Category Archives: MN-DNR Eagles

Wednesday in Bird World

23 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Yesterday was Earth Day. While we should, each day, try to protect our planet, did you do anything special? In Winnipeg, we will be having the opening of the new Buffalo Crossing at Fort Whyte on Sunday the 27th. It will mark the end of a week of events celebrating Earth Day. https://youtu.be/DQPIdqPi3TI?

Do you know the history of Earth Day? It is always on the 22nd of April.

Here’s are some facts:

  • 1969:John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and peace, later sanctioned by the United Nations. 
  • 1970:Senator Nelson organized the first Earth Day, focusing on the United States. 
  • April 22, 1970:The first Earth Day took place, with an estimated 20 million Americans participating. 
  • Late 1970:The Environmental Protection Agency was created, and other environmental laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act were passed. 
  • 1990:Earth Day went global, with over 140 countries participating, significantly expanding its reach and influence. 
  • Present:Earth Day continues to be an international event, advocating for a cleaner, more sustainable world. 

Morning Update: Kielder Forest: At 11.40 today KF13 laid egg 3 in nest 1A.

It is a heavy overcast day on the Canadian prairies. The birds flit in and out of the garden while a gentle rain descends. It doesn’t feel like spring. Much more like the end of autumn, but we need some good rain, so let it pour! That will help everything turn green. Still, the heaviest snows seen all year are falling in parts of northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

There really is not a lot going on with the ospreys right now. Many are incubating while others are fighting off intruders and trying to hold on to their nests. Some have simply not returned.

Tweed Valley Osprey Project: Well, this is marvellous. I hoped we would have a trio – two females and a male. Wouldn’t this be nice for Iris?

It is that age-old question—do we cooperate and thrive or compete and fail? Unfortunately, failure seems to be the order of the day for 2025 breeding osprey nests that have intruders.

Iris, Hellgate Canyon: Some are starting to look at that osprey that delivered the fish as if it could have been Finnegan. There was a more than 90% chance that it was due to the plumage and the fish gift. Thankfully, there continues to be no egg in the nest. The most we can hope for is that Louis gets busy helping with Star and their chicks, that Finnegan returns if Louis disappears to the baseball park, or that Iris does not lay a single egg this year. It is hard on her body, and for what? For Crow food?

Poor Iris was fish calling and calling. When you read that raptors ‘bond’ for life, after this year, I hope you don’t believe it! Male arrives with a stick. It looks like Louis to me. Brings a stick, not a fish and then wants to mate.

Here is the video of the encounter: https://youtu.be/pqB1cowWUO4?

Iris did quiet little cheeps looking over to the owl pole and flew off the nest late Tuesday afternoon.

Rumour has it that a male was sky dancing. I would love it to be Finn or another young one willing to tackle Louis.

Glaslyn: Aran continues to try for his nest, but Teifi is there or about, and, quite honestly, I think this much-loved older male osprey, mate of Mrs G and then Elen, is losing his hold.

Elen in the rain.

Duke Farms: I honestly did not believe all three would survive to fledge, but here they are. Just look at those beautiful juveniles.

Redding Eagles: On Tuesday, Liberty and Guardian were working on their new nest, bringing in soft grasses.

Eagle Country: Blaze and his new mate, Skye, did not have any eaglets this year, but the couple continue to come to the nest with prey items.

Little Miami Conservancy: LM 8 and LM 9 are getting their thick thermal down, and those pin feathers appear. Sadly, there are problems with not having enough food. LM 8 from a small fish, and LM 9 got some scraps.

USS Steel: USS8 has had nothing but big crops. There is something extraordinary about being an only eaglet.

Port Tobacco: Riley and Teo appear to be doing well.

Golden Eagle Cam, Romania: Pip Watch. If you are queasy and the second egg hatches, please be advised that golden eagles practice ‘Cainism’. The older will kill the younger unless there is an extraordinary amount of food, and even then, the life of the second is not guaranteed.

Denton Farms: ‘PB’ writes: “Denton Farms little one is too cute…look at that crop!”

Kielder Forest: Musical Nests!

First 2025 view of a regular intruder _ Kielder OspreysDownload

San Jose City Hall: 4th chick hatches two days after the oldest ones. https://youtu.be/sm1TK10KdyQ?

Raptor Resource Project reports on our single Mum and the only surviving eaglet and ‘PB’ adds: “Trempealeau mom just had her huge fish stolen from Mr T…this mom is trying so hard. Good thing the baby ate well. Now she needs to fish tomorrow before the rain starts.”

‘PB’ reports that Mum was up early for food for the two of them. The little T3 has a nice crop. They also report that huge storms with tornades are moving into the central area of the US. Stay safe everyone.

Fort St Vrain: The two surviving eaglets are getting their thick thermal down. They remain way too curious about the outside world, and those crib rails could use some reinforcement: they appear to be doing well.

Saaksilivie #1, Finland: It is located on the edge of a swamp in Satakunta, in the top of a pine tree about eight meters high. It is the home of Eura and Eve who fledged two chicks in 2024, Lumme and Utu.

Saaksilvie Satakunna, #2, Finland: No information on any occupancy or hatches since 2019. It is currently empty.

Saaksilivie Satakunnan, #3, Finland (Wind and Magic): This is the nest of Tuulos and Taika. They had three eggs in 2024. One did not hatch, one chick died right after hatching, and another was taken by an Eagle Owl.

Information on Nest #3: Nest #3 is located in the Satakunta region in Western Finland. Ospreys have nested there in 1997 and from 2002 to 2009. The man-made nest was rebuilt in 2016 but it wasn’t until 2019 when the current male, Ahti, discovered the nest and was soon joined by a female who was called Helmi. The young pair spent the summer in the vicinity of the nest but Helmi didn’t lay any eggs. The following year the pair returned and in the spring of 2020 Helmi laid 3 eggs. The first successful nesting at the site in 11 years resulted in two fledglings. In the spring of 2021 Ahti returned but Helmi didn’t. By the time Ahti returned the nest had been taken over by a new pair, but Ahti reclaimed his nest site and the female eventually stayed with him. The new female, who was named Nuppu, had a ring on her right leg. She was ringed as a nestling in 2018. In 2022, Tuulos and Tiuku were a new pair. They were there in 2024.

Saaksilivie #4, Finland: This is the nest of Nemo and Nuppu. In 2024, they had three eggs hatch. Chicks were URA, USU, and UPU. Upu was taken from the nest by a White-tail Eagle. Ura escaped from the nest when the White-tail eagle tried to take it. Usu fell from the nest and was rescued. USU was taken to the Pyhtää Bird Sanctuary for care but died later.

Saaksilivie #5 LS nest in Southwest Finland: Home of Sara and Roni who laid two eggs in 2024. Both were taken from the nest by Ravens when the nest was empty. They had two chicks fledge in 2023.

Geemeff sends us the daily summary for all things Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Plenty of excitement today after a quiet day yesterday! Dorcha laid her third and final egg this morning, and a few hours later was seeing off an intruder Osprey who buzzed her on the nest. Unfortunately the intruder didn’t allow us a proper look but s/he was wearing a Blue Darvic ring on the left leg, therefore a Scottish Osprey. Blue 536 and Garry LV0 are candidates, or it might have been an unknown newcomer to the area. It probably wasn’t

 Affric 152, as Chaddie reports the Bunarkaig nest has a sitting Osprey on incubation duty, and we know that is Affric’s nest after LizB confirmed it via her long lens camera last year. Louis brought two fish to the nest, taking his tally to forty five. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought Blue 536 an early afternoon fish but she wasn’t around when he brought a second fish at supper time. Perhaps he’s supplying her with fish off-nest, as their relationship seems to be building nicely. His fish tally rises to twelve. After a soggy night, today was dry and will remain so overnight and tomorrow morning, but rain is forecast for the afternoon.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.58.56 (05.03.55); Nest Two 22.17.01 (05.07.23)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/VVo-U1M7_To  N2 Another early breakfast for Dorcha 05.55.09

https://youtu.be/F-c8ExCby2Y N2 Egg number three! Congratulations Dorcha! 10.30.10https://youtu.be/zG281Jn64sg N2 Louis gets a good look and takes over egg duty12.28.18https://youtu.be/ikIcnpBI7Kg N2 Intruder Osprey buzzes Dorcha 14:16 05https://youtu.be/2uVh32TZTaE N1 Blue 536 grabs the fish and leaves Garry LV0 to tidy up 14.25.59https://youtu.be/ir0pxb4jEZ8 N2 Louis hands over a second fish and settles down to egg duty 15.09.20https://youtu.be/pdZDKN8z3vU N1 Garry LV0 brings a second fish but no one’s there 20.43.20Bonus words of wisdom from George WTS about how to handle differing reactions around the possible outcomes for the three eggs: 

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=24624233

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/uPIkehlZIXw  N1 Aila gives chase 2020 (slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/-YjzEre5Ex8  N2 Midnight owl strike 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/olQdCvN9Vj4  N2 Another owl strike an hour after the first 2022 (slo-mo)https://youtu.be/odF55TOSvUY N2 Louis chases an intruder osprey off the nest 2022
https://youtu.be/iOH80Okm7ZY N2 Yet another intruder Osprey on the nest 2022
https://youtu.be/uOeWEzk6yos  N2 Cheeky Hoodie intrudes on Louis 2023
https://youtu.be/U17pKvmqkcw N2 Golden Eagle touches down on Nest Two 2023 (slo-mo)https://youtu.be/nQJirIJiue4 N1 Garry stops coy-mantling and unsuccessfully attempts mating with Affric 2024
https://youtu.be/bVMPL7NSoN4  N1 Ill-tempered mating encounter between Affric & Prince 2024 
https://youtu.be/GomhIEZ_2mE N1 Garry brings another fish and leaves with a squirt 2024
https://youtu.be/dXwt2HSZ1fk  N2 A fish supper arrives during a colourful sunset 2024

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

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

Farmer Derek’s Owl Cam: Bonnie and Clyde’s Starr is growing and getting those gorgeous GHO feathers. Soon she will be hunting with her parents, practising on the ground. The adults will provide her with lots of food so she can thrive and teaching movements. Her initial hunting will be on the ground – after she fledges.

MN-DNR: Not an eagle! Look carefully and you will see the nesting duck.

Geemeff has found a new nest cam for a Great Gray Owl! “A new nest cam from explore.org: A Great Grey Owl

https://explore.org/livecams/owl-research-institute/great-gray-owl-nest

Geemeff has sent us some good information from Cornell’s Nestwatch about building bird houses and what to provide for birds when they are nesting. Enjoy!

All About Birdhouses – NestWatchDownload

Good night everyone! I moved the smaller light coloured cat tree into the conservatory. Hugo Yugo is the Queen of her castle!

Baby Hope likes the edge of the sofa. She has already created a bit of a dent!

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams: ‘Geemeff, PB’, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Duke Farms, FORE, Eagle Country, Little Miami Conservancy, Pix Cams, Port Tobacco, Wild Bucovina Association, Denton Farms, SK Hideaways, Saaksilvie #1, Explore.org, Farmer Derek’s Owl Cam, Cornell Nestwatch, Xcel Energy, Saaksilivie Nesting Information, MN-DNR, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust

Thursday in Bird World

27 February 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It is 2:35 in Big Bear Valley Wednesday afternoon and there are 12, 215 people watching Jackie and Shadow’s nest for any sign of a pip. Pip watch officially begins on March 1. Typically Jackie’s eggs hatch at 38-39 days.

‘B’ sends us all the latest on this internationally loved couple.

https://news.berkeley.edu/2025/02/24/uc-berkeley-falcons-annie-and-archie-are-missing-is-avian-flu-the-cause/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIqKDZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTtCvx32k8LSdJ3MTbHsg_lHU6JKJyx1INQwi0Do4VkHBteyJxIn9EUT_w_aem_fnAyJqH9h1UdARKDxTmi6w

HPAI is a concern everyone including our garden. It has been +3 for the last few days. The snow is melting. There is standing water everywhere. The air is beginning to smell like spring. Most of the snow was cleared off the deck. All of the feeders were cleaned and disinfected. We will start a daily count to determine what is happening. When the European Starlings returned, there were 58 in the lilac bushes daily. There are now only 9. There were two Blue Jays, four Grey Squirrels, two Red Squirrels, and well, we were used to get at least 150 sparrows of various species. Might there be two dozen now? The Chickadees are here flitting, and there is a single female adult Downy Woodpecker. Two Crows. The loud songs from the birds in the garden could be heard more than half a city block away. There is still song, but it is so quiet.

It was extremely warm on Wednesday and we headed off to the zoo for a long and much needed walk before an Alberta Clipper is going to dump snow on us today. Five polar bears were sleeping on the snow! Just look at how clean its pads are!

I know that most of you are nervous about the upcoming breeding seasons whether it is the remaining eagles, the ospreys, or the hawks/falcons. I would also include the storks – oh, how I adore them! Throughout this posting and in many more to come, I want to encourage you to delight in the eaglets that have hatched and are healthy, for those eggs in nests, and for the storks and ospreys that are making their way home. Sending positive energy their way. In Manitoba, we are taking bets on the arrival of the first Canada Goose to the Oak Hammock Marsh. They could arrive within the week! I am so excited.

Let’s start with something nice and I cannot think of anything nicer than the miracle eaglet, Bodie, in Gabby and Beau’s nest.

NE Florida: That little cutie pie of Beau and Gabby’s now has a name! He is 5 weeks and 3 days old today.

I asked ‘AI’ to provide the meanings for the name Bodie:

The name Bodie has multiple meanings and origins: 

  • Enlightenment: A respelling of the Sanskrit word Bodhi, which means “enlightenment” or “wisdom” 
  • Messenger: From the German word bode or boden, which means “messenger” 
  • Large-bodied: From the Old English word bodig, which means “trunk” or “chest” 
  • Bold: From the French surname Beaudin, which is rooted in the old Germanic word bald 
  • Sheltered: From the Germanic and Scandinavian name Boden, which means “sheltered” 

Bodie is a gender-neutral name with origins in Sanskrit, German, French, Scandinavian, and Scottish. 

In ancient times, messengers were vital to society, carrying news and information between communities and individuals. People with the name Bodie were associated with this role, and were often respected members of society. 

Bodie has been on the rise in popularity in the United States, first entering the top 1,000 names in 2014. In 2022, it was ranked 484th in the top 500 names. 

A turkey vulture came and sat on the nest of Bodie on Wednesday but the real question remains: where are Gabby and Beau? They have not been seen at the nest on Wednesday. This is concerning. Bodie is not self feeding but he did go to the pantry and attempt to get a nibble or two of the prey.

Where are Beau and Gabby?

Cal Falcons: In my last post with the long listing of the nest happenings, I pondered what was going on at the Cal Falcon scrape on The Campanile. The following day a notice was posted. It made my heart sink to my toes and tears pour out of my eyes. HPAI is everywhere. I believe it is even accounting for the lack of songbirds in the garden this winter. Cal Falcons is warning us that this could be the reason that we are not seeing Annie or Archie.

More news agencies are picking up on the loss of dear Annie and her mate. My heart is feeling very empty about this and I am hoping for a miracle.

Famous falcon and mate missing from atop Berkeley’s Campanile TowerDownload

A pair of Red-shouldered Hawks are hoping to take over Annie’s territory. https://youtu.be/3xE8PX1ywjk?

We have to find hope and beauty in those birds that are surviving and those who are desperately trying to raise families in a very hostile environment. One of those is the new mate of Thunder, Makaio. He seems really good at caring for the eggs and protecting the nest. https://youtu.be/SexBFchvb-A?

Japanese Albatross Cam: There is a new Albatross streaming cam from Japan. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/QZbOtDedw-Y?

These are short-tailed Albatross. Information on the volcanic island where they live states: “The Izu-volcano on Tori-shima is one of a chain of small islands about 600 km south of Tokyo. The island is one for
the threatened albatross-birds, namely the short tailed albatross, and have been uninhabited by people since the Meteorological Institute drew back their scientists from an observatory in 1965, after a strong earthquake hit the area. About 30 people lived on the island before that, but they were evacuated after an eruption in 1939. In 1902 an eruption killed all the 125 people living on the island at that time.”

Located on Izu Island south of Tokyo and the main island of Honshu.

Here is a thorough article on the history of the short-tailed albatross in the area including ‘feather picking’.

Short-tailed Albatross | Yamashina Institute for OrnithologyDownload

Years ago we wondered what would happen to our much loved storks flying through war-torn Ukraine. Karl II had his favourite spots to stop and rest on the way to Africa. We always held our breath. Just how much wildlife has been impacted by this war?

‘We’ve lost some parts of nature for ever’: Ukraine war’s impact on environment – photo essay | UkraDownload

PSEG Patchogue Osprey Platform, Long Island: There will be no camera for the PSEG Patchogue nest. ‘MP’ sent me the response this morning when he noticed that there was no streaming cam: “Thank you for your online inquiry. I have heard back from our Wildlife department: Due to construction in the immediate vicinity of the Patchogue osprey platform, PSEG Long Island has relocated this platform to a nearby location away from construction activities and human interference. However, we were not able to reconnect the osprey camera at this new location. Therefore, the Patchogue osprey camera will no longer be available.” PSEG further added, “”The camera was removed in order to provide the ospreys with a calmer living environment, at this point there are no plans to reactivate the camera. The websiteOsprey Cams – PSEG Long Island will be updated if and when the camera comes back online.”

Of course, being a power company we both wondered why on earth they couldn’t rig up a solar panel or something or is it another issue? Like all of us calling them when the nest is dangerously dirty? Who knows. I assume PSEG wants a calmer life since the ospreys wouldn’t care one way or the other about the camera! Ridiculous.

Tartasan White-Tailed Eagle Cam: Chulman and Kama are at the nest https://youtu.be/QwegaOsW_lM?

Frenchman’s Creek: Heidi confirms that the second egg was laid on the 25th of February.

Pine Island Osprey Platform: Looks as if the eggs are not viable. This is truly a blessing with the GHO in waiting for chicks.

Achieva Credit Union Osprey Platform, St Petersburg, Florida: As of Wednesday afternoon there remains only one egg for Jack and his new mate.

We are sitting in the conservatory monitoring the birds at the feeder. This morning I put out 1/4 of the amount of peanuts, Black Oil Seed, along with a large helping of Bark Butter and Meal Works (directed at the Starlings). There are approximately nine or ten Starlings. Where have all the birds gone?

I will be tracking HPAI in our region, and elsewhere, during 2025 as it appears to be having a large impact on some bird counts.

Status of ongoing avian influenza response by province – inspection.canada.caDownload

Little Miami Conservancy: Two eggs. 19th and 22nd of February.

Duke Farms: Cute little first hatch and now it has a little brother or sister.

WRDC: Both R7 and R8 doing fantastic. Look at all the fish on that nest!

Captiva: Dasher sleeps like an adult and we have branching at the nest on Wednesday!

MN-DNR: Two eggs being incubated. Laid on the 14th and 17th of February.

FORE: Liberty and Guardian do not yet have eggs. Everyone is worried. Maybe they will not have eggs this year. Maybe they will. We wait. But it is getting late because of the heat. Both of their eaglets died last year. They know and they grieve. It is alright if they chose to skip this year. Last year Duke and Daisy chose not to raise a family. The previous year Duke was missing in the storm and we thought he was lost. Daisy lost two osplets but was able to fledge one. Life is challenging – and it is going to get worse. Send Liberty and Guardian your love and support.

Gary’s latest video on the Redding Eagles: https://youtu.be/kZOrkmcHcrk?

Kistachie National Forest E3: Just look at those amazing eaglets! https://youtu.be/7Ml9orXgPEI?s

Abu Dhabi Osprey Platform: The triplets appear to be doing well.

Royal Albatross Colony News:

Cornell Red Tail Hawks: The camera should be back in operation for Big Red and Arthur in a week! Thank goodness.

Can you lend a hand to Hob, her friends, and the Moli?

Rita the Eagle’s History Monday:

I am going to look forward to a day when I read about the growth of the Hen Harrier population and not that rising deaths near driven grouse moor estates in Scotland!

134 hen harriers confirmed ‘missing’ or illegally killed in UK since 2018, most of them on or closeDownload

Geemeff sends us some good news — remember, it is going to be up to us to do what is right for wildlife and that could include purchasing land, etc.

Happier news – the RSPB Geltsdale reserve is forging ahead after the successful land purchase. More funds needed of course, but as we all know, times are tough so people can support in ways other than donations eg by publicising on their social media feeds, buying from the online shop or better yet paying a visit to Geltsdale or any other RSPB reserve.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/donate/pennines-paradise

Thank you so much for being with today. We look forward to having you with us again soon! Take care of yourselves!

Thank you also for your patience with Calico’s cards. She had no idea what was entailed when she set out to help feral cats! The latest was securing proper mailing envelopes so the cards would not be bent when shipped! Those should arrive today or tomorrow. Then we can finalize the shipping! She told me she was glad we only do this twice a year. LOL.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, streaming cams, videos, and articles that helped me to write my post today: ‘B, EJ, Geemeff, Heidi, J, MP’, Berkeley News, American Eagle Foundation, Cal Falcons, KRON4, SK Hideaways, NEFL-AEF, SK Hideaways, IWS/Explore, Yamashina Institute for Ornithology, Japanese Albatross Cam, The Guardian, PSEG, Tartasan WTE Cam, Frenchman’s Creek, Heidi McGrue, Achieva Credit Union, Government of Canada, Little Miami Conservancy, Duke Farms, WRDC, Window to Wildlife, MN-DNR, Gary’s Eagle Videos, Nesting Bird Life and More, Abu Dhabi Osprey Platform, Sharon Dunne, Hob Osterlund, Rita the Eagle, RSPB, Raptor Persecution UK

Sunday in Bird World

8 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Our thoughts are with all the humans and non-humans living along the coast of California and Oregon where a 7.4 earthquake has hit. For my readers and their families, we are thinking of you and wish everyone to be safe.

In the movie, Seven Years in Tibet, there is a scene where they are building the movie theatre for the Dalai Lama. The Tibetans are anguished about the killing of the worms. The Dalai Lama suggests to Heinrich Harrer that he is very clever and he can find a way to construct the building without killing. He explained to the Austrian that all life is sacred and should be respected. I wish a wave would pass around the world where everyone would treat all living beings with great compassion.

It is +4 C in Winnipeg. The snow that fell is all melting. Any ice build up is also melted or melting. It is 1400 and we will have sunlight for another hour and a half. The birds are busy eating. What is worrying me for the last few days is that I have only seen one Blue Jay. Did one decide to migrate late? or did something happen? or are they just coming at different times and I think it is one but it is two? I would like to see them together.

The Girls are enjoying the warm sunshine today. Calico is on the table by my side. She loves being super warm and does not complain when I wrap her up in the duvet at night.

Some of you have asked about the fate of the Canada Goose. As I understand, all of the geese rescued from the wildlife centre are safe along with the one that we saved yesterday. They will spend their winter here in a warm environment with plenty of food and medical care if necessary.

We have cleared the way to set up the Reolink camera and found the perfect spot to install the solar panel. Then we both realised that the camera only operates at -10 C. While it is warm today, in a few days, the reading will have dropped substantially. We are going to set the camera up to see if it works and maybe keep it outside until the temperature dips to -27 C mid-week. It will be a way to test it and give us something to look forward to in the spring.

It seems that we are now in a snowfall warning for Sunday and could get up to 10-20 cm or 4-8 inches. That wasn’t on my phone! Will see if it happens. That camera might have to wait.

‘B’ sent me an article about the geneticists at Stanford solving the mystery of ‘orange’ cats. Of course, both of us wonder why Hugo Yugo is orange after reading it. I wrote my son to see if he could help us. Here is the article, any thoughts?

https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/stanford-scientists-crack-mystery-orange-cats-19962652.php

I wonder if Kasse is going to fledge. She really got some good lift after Wilko took his first flight. Heidi caught it in video and while most people were watching Wilko, it was Kasse that caught my attention.

Here are two videos of the fledge: https://youtu.be/FUlN6W7W1-4?

And Heidi’s which shows a lot of other action: https://youtu.be/pL5NHQ9rJgI?

Yesterday Dad brought in one fish and there were two supplementary fish. Today, Mum brought in a fish early, 0721. Wilko wanted it, but Mum prevailed. It was small and each got a meal. I hope Mum got some, too. Wilko got the tail!

This is what happened today. Mum, you are amazing! And so are you Fish Fairies.

The only surviving chick out of three at the Osprey House Environment Centre in Australia is Marina. She has caught her first fish! Marina fledged on the 29th of September.

There was another good mating at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest. Will this be the one that gives us that first egg? We wait. https://youtu.be/CedSKh1oIZA?

At SW Florida, M15 knows the way to getting incubation time! A fish gift! Smart lad. https://youtu.be/FV3OEOnS9Ow?

At the West End, Akecheta is protecting the territory against ravens! https://youtu.be/4ET64zP5Frk?

Tonya Irwin brings us up to date on nest E-1 in the Kistachie National Forest.

Here is that video: https://youtu.be/SdCgIy2QADU?

Xavier and Diamond have been in and out of the scrape. My heart breaks for them.

Is it possible to get a dedicated group of BOGs to be there when the chicks fledge so that they can check all the trees and know where the fledglings are if they are injured, help can come quickly.

An announcement from Window to Wildlife regarding the Captiva Osprey Cam:

Some cute little Eurasian Hobbys to keep you entranced – it part of a series from the 2024 nesting period. https://youtu.be/TLOLFuMo-40?

No eagles but a squirrel did visit the MN-DNR Bald Eagle nest on Saturday.

Harry and Harriet are building their nest and – wait – is that snow?! It is Michigan, it is winter! https://youtu.be/pYWYnmfyiWA?

Ferris Akel tours the area around Ithaca on Saturday. He did not find Big Red and Arthur, but there was an impressive number of waterfowl on Cayuga Lake.

Calico was watching Ferris.

Coots.

American Black Ducks and several species of swans.

I like checking in with Ferris who catches the changing seasons in the Ithaca and bird arrivals and departures. I also like to check in with Bruce Yolton who chases down raptors in New York City.

Yolton captured a gorgeous Great Horned Owl in the City a couple of days ago. The GHO was interested in the rodents below on a branch. Great little video! You can find his blog at urbanhawks.com https://youtu.be/ghU7O15gOBQ?

Some stunning photo contest winners!

https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2024/dec/07/the-2024-nature-conservancy-oceania-nature-photo-contest-winners-in-pictures?CMP=share_btn_link

I love Puffins. Doesn’t everyone? Can we end them starving?

“BirdLife, the RSPB, 31 NGOs and the wind sector sent letters to the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans and asked him to be the champion for the ocean he promised to be. Can he turn the tide for starving Puffins?”

-https://www.birdlife.org/news/2024/12/04/commissioner-kadis-end-puffin-starvation-now/

There are so many talented wildlife photographers who read my blog in the UK. Please send your photos to the RSPB – be part of their cover story!

Finally, the Grouse hunting estates in Scotland are under pressure to change their ways – and they don’t even recognise that they need to stop killing raptors illegally.

Grouse shooting industry under pressure in Scotland – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

Every National Park – every area where there is a high concentration of wildlife – should be making it safer for them to cross the roads!

The Christmas Bird Counts are huge events internationally. Please check with your local birding associations and see how you can take part.

So far, it is quiet, which is a good thing in Bird World. Soon, we will have some eaglets in SW Florida, and by the end of the month, all of the eagle nests will have at least one egg (we hope). We look forward to Kasse fledging, which will happen anytime. She is ready. I was happy to see supplementary fish still being provided. Thank you, fish fairies. These fledglings use much energy and have yet to catch their food. In fact, Marina took over two months to catch her own fish after fledging at Osprey House Environmental Centre.

This afternoon Missey and Baby Hope posed for new photos.

Meanwhile, one of Dyson’s kits was outside enjoying peanuts. The three kits chased one another all over the garden. They were so happy to have a warm day and lots and lots of peanuts!

Their baskets for the winter solstice are being prepared. We have various types of prepared bird seed, hazelnuts, Butter Bark, suet balls, pieces of pear and apple to be prepared on the day. Looking for more ideas! It is our way of thanking them for being such a huge part of our lives!

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘B, Heidi, J’, sfgate.com, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Heidi McGrue, Osprey House Environment Centre, American Eagle Nest Cam Highlights, SK Hideaways, BVS Girl, Tonya Irwin and Kisatachie National Forest Eagle Cam Fans FB, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Window to Wildlife, Marek Palicka, MN-DNR Eagle Cam, Wings of Whimsy, Ferris Akel Tours, Bruce Yolton, The Guardian, Birdlife International. RSPB England, Raptor Persecution UK, Parks Canada, Missey and Baby Hope

Tuesday in Bird World

26 November 2024

Good Morning,

It snowed on and off all day. This morning there were five grey squirrels at the feeders – five in sight, altogether. Dyson, the three kits, and another one. Is it Dyson’s mate?

A cutie.

Then these four. Each appears to be healthy. They have their heavy winter coats and are so beautiful against the snow.

Starlings came. So did the Blue Jays, Crows, and Sparrows. Everyone was hungry. They are working away at the suet cylinder. Calico and I hope to get into the kitchen and make some suet cookies to hang throughout the lilacs. Where does the time go? How did I ever teach, assist in running a school of art, and take care of a home?

Oh, it is always so lovely to see them. However, Brock (aka The Boyfriend) did not come at his usual time. It worried me. Several hours later, Calico came in and kept patting me and meowing. Brock was here! Communication. Brock prefers wet food, but it freezes, and it is so hard to watch for him when we have busy days. This was amazing.

A shout out to ‘H’ and ‘J’ for some news you will all want to hear.

Sadly, I have added Bald Eagle Abby and mate of Blaze at Eagle Country to our Memorial Wall. She has been MIA long enough for Eagle Country to declare her deceased. A new female is now at the nest with Blaze.

This is the new female Skye.

Link to all of the Eagle Country cams – and they have a lot of them on this nest!

https://www.youtube.com/@EagleCountry/streams

Blaze at the nest as the sun begins to set. Beautiful sunset.

The video of the install of the new camera for the MN-DNR Bald Eagles. https://youtu.be/EWZF56NcxyA?

Mark your calendars. ‘H’ informs me: “Banding for Wilko and Kasse at PLO:  Weather permitting, Saturday 11/30.  Alternate dates 12/1 or 12/2.” It makes me sad. They will soon fledge after this and I find myself hoping that they are male so they hang around, but we need some females down there for Ervie!!!!!!! I sure hope Wilko doesn’t fledge or the ringing will be canceled.

SK Hideaways has posted a video showing what appears to be one of the adults in flight traning with another bird. Is this training with Yira? or is this Diamond and Xavier flying together? passing prey? I want to believe it is Yira.

Oh, it is a bright morning at Port Lincoln. We have lots of wingers going on! Everyone is anticipating the arrival of the morning fish.

The Fish Fairy arrived at mid-morning much to the delight of Mum, Wilko, and Kasse. Just look at all the nice fish! They were hungry. This is so good.

They will sure make quick work of those fish! Seven were delivered. Wilko was unafraid!

Dad came and took one of the fish for himself leaving Mum and the kids six. Wilko is trying to unzip one.

Look at the time. Almost all of the fish are gone.

Wind and rain came later to Port Lincoln.

‘A’ writes: “I see on the Port Lincoln chat that you have nominated Kasse as female and Wilko as male, and based on relative size and their behaviours, I absolutely agree with you. I initially thought they might both be male, because they got along so well, but at this stage, Kasse is absolutely huge, so large that she really must be a female. Wilko is a cute and brave little man. How much did he make you laugh today, standing up to defend the nest against the potentially dangerous Hat? And as for Kasse, she pancaked beautifully at the approach of the Fish Fairy’s vessel and stayed flat to the nest, her eyes wide in amazement as the Hat deposited a veritable fish-shop display window onto the nest right in front of her. In fact, she remained pancaked for about five minutes, until Mum literally landed on her head! I also admit to laughing uncontrollably at the sight of Kasse literally being stood on her head overbalancing while grabbing a bite just after 10:25. TOO funny. She did eventually manage to regain her footing but it took her quite a while. 

These two are adorable. Kasse has absolutely no fear of her older sibling, and I do think their behaviour definitely supports your opinion. The older they have got, the more obvious those genders have been, with lots of small interactions suggesting that Wilko is indeed the older brother, with Kasse the younger sister. I always think that for stress-free viewing, this is by far the best option (apart from two males on the nest). If we are going to have a behaviourally dominant female on a nest, it is best that she be the youngest, as it gives her a bit of spunk to survive being bottom of the pecking order and means her older sibling is not too aggressive. That of course is what has happened here in my opinion. But they are both gorgeous, very healthy and have a magnificent mum. I could not agree more with your assessment of this osprey mum. She has been incredible this season, including taking over fishing duties whenever it has been necessary. Just a really special bird. “

Gabby and Beau are diligently working on their nest in NE Florida. They seem to do this early in the morning when it is cooler.

A gorgeous day at the Captiva Bald Eagle cam.

‘J’ copied Rita’s History Monday for us: “It’s time for Rita’s History Monday! Now that Rita’s offspring, #98, was off on her eagle adventure, attention once again focused on the fallen nest. Year after year it fell apart, and as Lloyd Brown of Wildlife Rescue and Ron Magill of Zoo Miami examined the condition of what little was left, they felt that it would be in the best interest of the eagles to install a more secure platform in a more stable spot in the tree. It is said that Bald Eagles mate for life, and they also have nest fidelity, so they return to the same nest tree each year. The remnants of the old nest were 95 feet high, up in a spindly part of a Casaurina (Australian) Pine. There was concern that if the eagles returned and tried to rebuild in that unstable spot, the nest would likely fail again. With approval from US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), they researched the best type of platform that could be used in that type of tree. So, in preparation for Season 2022, a new nest platform was installed! The platform is made of a 5 foot wide wooden papasan chair that was lined with plastic mesh to provide drainage and airflow. This type of nest has been successfully used for other Bald Eagle nest platforms. They carefully secured it in the tree and partially filled it with small sticks and pine needles to make it more inviting. We waited and hoped that the eagles would return. But, that’s not all folks! The community was also in for a great surprise! Stay tuned for more exciting news and thank you for liking and sharing the history of Rita.”

Xavier is arriving with cicadas. Does anyone remember Izzi eating all those cicadas like they were ice lollies? Oh, how I miss that lovely boy. https://youtu.be/ayiv0X4Z9Sg?

The Peregrines Zen and Zara – SK Hideways shows us their ‘need for speed when a Merlin is concerned! https://youtu.be/-wfh2voivv0?

The Girls and I have been reading books. We have a small stack to get through but we have finished reading Serviceberries. I will talk about that on Thanksgiving Day. The book that Calico really wants me to mention is certainly an exceptional book for young people, but Heidi is going to tell me it is equally terrific for adults, and she would be right. The book is An Anthology of Exquisite Birds by Ben Hoare. This weighty volume has been reviewed, and its gorgeous drawings have received critical acclaim. It is full of fun facts and information in a way that it is different from your normal field guide. It keeps you engaged. I wanted to know more about these exotic birds – well, at least exotic to me! One of my favourite illustrations was the Superb Fairywren.

There are 224 pages, including an entry on my beloved House Sparrows. They noted that thousands of years ago, ‘house sparrows lived only in Europe and Western Asia.’ (189). Today, they are located on every continent except Antarctica. Many loathe having them at their feeders along with European Starlings, and yet, for the decades that birds have been coming to the garden, I cannot honestly cite either one as bullies. Everyone seems to have a turn. One day, after observing the Starlings for several hours, they actually ‘lined up’ to get to the feeder, flying from the neighbour’s tall tree to those at the back of the garden. Then, a few would fly to Abigail’s tree, waiting their turn in line for the big tray feeder. It looked exceptionally well organized. For the life of me, I simply cannot abide by those that go to the end of the earth to find ways to stop these two species from getting seed at their feeders. If a human or non human is hungry, then why not feed it? Does it really matter what feather pattern the birds have? At some time in the future, perhaps sooner than they might realize, the sparrow’s song might be the only one in the garden. At the same time, their numbers are declining. Research indicates that sparrow numbers are declining worldwide. The North American Breeding Bird Survey estimates that the total numbers of sparrows declined by 80% between 1966 and 2019. In Europe, numbers are down by approximately 60%.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/16/house-sparrow-population-in-europe-drops-by-247m?CMP=share_btn_url

Please spread the news that these little birds deserve food and water, too!

Where Have All the House Sparrows Gone?Download

This is the list of birds included in this beautiful encyclopedia of sorts that also includes information on feathers, nests, beaks, etc.

I didn’t ask permission to post these page images, but I hope the publisher will realize that Calico’s Ten Golden Paw Award is, precisely, a golden recommendation! If you have someone struggling to find a birthday gift or a holiday present, this could solve your struggles. It is $21.40 US from the online retailers. It’s a perfect price point, too. It is an excellent book to hold and read. Good paper, gold tipped pages matching the amazing cover, below.

Did you miss Ventana Wildlife’s November Condor Chat? Here it is archived! https://youtu.be/1JWS76hlPG8?

In Scotland, a Golden Eagle dies at a wind turbine farm.

Golden eagle dies in rare collision with wind turbine in south Scotland – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

Be careful for the deer. The four deer were running around trying to find food this morning. We had a huge box of apples, carrots, cabbage, etc and could not find them despite the fact they had been near to our house 45 minutes prior. Tomorrow we will leave the food at the park. There were City workers doing something to the road next to where they stay so no one saw them there.

You can see the snow that fell on our garden by looking at the top of the table. The tracks belong to Brock who has chosen to come and go to a place where he feels safe. Oh, maybe one day he will trust us enough to just step inside. For now, we hope he is warm. It is -5 C and feels like -10.

How do birds stay warm in this kind of cold?

How do birds keep warm in the winter? | U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceDownload

Thank you for being with us today. Take care everyone. We hope to see you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, H, J’, Eagle Country, MN-DNR, SK Hideaways, Port Lincoln Ospreys, NEFL-AEF, Window to Wildlife, Rita the Eagle FB, Nesting Birdlife and More, SK Hideaways, An Anthology of Exquisite Birds by Ben Hoare, The Guardian, The Cornell Bird Lab, Ventana Wildlife Society, John Debacker, USFWS

Friday in Bird World

22 November 2024

Good Morning!

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

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

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

The house is definitely insulated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mum was fishing again at 0422 at Port Lincoln!

Mum is away. Has she gone fishing again?

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

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

Pretty quiet at the nest of Beau and Gabby.

The nest at Decorah North is growing!

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

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

The band looked green to me!

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

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

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

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

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

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