Writer, Conservationist, Activist, Bird Lover
17 January 2026
Hello Everyone,
I hope that you are all warm and well. It has been remarkably cold here on the Canadian Prairies following a huge snow storm on Friday. But if -22 C seems cold, then imagine -42 C which is what is forecast for next Saturday.
I am sending you some news, and I want you to smile. Louis and Dorcha, Loch Arkaig’s ospreys, are ‘Parents of the Year’ in The Guardian.
Thank you, Geemeff, for sending us this wonderful news!
22 December 2025
Good Morning Everyone!
[I am sending this out at 2200 Sunday evening in case things get hectic Monday morning – have a great day everyone].
Yesterday was the Winter Solstice. From now on, we will have a tiny bit more daylight, which is always welcome. Sunday was bright and sunny, and there is nothing better to energise a weary body after days of snow and grey than bright light. The Girls certainly enjoyed having those beautiful rays of warmth fill the conservatory.
For the past several weeks or months, I have encouraged each of you to slow down – to savour the moment at hand without worrying about what happened a week ago, what will occur in a month, or if your holiday dinner is perfect, or your house looks like the best cleaning service has detailed it. You would be too worn out to enjoy any of the fun if you did that. Instead, relax. Make the days simple so that you can enjoy them.
I found a blog post about ‘How Not to Feel Lost in a Parisian Cafe’, and I want to share it with you, not that you are going to Paris soon (or maybe you are), but because it speaks to sheer relaxation. Take a quiet moment with a cuppa and enjoy it. Practice relaxing. It is one thing that North Americans are not good at! Endless lists, too much goal orientation and achievement having priority over simple living.
This led to a link about the joys of doing nothing in retirement. In this article in The Wall Street Journal, there is this quote: “Earlier this summer, I read ‘This Is Happiness,’ by Niall Williams, about a fictional Irish community in the mid-20th century where rain is a constant presence in the lives of the town’s poor residents, until it isn’t. “You don’t see rain stop, but you sense it,” he writes at one point. “You hear the quietness you thought was silence get quieter still, and you raise your head so your eyes can make sense of what your ears have already told you, which at first is only: something has changed. The quote describes more eloquently than my words how I felt that morning at the cabin when something for me had changed. It was the realization that in experiencing the peace that doing nothing brings, I could acknowledge quietly to myself, “This is happiness.”
Here is the link to the entire article (I don’t have a subscription and I was able to open it; I hope that you can): https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/relationships/retirement-rest-do-nothing-benefits-90d52ff4?reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
Nellie arrived. The pups have been in and out, and then a rest, and then in and out again. Nellie loves the deep snow in the garden – she is a big girl. Toby likes to go out but not stay out as long. It has been great fun watching them play.
We had a proper ‘tea’ and christened a new teapot. This year we managed to break two teapots – the daily glass one and a much-loved temmoku one made by my friend Gunda Stewart years ago. There are ‘art’ teapots in my cupboards made by people across Canada, but I don’t use them. So…dear Anne brought us a replacement glass one, and I went over the top and purchased a rather glitzy version for special occasions. It is entirely unlike me; I am a much more rustic, handmade person. I like the story behind this design. It is based on the ceiling of the Library in the Fairmont Hotel in Toronto. This is where the ladies had to wait and have tea while the men checked them into the hotel.
I met a wonderful woman years ago in Yangon. Besides the fact that we both looked up and noticed that we were each reading Burmese Days, we were also sequestered inside our hotel for a few days during bombings in the City. Victoria introduced me to Coronation Chicken, and that is what we had today, along with egg mayo, sausage rolls, vegetable samosas, cranberry, orange, and mince tarts, shortbread cookies shaped like Scotty dogs, Fortnum’s Christmas cake, and chocolates. It was a fantastic way to celebrate the solstice! (I meant to take photos and forgot in the flurry of Nellie’s arrival!)
I wondered if Nellie was going to get stuck. She didn’t. She jumped and rolled.
A really tired Toby. He went to sleep before he even got in his bed.
Next to Toby, Nellie is in her big dog bed.
All is right in ‘dog’ world.
SK Hideaways Videos, week of 14 December 2025
Sauces Canyon Eagles: Jak and Audacity Chortle in the Dawn ~ An 11-Year Love Story (2025 Dec 19)
As Jak and Audacity greet the day with nature’s most perfect music ~ chortles ~ we share a little history of this 11-year love story.
Video: https://youtu.be/jCVVKQNIbfw
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnTsOesC6hE
West End Eagles
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org
Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14
Other Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmmAzrAkKqI
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kad6O4nF6bg
Haku Issues Mating Invitation ~ Akecheta’s Not in the Mood (2025 Dec 20)
As Akecheta and Haku enjoyed their often frequented ocean view, Haku started feeling a little frisky. She let out some beautiful chortles and lowered her head, making it clear she was inviting Akecheta to mate. This time, Akecheta was focused elsewhere and did not respond. These two are spending a lot of time together on camera, so we could guess they’re doing so off camera as well. We have seen at least 2 mating attempts before this event, so may also guess that such attempts are being made behind closed tors. We are feeling optimistic about a fruitful nesting season for these two.
Video: https://youtu.be/zhov66JVXDI
Akecheta Attempts Mating After Haku Casts Massive Pellet (2025 Dec 17)
After spending the night together on the night perch, Haku woke before Akecheta and cleared her gizzard by casting a rather large pellet. So large, in fact, that when it hit the ground, it woke Akecheta. Unperturbed, he went right back to sleep before waking later to attempt the first mating we’ve seen on camera. While unsuccessful, it bodes well for these two pursuing nesting and mating behaviors for the season ahead. Akecheta later did some nestorations before setting off to the middle tor, posing beautifully for the camera. (2025 Dec 17)
Video: https://youtu.be/YWxv9J9LbMM
FOBBV Eagles: Two Juvie Eagles Visit Nest Tree ~ Jackie & Shadow Let Them Be (2025 Dec 15)
Two first year juvenile eagles (2025 hatch year) visited the nest tree. The first flew to the very top while Jackie and Shadow were finishing their day’s nestorations. While their hackles were raised and they were very vocal, Jackie and Shadow did not physically approach the visitor. The second juvie arrived at the nest tree after Jackie and Shadow had retired to their Roost Tree. Who might they be? #CouldBeSunnyOrGizmo
Video: https://youtu.be/F6R4BuHTTOc
Courtesy FOBBVCAM, Friends of Big Bear Valley, CA
FalconCam Project
Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW
Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuZaWzhXSAI
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KCFRoO6URs
Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQxrTGgNu4M
GIRRI FLEDGES at 43 Days Old (2025 Dec 18)
Girri woke early on her fledge day, full of energy and raring to go. After some vigorous wingercises and a full frontal attack of the camera, Girri took a wee rest and did a bit of yoga before taking flight. The fledge was perfect, as she flew across the flatlands to a perch tree. Cilla Ross captured video of her perched safely to everyone’s delight. Wishing Girri well in this exciting new phase of her young life.
Video: https://youtu.be/96yPLdvaixU
Viewer Discretion: Diamond’s Prey Unzipping Lesson ~ Girri Chases Gimbir (2025 Dec 15)
Diamond brought another galah (aka pink and grey cockatoo) to the nest for Girri. She watched as her chick tried to consume the galah, but Girri does not yet possess the skills to prep prey. After letting Girri struggle a while, Diamond demonstrated how to prepare and ultimately consume prey. While SK Hideaways doesn’t normally publish graphic displays of raptors eating, we felt Diamond’s master class was interesting and educational. This is something raptor lovers may want to understand about these birds of prey. But we understand if you’d rather skip this lesson. When Gimbir came for the second seating, Girri chased him around the nest. Then Diamond fed him a few bites, but decided better of it. Best he remember that he’s a mate/parent and not a chick.
Video: https://youtu.be/rgCWPyT11No
There is nothing cuter than a couple of bobbleheads – .
Dade County R9.
SW Florida E26.
Two very much loved eaglets. R10 appears to be on its way.
I am unclear as to the status of E27’s egg. A single healthy eaglet fledging strong would be fine for me for each nest.
It looks like a juvenile eagle on the Berry College Bald Eagle nest in Georgia.
For those following the ups and downs of Lumi, the young lynx that found itself in the care of our local wildlife rehabilitation clinic, Wildlife Haven, is improving all the time. A video was posted on Instagram of Lumi going through the morning zoomies. She certainly looks like she is getting stronger each day!
We have eggs with Louis II and Anna II at Kisatchie National Forest’s E1 Bald Eagle nest. Now there is a bonded pair at the E3 nest. Tonya suggests that we are now on egg watch for them. Nice. https://youtu.be/NkSdsMy2WAo?
Gimbir in the Charles Sturt University Falcon scrape overlooking the wooded area below where Cilla saw Girri yesterday. I wonder if Gimbir can encourage Girri to try and make her way up that steep flight to get to the scrape where she hatched?
At Port Lincoln, let’s see what Giliath and Ervie have been up to – Giliath has been to Lincoln National Park, Boston Point, and Boston Island (very similar to Ervie).
Ervie’s tracker – both lads come back to the wharf at Port Lincoln to roost at night.
I don’t know about you but I am always relieved to see our dear Ervie doing so well.
I read Mark Avery’s Blog every month and he always reports on Bird Flu in the UK. Having seen the deaths of hundreds of Canada geese near to where I live, I continue to be interested in how HPAI is still impacting wildlife.
This was the report in Mark Avery’s most recent blog:
“Bird flu: Defra’s most recent update seems to cover the period up to 30 November and has a lot of positive records, especially of wildfowl, and adds Woodcock to the 2025 list of affected species bringing the total to 53: Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Bewick’s Swan, Black Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Eider, White-tailed Eagle, Red Kite, Buzzard, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Kestrel, Curlew, Woodcock, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Kittiwake, Little Gull, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern, Common Tern, Roseate Tern, Gannet, Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Cormorant, Razorbill, Guillemot, Puffin, Black Guillemot, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Grey Heron, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Greenfinch and Starling. The flaws in the ‘surveillance’ scheme mean that it is difficult to know what this species list means in terms of species affected – click here. “
Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care! Have a great beginning to the week. See you on Tuesday!
Thank you to SK Hideaways for those great videos and to the owners of the streaming cams who give us a look into the lives of our eagles. I also want to thank those who take the time to post reports and images on FB so that we know what is going on with our beloved raptors. Thank you to Mark Avery for his blog where I used his bird flu report today as well as to the authors of the articles in Substack and WSJ.
13 December 2025
Good Morning Everyone!
Today, it was -22 degrees C. It was cold. Despite this, Ann braved the cold with Don and Toby to go for their walk along the river.
It’s funny. We know winter is coming when we complain it’s too hot in summer. Still, it takes time to get our heads around the fact that we do need to find all our winter kit. We have coats and boots down to -40 °C. We have scarves and toques. We have ski pants. I have discovered we need a few things because we are finding ourselves outside, walking Toby three times a day, no matter the weather. Today, two out of the three winter wardrobe essentials arrived – Merino wool Long Johns to go layer with those ski pants. They are rated for extreme cold. The next are faux fur-lined bomber hats, complete with flaps. We are just waiting for some much warmer mitts with glove liners. Toby, as you know, is all kitted out with absolutely everything. He doesn’t mind his boots, and those jump suits lined with thermal blanket are pretty amazing. If the ice on the roads would disappear, it would be really nice to go for a long walk through the forest with the chickadees.
We had ‘sun dogs’. This image was taken out of the screened window of the conservatory around 1530. Sunset is an hour later. Sun dogs appear when it is very, very cold on the Canadian Prairies.
So what are sun dogs? Mr Google says, “Sun dogs are bright spots of light that appear on either side of the sun, formed when hexagonal ice crystals refract sunlight in the atmosphere. They are also called parhelia or mock suns, and are most visible when the sun is low on the horizon, like during sunrise or sunset. The ice crystals act like tiny prisms, bending and separating the light into a spectrum of colors, with red on the inside closest to the sun.” There is another one on the other side of the sun that is low on the horizon – too low for me to get an image of the entire scene.
There is a new FB group organised by Cali Condor and a few of their friends. I am putting the link here, and I urge you to step up and join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/867433012696499
I caught Toby and Hugo Yugo again, so here is another of their ‘loving’ videos! I hope these two cutie pies bring you some joy today.
Want to help support ospreys in South Australia? Why not purchase a copy of Fran Solly’s book about Marie!– – Let’s talk Fran into writing a book about Ervie and that clutch! Hint, hint. The story of Ervie and his brothers, Falky and Bazza, is remarkable. There were no fish fairies that year. It was just heart-warming.
Here is the link if you wish to purchase and have the book sent to another country other than Australia:
https://www.clientstake2photography.com.au/marieslongflight
SK Hideaways caught Liberty and Guardian having a ‘discussion’ over stick placement. Don’t you just wish you could talk ‘eagle’? I bet it sounds something like humans talking about furniture. https://youtu.be/a_YZBv6zTZo?
SW Florida’s M15 and F23 – November 12 was the day the first egg was laid. So today is day 31. The range is 34-38 days.
WRDC nest of Rose and Ron – November 12 was also the day the first egg was laid. So it is also day 31 at the WRDC nest.
Captiva Bald Eagle nest of Clive and Connie – November 16 is the date for the first egg.
This coming week is going to be very busy in terms of pip watches and hatch.
Gabby and Beau’s first egg was laid on November 23 so we have a couple of weeks before we are on pip watch for NE Florida.
The American Bird Conservancy’s Bird of the Week is the Waved Albatross – a new seabird for me. Have a read! These beautiful birds are critically endangered. Like other albatross, there are many ways we can help and changing the nature of long-line industrial fishing is at the heart of it.
Menhaden – Always on my Mind should be a popular song. Wonder what would happen to those osprey nests – the adults and any chicks that hatch – if 112 million tonnes of Menhaden got dumped in The Bay? Check out this meeting!
Wishing you a lovely weekend from our house to yours!
Thank you to Cali Condor, Friends of Osprey South Australia, Port Lincoln Osprey, and SK Hideaways for the content I added to my blog today. I am very grateful for all they do and their love and support for our Raptors. I guess I should also thank Toby, Hugo Yugo, and the American Bird Conservancy, too!
8 December 2025
Good Morning Everyone,
I am sending this out Sunday evening as Monday morning is going to be a little hectic. Enjoy!
It is -17 C on the Canadian Prairies, and Brock is at the feeder for the fourth or fifth time today! It was much colder overnight, and he really needs a lot of food – like the birds – to survive.
Brock was the subject of our neighbourhood FB chat. It worried me because I am so afraid that someone is going to get him trapped and take him to our humane society. They would euthanise him as he is not ‘socialised’ with no hope for adoption, even though he has survived outdoors, alone for at least four years, and is much loved.
Several feed him, and we might have even found his bolt hole – a small house with an opening under the porch, either into a crawl space or the basement. No one lives in the house, and eventually it will be torn down, and one of the new ‘infill’ houses will go in. I hope this takes years.
Calico will not wear a parka, but she sure likes sleeping on something soft. She is looking out the window at Brock. Is she his mother? Or his friend, who was also dumped at the same time? I will always wonder.
There is news in Bird World – and that is what I am supposed to be writing about today!
Mum and Dad put in appearances at the barge in Port Lincoln, South Australia, on Sunday. Mum was in the nest, and Dad was in his cave. It is so lovely to see them after the nest failed this year, when Mum abandoned the eggs. There have been other visitors – Ervie has been at the barge nest along with Calypso and friends.
Mum and Dad are looking quite well. I wonder if they have returned to the nest to check and see what their kids have done while they were away?
Diamond and Gimbir’s daughter is getting huge. Girri has turned out to be quite the character.
The necroscopy on SE36 has been released.
Thank you to SK Hideaways for their great videos of the week:
SK Hideaways Videos, week of 30 November 2025
Channel Island Eagles
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org
Two Harbors: Supermoon 🌕Chase ❤️🔥Sunset 🌅 Life is Good explore.org 2025 Dec 5
Cam ops captured the last supermoon of 2025 as it set over the hills. Chase soon arrived with a nice, big stick to continue shoring up the nest rails. We got a nice close-up of the nose bling he’s sporting at the moment. Later, he was found on his and Cholyn’s sofa, while Cholyn remained incognito. Finally, a stunning sunset capped off a lovely Two Harbors Day. (2025 Dec 5, 6:17-16:40)
Video: https://youtu.be/jPuqjG4icSw
Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ
West End: Akecheta & Haku Begin Nestorations🪹 Including Beakies & Nips🎉
A beautiful West End morning gave way to a long nestoration session with Akecheta bringing in the first stick and Haku bringing a few more. Haku also nipped at Akecheta’s wing and wing tag ~ she’s really smitten. Seems like this pairing is going in a good direction. (3 Dec 2025)
Video: https://youtu.be/bq56yy6LufU
Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14
Other Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmmAzrAkKqI
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kad6O4nF6bg
FalconCam Project
Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuZaWzhXSAI
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KCFRoO6URs
Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFAsJvGPd00
Girri Gets as Close to Diamond as Possible ~ Precious Mum-Daughter Time (2025 Dec 6)
Girri couldn’t get enough of Diamond during this long visit. She got as close as she possibly could, nibbled Di’s talons, her feathers, and took a little nap with her. A sweet scene between mother and daughter.
Video: https://youtu.be/KRrn2k-GDQ0
Girri Sleeps in Mock Yogi Pose ~ Then Gravity Takes Control (2025 Dec 5)
There’s something incredibly addictive about watching birds sleep ~ especially big, fluffy falcon chicks. Girri took the captivating, adorable slumber fest to a new level. Bonus: dancing around the egg and huge wingers.
Video: https://youtu.be/dC31StjFAxs
Girri Grabs Whole Prey from Diamond 🍗 Mantles, Tries to Self-Feed🍽️(2025 Dec 4)
Diamond brought Girri a large breakfast, which Girri was eager to consume. The chick grabbed the prey, pulled it away from her mum, and attempted to self-feed. Her fluffy mantling of the prey was a little comical, but she persisted. Diamond patiently waited 12 minutes before taking over the feeding. Once Girri calmed down, she realized that this was a more efficient way to eat. In the end, Girri had another huge crop, stretched to show her magnificent height and wings, and ultimately gave us a selfie on the Cilla stones. Another milestone completed.
Video: https://youtu.be/CbDNoL_XujU
Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW
FOBBVCAM Eagles
Courtesy FOBBVCAM, Friends of Big Bear Valley
🔗Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
🔗Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://youtube.com/live/LCGYWfbyBWc
🔴LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz
Jackie & Shadow Begin & End Day in Song🎶➕Nest Bumps, Nibbles & Beakies🥰 (2025 Dec 1)
As nesting season begins, there are more visits from Jackie and Shadow, and the most glorious serenades, filled with chortles and snortles galore. Today we got those gifts as well as body bumps, tail nipping, beaky kissing, and a sleepover in the Roost Tree. Welcome back, Jackie and Shadow!
Video: https://youtu.be/Z9lSEHWL2yY
Jackie & Shadow Defend Nest 🪹 Juvenile Chooses Bad Time to Visit 😬 (2025 Nov 30)
Jackie and Shadow were doing nestoration chores when a beautiful juvenile decided to stop by for an uninvited visit. Shadow karate kicked the young one away from the nest and Jackie delivered her one-two kick from a basement branch. She then appeared to follow the juvie, likely giving her one more piece of her mind before returning to perch on the Lookout Snag. Shadow remained in the nest a while longer. This defensive behavior is a good indication that nest restoration had begun in earnest.
Video: https://youtu.be/0nMw_5DvSlk
At the Central Florida Bald Eagle nest of Pepe and Muhlady, there is a hatch. Congratulations! This nest has been the first to have hatches over the past few years. Next should be M15 and F23.
There are peregrine falcons in Germany. Yvonne M catches one on camera: https://youtu.be/Dxg-IhSKEOw?
Raptor Persecution UK is following several stories including the shooting of a peregrine falcon in Derbyshire and a halt to international trade in falcons by downgrading their status.
The American Bird Conservancy’s Bird of the Week. How much do you know about the Marbled Murrelet? I knew nothing!
And oh, how I would love to be in Norfolk to see the few Lapwings return.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care of yourself. Looking forward to having you with us again tomorrow!
Thank you to SK Hideaways for their videos, to the authors of the FB posts and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to witness the lives of these beautiful birds. Thank you also to ABC and their Bird of the Week highlights and The Guardian for their wildlife stories.
6 December 2025
Good Morning Everyone,
I am so happy that Toby and Hugo Yugo’s little kissing/licking fest touched your hearts. It is really easy to see why they bring such joy to our lives! SP wrote, “Mary Ann, you are my Santa! The Toby-HY love fest… I’ve only watched it three times… so far. xoxo”
Brock reminded me today that it is ‘essential’ to find a way to have water for the outdoor animals that we feed. This is easy if you live in an area where it never gets below freezing. Here, it can be problematic. You MUST be careful so as not to cause the little birds to freeze their feet and feathers. Because of these issues, I am reluctant to use a heater in the bird baths if there is any chance their little feet will stick and be pulled off! Luckily for Brock, there are two dishes in his heated feeding station – one for wet food and the other for water. He had several long drinks today!
The small sparrows and Starlings were busy eating snow. They don’t get as much as they would if there were a bird bath for them, but they do get some hydration, which is really important if you are feeding them.
Two articles with some different points of view.
I hope you did not worry about Gabby being away from her nest and leaving Beau to incubate for approximately 24 hours. This is ‘Gabby’s Way’. Every year, she takes a break before the eggs hatch. The first time I saw this panic set in, I thought she had died, leaving Samson to care for their family, but no. Gabby was having a ‘spa time’ – I liked to call it. Gabby is now home, and Beau was so happy to get off those eggs, he flew off the nest when he caught her flying in!
Beautiful Gabby back in the nest.
I decided to take a sheet out of Gabby’s playbook today while Anne was caring for Don, Toby, and The Girls.
You probably know someone who was or is a caregiver to another individual – their partner, a parent, another family member, or a friend. It is stressful. There is no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Caregivers are often ‘tired beyond belief’ and rarely take time for themselves. You might know someone who cared for another person and actually died before them. It happens more often than you might think. As Don’s illness progresses, I am trying hard to make sure that my life is a bit more balanced. So, going back to Gabby…I gave myself a ‘treat’ today. I spent the afternoon at the Dior counter today getting a ‘refresh’ from a wonderful woman who has worked for this French cosmetics company for 35 years. It was fun – and a reminder that each of us needs to create time to relax and laugh!
Moving back to our birds. As you know, Heidi and I have been monitoring osprey nests for mortality numbers and causes. Heidi sent this to me today and I thought that you might be interested, too.
“This was the presentation held yesterday on Virginia Eastern Shore by Dr. Watts and Ben Wurst. The presentation itself is only about 67 minutes long, and is very informative.https://youtu.be/bR8byYABd8s?s
A lot of takeaways. VV’s nests all had abandoned eggs. But, Watts’ data indicated the majority of nest failures were from brood reduction due to a lack of menhaden. Most of the eggs hatched, but most chicks didn’t survive. Interesting.”
Overfishing has led to the death of 60,000 penguins! The Guardian gives us the details. “More sustainable fisheries management could improve the penguins’ chances of survival. Conservationists are taking action on the ground, by building artificial nests to shelter chicks, managing predators and hand-rearing adults and chicks who need rescuing. Commercial purse-seine fishing, which involves encircling a school of fish with a large net and then trapping them by closing the bottom, has been banned around the six largest penguin-breeding colonies in South Africa.
It is hoped this will “increase access to prey for penguins at critical parts of their life cycle”, said the study co-author Dr Azwianewi Makhado, from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in South Africa.”
60,000 African penguins starved to death after sardine numbers collapsed – studyhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/05/african-penguins-starve-to-death-south-africa-sardine-population-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url
“African Penguins” by BasL is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
I don’t know about you, but my calendar is counting down to the arrival of the ospreys in the UK! Of course, there is a big gold star at the beginning of April to remind me to be on the lookout for Iris’s return to Missoula, Montana.
Lots of couples are incubating. Eagles and Albatross.
You can watch the Royal Albatross Royal Cam Pair, BOK and WYL, in New Zealand. If you are not aware, the letters relate to the coloured identification bands on their legs. BOK (female) is Blue-Orange-Black with ‘K’ being for Black. WYL (male) is White-Yellow-Lime.
Today, the couple were reunited as they switched incubation duties. The note under the video reads: “WYL returns to the Plateau nest site to give his mate BOK a well-earned break from incubation. Watch him enter from the left of the frame to greet her, and after a brief reunion, BOK lifts off and hands over nest duties. Following a few vocal exchanges with the neighbors, she heads back out to sea. Join us live as we follow their journey through the 2025–26 breeding season! RoyalCam was set up in January 2016 by the Department of Conservation and the Cornell Lab has been collaborating with DOC since 2019 to bring the cam to life. To learn more while watching, view the cam at https://www.doc.govt.nz/royalcam“
At Port Lincoln, Dad was on the barge during the early morning hours having a nap. The camera panned to the old barge but no ospreys were visible.
Girri is such a character. She has even been incubating the remaining egg in the scrape on and off!
Just look at those juvenile feathers coming in!
Girri is a BIG girl.
There has been no news of any peregrine falcons from the CBD of Melbourne coming into care. This is great news!
Liberty and Guardian have been at the Redding Eagles nest.
More eagle news on Monday!
Signing off with Hawk Mountain’s migratory count for the week of 3 December. Osprey count way down. Bald Eagles up. Sharp-shinned Hawks down along with many others. My goodness…but a growth in Broad-winged haws.
It isn’t just at Hawk Mountain that some species numbers are beginning to plummet. In the UK, recognizing this horrific act, people are opting to name streets after our amazing birds in order that they not be forgotten.
Streets named after birds in Britain on rise as species’ populations plummethttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/05/street-names-birds-britain-rise-populations-plummet?CMP=share_btn_url
I don’t need to tell you that Toby and The Girls make my life worth living.
After a day of frolicking in the snow, there is nothing nicer than napping on a toy duck.
Thank you so much for being with us today. We hope to have you with us again tomorrow!
Thank you to Heidi for sending us the link to that presentation on the Ospreys with Dr Watts and to SP for allowing me to quote them. I am also grateful to the owners of the streaming cams – Charles Sturt University, Port Lincoln Osprey, American Eagle Foundation, and NZ Dept of Conservation/Cornell Bird Lab – where I took my screen captures today and to the authors of the articles on providing water for wildlife in winter, The Guardian for covering the death of the African Penguins or OpenVerse for the image of the African Penguins.
17 November 2025
Hello Everyone,
It is a beautiful Saturday on the Canadian Prairies. On Friday, many towns in and around Winnipeg reached a high of 16.7 degrees C, the highest temperature recorded in Canada that day. It was truly uncharacteristically warm, and thus worrisome.
I am actually sending this post out Sunday evening instead of Monday morning. I hope this is not too confusing! Monday morning is going to be very hectic. Toby has an organized dog walk with Ellen and then we are going to fetch our friend Ruth who is coming for lunch with a pop in visit by our daughter. Enjoy!
Oh, how nice it is to have you with us today. I hope that everyone has been watching that cute little fluff ball of Gimbir and Diamond. He or she now has a name – Girri – and thankfully it is one of two syllables that is easy to pronounce!
Cilla Kinross broke down the votes – but look at the number of votes. That is a fantastic response!
I have the listing from SK Hideaways of her weekly videos but this one is particularly cute. Can we truly take our eyes off little Gimbir, first-time dad, and his little baby!?? https://youtu.be/SyatpPaTnJU?
Is it my imagination, or is Gimbir getting much more time with his chick than Diamond allowed Xavier? Gimbir even tries to brood the baby! Or is Diamond just away a little longer and doesn’t see the interactions?
There was lots of activity and SK Hideaways has caught it on video:
We love that little fluffball of Gimbir and Diamond. Can you imagine someone stealing it to sell for profit? Well, Raptor Persecution UK is following a court case for someone who does just that!
Some of the cute stills of Gimbir feeding the little one for the first time. This is precious.
Look how big Diamond is compared to Gimbir in the image right above.
Just imagine Gimbir and Diamond arriving at the scrape with that precious baby gone?
Raptor Persecution UK continues to follow the plight of the Hen Harriers especially those found dead in and around the large hunting estates. You might recall that I reported on five little Hen Harrier chicks stomped to death several years ago. Their mother has now been found dead, and once again we are made starkly aware of how dangerous the lives of these amazing birds are!
The American Bird Conservancy’s Bird of the Week is the Lewis Woodpecker. How much do you know about this bird of least concern?
We have, just on time, the second egg for M15 and F23 at Southwest Florida.
Rose and Ron have their second egg at the WRDC nest. Heidi gives us the details: #1 laid 11/12 @ 14.49, Egg #2 11/15 @15.08
Connie and Clive have their first egg on Sunday, the 16th, at the Captiva Bald Eagle nest by Windows to Wildlife on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Looking for eggs for Gabby and Beau at NE Florida Bald Eagle Cam (AEF) by next Monday. Fingers crossed.
Haku and Akecheta were on and off the top of Tor looking out at the pelicans.
There is a new camera for the West End nest. Check it out – what a view! Thank you, IWS.
Sometimes highlights are being played. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/wfuqjSNXZ14?
Snow on the nest of Jackie and Shadow at Big Bear Valley on Sunday.
Both eagles at US Steel.
Both eagles at Cardinal Land Conservancy. Will there be an egg soon?
On a sad note, Blaze has not been seen at the Eagle Country nest for eleven days now.
I am enchanted with what is happening at the Sydney Sea Eagle nest this year. Lady and Dad arrive at the nest in the early morning with prey and no sea eaglets. They begin to defeather, looking around, and then both eaglets fly to the nest! In all the years I have watched this nest, this has never happened (at least to my memory). Does anyone else remember a year where the fledglings could fly freely around the forest returning to be fed? Please let me know!
This just brings tears to my eyes and I hope yours, too. These two eaglets from the Olympic Forest in Sydney will surely survive. They will get strong, learn how to hunt and beat those darn Currawong!
Just over the moon – almost beyond giddy. How long have the supporters of this nest have waited for a season like this one?
‘A’ has sent in a lot of commentary, and I need to post it, as I have been sending out little blurbs when an event has happened without a comprehensive narrative. I know how many of you enjoy their ‘take’ on what is happening in and around Australia, so here we go – albeit some out of order. Enjoy.
“It is nearly 8pm in eastern Australia and starting to get darker (it won’t be dark for a while yet with daylight savings) and both our eaglets are settling for the night on the branches above the nest. Lady is also perched nearby, in the nest tree. As I said, this is a family unit, working together. It is wonderful to watch, and the eaglets are gaining in confidence by the day. I have not seen this before. I hardly dare to hope that this really is the season they will succeed but I have felt that all along, as you know, and it is beyond thrilling to see the eaglets flying with confidence, returning to the nest for food and rest, and refusing to be cowed by those damned currawongs. “
“The upshot is that all three chicks have fledged and that one of those three has successfully returned to the ledge. Mum brought a snack too, which is encouraging – I am hoping we see all three return to the ledge. As I said, I’m hoping no news will be good news in terms of their welfare and whereabouts.
I will keep an eye on the cameras to see if we get any returnees but you would be best keeping an eye on the Facebook group – I am not a member of Facebook and refuse to become one at this late stage, but it might be worth it at this stage of events for the Collins Street group. It is exciting news that all three have fledged successfully and each one of the three appeared to fledge strongly and confidently. It terrifies me to even think about how difficult it is for young falcons to learn the intensely dangerous skills involved in their hunting technique, but I suppose this is where the parents play yet another critical role. I have been tremendously impressed by these parents, and the moment the crash landing back into the gutter occurred, a parent (probably mum) was immediately in the frame, doing a fly down (probably following the chick) to check that the chick was okay, indicating that the parent in question had been very close by during that fledge and obviously supervising everything that was going on. I do hope that indicates that these parents are going to be good teachers of their chicks. So many times during this season, I have been astounded at the size of the prey items brought to the ledge. These parents are very good hunters – let’s hope they’re great teachers as well. I suspect they might be. How wonderful would that be? There must be room for at least one more pair of peregrines in the CBD area. I’m still wondering where there are suitable nesting areas near Melbourne Airport. I must ask my sister that question again.
It will be raining in Melbourne over the next couple of days – not good flying weather for new fledglings. I do hope they return to the ledge for shelter, rest and food. There is plenty of time to learn all the skills they will need to survive alone out there.”
“Superdad M15. My favourite bald eagle male of all time. He is amazing. We will never forget his efforts the season he reared two eaglets alone. I think Mrs T might be in front in the female version of that award. And I noted from your blog that Mr T is up to his old tricks yet again. Leave the woman alone, you cad! What’s the betting he leaves her incubating a fertile egg and then takes off for the girlfriend’s island nest? I have no trust in him, I’m afraid. Once a cheat, always a cheat.
Oh, the joy of watching WBSE post-fledge. I never thought I’d type that! What a happy mutually supportive family they are this year. That nest makes me so happy at the moment.
Meanwhile, at Collins Street, two fledglings are on the ledge. The little male who returned after fledging yesterday spent the night on the ledge and in the scrape, and one of his sisters joined him around lunchtime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYQ2f7XnC8I&list=TLPQMTMxMTIwMjUIejz-QtbpwA&index=6. Wonderful! The returnee’s first priority is a little self-feeding in the gutter. Excellent. Let’s imprint that return to the ledge for food behaviour. The control she showed flying onto the ledge was impressive, don’t you think? Strong and balanced.
All three of the Collins Street fledglings returned to the ledge yesterday – the little male was still there from his fledge and immediate return the day before, but both his sisters joined him there during the day (how cute were the beakie kisses when the first sister returned and they lay side by side on the ledge? Just too adorable. I hope they can help and support each other just as the sea eaglets are doing. I’m sure it helps. Meanwhile, at Orange, our darling dad in training is progressing with determination. “
This is just glorious footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyatpPaTnJU&list=TLPQMTQxMTIwMjWz-0PE_-fnEA&index=4
Thanks, A!
The Melbourne fledglings made The Guardian!
The Friends of Osprey South Australia and Port Lincoln have announced that, due to the failure of the trackers that have been placed on the osplets, they will now only be banding the little raptors.
Our local wildlife rehabilitation clinic, Wildlife Haven, is helping a Red-tail Hawk!
It is that time of year when people start thinking about the upcoming holidays. No matter what religious persuasion you are (or maybe not any), gifts find their way into the celebrations. Why not do something to help wildlife? One year, our family adopted the hawks, the Crow, and some of the other raptors at Wildlife Haven instead of buying ‘stuff’. Indeed, I do not need anything, having spent the last year trying to rid myself of the many things accumulated over a lifetime. Instead, we now gift small, locally made consumables. We will also reach out to local clinics in various ways. We have two large, used once dog carriers that are way too big for Toby. They will be donated along with a pet crate and various items on the wish list. I hope our family approves! Over the holidays, we will have a four-legged visitor to join our gang – Nellie, a very large British White Retriever. She is Toby’s bestie. The plan is to invite another four-legged friend and provide treats for the cats and dogs, along with some delicious shortbread for the adults.
There continue to be an enormous number of Canada Geese in and around Winnipeg along with Bald Eagles at every turn. Many of the geese have turned into lunch or those eagles. Great image by Kevin Eisler.
We still have osprey in Manitoba, too – the water is still open and fish and prey are readily available for the raptors. Migration times are extended!
Hawk Mountain’s latest migration chart for the week of 12 November. Those osprey numbers are not good.
Please continue to spread the word: Good Wolf reminds us that balloons have no place in celebrations in 2025. We know that they harm wildlife – it isn’t speculation. There are many other ways to decorate that are safe for our raptors and other wildlife.
Thank you so much for being with us. Please take care of yourself. We look forward to having you back with us for our next Bird World post which should be on Monday 24 November. See you soon!
Thank you so much to SK Hideaways, Heidi, and ‘A’ for their videos, notices, and commentary and to the owners of the streaming cams and FB groups who keep us informed, and The Guardian -I am in your debt. I am grateful to everyone behind Raptor Persecution UK who are working hard to bring justice for our raptors and to all who work hard to protect our precious feathered friends.
10 November 2025
Hello Everyone,
It says Monday, but it is actually late Sunday night.
I hope each of you had a lovely weekend. We had snow and ice, and it wasn’t all that wonderful, but it warmed up today to 1°C, so some of that treacherous ice has melted. Thank goodness! The garden animals have been very busy, and on Saturday, there were so many European Starlings that it was completely impossible to count them. Oh, they are lovely birds. Our friend Geemeff was here to see them, and they noticed that our Blue Jays are much brighter in colour than those in the UK.
Heidi has sent me the most informative presentation on the issue of the ospreys in the Chesapeake. It is worth sharing with everyone who cares about the destiny of our fish hawks in that region.
Heidi writes: “This was a very informative presentation about the decline of ospreys around the Chesapeake Bay region. It includes some general osprey educational information, then at around the 49 minute mark, they start to talk more about the decline of ospreys, and specifically as it relates to industrial fishing of menhaden. It is a long video (2 hours), but I watched it in 15-20 minute increments over a couple of days.”
https://www.youtube.com/live/GZ8LEu4D4IM
SK Hideaways Videos for the Week of 2 November 2025
All my videos stem from my love of raptors. My mission is to inform, educate, and entertain viewers. I have never and will never monetize my videos. They are purely a labor of love that give me great joy to share with anyone kind enough to view them. Much gratitude to Mary Ann Steggles for bringing my videos to you.
367 Collins St. Falcons, Mum F24, Dad M24, and 3 chicks
Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam
South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY
North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4
Morning Shenanigans More Vigorous & Daring. NEW ~ Louvre Perching (2025 Nov 7)
As fledge nears, the chicks are more active and even a little twitchy, especially first thing in the morning. Their wing exercises are more vigorous, their gutter stomping louder and bouncier, and all of this happening more often on the ledge. Today, one sister made it to the louvre ~ another milestone.
Video: https://youtu.be/7ZxZtiwNMNo
Chicks Take Self-Feeding Seriously ~ Give Mum the Boot (or Beak) (2025 Nov 7)
The chicks were all over mum F24 when she delivered breakfast a little later than they would have liked. They needed no help devouring every last morsel and then gave mum the heave-ho when she stopped by for leftovers.
Video: https://youtu.be/80HsbSvINCc
Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles, Lady, Dad, and 2 eaglets
Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
(https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html)
Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcKLMh-MGEE
SE35 & SE36 Discover They Now Have a Gigantic Playground (2025 Nov 8, 5:43-12:55)
The day after SE36’s fledge, both eaglets were up and out to their now favorite perch in the wee hours. SE35 flew first with SE36 not far behind.
SE35 became curious about the various bits of equipment on the tree, plucking it like prey! So if the cam goes out, we’ll know why!
They were out and back several times ~ a great sign of their flying progress and a sound way for them to hone those skills.
Video: https://youtu.be/IPzgtwAHqWc
SE36 FLEDGES✈️ Follows SE35 to Dad’s Perch🌲 and Back Again🎉 (2025 Nov 7)
SE36 had a beautiful fledge, flying to Dad’s perch tree to meet SE35, who flew moments before. The eaglets were frisky and lively all afternoon ~ seemed like they were planning SE36’s fledge along. After an exhausting day, the siblings pancaked in the nest overnight.
Video: https://youtu.be/1X2xSXtak2o
SE35 Leaves Nest for 2-Hour Exploration ~ SE36 Remains on Sentry Duty (2025 Nov 6)
SE35 took to the forest for a 2-hour exploration of the habitat. SE36 was content to keep an eye on things and simply look stunning. When SE35 returned, all was well between the eaglets and they simply got on with their day.
Video: https://youtu.be/ti9wc6SnVXI
FalconCam Project, Diamond, Gimbir, and 1 chick
Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW (http://www.csu.edu.au/special/falconcam/)
Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuZaWzhXSAI
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj1Y6ydRl1c
Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFAsJvGPd00
Gimbir Watches Diamond Feed Chick #1 from Cilla Stones 🥰 (2025 Nov 7)
Gimbir continued his on-the-job training after delivering one of many meals. While he typically flees after deliveries, this time he perched himself on the Cilla stones and watched Diamond feed his first born. It was one of the most heartwarming displays I’ve ever seen.
Video: https://youtu.be/rd9q2EL5GxM
Gimbir Brings 3 Starlings in 9 Minutes ~ Chicks Gets First Meal (2025 Nov 6, 6:01-6:29)
Gimbir showed his paternal chops, delivering a significant bounty to the nest for the 17-hour-old chick and Diamond. His 9-minute hunt reaped 3 starlings. Wonder if Diamond was impressed as we were.
Video: https://youtu.be/mynzf-kkOQQ
Gimbir Meets His Very First Chick ~ Moments of Puzzlement Ensues (2025 Nov 5)
Gimbir seemed somewhat perplexed to see a fluff ball where there used to be an egg. While he hasn’t yet learned the subtleties of fatherhood – or even the not-so-subtleties, he will do so in time. Here we look at his first two visits with his very first chick.
Video: https://youtu.be/6UR71MPV3Dw
FIRST HATCH for Diamond & Gimbir ~ From Pip to Hatch in 7 HOURS (2025 Nov 5)
Diamond increased moving and shaking of the eggs as she likely detected a pip and heard at least one chick. Chick #1 was motivated to see the world! The video shows progress from pip to hatch over 7 hours
Video: https://youtu.be/Uaz0j6B6um8
FOBBV Eagles, Jackie & Shadow
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://youtube.com/live/LCGYWfbyBWc
LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz
Shadow then Jackie Make Pre-Season Nest Visits🪹Rendezvous on Roost Tree🌲 (2025 Nov 3)
Adult visits to the Lookout Snag and Basement were gifts enough. But then, Shadow and then Jackie each visited the nest. Shadow brought 2 sticks with Jackie following a bit later to inspect the still messy nest. It’s pre-season time, so every visit is an extra special gift. The cherry on top was Jackie and Shadow’s rendezvous on the Roost Tree.
Video: https://youtu.be/nS3L24OBpYo
Two Harbors Eagles, Cholyn & Chase
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Two Harbors Cam Ops
Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ
Cholyn & Chase Do Major Nestorations with Massive Sticks (2025 Nov 3)
Cholyn and Chase continue shoring up the rails of the original nest, bringing in massive branch after massive branch plus soft material from the fluff factory. Typical disagreements about what furniture should go where are quickly resolved. They depart the nest at the end of the video, flying away to their secret hideaway. Listen for the beautiful chortles.
Video: https://youtu.be/-SeV6GpIbv0
Thanks, Heidi and SK!!!
It continues to be possible that the falcons Gimbir and Diamond at the Charles Sturt Falcon scrape in Orange will only have one eyas to care for and what a lucky little fluffy white ball this one is if that is the case!
This little one is seriously adorable.
Cilla Kinross wants to name this little cutie pie. Here is the information – please vote noting that you can select up to three names but no more or your vote will be discarded!
These are the choices. The link to vote is below:
While the little one at Orange has not even had its beak change colour, the trio at Melbourne’s CBD falcon scrape at 367 Collins Street are preparing to fly. Almost all of the dandelions have disappeared and they are enjoying watching their parents fly through the CBD luring them into a life away from the scrape. Soon! Too soon, of course.
Every year we wring our hands with worry around the fledging of the sea eaglets at Sydney. It is the Currawongs. Despite those pesky birds attacking our fledglings, Lady and Dad are persisting in feeding the eaglets on the nest and today on the branches of nest tree – Ranger Judy Harrington says this is a great milestone. In all the years I have watched this nest, the adults only fed at the nest or down by the River Roost. No doubt these feedings will keep the fledglings strong, strong enough to beat those pesky birds so that they can learn to hunt from Lady and Dad and live a marvellous independent life – both of them. No more starving sea eaglets on the pavement by the Discovery Centre taken into care — let’s hope! So happy.
‘A’ sends us their commentary from Melbourne: “Dear Mary Ann,
I presume you have seen this footage, but in case you hadn’t, I thought I’d send it to you:
It’s almost as if the two eaglets following each other and appearing to play together is giving the younger sibling confidence. It certainly looks like that (okay, I’m anthropomorphising but you have to admit, it does appear that way.)
Let’s hope this year will be different. Certainly, the pre- and post-fledge behaviours have been somewhat different this year, and the confidence of both eaglets may be greater when it comes to insisting on their right to exist in that forest. I have a lot of confidence that this is going to be the year that the eaglets manage to thrive despite the currawongs. If they work to some extent as a team, they will surely have a better chance. Let’s hope my completely irrational belief is based on something real.
The three at Collins Street are such a noisy and energetic rabble that the parents just dump food and flee. Meanwhile at Orange, Gimbir continues to observe and learn. He still has not done a feeding but I’m sure he will try soon. Meanwhile, I believe I was right about the egg that hatched being the last one laid. Certainly, it was the one with the least colour. But whether or not I am right about that, I don’t think either of the two remaining eggs is going to hatch. At this stage, I have enough confidence in Gimbir’s hunting to have stop fearing a second or third hatch, but I don’t think we’re going to have one.”
M15 is undoubtedly a handsome eagle, and he is working hard with F23 to prepare their SW Florida nest for eggs. Mulhady and Pepe already have three at Central Florida – they always seem to be the first!
I have a soft spot for the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest of Gabby. Like so many of you, I adored Samson, but it appears that Beau is rising to the occasion, and let us hope that they have another fledgling this year! They are sure working on that nest.
Eagles at the US Steel nest.
They are working on the Decorah North nest in Iowa!
And at many other nests including Fraser Point on the Channel Islands.
There are ospreys visiting the Captiva Osprey nest on Sanibel Island! They came and went before I checked on the nest. The chat is very informative and Window to Wildlife has a daily log – the link to it is in the chat. This is a new osprey couple it appears.
Jack and Jill have been at the Achieva Credit Union nest in St Petersburg, Florida. Concerns persist regarding the structure, with worry that eggs and/or chicks may fall through.
The environment remains on all of our minds. As much as we try to avoid plastic, it is almost impossible to do so. What a mess we have made of things! The Guardian brings us up to date on just one of the major disasters brought on by plastic.
Enjoy some great wildlife pictures. Calico just knows that you will enjoy them.
Is that a goose on your head? Earth’s most spectacular inhabitants – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2025/nov/04/cristina-mittermeier-earth-most-spectacular-inhabitants-in-pictures?CMP=share_btn_url
Our local wildlie rehabilitation centre, Wildlife Haven is really busy. Lumi the rare lynx cub is now doing much better after refusing to eat. Now they have a Bald Eagle in their care.
Anyone reading my blog is aware of the dangers posed by lead to our beloved raptors. We must continue our fight to halt the production of lead ammunition, as well as lead in all types of fishing gear. Please raise your voice to ban this deadly substance any time you can.
How much do you know about Great Grey Owls? There are some lovely close ups of nestlings in this documentary by Our World. https://youtu.be/OVE3UzyvEIc?
From everyone in my family to yours, we hope you have a truly wonderful week. We look forward to you being with us again next Monday. Here are some recent photos of Toby and his sisters and a few of the garden animals that add so much joy to my life. Indeed, I cannot imagine a day without them despite all the work they create.
Toby is modelling his new turtleneck sweater. Toby is going to need a miniature closet soon.
Hugo Yugo looking beautiful in the golden light of sunset.
Baby Hope – the sweetest and most shy of the bunch.
The mysterious Missey.
Lovable Calico.
Mr Crow waiting his turn in line to get a peanut.
Brock trying to hurry and eat his roast chicken and ham before Toby finds out he is outside! As everyone knows, Brock is a true survivor. He has lived for five years outside on his own. He won’t come in the house and is very weary of being ‘trapped’ in fancy heated houses for winter. So, we simply love him, respect what life has thrown at him and what he is used to, and make sure he gets at least three large tins of food and fresh water every day.
One of five grey squirrels.
Do you know what the national bird of Canada is? Have a good read and celebrate the American Bird Conservancy’s Bird of the Week!!
Take care. See you soon.
Thank you to A, Heidi and SK Hideaways, to all the owners of the streaming cams that give us a glimpse – a great privilege – into the lives of our favourite raptors, to the authors of Facebook posts that keep us up to date on the nest happenings, and to papers such as The Guardian that continue to carry the environmental story. My blog would never be the same without their contributions. I am very grateful!
20 October 2025
Good Morning Everyone,
It is so nice to have you with us today. Everyone sends you a big hello and a wish for a good start to the week.
Part of the week was spent packing away the summer linens for the fall and winter wool. It has rained – and then it rained some more. This is fantastic for the trees and shrubs and will help them during the dry cold of the upcoming months. The Girls continue to enjoy the conservatory, where, when the sun does shine, it is hot. Toby will soon give up his raincoat for winter boots held up by suspenders, along with a padded puffer jacket, hat, and jacket! He is quite the fashion aficionado! The neighbours must be chattering away behind their curtains about this very spoiled little pooch. They must think we have gone daft!
Brock continues to amaze me. Toby sends him scattering under the deck where he waits for me to get Toby inside and call ‘kitty kitty’. He then scampers out to eat his meal returning at least twice more during the day. I caught him sitting down a bit on the fence. Brock is looking pretty good these days.
The Girls are good. I will get some good images of them this week for you. We are all doing well. There are long walks with Toby around the neighbourhood and to several of our favourite parks. We are starting our third year with Anne and our fifth year of living with dementia. Either I am so used to the situation or things really are better than they were a year ago – I am not sure, but I am thankful for our days, which aren’t full of the kind of excitement some dream of, but they really are nice and comforting.
We woke up to yet another day of rain. Toby and I bundled up and cleaned out the bird feeders. The tray feeders now only hold corn kernels or peanuts as the moisture does not cause them to go off so quickly. All other seed is now in either covered feeders or in those cylindrical tube feeders. New suet out for the woodpeckers! Oh, I wish there were places to walk dogs inside when it is pitching down rain!!!!!!!!!!
A sadness fell over Bird World this week as it was acknowledged that there would be no little osplets on the Port Lincoln barge for Mum and Dad this year. The eggs were removed by Bazz Hockaday and sent to Adelaide for inspection to determine the cause of the nest failure. The eggs were fertile. There were little osplets, but for some reason, Mum determined that their lives were not viable and stopped incubation. In a post, Tiger Mozone, thought it was odd that incubation was stopped as some stay on eggs, hoping for 70 days!
The barge nest looks lonely.
This is the latest post from Port Lincoln Osprey:
What was curious to me was that later Ervie chose to visit the barge for one of the first times in ever so long. Will Ervie take over the nest one day?
Everything you ever wanted to know about osprey eggs and more:
There are many myths and scientific explanations when events don’t work out as anticipated. In this case, ‘everyone knew’ that rain would cause eggs to fail. But, does it? Not for this clutch in Maryland:
You might think ospreys would not lay eggs if their nest is disturbed or removed. But think again.
SK Hideaways Videos for the week of 12 October 2025
Introduction: I first fell in love with raptors in 2019 ~ Annie & Grinnell, the CalFalcons, at the UC Berkeley Campanile. All the videos I’ve created since that time stem from that love and my desire to learn all I can about these and other raptors. My mission is to inform, educate, and entertain viewers. I have never and will never monetize my videos. They are purely a labor of love that give me great joy to share with anyone kind enough to view them.
Two Harbors Eagles: Cholyn & Chase Perch on Favorite “Thrones” ~ Spend Day on Cam (2025 Oct 19)
Chase was spotted just after sunrise on the cactus perch. Later, Cholyn was on her low ocean view perch, where Chase joined her ~ a special treat for fans ~ as they chortled and spent time together. In the afternoon, a visitor, possibly a juvenile bald eagle, was chased around the territory, but soon all was calm. The late afternoon found Cholyn on another ocean view perch, where she watched the world go by till dusk and beyond. Catalina Island, California.
Video: https://youtu.be/tpBHvj1M6hc
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org, Two Harbors Eagles Cam Ops
West End Eagles ~ Akecheta & Haku VERY Cozy on Tor in AM🌅Back Together at Dusk🏜️(2025 Oct 18)
Akecheta and Haku met on the far tor in the morning, sitting close as they observed their habitat. They spent the day (on camera) apart, both visiting the nest at separate times. Then, as dusk approached, they came back together on the night perch. While they didn’t remain there ~ owing to human disturbances off shore ~ it is likely they either reunited elsewhere for the night or will come back together in the morning.
Video: https://youtu.be/fcqFxHeft_4
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org
West End ~ Catalina Island, CA ~ Akecheta & Haku (2025 Oct 17)
Akecheta and Haku roosted together on the same perch overnight for the first time. They greeted the dawn with long, glorious chortles and then settled atop the far TOR (top of rock) on a sparkling blue sky, blue sea morning.
Video: https://youtu.be/Linoj1-qkYE
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org
FalconCam Project ~ Diamond & Gimbir (2025 Oct 17)
Gimbir made an early wake-up visit. When Diamond’s initial breakfast order went unheeded, she went out and gave him a few minutes of egg time. He came through later with breakfast, only he dashed out with Diamond, so she stashed the gift and returned. Finally, Gimbir gave her a longer break and she was able to get her breakfast.
Video: https://youtu.be/ws5pv5K34Lg
Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW Australia
367 Collins St. Falcons🪽Wee Chick Gets Private Feeding 🍽️ Big Chicks Want Their Share🐥🐥(2025 Oct 20, 6:14-10:36)
The smallest chick ~ presumed male ~ has been unable to scale the nest since entering the gutter a few days back. This “limitation” has gotten him private attention from Mum F24 ~ including brooding and feeding. The two bigger chicks ~ presumed female ~ decided they’d had enough and barged in on a feeding. The little one was unfazed, remaining steadfast at Mum’s beak. In the end, everyone got their fill.
Video: https://youtu.be/kGmGAtLA8kg
Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam
367 Collins St. Falcons: Chicks’ Morning Shenanigans ~ Wingers and Gutter Stomping Practice (2025 Oct 16)
Video: https://youtu.be/m4OPMsfrGrg
Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam
367 Collins Street Falcons: F24, M24, 3 eyases (15 Oct 2025, 11:26+)
As is true every year, the chicks get fed up with the morning sun and venture towards the shade. Mum F24 is never ready for this transition, doing her best to corral the chicks and keep them in the nest. This hasn’t worked in the past and didn’t work today. There was a frantic hour or so with Mum trying to brood the chicks still in the nest and those who’d escaped. Eventually she accepted the inevitable and relaxed. We were also treated to a camera adjustment, which allowed us to see the three toddler chicks sleeping peacefully in the shaded gutter. (15 Oct 2025, 11:26+)
Video: https://youtu.be/ENBYHEEkjTg
Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam
South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY
North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4
367 Collins Street Falcons: F24, M24, 3 eyases (14 Oct/17:39+)
When Mum F24 brought yet another large meal, the chicks’ crops were already bulging. But F24 was determined to feed them, regardless of how many times they fell into food comas.
Video: https://youtu.be/x_L57QAqFvY
Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam
Sydney WB Sea Eagles: Lady, Dad, Eaglets SE35 & SE36 (2025 Oct 15)
Yesterday was a day of special moments for the memory treasure chest. SE35 and SE36 are quite inseparable these days. They perched on the nest rim and SE36 “hugged” SE35 while they cuddled in the nest. SE36 also performed a spectacular horaltic pose. The family came together in the evening for a meal and just to hang out.
Video: https://youtu.be/ER17Mt44mfA
Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html)
Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/@SeaEagleCAM4/streams
It is a concern that should be on all our minds: what will the world be like for our grandchildren? One photographer “Margot Raggett has spent the past decade raising money for conservation efforts around the world but now she feels nervous about the future. “It does feel like we’ve taken a backward step,” she said.
The wildlife photographer has raised £1.2m for the cause in the past 10 years through her Remembering Wildlife series, an annual, not-for-profit picture book featuring images of animals from the world’s top nature photographers. The first edition was published in 2015, when the Paris climate agreement was being drafted but, in the years since, efforts to tackle the climate crisis have been rolled back.”…..”“Compared to a few years ago, there was a desire for renewables instead of drilling for oil across the world. I think the importance of nature is something for us all to cling on to,” said Raggett.
Despite this, she has some hope. “I’m nervous but equally I’m encouraged by the fact that there are so many people that do seem to still care. I’ll do everything I can to keep my end of the bargain and keep fighting. And I know there’s lots of other people who feel the same, so time will tell, but we certainly can’t be complacent.”
In a timely reminder of how fraught the outlook is for wildlife at the moment, this year’s release, titled Ten Years of Remembering Wildlife, is being published alongside original and altered images of animals including polar bears, cheetahs and pangolins living in, and then scrubbed out of, their natural habitats.”
The images are intentionally meant to provoke us into thinking what life would be like if there were no animals, no birds. Can you imagine it? The book is a massive picture book which will be released on 11 November in North America at a cost of $100 CDN.
In another article, The Guardian looks at the peregrine falcons that have taken over an industrial site in the UK. I love these 350 word Country diary stories! And, of course, we all love the falcons.
Good news is that one of my favourite books by David Gessner is out in a 25th anniversary edition, Return of the Osprey. A Season of Flight and Wonder. Helen MacDonald, author of H is for Hawk (amongst others), has written a powerful foreword to the release that you will enjoy. If you have read this book years ago, it may be time for a reread! And when you finish, I suggest returning to Soaring with Fidel, too. MacDonald describes Gessner’s odyssey with the ospreys, “Perhaps all this makes Gessner’s quest sound dry. it is not. It is a gloriously gonzo, whole-souled pursuit. He wrenches at raw fish with pliers to see what it might feel like to feed like an osprey, leaps into water to try and catch herring in a manner as much like an osprey a human can manage. There is a transporting lyricism in this book’s pages, along with passages of raw horror and moments of glorious weirdness, as when Gessner imagines the female osprey delicately feeding torn pages of his writing notebook to her young” (xi).
The release gave me the nudge to write to David Gessner to alert him about the situation in the Chesapeake Bay region and osprey starvation. This was his response:
“Mary Ann,
Thank you. I’m on it! Three weeks or so I got back from a trip up the East Coast where I saw some of the usual osprey suspects including Bryan Watts, P. Spitzer, Joannie in Colonial beach, Ben Wurst and of course Alan. Like you, I’ve got menhaden on the mind. I’ve been swallowed up by school but am heading up to Cape Cod the last week of this month and plan on finishing a longform piece then. The folks at the Atlantic said they would take a look so that’s my first stop for the essay.
All Best, David”
I am really hoping that someone like Gessner can get the kind of attention needed to stop Omega from killing off the entire ecosystem – if it is not too late already for our ospreys. I need the hope of ten Jane Goodalls. Politics should not be a part of protecting our environment. Humans must recognise the damage we are doing and work mightily hard to correct it.
How much do you know about Chimney Swifts? Charles Brown has just finished a 45-year study and has done a video presentation on YouTube on that very subject: https://youtu.be/VnnPOaf1Dpc?
Things appear to be going very well for Gimbir and Diamond at the Charles Sturt Falcon scrape in Orange, Australia. Incubation continues without issue.
Gimbir is adorable and rather brave not bringing in the entire Eastern Rosella. Diamond and all of us – while clearly missing and never forgetting dear Xavier – are appreciating this young falcon and his food gifts for Diamond. Cilla Kinross gives us the latest…notice that nice crop of our little man.
F23 takes extraordinary care of her trio at the Melbourne CBD falcon scrape! I am more and more impressed with her. The chicks have now moved themselves to the opposite end from where they hatched, keeping out of the sun and the deadly heat of Melbourne.
‘A’ comments: “Oh they are the sweetest family. Little dad is adorable – he works so hard at bringing plenty of food for those ravenous babies. And mum is very efficient at keeping the littles warm and dry and fed and generally safe. My goodness, they gave her a run for her money once they discovered the gutter, didn’t they? Poor mum. She couldn’t work out what to do. And I loved dad’s solution. He just took one look at the chaos and got the hell out of Dodge. It was hysterically funny. Which of course is why I sent it to you. Those moments are just too precious – the way the birds think is on display, and it is truly fascinating. They DO think, and you can see them logically eliminating alternatives and coming up with new ones, then being forced to prioritise, which is always absorbing. For people like us, trying to understand the thoughts and emotions of their world is absolutely fascinating. While we may run the risk of anthropomorphising a little too much, at the same time it is obvious that birds definitely do have emotions.”
At the Olympic Park WBSE nest, we have branching! The currawongs have been relentless this season in their attack on the nest. There are days that I wish the WBSE would eat all of them!!!!!!
Lots of wingersizing!
These eaglets are so gorgeous. It is difficult to tell them apart, and it is getting to be that ‘sad time’ when they will make their way out into the world. We can only hope that they survive the Currawong attacks and make their way to the river roost of their parents, where they can be fed and learn to hunt.
Screen capture of the eaglets by SK Hideaways in their video.
It has not only been the currawongs that are causing mischief but also owls.
At the West End nest, Haku and Akecheta are getting accustomed to one another.
Akecheta watching Haku soar above the nest.
Oh, I have such a fondness for Akecheta. The year that he took such gallant care of the triplets just warmed my heart beyond belief.
There are, of course, so many others – M15 raising his two eaglets alone after Harriet disappeared, every one of Annie’s mates, dear little Xavier…I could go on and on. They really are special – our raptors. It breaks my heart that our environment is changing so quickly that many of them might not be able to adapt (of course, along with humans, too).
Chase and Cholyn are at home at Two Harbours in the Channel Islands.
Big Red has been spotted at some of her favourite spots on the Cornell Campus. Suzanne Arnold Horning knows our Queen of the Red-tail Hawks very well! Thank you, Suzanne, for always keeping us informed.
There is a tragedy underway in the area of the Panama Canal. The first-ever failure of the 2025 seasonal upwelling has occurred. This is critical for fisheries and coral reefs; widespread plastic pollution; and the ecological disruption of the Panama Canal, which is allowing marine species to invade freshwater ecosystems. These problems are impacting coastal communities and local livelihoods– and will ultimately impact seabirds.
Failure of seasonal upwelling
Plastic pollution
Panama Canal ecological disruption
Mongabay explains further:
More by La Ravi:
Billionaires Africa notes that one of their own donates funds to try and save the Wandering Albatross on Marion Island from the ravenous mice!
It is time to think of the birds that visit our gardens as winter approaches. Lesley the Bird Nerd tells us how to care for them properly in her video: https://youtu.be/Zi6iIGUGxpo?
Oh, I do love the Blue Jays in our garden. Junior and the Mrs and three of their fledglings are here all day long, and if the peanut tray is empty, you can hear them easily. Two Crows visit daily along with all the squirrels, red and grey, and an army of sparrows, a few black-capped chickadees, and some woodpeckers. The Starlings continue to visit around 1530 for puppy chow!
There are osprey nests that we can begin watching in the US that will have eggs after the new year. They include Achieva in St Petersburg, Florida, where Jill has been captured sitting on the perch, along with Captiva on Sanibel Island, Florida, Moorings Park, and Frenchman’s Creek – notice, all are in Florida, where the ospreys do not necessarily migrate and where there is the warmth and fish for them earlier than in the north.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care of yourself. There is a very nasty cold going around that is making people extremely tired. We will look forward to having you with us again next Monday!
I want to extend special thanks to SK Hideaways for their videos and for caring so much about our raptors and to ‘A’ for her commentary on the Australian raptor nests. Thank you to the individuals and owners of streaming cams, as well as those posting for various FB groups listed in Bold. The Guardian continues to publish informed articles on wildlife and the environment, as well as several others listed in bold. There is no way that a single individual can monitor all of the nests and keep up to the minute. I am grateful to all those who post in the various FB groups. These individuals so generously send me precious notes about their favourite birds to the authors of books that educate and inspire us, like David Gessner.
13 October 2025
Good Morning Everyone,
It is Thanksgiving Day in Canada, and I have so much to be thankful for, including all of you. Over the years, I have appreciated your letters, your support, the stories about your pets and the wildlife that come to your gardens. You give me hope, and as Jane Goodall says, we need hope to do our part in making this planet better. We cannot rely on anything or anyone other than ourselves. Just imagine if every person on this planet cleaned up their own patch and took care of the wildlife in their surrounding area – well, imagine. We would have wetlands, no one would be shooting raptors, injured birds would be taken to get help, songbirds would be fed, and there would be large green spaces that could connect, providing the wildlife with a greater area. We would stop eating tuna and any fish caught by long lines that decapitate albatross! Plastic – gosh, darn it is so hard to get away from it – would not have a place in our lives. I know I am speaking to the choir – but we need to do everything we can to help from putting out water bowls, fixing windows so that birds do not collide with them in private homes and in high rise real estate, to collecting old towels and sheets, to making sure that unused pet carriers make their way to wildlife rehabilitation centres, and fundraising. Let’s get started!
We should start with a big smile – aren’t we all Birdwatchers? We are optimistic, joyful, passionate- all because of the birds. I certainly don’t mind being called eccentric, but is that the wrong picture? Let’s check this Guardian article.
Here’s to the birdwatchers! Optimistic, slightly eccentric custodians of wonder and joy and passion and lovehttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/12/birdwatching-australia-binoculars-going-birding-life?CMP=share_btn_url
SK Hideaways has been incredibly busy creating videos for us about our favourite nests! Please watch them. It takes hours to put these together, especially when commentary is added! If you click on the YouTube icon they will get credit for you watching and be sure to add a ‘like’!
SYDNEY WHITE-BELLIED SEA EAGLES
Sydney WB Sea Eagles: Lady, Dad, SE35 & SE36 (2025 Oct 13)
At just over 8 weeks old, SE35 and SE36 are active, curious, and hungry. They began their wingercise in the wee hours before Lady and Dad arrived to lead the family in not one, but two quartets. Dad brought two fish breakfasts in the span of two hours, which Lady doled out to the waiting beaks. They get more beautiful every day!
Video: https://youtu.be/vWxGyBoETnY
Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
367 COLLINS STREET FALCONS
367 Collins Street Falcons: Mum F24 and Dad M24 (2025 Oct 12)
At 10, 11, and 12 days old, the chicks are grabbing for food with more gusto and trying to do a little self-feeding. In 2 weeks time, F24 and M24 will be challenged to hold onto the prey long enough to feed them.
Video: https://youtu.be/4TkoOF41_kg
Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam
South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY
North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4
367 Collins Street Falcons ~ F24 and M24
One chick snoozed a little too close to the edge of the nest and slipped into the gutter. While the chick didn’t mind its new location, Mum F24 certainly did upon her return. As she has done in previous years, she gently grabbed the wayward chick by the scruff of the neck and returned it to the nest, where she promptly brooded all three growing chicks (2025 Oct 9, 12:45).
Video: https://youtu.be/Mfqd-5dHEGg
Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam
FOBBV EAGLES
FOBBVCAM Eagles: Jackie & Shadow Melodies and Visit Herald a Stunning Sunrise (2025 Oct 10)
Jackie and Shadow chortle-snortled the dawn away to greet a stunning sunrise, which they enjoyed from their Lookout Snag. During their first song, a mouse explored the nest, and in their finale, they invited a Steller’s Jay to join (though his tone wasn’t quite as melodic as Jackie and Shadows, in our opinion).
Video: https://youtu.be/QcL4uQGAEWI
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley, California
Resident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014
Resident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012
🔗Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
🔗Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://youtube.com/live/LCGYWfbyBWc
🔴LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz
🔠Eagle Glossary + Acronyms +Useful Links: https://bit.ly/2Ln0GAN
📖Big Bear Eagle History: https://www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org/eagle-history/
FOBBVCAM Eagles: Jackie & Shadow Visit 3 Favorite Perches for Date Night (2025 Oct 4)
Jackie and Shadow are enjoying their pre-season bonding activities. Tonight’s “date” took them to the Lookout Snag, the nest, and their Roost Tree. Lucky for us, they let us come along for the ride.
Video: https://youtu.be/3TCViBtBQCk
Courtesy FOBBVCAM, Friends of Big Bear Valley
SAN JOSE CITY HALL FALCONS
San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcons: Hartley & Monty (2025 Oct 6)
Hartley and Monty met up for some early morning bonding, which included scraping in the nest box, a short bowing session, and preening their mid-molt feathers. Grateful they hang around all year long.
Video: https://youtu.be/Xs_N9J2ePHU
Courtesy San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcon Cam
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBSxPjy5sow
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pp9TisLmLU
Roof Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQLhmV6bP6o
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SanJoseCityHallFalcons/
Wiki https://sanjoseperegrines.editme.com/
CHANNEL ISLANDS
West End Eagles 🦅 Akecheta Visits Nest AND Night Perch ~ Haku Joins Him (2025 Oct 10)
We were grateful enough to witness Akecheta’s return to the West End territory on 24 September, having not seen him since the previous January after a vicious territorial dispute. But today, for the first time, he visited the nest he and Thunder tended and shared with their eaglets. He then retired to his old night perch – causing fans far and wide to reach for their tissue boxes. The bittersweet frosting on top was when Haku joined him on the night perch, though she did decide to take the lower bunk in the end. It was a heartwarming few hours here at West End.
Video: https://youtu.be/IQ1oVrZMbXc
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org
West End Eagles: Haku, Bob AND Akecheta Have Perch Party ~ Ravens Ride the Wind (2025 Oct 8)
Haku, Bob, AND Akecheta all gathered together to perch atop the West End overlook. They departed in order of age – Bob, then Haku, then Akecheta – but Haku and Akecheta met up later for a beautiful soaring display in the late afternoon. The ravens struggled with the wind gusts as they tried to land on the hilltop.
Video: https://youtu.be/56eLBHJbkGs
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org
West End Eagles ~ Haku and Bob (today anyway) ( 2025 Oct 7)
Bob really seems to want to be Haku’s BFF, so he performed showy aerial displays and perched as near to her as he dared ~ 3 times. She seemed to respect his efforts and let him sit nearby, except once when she wing slapped him away. Bob is too young to be looking for a mate, so it will be interesting to see how this friendship plays out.
Video: https://youtu.be/jn1cWdZhwHk
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org
West End Eagles: 2-Year Old Bob from Twin Rock Returns After 3-month Absence (2025 Oct 6)
Keeping up with the saga that is the West End in 2025 is nearly impossible, but here’s the story on Bob:
~ Bob is a 2-year-old sub-adult, who hatched at the Twin Rock nest in 2023
~ He originally came to the West End on June 5, 2025, 2 days after Makaio disappeared
~ It is thought that Bob was escorted from the area by the male known as MV on June 23rd
This is the first sighting of Bob since that time.
Video: https://youtu.be/Hlct5mJkthw
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org
Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14
Other Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmmAzrAkKqI
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kad6O4nF6bg
The big story at the moment is the concern at Port Lincoln that there could be issues. Fran Solly reported that Mum was off the eggs for many periods of time in excess of 45 minutes. Dad had not brought in fish – and then he did. Are we worried about Dad? Yes, of course. He is not a youngster and he has had visual seizures on the nest. He is not always getting fish to the nest but it is unclear what the issues are – is he losing his catches to other raptors or gulls? Possibly. Are there other problems? We can thank Fran Solly, Bazz Halliday and Janet Forster for lobbying the South Australian government to get permission to supplement the fish brought to the nest, if necessary. This is the reason for the survival of the chicks over the past what? Three years? (or is it four – time flies too fast).
To put this in perspective, we are nearing hatch. The temperatures were around 17 degrees C. Mum should be hearing the chicks. A few years ago, Milda, the White-tailed Eagle whose nest is in Durbe County, Latvia, left her eggs to go and get food for more than five hours. The temperature was 7 degrees C. To everyone’s shock, the two eggs hatched. The chicks did not survive because the male failed to provide food for Milda and them. But they did hatch!
Mum is tight on the eggs.
Helen Matcham caught some great screen captures of the 367 Collins Street Melbourne trio, who are now getting lots of pin feathers! These triplets have the best Mum who actively keeps them safe.
And more of the trio from SK Hideaways: https://youtu.be/4TkoOF41_kg?
‘A’ sends us her commentary on what is happening in the Australian nests: “There appears to be a female intruder at Orange – she is large (as tall as Diamond), with long legs and not much orange on her beak or feet. Gimbir and Diamond should be able to defend their territory, but we all know this is not what is needed at this scrape (although it is possible that this could bond Diamond and Gimbir tightly and quickly, as the ‘you and I against the world’ scenario can tend to do in humans and in animals/birds).
In good news at Orange, Gimbir is learning to deliver prey to Diamond. This of course is hugely important to the potential success of this scrape this season, as we all know. So today was an action-packed day for our falcons, despite their apparently idyllic surroundings. Some time stamps from today: 10 Oct BONDING 06.07.48, 09.06.24 Gimbir incubates 08.56.24, 09.51.46, 13.28.05, 17:06:03 PREY 09.51.26 G in, D takes, 13.20.06 G in, D takes WATCH 14.12.59 Intruder. Note that Gimbir brings prey to the scrape for Diamond TWICE today. This is a great improvement. We do know that he is trying to please her. And we also know she is not at all reticent about giving instruction. So we have to hope he listens, understands and obeys.
At Collins Street, there was a rumour yesterday after dad disappearing, but he brought in a very large prey item (?pigeon) late yesterday and mum fed the trio a huge dinner. I haven’t personally seen him today but then I didn’t watch the entire day so would not have heard any offscreen vocals from dad. Mum twice went to the pantry and brought back large chunks of food for the littles – the three are all eating well and appear to be getting plenty. No chick is missing out and all three crops are filled several times a day. But I cannot say I saw or heard dad on camera today.
The midday sun is starting to get really hot – yesterday, one of the chicks managed to scramble along the edge between the scrape and the window and then fall/slither into the gutter while mum was away, and when she returned, she was not pleased and tried to grab the little adventurer first by the crop (at which the chick protested loudly) and eventually by the back of the neck, hauling the escapee back into the scrape without incident.
As I suspected, she has an excellent technique for sheltering all three from the sun, when she is there. However, she has been leaving the trio in the noon sun quite a bit, though she presumably knows what she is doing. The breeze may be enough – temperatures are in the low 20s so far, so hopefully by the time things get really hot, they will be able to head off to the shaded end of the gutter under their own steam. Ah, how I miss the patter of tiny feet gutter-stomping at Collins Street.
At WBSE, the adults have resumed morning mating. Why, I wonder. Are they considering a second clutch? Feeling a bit of empty-nest syndrome as fledge approaches? Or just feeling friendly and frisky? (Do birds mate for enjoyment or for bonding or only when they’re fertile, so just for procreation?)
Here is today’s ranger summary, with Al’s edits and additions (look at how very grown-up the littles are in the photo- you can see what a glorious day it was today on the southeast coast of Australia, though down in Melbourne, that sun was a reminder that mum laid at the wrong end of that ledge – again):
October 10: The whole family welcomed the day with a morning chorus – adults mating and then heading off. Both eaglets were self-grooming and stretching after the night on the nest. Just after 8am, Lady brought in a very long stick, nearly knocking SE35 off the rim. She then struggled to place it just so. Mid-morning on a lovely day and Lady was sitting nearby – waiting. She brought leaves – then flew off. By 3pm, the eaglets were still waiting for food, with SE35 passing the time by flapping somewhat alarmingly on the front rail. At 3:15pm, a currawong was swooping the pair on the nest. They’re not even waiting for fledge this season and are beginning to attack the eaglets early. The wind increased in the mid-afternoon, but just before 5:30pm, one of the adults was seen down on the river. Lady came in at last with a bird – both eaglets were fed, then they both self-fed on scraps in the nest, including the bony bits. Lady took some off herself to feed on as well.
So it was a very lean day for the eaglets, with just one meal for the day, and that one piece of prey was also shared with mum. I was also disheartened by the boldness of those currawongs, who aren’t even waiting for the eaglets to fledge to attack them as they do every year. If you listen carefully to their vocals, it almost sounds like they are squawking “currawong, currawong” (or is that just me).
Tonight, they are snuggled on the nest, side by side, like a couple of loaves of bread. The wind has eased since this afternoon, and the nest seems almost still in the tree branches. I cannot see an adult on the perch branch but I’m sure one or both parents will be somewhere close by.
At Port Lincoln, dad brought mum a headless fish just before 1.30pm and a whole fish at 7:52pm (it’s daylight saving in Australia, so it’s not dark at that time even though it should be). The three eggs are being well cared for, and with 38 days the average incubation period for ospreys in South Australia, we have to be expecting a hatch in about two or three days, assuming the darkest-looking egg is fertile.
I am often surprised that people are unaware of how to tell which egg was laid first and which was last – as I’m sure you know, the colour is ‘added’ as the egg is laid, and there is less and less colouration with each subsequent egg. So the first egg laid will be the darkest or have the darkest patterns, the next egg progressively lighter colouration and the third egg the lightest of the three in colour. Meaning the darkest of the three eggs was the first one laid and, if fertile, should be the first egg to hatch. Exciting times. You must be thrilled to be so close to hatch watch – within a week, you could have three osplets learn how to bonk each other at Port Lincoln. Oh joy! “
Thanks, A.
We are falling in love with Gimbir. He is the cutest little falcon – and he is learning about his new mate, Diamond, who doesn’t like Starlings and who doesn’t give incubation time up freely!
At the WBSE nest in the Olympic Park in Sydney, SE35 and 36 are really winging it.
We love Akecheta. We worried he would get injured again, but it appears that he has consolidated his territorial reign and is back on the West End nest with Haku (sadly not Thunder) in the Channel Islands. SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/IQ1oVrZMbXc?
Androcat caught F23 testing out the nest bowl at the Southwest Florida Bald eagle nest in Fort Myers. https://youtu.be/NQ8TErSndlE?
Beau and Gabby have been building up the rails at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest south of Jacksonville. Just look at them working together so well.
It is the middle of October. Will we have eggs in a month at one of the nests? All of the eagles are returning and working on their nests including Ron and Rose at the WRDC in Dade County, Florida.
At least one osprey has been seen on the Captiva Osprey Platform on Sanibel Island, Florida. Window to Wildlife has both streaming cams up and running, so check in on Clive and Connie and the ospreys thinking about that nest. Perhaps this year we will have osprey chicks again.
The Trempeauleau Wisconsin Bald Eagle nest is streaming again after the magnificent year with Mum raising TE3 alone! Thank you Ai Ryn.
Raptors need our help – saving their habitat so they have food and much more, including rodenticides and window collisions. What can you do around your home and neighbourhood to make sure that birds are safe?
Ever heard of a Lava Gull? If not, check this out as it is the American Bird Conservancy Bird of the Week!
Cornell Bird Lab wants us to know more about American Robins in this video: https://youtu.be/bUgWy741Nhc?
Smile. The 2024 fledgling, Marina, is still on the nest with Mum hope and her two siblings (now fledglings) from 2025. George is out fishing!
If you are asked if fledglings from a previous year can help their parents raise a clutch, the answer is yes, and the proof is the 2025 brood at Osprey House Environment Centre, Australia. This was a great educational experience and solidifies my belief that if raptors cooperate, everyone wins.
I am thankful for all of the animals in my life and all of the garden birds that come each and every day in search of food. It is no secret that my Dad was a huge influence on me. He loved animals – cats, dogs, and the birds that came to our garden to eat out of his hand when I was a child. We had a three-legged dog – Trixie did everything any other dog could do. My father believed that animals were capable of almost anything and they brought him great consolation as mine do for me. I had many ‘farm’ animals on my small holding but as far as pets it was always cats. The Girls, the four of them, were here long before Toby. I certainly never want to dismiss their presence and the gifts they give to me – sitting patiently during story time every evening with Calico ‘walking out’ if the book is boring. Yes, she still does that and much of the latest pile has been ‘boring’. Toby has a huge basket of toys. Many of them belonged to The Girls. He has ones that we play fetch, ones that squeak, and the ever present tug-o-war ones with long ropes. He barks with the dogs on the telly or in the neighbourhood and goes wild if he thinks Brock is anywhere in the garden! Many of you are pet owners and you might find this article interesting:
There is at least one reported Osprey in Nova Scotia, Canada. Not ready to migrate yet – .
It must be love – Hugo Yugo and Toby.
Thank you so very, very much for being with us today. From The Girls, Toby, the garden animals and birds, Brock, Don and me – we wish you a lovely ‘Thanksgiving’ even if you are not Canadian! Take a pause, close your eyes, and think of all the joy and those you are thankful for – and tell them! Don’t wait. We will look forward to having you with us again either next Monday or when there is hatch at Port Lincoln!
I want to extend special thanks to SK Hideaways for their videos and to ‘A’ for their insightful commentary on the Australian birds they love so much. Thank you to the individuals and owners of streaming cams, as well as those posting for various FB groups listed in Bold. The Guardian continues to publish informed articles on wildlife and the environment.
Today is an excellent opportunity to give them a big round of applause for keeping us informed. It is impossible for me (or anyone) to keep on top of what is happening at each of the individual nests, and I know that my blog would not be the same without their incredible talents. The fact that they share these with me so I can pass them along to you warms my heart and tells me immediately that there are more ‘good’ and ‘caring’ people in the world than not. So, thank you.
8 October 2025
Good Morning,
Tuesday was a beautiful day in the Canadian prairies. Oh, you cannot know how grateful I am. We have been planning to take Anne to Bird’s Hill Park to hand-feed the Black-capped Chickadees. She has heard us talk about our walks there and how the wee songbirds land on your hands to take the Black oilseed. It is a pre-Thanksgiving ‘thank you’ to Anne. I could not survive without her help and support.
It was so warm that we had a wee picnic of sorts at Pineridge Hollow. Toby was so good, and I am certain that The Girls were happy to have a wee break from their brother for the afternoon. It was just a perfect day. Walking the trails among the tall pine trees was renewing!
The little birds did not disappoint!
It was a wonderful surprise Tuesday evening to see that the Dark-eyed Juncos have returned from the north and have stopped over in the garden to fatten up for migration! There were at least two dozen of them pecking away at the seed on the deck. I hope to get some decent images of them for the next blog. They are so cute!
Several have asked about Brock. He is still here despite Toby. Toby seems to know when Brock is around. So Brock and I have developed a method of getting his food to him without Toby knowing. Brock comes to the door and lets me know he is waiting for food. Once I see him, he goes under the deck and waits. I take out the food, sometimes with Toby, and then as I close the door and secure Toby inside, I call ‘kitty kitty’. Brock will come out to eat within five minutes.
Migration count is underway in West Africa, posted by Mary Cheadle:
Dyfi have posted a wonderful blog, and I urge each of you to read it. Mrs G is the ‘UK Iris’ equivalent who bred at Glaslyn. Her last mate was the adorable Aran, who was usurped this year by Teifi. Perhaps Aran will return and take his nest with Elen in 2026, as the nest failed this year due to all the drama. We will wait. Aran will need to return early and work to win Elen’s heart. Elen might be smart to breed with Aran again because his chicks (along with Mrs G’s great DNA) are returning!
Blue 497 -talk about a handsome bird!!!!!!!!! Just look at him. The first Glaslyn male known to be breeding in Wales. Two chicks this year, but one possibly fell out of the nest at 5 weeks, and the other disappeared at 7 weeks, possibly predated by a goshawk.
The cameras at Captiva’s Window to Wildlife Bald Eagle and Osprey nests are going live today.
Ashley Wilson continues to find Newmann and Elaine at the scrape at Spirit Bluff. They will migrate soon.
The fledgling at the Selati Black Eagle nest has brought its first caught prey to the nest!
Meanwhile, like other Bald Eagles, Jackie and Shadow are returning to their nest to kick start the 2025-26 season at Big Bear Lake.
At the West End, the juvenile Bob returned to spend some time with Haku. https://youtu.be/Hlct5mJkthw? SK Hideaways caught it!
Gorgeous Haku on Tor:
Beau and Gabby are ready for a very successful season at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest.
The Majestics are working on their Denton Homes nest.
Andor with his blue wing tag at the Fraser Point nest on the Channel Islands. Cruz flew in, too.
The IWS is having its annual fall fundraiser. You could be a winner! At least one of my readers has named one of the eaglets at the West End nest (Treasure), and I was selected to name one of the other eaglets – Phoenix – at one of the other nests without a streaming cam. Many have won beautiful photographs and kit. We are eternally grateful to Dr Sharpe and his team for all the work they did to restore the Bald Eagle population to the islands after the DDT debacle.
There is much discussion over the female (or perhaps both) eagles at the John Bunker Sands Wetlands nest. Is this Mum? Or is it a new female? Is this even Dad??? Without definitive markings (the mark on the head could be an injury, prey blood, etc), it is impossible to know without Darvic Rings.
Checking on the Australian nests –
The 367 Collins Street adults are doing an incredible job feeding and taking care of their triplets in Melbourne.
Dad took over incubation so Mum could have his breakfast. She returned with a really full crop. Oh, hatch is coming so soon – seriously, I cannot wait to see a baby osprey. It seems like forever.
There have been at least nine different species of prey delivered to the kiddos at the 367 Collins Street falcon scrape in Melbourne since they hatched. Nothing short of adorable with their pink beaks and feet but now their eyes appear to be open (normally after five days).
ABC Science discusses the life of urban birds in Melbourne. Have a watch and a listen. They even mention the falcons! https://youtu.be/0EA3VNP2vJM?
Oh, how I love the Sydney sea eaglets. Lady and Dad are doing a magnificent job bringing in prey. Their plumage is stunning. About this time in their development, my stomach gets a little queasy. The mobbing of the eaglets as they fledge, causing them to bolt out of the forest, on occasion, or to be injured and hanging around the Discovery Centre, sends me running for the Gaviscon.
Calico urges you to help her and her feathered friends. Educate those you know who might be opting to get their lawns ‘greener’. The toxins kill the ‘food chain’.
‘PB’ asked me when I plan to publish the results of this year’s Osprey data. I hope to have finished entering my data by the end of October. Heidi is finished! I have the following to enter: 35 nests in Nova Scotia, 18 nests in Italy, and 15 failed nests from Maryland. There are, of course, hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands, of failed nests in Virginia and the surrounding area that will not be in the forms, sadly. We do not have enough information other than that there were no Menhaden for the adults, and the nests failed, resulting in no eggs, eggs being abandoned, or chicks starving to death on the nest.
The report from William & Mary University is below and paints the stark picture that Heidi and I have seen and predicted for a couple of years. I am embarrassed that this is a Canadian Company that is killing the entire ecosystem. It makes me so angry.
Could the Tawny Frogmouth be Australia’s Bird of the Year?
Tawny frogmouths take patience to appreciate. They will reward you with insights into their remarkable lives | Stephanie Converyhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/08/tawny-frogmouths-take-patience-to-appreciate-but-they-will-reward-you-with-insights-into-their-remarkable-lives?CMP=share_btn_url
I think they are utterly adorable!
Bush Heritage Australia tells us more about these little sweethearts:
If the waters of New Zealand are warming up faster than we can blink, when will the impact hit the various seabird colonies? This article in The Guardian discusses the warming seas.
New Zealand oceans warming 34% faster than global average, putting homes and industry at risk, report findshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/08/new-zealand-oceans-warming-34-per-cent-faster-than-global-average?CMP=share_btn_url
It is always good to be thankful for all the good news we can get in Bird World and the latest newsletter from Poole Harbour in the UK does just that.
There is other good news – not just for us but for the birds. I am forever an optimist that we can change the way we live and, in turn, create better spaces for wildlife, including our feathered friends. For the first time, considering the international scene, renewable energy is powering homes and industries instead of fossil fuels. PRC is leading this change. China is rapidly expanding its solar and wind energy capacity, surpassing the total of the rest of the world combined. India has turned to renewables and is lessening their need for coal. Solar power is gaining momentum in Pakistan and various African countries, including Nigeria, Algeria, and Zambia. In fact, solar power provides more than 80% of the new energy.
It’s migration season. Some tips on when to help a bird from Wild Birds Unlimited.
Thank you so much for being with us today! Please take care of yourself. We will see you next Monday if not before! Looking for a hatch at Port Lincoln. Wonder when it will come?
Thank you to the individuals and owners of streaming cams and individuals posting for various FB groups listed in Bold. You keep us informed. A particular shout-out to SK Hideaways for their videos. The Guardian and Bush Heritage Australia continue to publish great articles on wildlife and the environment. We are grateful.
