Category Archives: Port Lincoln Ospreys

Bird Flu in Polar Bears…Friday in Bird World

5 January 2024

Good Morning,

Hugo Yugo went to the vet on Thursday and she had an excellent report. Not a single problem and she is now a good weight for her age and she is getting some adult teeth. Vet Kate thinks she is going to be a super small kitten. It was nice to see Hugo Yugo with lots of energy while she was at the clinic – she is awesome.

Wrestling in the conservatory with Hope. Look at Calico’s face. She is so glad not to be a part of this action.

The plumbers were here all day. They are terrific and got all new drains and vents and a new WC installed, etc. Hugo found a pile of old towels destined for the clinic and she snuggled in. I think the vaccinations made her a little tired. All of the cats were so good. They were sequestered so as not to get outside and the best of the lot were Calico and Hope. Missey and Hugo Yugo were their curious selves. Hugo Yugo is getting nice little ginger tufts of fur on the tips of her ears.

All had a special late dinner to thank them for being so patient during the plumbing ordeal.

You need to be part of the Big Bird Count. Go to the Cornell Lab or Audubon and sign up! We need accurate counts of birds in winter to help understand declines and increases in populations. Thank you!

Looks like M15 brought in an Egret for lunch after the family had finished the rabbit.

Here is that Egret delivery by Faxinating.

F23 catches her own fish and brings it to the nest. M15 removes the Egret carcass. E23 is doing fantastic.

From the behaviour, it sure looks like C10 is a female at Captiva. She still rears her long neck and head and C11 still plummets down on occasion. Little male?

Gabby is on territorial protection duty it seems. Gabby is doing all the incubating as far as I can tell on Thursday.

Ravens and Jackie and Shadow at Big Bear. Video of the busy day at the nest at the end.

Looks like Mum at Pittsburgh-Hayes.

At Port Lincoln, Brad found some leftover fish in the nest and had a nice breakfast. Gil was not bothered.

They see Dad.

The day so far at Port Lincoln. 

‘A’ sends us good news from the Parramatta River. We can all sleep easy. SE31 is really catching fish and providing for herself. It really is OK to sit there and cry your eyes out. We have been waiting for years to see this miracle happen.

Here is the latest: “January 4: The first report of our juvenile today was just after 7am, flying into Juvenile Roost. Then at 9am, she was seen catching a fish, then eating it. Wonderful sighting. At around 10:30am, she took to the air, joining an adult circling above, higher and higher and over Ermington. Then back again when a parent, we think Lady, brought in an even bigger fish – with the young one squeeing eagerly when going to take it from the adult. SE31 has eaten well today. Our juvenile is growing and gaining in experience, flying and soaring strongly, and now has been observed catching her own fish. Late in the evening, both adults were seen at Goat Island.”

The video of WBSE31 catching a fish!

‘A’ also reports: ”Thought you would want to know that BOK came in today (4 January) to relieve WYL. Such a relief to all. I am not sure whether they will replace the dummy egg with the real one again now – I presume they will.”

Diamond looking out as a falcon flies down from the tower. You can see them if you squint! (light grey form half way down Diamond’s chest in green area).

BirdGuides Review of the week:

Review-of-the-Week-18-December-2023-1-January-2024-BirdGuidesDownload

If you have cried over the plight of the Manatees in Florida, a new report is giving hope. Not raptors but I know many of you are concerned. We will take all the good news we can get the beginning of 2024!

Seagrass-resurgence-offers-ray-of-hope-for-Floridas-hard-hit-manatees-Marine-life-The-Guardian-1Download

Some good news I you are not a fan of wind turbines killing our birds.

“In Petit-Pressigny, in South Touraine, the PROJECT FOR EIGHT WIND TURBINE MASTS WAS REJECTED by the Versailles administrative court of appeal DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF A BLACK STORK’S NEST NEARBY.”

We close on a bit of a sad and confusing/conflicting note.  Anna’s body should not have been incinerated without being signed off. Also it only takes 2-3 days to get the HPAI rush results so what is going on? The author is right to be frustrated…good gracious. 

Bird Flu has now been detected in a Polar Bear. 

First-Case-of-Lethal-Bird-Flu-in-Polar-Bears-Reported-in-Alaska-The-New-York-TimesDownload

On the plus side – we will soon be on pip watch for Dade County with Ron and Rose and Berry College with Pa and Missey! ’H’ reports that Superbeaks looks promising for a second clutch. Fingers crossed.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Take care. We look forward to having you with us again soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, posts, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ’A, H, J’, Cornell Bird Lab, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Faxinating, Window to Wildlife, NEFL-AEF, FOBBV, Baibai, PIX Cams, PLO, Bart M, Eagle Cam, NZ DOC, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Bird Guides, and The Guardian.

Thursday in Bird World

4 January 2023

Good Morning,

It is almost the last of the warm weather. We are beginning to dip. It is -12 C. Next week the forecast is for -23 on Friday. I know you will be wondering how on earth we stay warm, but we do! Insulated houses, jackets, boots, warm mitts/gloves, warm hats, triple pane windows, etc. It is, of course, bloody cold! And I tend to find it much nicer to have lots of story times with the girls than go out. 

As I am writing this, Hope and Hugo are chasing one another all over the place. They are the best of playmates. When you look remember that both were the kittens of strays. Baby Hope, the Calico, was born on 2 July 2023 and Hugo Yugo was born on 2 September 2023. There is only two months separating them. Hope is almost as big as her mother. Hugo is very, very tiny. You can see this better in the second image. Still, Hugo Yugo is not afraid of anything and she loves nothing better than a play fight and tumble with Missey or Hope.

Hope likes to pose. She is so beautiful.

Precious Mamma.

Awhile ago I played with names. Never did change her name from Hugo because she was a girl but I have found myself calling her Hugo Yugo and she comes running even when she is busy in the twinkle tree when she hears it. 

You can get an idea of how tiny Hugo Yugo is from comparing her head to the ornament below her. 

We don’t have any new snow but Baibai caught the first snow for Jackie and Shadow on Wednesday. It is so beautiful.

The eaglets are eating, sleeping, and growing at Captiva. They are really at that ‘awkward’ moment, but so cute with those full crops. ‘Oh, just have one more bite!”

Beau did not completely bury the second egg when he was incubating and aerating. Beau will learn – he is learning. Gabby is back on deck.

Here is a video of that three hour incubation shift.

There is what all the fuss is about in Fort Myers! That little fuzzy cutie-pie of an eaglet of M15 and F23—-E23. They are finishing up that rabbit on Wednesday. This chick and its first time Mum have no idea how lucky they are…’Harriet-trained M15′ as a dad and partner. Wow.

M15 feeding F23.

M15 feeding his only eaglet.

Dad and the new female at the ND-LEEF have that nest that collapsed when Little Bit ND17 went overboard in tip top shape for a new season. They are north so the eggs will come later than the ones in Florida and the other parts of the south.

The female at Duke Farms is working with the new male on their nest. There are a lot of new pairs this year, did you realise this?

Pepe and Muhlady have a beautiful nest. Will there be a second clutch?

Abby and Blaze continue incubation at Eagle Country.

Liberty is so gorgeous in the sun at the Redding nest she shares with Guardian.

Some action at the NCTC nest of Bella and Scout.

It was a good day for Gil and Brad at Port Lincoln and that was just up to early afternoon!

One of my favourite Osprey couples is Blue 33 and Maya at Rutland Water. Blue 33 is Maya’s second partner. She how now broken Osprey history at Rutland by fledgling 37 chicks. Her and Blue 33 are considered to be a Super Couple because they have also successfully raised several clutches of four!

Annie and Lou were not impressed when humans entered ‘their’ territory.

Because I see the rivalry at my bird feeders, this article coming out of Audubon on the birds that win at getting seed turned out to be very interesting. I think you will be surprised, too.

Who-Wins-the-Feeder-War-AudubonDownload

Did you know?

The Midway Atoll has some hatches.

A study to determine if painting a wind turbine blade black will help stop bird deaths.

Can-Black-Paint-Help-Birds-Avoid-Wind-Turbines-AudubonDownload

Of course, there can sometimes just be too many studies and not enough action. A Norwegian study from four years ago -.

Paint-it-black-Efficacy-of-increased-wind-turbine-rotor-blade-visibility-to-reduce-avian-fatalitiesDownload

Iberdrola is already undertaking this action because of previous research.

Iberdrola-is-painting-wind-turbine-blades-black-and-applying-vinyl-shapes-resembling-eyes-to-protectDownload

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ’A, H, J’, Baibai, Window to Wildlife, NEFL-AEF, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Lady Hawk, ND-LEEF, Duke Farms, Superbeaks, Eagle Country, NCTC, Meredith Gertz, PLO, Bart M, Rutland Osprey Project, SK Hideaways, Audubon, Projeto Albatros, USFWS, Wiley Online Library, and Iberdrola.

Action at SW Florida…Saturday in Bird World

30 December 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

There is news – not a huge amount – there is worry and there is hope. Between now and when the largest group of eagle eggs hatch, Bird World will be pretty quiet. So, two things before I forget. I still want to hear from you. Send me your personal best moments of 2023 in Bird World. Let me know by late on the 31st as I will post them on New Year’s Day. You can add a comment or send them as an e-mail message to maryannsteggles@icloud.com  My plan is to rank them and put in some comments with only initials. The list is growing nicely and is very interesting! So please, join in. Second, New Year’s Day is the day that I host the family.  In order to get ready for their arrival and to work on the list for publication, I am going to take Sunday off. I want that list ready with some illustrations if I can find them for us to welcome in 2024. So remember – I won’t be here on Sunday! But watch SW Florida. There could be a bobblehead or two.

The girls continue to be fine. I am overwhelmed. I could not pick a single highlight of the year in Cat World – getting Calico’s trust was incredible, the thought of losing her only surviving kitten was almost the death of me and then – Hope found us! There she is with Hugo playing in the conservatory on Friday. I cry every time I think of all of that. The bitter moment was the loss of dear dear Lewis. 

Worries continued on Friday for Anna at the KNF-E1 nest. The hope is that the rushed request from the toxicology reports for Andria will get back in time to provide some insight into what ‘might’ be happening to Anna. Still, let us continue – if she is alive when this is published – to send her positive healing energy. It sure has been a rough start to the Bald Eagle season in the US.

Here are the laws that govern what is happening at the KNF-E1 nest:

Can-I-Install-a-Camera-at-an-Eagle-Nest-U.S.-Fish-Wildlife-ServiceDownload

Maybe some good news? I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up or bring them down. We just wait and see what happens with Anna.

Anna continues to fight – and she has been caught on the canopy camera flying by Baiba. Everyone lives in hope that she has overcome any ailment. 

We are officially on hatch watch for M15 and F23. One egg has a pip and the shell on the other egg is crushed – we have seen these hatches before, they just take a bit longer. Humidity comes to mind but I am not an eagle expert (always remember that – my area is osprey behaviour).

Interesting activity at the NEFlorida Nest of Gabby and V3 (and V1?).

Beau cuddles with Gabby on the nest!

Issues with a sub-adult intruder at Johnson City.

Scout continues his visits to Bella at the NCTC nest.

At Port Lincoln, two fish came in before noon, Gil was the victor but never rule Brad out…there will be more fish and when he is hungry, he is going to do a good snatch!

Brad is waiting patiently to see if Gil is going to leave any of that fish.

Some gutting news actually.

Last-Siberian-Crane-missing-in-action-BirdGuidesDownload

Land purchases are attempting to help the population of other species.

Wicken-Fen-purchases-land-to-help-European-Turtle-Dove-BirdGuidesDownload

Great work being done by our rehabbers and the public who call in injured wildlife.

The search for the Buff-breasted Buttonquail continues.

In-search-of-the-buff-breasted-buttonquail-–-the-one-Australian-bird-that-has-never-been-photographeDownload

Wondering what to do with that holiday tree?

Thank you so much for being with me today. Stay tuned to SW Florida! Take care everyone. See you on Monday!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ’A, H, J, L, SP’, KNF-E1, USFWS, James Nesta, Baiba, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Gracie Shepherd, Carol S Rifkin, AEF, Deb Stecyk, Sara A, PLO, Bart M, Bird Guides, APCH, The Guardian, and the David Suzuki Foundation.

Worries for Anna…Friday in Bird World

29 December 2023

Hello Everyone,

Gosh, it is almost 2024. Wonder how long it will take me to remember to use that instead of 2023? Six months? 

First up. There is extreme concern for Anna, the mate of Louis at the KNF-E1 nest this evening. Tonya Irwin has posted that she is experiencing some dizziness, drowsiness, clumsiness, and overall just not being herself since the morning of the 27th. ——- Oh, please let this not be anything. We have only lost Andria and the results of her necroscopy are not in yet. Is this the same illness that took dear Andria? And if so, why is it only impacting the females? Thanks, ‘H’ for giving me the head’s up. I am gutted to hear this.

Latest: 

KNF Kisatchie Nest Cam E1 ~ ANNA IS ILL & EXPERIENCING BALANCE ISSUES! Similar To Andria 12.28.23

This is the Kisatchie E-1 nest with Anna & Louis. Their nest is located across the lake about 0.8 miles from Alex & Andria’s nest. Anna and Louis have one egg laid this season. Anna has been experiencing some balance issues today – where she has to use her wing to help balance her on the nest, she has been very drowsy – dozing off while standing on the side of the nest. She is walking very slow and with a drunken gait. Anna also had some flying issues yesterday. The USFWS has put a “Rush” status on Andria’s toxicology report and necropsy. These symptoms that Anna is experiencing seem to be similar to the ones Andria experienced three weeks ago. But it is not known if this is the same problem or something else so we really can’t speculate at this time. The rangers have been made aware of the situation and are monitoring the nest. We are all keeping Anna in our prayers that she can overcome this illness and stay strong. Thank you for watching!

Then a correction…To go from a tiny pip to a hatch seems to take forever. I wonder what it feels like for M15 and F23? Or was it a tiny pip? The egg sure looked like it, but no one is calling a pip – and it could be two more days. Hundreds of us got that wrong. 

M15 – forever the amazing partner – gives F23 time for a bit of a relaxing time before hatch. 

Nearer to home, Missey has ‘adopted’ Hugo. For those that follow my blog you will remember that Missey and a grey tabby named Lewis were adopted together. Lewis died in September. Those two were stitched together. Missey was so lonely. Calico had Hope and Missey was just all by herself. Then we adopted Hugo. But, they played but nothing more and then…For the past few nights, Missey and Hugo have been sleeping together. Now today, she is holding Hugo down and washing her and they are on the post together. Life is looking up for these two! I am so overjoyed I do not know what to do with myself.

Missey has Hugo wrapped so tight.

Those ears will never be dirty again!

What a wonderful Christmas present —- little Baby Hugo has someone to care for him and Missey has a baby and a friend. 

Tears of Joy. 

Back to the Eagles…it really has not been a good start to the year. We lost Andria and the two eggs of hers and Alex’s, now Anna is sick. Martin is no longer with us. Duke Dad is no longer with us. Gabby lost one egg. Superbeaks lost their first clutch. We just hold our breath for the next thing to come along and that could, of course, be Anna. Send positive wishes please to her and Louis.

Abby and Blaze – 2nd egg laid on time at Eagle Country! Congratulations.

A nice holiday lunch at Dulles-Greenway for Rosa and her new mate.

There is some action with Bella and Scout at the NCTC Bald Eagle nest (sadly, I need to add Smitty to the Memorial Page now).

‘R’ writes that the Hanover Eagle cam is now back on line. Here is an article about the couple!

https://www.wnep.com/article/news/community/hanover-eagle-camera-online/521-1520d500-bdf9-4ffa-97a7-9b7a2fd52f1e

Lots of carrying on at Superbeaks.

It was wet earlier in the day on Thursday at The Hamlet. Dried off. Gabby gave the egg a bit of a break.

At Captiva, C10 is out of the egg cup and over to the edge. Gosh, it is wet in Florida. I hate damp musty nests! I think Connie does, too, after trying to dry out the nesting material yesterday. In the meantime, Clive has the whole place full of fish.

Irv and Clair were at the US Steel nest.

At Port Lincoln, the kids have found some left over fish in the nest. Nothing new has come in so far on the 29th for them but it is early hours.

Mum is going to do some feeding this time.

Have you ever seen a bird that is both a male and a female?

First-time-in-100-years-photographer-captured-extremely-rare-bird-half-female-and-half-maleDownload

For those of you following Victoria Cockatoo. I have received word from ‘J’ that she died on the 20th of December. Victoria Cockatoo lived at Parrotland for 7 happy years after being rescued after her previous owner abandoned her in a dark cage. She required extensive medical care. It was just so sad to hear about the way that humans treated her – and all the other abused animals in the world.

Please send positive wishes to Anna…this is heart breaking news. Surely the Rangers will get to the bottom of what it is that is causing the female eagles to be ill at the Kisatchie National Forest. Our thoughts go out to them. Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘G, H, J, R’, KNF-E1, SW Florida Eagle Cam, SK Hideaways, Eagle Country, NCTC, Deb Stecyk, Denise W Starr, NEFL-AEF, Carol S Rifkin, Dulles-Greenway, WNEP, Window to Wildlife, PIX Cams, PLO, Bart M, Meteored and Victoria’s Playground.

Pip at SW Florida…Thursday in Bird World

28 December 2023

Good Morning!

We are so happy to have you with us today! You will have a wonderful walk through memory lane on 1 January when the list of events that brought happiness to my readers is revealed. Your notes have brought tears to my cheeks and made me laugh – and remember things I had forgotten. You still have time for those who have not sent in what moved them in 2023. You can send me 1 or 4 (or more) moments during Bird World in 2023 that were so moving and meaningful. Please do so by late 31 December so I can compile them for New Year’s morning. I think you are going to be surprised in some cases -. You can send them as a comment or if you want to keep your list secret, send it to my e-mail: maryannsteggles@icloud.com    Thanks so much!

Oh, I can tell you these girls must had some party Tuesday night! When I woke up Wednesday morning, there were toys everywhere. The chewy dental sticks were torn apart, and half of the ornaments on the twinkling tree were scattered about the floor. Interactive toys were upside down, and a small box of mince pieces that had been on the coffee table was on the floor. 

I don’t think it was Calico. 

I suspect that it was Baby Hope and Hugo! As I write this, I hear them tearing around, finding something else to get into. Hugo was incredibly tired most of the day, as was Hope.

Baby Hope wound up with a winky after all that fun.

Missey is always an ‘angel’. 

Now on to Bird World…

Well, the rumour that there was a pip at SW Florida was just wishful thinking and then it wasn’t…there is a definite pip in one of those eggs Wednesday night.

Here is the video of the pip.

Wet morning at SW Florida. F23 not giving us any hints.

If you did tune in to the Captiva nest of Connie and Clive and could not see C10 and C11 – they did not fall out of the nest. Connie buried them! ’H’ sent me a note to warn me. 

The mods think it is so the nesting material could dry out a bit. Great idea on the part of the eagles if that is the case – it will keep those kids form getting a chill in a damp nest.

That could have given someone a heart attack!

Everything turned out fine.

It was a bit breezy at Port Lincoln today. Sure going to miss these two. What a fantastic year it has been and it was all done to the fortitude of Janet, Bazz, and Fran to supply the fish for the family to see them through to fledge. It made all the difference in the world. I hope they go to sleep at night with a smile on their face! They certainly deserve it.

Dad was in with a small fish at 0813 and Brad got it! Way to go – we don’t need to worry about you anymore. You got this.

Bradley is certainly a looker.

Well, way to go Bradley. Mum came in with a nice fish at 1329 and Bradley took that one, too. Wow. I am impressed.

No doubt there will be more to add to the observation board…Bart still has to highlight that 1329 arrival. I am up and off early in the morning. You can check for later deliveries – and to see if Gil gets anything – by going to the YT live stream and look under the images for the observation board link.

SE31 still going strong. Just makes your heart beat a little faster to see one of those eaglets survive to be taught how to be an eagle by Lady and Dad down at the river. I wish our dear friend Phyllis – who loved these sea eagles so much- had lived to see this day!

Gabby continues to care for that egg. She’s got it back in a nest cup now.

Sue Dumas caught Akecheta and Thunder having a successful mating on Wednesday.

The eggs of Alex and Andria were buried today by one of the female visitors at the KNF-E3 nest. We all miss Andria and we will wish Alex well as he reorganises his life without her.

Dad and new female were both seen near the ND-LEEF eagle nest in St Patrick’s Park, South Bend, Indiana. Nice.

The eggs of the Royal cam couples at Taiaroa Head were candled today.

Here is the video and the thumbs up:

Holly Parsons posted a great little video clip of Marri chasing Xavier with Diamond watching from inside the scrape.

Since the arrival of the little book on the art and photography of Roger Tory Peterson, I have taken a keen interest in just how influential he was on all of us who love birds. Today, another used volume arrived in the post. Peterson Reference Guide to Bird Behaviour. Written in 2020 by John Richer, this richly illustrated volume covers most aspects of avian behaviour. There may be aspects that are out od date – the streaming cams are providing us with new information daily -, but still it will be a valuable addition to your library if you would like to understand more about the social life of birds, their brain and their senses, territory guarding and mating, etc. I know you are curious about all of those things!

If you do not know who Roger Tory Peterson is, please check out this YT video. Loaded with lots of information, it is 13 years old and might appear a little dated, but he was such an influence it is good to know who he was and his contributions to birding.

The sheer decline in bird numbers and the state of our planet can, most often, be bewildering, frightening, and overwhelming. I am grateful to ‘SP’ for sending me the following article with special mention of the closing lines, “The last paragraph really says it all “’This is how I personally cope with having these big imminent issues hanging over my head all the time, like climate change and destruction of the biosphere,” he says. “The more you zoom out, the more powerless you feel. So I think the best way for me to engage in life as an activist is just to influence things within the sphere of my control.’”

https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/12/26/collisions-with-buildings-are-killing-millions-of-birds-nationwide-a-dark-sky-movement-to-save-them-is-sweeping-the-bay-area/ 

Attempts to restore seabird life to Atlantic Canada.

Whose-Numbers-Are-So-Great-as-to-Be-Incredible-Island-Restoration-and-the-Seabirds-of-Atlantic-CanaDownload

Thank you so very much for being with us today. Take care of yourself. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘H, J, SP’, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Amanda Lake, Toni Hoover, Window to Wildlife, PLO, Bart M, Chang Li-Dong, Jerinelle Wray, NEFL-AEF, Sue Dumas, KNF-E3, Kim Weinenger, Roz Young, Lady Hawk, Mercury News, Holly Parsons, Amazon, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatross and Petrels, and The Wandering Rook.

Tuesday in Bird World

26 December 2023

Good Morning!

Thank you for all your holiday wishes. They are so appreciated. 

We had a very simple Christmas Eve and morning, which was blissful. Christmas Eve saw the party with the girls, our meal, and the socks. Christmas morning welcomed two presents for the girls along with the opening of the annual wicker. Slowing Down, not trying to have everything perfect, and not falling into the deep hole of consumerism rushing around to buy ‘stuff’ added a layer of joy and restfulness that was magical.  The girls certainly brought abundant laughter – the energy they have including Calico was infectious. 

After a breakfast of French toast with Wild Plum and Berry jam, it was off to the English Gardens to leave nuts and seeds for the birds and squirrels. Others do this as well. A long stroll amongst the paths was invigorating in the crisp, -6 C air. The sky was a bright blue! The Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, and squirrels were enjoying their feast to the delight of all. I feel blessed to be able to be outside often – . It changes everything.

Seeds and nuts were placed along the barrier and on the pedestals of the statues and the sundial.

In my garden, there were many visitors, including Junior and the Baby Blue Jay (now grown). Oh, how wonderful it was to see both of them flying in and out getting peanuts and eating off the suet cylinder. They are safe, and that is all that matters. What a wonderful present they gave me by their visit. It really is this type of simple pleasure that means so much.

The squirrels – I suspect Little Red – kept knocking this big hunk of suet off its holder so I laid it on top of the large table feeder in the hope that someone would enjoy it. As it happened, the Downy Woodpeckers were chipping away as were the Chickadees and the Blue Jays!

‘The Boyfriend’ was here for more chicken dinner! He is looking pretty good.

Inside the girls were exploring another toy.

Hugo is growing. Just look at how long she is. When she arrived three weeks ago, she was the length of her tail. Now we are more than double in weight with clear eyes and nostrils. She is precious. And what an attitude.

Missey pulled the pompom off the toy and took it under the Chinese dresser much to the dismay of Hugo and Hope.

In this game, the orange and yellow pompom goes in and out of the hole for the cat to try to fetch or guess where it will be. They love it.

Calico is there in the background. She is not yet as playful as the other three, but she is getting more so each week. She is much more a longer than the other three – maybe it is because she had to survive outside by herself for 8 or 10 months before coming to live inside with others. Calico does love her chew toy.

Thank you so much for enjoying the kitties and garden animals that share my life. As the Osprey season picks up in a few months, there will be less cat and more bird.

Bird World continues with some nest drama, wet weather, and waiting…waiting for those two eggs at SW Florida to hatch. Gabby’s second egg might have problems…we wait to see. I hope she gives up on it and moves on. Here is a quick check…as eggs hatch and Ospreys return (yes, my calendar is on countdown, and I am looking at the middle of March for Big Red to lay eggs and my heart to start beating fast as Rutland Manton Bay and Blue 33 and Maya return and also Laddie at Loch of the Lowes. We lost Blue NC0 last year, so will there be a new mate there?

Now, moving on to Bird World….

Monty is legendary in Osprey World. The male from Dyfi in Wales, the foundation stone that gave us legendary fledges. Why am I posting this? First, Ospreys are on my mind. Second, Margaret Blakely posted her wonderful poem to Monty and has allowed me to share it with you. Margaret says it is best sung to the tune of While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night. Thanks, Margaret!

Why do I like the UK ospreys? Records are kept so that we can understand and appreciate these dynastic families! Colour-coded. There is Monty and now we have Idris who is fantastic, too. Apologies for that ‘share’ tab on the side. I could not get rid of it. Those are the official sightings of offspring that returned after 2 years. One of my favourites is Z1, Tegid, who is breeding in Wales. Tepid the White Egg as he was known at the time.

Boxing Day Report on the WBSE: ”One adult was seen early down on River Roost and one was reported at Goat Island. Our juvenile was seen on the island at 9am. Later, one adult and the juvenile were at River Roost; it is not known if SE31 had eaten. River traffic was busy on this public holiday. Later in the day, both parents were seen at Burns Bay. In the evening? No late reports. “

The first Christmas egg was laid by Abby at Eagle Country in Florida at 16:59:44. Congratulations Abby and Blazer.

LadyDeeagle55 caught the moment:

We are four days away from pip watch at SW Florida and M15 and F23’s first clutch together! How excited are you getting?

M15 brings his new mate a great prey item for Christmas.

Things are getting a little tense at the KNF-E3 nest of Alex.

Really hoping that Alex is moving along.

Connie and Clive kept C10 and C11 dry when both stayed on the nest during the recent torrential downpour. It was a miserable soaking day throughout most of Florida.

Ondabebe caught some touching moments on the Captiva nest.

At Port Lincoln, the lads are looking good. There is going to be an early fish and Gil is gonna get it! Mum brought in a large one at 07:20:47. There is enough for all if Gil will share.

Aren’t they handsome?

But Bradley wants it.

Bradley is still staring down that fish at 0824! There isn’t going to be much left Bradley…

At 0839, Mum wants some fish, and Bradley wants some, but it looks like Gil might finish the lot. Brad, you gotta learn to steal to survive.

At 0848 a scuffle but Gil hangs on to the fish.

Then Mum decides if she is going to get a single bite, and if Brad is going to get anything, she needs to move in. Mum and Brad will get a little – not much.

Here is the weekly summary from Port Lincoln:

Three nice fish on the 26th at Port Lincoln.

There is cheering amongst South Australian Osprey fans as Calypso brings a potential new mate to the Tulsa platform nest! You might remember, with sadness, that Calypso’s former mate died from dangling upside down on a hydro pole.

Rain in the afternoon at NE Florida. Gabby on incubation duty with V3 on guard.

Marri on the Tower and ‘A’ reports on Boxing Day at Orange: ”And at Orange, we had a bonding incident.  today (26 December): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1p4R5_eCew, and here is a clip from Christmas Day, with Marri chasing Xavier around the tower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHIGGIJdLJ0. “

Solutions for the major waterways in the Western US required and growing to help the birds.

Momentum-Gaining-on-Important-Water-Work-to-Benefit-Birds-and-People-in-the-West-AudubonDownload

The final count at Hawk Mountain for the 2023 migration. Ospreys down.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Remember – send me the events in Bird World in 2023 that really brought some joy to your life! I will list them on 1 January. Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ’A, H, J’, Margaret Blakely, Dyfi Osprey Project, Eagle Country, Lady Deeagle55, Lady Hawk, KNF-E3, Window to Wildlife, Ondabebe, PLO, Bart M, NEFL-AEF, Helen Match, and Hawk Mountain.

Gabby lays the second egg…Sunday in Bird World

24 December 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

To those celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – and Boxing Day – have a wonderful holiday. Have lots of laughs, good food, make memories!

As we near the end of the year, I also want to thank everyone for your empathy, interest, and dedication to the planet’s wildlife (and domesticated pets). Pictures of your fur babies or birds visiting your feeders are always welcome, and I am so grateful for your letters and comments. It is heartwarming to know that a huge community of caring souls exists. Together, we have wept, and we have celebrated. Most of all, we have marvelled at this wonderful world we are a part of. So, here is to 2024 – may it be a blessed year for our birds and our families- no matter how many legs they have!

My year has been full of joy and utter sadness. I am so grateful to the girls that have enriched my life well beyond anything that I could have even dreamed about. There will, however, always be a tear shed and a little hole in the heart because of Lewis. What a great guy he was. Each one of them is their own person – their own character with their story. I feel lucky to be a part of that journey with them. 

Dear little Hugo decided to confront Calico head on. Seriously. Confronting Calico?! Calico normally takes off to get out of Hugo’s path. It is simply too funny. Notice how her eyes are so much better. And her face is getting a little round. It looks like we will make it!

In the garden, the squirrels are thriving in the warm weather. They have some treats, too – in the form of a big bag of in-the-shell peanuts. Dyson could not be happier! The Blue Jays have not returned and so it must be assumed that they have made their way to warmer climates south of here. I cannot fathom all of them having an untimely demise. Today, there were five Black-capped Chickadees in the apple tree in the front garden. Tomorrow they will get a special ball of seeds just for them. Oh, it would be grand if they made their nest in their in the spring! It is away from where the community cats normally visit so should be safe. 

In Osprey World, it is about 83 days until the first birds begin returning to the UK from West Africa or the Iberian Peninsula. Keep them in your thoughts as they make this perilous journey. 

‘H’ sent me to a posting by Elfruler that is truly a good read and a great way to sit down and contemplate what is happening over at the nest of Gabby and V3. Thanks, ‘H’. 

I am not an eagle expert. But, if Ospreys know who the eggs belong to and if the male even twitches that they arrived a little too early since the pair’s mating, you will see that Osprey kick those eggs over to the next lach! So if Ospreys know, then why wouldn’t Bald Eagles? 

Around 17:13 Gabby went into labour and laid the second egg. She was sooooo tired after. Beau was on a branch looking down. He could hear her. Now. Let us see how this plays out. 

Quick reveal – white spot under feathers near centre.

Tired Mamma. 525 people watching and excited for Beau and Gabby.

I have missed several of the Ferris Akel tours on Saturday and today was a reminder that we really need to slow down and enjoy life. I miss those tours!  Ferris found both Big Red and Arthur, Mourning Doves, and some geese and ducks today along with Bald Eagles! 

Beautiful Big Red hunting.

Arthur on the throne.

So many Doves and they kept flying in! 

Sandhill Cranes flying in and landing.

And then after gathering at their stop, they left.

Kids still being fed well by Connie and Clive. The pantry is absolutely full thanks to Clive’s amazing hunting skills. No need for C10 to be intimidating C11 but it is – dominance. 

I love in when Clive comes in to check on the eaglets and when he feeds them while Connie is away like now.

Connie returns.

‘A’ comments on the activities at Connie and Clive’s nest: ”Meanwhile, at Captiva, yesterday’s feeding record was broken today, with 13 feedings. Yes, you read that right. Thirteen. Here are the time stamps: 6:57:55 Feed1, 8:19:14 Feed2[CE10], 8:52:45 Feed3, 9:47:42 Feed4, 10:57:05 Feed5, 11:37:15 Feed6, 12:33:50 Feed7.1:51:25 Feed8,3:33:15 Feed9 [Clive]. 3:59:34Feed10[CE10] 4:29:25 Feed11, 5:11:15 Feed12, 5:55;20 Feed13.

These two are so adorable, though the bonking has definitely begun. You will note that at feed 2, for example, little CE11 puts its head up to participate, gets bonked once, and is down for the count. That happens at another feeding later in the day too (feed 10). But both are getting more than enough to eat, with Clive keeping fish scattered about the nest and around a dozen feedings a day. I would so love it if there was no bonking, but then I remember that’s why we watch peregrines and RTHs.”

SE31 and family at the river.

A look at Gil and Brad from the egg to the fledge. Thank you Fish Fairies for ensuring that these two were well fed and fledged!

Can the Black-footed Albatross be saved? And is this island free of cats? and rats? A good read from Audubon. Please cut and paste the link to Audubon for the article below the photo credit.

“Black-footed albatross pair. Photo credit: Dan Clark/USFWS” by USFWS Pacific is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

A-Single-Mexican-Island-May-Be-Our-Best-Hope-for-Saving-Black-footed-Albatrosses-Audubon

Want to make a wreath with your family for the birds? Find some suet – grab your bunt pan and read the article. Away you go!

Help-Feed-the-Birds-With-a-DIY-Wreath-AudubonDownload

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

I am so grateful to the following for their notes, articles, videos, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ’A, H, J’, NEFL-AEF, Elfruler, Paul K, Ferris Akel Tours, Window to Wildlife, Chang-Le Dong, PLO, Bart M. Openverse, and Audubon.

Saturday in Bird World

23 December 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

Friday was a day of ‘hoar’ frost in Southern Manitoba. It was foggy and beautiful – and again, sadly warm for this time of year. It is nearing midnight and it is -1 C. It was a nice day for a brisk walk through the park, but it felt cold to the bones because everything was melting and damp. Oh, how I am longing for winter! Or Spring! But not this.

It was an interesting morning with Calico. She perched on the new cat tree and watched ‘The Boyfriend’ eat at the close feeder. It was eerie. I often wonder if he wasn’t a litter mate of hers instead of just being her friend outside when she was living rough. He has come to the garden door when the bowls needed replenishing, but he shows no signs of wanting to be friendly like Calico did so that he might work his way to joining us in the house.

Beautiful Calico.

Baby Hope (yes, she will always be a ‘baby’ just like Hugo) watched him as he went under the back gate.

Missey looks lovely in that soft morning light filtering through the garden door. She loves watches the birds flit in and out of the vines dangling down from the gutter.

Baby Hugo is so much better. The antibiotics have helped. She is no longer sneezing, and her eyes are hardly drooling. We also had a major milestone – she ate her Royal Canin Kitten Kibble. What a relief. So, she is eating well – her kitten tinned food and now the kibble and water. She had some sardines today as well. She is more than 14 weeks old and is considerably small for her age – about the size of an 8-week-old kitten. She is lively- what a character. I keep saying she is fearless, and she is. She is unafraid to lunge at any of her sisters, and she will leap on Calico without thinking. Calico is normally shy, shocked she doesn’t know how to respond. She is always ready for a good game of hide and chase! She is also very curious about food. Tonight, her interest was on a samosa, then a cup of pomegranate tea – and finally, oh boy, she found a small individual butter dish that did not have its top. She is getting very long, and I expect she is now more than three times the size she was when she arrived. We will know how well she is doing on the 4th of January when she goes in for her check. She is too wild to sit on the scales now!!!!!!!!

I am hoping to get a decent photo of her for you! Saturday morning. These are better. I have not cleaned Baby Hugo’s face yet – there is only a little muck from the night. Yippeeeee. Calico wanted her photo taken and everyone is happen. It is 0 degrees C and it is so nice and toasty in the conservatory! They love it out there – watching the entire outdoor world around them.

Hugo having a look at Calico!

Hope looking at Hugo taking her toy.

Missey getting ready to leap to the top of the post before Hugo and Hope come roaring around again.

In Bird World, only a singular event today caught people’s attention. Gabby left the nest, and V3 came and buried the egg deep into the cavity. Gabby returned and tried to make things right to no avail. Of course, the big question on everyone’s mind is why did V3 do this. 

When male Ospreys come to the nest and find eggs, believing them not to be their own, they kick them like crazy out of the nest in a rage. So, do Bald Eagles bury their eggs? Was this egg not V3’s?  Or is V3 just confused by the egg because he is so young? That is an interesting proposition, but I return to some very young male eagles (younger than V3) who became excellent mates and fathers like Harry at MN-DNR. He was probably between 4 and 5 years old when he fathered his clutch, and he did magnificently. Others did not do so well. ’J’ reminded me that it took Akecheta three seasons to get ‘fatherhood’ right! And then he turned out to be brilliant. So we wait to see what will happen.

‘J’ sent this note from Naturechat: ”Debra NatureChat: It took Akecheta the mate of Thunder on the West End Eagle nest… 1 season of failure because he wouldn’t incubate…Ist season no incubating at all, 2nd season he did incubate up until the day of hatch, and then flew off the nest, and the ravens came and got all 3 eggs. The 3rd season he incubated throughout the time and did a Great job, feeding the hatchlings was all new to him but he got the hang of it. “

Beau and Gabby returned to the nest and were making some restorations and being affection, but not mating. V3 might have been interested, but Gabby wasn’t. 

Friday night and Gabby is in the nest – is she in labour with a second egg?

The only bobbleheads to hatch are C10 and C11, Connie and Clive’s kids over at Captiva. They are doing well and despite some bonks, C11 seems to be able to hold its own.

The pantry is full and brimming over. and these are two very strong beautiful eaglets. Such a blessing in a year that has gone sideways for our eagle families. There is some beaking. C11 goes into submission pretty quick sometimes. There is a daily activity log for the nest. Check on the link within the chat for the Google Spreadsheet. Both ate well on Friday.

Was so pleased to see that Alex has moved on from incubation duties at KNF-E3. He is recovering.

Beautiful Jackie looking out over Big Bear Lake.

Hope and Chandler were doing some nest work at Port Tobacco.

Guess what? There is another Beau! At Denton Homes. So – MN-DNR and NEFL-AEF and Denton Homes. Any more that you can think of?

Pepe and Muhlady are thinking about a second clutch!

At Port Lincoln, the lads have been flying around and the parents have been delivering fish to their lads. It was a good day at the barge.

There was a prey transfer at Orange!

Jack and Diane are bringing in bark for their nest on the grounds of the Achieva Credit Union in St Petersburg. 

OK Owl People. Hoots was in the new nest Friday morning!

Here is the link to their live camera:

I know some of you missed it. Geemeff sent me the link to the latest video of “at least 73 year old” Wisdom, the oldest banded Laysan Albatross in the world, dancing on Midway Island. 

Sunnie Day posted the link to a PBS video on the impact of Lead poisoning.

https://www.pbs.org/video/lead-poisoning-DjicIx/

2500 studies prove what we knew…

After-2500-Studies-Its-Time-to-Declare-Animal-Sentience-Proven-Op-Ed-Live-ScienceDownload

Thank you so much for being with me today. Take care – there are lots of cases of flu and Covid out there. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ’A, Geemeff, H, J’, NEFL-AEF, Mary B.L. Tung, Window to Wildlife, KNF-E3, FOBBV, Port Tobacco Eagle Cam, Denton Homes, Superbeaks, PLO, Bart M, Falcon Cam Project, Angela Edwards, USFWS Midway Atoll Sunnie Day, and Live Science.

Friday in Bird World

15 December 2023

Hello Everyone,

Good Morning to all of you. We are just two weeks and a day away from a brand new year – and sometime, between now and then, I hope that we have two healthy hatches at the SW Florida Eagle nest of M15 and F23. They could be the first successful nest of the year with two eaglets.

Before we move on to the other birds and the scant news, I have some more information about Hugo. When you adopt a kitten in Winnipeg, you should be given a file folder of information. That was missing when Hugo was picked up. It came in the post today. So, here are some things that were gleaned.

Hugo was born at the beginning of September. The folder says 5 September, but other information on line said 2 September, and my vet thought that because of her size and teeth development that this had to be the beginning of October. From what I understand, the original family wrote down 5 September as the date the stray cat they took in had her kittens. This original foster family took in a very malnourished stray cat, a Tortie, on the Peguis Reserve north of Winnipeg so that the cat would have a safe place to have her kittens. The family named the cat Grace and she had seven kittens. It is unknown if this was her first litter, but she was very tiny. Hugo had trouble eating. The kittens were surrendered to the adoption agency on the 11th of November. All were very tiny for their age. 

It is not clear what health issues the original situation with the Mum will have on Hugo’s development, overall health, or life expectancy. Right now Hugo is enjoying eating her kitten food, the kitten kibble, and loves the thick kitten milk. She loves to play and is sleeping on one of her favourite teaser toys. She likes being wrapped tight in a blanket and held close. Like all the others, I would not give her up for anything. Today she weighed 1384 grams before her evening meal. On Thursday, she weighed 860 grams so that is a gain of 524 grams or more than a pound. She looks like she might be long. Her eyes are still a little drippy so more Polysporin for Pink Eye. She will have her second round of vaccinations on 28 December and be spayed on the 15th of March -. The vet might be in for a surprise since all the paperwork still indicates that Hugo is a ‘he’ and that ‘he’ will be neutered.

Hope watching Hugo play with the red pom-pom on the tunnel.

It was Hope that first took over Missey’s basket with the little granny square blanket she was given when she was adopted. Now it is Hugo that is moving in on Hope’s territory! I did say that little Hugo is fearless, right?

Missey sits on the back of the sofa or on the wicker and watches them all. More than half the time she is now playing with Hope and Hugo. So nice to see her back to her normal self.

Hugo looking outside to ‘The Boyfriend’ who came for breakfast.

Beautiful Calico. I tear up every time I think about what she went through and how healthy little Hope was. What a miracle.

It was +4 today and what a nice day for a short brisk walk at the nature centre. The squirrels were running everywhere and watching them made me think that they thought spring had arrived. The chickadees were out at the feeders along with a male and female Downy Woodpecker and a White-breasted Nuthatch. The entire place feels empty without the ducks and the geese, though. 

There is good news coming from the Sydney Olympic Forest area for our WBSE family – Mum, Dad, and one fledgling presumed to be SE31.

“December 13: Early morning, both adults were seen at River Roost and SE31 was seen going into the mangroves and heard calling. Then again, at 07:45, SE31 was heard but not seen. Then at last, just after 9am, an adult was seen catching a large fish – grabbing it with one foot – in front of River Roost. SE31 flew out to claim it with loud squeeing, then all three were out of sight in the mangroves. No further observations during the day. 

December 14: Early morning, SE31 was spotted at Mangrove Island – then moving to River roost. This seems to be her home patch now, moving back and forth and sheltering in the mangroves lining the river. It has been a really hot day again. We have no more observations for today – hopefully, our eagles were keeping as cool as they can by the river.”

And the last report from Sydney: ”December 15: Early morning report at 07:30 of SE31 and one adult at the water’s edge at River Roost, then joined by the other adult. Then, at around 09:20, SE31 was seen flying over the wetlands, venturing further and flying right up high, before returning to River Roost – feeling her wings for sure. At around 4pm in the afternoon, SE31 was seen at River Roost, a parent arrived, then shortly after she flew to Mangrove Island. Later, she was seen flying high again, before returning to the River Roost mudflats.”

At Orange, Diamond still is not too pleased that the scrape box was cleaned. Wonder what the rush was? Does anyone know if Marri has returned to the scrape since the cleaning?

At Port Lincoln, it is Gil and Brad on the nest. Both now have names. It has been such a good year at Port Lincoln thanks in full to the foresight and tenacity of Janet, Bazz, and Fran who insisted on an intervention. We can all agree that the research coming off this nest opens up new avenues for thinking when it comes to Ospreys. Give them an international round of applause. For my friend ‘A’, she is overjoyed at the success of this nest. In the past she was hesitant to even go on line to check on the osprey family. Today she wrote, “I just adore this pair SO much. Goliath in particular is wingercising with great concentration. He has been getting air, with some impressive hovering yesterday. I know it’s a wonderful achievement and I should be pleased, and it is and I am, but I will miss these two. I do hope that they do an Ervie and hang around Port Lincoln at least sometimes. I still wonder what on earth caused Zoe to head inland into the desert. It made no sense. But then, much of her behaviour made no sense.”

At the time I am writing, Dad has delivered a partial fish to Mum and the boys. That is fantastic.

They are gorgeous – Gil and Brad.

These are the comparison weights provided by the observation board, Bart M for the PLO chicks:

Giliath (male) –   1445 grams

Bradley (male –  1390 grams

In comparison:

Zoe (female    –   1700 g

Ervie (male)    –   1380 g

Bazza (male)   –  1280 g

Falky (male)    –  1230 g

At Osprey House, George has delivered two fish – one for each fledgling!

‘H’ reports: ”Broken shell overnight first noticed around 0310 (very poor visibility).  Muhlady appeared to move the shell.  When cam view improved, it was evident.  No eaglet seen.  Maybe they will reclutch.  They have been mating.”

The question is this: why are these shells breaking? Is it humidity? were they viable to begin with? 

We should watch for Connie and Clive at Captiva Bald Eagle nest. The wind is picking up. Storms with heavy rain are expected over the weekend on the Barrier Islands in Florida. Let us hope that there is no hatch during this time. Renee posted this information on chat: “PIP WATCH: Starts Saturday Dec. 16, 2023. Due to some delayed incubation, we may not see a PIP until Sunday 17th or Monday 18th.” I would like for this to wait until nice weather not during a thunderstorm.

There are many nests without any eggs yet. Duke Farms is one of those. Dad went missing in the spring, and there is a new male.

The other is NE Florida, ‘The Hamlet’ home to Gabby and V3. These two were busy working on the nest and alerting against intruders.

Indeed, of the streaming cams, there are so many without eggs yet. We might enjoy the spacing this year and get to see those little bobbleheads developing at all stages.

Anna and Louis laid their first egg on the 9th of December. There has not been a second egg. It would have been laid on the 12th. Fingers crossed that this egg is good – especially because of Andria’s death and the loss of the two eggs at KNF-E-1. 

Alex continues to incubate his and Andria’s eggs. The female continues to bury them, and he digs them up. My heart aches for him. At the same time, please do not let these eggs hatch. The only way these eaglets could survive would be if the female visitor fully embraced motherhood. Remember, Harriet and M15’s chicks were at month old when Harriet disappeared last February at the SW Florida Bald Eagle nest.

Suzanne Arnold Horning is always looking out for Big Red and Arthur. This spring, Big Red will be 21 years young.

Plans to genetically engineer the Dodo back to life! Location: Mauritius.

Bird Guides announces, “An audacious plan between geneticists and conservationists to bring back the extinct Dodo has been announced.

Attempts to bring the species back to its former habitat in Mauritius are set to be led by US-based biotechnology and genetic engineering company, Colossal Biosciences, which is pursuing the ‘de-extinction’ of various other species.”

De-extinction-plan-to-bring-dodo-back-BirdGuidesDownload

If you missed the latest Condor Chat with Ventana Wildlife, here you go!

Could you fish in these conditions? Albatross do it every day in the roaring Southern Ocean.

Thank you so very much for being with me today. Take care. See you on Saturday!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ’A, H, J, L’, Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Karen Long, PLO, Bart M, Heidi Mc, Osprey House, Superbeaks, Window to Wildlife, Ann Penury, Duke, NE Florida-AEF, KNF E-1, KNF E-3, Suzanne Arnold Horning, Bird Guides, Ventana Wildlife Society, and Holly Parsons.

It is Bradley…Thursday in Bird World

14 December 2023

Good Morning!

Oh, a major milestone was achieved on Wednesday. Hugo ate kitten kibble for the first time (that I have observed). It is wonderful. Her eyes are clear thanks to Polysporin Pink Eye, her tummy troubles are gone thanks to FloriFauna, and she is having so much fun. Life is good. All four girls are getting along, playing – even Calico today! Can you feel my happiness?

Eyes are better this morning! And look at how big she is.

For all who wondered, Hugo is such a sweetie. She lets me bathe her, wash her face and feet – she never complains. She loves being dried with a big fluffy towel. I can’t wait to see if she is so good for teeth brushing and nail clipping. Maybe that will rub off on Hope and Calico. Missey is just as complaint, too. Makes life so much easier.

We plan to keep her name as Hugo. She comes to it and as my friend ‘R; reminded me, ‘Many great women artists and writers had to assume male names at one time or another’…so Hugo it is.

After losing Lewis and then all the issues with getting a little boy that turned out to be a little girl, well, there were times I felt pretty doomed. Hugo was so very tiny and just not doing well. It has to be difficult for her cat mother – 7 little kittens living on the streets hoping for some food and a safe place. What a terrible life for these animals – some that were once pets and left behind or that got out and got lost. There are so many kind people trying to help with portable shelters and food for them. That is the bright side but, gosh, if there could only be a concentrated effort to neuter and spay – area by area – and notching the ears as Geemeff says is done in the UK so identification is easy. It would certainly help.

Missey looking out at the birds in the snow.

Bird World is ‘sleepy’. There is such a huge lull with only a few eagle nests incubating eggs while the others continue with their restorations or establishing their relationship with a new mate.

At Port Lincoln, the fish fairy surprised everyone by dropping four fish on the floor of the barge. It worked. Neither Giliath or #2 got overly excited, and the fish made it to the nest…what more could Port Lincoln want? Their experiment demonstrates that supplementing fish for a nest that suffers from historical siblicide can make a difference. The osplets can become so familiar with humans that they might not even bolt off the nest in an early fledge. It is fantastic.

‘H’ remarks, “All the fish were eaten by the ospreys, gulls did not steal any.  Mum picked up the small trevally around 1207 and fed the kids.”

And we have a name for #2. Bradley. What a great name after a youngster who truly knows and loves these osprey.

 

The boys and their beautiful bling if you missed it.

They are just too good together – V3 and Gabby. Fingers crossed. Could V1 be a donor and V3 a father?

I don’t know about you, but I am glad that the female at KNF E-3 has buried the eggs of Andria and Alex. Most agree that they are unviable and maybe it will help Alex move forward. Tonight those eggs are still buried while I was writing but I did see someone come around and aerate the nest. It looked like the female.

It is a couple of weeks for M15 and F23’s hatch watch. How excited are you on a scale from 0 to 10?

Boone and Jolene are doing a lot of restorations at Johnson City.

Still waiting at Superbeaks – but, I think all is lost for Pepe and Muhlady on this first clutch. Will they go for a second since it is so early in the season?

The camera is back up at Two Harbours. Some have seen Chase and Cholyn. I hope to soon.

Jackie and Shadow were home today working on their nest. They are adorable.

Cilla cleaned the nest box. To my knowledge Marri has not returned since. Hoping to see her again soon.

There is love happening at Taiaroa Head. Some who lost their mates have found love again. Which brings to mind Wisdom. Is she still dancing? Did the oldest banded Laysan Albatross in the world get a new mate? will she lay an egg and raise a chick at 72?

The Royal Couple – LGK and LGL (Lime Green Black and then Lime Green Lime).

I am so pleased to be reading about the bird counts around the world and some of the real success stories. You might remember that there is an Army of Women in Assam that is protecting the Adjutant Generals, a carrion-eating bird that is going extinct because there are no places for nests. Here is some good news: “In the Kamrup district of Assam, the number of Greater Adjutant nests has increased from 28 in 2010 to more than 250, making this the World’s largest breeding colony. Moreover, this once persecuted species has become a cultural symbol, and in the process, has also transformed the lives of local women, who now travel to other villages to raise awareness about the storks.’An excerpt from the BirdLife Magazine, March of the Adjutants by Devathi Parashuram, available in January 2024.”

After the tragic beginning to the Bald Eagle breeding season in the US, we need some good news. You can read more about some success stories here in the updated Red List of Birds by BirdLife International:

The-2023-Red-List-update-reveals-hope-for-birds-in-crisis-BirdLife-InternationalDownload

Have you ever watched Penguin Rescue?

Restoring Condors to the wild by the Ventana Wildlife Society.

There are many reasons to keep cats inside. Killing our beautiful feathered friends is one of them – cats are the number 1 killer of birds.

Killer-kitties-cats-are-eating-2000-species-including-hundreds-that-are-at-risk-Cats-The-GuarDownload

Thank you so much for being with me today. Take care of yourself. We hope to have you with us again soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, H, J, SP’, PLO, NEFL-AEF, KNF-E3, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Johnson City Bald Eagles, Superbeaks, IWS/Explore, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, Sharon Dunne, Lady Hawk, Penguin Rescue, BirdLife International, Ventana Wildlife Society, and The Guardian.