundery showers and a moderate breeze with a high of 11°C tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.08.17 (

03.51.04); Nest Two 22.39.52 (04.10.50)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/NyeaPABkHboN2 Welcome little bob2 – second chick is here! 02.58.07

https://youtu.be/Oij43i5RvqQN2 Fish number one – bob2’s first feed 04.56.58

https://youtu.be/Nsf3B2QYrC8 N1 After yesterday’s no-show, Aurora’s glad to see Garry with fish 

09.35.23

https://youtu.be/Lr0bAPHnRHY N2 Dad brings a second fish and mum feeds the bobs 13.00.47

https://youtu.be/f2aHh2WdLOA N2 Dorcha would like to feed the chicks but unusually Louis is sitting on them ! 15.19.36

Bonus advice – George WTS’ 2024 post on how to survive the highs & lows of nest cam watching:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=14839719

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/8FYcojpPJQc  N1 Louis brings a v-shaped stick 2020

https://youtu.be/5f4o-219oIs  N1 What time do you call this? 2020

https://youtu.be/DKhP0pbVLbQ  N1 Louis is given his marching orders 2020

https://youtu.be/if-vCqrqRLI  N2 Unusually persistent Hoodie annoys Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/Isc_NPFqB4M  N1 Louis visits again 2023

https://youtu.be/rLwmdraNUD4  N2 Dorcha’s branching out 2023

https://youtu.be/4pTHER9sy-w  N2 Bob1 has a go at self-feeding!!!!! 2024

https://youtu.be/GRCzf9FTFRo  N2 Olympic hero! Louis pole-vaults in  2024    

https://youtu.be/vZcMnDPsX-s  N2 Fish number three, first flatfish of the season 

https://youtu.be/EpDxudcMp6Q  N2 Tough as old boots – Dorcha and the fish skin 2024 

https://youtu.be/P_1jqw2RRf8  N2 Purple haze: Louis & Dorcha caught in the glow of sunset 2024

Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Big Red and Arthur and O1 and O2. The hawlets are getting their feathers! What a beautiful nest! Everything continues to go smoothly with Big Red in her element as Queen Mum.

Latvian Goshawk: The eyasses were ringed. Here is the video! https://youtu.be/sHUHLcDdJwM?

San Jose Falcons: Oh, they are mischievous! SK Hideaways catches them in the act. https://youtu.be/uhz-X5Mg4hU?

Looking for Loons? The cams are back up!

2025 Loon Cams are LiveDownload

Wildfires continue to burn in our province. Grave concerns for wildlife – not only the mammals but also the migrant raptors and songbirds that come to Manitoba in the late spring to raise their young. Send positive wishes.

A beautiful story of people working together to transform sheep fells for birds. “A groundbreaking tree-planting programme is uniting farmers and rewilders, as portions of common ground in the Yorkshire Dales national park are being restored to their ancient glory.” Why can’t this be happening everywhere?

Bringing back the birds: the ‘ghost woodlands’ transforming England’s barren sheep fells https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/26/ghost-woodlands-rewilding-sheep-fells-yorkshire-uk-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. I will see you again on Friday!

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, posts, messages, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, PB’, Eagle Goddess, The Dodo, Liznm, Unity, Tomas Borbely, Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home, LRWT, Birds of Pool Harbour, Loch Doon, Llyn Clywedog, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Dyfi Osprey Project, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Kielder Forest, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, Montana Osprey Project, Charlo Montana, Golden Gate Audubon, Snow Lane Osprey Cam/Newfoundland Power, Nova Scotia Ospreys/Connie and Don Dennis, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Cornell Bird Lab Red-tail Hawk Cam, Trempeauleau Eagle Cam, FOBBV, Sauces Canyon/IWS and Explore, Fraser Point/IWS and Explore, Denton Homes, LDF, Xcel Energy, The Weather Centre of Manitoba, LDF/Verotaja, San Jose City Hall, SK Hideaways, The Guardian, Loon Preservation Society, Farmer Derek

Sunday in Bird World

18 May 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Morning Updates:

Dyfi: Second osplet hatches for Idris and Telyn.

Foulshaw Moss: First hatch.

Latvian Golden Eagle: Both chicks of Spilve alive.

The cooler weather, 3 C, continues on the Canadian prairies. It is so wet and so cold. I feel for any little birds in the nest. It reminds me of when the osprey nests (or eagles) get damp and cold.

Missey and Calico are even friendly when it is chilly. I have the tiny space heater plugged in and both found the precise spot where the heat dispersed the best and shared! My goodness what is the world coming to – Calico and Missey sharing?

Little Toby is doing better. He is not scratching his ear nearly as often and he does not yelp when I put the medication in. He does love his little pill dipped in peanut butter and thinks if we head for the fridge it is ‘cheese time’. I don’t fall for it every time. He isn’t going to train me this young!!!!!!

We left Toby home and made a quick trip to the greenhouse. This is the long weekend of May commonly known as Queen Victoria’s Birthday weekend. Gardeners call it ‘Greenhouse Weekend’. It is the time when normally we would not fear a frost and all plants could go into the ground. They had been holding a jasmine plant for me and the woman had a new climber, Butterfly Blue. You make tea out of the blue flowers and it is supposed to help with cognition and stress. It is, “Butterfly pea (clitoria ternatea) is a flowering plant also known as Asian pigeonwings, blue butterfly pea or blue ternate flower. It is a type of pea, but its flowers are more famous than its fruit. The purple blooms have been used for centuries as a natural food dye.” A tea shops says, “These flowers have the power to delight, changing colour from blue to purple to pink, depending on what they’re mixed with. They have been used to add colour to celebratory drinks in various locales around the world since forever. 

Butterfly Pea Flower is perfect for making exotic tea-infused cocktails, unicorn lattes or just for a little fun in your cup.

Blue butterfly pea is also rich in antioxidants. It can slow down the skin aging process, prevent premature aging, and improve overall skin tone and texture.”

I will be excited to try it.

It is the weekend and we have some hatches starting in the UK.

Dyfi Osprey Project: The first hatch for Idris and Telyn! Idris has a good look. We can count on lots of Mullet for the family. Idris is an incredible provider.

Poole Harbour: Soon!

Storm took down their nest but one eagle was saved! How wonderful.

Loch of the Lowes: The new male has been filmed fishing at the loch. He is going to be a good provider for the new female and their family. https://youtu.be/g8XmC9Afok4?

Duke Farms: Sylvia catches the first fledge on video. https://youtu.be/dM8vQNEk9VA?

Boulder County: Those pesky little birds would like to get Mum off those eggs. They think they might make a tasty dinner.

Wolf Bay: By 1636, there had been six feedings for the osprey trio.

Rutland Manton Bay: Maya has been feeding all four of the chicks. Send good wishes. Their hatch dates are spread and the last two are tiny. If any couple can pull this off, Maya and Blue 33 can.

Finnish Nests: Incubation continues on all nests.

LVM Klinšu ērglis (Latvian Golden Eagle nest of Spilve and Grislis): The eldest eaglet survives. There has been lots of food. The small one was being fed, but the older one continually bonks it and it is not popping its head up to eat. Sadly, as we know, there is the imperative of the oldest to kill the second hatch. The oldest golden eagle hatchling may start acting aggressively to its younger sibling(s) as soon as it or they hatch. Within the first two days, this often escalates into “bill-stabbing” wherein the younger sibling is jabbed around their neck or the middle of their body until a gaping, fatal wound is created.

Silve is feeding the second hatch. In instances where there is lots of food and good parenting, there is an opportunity for the second eaglet to survive.

Geemeff Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 17th May 2025

The day started with an early visit from an inquisitive Buzzard who checked out the nest even to lifting bits of bark to look underneath, and returned a second time to preen and shed a few little feathers. Later in the day an unseen intruder near Nest Two caused Dorcha to flee the nest and not return for five minutes, while on Nest One Garry LV0 made some alarm calls and shortly afterwards both he and Aurora fled the nest and didn’t return for three hours. However when they did return, Garry brought a fish for Aurora, and less than three hours later, delivered a second, which takes his tally to fifty six. Louis made Dorcha wait for a meal today and delivered only a single fish but that fish was a whopper and made for a substantial meal. His tally now stands at ninety four. Today’s weather continued the pattern of clear sky overnight and sunshine during the day, and that should continue tonight, with sunshine and a high of 22°C tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.17.16 (03.17.06); Nest Two 23.45.07 (03.39.18)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/ErDsAnWi3-E N1 A Buzzard pokes about inquisitively 06.36.32

https://youtu.be/JvJOyJzMabg N1 The Buzzard returns and does some preening 06.42.37 (zoom) 

https://youtu.be/U2G-xjJBEKs  N1 Aurora waits for Garry then grabs the fish and goes 13.26.06

https://youtu.be/OFrj8CuZmPQ N1 Another fish for Aurora not long after the first 16.15.11https://youtu.be/prod5jXGvEU  N2 Nearly 24 hours after the last one, a fish finally arrives – it’s huge! 18.50.12 
Bonus advice – what to do if you find a chick out of the nest:https://www.popsci.com/environment/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-baby-bird/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/2xr0kHFi4BE  N1 Aila brings a new Louis-removal device 2019

https://youtu.be/2SeN0J1rxOg  N1 Close encounters of the bird kind 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/Rh1aeXJkWng  N1 Co-ordinated stick work by Louis & Aila 2020

https://youtu.be/IW7bBXUG7QM  N1 Woohoo! Successful mating by the Newsome Twosome 2021

https://youtu.be/aip-ZV4vZ4g  N1 First fish delivered to Blue 152 by The Stranger 2021

https://youtu.be/akMXEPJOQIo  N2 Dorcha sees off intruder Osprey Blue PU0 2023

https://youtu.be/miF-Q3_MxDg  N2 Intruder Blue PU0 returns and very nearly lands on Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/9aC3rufAdio  N2 Dorcha uses her ‘scare crow’ voice 2023

https://youtu.be/5cCaq5kTqkI N2 First fish is number 100 and also season’s earliest! 2024

https://youtu.be/ebw5Gj3hh4A N2 Louis arrives with an unsuitable stick 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

‘AR’ sends us some of the latest information on mapping the evolution of our feathered friends!

Researchers Have Mapped the Evolution of Every Known Bird Species

Heidi sent this video discussion to me and I would like to share it with you. Perhaps you have seen it, I haven’t. It is a discussion of the owl attack on Dory, the female osprey, at the Audubon Boathouse.I don’t know if you’ve seen this: A video collaboration from Explore.org and Audubon Seabird Institute

Heidi says, “I thought this video was well done.  Dory was an excellent mom and mate and we loved her.  Dory was a predator, but she was not at the top of the food chain.  Dory became prey. Warning: briefly graphic.”

Also a nest note from Heidi that is truly a miracle: “
5/17 – Havre de Grace osprey nest:  The babies hatched on 5/12 and 5/13.  A very inexperienced Mom did not feed them for nearly two days… she did not know how.  At first she just ate and made no attempt to feed them, despite their apparent readiness to receive fish bits.  Later she would lean toward them from about 2 feet away to offer them bites… like ‘come and get it’.  I thought for sure those babies were going to die.  But her instincts kicked it, Mom learned, and now she’s doing very well… and so are the kids!  I was relieved that Mom suddenly seemed to get the hang of it.  There is not a lot of time at that stage for a long-duration learning curve.”

‘EJ’ sent me a note about a rehabilitation officer that might interest all of you. They write, “I wanted to bring your attention to the Southwest Wildlife Foundation of Utah, run by a man named Martin Tyner, who has cared for raptors, mainly Golden Eagles, his entire life. He has lots of YouTube videos which you will love, especially the release of rehabbed raptors.” Oh, it is always a delight when our raptors have been healed and can go back and live in the wild. Check out his channel!

‘EJ’ also sent a cute video. Do you think owls like baths? https://www.thedodo.com/daily-dodo/she-was-miserable-and-trapped-in-manure-now-shes-unrecognizable

I could not leave without checking on Big Red, Arthur, and O1 and O2. The chicks are getting some pin feathers. There are clown feet. Life is looking good and the sun is shining in Ithaca!

I want to thank everyone who has sent a list – short or long – to help me with the Memorial Wall. Please keep them coming! I know that I am missing eaglets that have died. Any information is appreciated.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. We hope to have you with us again soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘AR, EJ, Geemeff, Heidi, PR’, Dyfi Osprey Project, Birds of Poole Harbour, TA Montague and Bald Eagles 101, LOTL, Sylvia and Duke Farms, Boulder County, Wolf Bay, LRWT, Saaksilvie, LDF Golden Eagle Nest, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, SciTechDaily, Explore.org, the dodo.com, Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam, Havre de Grace

Thursday in Bird World

8 May 2025

Hello!

Sssshhhhh. Toby is ‘not’ spoiled.

Toby has grown. He has legs! So far, he does not mind his collar and having his leash attached going about the house. He goes to his potty pads, twirling around like a ballerina, which is a good sign that something is about to happen. My son says I must teach him to sit and to behave on his lead. I do not doubt that this intelligent little man will be fine.

If I forgot to say, Hugo Yugo and Toby slept in the bend of my left arm Tuesday night. Calico was back on the conservatory table this morning and well, The Girls have settled into their ordinary routine and just don’t seem to be bothered by his presence this afternoon.

The weather continues to be ‘weird’. It is going to be 36 C next week. I have a serious problem with this because of the dryness and the fires. What about the birds? I have lived in Manitoba, on and off since I was a late teenager, and having a 36 degree C was something that was rare. Of course, that temperature has been more familiar the last four or five years but not until ‘summer’. Not the beginning of May. We will make certain there is plenty of water for all the outdoor animals.

Today, Mr and Mrs Crow began, in earnest, to eat the cheesy dogs, which tells me that they have either babies in the nest or are thinking about it! The Blue Jays are here in earnest, and Dyson took five peanuts this evening at one go! She has to be at least ten years old, and it is her.

My goodness. When ‘LS’ submitted her ‘Spark Bird’, I am not certain she realised how many people love Harriet and miss her so much. The fact that we will never know what happened to Harriet has left holes in so many hearts. People are pleased that M15 was able to raise their last two eaglets, E21 and E22, alone and that he was happy to find a new mate BUT everyone would like Harriet back! Thank you, ‘LS’ for taking us down memory lane – albeit full of tears.

Eleven people sent in the name Louis. You know who you are! No, not Iris’s Louis, but Louis from Loch Akraig, specifically Louis with his mate Aila, whom they met during the pandemic when the pair raised their triplets, JJ5, JJ6, and JJ7. 400,000 people are said to have watched the couple from the Loch Arkaig I nest that year. When Aila did not return, Louis moved the nest to nest 2, where he raised chicks with his current mate, Dorcha. I must admit that I was devastated when Aila did not return, and it did take me a while to warm up to Dorcha.

Louis and Aila feed the triplets. https://youtu.be/jBE6pWdWlgM?

News of a Norwegian osprey couple! What a gorgeous place for a nest! https://youtu.be/C8B9sYYWo58?

Big Red and Arthur: It appears that the last two eggs are pipping. O2 is taking some time and we have seen this many times this year. Wishing both those little ones a good hatch!

O2 has hatched!!!!!! Arthur has covered the nest with chipmunks and squirrels. O3 is on its way too and should arrive by today. What joy!

I love watching Big Red and Arthur raise their family. Arthur just fills up that nest with every kind of critter he can so that no one ever goes hungry. Big Red stuffs those babies and keeps them warm and cosy alternating brooding with Arthur. I cannot tell you how much I adore this Red-tail Hawk. She is, of all the birds on streaming cams, my ‘Spark’ Bird.

SK Hideaways has all the drama at Ithaca on video! https://youtu.be/yWjP7_1t5Os?

Cornell Bird Lab shows us that O3 is almost here! https://youtu.be/0WWZd7Gi0H0?

Someone commented about all the prey. Thank goodness for Arthur’s good hunting skills. The pantry is always full and in case of a bad weather day this is essential for these babies. Great parents.

Hellgate Canyon: The New Boy has finally brought Iris a fish!!!!!!!!!! Viewers around the world jumped up and down for joy and shed tears. It appears not to be Finnegan – I really hoped it was – but, a new male interested in our Queen and her nest.

Foulshaw Moss: White YW and Blue 35 incubating eggs. It won’t be long.

Agrippina & Antares Peregrine Falcons: https://youtu.be/kMtd_9UtYfE?

Jose City Hall Falcon Scrape: ‘PB’ sends us a screen capture of some very full crops! Monty and Hartley are taking superb care of these four. Brilliant.

Our favourite couple, Jackie and Shadow bonding at Big Bear: https://youtu.be/Ou9u3uMPdZ4?

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 7th May 2025

Today’s main story is all about Aurora 536 – we received word today that she was ringed in Loch Fleet in Sutherland in 2022. This means she’s a three year old, and a good match for five year old Garry LV0 who was ringed in Loch Garry in 2020. They’re both young and healthy, he’s an excellent fisherbird and has a good nest with a well stocked loch nearby, and she appears to have adopted him and his nest. So everything has aligned for them to be successful parents – fingers crossed it works out as hoped. The Tawny Owl who visited Nest One this morning might find surprise occupants next time if the young pair produce eggs this season! Garry brought two fish taking his tally to forty one, and over on Nest Two, Louis’ three deliveries for Dorcha take his tally to seventy three. The weather was settled and the day ended with a colourful sunset best seen from Nest Two, and the forecast promises more settled weather and sunny spells tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.46.52 (04.23.21); Nest Two 22.56.24 (04.31.52)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/iZCtZxSvdtQ N1 A male Tawny Owl visits, calls but gets no reply 04.06.45

https://youtu.be/zoVG6Xtn21o N2 Dorcha has a quick nibble before departing with fish number one 05.54.01

https://youtu.be/9AUcpQbxfI4 N1 Lunch arrives for Aurora 13.21.08

https://youtu.be/ICUoOHx0qBg N2 Louis delivers a second fish for Dorcha 16.44.58 

https://youtu.be/qGapMARckT8 N1 Aurora gets the second fish when Garry brings it back again 18.22.50

https://youtu.be/AFxIoXOi7hU N2 Dorcha’s fish supper arrives against a colourful sunset sky 21.13.23 (quick time)

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/8OaqnwQiaBI  N1 Aila does a bit of Louis-bashing before he takes the hint 2020

https://youtu.be/2qFBiVop8DQ N1 Clumsy Louis clatters the camera! 2020

https://youtu.be/T8wmG4NbfIo  N1 Late night bat visits Aila 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/VA8CwMT9qyA  N1 Eurasian Siskin and Crossbill visit 2021

https://youtu.be/0FlIlYJMsGQ  N2 Cheeky Tawny Owl perches on the nest 2022

https://youtu.be/LcPUWA3mWDo  N2 Tawny Owl strikes Dorcha then returns to perch on the nest 2022

https://youtu.be/kJIFH0RyeSk  N1 Louis pays a visit to his old nest 2023

https://youtu.be/6z_D0r_72h4  N1 A little songbird flits around for a while, then nudges a stick over the side 2024

https://youtu.be/1MzoKTgPm4w  N1 Aida lands on the perch, welcome back, we missed you 2024 

Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

I am so angry. There are some of us that wish we lived in Virginia and could make an impact on these decisions. The ospreys and their chicks are dying. We saw this in earnest in 2024. Have a read!

“Menhaden – Little Fish, Big Deal!

Thomas Lilly  · nsdoorpetSccag140a5f51a25m8i0a227h3i9ca1ca8a66u1hch057g8ati3  · 

In case you haven’t heard the menhaden board met today at 1 PM to discuss area and seasonal protective options for Chesapeake Bay menhaden …the options the work group proposed concentrated on ospreys and their critical times for raising young for example May 1 through August 15 . Area restrictions were proposed by the WG for Chesapeake Bay and the mouth of Bay during the critical time periods.

Please be aware that Lynn Fegley, the director of DNR fisheries and Allison Colden , CBF’s chief scientist who was the Maryland representative on the work group sat in silence when the time came for them to make a persuasive presentation on the options that they favored, the benefits of the options and the benefits to Maryland. A few questions were directed to them about ospreys and striped bass and they gave very incomplete one might say incompetent answers. For example, they could not explain to the questioner the difference between the freshwater ospreys, successful breeding, and the saltwater ospreys that rely on menhaden to survive’s dismal breeding success. This is completely covered in Dr Bryan Watts’s scientific article titled a Tale of Two Bays , but they ignored these well-known sources or had never bothered to read them.

Lynn Fegley and Allison Colden are two very intelligent women who decided to sit mute during the  most important moment that we have ever had for Chesapeake Bay in so far as protecting its food supply. I am quite sure they had read all of the articles about ospreys and that they completely understand the ERP science it says when ospreys and striped bass are in poor condition it is menhaden over harvesting that is to blame. The ERP science was never mentioned. They both know completely, how our Maryland recreational, commercial and charter fishing for striped bass has collapsed but they did not discuss it. Their silence was deafening .

The question is why these two menhaden board leaders did not speak out to convince this board to adopt options to protect Maryland. When the time came for them to make a motion for the board to pass protective options to protect our bay’s food supply, they sat in silence. Because of the inaction of these two people today , there is nothing that is going to happen to prevent the starvation of thousands of osprey babies this season and nothing to prevent more of our charter fishing captains from going out of business and no hope for progress here to restore the bay’s food supply so millions our children could enjoy the bay the way it should be.

If you can find factual evidence as to why this disaster to Chesapeake Bay occurred I hope you will post it on this website so the public will know why this happened

By the way, the end result was this board abdicated its responsibility and kicked the matter back to “discuss” it again in August. You can be sure that in Virginia’s Pat Geer and his cohorts at Omega protein are celebrating victory, once again, tonight., I expect the advocates for menhaden reform are in shock over what happened today.”

Black Stork Nest in Poland: Two hatches on Wednesday!

Golden Eagle Nest in Latvia of Spilve and Gristlis: One egg has hatched. Still watching and waiting to see if the second egg will hatch.

Black Stork Nest of Kergu and Kerli: They are still incubating. The eggs were laid on: Looduskalender Forum listed when the eggs were laid:

1. egg on 21.4.2025, 00:06
2. egg on 22.4.2025, 23:35
3. egg on 24.4.2025, 22:41
4. egg on 27.4.2025, 02:02

Wild Bucovina Golden Eagle Nest 2: Eaglet was stuffed today!

Bety and Bukachek, Mlade Buky, Romania: Incubating two eggs (I think).

Glaslyn: Teifi and Elen have been at the nest. Individuals are observing Aran who is remaining in a familiar place and fishing for himself.

Ladies showing off their osprey eggs!!!!!!! Heidi’s Nest Notes are Visuals today! Love the labels – those really help. Enjoy!

Port Lincoln Ospreys: New has come in that Phantom is alive and well. Fran Solly writes,

“In what surely is the proverbial “needle in a haystack” search we were thrilled to find Phantom this afternoon and to see her with another bird. Phantom is the 2021 female bird from the Price Artificial Platform. She flew to Kangaroo Island shortly after fledge. In October 2024 her tracker stopped operating but locals reported sightings of her. Today we can confirm those sightings with these photos.”

Ospreys of Nova Scotia: Names have been chosen for Oscar and Ethel’s chicks by popular vote: Nova, Russell, and Sunny. Congratulations. Lovely names!

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

Thank you to the following for their posts, comments, notes, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, PB’, Liz Bracken, Norwegian Ospreys, Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam, SK Hideaways, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Agrippina & Antares Peregrine Falcons, San Jose City Hall Falcon Scrape, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Menhaden- Little Fish, Big Deal FB, Bociany Czame Online, LDF, Looduskalender Forum, Wild Bucovina, Mlade Buky Stork Cam, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Dahlgren, Forsythe, Kent Island, Fortis Exshaw, Maryland Western Shore, Cape Henlopen, Port Lincoln Ospreys,

Tuesday in Bird World

6 May 2025

Hello Everyone,

Morning Update: Hellgate Canyon. The timing could not be more perfect since Finnegan did not return (or did he?). Iris laid her three eggs and poof – Ravens took them. Starr, Louis’s mate, will have her eggs and Louis will be busy providing Starr with fish. The battle of the nest took place on Monday and early Tuesday morning, Iris and the victor sat on her nest together. We wait to see what happens.

[On an Osprey, the only two markings that never change yearly are the head markings and the underwing markings. Remember that. Everything else could vary.]

Big Red and Arthur: O2 making its way. O1 eating well and Arthur is stocking up the nest! It is a Hawk Delight buffet!

Another ‘summer’ day at the beginning of May on the Canadian Prairies. It was a perfect day. Toby’s ‘godmother’ visited with a toy basket full of everything a tiny dog would love to chew. Toby is really feeling at home. He likes to play tug of war with the hem of my long linen dress, growling and hopping around. He had his first bath today. Didn’t seem to mind and loved the drying off with the towel. I hope he sleeps well tonight!

The Girls are fine. They are curious but not intimidating. They keep their distance trying to figure out what this ball of energy that is either wide awake with great energy or sound asleep ‘is’. Not a cat. None of them have ever seen a dog before. It is quite interesting.

Hugo Yugo thinks it is just a great day to sleep in the conservatory where the temperature is in the 30s.

I really would like to hear from you about those birds on the streaming cams that sparked your interest. So send them in! I will try and include one a day for the next few weeks!

‘LS’ wrote: “What sparked me was when I saw Harriet and M15 profiled on the nightly news in 2018. It intrigued me to hear that a camera was installed so the public could watch an eagle’s nest. I would watch occasionally and was fascinated with learning things about eagles I never knew. It was 2020, the year E14, died that really grabbed my heart and attention. When Harriet and M15 reclutched I fell in love with E16 and then E15 who didn’t leave the area until early November. I still miss those 2 eaglets.” 

Thank you, ‘LS’.

The last time I checked there was a good size pip in O2’s egg at the Cornell Red-tail Hawk nest of Big Red and Arthur. Cornell Bird Lab has it on video: https://youtu.be/dJNVLRdb6Dc?

More activity at the Ithaca nest! https://youtu.be/Edn2Ayvrt5s?

Hellgate Canyon: There was a lot of activity going on at the nest of Iris today. The third egg was taken by the Raven on Sunday. Today another male took on Lewis and appeared to want to be friendly with Iris. The situation is ongoing.

Xcel Fort St Vrain: Those two surviving eaglets that we worried so much about seem to be doing just fine. Always a relief.

Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest: Things are going well despite Mr T’s theft of fish. Eaglet has its blood feathers coming in!

White Rock Nest: ‘PB’ writes that the eaglets eat well Monday afternoon. A lovely fish fairy. 🙂

San Jose City Hall Falcon Scrape:

Golden Eagle Nest, Latvia, Spilve and Grislis: Hatch is underway!

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: First egg for the new couple. Thanks, ‘MP’.

Glacier Gardens Bald Eagles, Juneau, Alaska: Two eggs.

Glaslyn: I posted about Aran Monday morning. What a wonderful osprey he is.

West Point Eaglets: A storm took down the nest and the eaglets have perished just like Scout and Bella’s triplets at NCTC.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 5th May 2025

Today’s news is that Blue 536 has been given a name: Aurora. George WTS comments: Now that it looks like 536 is going to stick around we have decided to call her Aurora. This is a popular girl’s name in Scotland these days. Its root meaning is “dawn” which vibes well for her as a new beginning for Garry and Nest One. It is also a nod to the northern lights aka aurora borealis. Aurora strengthened her claim to Garry LV0 and his nest by bring some moss and a tiny twig and doing a little gentle nestoration. Garry on the other hand spent time mating but didn’t bring any fish, although we suspect he is providing fish to her away from the nest. His tally remains at thirty six. It was far busier on Nest Two, where Louis and Dorcha had at least two incursions by intruder Ospreys, and Louis spent much time fighting aerial battles. He still managed to find time to fish, and brought one fish to the nest, raising his tally to sixty eight. The overnight forecast is for a clear sky and light winds, and sunny intervals tomorrow. 

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.39.32 (04:10.24); Nest Two 22.57.08 (04.21.44)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/VvL_ZaQsu7s N1 Woodland Trust have given Blue 536 a name – hello Aurora! 06.10.22

https://youtu.be/PNRVXZc0NDU N2 Louis alarm calls as an intruder Osprey flies overhead 08.10.56

https://youtu.be/GVFzskmn1_s N2 Dorcha’s fish number one and only finally arrives 16.16.04

https://youtu.be/SYZq9BrLbWs N2 An unringed Osprey intrudes on Louis who gives chase 16.28.58

Bonus read – plan to connect rainforest habitat from Cornwall to Scotland

https://www.scotsman.com/hays-way/scotland-included-in-ps40m-project-to-connect-rainforest-habitat-along-uk-coastline-5112723

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/vi57aF6RvWs  N1 Aila suffers an owl strike 2019 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/50n9gpytiy4   N1 A typical night on the nest for Aila 2020

https://youtu.be/fCzbYErsSgA  N1 Persistent Hoodie won’t leave Aila alone 2020 (Slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/pBzJsBFIzek  N1 Strange Osprey lands on the empty nest 2023

https://youtu.be/Rg-hxBiPEPM  N2 Louis has an aerial encounter with an intruder 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/4KzkpgYcDBc  N1 Aida arrives fish calling, Garry LV0 arrives with moss but ignores her 2024

https://youtu.be/eX9kUX1m6QM N1 Aida wants fish, Garry wants to mate and gets rejected 2024

https://youtu.be/J0T2g4AjXv0 N2 Finally – Louis delivers the first fish to Dorcha 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

Geemeff sends us a good news story about Laysan Albatross, Wisdom!

74 years old, she is a marvel, has a chick this year: https://friendsofmidway.org/the-wisdom-ohana-family/

Yes, we get attached to them!!!!!!!!!!! Citizens in Wales love their ospreys.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/03/nesting-ospreys-villagers-excited-wales-usk-valley?CMP=share_btn_url

Why should wildlife ever lose out? But especially when there is criminal activity underway?

Why should wildlife lose to businesses underpinned by criminal activity Mark Carwardine on driven grouse shooting BBC Wildlife MagazineDownload

If you are a member of Ospreys of Nova Scotia, voting is now underway for three names for Ethel and Oscar’s 2025 chicks! Great names suggested! And voting made easy. Just click on the name.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, MP, PB’, Cornell Bird Lab Red-tail Hawk, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Cam, Trempeauleau Bald Eagle Cam, White Rock Eagles/D Hancock Foundation, LDF, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Ospreys, Glacier Gardens Eagles, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, West Point Eagle Nest, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Xcel Energy, Friends of Midway, The Guardian, Raptor Persecution UK

Wednesday in Bird World

16 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Latest Updates:

Poole Harbour: CJ7 has laid her second egg.

Glaslyn: Aran spent the night with Elen on the perch. They mated twice. Cross your fingers the drama is over and Teifi will find himself a lovely mate elsewhere!

Llyn Brenig: Egg number 1 laid at 23:13:48 15/04/2025, well done 372.

Kielder Nest 7: KX7 laid her second egg at about 15.45 Tuesday.

Tweed Valley Nest 2: “A rather bizarre set up has emerged in the absence of FK0. At the nest there is Mrs O, another BTO ringed female and a BTO ringed male. None of these three birds have the coloured alpha numeric darvics, so we know nothing of their background. The male appears inexperienced and is perhaps young. The two females are surprisingly tolerant of each other. The only aggression witnessed so far has been on arrival of fish delivery from the male as the two females both try to grab it. Mrs O usually wins the fish and flies off to feed but has been seen to return with a portion remaining and letting the other female have it. If FK0 eventually turns up things could get very complicated. The male bird and Mrs O have started mating and maybe if she lays an egg, the couple may settle.”

Thank you to Geemeff for reminding me that I hadn’t sent out Tuesday’s blog—it was Tuesday, but not the 14th! Grrrrr. Tuesdays are always hectic for me because Anne arrives, and before that, the animals seem to demand a lot of attention. Sometimes, I feel like I need two of myself!

There is hardly any news. Ospreys are, for the most part, home. Charlie is not at Charlo Montana. They believe he is MIA. The Memorial List is getting longer. Aran is still trying to keep his nest. He was there after 1700 at Glaslyn, but did not bring Elen a fish. Teifi has been doing that. Finnegan is not home. My question: Could Charlie and Finnegan winter in the same location and both are late? Is Finnegan late? Gosh, it feels late. Llyn Brenig is still not settled.

Iris waits.

‘J’ wants to know where the first confirmed news of Finnegan’s return will be posted. Dr Greene posts on Montana Osprey Cam’s FB page. I know that my inbox will light up if that white-breasted, long-legged male gets on that nest, and you will also know this by his behaviour towards Iris. (Don’t even get me started on Louis!)

This year, Heidi is monitoring a whack of many US Osprey nests, and I am focusing on the UK and Europe along with Iris. We will be bringing you more news once we have hatchlings.

So I am thankful for Blue 33 and Maya, CJ7 and Blue 022, Dylan and Seren, Idris and Telyn, and Louis and Dorcha who are giving us some stability in the UK nests.

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 15th April 2025
An interesting day on Nest One where Garry LV0 brought bedding but no fish, then saw a perceived threat in the distance, flew off the nest in a hurry, and a long aerial battle ensued with both birds flying back and forth across the cam view. The fight was too distant to make out who Garry was seeing off his territory, but there was no doubt about the invader later on – a Buzzard, different to previous visiting Buzzards, looked to be on a nest scouting expedition, but it’s highly unlikely Garry would tolerate further intrusion. Louis and Dorcha continued their usual routine of mating and nest prepping, with two fish handovers today taking 

Louis’ tally to thirty three, but no sign of the much anticipated first egg yet, and as of the time of filing this report (23.15) the nest is empty. It rained on and off today, the forecast is for a dry night tonight but more rain tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.31.46 (05.17.42); Nest Two 21.45.22 (05.29.22)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/A_RZD0tcTvQ  N2  Louis arrives with a lively flapping trout 06.07.41

https://youtu.be/AyFmftRron8 N1 A Jay visits but leaves quickly, alarm calling 08.15.13 

https://youtu.be/Ca_z21qf71I N1 Garry LV0 leaves in a hurry, an aerial fight ensues 09.06.12

https://youtu.be/6I2Eivd3aaM N2 Dorcha seizes fish number two as soon as it arrives 14.10.08 

N1 is this a female Buzzard scouting for a nest? 20.32.43

Bonus action – WT wants your help with the

longest written biological record of its kind
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/things-to-do/natures-calendar

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/51sv0sFASJA N1 Aila & Louis: love in the dark 2020
https://youtu.be/Ne6U24RQtfk N1 Louis is harassed by persistent Hoodies 2021
https://youtu.be/LbhbAx0KBh4 N2 Stickly situation: Louis and a log 2022
https://youtu.be/7w0I3iYZssc N2 Synchronised landings 2023 (slo-mo repeat)

https://youtu.be/glFpcNXi9Oo N2 Dorcha and the egg star on BBC Breakfast 2024
https://youtu.be/cuIKVzgrQMY N1: Garry LV0 does some nest scraping and watches for a potential mate 2024
https://youtu.be/GVX93Gmg5KI George WTS’s interview on BBC Radio Scotland today 2024
https://youtu.be/43baqO1yOss N2 Louis gets to egg-sit when he delivers fish number two 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

Captiva Bald Eagle Nest: Both Dasher and Dancer were at the nest on Tuesday.

FOBBV: The antics of the kiddos, Sunny and Gizmo. So cute. https://youtu.be/HL1uVWzjdCQ?

NCTC: Scout has brought in at least three fish for the triplets! Just look at those crops.

Chichester Peregrine Falcon News:

Chichester Newsletter No.3 15042025Download

Fraser Point Eaglet Named:

Durbe County White-tail Eagle Cam: Milda and Zorro have the cutest baby!

City of Independence Osprey Platform: Believe it or not a couple of ospreys checked out this nest on Tuesday!

FOBBV: Shadow brought in 11 fish. These two will be too large to fly. LOL. I bet that is what Shadow is hoping. Keep Sunny and Gizmo home for a long, long time. Little miracles. https://youtu.be/LddQtD0iZ0Q?s

At the Finnish Osprey Nests:

Nest 1 Satakunnan: Beautiful ospreys Eve and Eura return.

Janakkala: Resident female Yellow XKT, Cara, has been chasing a female intruder over the nest. Mate, AKE, is also home!

The ospreys are beginning to arrive in Nova Scotia. Quite a few nests are now occupied. Bravo! Always nice to see them home safely.

Good night, Iris. We are all hoping that your Finn will arrive tomorrow. You deserve the best and we will know when it is really him because you will stop looking to the sky and wishing with us! You will be eating a big fish! And it won’t have been caught by you.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, J, PB’, Montana Osprey Project, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig, Window to Wildlife, NCTC Bald Eagle nest, Chichester Peregrines, IWS, Looduskalender Forum, Satakunnan Nest 1 Finland, City of Independence Ospreys, Ospreys of Nova Scotia, SK Hideaways, Janakkala Osprey platform, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, SK Hideaways, BoPH, Kielder Forest