ospreys starved to death – Page 2

Monday in Bird World

30 June 2025

Hello Everyone!

First up. Port Lincoln Ospreys posted a lot of flight paths of the ospreys, but one will interest all of you – Ervie. I put in the details of what this most loved fledgling from the barge has been up to.

To give everyone a smile. This has been a generally good weekend in the garden. The European Starling parents are ready for their fledglings to leave the nest and garden area and go and find their way. This is perfect for Mr Crow and his two fledglings, who started coming to the garden Saturday evening. The baby Crows are as big as their parents. They are easy to spot as they will land on the craziest of things and they can’t quite balance themselves on the wires. They also walk all over the roof of the conservatory! The cats were absolutely fascinated with them.

Hugo Yugo almost popped her eyes out!

Baby Hope seemed a little frightened with the scratchy noise on the glass.

Calico was simply fascinated.

Missey was no where to be found.

I write this blog with a continuing heavy heart. Baby osplets are dying everywhere in the area that Omega, the Canadian corporation, is doing its industrial/commercial Menhaden fishing. We know only of those nests on the streaming cam unless you start to read Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal FB where many have answered my posts with information. No surviving osplets around the Virginia coast. None on St. George’s Island, Maryland. Ben Wurtz of Conserve Wildlife tells us that there is no use putting fish on the nests in NJ because when the chicks fledge, there is no fish to eat! Remarkably, even the adults are surviving, so I tell you, be happy if any of those nests fledge one chick. Please don’t be hard on the male who is working his little tail off to find fish that aren’t there.

The fault lies with politicians taking donations from Omega and a three-mile fishing limit. We need a ten-mile safe space. That might do it, although I would be much happier with a complete moratorium on the fishing of Menhaden. There are petitions to sign. I will put them at the end of the blog. Please sign them, write people, write the newspapers, the radio stations, The New York Times, 60 Minutes…whatever. There must be someone out there who has the agency to get this topic of extinction on the airwaves and get more people lobbying to protect the osprey.

One of our long-time readers, ‘EJ’, sent this to me to share with you today. There is little mention of the lack of Menhaden, never mind the direct cause.

Osprey population ‘near complete collapse’ on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, scientists report Download

Terrapins are dying along with the Striped Bass and Blue Crabs. The whales and dolphins have left the area.

More sadness. Trolls are trying to blame this on Bald Eagles! Seriously. Omega Corporation (I am embarrassed that it is a Canadian company) takes 112 million pounds of adult Menhaden and perhaps even more when they are scouring the shores of New Jersey and Delaware. Ospreys need adult Menhaden to survive. That is it. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Please don’t skip the image below of a dead osplet. Perhaps I have said this twice. You are watching the extinction of a species in this area. It can be stopped, but no politician in the area seems to have the will to do anything for wildlife. Are they so afraid of the next election and those great big donations?

Instead of stop watching these nests where the babies are dying – watch and learn and then get mad and do something. Sit down and write 20 letters – cute and paste is easy. Get the information on the overfishing in the area by a commercial company, the need for a 10 mile limit instead of 3, and write and write. Get everyone you know who cares about wildlife to write. Send it to the papers, the radio stations, those who care about the environment. Write Corey Booker in NJ. Maybe he will help!

Today, we lost the second hatch at Island Beach State Park, NJ. Notice it is NJ. It isn’t just the Chesapeake Bay. Omega is fishing off the shores of NJ and Delaware, but the ospreys are impacted in all the states in the region, including Maryland. Strangely, we are now having some issues with the third hatch at the Great Bay Osprey Platform in New Hampshire. it might not survive the weekend. We wait to see. Little Peabody died Monday morning.

It is the last day of June. Where did the days go? Tomorrow is Baby Hope’s second birthday. It’s also Canada Day, so we’ll be having a big party! I am not going ‘crazy’. The world doesn’t need to manufacture any more stuff and my ‘fur babies’ do not need a thing. Baby Hope loves those squeezy treats and what my friend, Geemeff, knows as Dreamies in the UK. She also has a new toy. Anne will be with us, so it will be grand. I might even get some vanilla ice cream and share it with everyone!

Good news coming in from our reader ‘PS’ who is keeping a close eye on the osprey family in Washington with its three chicks. Just look at them. They have outgrown the Reptile stage and are developing juvenile feathers. Each has a nice crop.

‘PS’ reports: “Quick update for today, June-28…a very good day! The family was finishing up a meal when I arrived, and all crops were very full, even the littlest one. Which was good enough, and a delight to see, but then dad showed up with another fish (looked like some kind of flounder or sole) 20 minutes later! Nestlings were mostly sleeping and couldn’t even be bothered to get up, except for the littlest one who figured why not, and continued to eat more. Mom ate a lot of this one too, then took a quick break down to the shoreline, walked around a bit, dunked her head in the water, then flew back. Dad was mostly taking a break on a nearby lightpost. Seems like the eating was very good today (bright, sunny, warm, calm winds). So good to see!”

If you haven’t checked out ‘PS’s’ Flickr diary of this family, please do:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/3Y3f5314rM)

We also have a report from ‘PS’ for Monday morning: “Hope your weekend has been a good one – one update for you from today, June 29. Unfortunately it was a slow day from what I could see, at first – not only were the three nestlings not sporting bulging crops, but mom left the nest three times after I arrived, for up to ~12 minutes at a time, presumably to hunt on her own. No dad during this time. First two times she came back empty-taloned…then after she left a third time one of the parents returned, at last, with a fish! I thought it was odd, though, that this adult landed in the nest, looked a bit befuddled, left the fish, then decamped for the perch, without feeding the kids (in looking at my images later I realized that this was dad, but didn’t realize it at the time)…some ten minutes later, the other adult returned, this time with a pretty large southern Rock Sole (headless – fuel for the journey no doubt) which was immediately fed to the nestlings (this was mom, though at the time I was still somewhat confused as to who was who). Sadly, #3 was bullied out of the way by #2 (the size difference is enormous). I had to leave before the fish was finished, but hopefully everyone had enough and/or the parents were able to get more fish.

It was sunny today, but very windy, so perhaps challenging conditions…it was worrisome to see mom leaving so often, and coming back with nothing. Clearly she didn’t want to leave for so long, but felt she had to…”

While chicks have been lost on nest 2 at Foulshaw Moss in Cumbria, at nest 1, White YW and Blue 35 continue to raise their three chicks without issue! White YW brings in these huge fish, and Mum is excellent at getting the bites spread around despite having three ravenous beaks.

Notice the difference in plumage between the three chicks on the Washington nest and Foulshaw Moss 1. The most petite chick on the Foulshaw Moss nest still has ‘slight’ remnants of that big white wide stripe of its youth, while all the chicks at Washington are slightly younger and retain the white stripe on their back. Soon it will be covered with gorgeous, beautiful juvenile plumage!

At Rutland Manton Bay, the oldest chick is doing some amazing hovers. Landings on the nest are tricky with three large siblings! Watch for the first fledge of an osprey in the UK anytime!

Birds of Poole Harbour are celebrating the return of CJ7 and Blue 022’s of two-year-old Blur 5H3.

This year’s four will be ringed on Sunday morning the 29th so I will be able to report this today!

Here’s the video of the four pancaked and showing the Blue Darvic Ring 5R4 on the chick from Birds of Poole Harbour! https://youtu.be/eaxk967rTQI?

The cutoff for the weight for males usually is below 1600. Over is female, coupled, of course, with measurements to support that weight. In the end, though, only a DNA test can definitively provide the gender. (Sometimes the ringers are wrong.)

Here are the results:

Llyn Clywedog: Seren Blue 5F with her two gorgeous, big, healthy chicks. Unringed Dylan does a marvellous job of feeding his family. One year, he was tracked and timed by John Williams, revealing he flew 25 miles to chase an intruder away, returning with some lovely Brown Trout. (Trout was available at the nearby reservoir, but this fish did not come from there – he was watched closely.)

The Llyn Clywedog ospreys were ringed in 2025. Instagram reports that two chicks were safely ringed at the Llyn Clywedog nest as part of ongoing conservation efforts. The chicks were ringed with blue rings, and the specific numbers were not mentioned in the Instagram post.

Dyfi Osprey Project: Idris arrived with a fish on Saturday night around 2000. Look at the flurry. You can see some of the new bling on the chicks in the second image.

Loch Doon: Angel and Frankie’s two surviving osplets are now hovering!

Saaksilvie #4, Finland: Three healthy osplets, stretching and walking around the nest and one dirty camera lens!

Saaksilvie #2 LS: Three osplets finished their meal, and the fish left on the nest!

Couer de’Alene, Idaho: The four osplets are doing very well! No overfishing here that I am aware.

Smallwood: Look at these three beauties.

Boulder County: Family portrait.

Charlo, Montana: Someone is going to ‘yell’ at me and tell me I’m wrong, but right now, I have a little concern for the third hatch at this nest. The two larger earlier hatches are eating a lot of food, and the little one is in submission a lot. It is clever and finally sees an opportunity, getting on the opposite side of Mum to come away with a crop. That crop was not easy – it worked hard for it.

Dunrovin: Oh, that wee third hatch makes me ache. But, look, it is right up there – all three in a line being fed by Winnie. Dad Swoop up on the perch after flying in with the family fish meal.

Independence City: We can finally see that there are two beautiful chicks in this nest!

Heidi’s Osprey Report:

Great Bay: All the chicks survived the heat dome that lasted for a few days, but since the weather cooled, it seems that Dad just cannot deliver enough fish to the family. The chicks are 27, 26, and 23 days old on 6/30. The two older chicks have big appetites, and Little3 has not been able to eat much for a few days. Little3 may not make it. But, he has won the hearts of many people who are praying for him. Little3 is much loved.

Dewey Beach: Dad has not been seen since 6/26. Mom has been fishing for the osplet, in fact, she had already been fishing for several days prior to Dad’s disappearance. But, for some reason, fishing has been slow for a few days. Mom is catching fewer fish per day now, than when she was supplementing Dad’s fish deliveries. The osplet is 47 days old, and has been doing some flapping.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 29th June 2025
The weather was much more settled today and both males provided plenty of fish. Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536 taking his tally to one hundred and five, and Louis’ four fish deliveries saw his tally rise to two hundred and forty one. Chick2 is developing rapidly and not only downed a tail today, but also made off with a whole fish, taking it away from Dorcha who’d only just received it from Louis. But the chick wasn’t allowed to keep the prize for long, Dorcha reclaimed it and feeding commenced as usual. However chick1 also attempted to make off with a whole fish but Dorcha didn’t let go and the chick lost the tug of fish battle. The ringers are due in a few days time, a far cry from this time last year when a rescue mission was needed which saw the chicks getting their rings in Spain after joining a translocation programme, but this year everything is going well and both chicks are developing nicely. The overnight forecast for the Inver Mallie area which covers both nest is for light rain and light winds with a low of 17

°C, changing to heavy rain with a gentle breeze and a high of 18°C tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.57.10 (03.07.04); Nest Two 23.19.26 (03.34.20)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/S_0SrrYyZ64 N2 Another milestone achieved as chick2 grabs the whole fish from Dorcha 06.54.30

https://youtu.be/odnZYrgorqU N1 Elevenses arrives for Aurora, first fish of the day 11.08.24

https://youtu.be/84ZjnB_bAsU N2 Louis delivers lunch, second fish today 13.41.31

https://youtu.be/O1w_ato2-I0 N1 Early evening fish supper arrives for Aurora 18.23.52

https://youtu.be/p6uhCD-EqFA N2 Fish number three doesn’t last long and chick2 downs the tail 18.58.55

https://youtu.be/Z51plMTQem4 N2 Late night fish supper arrives, fourth fish today 22.29.52

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/6PfZNX338WY N1 Is the littlest Osplet attacking mum or just begging for food? 2019

https://youtu.be/VsVBpGjxCds N1 Aila’s pleased to see a fish but one chick prefers doing flight prep 2020

https://youtu.be/Hi01r-gxXb4 N1 Legendary Louis and the midnight fish – well, nearly 2020

https://youtu.be/jxFvhSbXcIQ N2 Drama as an intruder tries to land: Louis gives chase 2022

https://youtu.be/yIWqt92hZEI N2 Yet another intrusion by the stranger: Dorcha gives chase 2022

https://youtu.be/-nguqm1IS1c N1 Affric rejects Garry’s advances, stays until a stick falls 2023

https://youtu.be/PP5IneygLtA N2 Open – Squeak – Gulp – Repeat! Fish number two 2023

https://youtu.be/t4k0cpkaBv8 N1 Affric finally gets a fish from Garry 2023

https://youtu.be/CtkFrypee0Y N2 Four week old chick looks enormous exercising its new wings 2023

https://youtu.be/qX0KLkUsPr4 N2 On a very wet night mumbrella Dorcha makes the chick seem invisible 2023

https://youtu.be/eNupYkdkQ8w N2 The welcome reappearance of Louis, bringing fish number one 2024

https://youtu.be/Q6y-LYkhTFo N1 Garry LV0 is intruded upon – is it Prince? 2024

https://youtu.be/T1ef16z0eKs N2 Fish number two arrives, but only one chick gets to eat 2024

https://youtu.be/TiKtuGDYD4I N2 Submissive chick desperate for food eats grass 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 28th June 2024
After a stormy night leaving the family wet and bedraggled, the weather brightened up somewhat, although at the time of filing this report (midnight) the rain has started again and the wind’s picked up. Dorcha’s plumage is pearled with raindrops as she does her best to shield the chicks who none the less remain partly exposed to the weather. Today was a very low fish day, only two from Louis and none from Garry, so their tallies stand at two hundred and thirty seven and one hundred and three respectively. There were some intruder alerts, none too close to the nest, and with the choppy conditions of the loch Louis might be forgiven for only delivering two fish. However, it does bring back memories of this time last year when he stopped delivering fish and licensed raptor experts had to be called in to save the chicks from the twin threat of hyperthermia and starvation. Fortunately this year’s weather is much better than last year’s and tonight’s forecast is light cloud and a gentle breeze with a low of 11°C followed by sunny intervals and a high of 19°C tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.16.26 (03.23.11); Nest Two 23.18.10 (03.35.21)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/sLFUneYm7DAN2 The family’s glad to see breakfast arrive after a wild wet night 07.22.01https://youtu.be/19TjA7ShPk0 N2 Everybody’s hungry and ready when fish number two finally arrives 18.21.22https://youtu.be/XTmA9TtWnGkN2 Up up and away! Louis makes a wind-assisted exit 18.26.43https://youtu.be/DfdspR4jUqM N2 Is moving sticks on a windy day a good idea?18.42.48
Bonus map – keep cool during the hot weather and go down to the woods, the updated Woodland Trust map will guide you:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/woodland-trust-woods/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/hAJchYM7NIo N1 Aila ignores an intruder Osprey skydancing for her attention 2020

https://youtu.be/6T4blnBVQXA N1 Louis looms out of the mist with an early breakfish 2020

https://youtu.be/GvBAoPCLWDc N1 Louis brings a very large trout 2020

https://youtu.be/B2msIMScD6s N2 Lots of happy squeaking when fish arrives 2022

https://youtu.be/r0IOlFls9Og N2 Another intruder Osprey alert 2022 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/wZ-KmF2cTNA N2 Dorcha strikes the wrong note 2022 (Classic Ospreys: Chopin)

https://youtu.be/OjdfAzv_aYI N1 Affric stays and calls for hours but Garry doesn’t return 2023

https://youtu.be/BQ-is6X0Gqs N2 Louis sorts Dorcha’s tricky stick 2023

https://youtu.be/tN0NyYd1Bk0 N2 Fish arrives but the chick’s home alone 2023

https://youtu.be/tcUkgVA5LFs N1 Short-Eared Owl pays a visit 2023 (slo-mo, zoom)

https://youtu.be/6maD-9zG5xk N1 Garry LV0 visits twice and brings nesting materials 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/Fw08D6I83msN2 Hand feeding of the chicks by the licensed raptor expert 2024

https://youtu.be/9HYxpRU-hjY N2 Dorcha returns when the fish fairies leave after feeding the chicks 2024

https://youtu.be/c2oZrwNXbvI N2 Dorcha and the two chicks huddle together on a dreich night 2024
Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 27th June 2025

The weather was the main feature today, it rained almost continuously, with a few dry patches here and there, leaving the chicks frequently looking very wet and bedraggled, but Dorcha did her best to protect them although she’s no longer able to cover the big chicks fully. Louis kept the chicks and Dorcha fueled with three fish deliveries and his tally now rises to two hundred and thirty five. Despite the weather the chicks are developing nicely, and chick1 passed another milestone today by uttering alarm calls, to which Dorcha responded by flying off the nest to investigate. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought Aurora 536 a single fish, taking his tally to one hundred and three. The weather forecast calls for overnight rain and a gentle breeze with a low of 13

°C but looks to improve by mid morning with sunny intervals and a fresh breeze, with a high of 17°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.44.36 (03.15.18); Nest Two 23.17.34 (03.53.44)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/5QGsGqpXlXM N2 Louis delivers the first fish and stays to do some feaking 07.59.09

https://youtu.be/U5A7TNhF3P0 N1

Aurora seizes the fish from Garry as soon as he lands 10.32.37

https://youtu.be/Y3eZ0kROhw0 N2 Chick 1 spots something and alarm calls 11.09.07

https://youtu.be/fMZxwQzGQ2g N2 The soaked chicks tuck into the second fish 15.15.33

https://youtu.be/vWGOfJ8L-hI N2 The still-soaked chicks stretch their wings before tucking into fish three 19.28.25

Bonus activity – Woodland Trust asks us to forage responsibly, here’s their guide to foraging and what’s in season

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2021/06/foraging-in-june

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/things-to-do/foraging/foraging-guidelines

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/K45u41D6zlI N1 Midnight chick fight 2020

https://youtu.be/lB9x_rg5mfk N1 Aila wears an Eiffel Tower hat – then throws it away 2020

https://youtu.be/ZpwTFmAeZss N1 Osplets feed themselves while Aila watches an intruder 2020

https://youtu.be/c-Np1yrrrlY N2 Intruder Osprey full sequence 2022 (audio boosted, slo-mo, zoom)

https://youtu.be/kTnD5iZwyT8 N2 Persistence pays off! Dorcha sorts a tricky stick 2022

https://youtu.be/5GXLNowB4_A N2 Bad-tempered bob2 has a go at mum 2022 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/4Wv_FJSFrIw N2 Antics with logs when Louis arrives 2022

https://youtu.be/emLHtjnOSEo N1 Garry finally answers Affric’s calls but no fish 2023

https://youtu.be/NCX9qSkiBtc N2 Extra large late night fish supper arrives 2023

https://youtu.be/8wwUVY5L_P8 N2 Louis returns and claims some fish for himself 2023

https://youtu.be/BQMQTT_q0yg N2 Dorcha goes fishing and brings back an eel 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/lJMENKfuHSI N2 OMG! Chicks nearly blown off the nest! 2024 (super slo-mo repeat)

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

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

Trempealeau Eagle Nest, Wisconsin: T3 has hatched but not fledged. Mum needs a gold medal. Her mate had two nests. He often took the fish she caught for her eaglet. She overcame the adversities. Just look at T3! Well done.

Buddy’s Mum has the video of T3 branching! https://youtu.be/-_iAbHAEyBs?

Denton Homes: They survived severe weather in their nest, which stayed in place. How lucky. So many worried! They have now fledged. Of course, the bad weather is still around. The camera has all these views, trying to keep up with those fledglings.

FOBBV:

San Jose City Hall: Chico keeps returning for food! No vacation yet for Monty and Hartley. SK Hideaways caught the last hatch, little Chico (everyone’s favourite) on the ledge with his distinctive red band. https://youtu.be/wi-93Aur43s?

Mlady Buky, Czechoslavkia: Bety and Bukachek’s two storklets have their bling! Aren’t they gorgeous?

Cornell Red-tail Hawks: The Os have fledged. The nest is empty and all the BOGs are getting great exercise chasing the fledglings around the Cornell campus trying to get a photo.

Nesting Bird Life and More video of Lesser Spotted Eaglet, Estonia: Mum feeds breakfast! https://youtu.be/XvS1kPgPwjM?

Golden Eagle, Latvia: Spilve has already delivered prey. Her baby is no longer a baby!

‘A’ sends us report for happenings down under: “The sea eagles at Olympic Park are mating constantly and sleeping in the nest tree. Lots of fish gifts are being brought to the nest for Lady. The nest itself could not be more prepared for eggs. They lined it perfectly last week. We are on tenterhooks awaiting the big day. Last year, their first egg was laid on 27 June so they’re running late. I’m expecting an egg this weekend.

The pair at Port Lincoln are so close, they even snuggle on the nest at night. I don’t recall this being the case last season so maybe it’s a different pair or maybe they are just more tightly bonded a year on. The first egg wasn’t laid at Port Lincoln until late August last year so there are still eight or nine weeks to go by that schedule. August 27 was the day the first egg was laid at Orange last year, so those two nests are on a similar schedule.

Our sweet albatross chick is the most beautiful creature. She is snowy, fluffy white, but her grown-up plumage is starting to show through in a major way now, so that she is rapidly beginning to resemble an albatross rather than a giant fairy floss. It is scary to think that when they take off, it will be years before they return, and they head off to fend for themselves with no training in flight or fishing, essentially alone, on a 6,000-mile journey. It’s incredible. And then, as if that were not miraculous enough, they return to within 50 metres of the nest in which they were raised. (Or is that just the males?) Every year, it amazes me anew. What incredible navigation systems they must have.”

Birdlife International has some great news including a link to the AviList – don’t know what that is? Well, check it out and discover something new.

AviList unites the world’s bird species – BirdLife International Download

Thank you for being with us today! Please take care. We look forward to having you back with us on Friday and pictures of Baby Hope’s second birthday party complete with ‘pet friendly cake’ and ice cream.

Thank you to the individuals who have sent me articles, information, observations and photographs, and news – you are amazing: ‘A, EJ, Geemeff, Heidi, PB, PS’, – thank you so much. Thank you to all the individuals whose names are in bold and who made videos from information on the streaming cams – and to all the owners of the streaming cams in bold, we are so appreciative as well as all the FB groups and individuals with their posts!

Friday in Bird World

27 June 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

One of our dear readers from Japan suggested a ‘snood’ to help protect Toby’s ears. What do you think? It is excellent for baths! Those big curly floppy ears are prone to infections, and I cannot thank ‘AK’ enough. Toby is a little shy and asked that his sisters not see him!!!!!!!!

We continue to declutter, and thank you for all the letters sharing your efforts to reduce clutter in your life. I appreciate the fact that I have kick-started some activity. Today, we are hosting a book sale. I wish you lived close if you like fine art, craft, ceramics, Asian art, and cookbooks. They are in mint condition and going for $5. Donations will be made to local pet rescues, as well as supporting the food for the feral cats that visit our garden. It feels good to clean out these books, knowing that they will have new life in someone else’s home. My mind feels lighter with them gone — they are in boxes wrapped in plastic waiting for 1400 to arrive! Anne is going to take Don on an excursion, and my friend, Susan, is coming to help me and Toby. We will be exhausted at the end of the day.

The book sale has kept me from losing my mind over commercial fishing for Menhaden – the boats have set their nets outside the Bay because there are no more adult Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. Can you believe this! We are witnessing the decline and potential extinction of ospreys in this region.

As I sat listening to the birds in the garden and the distant sound of a Pileated Woodpecker working on one of the utility poles, I was drawn to a quote by Rachel Carson in her insightful volume, Silent Spring. I have substituted part of the paragraph, and the words that I have inserted are very apt for today. Carson would approve.

As man proceeds toward his announced goal of the conquest of nature, he has written a depressing record of destruction, directed not only against the earth he inhabits but against the life that shares it with him. The history of recent centuries has its black passages – the slaughter of the buffalo on the western plains, the massacre of the shorebirds by the market gunners, the near-extinction of the egrets for their plumage. Now, to these and others like them, we are adding a new chapter and a new kind of havoc – the direct indiscriminate killing by starvation of birds, mammals, fishes, and indeed other species by the commercial over fishing of Menhaden fuelled by greed and power. (85)

At Fenwick Island, on Tuesday afternoon late, the Only Bob suffers from heat exhaustion and what appears an inability to cast a pellet. On Tuesday, it was weak and refused to eat much fish. Mum tried to shade it and feed it so this is not a case of parental neglect nor siblicide, no siblings to harm it. Heidi and I have struggled. Does a physically weakened chick have a lesser ability to cast a pellet?

A fish did come to the nest later, and only Bob ate, but it did not matter. This feathered beautiful osplet perished. More is included in Heidi’s report, below.

Many people want to know how they can help halt industrial fishing. Do not think it might not happen in your state. It’s time to establish a ten-mile limit. That would help. They might also want to breed some Menhaden in fish ponds to place back in the Chesapeake Bay.

Heidi’s Osprey Report!

Fenwick Island osprey nest (Captain Mac’s Fish House): Johnny and June’s only surviving chick died on 6/25 at 38 days of age. The cause of death was most likely starvation/dehydration, but it was not for a lack of fish. Despite the heat in recent days, Johnny had delivered (starting with 6/19) 5, 5, 6, 6, 3, 5 fish for June and her chick. On 6/24, we noticed that the chick was not eating despite being offered fish many times. Once in a while June’s baby would attempt to eat, perhaps ate a few bites, but then would quit. The temperatures were in the mid to upper 90’s, so the chick was dehydrating rapidly. On the morning of 6/25 the chick was seen attempting to cast a pellet a couple of times, but was unsuccessful. At 08:03 on 6/25, June brought her first fish to the nest since she laid her eggs. She wanted to make sure her youngster had a good breakfast. The chick moved closer to Mom, and June attempted to feed her baby. The chick was obviously hungry, wanted to eat, and tried to eat, but simply was not able to. Perhaps it was the inability to expel a pellet that caused the youngster to not be able to eat.

In 2024, June was a first-time mom, and she obviously had a lot to learn. She did not protect her first two eggs that year, and they were predated by crows. She did not incubate egg #3 adequately, and it did not hatch. Her fourth egg produced her only osplet, named ‘Fen’, and he was her pride and joy. Johnny and June nurtured Fen, and Fen fledged.

I was watching June very closely this season to see what kind of mom she would be. I must say, I will give her an ‘A’. She did very well. It is unknown why baby #3 died this year at 10 days of age, but it was possibly weather related. Baby #2 died of siblicide/starvation on 6/6 at 18 days of age, after a few days of bad weather caused Johnny to have difficulty fishing. Now, my heart simply breaks watching June look down at the body of her last remaining chick. Take care, June… You and Johnny did your very best.

Mispillion Harbor has two cameras that show the osprey nest. However, the Nature Center cam is set on auto-tour, and shows different views of the harbor. Once in a while, I can manage to find one of our ospreys flying to or from the nest, and that’s pretty cool. But, yesterday, I was extremely lucky to actually see Warren catching a fish in the river! Very cool indeed! I recorded a video of the event.

And a late addition to put a smile on your face form Heidi! Cape Henlopen osprey nest: An intruder delivered a fish to Hennie! Miles soon arrived to take charge. The kids thought it was ‘Uncle Bob’ bringing a fishie to Mommy, lol.

Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FD2duIvU2UE

Thank you, Heidi! Great report. Sure is wonderful to see some healthy chicks in Canada, too!

There was a great feeding for all three at Chesapeake Bay.

Smile. Big Bear. ‘PB’ sent a screen capture of Sunny and Gizmo together on a pine. When the nests in the NE get us so despondent, there were miracles this year that we did not think possible. Big Bear is one of them, and we should never forget these two amazing fledgling eagles. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about them and seeing them together.

Please sign the petition to halt fireworks displays in the Big Bear Valley. Can you imagine the havoc this causes to wildlife including Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo!

Petition · No Big Bear Lake Fireworks Show for the Safety of Sister Eaglets (Gizmo and Sunny) – United States · Change.org Download

There is other good news. A reader from the NW United States wrote to me. They have found an osprey nest and have been monitoring the progress of the couple, the eggs, and now the osplets. ‘PS’ is delighted to share the images with all of you. There are plenty of fish, and the nest is doing tremendously well. Have a look. You can see the timeline and follow the progress on PS’s Flickr account!

This should brighten your spirits. There is no commercial fishing in the area, which impacts the wildlife.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/x125M54o11

Rutland Manton Bay: The four youngsters have new bling on those legs! At least one is hovering!

Birds of Poole Harbour: Chicks to be ringed shortly – maybe before publishing time.

What a startling contrast. Rutland’s Manton Bay and the Birds of Poole Harbour easily (well, the parents worked hard) raised four osplets. Something truly needs to change in the United States regarding the overall affection and care for wildlife, our planet, and all living things. What the politicians are allowing to be done to the water and the fish that provide life for so many other species is beyond unthinkable.

A beautiful website with everything you wanted to know about the Llyn Brenig Ospreys and a link to their camera:

Llyn Brenig Ospreys – Llyn-Brenig Download

Kielder Forest: Sad news. The only chick at nest 5A has died.

Double bad news _ Kielder Ospreys Download

The Dyfi Osprey Project Family Tree with this year’s chicks! You will see that the ringers believe that the first chick is a female with two little brothers.

The latest news from the Usk Valley. The only osprey chick to hatch in this area of Wales for 250 years is now three weeks old. Brilliant.

Family Life at 3 Weeks — Usk Valley Ospreys Download

Hen Harriers continue to be killed near the estates that practice grouse hunting.

New report highlights the ongoing criminal persecution of Hen Harriers on UK driven grouse moors – R Download

Red Kites being poisoned – come on people.

Police launch investigation after Red Kite killed in poisoning hotspot – Raptor Persecution UK Download

Sending a big thanks to Geemeff for all her daily summaries for Loch Arkaig.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 26th June 2025
Today started out very wet and improved as the day wore on, allowing the chicks and Dorcha to dry out. The fish likewise improved, starting out with a couple of tiddlers which were devoured very quickly but ending with a sixth fish that was a very good size. Louis’ tally now stands at two hundred and thirty two, while over on Nest One, Aurora 536 waited in vain – Garry wasn’t seen today so his tally remains at one hundred and two. Back with Nest Two, there were several intruder alerts causing the adults to alarm-call while the chicks pancaked, but no intruder was seen on camera. In fact, the only hint of a threat came when a disgruntled chick nipped Dorcha but the brief display of aggro didn’t last long. Tonight’s forecast is for light rain and light winds with a low of 12

°C, getting wetter tomorrow with heavy rain and gentle breezes with a high of 18°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.01.50 (03.13.11); Nest Two 23.27.44 (03.52.07)
Today’s videos https://youtu.be/UgED2vaVnqM N2 Tiny tiddler fish one disappears in 2 mins 44 secs! 06.01.22

https://youtu.be/T3wcvWqr90s N2 Fish number two is another tiddler trout, finished in 4 mins 18 secs 06.34.17

https://youtu.be/orl47PFpCZw N2 Alarm calls don’t put the chicks off fish three, C2 downs the tail 12.10.29

https://youtu.be/94_-OBRKhMg N2 The weather’s improved by the time Louis brings fish number four 14.31.44

https://youtu.be/_Tccc54DSoc N2 Dorcha seems distracted and doesn’t immediately start sharing out fish five 16.01.41

https://youtu.be/2c04CmwTpIw N2 Dorcha moves to shelter a chick and gets nipped! 20.24.31

https://youtu.be/Op1paAvV5o4 N2 Fish number six is greeted with enthusiasm by the family 22.43.48

Bonus read – BTO history of ringing (you might be surprised at how long it’s been carried out):

https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/bird-ringing-scheme/about-ringing/history-ringing

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/7yjPCfe3BBM N1 Aila is alarmed and departs leaving her chick home alone (2017)

https://youtu.be/weTByvoNmU0 N1 Little bird lands on the nest unseen by the chicks (2019, slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/FePBgx3QZcM N1 The nest’s getting pretty crowded so Aila perches for the night 2020

https://youtu.be/Vbhk_9zm_cg N1 The chicks start getting ready for lift-off (2020)

https://youtu.be/xfmi6cOZFm8 N2 Louis brings leftovers for breakfast (2022)

https://youtu.be/UolftDEfSiE N2 Chick left alone with dad watches his every move 2023

https://youtu.be/tAe5tiIbdh4 N1 Dramatic 15 mins with all three players in the love triangle 2023

https://youtu.be/staRRldEFb8 N2 Carnival of the sticks: elephant feet on the nest 2023 (Classic Ospreys – Saint-Saëns, quicktime)

https://youtu.be/Dn2-ZuLvotg N1 Affric finally gets another fish and it’s not from Prince 2023

https://youtu.be/XYwCiVtw5pE N2 The family enjoy a quiet cosy time as the day draws to a close 2023

https://youtu.be/AITavG2FXxw N2 Fish number one and only, small trout remnant, Dorcha gets very little 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 25th June 2025

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 24th June 2025

Another routine day with plenty of fish, the only disturbance was both Louis and Dorcha being pecked by their chicks, angry at being trampled. However the pair are old hands at the business of raising chicks and don’t retaliate, they merely move away. Louis delivered four fish for the family including his first flatfish this season, and his tally rises to two hundred and twenty three. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536, bringing his tally up to three figures with the second one being his hundredth fish. The weather was more settled than the forecast had suggested, and it’ll be a dry cloudy night tonight with a low of 11°C, staying cloudy with occasional showers tomorrow and a high of 18°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.52.42 (03.26.57); Nest Two 23.12.54 (03.52.33)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/OsAAdFr1wtg N2 First flatfish from Louis this season 07.46.24

https://youtu.be/QbHgqBIf850 N2 Fish number two is a headless big Silver Tourist 10.09.44

https://youtu.be/hflj4TIC2CU N1 Aurora seizes the fish as soon as Garry lands 10.10.58

https://youtu.be/pHhG2Zgdl1w N2 Fish supper for the chicks – a whole trout 20.49.43

https://youtu.be/uPinOwoSN8k N2 A mystery dark fish four provides a second supper, the chicks queue politely 21.36.59

https://youtu.be/0z96lSwSiq0 N1 Garry brings Aurora a second fish 22.22.31

https://youtu.be/SHVFvR_3BPs N2 Both Louis and Dorcha are pecked by chicks angry at being trampled 18.34.24

Bonus read – Flights, Camera, Action! Postcode Lottery discuss their sponsorship of the nest cam:

https://www.postcodelottery.co.uk/postcode-hub/news/flights-camera-action

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/ArAamS1fRzQ N1 Ouch! Bad-tempered Bob1 pecks Aila in the eye (2019, slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/fT6FvDGs30I N1 Is that a chick snoring? (2020)

https://youtu.be/Gp2lut-Uwg4 N1 Golden goddess: Aila at sunset (2020)

https://youtu.be/wZd7bvRqhOY N2 Dorcha drops the fish tail chasing Crows (2022)

https://youtu.be/2cdE4bMAN_M N2 Dorcha senses the presence of a Hoodie under the nest (2022 zoom)

https://youtu.be/b_KmDWwbjOc N2 Sleepy Dorcha rests her weary head on the chicks (2022)

https://youtu.be/cnrmWr6Mc1M N1 Fish for Affric from LV0 2023

https://youtu.be/ivJXSVb4nAs N2 Lovely waggly wing wave 2023

https://youtu.be/_x3tC69zmB4 N1 New pair Affric & Garry looking settled 2023 (quicktime)

https://youtu.be/_8Z0ryX0F5Q N2 Fish supper arrives and the chick has a nibble 2023

https://youtu.be/Alfrd7novqE N1 Garry LV0 arrives early and does some nest prep 2024

https://youtu.be/iQA9jIPeDsE N2 Fight! Is the nest getting too crowed? Chicks have a pop 2024

https://youtu.be/opTBHM-Q3jk N2 Dorcha brings a stick and hangs it round Chick1’s neck 2024

https://youtu.be/45KVDHPY0x40 N2 Fish number three, headless small trout, soon finished, Dorcha’s still hungry 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 23rd June 2025

Another wet and windy day, dawn broke showing a very soggy nest. But Louis brought an early breakfast, the rain stopped, and the well-fed chicks soon dried out. It did rain again during the day and the wind picked up with gusts strong enough to overturn Dorcha and show off her underfluffies again, but the chicks were safely hunkered down and in no danger. Louis brought a total of four fish, taking his tally to two hundred and nineteen. The third of those fish was the 2000th fish counted and recorded by Steve Q and the fish counting team over the past five years – citizen science in action, well done team! Over on Nest One, Aurora 536 did eventually get a fish from Garry LV0, taking his tally to ninety eight, but first he decided to reaffirm their bond with what looked like a successful mating attempt, purely to strengthen their pairbond as it’s not possible to raise chicks now, however this behaviour bodes well for next year. Tonight’s overnight forecast is light rain and light winds with a low of 12°C, continuing through tomorrow with a high of 15°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.01.11 (03.19.14); Nest Two 23.08.33 (03.46.25)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/5SQEpQsyBQk N2 After a wet night the family is glad to see Louis with breakfast 06.59.13

https://youtu.be/nhAAPpCkdAE N1 Aurora wants fish but Garry prefers to reaffirm their bond 11.35.37

https://youtu.be/cV1jsH31ook N2 The chicks wait politely while Dorcha shares out the second fish 15.11.20

https://youtu.be/nQTfYzY5tVY N1 Aurora demolishes her fish in 15 minutes, returns demanding more 15.20.21

https://youtu.be/ltX67OdWZmU N2 Oops! Dorcha gets blown over, underfluffies on display again! 15.36.44

https://youtu.be/bWyjtRWbBcw N2 Louis brings a third fish and stays to do some nest tidying 16.44.45

https://youtu.be/PbLaUGIVZs4 N2 Fish supper arrives when Louis brings fish number four 21.45.27

Bonus opportunity to make a difference – jobs and volunteer positions available at Woodland Trust:

https://jobs.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ and https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/act/volunteer-with-us/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Oay1Lrgh3O0 N1 Another Osprey intrusion, the chicks pancake 2019 (Slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/obBc6-JVTgU N1 The family ignore fish three and track an intruder 2020

https://youtu.be/5CFk79DzWVg N2 A large unwieldy twiggy stick arrives and departs 2020

https://youtu.be/Zl0Mf-1ZbRs N2 Dinner en famille! Dad feeds C1 from F3 while mum feeds C2 from F2 2022

https://youtu.be/ElJNzd8XcRA N2 Sunlight sonata: a slice of family life 2022 (Classic Ospreys – Beethoven)

https://youtu.be/04jToc-igIg N2 Prince intrudes at Nest Two 2023 (slo-mo, zoom)

https://youtu.be/cQ1zI4L_ng4 N2 Bombs away! Thankfully chick misses the nest cam! 2023

https://youtu.be/ovW-q9Dcbkc N1 Is Affric becoming more accepting of LV0? 2023

https://youtu.be/FaLhOxt1U50 N2 Mumbrella Dorcha does her best to shelter the chick 2023

https://youtu.be/e1DJpaL8Dlo N2 Dorcha causes chaos with a stick, tbut it soon goes overboard 2024

https://youtu.be/e3oZRUuHIzs N1 Garry LV0 visits for just seven seconds 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/35Zn71fWiCg N2 Fish number five breaks all-time latest delivery record! 2024You’re invited to join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s

friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Thank goodness for Suzanne Arnold Horning, who has a Miss Marple nose for tracking down Big Red, Arthur, and their fledglings. Otherwise, we would know nothing except for Ferris Akel and others who visit and post images. Thanks, Suzanne! If you want to see all the images, please join the Cornell Haw Cam Chatters FB group.

A recent video of the activity at Big Red’s nest in Ithaca, New York: https://youtu.be/LqRMYGHBwzA?

Norwegian Osplets at the Frau Rauer nest are doing fantastically. A video of a Gar fish delivery on the 21st and some images from today. Look at that beautiful plumage coming in. Gorgeous amber eyes, paired with a bold black band, will help them avoid glare when catching their fish. https://youtu.be/8JYzeY3e2gg?

News from Loch of the Lowes:

San Jose City Hall. SK Hideaways caught Monty and Hartley having some bonding time now that their four fledglings have flown the scrape! https://youtu.be/ZxdGDgrU7kE?

Charlo Montana: Mum and her three chicks! So far, Charlie is keeping the fish coming for his family. Cheer them on.

We were not sure that the female at the Trempeauleau Bald Eagle nest in Wisconsin could provide for her eaglet to fledge. Well, she did it! T3 is gorgeous! https://youtu.be/YjTK95bVETc?

Boulder County: Family portrait.

Saaksilvie #4: Three chicks are doing well.

Eschenbach, Germany Osprey Platform: Joan Castnyer reports: “This morning, early in the morning (07:23), the two young birds of this year were ringed in the Eschenbach nest. The operation was perfect and quick. Tomorrow (if the wind permits) the only chick from Goitzsche Wildnis is scheduled to be ringed. For reasons of protecting my own image, I have not published the specific moment, but when the ringer leaves and only the helmet is visible. I hope you understand.”

Golden Eagle Nest of Spilvie and Grislis, Latvia: Looks like our eaglet is fully feathered or nearly.

White Storks, Mlade Buky, Czechoslovakia: Bety and the two lovely storklets on the nest waiting for Bukacek to come with food.

Smile. Alukin’s new video of the white storks in Poland, which a generous and caring human helped. https://youtu.be/murd58vSLsU?

Marcin Kus films more help at another nest for little storklets in Poland! https://youtu.be/QJAD98Jp81o?

I would like to see this kind of caring – and courage – in parts of the US. Just feed them! With all that is going on – seriously? Wildlife is suffering.

I was shocked to receive a note from ‘B’ in California appraising me of the removal of Peregrine Falcon eggs to be hatched away from their natural nest. ‘B’ writes: “Hi Mary Ann,

I wondered if you had seen this, that three Peregrine chicks have hatched at Ojai Raptor Center (ORC)? US Fish and Wildlife evidently reported that the adult Peregrines had established their nest in the middle of a nesting area for endangered and threatened species (California Least Terns and Western Snowy Plovers, respectively) and were preying on those species. USF&W removed eggs from the Peregrine nest and took them to ORC, where they have now hatched.

Gosh, it is hard to know what to think. It is sad that the Peregrine nest was removed, and I do worry for the outcome of these eyases, who will need to learn to hunt and live for themselves (apparently without the benefit of foster parents?) if they are to thrive. But one also needs to weigh the fate of the endangered and threatened species. In the discussion on the ORC facegook page (https://www.facebook.com/theojairaptorcenter/), ORC says USF&W planned to capture and relocate the parents, but that sounds difficult to accomplish.

I don’t know what the plan is for the coming months. Perhaps a falconer could help with the final steps of the pre-release process, as was done for Nox, one of Annie’s last chicks in Berkeley, after he was rescued injured from SF Bay. (Recall that Nox did pass away not long after release. I am not sure if I heard the cause.)

From what I read, it sounds like ORC was not involved in discussions and decisions that led up to them getting the eggs, so I do not want to criticize them for a difficult task they have inherited. I certainly wish them — and especially the eyases! — well in what sounds like a challenging process.”

‘A’ brings us her report for Australia. Can you believe that we are now anticipating an egg for the White-bellied Sea Eagles? Where did the time go?!!!!!!

“June 24: Lady stayed in the same place all night. Dad turned up at the nest around 7am – he must have been somewhere close last night. There were early duets and mating by the nest, off for a while, then another duet and mating. A windy morning, with more bonding heard. Rain started around 10am. Later the wind was really strong. Both eagles came to the nest – but no action. Dad returned alone around 2:30pm, off again then back with leaves. Lady must have been close, as there was a duet when he left. Then both returned with leaves – then away, with another duet close – and again. They have been very vocal today. Dad brought leaves at 4:20pm, followed by Lady with more. Then again a duet, leading to mating at the end of the day. They both went to the nest – is this it? Then to the branch again. Again lots of bonding behaviour today, with duets and mating. They settled for the night nearby – but we are still watching and waiting for her first egg.

Sea-Eagle Cam: Lady and Dad worked on their nest at the Sydney Olympic Forest.

In New Zealand, our princess continues to grow rapidly, preparing for her great adventure. Mum GLG came in yesterday to feed her baby, and happened to time it perfectly such that the wee one was weighed before and after the feeding. She gained 1.6kg!!! That’s a helluva lot of squid for one feeding. Good work, mum. The day approaches. Still a few weeks to go. September I think is usual. She really is exquisite.

At Orange, Diamond is sleeping on the Cilla Stones. She and Xavier are bonding, eating and waiting for eggs. It’s very windy there tonight, as it is in Olympic Forest. And wet. Diamond has a huge crop (courtesy of a large dinner presumably) as she always seems to do when I check in on her. Xavier is a very devoted mate (although Madame would prefer duckling to starling).

Finally, in South Australia, the ospreys are both asleep on the nest, tucked and puffed up against the cold wind. Earlier in the evening, dad was actually snuggled up against mum, sheltering her with his body and wing. Too sweet. She seems happy to have him there. Both appear to have full crops (although they are also puffed up against the weather).

As for the Collins Street falcons, you know the situation there. I will begin checking the site but the cameras won’t be switched on until there are eggs (they usually wait for two to be laid before they deign to let us in on the situation but we’ll see what they do this year. I do wish they would allow us to see the pair bonding and give us a chance to get to know the pair and establish whether it’s the same two as previously or a new pair or some combination of the two. It’s usually pretty hard to be sure at Collins Street so the more time we are given with them, the more chance we have of being sure of their identities, this year and subsequently.”

Thanks so much ‘A’.

We are also getting excited about the beginning of the Kakapo breeding season in New Zealand. Read all about it in the DOC’s Conservation Blog!’

Kākāpō breeding season 2026 | Conservation blog Download

Sad news coming in. You might recall that Keo and Keke were forced to make their nest on a light stand when the goose family took over the osprey platform. Now, tragedy has struck as a result of this. ‘PB’ writes: “Sandpoint Keo and Keke 3 babies fell from their nest. A stick was brought, and that side collapsed, and three babies didn’t make it.” This is the first time that Keke has had three babies. They were healthy and will be buried under the nest today, according to Robin on the chat.

Thank you so very much for being with us today. We hope to have you with us again on Monday! Take care.

Thank you to those amazing people who help me by sending raptor news – special thanks today to: ‘A’, ‘B’, Geemeff, Heidi, ‘PB’, and ‘PS’, to the owners of the streaming cams or photographers mentioned in today’s blog and whose names I hope to have highlighted in bold. To all of the writers of the articles, chat moderators, and blogs that are included today – I am grateful for your hard work! Thank you.

Friday in Bird World

6 June 2025

Hello Everyone!

On Wednesday afternoon, we looked up and saw blue skies – a first in days where the sun was masked by heavy heavy haze from the wildfires. All of the citizens from at least two communities have been evacuated and any animals left behind are being fed and evacuated if they are fit enough. Many groups are stepping up to help those who have lost everything but a suitcase of items and maybe a dear pet. Hockey arenas have been taken over and community centers to house and exercise the pets. This is a blessing. Our City is rallying and collecting clothes and toiletries and pet food. It is making me proud.

The fires continue to grow. CBC News: https://youtu.be/dV9fEjyDKq4?

In our garden, six baby European Starlings have fledged. The adults were feeding them, and tonight they had them at the big table feeder, eating various items – small bits of cheesy dog treats, chopped peanuts, cat and dog kibble, as well as various seeds.

This photo was taken with an iphone through 3 panes of dirty glass. Those babies are cute! They are growing so fast and eating lots of finely chopped cheesy dogs and kibble – the bowls get filled at least 4 times a day!

You can see four – three at the table and one in the tree to the right. There are two more on the wire above the feeder so all six made it through the first days! So happy.

Toby is very tired. We bought a small 14″ push mower and Toby was just so excited! We cleared off the only spot of grass in the back in order to fix him a little pen so he can be smelling and moving and not on a lead when we are weeding and watering. I could fix the holes in the old fence but it would mean that Brock could not get into the garden so this is a good alternative.

Toby with his favourite stick. He loves to play fetch and there is a long area in the house that is perfect for this!

Hugo Yugo will be having her dental surgery on Wednesday the 11th. It already makes my mouth hurt! Poor little girl.

Hope is sound asleep in the small enclosed space at the base of the cat tree while Hugo Yugo is at the top. It is hard to see her. Maybe she is hiding from Toby!

It is another mixed bag of news in Bird World.

The only surviving osplet of the Red Kite attack in Germany is alive. Zeus and Fjona at Goitzsche-Wildnis are very diligent about keeping this one as safe as they can.

At Sauces, Betty Lou has been coming home and enjoying many big fish dinners. She can mantle spreading across that entire nest to protect her snack!

Please note that the IWS still has its Adoption Challenge going and I am ever so happy that last year one of my long-time readers on Bird World got to name one of Thunder and Akecheta’s eaglets! It could be you this year.

Gizmo has still not fledged but was so delighted when Sunny returned to the nest tree at Big Bear Valley. A few of the news agencies that carried this fledge at Big Bear! The fledglings are international stars now, too. Not just Jackie and Shadow.

ABC news has this return to the nest: https://youtu.be/cRHjmQq76aA?

Fly High Eagles got that reunion on video: https://youtu.be/tXG_5e3N_cc?

The first fledge, Sunny taking to the skies, continues to make the news. Here is FOX News 5: https://youtu.be/C75RVfJTX30?

NBCLA’s coverage: https://youtu.be/qmflp4BEO1k?

Some sad news coming from the UK:

At the Dyfi Osprey Project, Idris brought in a huge mullet for the family. They are doing well – Idris is an amazing provider and Telyn is just like her mother, Maya, fantastic.

Idris continues with his delivery of hugh fish for Telyn and the trio.

All four osplets of CJ7 and Blue 022 are alive and doing well at Poole Harbour.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 5th June 2025

Once again Aurora 536 spent many hours on Nest One, waiting quietly, and her patience was rewarded when Garry LV0 brought her a fish. That fish takes his tally to seventy one. On Nest Two Louis just kept bringing fish, five today, and the fifth one takes his tally to one hundred and fifty for the season. The smallest chick seems to have worked out strategies for feeding times, and was front and centre during several feedings. All three chicks ended the day with bulging golf ball crops, but that didn’t stop chick1 suddenly attacking chick2, and later chick 2 unwisely retaliated and paid the price. Chick3 very wisely ducked down and let them get on with it, as did Dorcha, who watched but didn’t intervene. She was busy bringing cot rails including one with a sharply pointed end and had some difficulty choosing a suitable place to put it. She succeeded only for Louis to come along later and move it! It rained during the night and earlier today but not as much as forecast. Light rain and light winds are forecast for tomorrow and overnight tonight, with a low of 7°C and a high of 15°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.50.46 (03.23.17); Nest Two 23.06.45 (04.01.17)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/b_Djl6ySh8w N2 Chick3 moves in front of chicks 1&2 to get a good feed 06.39.56https://youtu.be/7rxHzjOTrWw N2 Chick3 moves around and gets a good share of the second fish 10.36.10https://youtu.be/ok_po0c7qNs N2 Chick2 unwisely retaliates and picks a fight with dino chick1 12.35.17https://youtu.be/58FdzKDL7Tc N2 Dorcha brings an unwieldy pointy stick 16.23.36https://youtu.be/rZnavAZfoA4 N1 Aurora’s calls are answered when Garry brings a fish 17.09.05https://youtu.be/__WBMKkPcMM N2 Louis arrives blood stained but it’s only fish3’s blood 18.21.53https://youtu.be/ktznutwuAms N2 Late night snack arrives – fish number four 22.04.00

https://youtu.be/rLDro-_QC_8 N2 Fish number five and 150 for the season 22.26.39

Bonus volunteering opportunity – Woodland Trust needs you! See all available opportunities:

https://volunteer.woodlandtrust.org.uk/opportunities

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/rlUnUXa24BU N1 Aila feeds her two hungry Osplets 2019

https://youtu.be/Jgv4_LgJacE N1 Aila tenderly removes her dead chick 2019

https://youtu.be/UvBT6LNkeqk N1 Louis manages to hang on to a huge flapping fish 2020

https://youtu.be/tm_Fd4XZmNQ N1 Media darlings: the nest stars on BBC Springwatch 2020

https://youtu.be/rNKS4HKn524 N2 NEWS! The third chick has hatched! 2022

https://youtu.be/wOLzeoXHIPI N2 Oh no! Newest chick falls over and struggles to right itself 2022 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/gqBX67I9MVs N2 Concern grows as newest chick falls over again 2022

https://youtu.be/ynl9WmokWA8 N2 Louis brings season’s early breakfast with night cam still on 2023

https://youtu.be/SgfJ6WGRqU4 N1 Prince brings a fish but Affric loses it 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/Jj95e3kdzgc N1 LV0 and Affric getting cosy nestorising and preening 2023

https://youtu.be/xY5Gz9y9pNo N2 Dorcha takes a comfort break while Louis waits with fish number one 2024

https://youtu.be/NTrbIIoS2sY N2 Chicks 1 & 2 fight, C3 ducks, mum watches 2024

https://youtu.be/Swd_38z9Td4 N1 Garry LV0 pays a late evening visit 2024 (zoom)

You’re invited to join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 4th June 2025

Business as usual today – Aurora 536 spent a lot of time on Nest One and Garry LV0 brought her a fish. Later he swooped past carrying a second fish but kept going leaving Aurora calling in vain. His tally rises by one to seventy. The family on Nest Two are all doing very well, Louis brought two fish raising his tally to one hundred and forty five and Dorcha shared them out leaving the chicks ending the day with golf ball size stuffed crops. The wind wasn’t as strong as predicted for today and is forecast to remain light until Sunday. It will be wet overnight with a low of 6°C and wet throughout tomorrow with a high of 13°C, in fact rain is forecast for the next week.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.25.30 (03.20.47); Nest Two 22.54.18 (03.57.46)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/MceHgqGGgUc N2 Littlest bob gets a good feed from the first fish 06.16.09https://youtu.be/LhJ1YYzvrDA N1 Garry brings Aurora a well-munched trout 10.29.37 https://youtu.be/hedalV1YC1c N1 Aurora wants Garry’s fish but he swoops past and keeps going 14.25.34 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/T8W1JqTjix8 N2 The chicks line up in size order when fish two arrives 17.06.28

Bonus read – Osprey v Eagle digestive systems:

Digestive Anatomy

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/19Gf0Iu9Xzo N1 Feeding time and all three bobs get a share 2020

https://youtu.be/zMbgjWURVL4 N1 Littlest bob gets an exclusive feed 2020

https://youtu.be/BklMKNWOzVY N1 Sneaky Louis steals Aila’s stash 2020

https://youtu.be/N8ToynUSt60 N1 Aila is surprised by a Willow Warbler 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/V72CuYsuVEI N2 Dorcha does DIY thanks to Louis 2022

https://youtu.be/7HQERAee5ew N2 Is the third chick on the way? 2022

https://youtu.be/zdGmzi6KXmQ N1 Affric & Prince visit 2023

https://youtu.be/3c3p3n4sfTo N2 Second fish is the first pike 2023

https://youtu.be/C7KLxQlvvZE N1 Prince brings Affric a pike 2023

https://youtu.be/uoZxHqusZ3Y N1 Unringed intruders divebomb Affric 2023

https://youtu.be/gSOp_1UMHEY N2 Weather’s still bad but Louis brings fish number two 10.01.37

https://youtu.be/t-i9WHKicEA N2 Bob3 wisely ducks down and lets the older two get on with it, Mum just watches 2024

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

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 3rd June 2025
Apart from some noisy gusts of wind and the odd non-threatening intruder alert, today was fairly routine. Everybody got fed – four fish for Dorcha on Nest Two and one fish for Aurora 536 on Nest One – and the chicks ended the day with bulging golf ball crops. Garry LV0’s tally rises to sixty nine, and Louis’ to one hundred and forty three. The weather was wet and windy as forecast, changing to drizzle and a gentle breeze overnight with a low of

5°C, and light rain showers and a moderate breeze tomorrow with a high of 11 °C.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.52.43 (03.21.04); Nest Two 22.50.40 (04.00.58)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/W6s8zOwX7-k N2 Home alone chicks in quicktime 02.53 – 03.00 https://youtu.be/–NG_Z6RU-M N2 Season’s earliest breakfast arrives 03.39.15 https://youtu.be/Z7MgJ2PDjgQ N2 Second breakfast arrives and Louis sticks around while the chicks are fed 08.48.29

https://youtu.be/zFtBedllEzE N1 Aurora grabs the fish and tells Garry to leave 08.58.46https://youtu.be/wRnQq_QXtR8 N2 The gusting wind doesn’t stop fish number three being fed to the chicks 19.53.35 https://youtu.be/vnYqbvwP4QE N2 Littlest chick makes sure of a good share of fish number four 21.33.56 Bonus watch – all the highlights of the season to date on Woodland Trust’s YouTube channel

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/YCIj4Favinc N1 Chick Chick Chick! Third Osplet hatches! 2020

https://youtu.be/b1KUQjFXyZw N1 A good look at all three chicks 2020

https://youtu.be/-LyppnxdIvo N1 Simultaneous feeding of the chicks by both parents 2020

https://youtu.be/j3jA0FV2U9E N1 The family stars on BBC Breakfast 2020

https://youtu.be/R7HdSkERuGU N1 Louis drops a stick on Aila 2020

https://youtu.be/VOt1I51zEv0 N1 Aila shows off her impressive ballet moves 2020

https://youtu.be/zSitgPiYMKE N2 Littlest chick falls over and struggles to right itself 2022 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/cxivipxUDHQ N2 Louis bashes Dorcha with a wet fish 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/r5yWobFb6Ts N2 Prelude to sunset 2022 (timelapse Classic Ospreys: Bach)

https://youtu.be/PZqOjIYBNr8 N2 Another owl attack on Dorcha 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/aMpRdGWmD64 N2 First fish returns and bob gets another feed 2023

https://youtu.be/N3wO7-U4rz4 N2 Is that the egg or chick making a noise? 2023

https://youtu.be/IFhzO5KsdL8 N2 Littlest chick refuses to be bullied 2024

https://youtu.be/Doxi8HRjEro N1 RAF jets overfly the nests – Dorcha notes but stays put 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/BDO2TT57j_8 N2 Fish number two, whole colourful trout 2024

https://youtu.be/2YM6p3Jri_E N1 Garry LV0 drops in 2024Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s

friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

The news from Tweed Valley is not good, if you missed it. The nest 2 had Mrs O, an experienced female osprey, and another female and a male named New Guy. New Guy went MIA from the nest and the new female did bring in a single fish as their four eggs hatched. The first three were Mrs O’s and the last the new female. Sadly, all of the osplets died when mothering behaviour did not lead to fishing behaviour.

At Glaslyn, it seems Teifi is finding all the good fishing spots. Let’s hope he turns out to be a good provider for Elen next year.

Rutland’s Manton Bay: All four chicks are doing well. Little four got some fish. Dad came in with another big one but Maya had the kids already quiet and in bed.

Llyn Brenig: The second chick has hatched!

Foulshaw Moss: Some bonking is taking place.

Kielder Forest: A returnee to their natal nest. Wow. They used the word amazing. With only a small percentage of the osplets that fledge returning as two years old, this is something to celebrate.

One of the blog chatters says, “I never cease to be amazed by the inherent navigation skills of wild creatures. Not only did IB7 find his own way to West Africa, with no parental help, but two years on he returns to the very nest where he hatched. And most human beings cannot reach an address a few miles away, without satnav!”

Just amazing! _ Kielder Ospreys Download

Moorings Park: Fledgling Ozzie comes in and gets a late dinner on Thursday.

Trio at Pitkin County. Look at that sweet little third hatch getting right up there for some fish.

San Jose City Hall: ‘PB’ sends some images and a note: “Chico and Emma being playful on the roof tonight. Look at the size difference and colors. Chico smaller and darker compared to Emma.”

Chichester Peregrines: The two little eyases were ringed on 2nd of June and determined to be female!

Chichester Peregrines Newsletter No6 Download

I wrote to the Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society about their ospreys. I received this response: “We just saw the first hatching this morning – at least 2. There were 3 eggs in total. The late-May Noreaster brought some wave action into the nest briefly during the worst of it, but avoided major impacts. The upgraded nest (as of last season) held it all together. We were very happy to see the little heads poking out this morning. The nest live camera isn’t optimally perfectly – the eggs have been just out of frame – but we’ll see more action shortly as the babies emerge and start walking around the nest. https://savegreensledge.org/osprey-cam“.

Steelscape Ospreys:

Charlo Montana: Pip Watch is coming soon.

Hellgate Canyon: Iris was on the nest on Wednesday. She looks great! The New Guy has been bringing her fish. I hope both return next year, and New Guy keeps Louis away so there can be other osplets on this nest!

Lots of in and outs on Thursday, too. New Guy will fly in with his fish gift and Iris will remove it to eat it.

Boulder Fair Grounds: A cold front appeared to come through the area on Wednesday evening and the third hatch was exposed and not under Mum and perished. All had been well fed. There are two surviving chicks.

The weather on late Thursday is wet and cooler again. Poor babies. I hope these two survive.

Longmont, Colorado: The third hatch died Wednesday night of hypothermia.

Allin’s Cove East: There is at least one little osplet that has hatched. You can barely see it on the left of this short video: https://youtu.be/0O7AQ_MnPjc?

Wolf Bay, Alabama: The trio are growing. They have beautiful juvenile plumage. The oldest is 45 days, the middle is 44, and the third is 42. This nest has done well this year! There is still some time before fledge!

Cornell Red-tail Hawks, Ithaca: Big Red and Arthur’s O’s are working their legs walking around that nest, which must be very difficult. They are starting to flap their wings, too! These two are so cute.

Big Red sleeping and protecting her babies.

Look at the beautiful ‘peach’ on the breasts of these Os and their lovely feathers that are coming in. These two images show you the difference in size.

Cornell Bird Lab caught the flapping: https://youtu.be/Yjr5hDrrlgw?

Saaksilvie #1: Can you find the newly hatched osplet?

Saaksilvie #3: Incubation and egg rolling. Hatch expected soon.

Saaksilvie #4: Two of the three eggs of Nuppu have hatched so far! This nest was the home of the first osprey to hatch in Finland for the 2025 season on 1 June. Here it is on Nesting Bird Life and More’s video: https://youtu.be/yDF4ZYsy-Uc?

And now there are three osplets!

Saaksilvie #5: No one is home.

Janakkalan: Incubation continues. The egg cup is so deep that it is impossible to see the number of eggs or any piping.

Paltamo: Three eggs are being incubated. Dad brings in a nice fish for Mum so she can have a break after a long incubation period.

Muonio: Eggs being incubated. Again, it is so difficult to see how many are in the nest.

Norway: Two really healthy osplets! They hatched on May 31 and June 2. Their Mum is Fru Rauer.

Carthage Ospreys: The only surviving osplet on the nest is doing well. At least three fish of various sizes came in on Thursday.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Only one egg left in the nest. ‘MP’ tells me that the cold wet weather of a week ago, caused one egg to get kicked to the side of the nest with a second sticking to the breast feathers of Mum. It rolled back to the egg cup and was buried.

Mlade Buky: Bety, Bukachec and two storklets.

Trempeauleau Eagles: Mum did it. Look at T3. Surely nothing can stop this amazing little miracle from fledging.

Denton Homes: All three still on the nest.

Sad news accompanied by the warmth of human kindness at a stork nest: “OUR WONDERFUL KROPECZKA UNFORTUNATELY PASSED AWAY … 💔 The wonderful hostess of the main nest in Klekusiów, the most wonderful stork mother and perfect partner, had an accident and despite the best care of specialist doctors, our Beloved Kropeczka unfortunately passed away! 😭 Kleks was left alone, taking care of three tiny chicks, but we believe that with the help of a very good Guardian – the Host of Klekusiów, he will manage to raise all three and at the end of the season the youngsters will go to the wintering grounds! 💖👍

Alukin’s video of the nest: https://youtu.be/n5j5NiFLrC4?

Milda and Zorro’s White-tail Eagle nest, Latvia: The two chicks are almost ready for fledge and neither is hesitant to fight over prey deliveries! https://youtu.be/n5j5NiFLrC4?

Golden Eagles in Estonia: Liznm brings us up to date (the date of the banding was 4 June): “The eaglet was banded yesterday . Since then, Helju has stayed away Kalju takes care of the eaglet. He brought a small bird. The eaglet pulled another prey from under the hay! A furry animal.it managed to eat some of it. it looks like a part of a fox puppy – the back part with legs and tail.” https://youtu.be/bCf0pQo5z8g?

Golden Eagle in Latvia: Spilve feeding her surviving chick in the rain.

Black Storks, Lodz, Poland: Doing well!

Lovely video by B Isia: https://youtu.be/l_rQAyn-6oU?

Over the years, you have likely heard me express my frustration with the attitude of humans towards wildlife more than once. Well, who in the world believes that poison of any kind is a good thing? Sticking paper? Seriously. Well, it now appears that the oldest breeding White-tailed Eagle in Ireland has been poisoned! Since raptors don’t produce poison or put it out to kill animals, then it had to be some mean two-legged idiot!

Ireland’s oldest breeding white-tailed eagle feared poisoned – Raptor Persecution UK Download

We continue to have wildfires. The Narwhal looked at what caused them.

What causes wildfires in Canada? | The Narwhal Download

Many of written to find out if ‘The Girls’ are still getting their story time. Yes, they are. It has taken me some time to find quality books on birds that I wanted to purchase this year. In past years, we have had stacks of books to read. We have gone back and read some old favourites. Now I can tell you that our reader ‘J’ from Germany suggested a wonderful book, BirdNote. Chirps, Quirks, and Stories of 100 Birds from the Popular Public Radio Show. It arrived yesterday and we will have a review for you in next Friday’s post! I can already tell you that Calico quite likes it!!!!!!!! Thanks, ‘J’ for this great recommendation.

Thank you so very much for being with us today. We are delighted that you are here and that you care so much about our feathered friends! Take care. We hope that you can be with us on Monday when the next blog will be posted.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, J, J, MP, PB’, CBC, Goitzsche-Wildnis, IWS/Explore, ABC, Fly High Eagles, Fox News 5, NBCLA, RSPB Scotland, Dyfi Osprey Project, BoPH, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Jeff Kear, UK Osprey Info and Tweed Valley Ospreys, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, LRWT, Llyn Brenig, Kielder Ospreys, Moorings Park Ospreys, Pitkin County Ospreys, San Jose Falcons, Janet Shaw and chichester Falcons, Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society, Pam Breci, Joy of Ospreys, Steelscape Ospreys, Raptor Research Institute, Montana Osprey Project, Boulder Fair Grounds, Anderson Moor and Longmont, Colorado ospreys, Allins Cove East Ospreys, Cornell Bird Lab Cams RTH, Saaksilvie 1, 4, and 5 osprey nests, Finnish Osprey Foundation, DDTC, MN Landscape Arboretum Ospreys, Mlade Buky Capi, Trempeauleau Eagle Cam, Alukin, LDF, Liznm, Lodz Black Storks, B Isia, Raptor Persecution UK, The Narwal, Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Monday in Bird World

2 June 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

I have added the latest news that I have received at the top. It’s great to be back with you. I trust that you have been keeping up with your favourite nests and have an eye on Sunny and Gizmo. They are going to fly this week.

I have received staggering news from our monitor VV living in Maryland. They have 15 osprey nests within sight of their porch. This is yesterday’s report. When you finish reading it, I want you to educate yourselves. Join the good folks at Menhaden- Little Fish, Big Deal FB page and find out why ospreys are starving in the Chesapeake. Then I want you to write everyone you know to stop the industrial fishing of Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. It could be too late. For several years, the osplets have been dying. There is no one to replace the adults once they die or leave the area. They are going extinct, faster than DDT killed them, due to one company – Omega and that company is Canadian. It makes me furious as a Canadian.

VV writes: ” I wish I had a shred of good osprey news for you. But I have not. Many nests were incubating but nearly simultaneously nests were abandoned, some osprey have returned after gulls and crows cleaned out their eggs. Some have not returned. Two unpaired males I know by name abandoned their nests a good week before the pairs left. Those without eggs quit mating and they, too, left their nests. I guess a food issue, males no longer able to provide and females having to fish for themselves to survive.

It all happened within a matter of a week, a week and a half. It happened last year after chicks hatched but all died in early July. A second year of no fledglings.

Another observer on the island continues to see eagles stealing ospreys’ food. And the osprey behavior toward eagles is muted to non-existent this year. As little as two years back the entire creek full of osprey would leave their nests to chase an eagle passing overhead. Osprey ignore them entirely this year. The osprey grow silent when the eagles fly across the creek.”

This was the largest area for Osprey. Heidi and I have seen a steady decline and I believe a few years ago I predicted that there would be no osprey in the area in 3-4 years. I am beyond sad. I am angry that humans take money and profit takes over the quality of life for everyone on our planet. What happens in the Bay impacts all of us.

The UK and the Roy Dennis Foundation know what extinction of raptors looks like. In comparison to what is happening in Maryland and the neighbouring states of the Chesapeake Bay, the very first osprey has hatched in the USK Valley (think south Wales) in 250 years! Congratulations.

A HISTORIC FIRST HATCHING — Usk Valley Ospreys Download

Llyn Brenig did have its hatch!

It is also expected to start raining on Monday morning in Winnipeg. Outside, it smells like a campfire. The fires continue to rage, people are being evacuated, and there are areas where only a helicopter can access. There are so many fires burning that there are not enough helicopters. I hope private companies are helping.

I am starting to write Friday evening. We have just finished watering the garden plants. The air is acrid. The sky is hazy. You might think you were in the middle of hundreds of car tyres burning. I cannot even imagine what it is like for those on the front lines fighting the fires in northern and eastern Manitoba (or other parts of Canada). It is 29 C.

While others are caring for the people in the towns and villages under threat, there is the wildlife that makes their late spring and summer homes in our province. Imagine hundreds of raptor nests with chicks and the fires burning. The adults can fly if they do not get ‘smoke inhalation’ and hopefully get to safety. Those chicks cannot fly. There are still many issues trying to rescue more than 17,000 people. They are leaving with nothing. If they are lucky they can bring their pets. One of the problems when they get to my city with those beloved pets is that the hotels are not allowing them inside! I find that incredibly ‘mean’. We are fortunate to have a few agencies that are rescuing the dogs and cats that had to be turned out on the streets. They will provide care and food for them and return them to their owners when it is convenient for the owners. I hope they can find the owners. So many of the pets might not be tattooed or have a microchip. Many of us are busy collecting toiletries and clothes as well as pet food for these unfortunate people. Can you imagine losing absolutely everything?While many are dedicated to helping the people in towns and villages facing danger, we must not forget the wildlife that calls our province home during late spring and summer. Picture this: hundreds of raptor nests filled with helpless chicks, surrounded by raging fires. The adult birds may be able to escape if they avoid smoke inhalation, but the chicks are unable to fly.

Simultaneously, we are confronted with the daunting task of rescuing over 17,000 individuals who are fleeing with nothing but the clothes on their backs. If they are fortunate, some can bring their cherished pets along. Yet, upon arriving in my city, they face a heartbreaking reality—many hotels refuse to accept pets. This is utterly unjust.

Thankfully, a handful of compassionate agencies are stepping up to rescue the dogs and cats abandoned in the streets. They are providing much-needed care and food for these animals, with the hope of reuniting them with their owners when the time is right. However, many pets lack identification tattoos or microchips, complicating the rescue efforts.

In the meantime, many of us are rallying together to gather toiletries, clothing, and pet food for these displaced individuals. Can you imagine what it feels like to lose absolutely everything? We must come together to support them in their time of need.

Menhaden overfishing has significantly disrupted the ecosystem in the Chesapeake Bay, leading tof whales and dolphins several years ago. Additionally, striped bass are starving and turning to crabs for food, leaving ospreys without the necessary sustenance. I have mentioned this to you before: overfishing causes widespread disruptions. In Ireland, for example, similar overfishing issues are driving whales and dolphins away. I wonder what the long-term outlook is for the ospreys that are beginning to breed there.

‘Nothing left’: Irish whale-watching company closes amid ‘overfishing’https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/30/irish-whale-watching-company-ends-tours-on-south-atlantic-coast-and-blames-overfishing?CMP=share_btn_url

Other news comes from Arctic research showing that birds lived with the polar bears in an area of Alaska more than 74 million years ago. “Researchers believe their discovery of more than 50 bird fossils from the Prince Creek formation in Alaska is the oldest evidence of birds nesting in polar regions, pushing back the date by more than 25m years.”

Birds were nesting in the Arctic during age of dinosaurs, scientists discoverhttps://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/may/29/birds-were-nesting-in-the-arctic-during-age-of-dinosaurs-scientists-discover?CMP=share_btn_url

Heidi has a good report for us on the US osprey nests she is monitoring:

Osoyoos: Soo and Olsen bonded after their return from migration, however after some battles at the end of April, a new male took over. Two of their three eggs were laid after Olsen was no longer seen, but the new male destroyed all three of those eggs. A new egg was laid on 5/30. I believe the female is Soo. Comparing photos, she looks like the same female for the past 4 seasons, but some believe it is a new female. The new male is a big fellow, and he has a very large dark crown mark and a necklace. This new clutch may not be a good thing. In the past, the ospreys have had difficulty finding fish during the heat, and now they may be trying to raise chicks a month later than previous years.

Patuxent River Park Nest 2: After the cam was offline for 9 days, two of the three osplets were missing. It appeared as though the oldest one was the only chick in the nest. We have been told that the other two chicks blew off the nest during a storm. But, I suspect that the park staff may not really know what happened to those two chicks, and we can’t rule out the possibility predation.

Dewey Beach Lions Club osprey nest: Things were going very well for this family of two osplets… until a few days of wind and rain spoiled the fishing. Then chick 1 became aggressive. When the weather improved, Mom supplemented Dad’s fish, and even the past 2 days when there were 9 fish, and 6 fish, chick 1 would not let chick 2 eat. The fish Mom and Dad were catching were on the small side. They never caught that really big fish that would have allowed chick 2 a chance to have a good meal. Little 2 died on 6/1, at 16 days of age.

Thanks, Heidi!

The news that has come to my inbox is mixed – osplets dying by the nestfuls while others are thriving. Betty Lou has fledged and returned to the nest, where she was rewarded with a giant fish. Jak and Audacity know how to raise ‘children’. Let us hope that the circumstances come together so that they can do this again in 2026!

BUNDGoitzsche-Wildnis: “Red kites are fast and skilled hunters. When an attack occurs very suddenly, the adults often have only a fraction of a second to react. Furthermore, wild animals instinctively weigh up whether a defense could endanger their own life or the remaining clutch of eggs. We suspect that the adults were taken by surprise and didn’t recognize the danger. They have been breeding successfully on this eyrie for so many years now, although they have never been threatened by red kites before; perhaps there is simply no strategy for dealing with it.

June 1, 2025: A red kite takes a second chick from the nest.

May 26, 2025: Drama for the ospreys: a red kite comes while the chicks are being fed and steals a chick from the nest. The attack lasts only seconds.”

White Rock Eagles: It appears that the male may be providing some assistance. The two eaglets, Miracle and Phenom, are doing well. Their crops are about to pop. Sweet little babies. Another miracle and a fish fairy. Love it! https://youtu.be/BvEHLnh-Wh4?

Dyfi Osprey Project: Telyn and Idris are doing a fine job with their triplets. They are kept warm and nicely fed.

Rutland Manton Bay: The fourth hatch is tiny. We wait to see if it will survive. Blue 33 has fish in the largest freshwater lake in Europe at Rutland Water and he is an excellent fisher and provider. The pair have raised several clutches of four. Fingers crossed. Blue 33 spent a lot of time on Sunday on the nest with Maya and the four kiddos.

Foulshaw Moss: Little Three gets right up there to eat. White YW and Blue 35 have raised nests where there were two quite larger chicks and a tiny one and all three fledged. Indeed, the third hatch in 2021 became the dominant on the nest!

Birds of Poole Harbour: Blue 022 and CJ7 raised four to fledge in 2024, to the shock of everyone. Looks like they are going to do it again this year. I wonder if they might become another ‘Super’ Couple like Blue 33 and Maya at Rutland? Or maybe this pair could beat Rutland’s record!

Family Portrait.

Llyn Brenig: We’re on hatch watch week!

Llyn Clywedog: Dylan is keeping the fish coming in despite some inclement weather. The chicks are doing well and Seren is being the perfect Mum.

Tweed Valley: The two females now have four osplets to raise between them. The male, New Guy, has not been around and it is understood that he is not assisting the ‘women’ in any way. The first three eggs to hatch belonged to Mrs O, an experienced female, while the fourth hatch belongs to the new female at the nest. The females do not seem to care whose is whose – they are happy to bring in fish to share between them. An incredible display of cooperation and another one of those miracles from this year that we must enjoy.

Glaslyn: Everyone loves Aran. He was not seen for the past five days. The weather in Wales was horrible. Well, to the delight of everyone, Aran came out and was seen on Sunday. Fabulous. He was enjoying the sunshine that finally came out.

Loch of the Lowes: Raining on Saturday. The female incubates the remaining egg for this new couple, taking the place of Laddie LM12 and Blue NC0.

Alyth: The camera is down, but there is evidence that Harry and Flora are feeding at least one chick on the nest. Thanks, Jeff Kear, UK Osprey Info, and VG for checking and reporting.

West Midlands Ringing Group:

MNSA Oceanside Ospreys: Three chicks on the nest. Cold weather event occured on the 23/24 of May. Little three could not fit under Mum and died of hypothermia. The feeding on the 24th without little 3: https://youtu.be/RGwYSUptOqA?

Loch Arkaig:

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 1st June 2025

Today saw the return of Garry LV0 to Nest One, although to Aurora’s disappointment, he arrived with empty talons. Later when Aurora was alone on the nest, she was disturbed by a Raven’s kronking as it did a fly-by, and flew off to chase it away. Over on Nest Two, Louis continues to provide plenty of fish – four today, taking his tally to one hundred and thirty six. The second fish was a little tiddler that vanished in three minutes, and Louis was instructed to get more, if that’s how we can interpret Dorcha’s reaction. He returned an hour later with a fish so massive, it travelled on and off the nest providing several meals as it went. He is very strong to be able to lift such a big fish out of the water which bodes well for the continued well-being of the chicks who were stuffed full today so much so that one chick did a comical faceplant during feeding time, as if its bulging crop was too heavy to keep it upright. It rained throughout the night and sporadically throughout the day but a dry night with light winds is forecast for tonight with a low of 7°C, continuing dry through tomorrow with a high of 15°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.01.18 (02.50.57); Nest Two 22.56.00 (04.01.47)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/WJsJLdNJmqM N2 Bobs 2&3 have a tug of war over a piece of fish one! 07.07.28

https://youtu.be/ao-Up4L7NyA N1 Aurora’s hopes are dashed when Garry arrives empty-taloned 11.14.04https://youtu.be/oyh7O2O8gvM N2 Snack-sized fish two lasts three minutes – Dorcha calls for more 12.03.13https://youtu.be/sIJtlrxOrzs N2 Louis does as requested, brings a third fish and it is absolutely massive 13.12.42https://youtu.be/It7wP0qWVvE N1 A Raven disturbs Aurora and she chases after it 14.38.46https://youtu.be/ojNzSKAINIE N2 Louis takes the big piece of fish away – Dorcha is not amused 15.28.37https://youtu.be/FO5EiELibIg N2 One of the chicks is so full from fish number four it does a faceplant! 21.25.07

Bonus guide to rapid growth in Osprey chicks:

https://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/blog/emyr-mwt/rapid-growth-phase-young-osprey-chicks

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/i–2XW43oXM N1 Second Osplet has hatched! 2020

https://youtu.be/XbNjpDD3WlQ N1 The family star on BBC Breakfast 2020

https://youtu.be/q4H8zoxABb4 N1 Four birds, one egg and a stick 2020

https://youtu.be/b2IqFZAEsCQ N2 Bob’s in a food coma after a big feed 2022

https://youtu.be/BzFjPMkQWNI N2 Little bob decorates the nest 2022 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/8iA7u9vco48 N2 Aerial acrobatics as Louis chases crows 2022 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/uIyRLn_uEjY N2 Breakfast for day-old bob 2023

https://youtu.be/ARLjY1fBI2E N1 Prince brings moss, a little bird scares Affric 2023

https://youtu.be/p1dSf6D594s N1 Male LV0 intrudes on Prince & Affric 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/Knfn8T1p3lI N1 Mating attempts 2023

https://youtu.be/vWefra79niY N2 Fish number one 04.16.11; Two 04.24.22 ; Three 04.39.24 A new record! 2024

https://youtu.be/P5M_NMUdDGM N1 Garry LV0 pays a fleeting visit 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/IP8sJBIGe5A N2 Fish number six – bob begs from dad in error 2024

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

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 31st May 2025

Not much happened today on either nest, Aurora 536 did a bit of perching and preening on Nest One but again there was no sign of Garry LV0, and over on Nest Two all was routine which is what’s needed as the chicks enter their rapid development phase. Expert fisherbird Louis delivered six fish, taking his tally to one hundred and thirty two, and Dorcha ensured all three chicks got plenty to eat. It was wet and windy today and more of the same is expected tonight with heavy rain and a gentle breeze with a low of 8°C, with the rain lessening a little to light rain with a high of 14°C tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.21.00 (03.33.01); Nest Two 22.50.14 (04.05.20)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/MoB_uBBdzZ0 N2 First fish arrives and all three get a share 06.17.35

https://youtu.be/BO61UB4BaI4 N2 Bob1 has eaten so much of fish two it collapses into a food coma 07.08.41

https://youtu.be/hcJWbIkLMBw N2 All tree chicks get a good feed from fish three 12.07.14

https://youtu.be/VSTpfQH7Iu4 N2 An early fish supper arrives, fish four 18.03.39

https://youtu.be/9q579fFqWpA N2 Yet another fish arrives, number five today 20.25.43

https://youtu.be/___SuiP3geQ N2 Dorcha carefully shares out fish six 21.51.05

https://youtu.be/JHwjovpitoA N1 Aurora gives up and leaves for the night 22.02.09

Bonus action – People’s Postcode Lottery helped Woodland Trust buy Arkaig Forest, fund its on-going restoration, and support the Osprey cams giving us our 24/7 livestreaming joy. If you’re a social media user, could you please thank them when posting Loch Arkaig content:

https://www.postcodelottery.co.uk/good-causes/charities/woodland-trust

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/iwfBMeFYino N1 Record fast fish arrives: 5 mins 23 secs! 2020

https://youtu.be/svRZ4AJ3C4M N1 Sleepy bob uses the other eggs as a pillow 2020

https://youtu.be/MWwaGMTjPek N1 Osprey with blue ring intrudes on Aila & Louis 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/E_JOPZSi0nQ N2 Egg 2 sings sweetly preparing to hatch 2022

https://youtu.be/VqQDp44UxTg N2 First chick has hatched! 2022

https://youtu.be/14S1RC_H0IE N2 Chick’s big day: meeting mum and dad 2022

https://youtu.be/84WJZxukT5c N2 Louis reacts to the chupping 2023

https://youtu.be/-bKcyAe1lwQ N1 Affric & Prince fend off an intruder 2023

https://youtu.be/btm-8Qg6e0o N2 Little bob hatches! 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/udB7LRh6zMs N2 Proud parents and a good look at little bob 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/3AEkinUe5Io N1 Prince brings fish for Affric 2023

https://youtu.be/OpIOpWqfB0A N2 Disco divas are Staying Alive, Staying Alive 2024 (Artistic Ospreys)

https://youtu.be/grQeBqx-770 N2 The bobs squabble when Dorcha leaves and stop when she returns with a stick 2024

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

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

Thanks, Geemeff! And thanks, Mary.

Report from Jane Goodall brings hope!

Protecting chimpanzees and building community resilience to climate change in Senegal – Jane Goodall Download

Sauces Canyon: Sauces Canyon: Jak and Audacity are amazing parents. Not only did they reward their young daughter, Betty Lou, with a big fish to encourage her to return to the nest, but they have also sat with her in the pine tree and delivered food to her there! Thanks to ‘PB’ for the wonderful report on Saturday!

Fraser Point: Mama Cruz has been missing for almost a day. When she returned to the nest, it was clear that she had been fighting an intruder. I am just holding my breath.

FOBBV: Jackie and Shadow adore their two eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo. I cannot imagine what is going through their heads as these two darlings ready to take to the sky. Jackie is feeding them on Saturday!

KTLA captured Sunny’s flight to the branch! https://youtu.be/Zw9yJUNAN9k?

So what will Jackie and Shadow do after Sunny and Gizmo fledge? What do you think? Have a look: https://youtu.be/8lXgCfA4xys?

Kansas City Eagles (Farmer Derek): Fish delivery after fish delivery. https://youtu.be/oH4im5vikqA?

San Jose Falcons: Dinner time! https://youtu.be/G6120p0G_Ko?

Hartley’s Missed Prey Drop?? Check it out! https://youtu.be/q-UHk-SNCyQ?

Trempeauleau Eagles: T3 doing fantastic. Mum brought in at least three fish on Friday.

Duke Farms: All three fledglings on the nest wanting some dinner! I did not see any prey delivered. Maybe you did.

Boulder County Fairgrounds: Three osplets with the fourth egg pipping on Saturday. Experienced Mum and new dad are going to be busy keeping these crops full.

OPPD Fort Calhoun: The triplets are so close in age. It appears everything is going very, very well. So tiny. They blend in to the point that if your eyes are tired, you really have to look close or hope they move!!!!!!!!

Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home: The only surviving eaglet is doing well. Thanks, ‘PB’ for posting this message on FB.

Pitkin County: Three little heads peek up out of the deep nest cup when it is dinner time. Two hatched on the 27th, with the third on the 28th. Fantastic, they are so close in age.

Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam: The Os are walking around and pecking at prey. Arthur has the nest looking like a massacre. No one ever goes hungry on Big Red’s nest. Never.

Hellgate Canyon: Iris was on and off the nest on Sunday. She is looking good.

Charlo, Montana: Incubation continues.

City of Independence, Oregon: Female looking down. I did not see an indication of a hatch or feeding. Incubation continues.

Latvian Goshawk Cam: Beautiful chicks get a feeding. https://youtu.be/qMX_CVCZkRo?

Knepp Farm: Purple Emperors are about to hatch!

News from Knepp Download

Snowy Egrets. Want to learn more about them? There is other great information in this newsletter from the American Bird Conservancy including this announcement: :Lake County, Illinois Rules That Homes Must Prevent Bird Collisions – A National First“.

Snowy Egret Golden Slippers Download

Love across species. https://youtu.be/OX1_OiR1j0E?

They fought to protect the Ground Squirrels in my City and they won! Thanking my daughter, Jaine, for sending this to me.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/winnipeg-ground-squirrel-sulfur-gas-application-rejected-1.7549220

I am delighted that you could join us today. Everyone in the family is doing fine. We hope that you are happy and well and getting outside whenever you can.

Calico and Baby Hope on the table watching Toby but not having their tails bitten!

Toby can climb up the cat tree!

Hugo Yugo loves to sleep on the top of the small cat tree. She will have her next dental cleaning and surgery on 11 June.

Missey in Toby’s toy box!

Brock waits and sleeps on a deck chair for when we get up and he gets some fresh food.

Calico is sending everyone a smile – look at the cute cygnets! https://youtu.be/9CJ1HM5WhWo?

Thank you to the following for their letters, notes, comments, posts, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, J, PB, VV’, The Guardian, Osoyoos Town Council Osprey Cam, Patuxent River Park, Dewey Beach Lion’s Club, Crooked Lake, Seaside Ospreys, Colonial Beach Ospreys, PSEG Oyster Bay, Brevard County, Moraine State Park, BUNDGoitzsche-Wildnis, Hancock Wildlife Foundation White Rock Eagle Cam, LRWT Manton Bay Ospreys, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, BoPH, Llyn Clywedog, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, Scottish Wildlife Trust (LOTL Ospreys), West Midlands Ringing Group, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Mary Cheadle and Friends of Loch Arkaig FB, Jane Goodall Foundation, IWS/Explore, CIEL and Barbara Wolfsong, FOBBV, KTLA, San Jose City Hall and SK Hideaways, Trempeauleau Eagle Cam, Duke Farms, Boulder County, OPPD, Cornell Bird Cam Red Tail Hawk Cam, Cornell Bird Cam Hellgate Canyon, Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home, Oregon Public Broadcasting, CBC Manitoba, Robert Fuller, Farmer Derek, Discover Outdoors, Nesting Bird Life and More and the LDF, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, Usk Valley Ospreys, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Info and Llyn Brenig

Wisdom lays an egg…Friday in Bird World

29 November 2024

Hello Everyone,

Thursday was cold, and the wind was blowing the snow around so that, at times, you could not see anything—a ‘whiteout.’ We have had a coyote in our neighborhood, along with the four deer I was trying to find. The news came early Thursday that the Department of Conservation had to shoot the coyote after it had chased the deer into heavy traffic, killed one, and partially eaten it. The coyote also nearly attacked a child when the child came near to where it was sleeping. No doubt, the poor creature was starving and may have been ill. We now have three deer. Several are providing them with supplementary food. Tomorrow, I plan to approach our market, which is well known for its fruit and vegetables, to see if they will donate the unsalable items that deer can eat. That would be wonderful.

We hope everyone who celebrated had a good day and that each of you found time, no matter where you are, to just sit and pause and think of all the little things for which we are grateful.

Bird World is bringing us good news.

There is not much more that can be said for that heading! Incredible. Wisdom – the oldest known wild bird in the world – has outlived numerous mates and is set to raise another Moli in 2025! Can you see me smiling? It seriously doesn’t get much better than this.

In addition to this great news about Wisdom and her egg, we also have images of SE33. What a beautiful sea eagle fledgling. Gorgeous. He is in good condition and will be trained to fly strong and hunt before being released. I really hope that they put a tracker on him.

Wisdom even tops the fact that Dr Green is coming in on a day when she would normally not be in the surgery to clean Hugo Yugo’s teeth and take out those incisors. January 6. The little sweetie will get some relief. She is still woozy from those vaccinations but eating well.

Before you read this short article on what migratory ducks eat on their journey, write down six things you think would be on that menu. See how well you did!

Wild duck diets — Ducks Unlimited Canada Download

Someone I know well met a naturalist who knows nothing about ospreys and spreads disinformation in person and on line. Because this individual uses the title ‘naturalist’, people believe them. Several years ago, ‘SS’ and I caused a lot of grief at the Collins Marsh Osprey platform when the Only Bob, Malik, had a forced fledge. The caretaker at the time used the title ‘naturalist’ and they did not and would not respond to our alarm calls for help. Wildlife rehabilitation personnel who we contacted attempted to go to the property to search and help the osplet and were refused permission to enter the grounds. As a consequence, Malik died.

‘SS’ and I learned a lot from that event, especially that anyone can call themselves a naturalist, just like a person can get a truck and a hammer and say they are a contractor! No qualifications required. So when you see disinformation online or hear it, step up. Have a conversation. State the facts you know calmly, pointing out their errors. You can help someone learn every day. Also, do not let anyone undermine the value of streaming cams. Much of the new information on ospreys and other birds comes from the diligent observations of nests on streaming cams by citizen scientists.

Brian Collins is working hard to show that the osprey deaths in the Bay are directly linked to a lack of Menhaden. We wonder when the last one will be taken like the Cod in the area???

This makes me angry and sad.

VIMS scientists critique research linking osprey declines to menhaden industry Download

Kansas City Bald Eagles Ellie and Harvey are back for another fun packed year and are bonding at the nest! https://youtu.be/cuoqS2j4f-M?

M15 certainly picked a gorgeous mate who turned out to be an exceptional mother. F23 is even stunning when she takes a bath! https://youtu.be/AupKhKyckWs?

Half way to seeing those little eaglets!

Talk about stunners though, just look at Wilko and Kasse! They are two of the most beautiful osprey chicks I have ever seen. And this Mum is one of the most amazing. It is extremely rare for the females to leave the chicks to bring fish to the nest. That is the job of the males. It does happen later when the fledglings are bulking up for migration and – yes, it does happen at other times but this is rare. A good example is 2024 when CJ7 helped Blue 022 feed their four osplets ensuring they all survived.

Mum must be enjoying that light and being able to dive off the nest and get a fish!

Dad came in with a partial fish that was eaten quickly. Wilko has been working its wings and getting some air under them.

Look at the thick legs on Kasse (top right).

Prebanding day video of Wilko and Kasse: https://youtu.be/bZzlsnK826g?

Some of us have been wondering about their brother Ervie. I posted a question about him on the FB page of Friends of Osprey South Australia. Will keep you posted!

Not a lot of activity was going on at the NE Florida nest of Gabby and Beau on Thursday. Think they got invited for Thanksgiving dinner?

The fundraiser for Montana Osprey Project was, I hope, a huge success. The pens are beautiful! I don’t know if they have any left. They are refillable and well, who wouldn’t want a stick from the ‘miracle nest of 2024’.

The endangered Cockatoo in Australia is also very long lived. “Eight Carnaby’s cockatoos aged between 21 and 35 years have been recorded, according to research published in Pacific Conservation Biology. The oldest bird, at 35 years old, was first recorded as an egg in August 1986. The report co-author Peter Mawson, a researcher with Western Australia’s biodiversity department, said the male cockatoo “looked as healthy as the day he left the nest”, and was still breeding when last sighted in 2021.”

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/28/western-australias-endangered-cockatoo-among-worlds-longest-living-birds?CMP=share_btn_url

Many are vegetarians and my inbox was flooded with images of turkeys celebrating Thanksgiving by having their own feasts instead of being eaten.

Cal Falcons has a winter fundraiser that is underway in case you are interested.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘J’, Hob Osterlund, EagleCam, Ducks Unlimitied Canada, Brian Collins, whro, Androcat, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and PLO, Heidi McGrue, NEFL-AEF, Montana Osprey Project, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Cal Falcons

Saturday in Bird World

26 October 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

I want to once again thank SK Hideaways for putting together the Memorial video of dear little Nox. So many have reached out to say how sad they are at his passing and how much they enjoyed it. Nox (Equinox) was a very special little guy. One of those amazing birds that come into our lives that will never be forgotten.

It was a nippy albeit beautiful fall day on the Canadian Prairies. The only leaves remaining on my property are on the small Cranberry bushes and the lilacs. Everything else is bare and brown, and the grey-brown dismal, taupey days of early winter are heading our way.

The park looks pretty desolate.

There have been only two Blue Jays lately, Junior and the Mrs. Only two Crows. The Starlings continue to dominate the numbers at the feeders. Around the City there are still Canadian geese feeding on the grass and ducks in the ponds and at the river. It is time again to go and check the numbers and see how many are flying in and out at night.

Mr Crow enjoying a peanut.

One good thing that did happen today was an apparently successful mating between Gabby and Beau. Last year he just didn’t know which end was which! https://youtu.be/bAIeeFqm72Q?

That mating was on the nest! And Gabby didn’t seem to nip or be off putting. All good signs.

The pair to continue to work on their nest bringing in sticks and moss. Fingers crossed for a successful year for these two – can I say ‘finally’.

F23 and M15 continue to work on their nest in SW Florida while guarding their territory. https://youtu.be/bs2Dq24r01M?s

At the Sydney Olympic Park, SE34 is still on the nest after having its elder sibling SE33 fledge yesterday. SE33 was located on a low bush near the nest after spotters heard Magpie calls. It is unclear if any food is going to SE33 or if he can get out of its location.

SE34 might fly at any moment.

A nice whole fish came to the Port Lincoln barge for Mum, Wilko and Kasse at 0711. Wilko seems to be behaving his/her self better.

And more for Kasse.

Mum had some fish, too. Yeah!

‘A’ is monitoring our little osplets: “Meanwhile, at Port Lincoln, Dad brought in a large whole fish at 07:09 this morning and both osplets ate well. Dad retrieved his leftover fish at 07:34 and ate hungrily but returned the tail end about ten minutes later, so the kids had a second breakfast at 07:44. I saw no bonking and little Kasse is an eager eater, definitely not intimidated by its sibling, which is good to see.

These two are deep in their oily teenager phase but will soon emerge from it as those gorgeous shades of bronze appear on their heads and necks. Meanwhile, those round tummies and fat little bottoms are testament to their good health and always make me smile. These two are just SO cute. I don’t think Kasse quite understands bonking – he looks confused more than scared. “

In Melbourne, the triplets are moving up and down the gutter and have no trouble getting back into the scrape box.

Dad brings prey to the kiddos in Melbourne! https://youtu.be/L4V9bEG3w0A?

The kids choose the cooler other scrape with the cover and F23 follows her intelligent children! https://youtu.be/6Umglw1ZJp4?

Breakfast was early at Orange.

Diamond brings in a Galah for the kids. https://youtu.be/fRDIoRcJYTE?

‘A’ remarks: “All is well at Orange, where a pile of fluff slumbers in the corner while Diamond watches from her favourite position perched on the ledge. Here is the summary of this morning’s activity:

26 Oct FEED 05.55.22 leftover; 06.49.53 scrap; PREY 06.06.08 X feeds; 07.39.04 X feeds/07.42.43 stashed on MW ; 07.57.36 feeds; 09.04.30 feed; WATCH 07.46.10 Yira selfie

At Collins Street, the chicks have taken advantage of their newly found mobility to immediately change scrapes. When I tuned in this morning, the scrape was EMPTY and of course for a moment, I panicked, before I realised where they had to be. Sure enough, on the north facing camera, we can see two chicks sleeping in the sheltered scrape, with a parent perched on the comfortable spot that was added to the front of the sheltering structure, so the parents can comfortably use the perch rather than getting stiff perching on the edge of a board. They used some sort of car-tyre rubber, I believe, to create that perch and it is obviously very comfortable for the adults, who can get up and out of the melee to a good supervision spot. Perfect. A great addition.

So this makes us happy because the shelter at that end is SO much better, giving mum a break from her mumbrella duties and also improving the safety of the chicks themselves. You know how much I wanted the scrape at the south end of the ledge actually removed altogether, forcing them to use the northern end, but the chicks have done that of their own accord as soon as they were able. TOO funny. I wonder whether they will stay at the north end, return to the south end, or split themselves between the two scrapes. It could get very awkward for feedings and confuse the parents no end.

Anyway, that’s the big news in Australia’s falcon world this morning. “

Clive’s Ride made more news stations. Clive is possibly the most positive story to come out of Hurricane Milton.

There’s an eagle at Decorah North in Iowa!

Gracie Shepherd caught Mr North and DNF having a bath today! https://youtu.be/B-vDfnf0NvY?

I missed her on cam but the chat says that Hope was doing some nestorations early Friday at Port Tobacco.

I did catch the two darlings of the Big Bear Valley, Jackie and Shadow, perched looking out over their territory.

‘J’ sent a link to a video showing Jeffrey the Pinecone on Jackie and Shadow’s nest is bigger than Fiona! https://youtu.be/Oqy1JFa4r4o?

Liberty and Guardian were home working on their nest in Redding, California.

Sadly, today I added Nox and the little fourth hatch at the Coobowie Osprey Platform in South Australia to the Memorial Page.

How do war zones – and as I write this tonight there are many of them – impact our raptors, their lives, and their migration?

I have been concerned about the Black Storks that have migrated through Ukraine. Now I try to keep an eye on Waba whose last transmission was on the 18th of October when he was in Israel. I hope to goodness he is now out of Israel and well into Africa.

Active European warzone impacts raptor migration: Current Biology Download

Cal Falcons gives us a favourite Nox moment. https://youtu.be/uzDzj0htaXQ?

As we continue to monitor the issues surrounding Osprey’s deaths in the Chesapeake Bay, Geemeff sends us to reports on the impact of commercial fishing of Menhaden on osprey deaths. Thank you, Geemeff.

https://www.cbf.org/news-media/newsroom/2024/all/as-osprey-populations-struggle-manager-continue-deliberations-on-chesapeake-bay-menhaden.html

and from William & Mary University:

CCB’s latest osprey study continues decades of work on behalf of the species

Calico’s Tip for the Day could save your pet’s life: Do not use scented candles, air fresheners that plug in, or any time of air freshener spray. There are also essential oils that are extremely dangerous. You might be putting a few drops in water in one of the new plug in contemporary diffusers. Please check with your vet to find out which oils are safe! This is why.

‘The Girls’ wish you a fantastic day! And a lovely weekend. Remember to sit outside and listen for the birds! They sure would like to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

Thank you to the following for their posts, videos, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, J”, Nest Flix Memories, NEFL-AEF, Androcat, SWFlorida Eagle Cam, Olympic Park Eagles, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, SK Hideaways, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Nesting Bird Life and More, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Falcon Cam Project, AccuWeather, Decorah North and Raptor Resource Project/Explore.org, Gracie Shepherd, Port Tobacco Eagle Cam, FOBBV, Nature Lover Bird Life Odyssey, FORE, Current Biology and British Trust for Ornithology, Cal Falcon Cam, cbf.org, William and Mary University.

Two Hatch in Melbourne!…Beau Returns…Thursday in Bird World

3 October 2024

Good Morning,

The European Starlings are really enjoying the meal worms. The Blue Jays are sorting through the peanuts for the best ones, and everyone wants a bath. It was a glorious fall morning in the garden with the animals and birds that I love so much.

Birds having a bath; Starlings eating meal worm treat.

Hope watching the Starlings.

Starlings devouring the meal worms.

Missey watches them, too.

Calico doesn’t care.

There is a hatch, on Wednesday, at the Melbourne CBD 367 Collins Street scrape. The penthouse falcons! Congratulations! We should be seeing the other two little fluff balls shortly.https://youtu.be/VRfLhA-E7cg?

And then there were two! Close together in hatch times. Fantastic.

Those two little fluff balls are getting some breakfast bits.

Wiggly Dad takes care of the chicks! https://youtu.be/TxPGlZ6lBWc?

The other big news is that a bit of a ragged Beau has returned to the NE Florida nest after having been away for a fortnight and a day. 24E1 has not been seen since Tuesday morning at the nest. Gabby was there at 1000 on Wednesday morning. It is 5:34pm on the cam and as far as I know, Gabby has not been at the nest since his return. Oh, dear.

Beau made it through the hurricane. Are the missing feathers because of that along with the fresh blood on his tail or has he been in a fight? and with whom?

Gabby did return and she did find Beau. His feet are not in as bad a shape as the rest of him. They were down in the nest together working away. It is better than anything on Netflix. But, let us hope that this nest calms, that whichever of the males Gabby picks is up to the task of fatherhood this year, and that all hatchlings fledge.

The AEF welcomes Beau back to the NE Florida nest: https://youtu.be/fl13dy61pMs?

I don’t think I have ever been so mad. See the post by Brian Collins below. Forestry England has observed ospreys at Llyn Clywedog for years. John Williams has kept accurate records on the fish delivered, and we now understand that a family of two adults and three osplets eat on average 480-525 fish, medium ones, from time of egg laying to migration. Ospreys cannot carry huge fish – think a Brown Trout. Of course, many other people keep track of fish deliveries, type and size and amount. This information should be clearly available to all. But, Goodness me. That is only about 1000 lbs of fish. A drop in the bucket compared to Omega’s takings. We also know that adults died and that starvation deaths were regional. So that the starving osplets in the Bay are specific to the overfishing of the Menhaden.

Geez. This ASMFC smells fishy.

Collecting data on our nests can be very overwhelming. For Heidi and me, because we were looking at mortality rates and causes, the emotion connected with watching ospreys starve to death when help could come has often been simply ‘too much’. Right now I have data on more than 60 nests that need to be entered except that it is lacking key information – the day the eggs were laid, the hatch dates, details on weather or dates of death, even fledging days. I am getting there slowly and hopefully we will have a good indication of the % that died from starvation and/or siblicide or predators in 2024 from over 566 osprey eggs. Bear with me. My goal is to get this together before the end of November!

I will put out a call early for information for the 2025 season. I am looking for detailed information on the nests that Heidi and I do not normally cover including those in Europe and in particular, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Germany. If you watch a particular nest on a regular basis, we would appreciate hearing from you as to dates the adults arrive, the date eggs are laid, hatch, and the date of the first flight. If chicks die or eggs do not hatch, all information is important. Thank you!

Elfruler has sent out a posting that they will be cutting back on what they are posting in terms of nests for similar reasons – being overwhelmed and nests with poor cams and little information. This is part of the letter that they sent out to readers: “

Bald Eagles Nest Watch UpdateBy elfruler on 10/02/2024

After reflecting long and hard over the last few months, I have determined reluctantly that it is time to retire the yearly Nest Watch page on my website. I began that page with the 2019-2020 season as what seemed like a logical extension of my comprehensive collection of statistics on eggs, hatches, and fledges on eagle nest cams since 2011. But I am finding that maintaining the page has become exhausting.

Is Ervie out scouting for a female? And how many female are there? Do we need a translocation for all these males??? Ervie was everyone’s all time favourite – the little third hatch that took on big Bazza and Falkey to be kind of the Port Lincoln territory til Mum and Dad thought he might need to move a little further away.

I found some old video footage of Ervie having a dust up with Bazza and another of Ervie catching his infamous puffers. At one time we thought they might seriously injure one another. Enjoy.

We wait and hope for Xavier and Diamond at Orange.

Diamond isn’t getting up for Xavier’s prey offering! https://youtu.be/hw8kTwnYso8?

Holly Parsons is hearing cheeps…maybe by the time I get ready to post this blog Thursday morning there will be a visible pip for Xavier and Diamond.

A look at the eggs at Port Lincoln. We could have a pip any day.

Bella and Scout have been working on the platform below the NCTC nest.

Foggy morning at the West End nest of Thunder and Akecheta.

M15 and F23 are working diligently on their nest. https://youtu.be/0NTNNvhzgDY?

Our favourite GHOs, Bonnie and Clyde, are back at work, too. Clyde is busy delivering food to Bonnie! https://youtu.be/ZO9dQSqPinM?

More fish for those adorable sea eaglets for breakfast. https://youtu.be/ht8N6kMNlKg?

Judy Harrington is bringing us up to date on those cutie pies.

Looking at that wing span!

Smile. This osprey patient was returned to the wild!

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post this morning: ‘J’, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, SK Hideaways, Brian Collins and Menhaden – Little Fish, Big Deal, Elfruler, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Holly Parsons, Falcon Cam Project, NCTC Bald Eagle nest, IWS/Explore.org, Androcat, Nesting Bird Life & More, Judy Harrington and Olympic Park Sea Eagles, and Florida Wildlife Hospital.

Hurricane warnings for Florida…Thursday in Bird World

26 September 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope that you are all well, and for those living in the path of Helene, please stay safe. We are thinking about you and keeping you in our warmest thoughts. Send your warm thoughts to all our feathered friends in the hope they have found their safe places. SW Florida streaming cam is down this morning. Swaying happening at NE Florida.

It is hard to believe it is fall. Gosh, golly. Wednesday was a beautiful morning. The sky was a clear blue, not a whisker of a cloud. No wind. No forecast for rain. The temperature is set to rise to 27 C. We have to remind ourselves that it is really the end of September and not July.

Mr and Mrs Junior were in the garden very early looking for peanuts. There are three Crows that come regularly together, nest mates. When there is a problem with other species, such as the GHO in their territory or a cat in our garden, there will be eight of them around the back of the garden. At one time, the combined count for the two families and their nestlings was eighteen. Did they disperse? I only saw one killed on the road. We must remember to have a small portable shovel in the boot of the car. If you see a dead animal on the road or street, take it to the boulevard so that the carrion eaters are safe to feed.

Junior has always stayed over during the winter. I have said that before, and we feed Crows all year along with the sparrows, woodpeckers, and chickadees (the others that remain). I wonder about their food sources outside of our garden. The area around me is getting denser and denser with little green, save for a few small parks. Indeed, the loss of habitat for our wildlife is truly concerning.

Speaking of food sources, we were shocked when we went to the country on Monday. Next to our acreage, there are now two HUGE reservoirs. They are about three stories tall, 1/6 of a mile by a 1/6 of a mile. The flood waters from the Boyne River are pumped into the holding ponds to irrigate the potato crops in the summer. There was no need for irrigation a few decades ago, and now the potato farmers have to store water. What happens if the rain and the snow in the Pembina Hills that feed the river dry up?

I have spent part of the day working in the containers on the deck. The pepper plants that show no sign of any more produce are in the compost pile. The soil is now heaped around the cherry tomato plants that are loaded – heavily laden – with tomatoes. The Curry leaves and Sage need to be dried along with the mint and the Rosemary. There is enough celery for everyone to have some for their Thanksgiving dinner that lives in earshot of me. It wasn’t a great year, but it was a good one. Now, we will try to grow lettuces, boy chop, green onions, etc. in the house for the winter. I sure hope Hugo Yugo stays out of that grower!!!!!!!! She is into everything these days. Is it because she is so tiny? Baby Hope sleeps atop the highest cabinet to see what everyone is doing—her private spot. Hugo Yugo cannot get up there! And neither can Calico—just Missey.

It is market day. Will the dumpling lady be there or will we be disappointed again? I must learn how to make these! At one point in my life I did know, but I need a refresher course. The last market day is approaching soon and it would be nice to have some more of the local honey. It is delicious – and, thankfully, the vendor was there.

Calico gave each jar of honey her ‘sniff’ test and voted on the honey from the downtown hives. How interesting.

Speaking of Florida…

The weather in Florida is going to be bad for all the nests with Helene potentially plowing through the State as a cat 3 storm. Everything is set to intensify beginning today. It will hit Captiva and Fort Myers first and make its way northeast hitting the nest of Gabby. Send good positive energy to all the birds and let us be thankful that there are no eggs or chicks in the nests.

Evacuations are now underway in various areas of Florida.

Check out this article:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/24/weather/helene-florida-storm-preparations

How do hurricanes impact our feathered friends?

How Do Hurricanes Affect Birds? | Audubon Download

How will Rita do during a hurricane?

Great article about the Melbourne falcons in The Guardian!

Life amid the carcasses and droppings: what I learned from watching Melbourne’s peregrines on webcam | Ailsa Piperhttps://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/sep/25/melbourne-peregrine-falcons-webcam-stream?

Jackie and Shadow have ousted the Ravens from the nest as they make plans for the 2024-25 season. https://youtu.be/5WxWE0iweQg?

Looking out over their territory of Big Bear.

You need to know that your voice can make a difference. If you believe strongly about our wildlife and their quality of life, then we cannot be silent. As a child, I love the little circus and all the animals. I cannot imagine, for a second, supporting any or watching any animal do tricks for humans! How barbaric. Disney has now stopped its animal shows.

I hope that our voices will also ensure that any company, no matter its country of origin, will never be allowed to conduct industrial fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Can you imagine seeing the little ospreys eating lots of fish instead of starving to death? That is what you are fighting for! I was notified today that my letter has been received and will be read to the Committee meeting today. I made it short and to the point – commercial fishing of Menhaden has, according to the research that has been conducted on nests on either side of the Bay, in both Virginia and Maryland, seen only osprey deaths. ‘H’ and I are still entering the statistics but there will be more than 100 nests recorded – every osprey chick perished. Every one. I compared that to heat in other areas including Osoyoos where Olsen pulled a rabbit out of a hat and 2 out of 3 of his chicks lived despite the 40 C heat and lack of fish. That tells you how bad it was in the area of the Chesapeake. And the boats cannot be allowed to fish at the mouth of the Bay either. We will not give up and will continue to fight to stop Omega.

Despite the date passing, if you did not send a comment, but wish to do so, then please write to the individual below that acknowledged my letter:

‘MP’ writes that Jack is on the Achieva Osprey nest several times a day. Stay safe, Jack! Winds are beginning to pick up.

I really hope that Gabby and 24E1 will fill that egg cup sufficiently so that the eggs do not get lost or fall.

The pair at NE Florida flew off the nest as rain and wind began. Stay safe out there Gabby and 24E1.

At least one eagle at the SW Florida nest on Wednesday. M15 has seen many hurricanes. The nest that he shared with Harriet did not always survive the fierce winds, but they did! Let us see what happens in the nest few days.

M15 and F23 were working on the nest late Wednesday night.

Lovely little video of M15 bringing the first fish gift of the season for F23.https://youtu.be/hRrvbPHR0gc?

Claire and Irv are working hard at the US Steel nest in Pittsburgh.

Here is a video of the action: https://youtu.be/Ry0WUJtGPgA?

‘MP’ caught one of the adults at the John Bunker Sands Wetlands nest on Wednesday near Dallas.

A really nice summary of a bittersweet year for two Newfoundland osprey nests by Ian Winter. Please pay attention to his comment about how Newfoundland Power refurbished the nest of Hope and Beaumont and the belief that this was the contributing factor in Hope caring for these two dark plumage osplets that lived to fledge. Years past I have wept as her chicks died early on. So, if this is true and that caused her maternal instincts to kick in, then I am suggesting that the people who care for the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum nest get up there and fix the most beautiful nest that could be imagined! Then let’s see what happens there.

Eyes continue to be on Malta with all its illegal poaching right during migration!

A good news story! We need them all the time and a vet that can save a wing problem so a stork can fly again is gold.

A wonderful post from Dunrovin Ranch with a tiny summary of the successful year of the ‘JuneBug’ at the osprey nest with new female, Winnie.

Adorable tiny Xavier only wants some eggie time.

https://youtu.be/RUOtARU8NLg?

Just look at how big that White-tailed eaglet is getting! And oh, so cute. 38 days old in the picture…39 days old today. It is so hard to tell how big it is. That crane is huge where the nest is located.

You might not have seen Tim MacKrill’s presentation on Osprey migration. I posted it in previous years. You can grab a cuppa and learn so much from this talented young man. https://youtu.be/JXWgoSF-Yrk?

Goodness. That Calico is smart. She heard me complaining about having 53,000 digital photos in my phone. She started reading ‘Wirecutter’ when an article about decluttering photos in your phone popped up. She even read it with having a ‘winkie’ in her right eye. Calico thinks that you likely have so many photographs in your phone that you won’t be able to find your favourite one of her! She says you can thank her later!!!!!!

Wirecutter: Your Phone’s Camera Roll Is a Mess. Here’s How to Clean It Up.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/clean-organize-store-phone-photos

Thank you for being with us today. We will find out what Top Flat chicks name will be. Voting closed on the 26th. I wonder what it will be. Please take care. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, articles, images, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘J, MP’, noaa, Sunnie Day, The Weather Network, NEFL-AEF, The Guardian, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Rita the Bald Eagle, NestFlix Memories, PIX Cams, JBS Wetlands, Ian L. Winter, CABS, Maria Marika, Dunrovin Ranch News, Nesting Birdlife and More, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Osprey Leadership Foundation, Menhaden Defenders, Menhaden – Little Fish, Big Deal, and The New York Times.

Wednesday in Bird World

25 September 2024

Good Morning,

If I had one wish, it would be for Jackie and Shadow to raise an eaglet this year to fledge. I am certain that you feel the same. Maybe we can send them the most positive energy. I cannot think of a more deserving couple – they are already working on that nest. They live in ‘hope’.

‘R’ wrote, concerned about me. It wasn’t me, it was one of my dear friends and reporters. I, on the other hand, worry that the albatross won’t survive the five to six years out on those rough seas with those long line factory ships. Or that the oceans, especially the Southern Ocean, are getting too acidic. I am far too cranky and will be cheering those albatross on and those ships to go extinct! Thanks, ‘R’ for worrying about me. And I am sorry if the cemetery plot got anyone weepy. It is a response to my best friend having to deal with all of the red tape attached to her husband’s death. I want things to be simple for my kids, like it was for me when my mother died. The real difficulty is which monument maker can create an osprey with a big fish? So don’t be sad. I will be kicking around for far more years than you might want!!!!!!!!!!!

Right now I am sitting over Devonian Lake. It is so quiet. The geese are out feeding. Only a few ducks and gulls remain on the lake. I did have a big of a giggle. One of the extraordinarily large homes had its drive way full of geese eating pebbles!!!!!!! Full. Packed in there like there was a Taylor Swift concert. It was a strange sight.

These moments have to be the most bittersweet in all of Bird World. The parent returns, waits and waits for the chick to feed them, and they are gone. They will never see one another again. The adults will not see one another again until they return to breed. What devotion. I wish their world is a safer place for them and for all our feathered friends so that these huge sea birds that can live longer than many humans return year after year to their mates to raise chicks.

‘A’ remarks: “Oh, our babies are gone. When I went onto automatic and checked the albatross tab, there were no chicks in camera view and TF’s nest and his play nest were both empty. I felt such a pang and tears prickled my eyes but I try to remind myself that he is on the adventure that is his lifetime and this was what he was born for. I just wish the human destruction of little TF’s world did not create so many hazards for our fledglings. And I also remind myself that darling YRK is home. The returning breeding birds are arriving steadily now, and it is wonderful to see them. These are our survivors.

Papa LGK came in to feed his son at lunchtime today (12:52:17) and called out for TF chick, just as mum LGL did when she came in yesterday after he fledged. We wish LGK a tummy full of squid and safe travels until his return. We hope to see him and LGL in about a year’s time. (Hopefully, their next egg will hatch in late January 2026 (one chick every second year).

The voting for TF’s name closes tomorrow (26 September) at 5pm NZ time (NZ is two hours ahead of eastern Australia, so two hours ahead of Collins Street, Orange and WBSE). The link for voting is https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/albatrosses/royal-albatross-toroa/royal-cam/namethechick/. “

You know that I love my Blue Jays! Now Mr and Mrs Junior are the only ones coming to the garden. Here are four things you might not know these things about Blue Jays! https://youtu.be/VndKdMKXY1c?

Junior does not migrate. Sometimes Mrs Junior does.

Speaking of migration, I think that you will like that book that Calico and I are digging into: Bird Migration. A New Understanding by J. H. Rappole. It is written in non-scientific language. Everything is crystal clear. I liked that the author went back and examined previous theories about migration. What he says will not be knew to you if you have been reading my blog. Birds migrate because of food – not weather! The Black-capped Chickadees live in my garden all winter as do the ones at Bird’s Hill Park – they have an abundance of food resources and do not require moving to a different geographical area. We have Bald Eagles that remain in Manitoba breaking open thin ice to catch fish. The Geese are migrating, following the harvest down to the US from Canada because there is a super abundance of food.

The error in past thinking is that it was weather than drove birds to migrate. Rappole talks about the innate clock, seasonal changes (such as the end of the growing season and harvest) that lead to migration. He discusses the fact that outside of their breeding grounds many of the migrants are highly vulnerable in territories occupied by other birds that are resident year round. You might want to order the book through your library – its price is $47 CDN from the on line retailers. If it were $20, I would say go for it, but this is for those really interested in the nuances of migration. For that reason, Calico gives it her 9 paw award.

Gabby and 24E1 were on the nest tree earlier on Tuesday. There is no way to know if Beau is in the area as the cameras, now only two of them, are focused on the nest tree.

There is flooding in areas north of the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest and the weather forecast is for bad weather in the area of the nest. The eagles will take cover during that tropical storm watch. At least six days of rain with thunderstorms are brewing for Gabby and 24E1.

Please note that I have cancelled out the city around the nest to avoid divulging its location.

There is an eagle at the NCTC nest.

Wings of Whimsy gives us the Bald Eagle nest round up for the week ending on the 22nd of September. Check it out to see who is at home and who isn’t. https://youtu.be/MFCzzzgMHoE?

Hawk Mountain’s count for the week in migration:

I was so happy to see so many of you talking about the sea eaglets and how cute these two are. They certainly are!

That fish is in a video. https://youtu.be/N3eDQpZoJc4?

For those of you who remember Phyllis Robbins, she said she would appear as a ‘red leaf’. Look at that beautiful red leaf!

Incubation continues at Collins Street. ‘A’ writes: “Dear little dad at Collins Street is the funniest falcon. This morning around 11:09, mum got up and flew off the ledge. She was back after a mere minute, obviously aware that dad was nearby. He arrived on the ledge 15 seconds or so later with a scrap of food for mum. She grabbed it from him on the ledge and flew off to eat it. Dad hustled along to the scrape and settled on his eggs, chirping away to them as he did so. He has the cutest little chirps when he talks to the eggs. I love his chatting away to them. I’m sure those chicks will recognise dad as soon as they hatch. Such a cutie.

When mum returns at 11:27:34, Dad holds his ground and chirps for a little but his protests are short-lived. He soon gets up, and shortly before 11:28 he dives off the ledge and allows mum to resume incubation duties. “

M22 brings in a ‘dove’ for lunch for F23. https://youtu.be/VdX9Dju1M30?

The same at Orange.

Calypso, Ervie, Giliath, and Bradley are going to have some siblings soon. I wonder if we might get some females this year? Otherwise we might have to think about a translocation project to get these fellas a mate!

At the Growing Home osprey platform, a really nice fish dinner came in for that little one – and with both parents on the nest, they are keeping this baby ‘secret’ just like it was a famous film star’s children.

More on the topic of Menhaden and what must be done if we are to save the ospreys in the Chesapeake Bay. Brian Collins has really hit the proverbial nail on the head in this post. Please, please write your Senators and Congressional Representatives. Do it for Cobey, the Colonial Beach Osplet that starved to death before our very eyes.

Natural England’s report on Hen Harrier breeding across the UK:

Natural England reports drop in hen harrier breeding attempts – Raptor Persecution UK Download

Stop for a moment and have a look at the bird photographer winners of 2024. You might even seen a cute little peregrine falcon in the winners.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2024/sep/24/bird-photographer-of-the-year-2024-winners-in-pictures?CMP=share_btn_link

Many of you enjoyed Margaret Renkl’s book, The Comfort of Crows. Renkl has published a hard copy journal for people to use as a weekly diary of what is happening in their own gardens. It is called Leaf, Cloud, and Crow. Lots of pages for writing, sketching and it all begins with the first week of winter in late December. It is a great follow up to The Comfort of Crows where we get a glimpse of how an accomplished author celebrates the ordinary which is extraordinary right outside her window. It is also a good follow-up to Amy Tan’s book The Backyard Bird Chronicles -Tan didn’t know how to draw and took classes. But who cares what your drawings look like? Do your own chronicles! Watch how the birds and animals, the foliage, changes from season to season. Then do it again the following year. By the time you start your third year, you will know instinctively when the Dark-eyed Juncos will arrive and you will have your bag of White Millet on hand.

I have been scribbling for years in my Manitoba Bird book, a gift from my grandson, Carter, eons ago. I think it is time to take it to the next level and record the daily happenings. Thinking about those new little instant cameras that print photos…that might be fun to add to the mix. I might have helped run a School of Art, but, I cannot draw! or paint. Photographs are good but increasingly I am getting frustrated with digital images. When you have 58,000 on your phone, how do you find the one you really want? Frustrating.

Our ordinary gardens then become extraordinary.

Calico’s Tip for the Day! It can save your life, and it comes from a former student.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, announcements, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, K, R’, FOBBV, Sharon Dunne and the Royal Cam Albatross FB group New Zealand, NEFL-AEF, Weather Channel, NCTC, Wings of Whimsy, Hawk Mountain, Olympic Park Eaglets, Nesting Bird Life & More, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Growing Home Ospreys, Brian Collins – Menhaden, Little Fish, Big Deal FB, Raptor Persecution UK, The Guardian, Margaret Renkl.

Iris calls, no one answers…Tuesday in Bird World

17 September 2024

Good Morning Everyone!

It is Monday afternoon. 25 C. We are expecting a thunderstorm with heavy rain any moment. We have had rain on and off since dawn and it is ‘humid’. Did anyone say New Orleans? It is still raining Tuesday morning. The garden has been rejuvenated from all the moisture. It is the deepest emerald green. Beautiful.

Hugo Yugo wishes everyone the best Tuesday ever.

Well, there is something ‘changed’ at Hellgate Canyon. Iris was on the nest early Monday calling for Antali. She had a piece of fish. Antali was not on the perch. Antali did not come flying in tearing Mum’s talons off. Antali was not there. Antali was not there later in the day. You will understand immediately that this is not Antali’s normal behaviour. So the question is: 1) Is Antali with Finnegan and Sum-eh along the river fishing? OR 2) Has Antali left the area?

Iris calling Antali.

No Antali and no more Iris on Monday. I suspect that Antali is gone and that the sun is setting on the season at Hellgate Canyon.

I would say they are gone – the entire family of four. No doubt Dr Greene and his team will be out trying establishing for certain that everyone is on their way. Mark your calendars for the end of March 2025 and 8 April. We look forward to a re-run of the Iris and Finnegan Show.

The NE Florida camera has been fixed and is now streaming. Beau has been to the nest and there are some new wounds on his left leg. I did not see Gabby.

Gabby flies in at 1853. Her and Beau fly off together a minute later.

The SW Florida Bald Eagle streaming cams are up and running. If you have Osprey withdrawal, you can watch Gabby (we hope) and Beau and M15 and F23! https://www.youtube.com/live/fMum_nLPJqM?

Eagle 22 caught Shadow at Twin Pines. https://youtu.be/yzAO4lbtr9w?

Beaumont and Hope’s two dark beautiful fledglings are still at the Newfoundland nest screaming for fish! These chicks are beauties. What a great year.

I could show you a dozen images of C16 on Monday. What a gorgeous bird. She is trying to catch her own fish. She was rewarded by Charlie with a whole trout! A nice one.

Quiet at Sandpoint. I did not see River until the time of this screen capture.

Quiet at Dunrovin. I did not see Junebug up until the time of this screen capture.

Heidi says that it appears that Fen has now started his migration from the Fenwick Island osprey platform. The kids are starting to move south. Bless their wings, everyone. Full crops all around…safe trips, productive lives.

Still home at Niagara Bee.

Port Lincoln reports that the White-bellied Sea eagle chick is doing well.

Heidi discovered a new Osprey platform in Australia with a chick.

Please, please write your Senator, your Congressional Representatives and then flood those in Virginia. Another article about Osprey chicks (and we know adults died, too) from a lack of Menhaden. They starved to death. You saw it on your screen.

“The latest study surveyed data from 12 different sites this year in both Virginia and Maryland. Osprey young were struggling to survive at 10 sites in saltier waters where osprey primarily depend on menhaden for food. However, osprey young had much higher survival rates in two freshwater sites studied for reference, where they eat mainly catfish and gizzard shad.

Menhaden are a key component in the Bay food chain, serving as a food for striped bass, osprey, and whales. For years, the industrial harvest of menhaden in the Bay by Omega Protein and affiliate Ocean Harvesters, owned by Canada-based Cooke Inc., has raised concerns due to threats to other species. Last month, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted to form a workgroup to consider additional restrictions on the industrial harvest of menhaden, following a presentation of survey results showing low osprey nesting successThis year’s osprey data adds to the growing concerns about the number of menhaden in the Bay and the importance of a robust menhaden population for species that depend on them for food and Virginia’s economy,” CBF Virginia Executive Director Chris Moore said. “We must follow a precautionary, ecosystem-based approach to setting limits on the menhaden fishery. That approach must include the study of the industrial fishing impacts to the Bay, as well as considering seasonal fishing closures from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission…Often called “the osprey garden,” the Chesapeake Bay is home to the world’s largest breeding population of ospreys. “They’re an iconic bird,” said Remy Moncrieffe, marine conservation policy manager for National Audubon Society. “They’re one of the most approachable birds in the world. They’re historically everywhere. And they are a great indicator species.” With their distinctive cheep cheep cheep, majestic dives, and admirable work ethic, osprey—a tell-tale sign of summer on the Bay—are extraordinary birds. They mate for life and each spring return (often traveling thousands of miles from Cuba, Colombia, and other points south) to nest in the same area where they were born.”

https://www.gettysburgtimes.com/sports/article_bcba7b80-7166-11ef-af20-aba799f20f91.html?

Something must be done now and politicians only listen when their constituency seats are at risk.

Another article from Martha’s Vineyard on the importance of Menhaden to whales and dolphins, too.

Martha’s Vineyard Magazine | Martha’s Vineyard Magazine | Let Us Now Praise Famous Menhaden Download

Who won New Zealand’s Bird of the Year? Have you ever heard of this smelly penguin? Hoiho is its Maori name which means ‘nose shouter’. It has the most amazing yellow eyes! They are the most rare penguin in the world and only live in New Zealand. The Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust says, “That’s not the only thing that makes this a most unusual penguin. Hoiho are not as social as other penguins. Very shy, they prefer to nest often well away and out of sight of their neighbours.

Hoiho are dependent on both marine and terrestrial habitats. The land provides nesting habitat as well as loafing, roosting and moulting space. The sea provides food for hoiho and is essential for dispersal and movement between terrestrial habitats….Hoiho face a number of threats at sea and on land which impact their survival and ultimately lead to a population decline. They have become casualties of human activities – historically they were hunted for food, fires destroyed vast tracts of habitat and people arrived with predators. Today these predators still roam the countryside and we continue to share the coastal space occupied by penguins, putting their lives at risk.

Terrestrial impacts such as predation and land-use changes, can for the most part be managed. But even on offshore islands without terrestrial impacts, a decrease in the hoiho population is evident. This indicates that marine impacts are a major cause of decline.

Hoiho are considered to be ocean sentinels, helping us to understand the effects of pollution, over-fishing and climate change. They are highly sensitive to variation in the ocean, and sound the alarm on threats to marine ecosystems.

The cumulative impact of a range of different threats means that hoiho are less resilient to any additional impacts.”

“Hoiho/Yellow-Eyed Penguin, Porpoise Bay, Catlins” by flyingkiwigirl is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Rare smelly penguin wins New Zealand bird of the year contest | New Zealand | The Guardian Download

National Geographic gives us a look at Emperor Penguins taking the leap.https://youtu.be/4PwDFddpo4c?

Please leave the leaves! Go bird watching with all that time saved!

Send good wishes to this little fella – his injuries were caused by steam! So we can add that to the list of things that ‘J’ just sent she had read about injuring our birds in a single day: “football netting, fishing line, lights at night, poison, and shooting.” I am going to toss in there habitat loss, industrial fishing, industrial fishing nets and then there are the other 35 that Heidi and I discovered one day!

This one also had burns to his legs along with feather damage.

At the Olympic Eagle nest in Sydney, the little sea eaglets are ‘friends’. Have a peek! So cute, but it is the closeups and that beautiful plumage. https://youtu.be/kR3g4p8qX7I?

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

Thank you to the following for the posts, comments, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘H, J, PB’, Montana Osprey Project, NEFL-AEF, SW Florida Bald Eagle Cam, Eagle22, Charlo Montana, Newfoundland Power, Sandpoint Ospreys, Dunrovin Ranch, Pam Breci and The Joy of Ospreys, Port Lincoln Ospreys, thegettysburgtimes.com, Heidi McGrue Raptors of the World, Martha’s Vineyard, The Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust, Openverse, The Guardian, National Geographic, Leaves for Life, Raptor Centre of Tampa Bay, and SK Hideaways.

Category Archives: ospreys starved to death

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