Category Archives: NE Florida Eagle Nest

Sunday in Bird World

5 January 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Another -22 C with bright sunshine. Cold. Cold.

We spent the day being ultra-busy securing a month’s worth of cat food for the indoor and outdoor felines and fresh fruit and veg for us. The birdseed arrived on Friday. After checking and seeing six deer in the forest, we got home in the deep cold and started moving furniture. Yes, cleaning the house is great exercise, but warmer weather and a walk in the forest is much more enjoyable! So the point of moving all the furniture – which delighted the cats as they discovered old toys again – is to make way for a stationary bicycle. We can peddle through the Highlands, go through Bali’s rice fields, or enjoy the golden fields of southern France. We will get those 4-10k walks in one way or another. It arrives on Wednesday.

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions because they have never worked for me. However, our goal is to make 2025 an even better year than 2024. Wish us luck! We plan to plant more trees and shrubs, modify the wood boxes with chicken coop lamps, and launch Calico’s Corner to help feral cats and wildlife—that should keep us busy for a while. What are you hoping to do?

As someone commented in the Achieva chat, it is difficult to watch Jack sitting on the perch, calling for Diane. We have no evidence of what happened or any ring numbers to provide clarity. The one thing we do know is that the platform is currently unsafe for eggs and chicks and requires restoration. There are many ospreys in the area that could utilize the platform if it were fixed, but if I were a female osprey, I certainly wouldn’t lay my eggs on that nest!

Osprey platforms are very expensive to build and install. Just ask the folks at Friends of Osprey South Australia! The Achieva nest has withstood several hurricanes, including Hurricane Milton. I am surprised that no one has volunteered a cherry picker to fix the holes and replace the nesting material to encourage occupation. We learned from Newfoundland Power that helping ospreys by adding nesting material and making the nest comfortable can change the behaviour of the female. For the first time in many years, Beaumont and Hope successfully fledged two osplets in 2024. It felt like a miracle happened at that nest.

Raccoons can get almost anywhere. One was on the Whirly Crane, the old nest of Richmond and Rosie in SF Bay, early Saturday morning. I wonder if they moved their nest last year because of the predators? https://youtu.be/vnp2jx-bzlU?

Need a smile? Wisdom is back from foraging and has relieved her mate to incubate their egg on the Midway Atoll.

Many people are finding comfort in watching the Bald Eagle nests in Captiva and Southwest Florida. The adult eagles are demonstrating experienced parenting, and there is plenty of prey available on the nests. We have the joy of observing four adorable eaglets as they develop into fledglings before we know it!

It looks like it if fish dinners with an egret side course at the Captiva Bald Eagle nest of Clive and Connie and C12 and C13.

M15 brings in some interesting meals. It looks like fish and the two SW Florida eaglets are just cute little itchy pin feathered buttons.

Already stuffed to the top of their little Mohawks and they are getting more food at SW Florida! It was one of those beautiful tandem feedings.

Gabby took her typical spa day before the eaglets hatch. She used to do this when she was on the nest with her much loved Samson.

Jackie comes to the nest with a nice fish and she doesn’t want anyone to share it! https://youtu.be/y7RhOCQisdc?

Many people in the UK are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first ospreys. We hope to see Blue NC0 at Loch of the Lowes and Maya at Rutland in early March.

Some of the Peregrine scrapes are getting busy.

A nice thought.

Idaho is working for wildlife. I would love to have a few of these in Winnipeg!

If you have been following the saga of the Florida Manatees, there is good news and bad coming out of the state.

Florida Manatees Rebound In Indian River Lagoon | Weather.comDownload

You can’t find a happier osprey FB group – I seriously mean this – than the Ospreys of Nova Scotia. Healthy, happy nests (31 nests lost only 2 chicks last year post-fledge), a responsive utility company that amends nests if there is an electrocution, lots of friendly chatters who check on their sites and post daily, and then there are the frantic laughs provided by the members.

Geemeff sends us news about walking our dogs!

These little birds fly up to 10,000 km, only to be disturbed by humans walking their dogs, who probably don’t even notice these gallant little migrants.

https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/24814126.sanderlings—small-wading-birds-isle-wight-beaches

A new word for everyone today comes to you from Calico. that word is FLUORESCENCE!

A ban on killing Turtle Doves will protect the highly endangered species. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/01/turtle-doves-european-shoot-ban-species-recovery?CMP=share_btn_url

“Turtle Dove” by Andy Morffew is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

What are the threats to the European Turtle Dove? The European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) faces many threats, including:

  • Habitat loss: Intensive farming practices, such as the use of pesticides and herbicides, reduce the number of seeds available for the doves to eat. 
  • Illegal hunting: Turtle doves are often illegally hunted or trapped, especially in the Mediterranean. Hunting is prohibited during breeding season by EU law, but the problem persists. 
  • Disease: Disease can contribute to the decline of the turtle dove population. 
  • Unsustainable hunting: Unsustainable levels of hunting can threaten the turtle dove population

Operation Turtle Dove gives us more information:

Why are turtle doves in trouble? – Operation Turtle DoveDownload

The video of the first egg at Hilton Head. Thanks J: https://youtu.be/VoxhzjTlesc?

‘J’s eagle tally so far:

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. We hope to see you soon.

Thank you to the following for your notes, posts, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, J’, Achieva Credit Union, SF Bay Ospreys by Golden Gate Audubon, Jeff Kear and Colins Cornflake Capers, Window to Wildlife, SW Florida Eagle Cam, SK Hideaways, Tewkesbury Peregrine Falcons, Alt National Park Service, Idaho Transportation Department, The Weather Channel, Ospreys of Nova Scotia, National Wildlife Federation, The Guardian, OpenVerse, Operation Turtle Dove, Countrypress, Hilton Head Wildlife Reserve

Friday in Bird World

3 January 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

It’s a new year! ‘The Girls’ have been up to lots of mischief and they have given us much fun and some very loving moments as one year ends and another begins.

Who would have thought? Hugo Yugo has taken to washing Calico! Notice that HY does a great ‘bug-eyed look’ while trying to clean that ear. Calico looks like she doesn’t mind!

The European Starlings rush to eat the cat kibble if I don’t get out with the birdseed soon enough. Before they do, they hang off the vines above the door, and it drives the cats crazy. Calico and HY are being teased by them in some of the images below.

It also looks like Calico has been into holiday shortbread. Her annual check-up is on the 6th. I wonder if Dr. Green thinks she should try that diet again. (My neighbour said she is beginning to look like a Corgi!)

Baby Hope remains one of the most beautiful cats I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing my home with. Her temperament is just the same – sweet and gentle, quiet. A little shy. Never into trouble. I cannot say that about the other three!!!!!!!!!

Missey always gets the ‘sweetness’ award despite the fact that she looks like she can eat you alive.

Clive continues to win high marks. Not only did he ride out Hurricane Milton in the nest, but he recently got in with Connie to help protect the eaglets during the latest storm – and to reassure the family that it really wasn’t all that bad! Today it looked like he was going to get the angler’s award, too. That nest is full of fish. No one is going hungry on Clive’s watch. Connie picked well.

‘A’ sends her remarks: “It’s raining again at Captiva tonight but it looked to me as though lots and lots of dry grasses were brought in during the morning – by afternoon, the nest looked to have a thick dry layer on top. The littles are so cute and I am worried about the dampness on this nest, especially with more rain at the moment. It is nothing like the other night but the nest is still not dry from the storm. The parents have obviously worked hard to get a thick dry layer on top but I hope it is enough. Clive has been doing a lot of aerating too. He’s such a good dad – he does a lot of feedings too, making sure he takes care of both eaglets. He often feeds one and then the other (you will notice that on the logs). I am so impressed by him. 

But then, the more you watch these birds, the more impressive you realise many of them really are. I haven’t had time this season to have much of a look at Thunder and Akecheta, but any couple that routinely fledges three has to be doing something very right indeed. So that is a pair I would like to get to know a lot better. Their nests are not only successful but largely peaceful from what I have observed. I have not seen any bonking problems at West End and nothing that would ever make one worry about siblicide. That doesn’t happen by accident. And of course Ron and Rose are becoming an old married couple by now, gaining in experience and becoming better parents by the season. I am so hopeful for Gabby and Beau but it will be an interesting season, assuming these eggs are viable. Beau has good protective instincts and he is obedient to Gabby, which is a good start. I am keeping my fingers crossed that he also becomes a great provider, but that is the big unanswered question, isn’t it? 

I am still concerned at SWFL. I fear we may have a tragedy at this nest. I cannot believe that a bird with the experience of M15 is not making it clear to F23 that this is not safe practice here, and certainly not this year after what we saw pre-laying. Both adults were knocked from their perches by the GHOs at least twice, and surely that is enough to warn them. After all, these owls are their major predators. I really find it very difficult to understand. What are your ideas on this? Why are they leaving the eaglets totally unprotected and in such danger?”

To answer ‘A’, everyone continues to worry about Beau’s ability to provide for Gabby and the eaglets post-hatch. Now, of course, there is the chance that the pair will change roles with Gabby procuring the food for the family and Beau brooding the eaglets. It doesn’t sound like a real possibility, but the eagles always surprise me. I just hope that we do not have a situation here like we had last year at two of the nests when the new male did not realize the hatchlings were to be fed, not eaten. We are just going to have to wait and see and that day is fast approaching. As for M15 and F23 leaving the eaglets, I am a little suprised because of the presence and tenacity of that GHO. Perhaps the eagles know something that I do not. Certianly if the adult eagles are asleep, they might not hear the GHO approaching in time. Again, we will just have to wait and see how this season transpires and hope beyond hope that the motto, ‘Trust the Eagles’ prevails in a good way.

Beau decided to burn one of the eggs this year like he did last year. Gabby wasn’t having it and she uncovered that precious one. https://youtu.be/SAvMuo-jEPY?

Some people spent New Year’s counting albatross on nests. How lovely.

Liberty and Guardian spent their time working on that new nest after their nest tree finally collapsed a few weeks ago. https://youtu.be/iZ1Hq9z4veM?

Wilko and Kasse each have a fish so far on Thursday. Mum and Dad are doing well.

And Mum did much better:

Gorgeous Kasse.

On Friday both kids waiting for fish.

There are no eaglets in nests except in Florida at the moment. It won’t be long until there are eaglets everywhere and like this one in Alaska that was rescued earlier in the year, the wildlife rehabilitation centres will be bursting at the seams.

I love the stuffy.

Remember the clinics always need our help. Clean sheets, towels, bleach, laundry soap, tools, pet carriers, stuffys, and monetary donations. You could also volunteer your time!

Guardian is giving some love to Liberty! https://youtu.be/JYiUB7b3csE?

Input is being sought on the release of White-tailed Eagles in the UK – with several groups taking on projects after the success of the Roy Dennis Foundation on the Isle of Wight.

Public views wanted on plans to release White-tailed eagles in Cumbria, Wales, Severn Estuary & ExmoDownload

There is a new female at the Achieva Credit Union nest and I wish there was a younger male, too, but it appears that Jack is there. I am 90% certain that the female bird on this nest is the female fledgling of 2020 who defended this nest against adults when she had barely fledged (June) and who stayed around and returned several times later. She has a heart on the top of her head in espresso black. She went 79 hours without food. Was given up for dead several times as a wee, wee one. Was saved because her Mum brought those big catfish on that nest and fed her privately once Diane realised that this third hatch wasn’t going anywhere. Well, I believe this female is Tiny Tot Tumbles. Thanks, MP for that head shot!

I wish I were younger! Just look at this great opportunity. If you know of anyone that might be eligible and would be interested, please pass this information on to them. A fully funded PhD – that is what I had to the University of Leicester – and it is worth a truck full of gold and more. Pass the information along, please.

Fully funded PhD available: The Impacts of Avian Influenza and Toxicants in Scottish Raptors – RaptoDownload

‘A’ is only one of hundreds who have written to me about Angel, the Leucistic Red Tail Hawk who had her nest in Tennessee. What happened to her? No one knows. ‘A’ writes: “ill searching for any word on the fate of Angel and Tom. There is none, though I am not the only person looking for news. I get such a bad feeling when I think about what has happened. We would not recognise Tom in the absence of Angel – if someone were to see him, the ID could not be certain. So it is her that we would recognise and the fact that she has not been seen is very worrying indeed. Not a body either, so she hasn’t had a flying accident or caught bird flu. The landowner has kept an eye out for them I am sure – I know that was the case back when they first disappeared and I imagine that would continue in the course of the day-to-day operations on the property. So we would probably know if she had been killed or had died within or near her territory. 

I do suspect she has been trapped by someone and is imprisoned in a cage somewhere or even dead. I suppose I would prefer that she be dead than locked up for life in a cage. Birds bred in captivity are one thing (and not a nice one) but those who have lived a wild and natural life like Angel would suffer dreadfully from being restrained. It makes me want to cry. Not a week passes that I don’t search the web for some news of her. “

One of the biggest problems with the streaming cams is this. No one wants anyone to know where the nest is unless it is made public. I won’t go into how people can find nests because I don’t want to add any more stress to our raptors and I don’t want to give away methods and secrets. Despite the claims to try and hide the locations, many of the chat moderators give away far too much information. It makes me really upset. The nest of Angel was one of those – too much information. We already know that there are international crime circuits that collect eggs and birds. Wonder how much a pure white Red-tail Hawk was worth? She definitely could have been trapped. She could have died of Avain Flu. She could have died of West Nile Virus. She could have been shot. She could have died of natural causes. Anyone that is on a chat – whether they are a moderator or a chatter – should never ever mention anything about where they live especially if they live in close proximity and check on nests. Criminals are clever. Nothing should be mentioned. Not even the weather! And those cameras should be careful what they show in the background. Believe me people can put the pieces together if they are intent on doing harm and making money.

Gabby and Beau continue incubation. It won’t be long now – a little over a week til we will be waiting for hatch at the NE Florida nest.

Clive continues to prove himself, over and over. Those little eaglets are the cutest things – even with fish juice all over them.

There is worry for F23 leaving those eaglets alone on the nest with that GHO about. But look at those little cutie pies with their dark thermal down coming in and their pin feathers.

Look at the body shape of the SW Florida eaglets compared to Captiva. This will give you an idea of the growth that happens in just a couple of weeks.

Look at that fluffy white mohawk.

I wish Mum would stay in that nest all night tonight!

The image below comes from the following publication: tps://www.researchgate.net/publication/313384900_Monitoring_Bald_Eagles_in_Southwest_Alaska_Network_Parks_Standard_Operating_Procedures_Version_10?enrichId=rgreq-410614b7533b2248c3f0ad792f63b549-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZXJQYWdlOzMxMzM4NDkwMDtBUzo0NTg4NTI4NjE3Nzk5NzBAMTQ4NjQxMDQ1NTgxMA%3D%3D&el=1_x_3&_esc=publicationCoverPdf

Look at the image above and then look at the screen captures from the SW Florida nest to see the age and development of the plumage of the eaglets.

This poster was created by the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee. Look carefully. It will not be long that M15 and F23’s eaglets will be moving quickly to image C.

Peregrine Falcons are amazing. 42 days. An incredible journey.

What an amazing osprey nest in South Australia.

If anyone ever tells you that our raptors and other mammals (non-humans) do not have emotions and do not grieve, please share this tragic story with them.

Grieving killer whale who carried calf’s body spotted again with dead baby | Whales | The GuardianDownload

The increasing tragedy of bird migration when cities will not turn their lights off. It is so simple and yet few have had the tenacity to flip the switch. It angers me just like my city does when it decides to shoot the deer and the coyotes and not question its planning model.

Live ones go in paper bags, dead ones in the freezer: the volunteers saving birds that fly into windDownload

Sasha Dench and Conservation without Borders are trying to save ospreys from power line deaths. https://youtu.be/jlkw1cGA8aI?

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, J, MP’, SK Hideaways, Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Preserve, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, Alaska Raptor Centre, Raptor Persecution UK, NEFL-AEF, Window to Wildlife, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Researchgate, Southwestern Bald Eagle Management, Sandeepa Imasha Punsara, Fran Solly, The Guardian, Achieva Credit Union, Conservation without Borders

Sunday in Bird World

Good Morning Everyone,

On Friday, it was 0°C. Our snow is melting, and it was damp, grey, and not very cheerful until Saturday when there was a clear blue sky with sun. It was so beautiful. We have spent a lot of time outside. There are lots of deer in the areas where we walk. If you are quiet, you can see them without them running away. Sunday is a clear blue sky day and we will be outside again before the weather turns colder the end of the week. Robins have been spotted in various parts of my city and the eagles are out flying in the country. I can see the grey squirrels running about this morning waiting for their peanuts.

We are all doing fine except for my left thumb, which is now taped to the index finger with another wrap around my wrist, so I won’t use it! I never knew how much I used that thumb. Hugo Yugo is completely healed. She was spotted shoveling small kibble from the food bowl Saturday morning. This is a major step. And all of them are now using the new water fountain. It seemed a bit of a shame to get Brock a heated bowl for his food and water ignoring The Girls. So they had squeezy treats and a pink automatic water fountain.

The book list is coming. I have struggled with that list. I hope to have it finished before the end of the year.

Get the tissues and turn the volume up. You might be missing Antali’s very loud fish cry! Cornell Bird Lab put together a wonderful 2024 Highlights of Iris and Finnegan’s first breeding season together. Sum-eh and Antali are beautiful! https://youtu.be/r4lYy8i9ZhY?

A few screen captures – lots more happened at this nest.

As we wait for Iris and Finnegan to return to Missoula, send positive wishes their way.

The second eaglet has hatched at Captiva for Connie and Clive. Here is C13 clamouring out of that shell as fast as it could. https://youtu.be/fLvM-Y-in3A?

Thunder and Akecheta look over the vast waters that surround their West End nest in the Channel Islands early on the 25th of December. It is a glorious site, the two of them perched together.

F23 brings in a large whole fish for the eaglets.

Incubation continues midst the rain at the John Bunker Sands Wetlands nest.

Cold weather at the Trempealeau Bald Eagle nest in Michigan.

Liberty and Guardian continue to work on their new nest at Redding.

If you missed my posting, the Bald Eagle is now officially the ‘bird’ of the United States. You might have thought it was all along. Many think that the Canada Goose is our country’s symbol, but it is not. It is the Canada Jay.

The Bald Eagle Is (Finally) the National Bird of the United States – The New York TimesDownload

GLG comes in from foraging to relieve RLK who had been satellite tagged the week prior. The sky calls are just beautiful. Can you imagine a world without Albatross? Without the DOC NZ Rangers supplementary feedings for the chicks? Neither can I. It is time to stop commercial fishing in the Roaring 40s – allow the fish stocks to return if they will. And if the boats persist in fishing then they must take steps to prevent the deaths of the albatross because of their long lines. https://youtu.be/gct5lXjZGlc?

GLG has also received their tracker. https://youtu.be/NQCk9ITxywc?

Alex II and Andria II have egg number two at the Kistachie National Forest nest E-3. Many hopes for this new couple. https://youtu.be/AttSQFgEC3A?

Really raining at the NE Florida nest of Gabby and Beau where we should be expecting eaglets prior to mid-January. Beau is really getting to incubate those eggs!

Beau sure is taking good care of those eggs!

Jackie and Shadow showed up for a bit on Sunday.

Raining late Sunday at the Captiva nest of Clive and Connie. Little ones so sweet. They are C12 and C13.

Eagles at Decorah North. Precipitation started late Sunday night.

The Majestics were at their nest.

Kasse is now trying to catch fish off the barge nest,

Some more action at Port Lincoln. This is Mum delivering fish and Kasse gets it!

On Sunday some close ups. No one seems to know who is who!

Kasse on the nest. I am going to presume it is Wilko on the ropes.

Fran Solly posted many of the satellite tracked ospreys. I am going to include Ervie and Giliath for you.

Calico’s Tip for the Day: Don’t Let yourself Get Burned Out

This time of year can be overwhelming, with holidays, visitors, and demands coming from every direction. You’re not alone in feeling this way. It’s a good opportunity to reflect on what truly matters. Calico suggests taking a moment to relax, whether that means spending time petting a dog or a cat, or having a conversation with a bird.

Do you feel overwhelmed? Here’s why – and how to fix it | Mental health | The GuardianDownload

Check out the Starling murmurations. Oh, I would love to see this! — And so far, we have counted 48 Starlings at our feeder. Maybe a mini- murmuration? This is written from the vantage point of a 12 year old.

Young country diary: Outnumbered by hundreds of swooping starlings | Tilly https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/28/young-country-diary-outnumbered-by-hundreds-of-swooping-starlings?CMP=share_btn_url

The final count at Hawk Mountain, sadly, showing a significant decline over 10 years.

Heidi sends us an article from Ben Wurst. There is some good news in there about a 10 year old osprey that was spotted and photographed!

Article from Ben Wurst of Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.  Be sure to click on the photos.

Photos From the Field

In the UK, the first osprey to return in 2024 was Scottish Blue NC0 at Loch of the Lowes. Sadly we lost dear Laddie LM12 of what turned out to be natural causes (thank goodness he was not shot as earlier believed), but Blue NC0 might have a new mate ‘the darker one’. We will wait to see. March 8 will be here before we blink.

Geemeff sends us news:

https://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/news/national/24819103.winners-losers-nature-responds-2024s-mild-wet-conditions

And UK Robins need our help:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/gardening/article-14186537/amp/Gardeners-urged-action-spot-robins-winter-say-experts.html

“Actually all wildlife needs our help during winter – please help if you can, there are very simple steps you can take which will make a huge difference to our wildlife.”

I completely agree. The four deer remain in our neighbourhood because it was their home – destroyed for low-rise housing that should be rethought. Whoever is directing the planning in our city is not thinking about livability but only revenue. For decades and decades, a group of architects and city planners have called for making the downtown area ‘dense’. No more single-story buildings but tall ones, allowing for the creation of large parks – wildlife require fewer large areas, not lots of small ones. I fear the future is ‘dead’ – for animals and the spirit that resides inside us as humans. I so long to leave and build in a forest area and yet I would not leave Brock and the other animals. So we just need to keep adding trees.

The Cromer Peregrine Falcons have upgraded their camera. Check out the new amazing images! https://youtu.be/mW0V_vKoKsc?

Jack at Achieva. Still no sign of Diane that I am aware. It looks like she might not be with us this year.

In Latvia, Zorro has been delivering to sticks to his nest with Milda in Durbe County.

‘J’ sends us the graph of the Bald Eagle eggs and the hatch dates (far right). Ron and Rose at the WRDC nest are next. Mark your calendars.

Some places feed wildlife. Others believe we can take all of their habitat and that our lives will still be magnificent without any wildlife anywhere. Which do you prefer? The Deer Pantry feeds oats, acorns, apples, and ground sweet feed. https://www.youtube.com/live/ASu9sqOT_Xk?si=QkTNjcQ-rnus0Pdo

Thank you for being with us today. Take care. Stay safe.

Thank you to the following for your notes, pots, videos, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, Heidi, J’, Cornell Lab Bird Cam, SK Hideaways, IWS/Explore.org, SW Florida Eagle Cam, JBS Wetlands, Trempealeau Eagle Cam, FORE, The New York Times, Elain, WingsofWhimsy, NEFL-AEF, FOBBV, Window to Wildlife, Raptor Resource Project/Explore.org, Denton Homes, Heidi Mc and The Joy of Ospreys, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, Fran Solly, The Guardian, Hawk Mountain, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, Wandsworth Guardian UK, Achieva Credit Union, LDF, Brownsville Food Pantry for Deer

Wednesday in Bird World

25 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Thank you for all of your holiday wishes. We appreciate them so much and, of course, you are always in our thoughts and we hope that whatever holiday you celebrate (or not), you find time to find comfort in nature.

The latest news on Gabby:

It was -1 C on the Canadian Prairies on Tuesday. Remarkable for a day of blue sky and a bright sun, but being warm! Nearer to the forest, it is foggy. It was quite eerie and yet beautiful.

Tuesday turned out to be a day Tuesday was a day filled with gratitude. Our respite caregiver, Anne, has been with us for almost a year and has quickly become a trusted member of our family. She wasn’t with us last week, and I felt anxious until today when she quietly knocked on our door. My greatest fear is losing her.

Not long after she arrived, Anne shared that she will be retiring on January 2nd. She also mentioned that she would continue to help me without any payment, which is something you rarely hear. I was overwhelmed with emotion and broke into tears. Although I wouldn’t allow her to do that, we will break away from the current system and hire her directly. This new arrangement excites me and brings a sense of relief for the future.

The traditional roast chicken is prepared and ready for the cats, both inside and outside. To encourage Hugo Yugo to drink more water, a small pink fountain is now available. Additionally, there is a box of squeezy treats (chicken and cheese) and a container of catnip for all of them tomorrow.

The birds and squirrels continue to enjoy the contents of the baskets. While outside this morning, I spotted ‘evidence’ that we now have a large rabbit coming to the feeders. This put a huge smile on our faces. There are many predators – we hope it stays safe.

Thanks to the help of my friend, ‘R’, the requirements of David Hancock are fulfilled. He has more than enough information, films, and images for his book (I hope). It feels good to help David and to find the documents and images he needed.

If we can get the house cleaned and find some Mochi, we will be ready for the new year to arrive! I also have to prepare that book list for you and so, to clean this house – four cats can cause a lot of fur to be hiding – and do that, I plan to take a few days off. I will be back with you on Sunday morning. In the meantime, continue to check out those beautiful bobbleheads at SW Florida, and by Sunday, there should be two at Captiva!

The Captiva eaglet has no idea how fortunate it is to have Clive and Connie for parents. There will never be an empty crop. Already Clive has enough fish for a dozen eaglets.

Fish juice from one end to the other. That is a beautiful sight.

Of course, the other very fortunate eaglets are at the nest of M15 and F23 at SW Florida. Look at those wee wings. They will be big and strong and trained well to face anything that might come to them. M15 and F23 will see to that!

‘A’ adds: “Ah, the parenting at SWFL is a joy to watch, is it not? And those two fluffy bobbleheads are still in their adorable white fluffy stage, although the relatively drab thermal down will soon overwhelm the exquisite downy baby feathers altogether. I do hope their current behaviour towards each other continues – feisty but non-aggressive – and I have a lot of confidence in their parents to ensure that all remains well at this nest.” 

The chat at NE Florida nest of Beau and Gabby will return Thursday. In the meantime it appears that Gabby still has not cast that pellet she has been trying to rid herself of for several days.

Continue to send this nest and all that have eggs and chicks the most positive energy. They have more challenges than you can imagine.

Why can’t eagles cast pellets? Those reading my blog will know that pellets are the indigestible. The pellets are formed in the gizzard and then cast out from the mouth. The only part of prey that they can’t digest with the very acidic stomachs raptors have is fur and feathers (and again some bones).

Eagles cannot cast a pellet if they have not eaten a prey that has feathers or fur. Is this why Gabby is having such trouble?

Beautiful female and egg at E-3 Kistachie National Forest.

Jackie and Shadow were at their nest on Tuesday in Big Bear.

We should never give up trying to improve the world for our environment and wildlife.

This is my understanding about how loud noise can impact raptors. How can the Australian government allow this when the Canadian Government would limit the noise. Yes, ospreys are not migratory birds in Australia but this nest must be protected.

Loud noises can harm ospreys in many ways, including:

  • Stress: Loud noises can cause birds to experience chronic stress, which can lead to a variety of health issues. 
  • Physical damage: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause temporary damage to a bird’s ears, and in some cases, long-term physical effects like feather loss and cardiovascular disease. 
  • Behavioral changes: Loud noises can cause birds to change their behavior, such as cowering, fleeing, or ceasing mating activities. 
  • Reduced communication: Noise can make it harder for birds to communicate with each other. 
  • Reduced reproductive success: Loud noises can negatively impact a bird’s ability to mate and raise young. 
  • Reduced foraging: Noise can make it harder for birds to find food. 

Canada recommends adjusting setback distances to avoid disturbing migratory birds with loud noises. Noise levels that exceed 10 decibels above the ambient noise level in the natural environment can be harmful.

What a welcome sight. Ervie.

Heidi reports on a new osprey nest.

No fish at Port Lincoln yet as it nears noon and then nears 1300.

Still no fish.

Wilko got a fish from Mum late in the day. I hope there were more fish and maybe the fairy will arrive on Boxing Day.

Geemeff has shared some wonderful news. Gary from the Loch Arkaig nest 1 (not Louis and Dorcha’s current nest but Louis’s earlier one) has been spotted in Senegal and photographed by Jean-marie Dupart. Geemeff is over the moon!

Bird flu is killing big cats in Washington Sanctuary.

20 Big Cats Die From Bird Flu at a Washington Sanctuary – The New York TimesDownload

Bird Flu is causing dire times for dairy farmers.

Bird Flu Has Hit California Dairies So Hard That They’re Calling It ‘Covid for Cows’ – The New YorkDownload

More and more Trusts are working to purchase land to protect wildlife. Why are more not doing this elsewhere? On the Canadian Prairies, Ducks Unlimited works with governments and other groups to buy vast tracts of land to protect wetlands. Yes, they hunt ducks. I can’t stand it, but sometimes, we must compromise for the betterment of many other waterfowl.

In the UK, the Shropshire Wildlife Trust is raising funds to buy 50-hectare nature-rich site: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/24/shropshire-wildlife-trust-raising-funds-to-buy-50-acre-nature-rich-site?CMP=share_btn_url

The Ground Dove babies are now out of the nest in Curacao where my son is visiting.

Geemeff sends us a good news story about Sammy the Parrot!

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/sammie-the-parrot-rescued-after-two-cold-nights-outside-1.7156205?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. See you in a few days!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘CM, Geemeff, H, J’, Window to Wildlife, SW Florida Eagle Cam, NEFL-AEF, KNF-E3, FOBBV, Fran Solly, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, Heidi McGrue, The New York Times, The Guardian, Atlantic CTV news, Geemeff and Jean-marie Dupart

Tuesday in Bird World

24 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

The best of the holidays to those in the Southern Hemisphere who are celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah today. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, it is Christmas Eve. Wishing you glorious memories.

There is lots of news today. As I write, a hatch in progress for Connie and Clive at the Captiva Bald Eagle nest on Santibel Island, Florida. No doubt, Connie will be feeding a wee baby Tuesday morning!

Clive already has fish at the ready. What a grand Dad he is.

There is a hatch for the Captiva couple! Clive is so excited. That nest is going to be full of fish! https://youtu.be/O10VymOl4Xk?

There is an egg at the Kistachie National Forest E3 nest. Congratulations. What a terrible year it was for both nests last year. Good wishes to all for successful hatches and fledges this year.

WingsofWhimsy published the following ‘Worries of a First Year Eagle Watcher’ and ‘J’ sent it to us. How appropriate as the eggs begin to hatch.

The two eaglets at Superbeaks are doing well. (I cannot show images and will only mention them briefly..more on that later).

Gabby has returned to incubating her eggs with Beau. We will probably never know what caused her to leave her incubation duties. Perhaps she was unwell. She tried to cast a pellet thirteen times in 18 minutes but still no success. Oh, please let her be alright.

SK Hideaways has it all on video. https://youtu.be/OqhMujLUFE0?

At SW Florida, Gracie Shepherd catches E24 getting to the rails! https://youtu.be/O10VymOl4Xk?

The Ventana Wildlife Society has given a glimpse of the life of a condor from hatch to fledge! A lovely video. https://youtu.be/d7emYoZ7Qtw?

The Port Lincoln Osprey fledglings are always the most gorgeous creatures.

Thank goodness for the fish fairy – and Mum and Dad came through, too.

The real event for the day is Wilko. He obviously watched Mum fishing from the barge and he dove 4 times for his own fish! My heart is beating faster. How splendid. Here they are on video: https://youtu.be/b0ptEZFmX7Q?

We had a lovely day on Monday. The landscape was covered with hoar frost. Hoar frost forms on branches, foliage, etc., when water vapour in the air touches its surface if that surface is below freezing. It looks like icy needles.

It was magical.

We walked and walked and fed the chickadees. There were hundreds of them. It was like a runway with one landing for food and then another. Enjoy!

Sad news from Birdlife International:

To balance the sad, we have good news coming from Nepal where they are working hard to avoid the extinction of some species.

This Himalayan valley is home to a thriving community and population of cranes. But actions close to home and around the world threaten the landscape. Luckily, our Partner in Bhutan is there to make a positive change.-https://www.birdlife.org/news/2024/11/22/a-himalayan-haven-for-the-black-necked-crane/

More good news after a close call!

A very lucky Australian Osprey chick called Marie had a narrow escape and a good outcome which included advice from Roy Dennis:

Search and rescue

Audubon Florida’s Naturalist Magazine is attached – happy to share with you!

naturalist_winter2024_web_v7_1Download

As I end this short post today, I have learned of a bush fire very close to the Olympic Park Sea Eagle nest. Send your good wishes for Lady and Dad and all the animals and birds in the forest – even the darn Currawongs!

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, H, J’, Window to Wildlife, WingsofWhimsy, NEFL-AEF, SK Hideaways, Heidi Mc, Gracie Shepherd, Ventana Wildlife Society, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, Birdlife International, Australian Rural and Regional News, Audubon Florida

Monday in Bird World

23 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Oh, how lovely for you to be here with us. I know that many are busy preparing for the holidays, as Christmas and Hanukkah fall on the 25th of December this year. It can be the most hectic and wondrous of times. So, thank you.

We had a joyful day with our granddaughter. It is always so nice to see her. She is heading off to Australia in a few days to visit a lad. I am thinking it is serious! Time will tell.

The Crows were quick to tell me that they were wanting more cheesy dogs this morning. Gosh, they can be louder than an alarm clock! It doesn’t matter. Both were here along with everyone else. The heated food and water dish is working so well. I highly recommend it to anyone in a cold climate like ours who is feeding outdoor cats (or other animals – the squirrels are enjoying the water, too).

I had a very welcome letter from David Hancock. He is busy writing a book and part of it will include musings about the Eagle Man, Charles Broley. Some of you will recall that I wrote about Broley a few years ago. Broley was the manager of a bank not far from where I live in Winnipeg. On his retirement, he began watching birds. More important, he became ‘THE’ authority on Bald Eagles travelling to Florida where he banded 2000 eaglets. His writings helped others understand these amazing birds.

As it happens, I have been given photographs of Broley, a signed copy of his book Eagle Man, and some eagle feathers from one of the nests where he ringed the birds. I can help David this way – and it is a great honour. While Broley is Hancock’s hero, Hancock has made such a massive difference to Bald Eagles in Canada that he deserves a similar title. One of his latest ventures has been to build shades for the eagle nests in British Columbia, recognising that the climate is getting very hot in that region and that heat is jeopardising their lives.

There were no bucket trucks in the 1940s and 50s to get Broley to the top of the trees to ring those eaglets and check on the nests. He had to climb them often using a makeshift ladder.

We are beginning Bald Eagle season, and it is a good time to think about Charles Broley and what he taught us about these amazing raptors. I am attaching a report he wrote that changed how individuals understood Bald Eagle migration. It is informative and still applicable today.

Migration and Nesting of Florida Bald EaglesDownload

There are continued worries about Gabby’s behaviour. Gabby is wise. Some think she is ill but I think the fish she brought to the nest was a reminder to Beau that you don’t just incubate you have to bring lots of prey to the nest. Gabby knows best – I hope she isn’t sick, but that she would rather let the eaglets not hatch as starve if Beau isn’t ready.

Earlier Gabby flew into the nest with a fish scaring Beau who has been valiant in his efforts at incubating the eggs. https://youtu.be/Ja6jHVpMha4?

Gabby eats the fish but does not incubate the eggs.

Gabby was high up in the tree and not incubating Sunday night. Will the eggs be abandoned? https://youtu.be/nEt5bU7_TsQ?

In the Big Bear Valley, one of the most beloved couples (if not the most loved) has been caught on camera mating. Positive wishes for this to be their year to raise another eaglet! https://youtu.be/acHqB32wqkM?

The Ventana Wildlife Society works hard to provide non-lead ammunition and still the Condors suffer from lead poisoning. All hunting, fishing, and military equipment should be lead-free. It is not rocket science. Just do it! Where is the compassion for all carrion eaters that will end the manufacture of this deadly ammunition?

Cal Falcons has upgraded its camera.

All is well at the SW Florida Eagle nest of M15 and F23 while eggs are incubating elsewhere. They had an intruder earlier, but it had left. The wee ones are full and doing well.

M15 and F23 are remarkable parents. I have said this many times. They are like the best synchronized swimmers. They work together to feed the eaglets, M15 provides lots of prey, and F23 is diligent in her care. You never get an uneasy feeling.

At Hilton Head the GHOs appear to have abandoned their idea of occupying the eagle nest. Gracie and George are very busy getting that nest whipped into shake for breeding season. https://youtu.be/mNNTjwsL75E?

Liberty and Guardian are working just as hard trying to get a new nest ready in time for their eggs after their other nest tree finally collapsed.

There were fish enough on Sunday at Port Lincoln and it looks as though Kasse and Wilko had about equal meals. Thank goodness for Mum who has proved herself more than worthy of all honours for ‘Mum of the Year’.

It looks as though Kasse has found leftovers on the nest.

I hope that many more fish come to this nest on Monday.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Please take care. 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: ‘J, KM’, The Wilson Bulletin, NEFL-AEF, Deb Stecyk, The Ventana Wildlife Society, SK Hideaways, Cal Falcons, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Hilton Head Land Trust, FORE, Bart M and the PLO, Port Lincoln Ospreys

Sunday in Bird World

22 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope the weekend has been good for you and everyone you love.

Saturday was a wonderful day on the Canadian Prairies. It was warmer, -7 C , but a little windy. No snow!

The birds and squirrels enjoyed the contents of the basket, just without the basket! Both Crows came to feed along with more than fifty Starlings, more Sparrows than I could count, a Little Woodpecker (Mrs Downy), and ALL of the squirrels, including dear Dyson. There was, sadly, only one Blue Jay. I have not gotten close enough to tell if Mr or Mrs Junior is missing. It just saddens me. Brock had his meal. So, for the most part, all is good with the world in the garden.

The deer were across from the park near me when we left them a large bag of apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots Saturday afternoon. The conservation officers disapprove. Four of us feed them because there is no food except the shrubs and Brandon Cedars planted in people’s front gardens for them since their forest area was cleared.

There were deer at another park. It is such a pleasure to see them. It is a large area with lots of bush. They appeared healthy and people driving through were very cautious of their presence. What a change from those near to where I live that drive way too fast.

It was a lovely day. Good food, many laughs, and time outside.

I did little checking on the birds. Let’s see what is happening with a few of them.

SK Hideaways gives us Hartley and Monty with a brand new brilliant camera at San Jose. Gosh, aren’t they adorable?! I love peregrine falcons except for the anxiety and challenges they face living in an urban environment like these two. https://youtu.be/cKE8Habt8BU?

At Port Lincoln yesterday. No fish have been delivered yet on Sunday.

Mum brought in a massive fish on Sunday at 1122, and it looks like Wilko claimed it.

The cuteness factor is in the nest of M15 and F23. No other place! Well, not yet.

They eat and eat and SK Hideaways caught in on video: https://youtu.be/4q-WM3nfazg?

‘J’ writes: “I think both of the E’s are going to be mighty survivors, both feisty as can be! F23 must also be a buddha reincarnation. She takes M15’s shenanigans in stride and now completely ignores her kids pulling her feathers.” We all agree!

A good video showing E25 making a prey steal! https://youtu.be/QCCEPfR4ZBY?

The rebuilding at Johnson City ETSU has begun. Jolene and Boone will make quick work of all that is required.

‘I did not catch Jackie or Shadow at the nest in Big Bear Valley.

There has been some concern for what is happening at the NE Florida nest of Gabby and Beau. Some chatters are worried that something is the matter. Gabby is giving Beau much more incubation time than she did last year. Last year, Beau wasn’t ready. this year it appears he is and he is happily looking after those eggs. Gabby appears to be fine but leaving the eggs which seems odd. Send good energy please just in case.

Ban one and keep another. Killing any bees is not good for the planet.

UK to ban bee-killing pesticides but highly toxic type could still be allowedhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/21/uk-ban-bee-killing-pesticides-highly-toxic-neonicotinoid-could-be-allowed?CMP=share_btn_url

Sadly, bird flu is causing many deaths as migrating birds carrying the virus move south. Thanks, Sunnie Day.

Bird flu has spiked in parts of the U.S. In Iowa, migrating birds play a role

https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/2024-12-20/bird-flu-spread-updates-iowa-chickens-poutry-wild-migration

The recent outbreaks at several poultry operations in northwest Iowa are connected to a virus circulating in wild birds. A different strain infected 13 dairies and 3 poultry operations in late May and June.

Looking to help. Donate produce to your local wildlife rehab clinic! Leave food for squirrels, not just birds!

Recent research shows that 40% of the food in North America is wasted. Calico’s Tip for the Day: Buy Less, Use it All, Never throw anything away!

My son is visiting Curacao for a wee holiday. He posted a beautiful photo of a Common Ground Dove on her nest. Isn’t she gorgeous? This is the tinest dove living in the Caribbean. It grows only to a length of 16 cm or a fraction over 6 inches.

I am used to seeing the Zenaida or Eared Dove. I could tell this one by the yellow on its beak. The Audubon Field Guide describes its habitat thus: “Farms, orchards, wood edges, roadsides. Mostly in semi-open habitats with low brush and grass. In the southeast, found mostly in brushy fields, understory of open pine woods, forest edges. In southwest, occurs in similar habitats including orchards, ranch yards, mesquite thickets along streams.”

All About Birds describes its feeding habits, “Common Ground Doves make their living by gleaning small seeds from wild grasses and weeds. They are also common visitors to bird feeders. They may specialize on certain seeds during the summer, when food is abundant, but eat a variety of seeds during winter. Ground doves also feed on small berries and insects. In spring and summer they may eat snail shells, possibly to replenish the calcium devoted to eggs and crop-milk during nesting.”

Their challenges are habitat loss, including areas where they can nest, cat predation or accidentally by people, and car collisions. They are currently of low concern in terms of conservation.

Hugo Yugo wishes everyone sweet dreams.

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care of yourself. It is very busy everywhere, and people are not watching or taking care on the roads. Most of all, breathe. Take time to enjoy the very simple pleasures. Take a walk. Listen to the birds. Watch them. Take any loads off your shoulders. Be kind. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write this post today: ‘A, CM, J’, SK Hideaways, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Lady Hawk, ETSU-Johnson City, FOBBV, NEFL-AEF, The Guardian, National Geographic, Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue and Rehab, Iowa Public Radio, Audubon Field Guide, Cornell Bird Lab All About Birds

Friday in Bird World

20 December 2024

Hello Everyone,

I hope this posting finds all of you well and happy.

We are getting so excited. Solstice arrives on Sat, Dec 21, 2024, 3:19 a.m. on the Canadian Prairies. The animals will get all of their gifts. Our offerings to the Garden Animals will be finished Friday morning. So grateful that Brock’s heated food dishes have arrived! What a relief. Let us hope that it works in this dreadful cold. The Girls and Brock will have a roast chicken dinner to fill them to their whiskers.

Cookies and cakes are at hand. Food and snacks are ready for Saturday. Then on Sunday our granddaughter will be here with us. She is heading to Australia to see a lovely lad she met in Paris who has been to Winnipeg already. It must be serious.

Brock’s heated bowls.

Hugo Yugo has taken her last pain treatment, is eating well, resting, and playing. She did well thanks to all of your good wishes!

News is scant in Bird World with only one eagle nest with eaglets and all others either incubating or bare of eggs still. The North American Osprey season begins in Florida, but not yet and the European and UK birds are still wintering as are those from North America that do not migrate. The Australian osplets have fledged and it is not hawk and falcon season yet as winter hangs upon us still.

I continue to be completely dismayed that our beautiful raptors continue to be killed over Scotland when it is highly illegal to do so. Precisely why do the Legislators and Judges permit this to continue?

‘Why are birds of prey still being killed in Scotland despite new legislation?’ – special report inDownload

Liberty and Guardian love pre-dawn bonding. The collapse of their long time nest did not deter them from moving on. Lessons that we should learn. https://youtu.be/lIuiKfq-dkU?

Mum, Wilko, and Kasse on the nest at Port Lincoln waiting for fish.

Supplementary fish were delivered on Friday. Each chick had some food. Yes!

Kasse and Wilko on the nest on a blustery Saturday morning. Before the winds got up, Wilko tried catching a fish. Incredible. Wonder if both fledglings watched Mum fish successfully from the nest?

Fish fairy delivery came early on Saturday.

Requests continue to go out for any sighting of the female from the South Australian Coobowie Osprey nest.

The SW Florida nest is full of pieces of huge fish. These two little ones, E24 and E25 will never starve as long as M15 is around.

I love ‘A’s narratives: “F23 is not as diligent with E25 as M15 is, but dad is making sure the younger hatch is eating well. The little one is three and a half days younger than E24, which is a really significant gap for it to make up, but the size gap is not significant. Indeed, there are times when their egg teeth offer the easiest way to tell them apart! At other times, the development of thermal down is more evident on E24, while E25 is still covered in baby fluff. But the baby is feisty, starting some of the rumbles itself and standing up for itself during others. It does not seem to me that E25 is being prevented from eating by E24, though F23 does sometimes take the easier path and concentrates on the nearest beak, usually E24’s. Certainly, there are plenty of feedings (approximately 10 today) and both parents are involved in feeding duties (fortunately for E25). Our hero M15 is as always taking care of his younger hatch, and I continue to have confidence in him. “

Let us hope that Beau turns out to be as good at providing family meals as he is currently at incubating. That would be grand. Meanwhile, Gabby has had to protect her eggs against a squirrel.

‘A’ is thinking the same as I am: “At NEFL, Gabby has allowed Beau to incubate since soon after 3pm. At 3am, he is still on the nest, doing overnight incubation duties for the very first time. Gabby is sleeping soundly on Wallenda, very nearby of course but trusting Beau to care for the precious eggs. She is giving him increasing responsibility in that regard, presumably preparing him for the chicks to come. It is lovely to watch the bond growing between this pair, whose romance has been a slow-burning affair that is finally coming to fruition this season. We have such high hopes for this nest. “

Gorgeous female at John Bunker Sands has her two eggs to incubate. Thanks ‘MP’ for the screen capture.

The scene at the Midway Atoll where the Laysan Albatross are looking for their mate.

Positively gorgeous Barn Owls! https://youtu.be/AWj2ilhVkoE?

If you live in the UK, please head out and watch the Starling murmurations!

Weatherwatch: It’s murmuration time againhttps://www.theguardian.com/news/2024/dec/19/weatherwatch-its-murmuration-time-again?CMP=share_btn_url

Have you ever seen a budgie have a shower? Did you know how much they loved it? Compliments of ‘J’.

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: ‘A, J, MP’, Raptor Persecution UK, SK Hideaways, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, SW Florida Eagle Cam, NEFL-AEF, Friends of Midway Atoll Wildlife Refuge, John Bunker Sands Wetlands Eagle Cam, Robert Fuller, The Guardian

Wednesday in Bird World

18 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

Climate Worrying signs from the ArcticDownload

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WBU Birdspotter entriesDownload

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wed 18 Dec 2024 video archive

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

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

Feeding Times

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

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

The fish dinners improved at Port Lincoln Ospreys.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We have news from the Ventana Wildlife Society:

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

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

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

Monday in Bird World

16 December 2024

Hello Everyone,

Today is more about Calico’s list of books that SHE enjoyed during 2024 than it is catching up on nest news. There are a few things happening and we will touch on them. I will be sending this posting out late Sunday evening and the next post will come Wednesday morning. Please watch for the hatch of E25 prior to that blog.

Hugo Yugo will be having her surgery early and my focus will be on her over the next few days and her recovery.

Sunday afternoon E25 was trying to get out of its shell and join its older sibling, E24! Terrific that the delayed incubation is working so well. F23 is a pro! M15 picked well. Thanks, ‘J’.

Here is E24 hatching if you missed it! https://youtu.be/bQ1ajd9J3xc?

It was +1 on Sunday. Gentle flakes of snow fell on Winnipeg in the early afternoon. The Starlings, some 34 of them, were busy at the feeders. There was plenty of cat kibble and it would seem that was what brought the extra birds to the garden. Dyson and Gang were here – the entire troop of five. It is wonderful to see them scurrying about. The Sparrows are busy eating snow. It is time to get the heater to keep the water warm out of the cupboard!

Calico has been sitting beside me all morning. We are writing the story of her and Baby Hope and finding photos. I so wish that I had taken images of her when she first came to the feeder in late 2022. Still, I am grateful for the ones that we have. She has sat patiently and slowly the others have poured into the warm conservatory to listen and watch the birds. I don’t think they have ever seen so many starlings! There is one Blue Jay and one Crow – which worries me. There should be two of each. The Blue Jays always come together at some point to the feeders. Little Red is busy caching peanuts and causing mischief. Oh, oh. The second Crow has arrived. Now we just wait to see if there is a second Blue Jay.

Calico’s book list for 2024 is not all about our feathered friends but often about nature, how individual lives have been changed by learning about wildlife and their transformation into good citizens of our planet. This year, it is shorter than usual – not because there weren’t a lot of books coming in to read but because she has gotten picky about what she likes to hear!

The top book for 2024 is Raising Hare. We have now read it four times. Chloe Dalton’s busy urban life is changed during the pandemic when she scoops up a tiny hare from the road and takes it into her country home. Line drawings, great narrative. Ten Golden Paws for readability!

Her second choice for 2024 publications is An Anthology of Exquisite Birds. We pick several species and read about them each evening. The writing is clear and while the book was meant for children, Calico thinks everyone would enjoy it. Packed with gorgeous illustrations!

Calico really enjoyed listening to Jennifer Ackerman’s What an Owl Knows. The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds. Who would have thought Calico would like hearing about owls! She hears me scream at the local one all the time! Small black and white illustrations within the text and a central part of coloured images. Of course, Calico doesn’t care about the images – only the words, but you might like them.

It is and it isn’t a bird book. Our Green Heart is about the special place forests and trees play in our lives. Calico really enjoyed this book!

Canada’s female astronaut examines the beauty and threat to two species, The Whooping Crane and the Lesser Flamingo in Space for Birds. It is a gorgeous book – just look at that cover! Calico appreciated the writing. I loved that and the beautiful images.

Calico must be into the symbolism and mystical qualities of birds because she truly enjoyed having several entries of Ornithography. An Illustrated Guide to Bird Lore and Symbolism read to her each evening. There are 100 entires, all illustrated. (I found it interesting that Calico sat and listened to these entries when she is always bored by field guides, and while I genuinely enjoyed Amy Tan’s Backyard Chronicles, Calico didn’t. Go figure!

It is not a 2024 publication, but Calico cannot get enough of this book about life in the Welsh countryside. It is another transformative story of a young East Indian woman who moves to rural Wales. It was the first book Calico ever heard during story time. It is I can hear the Cuckoo.

Another old favourite is The Meaning of Geese. A thousand miles in search of home. It is the story of the author who gives up a wondrous life of travel to ride a bicycle around Norfolk, his home, studying the geese that migrate to the UK during the winter from Iceland, Greenland, and Siberia. Calico says if you like geese, this is the book for you!

We read every night and sometimes in the afternoons. Some books are favourites of mine and I will be making a much longer list for the end of the year. There are quite a number of new books that we have added to the library that appealed to me, but not to Calico! She is very particular about the sound of the words and which words are joined together. She will actually get up and walk out!

Another all time favourite that we read when Calico got tired of hearing scientific data about Ospreys, Falcons, or Condors was The Comfort of Crows. A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl. It is a wonderful little book that follows the life of the wildlife in Renkl’s garden with some amusing stories.

My listing will appear before the end of the year. I hope that it will contain some new books that will delight you over the winter.

Meanwhile at the nest of M15 and F23 in SW Florida, each tries to feed little E24. https://youtu.be/_BfPWsfaJLU?

In South Australia, Fran Solly has kindly posted the nests, the names, and the banding colours of this years chicks. Kasse’s bands are red left and white right, I think.

Missy flying about from Coobowie.

At Port Lincoln, all four family members are at the barge. Wilko is 72 days old today and Kasse is 69.

Noon. Kasse and Wilko hoping for fish!

Precious eggs of Beau and Gabby.

Good news for eggs and the Moli on the island of Kauai.

On Midway the albatross are breeding, too.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We will see you again on Wednesday. Send good wishes to Hugo Yugo on Monday for a successful surgery and take care of yourself.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cam that helped me to write my post today: ‘J’ SK Hideaways, the authors of all the books and Amazon, NestFlix Memories, Fran Solly, Port Lincoln Osprey, Bart M and the PLO, NEFL-AEF, Hob Osterlund, Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge