Category Archives: Melbourne falcons

Day 5 Welcome to Winter…Girri is a BIG girl!

6 December 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

I am so happy that Toby and Hugo Yugo’s little kissing/licking fest touched your hearts. It is really easy to see why they bring such joy to our lives! SP wrote, “Mary Ann, you are my Santa!  The Toby-HY love fest… I’ve only watched it three times… so far. xoxo”

Brock reminded me today that it is ‘essential’ to find a way to have water for the outdoor animals that we feed. This is easy if you live in an area where it never gets below freezing. Here, it can be problematic. You MUST be careful so as not to cause the little birds to freeze their feet and feathers. Because of these issues, I am reluctant to use a heater in the bird baths if there is any chance their little feet will stick and be pulled off! Luckily for Brock, there are two dishes in his heated feeding station – one for wet food and the other for water. He had several long drinks today!

The small sparrows and Starlings were busy eating snow. They don’t get as much as they would if there were a bird bath for them, but they do get some hydration, which is really important if you are feeding them.

Two articles with some different points of view.

Should You Provide Birds Water in Winter?Download
Offer Water to Wildlife in WinterDownload

I hope you did not worry about Gabby being away from her nest and leaving Beau to incubate for approximately 24 hours. This is ‘Gabby’s Way’. Every year, she takes a break before the eggs hatch. The first time I saw this panic set in, I thought she had died, leaving Samson to care for their family, but no. Gabby was having a ‘spa time’ – I liked to call it. Gabby is now home, and Beau was so happy to get off those eggs, he flew off the nest when he caught her flying in!

Beautiful Gabby back in the nest.

I decided to take a sheet out of Gabby’s playbook today while Anne was caring for Don, Toby, and The Girls.

You probably know someone who was or is a caregiver to another individual – their partner, a parent, another family member, or a friend. It is stressful. There is no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Caregivers are often ‘tired beyond belief’ and rarely take time for themselves. You might know someone who cared for another person and actually died before them. It happens more often than you might think. As Don’s illness progresses, I am trying hard to make sure that my life is a bit more balanced. So, going back to Gabby…I gave myself a ‘treat’ today. I spent the afternoon at the Dior counter today getting a ‘refresh’ from a wonderful woman who has worked for this French cosmetics company for 35 years. It was fun – and a reminder that each of us needs to create time to relax and laugh!

Moving back to our birds. As you know, Heidi and I have been monitoring osprey nests for mortality numbers and causes. Heidi sent this to me today and I thought that you might be interested, too.

“This was the presentation held yesterday on Virginia Eastern Shore by Dr. Watts and Ben Wurst.  The presentation itself is only about 67 minutes long, and is very informative.https://youtu.be/bR8byYABd8s?s

A lot of takeaways.  VV’s nests all had abandoned eggs.  But, Watts’ data indicated the majority of nest failures were from brood reduction due to a lack of menhaden.  Most of the eggs hatched, but most chicks didn’t survive.  Interesting.”

Overfishing has led to the death of 60,000 penguins! The Guardian gives us the details. “More sustainable fisheries management could improve the penguins’ chances of survival. Conservationists are taking action on the ground, by building artificial nests to shelter chicks, managing predators and hand-rearing adults and chicks who need rescuing. Commercial purse-seine fishing, which involves encircling a school of fish with a large net and then trapping them by closing the bottom, has been banned around the six largest penguin-breeding colonies in South Africa.

It is hoped this will “increase access to prey for penguins at critical parts of their life cycle”, said the study co-author Dr Azwianewi Makhado, from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in South Africa.”

60,000 African penguins starved to death after sardine numbers collapsed – studyhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/05/african-penguins-starve-to-death-south-africa-sardine-population-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

“African Penguins” by BasL is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

I don’t know about you, but my calendar is counting down to the arrival of the ospreys in the UK! Of course, there is a big gold star at the beginning of April to remind me to be on the lookout for Iris’s return to Missoula, Montana.

Lots of couples are incubating. Eagles and Albatross.

You can watch the Royal Albatross Royal Cam Pair, BOK and WYL, in New Zealand. If you are not aware, the letters relate to the coloured identification bands on their legs. BOK (female) is Blue-Orange-Black with ‘K’ being for Black. WYL (male) is White-Yellow-Lime.

Today, the couple were reunited as they switched incubation duties. The note under the video reads: “WYL returns to the Plateau nest site to give his mate BOK a well-earned break from incubation. Watch him enter from the left of the frame to greet her, and after a brief reunion, BOK lifts off and hands over nest duties. Following a few vocal exchanges with the neighbors, she heads back out to sea. Join us live as we follow their journey through the 2025–26 breeding season! RoyalCam was set up in January 2016 by the Department of Conservation and the Cornell Lab has been collaborating with DOC since 2019 to bring the cam to life. To learn more while watching, view the cam at https://www.doc.govt.nz/royalcam“

At Port Lincoln, Dad was on the barge during the early morning hours having a nap. The camera panned to the old barge but no ospreys were visible.

Girri is such a character. She has even been incubating the remaining egg in the scrape on and off!

Just look at those juvenile feathers coming in!

Girri is a BIG girl.

There has been no news of any peregrine falcons from the CBD of Melbourne coming into care. This is great news!

Liberty and Guardian have been at the Redding Eagles nest.

More eagle news on Monday!

Signing off with Hawk Mountain’s migratory count for the week of 3 December. Osprey count way down. Bald Eagles up. Sharp-shinned Hawks down along with many others. My goodness…but a growth in Broad-winged haws.

It isn’t just at Hawk Mountain that some species numbers are beginning to plummet. In the UK, recognizing this horrific act, people are opting to name streets after our amazing birds in order that they not be forgotten.

Streets named after birds in Britain on rise as species’ populations plummethttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/05/street-names-birds-britain-rise-populations-plummet?CMP=share_btn_url

I don’t need to tell you that Toby and The Girls make my life worth living.

After a day of frolicking in the snow, there is nothing nicer than napping on a toy duck.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We hope to have you with us again tomorrow!

Thank you to Heidi for sending us the link to that presentation on the Ospreys with Dr Watts and to SP for allowing me to quote them. I am also grateful to the owners of the streaming cams – Charles Sturt University, Port Lincoln Osprey, American Eagle Foundation, and NZ Dept of Conservation/Cornell Bird Lab – where I took my screen captures today and to the authors of the articles on providing water for wildlife in winter, The Guardian for covering the death of the African Penguins or OpenVerse for the image of the African Penguins.

The little fluff ball has a name…Monday in Bird World

17 November 2025

Hello Everyone,

It is a beautiful Saturday on the Canadian Prairies. On Friday, many towns in and around Winnipeg reached a high of 16.7 degrees C, the highest temperature recorded in Canada that day. It was truly uncharacteristically warm, and thus worrisome.

I am actually sending this post out Sunday evening instead of Monday morning. I hope this is not too confusing! Monday morning is going to be very hectic. Toby has an organized dog walk with Ellen and then we are going to fetch our friend Ruth who is coming for lunch with a pop in visit by our daughter. Enjoy!

Oh, how nice it is to have you with us today. I hope that everyone has been watching that cute little fluff ball of Gimbir and Diamond. He or she now has a name – Girri – and thankfully it is one of two syllables that is easy to pronounce!

Cilla Kinross broke down the votes – but look at the number of votes. That is a fantastic response!

I have the listing from SK Hideaways of her weekly videos but this one is particularly cute. Can we truly take our eyes off little Gimbir, first-time dad, and his little baby!?? https://youtu.be/SyatpPaTnJU?

Is it my imagination, or is Gimbir getting much more time with his chick than Diamond allowed Xavier? Gimbir even tries to brood the baby! Or is Diamond just away a little longer and doesn’t see the interactions?

There was lots of activity and SK Hideaways has caught it on video:

skh_videos_wo_110925Download

We love that little fluffball of Gimbir and Diamond. Can you imagine someone stealing it to sell for profit? Well, Raptor Persecution UK is following a court case for someone who does just that!

Worcestershire man faces 21 charges in relation to possessing & trading wild Peregrines – Raptor PerDownload

Some of the cute stills of Gimbir feeding the little one for the first time. This is precious.

Look how big Diamond is compared to Gimbir in the image right above.

Just imagine Gimbir and Diamond arriving at the scrape with that precious baby gone?

Raptor Persecution UK continues to follow the plight of the Hen Harriers especially those found dead in and around the large hunting estates. You might recall that I reported on five little Hen Harrier chicks stomped to death several years ago. Their mother has now been found dead, and once again we are made starkly aware of how dangerous the lives of these amazing birds are!

Hen Harrier ‘Susie’, whose chicks were stamped to death in 2022, has been found dead on a North PennDownload

The American Bird Conservancy’s Bird of the Week is the Lewis Woodpecker. How much do you know about this bird of least concern?

Lewis’s Woodpecker – American Bird ConservancyDownload

We have, just on time, the second egg for M15 and F23 at Southwest Florida.

Rose and Ron have their second egg at the WRDC nest. Heidi gives us the details: #1 laid 11/12 @ 14.49, Egg #2 11/15 @15.08

Connie and Clive have their first egg on Sunday, the 16th, at the Captiva Bald Eagle nest by Windows to Wildlife on Sanibel Island, Florida.

Looking for eggs for Gabby and Beau at NE Florida Bald Eagle Cam (AEF) by next Monday. Fingers crossed.

Haku and Akecheta were on and off the top of Tor looking out at the pelicans.

There is a new camera for the West End nest. Check it out – what a view! Thank you, IWS.

Sometimes highlights are being played. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/wfuqjSNXZ14?

Snow on the nest of Jackie and Shadow at Big Bear Valley on Sunday.

Both eagles at US Steel.

Both eagles at Cardinal Land Conservancy. Will there be an egg soon?

On a sad note, Blaze has not been seen at the Eagle Country nest for eleven days now.

I am enchanted with what is happening at the Sydney Sea Eagle nest this year. Lady and Dad arrive at the nest in the early morning with prey and no sea eaglets. They begin to defeather, looking around, and then both eaglets fly to the nest! In all the years I have watched this nest, this has never happened (at least to my memory). Does anyone else remember a year where the fledglings could fly freely around the forest returning to be fed? Please let me know!

This just brings tears to my eyes and I hope yours, too. These two eaglets from the Olympic Forest in Sydney will surely survive. They will get strong, learn how to hunt and beat those darn Currawong!

Just over the moon – almost beyond giddy. How long have the supporters of this nest have waited for a season like this one?

‘A’ has sent in a lot of commentary, and I need to post it, as I have been sending out little blurbs when an event has happened without a comprehensive narrative. I know how many of you enjoy their ‘take’ on what is happening in and around Australia, so here we go – albeit some out of order. Enjoy.

“It is nearly 8pm in eastern Australia and starting to get darker (it won’t be dark for a while yet with daylight savings) and both our eaglets are settling for the night on the branches above the nest. Lady is also perched nearby, in the nest tree. As I said, this is a family unit, working together. It is wonderful to watch, and the eaglets are gaining in confidence by the day. I have not seen this before. I hardly dare to hope that this really is the season they will succeed but I have felt that all along, as you know, and it is beyond thrilling to see the eaglets flying with confidence, returning to the nest for food and rest, and refusing to be cowed by those damned currawongs. “

“The upshot is that all three chicks have fledged and that one of those three has successfully returned to the ledge. Mum brought a snack too, which is encouraging – I am hoping we see all three return to the ledge. As I said, I’m hoping no news will be good news in terms of their welfare and whereabouts. 

I will keep an eye on the cameras to see if we get any returnees but you would be best keeping an eye on the Facebook group – I am not a member of Facebook and refuse to become one at this late stage, but it might be worth it at this stage of events for the Collins Street group. It is exciting news that all three have fledged successfully and each one of the three appeared to fledge strongly and confidently. It terrifies me to even think about how difficult it is for young falcons to learn the intensely dangerous skills involved in their hunting technique, but I suppose this is where the parents play yet another critical role. I have been tremendously impressed by these parents, and the moment the crash landing back into the gutter occurred, a parent (probably mum) was immediately in the frame, doing a fly down (probably following the chick) to check that the chick was okay, indicating that the parent in question had been very close by during that fledge and obviously supervising everything that was going on. I do hope that indicates that these parents are going to be good teachers of their chicks. So many times during this season, I have been astounded at the size of the prey items brought to the ledge. These parents are very good hunters – let’s hope they’re great teachers as well. I suspect they might be. How wonderful would that be? There must be room for at least one more pair of peregrines in the CBD area. I’m still wondering where there are suitable nesting areas near Melbourne Airport. I must ask my sister that question again. 

It will be raining in Melbourne over the next couple of days – not good flying weather for new fledglings. I do hope they return to the ledge for shelter, rest and food. There is plenty of time to learn all the skills they will need to survive alone out there.”

“Superdad M15. My favourite bald eagle male of all time. He is amazing. We will never forget his efforts the season he reared two eaglets alone. I think Mrs T might be in front in the female version of that award. And I noted from your blog that Mr T is up to his old tricks yet again. Leave the woman alone, you cad! What’s the betting he leaves her incubating a fertile egg and then takes off for the girlfriend’s island nest? I have no trust in him, I’m afraid. Once a cheat, always a cheat. 

Oh, the joy of watching WBSE post-fledge. I never thought I’d type that! What a happy mutually supportive family they are this year. That nest makes me so happy at the moment. 

Meanwhile, at Collins Street, two fledglings are on the ledge. The little male who returned after fledging yesterday spent the night on the ledge and in the scrape, and one of his sisters joined him around lunchtime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYQ2f7XnC8I&list=TLPQMTMxMTIwMjUIejz-QtbpwA&index=6. Wonderful! The returnee’s first priority is a little self-feeding in the gutter. Excellent. Let’s imprint that return to the ledge for food behaviour. The control she showed flying onto the ledge was impressive, don’t you think? Strong and balanced.

All three of the Collins Street fledglings returned to the ledge yesterday – the little male was still there from his fledge and immediate return the day before, but both his sisters joined him there during the day (how cute were the beakie kisses when the first sister returned and they lay side by side on the ledge? Just too adorable. I hope they can help and support each other just as the sea eaglets are doing. I’m sure it helps. Meanwhile, at Orange, our darling dad in training is progressing with determination. “

This is just glorious footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyatpPaTnJU&list=TLPQMTQxMTIwMjWz-0PE_-fnEA&index=4 

Thanks, A!

The Melbourne fledglings made The Guardian!

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/16/we-have-lift-off-melbournes-skyscraper-peregrine-chicks-take-to-the-sky?CMP=share_btn_url

The Friends of Osprey South Australia and Port Lincoln have announced that, due to the failure of the trackers that have been placed on the osplets, they will now only be banding the little raptors.

Our local wildlife rehabilitation clinic, Wildlife Haven, is helping a Red-tail Hawk!

It is that time of year when people start thinking about the upcoming holidays. No matter what religious persuasion you are (or maybe not any), gifts find their way into the celebrations. Why not do something to help wildlife? One year, our family adopted the hawks, the Crow, and some of the other raptors at Wildlife Haven instead of buying ‘stuff’. Indeed, I do not need anything, having spent the last year trying to rid myself of the many things accumulated over a lifetime. Instead, we now gift small, locally made consumables. We will also reach out to local clinics in various ways. We have two large, used once dog carriers that are way too big for Toby. They will be donated along with a pet crate and various items on the wish list. I hope our family approves! Over the holidays, we will have a four-legged visitor to join our gang – Nellie, a very large British White Retriever. She is Toby’s bestie. The plan is to invite another four-legged friend and provide treats for the cats and dogs, along with some delicious shortbread for the adults.

There continue to be an enormous number of Canada Geese in and around Winnipeg along with Bald Eagles at every turn. Many of the geese have turned into lunch or those eagles. Great image by Kevin Eisler.

We still have osprey in Manitoba, too – the water is still open and fish and prey are readily available for the raptors. Migration times are extended!

Hawk Mountain’s latest migration chart for the week of 12 November. Those osprey numbers are not good.

Please continue to spread the word: Good Wolf reminds us that balloons have no place in celebrations in 2025. We know that they harm wildlife – it isn’t speculation. There are many other ways to decorate that are safe for our raptors and other wildlife.

Thank you so much for being with us. Please take care of yourself. We look forward to having you back with us for our next Bird World post which should be on Monday 24 November. See you soon!

Thank you so much to SK Hideaways, Heidi, and ‘A’ for their videos, notices, and commentary and to the owners of the streaming cams and FB groups who keep us informed, and The Guardian -I am in your debt. I am grateful to everyone behind Raptor Persecution UK who are working hard to bring justice for our raptors and to all who work hard to protect our precious feathered friends.

Melbourne male has left the ledge!

14 November 2025

I knew you would want to know – if you didn’t see for yourself. The male that has remained on the nest ledge after fledging has flown off. How wonderful.

Let us wish this wonderful family a very long, healthy life. May the Melbourne pigeon population thrive!!!!!!!!!!!

Here he goes!

So reassuring now that the camera will no longer be operational til next August.

Thanks again to Victor Hurley and Mirvac for the two streaming cams that allowed us to observe this family from egg to fledge!

Male Fledgling at Melbourne…

14 November 2025

Good Evening Everyone,

Victor Hurley has posted a very informative post regarding the male fledgling from the CBD in Melbourne. There has been some speculation as to why he has remained on the nest after he fledged yesterday.

Here, it has been 16.7 C. Unthinkable the middle of November. We even had rain and when Don and I were having tea with Anne today there was a Dark-eyed Junco scratching for seed along with nearly 40 European Starlings, 80 Sparrows, 5 Blue Jays, 2 Crows, and any number of squirrels roaming around.

We are trying to teach Toby the difference between Brock and ‘Cat’. He is learning – and, indeed, he knows Missey and Hugo Yugo so hopefully he will not bark at Brock but only ‘Cat’ – meaning the domestic pets that come into the garden who do not need to be fed and who occasionally try to take a bird.

I hope this finds you well and happy. We are doing superb! Take care.

Thank you to Victor Hurley for sharing his thoughts on FB.

Last two fledge off Melbourne CBD ledge!

13 November 2025

Hi Everyone,

We hope that you had a terrific day. It was glorious weather, again, on the Canadian Prairies and due to be +12 C tomorrow – unthinkable but welcome.

The male fledged at Melbourne followed by the last female. Here are the details from Victor Hurley. Please note that the live stream will be turned off almost immediately.

Off the goes:

The return – thank goodness he wasn’t injured.

More images from today:

We will miss them! People working in the offices have confirmed sightings of the first female that fledged afterwards with her flying brilliantly. My contributor ‘A’ has a direct line to the rehabber that will care for any of the trio should they get injured and will alert us.

Congratulations to everyone at Melbourne, and a big thank you to Victor Hurley and Mirvac for the two streaming cams that allowed us into the special world of peregrine falcons.

In another note, Rose and Ron have their first egg at the WRDC nest in Florida. Thanks, Heidi! Rose laid this egg 21 days earlier than the first eggs in previous years.

Fledges at Melbourne’s CBD Falcon Scrape

12 November 2025

Hello again!

What a day it has been in the world of raptors. Eyes have been glued to the streaming cam for the 367 Collins Street Falcon scrape in Melbourne for several days awaiting fledge – and now we have it.

One of the females flew at 09:27:26.

Adult arriving.

Female preparing for her first flight:

Congratulations. There might well be at least one more fledge today in Melbourne. Well done.

Thank you to Dr Victor Hurley and Mirvac for their streaming cams that allow us into the wonderful world of these very much urban raptors!

Blue 33 helicopters to woo Maya while Aila bashes the chicks with a stick…a look back and today’s news

11 November 2025

Hello Everyone,

I have had the most marvellous time with my friend Geemeff who has now returned to the UK. We talked ospreys and, of course, anyone who has read my blog for the past osprey seasons will know that I am rather fond of Blue 33, who is my favourite male. At the same time, during the pandemic, Louis and Aila broke the hearts of nearly half a million people with their trio at Loch Arkaig in 2020. Those chicks were Doddie (JJ6), Vera (JJ8), and Captain (JJ7).

Geemeff filmed the first video from a hide at Rutland Water. There was no editing other than the use of slo-mo so that you could actually see what Blue 33 is doing. Now, it is not unusual for an opsrey male to sky dance while trying to woo the female, but look – Blue 33 hovers like a helicopter over Maya. What strength that took! Amazing. I have never seen this behaviour, and neither had Geemeff when she filmed it while on tour at Rutland. Have you? I would love to hear from you if you have.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/UZDtm7oOYiU?

Louis and Aila won our hearts, and so did the 2021 trio, including my favourite JJ7, Captain! I’d like you to please watch this bizarre behaviour of Mum. The chicks are unsure what to think! But please, you must watch to the very end.

The only one of the trio to be identified and photographed as returning as a two year old of the trio was Doddie who was seen on the Shetland Islands.

Here is the link to the stick fest: https://youtu.be/g-T2vcO-j0s?si=cYL5uBKEbltuBCIe

Geemeff gets many requests for her to repost this video of Louis and Aila’s antics on the nest. Enjoy!

Here is the link to the Sugar Plum Ospreys: https://youtu.be/Pan17yfcq_c?s

Just a quick check on our Australian nests:

Isn’t this chick of Gimbir and Diamond at the Charles Sturt University Falcon Scrape just the cutest only chick? Please vote to give it a good name!

The Currawongs continue to be thwarted by the Olympic Park sea eagles 35 and 36. So far those pesky little birds have not been able to oust the two from the Olympic Forest! Bravo. Prey is being delivered.

The latest news from EagleCam:

SK Hideaways latest offering showing our WBSE family together on the 10th! https://youtu.be/ZcaObXf4qpA?

Remnants of prey line the gutter at 367 Collins Street in the CBD of Melbourne. So far no fledges from any of the three peregrine falcons.

Your favourite osprey streaming cams and nature centres are fundraising. Here is the latest from Dyfi:

More trials for those who kill our beautiful raptors – will Scotland finally have penalties that will make people stop this horrible practice? Raptor Persecution UK provides us with the latest information.

Trial begins today for Scottish gamekeeper accused of killing a Goshawk on a Perthshire shooting estDownload

The latest from Birdlife Malta:

Trapping Protests and a Shot Saker Falcon November 2025Download

Thank you for being with us today. Take care. We will be back with you next Monday unless there is something that happens – such as a fledge in Melbourne. Be sure to vote for a name for Gimbir and Diamond’s chick. Check out my blog for November 10th for the details including the choice of names. See you soon!

Thank you to Gemeff and SK Hideaways for their videos and to the owners of the streaming cams, those that post information on the various FB groups, Raptor Persecution UK, and Birdlife Malta for their informative posts.

Name the chick! …Monday in Bird World

10 November 2025

Hello Everyone,

It says Monday, but it is actually late Sunday night.

I hope each of you had a lovely weekend. We had snow and ice, and it wasn’t all that wonderful, but it warmed up today to 1°C, so some of that treacherous ice has melted. Thank goodness! The garden animals have been very busy, and on Saturday, there were so many European Starlings that it was completely impossible to count them. Oh, they are lovely birds. Our friend Geemeff was here to see them, and they noticed that our Blue Jays are much brighter in colour than those in the UK.

Heidi has sent me the most informative presentation on the issue of the ospreys in the Chesapeake. It is worth sharing with everyone who cares about the destiny of our fish hawks in that region.

Heidi writes: “This was a very informative presentation about the decline of ospreys around the Chesapeake Bay region. It includes some general osprey educational information, then at around the 49 minute mark, they start to talk more about the decline of ospreys, and specifically as it relates to industrial fishing of menhaden. It is a long video (2 hours), but I watched it in 15-20 minute increments over a couple of days.”

https://www.youtube.com/live/GZ8LEu4D4IM

SK Hideaways Videos for the Week of 2 November 2025

All my videos stem from my love of raptors. My mission is to inform, educate, and entertain viewers. I have never and will never monetize my videos. They are purely a labor of love that give me great joy to share with anyone kind enough to view them. Much gratitude to Mary Ann Steggles for bringing my videos to you.

367 Collins St. Falcons, Mum F24, Dad M24, and 3 chicks

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam 

South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY

North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

Morning Shenanigans More Vigorous & Daring.  NEW ~ Louvre Perching (2025 Nov 7)

As fledge nears, the chicks are more active and even a little twitchy, especially first thing in the morning. Their wing exercises are more vigorous, their gutter stomping louder and bouncier, and all of this happening more often on the ledge. Today, one sister made it to the louvre ~ another milestone. 

Video: https://youtu.be/7ZxZtiwNMNo

Chicks Take Self-Feeding Seriously ~ Give Mum the Boot (or Beak) (2025 Nov 7)

The chicks were all over mum F24 when she delivered breakfast a little later than they would have liked. They needed no help devouring every last morsel and then gave mum the heave-ho when she stopped by for leftovers. 

Video: https://youtu.be/80HsbSvINCc

Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles, Lady, Dad, and 2 eaglets

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/watch?v=pcKLMh-MGEE

SE35 & SE36 Discover They Now Have a Gigantic Playground (2025 Nov 8, 5:43-12:55)

The day after SE36’s fledge, both eaglets were up and out to their now favorite perch in the wee hours. SE35 flew first with SE36 not far behind. 

SE35 became curious about the various bits of equipment on the tree, plucking it like prey! So if the cam goes out, we’ll know why! 

They were out and back several times ~ a great sign of their flying progress and a sound way for them to hone those skills. 

Video: https://youtu.be/IPzgtwAHqWc

SE36 FLEDGES✈️ Follows SE35 to Dad’s Perch🌲 and Back Again🎉 (2025 Nov 7)

SE36 had a beautiful fledge, flying to Dad’s perch tree to meet SE35, who flew moments before. The eaglets were frisky and lively all afternoon ~ seemed like they were planning SE36’s fledge along. After an exhausting day, the siblings pancaked in the nest overnight. 

Video: https://youtu.be/1X2xSXtak2o

SE35 Leaves Nest for 2-Hour Exploration ~ SE36 Remains on Sentry Duty (2025 Nov 6)

SE35 took to the forest for a 2-hour exploration of the habitat. SE36 was content to keep an eye on things and simply look stunning. When SE35 returned, all was well between the eaglets and they simply got on with their day. 

Video: https://youtu.be/ti9wc6SnVXI

FalconCam Project, Diamond, Gimbir, and 1 chick

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW (http://www.csu.edu.au/special/falconcam/)

Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA

Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuZaWzhXSAI

Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj1Y6ydRl1c

Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFAsJvGPd00

Gimbir Watches Diamond Feed Chick #1 from Cilla Stones 🥰 (2025 Nov 7) 

Gimbir continued his on-the-job training after delivering one of many meals. While he typically flees after deliveries, this time he perched himself on the Cilla stones and watched Diamond feed his first born. It was one of the most heartwarming displays I’ve ever seen. 

Video: https://youtu.be/rd9q2EL5GxM

Gimbir Brings 3 Starlings in 9 Minutes ~ Chicks Gets First Meal (2025 Nov 6, 6:01-6:29)

Gimbir showed his paternal chops, delivering a significant bounty to the nest for the 17-hour-old chick and Diamond. His 9-minute hunt reaped 3 starlings. Wonder if Diamond was impressed as we were. 

Video: https://youtu.be/mynzf-kkOQQ

Gimbir Meets His Very First Chick ~ Moments of Puzzlement Ensues (2025 Nov 5)

Gimbir seemed somewhat perplexed to see a fluff ball where there used to be an egg. While he hasn’t yet learned the subtleties of fatherhood – or even the not-so-subtleties, he will do so in time. Here we look at his first two visits with his very first chick. 

Video: https://youtu.be/6UR71MPV3Dw

FIRST HATCH for Diamond & Gimbir ~ From Pip to Hatch in 7 HOURS (2025 Nov 5)

Diamond increased moving and shaking of the eggs as she likely detected a pip and heard at least one chick. Chick #1 was motivated to see the world! The video shows progress from pip to hatch over 7 hours

Video: https://youtu.be/Uaz0j6B6um8

FOBBV Eagles, Jackie & Shadow

Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley

Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE

Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://youtube.com/live/LCGYWfbyBWc

LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz

Shadow then Jackie Make Pre-Season Nest Visits🪹Rendezvous on Roost Tree🌲 (2025 Nov 3)

Adult visits to the Lookout Snag and Basement were gifts enough. But then, Shadow and then Jackie each visited the nest. Shadow brought 2 sticks with Jackie following a bit later to inspect the still messy nest. It’s pre-season time, so every visit is an extra special gift. The cherry on top was Jackie and Shadow’s rendezvous on the Roost Tree.

Video: https://youtu.be/nS3L24OBpYo

Two Harbors Eagles, Cholyn & Chase

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Two Harbors Cam Ops 

Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ

Cholyn & Chase Do Major Nestorations with Massive Sticks (2025 Nov 3)

Cholyn and Chase continue shoring up the rails of the original nest, bringing in massive branch after massive branch plus soft material from the fluff factory. Typical disagreements about what furniture should go where are quickly resolved. They depart the nest at the end of the video, flying away to their secret hideaway. Listen for the beautiful chortles. 

Video: https://youtu.be/-SeV6GpIbv0

Thanks, Heidi and SK!!!

It continues to be possible that the falcons Gimbir and Diamond at the Charles Sturt Falcon scrape in Orange will only have one eyas to care for and what a lucky little fluffy white ball this one is if that is the case!

This little one is seriously adorable.

Cilla Kinross wants to name this little cutie pie. Here is the information – please vote noting that you can select up to three names but no more or your vote will be discarded!

These are the choices. The link to vote is below:

Nestling needs a name

While the little one at Orange has not even had its beak change colour, the trio at Melbourne’s CBD falcon scrape at 367 Collins Street are preparing to fly. Almost all of the dandelions have disappeared and they are enjoying watching their parents fly through the CBD luring them into a life away from the scrape. Soon! Too soon, of course.

Every year we wring our hands with worry around the fledging of the sea eaglets at Sydney. It is the Currawongs. Despite those pesky birds attacking our fledglings, Lady and Dad are persisting in feeding the eaglets on the nest and today on the branches of nest tree – Ranger Judy Harrington says this is a great milestone. In all the years I have watched this nest, the adults only fed at the nest or down by the River Roost. No doubt these feedings will keep the fledglings strong, strong enough to beat those pesky birds so that they can learn to hunt from Lady and Dad and live a marvellous independent life – both of them. No more starving sea eaglets on the pavement by the Discovery Centre taken into care — let’s hope! So happy.

‘A’ sends us their commentary from Melbourne: “Dear Mary Ann,

I presume you have seen this footage, but in case you hadn’t, I thought I’d send it to you:

It’s almost as if the two eaglets following each other and appearing to play together is giving the younger sibling confidence. It certainly looks like that (okay, I’m anthropomorphising but you have to admit, it does appear that way.) 

Let’s hope this year will be different. Certainly, the pre- and post-fledge behaviours have been somewhat different this year, and the confidence of both eaglets may be greater when it comes to insisting on their right to exist in that forest. I have a lot of confidence that this is going to be the year that the eaglets manage to thrive despite the currawongs. If they work to some extent as a team, they will surely have a better chance. Let’s hope my completely irrational belief is based on something real. 

The three at Collins Street are such a noisy and energetic rabble that the parents just dump food and flee. Meanwhile at Orange, Gimbir continues to observe and learn. He still has not done a feeding but I’m sure he will try soon. Meanwhile, I believe I was right about the egg that hatched being the last one laid. Certainly, it was the one with the least colour. But whether or not I am right about that, I don’t think either of the two remaining eggs is going to hatch. At this stage, I have enough confidence in Gimbir’s hunting to have stop fearing a second or third hatch, but I don’t think we’re going to have one.”

M15 is undoubtedly a handsome eagle, and he is working hard with F23 to prepare their SW Florida nest for eggs. Mulhady and Pepe already have three at Central Florida – they always seem to be the first!

I have a soft spot for the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest of Gabby. Like so many of you, I adored Samson, but it appears that Beau is rising to the occasion, and let us hope that they have another fledgling this year! They are sure working on that nest.

Eagles at the US Steel nest.

They are working on the Decorah North nest in Iowa!

And at many other nests including Fraser Point on the Channel Islands.

There are ospreys visiting the Captiva Osprey nest on Sanibel Island! They came and went before I checked on the nest. The chat is very informative and Window to Wildlife has a daily log – the link to it is in the chat. This is a new osprey couple it appears.

Jack and Jill have been at the Achieva Credit Union nest in St Petersburg, Florida. Concerns persist regarding the structure, with worry that eggs and/or chicks may fall through.

The environment remains on all of our minds. As much as we try to avoid plastic, it is almost impossible to do so. What a mess we have made of things! The Guardian brings us up to date on just one of the major disasters brought on by plastic.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/nov/08/environmental-catastrophe-fears-as-millions-of-plastic-beads-wash-up-on-camber-sands?CMP=share_btn_url

Enjoy some great wildlife pictures. Calico just knows that you will enjoy them.

Is that a goose on your head? Earth’s most spectacular inhabitants – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2025/nov/04/cristina-mittermeier-earth-most-spectacular-inhabitants-in-pictures?CMP=share_btn_url

Our local wildlie rehabilitation centre, Wildlife Haven is really busy. Lumi the rare lynx cub is now doing much better after refusing to eat. Now they have a Bald Eagle in their care.

Anyone reading my blog is aware of the dangers posed by lead to our beloved raptors. We must continue our fight to halt the production of lead ammunition, as well as lead in all types of fishing gear. Please raise your voice to ban this deadly substance any time you can.

How much do you know about Great Grey Owls? There are some lovely close ups of nestlings in this documentary by Our World. https://youtu.be/OVE3UzyvEIc?

From everyone in my family to yours, we hope you have a truly wonderful week. We look forward to you being with us again next Monday. Here are some recent photos of Toby and his sisters and a few of the garden animals that add so much joy to my life. Indeed, I cannot imagine a day without them despite all the work they create.

Toby is modelling his new turtleneck sweater. Toby is going to need a miniature closet soon.

Hugo Yugo looking beautiful in the golden light of sunset.

Baby Hope – the sweetest and most shy of the bunch.

The mysterious Missey.

Lovable Calico.

Mr Crow waiting his turn in line to get a peanut.

Brock trying to hurry and eat his roast chicken and ham before Toby finds out he is outside! As everyone knows, Brock is a true survivor. He has lived for five years outside on his own. He won’t come in the house and is very weary of being ‘trapped’ in fancy heated houses for winter. So, we simply love him, respect what life has thrown at him and what he is used to, and make sure he gets at least three large tins of food and fresh water every day.

One of five grey squirrels.

Do you know what the national bird of Canada is? Have a good read and celebrate the American Bird Conservancy’s Bird of the Week!!

Canada Jay WhiskyjackDownload

Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to A, Heidi and SK Hideaways, to all the owners of the streaming cams that give us a glimpse – a great privilege – into the lives of our favourite raptors, to the authors of Facebook posts that keep us up to date on the nest happenings, and to papers such as The Guardian that continue to carry the environmental story. My blog would never be the same without their contributions. I am very grateful!

WBSE 36 fledges…

7 November 2025

Good Evening Everyone,

There are a couple of good news events that everyone should be aware of. The first one is that WBSE 36 has fledged! They flew to a nearby branch known as Dad’s perch. Later, Lady arrives at an empty nest. Congratulations Olympic Park Sea Eagles!

A tired fledgling.

WBSE also returned to the nest. What an incredible season. Let us all wish both 35 and 36 the very best and lots of prey and Lady and Dad teaching them the ways of the WBSE on the Parramatta River.

So far, there is only one hatch at the Charles Sturt Falcon scrape in Orange, Australia. That little one is a very strong cutie pie.

Dare I say that it would be nice for Gimbir to be broken in slowly and to have only one little one to provide for and Diamond this year?

Once upon a time, the trio at the 367 Collins Street scrape in Melbourne looked like that little bobblehead of Gimbir and Diamond. In fact, less than a month ago, they were pink-toed and beaked and now they have their juvenile plumage and will, sadly for all of us, fledge soon.

The great news is that Kielder Forest’s Blue 714 has been seen and photographed by Jean-marie Depart in Senegal! Blue 714 is the only chick from the 2024 nest 7.

Overseas news _ Kielder OspreysDownload

Thank you so much for being with me for this quick update. Please have a lovely weekend. I will have another quick update on Monday.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold who give us the great privilege of monitoring the lives of these amazing raptors and to those who track and photograph them and keep us up to date after they leave the nest like Jean-marie Dupart.

WBSE35 returns to the nest!

30 October 2025

Good Afternoon Everyone!

As SK Hideaways says, “it was a harrowing” return to the nest for SE35 who attacked 36 not wanting to share the nest with them. Here is the video!

SE35 RETURNS TO NEST🪹 Very Aggressive with SE36, Forcing Them High Up Branch🪵

Note: Some scenes in the video may be difficult for some to watch. But know that SE36 was unharmed in the video.

SE35 had been near the nest tree the previous day, where Lady and Dad could keep an eye on them and feed them. SE36 knew their sibling was nearby and watched from the nest. But today at 15:56, SE35 returned to the nest and did not want to share it with SE36. SE35 attacked SE36 multiple times, forcing them up the branch and then to the nest rim.

Both Dad and Lady brought food, which SE35 quickly grabbed and mantled. Fortunately, SE36 had eaten earlier in the day. At one point, Lady got between the eaglets to distract SE35 from attacking SE36, like she did when they were wee. It still works. At the video’s close, SE35 is laying in the nest while SE36 remains on the rim and parents are nearby. Hoping for a peaceful night.

(2025 Oct 30, 15:49-18:13)

Video: https://youtu.be/V-dynV6Cvuw

Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park

‘A’ sends us the latest from Ranger Judy leading up to the return of 35 along with their narrative of the other nests as the racing week in Australia begins.

October 26: After the late self-feed for SE35, all slept well until the Boobook Owl began swooping, seeming to brush SE35 a few times from its rim sleeping position and bringing the parents in near the nest. Early morning chorus then, accompanied by much flapping, in the midst of which, at 6:32am, SE35 flew, and stumbled, or missed its branch, landing below the nest on the ground. We were able to follow it for a while under the nest and nearby, and saw a currawong swooping, with SE35 calling. SE36 sensibly remained on the nest, ducking, as a currawong was swooping. Mid-afternoon, with permission, our team did a ground search in the forest. SE35 was found looking calm, about four metres up a tree below the nest tree. Currawong was swooping still but a parent was close by. Around 4pm, SE35 was safe there above ground, with SE36 in the nest. Then at 16:16, SE35 flew off its perch and out of our sight. The adults were down by the river and one fishing attempt was seen. Late afternoon, it was very windy. SE35 was spotted again, this time safely on a branch below the nest – but urged by currawong, it flew again. At the end of the day SE36 was flapping and lifting on the nest – with plenty of space. Lady brought in a late bird and fed SE36 very well. Hopefully, a quiet night followed for all of the eagle family.

RangerJudy3d

and late news, Lady brought in a bird and fed 36 very well

October 27: After its late feeding, it was a quiet night for SE36 alone on the nest, sleeping in the bowl or standing on the rim. Early awake and the family calling. Dad brought an early offering, with a whole bream at 6:27. Lady flew in with him and claimed it – eating some herself as she prepped the fish and then fed SE36 well. After she left, Lady was seen then down on River Roost, with Dad as well. SE36 was self-feeding on a few scraps on the nest, then protesting and ducking as a currawong swooped close. Dad then came back, picking at scraps. Then a quiet morning for SE36 on the nest, although swoopers were still about. With approval, we went into the forest and found SE35 about four metres above the ground, then saw it fly off strongly, away from swooping currawongs and ravens. We found it again, lower, and again it was swooped by ravens until it flew off again. It seems to be staying in the general nest area. Shortly after 3pm, Lady brought in a gull chick, so SE36 ate well again. We then saw SE35 fly strongly over the wetlands and maybe towards the river. Late in the afternoon, Lady brought in a gull, then soon after, Dad arrived with another bird carcass – so SE36 has eaten plenty today. Then another gull from Lady, which she took off to de-feather . We believe SE35 is still up high in a casuarina, towards the river. Hopefully, the family had a peaceful night.

October 28: Another quiet night with SE36 alone on the nest. The family was awake early, with SE36 joining the chorus before the parents were away. They were seen during the day down on River Roost and heard duetting. SE36 was flapping, jumping and waiting –with a fish delivered just before 3pm. SE36 self-fed well. Earlier, during the day, SE35 was seen close to where it had been seen last evening – and it had moved a short way. At times, it was still being swooped, by ravens and currawongs in particular. Then, late in the afternoon, SE35 flew strongly away, yet again chased by swoopers – but it was seen to land safely in the Armory area – quite close to the river still. Lady then delivered more prey – a gull chick – to SE36 on the nest. SE36 self-fed, then Lady came, ate some herself and continued to feed 36. Then last thing, Dad brought in more food in the form of a leatherjacket. Lady came in and fed SE36 even more of the fish – a well-satisfied eaglet.

October 29: SE36 slept alone again on the nest last night with Lady close by – there was a little early morning rain. We heard SE35 again near the forest, then later, we thought, in the general nest area. At 8:45, both parents were on River Roost in the rain. SE36 was flapping and jumping on the nest, still practising – and drying off. Currawong continued swooping as well. Mid-afternoon, a currawong could be heard and also, we think, SE35 squonking. Just after 3pm, Lady brought a gull, which she left for SE36. She was followed by Dad, maybe with prey. Then he, too, took off again. We could possibly hear SE35 whining close by. Lady brought another gull in at 17:25 – followed by Dad – and fed SE36. Currawong is still calling and swooping nearby. SE36 is getting closer to branching – venturing up the branches on either side. Then Dad brought more prey at 18:25, which Lady took. She fed SE36 a little, then took the food below the nest to SE35. So we were hearing SE35 whining there below when the parents were close. A great relief.

Hoping this gives you a summary of SE35’s first few days of being a fledgling. It interests me that SE36 has really made no attempt to imitate its older sibling, perhaps enjoying the repeated large feedings it has been getting as the only nestling. The swooping of currawongs is relentless, for the eaglets on and off the nest. But SE35 does appear to be doing extremely well, while SE36 is wisely waiting and building up its strength before taking the plunge. 

All we can do is pray that this duo do better than in previous years.

Meanwhile, the Collin Street trio are a gorgeous noisy bundle of fluff, living wherever they choose. Even the youngest has now mastered the maneouvring involved in scrambling back up from the gutter to the scrapes and they follow the sun on cool days, the shade on hot days, and of course find the sheltered structure in the rain. Meanwhile, the parents very much enjoy the ‘saddle’ perch wherever the youngsters are, though sometimes supervise from the ledge. 

The size of those pigeons never ceases to amaze me. Often, they are at least as large as the parent bringing them in, and I have no idea how little dad manages some of them at all.  

We are no more than a week away from hatch watch at Orange. Gimbir is bringing prey and doing a wonderful job of incubating the three eggs, given how tiny he is. He positions the eggs front to back, in a straight line, and this way he manages to completely cover all three despite how tiny he is and how large the eggs are. Such a sweetie, and his juvenile chest and stomach plumage is just adorable. More like a big brother than a dad! Will these eggs be fertile? I think they are. I think the parents can feel/hear the life beneath them. We will see. 

Also rapidly approaching is laying at Taiaroa Head. The Royal Cam egg usually hatches around Australia Day (26 January) and you can calculate backwards with a 77-day incubation period (yes, eleven weeks!) and reach the date ‘very soon indeed’. 

They named this year’s fledgling Kaewa, and 41 days after fledging, our girl has just reached her target and is now foraging in the Humboldt Current off the coast of Chile. Seriously! 

Meanwhile, back at Taiaroa Head, reunions are underway and much bonding is occurring. 

Thumbnail
Thumbnail
Thumbnail
Thumbnail

If that wasn’t exciting enough. We are within a week of hatch at Orange and Gimbir continues to prove that he is going to be both an engaging new dad and a good provider. Our dear Diamond did well. It is at least her third mate. May they have a long and happy life together as we get ready for those little pink beaked, pink toed fluff balls to arrive.

Thank you for this really quick check on what is happening. Meanwhile, the Bald Eagles are busy working on their nests and checking on their nest bowls in the US. Take care, everyone. We will see you on Monday!

Thank you so much to SK Hideaways for their great video of WBSE 35’s return – it was a nail biter and, of course, it made us so anxious as we watched live – and to A for their information on the Australian nests. So grateful to them and the owners of the streaming cams where they get their information!