Category Archives: Long Island Wildlife

CK7 dies in Wales…Wednesday in Bird World

30 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

Thank you so much for being with us today. Summer is winding down. People are taking the last of the holidays and our Osprey nests (among others) are almost going quiet. The hummingbirds and Blue Jays continue to come to the garden so neither has started their southern journey and soon, many more species will join them. The house is quiet as the kittens continue to learn the smell and sound of one another. Despite fall nipping at our heels, it is expected to be 34 degrees in southern Manitoba on Saturday.

Calico has settled into a routine and is playing more and more. Tonight, for the first time, she went onto the Ladybird blanket and fell asleep before I finished reading. She goes to the vet on Friday, and I hope for an all-clear to allow her into the rest of the house. Lewis is curious but a wee bit jealous, and Missey is pretending she doesn’t notice anything. We will see. Missey is the Alpha cat.

Calico’s book of the month recommendation. [I took the rug out because of putting cat food down, and neither Calico nor I like this bloody old floor – a remnant of long ago.]

Anyone want to play?

Nite, nite.

There is good news coming out of the meteorologists regarding Idalia. She is now degraded to the strength of a category 2 hurricane. But the new track has changed and the eye is headed decidedly northwest and will not hit Fort Myers or St Petersburg as a category 3 or 4 hurricane. There will still be lots of water but the sustained winds are no where what was earlier predicted. This does not mean that Idlia is not dangerous – every storm is dangerous!

Notice how far that white cone area extends northward. We want all our migrating birds to sit quiet. And to all my friends in the path of this storm, please stay safe. You are on our minds and we are sending out positive wishes.

Hurricane Franklin’s cone will veer east and should be no threat.

The winds of Idalia can clearly be seen impacting the Bald Eagle nest of Connie and Clive at Captiva on the Barrier Islands.

Let’s check on Fortis Exshaw since it has been one of the problem nests. Thanks ‘H’ for your report! “Fortis Exshaw – The intruders were on the nest or perch a few times throughout the day, but most of the time, the nest was empty.  We did not see Banff.  She did not come to the nest, and we did not see her being chased around.  We may have seen less of the intruders today due to the fact that they had not been concerned with Banff.  There were a couple of brief osprey chases seen in the distance, but they could have involved the intruders and another osprey.  Some thought that they heard Banff’s voice in the distance a couple of times, just briefly, but it was difficult to say.  It seems that Banff may have finally learned to stay away from the nest, and the entire area that had become hostile and dangerous for her.  This is a good thing, and a necessary lesson for her to learn.  It seems as though Banff has received a year’s worth of education since she fledged on 8/13.  The last time we saw Banff on 8/28, she was well.  We will be watching and listening for Banff today. “

Today I wanted to see who was home in the UK, but first, let us deal with a tragic death. CK7 was an eleven-year-old osprey from Tweed Valley who died in Wales. His tracker indicated that he had stopped. The search in difficult terrain has not revealed the corpse, but people will continue to search. Our hearts go out to Di Bennett and the team at Tweed Valley. CK7 had been in the wildlife hospital after being trapped in netting. He was released on the 10th of August at St Mary’s Loch. Everything looked perfect, and it appeared that he had set off on his migration. Then something strange happened, and he reverted course and headed to Wales. His tracker indicated a stationary position on the 18th of August.

Here is the latest news from Di from Tweed Valley.

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Tweed Valley: Poul is making excellent progress!

Rutland Manton Bay: Both Maya and Blue 33 were on the nest and it looked like they still had some intruders.

Dyfi: Cannon is 98 days old and Seiont is 96. Everyone is wondering if both of them will be home to mark a century. It would be the first time for this nest that both fledglings stayed 100 days before making their departure.

Glaslyn: Aran and the two fledglings, OH1 and OH2 were home.

Poole Harbour: I observed both Blue 22 on the nest and Mum, CJ7, who had delivered a fish. 5H3 was also there. There could be other fledglings about and I just did not see them – indeed, I imagine all three are home. CJ7 may leave first.

Llyn Brenig: I caught a glimpse of one fledgling -7B5-and another on the perch but I cannot confirm if they are one and the same.

At Patchogue Mini flew in at 0619 screaming for a fish and promptly flew off towards the lake.

Here she comes!

Gorgeous. One of the reasons that I advocate for Darvic rings and trackers on special birds like Mini is to find out how their lives unfold – good or bad. This young lady is simply beautiful. She is being fed off nest by Dad. The latest news from Hawk Mountain does not indicate a big swing in Osprey migration yet. Thank goodness due to the weather south of Mini!

A few raindrops falling as Mini was perched for a bit.

Hawk Mountains migration count to 29 August 2023.

Boulder County: All fledglings home. Eating well. Two with a fish at one time and the one without has a nice crop already.

Sandpoint: Three fish delivered on Tuesday and one took over 2 hours to finish!

Thank you ‘H’ for your other reports.

“Forsythe –  Once again, there was no sign of Ollie.  And, for the second day in a row, Oscar made a brief stop on the nest, perhaps for the last time.  He just wanted to make sure that his girl was not still around.  You are a really good Dad, Oscar.”

“Barnegat Light – Dorsett’s latest favorite hangout is the utility pole at 22nd street.  And, she doesn’t miss a thing from that vantage point, lol.  Dorsett saw Duke flying across the bay with a fish and she was back on her nest at 24th street within seconds to grab the fish from her Dad.”

“Kent Island – Molly had been waiting a long time, and Tom arrived with a nice dinner fish.  Molly must be eating off the nest, as she has been seen with a crop sometimes when she arrives at the nest.”

“Osoyoos – There is plenty of fish, and the young fledgling seems to be luvin’ life.”

Moving to Australia:

First up, Ervie. Our dear Ervie!

Port Lincoln: With no eggs at any of the South Australian Osprey nests that I am aware, there is plenty of time for Mum and the new Dad. They will certainly go down as trying!

Sydney Sea Eagles: It is raining and the camera has been on and off but the little eaglets are doing just fine – both of them.

The Godwits are arriving in Australia from Alaska! Just think about that.

Godwit ID for UK birds. It is the Bar-tail that flies from Alaska to Australia.

They make history flying from Alaska to Australia.

More little osplets hatch in Australia!

In Orange, Xavier loves to have his egg time. Diamond arrives with a huge crop and her chest feathers looking all fluffy. Xavier takes his time giving up his shift.

Lots of excitement with the Royal Albatross chicks in New Zealand.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Please take care. Stay safe!

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, posts, videos, reports, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, H, M’, Noaa, Window to Wildlife, Tweed Valley, LRWT, Dyfi Ospreys, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Poole Harbour Ospreys, Llyn Brenig, PSEG, Hawn Mountain, Boulder County, Sandpoint, FortisExshaw, Conserve Wildlife of NJ, Osoyoos, Kent Island, Forsythe, PLO, Pikorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, BTO, Sydney Sea Eagles, Wildlife at Osprey House, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Lady Hawk and NZ DOC.

Eggs, migration, the impact of hurricanes on raptors…Tuesday in Bird World

29 August 2023

Greetings Everyone,

It is 28 degrees C on the afternoon of the 28th of August on the Canadian Prairies. On Saturday, it is expected to be 34 degrees C. That is hotter – by several degrees Celsius than where my son lives in the Caribbean.

Our summer weather began to change 5-6 years ago. I joked and said it was time to put in a swimming pool – “If it is the shot next year, I am getting a pool!”. Before 2017, people would have laughed at the thought of a pool. Our summers never got hotter than 20 degrees C, and they were short, with the first frost normally in August, sometimes early August. The last snow might have been 15 May. Well, it is all different. I didn’t put in the pool, but I might build a pond for the birds and small mammals late next spring. Remember – water is essential to their lives. Leave out containers of water. Ensure they are topped up at night – many critters are nocturnal.

The weather has caused so many problems this year for the Ospreys. The storms and flooding led to starvation at many nests. The overfishing of Menhaden was another, but the weather has just thrown everyone for the proverbial loop. It has led to the infamous wildfires and played with the birds’ arrival and departure dates. In Manitoba, we have had the type of weather that I grew up with in Oklahoma as a young child. Large hail, winds ripping trees out, and tornadoes. The displacement of wildlife from the affected wildfire areas will have a lasting impact for decades until those old, big, beautiful – trees can regrow.

Missey, Lewis, and Calico continue to do well. The biggest shock has been Lewis. I know to open the office door – enough for cats to put their noses through. Whenever Lewis gets close to Calico’s nose, he leaps backwards. It is hilarious. Missey is more reserved, preferring to sit on the top of the wood stove playing with pussy willows and acting like she is not interested in her new sister. We have moved Calico’s appointment date to this Friday, 1 September. That way, she can be integrated into the family a little earlier. Today, she has been playing with me and with toys by herself. Perhaps she can recapture some of her lost kitten hood.

Our giggle of the day comes from Osprey House in Australia posted by Linda McIlroy. Wouldn’t we love to see crops on all the osplets like this one?!

A blast from the past!

A recorded Webinar from Cornell Bird Lab on the race to save our vanishing birds.

As many of you are aware, there is a category 3 or 4 hurricane heading towards the western shores of Florida that is expected to cross the entire state. Weather systems such as hurricanes can cause such harm to raptors and other wildlife. We have celebrated in the past when we discover they survived Hurricane Ian, for example. Lost nests but not lost birds! Here is some information if you are wondering how hurricanes can impact our beloved feathered friends.

How-do-hurricanes-affect-migrating-birds-All-About-Birds-All-About-BirdsDownload
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Fledglings getting fed well at the Dunrovin Ranch Osprey nest of Harriet and Swoop. Indeed, fledglings continue to be well fed around the world as the adults – mostly but not exclusively the males – fatten them up for migration.

Idris continues to fill the fledglings to the brim at the Dyfi nest in Wales.

At Glaslyn, Aran is bringing in the fish. His new mate, Elen, has left. She took the place of Mrs G, the oldest osprey in the UK, this year. Mrs G was 21-24 years old (unringed so not known for sure how old she was) and did not return from migration. Elen proved she was a very worthy successor taking amazing care of the two fledglings this year.

Dad has not delivered fish to the Patchogue nest for either Sunday or Monday. It is 1730 nest time there. Everyone is missing seeing Mini. Maybe she will come and rest her leg. She is, no doubt, being fed off nest like many of the other families are doing.

Mini flew in at 1800. Oh, what a strong flyer she is and she did not look like she was starving even thought she was really doing a lot of fish calling!

You can see her coming in near the top left.

‘H’ gives us her report on Fortis Exshaw: “The action started early.  At 0614, we heard Banff calling as she approached the nest.  Two minutes after Banff landed, she was buzzed three times by the male intruder. The intruder flew to the tall pole, and then landed on Banff twice.  Then the intruder stood on the nest, and proceeded to jump on Banff three times, then flew away.  But the intruder wasn’t done, he soon returned and hit Banff on the fly, and Banff was knocked overboard.  For the next several hours the intruders were on and off the nest, the horizontal nest perch, and the lookout post.  The male even brought in some nesting material.  At 1306 Banff was calling, then she flew under the left side of the nest toward the pond, turned toward the road, and then flew back east, and all the while she was being chased.  At 1654 Banff landed on the nest and was immediately dive bombed then jumped on by one of the intruders.  Banff managed to fly away.  Banff was involved in another chase at 1858, and she briefly landed on the nest for a few seconds, but was not hit.  At 1918, Banff flew over the nest being chased.  At 1948 Banff flew toward the nest being chased and she immediately diverted rather than land on the nest.  She seemed to clip her right wing on the nest as she passed by.  At 2054 Banff was again being chased.  She touched down on the nest and was immediately hit by an intruder, then she was dive bombed, and Banff flew off the nest.  Are you noticing a pattern here?  Banff is definitely eating, and is most likely still being provided fish by Louise.  If Banff has managed to catch some fish, it may be supplemented by Louise.  We do not see Louse on camera.  Louse knows that the entire area around the nest has become hostile.  It seems that young Banff has yet to fully come to that realization.  I wish Banff would stay completely away from the nest area, hang out near Mom, and perhaps practice fishing.”

‘H’ catches up with some other nests:

Forsythe – The last remaining fledgling, Ollie, has not been seen since early on 8/27.  On 8/28 Oscar landed on the nest briefly at 11:11.  He made a quick survey of the nest, and then he flew away.  That was our only osprey sighting of the day.

Osoyoos – There were at least four fish brought to the nest by Soo and Olsen. They and their fledgling are doing well. 

Barnegat Light – Duke continues to provide fish for his hungry fledgling, Dorsett.  Daisy was last seen on the nest the night of 8/27.

Kent Island – Audrey was at the nest on 8/28.  She helped Tom with nest defense, and she brought a fish for Molly.”

Thank you so much ‘H’ – we appreciate your continuing reports on these nests knowing that FortisExshaw is a very difficult nest to observe.

There should be no more concerns about SE32 at the Sea Eagles nest. 32 appears to have caught up in size to 31 and the meals are very civil. Both eaglets stuffed at the morning feed. It is a wonder they could even move.

‘A’ remarks: “The civility continues at WBSE. The breakfast fish (another nice large one, minus Dad’s breakfast) around 07:45. SE32 was slow to get up to the table, but started his breakfast first. SE31 was busy organising her morning PS. When she eventually dealt with that, she was keen to practise her walking. Her balance is improving and she got up to the table, then flopped down. She soon got a bite, though Lady was concentrating on feeding SE32, giving SE31 a bite here and there. SE31 is happy to sit beside her little brother and watch. Once again, no bonking or intimidation. Just two happy eaglets in the morning sun, knowing there’s plenty of fish for both.”

“Oh my. Just look at the size of the thighs on those sea eaglets! And those extra-round little bottoms. Just darling!! And those tails are really coming along now – especially SE31’s. It looks like lace. Dad and Lady are doing one of their raucous duets around 13:33:30 (usually reserved for around 6am). “

“SE31 is getting much steadier on her feet. She seems to enjoy practising her walking. She sits up looking very pleased with herself afterwards. Both these two have really large crops. Lady coaxed each of them to eat until they could eat no more. Somehow that big fish has been devoured. Have a look at their relative sizes now. It is as though SE32 has caught up to SE31 in size. I presume he is still the smaller of the two but not by much. I am now wondering whether the genders I had assumed all along are in fact correct. Maybe we have two males here, one of which was younger and went through a state when it was more nervous than the other. Unfortunately, as they do not band these eaglets, we won’t know unless they end up in care (which I suppose is highly likely, based on previous seasons). But certainly, SE32 has grown quite dramatically over the past three or four days, since he began eating his fill several times a day. Just lovely to see how healthy and happy they look, with their gorgeous feathers sprouting on their shoulders and wingtips and their little tails growing. “

‘A’ also checked on Xavier and Diamond for us. “At Orange, Xavier has just come bouncing into the nest box with a starling, which surprisingly, Diamond takes and flies off with. This buys Xavier some precious egg time, and as always, he chats to his eggs as he settles down to brood. Oh he is the sweetest little falcon. These little males are adorable, aren’t they? Like Alden and then Lou at Cal Falcons, both similarly small but gorgeous. Diamond and Xavier had another of their lengthy half-asleep bonding sessions this morning, from 04:54:52 to 05:39:08. These two are SO cute. “

‘A’ also adds: “We are worried about an intruder at Orange. There has been an unknown falcon upsetting Diamond and Xavier at exactly the worst possible time. Of course they would not desert their nest box and their eggs. This is their territory and they will defend it. But of course the very last thing this scrape needs is the loss of a parent. Diamond is a very large, powerful female, but we would not want her risking her safety. And Xavier is essential to the provisioning of this scrape, so he too cannot be injured. There are suggestions that this might be a previous fledgling – Indigo or even Izzi! These two have tended to have male eyases and it is the males who return to the natal nest area, is it not? So far, the intruder is not causing major problems, but s/he is hanging around. If it is a female, of course, the problem could become more serious. “

Thanks, ‘A’.

There are no eggs at Port Lincoln, but I quite like the new male. He is good to bring Mum fish, and they are trying. Let’s all send them a wink, nod, and some good positive energy. We might be surprised! I cannot think of anything nicer than this Mum having a nest full of osplets but also full of fish – and everyone living to fledge!

It is to be noted, as ‘A’ reminded me this evening that none of the other Osprey nests in South Australia have eggs either – so either they are all late (at least historically) or we won’t see any osplets this year! I prefer to think that they know something we don’t and the eggs are just late.

There are no eggs at 367 Collins Street yet. This is the latest update.

The death of a single Kakapo rattles the world. There are now only 247 of these gorgeous green non-flying parrots alive in the world.

It is that time of year when window collisions are happening more frequently. Here is a good little article to help you or someone you know understand how to deal with a bird that has hit a window.

We are experiencing Hummingbirds on their migration from the north to the south. If you are also, please provide sugar water for them. Do not purchase this at the shop with the dye…make your own. The recipe is simple: 4 cups of water to 1 cup of white sugar. Heat to dissolve the sugar only. Cool before putting in your hummingbird feeder. These little ones need all the energy they can get, and right now, some of the flowers no longer have nectar. They are dried up due to the summer heat!

Thank you so much for being with me today. For everyone in the area of Hurricane Idalia, please take care. We hope to see everyone with us soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, posts, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, H, PB’, Linda McIlroy and Raptors of the World, Susan Butler and FOBBV, Cornell Bird Lab, ATV, Dunrovin Ranch, Fortis Exshaw, Kent Island, Osoyoos, Forsythe, Wildlife Conserve Foundation of NJ, Ian Dragnet and Friends of Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, PSEG, Sea Eagle Cam, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, PLO, Nazz Derbz and Peregrine Falcons Melbourne, Kakapo Recovery, and Maureen Eiger.

JJ Buried, Fledges, Migration…Monday in Bird World

28 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

It was another beautiful day – it is decidedly fall. I can look out the conservatory’s windows and see the sky between the branches of the 100+-year-old Maple trees a block away. They are so tall that they dominate everything. Thankfully, they are Maples as the old Elms are being cut down. On my walks, I cringe when I see the orange spray paint – a solid circle and a line underneath means the tree is diseased and is due to be cut down. All of the trees in front of my house that the squirrels used to leap to the ones on the other side (they formed a huge canopy) so they did not have to run across the pavement will be gone before winter. The Re-Leaf programme has already planted a Snowflake Hawthorn in place of one of them, and I am due two other trees in a few weeks to go on my property. A friend is also donating some small trees they thinned from their property. So the forest behind my house – the garden area – is growing and will continue to do so. The intent is to have it so thick that mowing is never required but, primarily, so the birds have a thick shelter, a sanctuary.

Calico is adapting wonderfully. We have played with toys, and had meals, she has slept on my lap while I was reading, and she is eating well. No one in the area has seen kittens or a kitten – during the day or at night. Everyone was asked when they were walking their dogs or working in their garden this evening. One lovely lady is leading the late-night search for them for another 5 or 6 days. Then we will all rest easy. They will continue to be vigilant. We all noticed that the food left under the deck – very smelly fish- had not been touched and a hungry kitten would have wolfed it down. Sad.

I suddenly discovered that I had a lot of time on my hands and could sit, sip tea, and read, sometimes with Calico and sometimes alone. Missey and Lewis – believe it or not – are not especially lap kitties. I am hoping they will change their ways. They adore being ‘together’ – that relationship is, for them, paramount. So far, everyone is happy, and this transition will be slow and steady…I am happy to have Calico safe with Lewis and Missey in the house. She is no longer hiding under her tent in my old offie but, is sleeping in the open on the large pet carrier with a soft blanket that my lovely neighbour made long ago for another rescue kitten, Duncan. Duncan loved watching Ladybirds and often had to be stopped from eating them! They dominate the pattern.

Thanks ‘JE’ for sending me the link to this rescue by PSEG Long Island.

We have this rescue but we also have trouble at Centrepoint. Can you help by writing in to help save the eagles of Centrepoint? Here is the information – thanks ‘J’ for sending this in:

18 August at 02:27  · “Last year we fought for the rights for the eagles to keep their territory as they found it. Today the Town of Huntington approved the beginning of construction of the first of many projects that are in direct view of their nest. I failed the people who adore both the eagles and the the town of Centerport. The Huntington Town Boards, Council, Zoning board and more including our elected officals failed us all. They promise it all before we vote, made by certain officals in the town, the inter-connections from the town officials for these construction projects is disgusting and wrong. The abuse of power must end. There I was thinking they were looking out forthe people who voted for them.. What a fool I was. Poor eagles…Didn’t sleep much last night knowing that these projects being SOO close to our eagles nest could spook the eagles from Centerport – so I compiled a list of Names and Phone numbers / email addresses of those you can contact…Let these caring individuals know what we think. If you send an email to ANY of these people be sure to “CC Andrew Raia” He is the town clerk and it forces the town to make your email part of the record. Please only like this post if you’re willing to send emails to these people. This way I know if 3 people or 300 people make the effort. Thanks all..”

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON
100 MAIN STREET, HUNTINGTON, NY 11743
GENERAL SWITCH BOARD: 631 351-3000. HOURS: 8-4

EDMUND J. SMYTH, SUPERVISOR 631 351-3030ESMYTH@HUNTINGTONNY.GOV
DR. DAVE BENNARDO, COUNCILMAN 631 351-3172DBENNARDO@HUNTINGTONNY.GOV
JOAN CERGOL, COUNCILWOMAN 631 351-3173JCERGOL@HUNTINGTONNY.GOV
EUGENE COOK, COUNCILMAN 631 351-3174
ECOOK@HUNTINGTONNY.GOV
SALVATORE FERRO, COUNCILMAN 631 351-3175SFERRO@HUNTINGTONNY.GOV
ANDREW RAIA, TOWN CLERK 631 351-3206 ARAIA@HUNTINGOTONNY.GOV

Federal Government & StateSenator Kirsten Gillibrand 202 224-4451

SENATOR CHARLES SCHUMER 202 224-8542 
(WASHINGTON OFFICE) HTTPS://WWW.SHUMER.SENATE.GOV

KEITH BROWN, NY STATE ASSEMBLYMAN 12TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 
631 261-4151 (COMMACK OFFICE) BROWNK@NYASSEMBLY.GOV

————————————————————————————-

It was a very touching moment when Tina Moore retrieved the body of JJ, Jasper and Louise’s second hatch at Fortis Exshaw, and buried him by the big rock by the lake. What a kind and generous individual. RIP JJ – soar high in the thermals above the pond.

The intruders have been relentless.

Poul Blue 2E3 fledged from Tweed Valley. He was fitted with a tracker and this is his amazing journey so far. A goshawk killed his sister Sacha after she fledged. So, he is ever so important. He is doing so well….safe travels!

What a beautiful place for an Osprey nest – Charlo Montana. Fledglings still at home, still fish calling!

At the Glacier Gardens Bald Eagle nest, Hope flew off at 0659 this morning. She made several trips back and forth to the nest including eating some prey!

At 1106:

Final sighting of Dorcha at Loch Arkaig. 17 August.

Final sighting of Louis at Loch Arkaig. 24 August.

And when will the final sighting of Mini be at Patchogue? She was on the perch Sunday morning, the 27th of August, but as of 1437 Manitoba time, she has not reappeared.

‘R’ has been watching Mini since her injury – very closely – and he notes that she has been using her leg much more and putting weight on it and wonders if “she tore a ligament since her knee only appears to buckle in a single direction?” We won’t ever know, but it does appear that she will recover, and that is excellent news.

Mini returned to the nest perch at 16:26.

Mini flew back to the nest around 1700 and was, surprisingly, joined by Mum, who might be coming to check on her nest and say goodbye before migrating. Most females appear to stop – however briefly – at their nest before leaving, even if they have been out and about in the territory for several days or weeks before their departure.

Mini is doing very well. Mrs J Johnson on the chat reports that Mini has developed new skills including mashing the fish with her beak to eat it and now eating with both her right and left feet. We know she scratches her head with her left leg. She had a crop when she landed in the afternoon, so she is being fed off nest. I bet Dad would love it if all of them were down where he caught the fish to save him from flying through town.

Maya and Blue 33 were still home on Sunday. They had a juvenile intruder about. It seems none of the nests have been left undisturbed this year.

At the Fortis Exshaw nest, ‘H’ brings us the latest on the tragic events unfolding at this nest near Canmore, Alberta. “It was an emotionally stressful day for the viewers.  We heard Banff calling and approaching the nest at 0647.  She was being chased.  Banff landed at the far side of the nest, and planted her talons firmly on the back of JJ’s body, and she tucked a bit.  Banff knew that she was about to be struck.  And she was.  One second after Banff landed she took a hard hit on her back by the big female intruder.  The intruder held on to Banff as they went over the edge of the nest, and Banff briefly held on to JJ.  JJ’s body fell to the ground, and it appeared as though the intruder was still holding on to Banff as she flew over the pond.  For a short while, we heard Banff weakly calling in the distance.  Ugh, poor Banff.  We had previously witnessed the intruder pair attempting unsuccessfully to remove JJ from the nest on a few occasions.  Well, now JJ’s body was on the ground.  And, what about Banff?  Was she alright?  It was a very long day waiting for any sign of Banff.  Meanwhile the new ‘owners’ of the nest were frequently on and off the nest.  The female ate a fish on the t-perch, and was briefly joined on the perch by the male.  A viewer that lives nearby arrived at the nest shortly after 1000.  ‘TM’ was there to look for Banff, and to bury JJ’s body.  We all watched as TM buried JJ near the pond.  It was very moving.  Thank you, TM for your compassion, and for giving sweet JJ a proper burial.  While TM was at the nest area, she felt confident that she heard Banff’s unique voice coming from across the river.  She spotted an osprey in a tree, but wasn’t quite able to make it out to be a juvenile.  Before she left, TM again heard Banff calling.  Throughout the afternoon we thought we heard Banff calling in the distance.  And then . . at 1725 we heard Banff’s voice, and it was getting closer, and louder . . Oh please don’t land on the nest Banff!  The female intruder landed on the nest with her intruder alert . . yes, that’s right, Banff is now the intruder at her natal nest.  Then sweet Banff quickly flew by and buzzed the nest from behind the camera, and she was screaming at the female: “I am still alive you crazy bird!”  Haha!  The female intruder really did have a look of amazement on her face, lol.  We were thrilled and relieved to know for sure that Banff was alive and well.  Banff is an amazingly strong and resilient fledgling.  “It may not be possible for us to see you any more, Banff.  For your safety, you should not come back to the nest.” 

‘H’ also reports on Forsythe noting what I have – there is not much to report! “Oscar brought one fish to the nest for Ollie.  Ollie flew to the camera pole at 1033, and she was not seen the rest of the day.”

One of the fledglings was on the perch at Wolf Harbour in Alabama on Sunday afternoon.

Fledgling or fledglings going to the Seaside Osprey nest on Sunday also.

Dad continues to bring fish to the fledgling at the MN Landscape Arboretum nest.

At the Bridge Golf Club, both fledglings are still coming to the nest for fish. It is reported that there were four delivered on Friday and three on Saturday. So far, one fish has been delivered on Sunday that I have seen.

Harry continues delivering lots of fish to the third hatch at Alyth. Indeed, the most activity over the weekend is these incredible Dads flying back and forth from their fishing spots to the nest to fatten up their chicks so they can migrate. Then, the Dads will need a few days to care for themselves. They are real athletes. Those legs must be ever so strong and muscular.

There is a fledge at Sandpoint – and a return! Well done, Coco.

The goshawk is still about at Poole Harbour and it makes me nervous. One fledgling died last year when it was dragged off this nest by the hawk.

Sadly, there might not be any eggs this year at Port Lincoln. Mating attempts are not very productive. He is young! It might be good for Mum to have a year off – but there is still time for eggs. It is Australia, not North America and Eastern ospreys do not migrate.

Spoke too soon…maybe.

The three fledglings at Boulder County Fair Grounds spent the night together on the perch and were there at the nest during the day wishing for fish.

A giggle from the Dyfi nest today!

Have you wondered about Flaco, the Eurasian Owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo? Robert Yolton catches us up on some of Flake’s latest comings and goings. I don’t always post on Flaco, so please go to Robert’s blog – you will learn much about urban hawks!

Andor visited after being in the water at the Fraser Point nest on the Channel Islands Sunday. He dried off quickly in that beautiful California sun.

Mum and Dad were on alert at the Sydney Sea Eagle nest in the Olympic Forest. Possums and other intruders kept them busy. SE31 and 32 are doing well. They are standing strong, their beautiful feathers are coming in, and they are delightful.

We are expecting the second egg for Diamond and Xavier today.

SK Hideaways caught that second egg! Congratulations Xavier and Diamond.

Please keep all of our friends – feathered or not – in your positive thoughts as Idalia heads for Florida.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Take care of yourself. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, tweets, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, Geemeff, H, J, JE, PB, R’, Fortis Exshaw, Forsythe, Geemeff and Tweed Valley, Charlo Montana, Glacier Gardens, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, PSEG, LRWT, Wolf Harbour, Seaside, MN Landscape Arboretum, Bridge Golf Club, Alyth, Pam Breci and The Joy of Ospreys, Anne Ryc and Love for Pool Harbour Ospreys, PLO, Boulder County, Marissa Windic and Friends of Dyfi Osprey Project, Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, SK Hideaways and Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, and Sunnie Day.