Category Archives: migration

Friday in Bird World

12 September 2025

Good Morning,

Oh, the sun is shining and the sky is blue! Everyone has now been fed and watered after a frolicking night of little raccoons on the deck eating cat kibble. We hope that each of you has a lovely Friday and a great weekend.

Late update from Rutland:

Late news from Foulshaw Moss:

I am starting to write this blog on Tuesday morning while Toby is at the vet clinic. He has been gone for four hours, and I miss that little bundle of energy. Toby went in for a neutering and will come out with that, but it turned out he still has all of his baby teeth. They didn’t fall out and should have, but are rather crowded with his big boy teeth. There was already some plaque building up, so they are coming out as well. Hugo Yugo is looking for him. Did I say that they are inseparable? And the vet fears that HY will try to wash Toby’s stitches. Oh, my. HY just decided to give Calico a good go! It is a good thing that Toby will be relatively sedated when we pick him up later today.

Hugo Yugo took really good care of Toby when he wasn’t feeling well. HY washed Toby’s face and slept with him, but didn’t wash those stitches as far as I know (of course, I was asleep, but they were quiet and I presume sleeping or they would have been romping all over me).

It rained on Thursday morning. There was something about the sky – it was dark. It was 20 °C, but it felt much colder. Watching Brock come for his meal made me realise that winter is coming sooner than I want! Brock is starting his 4th fall coming to the garden. He must have had a place to stay warm in the winter, or he would not have survived. Where is it? We have the heated food and water bowls ready for him. I contemplate having the carpenter make him a two-level house where he can sleep on top under a lamp and have his food below. But would he use it?

Miyoung came and cut our hair, and guess who wanted to help her?

Inseparable. Toby is feeling better. Him and HY are just cuddle buddies – and they are always looking for trouble. Good thing Miyoung likes dogs and cats!

Hope. Baby Hope is fine. She is getting new fur on her injury, and I now have some sedative tablets to help her get to the vet if necessary in the future. What a relief! As each of you knows, our pets mean the world to us, and when anything happens or when they are unwell, we do not rest and we worry and fret for them. They are family.

It is nice and quiet. All of the cats, Toby, and Don are sound asleep. A new season of the Marlow Murder Club is streaming – lovely with a nice cup of tea. And thank goodness, the Christmas teas are coming online. We have a favourite, and soon, some tins will arrive from across the pond. This is our holiday treat! Tea and scones. Yes! Good way to start fall, which will officially be here shortly.

As of Monday, the following male ospreys were still seen in the UK: Blue 33 at Rutland, Blue KC6, known as Teifi, and unringed Aran are still at Glaslyn. Blue KL5 is at Loch Garten, and Blue KS6, known as Dinas, is from a private nest in Wales.

As of Thursday, these ospreys appear to be around the UK: Samson remains at the Border Ospreys (see below), feeding his two fledglings. 9K5 was at Usk at 0859, and Heather Cormer was still seeing KS6/Dinas at Glaslyn.

Heather Corfield​​ from Glaslyn stated, “There have been no reported sightings of Aran since Friday, so he could have left. We thought Teifi had though as we had not seen him after Tuesday 2, but he reappeared on Monday 8.”

Iris is still at Hellgate Canyon on Monday, and she was photographed on Wednesday, the 10th, eating a large fish in her favourite tree. She was also there on the 9th. And guess what? Iris was on the snag tree eating a large fish on Thursday, the 11th. She is in no hurry to leave. Good for her for waiting and fattening up on that nice fish.

Samson is still at Border Ospreys with the two fledglings! Augusta departed about a fortnight ago.

RELUCTANCE TO GODownload

Fledgling Blue 7M5 from Llyn Brenig has now migrated. Last seen last Sunday, the 7th of September 2025.

SK Hideaways’ great videos keep us up to date on so many nests! (You may see a couple of these twice within the blog):

West End Eagles, Haku & MV ~ Catalina Island (11 Sept 2025)

After roosting on their night perch, Haku and MV met at the nest for bonding nestorations and a little mischief. Haku continues to try for beaky kisses, but MV resists. With this morning’s rejection, Haku took to nibbling MV’s tail instead. Interesting to watch the progression in this young relationship.

Video: https://youtu.be/NPkYfxPdXEA

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org

Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14

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

Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kad6O4nF6bg

Sydney WB Sea Eagles Lady, Dad, SE35 & SE36 (2025 Sep 11)

Lady was steadfast and determined to keep SE35 and SE36 warm and dry throughout a blustery night and into the morning. Except for two short feedings and an even shorter break, super mumbrella sheltered her eaglets.

SE35 and SE36 are 4 weeks old.

Video: https://youtu.be/qFYcxaQP8aU

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

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

367 Collins Street Falcons ~ Female F24 and Male M24 (11 Sept 2025)

A changeover became a non-changeover when Mum, F24 realized there was a prey gift from Dad, M24, that she hadn’t seen the day before. She departed with it, but not before M24 thought his egg time was over. He soon returned for a bit more time with his beloved eggs.  Dad’s chirps continue to bring me to my knees. So adorable.

Video: https://youtu.be/Y_jj2-rKCro

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

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

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

Big Bear Valley, home of Jackie & Shadow (9 Sept 2025)

It’s always special when Jackie & Shadow visit at this time of year, as nestorations don’t start for another few weeks. They spent the night perched on their favorite roost tree and then greeted the sunrise on the lookout snag before starting their day. Later, one of them perched on the cactus snag with two ravens.

Video: https://youtu.be/XsZkkRxmaDI

Courtesy FOBBVCAM, Friends of Big Bear Valley

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

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

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

Sydney WB Sea Eagles ~ Lady, Dad, SE35 & SE36 (9 Sep 2025)

While SE35 continues to show dominance, SE36 shows superior wisdom and resilience. While patiently waiting for SE35 to fill up, SE36 sidesteps up the nest, arriving in prime position to receive bites once SE35 is sated. It’s a fascinating story of perseverance and, ultimately, survival. 

Video: https://youtu.be/kZ2rpcJJKwg

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

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

Sauces Eagles 🦅 Audacity & Jak Do Nestorations Before Bedtime 💤 2025 Sep 8

While early in the season, Audacity and Jak did some nestorations before heading to their favorite roost tree for the night. Nice to see them.

Video: https://youtu.be/w_VheWIfFtg

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org

Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnTsOesC6hE

The last of Geemeff’s offerings from Loch Arkaig for the 2025 season!

Geemeff’s Final Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 10th September 2025

Season Nine has been such a successful season after the worries of last year. Not only did Louis return, but he was at his best, delivering 437 fish which together with a pair from Dorcha made a season total of 439. They hatched three chicks and fledged two, Darach 7P0 and Breac 7P7, and all four family members left on migration looking strong and healthy when they made their final appearance on nest cam. Louis has now fledged fourteen chicks, six with Aila and eight with Dorcha. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 returned and appears to have found a mate when Aurora 536 turned up and claimed the nest, accepting fish from him, mating with him and seeing off Affric 152 when she turned up. Once Aurora left on migration however, Garry turned his attention back to Affric and delivered fish to her too, bringing a grand total of 141 to the nest for which ever female turned up, he doesn’t appear to be fussy, he just wants a mate. It will be interesting to see what happens next year, it’s looking good for chicks on Nest One, but from which female? We had the thrill of Breac’s sighting in Spain just fifteen days after he left Loch Arkaig, and also that of Aurora, sighted in Poole Harbour three weeks after her last visit to Nest One. Fingers crossed for more sightings – we wish our Nest One and Nest Two Osprey families fair winds and plenty of fish, and have our fingers very firmly crossed for safe passage for all and a safe return by the adults to Loch Arkaig for Season Ten next Spring.

Grateful thanks to George and Woodland Trust for allowing me to clip bits off the livestreams. Many thanks to everyone who’s watched, liked, or commented on my videos – special thanks TibbyJ for bird IDs and keeping me updated on all the action by sending fishmails, Steve for his amazing fish stats and LizB for off-nest reports. After some IT problems (grrr), I hope to have my season highlights video completed soon and will post it here, it will also be available on my YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@GeemeffGeemeff. Thank you to People’s Postcode Lottery for funding the nest cams and selecting my postcode a couple of times this year for the minor prizes – hoping for the big prize one day!

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 20.36.37 (06.02.00); Nest Two 20.29.50 (06.04.49)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/qbDw_EJ1-UE N2 Many little members of the family Paridae flit around 15.28.33

Season Nine synopsis: 

Dorcha arrived Nest Two 14.04.19 Wednesday 2 April 

Louis arrived Nest Two 19.47.44 Wednesday 2 April 

Affric 152 arrived Nest One 11.47.48 Tuesday 8 April

Prince arrived Nest One 11.48.02 Tuesday 8 April

Garry LV0 arrived Nest One 09.27 58 Wednesday 9 April

First egg 17.52.55 Wednesday 16 April

Blue 536 arrived Nest One 10.53.46 Friday 18 April 

Second egg 12.56.16 Saturday 19 April

Third egg 10.30.10 Tuesday 22 April

Hello Aurora! WTS name Blue 536 Monday 5 May

Hatch! bob1 07.34.19 Saturday 24 May

Hatch! bob2 02.58.07 Sunday 25 May

Hatch! bob3 06.46.27 Tuesday 27 May 

Sad unexpected death of bob3 16.02+ Sunday 8 June

Chicks ringed – 2 males: C1 = 7P0; C2 = 7P7 15.30+ Wednesday 2 July

Chicks named: 7P0 Darach; 7P7 Breac Monday 7 July

Fledge! Breac flies 13.23.30 Friday 18 July

Breac spends the night off-nest, returns from his maiden flight 09.05.27 19 July

FLEDGE! Darach flies 13.02.38 Saturday 19 July

Darach returns from his maiden flight 17.31.27 Saturday 19 July

Aurora last seen 11.22.37 Monday 28 July

Dorcha last seen 12.39.28 Thursday 7 August

Breac 7P7 last seen 09.11.28 Friday 15 August

Affric 152 last seen 15.48.47 Friday 15 August

Garry LV0 last seen 10.41.17 Saturday 16 August

Aurora 536 sighted in Poole Harbour 18-19 August

Louis last seen 12.34.56 Thursday 21 August

Darach 7P0 last seen 13.22.20 Thursday 21 August

Breac 7P7 sighted in Spain! Saturday 30 August and again Tuesday 2 September

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/rVhQlohNPTY N2 Cleaning crew? A flock of songbirds investigate the deserted nest 2020

https://youtu.be/tMw6O0_BTHw N1 Not much work for the cleaning crew this year! 2021  

https://youtu.be/_xq-ddyCCNk N2 Little songbirds pay a quick visit to the empty nest 2022

https://youtu.be/A09q6j1aYCc N2 Hoodies enjoy taking possession of the empty nest 2022 

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 9th September 2025
The usual small birds visited today, and one exciting big bird – a handsome Buzzard paid a brief visit to Nest One. Last winter a Buzzard visited quite often, so hope this one, or a cousin, will drop in again. The press has been highlighting how early autumn fruit is out this year amidst concern for wildlife finding sufficient food later on. Woodland Trust would like your help to document fruit ripening dates by logging your observations on Nature’s Calendar. Link in the bonus section.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 20.45.50 (

05.37.31); Nest Two 20.36.27 (05.58.22)
Today’s videos: 

https://youtu.be/Yo60gLBcOcY N1 Handsome Buzzard pays a brief visit 17.27.30
Bonus action – help Woodland Trust track how fruit ripening dates are changing over time and contribute to research on the impacts of climate change on our wildlife: https://naturescalendar.woodlandtrust.org.uk/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/XUYF6OEpQ88  N2 Sarafina does a fly-by before landing 2022

https://youtu.be/sUpzBM54QHY  N2 Thief! A Raven arrives and steals a stick 2022

https://youtu.be/PLOmU0AJ8nM  N2 Several little birds come and go on the empty nest 2022

https://youtu.be/BQC_B1pN3tk  N2 Lights at night near the nest – deer management team 2022

https://youtu.be/5LK7YZ2CtZ8  N2 Confirmed – final sighting of Sarafina LW6 2022

https://youtu.be/6h4T2QWS_68  N2 Three Bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) visit 2023

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

Forestry and Land Scotland’s newsletter at the end of osprey season.

The summary for Birds of Poole Harbour for the season:

A surprise arrival at Poole Harbour:

And another:

Days at Dunrovin Ranch latest news:

Hard News and Hopeful SignsDownload

Lucille Powell caught Rosie at the Whirley Crane at the Golden Gate Audubon Osprey platform (the first for her and Richmond. They now use a light stand).

Newmann is at the High Spirit Bluff scrape.

Cute little sea eaglets on the EagleCAM wet from the storm – but Lady did a great job protecting her precious fluffy bundles.

SK Hideaways has Lady as Mumbrella on video! https://youtu.be/qFYcxaQP8aU?

Lady is such a good Mum!

Birdlife Malta’s September newsletter.

BirdLife Malta September 2025 NewsletterDownload

The latest migration results from Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania.

The Red kites are getting ready to fledge at Robert Fuller’s nest! https://youtu.be/aW1k-a2LYmc?si=HojsceaOAeERsm06

KCAL News follows the protestors who showed up to try and keep building development away from Jackie and Shadow’s nest in Big Bear Valley.

NBCLA reports on the protests, too, along with many other media outlets. Everyone loves and wants to protect these two Iconic Bald Eagles and their nest.

Gabby and Beau continue to work on their nest in NE Florida:

The West End eagle nest is busy – despite missing Thunder and Akecheta, let us embrace this new couple and hope that we have little eaglets to coo over in the new year! SK Hideaways caught them: https://youtu.be/NPkYfxPdXEA?

‘A’ reports from Australia:

“Here is our gorgeous girl getting her GPS tracker. 

Look at how very well behaved and calm she is while the rangers get things sorted. She is such a grown-up albie. It’s so good to know we will be able to follow her on her travels. The New Zealanders really do get a lot of things right, don’t they? I’m so very fond of them. (Australians love to adopt successful New Zealanders, and happily claim numerous actors, comedians, singers and sportspeople as our own.) They’re like our little brothers. 

More importantly, Miss SS Trig has her GPS backpack and a numbered yellow band on her left leg (I’m not certain but I think it might say ‘555’. Surely not.) 

She is still at the headland tonight (Thursday 11 September), but she got some really good hovering done in the windy conditions on Wednesday (10 September), with so much air beneath those wings that I thought we might be seeing her fledge then and there. But she does still have some downy fluff to rid herself of, and I am hoping that keeps her at home for another four or five days. 

What a gorgeous girl she is. She loves to closely inspect the camera (as she is doing here), which gives us some wonderful pics:

Thumbnail

We will miss this adventurous little lady. She has been wonderful to watch. 

At WBSE in Olympic Park, Sydney, both sea eaglets are doing well. Here are the ranger’s reports from today and yesterday:

September 10: An early post at 4:40pm, as a storm is approaching. The chicks were uncovered last night until rain started, when Lady moved back to the bowl to cover them as well as she could. The morning saw a wet Lady and damp nestlings. She did not leave then until 8:45am, damp and dirty. Dad finally bought a fish at 9:52am, grabbed by Lady and fed to the nestlings, mainly SE35. Then the nestlings were left alone, huddled together in the bowl, mostly with one or other adult nearby. The rain eased, and during the morning, both eagles brought in several sprays of leaves. Just after midday, Lady returned as rain started again. She left after about 30 minutes as the rain eased. Dad brought in a small fish at 13:21, again grabbed by Lady and fed to the young, mainly SE35 again. When rain started again later, she returned to shelter the eaglets. Another fish arrived at 14:35 – and another feeding, with SE36 doing well. Lady covered the nestlings again after the feeding, sheltering them from the light rain. As the rain became heavier, she spread her wings out.

September 11: Late yesterday afternoon, Lady left the littles again on the nest – and the wind was really strong. Then, she brought a big fish in at last light, eating well herself – then feeding the nestlings – SE35 ate well, then SE36. She then settled over them again on the nest. She covered them all night and in the morning looked quite wet. Dad brought part of a fish just after 6am and she fed SE35 a little, then covered the eaglets again when rain started. She was seen shivering to warm herself. Dad came to the nest around 9am – Lady was straight up before he could take the fish. Lady offered some leftover fish to SE35, turned away and then ate for herself. After a few minutes, SE36 moved closer and fed well until all the fish was gone. She had a quick shake of her wet feathers, then covered the chicks again as it was still raining. She got up again at 9:41am, with a shake and away, leaving them alone, both chittering away. She returned to cover them after a short break. Then, she was away again. Dad came in briefly, looking for scraps, and fed SE36 one little bit. Then he was off. The nestlings were busy grooming their wet fluff and itching, and the weather was improving. Dad brought in a gull at 14:42 and Lady fed both eaglets, SE35 first. Dad came in afterwards and fed a few scraps to SE36. Both, by then well fed, spent the late afternoon lying in the nest bowl. Another fish was brought just after 5pm, fed to the kids by Lady – both ate. She then settled over them just before 6pm. 

At Port Lincoln, there are three eggs, laid on 4 September, 7 September and 11 September. Of course there is plenty of time for a fourth egg but let’s hope they leave it at three. I wonder whether the Fish Fairy could ensure four osplets survive to fledge if there did happen to be four viable eggs – it wouldn’t be easy, even with enough food to go around, because sharing it between four osplets would be exhausting and difficult for the parents. It’s too late to hope for just two eggs so the best we can do is hope this is it for egg laying this season. 

At Collins Street, there are three eggs, and obviously, these two know that three is a good number. They are taking turns to incubate their eggs, and like the osprey pair at Port Lincoln, they seem to have a good relationship, closer than last year (whether they are a different pair or whether they are just more mature this season and know each other better, who knows). 

At Orange, there are no eggs, meaning there was no fertilisation in the few matings witnessed between Diamond and Xavier before his disappearance and Gimbir’s efforts [might be lacking]. “

Backyard Bird Lovers reminds us:

Some avian species are disappering more rapidly than others.

Ducks are increasing in number because of the increase of wetlands and hunters partering with ‘birders’ and environmentalists.

No feathers! But the rare baby Lynx that came into care at Wildlife Haven in Manitoba. https://youtu.be/_cRbeF4ZF1E?

Thank you so much for being with us today. We are delighted that so many people care about the raptors (and other feathered friends) that we follow. Osprey season is winding down, and Bald Eagles are returning to their nests in the United States. As I have mentioned previously, the active nest at the moment is the White-bellied Sea Eagle nest in the Olympic Forest in Sydney. We have eggs at the CBD Falcon scrape in Melbourne and at the Port Lincoln Osprey barge. Mum laid her third egg on Thursday at the barge, and we should now be in the hard incubation stage. We wait to see what will happen at Diamond and Gimbir’s scrape on the grounds of the Charles Sturt University in Orange.

I am going to take a ‘sort of’ mini-break. There is a lot to do to get the garden in shape for winter, and a few continuing renovations inside that need my attention. As a result of a lack of nest activity, I will publish my blog just on Mondays until the Port Lincoln osprey eggs hatch in 36-42 weeks. So check in on Mondays! Book reviews, Red Bird discussions, Bald Eagle sightings!

Take care! See you on Monday.

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘Geemeff and SK Hideaways, ‘, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos and the authors of posts such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name but who I have tried to cite in bold. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers that still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Who’s Home? …Monday in Bird World

8 September 2025

Hello Everyone,

Late Update

From ‘PS’ on the Seattle Osprey Platform:

Perhaps one final update from Seattle – 25B (as I have come to call the last-to-fledge) is still mostly hanging around the nest and as of yesterday, dad is still delivering fish (pictured). I have not seen 25A in over a week – perhaps he/she is in the area but fishing on their own already, maybe headed out to points south? I hope that B will start fishing on its own soon, too. 25A – one of the last times I saw it – was practicing on some land mammals (pictured) in a very cat like way, including losing interest once the mouse stopped moving. I also trust that dad knows what he’s doing – and isn’t waiting too long to head south. What a summer it’s been with these birds! Can’t wait to see them again next spring. https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/xqa8vrBiT4

Teifi has been seen at the Glaslyn osprey nest and area on Monday. KL5 is still at Loch Garten. Female 1H1 from Poole Harbour nest 2 was seen catching fish on Sunday late.

Usk Valley sent a newsletter:

Clogwyn — Usk Valley OspreysDownload

Despite a couple of torrential downpours, the weekend was not ‘half bad’. We love fall and the energising winds that it brings. Summer clothes are being packed, with sweaters being made ready. Scarves, toques, gloves, and winter coats are at the ready. I really hope we do not need them for several more months!

As I write this, it’s a beautiful Friday evening, quintessentially fall, with a gentle breeze and golden light flooding the backyard. The birds have been eating and eating since early morning. Anne even had to put out more food mid-afternoon. So, today, they have had 9 gallons of seed. It is just after 1820, and almost all of it is gone. Even the Crows are coming in for nuts.

Saturday morning, the sky was out and there was a clear breeze. We had lots of migrating birds in the garden, heard by Merlin but mostly unseen. They included our usual Blue Jay family, the Crows, the House Sparrows along with American Goldfinch, Grey Catbirds, the Hairy Woodpecker, and House Finches! Merlin recorded a GHO, but I didn’t see it, so was it wrong or loud at a distance? We do have one that lives in the area. The squirrels were in abundance, and Toby enjoyed the idea of trying to catch a butterfly that was high above his head. It is a ‘crisp’ day, and in the oven is the last of the rhubarb in a crisp to be enjoyed with ice cream shortly. I love autumn. The cooler, clear air is refreshing from the heat and humidity, as well as the wildfires of summer. It gets down to 6 °C at night. Toby and I sleep under my grandmother’s quilts that she made as a young woman. The logs are stacked next to the log burner for use on a cool evening.

Sunday brings us the Blood Full Moon. Our day was up and down, no doubt thanks to the influence that it flexes.

‘PB‘ sent us the latest news on the necroscopy completed on MO, the Dunrovin first hatch that died recently.

Soar high, little one!

I haven’t switched from osprey season to eagle season in my mind so I more than likely will miss many arrivals. One of those was Rose at the WRDC nest. She and Ron are busy preparing the nest. It looked like they were putting up the rails on Friday.

The cam operator at the NE Florida Nest of Gabby and Beau gave us some fabulous close ups of our couple on Friday.

Eagles are coming to the Kisatchie National Forest nest in Louisiana! Hello Alex. Thanks Tonya Irvin.

Bella and Scout are at the NCTC nest. Thanks, Deb Stecyk, for the video: https://youtu.be/8YhYtp-1NNw?

Jackie and Shadow need your help to stop a development in Big Bear. Please read.

Haku and MV working on the West End nest in the Channel Islands.

At the Dyfi Osprey Platform in the UK, Brianne is now 112 days old and she is still home. Idris continues to deliver fish!

Idris and Brianne were still at Dyfi on Saturday.

Dyfi dates: Dyfi Osprey Project​​: Idris and Brianne both seen today 06/09. Telyn last seen 23/08. Cwellyn and Honddu last seen 21/08.

At Glaslyn, Aran was seen on Friday. It seems that no one was seen on Saturday. The winds might have been perfect for a departure.

It looks as if Harry and Forest have started their migration leaving the Alyth SS osprey platform. Marlow flew earlier and poor little Oakley soared high before all of them.

Kids are still at home in Finland’s Ilomantsi osprey nest.

At Rutland Water’s Manton Bay osprey platform, both Maya and 8 began their migration on Friday, 5 September. This leaves Blue 33 to eat some fish to help him fatten up for his journey. He was still at Rutland on Sunday eating a fish in a tree.

The winds must have been perfect. Harry and Forest appear to have left the Alyth SS Osprey platform in the UK on the same day as Maya and 8 – 5 September.

9K5 is still at the Usk Valley nest in Wales along with Dad. Seen on camera Friday evening. No action on the nest on Saturday and things were really quiet on Sunday.

Sad news, but hopeful for a recovery for these ospreys!

A feeding for the little sea eaglets posted by Nesting Bird Life and More.https://youtu.be/l6YJo-k-KiU?

Look at the migration map that Sunnie Day posted — get outside, yes, that is right. Go out and see them live!

Tiger Mozone recommends that everyone watch the 2004 film “Living the Dream” on YouTube. It is about the Loch Garten ospreys. Not giving anything else away. https://youtu.be/3JFZvHqM8po?

T3 is still around the vicinity of the nest in Trempeauleau, Wisconsin. Locals continue to take beautiful images of her sitting atop light poles, in trees, etc. Check out their FB page!

Heidi is reporting that Dad is still bringing fish to the two juveniles at Field Farm!

C20 and Charlie remain at the Charlo Montana nest on Saturday – Charlie came with a fish, and C20 has it at Roger’s Place. C19 was last seen on 1 September and assumed to have begun its journey. C20 was last seen on Saturday as was Charlie. Have they departed? The clean up crew is on the nest.

The baby is still at Dunrovin along with Swoop.

SK Hideaways sends us their video offerings:

Sydney WB Sea-Eagles: SE35 & SE36’s Tug-of-Scrap, Cuddles & Clown Feet Complications (2025 Sept 6)

After SE36 joined in Lady and Dad’s duet, the two eaglets had some time to themselves. They enjoyed a robust game of tug-of-scrap, worked on coordinating their balance in the face of giant clown feet, cuddled, and stretched their wings and talons. It was a serious cuteness overload morning.

See video description on YouTube to jump to these highlights, if you want:

00:00 SE36 joins Lady & Dad’s duet

01:15 Playing tug-of-scrap

06:10 Coordinating clown feet

07:05 Cuddling cuteness

07:50 Wing & talon stretches

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

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

Diamond & Gimbir Mate Twice ~ Much Merriment Follows (7 Sept 2025)

Second year Gimbir (2024 hatch) and Diamond successfully mated twice. If completely successful, Diamond will lay eggs in the next few days. 

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University N

Gimbir Cornered on Cilla Stones ~  Makes Great Escape ~ Brings Prey to Empty Nest (2025 Sep 8)

Diamond and Gimbir continue their courtship at full speed. During the day’s second pair-bonding, Gimbir got cornered on the Cilla Stones. When he got an opening, he exited the nest at full speed. Later, he brought prey, but Diamond was out. He waited a good long time before departing with the gift. Maybe he’ll try to gift it again later. 

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University

Gimbir is ‘very cute’ and he is beginning to take good care of Diamond.

FalconCam Project, Orange NSW Gimbir Brings Diamond First Food Gift ~ It Wasn’t Starling (5 Sept 2025)

An important next step in Gimbir’s courtship of Diamond ~ a food gift. She happily accepted the offering.

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University

Jenny Powell caught Iris at home at the Hellgate Canyon, Missoula on Saturday.

Iris came to her nest with a stick for the rails shortly after 7pm on Sunday! Hello, Iris. So good to see you.

Some falconry history from The Archives of Falconry:

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 7th September 2025
One little songbird and a lot of rain, with a goodly helping of wind too, was today’s action. However, there’s plenty of interesting content on the rest of Woodland Trust’s website, once you can tear yourself away from the Osprey FAQs and behind the scenes info, 

and it’s always worth a trawl around. On this day in 2017 Louis & Aila’s very first chick Lachlan JH4 was still around, and Louis & Dorcha’s fourth chick Sarafina LW6 likewise in 2022 – both were still coming to the nest and Louis was still bringing them fish, links in the blast from the past section.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 20.44.58 (

05.53.18); Nest Two 20.42.04 (

06.02.19)
Today’s videos: none

Bonus read – the vital role of managing the Woodland Trust’s estate for wildlife conservation: 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/vital-role-managing-woodland-trusts-estate-wildlife-sam-tarrant-z3spe

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/MLfW-peV_XQ  N1 Lachlan’s first landing 2017 (thanks Scylla)

https://youtu.be/I0uoAC0dlUQ  N1 Louis brings fish for Lachlan 2017 (thanks Scylla)

https://youtu.be/_FLrEFyGezQ  N1 They’re all gone: nest is empty except for a songbird 2020

https://youtu.be/aeXz-KzosR4  N2 Sarafina, Hoodies, Louis, a fish and a flypast 2022

https://youtu.be/MG1nx4CSbgE N2 Four types of little birds visit the empty nest 2022

https://youtu.be/o7A0pWVlZuk  N2 Louis brings Sarafina a mackerel 2022

https://youtu.be/z7eY4ch5_7g N2 Louis’ crop is full when he brings the first fish 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/vp8aULxjQAY  N1 Great Tit (Parus major) investigates the empty nest 2023

https://youtu.be/39uwe2TbACQ  N1 Arachnophobes beware!  Spider gets up close and personal 2023

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 6th September 2025
A visit by a Tawny Owl to Nest One and a Robin visiting Nest Two was the extent of the action today but in previous years Louis and some of his female chicks were still around, links in the blast from the past section.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 20.56.10 (

05.50.12); Nest Two 20.47.50 (05.57.58)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/sCb2ipoH3K8 N1 Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) visits 02.22.09

https://youtu.be/VRxbEZsSP8Y N2 A Robin (Erithacus rubecula) visits 06.00.02Bonus read – are migration patterns for UK Ospreys changing?
https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/2023/09/osprey-shortened-migration/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Xl_8AxlIfkc  N1 Cheeky Hoodie invades the nest despite Rannoch nearby 2019

https://youtu.be/poMrwR2FX_w  N1 Confirmed: Final sighting of Rannoch on the nest 2019

https://youtu.be/hL6JazzmUEg  N1 Confirmed: Vera’s final visit to the nest (short version) 2020

https://youtu.be/I0aAo6YU6F8  N1 For fans of Vera: her final visit (long version) 2020

https://youtu.be/Y3XChI4pFV4 N1 Small raptor (Sparrowhawk?) visits the empty nest 2020

https://youtu.be/rkJolVwk_Y8 N2 Business as usual for Louis and Sarafina 2022

https://youtu.be/HHXIj2ufC50  N2 Hoodie alert! Sarafina exits hastily with her fish 2022

https://youtu.be/o5NcT2J4KTc  N2 A Hoodie targets Sarafina and her fish 2022

https://youtu.be/n85DjMBiPQY N1 September sunshine tempts a Coal Tit onto the nest 2024

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 5th September 2025
Breac’s sighting in Spain got an article in West Coast Today (

https://walkingwithdaddy.com/osprey/?ht-comment-id=27886985) and the usual handful of songbirds visited, otherwise no action on the nests today. But there’s plenty of action to look back on, all contained in Woodland Trust’s 2025 Osprey cam clips playlist: 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbKmvYI09ziwqjG5qfUnNdty4hB4uSFXT
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 20.57.26 (

05.45.31); Nest Two 20.50.26 (

05.49.33)
Today’s videos: none

Bonus recipe from our very own Woodland Trust Scotland George – make some bramble whisky!

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/08/bramble-whisky

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/LEMJm8XBfas  N1 Lachlan eats one fish, departs with another 2017 (thanks Scylla)

https://youtu.be/o-WY7x6x5Xc  N1 Whose nest is it anyway? Rannoch and a Hoodie 2019

https://youtu.be/VOXzZ-0vTSo  N1 Confirmed: final sighting of Louis 2019  

https://youtu.be/1310c1jFxaU  N1 Who’s on the nest before Vera gets breakfast from Louis? 2020 

https://youtu.be/7pj8uTDrCKc  N1 Confirmed: final sighting of Louis 2020

https://youtu.be/j4z65mVcjkI  N2 Sarafina departs and the Hoodies move in 2022

https://youtu.be/BV2mAedbJ9o  N2 Hoodies on the nest force Louis to abort landing with his fish 2022

https://youtu.be/vPO_llkryLo N2 Mobbed by crows, Sarafina loses her fish! 2022

https://youtu.be/4ekm0Uf7r7c  N1 Misty morning sunrise 2023 (Artistic Ospreys timelapse)

https://youtu.be/C5w-9s869M4  N2 Juvenile Sparrowhawk visits 2023 (zoom)

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

They are calling it a dry autumn in the UK. Something similar is happening in Manitoba despite the rain we have. It is still drier than normal in our province.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/sep/06/country-diary-the-river-runs-dry-in-this-false-autumn?CMP=share_btn_url

While we openly back protection for nature, things are not going as smoothly as they should – up in the NE of the US and other parts of the USA and now in Asia.

Public strongly backs aim of 30% of land and sea set aside for nature, poll findshttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/sep/05/30×30-biodiversity-target-protecting-nature-land-seas-survey-public-support-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

If the bays, the oceans, and the seas are drained, there is no food for the seabirds, like the Albatross, that depend on these fish to survive. Please work to protect the water ways.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2025/sep/05/fishing-south-east-asia-in-pictures-thailand-philippines-indonesia?CMP=share_btn_link

The fledgling at the Black Eagle nest at Sellati flapped its wings and then hit the rock face before sliding off. Did it fly?

Mum arrives and the eaglet clamours to get back on the nest. It is fine!

Fledge could happen any time!

From the Norway Osprey nest – thank you Anna-Liisa Heleniemi:

We have our second leg for Mum and Dad at Port Lincoln barge in South Australia.

Giliath stays close to Port Lincoln like dear Ervie did for years.

But where is dear Ervie and did he find a mate? Well, it seems he is staying around Port Lincoln and the barge, too. No word of a mate. Do we need PL to translocate some Scottish lasses?

Have you seen how an Osprey catches its fish lunch? Cornell Bird Labs has a great little film for you – it is amazing! https://youtu.be/doYuBVUUXZg?

They are the most amazing raptors.

American Bird Conservatory’s Bird of the Week: The Double-Crested Cormorant.

Doublecrested Cormorant American ShagDownload

How can Puffins fly in the air and in the water? Want to find out? Cornell Bird Lab shows us: https://youtu.be/nz4kPuRjqOI?

Keeping an eye on the Hellgate Canyon nest of Iris. Iris had a fish early morning Sunday. Lucille Powell caught Iris for us:

9/7/25-08:02,08:13am MT- Owl Pole Cam- I am thinking this is Iris. She likes to perch on that branch of her favorite tree. If so,She had a lively fish that she enjoyed.❤️🥰. Good morning.❣️

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please enjoy your week! We will be back with you on Friday.

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

First egg at Port Lincoln for Mum and Dad and Gabby is home…Late Wednesday in Bird World

3 September 2025

Hello Everyone,

Two updates that have been sending this out late Wednesday.

We now have our first osprey egg for Mum and Dad at Port Lincoln! Oh, how excited am I. Now before I get too crazy, let us all just hope that the Fish Fairies are preparing to help out. We know that their assistance ensures that all of the osplets survive!

Dad was on hand to lend his support!

Gabby is home at the American Eagle Foundation’s NE Florida Nest!

Wednesday turned out to be just the perfect day. 14 C with a bit of a breeze, cloudy but some sun and clear blue skies. We took Toby for a walk in the crisp air at our local park. I don’t know why I always seem to forget about it – well, the bigger one. We also seem to have the most ‘small’ parks of any area of the city. Toby loved it! Then we took him for his blood work – Toby becomes a eunuch on Tuesday. He came home and was zonked.

Everyone is curled up somewhere today. After the heat and the humidity, I find it energising. The perfect fall day – tea and a fresh apple crisp.

I missed it! Do we think change can come to Virginia? SK Hideaways caught it and sent it to me. Thank you!

I keep trying to imagine a business where you destroy the entire supply chain and still hope to stay in business. How dumb is that!?

https://www.cbf.org/news-media/newsroom/2025/all/virginians-overwhelmingly-back-reforming-industrial-menhaden-fishery-amid-troubling-signs.html.

Gerald Doutre caught an osprey fishing in Bedford, Nova Scotia! Amazing little video on the Ospreys of Nova Scotia FB page.

Migration data from Hawk Mountain for this week:

History was made at the Dyfi Osprey Project on Wednesday. Brianne is still here. Idris beats Monty’s record and Brianne is the longest staying fledgling ever.

She’s still there while her two brothers are probably in West Africa by now.

Records are getting set to be made at Rutland Water’s Manton Bay nest. Blue 33 and Maya could become the first to arrive and the last to leave. They are still feeding 8. ​​Blue 33’s record stay, according to the chat, was on September 8, 2016. Keep your eyes on that nest!

8 is beating records too. He is 110 days old on Thursday and has surpassed the record of S3, according to Bart M on the chat.

Llyn Brenig had a second clutch and the family is still around!

Harry is ‘still’ feeding Forest at Alyth SS.

Wow. More sightings of Breac. Be sure to read Geemeff’s summary and check out the link. Gosh, I am so happy to hear this. Louis and Dorcha’s lad is doing well.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 3rd September 2025
Today we had the wonderful news of another sighting of Breac 7P7! Juan Luis Menéndez reported Breac was seen yesterday flying over a river in the next valley from where he photographed him on Saturday. He’s honing his skills and loading up on fish before he crosses to Africa and tackles the Sahara desert, unless he chooses to over-winter on the Iberian Peninsula which some Ospreys are doing.

 Speaking of fish, Steve Quinn has updated the interesting fish stats such as earliest, latest, fastest, which gives a flavour of how Louis’ season has gone. Conclusion – very well indeed! Link in the bonus section.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.03.26 (05.26.28); Nest Two 21.06.43 (05.46.00)
Today’s videos: none
Bonus fun fish facts – thanks Steve:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=27816950


Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/U1onizty-us  N1 Twilight Zone: Ravishing Rannoch gleaming in the gloaming 2019

https://youtu.be/ZRc8W6788qA N1 Thanks, don’t mind if I do! Hoodie steals fish 2019

https://youtu.be/MAPUn0ZA0gU N1 Louis brings Vera a well-munched flatfish 2020

https://youtu.be/s7-mimTQJ6Y N2 Plenty of pretty Passerines 2022

https://youtu.be/4IaNI6hj5Gc N2 Sarafina gets her tail feathers tweaked by a cocky Corvid 2022

https://youtu.be/eRFbhBHYBjA N2 Sarafina, Louis, a fish and a Hoodie 2022

 https://youtu.be/hMVeYzEh228  N2 Juvenile Robin hops around the nest 2023  

https://youtu.be/rOk8rGBphpk  N2 Dyson looks forlorn on Dorcha’s perch 2023  

https://youtu.be/SANdIv1GZKc N2 A pair of Mistle Thrushes visit, a Raven flies nearby 2024 (zoom)

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

In New Zealand, the Royal Cam chick is perfecting hovering and when the right wind comes, they will be off and it will not be long. Please skip over and watch this video by Cornell Bird Lab and then head over to the streaming cam to watch the excitement! https://youtu.be/I0W_mw8ENrg?

Here is the link to the Royal Cam streaming cam:

Waiting for breakfast and a break, Mum at 365 Collins Street in Melbourne.

See if you can access this live view with this link!

https://www.youtube.com/live/oibsohQ14cY?si=_D3bjobSZbd8KKwl

At the Charles Sturt Falcon Scrape in Orange, Australia, Diamond had a massive crop Thursday morning!

The little sea eaglets at the Olympic Forest Eagle Cam are too big to fit under Lady. Aren’t they adorable?

The Ventana Wildlife Society rushed to vaccinate the California Condors so that the small numbers did not succomb to Bird Flu. Can they save the Kakapo from Bird Flu?

Saving the world’s fattest parrot: can we vaccinate our rarest species before bird flu gets to them?https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/sep/02/new-zealand-vaccinations-rare-species-bird-flu-virus-pandemic-immunisation-migration?CMP=share_btn_url

It is a strange idea but keeping humans out of a landscape can help wildlife. Do we need to put landmines everywhere? Look what is happening at the DMZ in Korea, a remnant of the 1950s war that marks the boundaries of North and South Korea.

“Standing on top of a small mountain, Kim Seung-ho gazes out over an expanse of paddy fields glowing in their autumn gold, the ripening grains swaying gently in the wind. In the distance, North Koreastretches beyond the horizon.

“It’s so peaceful,” says the director of the DMZ Ecology Research Institute. “Over there, it used to be an artillery range, but since they stopped firing, the nature has become so beautiful.”

The land before him is the demilitarised zone, or DMZ, a strip of land that runs across the Korean peninsula, dividing North and South Korea roughly along the 38th parallel north.”

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/21/north-south-korea-war-demilitarised-zone-dmz-ecology-endangered-wildlife-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url‘ Landmines have become the greatest protectors’: how wildlife is thriving in the Korean DMZ 

Smile. Iris was still home on Wednesday at Hellgate Canyon.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. Have a wonderful weekend. We will see you again on Monday!

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘Geemeff and SK Hideaways’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos ande post them on YouTube, and the administrators of FB groups such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers like The Guardian that still cover environmental issues seriously. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

When is the last goodbye? Late Monday in Bird World

2 September 2025

Hello Everyone,

Our family knows this truth all too well. You never know when you say ‘Goodbye, I love you’ if it will be the last. I will never forget the morning that our son walked out the door on his way to his summer job, and his employer phoning me two and a half hours later, wondering where Will was – because he was never late. I am so grateful that our morning was spent having breakfast together in the warm breeze of a Canadian summer. It was calm and it was beautiful. Twenty-six years later, I still miss that amazing kid. We have learned that you must treasure every moment – live life as if it is the last day, always. Never leave with a harsh word, never have to say you are sorry to someone. Surround yourself with love. And that brings us to this post…We generally do not know when the moment will come when we will see a person, a pet, or a treasured ‘bird’. We do not realise it until it is past.

Today as I drove out to Oak Knoll Farm to pick up the week’s produce and eggs, skeins of Canada Geese filled the skies. Others have photographed the Bald Eagles gathering on the river. The great migration has really begun in earnest as our temperatures dropped from 30 C two days ago to 8 C today. Fall is here, not by the calendar but by the movement of the wildlife.

And so, we must treasure all the years we have spent with these amazing birds and hope that those who are departing, or have departed, on their great fall migration will return to us in the spring.

Iris stood and posed on the nest on Tuesday 2 September as if she was ready to depart. Iris has outlived all other female ospreys that I know about and if this is her last visit to the nest and the last time we will see her this year, I hope that her migration is safe, full of huge fish, and that she returns safely to raise yet another nest of checks with New Guy in 2026.

Tiger Mozone told me years ago that it is, in part, good DNA and luck that allows some adults to thrive as long as Iris has. She will be at least 30 when she returns next year, if not 31. She has definitely had luck on her side. We have no idea where she spends her winters, but she would have honed the trip over the years, landing at the same tree and making the same stopovers. We have learned these things from the ringed birds from the UK spotted in The Gambia and Senegal.

We didn’t know when Xavier delivered that yummy parrot to Diamond five days ago, that it would be the last prey delivery. Xavier was a ‘real’ character. He always seemed so small compared to Diamond, and the poor little guy often got scolded for only being able to find a Starling. It will be Xavier’s acute desire to help incubate the eggs, brood the babies, and his sneak attempts to try and feed his children that will remain with me. He was a good provider, and we will not forget him. He takes a little piece of our heart, just like Annie and all her mates, beginning with Grinnell, when they did not return.

Life in the wild goes on. Diamond will hopefully have chicks this year. She is no youngster and has now outlived two mates. Let us hope that this new chap will warm our hearts by his intense caring for her.

At the falcon scrape on the grounds of Charles Sturt University in Orange, Australia, Diamond is bonding with the young male who has been delivering prey to her on the tower. https://youtu.be/uwc9J40eGps?

Cilla has named him Gimbir. Dr Kinross posted this:

From the Box Cam live stream info in Youtube:

GENERAL INFORMATION This site is about a family of peregrine falcons using a nest box since 2008 in a water tower at Charles Sturt Unversity, Orange, Australia. The adult female is Diamond and the new male (just arrived 31/8) is called Gimbir (Wiradjuri for spring or fountain, pronounced more like Kimber, not Jimbeer). The previous male, Xavier, disappeared on 27/8 and is assumed dead, probably from a hunting accident. He had been with Diamond since 2016 and is sorely missed.

NEWS 2nd September 2025 We don’t know yet whether Gimbir will be accepted as a new mate but there have been at least three bonding session and we know he is a good hunter as brought two large prey to the tower yesterday. I’ve made several videos of him already. He still has to prove that he can provide for a family by giving his catch to Diamond so we shall see.

Tributes to Xavier are filling FB and YouTube. I will have those for Friday. In the UK: Brianne is getting ready to break the Dyfi record for being the longest remaining fledgling. Idris is there with her, delivering fish, and he is set to beat Monty’s time between arrival and departure, which was 166 days in 2013. Idris arrived back at Dyfi on 21 March 2025 (earliest ever for any Dyfi osprey). Harry is delivering fish to Forest at Alyth. The entire family is reportedly still at Llyn Brenig. Heather saw two ospreys at Glaslyn in the distance – too far away to identify. 8 remains at the Rutland Manton Bay Nest with Blue 33 and Maya. At Poole Harbour, Blue 022 is still home but hasn’t been seen at the nest today.

Thank you to the Montana Osprey Project, Charles Stuart Falcon Cam Project, and Orange, Australia Peregrine Falcons FB for the streaming cams, videos, and posts, and Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn for their streaming cam and Emyr Evans for his reminders.

Sadness at Dunrovin…Friday in Bird World

29 August 2025

Hello Everyone,

It feels like summer again, but the tips of the trees tell me that it is decidedly pre-fall on the Canadian prairies. Migration is definitely underway. The ducks had left the pond at Assiniboine Park, while the Canada Geese are fattening up on the golf courses around the City. We continue to enjoy the fantastic weather and spend most of our time outside. The Girls (for the most part) and Toby are doing well, and I can tell you that a new sense of calm has come over the house. My husband is doing very well.

The only hiccup in the ointment is Baby Hope. Nine days ago, something happened. We do not know precisely what happened, so we cannot place blame. Baby Hope is injured. She had been play wrestling with her Mum, Calico. But then there is Toby. It appears that ‘something’ got caught in her fur and tore a slit through the fur about 7 cm or 3 inches long. Two days ago, it had healed, but today it is oozing again. The underlying issue is that Hope is partially feral. She will allow us to sit next to her and give the occasional strokes. I cannot put antibiotic ointment on the wound, but she allowed me to see it this evening. Tomorrow, I will see if any of the mobile vets have experience with ‘these cats’. Wish us luck. Hope never complains. I might never have known she was hurt if I hadn’t paid particular interest in her face that morning. She is eating and has never stopped. She loves flowers and always enjoys the ones I bring from the farm, which are pet-friendly. Send her some love.

And if Hope’s injury was not enough, then there is missing Xavier. My heart has sunk to great depths. It has been a wretched year. You might hear me saying that a lot.

At Orange, Australia, Peregrine Falcon Scrape, there is hope tinged with a hint of potential sadness. My heart sank when I saw this. I adore Xavier. His name means ‘Saviour’, and that is what he did – he saved Diamond’s clutch when her previous mate did not return after eggs were laid. Xavier took care of Diamond and the chicks, and she then bonded with this wonderful lad. Was that nine or ten years ago? This was posted on Thursday, and I know that you will be as concerned as I am for Xavier. Please send your good wishes to him!

In the wild, peregrine falcons typically live an average of four to five years, although they can live much longer, with some documented cases reaching 15 to 20 years or more. High mortality rates, particularly in their first year due to learning to fly and other factors, shorten the average lifespan, but survival improves for adults. The record for a banded peregrine falcon in North America is 19 years and 6 months. This fall, Diamond is at least 12 years old, and Xavier is at least 11 years old. Diamond arrived in Orange in 2015 and Xavier in 2016, and since peregrine falcons typically begin breeding at 2–3 years old, they would have been at least that age when they started their courtship at the Orange falcon scrape.

And then there was the missing MO from Dunrovin Ranch Osprey Nest, who was seen to have a very raspy voice. Sadly, she has been found dead. The other three have been returning to the nest. So sad. It has been a wretched year. Thank you ‘PB’.

‘A’ sends us the Ranger reports for the WBSE:

August 26: An early feed at 6am – both fed with no pecking, but SE35 had more. Then Lady settled again. Soon after another short feed. It was a sunny, warm morning. The nestlings were left uncovered in the morning for over six hours – parents often close by with duets and matings seen. Dad brought in a trevally (fish) after 12, and both ate more. Dad came in to the fishy remains later and fed them as well. Lady came with a really big fish after 3pm, and fed more. Seven good feeds today, and then last thing, Dad fed them a few extra mouthfuls. They were uncovered in the afternoon until Lady came in at last light. She was standing by them – will she cover them now?

August 27: Lady spent the main part of the night just covering the nestlings, rather than complete brooding. It was a milder night, and after an early morning duet, she fed them from the remaining tail end of the fish. Both ate, SE36 second. Later, SE35 was busy grooming its itchy down, with a very full crop. Dad came back with a bream just after 7am, grabbed by Lady and fed to the young. SE36 did very well. She then went to cover the chicks. After some time, Lady was up and eating some herself. She then fed them both well again – three feeds before 9am. Dad came in and ate some fish – the youngsters were full and not interested. Late in the afternoon, Dad bought in another two fish, and during the day there were a total of seven feeds. The day became cooler and Lady spent longer brooding than she did yesterday. At the end of the day, she was over the chicks, settled for the night.

August 28: Last night was colder and Lady slept over the chicks, only partly covering them as they get bigger. She left in the morning just after 6am. Dad brought leaves in early and later a big stick, dropped on the chicks and then moved by Lady. Both were bringing in more leaves – and the wind was becoming stronger. The chicks were huddled together in the nest bowl, uncovered all morning, though both eagles came in a few times – even the parents tossed by the wind. Of course the nest camera moving makes the wind seem stronger. Finally, Lady came to shelter the chicks at 1:14pm – covering them for some 90 minutes. Then she was up again, with the chicks cheeping for food. At 4pm, both parents were in but still no food. At 4:30pm, Lady settled on the youngsters again. Late in the afternoon, the wind eased a little – both parents were there, but still no prey. At dusk, Lady was settled over the hungry chicks, with a cooler night expected again.

‘A’ adds: “I did miss that crop on SE36. It’s a brave little eaglet. Such a cutie. When these two hatched, they were so similar in size it was very hard to tell them apart. Have a look at tiny little SE36 now. It’s half the size of its sibling. I can only hope it’s primarily a gender-based size discrepancy – otherwise, SE36 would have to be the smallest female I’ve seen on this nest. I wonder how many two-egg clutches have a female first hatch and a male second hatch and how many the other way around. Is it just my imagination or is a first male hatch with a second female hatch quite unusual? Perhaps we are very much aware of the large female first hatch dominating a smaller second male hatch because it leads to a lot of the bonking and siblicide problems we see on the nests, so it just seems that there are more of them. I would be very interested to know. 

It is SO windy at WBSE – that nest is tossing around and there are lots of fresh leaves on the nest, shaken loose by the winds and brought by the parents. Today, there has been no food whatsoever brought to the nest, so the chicks have not eaten. It is 6.45pm and there won’t be anything brought in tonight. This is not good. I’m not sure why Dad has failed to provide – he is usually able to bring in something regardless of the weather, even managing to fish successfully in the rain. But perhaps the wind made today’s hunting impossible for him. So we can only hope tomorrow is more productive. It is very cold at nights and the chicks will be using a lot of calories keeping themselves warm now they no longer fit properly underneath Lady (she does have an excellent method of covering them though, her wings spread wide, so she is doing her best to keep them cosy). 

I hate to imagine losing Lady or Dad. They are there on the Parramatta River all year round, and we love them dearly. But they are elderly – in their 20s, yes? And they are wild birds, living a difficult life. Two fledglings per year, none seemingly able to thrive in the wild, as far as we are aware. I wonder what happens to them once they do disappear from the area. I wish they would track the fledglings from this nest so we had some idea of their ultimate fate. It is so frustrating not to know. 

But back to SE36. The daily ranger reports are the best way to tell what is going on – I find it fairly hard to watch at the moment, although both parents are making an effort to make sure SE36 is getting fed. I don’t need the stress, and I hate watching a younger smaller chick being intimidated and scared away from food. It is just more stress than I need right now. But this is the only nest at the moment, so I have little choice, though I am keeping something of a distance from the nest to keep from obsessing. That’s not good for my blood pressure or my mental health. And days like today, with both chicks hungry and no food for either, are too hard to watch. 

At Taiaroa Head, the day draws nearer, and SSTrig chick continues to explore the headland and potential take-off points for her maiden voyage. Only a few weeks to go now – she’ll be gone in under a month. It’s so hard to think that after watching them for eight months, we are now going to have to wait several years before perhaps seeing them return to court and then to breed as adult birds. It never ceases to amaze me that they travel thousands of miles and return to within 50 metres of the nest where they hatched. It boggles the mind. And when they leave on that incredible voyage, they have never flown before, never fished before, never navigated before. It’s incredible. And yet these are the longest-living wild birds in the world, with Wisdom still breeding into her seventies. No wonder the albatross is the stuff seafaring legends are made of. No sailor would ever harm an albatross. “

SK Hideaways captures some of the rivalry between the SeaEaglets and news from other nests:

SE36 Bonks SE35🥊Chicks “Brood” Each Other🪆Lady & Dad’s Duets+Matings💞2025 Aug 26

Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles Lady & Dad

Lady and Dad started the day with a duet, followed by a peaceful feeding. SE36 worked on asserting itself with a couple pecks to SE35. The peck was returned each time, but the aggression was mild and brief. The finale brought some family time plus two more duets and two matings by Lady and Dad.

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

🪽Mum & Dad Welcome Egg #2 🥚🥚 Dad Cheerleads Effort🎉 (2025 Aug 26)

367 Collins St. Falcons

Juvenile Overnights in Roost Tree 🌲 Visits Nest & Does Brief Clean-Up🥢2025 Aug 28

Big Bear Valley, CA, home of Jack & Shadow

What a beautiful and heartwarming surprise! A beautiful juvenile bald eagle spent the night in Jackie and Shadow’s regular roost tree while they were elsewhere. The nest visit took our break away. We cannot know if the visitor is Sunny or Gizmo, but it was a welcome visit nonetheless.

Courtesy FOBBVCAM, Friends of Big Bear Valley

🪽 Egg #3 Arrives🥚Dad Brings Breakfast🥓 Congrats, Mum & Dad🎉 2025 Aug 29

367 Collins St. Falcons, Melbourne 

Mum and Dad welcomed their third egg. Dad took on incubation duties and brought breakfast as well. Busy guy. 

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam 

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

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 28th August 2025
The usual – no activity on the nests today, but there’s plenty of interesting material to peruse from Woodland Trust, including history of the nests, sightings away from the nest, how to ID males and females, and fascinating facts from behind the scenes. There are clickable links on the Osprey cam page, and here are some of the direct links:

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

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2023/04/osprey-identification

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

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/animals/birds/osprey/
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 

21.18.33 (

05.23.48); Nest Two  21.15.01 (05.33.41)
Today’s videos: none
Bonus watch – link to LizB’s YouTube channel for videos of Loch Arkaig, Nest Two in 2021, the Bunarkaig nest and more:

https://www.youtube.com/@lizbracken3674
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/fVMtG5F3ThI  N1 Jumping jellyfish! Rannoch’s sneezing panda moment 2019
https://youtu.be/1RMV5UfWHHE  N1 Give and take: Louis brings a fish and takes a stick 2019
https://youtu.be/pGXgK0GMNl8  N1 A bat visits the nest 2019 (slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/aGEs5Tpn7Ng  N1 Rainbow and flatfish for Vera 2020
https://youtu.be/guCEb2Gy-VY  N1 Fast food! Is this the last supper for Vera? 2020
https://youtu.be/2grUWl7Mdeo  N2 Holy mackerel! Another fish for Sarafina 2022
https://youtu.be/y1sRBxzlF8E  N2 Confirmed: last sighting of Willow 2022https://youtu.be/62dNfGk0AEc  N2 Dyson the Hoodie pays a visit 2023
https://youtu.be/pitvvk8HnhQ  N2 Dyson returns but no more fish til next year! 2023
https://youtu.be/Y4UJXG3BY40  N1 A pair of little birds visit 2023https://youtu.be/9raQZmSsDdE N1 By day and by night: Penelope the magic weaver 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 27th August 2025

Today had the usual lack of action barring a few songbirds visiting, however we have plenty of interesting information from Steve and George to digest. Steve published stats with special reference to age of chicks at migration and the season duration of the adults, and George informed us of a new Nature Scot initiative called Nature30, with Loch Arkaig PIne Forest among the first four organisations, links here:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=27669614  Steve’s migration age stats

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=27669204  Steve’s season duration of adult stats

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=27661789  George’s Nature30 links

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.35.46 (05.07.50); Nest Two 21.50.48 (05.30.51)

Today’s videos: none

Bonus read – minister Jim Fairlie visited Loch Arkaig Pine Forest to explore issues around sustainable deer management:

https://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/news/25418231.minister-gains-insight-sustainable-deer-management

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/OB6LtEsTwig N1 Is this it, dad? Rannoch gets a very small fish 2019

https://youtu.be/mOuak3yiihg N1 A fish arrives and departs under its own steam 2020

https://youtu.be/TT9PseXWqGM N1 Dangerous intruder: a Pine Marten visits! 2020

https://youtu.be/R-KhzHiFgLw N2 Willow’s wonderful wings 2022 (slo-mo with zoom)

https://youtu.be/KD-1nkX6pkc N2 Hoodie cleaning crew move in 2022

https://youtu.be/beaeal1Hayo N1 Colourful little Redstart visits 2022

https://youtu.be/KHoE1Rzw2T0 N2 Lightning fast handover from Louis to Sarafina 2022

https://youtu.be/hTR19iu3QpQ N2 Willow protects her fish and tries to prevent Sarafina landing 2022#

Hawk Mountain’s most recent migration news:

UK Juveniles have started making their way south to the West coast of Africa (or the Iberian Peninsula). The trio at the Foulshaw Moss Nest of White YW and Blue 35 left on the 13th and 14th of August. White YW remains in the area delivering fish to a fledgling from another nest!

Harry is still delivering fish to Forest at Alyth SS.

On Tuesday the 26th, there were four at Rutland including Mum, Maya!

Blue 3R7 is still at the Rutland Manton Bay nest along with Blue 33 on Thursday, the 28th. She is 110 days old today and is set to break a record for the longest fledgling to remain on the nest. Maya was there on Wednesday, but it appears she might have migrated. It is raining, and Blue 33 is delivering trout.

Brianne is still getting deliveries from Idris at the Dyfi Osprey Platform in Wales.

5R3 remains at Poole Harbour with fish deliveries coming in from Dad, Blue 022.

9K5 remains at the Usk Valley nest in Wales. Dad is busy! Mum has left for migration.

Loch of the Lowes sends their season summary. Will Blue NC0 return early and claim her nest? I am betting on it!

Season’s End with some Final Twists in the Tale! _ Scottish Wildlife TrustDownload

Glaslyn was a failed nest this year with Elen arriving and mating and bonding with Teifi while Aran arrived very late and eggs were destroyed. In the end, Teifi took over the nest. We hope that they both return safely and that Aran does as well and finds another mate and raises a family. Aran is an amazing Dad!

Looks deserted at Dylan and Seren’s nest at the Llyn Clywedog Reservoir in Wales.

Iris was still in Missoula on Wednesday the 27th of August. That nest that she has been working on with the new male will be ready for them in the spring of 2026.

C19 and C20 are still getting fish deliveries from Charlie at Charlo Montana.

In Nova Scotia, the Dads continue to deliver the fish. Nova and Russell, the fledglings of Oscar and Ethel at the Russell Lake Osprey Platform in Dartmouth are no exception!

The Eagles are returning to their nests for bonding before eggs being laid later in the year.

The Dulles-Greenway Bald Eagle nest is now live. https://www.youtube.com/live/guYNIOtN5EE?si=DuGCqKYQbu3geqyN

There is some question about the identity of the Bald Eagle that has been at the NE Florida nest of Beau and Gabby. Rain and hail on Thursday at the nest.

If you are a fan of TE3, she remains in the area of the nest at Trempeauleau, Wisconsin according to neighbours.

People continue to fight for the Menhaden! I wonder when the politicians of Virginia will wake up to the fact that having a thriving ecosystem – not a dead one – can only enhance tourism business and the joy and wealth of their State?

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. We look forward to having you with us on Monday!

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘A, Geemeff, PB, and SK Hideaways’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos ande post them on YouTube, and the administrators of FB groups such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers that still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends and to the rehabilitation centres like Ojai Raptor that care enough to try hard to send their patients back into the wild. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Monday in Bird World

25 August 2025

Good Morning Everyone!

We hope the last week has been kind to each of you. Thank you so much for your best wishes for my little mini-break! And for sending me news. I love that you keep me informed about your favourite nests! It is the end of August and the UK ospreys are making their way south except for some adults left with starving fledglings demanding fish after fish. The dads and some mums are still delivering. What dedication!

We have watched the weather and worried as many wildlife sanctuaries, such as the one for turtles, got washed into the sea with all of their nests destroyed by Hurricane Erin. I wondered about the ospreys and other wildlife in those areas – and it is just the beginning of the season. We must remind ourselves that worrying does not help anything, but action does. If weather impacts wildlife in your area, find out what you can do to help!

We had our mini-break to Hecla Island. Many of you will recall that this tiny provincial park located on the other side of Grassy Narrows is the one place that calms my mind. I love nothing more than walking along the shore, listening to the waves pound against the rocks, and watching all the waterfowl with the Bald Eagles flying overhead. This short time did not disappoint. The minute we got to the southern shore (the northern part of the island is full of cottages with way too many people), where the original Icelandic settlers fished and built their homes, a Bald Eagle flew overhead. She landed in a tree about 10 metres from where we had parked. There was a single American White Pelican near the fishing dock with numerous ducks bobbing around. The swans were near the causeway, and we immediately spotted the lone Bald Eagle that sits atop the same tree when the water is calm, while the cormorants dry their wings on the old pier. To me, the isolation and lack of people on that southern shore is idyllic.

For years, I have longed for one of the houses to go on sale, and this time, there were three! All looked out over the water, and each had enough land to make certain there were no neighbours overlooking us. Any of the offerings, but I did have my favourite, would make a perfect home for us as well as a writer’s retreat for visitors. Toby and I would not have to go far to listen to the roar of the waves on a stormy day. It is a dream that I have and will struggle with. My heart says ‘go for it’ and my head tells me that it is the most non-sensical thing I could ever imagine doing at this point in my life. There are only about a dozen families that live in the village. Few of the owners of the cottages in the northern area travel to the island during the winter despite the roads being cleared by the province as the few children living there need to go to school. The closest very small town, Riverton, is an hour away. I think you understand the issues. There are no young people. These are brought in for the summer and given accommodation and meals by the various businesses along with other perks – so I will visit and walk along the shore from time to time imaginging. It has taken me awhile to get my support system in place and well, who would look after the garden animals and birds? Mind you, Toby thinks he is the ‘protector of the realm’ and the Blue Jays dive bomb him when he goes out and tries to get them to leave!

The Girls did very well. They are spoiled for love and cuddles when Anne looks after them. Toby is an excellent traveller. He really enjoyed the long walks. There were no wasps, and the sunsets were to die for! We will head back next year – I don’t think we will make it again this year, but one never knows.

We spent Sunday doing a chore that has been the monkey on my shoulder. My bestie gave me a way that she deals with things. Ask yourself: “What do I need now?” At 0400 Sunday morning, when Toby needed to go outside and I sat and all sorts of silly things swirling through my head – I asked myself what it is that I really need now. The answer was: to fix the back gate so Toby could not get out the bottom where Brock had dug through and to secure the entire perimeter of the property along with stacking the truckload of wood for the woodburner, to bag all the cut vines, and put anything else in the pile to be picked up and taken for disposal. Why did I think this was going to be so daunting? Allowing myself to worry about Toby every time he ran through the ‘dark corridor’. He is safe. I have no reason to worry anymore, and everything was cleared up thanks to Don and Toby’s help in less than 4 hours. Crazy! Wonder what it will be tomorrow? It is undoubtedly a good way to zero in on what is an absolute priority for creating peace.

So, let’s get down to what is happening in Bird World. I always look forward to the reports of the Seattle ospreys because it is such a positive nest in the US. Not on a streaming cam but with the amazing images that ‘PS’ takes, who needs a streaming cam!


An update from ‘PS’ on the Seattle Osprey – I continue to visit most every other day, and the story has been fairly consistent: the fledglings are on or very nearby the nest when I arrive, they spend most of the time calling incessantly for food, and Dad continues to do his best to deliver fish after fish to the nest. Many visits will see multiple fish deliveries and scrums as both young try to box each other out from the fish. Today I saw Dad coming in with a fish but he did not come to the nest, instead veering off to some other location, only showing up 20 minutes later with half the salmon – I hope he enjoyed his lunch, hard earned as it is after almost a month of being a single parent! I know the days of the Osprey here are drawing to a close for this season, so I continue to just enjoy their company and marvel at their ongoing journey. Along with Dad, I eagerly await signs of the fledglings fishing on their own! Pictures all updated here: https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/BkZ9wUYk4M, and a few attached.

Those Dads must have invisible steel boots or something. The fledglings can be rather fierce when a fish hits the nest!

SK Hideaways sends us her weekend videos! Each contains good news – as they say, ‘It is good news for a change!” That is what we want.

Here are this weekend’s videos. All good news for a change!

SE35 & SE36 Enjoy Sunshine🌞, Full Crops🌞, and Each Other🐥🐥 2025 Aug 23

After a soggy few days, the sun shone and the chicks seemed much more content. This was largely due to an increase in feedings, which were, for the most part, peaceful. Here we see SE35 and SE36 interacting between meals ~ cuddling, showing curiosity, and checking each other out.

SE35 is 8 days old; SE36 is 7 days old

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

SNEAK PREVIEW! 🎇 First Egg of 2025 🎇 2025 Aug 24

367 Collins St. Falcons, pair for 2025 not yet confirmed

A pre-screening of the south-facing camera gave us the opportunity to see mum (possibly F24) and her first egg of the 2025 season. Complete coverage will likely be available after she lays her second egg.

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

Sun Rises on Haku & MV’s Shenanigans

West End Eagles ~ Catalina Island, CA, home of Haku & MV (24 August 2025)

After two days away, Haku returned and she and MV roosted together overnight. Arriving to the nest before dawn, they began their flirtations, beaking and nipping. Sunrise bathed the couple in beautiful orange light as their shenanigans continued. Haku brought 2 sticks before MV, first, and then she departed for their morning activities.

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org

Dad Brings Breakfast ~ Mum Wants It In the Dining Room

Dad delivered breakfast and a full-cropped mum flew off to an adjacent ledge, beckoning him to bring the food gift over. After having a think, dad did, indeed, take the gift to the alternate location. He then returned to look after the egg, giving mum a little longer to relax. After she returned, he came back shortly after to give her another break.

He sounds like M24 to me, but awaiting Victor’s confirmation.

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

It will not be long until Geemeff prepares her last summary of the Loch Arkaig nest as the season is truly winding to a close. Everyone is gone. Louis and Dorcha raised two beautiful and spunky fledglings to the delight of all of us. I worried that Louis would not return from migration as he appeared ill at the end of the 2024 season. Let us all hope that he returns safely in 2026 – along with Dorcha and everyone else in the nests around the loch.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 24th August 2025
No action on the nests apart from some passing passerines dropping in to Nest two for a few moments, followed later by a pair of Hoodies. The songbirds might have found the odd insect but there’s nothing for the crows as the last fish was delivered on the 21st and Darah took it away to eat in our final sighting of both him and Louis. So Season Nine is a wrap, and we need to entertain ourselves until next Spring when the Ospreys return and Season Ten begins.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.45.12 (05.09.21); Nest Two 21.45.03 (05.29.09)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/CRk6kJgh5ZA N2 A few passing passerines drop in briefly 11.07.30

https://youtu.be/rDVfYTYRAbQ N2 The Ospreys have left, and it’s just Hoodies on the nest 14.23.37

Bonus early bird retail opportunity – Woodland Trust Christmas cards are on sale:

https://shop.woodlandtrust.org.uk/search?q=christmas
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/VvGqTSgSxyA N1 Lots of little bird action on the nest (2019)
https://youtu.be/JakqjqeE_s0  N1 While the big birds are away, little ones play (2020)
https://youtu.be/9UT98bV0-I0 N1 Migrated? Not yet! Louis brings a fish and Vera’s still here (2020)
https://youtu.be/dY8R3Lbd4sg  N2 Lovely to see the sisters sharing a peaceful breakfast (2022)
https://youtu.be/Qw_cT02Erk4  N2 Poor Louis is rounded on by Sarafina (2022)
https://youtu.be/72zu6_K4oXY N2 A flurry of feathers as several little songbirds visit (2022)
https://youtu.be/lYfeOl0_oJE  N2 Willow drops in for a quick visit (2022)https://youtu.be/8kBEq0lUOac N2 Three fish in under 22 minutes (06.00.34; 06.08.22; 06.22.04) 2023
https://youtu.be/vkusuZVcYPU  N2 Hoodies hoover up all the fish 2023
https://youtu.be/-QRtjvZ5UyQ  N2 Louis brings a huge live trout 2023
https://youtu.be/qoaMma5b9H8  N2 Up close with the Hoodies – too close for Ludo’s comfort 2023
https://youtu.be/1U65cIBGD34 N2 Louis brings his final fish before departing for this year 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/ObH3LWZUEdY N2 Farewell Louis! Confirmed last sighting for 2023 (slo-mo zoom)
https://youtu.be/7H8w3syAD-g N2 Ludo leaves with his fish as the Hoodies move in 2023https://youtu.be/G0P_EDGq-Rk N1 Pair of Great Tits visit briefly 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 22nd August 2025 
No Darach and no Louis today, just a handful of little songbirds visited the nests. If Darach has left, we wish him and all migrating Ospreys fair winds and plenty of fish. An Osprey was heard faintly in the distance which sounded like Louis, audio boosted video in the today’s videos section so you can judge for yourself. George will start preparing the official season highlights video soon, you are encouraged to give your favourite clips a like on YouTube, and they might make it into the finished video. The weather was settled today and continues unchanged overnight and tomorrow, with gentle breezes making good weather for flying or practising fishing. Some forum members are saying their goodbyes, but last year Garry LV0 surprised us with an appearance several days after we thought he’d left already. So we may be lucky and have a final visit or two, but as always with the Ospreys, it’s wait and see.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.40.30 (05.23.49); Nest Two 21.33.26 (05.27.13)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/Ooiltm0MHQ4 N2 Osprey calls heard faintly in the distance, no one seen – Louis? 12.34.37 (audio boosted)Bonus retail therapy – if you’re already missing the family, this jigsaw puzzle might help while away time until spring:

https://shop.woodlandtrust.org.uk/woodland-trust-loch-arkaig-osprey-jigsaw
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/pjJCAzssSZ8  N1 Rannoch flies with a fish in each foot 2019
https://youtu.be/yrCaFoWeZ9M  N1 Rain & beetles: preview of the nest in winter 2019
https://youtu.be/zVGCWpTEZkk  N1 Captain’s late and Vera gets the breakfast 2020
https://youtu.be/tFI69QwILNk  N1 Sole survivor of a Danse Macabre 2020 (Classic Ospreys – Saint-Saëns)
https://youtu.be/PL53jPyMZtI  N1 Confirmed: the very last sighting of Aila 2020
https://youtu.be/g-DN2wadCO0  N2 Louis brings a dawn fish to an empty nest 2022
https://youtu.be/_FTVaOnu2tw  N2 Willow arrives seconds before Louis to get fish three 2022
https://youtu.be/d3AkSNqL65Q  N2 Sarafina crash lands on Louis 2022https://youtu.be/SwxmM4Ng7bM  N2 Ludo gets his tail tweaked by a hoodie! 2023
https://youtu.be/vfq_UdQynDQ  N2 Corvid conference: three Jays and a Hoodie 2023

https://youtu.be/H_ddzxroEpkN1 Garry LV0 turns up after a 4-day absence! 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 23rd August 2025
Nothing to report, no sightings, not even distant Osprey calls as were heard yesterday. The season appears to be over. There is still a faint hope of a quick visit or maybe even a more northerly Osprey popping in on their way south, but it looks like our family have moved on. Final fish totals are 437 for Louis, 2 for Dorcha, and 141 for Garry. George will close this comments page soon, and post the official Woodland Trust season highlights video on this page in place of the livestreams. Sometime next March, George will reopen this page and we’ll all return to watch and wait for Louis & Dorcha, Garry & Aurora, and Affric & Prince to return. During the off-season, there are two main places to congregate – Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys on Facebook (membership required) and Adam’s family site on which he kindly makes a dedicated page available for us – Walking With Daddy / Osprey (uses Hyvor, no membership required). The nest cams can be seen throughout the year on YouTube, as long as the solar panels receive sufficient light, they might go off from time to time during prolonged bad weather. To be notified when the comments reopen, become a member, sign up to Woodland Trust notifications, or just keep checking this page in March.

Useful links:

Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/829595230542720

Walking With Daddy / Osprey:

https://walkingwithdaddy.com/osprey

Nest One livestream:

Nest Two  livestream:

Woodland Trust Osprey cam 2025 video clips: 

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.42.24 (05.08.26) Nest Two 21.34.11 (05.23.50) Today’s videos: none!
Bonus action – vote for your favourite contender for Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year (closes 19 September):

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/tree-of-the-year

Blast from the past, this day in previous years: 

https://youtu.be/WJEkMbcEdjc N1 Captain and Vera chatter to each other in rare harmony 2020

https://youtu.be/fK6OcJnAN_U N1 Confirmed: final sighting of Captain 2020

https://youtu.be/Pd-g9MEghug N1 So many fish, Vera ignores the fresh Silver Tourist 2020

https://youtu.be/W_tbe-gCkHs N2 Big bird, little bird, and a rainbow 2022

https://youtu.be/OLTCUuSdxqw N2 Harassing Hoodies get Sarafina’s fish 2022

https://youtu.be/wR3q19ooSvI N2 Willow’s turn to get a fish 2022

https://youtu.be/5k5OPMIcPMU N2 Tree Creeper creeps around 2023

https://youtu.be/YCBrtvH0N-E  N2 Finally! First fish only arrives at suppertime 2023

https://youtu.be/zSj0-mjMtME  N2 Ludo departs leaving fish2 behind 2023

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 21st August 2025Darach turned up this morning looking like he was limping again, but just like yesterday, whatever bothered him had cleared up by his next appearance. That was at lunchtime, to collect a large lively trout from Louis. In his eagerness to get the fish, he grabbed Louis’ leg and held on for a while before Louis was able to free himself. Perhaps it’s Louis who ought to be showing up with a limp! That fish took the nest total to four hundred and thirty nine, and at this time of year, begs the question how much longer will these last two remaining family members keep coming to the nest? No other action on Nest Two and none on Nest One apart from brief visits by some little songbirds, but George would like us nest cam watchers to take action and select our favourite video clips for inclusion in the official season highlights video, link to the details in the bonus section. The weather was settled, it’ll be 

partly cloudy with light winds and a low of 9°C overnight, changing to sunny intervals and light winds with a high of 17°C tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.54.06 (05.04.11); Nest Two 21.59.45 (05.20.27)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/GFsZgfcyehI N2 Darach visits the nest but appears to be limping again 07.01.37https://youtu.be/uNZ7ySfg9VM N2 Darach gets a large lively fish from Louis – how many more? 12.34.48
Bonus action – select your favourite Woodland Trust video clips in preparation for the season summary, full details:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=27522933

Blast from the past, this day in previous years: 

https://youtu.be/EFESyoIZBbs  N1 Captain gets to the first fish before Vera 2020

https://youtu.be/chOE0W5yflU  N1 Windy weather causes problems for Vera 2020 

https://youtu.be/SjvNYi9ORUQ  N1 Is Captain afraid to land because Vera’s there? 2020

https://youtu.be/isl01eB4yfI  N2 Louis gets dragged across the nest 2022 (slo-mo zoom) 

https://youtu.be/Fyd3AAcVbP8  N2 Repeat intruder is finally identified – hello LV0! 2022 (zoom) 

https://youtu.be/5mnbQkI40Uc  N2 Female sparrowhawk perches on Dorcha’s perch 2022 (slo-mo zoom) 

https://youtu.be/mwNXC6vdg3I  N2 Milestone moment as Sarafina flies with fish for the first time 2022

https://youtu.be/n9IRTcR7Ov0  N2 No one’s there so Louis takes the fish away again 2023 

https://youtu.be/roqXRkZyM3o  N2 Aerial manoeuvres before Ludo and Louis land 2023

https://youtu.be/hbnViikSk-A  N2 Who’s that bellowing boy? It’s Ludo with a fish! 2023 (zoom) 

https://youtu.be/f6JoGKn_g48  N2 Ludo departs without a fish supper 2023https://youtu.be/08N3dt1mD6k N1 A Warbler & Coal Tits visit 2024

Mary Cheadle is the force behind the fundraising for the Loch Arkaig nest and she posted this – it is beautiful and I hope no one minds my sharing it with you!

And fly they did. Don’t we wish we could spread our arms and hover, eventually flying to see our world from their perspective?

As we wind down the osprey season in the northern hemisphere, things are picking up in Australia and ‘A‘ is happy to supply us with their latest commentary on the nests we watch – Port Lincoln Ospreys, Olympic Park White Bellied Sea Eagles, Orange Peregrine Falcons, and the CBD (Central Business District) Falcons in Melbourne.

“August 22: Lady was awake very early and went to the old leatherjacket – urging Dad off. She was very wet, he was noticeably drier. A short feed, only SE35, then back brooding until Dad returned with a big whiting, which she claimed, eating the head. She didn’t feed the chicks then, although they were ready and cheeping. Rain started again. Dad brought a pigeon carcass at 8:19, claimed again by Lady – she fed again, SE35 doing very well, no aggression, but SE36 managed only a bite before the rain started again. Dad gave Lady a break just after 9am, feeding SE35 very well, then SE36 a few bites, before brooding them carefully. He fed them again later in the day, SE35 doing very well and SE36 feeding after as well. He then brooded again with Lady taking a good break. Late in the afternoon, he bought a nice beam. Lady managed a late feeding at the end of the day, with SE36 doing quite well after SE35 had finished. Some sibling rivalry during the day, but SE36 did eat. Dad fed them three times and had a couple of long sessions brooding. Then last thing, he brought another fish and fed Lady as she covered the chicks.

As the report indicates, Dad is doing very well at providing food, especially in all this rain. Lady is amazing as she dutifully broods the chicks through the night, her wings spread wide to give the chicks plenty of room and lots of protection from the elements. She is truly an amazing mum. Dad is relieving her as well as doing his hunting duties, and when he finished the day by feeding her, it was just too adorable. He understands that the babies, still without their thermal down at just a week old, are way too young to cope with being allowed to get soaking wet while Lady takes the time to eat. 

I remain worried about SE36 because it really is getting just enough to eat – I have not seen its little crop really full even once so far in its short life, and this concerns me. There is not much margin for error here, and with all the rain, Dad really is doing a magnificent job of keeping plenty of food on the nest. If this changes, SE36 might be in trouble. I’m hoping the weather will clear and that SE36 gets the chance to eat until it is full at every meal. I try to remind myself that some version of this plays out every season and there is no siblicide on Dad and Lady’s nest, but it’s always hard to watch a younger sibling being shut out of feedings. 

Meanwhile, we are slowly getting closer to egg watch at Port Lincoln and at Orange (Diamond and Xavier are mating too often at the moment to venture far from the tower, with lots of bonding and many food gifts – today, Diamond rejected two starlings before eventually accepting one). 

I have not yet heard any news of the Collins Street scrape. The weekly ABC radio bird program last week discussed garden birds with no mention of the falcons. I try to catch it each week because it always gives us some news of the falcons when there is news to give! So I’m hoping to hear something, though I don’t expect that to happen for at least another four or five weeks, perhaps even longer. “

As many worry about 36, I am brought back five years when dear little 26 hatched, injured its leg and was loved, cared for, and taught much about life by its elder sibling 25. How bittersweet that season was.

Big Red and Arthur’s O2 remains on the Cornell Campus in Ithaca, New York to the delight of each of us. Thanks to Suzanne Arnold Horning for keeping us informed – so grateful.

Ashley Wilson posted a great capture of Newmann and Elaine at Great Spirit Bluff.

New Guy is looking for Iris – Susan D caught him in the glow of the sun at the nest, wondering where his girl is. Let’s keep our eyes on that streaming cam to see if she has left the territory. They have surely built a beautiful nest to return to in early April 2026. If she has departed, send Iris your best positive wishes to return.

At Charlo, Montana, C20 was at the nest and got the fish from Dad, Charlie. There has been no sighting of C19 on Sunday. Lola was last seen on August 20 and it is presumed she has begun her migration.

Brianne gets a fish dinner from Dad Idris at the Dyfi Osprey Platform in Wales.

5R3 gets a fish delivery from Blue 022 at the Birds of Poole Harbour Osprey platform. How grand! This nest fledged four chicks for the second season in a row.

The cleaners might have arrived at the Usk Valley osprey platform in Wales but we still have an osprey on the nest with fish, coming and going. I believe this to be the ringed intruder as I cannot read the Darvic ring that well to see if it is 9K5 (only one egg hatched out of three) and thid baby truly became a celebrity.

The Usk Valley nest is the first to have ospreys fledge in over 250 years in that area. Here is there enjoyable newsletter. Have a read!

9K5 AT 11 WEEKS — Usk Valley OspreysDownload

At Rutland Water Manton Bay Osprey Nest, Maya is still there helping to bring fish to her four fledglings! Blue 33 is still delivering, too. All is good.

An osprey with a BTO ring but no Darvic has been sighted in the UK, and everyone believes that it is Blue NCO from Loch of the Lowes. If so, she is on her way south for migration, and we wish all the best in finding a new mate and raising a family next year.

Nesting Bird Life and More has this delivery on video: https://youtu.be/TbsVy01e_1k?

I did not see any ospreys at the Coeur de’Alene, Idaho osprey platforms.

Cornell Bird Lab checked in on Iris close up a week ago, as migration approaches. I could stare at her image for hours. What a treasure she is. We were all saddened by Finnegan not returning from his migration, but I am glad that Iris found another male who is also attentive to her needs, who brings her fish and helps her with the nest. https://youtu.be/qPRo82TafGI?

There is some concern for Mo at Dunrovin Ranch. She did manage to eat a fish that Dad, Swoop, brought in. Fingers crossed!

Speaking of migration, I will now be including the count from Hawk Mountain as migration progresses through October. I am also hoping that Heidi will send us her reports as she goes migration counting in the NE USA.

Sandi gives a video overview of the 2025 season at Big Bear with Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo! https://youtu.be/CLEi_1rLlx8?

B’ alerts us to the arrival of a juvenile Bald Eagle at the Ojai Raptor Centre. They write, “I know you are away on break now, but when you return I thought you would be interested in this forwarded story of a bald eagle juvie in rehab at Ojai Raptor Center, the folks who took such good care of Cruz and Andor’s Victor from Fraser Point a few years ago, helping him recover from zinc poisoning and eventually releasing him to the wild.  This bird, identified as patient 25-676, was found in the Owens Valley (just east of the Sierra), grounded and struggling.  She was captured and taken to a local care facility (Wildcare Eastern Sierra) and then sent to Ojai for more intensive care.  They found her possibly suffering from rodenticide poisoning or poisoning from other toxins (lead?).  It sure makes me think of all the risks and hazards facing Sunny and Gizmo, Bodie, TE3, Phoenix, and all our other juvie friends as they make their way in their hard first year in the wild.

25-676 seems to be making encouraging progress but has a ways to go before (hopefully) a possible release down the road.”

People write to me for recommendations on where to donate and the Ojai Raptor Centre is certainly one of those.

Knepp Farm Re-wilding News:

Knepp news new podcast on ragwort author suppers and garden abundance at Wilding KitchenDownload

Raptor Persecution UK sends their latest news about a conference in the UK – might you want to attend? Read on!

Conference: A Wilder Future for the Uplands – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

The American Bird Conservancy Bird of the Week is the Hawaiian Honey Creeper. How much do you know about this adorable little songbird?

ʻAlawī (Hawaiʻi Creeper) – American Bird ConservancyDownload

We need to be concerned about our planet!

Neil Armstrong and Sir Edmund Hillary’s joint adventure to the Arctic that you’ve never heard aboutDownload

How does light pollution impact birds?

Light pollution causes urban birds to stay awake longer each day, study findshttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/21/light-pollution-causes-urban-birds-to-stay-awake-longer-each-day-study-finds?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care and have a wonderful week. We look forward to having you with us again on Friday! And, please, if you know of any raptor news, pass it along to me so I can include it!

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘A, Geemeff, PB, PS and SK Hideaways’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos ande post them on YouTube, and the administrators of FB groups such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers that still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends and to the rehabilitation centres like Ojai Raptor that care enough to try hard to send their patients back into the wild. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

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

18 August 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

S/he is beautiful.

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

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

SK Hideaways sends us some great videos!

Southern UK Hobby Falcons ~ banded female, unbanded male 

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

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

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

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

Big Bear Valley, CA, home of Jackie & Shadow

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

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

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

E35 & SE36 Feedings and Fluff ~ Parents Deflect Marauding Magpies

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

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

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

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

Beautiful family portrait at the Olympic Park nest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rutland is looking at their connection with Poole Harbour.

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

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

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

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

Poole Harbour: 5R3 had three fish on Sunday!

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

All of the Danish ospreys have left for migration.

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

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

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

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

There are two Turkey Vultures! Wonder what Beau thinks.

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

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

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

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

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

Dyfi Osprey Project:

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

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

An article on siblicide in Black Eagles:

Siblicide in Black Eagles | SpringerLinkDownload

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

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

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

Today’s videos:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/WorldBirdSanctuary 

“Released after over a year in care!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Busy Osprey Dads feeding fledglings with empty tanks…Monday in Bird World

11 August 2025

Hello Everyone,

We spent Saturday in the English Gardens admiring the gorgeous plantings, chatting to other dog lovers, and eating ice cream. Dogs get free ‘pup cups’ complete with a dog biscuit. Toby is already familiar with the routine!

You can see the ‘pup cup’ in the image below. The photos make Toby look ‘tiny’ – the dream of all humans when they get their picture taken! But he is now 16 lbs.

While we were there, we had a chance to talk to a photographer waiting for the elusive hummingbird. Yes, singular. Usually, the gardens would be full of hummingbirds, but he told me that he had talked to photographers in North Dakota, and they have so many hummingbirds they can’t believe it. The theory is that the wildfire smoke kept the hummers moving til they got to clean air.

Bears and other wildlife are still suffering.

Each of you will remember the wildlife and the fires in Australia – people helping with water for the koalas, many of them on fire. It is heartbreaking – well, beyond sad. Only time will tell how many eagles and ospreys will return next year, and whether there will be any trees for them to make nests. I wondered about the ash from the fires falling into the pristine lakes, and this is what I learned: “When ash from wildfires falls into lakes, it can introduce nutrients and toxins, potentially causing temporary algal blooms and impacting water quality. While the effects are often short-term, particularly in well-mixed lakes, they can disrupt the ecosystem and affect aquatic life.” 

Migration has started early, with geese congregating on many golf courses and sports fields.

At the park today, there were many more ducks and, in particular, Wood Ducks than I remember from previous years.

The weather is cooler and since the rains the past couple of days, the smoke has not been so bad. Earlier we had extreme warnings about being outside especially if anyone had respiratory issues.

At home, all is well. There are a couple of ‘witching’ times during the day when Toby needs to be calmed – after breakfast and in the late evening before bed. Otherwise, life with cats and a dog is going much better than I expected! Hugo Yugo continues to do better. She has been seen multiple times eating hard food and today ate two small tins of wet food for breakfast. She really wants to play with Toby and I must warn him that ‘the cats plot to get him in trouble’. Toby will go for his first little grooming session on Thursday. His nails really need trimming!

Missey does not quite fit on the small space at the top of this particular cat tree. She looks miserable.

Calico was inspecting the blueberry cookies for dogs thinking they should make some nice things for cats, too.

Toby spots Baby Hope inside the house when he is out.

They keep us busy.

Sunday waw three hours of sheer bliss at King’s Park. We walked and picnicked with Toby. The charcoal clouds left and the sun came out and it was simply glorious.

Part of our rigid routine is that Saturdays and Sundays are ‘family’ days. On the other days, we have Anne, Jaine, or appointments with doctors, haircuts, etc. So the weekend is reserved for ‘fun’, enjoying being together and walking outside. Our big disappointment is that there are not a lot of geese about – we will continue searching for them!

Time to get checking on those ospreys, and I want to start with one of our favourite fledglings from 2021 in South Australia, who is now old enough to be frantically looking for a mate – Ervie!!!!!!! Searching far and wide, Port Lincoln Osprey FB says, “Barge 2021 – Ervie is on the go again – still in search of the elusive partner. He has been for a visit to Taylor Island, and we know there are Osprey down there.”

The UK Hobbys are darlings.

Here’s the video capture by SK Hideaways: https://youtu.be/GoI0WP7RO1Q?

The pair were ringed, and here is the video by Wildlife Windows: https://youtu.be/h1XWCEbYKZs?

Leicester and Rutland’s Manton Bay:

Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Foulshaw Moss:

Dyfi Osprey Project: Idris is very busy getting those fish to the nest for the fledglings.

Birds of Poole Harbour: Both CJ7 and Blue 022 are delivering fish to their four fledglings. One, 5R5, hasn’t been quite as lucky on getting fish at the nest. Fingers crossed their luck picks up!

Glaslyn: Teifi continues to deliver fish to Elen and to seal their bond for the 2026 season.

Balgavies Loch:

‘PS’ give us the news from the Seattle Osprey platform:

“Visited the last few days – Saturday I saw 3 fish deliveries from dad in 40 minutes or so! Two Starry Flounder and one Coho Salmon. With the fledglings around but not always on the nest dad’s arrival often led to a bit of a scrum – though on this particular day the loser didn’t have to feel that bad as fish after fish kept showing up. One of the Flounder I saw dad circle, dive, and catch, at a distance, and then bring it straight back to the nest. It was so close he didn’t even turn the fish and just flew it back facing the wrong way. Today I arrived at the tail end of a feed, with one of the fledglings finishing up what looked to be a Salmon of some sort. 

I haven’t seen mom since Aug-1; do you think she could have started her migration already, 7-10 days after the first fledge? Or maybe I’m just unlucky and keep missing her. 

The ever growing album in the same spot – https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/2n65zuEk4k.”

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 10th August 2025
Today was about fish, plenty of them – Louis brought five fish, and not only did Darach 7P0 get four of them, but he also flew with fish for the first time. It was unintentional, as he slipped over the edge of the nest while pushing his brother Breac 7P7 away from his fish, but nevertheless, he took off flying clutching his fish, and returned a little later with it still firmly held in his talons. That’s a big milestone achieved as the ability to fly with fish is an essential skill for Ospreys, sometimes called fish hawks. After being the dominant chick for so long, Breac was forced to defer to Darach who grabbed fish first, then lunged at him and pushed him off the nest on several occasions, making it clear he would not be giving up his fish. Breac also lost fish to invading Hoodies, but luckily it was only a few scraps. Louis’ fish tally rises to four hundred and five (407 nest total) while the total for Garry LV0 who hasn’t been seen since the 7th remains unchanged on one hundred and forty. Dorcha also hasn’t been seen since the 7th and the last sighting of Affric 152 was on the 8th, we wait to see if any of them will still make an appearance on nest cam. The weather was reasonably settled today but the forecast for the next 24 hours is light rain and light winds with an overnight low of 14

°C and a high tomorrow of 18°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 

22.08.04 (04.32.48); Nest Two  21.57.01 (04.42.08)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/JTtFfH5B2Tc N2 Darach flies with fish for the first time, albeit accidentally 06.47.34https://youtu.be/w_Pz9_Y-138 N2 Louis waits patiently with a second fish, Breac finally arrives for it 09.27.57  https://youtu.be/-q-8BEQ-qAs N2 Darach pushes Breac off the nest to keep fish number three 16.36.05

https://youtu.be/aaBcMqNz-B0 N1 A little songbird visits – no Ospreys seen since the 8th 

17.13.43https://youtu.be/S2F9L9aJnTU N2 In the stramash over fish four Louis gets his leg bitten 18.33.33  https://youtu.be/XJfd2Bxpf0M N2 Darach also gets fish number five then turns on Breac 20.03.38 

https://youtu.be/8OlfdpONB9w N2 Breac suffers an invasion of Hoodies who steal scraps from him 20.37.17Bonus opportunity to support intrepid Morag who’s going to swim Loch Arkaig to raise funds for Woodland Trust:

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

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/h7sWHXV4gck  N1 Pandemonium among Pandions 2019

https://youtu.be/nEEzGfX3qOE  N1 We missed you! Welcome back Aila 2019

https://youtu.be/yvB2ZHq5W6I  N1 Just shut up and eat, Rannoch! 2019

https://youtu.be/vmct7etDQpo  N1 One fish, two fish, new fish 2020

https://youtu.be/ZJLmsHHd1Lg  N1 Captain ends up with two fish 2020

https://youtu.be/a2dk_AA0gAA  N2 Several different little birds visit the nest 2022

https://youtu.be/MBQ8n7dL9zA  N2 The chicks fight as fish number one arrives 2022

https://youtu.be/tgrYhwgMc1w  N2 Ringed intruder perches on the nest 2022 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/FFJsvTMjkzE  N2 Ludo arrives seconds after dad brings fish 2023

https://youtu.be/jUf5fhmCtZE  N2 Fish number three arrives, departs, and returns again 2023

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 9th August 2025
Louis delivered his 400th fish for the season (402 nest total with Dorcha’s two) when he brought fish number three today, and it went to Breac 7P7. Breac did very well today, after finishing off the substantial remains of last night’s mackerel, he also got two fresh fish from Louis. Darach 7P0 was ferocious in his determination to get a fish and actually pushed Breac off the nest causing him to fly away. The strategy worked again when he got the next fish despite Breac being on the nest, once Darach had the fish secured and Louis had gone, he flew at Breac and forced him off the nest again, making it clear he would not be bullied to give up his fish. This is necessary as he has yet to acquire the skill of flying with fish and must therefore eat on the nest. There was no activity on Nest One, not even a songbird visited – Affric was last seen yesterday, and both Garry and Dorcha were last seen on the 7th. Have they gone south? It’s probably much too early to tell. After rain and wind and some sunny intervals today, the forecast for the next 24 hours is cloudy with light wind, an overnight low of 11°C and a high of 17°C tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.17.38 (04.24.47); Nest Two 22.16.54 (04.55.56)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/fTaTXlZRdfM N2 Breac arrives and finishes off last night’s mackerel 05.24.47https://youtu.be/AzHy7AQUYVc N2 Darach arrives late and it’s Breac who gets fish one 09.48.05

https://youtu.be/ZwJBjmeA050 N2 Breac attempts to stay on the nest but Darach pushes him off 15.00.16https://youtu.be/k5moRjVq8Og N2 Darach makes sure he gets fish two from Louis 16.47.46

https://youtu.be/ovoRIslJuX0 N2 One fish two hungry brothers: Breac wins Louis’ 400th fish 21.15.32

Bonus read – energy boost for Woodland Trust as E.ON Next plan to step up their donations:

https://news.eonenergy.com/news/e-on-next-set-to-surpass-gbp-500-000-woodland-trust-commitment

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/oNzCzAn0VeM  N1 Stop please daddy! Louis pulls Rannoch off the nest 2019

https://youtu.be/11qAuMkDdL4  N1 Louis brings breakfast, all three are there but Doddie gets it 2020

https://youtu.be/8IC3e70LhTw  N1 Temperature inversion seen from the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/sdVgKT4YE3I  N1 Synchronised helicoptering by Doddie & Captain 2020

https://youtu.be/Jk-V4-DQZHI  N1 Aila brings fish and gets pecked by Vera! 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/9Moy1yWHtW4  N1 Juvenile Mistle Thrush pay an evening visit to Nest One 2021

https://youtu.be/291niuqJOvQ  N2 Fish number five causes a screaming frenzy from all three females (2022)

https://youtu.be/ORcpN6aPcSY N2 Hoodie lurks as Willow shows off her beautiful eyes 2022 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/vj0dVfDdwQI  N2 Form an orderly queue! 2022

https://youtu.be/HT4f5n1Gss4 N1 Bullfinch lands after Affric departs 2023

https://youtu.be/xwkgVWCJ1aY N1 Garry LV0 brings a duvet of moss to Nest One 2023

https://youtu.be/aYN_ysUW3U8 N2 Ludo watches a parent chasing an intruder 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/raBkskKShcc N2 Louis is back! Looking good, and brings a fish 2023

https://youtu.be/7k-yZUR493k  N2 Second fish today – number 350 for the season! 2023

https://youtu.be/2PUZSP_N918 N1 A trio of songbirds visit in the absence of any Ospreys 2024

 Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 8th August 2025

Today’s fish were pretty evenly shared out between the two chicks – Breac 7P7 got the substantial remains of last night’s second fish, a flatfish, for breakfast this morning, beating the Hoodies to a free meal, then got one of Louis’ three fresh deliveries today while Darach 7P0 got the other two. The nest total now stands at three hundred and ninety nine, including the two delivered by Dorcha. She wasn’t seen on camera today, neither were Garry LV0 or Affric 152, in fact the only activity on Nest One was the brief visit of a juvenile Great Tit. Garry’s tally remains at one hundred and forty. Steve Quinn published his fish stats for Week 18 today, an interesting read as always, link’s in the bonus section. Steve told us about his recent visit to Avalon Marshes and meeting with photographer Andrew Kirby who was the first to photograph 2020 chick Doddie JJ6 who’d stopped off there practising his fishing skills on his first migration journey. Doddie caused much excitement by becomlng the first Loch Arkaig Osprey to be sighted away from the nest area, link to Andrew’s fabulous photos of Doddie in the bonus section. Today’s weather was windy and sometimes wet, and tonight’s forecast is for heavy rain and what’s referred to as a moderate breeze but when seen on nest cam looks much more powerful, with a low of 12°C, changing to thundery showers with a high of 15°C tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.22.04 (04.46.07); Nest Two 22.13.40 (04.52.07)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/qq0Q16iCA40 N2 Breac claims the leftover fish before the Hoodies invade

https://youtu.be/CEh1emWe62w N1 A Great Tit (Parus Major) visits  09.12.37

https://youtu.be/lDkie7NcVUk N2 Darach’s waiting and gets the first fish 14.49.08

https://youtu.be/Zx0j2kT7I9E N2 Breac gets a flatfish when Louis brings fish two 16.47.44

https://youtu.be/gRcp6ywmUz0 N2 Darach gets a mackerel when Louis brings fish three 21.31.26

Bonus analysis – Steve Quinn’s breakdown of week 18’s fish stats:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=27220830

Bonus photos of Doddie JJ6 in Somerset by Andrew Kirby:

https://www.akwildlifeimages.com/p488027889

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/AIAdCPIubvI Don’t bite the foot that feeds you! Louis’ difficult delivery (2019)

https://youtu.be/zLddX6xt-i0 Exit nest right pursued by Mad Mallie (2019)

https://youtu.be/_byBlgH5F0c Osprey antics as Mallie & Rannoch fight Louis and each other (2019)

https://youtu.be/DHWUsnxCNhE Vera is obviously better and pecks Aila (2020)

https://youtu.be/Rpc2uq34oKU Doddie and Vera fight for fish five (2020)

https://youtu.be/OugBSDzamKo Louis delivers a colourful Arctic Charr to Aila (2020)

https://youtu.be/vaI9BRb46fE News! Both Louis’ chicks have fledged and been named (2021)

https://youtu.be/ZQ9uid57ZLc A Sparrowhawk, a Hooded Crow and Sarafina all on the nest (2022)

https://youtu.be/oKC8m2YeWE0 Spooky Nest One in quick time (2022)

https://youtu.be/xLnSvyYalcA A good look at Dorcha coming and going 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/p7p0fEb6KnQ Fish number one, headless trout 2023

https://youtu.be/Ylyt2kQJkdU A shadow flies over Nest One but it’s not Affric or Garry! 2023

https://youtu.be/npgzBhJ8jJc N1 Garry notes unseen danger but still attempts mating 2023

https://youtu.be/-jdvLTKv3rE Fish number two, headless trout 2023

https://youtu.be/qd5T_c7Pt_4 Ludo does an involuntary helicopter in the wind 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/P5S76XoQiuE N1 Coal Tits and Robins visiting in the absence of any Ospreys 07.29.42

More cases of Bird Flu have been found in the UK, reported by Raptor Persecution UK.

Six more Bird Flu outbreaks in England, Scotland & Wales – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

It makes me wonder if we will discover from the necrscopy of Big Red and Arthur’s first hatch, O1, if she died of Avian Flu.

At Knepp Farm (you have no idea how much respect I have for their rewilding project), the sound of the Nightingale has not only returned but is becoming more abundant.

Knepp News bumper year for nightingales our MICHELINlisted Restaurant and Paul Hawken author supperDownload

In the US, the two oldest of the four osplets of Winnie and Swoop have fledged at Dunrovin Ranch in Montana.

Green Ledge Light Preservation Society: The three osplets of Ollie and Olivia have fledged!

Coeur de’Alene, Idaho: The three surviving osplets have fledged and ‘PB’ reports that each has taken a different osprey platform at the park where they are fish calling. I caught up with two of the trio.

Hellgate Canyon: New Male has been consistently bringing our dear Iris fresh fish to help her prepare for her migration.

Charlo Montana: Charlie has been busy bringing in some fish.

At the Fru Rauer nest in Norway, beautiful flounder are being delivered to the nest. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/F6wBsAZ6YaE?

Joan Castnyer catches a delivery at Goitzsche Wildnis: https://youtu.be/IQH_lg6K4Ak?

Zeus delivering a fish – the family trio are now rarely seen at the nest, with speculation that they are spending more time at the nearby lake.

‘A’ is keeping an eye on the Australian nests for us. So nice to hear from them! “As we reach day 37 for the first egg, the pair at WBSE have been dutifully incubating their clutch, through a lot of rain and cold nights. Lady has as always taken every night shift and on some days has sat on the eggs for eight hours or more as well. Dad relieves her often, if she’ll leave, but sometimes, she sits tight and refuses to budge.Apart from the frequent rain and the consistently cold nights, the pattern has been for not much food to be brought to the nest. Lady has done much of the hunting for herself, though Dad does bring in the odd bream tail or half-eaten fish and often arrives with a full crop himself. I do worry about whether he will step up deliveries once the eggs hatch – things will be difficult if he doesn’t. This pair appears strongly bonded, though, with duets every morning and Dad staying close to the nest each night, and they’re very experienced parents, so I’m probably just worrying about nothing. It’s just all the rain… 

There have been a number of sightings of one parent or the other being bothered/swooped/chased by ravens or lapwings or currawongs so that aspect of life in Olympic Forest, sadly, has not changed. The constant rain is a concern – the eggs have for the most part been kept warm and dry but there have been a few occasions when Dad has left the nest before Lady’s return from a break, leaving the eggs uncovered in the rain for ten minutes or so. Hopefully, there won’t have been any damage to the lives inside but only time will tell. 

Diamond and Xavier are doing well. Not egg time quite yet but both are looking healthy and are bonding as always. Xavier is STILL bringing Diamond starlings (and, worse yet, recycled starlings she has already rejected). It seems he has to relearn this lesson every single season. On the other hand, there seems to be a relatively plentiful supply of starlings and this can be useful when it’s time to feed some hungry eyases. 

At Port Lincoln, it’s R-rated. This pair seems to be mating constantly, with occasional dinner breaks and fly arounds. Eggs are definitely on the minds of these ospreys, and when they’re not mating (or eating), they’re bringing in nesting material. I do hope we have two eggs and not three. I’m never super happy when a third egg hatches on an osprey nest, although I know you are (for research purposes of course). I suppose at this nest, which is blessed to be overseen by a Fish Fairy, the research is partially compromised, in the sense that the lessons learned on the nest are different ones, at least to some extent. I hadn’t thought much about that, but obviously you would have, given the nature of your research. 

Nothing at Collins Street yet, and we don’t really expect there to be for at least another fortnight. I do wish we caught a little more of the early part of the season at Collins Street instead of having to wait until the second egg is laid (they usually don’t even switch the cameras on after the first egg, let alone before it, though they must have a fair idea of when the egg-laying window is likely to open. Frustrating.”

How in the world did we get here?

‘Erasure of years of work’: outcry as White House moves to open Arctic reserve to oil and gas drillinghttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/09/national-petroleum-reserve-alaska-oil-gas-drilling?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you so much for being with us today. We hope you have a great week and we look forward to having you with us again on Friday.

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘A, Geemeff, PB, PS’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, Joan Castnyer, Cornell Bird Lab, and the administrators of FB groups such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers that still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Tuesday in Bird World

27 May 2025

Good Morning,

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

Hatch at Boulder County Fairgrounds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stork Intervention is not new to the European Union.

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

So, just why do people help the storks?

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elen and Teifi are sheltering in the trees.

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

🐣 17th May at 16:22 (38.1 days)

🐣🐣  18th May at 13:15 (36.0 days)

🐣🐣🐣 21st May at 15:29 (36.0 days)

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

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

Kielder Forest:

Nest 7: KX7 and KM18 have three successful hatches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

09.35.23

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

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

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

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

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for Loons? The cams are back up!

2025 Loon Cams are LiveDownload

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

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

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

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

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

Please Help Protect our Raptors!

14 May 2025

Good Morning,

I wanted to send this out separate. Please read this. And please write – no matter where you live. Migrating birds travel tens of thousands of miles in some instances and cover many continents. We need them and their habitat to be as protected as we can – and we all know that weather has caused decline along with loss due to human growth.

Friends of Big Bear Valley and Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam

eortosnpdSm9957auhcufg24067gf5776ga7lc735f07ctm1gumg5l2ig81t  · 

Important Announcement And Request For Public Assistance

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has announced a plan to fundamentally alter the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to be interpreted differently than it has since its creation.

Currently, the ESA disallows harm of an endangered species (without mitigation to make up for the loss.) It defines “harm” as “take,” which currently means an act which actually kills or injures the wildlife. It is currently interpreted to include significant habitat modification or degradation where it actually kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding or sheltering.

Specifically, they would like to delete the definition of “harm” in the act. Removing this definition of “harm” means that they would NO LONGER CONDUCT ANY IMPACT STUDIES, as is currently required by The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA now REQUIRES federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of any proposed action prior to making decisions.

Removing the definition of “harm” which includes “habitat modification” from the ESA would NULLIFY THE ACT and everything it has done to save Bald Eagles and every other species it has protected, since it was signed into law in 1973. The cascading effects of this change would absolutely impact Jackie and Shadow, the rare plants in our valley, and all of the precious and beautiful nature that surrounds us in our country.

The public is allowed to submit comments to the agency. Comments are due by May 19th at 11:59 pm. We are asking each of you who is willing, to please submit comments using the link below. Many of us will be adding our voices against this detrimental and shortsighted decision. Keeping the ESA intact is of utmost importance, not only for Jackie and Shadow, but for all wildlife. This proposed change could prove to be one of the most harmful things we have done to nature in the last fifty years.

As we ask you to please comment, we want to caution that it is important to keep your comments polite, respectful, factual, and concise for them to have an impact. Please keep in mind that comments will be public. You can provide a statement anonymously but they do not guarantee that it stays that way. If nothing else, we urge you to read the public comments that have been submitted so far to understand what the change may do. And if you will, please pass this information along so that others can take action.

To make your voice best heard by the agencies and to maximize the impact of your comments, we recommend

1. State clearly that you are writing in opposition to the proposal.

2. Point out that the proposal essentially nullifies the ESA passed by the U.S. Congress in 1973. The proposal is counter to the purpose of the ESA to protect imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.

3. State the fact that we cannot protect the species without protecting their habitats. Without the habitats, wildlife would go extinct.

4. If possible, add any other facts or observations that you personally see or have experienced regarding the impact the proposed changes would have on endangered species.

You can read all about the proposed change and comment here:

https://www.federalregister.gov/…/rescinding-the…

Previously submitted comments are available here:

https://www.regulations.gov/…/FWS-HQ-ES-2025…/comment

P.S. Thank you very much for your assistance and participation. We hope that many of us leave our comments on the government website and make our voices heard.

At the same time, we ask you to please refrain from political comments and arguments under this post. Let’s keep our focus on the wildlife and our role in ensuring their future on this planet.