Osprey reintroduction – Mary Ann Steggles

Monday in Bird World

25 August 2025

Good Morning Everyone!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SE35 is 8 days old; SE36 is 7 days old

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

SNEAK PREVIEW! First Egg of 2025 2025 Aug 24

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

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

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

Sun Rises on Haku & MV’s Shenanigans

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

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

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org

Dad Brings Breakfast ~ Mum Wants It In the Dining Room

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

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

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

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

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

Today’s videos:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Useful links:

Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys:

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

Walking With Daddy / Osprey:

https://walkingwithdaddy.com/osprey

Nest One livestream:

Nest Two livestream:

Woodland Trust Osprey cam 2025 video clips:

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

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

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9K5 AT 11 WEEKS — Usk Valley Ospreys Download

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knepp Farm Re-wilding News:

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

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

Conference: A Wilder Future for the Uplands – Raptor Persecution UK Download

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

ʻAlawī (Hawaiʻi Creeper) – American Bird Conservancy Download

We need to be concerned about our planet!

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

How does light pollution impact birds?

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

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

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

Monday in Bird World

21 July 2025

Late breaking news that cannot be ignored:

I love storks – white, black or even rainbow coloured. Storks are wonderful and we are killing them along with other birds such as ospreys because of our general disregard for what plastic does to the world. “The chief culprit was baler twine, a plastic string used to secure hay bales: either the twine or its wrapping was responsible for almost all the entangled chicks. A few were caught up in domestic plastics such as bags or milk containers. The chicks died from strangulation, amputation and infected wounds.

“They roll and roll and they go around and it’s almost as if they tie the rope around their legs even harder as they move,” Franco says.

Acácio likes to talk about successful rescues, too. Once, she peered into a nest built on the stump of a cork oak tree to find two three-week-old siblings, their limbs coiled in spirals of blue baler twine.”

How many times has Dr Greene talked about the baling twine issues with ospreys in Montana? We need to find a solution for this plastic monster. It is more than sad.

Please read the article from The Guardian. It is enlightening.

Killer in the nest: how young storks are being strangled by plastichttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/14/discarded-plastic-baler-twine-killing-birds-white-storks-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

A situation is developing at Osprey House Environment Centre in Australia. The female is feeding last year’s fledgling and her two young osplets! ‘MB’ sends us the FB link:

https://www.facebook.com/OspreyHouseEnvironmentCentre?

Whew! Welcome to the beginning of the week! We hope that each of you had a wonderful weekend.

The Girls enjoy watching the dozens of new baby birds in the garden. They come up close to the conservatory windows and cause quite a stir! Cute little wrens today. The baby Crows still arrive wanting their peanuts, and you can hear the Blue Jays two blocks away if the feeder is empty. It is a joy! Toby has had several walks. We have met many new neighbours and their puppies. He is growing leaps and bounds. I cannot quite believe it. His halter had to be loosened today, and I swear he is 15 cm or 6 inches longer. My new bed seems much smaller, and he really snores. We had a wonderful barbecue celebrating my daughter’s birthday. Everyone was there. It was fantastic. Even the wildfire smoke and wasps could not dampen anyone’s spirits.

I am now a member of the Virginia Wildlife FB group. (Thank you so much for letting me join – I really want to learn about the situation of all wildlife in Virginia.) First thing I noticed – images of Bald Eagles chasing Ospreys to get their precious fish! Check it out on their FB group. Ospreys have trouble with all manner of feathered ‘friends’ trying to get their fish. Gulls, eagles, even other ospreys.

Heidi’s Osprey Nest Notes:

Seaside osprey cam has had issues with their live stream all season, and it has been frustrating for viewers and the chat moderator, Jewel. There was a fledge the morning of 7/20 that occurred when the livestream was down, and reports came in from ‘boots on the ground’, John and August. With a brief nest view later.

Thank you, Heidi.

Gorgeous photograph of the three fledglings from the Centreport Bald Eagle Nest on Long Island, New York.

A good news story about wildlife is always welcome, and I received one last week from one of our regular readers, ‘MP’. I have tried to attach the images, but alas, I gave up. I know that you can imagine a barbed wire fence with large barbs and how, if an animal jumped over the fence, they could easily become injured.

“Hi, Mary Ann. All these photos and writings are from Ron Dudley. He’s showing a good side of ranchers and Nature Conservancy working together for nature. thought this to be a positive side.I thought you’d like to know.~M

Some ranchers in the valley have installed pronghorn-friendly barbed wire fences that have no barbs on the bottom wire. This fence is one of them.

And pronghorn-friendly fences aren’t the only example of ranchers trying to protect wildlife in the valley. Much of the huge valley is Sage Grouse country. When in flight, grouse have a hard time seeing barbed wire, so they often crash into it. When a 6+ lb. Sage Grouse crashes into barbed wire at speed, the results are predictably disastrous.

So some ranchers have allowed organizations like the Nature Conservancy to install bright white fence flags on their fences. The flags are easy to see and research has shown that they significantly reduce grouse/fence mayhem. I took this photo on June 19th in one of the more remote areas of the valley.

Not long after this photo was taken, I talked to a local rancher (Justin) about the fence flags. Here’s what he said (paraphrased) – “As long they (the Nature Conservancy and organisations like them) are willing to pay for them, and install them, I’m certainly willing to allow them to do so.”

Foulshaw Moss and Cumbrian Wildlife Trust:

All three at Foulshaw Moss have now fledged. Congratulations White YW and Blue 35 for another fantastic and very successful year.

Dyfi Osprey Project: Idris is one of my all-time favourite male ospreys. He is known as ‘Daddy Long Legs’, but he is a great fisher. Now he has broken another record. Watch the video to find out what that is: https://youtu.be/Y_GEb2QQapM?

Dunrovin Ranch Osprey Platform:

Allin’s Cove West: “A day in the life of the single parent offspring. Sleep, stretch, wing flat, call for food, and when none arrives, sleep some more.”https://youtu.be/cQx9eX2G31w?

Goitzsche-Wildnis with J Castyner: “Being an only child seems to have only advantages. Zeus and Fjona have focused on taking care of the boy, protecting him and feeding him in the best possible way. We can see it in the video. Mother and son are (I think) on the camera pole screaming to claim the teak, but when the father arrives alone the young man goes down to collect the piece: a beautiful headless fish, a luxurious fillet. For the boy, the best.” (The two older siblings were predated by a Red Kite). Other report below on this nest.

Sauces Canyon: Betty Lou comes home. https://youtu.be/19Ah8LzbEfI?

Two Harbours: Date night with long-time bonded mates, Chase and Cholyn by SK Hideaways. https://youtu.be/4PCwSnUvu2k?

West End Nest: Haku is on and off the nest. Makaio has not been seen for some weeks. Many believe he has left for migration since this is off-season. We must wait. It looks like Haku is warming up to the new visiting male.

I receive many questions about Akecheta since he was photographed on the mainland near Ojai. To my knowledge, no other photographs with his blue wing tag have been taken. I am sure he is alright. Is Thunder with him? Well, we haven’t seen her around the nest, and I just think she left eggs so abruptly that it is possible.

Haku and MV (male visitor) are a nice looking couple.

Coeur de’Alene, Idaho: The three surviving osplets are doing well. Mum has not removed the body of the fourth baby yet.

Fru Rauer: The Norwegian Osprey Project and Translocation of Norwegian birds to Ireland.

Short explanation video. Click on CC for English. The ten are already in Ireland. https://youtu.be/o6mjGxTfAbs?

Ringing of Ospreys in Taipalsaari 2025: https://youtu.be/opE1IBwXeN0?

mie caught a fish delivery at the
Kallaveden sääksilive: https://youtu.be/K4pDiyKbUTg?

Ringing at the Janakkalan Nest in Finland: https://youtu.be/UFhpbkVDrwA?

J Castnyer catches a fish delivery at the Goitzsche Wildnis Osprey nest in Germany. That fledgling was in there quick – ‘Mine and Mine Alone’ is the message. https://youtu.be/C7sh8ngNEVo?

And they give us an update at Eschenbach: “Despite the problems in broadcasting the live broadcast from the Eschenbach nest, I have uploaded this short video to confirm that everything is going well: Herbert has delivered a fish, Hermine is repeating the teak between the children and, most importantly, both are now flying. Normality is a gift from heaven.” https://youtu.be/yp5U1QXB_LQ?

Rutland Manton Bay: Will Maya stay home, postponing the start to her migration to help feed all those babies? We wait to see.

Birds of Poole Harbour: Everyone wants fish. Caught three on the nest.

Big Bear Valley: Jack and Shadow ‘almost’ visit. SK Hideaways catches it. https://youtu.be/SjMY4TyS_Ws?

Trempeauleau, WI: Mum is home, but where is T3? Well, that fledgling is never far away. Mum comes in with a fish and you can hear the sqeeing and then T3 is there to grab her dinner.

SK Hideaways caught Mum bringing in one of her whoppers for her ‘baby’. https://youtu.be/rmu1eJKTMkY?

Talk about a loving and devoted mother. Mrs T sure is that and more. I get all weepy seeing the two of them together. It was such a challenging year for Mrs T raising this fledgling from hatch alone – and often, as I have said many times, without the help of Mr T, who was a hindrance stealing fish for his other nest with two youngsters from this one! But, nevermind, Mrs T did the unthinkable. She is amazing.

SK Hideaways also catches up with the Southern UK Hobby Falcon nest in the UK: https://youtu.be/7S9hwxdwaQ0?

Oh, my goodness, they are sooooo cute.

Tatarsan White-tail Eagles, RU: Fledgling visits nest, hoping for food.

Latvian Golden Eagles: Food delivery from Grislis. Spilve feeds – and it was a long feeding. https://youtu.be/-_HhGdK-pi8?

Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal: The entire article and the information on how to write is in my late Monday, 14 July blog. There is a big meeting on May 7. Don’t sit on this. Could you write to the Virginia Legislators? Cute and Paste – send it to all of them, demanding proper biodiversity and an end to commercial fishing in the Chesapeake and along the coasts of the Atlantic. We don’t want any more osplets to die, along with many other species.

If you love osprey, don’t sit on this. Get busy. Set aside two hours – that is all it would take to compose a letter – and send it out to every Virginia politician, along with the journalist who wrote the article, The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, etc. This is not the time to be silent.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 20th July 2025

The two chicks practised their flying and landing skills today, popping on and off the nest especially when Louis was around delivering fish. Breac got most of the two fish delivered by Louis, but Darach was determined and attacked both Dorcha and Breac to get a share. Both chicks were mantling and squawking over the fish so it appears hyperphagia (compulsion to eat) is setting in as migration looms in the not too distant future. Louis’ tally rises to three hundred and twenty eight, and Garry’s one fish delivery takes his tally to one hundred and thirty one, although it was such a small piece of fish, Aurora might not consider it worth counting. After staying dry most of today, the rain started this evening and scattered showers will probably continue through tonight with cloudy skies, light winds, and a low of 15°C causing muggy conditions. There’s a weather warning in place for the Highlands tomorrow of heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms causing localised flooding, and a high of 21°C in the Inver Mallie area.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.26.53 ( 03.50.00E); Nest Two 23.19.12 (03.57.54)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/4l4BfjYbvU0 N1 Garry brings Aurora a tiny bit of fish but she takes it anyway 06.59.02

https://youtu.be/1XR3T6twJ-g N2 Dorcha takes fish one from Louis then allows Breac to take it 14.01.16

https://youtu.be/AcWKLikcyc8 N2 And repeat! Dorcha gets fish two from Louis then lets Breac get it 19.28.55

https://youtu.be/_Xh5vhdm9qI N2 Dorcha & Breac are attacked by Darach after he gets hold of fish two 20.29.10

Bonus watch – LizB’s long lens videos from a mile away of Darach and Breac just after Darach fledged yesterday:

Blast from the past, 19th July* in previous years:

https://youtu.be/BIHDRrpe6Qo N1 My turn daddy! Louis feeds Rannoch 2019

https://youtu.be/TwqqSshM42E N1 Doddie drops in to grab all the breakfast 2020

https://youtu.be/-xNiwmN-xQI N1 Doddie does an evening flypast of the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/EYDBamjYrf8 N1 Hey! who put that there? Prince makes an undignified departure 2021

https://youtu.be/304-lrclaZw N1 Third visit by the new pair Blue 152 & Prince YP 2021

https://youtu.be/xW2CIMG3IDM N2 Hooked on you – the chicks get hooked together! 2022

https://youtu.be/lmPZ_jmuEz0 N2 Dorcha reacts to an intruder Osprey seen on camera 2022

https://youtu.be/L1DG3H9gUUM N2 RAF flypast doesn’t stop Louis (2022)

https://youtu.be/k_2pVwLNAZU N2 Louis brings a fish and eats it himself 2023

https://youtu.be/Lq9DbF3I6J4 N2 LY7 does a massive double helicopter! 2023

https://youtu.be/9SyP31iXLbc N2 FLEDGE! Ludo LY7 is off into the world! 2023

https://youtu.be/xArpA43gG1Q N1 Affric 152 receives another fish from Garry 2023

https://youtu.be/6SBcqw1oX38 N1 A Wood Pigeon visits 2024

https://youtu.be/wp5mZUIOlQU N2 No fish and a failed mating attempt 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 19th July 2025
Today was a day for celebration – not only did Breac 7P7 return safely after not returning to the nest after his maiden flight yesterday, but Darach 7P0 also fledged, and returned in time to be fed by his mum Dorcha. His fledge wasn’t the nonchalant take off his brother made – Darach did some flapping, hopping, and squeaking before launching himself off the right edge of the nest and out of sight. However, his return was pretty good, he made a smooth landing looking confident as if he’d been flying for a while. So that’s both chicks achieving this milestone, and while some on the forum express sadness at no longer having them around all the time, this is the major step in their development, their parents have been working towards. Many watchers are celebrating by making a donation towards the upkeep of their home in Arkaig Forest – there are many ways to donate, the easiest one is to use the yellow button on this page above ‘What’s been happening on the nest today?’ All donations of whatever size are gratefully received and will be put to good use. In other news, Louis delivered four fish to the nest today, one of which Breac tried to eat starting from the tail! But soon realised his mistake, flipped it around neatly, and started tearing into the head as Dorcha has shown them. Louis’ tally now stands at three hundred and twenty six, while Garry’s rises by one to one hundred and thirty following his delivery to Aurora today. The promised rain materialised and the chicks were just a damp huddle, the forecast calls for more rain overnight continuing tomorrow with thundery showers, with a low of 16°C tonight and a high of 21°C tomorrow.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.43.27 (03.31.43); Nest Two 23.55.24 (04.00.52)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/lm8l1KbeW_w N2 Darach & Dorcha ignore Louis’ fresh fish preferring the old one 04.56.26https://youtu.be/B56rYKu0NdQ N2 That’s no way to treat your mum! Darach pecks Dorcha 07.13.28 https://youtu.be/B89bbPQVaPk He’s back! Breac returns from his maiden flight N2 09.05.27 https://youtu.be/OdCbe-kLjjA N2 Both helicopter together, Breac takes off for flight two 10.38.00

https://youtu.be/2ks2GzdtlO8 N2 FLEDGE! Darach has done it! also found his wings 13.02.38 (zoom)https://youtu.be/hnm7TNtng34 N2 Dorcha allows Breac to have the second fish 15.45.52 https://youtu.be/i-scN7LGgIY N1 Aurora grabs the fish and goes, Garry stays and tidies up 17.26.48

https://youtu.be/tQMpMSjGkpo N2 He’s back! Darach returns and sticks the landing 17.31.27https://youtu.be/OAkKQWbpQRU N2 Two wet chicks greet Louis arriving with fish number three 18.31.50 Bonus watch – another brilliant video from Steve Quinn of the nest seen from a kilometre away:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/bzD0ewEZPy0 N1 FLEDGE!! Mallie takes her first flight! 2019

https://youtu.be/nyUAdw2pU64 N1 I’m home mum! Mallie lands gracefully after her maiden flight 2019

https://youtu.be/NZL4TzrXZJ4 N1 A different perspective: the family in split-screen, 2020 (thanks LizB)

https://youtu.be/Dn8RbvlOV_s N1 Vera lands on Captain 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/S9BxyRx0wUA N2 Night moves: LW5 prepares for liftoff 2022

https://youtu.be/EcWKtfYf9OU N2 Have fish will travel: Fish number two arrives, departs and returns 2022

https://youtu.be/Mz4fJSZ_LUQ N2 Dorcha and LW6 fight over a fish 2022

https://youtu.be/T8wtZ_Zrq_E N2 Ludo’s second flight 2023

https://youtu.be/kYV3QZ-BIa8 N2 Ludo’s eventful third flight – gets divebombed and crash lands 2023

https://youtu.be/ZtKWJC9nqiU N1 Affric eventually gets a fish from Garry 2023

https://youtu.be/VmlZ8LP5KjU N2 Ludo makes a perfect landing this time 2023

https://youtu.be/HQpwZ0KNtUU N2 Ludo gets tired of waiting and self-feeds 2023

https://youtu.be/n5V3RcoCZJI N1 Garry arrives with a third fish for Affric 2023

https://youtu.be/yx5Yoxe0feY N2 Not tonight! Dorcha’s not accepting of Louis’ attentions 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/Vkh1bYP9V_U N1 Sweet little singer visits 2024

https://youtu.be/U2bBn4PpMoM N1 Garry LV0 brings a stick and does nest prep 2024

https://youtu.be/jN1-tY56wnA N1 A pair of little birds pay an early evening visit 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 18th July 2025

Today’s main story is Breac 7P7’s fledge. After doing a proper high helicopter off the screen in the morning, around lunchtime he casually had a quick preen, then without any fuss, spread his wings and launched himself out into the world. Older brother Darach 7P0 looked slightly bewildered but mum Dorcha flew off her perch to deal with the interloper, mistaking him for one of the intruders who’ve kept her and Louis busy today. He didn’t return to the nest, but thanks to LizB and her trusty scope, he’s been sighted perching on a tree behind the nest. Link in the bonus section to those trees via the drone flyover video. Despite intruder alarms, Louis delivered four fish to the nest, taking his tally to three hundred and twenty two. Nest One cam was up and running again this morning, allowing us to see Garry LV0 and Aurora 536 on the nest. He didn’t bring her any fish but they did have a successful mating, and when Affric 152 intruded and landed on the nest, they flew off together in the same direction showing their strong bond which bodes well for next year. His tally remains at one hundred and twenty nine. The weather was settled today, the thundery showers didn’t materialise but are forecast to show up tomorrow with a high of 22°C, but overnight it’s expected to be dry and partly cloudy with light winds, and a low of 14°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.41.29 (03.51.51E); Nest Two (04.08.30)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/FAR3H2mrmRY N2 Darach wins the tug of war for fish one 06.59.30

https://youtu.be/jiKLX7mriNA N1 Garry and Aurora are scared off by Affric 11.02.30

https://youtu.be/Dehz9bEl9po N2 Breac gets high! Proper off-the-screen helicopter 09.40.27

https://youtu.be/Y3McAjshYKw N2 FLEDGE! Breac 7P7 has found his wings and flown! 13.23.30

https://youtu.be/G_madcp0b3c N2 Louis brings a second fish but only one chick is there 14.51.40

https://youtu.be/632J3R7_bUk N2 Darach is alone on the nest and gets fish three to himself 16.59.16

https://youtu.be/JIAeVM0yzpY N2 Darach does a good job of tackling a whole fish, 4th today 21.56.24

Bonus watch – LizB has spotted Breac 7P7 perched behind the nest, in the trees seen in this drone flyover video:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/hVAZXaUtY_M N1 Did Aila pop out for a quick pint? Looks tipsy on landing! 2019

https://youtu.be/25QSyNV93w8 N1 Sibling rivalry – Rannoch gets a beating 2019

https://youtu.be/fZq4NVQVZGk N1 FLEDGE! Doddie finds his wings 2020 (Classic Ospreys: Chopin 2020)

https://youtu.be/FXbWOQ9_eII N1 Vera and Captain bow to Doddie 2020

https://youtu.be/jzeN92U37KU N2 Dorcha makes off with fish number two, chicks not happy 2022

https://youtu.be/QLDYCp-9mQE N2 Dorcha makes room for LW5 to wingercise 2022

https://youtu.be/gGXO_xyQDws N1&2 RAF do another flypast – three jets this time 2023

https://youtu.be/vxdVywfJT3U N1 Garry finally brings a fish for Affric 2023

https://youtu.be/mmcV4tRItZk N2 LY7 gets high! Proper helicopter! 2023

https://youtu.be/qaojgIgK74A WTScotsocial tweet and footage of 1JR tucking into his fish dinner in Spain 2024

https://youtu.be/wa59vTuwYJc N2 No fish, just a failed mating attempt 2024

https://youtu.be/pxWsh7-M96g N2 Is this a juvenile Tawny Owl calling nearby? 2024

From the Ventana Wildlife Society. I am starting with a quote from the newsletter. The work that these remarkable individuals do should get the highest praise. There are few of them and they really live their lives caring for these amazing creatures.

“If you watched our wildlife documentary, Condor Canyon, you got to know Amigo (204) and his long-time mate, Kodama (646). Often the first condors seen by blossoming birders in Big Sur, CA, Amigo and Kodama were fixtures in their territory at Sea Lion Cove. They raised three biological chicks together playing a key role in the recovery of the species.

On December 13, 2024, Amigo was found deceased on the cliffs of his coastal territory. It is known that condors can live more than 5 decades, however, at the time of his death, Amigo was just 25 years old. Necropsy results confirmed his cause of death was lead poisoning. The lead bullet recovered from his digestive tract was consistent with a .22 caliber. While this caliber is legal in California, lead-based ammunition has been banned for hunting wildlife since 2019 due to its devastating effects on condors and other wildlife. Lead poisoning accounts for half of all known causes of death in condors and unfortunately for Amigo, his life was cut short.

However, this isn’t about blame, but rather, about solutions. Hunters and ranchers across California are following the law and doing their part to protect wildlife. Many responsible land stewards want to make the switch but still face limited availability of reliable non-lead options for smaller calibers like .22, which is America’s most popular rifle. Expanding access and awareness is key to protecting condors and supporting people whose livelihoods depend on working and living off the land.

Let’s honor Amigo’s legacy by advancing practical tools and partnerships that benefit both people and wildlife. If you or anyone you know hunts or has a ranch in central California, please pass along information about our Free Non-lead Ammunition Program. Click or tap the button below to get started.” That button is in the newsletter. If it doesn’t work, go to their website.

Lead toxicity impacts more than just condors. Many of the Bald Eagles taken into care have enormous amounts of lead, so don’t just do this for the condors, do it for all raptors. Call for a lead-free world in terms of ammunition (both recreational and military) as well as in fishing gear, etc. It is do dangerous!

The Full Crop Download

I have received news from ‘TU’ that the mother stork hit by the car in the Czech Republic has died. Thankfully, her storklets are doing very well. Had their rescue taken any longer, it might have been a different story.

‘TU’ and I also discussed Bonus the much beloved Black Storklet that was orphaned, raised for a bit in a clinic with Urmas and Dr Madis, and then fostered by Karl II and Kaia. We all loved Bonus and followed ‘his’ journeys and then his satellite transmitter went dead and our hearts sank. Well, Bonus might not have a transmitter but SHE is very much alive and has been seen and photographed at many nests. Urmas also agrees that Bonus is a female. Yippee. I hope that Bonus finds a safe nest – many more are needed along with artificial ponds full of frogs and little fish – but that she lives long, raises many storklets, and carries on the DNA of her parents, Jan and Janika.

Grandaughter Elysha highly recommends David Attenborough’s Ocean. It is a documentary that raises the issue of overfishing in the ocean and sheds light on our beloved albatross. Please check out the official trailer and then find the documentary on your streaming channel: https://youtu.be/O7V8OuS2BMY?

A new FB group that also looks at Kakapo.

The Cornell Red Tail Hawks, Big Red, and Arthur’s Os are still enjoying their time around the Cornell Campus and having Mum and Dad provide them with meals!~

Thank you so very much for being with us. We are taking a brief retreat-type holiday this week. The forecast, however, is for rain both where we live and at our destination. It is easier to be home to care for Don and Toby, but we are going with open minds and eyes, knowing that home is only 2 hours and 20 minutes away! My Friday blog may be short.

Brock is waiting for food. Then the wasps came and he left. Thankfully, he returned and ate his entire meal. I felt relieved, as he doesn’t look so good these days.

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

Cobey dies, USU lives!…Friday in Bird World

9 August 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

It is with a heavy heart that I write that little Cobey has died. He had convulsions, like we have seen in other chicks, who had restricted access to food. Unfortunately, he was not rescued several days earlier as he arrived at the rehab in critical condition. I wish I knew the argument that the woman made because it was effective in getting some action, just so late for this sweet baby. (Many are upset as Cobey was left in the cold rian overnight and fear that this might have accelerated his demise).

Thursday turned out to be a day for a pot of soup, a sweater, and warm socks. Damp and cool compared to the 32 degrees we had a few days prior. Hugo Yugo was right there helping with the soup – every ingredient except for the carrots came from the garden. It has been a bumper year for herbs, peppers of all varieties, and tomatoes. Even Celery. There is nothing nicer than fresh celery just cut. It could make a celery lover out of anyone! Calico says ‘the secret’ to the soup was the inclusion of finely chopped Jalapeno peppers along with the Persian and Hungarian ones. What a nice broth! But the nicest part was the dessert – Passionfruit Ice Cream. Calico has kindly offered to share her ‘secret’ recipe: 1. Get a nice tub of vanilla ice cream. 2. Use about 4 ripe Passion Fruits for a litre – although we love Passion Fruit and often use more! Slide the fruits in half and scoop out everything from inside. Put in a bowl. 3. Let the ice cream get soft. We put it in a large bowl. 4. Taking a whisk gradually pour in the passion fruit and mix thoroughly. 5. Re-freeze. Calico says you can thank her later. She also says to not worry about those seeds. Leave them in there!!!!!!!!!!!!

Because of the rain, today’s walk was ‘inside’. Some people go to the local malls, a practice that gets into full swing in the winter months. I do not like the bright lights, and the crowds and loud noise cause havoc with those struggling with mental health issues. It’s not the place for someone with dementia, so off it was to The Leaf. I have written about this space before – a huge, wonderfully designed conservatory with a rainforest area, a Meditteranean area, a special exhibit space, and a butterfly garden.

In the beginning I wondered if, after several visits, the gardens would become ‘boring’. Not so. Today many of the plants in the tropical zone had fruit for the first time and some beautiful flowers.

A third visit to the Healing Garden, the special exhibit, did not disappoint either. One of the plants, Sage (often associated with cooking and in particular Sage Browned Butter of Thanksgiving day stuffing) is a plant believed to have the capability to cleanse and purify the mind. It is often used in smudging ceremonies by the Indigenous people of our province to clear out negative energy.

Torch Ginger.

Star Fruit.

Silver Sparkle.

The Koi in the pond were particularly active today. (Apologies for the voices of individuals watching – turn volume down).

Koi Pond, The Leaf, Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Manitoba. 8 August 2024.

Things are not moving forward for non-lead ammunition, but backwards. Can you lend a hand and help all of the raptors that eat carrior – not just Condors but also Eagles, Vultures, and some Corvids?

At 07:34:04, the only surviving osplet on the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum nest fledged!

The fledgling has been on and off the nest and is perfecting that return landing.

In Finland, ‘AM’ brings me what could be sad news of little USU at nest #4. During the night, the osplet toppled off the nest. There is a slight chance it could have gotten to the branches of some trees in the forest. This was the osplet believed to have had the wing injury. Its two older siblings, UPU and URA, taken by the White-tail Eagle. USU had just had a nice meal from Mum and was looking rather well. The time was approximately 20:46. And in joyful tears – USU is alive and the ringers will be there!!!!!!!!!!

Geemeff sends the daily summary from Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Daily summary Thursday 8th August 2024

A pair of Coal Tits and a Robin, or possibly two, took advantage of the absence of any Ospreys and spent a little time on Nest One. Nest Two had zero activity again. The rain and wind continued as forecasted, and no change expected overnight or tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.18.36 (04.49.42); Nest Two 22.09.31 (04.57.00)

Today’s videos:

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

Watch the Loch Arkaig Osprey livestream 24/7 and join in the conversation here:

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

Geemeff sent me this posting giving us an update on Louis and Dorcha’s surviving chick (amongst others). They are all flying. Isn’t this grand!

‘H’ reports:

8/8 – Osoyoos osprey nest: Well… it seems as though the Osoyoos osprey nest has a ‘Fish Fairy’. The live stream was down for most of the day. When it resumed, we were pleasantly surprised to see two good sized partial fish just laying on the nest, and being ignored. It had apparently been a good fishing day. At 1423 Olsen arrived with a small partial fish, and since no one was interested, he ate it. It was unusual for Dad to stay in the nest and eat. It was even more unusual in that he actually offered Chick 2 a couple of bites. Chick 2 did eat the morsels Dad offered, but then walked away because s/he was already too full. Soo had been standing on a large leftover fish, and at 1426 she took that fish off the nest. I assumed that she would eventually return with a smaller version of it, but at 1529 Soo arrived empty taloned. At around 1553 Soo fed Chick 2 from the other leftover fish that was in the nest. Later, at 1742 Soo brought a large partial fish to the nest. It looked to be the same size and species of fish that she had removed from the nest 3 hours ago. Chick 1 flew to the nest for supper. Soo fed a very long meal to her two big juveniles. So what about that fish fairy? This story was related to us on the Facebook group: One of the local viewers, ‘AMW’, visited the nest in the afternoon. She found a fish lying in the grass below the nest, and had the idea to move the fish onto part of the road that was not accessible to traffic (and, it is not a heavily traveled road, anyway). ‘AMW’ said she sat very still in her car for a long time. After the coast was clear, Soo swooped down and picked up that fish and took it to the nest! It was indeed the fish that Soo flew off with at 1426, and that Soo subsequently fed to her youngsters at 1742. So, ‘AMW’ is a Fish Fairy (sort of), lol. Chick 2 spent the night on the nest all alone for the first time.

Audubon Boathouse osprey nest: As you may know, all three of Dory and Skiff’s chicks were killed by a great horned owl the last two seasons. The past several weeks, our beloved pair have been busy building another nest… just a little north of the boathouse nest, and over in the pines. Good for them. It has given them something to do this summer, and has strengthened their bond. We don’t know which nest they may use next season. But, neither nest will provide refuge from the owls. So sad.”

The movie trailers are gone form the parking lot and Iris, Finn, Sum-eh and Antali will enjoy a much nicer view.

Waiting for fledge at Charlo. The nest lost two chicks, but if all goes well this one will fledge.

What is there not to love? Two little cutie pies so white and fluffy with those huge black beaks! WBSE 33 and 34 – the ‘apples’ of Lady and Dad’s eyes. Dad is keeping fish on the nest and Lady is busy providing tiny bites every hour.

Full house at Field Farm waiting for a fish delivery.

It appears River fledged from the Sandpoint nest on 8 August around 14:56. Had a short flight, returned, and did a few others.

The oldest Black Stork at 21 years! That gives you a moment to have a huge smile. Thank you ‘TU’ for the notification and the translation! I am simply over joyed.

Hortobágy National Park Directorate 9 h. · Methuselah is still alive! Although it has been quite stormy… We finally got the world’s oldest black stork! It’s hard to believe, but the bird is already years old, which means that it is the leader of the species, we are not aware of such an old, ringed black stork. The bird was tagged by Béla Kalocsa in Hercegszántó in 2003, while it was still a chick, and the plastic tag that can be read from afar has provided a lot of information about the stork since then. The number 5082 has already been read 11 times – once in Israel. The fact that it has been going back for so long is also the success of practical nature conservation. If it returns next year, we will give the bird a name, which is unusual in nature conservation. Let’s hope that we can do it and then we can not only refer to the iconic black stork as 5082! ️ ️ What difficulties do you have to face year after year? Why is it important to protect its habitat and breeding habitat? More information can be found on our website: https://www.hnp.hu/…/termeszet…/1946/meg-el-a-matuzsalem Gábor Nagy Gábor Nagy and Ákos Monoki Nature Protection Guard Service

I want to give a shout out to an individual in Osoyoos, British Columbia. Soo dropped a fish from the nest. ‘AMW’ picked it up and placed it in a safe place for Soo to grab not knowing if Soo would try to get the fish or not. Soo did grab that fish and flew away with it returning to the nest to two screaming chicks. I wish more people would stop and see a fish at a bottom of a nest and place it so the adults could get it. And if anyone says that ospreys only eat freshly caught fish, they are ‘dead’ wrong. Thanks ‘AMW’ for this wonderful gesture and also for taking Little to your own garden and burying the wee one that was loved so much. I am in tears.

No sightings and no news of Blue who fledged two days ago from the HWF-BBCentral nest in Boundary Bay. As CG says, “We’re all blue—no Blue today. No mention of parents seen on the cams either.”

Mum might have been hoping for a fish but it looks like Dad found her a dead bird. Perhaps he wants to make a feather bed? If you want to guess on the day of the first egg at Port Lincoln, be sure to put it in a comment on chat.

At Orange, Diamond has been sleeping on the Cilla stones. Wonder how long til we have eggs here? Two and a half, three weeks?

Bonding with Xavier before dawn.

A sad story with a golden lining about Mother Goose:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/udgbWD4WNmRjEBa4/

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, images, summaries, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘AM, AMW, CG, Geemeff, H, J, PB, TU’, Colonial Beach, Destination Winnipeg, Ventana Wildlife Society, MN-LA Ospreys, Saaksilvie 4, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, David Warrington, Osoyoos, Audubon Boathouse, Montana Osprey Project, Charlo Montana, Olympic Park Eagles, Field Farm, Sandpoint Ospreys, PLO, and Charles Sturt Falcon Cam.

Loch Arkaig’s chicks will go to Spain!…Monday in Bird World

1 July 2024

Good Morning,

It is 2129 in Winnipeg and this is what my family is watching. Hurricane Beryl. My daughter in law is barracaded in a safe room in their house in Grenada ready to ride out the hurricane which is expected to hit the island with no less than 100 mph winds. Sending good wishes to everyone in its path including the beautiful ospreys that I watch at the mangroves, the egret, the herons, and all the little songbirds around the island.

It is the earliest hurricane of this magnitude to hit the islands. The last major one was Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

We are just holding our breath and waiting for the hurricane to pass and to get some word that all is well.

Moving on to our beloved birds.

Louis and Dorcha’s two osplets for 2024 from the Loch Arkaig 2 nest are heading to Spain. Geemeff sends us the latest posting from The Woodland Trust.

Good evening everyone.

Having kept the situation under review again today it has been decided that the chicks will be removed from the nest tomorrow morning and handed on to the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation to be translocated to Spain.

The nest will likely be visited around 10am depending on how the weather turns out. The chicks will be given another good feed on the nest before being taken out of the tree.

I know you will have lots of questions about every last detail of this procedure but I don’t have much of that at the moment.

They will go to a specialised aviary in Inverness where they will be hand fed and looked after over the following days. Beak swabs will be taken to test them for avian flu and some other infections required before they embark overseas. Assuming all is well with that, they will be flown out to Spain on July 10th likely with ten other Scottish chicks.

This programme was already planned and in motion and it has been incredibly fortuitous that the timing fits with the emergence of our crisis on the nest at Arkaig.

We have had a number of tough decisions to take in the last week but actually this last one has been quite easy. There seems to be something wrong with Louis, possibly compounded by poor fishing conditions. The rate at which he has been fishing is just not enough to give the chicks a reasonable chance of survival. Even if they struggled through to the end of the summer it is felt very unlikely they would survive migration, which calls for considerable reserves of energy.

We are fairly certain at least one of the chicks would have died by now had there not been supplementary feeding on Friday and this morning.

When Louis was absent after Wednesday we wanted to at least wait to see if he would return before stepping in. Even though he returned on Saturday, there is something not right with him and we cannot have confidence he will return to form in time to stop the chicks from perishing. Before his disappearance he perched for most of Wednesday after bringing in one fish. Today he perched up for eight hours again after bringing one fish. The family needs more than that if it is to build up enough strength to survive migration.

The window of opportunity to enter the chicks in this translocation is brief and we did not want to be in the position of hanging on longer to see if the situation improved for our family. By removing them we hopefully take the pressure off the adults and allow them to replenish themselves in the coming weeks.

Continuing to feed them ourselves at Loch Arkaig is just not a feasible option. There are risks every time we go in. If the family is not viable on its own efforts its best the chicks get a chance in Spain.

Louis and Dorcha will almost certainly stick around with the nest as the centre of their partnership before migrating a bit earlier than usual so we will hopefully see them for a good while yet.

As I said previously – Scotland currently enjoys a population of beavers, red kites and sea eagles because other countries gifted us some of theirs. It is marvellous that Scotland is giving this gift to Spain and I think we should be proud that the Arkaig pair are going to be part of it. They will be ringed as having fledged in Spain but their highland heritage will be on record. My understanding is they are going to be GPS tagged so we should be able to receive updates about them.

I am sure some people will post for or against what is happening, which is fine, but please don’t get into rows about it. There is absolutely no point. The decision has been made. It was our decision to make and we did so in consultation with osprey experts. I hope that even those who don’t like what is happening will acknowledge that we have given thorough and honest consideration of all the options before coming to this conclusion.

We were driven at all times to do what is best for the ospreys – both our family and the species as a whole. Our two chicks will get a better chance to survive. The species’ range will be increased making it more resilient in the years ahead.

We’ll miss them of course. But then we would have been parting with them in a few weeks time anyway.

And as some of you say at the end of every season – “Don’t be sad to see them go. The journey is their purpose.”

Please enjoy the last few hours of them on the livestream.

We will keep you updated on how things go tomorrow.

Beautiful Dorcha and her chicks. George is certainly right. Without the supplementary fish we could have lost one chick and maybe two. The decision they have taken is a good one. We wish Dorcha and Louis all the best – a fast recovery for our great fisher and good health for all. In years to come we will look forward to hearing about these two breeding in Spain!

Thank you Fish Fairies!

This is Geemeff’s summary for The Woodland Trust for Loch Arkaig:

Daily summary Sunday 30th June 2024

Today brought news of a bittersweet ending to the season. The carefully researched and calmly thought out decision has been made by Woodland Trust Scotland to remove the two chicks and put them into the translocation programme in the care of Roy Dennis. They will ultimately help to found a new breeding population of Ospreys in Spain. Today’s videos have a certain poignancy as we know that this is the chicks’ last evening on the nest – they leave Loch Arkaig tomorrow. However with Louis only able to provide half of one fish today, this is the best outcome for our family. Louis will have time to recover, and he and Dorcha can spend the rest of the season pairbonding before leaving, probably a bit early, on migration, and then we expect to see them return next year to start again. The fish tally effectively ends today at two hundred and fifty four, but doubtless statto Steve will continue to record any subsequent fish brought to the nest by either of the adults. The fish brought by the ‘fish fairies’ ie the licensed raptor experts only counts in that it almost certainly saved the lives of the two chicks. No action on Nest One, weather reasonably settled today with the odd moment of sunshine, but tonight’s forecast is for light rain and light winds, and more rain tomorrow. They’re off to sunny Spain, Viva España!

Woodland Trust Scotland’s statement in full:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=15225467

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.20.20 (03.19.51); Nest Two 23.23.29 (03.56.16)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/vD6PgwUW6c0 N2 Dominant chick attacks submissive one despite all the fish available 08.16.00

https://youtu.be/i3mLfTb3FCk N2 Intruder or Dorcha grabbing some free fish? Looks like Dorcha 09:16:48

https://youtu.be/DOl24pZXxzo N2 Louis arrives with his first delivery of the day, headless big trout 09.35.33

https://youtu.be/ShR7Kb12D_c N2 Submissive chick gets a calm exclusive feed 19.25.27

https://youtu.be/W7mIANPajv4 N2 The chicks enjoy their last dinner with Dorcha 20.22

https://youtu.be/6Q7UEkwIG5M N2 Chicks spend a calm final evening together with mum 20.58.35

Bonus read – info on the Spanish translocation project which is the outcome for our chicks:

https://lamarinaalta.com/en/llegan-a-su-nueva-casa-en-la-marjal-pego-oliva-doce-polluelos-de-aguila-pescadora-desde-escocia

This is information on the start of the translocation project from Scotland to Spain last year. Thanks, ‘JK’:

Osprey-Reintroduction-Project-Valencia-Birding-Guided-Bird-Watching-in-Spain Download

Finnegan just continues to prove that he is one Super Star Dad. He brought in a fish to challenge everyone.

Finn removed the fish, flew about, returned with it to the perch where he ate before turning it back to Iris – who ate and fed the kids – and then Finn had some more. What a lovely way to end the day in Montana. I cannot imagine a more loving – more perfect – year for Iris.

Mummy is melting at Hellgate Canyon (Iris).

Good Night, Iris.

How much fish does an osprey need to eat per day? Have you been wondering this seeing nests thrive and others fail?

“Three separate studies estimated that an adult Osprey needs approximately 400 g (0.88 lb) of fish meat per day to meet its energy needs.”

All-about-Osprey-hunting-and-feeding Download

The ospreys do come and visit the nest platform at Lake Norman in North Carolina. What a beautiful setting for a nest.

The video of Lady and Dad’s second arriving.

It is difficult to assess how much fish Little Three is getting at Blackbush. Mum often blocks the feeding. The two big ones did get full crops.

The two osplets in the Kurzeme Forest area of Latvia are looking quite good.

Both chicks at Finland’s #1 nest are enjoying some really nice fish dinners on Sunday.

It is a beautiful day on the Muonion nest where the chicks are tiny compared to those at #1.

Three gorgeous babies at Janakkala.

The 26 day report for Rosie and Richmond’s nest in SF.

There are some crab shells on Maryland Western Shore for Old Town Home osprey nest. Two surviving osplets are gorgeous, big, fully feathered and will be looking forward to flying soon.

A nest full of beautiful osplets at the Dyfi nest of Idris and Telyn.

What a beautiful view. Kiedler nest #7 and its three chicks. Mum is Blue KX7 and Dad is KM18. They have been bothered by an intruder, a fledgling form Dumfries, over the past couple of days.

Oh, one of the chicks is being a big ‘grumpy’ over on the Glaslyn nest of Aran and Elen. Aran had just delivered a nice fish! Wanting to make sure Little Bob knows who eats first!

Gosh, the trio at Great Bay are looking good, too. So many great nests with three feathered chicks.

‘H’ reports:

6/30 Patuxent River osprey nest: The three gorgeous teenagers (ages 55, 54, 51 days) are preparing themselves for flight. All have been practicing some wingers, even Little. I’ve seen some hop-wingers from the two older chicks, but so far no hovering that I am aware of. Last night, chick #1 was standing to sleep most of the night for the first time.

6/30 Forsythe osprey nest: This nest is unsettled, even though the two remaining chicks are 41 and 40 days old. After Mini and Little died from siblicide/starvation, things started to settle down, and there was peace in the nest for about a week. Then the live stream went down for a few days. When it resumed, we noticed that Big was back to being aggressive, and was preventing Middle from eating, indicating that not enough fish had been brought to the nest during the cam downtime. The aggression is ongoing, and Middle does not get very much to eat. On 6/29, Middle ate for a total of about 11 minutes during 5 meals. 6/30 was a bad day with stormy weather almost all day long. There were two fish delivered, one each from Oscar and Opal. And surprisingly, Opal pulled a tiny fish out of the rail sticks at 1740. Middle ate approximately 31 bites of fish all day. Today should be better for fishing… sunny, high 82 F, winds gusting to 16 mph.

6/30 Bridge Club osprey nest: Almost two weeks ago, chatters of the live stream noticed something was wrong with the middle chick’s left leg. S/he was not able to use the leg. The chick propelled itself using its good leg and its wings to ‘walk’ on the nest. However, its range of movement was only several inches in any direction, and for that reason, some thought it may have been entangled by fishing line. There was a great deal of talk on the chat regarding the chick’s injury, and some viewers contacted the nest owners and various entities that might be able to perform a rescue. In response …the chat was shut down. The osplet was still able to eat as long as Mom fed close by, and she usually did. Mom also tried to provide shade for the chick. It was apparent to viewers that the osplet was never going to be able to fledge, and would eventually die in the nest. Communication was taking place amongst osprey nest-cam-watchers via other chats, that didn’t mind some off-topic conversation, and in Facebook groups. Over the next several days, a few persistent viewers continued to reach out to find someone to help this poor chick that was suffering. On 6/30, the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center arranged a rescue of the osplet, and it was removed from the nest early in the morning. The chick was examined and evaluated. Here is the statement from a representative from the Rescue Center:

“Thank you for your concern. An Osprey chick was rescued at the Bridge Golf Course in Bridgehampton, Long Island NY on Jun 30 at 7am this morning. The chick was then transferred to the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue center where it was determined by x-ray showing an open fracture as well as a bone infection that had made the chick’s left leg unusable. X-Rays were shared with two local veterinarians who concurred with the diagnosis. The chick was transported to one of the Vets to be euthanized this afternoon. Given the nature of Ospreys, who need fresh fish for survival, even if amputation was successful, captivity for this migratory sea bird is truly not an option This is of course not the ending to the story that anyone wanted, but many times in nature a compassionate end of life scenario is what is best for both the bird and the bird family remaining in the nest.”

We all wonder what might have been the ending to this story if the nest owners had been proactive ten days ago, before bone infection set in, instead of ignoring the chatters. Perhaps the result would have been the same, but it would have ended the suffering of this young osprey a lot sooner. But, there is also another scenario involved here… Little chick #3 at the Bridge Club nest died of starvation during this period of time, after chick 2’s leg was injured. If chick 2 had been removed from the nest sooner, it is possible that Little 3 may still be alive.

This reminds me of the sad story of the eaglet, DH18, from the Dale Hollow nest in 2023, where refusal to acknowledge responsibility, indecision, and procrastination, lead to the rescue of DH18 that came too late for him to be saved.

‘A’ reports: “July 1: Now there are two eggs on the nest, full incubation starts. Before the second egg was laid, the first egg was uncovered for a total of 30 hours, with 22 hours total on those four cold nights. As we see most of the time, Lady alone incubated last night, leaving in the morning after a couple of early duets, with Dad coming in for his first shift at 6:37am. Both have shared incubation today, with Dad spending longer for 6:17 and Lady 5:22. The eggs were only uncovered for short periods – a total of 21 minutes. Dad returned late afternoon, though with no prey – nothing was brought in today for Lady, though she was away long enough to catch her own. Lady was on the eggs at dark, with Dad roosting close by.”

A correction. The Crooked Lake Nest is in Columbia, Indiana. I have the correct location in our data forms, but I said Iowa in my blog when noting the predation by the GHO of the three osplets. I’m sorry for any confusion.

A second note. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum nest. They had many storms as we did in Winnipeg. The cities are 8 hours apart but sometimes experience similar weather if the system is large. Viewers were concerned that the camera might have been ‘shut off’ when the weather was terrible and the chicks died. My observer believed that was what happened. As it turns out, the storm took the camera offline because there were outages in the area at the time. It happens here, too. Just want to make that correction. Everyone in Minnesota does a great job monitoring the nests in the area and we live in hope that the only surviving osplet at MN ARB will fledge this year.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, posts, images, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, J, H, PB’, National Hurricane Centre, Geemeff, George and The Woodland Trust, Vallencia Birding, Montana Osprey Cams, Avian Report, EarthCam, SK Hideaways, Blackbush, LDF, Finnish Osprey Foundation, SF Bay Ospreys, Maryland Western Shore for Old Town Home, Dyfi Osprey Project, Kielder Forest Nest 7, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Great Bay, Patuxent River Park, Forsythe Ospreys, Bridge Golf Club, and Sydney Sea Eagle Cam..

Rosie returns from migration…Sunday in Bird World

3 March 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

We are within a fortnight of Ospreys potentially arriving home from their winter grounds to their spring/summer breeding sites. I get ‘Osprey’ fever. Suddenly, you will think that eagles have vanished from the face of the earth as this post gets taken over by the ‘fish hawks’. I will continue to report on the eagles and, as we know, falcon and hawk season will begin also. I will, however, be watching closely for all osprey arrivals and eggs laid. Last year ‘H’ and I monitored over 300 osprey eggs from the time they were laid through fledge and migration. It is daunting and we hope to add more nests this year. You can help!

We do not have all of the European nests in our data system. If you are fans of a particular nest in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, etc., please do send me the name, a link to the streaming camera, the names of the adults, the date of their arrival, dates for eggs laid, hatch, and fledge. The more eggs and chicks monitored the better the data. My long term study is on siblicide, but I am now including mitigating factors leading to siblicide and other causes of death to the osplets. Last year there was the Nor’easter in the US, overfishing of the Menhaden, and in the UK much predation by other raptors. That also happened in the US. Do not be shy. I am very grateful for all the eyes on the nests and information.

If you see an osprey nest and are concerned that siblicide is taking place and I have not mentioned it in my post, please do let me know. You can do this through the comments or by sending me an e-mail: maryannsteggles@icloud.com

Thanks so much!

Tim Mackrill, Director of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, has been talking about his new book, The Osprey. There is much about migration because that was the focus of Mackrill’s PhD at the University of Leicester (yeah – my alma mater!). It is a really good listen and you will learn a lot so, even before we get to Jackie and Shadow, here is the link to that Zoom presentation. I promise you will thank me after you listen to all of it!

Waiting. We are waiting for a storm to hit, but we don’t know if it will actually happen. Meanwhile, the big storm that is going through the area around Big Bear appears to be worse north of Jackie and Shadow. Still, I know that we all worry about them. There are three eggs. The first was laid on the 25th of January. So how do you count? Is it six days in January, 29 in February and now three in March. If so, the first egg is now 38 days old which is right in the frame of 38-39 days for Jackie’s historical hatches. The third egg is 33 days old. The couple have been so diligent, so careful, so dedicated to this clutch. Please let one of them hatch and be a perfect little eaglet.

Jackie and Shadow continue to make the news: CBS evening news with Nora O’Donnell. Thanks, ‘R’

All eyes are on famed bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, as the parents-to-be tend to their three eggs that are expected to begin hatching this weekend in the Southern California mountains. pic.twitter.com/5BIBZpzMaB
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) March 2, 2024

I didn’t know it. ‘B’ wrote and directed me to BENSWEATHER.com This will give you a better forecast for Jackie and Shadow’s nest.

It continues to be miserable. I really do not like it when the weather is wet and cold and there are little ones. These eggs can wait a few days, OK!

A video of the mid-morning switch over.

Richmond was waiting for her and preparing the nest. Rosie arrived Saturday morning at 0713. Relief.

The first one was stuck to a shell and feared lost. The second unzipped its egg in what felt like record time. Now both of them are the cutest little bobbleheads! Duke Farms aka Dukies.

One of the first feedings for both eaglets at Duke Farms.

Should we call it ‘Spike’? One of the Johnson City eaglets.

Indeed, my stomach sank several times today because of the Johnson City eaglets. I knew there were two. I could only ever see the one trying to be a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Finally there was the second head.

There’s another one with a long neck or as ‘J’ says, ‘A Nessie’. This time at Superbeaks.

Meadow goes under Abby to eat! Declares it a ‘no bonking zone’ from Swampy.

Ron and Rose are still feeding R6, their ‘big’ baby.

There were several fish species delivered to Cal at the Captiva Bald Eagle nest on Saturday. They included a Tilapia, a Sheepshead, and a Striped Mullet. Cal likes to be fed, too! That Sheepshead looks yummy. Cal can also self-feed much better than R6.

A video of E23’s successful branching earlier on Saturday.

Two immature Bald Eagles have visited the Dulles-Greenway nest that belonged to Rosa and Martin and then Rosa and Lewis (part of one season only). Could these by Rosa and Martin’s fledglings returned older? I would love to think that one of their offspring would take over their nest like Samson did with his parents, Romeo and Juliette, at NE Florida.

Did you know that California Condors rarely nest two years in a row? Kinda like the Royal Albatross. Well, that might change this year.

Why are condors important to the environment? Remember, I promised to slowly introduce you to these amazing carrion eats. See if you can make a list before peeking below! Don’t look.

The US National Park Service says, “

Indicators of Wildland Health

In addition to keeping wild landscapes clean, California condors are also good indicators of the ecological health of wildlands and ranchlands. Condors are very long-lived birds and they reproduce slowly, averaging successfully fledged young every two years. Condors can fly many miles in a day in search of food. They are also sensitive to certain toxins (like spent lead ammunition), and nestlings are at risk from ingestion of garbage (like small bits of microtrash). Because of their far-ranging movements, longevity, slow reproduction, and sensitivity to toxins and pollution, condors are strong indicators of ecological health on the open landscapes they inhabit.

As members of a high-profile endangered species, condors serve as the proverbial “canaries in a coal mine,” drawing attention to toxins and pollutants that affect many other species of birds, mammals, and wildlife. Promoting condor recovery also supports wildland health and vibrant wildlife populations in general.”

Another article on what is causing the gorgeous Rainbow Lorikeets to become paralysed.

They are one of the most rare birds in the world. They live a perilous life. How can you help the California Condor? Audubon California gives you some ideas. If you live close, you could volunteer. You can also donate and you can also advocate on their behalf. If you decide to donate at some time, please provide your funds to the Ventana Wildlife Society. You can go to their website and see the amazing work that they do on behalf of these amazing birds in Pinnacles and Big Sur.

Helping-the-California-Condor-Audubon-California Download

Calypso, the 2019 fledgling from the Port Lincoln Osprey barge. First believed to be a female has now been determined by behaviour to be a male.

Whats-paralysing-thousands-of-rainbow-lorikeets-Scientists-search-for-the-cause-as-volunteer-carer Download

Ferris State University will have its osprey cam up and running before the birds arrive.

It’s to Murphy the Bald Eagle incubating a rock and then getting an eaglet to raise. No, it is Hinkley, the Vulture, who is nesting with rubber duckies at the World Bird Sanctuary. So cute.

Lena continues to want to bond and is preparing the scrape on the cliffs of Anacapa.

For those of you waiting for Angel’s cam to go live, it is!

https://www.youtube.com/live/admo2pS3SuY?si=oRdQ_v4OXVH9_QQX

And last, but never least, Big Red. She spent a lot of time at her nest on the Cornell Campus on Saturday. Some of us were holding our breath thinking it would be the earliest egg laid by this 21 year old Red-tail Hawk. And then she left! Lookin’ good. For those of you that are not familiar with Red-tail hawks, just look at that tail and you can see why they got their name.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Thank you to ‘B, J, R’ for their notes. Thanks also to the following for their posts, articles, videos, screen captures, and streaming cams that also helped me to write my post today: Osprey Leadership Foundation, FOBBV, CBS News, Cali Condor, Bensweather.com, SF Bay Ospreys, Duke Farms, Ondabebe, Johnson City-ETSU, Superbeaks, Eagle Country, SK Hideaways, Dulles-Greenway Eagle Cam, Ventana Wildlife Service, Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, The Guardian, US National Parks, Ferris State University, World Bird Sanctuary, WRDC, Window to Wildlife, and Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam.

SW Florida gets its second egg…Tuesday in Bird World

28 November 2023

Hello Everyone,

It was a crisp -15 this morning and has warmed to a balmy -10 C. The sky is ‘baby blue’, and the European Starlings have filled the bare branches of the lilacs. A new seed – especially for Jays – has massively attracted the Starlings.

The girls are napping after lunch. They have a pattern. Eat. Sleep. Eat. Sleep. Then 2130 comes, and it is ‘party’ time.

I am going to put this right up front. Many of you are living in areas where it is getting cold. The mice are coming in. Lots will decide to poison them. Please don’t. There are many reasons, and here is one recent study that might help you convince others not to use poison. I had a darling, sweet three-year-old cat that I had raised on a bottle die from eating a mouse that had consumed poison in one of my neighbour’s houses or sheds. It is a tragic way for any animal to die.

New-Study-is-First-to-Find-Exposure-to-Neurotoxic-Rodenticide-Bromethalin-in-Birds-of-Prey-Tufts-N Download

SW Florida’s M15 and his new mate F23 have their second egg right on schedule. Now the two can begin hard incubation and we might be expecting a New Year’s baby!

The Pritchett’s will post the official time.

SK Hideaways caught the joyous occasion on video.

Checking the nest at Pittsburgh-Hays, Mum and the new male.

V3 delivered a food gift to Gabby. Well done you! But, if you were watching, V3 finally ate the squirrel.

Too funny not to include!

Eagle at Redding bringing in sticks….

Meanwhile in Louisiana, eggs are being rolled at the KNF-E3 nest of Alex and Andria.

Nine more days til hatch at Superbeaks. Gosh don’t you wish that cam was fixed just a little different for that side view? I can’t imagine only watching the tops of their heads.

It was a warm day for Connie and Clive at Captiva.

It was a bright day in Iowa with the snow still clinging to the ground and the nest at Decorah North.

It is chucking down rain in Port Lincoln, South Australia.

The rain appears to have stopped or slowed down at Port Lincoln.

Getting stronger on those legs, and look at how much those tail feathers have grown. 959 people watching. Fish fairies can be lucrative in the sense that any funds generated go directly back into the project which is fantastic – new platforms, satellite trackers, and fish!

At Orange, chat mentioned that a juvenile was seen flying at 08:32:51 to the MW (I haven’t got a clue what that refers to).

Diamond watching from the scrape.

Cilla made a video with music of a juvenile chasing Diamond at the tower. Oh, how grand.

Rohan Geddes got some shots of our White-bellied Sea Eagle juvie yesterday. Nice flying.

The two osplets at Osprey House really go after the fish when Dad arrives. It is a wonder he has any talons left.

Raising condors to save the species.

Looking at this lovely Condor baby! A little bit bigger than Hope but doing the same thing – following Mamma and copying her.

Ospreys in Spain in the winter. The Biosphere at Urdaibai.

Golden Eagle believed to have come to harm — another beaten grouse hunting estate. It is time this stopped. Can a bill – the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill – be passed in Scotland and not be watered down so that the culprits continue to get by with this senseless killing? Or will the bill get passed, and then the penalties for continuing to kill the birds be so small that it is laughable, and the gamekeepers will continue to stomp on chicks and shoot these beautiful adult raptors? Despicable. While leaf blowers get my friend ‘R’ really worked up, the stomping of chicks in a ground nest and the unnecessary shooting of raptors or the mass killing of ducks and geese at ponds makes my blood boil.

Just look at that beautiful eagle.

Police-believe-satellite-tagged-golden-eagle-has-come-to-harm-in-south-Scotland-–-Raptor-Persecuti Download

That missing Golden Eagle was discovered to be from a very important estate in Scotland.

‘Missing-golden-eagle-is-from-high-profile-South-Scotland-Golden-Eagle-Project-–-Raptor-Persecution Download

Sharon Dunne brings us news from the Royal Albatross Colony.

Looking for some new nature books? Mark Avery just published Stephen Moss’s list for 2023. Have a look. You might find something interesting. Many of the books that I love have been recommended by Avery. This is my first time to see Moss’s list.

Stephen-Mosss-2023-Round-up-of-Nature-Books-–-Mark-Avery Download

These are the 47 books and their reviews of Avery during 2023. The Meaning of Geese continues to be one of my all-time favourite reads of this year, alongside The Comfort of Crows.

Pink-footed geese are part of the flocks that Nick Acheson so desperately wants to see in Norfolk. And just look at this:

This-blogs-Books-of-the-Year-2023-–-Mark-Avery Download

How many of you have that ‘bucket list’? Or do you have a Copy of 1000 places to visit before you die? I have only two events on my bucket list – to see the ospreys fly over Cuba near Manzanillo in the mountains during migration and to travel to Norfolk and see the geese before the climate changes so much. They stop spending the winter in the UK. Perhaps next year for both!

Thank you so very much for being with me today. Take care. Look forward to having you with me again soon.

I wish to thank the following for their notes, articles, photographs, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘H’, Tufts Now, Carol Martucci Smith, SK Hideaways, PIX Cams, NEFL-AEF, FORE, KNF-E3, Superbeaks, Window to Wildlife, Raptor Resource Project, PLO, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Cilla Kinross, Osprey House, USFWS, Tim Huntington, Alan Petrie, Geemeff, Sharon Dunne, Rohan Geddes, Carol Shores Rifkin, Mark Avery, and Jake Fiennes.

Mini visits nest…Who would shoot a condor…Tuesday in Bird World

25 September 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

One need not look at the calendar to know that fall is completely with us on the Canadian Prairies. Leaves are turning on all of the trees, squirrels and Jays are rushing to store food. The air feels and smells different.

Every one of the garden animals has been accounted for but one and sadly the latest Hedwig (rabbit) was hit by a car on the lane in front of my house last evening. I found the darling thing this morning.

Dyson looks particularly good. Taken with my phone when I went to fill up the table feeder – she isn’t afraid. She waited and posed. Little Red was running around. He has officially moved into the wood box in the house built for him in the spring of 2022. Yippeeee. Better late than never. He only has to go a few feet in the winter to get more peanuts!

Dyson wishes all her friends in Japan and Asia a joyous Tsukimi (Moon Viewing Festival), lots of delicious rice dumplings and Moon Cakes.

The Blue Jays are still coming to the feeders. Many do not migrate remaining on the snowy prairies along with the Black-capped Chicadees and sparrows. We wait to see what these four will do.

Lewis wants nothing to do with the new cat tree. He prefers the box, and Missey prefers the blanket that wrapped some furniture at one time or another on the top of the bins and the wicker basket.

Calico looks stronger every day. She is filling out a bit but a sweet gentle soul she is. Did I tell you we dropped all of our other projects for a few weeks to write a book for children about Calico and Hope? It will be a fundraiser for the mobile Vet clinic that works in my City to provide affordable spay and neutering, vaccinations, deworming, etc. for those persons wishing to trap and release or adopt the community cats.

It is also hoped that the book will offer a lesson for not ‘dumping’ pets.

Are you missing Mini? I sure am. You never ever forget these amazing survivors.

Patchogue tops my list for the most incredible osprey nest this past season. The adults raised four – four to fledge – at a time when a substantial number of clutches from Long Island up through the NE were entirely lost due to weather events (especially that storm in June) and overfishing. Thank you, Isac, for reminding us what a spunky fourth-hatch Mini was!

Well, shock of shocks. Mini visited the nest for about a minute at 1258 Monday. Oh, my goodness. How wonderful it is to see you!

Violence. Disregard for life of any kind.

What kind of person would deliberately shoot any raptor never mind, one of the most endangered species on our planet – the California Condor. I had been out playing with Hope and Calico and had not looked at my e-mail (one of the benefits of taking a few days off is you realise it can wait!). Then I did. A note from Geemeff, and below it is my copy from Kelly Sorenson. I am beyond understanding this.

“California condor” by USFWS Pacific Southwest Region is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

Reward-Doubled-to-10000-for-Condor-Shooting Download

“Flying California condor” by USFWS Pacific Southwest Region is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Gabby was at the NEFlorida Bald Eagle nest Monday morning.

V3 returned to the nest with what could be new wounds at 1745.

The eagles are working on the Pittsburg-Hayes nest. Look at those rails! This is a nest to envy!

There’s at least one juvie at the Dulles-Greenway nest of Martin and Rosa.

Looks like C15 and Dad might have finally left for their migration fro the Charlo Montana Osprey platform.

Ospreys are gone and the Canada Geese are enjoying the Boulder County Fair Grounds nest.

Trudi Kron gives us a good look at the injuries that Anna, the mate of Louis, at the KNF-E1 nest near Alexandria, Louisiana has sustained. It looks like they are healing. Send good wishes for all those floaters wanting a nest to scat!

Lightning fills the sky around the Superbeaks’ nest of Pepe and Muhlady.

Everyone hopes the new male at Port Lincoln will be a great provider and that the long-running heartache at the PLO barge nest will end. That said, this morning, Mum got impatient waiting for a fish and caught on camera is a female incubating eggs catching a fish.

‘A’ brings us up to date: “At Port Lincoln, the fishing is going well. Three yesterday (one caught by mum) and dad has caught at least two so far today. As always, mum is allowing him far less egg time than he would like. Guesses regarding timing of the first hatch are between 15 October and 18 October, so we have at least three weeks to wait there. So all attention is now on Orange and of course on our adorable sea eaglets in Sydney. They are gorgeous.”

There are still juvenile ospreys near their nests in the UK that have not left for migration.

Dad is still bringing fish to Coco at the Sandpoint nest.

Dad delivered at least four fishing starting at 0705 and going until 1500 on Monday at the MN Landscape Arboretum Nest.

Suzanne Arnold Horning spotted Big Red on the Cornell Campus on Monday! Looking good, Mamma.

The eaglets at Sydney Sea Eagle nest in the Olympic Forest are ever more steady on their feet.

The date that is predicted for the first egg to hatch at the scrape of Diamond and Xavier is 1 October. That is less than a week away!

‘A’ reminds us: “The countdown is on at Orange. Only four days until pip watch. There is a very pesky scout bee (or bees) that has been bothering the falcons for the past two days, buzzing constantly into, around and out of the box. I think it is really starting to annoy Diamond. Xavier made a lunge at it yesterday as if to eat it but missed (as he was on the eggs so had limited reach!) and today, it continues to irritate all. Apart from that, all proceeds smoothly at this scrape. The couple had another of their early morning bonding sessions today (05:20) but this time there was a changeover and no-one fell asleep mid-bonding. It’s so sweet the way he arrives so early and sits on the ledge to keep her company. For some reason, she allowed him an hour of early-morning egg time, so he’s happy. He’s had a couple of lengthy stints this morning.”

To prepare for what is coming – and the falcon chicks grow rapidly compared to eagles and ospreys – here is a guide to their weekly development with pictures.

Peregrine-Chicks-Week-to-Week-Development-Outside-My-Window Download

‘H’ just located Victor Hurley’s hour presentation on Peregrine Falcons in Victoria Australia. You can start and stop the presentation!

One of the translocated birds from Norway to Ireland has made it to Morocco on their migration!

Osprey-released-by-NPWS-tracked-to-Morocco-KillarneyToday.com_Download

Annie and Lou visiting the scrape at The Campanile of UC-Berkeley on Monday.

Almost all of the Royal Albatross chicks have fledged. We now await the arrival of this year’s adults who will be breeding.

Remember – if you have to just tie your wrists with a ribbon! Don’t start up the mower, the weed whacker, the leaf blower. Use that time to go birding and let the insects living in the leaves have a home.

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

I want to add that I tested positive for Covid on Sunday. I am feeling a bit rough. Thankfully there is not a lot going on in Bird World. I will continue with the newsletter but the content might be smaller for the next week while I recover.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, photographs, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, H, Geemeff’, PSEG, Isac and PSEG, Ventana Wildlife Society, Open Verse, NEFL-AEF, NEFL-chat, PixCams, Dulles-Greenway, Charlo Montana, Boulder County, Trudi Kron and Bald Eagles 101 Superbeaks, Bart Molenaar and Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Info, Sandpoint, MN Landscape Arboretum, Suzanne Arnold Horning, Sydney Sea Eagles, Charles Sturt FalconCam, Outside My Window, Killarney Today, Holly Parsons and Albatross Lovers, and Cal Falcons.

Banff flipped overboard…Friday in Bird World

25 August 2023

Good Morning,

Well, if you are following the saga – it will become an odyssey soon – with me and Calico, it is now Calico 13 and Mary Ann 2. Yesterday the food dishes were licked clean in under 45 minutes. Calico does not eat that quickly or much in that amount of time. Today, the first breakfast was the same. But the afternoon feed was hardly touched. The trail cam was set up underneath the deck at 1300. The space is so limited that it appears the motion detection system did not operate properly when I returned with food and to check the footage. Can you hear me growling like a cat? Calico is laughing her head off with a smile like a Cheshire Cat. So the camera is somewhat repositioned, and if that doesn’t work overnight, I will put it outside so that it covers the entrance to the area where Calico comes and goes. I believe that the kitten or kittens are old enough that it/they might follow Mama. I will continue to provide food in the hope that the wee one will associate food with my voice and come trotting out one day – before it is too late to socialise the kitten/s. I continue to praise this kitten that had kittens herself for finding the right place – it is so safe, and secluded. No one would know she was under there if they were not searching like me. Still, I will need to get her in hand – Calico that is – on 4 September for her surgery.

Morning Update: Calico was waiting for me at my garden door with brambles in her fur. While she ate she allowed me to brush her for over an hour and a half removing more than 3/4 of them. What patience with me! She also ate well. We then went together to retrieve the camera – they are meant to work in open spaces not in confined spots so it is now up on a pole!

Our thoughts continue to be with the wildlife (and the people) impacted by the wildfires burning in my country. These were the most recent stats that I could find on The Narwhal.

According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, there are currently 1,035 active fires burning across the country, 368 in B.C. alone. A staggering 15 million hectares (a jump of nearly 2 million hectares since last week) have burned this year so far — and there’s no end in sight to the inferno. The heavy blanket of smoke from fires in the Pacific Northwest stretches from San Diego to Great Slave Lake.

I have had several questions and letters about migration. Many of you might not be completely familiar with the reasons that the Ospreys migrate or how far they travel.

This first article is by the RSPB and focuses on the UK Ospreys but there is much good information that applies to all ospreys that migrate.

Osprey-Migration-Patterns-The-RSPB Download

This second article is full of gorgeous images and maps that will help you understand more not only about migration but about where those birds along the NE coast of the US travel. It is an excellent read.

Ospreys-Have-A-Shocking-Spring-Migration-—-Save-Coastal-Wildlife Download

If you are looking for a comprehensive book on bird migration (it includes many species), I highly recommend The Atlas of Bird Migration. Tracing the Great Journeys of the World’s Birds. It is by the Smithsonian (there is another by a similar title so I am providing the cover image). This book is everything that you wanted to know and much that you didn’t even know you wanted to know! The cost at my local nature centre was $24.95 CDN.

The tracker for Bonus, the foster storklet of Jan and Jannika, who grew up on the nest of Karl II and Kaia in 2022 has problems with the transmitter not charging. Bonus was somewhere in Belarus. Stay safe, Bonus!

Urmas’s fish basket that has helped to keep the family of Karl II alive this season is still operational. Urmas and his team refill as necessary and on Thursday, Karl II went there to fill up the trio.

Imagine how some of the fortunes of the US and Canadian Osprey nests might have changed had fish been compassionately provided during their time of need – during drought, storms, and fires. I praise Urmas and the Estonia team who try, in whatever way they can, to protect their precious Black Storks. Bonus is an example of that, and we will never forget the dummy female and the robot-feeding male stork. Enlightened is the word I often use for Urmas and Dr. Madis. Bravo! The world could use 100s of people like you who are willing to step up, take a chance, do the right thing. We made a mess of their planet – isn’t it time we fix that?

There is ‘mixed news’ in the most recent Tweed Valley report.

23rd-Aug-news.docx-Google-Drive Download

We must check on Fortis – ‘H’ has given us a grand report on what happened to poor Banff on Thursday. “Banff spent the night away from the nest. The morning started with the female intruder arriving at 0607, and her mate arrived a little later. We heard Banff’s voice, and for some reason the intruders simultaneously flew off the nest at 0626. After a few minutes we saw Banff being chased by at least one of them. The female intruder returned to the nest at 0635. At 0649 Louise hovered with a fish in her talons, and the female intruder kept her away. At the same time, the male intruder landed on the nest, and Louise flew to the T-perch. Louise did not eat the fish. She flew off the T-perch with the fish at 0653, perhaps to find Banff. The intruder pair mated on the nest at 0733. The male left the nest at 0826 and would not be seen for the next 9.5 hours. Banff flew toward the nest at 0845, but she was intercepted in the air by the female and was then chased. The female intruder brought a fish to the nest at 0905, left with it after a couple of minutes, and returned without the fish at 0916. Over the next couple of hours, the female intruder was on and off the nest a few times. Banff flew toward the nest at 1104, and once again the female intercepted her and chased her away. After that, the female intruder stood on the ‘lookout post’ for about three minutes, and then she was not seen at the nest for the next 5.5 hours. At 1336 Louise arrived with a fish. She waited for Banff to arrive for eight minutes, but then she flew off with the fish. Banff landed on the nest at 1453, but she hurriedly flew off as she saw an intruder approaching. We only got a brief glimpse, but it did appear that Banff had a small crop. Osprey chases were noted a few times throughout the day, and we assumed they may have involved Louise and/or Banff. Louise landed on the nest with a small partial fish at 1746. The male intruder landed and Louise immediately chased him off. Louise waited a few minutes for Banff to arrive, but she ate the fish herself, and flew off at 1804. Banff arrived at the nest at 1815. She looked tired. She called. But, Mom did not come back. At 1929 Banff began alerting, and she assumed a defensive posture. She knew an intruder was approaching. The intruder buzzed Banff at 1930, and Banff pancaked. A few seconds later the intruder dive bombed and hit Banff really hard. Banff was flipped over onto her back, but she seemed to be okay. She righted herself and flew off. Go roost near Mom, Banff. And, Mom will bring you a nice fish for breakfast.”

On Thursday morning, our dear Mini was on the nest and got the first nice fish of the day from Dad. She did well eating it except when it got to the small tail piece which was lodged in the side of the nest. She got it out and finished off that fish. The time is 0751.

Mini got another nice fish later in the day from Dad.

Mini ate well Thursday! Let us all hope that Dad is looking after himself. Mum is still around and the other three siblings might well be. Three is off the opposite perch this evening from Mini.

Sammy McLoughlin copied the article about Mini into the chat for Patchogue. This is what it said and it had a photo of Dad in March – sadly, not of Mini!

Every year, PSEG Long Island celebrates the return of the local osprey population in Patchogue Village by preparing for the breeding season and performing maintenance on the osprey. The monitored Patchogue nest is located on West Main Street, just south of the Blue Point Brewery. This year, watchers of the live cam noticed of the four chicks (which is rare in itself), one of them seems to have injured its leg. The youngest chick, according to New York City viewer Judith Camacho, who noticed the injury and alerted the local paper, suffered some sort of leg injury last week and she believed it was in need of help. After noticing the injury, the “chatters,” as they call themselves, contacted PSEGLI, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and wild care rehabbers in the area. The injury can be seen at 7:34 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 14, during a feeding session. “She has difficulty holding the food and you can see the injury on her left leg. She is such a fighter,” Camacho said. “Survived with three older siblings, which is extremely rare. It will be a pity if she is not helped.” PSEGLI referred to Jim Jones, one of the bird experts they work with in these situations. After being alerted to the situation, he said he has been watching the nest, on and off, for 24 hours. He confirmed that the chick does have an injury to the left foot, but he said that there are a few things to consider: The fledgling has been perching fairly easily, and the foot can grip, but a bit clumsily; it was able to finish the fish meal without incident. It can also stand on that leg without any apparent leaning. It can fly, and has been leaving the nest to forage, and possibly hunt. The parents are still there and are feeding the “All of these things are good,” he said. “The injury does not—at this time—appear life threatening. We (PSEG, myself, and a wildlife rehabber) are all monitoring the situation. At this time, we are letting things progress naturally. These kinds of injuries are not uncommon, and osprey that I have worked with have recovered. We will keep watching!”

Unfortunately, they did not include images of Mini at various stages of her life or ask locals to keep their eyes out for any ospreys on the ground. That said, Mini is progressing nicely, and there is no way that she could be easily captured currently. Nature is working its magic – and we hope for Mini that she is fit and ready to fly south soon. She is determined – a survivor, and we can only hope she has many more lives – like a cat!

At the Loch Arkaig nest of Louis and Dorcha, Louis is making up for his time away defending. I believe we are now on fish 5 but Ludo is being stalked by the Hoodies – Dyson, Hoover, and Henry – who are getting as much or more of that fish that Ludo.

Fish 5 for Ludo!

That official announcement from Ulster! Ospreys have been seen flying to and from Ireland but there were no reports of a breeding pair – and a successful one at that – until now.

Pam Breci reports that all is well at the osprey platform of Steelscape, Inc.

Our 21 year old Osprey Dad is doing a great job delivering fish to his recent fledgling at the Minnesota Arboretum nest.

‘H’s reports on Osoyoos and Barneghat Light:

Barnegat Light – Duke delivered a whole fluke to Dorsett for lunch. “Wow, thanks a lot, Dad!” Mom, Daisy, has not been seen since 8/21.

Osoyoos – Life is going well for this family of three. Soo brought a beautiful large fish to the nest at 1310, and she waited a long time for her fledgling to return for lunch. Lunch lasted three hours!

Oh, gosh it is good to hear that Osoyoos is alright. Thanks so much H’ for all three reports this morning. Always appreciated!

Blue 33 was delivering fish to Maya at the Rutland Manton Bay platform. He is helping her prepare for her migration in the hope that they both return, as usual, safely next March.

At Orange, Xavier slept on the ledge while Diamond was in the scrape.

Later, Diamond with a huge crop! Thanks, Xavier. You are keeping Mama healthy – she might not have liked the two Starlings but from the second image she devoured the pigeon. Eggs by the end of the month!

At Port Lincoln, the new couple – old Mum and new Dad – are still trying for eggs. It is definitely not too late in Australia!

Gosh, golly. I know that ‘A’ is watching the Sea Eagles much more carefully but it was sure nice for me to go through a few minutes of rewinds and see 32 up there eating and then both up at the beak and with nice crops.

‘A’ wrote us a story about SE32 and its feedings! “Lady comes in around 09:45 to deal with the fish that is left over from breakfast and again SE32 is straight up to the table and starts eating confidently. SE31 is slow to get up and stretch and she then does not move more than a step or two towards the table. Lady feeds SE32 and eats a fair bit herself while SE31 watches. She then moves towards the table, but heads around the far side of SE32, so that SE32 is between her and Lady. SE31 arranges some sticks on the left rails while SE32 keeps eating. I think you get the gist. Something is going on today. SE31 looks healthy, though the PS she just did was very small for her, but she is not attempting to head up to eat. It is after 09:53 when SE31 leans over SE32 (slowly and carefully) to take a bite from Lady. SE32 can feel his sister leaning across him but does not go into submission. SE31 is having to work to swallow the bite (there are a lot of bones in the pieces being fed by now, although there is still a lot of flesh attached), so SE32 accepts the next large mouthful, despite the very close proximity of his sister! Normally, he would get beaked for doing this but not today. Mum offers him a piecde that’s too big and SE31 thinks Lady is going to give it to her but Lady eats it herself and SE32 takes the next couple of mouthfuls. SE31 retreats slightly and just watches! What is going on? He refuses another bite because it is just too big and he is too full, and SE31 leans forward on SE32’s far side, thinking she will get this piece. But no, again Lady eats it herself and SE31 pulls back a bit, disappointed. SE32 has not dropped his head or appeared intimidated in any way so far today, and not now either. Finally, at 09:54:54 Lady starts feeding SE31, who leans forward eagerly on the far side of SE32 to eat the mouthfuls. She is hungry. SE32 stays where he is, his head up, just too full to eat. Mum offers him the occasional bite, but he is too full and only takes one small piece, so SE31 gets most of the remaining fish. It is good to see her eat. (I never thought I would have to say that!!) The meal is over just after 10am. There is still a little fish and flesh left over. Mum returns shortly after 11:04 to finish it off and again SE32 is first up to the table. Mum starts feeding him and eating some of it herself. Most of the fish is gone shortly before 11:11. Mum has worked really hard to get each morsel of flesh from it. SE32 has the most gigantic crop I have seen on a chick in a very long time. SE31 never leaves her spot on the front rails to eat. The eaglets spend a couple of hours snuggling on the rails, stretching occasionally or playing with a stick. At 13:00, SE31 turns her head to look at. SE32 eyeballs her and raises himself up slightly, leaning towards SE31 in an intimidating manner. She retreats and he settles back down. They are doing so much preening as those feathers come through. They must be really itchy. Look at the difference between the size of those crops!!! SE31 looks hungry. SE32’s is beyond description, it is so large. Dad brings in an extra large, long whole fish at 14:44 (or a very fat eel) and SE32 is straight up to the table. Dad waits for Lady, while SE31 has not even woken up yet. She is still sleeping on the front rails. Dad starts nibbling at the fish himself, looking around for Lady, while SE32 moves closer. This gives SE31 time to wake up, stretch, and move up to the table. This causes SE31 to move further forward, keeping his head down. This is not the confident SE32 from the previous feedings today. Dad feeds SE31 and continues eating himself. SE32 keeps moving forward until he is level with the fish and with dad’s beak, to one side of the table. SE31 is in the usual position in the centre of the nest, leaning forward for bites, so she is not making any contact with SE32, who is submissive but not with his head down – he is watching Dad carefully, and when he is offered a bite at 14:51 he accepts it. SE32 turns his head away as he does so Dad gives a bite to SE31 but then turns to feeding bite after bite after bite to SE32, who eats them all. SE31 crawls closer to the table and waits her turn. Dad offers her a bite at 14:54, then returns to feeding SE32. SE31 is still waiting at 14:57 and starts nibbling on the end of the fish (or very fat eel). She is up at the table but with the food between herself and SE32, with Dad in the normal parental feeding position at the back of the nest. At 14:57:27 SE31 grabs the end of this enormous piece of prey and pulls it towards herself. Good job SE31. Dad takes it back. He is still looking around periodically for Lady. He continues feeding SE32. At 15:00 she is still waiting patiently, playing with sticks, watching while SE32 eats very fast and very confidently. SE31 sits down and continues to wait patiently. Finally, at 15:02, Dad leans her way and she eagerly grabs the bite. He then starts feeding them alternate bites until soon afterwards, SE32 is full and not interested in more, so Dad feeds SE31, who is hungry. Every couple of mouthfuls, he glances at SE32 to see whether he wants a bite, then continues feeding SE31. This is a lengthy feeding – SE32 decided he could fit more food in after all – and both chicks ate a large amount. There was another feeding around , and there is also still so much leftover food that there’s enough for the whole family to eat all day tomorrow as well. This was such an interesting day because of SE32’s apparent confidence. which was diminished somewhat at that mid-afternoon feeding but was regained during it. The combination of plentiful food, SE32 getting lots of feeding from the parents and SE31 for some reason being incredibly patient and effectively taking SE32’s role for the day. She ended up getting plenty to eat with that massive fish/eel but at the time of that feeding, she had eaten very little for the day and had not seemed interested enough to press the issue.”

Thanks so much, ‘A’. We can always use a good news story on 32!

SE32 watches as 32 self-feeds. Gosh, they are just over a month old and growing so fast.

No one will say it is for certain but another beautiful image of our star single-dad M15 with a potential mate from the SW Florida Eagles nest on the Pritchett Property in Fort Myers.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Please take care! Looking forward to having you with us again soon.

My deepest gratitude to the following for their notes, posts, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to compose my blog today: ‘A, Geemeff, H’, Amazon and Firefly Press, RSPB, Save Coastal Wildlife, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Maria Marika, Liznm, Tweed Valley Ospreys, PSEG, The Woodland Trust, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Ulster Wildlife, Pam Breci and The Joy of Ospreys, MN Landscape Arboretum, LRWT, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, PLO, Sydney Sea Eagles, Gracie Shepher and Raptors of the World.

Banff has a great day…Tuesday in Bird World

22 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope that you are all well.

It was a grey drizzly day on the Canadian Prairies. All of the garden animals are present and accounted for. None of the Blue Jays appear to be thinking about leaving on migration. The Chickadees have been out in force and as I am writing, Little Red is busy stocking away all the peanuts he can get his little hands on and the duvet is out – signalling that it is beginning to feel a little hippy in the evenings now. There is a tinge to the top of the trees, just a hint of chartreuse with a soft yellow in places that signals a change of season is on us..

For all those wondering…I found Calico’s hiding spot with her kitten or kittens. Ironically it was the first spot where I believed she was- it was ideal – lots of piled up things and a huge deck that was difficult for anyone to get under – including any dogs or foxes (yes, there is a fox that lives in a garden of Tiger Lilies in the summer near to where Calico is hiding). A neighbour had informed me that a raccoon was living under that deck, but that was untrue. It was Calico! The young man who owns the house has given me full permission to come and go in his garden. Sadly, I cannot get under the low part of the deck to get to her, and there is no access to the higher part without cutting into the structure. So we wait to try and lure this kitten out. It will not be for lack of trying, but one day that kitten will play with the laser pointer, see the fluffy feather toy, smell the sardines and come walking out. It is certainly in a safe place – and I am no longer worried except for car traffic. Calico comes to eat and scurries back – quick as a wink she is away. Patience and more cunning than her mother will be required…and I am not sure the latter is possible. Calico is one smart Mama. The score is now Calico 10- Mary Ann 2.

The storm in California has passed. Checked on four nests. Just because I did not see the eagles on the streaming cam does not mean there is a problem. I have not seen eagles often at the West End or recently at Fraser Point. The amount of rain and flooding has been considerable, but the nests and the trees appear to have survived fine. I hope that is the case and that they have not been weakened.

Jackie and Shadow are safe.

Chase & Cholyn are alright.

Did not see Andor or Cruz.

The West End Cam at the ‘old’ nest is now up and running. Did not see Akecheta or Thunder.

Did not see anyone at Sauces.

Beautiful Mini. She was not bothered when Three (Sneezy) joined her on the nest except when Sneezy was trying to rearrange ‘Mini’s nest and move her cardboard. Mini did give her sibling ‘the look’ a few times. Mum even stopped in. We have not seen her for a bit. Did she come to check on Mini and say goodbye as she leaves on migration?

Mini had at least three fish on Monday and when my friend ‘R’ writes that he is now ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Mini, the smile goes across my face from one ear to another. Like many of us, he has noted that Mini is using her right foot to hold down the fish and eat them quickly, a tool she will need to survive in the wild. No more fiddling around the nest. I love the term ‘R’ used – ‘she was able to rip through them’. ‘R’ also noticed that the swelling in the left knee is “diminishing, and at times she even bears weight on it” adding that the rest on the nest has meant that she has been caring for her leg very well. We hope that this young lady is one of the luckiest osplets in the world. She is certainly one of the most strong-willed ones I have met. ‘R’ says it is too early for any prognosis but she appears to be healing. — What a wonderful note to wake up to. Thanks ‘R’ for keeping an eye on our gal.

Mini had a bit of a crop and one good ‘ps’ was observed.

Mini had a good breakfast and was flexing that left talon this morning. Keep sending your good wishes. As I finish writing this, two fish have been delivered by Dad!

The fledgling at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is doing very well. Flying around, returning to the nest to rest and eat.

Dyfi Osprey Project: Telyn has not been seen since Saturday. She ‘might’ have started her migration. Sometimes she takes some time and returns to the nest before departure. We wait to see. Lots of nice fish coming for the fledglings -Seiont & Cennen. Idris is doing a fine job fishing.

Glaslyn: OH1 and OH2 have been on the perch and in the nest eating fish from Dad Aran. The weather is raining and it is thought that Elen might have started her migration Monday morning. We wait to see.

Poole Harbour: CJ7 and Blue 022 are still home and providing for all three fledglings who also remain – coming and going off the nest for fish. What a great year it has been at Poole!

Rutland: Blue 33 found himself defending the nest against intruders and Maya was on the nest too – at times – helping. .

Time for ‘H’s reports –

Fortis Exshaw: “Oh, what a splendid day! Banff woke up hungry, having only eaten a small part of a fish the previous day. So, she did not take any long flights away from the nest in the morning, instead opting for a few quick out and back flights. Banff did not want to take a chance on missing breakfast! But, starting at 1021, it seemed as though Banff was on to something. She was calling, she resumed taking several short flights from the nest, and she always flew off in the same direction. At 1027 Louise landed with a large headless fish and Banff flew to the nest right on her tail! Aha, Banff had known that her Mom was eating a fish, and Banff had been telling Mom to save some for her. A very hungry Banff ate ravenously. Throughout the afternoon Banff was quite vocal, calling for more fish, and she also seemed to be warning unseen intruders not to mess with her! The ‘I’ word (intruder) was conspicuously absent from the chat . . no one wanted to jinx Banff. At 1407 Louise delivered a medium-sized whole fish to the nest, and Banff grabbed Louise’s left foot with her beak, and would not let go. So, Louise attempted to fly off, and in the process they were both dragged overboard, lol. Within seconds, Banff circled around to the nest to claim what she had originally intended . . the fish. After eating her second fish, and having an intruder-free day (thus far), Banff was feeling pretty good. She seemed relaxed, bright, and ‘happy’ for a change (and the chatters were too!). Liberated by an intruder-free day, Banff took several more short flights around her neighborhood. And, again we learned that she had been keeping an eye on her Mom. At 16:33 Banff flew to the nest just five seconds ahead of Louise who had a partial fish in her talons, “Thanks a lot, Mommy!” Banff had a lovely evening, she took a couple more quick flights, and all was right with the world!!! SOD’s, Banff.”

Osoyoos – “The Osoyoos chick fledged at 0624 on 8/21, at 56 days of age. Congratulations to Junior, Soo and Olsen! Junior returned to the nest at 1124, and she was hungry. It would be a while before her first meal of the day however, so s/he took another short flight at 1344. At 1439 Soo brought a very large fish to the nest, and Junior feasted! A juvenile visitor landed on the nest at 1530, and Junior found it quite interesting. Soo however, was less intrigued, and she gently persuaded the young fledgling to go home, lol. It was a fine day, indeed.”

Barnegat Light – “Duke and Daisy both delivered fish for Dorsett. Dorsett seems to always take her meals to her favorite utility pole to dine.”

Severna Park – “Oscar delivered a nice fish to the only fledgling that has been coming to the nest for several days.”

Gosh, those are good reports, ‘H’. Thank you so much!!!! It is nice to see these fledglings doing so well and no bad news.

Lou and Annie are bonding in the scrape. They are staying close to their home, The Campanile, on the grounds of U-California-Berkeley. It has been lovely to see them along with Monty and Hartley when they are not raising chicks.

Diamond and Xavier are also bonding at Orange and they fell asleep during an extremely long bonding session!

Karl II continues to bring fish and frogs for his three fledgling Black Storklets. What a devoted Dad. When he begins his migration, Karl II will eventually arrive at his destination near Chad where Kaia spends the winter.

Did you know there is a stork rehabilitation centre in Lublin in northeastern Poland? Look at the beautifully woven baskets for these sweet babies on top of the barn roof. Oh, these precious ones are treasured by so many people in Europe.

In many ancient traditions, when someone died their soul would go into a bird – most often a stork. The soul of the dead would travel for 40 days before it reached the underworld or paradise inside the stork. The birds would return in the spring when life was reborn. In other traditions, any home that had a stork nest on top of the house would have harmony and peace. Every type of calamity would beset someone who would deliberately harm the storms in any way.

“The stork rehabilitation center is run by the “Chance for Stork” Association in Kozubszczyzna near Lublin. Storks injured in various types of accidents find help here. They are treated, rehabilitated and released here. However, some storks, due to their injuries, are not able to get up in the air, so they stay in the Asylum until the end of their days. There are 14 such individuals here.”

Kate was at the nest of her parents, White-tailed Eagles Milda and Voldis, in Durbe County. Isn’t she beautiful? The couple fledged two this year – so over the moon happy for Milda!

There is good news about the Kakapo that were reintroduced on the mainland of New Zealand after being made extinct there. Before we arrived, Kakapo, these adorable green flightless parrots, were abundant across New Zealand. There are now only 248 birds living on four tiny NZ islands. The cause of their demise was hunting, predation, and loss of habitat. Today there are 248 Kakapo. The reintroduction project is the first to try and bring them back to the mainland. It took place in 2023. They are critically endangered.

At Port Lincoln, everyone has been watching the nest and wondering what is going. n. ‘A’ often comments to me that the mating has been sporadic and often not successful. Odd for an experienced male such as Dad. So is there a problem? or has the male been misidentified and this is a new one this year? PLO says it won’t be for lack of trying that there are no eggs! PLO has a fantastic obs board and chat under the streaming cam. ‘H’ sent me the following note from the chat last evening. Question: Has anyone seriously compared the head plumage of this male with the Dad from previous years? I have to admit that we were quite worried about him last year when he had what appeared to be seizures.

Checking on the Sydney Sea Eagles, ‘A’ reports: “Dad brought in a small whole fish (bream perhaps) at 15:46:09. Both eaglets sat up, but it was little SE32 who headed up to the table first. Dad had a couple of bites and then offered one to SE32, who took it. Instead of offering him another, Dad had the next bite himself, and before he could finish it and give a second bite to SE32, SE31 beaks her little brother in the back of the head and twists and pulls at the beakful of fluff. She puts him down but he is still between her and the fish so she repeats the dose. She then proceeds to eat the entire fish, with SE32 remaining in submission throughout (and for a while after Dad left). At one point, SE31 circled around SE32 and went right up to Dad, leaving separation between herself and SE32, but that didn’t help his confidence at all. He remained submissive and motionless. He is hungry, hence his dash for the table, which was a brave move from him and not one we would have seen two days ago. Yesterday was such a good day for the little one that he did actually gain some confidence from it but all it takes is one of SE31’s attacks (as opposed to the single beak to the back of the head, which he usually quickly brushes off) to restore his victim mentality. It is most discouraging. For his self-feeding abilities to help him, there need to be some leftovers on this nest. Apparently, there were some overnight but of course SE32 was not at all hungry and was not ferreting around on the nest looking for food overnight. Mum and Dad found all the nestovers on the WBSE nest while the IR lights were still on this morning and SE31 got them all. But SE32 did get the breakfish – nearly all of it – and has had a good crop all day. Hoping another fish (this time, a big one) comes onto the nest before nightfall.”

Sightings of M15 at the nest site are being reported in Fort Myers!

Thank you for being with me today. Please take care of yourself. Look up and listen for the birds!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to compose my blog this morning: “A, H, R’, FOBBV, IWS/Explore, PSEG, MN Landscape Arboretum, Dyfi Osprey Project, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, Poole Harbour Ospreys, LRWT, SK Hideaways and Cal Falcons, Eagle Club of Estonia, LizM, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Severna Park, Sydney Sea Eagles, PLO, Sydney Sea Eagles, SK Hideaways and Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, and the Kakapo Recovery.

Oh..so cute. SE31 and SE32. Friday in Bird World

28 July 2022

Good Morning Everyone,

Gosh, not only is it the end of the week but it is also the end of July. The beautiful osplets from Norway are now in Ireland and all is well. All three chicks at Dunrovin have fledged along with probably many more today. It cooled down a bit on the Canadian Prairies and thankfully, I did not get the storms that some did on Wednesday evening. I would be fine but, of course, my concerns are always with those that come and go from the garden. Right now Mr Crow is yelling his head off demanding cheesy dogs, Junior wants more peanuts, and Little Red is sitting in the lilacs waiting in case I change my mind and put out more of those tasty nuts. Missey and Lewis have been relatively quiet all day which means that they will be tearing around all night. Bird seed and cat food are now stocked for next month and life is good.

Oh, we always need some great news. There are such wonderful people out there…Man swims 70′ in Idaho to save Osprey! “Ten days of fluids, antibiotics and a diet of fish helped the 2-and-a-half-pound adult male osprey heal from soft-tissue injuries, but no fractures.“The geese beat him up pretty bad,’ said Birds of Prey Northwest Founding Director Jane Veltkamp.”

https://cdapress.com/news/2023/jul/27/hes-still-alive/?fbclid=IwAR3tG5vNhivOei7bTrWBHhmD-C4vCcxN3uqBS9-gLwwoIA2qSLiOKBzG92U

More good news is coming from South Australia where the water company has agreed to remove the spikes from his pipes! Congratulations! This is the way that it should always be!

The hottest recorded July in history. Sadly the heat that is driving severe weather, low fish counts and drought is not going away. Just how long can those that have the power to do something continue to deny the need is not urgent?

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jul/27/scientists-july-world-hottest-month-record-climate-temperatures

The Norwegian osplets have arrived in Ireland in a private jet and are now safely in their new cages. Not sure what their parents thought about this…perhaps I am not supposed to mention something like that.

The Grey storklets have received names!

When I grew up, everyone wanted manicured lawns, beautiful flower beds, patios and porches with climbing roses on trellis. The magazines pushed our control over nature – just like those very managed French gardens of the 19th century. When I returned to Manitoba, one of my neighbours was a graduate in math from Cornell. A brilliant man but life had thrown some wrenches at him. He let his garden go. People talked about him as if he was a freak. Of course, ‘J’ was ahead of the times. Now people seek him out for his advice.

Please share with your friends, family, and neighbours:

We finally have the date when the grouse hunting licenses on United Utilities land will not be renewed – 2027 and the hunting groups are in meltdown…I am over the moon that this onslaught on wildlife will be stopped. Let us hope more join in!

Emails-of-support-for-United-Utilities-decision-not-to-renew-shooting-leases-–-Raptor-Persecution-U Download

Whirl through the Nests:

Little Mini, our amazing fledgling from Patchogue, eating a fish Thursday afternoon. Time 1424 when Mini grabbed that fish.

Mini wants a fish and is watching. Is Dad feeding off nest? I wonder.

Steelscape: ‘PB’ sent a great screen capture of the third hatch and what a crop. Dad delivered a number of fish and this one that has been pecked and pulled ate well.

Dunrovin: All three – Snap, Crackle, and Pop – have now fledged!

Glaslyn: All is well. Look at the size of that Mullet!

Loch Arkaig: Is Dorcha getting tired of visitors?

Boulder County: Everyone is home. All are being fed well. What an amazing family.

The Bridges Golf: Nice fish delivery before time to tuck it all in. These two look ready to fledge. I have failed to check on them for a few days. Please correct me if they have already taken to the skies. Nice to see two survive after a really poor start during that heat.

Cowlitz PUD: Fledgling and adults continue to return to the nest. All is good.

Clark PUD: Everything is fantastic.

Sandpoint: Both of the osplets – Keke and Coco – were well fed on Thursday.

MN Landscape Arboretum: Everything appears to be alright. I did not see a lot of fish deliveries on Thursday but I might have missed them. It has been really hot near the nest – 29 C. They have had the same heat that we have had in Winnipeg. This is impacting all the nests and their ability to fish.

Loch of the Lowes: Laddie will continue to deliver. PF4 grabbed the fish and Dad this morning while PF5 dreams of fish. There has been no sign of Blue NC0 for nearly a fortnight.

Sydney Sea Eagles: ‘A’ is so excited. She reports, “At 7am 28 July, we can see a large hole in the second egg and movement inside. Dad has just brought in a lovely headless fresh fish for breakfast for SE31’s first feeding. It’s good at holding its head up but it’s not great at the food transfer bit so it’s dropping most of its bites. Mum is being so patient with the sweet little one. It did not end up getting much food and I think it was still hungry afterwards, but it did get a couple of small bites. Meanwhile, SE32 is making good progress, and as we watch the feeding we can see the hole enlarge as a flap starts to open next to it. I think the second chick will be out within 36 hours of SE31’s hatch, which is a pretty good result considering the 75-hour gap between the laying of the eggs and the fact that Dad was so impatient with the incubation that I worried about whether that first egg would even hatch! There will hopefully be two fluffy little balls under mum by tonight.” Then minutes later she writes again…”

The hole is bigger at 07:54 and we can see the chick working away inside the second egg. That shell really is incredibly thick. It can’t be easy for the tiny chicks trying to break free of that calcium tomb. I always hope they have the strength to make it out. When you consider that they are already 24 hours into their escape effort by the time we see that first pip, it really is a pretty impressive achievement for such tiny youngsters. Life gets really hard really fast for them. And it doesn’t really get that much easier. I suppose the weeks in their nest are the best of their lives, in the sense that they are largely fed and protected by doting parents. Life in the wild will be so challenging, and the preparation time is so short.
How adorable they are at this age. Still unable to bonk each other. Just lovely. Let’s hope we have a peaceful nest, that the family stays safe, and that all goes well this season.”

Isn’t this little one just precious. This family really deserves a break. They raise such beautiful babies to fledge…send positive, positive wishes for the very best for them.

Se31’s first feeding:

And then….SE32 hatched! Get ready for cuteness overload as the Australian raptor season beings.

Royal Cam Albatross: Prince Minaaki has been ringed! It is possible that this wonderful Albie will have fledged in six weeks. So do your thing and help make the seas safe for the Albatross — don’t look that can of tuna in the eye!

Cornell Red-tail Hawks: Suzanne Arnold Horning found Big Red and Arthur,.

Time for ‘H’s reports!

Fortis Exshaw: There were three large fish delivered to the nest, with Mr. O contributing the first one. There was also a meal from a leftover fish from the previous evening. The chicks are now 40 days old, and both have been active with wingercising. And, at the second fish delivery, one of the chicks took the whole fish from Louise and mantled it, wow! Of course, Louise retrieved the fish, lol. Mr. O once again was instrumental in providing protection for the nest. At 1023 Mr. O urgently flew to the nest, was very vocal and demonstrated his most fearsome body language directed at an unseen intruder. Louise followed him to the nest 20 seconds later. For the next four minutes they collaborated in warding off the intruder.”

Forsythe – There were three fish delivered to the nest, and all were delivered by Oscar. Opal was last seen on 7/25. Ollie was the only fledgling at the nest for the first two deliveries at 0625 and 1222, and Owen didn’t even fly to the nest to make a bid. So, I assumed that Owen may have been served a fish at another location. At 1825, both siblings were at the nest when Oscar delivered a large headless fish. There was a battle for the fish, with Ollie coming away victorious. There was also a brutal and prolonged battle between the two siblings at 1311. They are hungry. I hope Oscar will have more success fishing on Friday, but unfortunately it will be another extremely hot day. The high temperature is predicted to be 96-97 degrees.

Thanks so very much ‘H’ and thanks to all of you for being with me today. Take care of yourself! See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, postings, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, H, PB’, CDA.org Press, Fan Solly ad Friends of Osprey St Australia, The Guardian, Gregorius Joris Toonen and Ospreys, Arne Torkler, Raptor Persecution UK, PSEG, Steelscape, Dunrovin Ospreys, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, The Woodland Trust, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Boulder County Ospreys, Bridges Golf Ospreys, Cowlitz PUD, Clark PUD, Sandpoint Ospreys, MN Landscape Arboretum, The Scottish Wildlife Trust, Sydney Sea Eagles, Gracie Shepherd and Sydney Sea Eagles, Sharon Dunne and Royal Cam Albatross Group NZ, Fortis Exshaw, Forsythe, and Suzanne Arnold Horning.

Category Archives: Osprey reintroduction

Monday in Bird World

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Monday in Bird World

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Cobey dies, USU lives!…Friday in Bird World

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Loch Arkaig’s chicks will go to Spain!…Monday in Bird World

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Rosie returns from migration…Sunday in Bird World

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SW Florida gets its second egg…Tuesday in Bird World

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Mini visits nest…Who would shoot a condor…Tuesday in Bird World

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Banff flipped overboard…Friday in Bird World

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Banff has a great day…Tuesday in Bird World

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Oh..so cute. SE31 and SE32. Friday in Bird World

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Indicators of Wildland Health

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