Category Archives: Polish wildlife

Banff has a great day…Tuesday in Bird World

22 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope that you are all well.

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

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

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

Jackie and Shadow are safe.

Chase & Cholyn are alright.

Did not see Andor or Cruz.

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

Did not see anyone at Sauces.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time for ‘H’s reports –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fledge is the word of the day and Louis and Dorcha’s chick is a boy…Sunday in Bird World

9 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

All of the Corvid babies are coming to the feeders. This includes the six Blue Jays – easy to recognise from the adults because they have their crest – the adults are now moulting having fledged this large nest. then there are the baby Crows. They do not look so much like babies but the adults feed them on the top of my fence and it is so cute. Then now, this morning, we have the Grackles. Of course, in the mix, are the dozens and dozens of baby House Sparrows, and Dyson’s kids. The images are not great…it is very difficult with the iridescent black and the black eyes and beak to capture the Crows when they are in the south of the conservatory.

Of course, the peanut stock is being depleted regularly with all of these Corvids. The St Boniface. is near the shop to get the birdIndustrial Park . It has two larger ponds and a smaller one. I have not been there this year, and it was high time to check to see what was happening. First, there were no Canada Geese. Not one. Not even a feather from moulting. There were four Ring adult Ring-necked ducks, a pair of Mallards, a few Red-winged Blackbirds, Song and Savannah Sparrows, and a lone Robin pulling worms out of the moist soil. All this rain is helping the birds!

That said- the running around for seed (the shop is quite a distance from where I live) means that my blog today is not nearly as long as normal.

‘H’ sent me great news on Saturday, and if you did not see the posting, you will be thrilled to know that Rita, the former mate of Ron, from the WRDC Bald Eagle Nest, is splendid. While we would all want her living in the will with Ron, raising eaglets, it was not meant to be. She had to have part of a wing amputated and she was in guarded condition for some time. Here is the latest news from the Miami Zoo and it is good. Thanks, ‘H’,

Gosh, it’s nice to start off with good news and there is more.

Check out the growth of Dmitri’s storklet! This is from May to July, 2 months. I will put the link to today’s feeding below. Dmitri has been overwhelmed by the international response to his health condition. Enough funds have arrived for him to have the private surgery and not wait a long time in the queue at public hospitals. He has said that the storklet ‘saved his life’… The belief that storks bring individuals good luck if we care for them is shown clearly in this instance. This is a feel-good story, and so happy and grateful for this kind and generous ordinary person. If you wanted to donate, however small, to Dmitri, send me a note, and I will give you the address for the fund. He will need help and funds to feed the storklet and himself after the surgery. Donating was very easy.

The link to this feeding. There does not appear to be a streaming cam live but a camera has been provided to Dmitri so that he can make short clips of the storklet’s progress and post them.

Soledad is still yelling and screaming and the parents are furnishing her with breakfast and keeping track of their only eyas this year. Monty and Hartley you did well! It is sure nice to know that these babies that have fledged are safe.

The third hatch at Outerbanks 24/7 has fledged and like its two older siblings has already returned to the nest! Well done. Put this Osprey nest on your list to watch next season. They are all gone and then they are all on the nest. You can hear them fish calling on the cam!

There is a fledge at Llyn Clywedog. Dylan and Seren’s eldest boy, Blue 8B1, took to the skies, did a fantastic flight around and returned landing on the perch right next to Mum.

Dylan brought his young lad a nice Brown Trout as a reward.

Female chick PF4 has fledged at Loch of the Lowes! Oh, goodness they are all taking to the skies or thinking about it.

At the Dyfi nest of Idris and Telyn, the chicks are hovering.

The Finnish Osprey #4 nest was a concern. ‘A’ was correct to be concerned. The lack of fish and rain has prompted the first hatch to attack both Middle and Little. The female appears reluctant to feed the Little one and despite two large fish being brought to the nest one after another, the Big osplet has now killed the little one.” It was an outright attack according to my friend ‘T’.

Finnish #1 nest. Eine really loves to eat her fish and those chicks have to work hard to get fed. There could be a potential for problems. The Big one eats, then the second, and we hope there is enough for the third!

The Patchogue Osprey nest is doing fine. There is a lot of wing flapping. The two older osplets have fledged and returned to the nest. On Saturday, Three got up to the perch so it is only time til it flies officially. That left Mini on the nest and our deal little one looked so lonely. Little Mini had a couple of good crops on Saturday. Fully confident that this fantastic chick will fledge. Please continue to watch as we celebrate these amazing parents who raised four energetic and healthy osplets.

Mini keeping an eye on that fish that one of the older is eating. Mini is very smart and has proven itself a survivor. The only issue could be a nest accident but I didn’t say that! This is also a good nest to put on your list for viewing next year.

Mini alone -.

‘M’ got this nice screen capture of Mini alone today, too. The flying is going to cause the older ones to be hungry so no doubt the nest is going to be frantic when there are deliveries. Gos, this chick is gorgeous. Notice her nice necklace and those amazing eyes. You can always tell Mini by her head and neck form the others. And look at those thick ankles. Little tears of joy…I know many of us worried so much that we would lose Mini.

After some initial hiccups, Boulder County Fair Grounds Ospreys are doing fantastic.

Everything appears to be alright at Cowlitz PUD. This nest was fortunate – only one egg hatched and there is enough fish for three. If you have forgotten, the theory is that the Bald Eagles – which are plentiful in the area – steal the fish from the Ospreys.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum nest is very interesting. It is thought that this is the first breeding season for the female. The male is 21 years old. He often stays in the nest and observes the female feeding the chick. Today is the first day I can say that this baby has ‘a fat little bottom’. Things have improved since the beginning of the season on this nest.

Clark PUD is alright. I keep thinking this nest could use some more fish as the osplets are growing rapidly and feathering.

The female at Collins Marsh is just a sweetie. The two chicks of this new couple are doing very well, indeed.

The three chicks at the Lipka Forest Osprey nest in Poland are doing super.

The ringing of osplets (or any raptor or bird) can cause upsets at the nest. After the initial delay of the parents returning to the nest on Saturday, Louis comes in with fish number two. On Sunday, it is confirmed that this big chick is a boy! The naming contest has begun. Geemeff sent the link, please scroll through the comments when you get to this site: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/

‘H’ continues to be concerned about the FortisExshaw nest. This is her report for the morning: “Their only feeding yesterday was from a large fish brought by Louise at 0934.  Since then, Louise has left the nest numerous times, and the longest she was away was 52 minutes.  She returned a few times with nesting material.  She was never seen with a large crop.  I have seen beaking of Little a few times.  I assume this beaking is probably taking place more often than I am finding it on rewind.  Jasper will have been missing 48 hours on 7/9 at 0930.  I hope Jasper returns.  This is really tough on Little.”

Louise alone wondering what happened to Jasper with three very young chicks to feed and protect – and brood.

Ferris Akel has been checking in on Big Red, Arthur and the Ms and on Saturday he found all of them. Those fledglings are doing great.

Suzanne Arnold Horning found the Ms as well. Gosh these are precious little ones.

A beautiful story coming to us from the Kakapo Recovery about Nora – and, yes, she is still alive. I have attached the article below so you can read about this remarkable female, the matriarch to the now 209 Kakapo in the world.

Celebrating-40-years-with-Nora-the-kakapo-Conservation-blogDownload

All of Heidi’s other Osprey nests are doing well so no individual reports on them.

Thank you for being with me today. Send your positive energy to those struggling nests, including Fortis Exshaw. Take care, everyone. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘Geemeff, H, M, T’, Miami Zoo, Dmitri’s stork, SK Hideaways and the SJCH Falcon Cam, Outerbanks 24/7, CarnyXWild, George Green and the Clywedog Osprey Group, Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve, Dyfi Osprey Project, Finnish Osprey Foundation, PSEG, Boulder County Fair Grounds, MN Landscape Arboretum, Clark PUD, Collins Marsh, Lipka Forest, Friends of Loch Arkaig and the Woodland Trust, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Ferris Akel Live Stream, Suzanne Arnold Horning, and kakapo Recovery.

Fledge at Rutland, Dmitri’s stork gets a nest…Tuesday in Bird World

4 July 2023

Good Morning,

To everyone celebrating the Fourth of July – have a wonderful day! I remember the sparklers and those triangles ‘black things’ that grew like long snakes when lit with a match and made such a mess. There was always a picnic and a freezer full of homemade ice cream. There were also fireworks. Of course, now, we think of their harm to wildlife and to pets, not those dazzling colours in the sky. No one knew then, but we do now – so, instead of fireworks, give something to your local wildlife rehab – a bag of dog kibble, a gallon of bleach, old towels and sheets – whatever you can afford.

The theme of this year’s osprey season might well be the number of nests where the females have had to go and supplement the fish brought in by the males.

We will start with the sad bits and end on a high note with Soledad’s 3rd day in the wild world of downtown San Jose.

Monday was a bit of hard day – again. The third hatch at the Borders nest in Scotland died from starvation/not being able to get to eat/siblicide. There were mitigating circumstances and everyone hoped that things would work out for Samson and Juno’s little chick. Samson was gone for some 20 hours and did not deliver fish and for some strange reason, many of the males are not doing well at deliveries this year. Even Blue NC0 has been going fishing again at Loch of the Lowes. Juno went fishing and came in with some big ones, but the two older siblings took over, and the little one was left out. Fly high, sweetie.

The third hatch is on the far left being submissive.

The two chicks are in a sad state at Newfoundland Power. I hope when you read this that they have passed over that Rainbow Bridge. So many of you have phoned and e-mailed the power company and so have I. Unfortunately, nothing will probably be done. Humans need to become more empathetic to suffering. The first one appears finally succumb to starvation after more than two or more days of being injured and without food. The second one was injured with sticks by Hope on the 2nd. Hope tried to aerate the mud around the chicks and feed the chicks. I have great pity for her…she lost her all of her chicks, save for one in 2019. She appears not to understand how to care for the babies or why they are dying. ‘T’ and I are wondering if raptors can suffer mental illness.

It is raining in Newfoundland and poor Hope is brooding her dead and/or dying chicks. Did I say my heart just aches for this mother who just seems so unaware.

There is good news at another nest we have been concerned for, thankfully. The life of the only surviving chick at the MN- Landscape Arboretum nest is improving. The female had quite the turnaround, and this little one is growing nicely.

At the Patchogue nest, it looked like Big was going to fledge Monday afternoon. At 1518 s/he had its wings out almost knocking Mini off the nest. Lots of wing flapping and hopping and some very good hovers. All of this caught Mini’s attention and then later, the other two big siblings. Gosh, do you remember when we were reluctant to check on this nest for fear something had happened to Little Mini? or we went to bed worried about how much food Mini had. Well, now this nest is one that I turn to for hope. These parents have done an exceptional job. If osplets model their future behaviour by the way they were treated on the nest, then these four will have very successful families!

Siblings all lined up before Big gets really antsy. Oh, it could have been such a wonderful self portrait if not for the itchiness of feathers! But look at our Little Mini there with its smile and huge crop – a reminder that with the hard work of the parents and the determination of this tiny tiny chick – we can have success. Look at the size of Mini next to Big! Gracious.

The long skinny legs of Big make me think it is a male…a big male.

Big getting some height.

Mini of the ‘many’ faces today as she pondered all the flapping and hovering. Then every once in awhile Mini would get excited and flap its little wings, too.

Mini wanting Big’s fish.

There is a chance of a fledge at Patchogue today although it would be good if Big would continue the hovering practice.

Another site that makes me happy is Dmitri and his stork. If you remember he removed the beaten and battered fifth stork from the family nest before its mother could kill it. He cared for its wounds, fed it worms, and made a pen for it to grow and eat. Now look. Dmitri made a real stork nest for his not so little foster storklet, Pyatachok. ‘T’ tells me that the name refers to ” “the small coin 5 kopecks and also a piglet like the friend of Winnie the Pooh.” The five of course refers to this one’s birth order.

I understand that Dmitri has a very treatable cancer and that the community and wider community have rallied to gather funds for his after care and treatment. His operation is 18 July. Wishing him well. Anyone who rescues an abused animal and treats it with the respect that this man has is fantastic. Oh, my faith in humans does sometimes rise high. This same community helped with the materials and maybe even the camera for this kind man.

Missing all the squeeing from the WRDC nest…well, here is Rose delivering a fish and R4 and R5! Thanks Heidi Mc.

Sunnie Day gives an upclose and personal view of Whitley and Noble at the much loved Crooked Lake osprey nest.

The new couple at the Collins Marsh osprey platform in Wisconsin are doing fantastic. The two surviving chicks have grown like crazy and are doing so well.

I cannot confirm that the couple at the Cowlitz PUD are Electra and her mate. I can say that this single surviving osplet is being well fed when fish is available. It is growing and Mum is sleeping side by side with the chick in the nest which might help protect it from any predators.

You would be hard-pressed to pick out the tiny third hatch at the Boulder County Fairgrounds osprey nest today! Exceptional parenting, plenty of fish – this nest of three has thrived with that tiny one growing and catching up. This nest was once on my worry list – no more!

The Lipka osprey nest in Poland with its three osplets is doing exceptionally well, also.

The three at the Ramucka Forest osplet nest in Poland are also thriving!

The three chicks at Nest #1 in Finland are trying to work out what to do with a piece of bark (is it similar to Birch?) brought to the nest.

Elen and Aran’s chicks have been ringed at Glaslyn. We have two boys.

We have the first fledge of the 2023 season for Blue 33 and Maya at Rutland Water. Blue 3H3 took off at 0924 on the 4th of July. Congratulations.

‘H’s report on the nests she is monitoring:

FortisExshaw: “It has been difficult to view feedings at this nest, as our view is usually blocked.  But there was a feeding at 1734 on 7/3 that was easily seen.  Everything was going along great, and Little was in the front row receiving many bites of fish.  However, four minutes into the feeding, one of the older chicks, that I believe to be Big, unleashed a beaking attack upon Little.  Little didn’t do anything to instigate the attack.  After the attack, Little stayed crouched in submissive posture for the remainder of the feeding.  I cannot say that was the first time there has been aggression toward Little at a meal, but it was the first time I have seen it.  The kids are prone to bonking battles in between meals, and sometimes those battles are started by Little.  Pics attached are from the 1734 feeding.  (ages 16, 16, and 14 days on 7/4)”.

Osoyoos: “Osoyoos – The 8 and 7 day old Osplets are just little angels at meal times, but they do get into some bonking between meals.  Oh my, this nest is in dire need of some padding.  See the attached pic . . the kids are sitting in a hole below the level of the pole that the nest is built on! “

Severna Park: “Severna Park – These gorgeous teenagers are on fledge watch.  Ages 57 and 56 days on 7/4.”

Forsythe: “Forsythe –  The temperature was very hot with thunderstorms later in the day. The heat may have made for difficult fishing for the Ospreys.  There were two early fish, then Opal was MIA for several hours.  When she returned at 1411 she brought a very large fish with her, and at 1459 Oscar also landed with a large fish.  There were six fish in total.  This nest remains peaceful.  The Osplets are 43 and 42 days of age.”

McEuen Park, Idaho: Look at those beautiful osplets – all three of them! I hope they are not scared off their nest today by fireworks!

Dear Soledad. Oh, how we do worry about you! So good to see how you are doing.

Ferris Akel found all of Big Red’s family last night at Cornell. The three fledglings are doing exceptionally well.

A short and lovely article about a man who bought 35 acres of land in Ireland and began to rewind it. There is hope as each of us does what we can to help our planet. Maybe in your garden it could start with a single plant to help bees or butterflies.

‘The-result-was-amazing-one-mans-mission-to-reforest-a-barren-Irish-hillside-Rewilding-The-GuDownload

Thank you so much for being with me today. Be kind to yourself. Take care and see you soon!

Thank you to everyone for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me create my blog today: ‘A’, Border Ospreys, PSEG, MN-Landscape Arboretum Osprey nest, Newfoundland Power Company, Sunnie Day and Crooked Lake Ospreys, Collins Marsh, Cowlitz PUD, Boulder County Fair Grounds Ospreys, Lipka Osprey Nest, the Ramucka Forest Ospreys, Bywyd Gwywwd Glaslyn, Rutland O, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Severna Park, Forsythe ospreys, McEuen Park, SK Hideaways and SJCH Falcon Cam, Ferris Akel Live Stream, and The Guardian.

Foster fledges…Monday in Bird World

3 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

I spent most of early Sunday doing some clerical work. The joy of finding new osprey nests with healthy chicks like Loch Don raises my spirits. Hopefully, by today I will have caught up with everything Claudio needs me to do. His programme for monitoring the nests for my research is exceptional, and I am so grateful to him and to ‘H’ for helping track quite many nests for me. Now it is time for me to get all the details of the nests I am following cleaned up and updated! As a result, this blog could be a mishmash. Still, there are always good things that come out of tidying.

My need for additional information allowed me to reconnect with Diane and others at the Tweed Valley Ospreys. Tweed Valley chicks will be ringed and fitted with satellite trackers soon. Last year they had three lovely males. Sadly, it appears that two perished, but Blue 708 Glen is still alive and loving his life in Morocco as of 14 June.

First up I reported that the osplet at Snow Lane in Newfoundland died on 1 July. That poor little one is still suffering and dying on the 2nd. Meanwhile Mum Hope is eating away and sometimes feeds the other chick. (Wishing someone would go up and retireve that baby and foster it).

The situation at the nest of Hope and Beau grows more dire as it appears that the healthy chick was injured with sticks being brought in on Sunday. The poor little one that was dying on 1 July does seem to have passed.

Did I say someone should have rescued this healthy first chick and fostered it? There is something ‘wrong’ with this female.

The second chick is lodged at an angle this morning in Newfoundland. Hope is feeding it but it appears to have been injured with those stick movements. This nest is so sad – it makes you wonder about the female’s presence of mind.

The Mum at MN-Landscape Arboretum sure likes to eat her fish, too. I wonder what that 21 year old male thinks??? The female is doing better and she is shading the chick much of the time as well as feeding. It is extremely hot in our region (32 C in Winnipeg and this nest is about 8 hours south of me). The wee two week old is losing its down and getting its black oily head and turning into a Reptile. Oh, I so hope this baby survives!

There is good news coming in my mailbox about Soledad from ‘SP’. “Soledad slept on the rotunda across from City Hall and then flew to the top of an apartment building this morning, where her parents met her for breakfast. By all counts, so far, she’s a strong flyer. Now talons crossed that she avoids all those mirrored buildings downtown.” ‘B’ reports that Soledad was brought back to the area around the natal nest and that it is quite hot in San Jose. After a bit of a loaf, she was running along the ledge and flying off. Hopefully, she saw one of the parents with prey! The latest report from ‘B’: “At 8:10:10 pm that Soledad took off.  About a minute and a half later, a falcon landed on the ledge where she took off, and I thought at first she was back — juvie coloring — but I think it was Monty, because I saw no bands.  He stood there for a few minutes, scanning about, then took off in the direction Soledad departed.”  Like ‘B’, I hope that there was prey being delivered by Hartley and that all three are together at night. Here is a video of Soledad’s adventures on Sunday.

‘SP’ and I have also been keeping a worried eye on the Evergy third hatch. It “hopped/flew to the roof above his perch. I did not see it happen, only the resulting move of the camera. I learned about his move when I inquired on their FB page. They said the camera angle was changed “in case he passes by the area”. What? I reviewed yesterday’s stream and just reviewed it again. I did not hear or see any sign of him.” ‘SP’ and I strongly felt that this chick should have been taken into care early on and wrote and wrote when the others fledged. No one seemed to care! How sad is that?

At the Patchogue nest on Sunday, Dad was fishing overtime. Lots of fish coming on the nest. Little Mini gets fed some and misses out on others but the nest is so civil! All four are doing well because these parents work so hard for them. Just look at the four today. It is worth noting that Little Mini is continuing to grow and with lots of fish she could easily be as big as 3 if she is not already. Having trouble recognising her? She is the third from the right, nearest the rim of the nest.

‘M’ writes that there was a milestone at the nest today. Big had a fish and walked away when it was full and Mini went over and ate the rest, self-feeding. Then Mum came and fed Mini a fish! Excellent news. Looks like we are going to have four fledges at this amazing nest. — Mini had lots of feedings on Sunday, too, including 0801.

Mini self feeding.

Mini on the far right but being fed some fish, too.

Mum feeding Mini.

There is so much fish and so much wing-flapping on the Patchogue nest on Sunday that it is hard to keep up!

At least two have fish, Mini look directly at us from the back.

Mini continued to get fed, continued to self-feed, and was finding scraps in the side of the nest. What a character – and a survivor. Always alert now for opportunities for fish in case she gets locked out from the Bigs.

Mini finds a fish tail in the rim of the nest.

Mum feeds Mini again.

Lots of flapping from the older siblings. Look at the wing span on this one and those long skinny legs…my bet would be a male despite the necklace (yes, some males do have necklaces) – and some females leave their nests and do not return when terrible things happen but are not dead – as my friend ‘T’ reminded me today. Think Florence at Captiva.

Mini self-feeding. Good night Mini…Your tail is getting longer. You are growing…we never thought we would see this day and that is why we are paying so much attention to you – a fourth hatch!

All three osplets at Boulder County Fair Grounds are getting their beautiful juvenile plumage. All three are thriving – and again we thank the wonderful work of these two adults. They have consistently made sure that the smaller third hatch was fed.

The fish are small and slow to arrive but the only chick at Cowlitz PUD is still doing alright.

The three osplets at Dunrovin Ranch are doing splendidly.

Betsy feeding her three ‘great big’ chicks at the Outerbanks 24/7 nest. She doesn’t mind and remember, it always allows the females to have some fish, too.

There are so many three chick nests this year! The ones at Alyth SSEN substation are starting to flap their wings and get some air. The nest is too high for ringing, sadly. These are sure beautiful birds.

Two beautiful big Bobs of Dylan and Seren. This is one of my favourite nests. I love how the Reservoir is stocked – yes, probably more those fishing but, I would like to think it is for the wildlife, too. Much ask John Williams unless someone knows.

Dylan and his first mate (he ousted the very popular Dai Dot), Delyth, from 2016-2020 have had 4 chicks return. They were KS7 and KS8 (both 2018) and KA6 and KA7 (both 2019). Dylan and Seren have been together for three years, 2020-23) and they have had 2 of their chicks return, 550 and 551 (both 2020). Of those six returns, four were male and two were female. Thanks, John Williams for your great blog and all those stats!

Idris and Telyn have two beautiful chicks at Dyfi, too – another favourite couple. Idris replaced Monty at Dyfi in 2020. There were sightings of his 2020 chick Teifi KC6 in Santander, Spain in 2022 but the chick has not been seen in Wales. This does not mean that others have not returned. They have to have verified sightings to be recorded. Many males do return to their natal nest.

That chick of Louis and Dorcha continues to amuse. What a feisty independent osplet!

It looks like ‘H’ has some good reports for the nests she is monitoring today!

“Barnegat Light – This little family of three is doing quite well.  There has not been a name announced as yet for 09/N, who is 33 days old on 7/3.”

“Audrey, Tom, and the Babe at Kent Island had a good day.  Tom delivered 5 fish that I saw.  I wonder if the youngster will be given a name?  Three weeks old on 7/3.”

“Severna Park – Life is good.  Oscar and Olivia are great providers for their two good looking kids, ages 56 and 55 days on 7/3.  There’s a lot of wingersizing taking place on that nest.”

H loves the foster at Patuxent! “I can’t say enough about this young foster Osplet.  She was placed in this nest by park personnel on 6/29.  Her behavior is unique to this viewer.  ‘Foster’ is so polite and reserved.  I would love to have known the dynamics between her and her siblings at her nest on the “tower” from which she was rescued.  Perhaps she was an only ‘child’.  Dad delivered a fish at 1828 on 7/2, and they had not eaten for about 5 hours.  ‘Foster’ looked just as eager as the others when the fish arrived, and for a brief second, it looked as though she might take the fish from Mom, but she didn’t.  We have seen her self-feed.  Instead, ‘Foster’ stood patiently and stoically on the rim and watched Mom feed her own two kids.  It’s almost as if ‘Foster’ wants to respect her hosts, by not being intrusive, but of course we cannot ascribe those thoughts to her.  Typically the fish brought to this nest are huge, but this fish wasn’t that large.  In the end, ‘Foster’ only received a few bites, and that was the last fish of the day.  I felt a little sorry for her, but she did eat two nice meals earlier in the day.’Foster’ often flaps and exercises her wings, and manages to get a little lift.  She is almost able to go from rim to rim.  But, ‘Foster’ is a big girl, and she has a lot of weight to lift.”

Foster fledged at 08:26:24! Congratulations!

“The Forsythe nest of Oscar, Opal, and their two surviving kids are doing great.  There were at least five fish that I saw.  Opal brought in a huge live fish at 0934 that lasted for three long meals.  What a Gal!  The kids are 42 and 41 days old.”

It was a rainy day at the Boathouse nest for Dory, Skiff, and little Skipper.  Skipper sought his/her Mom’s protection from the weather, but Dory can no longer cover her growing nestling.  Skipper is  23 days old on 7/3.” 

This year is particularly interesting at the nest of Big Red and Arthur. Normally, Big Red does not like to feed her fledglings at the natal nest. This year, with the construction across the street, she is delivering more prey there. The little one was on the nest when she arrived at 13:29:50 and mantled quickly but was accosted by what appears to be its oldest sibling. Big Red took note of who got the prey and quickly left the scene.

Maria Mariko reports that history has been made in Poland. Seven Black Storks have been ringed and fitted with trackers.

We always worry about fledglings. Always. We watch the eggs, we wait up for the hatch, we bite our nails when there are problems, we cry, we jump for joy, and then they fledge – and we often do not see the fledglings or hear them. Two other nests with recent fledges are the Decorah Hatchery and the Cornell RTHs, who we know are safe from the posting above.

DH2 has been located.

‘A’ reports on the Sydney Eagle nest of Dad and Lady: “Dad is presumably doing fine at this stage, as he is hunting normally and doing his incubation shifts. July 3; a few possum visits in the night, Lady up and down many times, but eggs uncovered for only short times. Early duet as usual & Dad relieved her at 6:40. After a flight away she finished off the fish leftover from last evening. During the day both were in and out a lot, but eggs only uncovered briefly. Dad brought in a coot just after 2pm, which he plucked & de-gutted away from the nest, ate most himself & brought her a few scraps. By dusk, both were settled for the night as usual. Today she spent slightly longer on the eggs than he did As per the report, Lady did longer on the nest than Dad today, which is unusual, but she is probably doing a bit of hunting for herself at this stage until Dad is 100% again. He can still do a perfectly good job of sitting on the eggs, even with an injured leg. I have not seen any signs of injury over the weekend, so let us hope that all is now well.”

Sadly, another bird with fishing line and hook. Do you ever just wonder how many there are that die with this situation – never seen? How sad that we cannot find a way to clean up the shores and all the dead trees in the water and rid the waterways of human debris.

Oh, my goodness, P20 shows up at the Pittsburgh-Hayes nest to get some food from Mum today!

The only surviving eaglet at the Fort Vrain Bald Eagle nest in Colorado fledged today. Congratulations!

Thank you so very much for being with me today. All of the UK nests are doing fantastic! While I continue to worry about Little Mini at Patchogue, I am much more optimistic that this survivor will fledge. The worrisome nests are Newfoundland Power and MN Landscape at the moment. So rest assured that the nests are doing well, some better than others. Having a good location is key. Having a good location with a stocked source of fish is paramount to success. So send your best wishes to all the nests. Take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, B, Geemeff, H, SP, T’, Newfoundland Power, MN-Landscape, SK Hideaways and San Jose City Hall Ospreys, PSEG, Boulder County Fair Grounds, Cowlitz PUD, Dunrovin, Outerbanks 24/7, Alyth SSEN, CarnyXWild, John Williams, Dyfi, Geemeff and The Friends of Loch Arkaig and the Woodland Trust, Cornell RTH, Maria Marika, Laura Rose and Decorah Eagles love nest, Kathleen Moore and Nor Cal Birding, Pix Cams, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ, Kent Island, Severna Park, Patuxent River Park I, Forsythe Ospreys, Explore/Audubon, Sydney Sea Eagles, and Fort St Vrain.