Category Archives: Port Lincoln Ospreys

Sunday in Bird World

22 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope the weekend has been good for you and everyone you love.

Saturday was a wonderful day on the Canadian Prairies. It was warmer, -7 C , but a little windy. No snow!

The birds and squirrels enjoyed the contents of the basket, just without the basket! Both Crows came to feed along with more than fifty Starlings, more Sparrows than I could count, a Little Woodpecker (Mrs Downy), and ALL of the squirrels, including dear Dyson. There was, sadly, only one Blue Jay. I have not gotten close enough to tell if Mr or Mrs Junior is missing. It just saddens me. Brock had his meal. So, for the most part, all is good with the world in the garden.

The deer were across from the park near me when we left them a large bag of apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots Saturday afternoon. The conservation officers disapprove. Four of us feed them because there is no food except the shrubs and Brandon Cedars planted in people’s front gardens for them since their forest area was cleared.

There were deer at another park. It is such a pleasure to see them. It is a large area with lots of bush. They appeared healthy and people driving through were very cautious of their presence. What a change from those near to where I live that drive way too fast.

It was a lovely day. Good food, many laughs, and time outside.

I did little checking on the birds. Let’s see what is happening with a few of them.

SK Hideaways gives us Hartley and Monty with a brand new brilliant camera at San Jose. Gosh, aren’t they adorable?! I love peregrine falcons except for the anxiety and challenges they face living in an urban environment like these two. https://youtu.be/cKE8Habt8BU?

At Port Lincoln yesterday. No fish have been delivered yet on Sunday.

Mum brought in a massive fish on Sunday at 1122, and it looks like Wilko claimed it.

The cuteness factor is in the nest of M15 and F23. No other place! Well, not yet.

They eat and eat and SK Hideaways caught in on video: https://youtu.be/4q-WM3nfazg?

‘J’ writes: “I think both of the E’s are going to be mighty survivors, both feisty as can be! F23 must also be a buddha reincarnation. She takes M15’s shenanigans in stride and now completely ignores her kids pulling her feathers.” We all agree!

A good video showing E25 making a prey steal! https://youtu.be/QCCEPfR4ZBY?

The rebuilding at Johnson City ETSU has begun. Jolene and Boone will make quick work of all that is required.

‘I did not catch Jackie or Shadow at the nest in Big Bear Valley.

There has been some concern for what is happening at the NE Florida nest of Gabby and Beau. Some chatters are worried that something is the matter. Gabby is giving Beau much more incubation time than she did last year. Last year, Beau wasn’t ready. this year it appears he is and he is happily looking after those eggs. Gabby appears to be fine but leaving the eggs which seems odd. Send good energy please just in case.

Ban one and keep another. Killing any bees is not good for the planet.

UK to ban bee-killing pesticides but highly toxic type could still be allowedhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/21/uk-ban-bee-killing-pesticides-highly-toxic-neonicotinoid-could-be-allowed?CMP=share_btn_url

Sadly, bird flu is causing many deaths as migrating birds carrying the virus move south. Thanks, Sunnie Day.

Bird flu has spiked in parts of the U.S. In Iowa, migrating birds play a role

https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/2024-12-20/bird-flu-spread-updates-iowa-chickens-poutry-wild-migration

The recent outbreaks at several poultry operations in northwest Iowa are connected to a virus circulating in wild birds. A different strain infected 13 dairies and 3 poultry operations in late May and June.

Looking to help. Donate produce to your local wildlife rehab clinic! Leave food for squirrels, not just birds!

Recent research shows that 40% of the food in North America is wasted. Calico’s Tip for the Day: Buy Less, Use it All, Never throw anything away!

My son is visiting Curacao for a wee holiday. He posted a beautiful photo of a Common Ground Dove on her nest. Isn’t she gorgeous? This is the tinest dove living in the Caribbean. It grows only to a length of 16 cm or a fraction over 6 inches.

I am used to seeing the Zenaida or Eared Dove. I could tell this one by the yellow on its beak. The Audubon Field Guide describes its habitat thus: “Farms, orchards, wood edges, roadsides. Mostly in semi-open habitats with low brush and grass. In the southeast, found mostly in brushy fields, understory of open pine woods, forest edges. In southwest, occurs in similar habitats including orchards, ranch yards, mesquite thickets along streams.”

All About Birds describes its feeding habits, “Common Ground Doves make their living by gleaning small seeds from wild grasses and weeds. They are also common visitors to bird feeders. They may specialize on certain seeds during the summer, when food is abundant, but eat a variety of seeds during winter. Ground doves also feed on small berries and insects. In spring and summer they may eat snail shells, possibly to replenish the calcium devoted to eggs and crop-milk during nesting.”

Their challenges are habitat loss, including areas where they can nest, cat predation or accidentally by people, and car collisions. They are currently of low concern in terms of conservation.

Hugo Yugo wishes everyone sweet dreams.

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care of yourself. It is very busy everywhere, and people are not watching or taking care on the roads. Most of all, breathe. Take time to enjoy the very simple pleasures. Take a walk. Listen to the birds. Watch them. Take any loads off your shoulders. Be kind. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write this post today: ‘A, CM, J’, SK Hideaways, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Lady Hawk, ETSU-Johnson City, FOBBV, NEFL-AEF, The Guardian, National Geographic, Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue and Rehab, Iowa Public Radio, Audubon Field Guide, Cornell Bird Lab All About Birds

Friday in Bird World

20 December 2024

Hello Everyone,

I hope this posting finds all of you well and happy.

We are getting so excited. Solstice arrives on Sat, Dec 21, 2024, 3:19 a.m. on the Canadian Prairies. The animals will get all of their gifts. Our offerings to the Garden Animals will be finished Friday morning. So grateful that Brock’s heated food dishes have arrived! What a relief. Let us hope that it works in this dreadful cold. The Girls and Brock will have a roast chicken dinner to fill them to their whiskers.

Cookies and cakes are at hand. Food and snacks are ready for Saturday. Then on Sunday our granddaughter will be here with us. She is heading to Australia to see a lovely lad she met in Paris who has been to Winnipeg already. It must be serious.

Brock’s heated bowls.

Hugo Yugo has taken her last pain treatment, is eating well, resting, and playing. She did well thanks to all of your good wishes!

News is scant in Bird World with only one eagle nest with eaglets and all others either incubating or bare of eggs still. The North American Osprey season begins in Florida, but not yet and the European and UK birds are still wintering as are those from North America that do not migrate. The Australian osplets have fledged and it is not hawk and falcon season yet as winter hangs upon us still.

I continue to be completely dismayed that our beautiful raptors continue to be killed over Scotland when it is highly illegal to do so. Precisely why do the Legislators and Judges permit this to continue?

‘Why are birds of prey still being killed in Scotland despite new legislation?’ – special report inDownload

Liberty and Guardian love pre-dawn bonding. The collapse of their long time nest did not deter them from moving on. Lessons that we should learn. https://youtu.be/lIuiKfq-dkU?

Mum, Wilko, and Kasse on the nest at Port Lincoln waiting for fish.

Supplementary fish were delivered on Friday. Each chick had some food. Yes!

Kasse and Wilko on the nest on a blustery Saturday morning. Before the winds got up, Wilko tried catching a fish. Incredible. Wonder if both fledglings watched Mum fish successfully from the nest?

Fish fairy delivery came early on Saturday.

Requests continue to go out for any sighting of the female from the South Australian Coobowie Osprey nest.

The SW Florida nest is full of pieces of huge fish. These two little ones, E24 and E25 will never starve as long as M15 is around.

I love ‘A’s narratives: “F23 is not as diligent with E25 as M15 is, but dad is making sure the younger hatch is eating well. The little one is three and a half days younger than E24, which is a really significant gap for it to make up, but the size gap is not significant. Indeed, there are times when their egg teeth offer the easiest way to tell them apart! At other times, the development of thermal down is more evident on E24, while E25 is still covered in baby fluff. But the baby is feisty, starting some of the rumbles itself and standing up for itself during others. It does not seem to me that E25 is being prevented from eating by E24, though F23 does sometimes take the easier path and concentrates on the nearest beak, usually E24’s. Certainly, there are plenty of feedings (approximately 10 today) and both parents are involved in feeding duties (fortunately for E25). Our hero M15 is as always taking care of his younger hatch, and I continue to have confidence in him. “

Let us hope that Beau turns out to be as good at providing family meals as he is currently at incubating. That would be grand. Meanwhile, Gabby has had to protect her eggs against a squirrel.

‘A’ is thinking the same as I am: “At NEFL, Gabby has allowed Beau to incubate since soon after 3pm. At 3am, he is still on the nest, doing overnight incubation duties for the very first time. Gabby is sleeping soundly on Wallenda, very nearby of course but trusting Beau to care for the precious eggs. She is giving him increasing responsibility in that regard, presumably preparing him for the chicks to come. It is lovely to watch the bond growing between this pair, whose romance has been a slow-burning affair that is finally coming to fruition this season. We have such high hopes for this nest. “

Gorgeous female at John Bunker Sands has her two eggs to incubate. Thanks ‘MP’ for the screen capture.

The scene at the Midway Atoll where the Laysan Albatross are looking for their mate.

Positively gorgeous Barn Owls! https://youtu.be/AWj2ilhVkoE?

If you live in the UK, please head out and watch the Starling murmurations!

Weatherwatch: It’s murmuration time againhttps://www.theguardian.com/news/2024/dec/19/weatherwatch-its-murmuration-time-again?CMP=share_btn_url

Have you ever seen a budgie have a shower? Did you know how much they loved it? Compliments of ‘J’.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, J, MP’, Raptor Persecution UK, SK Hideaways, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, SW Florida Eagle Cam, NEFL-AEF, Friends of Midway Atoll Wildlife Refuge, John Bunker Sands Wetlands Eagle Cam, Robert Fuller, The Guardian

Monday in Bird World

16 December 2024

Hello Everyone,

Today is more about Calico’s list of books that SHE enjoyed during 2024 than it is catching up on nest news. There are a few things happening and we will touch on them. I will be sending this posting out late Sunday evening and the next post will come Wednesday morning. Please watch for the hatch of E25 prior to that blog.

Hugo Yugo will be having her surgery early and my focus will be on her over the next few days and her recovery.

Sunday afternoon E25 was trying to get out of its shell and join its older sibling, E24! Terrific that the delayed incubation is working so well. F23 is a pro! M15 picked well. Thanks, ‘J’.

Here is E24 hatching if you missed it! https://youtu.be/bQ1ajd9J3xc?

It was +1 on Sunday. Gentle flakes of snow fell on Winnipeg in the early afternoon. The Starlings, some 34 of them, were busy at the feeders. There was plenty of cat kibble and it would seem that was what brought the extra birds to the garden. Dyson and Gang were here – the entire troop of five. It is wonderful to see them scurrying about. The Sparrows are busy eating snow. It is time to get the heater to keep the water warm out of the cupboard!

Calico has been sitting beside me all morning. We are writing the story of her and Baby Hope and finding photos. I so wish that I had taken images of her when she first came to the feeder in late 2022. Still, I am grateful for the ones that we have. She has sat patiently and slowly the others have poured into the warm conservatory to listen and watch the birds. I don’t think they have ever seen so many starlings! There is one Blue Jay and one Crow – which worries me. There should be two of each. The Blue Jays always come together at some point to the feeders. Little Red is busy caching peanuts and causing mischief. Oh, oh. The second Crow has arrived. Now we just wait to see if there is a second Blue Jay.

Calico’s book list for 2024 is not all about our feathered friends but often about nature, how individual lives have been changed by learning about wildlife and their transformation into good citizens of our planet. This year, it is shorter than usual – not because there weren’t a lot of books coming in to read but because she has gotten picky about what she likes to hear!

The top book for 2024 is Raising Hare. We have now read it four times. Chloe Dalton’s busy urban life is changed during the pandemic when she scoops up a tiny hare from the road and takes it into her country home. Line drawings, great narrative. Ten Golden Paws for readability!

Her second choice for 2024 publications is An Anthology of Exquisite Birds. We pick several species and read about them each evening. The writing is clear and while the book was meant for children, Calico thinks everyone would enjoy it. Packed with gorgeous illustrations!

Calico really enjoyed listening to Jennifer Ackerman’s What an Owl Knows. The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds. Who would have thought Calico would like hearing about owls! She hears me scream at the local one all the time! Small black and white illustrations within the text and a central part of coloured images. Of course, Calico doesn’t care about the images – only the words, but you might like them.

It is and it isn’t a bird book. Our Green Heart is about the special place forests and trees play in our lives. Calico really enjoyed this book!

Canada’s female astronaut examines the beauty and threat to two species, The Whooping Crane and the Lesser Flamingo in Space for Birds. It is a gorgeous book – just look at that cover! Calico appreciated the writing. I loved that and the beautiful images.

Calico must be into the symbolism and mystical qualities of birds because she truly enjoyed having several entries of Ornithography. An Illustrated Guide to Bird Lore and Symbolism read to her each evening. There are 100 entires, all illustrated. (I found it interesting that Calico sat and listened to these entries when she is always bored by field guides, and while I genuinely enjoyed Amy Tan’s Backyard Chronicles, Calico didn’t. Go figure!

It is not a 2024 publication, but Calico cannot get enough of this book about life in the Welsh countryside. It is another transformative story of a young East Indian woman who moves to rural Wales. It was the first book Calico ever heard during story time. It is I can hear the Cuckoo.

Another old favourite is The Meaning of Geese. A thousand miles in search of home. It is the story of the author who gives up a wondrous life of travel to ride a bicycle around Norfolk, his home, studying the geese that migrate to the UK during the winter from Iceland, Greenland, and Siberia. Calico says if you like geese, this is the book for you!

We read every night and sometimes in the afternoons. Some books are favourites of mine and I will be making a much longer list for the end of the year. There are quite a number of new books that we have added to the library that appealed to me, but not to Calico! She is very particular about the sound of the words and which words are joined together. She will actually get up and walk out!

Another all time favourite that we read when Calico got tired of hearing scientific data about Ospreys, Falcons, or Condors was The Comfort of Crows. A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl. It is a wonderful little book that follows the life of the wildlife in Renkl’s garden with some amusing stories.

My listing will appear before the end of the year. I hope that it will contain some new books that will delight you over the winter.

Meanwhile at the nest of M15 and F23 in SW Florida, each tries to feed little E24. https://youtu.be/_BfPWsfaJLU?

In South Australia, Fran Solly has kindly posted the nests, the names, and the banding colours of this years chicks. Kasse’s bands are red left and white right, I think.

Missy flying about from Coobowie.

At Port Lincoln, all four family members are at the barge. Wilko is 72 days old today and Kasse is 69.

Noon. Kasse and Wilko hoping for fish!

Precious eggs of Beau and Gabby.

Good news for eggs and the Moli on the island of Kauai.

On Midway the albatross are breeding, too.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We will see you again on Wednesday. Send good wishes to Hugo Yugo on Monday for a successful surgery and take care of yourself.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cam that helped me to write my post today: ‘J’ SK Hideaways, the authors of all the books and Amazon, NestFlix Memories, Fran Solly, Port Lincoln Osprey, Bart M and the PLO, NEFL-AEF, Hob Osterlund, Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

Sunday in Bird World

15 December 2024

Hello Everyone,

We had a wonderful Saturday. The temperature outside warmed up and for the first time in a long time the Crows were at the big table feeder. It is worrisome when some are missing. The little Downy female Woodpecker appears in the evening at the square suet feeder as does the Chickadee. The Starlings have been creeping into Brock’s space and grabbing wet cat food as well as some kibble. I can’t wait for them to see the baskets we are making for the solstice – so far there are walnuts, chopped peanuts, Butter Bark, Hazelnuts, two large bags of Meal Worms, and various types of seed and oats. Chopped apple and pears will be added at the last minute. I really hope that they enjoy the effort.

Hugo Yugo went for her pre-surgery blood work on Friday. She was so quiet on the way to the surgery and even in the waiting room no one would have known there was a cat in the building. Then something happened. We heard a cat yelp like nothing I have ever heard before. It was Hugo Yugo. They didn’t even get to prick her for the blood test. She was so stressed she was sent home. They will test her blood Monday before the surgery. She was so glad to be home. We really hope that things will go smoothly on Monday.

Oh, what a great day it was yesterday when E24 hatched successfully. What a gorgeous little eaglet! Now we wait for E25.

A tiny glimpse of that gorgeous soft grey down of the newly hatched eaglet.

‘J’ sent me some better images.

Do these little eaglets have to be so cute?

There was also good news from Redding. The dead tree that Liberty and Guardian had been using and were restoring fell in the high winds and bad weather that hit the area around San Francisco. This is a blessing. There were no eggs and no eaglets in that nest and now Liberty and Guardian can use the sturdy nest near the new camera prepared for them in the summer.

A video of the tree falling: https://youtu.be/GiAnGPzdmAs?

‘B’ writes that the weather that has impacted San Francisco with Redding being some 200 miles away is showing the power of the storms hitting the area. There was even a brief tornado warning for San Francisco ‘B’ says. Let us hope that everyone has some quiet now. Weather can be most disturbing to the birds and the nests and it is Eagle nesting time now!

The video of the storm that hit the Bay area: https://youtu.be/eZdIMQFr-p0?

My goodness. The fledglings from Port Lincoln are going to keep everyone busy. Looks like Wilko has had a really strong start.

Some beautiful close ups of Kasse.

Sunday’s obs board so far:

Sun 15 Dec 2024 video archive

Age (chicks): Wilko : 70 days (10 weeks), Kasse : 67 days
Fish count: Mum: 0, Dad: 0
Fish times:

08:35closeup of wilko on the far perch
09:15Kasse was out on a short flight and when she came back she landed on the left ropes below the nest. She was wet. Looks like Wilko attacks her! He jumps on her back. Both fly from the ropes. Wilko had full on zoomies after the gulls! Some think he got too worked up. Wilko’s on the close branch. And Kasse is in the water again, on the anchor rope.
09:44Kasse is finally able to fly up from the anchor rope onto the barge, behind the ropes on the far right edge. After trying once and falling. She’s all wet from that experience.

So far no food has come to the nest either by Mum or Dad or the fairies. It is 1pm. It is so much more difficult for the fairies now that Kasse and Wilko are being quite independent. Fingers crossed for fish.

Thank goodness for the fish fairy who comes in with 6 fish. Mum brings in 1.

The AEF gives a glimpse at how well Gabby and Beau are doing this year! https://youtu.be/giLl2tlMb3E?

Builders meet only 53% of the nature friendly aspects of new homes. Perhaps they will do better in 2025?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/12/housebuilders-supply-only-half-of-promised-nature-friendly-features-survey-finds?CMP=share_btn_url

They are so cute. Look at the neme. Once very endangered they now appear to be thriving. Neme are the Hawaiian Goose and they are descended from the Canada Goose. Below the images I have put in some fun facts about these amazing creatures.

7 Fun Facts About the Nene, or Hawaiian Goose – Hawaii MagazineDownload

You can see some similarities to the Canada Goose in the images of the Hawaiian Goose below. Notice how the plumage on the neck is very different from the Canada Goose which is solid black.

“Hawaiian Goose, Kaua’i, Hawai’i” by Dave Govoni is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Calico’s Tip for the Day: If you haven’t already found it, she wants you to check out the beautiful Celtic holiday music video on YouTube. We played it behind the scenes with a pre-solstice pizza making dinner with my bestie and the cats loved it. Lots of raptors and beautiful Roe deer. https://youtu.be/0RR1G_NxKyE?

Thank you so much for being with us today. Pictures of The Girls Coming soon! Take care everyone. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘B, J, SP’, SW Florida Eagle Cam, FORE, SK Hideaways, FOX News, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, NEFL-AEF, The Guardian, Hawai’i Magazine, Openverse

Saturday in Bird World

14 December 2024

Good Morning,

Waiting to pop the cork….will have hatch today at SW Florida we anticipate.

First, I want to shout out to Bird World friend and reader Lisa Ferguson, who received the Volunteer of the Year award at the Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey in Maitland, Florida. The following PDF provides an overview of Lisa’s work and highlights Audubon’s year in Raptors. On a personal note, Lisa designs educational and enrichment materials for many celebrity birds at Audubon. She is devoted to the birds at Maitland, and you can find her there daily, helping to improve their lives and educating us about the challenges they face.

Raptor News Year in Review Celebrating Volunteers Holiday Hours and moreDownload

In the UK, Osprey expert, Tim Mackrill is being honoured for the volunteer work he continues to conduct alongside Rutland Water despite his work as the Director of the Roy Dennis Foundation. Tim’s thesis focused on migration and that information is in his latest book, The Osprey, along with everything you might want to know about Ospreys. I am particularly fond of his edition for the RSPB- it is perfect if you don’t want the detailed science in The Osprey, but you do want to know much about ospreys for a ‘kind’ price at the till.

Hatch continues for E24 at SW Florida for M15 and F23. This is their second breeding season together. Last year they had one chick (E23) hatch and what a remarkable eaglet it was. Fledge went well!

Eagle Goddess caught a shift change and a peek at the eggs. https://youtu.be/D_HBsL37-Xw?

Dave Wetherall has been taking some remarkable images of the osprey fledglings at the other South Australia nests. I hope he doesn’t mind my posting these – they show these amazing fledglings soaking their feet in the water at the shore.

I am re-posting the images of Mum, Dad, Kasse, and Wilko from yesterday in case you missed them. These fledglings are sure giving everyone a great time as they venture out from the nest so close to fledge!

If there are images from Saturday I will include them below these.

I have been worried about Diane at the Achieva Osprey Nest. I know that she leaves the nest area after June . In past years, we have had hatch in early March (or thereabouts). Which means we need to be seeing her in January at the latest. ‘MP’ noted Diane was last seen on the nest the third week in June, the 21st. Today, Jack was at the nest with Crows digging in the old nesting material. Jack flapped at them, one noticed and flew off but the others remained.

This was the report from Port Lincoln with a rare second Fish Fairy delivery. Thank you fairies. You are trying to make certain that both fledglings have food and survive!

Fri 13 Dec 2024 video archive

Age (chicks): Wilko : 68 days, Kasse : 65 days
Fish count: Mum: 0, Dad: 0, Sup. Fish: 6
Fish times: 11:52, 15:05Feed times:

00:21wilko tucks in her beak in her feathers..
05:57Wilko lands on Mum… she leaves
06:27:19osprey flying by
06:28Wilko back on the nest
07:14Kasse behind the old barge on the ropes(?)
07:17She is now out on top the barge
07:18:21More flying / hopping on the deck
07:28Wilko joins Mum and Kasse on the old barge
07:36Dad is on the old barge too, now all four are there
08:06:01Mum leaves the old barge
08:12Mum and Wilko back on the barge
08:49:50wilko back on the old barge
11:04:50Checking the Old Barge for the Osprey. Two are there.
11:13:54Looks like Mum on the right ropes. Dad then would be on the Old Barge set off to the right.
11:19:35Close-up of Mum on the rope.
11:52Unannounced Fish Fairy deliveries! 3 fish. 2 small, 1 medium. Kasse on top of the camera on the home barge. Wilko small fish, Dad snatches 1 small fish for himself and Mum with the medium. Kasse isn’t moving.Sup. Fish (S,Whole)
11:52 1Mum’s on the nest with a fish! Wilko snatches it. Mum’s off the nest quickly. Wilko mantles it. Wilko finishes it.
11:57 2Mum’s on the ropes between the 2 branches with the 2nd supplemental fish! A medium one.
12:05 Mum’s to the nest with her fish.
12:11 Wilko snatches Mum’s fish. Mum leaves. No more eating with Wilko for Mum any more.
This one’s for him too.
13:08Finally Kasse makes an appearance on the barge! She’s on the right, far branch briefly. Then she’s in the nest with Wilko. No fighting.
15:05Rare 2nd Fish Fairy delivery! Unknown number of fish.Sup. Fish (M,Whole)
15:05 3Mum’s on the right ropes with a fish. She goes into the nest. Camera pans to Kasse having it. Mum leaves the nest.
15:07 Wilko tried for a steal! Kasse walks away! Wilko tries again! Kasse defends it! Wilko backs off.
15:19 4Mum’s into the nest with a 2nd supplemental fish. She had it since 15:14. Wilko snatches it.
15:22 5Mum’s into the nest to eat a 3rd supplemental fish!
15:23 Kasse joins Mum.
15:27 Now Wilko joins Kasse and Mum.
Wilko snatches the fish tail.

Feeding Times

StartFinishDurationFed Chick
   WilkoKasse
1: 11:52 12:11 19 minMX
2: 11:57 12:22 25 minMX
3: 15:05 15:23 18 minXM
4: 15:19 15:26 7 minSX
5: 15:22 15:30 8 minSM

There have been no deliveries for Saturday the 14th yet and there are reports that Wilko had a bath. Planned or not.

The final tally was 5 fish from Mum and 1 from Dad.

Kasse and Wilko on the nest with Mum.

Dad has brought in some fish – Mum is there to try and control things so everyone gets to eat. It is the first fish of the day. I hope it is a big one!

Gabby and Beau continue to incubate. Beau is bringing in more Spanish Moss and he seems to be doing quite a remarkable job this year. Fantastic.

Beau has been so attentive this season. He is always on alert ready to protect the nest, and comes constantly when she calls. I am amazed at the change in Beau since last year. Let us all hope he is a good provider when the eaglets hatch!

The Black-winged kite female has growing chicks to feed. Just look at them enjoying a nice juicy rat! Remember, Raptors are the solution to Rats – not Rodenticide!!!!!!!!! https://youtu.be/Cce4-yQKUHA?

Do you know someone who is boating in this area? Please ask them to heed the warnings about the presence of Right Whales.

Calico’s Tip for the Day: If you are concerned about Avian Flu and the songbirds (and others) that come to your feeders or bird baths, here is an excellent, easy to understand article on feeder and bird bath hygiene with ratios for three different cleaning products (bleach, borax, vinegar):

Bird Bath & Feeder HygieneDownload

I never like to close on a sad note but as I always believe, we must educate ourselves. ‘SP’ sent me the following article about the perils of the warming oceans – we have seen this in Montana when the streams were so warm that the trout died. The impact is real on the birds that depend on fish to survive – and it is a domino effect. I also believe we cannot give up – we must fight for our precious resources and the wildlife that we so love.

Ocean Heat Killed Half the Common Murres Around Alaska – The New York TimesDownload

There are people going to great lengths and taking financial chances to rewild, to create a landscape full of biodiversity, and to reverse species extinction. One of those is Isabella Tree and Charlie B at Knepp Farm in the south of England. I am including two or possibly three of their latest blog reports. One is on the arrival of large numbers of Hawkfinches this year.

The year of the hawfinch? – KneppDownload
(c)Ignacio”Hawfinch” by Ignacio Ferre is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Ferre

Hawkfinches are approximately 18 cm or 9 inches in length. They live in both woodlands and urban areas. The image above is the male hawfinch whereas the one on the Knepp blog is a female. Look at the two so that you can see the subtle differences that differentiate the genders. Notice the pink legs. What colour is the male’s beak? and the female? Which one has more rust colour?

These beautiful songbirds are on British Ornithological Trust’s Red List of Birds. They are Internationally Threatened.

The hawkfinch has a very strong jaw and the BTO book on the Red List birds says it can exert the pressure of 50 kg. This allows them to eat cherry stones in the winter while they favour insects and caterpillars in the summer. Habitat loss, the use of pesticides, nest predation, lack of food are part of the drivers to the rapid decline of the Hawkfinch.

Here is a good article on understanding why this bird is in decline.

Understanding hawfinch declines – Saving Nature With Science – Our work – The RSPB CommunityDownload

The controversial introduction of beavers to the property is having a huge success.

Beavers at Knepp – KneppDownload

Thank you so much for being with us as we wait for the hatch of E24. Incubation is long and tedious and the first pip brings anxiety and hope. Hopefully on Saturday there will be a little eaglet for this wonderful family. Take care of yourselves. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, videos, articles and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘J, MP, SP’, Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Eagle Goddess, Achieva Credit Union, Dave Wetherall and Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, UK Osprey Information and Jeff Kear, Tim Mackrill, NEFL-AEF, Review Bird Nest, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries, Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Center, The New York Times, Knepp Farm, OpenVerse, RSPB

Thursday in Bird World

12 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

If you receive my newsletter on FB, please subscribe as FB is not working at the moment for me!

News is coming in Thursday morning from Wales: The nest tree of Dylan and Blue 5F Seren has been completely destroyed in a storm that has hit Wales. Will there be time to put up a platform for them? This is very sad news for one of our favourite Osprey couples.

I still have no news as to a second egg for Gabby…I hope I have just missed the announcement.

Oh, goodness. It is -40 C with bright blue skies on the Canadian Prairies. By evening it will have warmed up to -34 C. Winter has really come with lots of snow and now the blistering cold. It even feels cold in the house despite the heat and triple pane windows.

Brock made it out for his food Wednesday morning. I am so glad The Girls are inside and safe. Brock has a warm space under the deck. I hope he is using it.

My report is short. The very cold weather seems to have brought on a cold. I will be fine, but I rested and didn’t check on many nests on Wednesday. There is also little activity.

I do have an update from a friend about the state of peregrine falcons in the downtown Melbourne area. “In the last few weeks from all over Melbourne, including some celebrity birds from Collins Street and the airport. (The vet) has successfully fixed all of them – three have been released, three are still in hospital. The Collins Street one will be released on Thursday [today – it is now 12.37pm on Thursday – so it will probably be on the news if it’s a slow news day.”

One of the Collins Street triplets died on the 28th floor from a collision and, another has been in care. Is there another in care? The life of urban raptors can be very precarious and short-lived. We are thankful to all the wildlife rehabbers and vets that put them back together and release them.

Victor Hugo spoke on radio about the Collins Street falcons and falcons in general. I am not sure you can access this link that ‘A’ sent to us. It is a good interview.

. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-afternoons/collins-street-peregrine-falcon-chicks-fly-the-coop/104601396 

Speaking of falcons and urban ones, too, Monty and Hartley have been at the scrape! https://youtu.be/FjV_44ZbihQ?

At Orange, Xavier and Diamond are having cicada wars. https://youtu.be/lj394K91vzA?

There are many books on Peregrine Falcons. They range from simple guides, interesting children’s books, to more detailed and more academic oriented tomes.

For everything about Falcons, you cannot beat Richard Sale’s hefty well-researched book on falcons (covers 4 species of falcons including the Peregrine).

The other is J.A. Baker’s small volume. Excellent.

For children, these are really good books to get them interested in the world’s fastest bird.

An exceptional book about the work being done in Idaho.

A book that examines the challenges of an urban falcon. One of my favourites along with Maggie!

San Jose City Hall has announced that they will be upgrading the camera for Monty and Hartley. Isn’t that fantastic news? Thanks, ‘J and SK Hideaways’.

Both Wilko and Kasse have fledged. Kasse did slip out of the nest, but she recovered brilliantly to land on a nearby sailboat. Congratulations Port Lincoln! What a great year it was. We will look forward to seeing these two fighting for fish on the nest, wrecking talons, and getting their wings stronger.

Here is Port Lincoln’s video of that flight: https://youtu.be/nK95SW6Y94E?

This is the summary for part of Thursday. Kasse has no fish yet, not even supplementary fish. They were hoping she would come home.

I did some cutting and pasting. I hope that what I am seeing is Kasse getting some fish. Wilko has tried to keep her away but it appears she has eaten. He gets on their backs including Mum’s!!!!!!! Yes, Kasse gets some fish.


12:38 2		Mum’s into the nest with the 2nd supplemental fish! Mum feeds Wilko. Kasse is still on the anchor rope.
12:43 All Wilko time stamps for now. He’s away to feak and look around.
12:53 Mum’s off of the nest with the 2nd supplemental fish tail. Feeding interupted.
12:57Camera pans out and we see Kasse has disappeared from the anchor rope! Camera pans to her all the way up on a boat mast now!
13:07 3Camera pans and we see Mum’s back on the nest with a supplemental fish. Wilko’s in for some more dining with Mum.
13:15 Wilko feels the urge to feak so he engages it!
Mum finishes it.
13:26Kasse flew above the nest and behind the camera!
13:31Mum’s on the nest with a large fish!Mum (L,Whole)
13:31 4Wilko, once again, joins Mum. Kasse is on the barge. But she’s up on top of the ship.
13:34 Kasse can be seen flying from the ship hood. And she’s just gonna circle over the nest and trying to figure out how to land. Meanwhile Wilko defends the nest, feaks his beak and Mum just eats away at the fish.
13:41 Kasse is finally back in the nest! Wilk pushes at her. She stays in the nest. Wilko attacks Kasse once again! Kasse fights back! Kasse is finally with Mum eating her share of fish.
Kasse gets the fish tail.
14:53Wilko hops from the close branch onto Mum’s back for a second! He then goes onto his sister! Mum’s out.  lol

Overhead cam is working at SW Florida. We will be on pip watch this weekend.

I am looking for that second egg at NE Florida with Gabby and Beau. The day began dry and then got a little wet in the afternoon.

Will we be in for a very long night waiting for this second egg? Maybe.

It’s midnight and there is no second egg at NE Florida yet.

Beau has been incubating since 0647.

At SW Florida, we are now officially on hatch watch as the first egg is 36 days old. I am guessing Friday.

Androcat has the precious eggs and some images: https://youtu.be/eb4VsqInroc?

There is trouble at Eagle Country as Blaze has to battle another eagle! https://youtu.be/At035GK-BdE?

I did not see any eagles at the NCTC nest where fog and damp seemed to be the order of the day. It looks wintery!

It’s raining at Port Tobacco.

It’s winter at the Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest in Michigan.

Lady returned to check on her nest in the Sydney Olympic Forest. https://youtu.be/17qzyZFKDu8?si=LQw2Yon27-zlDtX1

Meanwhile, Eagle-eye Cathy Cook spotted SE33 flying around the River and the Discovery Centre to land by the roost of the parents. This is wonderful news. I got locked out of FB and thankfully ‘J’ sent me the image that Gracie Shepherd reposted of Cathy Cook’s on the Sea Eagle Cam.

Isn’t it glorious to see SE33 flying free?

‘A’ gives us an update about a visitor to the Royal Albatross colony: “I wanted to give you a cute piece of albatross information. A youngish male who has been visiting the albatross colony has leg bands indicating he hatched in the Chatham Islands between 2011 and 2019. His ID is A11 (black band equals male, metal band on the left leg with coloured band on the right equals Chatham Islands, the ‘A’ denotes a 2011 to 2019 hatch). Anyway, on 8 December, he visited RLK, who was on the nest incubating his egg, and gently preened him. Then, on 11 December, A11 was back, and he did the same, this time preening GLG, who was on her nest. A friendly young chap, obviously, making social bonds? 

But these albatrosses are the sweetest and gentlest of birds. Imagine quite randomly going up to males and females alike as they are incubating their eggs and gently preening them. Isn’t that just beautiful? And so loving towards birds who are presumably strangers to them, at least initially. It was the sweetest interaction. 

GLG and RLK are a tightly bonded pair, and their skycall greetings and allopreening at the incubation changeovers are just adorable. TOO endearing. If this is not love and devotion, then I have never seen it. The sweetness of these precious interactions brings tears to my eyes (although of course it is an emotional night for me). Once their egg is laid, the only time they get to spend together is at these changeovers, and the precious time they spend with each other is so very short in comparison to all those months and years alone at sea. “

‘J’ brings us updates on Rita the Eagle:

It continues to be dangers near the grouse moors for our beloved feathered friends. Why would anyone enjoy killing a gorgeous free flying bird?

Raven found shot dead next to grouse moor in notorious Peak District raptor persecution hotspot – RaDownload

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Heidi, J’, SK Hideaways, Nesting Bird Life and More, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and PLO, NEFL-AEF, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Androcat, NCTC Eagle Cam, Eagle Country, Port Tobacco Eagle Cam, Trempealeau Bald Eagle Cam, Gracie Shepherd and Bald Eagles 101 and thanks to Cathy Cook!, Raptor Persecution UK, abcnet, Rita the Eagle, SJ City Hall

Wednesday in Bird World

11 December 2024

Hello Everyone,

Update: Kasse!

Kasse on the sailboat. Just hanging out like nothing is up! Flew at 63 days.

Heidi caught it. https://youtu.be/UgIHyZ7IePM?

The fish fairy came in celebration with 4 fish when Kasse returned to the nest at 1444! Well done.

A big fish on the nest and Mum is feeding it to Wilko.

We just dug out of the last big snow dump and it started snowing and blowing again on Tuesday. From the look of the garden, we have now had at least another 10 cm or more (3 inches or more). It is still coming down. The day was full of adventures with the birds. Both of the Blue Jays came together to get peanuts so confirmation that both are alive. Little Woodpecker was here along with a single Dark-eyed Junco amidst 100 or more Sparrows and 19 European Starlings. On top of this, the Crows came, an Owl appeared, and a hawk flew in and took one of the songbirds for its lunch. We haven’t had this much action in a long time!

The table was cleaned off between snow. Now look. It is my way of keeping track of how much snow falls. No more in the forecast but a huge cold front has arrived and the warmer temperatures that gave us the snow have turned into frigid levels of -21 C. Ouch.

Tuesday is my life day in the afternoon so there is not much to report in the way of happenings. At the time of this writing there were no new Bald Eagle eggs.

The Royal Albatross couple has changed incubation duties. So both are safe and sound. I cannot help but tear up when I see one of them come through the grass waddling. It echoes OGK coming to the nest when he had a limp to feed Pippa Atawhai after being MIA for 40 days. https://youtu.be/bnwgjQVUZqg?

Handsome Wilko is on the perch, and the golden rays of the morning sun are coming down. Mum had a small fish that she ate on the ropes earlier on Wednesday morning. No fish so far and it is 1130.

Kasse on the nest. Kasse really wants to fly!

Incubation continues at SW Florida where we will be on pip watch shortly. https://youtu.be/Dejp60MB95E?

So far, so good at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest of Gabby and Beau.

We are coming up to pip watch in SW Florida. How close? Mark your calendars for day 35 – Egg 1 will be 35 days old on the 13th and Egg 2 on the 16th.

As we approach hatch, reviewing the stages of eagle development is a good idea. They grow so fast and it is easy to forget from year to year.

Eaglet Biology | Audubon Center for Birds of PreyDownload
EAGLET GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT | Bald EaglesDownload

Majestics continue to work on nest.

Eagles are at Decorah North.

They are resting after a full day of wrangling sticks.

There are so many videos of F23 or M15 having a bath, but, look. An eagle at Redding having a lovely bath!

Jackie and Shadow are up to their old stick play! https://youtu.be/J971v2m1I2c?

Osprey at Achieva.

Wish we could give them that beautiful nest at Captiva.

The latest migration counts from Hawk Mountain.

If you have considered donating to the Ventana Wildlife Society, your donation will earn more right now. MC is Monterey County.

We rescue Black Bears in Manitoba. Look at this tiny little cutie.

A fundraiser with some more Iris and Finnegan sticks to help a good cause.

One of the most gorgeous ducks I have ever seen…

Country diary: A local rarity, a mug of hot chocolate in bird form | Birds | The GuardianDownload

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: Cornell Lab Bird Cams, Port Lincoln Osprey Cams, wskrsnwings, NEFL-AEF, Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, Elfruler, Denton Homes, Raptor Resource Project/Explore.org, FORE, SK Hideaways, Achieva Credit Union, Window to Wildlife, Hawk Mountain Migration Count, Ventana Wildlife Society, Black Bear Rescue Manitoba, Montana Osprey Cam, The Guardian

NE30 has arrived…late Sunday in Bird World

8 December 2024

Hello Everyone!

Update: Tears. Tears. And more tears. Gabby laid her first egg at 5:56 as called by the American Eagle Foundation. Thank you, Heidi!

There it is!

Welcome to the start of the week. Snow is gently falling in the garden. Once it gets deep enough to be beautiful, there will be some photos!

Waiting for Brock to come for his meal as the gentle flakes get deeper. Perhaps he will stay curled up in his home?? (I gauge the depth by the snow that falls on top of the little table). The forecast says that we will have snow until 0200. It is now 1620.

Do you happen to know what ‘anting’ is? I didn’t.

I wonder if the Crows visiting the garden ever do this?

At the Eagle Country nest of Blaze and Skye, a stunning sub-adult visited on Sunday. What a gorgeous eagle.

Combativeness in the woods over prey. Golden Eagle and Eurasian Eagle Owl. https://youtu.be/_6R6TURUeaY?

At the Port Lincoln Osprey Barge, Mum, Wilko, and Kasse are hungry and they are fish calling very loudly Monday morning!

Still waiting.

This was the final tally for Sunday. What in the world happens to Dad at this nest?

Wilko is going to really jump at this fish as he missed out on some meals on Sunday.

Dad came in with a very small fish and as predicted, Wilko who was very hungry, grabbed it. Please check the Port Lincoln Obs board for the rest of Monday’s activities.

Gabby is nothing short of gorgeous. Beau is in and out of the nest. No eggs yet at NE Florida.

Eagles are home at Decorah.

Someone is at the NCTC nest.

Jackie and Shadow were at the Big Bear nest on Sunday. Gosh they are looking good! I keep wondering if this could be their year again.

FOBBV have a new book on the history of the nest from 2015 to the present. They are still accepting holiday orders.

Liberty and Guardian have been working hard. They were at the nest in Redding, California on Sunday.

Fran Solly posted some information on the Gleesons nest that has Marie, a foster, there. Friends of Osprey Sth Australia have been busy putting on trackers this season. Thank you everyone!

They have also put up a platform at Sleaford and this couple seems to be considering a lease. That would be grand.

GHOs Bonnie and Clyde have been visiting their nest on Farmer Derek’s property in Kansas after 1700. I hope to catch them today!

Has anyone seen Jack at the Achieva Credit Union nest recently?

Beautiful nest with a great camera at Captiva waiting for an Osprey family.

Calico is putting together her favourite bird books for the year. We hope to have her list finished and polished by next weekend! This girl should get some gold stars. She loves story time! We are working our way through several books at the moment.

With the great news about Gabby, I am once again posting early and I will see you on Tuesday morning unless we have another major event such as Kasse fledgling or more eagle eggs. Take care everyone. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Heidi, J’, NE Florida Bald Eagle Cam and the AEF, Sandra Turner and National Geographic, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, Raptor Resource Project/Explore.org, NCTC, FOBBV, FORE, Fran Solly, Farmer Derek GHO Cam, Achieva Credit Union, Window to Wildlife

Sunday in Bird World

8 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Our thoughts are with all the humans and non-humans living along the coast of California and Oregon where a 7.4 earthquake has hit. For my readers and their families, we are thinking of you and wish everyone to be safe.

In the movie, Seven Years in Tibet, there is a scene where they are building the movie theatre for the Dalai Lama. The Tibetans are anguished about the killing of the worms. The Dalai Lama suggests to Heinrich Harrer that he is very clever and he can find a way to construct the building without killing. He explained to the Austrian that all life is sacred and should be respected. I wish a wave would pass around the world where everyone would treat all living beings with great compassion.

It is +4 C in Winnipeg. The snow that fell is all melting. Any ice build up is also melted or melting. It is 1400 and we will have sunlight for another hour and a half. The birds are busy eating. What is worrying me for the last few days is that I have only seen one Blue Jay. Did one decide to migrate late? or did something happen? or are they just coming at different times and I think it is one but it is two? I would like to see them together.

The Girls are enjoying the warm sunshine today. Calico is on the table by my side. She loves being super warm and does not complain when I wrap her up in the duvet at night.

Some of you have asked about the fate of the Canada Goose. As I understand, all of the geese rescued from the wildlife centre are safe along with the one that we saved yesterday. They will spend their winter here in a warm environment with plenty of food and medical care if necessary.

We have cleared the way to set up the Reolink camera and found the perfect spot to install the solar panel. Then we both realised that the camera only operates at -10 C. While it is warm today, in a few days, the reading will have dropped substantially. We are going to set the camera up to see if it works and maybe keep it outside until the temperature dips to -27 C mid-week. It will be a way to test it and give us something to look forward to in the spring.

It seems that we are now in a snowfall warning for Sunday and could get up to 10-20 cm or 4-8 inches. That wasn’t on my phone! Will see if it happens. That camera might have to wait.

‘B’ sent me an article about the geneticists at Stanford solving the mystery of ‘orange’ cats. Of course, both of us wonder why Hugo Yugo is orange after reading it. I wrote my son to see if he could help us. Here is the article, any thoughts?

https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/stanford-scientists-crack-mystery-orange-cats-19962652.php

I wonder if Kasse is going to fledge. She really got some good lift after Wilko took his first flight. Heidi caught it in video and while most people were watching Wilko, it was Kasse that caught my attention.

Here are two videos of the fledge: https://youtu.be/FUlN6W7W1-4?

And Heidi’s which shows a lot of other action: https://youtu.be/pL5NHQ9rJgI?

Yesterday Dad brought in one fish and there were two supplementary fish. Today, Mum brought in a fish early, 0721. Wilko wanted it, but Mum prevailed. It was small and each got a meal. I hope Mum got some, too. Wilko got the tail!

This is what happened today. Mum, you are amazing! And so are you Fish Fairies.

The only surviving chick out of three at the Osprey House Environment Centre in Australia is Marina. She has caught her first fish! Marina fledged on the 29th of September.

There was another good mating at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest. Will this be the one that gives us that first egg? We wait. https://youtu.be/CedSKh1oIZA?

At SW Florida, M15 knows the way to getting incubation time! A fish gift! Smart lad. https://youtu.be/FV3OEOnS9Ow?

At the West End, Akecheta is protecting the territory against ravens! https://youtu.be/4ET64zP5Frk?

Tonya Irwin brings us up to date on nest E-1 in the Kistachie National Forest.

Here is that video: https://youtu.be/SdCgIy2QADU?

Xavier and Diamond have been in and out of the scrape. My heart breaks for them.

Is it possible to get a dedicated group of BOGs to be there when the chicks fledge so that they can check all the trees and know where the fledglings are if they are injured, help can come quickly.

An announcement from Window to Wildlife regarding the Captiva Osprey Cam:

Some cute little Eurasian Hobbys to keep you entranced – it part of a series from the 2024 nesting period. https://youtu.be/TLOLFuMo-40?

No eagles but a squirrel did visit the MN-DNR Bald Eagle nest on Saturday.

Harry and Harriet are building their nest and – wait – is that snow?! It is Michigan, it is winter! https://youtu.be/pYWYnmfyiWA?

Ferris Akel tours the area around Ithaca on Saturday. He did not find Big Red and Arthur, but there was an impressive number of waterfowl on Cayuga Lake.

Calico was watching Ferris.

Coots.

American Black Ducks and several species of swans.

I like checking in with Ferris who catches the changing seasons in the Ithaca and bird arrivals and departures. I also like to check in with Bruce Yolton who chases down raptors in New York City.

Yolton captured a gorgeous Great Horned Owl in the City a couple of days ago. The GHO was interested in the rodents below on a branch. Great little video! You can find his blog at urbanhawks.com https://youtu.be/ghU7O15gOBQ?

Some stunning photo contest winners!

https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2024/dec/07/the-2024-nature-conservancy-oceania-nature-photo-contest-winners-in-pictures?CMP=share_btn_link

I love Puffins. Doesn’t everyone? Can we end them starving?

“BirdLife, the RSPB, 31 NGOs and the wind sector sent letters to the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans and asked him to be the champion for the ocean he promised to be. Can he turn the tide for starving Puffins?”

-https://www.birdlife.org/news/2024/12/04/commissioner-kadis-end-puffin-starvation-now/

There are so many talented wildlife photographers who read my blog in the UK. Please send your photos to the RSPB – be part of their cover story!

Finally, the Grouse hunting estates in Scotland are under pressure to change their ways – and they don’t even recognise that they need to stop killing raptors illegally.

Grouse shooting industry under pressure in Scotland – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

Every National Park – every area where there is a high concentration of wildlife – should be making it safer for them to cross the roads!

The Christmas Bird Counts are huge events internationally. Please check with your local birding associations and see how you can take part.

So far, it is quiet, which is a good thing in Bird World. Soon, we will have some eaglets in SW Florida, and by the end of the month, all of the eagle nests will have at least one egg (we hope). We look forward to Kasse fledging, which will happen anytime. She is ready. I was happy to see supplementary fish still being provided. Thank you, fish fairies. These fledglings use much energy and have yet to catch their food. In fact, Marina took over two months to catch her own fish after fledging at Osprey House Environmental Centre.

This afternoon Missey and Baby Hope posed for new photos.

Meanwhile, one of Dyson’s kits was outside enjoying peanuts. The three kits chased one another all over the garden. They were so happy to have a warm day and lots and lots of peanuts!

Their baskets for the winter solstice are being prepared. We have various types of prepared bird seed, hazelnuts, Butter Bark, suet balls, pieces of pear and apple to be prepared on the day. Looking for more ideas! It is our way of thanking them for being such a huge part of our lives!

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘B, Heidi, J’, sfgate.com, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Heidi McGrue, Osprey House Environment Centre, American Eagle Nest Cam Highlights, SK Hideaways, BVS Girl, Tonya Irwin and Kisatachie National Forest Eagle Cam Fans FB, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Window to Wildlife, Marek Palicka, MN-DNR Eagle Cam, Wings of Whimsy, Ferris Akel Tours, Bruce Yolton, The Guardian, Birdlife International. RSPB England, Raptor Persecution UK, Parks Canada, Missey and Baby Hope

Saturday in Bird World

7 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Oh, it is so nice to have you with us! I am going to post this on Friday evening instead of Saturday morning because of Wilko’s fledge. We will see you again on Sunday.

First up. Wilko fledges at 1325!!!!!!!!!!!!! 62 days old. Wilko returns safely to the nest. (This would have been the title but FB would have refused to post this blog on their site so sorry, Wilko!)

Will the fairies return now that one of the chicks has fledged? We wait to see. I hope they come in with a big fish meal as congratulations.

First up. Well, it was going to be first, but Wilko’s flight preempted Wisdom making the international news. This is grand. The world should be more interested in wildlife.

World’s oldest-known wild bird lays egg in Hawaii at age 74https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/06/worlds-oldest-known-wild-bird-lays-egg-wisdom-albatross?CMP=share_btn_url

Oh, it was -4 C on Friday in Winnipeg. I couldn’t wait to get outside for a long walk at the nature centre. First thing, we found a Canada Goose. You might remember the other day there were five geese eating snow. They were taken to Wildlife Haven, our rescue centre. This one is heading there, too. It felt super to help this one. No one knew it was there as we were the only people on the trails, it seems. This seemed so odd as it was such a fantastic day, but we were glad to be there and to help.

This goose should not be here. It is the only one around. It is different in the spring. Some arrive early when there is still snow so they can get the best nesting spots. This one was destined to starve to death if not freeze. So why is it here? Is it injured? They will find out.

There were deer all over the forest. We tiptoed in our boots so as not to disturb them. I only had my phone and the photos are not great. The one on the right knew I was there. The Chickadees were singing while flitting about while the squirrels were trying their luck at getting peanuts out of the feeders.

It is 1636. The sky is a white-grey with a rose gold tinge. The outdoor lights are glowing bright, and I am waiting for Brock to arrive (he doesn’t). We have figured out what needs to be fixed with all the feral cat houses – only one opening. They feel trapped – so two openings! We will work on that tomorrow. It is still supposed to be warm. We will also start installing the Reolink camera.

Let’s start with the sad news in Bird World first. Cilla Kinross said that Yira is no longer with us. It had been over a week since she thought she had spotted her. I feel so badly for Xavier and Diamond, who work hard all season to raise healthy chicks to have one deformed and euthanised and the other killed.

I have long suspected Yira was not with us. She has been on the Memorial Wall for a couple of weeks now. We never saw the behaviour that Diamond and Xavier would have exerted if they were providing prey for a fledgling. So, soar high, little one. We hope that next season will turn out differently for these beloved parents.

The good news. Just the best. SE33’s release images. Soar high, live long, find a good mate, raise lots of babies, always have a full crop!

If you missed it, images of SE33 being ringed and getting ready to fly.

At the WRDC nest, Rose laid her second egg. Heidi wrote: “
Rose laid egg #2 12/6, at 18:08, approximately 75.5 hours after she laid egg #1.  Rose had been a 4-day layer the past two seasons, and she has just become a 3-day layer.”

At Hilton Head, the Bald Eagles are bringing in the pine boughs readying for that first egg. I wonder if they told the GHOs? https://youtu.be/kobHTx-ALSU?

Saving an Eagle! https://youtu.be/QS_8YOcL0M0?

You might have heard about the earthquake that hit parts of northern California. The nest at Redding, home to Liberty and Guardian, felt the impact. They say the nest is fine. https://youtu.be/Oyocy3zNY8c?

Oh, goodness, the wait for eggs at the nest of Gabby and Beau is like taking fingernails to a chalkboard.

Another wait is fledge. Wilko really wants to fly. Kasse is trying her wings, too. It is quite breezy at Port Lincoln, but they aren’t quite ready yet. Soon, too soon, you two! Settle down and let us enjoy you for a long, long time.

Waiting for fish. Ospreys are always waiting for their fish dinner everywhere. Last night Dad brought in a late fish. I did not see what happened. This came in on chat from Gtr: “20;34 Dad w fish to nest, Kasse gets the fish, 20:35 & 20:37 Wilko tries to steal it but no luck, 20:44 Kasse eats the tail.” Wow. Isn’t that wonderful for Kasse?!

With no fish arriving by 1227, Mum takes off on a blustery Saturday in Port Lincoln to try and feed her family. (I wonder what she thinks about Dad these days.)

Iris and Finnegan’s Owl Pole is now officially replaced.

Thunder and Akecheta sleeping near their nest in the Channel Islands Friday evening.

The Majestics were home, too.

Raven visits Jackie and Shadow’s nest! https://youtu.be/heltAD5mZ84?

Bad weather is hitting the UK. I am glad the ospreys are in their winter homes, but for the rest, stay safe everyone!

I wonder when the Governor of Virginia will understand that there will be no more Menhaden if Omega is allowed to strip the Bay of every last one. Does he think they fall from the sky into the water each spring?

If you happened to miss it, Nox died of a bacterial infection and pneumonia.

Nox the falcon died of pneumonia, says UC Davis veterinary pathology report – Berkeley NewsDownload

Saving the old and wise could help. Phoebe Watson says, “t’s not just humans who get wiser as they age – animals do too, according to a growing body of research. The bigmouth buffalo fish can reach 127 years old, the Greenland shark 392, and some sponges can live for 10,000 years or more. And age is not just a number: as animals get older they behave differently depending on their life experiences, gain richer knowledge of their environment, and often pass it on to younger members of their group, researchers say.

The problem is, we are killing off these older creatures. “Earth’s old animals are in decline,” researchers warned in a paper published in Science last month, which analysed more than 9,000 peer-reviewed papers. Few animals make it to old age, and the ones that do are vulnerable to being hunted or harvested by humans, because they are the biggest or have, for example, the largest antlers, horns or tusks.”

Saving ‘old and wise’ animals vital for species’ survival, say scientistshttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/06/saving-old-and-wise-animals-vital-for-species-survival-say-scientists-longevity-conservation?CMP=share_btn_url

In Hawaii, they are working to reintroduce the Crow. “The Hawaiian crows, or alala, were last found on Hawaii’s Big Island, but they went extinct in the wild in 2002, officials with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said in a statement. The birds, described as intelligent and charismatic, are the last survivors of all the Hawaiian crow species. Habitat loss, predation and disease by introduced species are threats, among other factors.

“The translocation of alala to Maui is a monumental step forward in conserving the species and a testament to the importance of partnership in reversing biodiversity loss,” said Megan Owen, vice-president of conservation science at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.”

Hawaiian crow that went extinct in the wild decades ago released on Mauihttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/05/hawaiian-crows-alala-maui?CMP=share_btn_url

To our knowledge, at the time of writing, there are no new Bald Eagle eggs except for the second egg at WRDC. Incubation is going well at nests with eggs.

Calico wishes each of you the very best weekend. She has some exciting news coming in the new year!

Thank you for being with us today. Please take good care of yourself. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, images, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Heidi, SP’, The Guardian, Holly Parsons, Sea Eagle Cam, WRDC, Hilton Head Land Trust, EaGal Vicki, NEFL-AEF, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Montana Osprey Cams, IWS/Explore.org, Denton Homes, SK Hideaways, UK Osprey Information and Jeff Kear, Brian Collins and Menhaden- Little Fish, Big Deal, UC Berkeley News