Category Archives: Melbourne

Friday in Bird World

18 July 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope that the week was kinder to you than it was to the little osplets on the nests. Gosh, I hate to be a bearer of bad news. This year has really ‘gotten’ to me and Heidi. She said something very important on Tuesday and I hope she does not mind my repeating it since it was public. Heidi wrote, “I love them, and I want to be there for them… because it is happening to them whether we watch or not. If they can endure the pain, then so can I.” Precisely how I feel and I know from many of you who have written to me in the middle of the night that you sit up and virutally hold their little talons as they pass. Thank you for being there for them.

The plight is getting news coverage – keep up the pressure! Thanks, Heidi.

Menhaden Scarcity Leads to Bleak Outlook for Ospreys – The SandPaperDownload

The book decluttering was quite the event. The final books went to the fire station thanks to my neighbour for their book drive. They were shocked to get thousands of almost new books! A great place for them. A win-win. The picnic table is assembled. The new beds are lovely and now, the last task is to pick a paint colour for the living room. It is the only room that I am going to refresh. Sometimes these things can become overwhelming so the goal is to stop before that becomes a reality.

In a week, we are going on a short holiday. Toby is going and The Girls are staying with Anne. On our return, Toby will begin his training. The trainer will come to our home. Looking forward.

There has been some sadness in the garden. We discovered that we had two baby Blue Jays. This evening when we took Toby on his walk, he wanted to go a different direction than normal. There in the back lane was one of the Baby Blue Jays. It had either hit one of the utility lines or landed on one and fell to its death. We scooped it up and brought it home burying it under the lime green hydrangea – a place where the little ones often flew. So sad. The adults work so hard to raise their young and in the end, so few survive those first months. There is also other sadness coming. For two nights Brock has not wanted to eat. He rests on the chairs on the deck and then goes back to the woodbox. Despite supplements, lots of good quality hard and wet food, dewormer, Brock is getting thinner and thinner. He does not run away from me but only allows me so close. I told him tonight how much his presence has meant to me and that I only wish he had trusted me enough to let me help him. He will be buried in the garden when he passes under the very large Crab Apple tree. I hope this time is not soon, but it feels as if it is. Send Brock your good wishes. All of this coloured what was to be a fun birthday party for Missey. So we will postpone that for a couple of days. The height of the party will be a small container of KFC. Missey loves KFC!!!!!!

‘PS’ report from Seattle Friday morning: “The two chicks continue to seem to do quite well, with multiple feedings witnessed, lots of flapping and hopping up and down on one leg, and some eating (though also a lot of still being fed by mom). I imagine, if all goes well, they will be fledging within the next 7-10 days? Can’t wait! 

Managed a lucky capture of mom coming back to the nest with a Starry Flounder one day, too. Rest of the photos here (https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/00d128UF4o). “

Mum has turned out to be a great fisher! It is so nice to see a nest doing well. They did lose one chick but these two are really flapping and getting strong. Thanks, ‘PS’

Some osprey nests have been neglected. As I race to try and decipher all my notes and get the data into the forms, it is time to start at the top and check to see what is happening. Before I do that, my inbox is full of great individuals wanting to help stop the commercial fishing that is taking all the Menhaden. Here is a new posting from Ben Wurtz and his team at Conserve Wildlife NJ.

First, pick a story to make the decline of ospreys ‘real’. Ask these lawmakers if they want to be the ones to go down in history as the killers of the Chesapeake and the cause of osprey genocide? Here is the individual listings of everyone in the Virginia House of Delegates and their e-mail addresses. Write to them. Make it clear what is at stake. Make it personal. Then sit down and write the radio, local television, local newspapers, anyone who will listen. We are gaining traction in our fight to get a moratorium. I want that and a clear 10 mile limit with no use of helicopters or spotter planes!

Virginia House of Delegates Member ListingsDownload

Heidi’s Osprey Report:

Allin’s Cove East: The trio are approximately six and a half weeks old. They will be thinking of fledging very soon.

Allin’s Cove West: One chick on the nest. It looks good.

City of Independence: The fishing seems to have slacked off a bit. River and Laurel have two osplets and there is a Bald Eagle nest right across the river! No doubt the eagles try and grab some of that fish that River catches for his family.

Charlo Montana: Mum and both osplets got lots of fish on Thursday evening. Delighted.

Dyfi: All fledglings are on the nest and accounted for Tuesday evening.

Dunrovin:

Latest Dunrovin Ranch newsletter:

Heat Masks and High Drama in the NestDownload

Thursday evening at Dunrovin. Little 4 figured out, after several attempts, how to get up and get some of that fish! Thank goodness.

Alyth SS: Flora is an incredible Mum. They lost one this year but two will fledge.

Birds of Poole Harbour: CJ7 and Blue 022 make beautiful babies. Blue has stepped up his fishing and everyone is full to the brim before light’s out.

Glaslyn: Elen continues to keep a careful watch over her nest, which appears she will share with Teifi if both safely return from migration nest season.

Foulshaw Moss 1: Home to White YW and Blue 35.

Steelscape: Two osplets were ringed on Wednesday the 16th!

Yorkshire Dales Castle Bolton Estate: Ringing of three osplets!

San Jose City Hall Falcons thanks to SK Hideaways! https://youtu.be/gWiPEYENiFk?

Cornell Red-tail Hawks and Ferris Akel: Ferris managed to catch up with the Os.

One or more of the Os have been sleeping in the natal nest on the Fernow Tower recently,

Bald Eagles on the mend at Hoo’s Woods:

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 17th July 2025

Nest One cam went down shortly after day cam switched over and is still down – technical issues mean it might be down for a while. Fortunately Nest Two cam is unaffected, as all eyes are on the nest awaiting the fledge of the two chicks, which didn’t happen today but is imminent. There were several intruder alerts causing Dorcha to alarm call but no intruders were seen. The chicks spent a great deal of time hopping, flapping, and getting quite high liftoff, and also spent a bit of time peering over the edge and triangulating, the process of determining distance or location which takes the form of rapid head bobbing by the chicks. Louis delivered four fish to the nest taking his tally to three hundred and eighteen. Due to the cam outage we have no idea if any fish were delivered to Nest One today, therefore Garry’s tally remains at one hundred and nine, however off-nest reports from LizB suggest both Nest One residents, Garry and Aurora, were in the area. The rain materialised later than forecast and is expected to last through the night with thundery showers, light winds, and a low of 16°C, and continue tomorrow with thundery showers, gentle breezes, a high of 21°C and a few sunny intervals.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One cam still down since 03.48.19 (03.05.51); Nest Two 22.57.45 (03.51.26)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/WS8ORUqI5A4 N2 The chicks have a tug-of-war over fish number one: Breac wins 05.01.58

https://youtu.be/JT-ncpD1424 N2 Dorcha’s absent when fish two arrives so Breac takes it 07.28.22

https://youtu.be/pBRkRI0jyBk N2 Breac helicopters and hovers getting ready for fledging 09.51.51

https://youtu.be/54NqajNZADI N2 Dorcha returns in time to get fish three from Louis 14.05.26 

https://youtu.be/rc1Ez7Lsdg0 N2 No one wants fish four so Louis drops and goes 16.45.39 

Bonus video – Woodland Trust’s restoration work at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest featuring gentle giant Tarzan:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/ck2Pg7Q5eLY  N1 You little plucker! Aila has her feathers plucked out 2019

https://youtu.be/lgknSbXblXc  N1 Louis brings a protesting pike 2020

https://youtu.be/iDqoJdLmn_k  N1 Doddie gets high – helicoptering! 2020

https://youtu.be/h-Cl2LeaLKE  N2 Early morning wingercising: getting ready for lift off 2022

https://youtu.be/JVDiG_6Oyuo  N2 Dorcha is attacked by her chick 2022

https://youtu.be/g0lqwAW8cgo  N2 Pesky persistent Hoodie 2022

https://youtu.be/KZglDL7mQK0  N2 Three females and a colourful sunset 2022

https://youtu.be/azPfrKSwNcA  N2 Loud gunshot near the nest – Dorcha flees instantly 2023

https://youtu.be/vwRQv_1sNL0 N1 Affric follows Garry to the nest but he has no fish 2023

https://youtu.be/CwKUyPR_ync N1 & N2 Noisy RAF jets disturb the females on both nests 2023

https://youtu.be/AogYtfshRZU  N2 Dorcha’s unwieldy stick nearly knocks the chick off! 2023

https://youtu.be/4wpfSlXahCc N2 Louis & Dorcha meet on the nest but there’s no fish 2024

https://youtu.be/-M7049KwfMA N1 Who does a distant flash flypast? 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 16th July 2025
The weather was settled today and it looked a good day for first flights, but neither chick fledged. Perhaps the intruder alerts in the morning put them off as they spent a lot of time pancaked and didn’t make any helicopter attempts today. They did however do plenty of wingercising and bunny hops, including an amusing incident when Breac 7P7 did a flap and a hop from one side of the nest to the other and landed on Darach 7P0’s back in a flurry of wings then immediately hopped backwards again. Right before that they’d been perfectly in sync, both standing at the front of the nest turning in unison to watch something off-cam then checking out the view over the edge. Steve Quinn was also checking out the view from his vantage point a kilometre away and took some stunning long lens footage of the nest and its residents, link to his video in the bonus section. It was also a good day for fishing – Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536, and further strengthened their bond with what looked like a successful mating attempt. His tally now stands at one hundred and twenty nine fish. Louis brought five fish to the nest, taking his tally to three hundred and fourteen, but Dorcha didn’t get all of them as the chicks especially Breac are asserting themselves and taking fish directly from Louis as he lands. Tonight’s forecast is dry overnight with a clear sky, light winds and a low of 13

°C but it’ll change tomorrow to heavy rain, a gentle breeze and a high of 23°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.43.23 (02.56.41); Nest Two 23.39.24 (03.28.04)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/VtMiUVtqDmc N2 Early breakfast arrives 04.07.14https://youtu.be/8Ca-PVst_OM N2 Darach takes the second fish from Louis 06.02.56https://youtu.be/8bUM0B9iWBg N1 Aurora calls for fish but Garry mates with her instead 06.53.40

https://youtu.be/7DW28KMMB80 N1 Garry responds to Aurora’s calls with a fish 14.09.44

https://youtu.be/4rn3HjvGPRMN2 The chicks take fish three from Louis and tussle over it 14.14.14

https://youtu.be/qKdynluAV9k N1 Aurora squeaks her excitement at getting a second fish 18.37.47

https://youtu.be/YFu-Ctayry4 N2 In and out of sync: the chicks together on the nest 19.20.57https://youtu.be/gaUsRO5PJFo N2 Against a colourful sunset, Louis delivers a fourth fish 21.47.05  

https://youtu.be/3UCjzdxVnEc N2 Late night fish supper, fish five, arrives 22.43.22
Bonus watch – Steve Quinn’s amazing long lens video of the nest from a kilometre away:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/4Ab9eT-jFjE  N1 Louis finally turns up with fish, gets mobbed by hangry chicks 2020

https://youtu.be/dED37P7d8HQ  N1 Synchronised stretching 2020

https://youtu.be/VOjowNQ9fqE  N2 Stretching & squirting: what the chicks get up to home alone at night 2022

https://youtu.be/3BVXtY_Bzx0  N2 Louis flies with fish 2022 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/BF_0tp4x8j8  N2 Hi def version of Dorcha’s injury 2022 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/h817CRnJtF0  N2 That’s no way to treat your mum! 2022

https://youtu.be/CSswPOm8JvE N2 LY7 nibbles the rotten egg 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/yn79acfwWD0 N2 The infertile egg is finally crushed by LY7! 2023

https://youtu.be/8SQiPHQE5tw N1 Affric and Garry check out an intruder threat 2023

https://youtu.be/bcctn-mHR5s Comedy moment: the wind blows Louis away during a mating attempt 2024

https://youtu.be/tmvFGPHenBo How does Louis manage to fly with a 10 foot pole? 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 15th July 2025
Intruder alerts and mini-helicopters were the order of the day but not much in the way of fish. Louis delivered only two fish today, a breakfast fish at 5am and a late night supper around 10.45 pm, taking his tally to three hundred and nine. However, an intruder Osprey was in the area causing multiple alarms and came close enough to be caught on camera on one occasion, which would have occupied Louis’ attention, and the second fish was a big lively trout, good for several dinners worth. The chicks’ energy levels are high enough for them to be preparing for fledging by flapping energetically, lifting off, and doing little hovers throughout the day when they weren’t pancaking because of the intruder alarms. Over on Nest One, Aurora 536 had a long wait before Garry LV0 finally brought her a fish at 8.15pm – was she the intruder at Nest Two, looking for free fish? The timings would work but the intruder wasn’t seen clearly – and his tally now stands at one hundred and twenty seven. The weather was mainly settled and set to continue with light clouds, light winds and a low of 12

°C overnight changing to sunny intervals and light winds with a high of 23°C tomorrow. Perfect for fledging? We shall have to wait and see!Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.07.30 (03.17.10); Nest Two 00.33.44 (03.34.57)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/AARQYgzR5Vo N2 Breakfast arrives and again Breac gets the fish first 05.31.11

https://youtu.be/pU9KyEAD0bQ N2 Intruder Osprey seen on nest cam – both adults defend 09.09.23

https://youtu.be/77_DfKJgquw N2 Lift off! The chicks get ready to fledge 11.51.14

https://youtu.be/jGPJxnvnJFw N1 Finally! Aurora’s first fish arrives at suppertime 20.14.53

https://youtu.be/bn1_moU9mZ8n N2 Late night lively fish supper arrives, fish number two 22.46.14Bonus watch – with fledging imminent, here’s what our chicks will see when they find their wings:

https://youtu.be/wiSNcrl7_mM  and  https://youtu.be/JALrf51Ljfk

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Y6uqbk9cB5I  N1 Aila sees off an Intruder Osprey landing on the nest 2019

https://youtu.be/d1TPzhnNURo N1 Aila lands on a chick and gets nipped 2020

https://youtu.be/iFO12gpfwOs  N1 Daylight sonata: Doddie in slow motion 2020 (Classic Ospreys – Beethoven)

https://youtu.be/2qGCifFHKS0  N1 Vera dances, Doddie joins in, Captain just watches 2020

https://youtu.be/9sIzFlMDITo  N2 Lovely wingercising by both chicks 2022

https://youtu.be/FfxiO3U1nu4  N2 Ready – aim – sorry mum.. 2023 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/LXNdASNtViU N1 Affric departs Nest One after no response to her calls 2023

https://youtu.be/AM_F3zl7x9I  N2 LY7 wingercises facing the nest cam 2023 (slo-mo repeat)

https://youtu.be/rmFJdA2wDCc N1 Juvenile Buzzard (Buteo buteo) visits 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/5Y9kwM70tXI  N2 Two fish in two days! Louis brings an early breakfast  2024

https://youtu.be/qJEOIijj5Hc  Valencia: the chicks are preening, plus tweets & FB posts 13-15th July 2024

https://youtu.be/h9oCsNTe8zE N2 Louis returns and this time gives Dorcha the fish 2024

Moraine State Park: First fledge Wednesday morning.

Tweed Valley:

Cornell Red-tail Hawks with N Sirohi:

Fish for all – just not industry. The petition on Change.org has gathered all the required signatures. Letters are going out to members of the Virginia Legislature. Keep sending them. I am reminding them that they could go down in history as the individuals who killed the Chesapeake Bay. Shame.

‘A’ brings us up to date with what is happening in Australia: “I have two major concerns about WBSE this year. First, the gap between the laying of the two eggs is huge – nearly 80 hours (17:50 on 4 July to 01:15 on 8 July) – although delayed incubation was practised until the second egg was laid. Already, I’m hoping that first hatch will be a male. Second, there have been a number of days when no prey has been brought to the nest at all and I am wondering why. Of course it’s not a major concern at the moment but when there are two fast-growing eaglets in that nest, it will matter a lot more than it currently does. Also, Lady and Dad are not the only white-bellied sea eagles on the block, with another adult eagle being spotted on the river a few days ago. That is wonderful of course but it also makes me a trifle nervous, for obvious reasons. 

Dad has been doing his share of the incubating, with the pair splitting the nest-sitting duties fairly evenly on many days, though Lady always takes the night shifts. Dad has been sleeping close by and is very attentive. I love how keen the dads are for egg time (and later on, for chick time). These sea eagles really are exquisite birds. I love the delicacy of their heads. 

At Orange, there is much bonding and mating occurring. Diamond and Xavier are adorable, and both are looking particularly healthy and well fed. 

Eggs are still six weeks away at Port Lincoln and we have heard nothing about Collins Street so far this season.”

Many of you will recall that we had hoped to go and see Puffins this summer. It did not happen. Today an article appeared in The Guardian showing how climate change and the heating of our planet is impacting these precious little seabirds.

How this summer’s heatwaves are affecting breeding birdshttps://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/jul/17/how-summer-heatwaves-affecting-breeding-birds?CMP=share_btn_url

The bird of the week!

Cochabamba Mountain Finch Rufous and SlateDownload

Missey, Calico, Baby Hope, Hugo Yugo, Toby and all the garden family including Brock wish you a very happy weekend.

Including Baby Blue Jay (the adults are moulting and have lost their crests).

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care everyone. See you on Monday!

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PS’, 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 and articles, including The Guardian, Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all those at Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal FB. I am very grateful. 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.

Thursday in Bird World

19 December 2024

Hello Everyone,

It’s cold. The current temperature is -23 C, but it really feels much colder! Did I say I was already tired of winter? The garden animals are, too. Hugo Yugo is feeling quite herself. She and Baby Hope spent most of the day play fighting. Hope had the advantage today. She is much bigger and heavier than Hugo Yugo, but often Hugo Yugo wins because of her wit and lack of fear to do stunning manoeuvres.

I am always surprised at how rough they can get. Then after quite a few minutes they just walk away and go to sleep. Their sisters decided to simply stay away. I don’t blame them!

Missey insisted on being in the conservatory, pawing at the glass door til I gave in like a mother who spoils her children til they are rotten. You can see the sun shining bright behind her. It is most often that way on a cold, cold day here. The cloudy days are the warmest.

They are all good and I continue to be thankful for all your wonderful wishes for Hugo Yugo’s swift recovery.

It is hard to imagine a bird desiring only to fly free and have a meal and being shot dead by vast estate owners and their staff. Well, that is the plight of many Hen Harriers in Scotland despite the efforts to continue their population growth.

Two satellite-tagged hen harriers that disappeared from a winter roost both found dead with shotgunDownload

Hen Harriers are some of the most beautiful and graceful raptors on our planet. They raise their chicks in the heather on the ground. Their owl like face helps them to hunt birds on the ground. And that is the problem. They eat a few Red Grouse. Well, after reading how much these estates spend on deer management just to lose 3 million GBP annually, it seems to me they could spare a few of the over subscribed partridge or some of the Red Grouse the aristocrats hunt on a weekend. Quite honestly it makes me sick!

A big shout out to Port Lincoln Ospreys and The Friends of Osprey Sth Aus for realizing how important Ervie and all the chicks are to us and posting all of their tracking information. Thank you!

Marie the Foster Chick at Gleeson’s:

Gleeson’s male is on the move but staying close to the nest.

Gleeson’s female is not flying so far from home yet.

Fran says that Wilko is spending time going from perch to perch with one long flight.

Vincent at the Price Platform has fledged and doing well.

Fran says that “Kasse has cemented her position as the class clown” …but her flying is getting stronger every day.

I didn’t see anything for Ervie, Bradley, or Giliath. Hopefully soon!

Wednesday was a jam packed day at the Port Lincoln barge if you missed it.

No fish have come to the nest, but Wilko found one left over on the nest around 1033 and is still eating.

Kasse appears later to have a large crop. It is, perhaps, just the camera’s angle as no fish deliveries are recorded at the nest.

Fran Solly posted the information on the bands of the South Australia ospreys. If you missed it, I am posting it again.

‘A’ sends us a little more news of the Melbourne Falcons: “I had a long chat today about the peregrine juveniles… I told you they had six juvenile falcons admitted with various injuries (head, wing etc), all of which the vet (Peter) has managed to heal and nurse back to health and most of which have now been released. They were not noticeably hungry and certainly not emaciated, which was news I welcomed.”

Gracie Shepherd had a good post showing Connie incubating and the two eggs at Captiva.

Gorgeous images coming from SW Florida. M15 and F23 seem to have agreed – and M15 did feed both of the chicks – that keeping both of them full to the top of their little heads is the way to keep a quiet peaceful nest.

There has already been a beautiful dual feeding.

Nesting Bird Life and More shows us some more of the little eaglets. https://youtu.be/ewprFMnfTl8?

Guardian and Liberty seem to have accepted the nest built for them by the new camera last summer since their old nest collapsed. https://youtu.be/iXshKsQ3gpY?

It was a gorgeous day at the Eagle Country nest of Skye and Blaze. No eggs yet for this new couple.

We will be so delighted to see an egg (or two) hatch for Beau and Gabby.

‘MP’ writes that there is now a second egg at the John Bunker Sands Wetlands eagle nest. Congratulations!

I get such wonderful mail. ‘J’ wrote stating they knew they were ‘preaching to the choir’ by writing to me. She did not known who was the originator of the following posting, but it spoke to their heart. They felt that we need a reminder – and to softly remind others – of what it would mean to the wildlife rehabilitation clinics and all the volunteers if all the funds we spent on lavish and unnecessary gifts were instead donations to help the animals.

What It Really Means to Rescue:

There has been a lot of unnecessary and distracting drama in the rescue community lately. I wish that everyone could take a step back and consider what it actually means to run a rescue.

Every day, there are more in need than can be saved.

Every day, your doors are open 24/7 even when your bank account is in the red.

Every day, you spend hours coaching willing finders and would be fosters/adopters/ rescuers. You also spend hours begging finders to meet you half way. Put the bird in a box please. He won’t hurt you just pick him up. No I can’t dispatch someone to meet you immediately. Please walk the bird 3 blocks to the Humane Society so I don’t have to call on my friend to drive 30 minutes one way to do it for you (this actually happened to me and yes she did drive 30 mins to bring a bird 3 blocks.)
Every day you put patience and care at the forefront, even when you just want to rage at the world.

Every day you fund raise and write grants and pinch pennies and try not to have to say No. Every day, you ask “what is the price of a life (priceless) and how am I going to afford it?”

Rescue is also about loss. Not every animal you try to help can be saved. Not every animal, even ones found by caring people, lives in a place where the proper resources are available to treat them. We do what we can, always, but sometimes it isn’t enough. We grieve those losses and we remember them all. Every single one.

Every animal found/saved/loved/not saved that comes through a rescue is encased in a human and their feelings. Their joy is our joy and their grief is our grief. The finders, the fosters, the adopters – everyone who tried, everyone who cared is a part of that rescue story. These birds and these people live in our bones, forever. Success or failure, we must soldier on. We have to, because there are more waiting in the wings. Always more, waiting.

Rescue is as much about a network as it is about taking in animals. This work is impossible alone. To really help these beings, you must have a community: local, national and even abroad. Social media makes rescue easier and harder. Every amazing connection across the world equals more lives saved. And every moment of drama that isn’t actively helping an animal is taking time away from saving a life.

You are only one person and those in need are many. You have to be able to ask for help and to give help in return. You have to be kind even when you are exhausted. You have to find a way to accept defeat when your best isn’t enough and not let it crush you. Sadly, there will always be animal cruelty and exploitation. There will always be not enough money and not enough space. There will always be times when you are too late. But…if you keep going, your best will be enough for many, and for each of those animals, your best is EVERYTHING.

Thank you to all who help and care for these birds.

In Scotland, shenanigans are going on with the grouse moor licensing!

NatureScot is stalling on releasing overdue FoI documents relating to its grouse moor licensing shamDownload

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, H, J, MP’, Raptor Persecution UK, Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, Port Lincoln Osprey, Bart M and the PLO, Fran Solly, Gracie Shepherd, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Nesting Bird Life and More, Eagle Country, Raptor Persecution UK, Unknown author

Wednesday in Bird World

18 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

It is so nice to have you with us as we begin the final preparation of the solstice baskets for the garden animals. We should have a photo before they go out to the garden Thursday! I am hoping Brock’s arrives in time! It is a heated double bowl set that will solve water and wet food issues. If the snow cooperates, we will also be able to get across the City to fetch a bag of butter bark as the last ingredient to make those baskets a buffet for all the garden birds.

Our celebrations will be simple. A huge salad to accompany some homemade naan and a cashew and chickpea curry with lots of cilantro. It adds a freshness that tastes like a blend of pepper and yuzu. If you have never tried it chopped up in a salad, please do, stems and all. What to have for dessert when we have had far too many shortbread cookies and mince tarts already? So, the indulgence was two bars of the best chocolate, one a creamy Irish Cream and the other a Salted Caramel to go with a small basket of pears. There will be a warm fire for ‘The Girls’ and some special food for them. This year has been a time of discovering simple pleasures. The Solstice evening will be one of those.

Some news is coming in from Bird World while several eagle nests continue incubating.

‘PB’ writes that there is an osprey near Omaha, Nebraska. While the cold will not impact the raptors we have to remember that ospreys require fish and the water would have to be open. We had about 50 ducks fly over us the other day. They live on one of our rivers where the water is discharged back into the river and it stays open.

The New York Times has a very worrying article on climate coming from the Arctic. Its words ring true to those living in Manitoba and traveling north to see the polar bears or going there for work. The permafrost has been melting and falling into the sea! Please read. The impact is already impacting wildlife in the northern part of Manitoba and the Arctic. It will begin to impact our birds that we love so much and as the article says, “What happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic.” Warming seas are going to have a huge impact on our birds as the fish die off. It is already happening in places.

Climate Worrying signs from the ArcticDownload

The RSPB has launched an interactive map showing the fate of the Hen Harriers that have satellite trackers. Very enlightening.

RPSB launches interactive map showing fates of satellite-tagged hen harriers – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

The latest research paper mentioned in the document above reinforces that the fate of the Harriers lies at the hands of the grouse-killing moors.

New scientific paper confirms ongoing & widespread hen harrier persecution on UK grouse moors – RaptDownload

The killing of the raptors continues. What makes people want to kill animals?

Multiple birds of prey found dead in suspicious circumstances – police appeal for information & warnDownload

Geemeff sends us the latest news from Roy Dennis who is building more platforms for Ospreys.

Roy Dennis and chums are hard at work preparing homes for the Osplets at the Pego Oliva marshes:

https://lamarinaalta.com/en/la-marjal-de-pego-se-pone-a-punto-para-la-llegada-de-doce-polluelos-mas-de-aguila-pescadora

It is past midnight on the Canadian prairies and is already Wednesday. I am reading a book, Feral, by George Monbiot. Bear with me as I copy a few paragraphs from this important book. I hope that those who are fighting the commercial fishing in the Chesapeake Bay are reading the post today! The subject is the introduction of wildlife and the economy.

“It took as its case study the country of Sutherland, a wide territory in the gar north of Scotland, covering 5200 square kilometres. Of this, the report reveals, 4000 square kilometres are in the hands of estates, which number just eight-one. In other words, three-quarters of one of the largest counties in Britain is owned by eighty-one families, or by their secretive trusts in tax havens. Across the ten it sampled, covering 780 square kilometres, it found 112 people in full time equivalent employment. Tat means that just one person is employed by the dominant industry for every seven square kilometres, an area five times the size of Hyde Park. The association’s figures suggest to me that the absentee owners and their monocultures of deer prevent not only the ecological regeneration of the region but also the economic regeneration. The report also revealed that the income generated by stalking on the estates throughout Sutherland is 1.6 million GBP. This is a tiny sum which spread across 4000 square kilometres. Their expenditure on deer management is 4.7 million GBP. In other words, stalking can be sustained there only because the bankers or oil sheikhs or mining magnates who own the land burn money on their expensive pastime. Even the tiny numbers of people employed by deer stalking are reliant on the irrational spending of absentee landlords, which could be terminated at any time. Compare these figures with a study from the Isle of Mull, which discovered that colonization by white-tailed eagles has brought 5 million GBP a year into its economy and supports 110 full time jobs. Thousands of people now travel to the island to watch the chicks hatching and fledging from the eagle hide at Glen Seilisdeir or to take an eagle cruise on Loch Shiel. The eagles now account for half the enquiries at the visitor desk at the island’s main ferry terminal. A study commissioned by the Scottish Government calculates that wildlife tourism in Scotland is already worth 276 GBP a year. Rewinding and the reintroduction of other missing species could greatly enhance this figure, generating many more jobs than deer-stalking does today.” (Feral, 102)

Why should we allow a foreign company to deplete the Menhaden population, which is contributing to the decline of whales and dolphins, the depletion of Striped Bass, and the starvation of Osprey chicks? Just imagine if the Chesapeake Bay were a thriving ecosystem. I wonder how much income and employment opportunities related to wildlife could be generated in that scenario.

The Cornell Bird Lab and Wild Birds Unlimited have a photo contest. I know that so many of you are very talented. Please check out the information below – I want to see your names for those winning prizes!

WBU Birdspotter entriesDownload

A week or so ago I mentioned to you that one of the Melbourne fledgling CBD falcons had been in care and was being prepared for release. That information came from someone close to the individual whose care the falcon was in. ‘J’ has just sent me a posting by Victor Hurley that gives us some additional information:

Now what is happening to those two little bobble heads at SW Florida?

E25 coming out to join the world. https://youtu.be/B82BuqHCLc4?

Images from Tuesday. I hope that E25 gets strong fast as E24 is quite the strong older sibling.

You are going to need your worry beads. I don’t think this is because I am concerned. M15 always steps in to help the underdog eaglet! Or he has in the past. This nest has never lost an eaglet to siblicide. What you will see are two eaglets fighting it out for dominance. 24 began it began the minute 25 hatched. They will bonk and twist one another, and you will want to turn the screen off. — To my knowledge, 25 has not eaten since it hatched. I am worrying.

Jackie has been at the nest in Big Bear. https://youtu.be/YnQaMHImpuk?

Jackie has also been doing a lot of flying about! Isn’t she gorgeous? https://youtu.be/slHlKI9geKc?

The day began with Wilko getting all of the first fish but a few bites that Dad brought to the nest.

Wed 18 Dec 2024 video archive

Age (chicks): Wilko : 73 days, Kasse : 70 days (10 weeks)
Fish count: Mum: 0, Dad: 1
Fish times: 07:07Feed times:

06:02Wilko messing with his sister in the early morning sun rise.
07:07Dad’s in with a headless, breakfast fish.Dad (M,Part)
07:07 1Wilko gets the 1st fish as usual. Mum was hovering over the nest but decides to fly away instead. It was already grabbed. Kasse manages to get a bite for herself when she latches onto the fish in his talons! Wilko will finish the fish tail.
08:31wilko and mum on the old barge

Feeding Times

StartFinishDurationFed Chick
   WilkoKasse
1: 07:07 07:45 38 minLS

Another fish was delivered and it appears that Wilko got it as well.

The fish dinners improved at Port Lincoln Ospreys.

The worry about the Mum from Coobowsie who has been missing for several days continues.

Supplementary fish cannot be provided because of gulls and pelicans at Tumby Island.

At the Royal Albatross Colony, there was a royal reunion. https://youtu.be/USv_Tmmd2UI?

Geemeff wonders if she can hijack my blog to ask for help for the Highland Tiger. Of course, you can! We are concerned mostly about ospreys but that season is not here save for South Australia so yes! Please help. They are an integral part to getting the Highlands back to the biodiversity there once was in that beautiful landscape.

Geemeff reminds us that saving the Highland Tigers also helps to save and protect the birds. Please read and write to the company Vattenfalls.

Judy Harrington brings news of the Olympic Park Sea Eagles. She speaks of the heat. The forecast is for 32 C at the Park by the weekend.

We have news from the Ventana Wildlife Society:

Calico’s Tip for the Day comes to us at one of the most intensive spending times of the year:

Thank you so much for being with us today. I hope that you are enjoying time with friends and family. Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, J’ The New York Times, Raptor Persecution UK, lamarinaalta. Cornell Bird Lab and Wild Birds Unlimited, SK Hideaways, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Bart M and the PLO, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Dave Wetherall, Cornell Lab Bird Cams, Judy Harrington, Ventana Wildlife Society, 1 Million Women FB and Mari Copeny

Thursday in Bird World

12 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

If you receive my newsletter on FB, please subscribe as FB is not working at the moment for me!

News is coming in Thursday morning from Wales: The nest tree of Dylan and Blue 5F Seren has been completely destroyed in a storm that has hit Wales. Will there be time to put up a platform for them? This is very sad news for one of our favourite Osprey couples.

I still have no news as to a second egg for Gabby…I hope I have just missed the announcement.

Oh, goodness. It is -40 C with bright blue skies on the Canadian Prairies. By evening it will have warmed up to -34 C. Winter has really come with lots of snow and now the blistering cold. It even feels cold in the house despite the heat and triple pane windows.

Brock made it out for his food Wednesday morning. I am so glad The Girls are inside and safe. Brock has a warm space under the deck. I hope he is using it.

My report is short. The very cold weather seems to have brought on a cold. I will be fine, but I rested and didn’t check on many nests on Wednesday. There is also little activity.

I do have an update from a friend about the state of peregrine falcons in the downtown Melbourne area. “In the last few weeks from all over Melbourne, including some celebrity birds from Collins Street and the airport. (The vet) has successfully fixed all of them – three have been released, three are still in hospital. The Collins Street one will be released on Thursday [today – it is now 12.37pm on Thursday – so it will probably be on the news if it’s a slow news day.”

One of the Collins Street triplets died on the 28th floor from a collision and, another has been in care. Is there another in care? The life of urban raptors can be very precarious and short-lived. We are thankful to all the wildlife rehabbers and vets that put them back together and release them.

Victor Hugo spoke on radio about the Collins Street falcons and falcons in general. I am not sure you can access this link that ‘A’ sent to us. It is a good interview.

. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-afternoons/collins-street-peregrine-falcon-chicks-fly-the-coop/104601396 

Speaking of falcons and urban ones, too, Monty and Hartley have been at the scrape! https://youtu.be/FjV_44ZbihQ?

At Orange, Xavier and Diamond are having cicada wars. https://youtu.be/lj394K91vzA?

There are many books on Peregrine Falcons. They range from simple guides, interesting children’s books, to more detailed and more academic oriented tomes.

For everything about Falcons, you cannot beat Richard Sale’s hefty well-researched book on falcons (covers 4 species of falcons including the Peregrine).

The other is J.A. Baker’s small volume. Excellent.

For children, these are really good books to get them interested in the world’s fastest bird.

An exceptional book about the work being done in Idaho.

A book that examines the challenges of an urban falcon. One of my favourites along with Maggie!

San Jose City Hall has announced that they will be upgrading the camera for Monty and Hartley. Isn’t that fantastic news? Thanks, ‘J and SK Hideaways’.

Both Wilko and Kasse have fledged. Kasse did slip out of the nest, but she recovered brilliantly to land on a nearby sailboat. Congratulations Port Lincoln! What a great year it was. We will look forward to seeing these two fighting for fish on the nest, wrecking talons, and getting their wings stronger.

Here is Port Lincoln’s video of that flight: https://youtu.be/nK95SW6Y94E?

This is the summary for part of Thursday. Kasse has no fish yet, not even supplementary fish. They were hoping she would come home.

I did some cutting and pasting. I hope that what I am seeing is Kasse getting some fish. Wilko has tried to keep her away but it appears she has eaten. He gets on their backs including Mum’s!!!!!!! Yes, Kasse gets some fish.


12:38 2		Mum’s into the nest with the 2nd supplemental fish! Mum feeds Wilko. Kasse is still on the anchor rope.
12:43 All Wilko time stamps for now. He’s away to feak and look around.
12:53 Mum’s off of the nest with the 2nd supplemental fish tail. Feeding interupted.
12:57Camera pans out and we see Kasse has disappeared from the anchor rope! Camera pans to her all the way up on a boat mast now!
13:07 3Camera pans and we see Mum’s back on the nest with a supplemental fish. Wilko’s in for some more dining with Mum.
13:15 Wilko feels the urge to feak so he engages it!
Mum finishes it.
13:26Kasse flew above the nest and behind the camera!
13:31Mum’s on the nest with a large fish!Mum (L,Whole)
13:31 4Wilko, once again, joins Mum. Kasse is on the barge. But she’s up on top of the ship.
13:34 Kasse can be seen flying from the ship hood. And she’s just gonna circle over the nest and trying to figure out how to land. Meanwhile Wilko defends the nest, feaks his beak and Mum just eats away at the fish.
13:41 Kasse is finally back in the nest! Wilk pushes at her. She stays in the nest. Wilko attacks Kasse once again! Kasse fights back! Kasse is finally with Mum eating her share of fish.
Kasse gets the fish tail.
14:53Wilko hops from the close branch onto Mum’s back for a second! He then goes onto his sister! Mum’s out.  lol

Overhead cam is working at SW Florida. We will be on pip watch this weekend.

I am looking for that second egg at NE Florida with Gabby and Beau. The day began dry and then got a little wet in the afternoon.

Will we be in for a very long night waiting for this second egg? Maybe.

It’s midnight and there is no second egg at NE Florida yet.

Beau has been incubating since 0647.

At SW Florida, we are now officially on hatch watch as the first egg is 36 days old. I am guessing Friday.

Androcat has the precious eggs and some images: https://youtu.be/eb4VsqInroc?

There is trouble at Eagle Country as Blaze has to battle another eagle! https://youtu.be/At035GK-BdE?

I did not see any eagles at the NCTC nest where fog and damp seemed to be the order of the day. It looks wintery!

It’s raining at Port Tobacco.

It’s winter at the Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest in Michigan.

Lady returned to check on her nest in the Sydney Olympic Forest. https://youtu.be/17qzyZFKDu8?si=LQw2Yon27-zlDtX1

Meanwhile, Eagle-eye Cathy Cook spotted SE33 flying around the River and the Discovery Centre to land by the roost of the parents. This is wonderful news. I got locked out of FB and thankfully ‘J’ sent me the image that Gracie Shepherd reposted of Cathy Cook’s on the Sea Eagle Cam.

Isn’t it glorious to see SE33 flying free?

‘A’ gives us an update about a visitor to the Royal Albatross colony: “I wanted to give you a cute piece of albatross information. A youngish male who has been visiting the albatross colony has leg bands indicating he hatched in the Chatham Islands between 2011 and 2019. His ID is A11 (black band equals male, metal band on the left leg with coloured band on the right equals Chatham Islands, the ‘A’ denotes a 2011 to 2019 hatch). Anyway, on 8 December, he visited RLK, who was on the nest incubating his egg, and gently preened him. Then, on 11 December, A11 was back, and he did the same, this time preening GLG, who was on her nest. A friendly young chap, obviously, making social bonds? 

But these albatrosses are the sweetest and gentlest of birds. Imagine quite randomly going up to males and females alike as they are incubating their eggs and gently preening them. Isn’t that just beautiful? And so loving towards birds who are presumably strangers to them, at least initially. It was the sweetest interaction. 

GLG and RLK are a tightly bonded pair, and their skycall greetings and allopreening at the incubation changeovers are just adorable. TOO endearing. If this is not love and devotion, then I have never seen it. The sweetness of these precious interactions brings tears to my eyes (although of course it is an emotional night for me). Once their egg is laid, the only time they get to spend together is at these changeovers, and the precious time they spend with each other is so very short in comparison to all those months and years alone at sea. “

‘J’ brings us updates on Rita the Eagle:

It continues to be dangers near the grouse moors for our beloved feathered friends. Why would anyone enjoy killing a gorgeous free flying bird?

Raven found shot dead next to grouse moor in notorious Peak District raptor persecution hotspot – RaDownload

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Heidi, J’, SK Hideaways, Nesting Bird Life and More, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and PLO, NEFL-AEF, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Androcat, NCTC Eagle Cam, Eagle Country, Port Tobacco Eagle Cam, Trempealeau Bald Eagle Cam, Gracie Shepherd and Bald Eagles 101 and thanks to Cathy Cook!, Raptor Persecution UK, abcnet, Rita the Eagle, SJ City Hall

Tuesday Morning in Bird World

10 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Morning Update: Sad news coming from Melbourne. One of the CBD fledglings was found deceased on the 28th floor of a nearby building in Melbourne. Thank you, Heidi.

From Death’s Door to Life in the City: The Urban Peregrine Falcon, by Lucy M. Rowland : Articles : TDownload

Challenges for urban falcons:

Peregrine falcon fledglings face many challenges in urban environments, including:

  • Flying into buildings: Fledglings can collide with large, glass buildings, especially if they’re inexperienced. 
  • Falling from ledges: Fledglings can fall off ledges and get injured, killed, or lost.Their parents may not be able to hear them in the city. 
  • Predators: Fledglings on the ground are vulnerable to predators like dogs, people, and cars. 
  • Starvation and dehydration: Fledglings can starve or become dehydrated. 
  • Wind gusts: Fledglings can get caught in wind gusts. 
  • Pesticides and chemicals: Fledglings can be harmed by ingesting prey contaminated with pesticides or by exposure to flame retardants. 
  • Avian flu: Fledglings can contract avian flu. 
  • Competition: Fledglings face competition with other falcons. 

Peregrine falcons are natural cliff-dwellers, but tall buildings in urban areas can simulate the rock ledges they prefer.However, urban environments can be dangerous for these birds.  (AI generated answer to question)

Oh, the snow came down Sunday, covering everything. The garden received between 25-30 cm. Most of us have forgotten when we last had this amount of snow. Thankfully, a lovely young man will be here Monday evening or Tuesday morning to shovel for us. He came and now it is Tuesday morning and it is snowing again!

The snow did not daunt the garden birds and animals. Brock came at 1720 for his dinner – thankfully, we cleared the area where he eats earlier. My heart aches for all the domestic pets dumped, just like this snow! More and more reports come in daily in our city about abandoned pets. If you know anyone considering getting a ‘pet’, whether a dog, cat, rabbit, parrot, budgie, hamster, etc, help them understand that the vet and food bills are high. Pets are not just fun; they are a responsibility for life – to care for and love.

The Guardian is publishing an article on Monday about the trafficking of exotic animals including these two gorgeous toucans. The horrific things that humans do to animals to make a profit. If you see exotic animals posted on social media sites for sale, please take the time to phone the authorities and alert them. You can save the life of one or more wild animals that did not ask to be stuffed in a box or a suitcase without food or water to be sold to someone so that they can have ‘something unique’. This practice reminds me of the egg and animal collectors who set up private zoos and curiosity areas eons ago.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/09/inside-the-illegal-wildlife-trade-booming-on-social-media-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

The big news continues to be the arrival of the first egg for Gabby and Beau on Sunday. Beau saw his egg and then did his turn at incubation. Oh, we have to hope that this year he will be the perfect mate and care for these precious eggs. Gabby has been waiting since Samson disappeared to be a Mum again.

Beau on incubation duty!

Gracie Shepherd gave a great overview of the events!

Beau sees their egg for the first time. https://youtu.be/MwtLmgHhPu4?

Let us all send good positive energy so that all goes well at this nest.

Tonya Irwin posted an image of Anna who laid her first egg at the Kistachie Forest nest with her mate Louis a year ago. We lost both eagles in 2024 – what a sad year it was.

The Majestics continue the work on their nest in Decorah, Iowa. https://youtu.be/MwtLmgHhPu4?

Harvie and Ellie were at their nest on the property of Farmer Derek in Kansas.

Thunder at the West End on Monday.

Jackie and Shadow continue playing with sticks at their nest! https://youtu.be/PI42-LsoJsQ?

Two fish come into Port Lincoln early. One from Mum and the second from Dad. Kasse took the first fish and didn’t share a pinch of it. Wilko gets the second. Mum needs some fish!

I hope the fairies come. It is a gusty day and Mum and Dad need to eat. Indeed, the family needs a good chow down.

Kasse with her fish.

Wilko with his fish.

Dad comes in with a partial fish at 1030 and Kasse takes it! Let’s hope that there are many more fish today.

The day at Port Lincoln ended well with everyone having a good feed before lights out. Kasse is exceptional at holding on to fish and not letting Wilko get them!

Another posting from South Australia. This time I am including this posting because of the fish. Look at the size. Massive fish.

Kielder Ospreys has some exciting news coming form Jean-marie Depart in Senegal.

‘B’ has sent us a lovely article that appeared about Annie and her falcon family. I know you will enjoy it. Thank you, ‘B’.

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/california-live/meet-the-peregrine-falcons-that-have-made-uc-berkeley-their-home/3578431/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHET-ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaqT1LeRvXg8ZIa-9nsD7Pwn29VR54wb1U0ZHSz-q9FQoXrZcawEMAgIow_aem_ERqZjovti5-Fbyx8uGvzpA

Sunnie Day posts images of the new platform at the Venice Golf and Country Club.

Looks finished! The cam is up and running. All we need are ospreys.

Continued use of rodenticides in Scotland is causing uneasy question periods.

Inadequate response by Scottish Minister Jim Fairlie to parliamentary question on use & abuse of rodDownload

Bird World continues to be rather quiet. We wait for Kasse to fledge and for some more eagle eggs.

Calico’s First Tip of the Day. Calico knows what it is like to have a loving family and be dumped. We are so grateful that she and Baby Hope are living with us, that they are safe, warm, and with full tummies when they go to sleep at night. Each of us wishes that all kitties could be so fortunate. Calico wishes it more than anyone as she knows what it is to be hungry and cold.

Calico’s Second Tip of the Day. So many issues for outdoor animals. Spread the word in how to care for them in the winter if you find one in need of help.

Calico’s Third Tip for the Day is about feeding birds in the winter!

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘B, Heidi’, Peregrine Falcons Melbourne, Lucy M Rowland, The Guardian, NEFL-AEF, AEF Nest Cam Highlights, Gracie Shepherd, Denton Homes, Farmer Derek and Kansas Bald Eagle Cam, IWS/Explore.org, SK Hideaways, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, Peter Zach, Kielder Ospreys, nbclosangeles.com, Sunnie Day, VGCCO, Raptor Persecution UK, Hungry and Homeless Cat Rescue, Lo Thomas, Tamarack Wildlife Centre

Friday in Bird World

22 November 2024

Good Morning!

Well, the joke is on me. You will get Thanksgiving wishes twice! Thankfully, ‘B’ reminded me that the holiday is the last Thursday in November. I should have known that as it was often on my mother’s birthday and the day my grandmother died – the 26th! Well, I am very thankful for all of you and when the day does get here, I hope you get to enjoy it with friends and family.

Brock’s house has been assembled and lo and behold, the cord is about 30 cm or a foot too short to plug into the outside plug. I am going to phone the company and see what they suggest. Otherwise, it isn’t much good – an insulated ‘heated’ house!!!!!! Other people must have this problem.

Hugo Yugo in the middle of food delivery and wanting to help set up Brock’s house.

The house is definitely insulated.

Finished. With legs. It has anchors to hold it in place due to wind. Thank goodness!

Today is wood delivery day which means my posting will be shorter – touching on some interesting articles and catching up with the Australian birds. We are waiting for a second egg for Connie and Clive at Captiva and incubation continues at SW Florida.

It has been 74 hours at the time I am writing this – 1600 Thursday afternoon, since the first egg was laid at Captiva.

I am posting an article form The Guardian about the catastrophic melting of permafrost in Canada’s Arctic region. This is going to impact much of the wildlife and the consequences are still not known.

‘The land is tearing itself apart’: life on a collapsing Arctic islehttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/21/canada-arctic-herschel-island-qikiqtaruk-climate-permafrost-tundra-ecology-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

‘B’ sent me a couple of good articles from The Washington Post. One is about the new camera at the MN-DNR site. They say it is a new couple that has been there four years. Sure sounds like Nancy to me with a new male. Feel free to correct me! https://www.youtube.com/live/5tECFd82AZQ?

The WaPo also had a wonderful article about all of the soap operas – such as Gabby’s ‘As the Nest Turns’ in May which ‘B’ included. I had not seen it and I wonder how many of you have.

Live bird cams are nature’s soap opera – The Washington PostDownload

Another great article from Raptor Persecution UK showing once again how ridiculous the people are trying to help the hen harriers. The article begins, “For new blog readers, hen harrier brood meddling was a 7-year conservation sham (2018-2024) sanctioned by DEFRA as part of its ludicrous ‘Hen Harrier Action Plan‘ and carried out by Natural England, in cahoots with the very industry responsible for the species’ catastrophic decline in England. In general terms, the plan involved the removal of hen harrier chicks from grouse moors, they were reared in captivity, then released back into the uplands just in time for the start of the grouse-shooting season to be illegally killed. It was plainly bonkers.”

More detail on Hawk & Owl Trust’s withdrawal from hen harrier brood meddling sham – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

In the wintry snow, Zorro, the male at the Latvian White-tail Eagle nest of Milda, has flown in to check on things. So nice to see him looking well. https://youtu.be/JI25leSBqa8?

Mum was fishing again at 0422 at Port Lincoln!

Mum is away. Has she gone fishing again?

If she did she did not catch anything. It is nearing 1400 on the nest and Wilko and Kasse have only had the small fish Mum brought in during the night. Fish Fairies!!!!!!!! Where are you? I am starting to think these are both males instead of Kasse being a female because they are so nice to one another! Believe me living with four female cats has taught me females do not get along with other females, normally! Hugo Yugo and Missey pair up and Calico and Hope. Missey and Calico just deplore one another.

There has been a probably sighting of Yira flying to the tower. https://youtu.be/pyP9hgAqkfM?

Pretty quiet at the nest of Beau and Gabby.

The nest at Decorah North is growing!

Very quiet at the nest of Big Red and Arthur. They normally stop in to check sometime in November. We wait.

The bird photographed in Puerto Rico has been confirmed as “…a 2021 fledgling from a nest west of Billings, Montana, ringed by Marco Restani” (Jane Dell on Ospreys FB).

The band looked green to me!

No new reports on WBSE34. Adults were at Goat Island.

‘J’ sent us Rita the Eagle’s Friday news off of Rita’s FB page (mine was scrambled for some reason): “It has been two years since Rita’s accident in November 2022 and it’s been just over one year since Rita came to live at the Marathon Wild Bird Center in the Florida Keys. I spend a lot of time talking with visitors in front of her enclosure and have enjoyed meeting many people who all love eagles! The questions they ask are interesting. My favorite is which foot is she missing? Neither, I said her wing was partially amputated. Oh, right. And there are a lot of questions about what she eats and when. One of the stories I refer to often is that of her second night in her new enclosure. For the first time I had set up the trail camera inside Rita’s space. Let the learning about Ms. Rita begin! At 10:50pm on her second night the alert on my phone pinged. What had set off the camera? Little did I know that this brand camera was sensitive to night movements and, well, Rita was moving. Eating to be exact. Six minutes later she wandered off having eating the whole fish in the black of night. I contacted Jeanne Kaufman the next day and asked her if eagles ate in the dark? I’m pretty sure she said no. Rita eats whenever the mood strikes her be it in the afternoon or evening or, often, in the late evening under the cover of complete darkness. On the days her meal arrives early she will usually ignore it until at least the afternoon. Rarely does she leave any crumbs behind! (KG) 🦅 #ritathebaldeagle

No new reports on any of the Melbourne triplets other than the return of the one who got itself into a bit of mischief the other day. Melbourne parents bonding! https://youtu.be/tiDm0uKlIF4?

There have been sightings of at least two different ospreys that continue to be in the UK and have not migrated.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘B, J’, Window to Wildlife, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Raptor Persecution UK, Trine and LDF, Port Lincoln Ospreys, NEFL-AEF, Falcon Cam Project, SK Hideawys, Raptor Resource Project, Cornell Bird Lab, Ospreys FB

Monday in Bird World

18 November 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope that you had a lovely weekend and that your week will be full of wonderful moments, smiles, laughs, and the sounds of birds.

Baby Hope sends you a nose rub!

The sky is a bright white-grey. The bare branches of the Maple trees against that ‘cold’ sky look like Victorian ‘shadow portraits’ without the humans. The garden animals are scurrying about getting their peanuts hidden and the oil seed eaten in case the drizzle gets heavier. Brock was waiting for me when I pulled the curtain back on the garden door at 1000. He stood on his hind legs with his front paws touching the glass. He is getting more trusting. His heated house arrives on Monday, just in time for the snow we expect on Wednesday. I sure hope it is easy to assemble. When was it that items had to be assembled? We seem to always get things that have the holes for the screws in the wrong place! Has this happened to you?

We made a wood fire today. It makes the house so cosy. After several years, it is now time to order firewood. I was so lucky to find someone near to where I live that sells oak. It gives off good heat and, thankfully, I learned when I was firing wood kilns, how to start the fire and keep it burning. The Oak along with some Poplar will arrive on Thursday evening. We will be busy trying to get it inside the back fence – the rest of the week will be stacking. It shouldn’t take long, but it will be cold and could be wet. There are some really beautiful firewood racks – rectangular are the traditional ones, but someone has designed some 70 inch round ones that are stunning. I think we will just stack the 1.5 cords on the deck loose! Little Red has the wood box. :)))))))))

‘The Girls’ are afraid of the fire. This is a good thing. They are, however, washing themselves after having their seared salmon and they are enjoying the warmth that only the Jotul stove can provide. Calico is on top of the dining table rolling back and forth upside down. She is so happy. If I go to take her photo, she will stop (of course!).

Oh, Calico kept doing it! Oh, I love this girl. Her fur is so white and thick and those legs of hers are strong. Baby Hope is just like her.

Meanwhile, I had to call Brock this evening. He appeared within a minute with his paws on the glass garden door, again. Wonder when he will learn to turn the knob and come in?

One of our readers, ‘EJ’ took this beautiful image of Double-Crested Cormorants at the Tensaw River, Alabama, at the Blakely Historic State Park. Thank you for sharing with us. ‘EJ’ noted that it was 80 F. Oh, how wonderful. It is 1 C or 33.8 F.

All About Birds describes Double-crested Cormorants this way: “Double-crested Cormorants are colonial waterbirds that seek aquatic bodies big enough to support their mostly fish diet. However, they may roost and form breeding colonies on smaller lagoons or ponds, and then fly up to 40 miles to a feeding area. In addition to fishing waters, cormorants need perching areas for the considerable amount of time they spend resting each day. After fishing, cormorants retire to high, airy perches to dry off and digest their meals—rocks, wires, tops of dead trees, ship masts. They tend to form breeding colonies in clusters of trees in or near water. After a while, masses of cormorant guano may kill these trees and the trees may topple, at which point the cormorants may switch to nesting on the ground.”

Here is a species spotlight: https://youtu.be/_lLYHz4cnUw?

There has been angst and even killings between fishers and the Cormorants despite their protected migratory species – just like our ospreys that often fish at the fish farms.

Emergence Magazine included a story in their e-mail today, which I hope you will enjoy. This is the synopsis: “In this piece, writer Robert Moor journeys to Haida Gwaii, an island chain in British Columbia, for the anniversary of a historic agreement between the Haida Nation and the Canadian government that protects the landscape’s last remaining old-growth forests after decades of reckless logging precipitated by colonialism. To honor the occasion, a totem pole—carved from a towering red cedar—is raised under Haida leadership on Gwaii Haanas for the first time in 130 years. Walking through a forest stewarded for generations, Robert begins to see the tangle of Sitka spruces and cedars, mosses and lichens, not as a site of slow decay, but of ongoing growth. Standing in the presence of ancient trees, we can feel, rather than intellectualize, he says, not only the deep past, but also our responsibility to the future.”

Dendrochronology – Robert MoorDownload

Each day, I wake up hoping that ordinary humans, far from politicians and industry, can make the changes that will give our beloved wildlife a chance to adapt, live, and not starve in the nest. It can feel frustrating, but we have to hope.

I dreamed about Yira last night. Is this one of the adults with Yira flying around the tower? https://youtu.be/6hrNJESmrXs?

Parents should use prey drops while in flight—either dead or injured prey—as a teaching tool. Diamond and Xavier did this on camera above the tower several days ago before Yira fledged. They will also work on Yira’s flight training to build her strength.

Xavier and Diamond have been bonding in the scrape. https://youtu.be/5pfk6Q2DS1w?

Xavier arrived in the scrape with prey but left immediately. https://youtu.be/06ZektciLHM?

On the other hand, we know that the third hatch at Melbourne did not stay attached to F23’s talon but could fly away on her own. Here is the view of the last fledge at the Melbourne scrape from an adjacent building. Enjoy. https://youtu.be/1K4s90IkRkY?

It is a weighty tome, but Richard Sale’s book, Falcons, is an excellent volume on your bookshelf if you need one of the best reference books. Excellent background information and in-depth material on Peregrines, Kestrels, Hobbies, and Merlins exist.

The cam operator at Port Lincoln gave us some amazing close ups of Wilko and Kasse. Those juvenile feathers are stunning.

This year is very different. Mum is fishing off the barge to feed herself and the kids. She is doing a great job! I wonder why she didn’t do this in earlier years? But, regardless of the reason, she is intent on feeding her hungry kids and herself if Dad isn’t having any luck.

OK. Dad came in with a whole fish at 1234. Thanks Dad – . There is plenty of time for more.

I love the white outline of the grey-brown juvenile feathers. Wilko and Kasse will keep this distinctive ‘look’ for 3-6 months after fledging so that they can easily be recognized as recent fledglings/juveniles as opposed to adults.

Look at those beautiful eyes. The iris is a beautiful amber colour that will change to yellow when Wilko and Kasse are adults. Did you know that this iris is more red-orange in the ospreys hatched in the US?

I got a little carried away. They are so beautiful.

The news at Sydney is thin. No update on SE34.

Jackie and Shadow. Sticks. Love. Snow. https://youtu.be/ifpOijoG_IQ?

Thunder and Akecheta were at the West End nest on Sunday! So nice to see them, just like Jackie and Shadow.

Beau on the branch above the NE Florida nest he shares with Gabby early Sunday morning.

Eagles at Denton Homes.

We no longer need to wonder who is taking the turtle shells from E1 in the Kistachie National Forest! https://youtu.be/7ZozS0pmYrg?

Scout comes to the NCTC nest on Sunday! https://youtu.be/Zq4P3POFwmc?

Rabbit dinners and pond baths are the order of the day at SW Florida. https://youtu.be/RPKXJ13u024?

Illegal laundering of the sale of Peregrine Falcons? Wife is part of the police force? Oh, the webs that are woven to stop the protection of raptors.

Fraud charge dropped_ The weird case of WPC Suzanne Hall, wife & mother of convicted peregrine launderers. – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

Are the Red Squirrels of England at risk of dying off?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/16/red-squirrels-to-vanish-from-england-unless-vaccine-against-squirrelpox-funded?CMP=share_btn_url

Annie and Archie always put a smile on our face! https://youtu.be/jfzQtDwfCp0?

‘J’ reminds us that this is the very last few days to adopt a Kakapo if you were thinking about it.

And if also were thinking about donating so Ventana Wildlife and the California Condors can double their money, here is the information.

Please look at Cheryl’s comment in the WordPress ‘comments’ section of my blog. She notes an eagle at the Mississippi Flyway that has only one leg and is doing fine. She also noted Alden who was our Super Hero at Cal Falcons and was ‘disabled’ but was an amazing hunter. Then there is Ma Berry – and others. It was about my comment that I felt Garrama was not given a chance to see what he could do citing our new vet who believes little is known about wildlife and that we should try and allow them to have a life.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post this morning: ‘C, EJ, J’, Emergence Magazine, All About Birds, Key West Tropical Forest and Garden, Birdie Cam, Birding Life & More, Richard Sale, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Judy Harrington, SK Hideaways, IWS/Explore.org, NEFL-AEF, Deb Stecyk, Androcat, Denton Homes, Kistachie National Forest, Raptor Persecution UK, The Guardian, SK Hideaways, Kakapo Recovery, Ventana Wildlife and Monterey County Gives.

Sunday in Bird World

17 November 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Two of my four-legged friends who simply light up my day and like those nature walks, they ease some of the worry and challenges. Today, we are worried about Yira who has not been seen in the area since she fledged. This is not good. Why is there not an army searching for her?

Please note: FB has taken down my posts with titles so I am leaving this one plain, but I am sending it out Saturday night because of the issues with Yira and the third chick at Melbourne.

Latest news: The third hatch at Melbourne’s CBD is off the ledge. SK Hideaway has it and Victor Hurley has some remarks. https://youtu.be/2oodK8fVc30?

They love each other sooooo much.

We have cut our feed at X and are at Bluesky. Come and join us there. Give our osprey and friends some likes! @ospreylover.bsky.social

Thanks to our friends in Colorado for the Colorado Low that is set to bring the first snow to Southern Manitoba in 2024. Most of the time when we think of a Colorado Low, we think of a big snow dump. This time it seems we might just get a dusting in Winnipeg. Will keep you posted.

The feeding area for the outdoor cats is nearly complete. To help them through the winter, particularly Brock (the name pulled out of the hat for the outdoor kitty formerly known as The Boyfriend). This morning, he was shivering under one of the patio chairs, waiting for me to wake up enough to put out food. Any remaining foxes or raccoons clear all of the dishes and plates during the night. It has a heated floor which surely will make a huge difference and thankfully one of the two outdoor plugs is very close to where we would put the house. I got the larger size as he dismissed the shelter made for him out of the bins. He might have felt frightened he would be trapped.

If you are interested, my friend ‘S’ sent me this rating chart this morning before I ordered Brock’s heated house. Did you know that Brock is the Old English name for a badger. It kinda fits since they are both black and white.

Our Top 5 Feral Cat Shelter – True Winners Of 2024Download

The other things that we have done to get prepared for winter’s arrival and, oh, gosh, we wish it would wait a few weeks, is to gather up all the toques, scarves, mitts, woolen socks, and heavy boots. They are all ready to go so that we can venture out on our walks in the snow.

Then, after reading a story in The Guardian this morning, Calico and I thought that we should order some books to ready. As many of you are aware, Calico has had ‘story time’ since before I got her into the house. I used to sit on the deck and read and then, when she came inside and was in the small room, I would read to her every time I fed her. If you are trying to socialise a cat it is a wonderful way to get them used to your voice. She has her favourite authors and we read every evening for an hour. It is our ritual and all the others join in, just like children around a fire. It is one of the most beautiful times of the day. The four of them morph into something other than independent felines.

The article we read was about Ronald Blythe, the nature writer from Essex and how is little home is being turned into a sanctuary for education and writers. I am unfamiliar with his work, but after finding good used copies, Calico and I decided to give four of the titles a chance: Akenfield, Portrait of an English Village; Under a Broad Sky, Stout Seasons, and Next to Nature. I do hope she likes his ‘voice’. Calico is very particular and will walk right out of the room. Those books do not get Calico’s Golden Paw Award!

Here is the article about Ronald Blythe. It is inspiring me to think about a small urban house being used for research and writing after I am gone with the proviso that the animals are fed! Now isn’t that a thought?

‘A force for everything he represented’: Ronald Blythe’s home to become nature reserve. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/16/ronald-blythe-home-nature-reserve-akenfield?CMP=share_btn_url

The smile on the face of Mum at Port Lincoln is that she dove from the barge and caught a very very early fish for the kids. Look at the time on the obs board below. Then Dad came in with a fish later from Mum, Wilko, and Kasse. Yes, I am smiling. Mum sure told Dad what for – get off your talons and get these kids some food!!!!!!!!!

That was a really nice fish that Mum caught. I hope she gives some lessons to the kids early on – wow. Could we see them fish off the barge? We used to watch Falkey, do you remember?

Dad incoming! Everyone was doing the talon dance in anticipation of the arrival of another fish.

The third hatch, a nice big female from the looks of it, at 367 Collins Street loafing and looking after trying to scale the side of the building earlier.

She had breakfast at 0620 and then went about her antics. She looks just like Mum save for that one big dandelion on her head. What a healthy eyas – one really ready to get out in the world. I am glad she is waiting, but it looks like she could fly any moment. The time is 0827 in Melbourne on Sunday the 17th.

At Orange, Diamond was on the ledge of the scrape looking out. Is she looking for Yira? Xavier was there, too, at different times.

They are looking for Yira and this makes me incredibly sad. There have been no alarm calls or anything from the parents indicating the presence of their oldest chick who fledge. I am so nervous.

Did you miss Bubba’s fledge at Growing Home? https://youtu.be/-9yBFAZHAi4?

After the extremely sad and disappointing news from ospreys being shot because they are hungry and need some fish, I asked my UK friends to send me instances of where individuals, groups, of businesses have worked to help the osprey. Jeff Kear sent me one of the first. Thank you, Jeff.

One of the others was in a blog a few days ago. You will recall that Iris’s owl pole had to be cut down. But another was put up for Iris and Finnegan and they began to put the lines below ground to help saves the raptors from getting electrocuted.

In the UK, most people know that at Gwash, they discovered that trying to earn a living selling farmed fish was difficult. So instead of fighting with the ospreys who wanted some of the fish in the ponds, Gwash set up a hide for photographers who come from around the world to capture images of osprey catching fish! Maybe our friends in the US might do that instead of shooting them.

There are some people who care about the condition of nests enough to get a ladder and put some wonderful nesting material there for the birds. It wasn’t long after the straw was put in that Friday the stork showed up! Some centres, like Glaslyn, regularly refurbish the nests and check them for safety before the birds return.

Hochstadt, Germany.

Thanks to Tonya Irvin who caught one of those golden moments – looks like a successful mating at NE Florida with Gabby and Beau.

M15 delivered his beautiful mate a rabbit dinner. https://youtu.be/btFrkKxm_0k?

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘EJ, JK, SC’, The Guardian, Port Lincoln Ospreys, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Heidi McGrue, Lyn Brenig, Hochstadt Stork Cam, Tonya Irwin and the NEFL-AEF, Androcat and SW Florida Eagle Cam

Saturday in Bird World

16 November 2024

Hello!

Friday was spent forest bathing and spending time with my closest friend who suddenly lost her husband in the summer. It was a great day to be outside. The temperature was 10 C and there was no wind. Only clear blue sky. Walking in nature and feeding birds can transform you. Please, please, get out in nature especially when you are feeling overwhelmed. It really helps. And be mindful, the full moon is here.

The sun setting.

There are some wonderful videos of Yira’s fledge and some flying around campus. You need to see them! The top one is Yira flying on the campus taken by the Falcon Cam Project:

https://youtu.be/5dKYGbmQA0s?

The second is a great multiple view of Yira’s fledge by SK Hideaways. It is dedicated to Garrama.

https://youtu.be/MHlZqxPFG3w?

And another from the Falcon Cam Project of Yira flying over the tower. https://youtu.be/vZs9BbeE5Js?

It was nearing 1530 on Saturday and Wilko had some small fish early but Kasse had nothing. Will the fish fairies arrive?

No fish came but the little twiddler and Kasse had nothing on Saturday. Then the rain came. Not good. Let’s hope that there is a nest of fish when they wake up so that no one gets stressed.

At the same time, there was remaining on the ledge of 367 Collins Street the last hatch waiting to fledge.

The latest from Judy Harrington:

The fledgling, Bubba, at the Growing Home osprey nest near Sydney had a flight and returned to the nest. S/he is a gorgeous healthy osprey.

Sad news coming from ‘EJ’. Maybe everyone should tell this hatchery that its counterparts in the UK either allow people to take photos of the ospreys fishing and make more money (Gwash is a great example) or some allow the birds to eat!

‘EJ’ wrote: https://www.ktvq.com/news/local-news/audubon-society-sues-federal-government-for-wiping-out-osprey-birds-at-state-fish-hatchery

“The fish hatchery is 220 acres with 49 ponds to raise fish for sport fishing.
Maybe they should have to watch an osplet starving to death in its nest.”

‘J’ sent us Rita the Eagle’s Fun Fact Friday from Rita’s FB page. Check it out and send Rita a message and tell her how much you miss her!

We have some great news from Hob Osterlund with the Laysan Albatross in Kauai’, Hawaii:

Just a short catch up this morning because I did not include some of the Yira videos last evening. Thank you for being with us! Take care.

Have a great weekend. Thank you for your happy moments. They are coming through slowly in the blog.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post this morning: ‘EJ, J, SP’, SK Hideaways, Judy Harrington and the Olympic Park Eagles, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Port Lincoln Ospreys, ktvg.com, Rita the Eagle, Hob Osterlund.