Category Archives: protecting animals

Monday in Bird World

28 October 2024

Good Morning,

Oh, we had a fun time Saturday afternoon. For the past four years, CPAWS (Canada Parks and Wilderness Society) hosts a Halloween walk with games and treats at Bird’s Hill Provincial Park. We headed out to get our 2k exercise and check out the chickadees. Had they returned? And would they land on our hands for seed?

Decorations lined the paths, which were clearly marked. There was that peculiar smell of fall, the musky sweet aroma of the fallen leaves under our boots, so familiar that one never forgets it from year to year.

To the right of our dear witch are the golden leaves of the Oak trees, so plentiful in the park. There were conifers, aspens, and birch.

When we were in Nova Scotia, our remembrances of the trip were the Red Maple Leaves we collected and the pine cones. There were no Red Maples in the woods, but we did find pine cones to add to the bowl on our dining table. They are so tiny compared to the ones we brought home from the Annapolis Valley.

The Black-capped Chickadees were not shy. They would get their seed, fly quickly to a branch to crush and eat it, and then, just as quickly return for another. The energy they expend getting food is admirable. It is their familiar song – the chick-a-dee-dee – that filled the air on Saturday.

I had no idea how many calls these cute little birds had until I checked the information on the Cornell Bird Lab site.

Sounds and Vocal Behavior – Black-capped Chickadee – Poecile atricapillus – Birds of the WorldDownload

‘A’ remarks on SE34’s fledge: “The rain had come over this morning shortly before SE34 fledged. It looked grey and overcast and as if it were raining or about to do so. It was not great fledging weather, but soon after SE34 fledged, the sun came out and things were looking a lot brighter. 

In the minute before fledging, SE34 had been struck by a swooping currawong on the nest (09:58:40). The currawong then flew to a branch right in front of SE34’s face, about a metre away, and the two vocalised at each other before the currawong flew off. SE34 hopped and flapped around the nest, making vocals indicating his displeasure. Just before 09:59 the currawong swooped again, this time met by SE34, who flapped and vocalised at the currawong. SE34 moved up the perch branch, and at 09:59:06, the currawong again swooped past him. SE34 hesitated for a second and then fledged, flying off in pursuit of the currawong, or so it appeared. 

We did not see either eaglet for the remainder of the day, so I am keenly awaiting the ranger report for this evening. “

In Port Lincoln, Wilko and Kasse have stopped the slight agro as they move out of the reptile phase. Totally grand. I have loved how Kasse tried to make herself bigger and looked Wilko straight in the eye. Would not be surprised if Wilko is a male and Kasse a female. But we will have to wait – and wait for a long time maybe. Everyone believed Calypso to be a female and she turned out to be a he with a mate this year. I often wonder at how Falkey and Bassa shot out of Port Lincoln like Zoe if they weren’t females….just weird thoughts on a Sunday morning sitting in the sun. Of course, Tiger Mozone told me in jest years ago not to question the person ringing the raptors. But, of course, I do because only DNA testing or seeing an egg is the absolute mark of gender. https://youtu.be/foDdB91SsI4? (more below)

I hope that eel that Lady kept from the ospreys is for the sea eaglets!

‘A’ comments on what I am worried about, too – have the sea eaglets been fed? “I’m concerned too. Here is yesterday’s ranger report, which doesn’t actually give much comfort:

October 27: SE34 slept on the front rail of the nest overnight – were the parents nearby? Early morning swoopers were about and swooping SE34 as he moved a little about the nest branches. SE34 moved up higher, then back to the nest again. A currawong came close, clipping/ SE34. The eaglet flew off then, strongly – flying out and up. So SE34 fledged today around 10am, at 81 days from hatching. Then, he was out of sight. The ground crew reported adults down on the river and SE33 possibly out of sight in the mangroves. At 1:20pm, no prey had been brought back to the now-empty nest. Around 1:30pm, one fledgling was seen flying over Ermington Bay, landing on the power tower. Then, when flushed, it took off over Wentworth Point and the residential areas – and away. The parents were circling overhead. Later, SE33 was seen flying back towards the general forest area again. As well, an eaglet was reported earlier on the ground in the area near the nest – SE34 – in the restricted access area. After 5pm, the adults were seen circling high overhead. There were several sightings of them, so SE33 seems to be moving about. We are unsure where SE34 is at the end of the day. Will the adults return to the nest area? Will either fledgling?

When SE34 fledged, he had just been struck by a currawong swooper, and it seemed to me, watching the footage of the five minutes or so leading up to the fledge, that SE34 took off after the currawong, chasing it. I was pleased to see that it was not the other way around! But SE34 definitely appeared to me to be chasing his tormentor. That attitude is a good one, at any rate. But the fact that it has been seen on the ground near the nest is not a great sign. Still, the parents are obviously aware of where the fledglings are, and are keeping an eye on them, though that’s not the same thing as feeding them. Obviously, I am waiting anxiously for tonight’s ranger report, which should be posted in about an hour, two hours at most. I’ll let you know as soon as there is word from the BOTG at WBSE. We are reliant now upon their reports, and it is a wonderful thing to know that they are out every day in that forest, watching and listening for the eaglets and their parents. It is a great comfort to have their daily updates on what the fledglings are doing and whether they are with their parents or getting fed. Things are a little unsettled at the moment, and I would give a lot to see those eaglets return to their nest. But whether they have the physical strength or the flying skills to do so at this stage is dubious. So obviously, we are hoping the parents will bring food to them wherever they are perched. SE33 has apparently at least stayed off the ground, which is more than can be said for SE34, who is in serious danger as long as he remains there, vulnerable to feral cats, foxes and even dogs, not to mention the swooping smaller birds. I am sick with worry about both of them and it makes us feel so helpless.”

If you missed it, SE34 fledged while being harrassed on the nest by Currawongs and then chased. S/he flew out of the forest in a path very similar to the adults. Wishing 33 and 34 long and productive lives with lots of eels. https://youtu.be/neBjn5AZJO4?

Just look at how much Bubba at Growing Home has grown!!!!!! https://youtu.be/A8PjiB8snC0?

Wilko and Kasse are doing so good at Port Lincoln! 22 and 19 days old now. Beautiful juvenile plumage coming in. They survived the dreaded reptile phase and now we can just breathe nicely. Of course, the fish fairies are always there should there be the need, which is another bonus for these two beauties.

These two at Port Lincoln are so adorable. I am absolutely smitten by Kasse.

The Majestics have returned to Denton Homes to rebuild their nest! https://youtu.be/gr5CQ3p5nKM?

Breakfast arrived as the golden rays of the sun kissed the scrape of Diamond and Xavier.

At 367 Collins Street, breakfast was served at the cooler end of the ledge. Goodness me those little chicks knew to run down there and stay where the sun would not beat down on them. One went and the other two followed. As far as I can remember, this is the earliest the chicks have moved down to the other end and used this scrape in the shade. Mum has a great perch to watch her triplets, too.

Beau and Gabby are dedicated to their nest in NE Florida near Palm Court.

Wings of Whimsy gives us a round up of what is happening at 17 Bald Eagle nests from the 21st to 24th of October. https://youtu.be/erEAiieAfj8?

One of the images from the video summary is from the John Bunker Sands Wetlands where Mum and Dad are busy at work fixing up that beautiful nest of theirs.

Stars and Stripes are back at Avon Lake. https://youtu.be/4JZzxe9Sxx8?

Research is giving new insights into bird migration.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/28/high-flying-life-of-australias-birds-revealed-in-new-detail-thanks-to-weather-radars?CMP=share_btn_url

This is the problem.

Calico’s Tip for the Day is don’t turn into a bear that hibernates. Get out and enjoy nature, make it part of your life regardless of clock changes and weather! It will make your life so much better.

From the article: “It’s easy to pass birds without really seeing them or to walk through a park without paying attention to the trees. We can become so caught up in our own thoughts and conversations that we miss the sensory gifts nature has to offer. By tuning in to the sights, sounds and sensations around us, by listening to the birds, we can transform passive wandering into an immersive experience. When we truly notice nature, something magical happens.”

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/oct/27/the-clocks-go-back-but-now-is-not-the-time-to-hibernate?CMP=share_btn_url

And last, please leave the leaves. Spread the news. It will save you time to do other things. If you must, just pile the leaves but do not put them in bags! or grind them up with a mulcher. Just let them sit. Read a good book.

Thank you 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: ‘A, H, J’, Heidi McGrue, Cornell Bird Lab, Olympic Park Eagles, SK Hideaways, Rohan Geddes and Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, NestFlix Memories, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Trudi Kron, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, NEFL-AEF, Wings of Whimsy, The Guardian, Brian Collins – Menhaden, Little Fish, Big Deal, Pollinator Friendly Yards.

SE34 fledges and SE33 flies over the Paramatta River!…late Saturday in Bird World

Good Evening,

Again, because of these important developments in the Olympic Park, I am posting on Saturday night instead of Sunday morning, and I will return on Monday.

First news. SE34 fledged at 0959:08 Sunday October 27 amidst attacks by the Currawongs. He was honking and flapping his wings just as he might as an adult. He flew off to the right.

Look at how big that Currawong is – that is not our eaglet. SE34 is behind the big branch.

SE34 leaving the nest.

It’s pear season! The trees in Nova Scotia were full, and each bite promised juice running down our chins. We now have delicious pears in the markets in Manitoba.

This time of year reminds me of my father. When I was a child, he would take me on his boat with his best friend to an island in the middle of a lake. No one lived there, but there were pear trees. My dad and his friend would bring three bushel baskets: one for my paternal grandmother, who would make pear preserves, and the other two for us and for “ES.” Once home, each pair was carefully wrapped in newspaper and placed in boxes in our garage to ‘ripen’. They were delicious, and the juice running down my chin on our trip to Nova Scotia reminded me of my father. What a gentle soul he was. Almost as soon as we had started eating the pears out of the boxes, it was time to pick the pecans from our neighbour’s tree. They were not the tiny, tasteless pecans I buy now, but meaty, long halves full of flavour. While many went into cakes and pecan pie, they were also made into pralines. Oh, goodness, those were so good. Sweet memories.

What a glorious day and what wonderful news of SE 33 flying over the river. We can all breathe a sigh of relief that this fledgling overcome the Currawongs, got out from the bush near the nest, and can now be taught to be an eagle by Lady and Dad. S/he was flying by the river roost. I don’t know about you, but I am utterly in tears! Thanks Jen for the video! https://youtu.be/rlZYZ4Zx21k?

SE34 is in the nest being dive bombed by the Currawongs as I write. The yet to fledge sea eagle is honking at them like Dad and Lady!

The latest from Ranger Judy:

And, of course, if you missed it, the other good news is that the chicks at 367 Collins Street refused to bake in the hot Melbourne sun and made their way to the shadier end making F24 move house! (And, apologies. Yesterday I called her F23 in error. Thanks SP for noticing that!). https://youtu.be/6Umglw1ZJp4?

Xavier was in with prey, out and back again and fed the chicks. One appeared to take the leftovers from Diamond when she flew into scrape and was self-feeding. It was a tad confusing. Yira and Garramma are quite content even if my mind is boggled.

Great video celebrating their 3 week hatch date from Heidi! https://youtu.be/f1R-aHZMY6I?

Waiting for Dad to bring in a breakfast fish at Port Lincoln. He is off the barge and we assume he is diving for fish. And he was! At 820, Dad arrives with a really nice fish for the family. Well done, Dad! I love how Kasse joins in with Mum to call Dad and cheer him into the nest with the fish. That little one is really cute and this morning, Kasse raised her head up, stretching it really high while looking Wilko right in the eye. I wonder if Wilko is a male and Kasse is a female.

Everyone is going to be stuffed.

At NE Florida, Beau and Gabby work on and off from dawn to dusk working on their nest despite eggs being about a month away. It is now full of moss with lots of pine boughs. Beau loves working on the crib rails.

Gary gives us the latest on the starter nest for Liberty and Guardian at Redding with some great historical information. https://youtu.be/OVVAcyDeOOk?

I have been on a mini rampage for several years about our need for trees. I am not going to tell you about the importance of trees for our planet – you already know that. I also know that most of you recognize that in order for our birds to thrive, they need trees!!!!!!!!! All I could do was stop on the side of the road and stare at the trees in Nova Scotia. The trees on the prairies were destroyed by urbanization – Winnipeg can’t contain itself and spreads out like mercury on a floor! The farmers when they modernized and purchased larger and larger tractors cut down trees, too. If we are to help our planet and our feathered friends, we need to fight for ancient trees and plant new ones.

They could seriously have diverted around the tree. Human efficiency is nothing short of deplorable.

Calico’s Tip for the Day is borrowed from our friend, Connie Davis, in Halifax:

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, graphics, and streaming cams that helped me to write this post: ‘J, SP’ Olympic Park Eagles, Se McGregor and Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Judy Harrington and Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Heidi McGrue, Port Lincoln Ospreys, NEFL-AEF, Gary and the Redding Eagles, and Connie Davis.

SE33 fledges…Nox has died…late Thursday in Bird World

24 October 2024

Hello Everyone,

I have decided to send out Friday’s news late Thursday instead. There are two main news points: Nox has died and SE 33 fledged. By the time Friday morning arrives, it is possible that SE34 will have also fledged. I will resume my normal postings on Saturday morning.

It is with a very heavy heart that I write that cute little Nox, the fourth hatch of Annie and Archie in 2024, has died. Many of you will already know this sad news as it is the biggest story in Bird World. Nox was taken into care shortly after fledgling after being found grounded at the Marina and treated for a fracture. He was kept in rehabilitation and sent to a falconer for training. He was released into the wild on Monday the 21st of October 2024 amidst great applause and happiness. He was found grounded again, highly anemic, three days later. He was emaciated. A post-mortem is being undertaken to find the cause of his death.

There are deaths in Bird World that impact us more than others. Nox was the cutest little chick who won all of our hearts. While we want all of the chicks to thrive, Nox was very, very special to so many and, thus, his death has impacted us deeply. Fly high little one. Soar in places you never dreamed possible!

A male Bald Eagle that won everyone’s hearts and caused us great concern during Hurricane Milton was Clive, the mate to Connie at the Captiva Nest in the Barrier Islands off the west coast of Florida. He rode out the hurricane protecting his nest and, now he is making the news and well, he should. I don’t believe anyone has seen this on a streaming cam before (please feel free to correct me on that!).

Weather.com! https://weather.com/…/florida-hurricane-bald-eagle…

Around many of the Bald Eagle nests there is some question about who is who and who is on what nest with what mate. We wait to see US Steel’s nest of Irvine and Claire and now Dulles-Greenway, the nest that formerly belonged to Martin and Rosa.

SW Florida is stable. M15 and F23 are busy, busy looking forward to their second breeding season together.

We hope that NE Florida will be stable and that Gabby and Beau will finally have a family!

At the WRDC nest, Ron came in, landed on the nest, took a selfie around 0655 Thursday morning and departed.

Thunder and Akecheta were both at their West End nest!

I did not see Andor and Cruz at Fraser Point nor did I see Jackie and Shadow at Big Bear on Thursday.

In Australia, Diamond is stuffing Yira and Gammatta to the top of their little heads!

At the Port Lincoln Osprey nest, Wilko is being aggressive towards Kasse. This is a food issue. As clearly demonstrated by the Poole Harbour nest of Blue 022 and CJ7, frequent fish deliveries can ensure that four osplets fledge without anxiety and beaking. Thankfully, Dad came in with half a fish (or that is how it appeared) Thursday morning around 0730. I thought that poor little Kasse was going to go off the rim of the nest trying to get away from the aggression.

It is impossible to see who is getting fed, but I suspect it is Wilko eating first. There is plenty for Kasse. I hope that the fish fairies will appear and bring supplementary fish to the nest to fill in the spaces when Dad is not bringing fish.

On Friday morning, the oldest sibling SE33 fledged from the nest around 0619. They stayed near the nest eventually flying out of the forest around 0643.

Caught on video: https://youtu.be/TnwLSAz05AU?

Where is Mum at Collins Street? The eyases are in the gutter and back up to the scrape but there has yet to be a prey delivery. It is 0820.

Thank you for being here this evening. Take care.

Thank you to the following for their posts, articles, news, images, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write this post: Cal Falcons, weather.com, Dulles-Greenway Eagles, NE Florida-AEF, SW Florida Eagle Cam, IWS/Explore, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Olympic Park Eagles, Port Lincoln Ospreys.

SE33 and 34 still home…Thursday in Bird World

2 October 2024

Hello Everyone,

It is a gorgeous, albeit windy, fall day on the Canadian Prairies. I noticed about thirty-five Canada Geese feeding on the soccer field at one of our nearby high schools while five flew overhead. At last count, thirty European Starlings were feeding on the suet at the big table feeder. Mr Crow was also getting peanuts, sometimes, he would take six at a time, swallowing them (seemingly) while the Blue Jays retrieved theirs. The squirrels were eating the ones left on the deck. It was a bit of a feeding frenzy. The temperatures dropped to 0 C last night, and the birds, being more attuned to weather than most humans unless you have arthritis, must feel the end of fall is coming soon.

Notice how, in the space of a few minutes, the suet cylinder is reduced. The Starlings really peck away at it. Their beaks can only eat certain seeds so no Black Oil Seed or peanuts for them. We get this suet especially to give them energy. Tomorrow I plan to put out apples and oatmeal. We will see who is happy!

The days for our nice walks without heavier clothing are swiftly coming to an end. Tomorrow we hope to get out to the park for a goose count!

Nox. When he went back into rehabilitation three days after being released, he was emaciated and required a blood transfusion. Was he not able to hunt? I hope they keep him in and give him more training at hunting! He has had a complete blood transfusion and his condition is now stable.

Nox the UC Berkeley falcon returns to UC Davis for hospitalization – Berkeley NewsDownload

The triplets at Collins Street are healthy and becoming quite independent. Not sure what the Mum F23 thinks about all of that, but they are growing and we can look forward to a lot of running back and forth and gutter-stomping it seems. It is wonderful they are so healthy! Dad slipped in and even got to feed his little ones. They look like snow people but that cotton ball coat is going to shed itself just as we are beginning to see a change in the plumage around their eyes. https://youtu.be/rucHRHj2VQ4?

Heidi gives us a good view of the trio who are now 20 and 19 days old. https://youtu.be/c9PF6gNTiCM?

There was a nice breakfast feeding with the triplets quickly falling into food comas.

As it got hotter in Melbourne, the kiddos stopped their gutter stomping and she protected them from the hot rains of the Melbourne sun. It is 16 C but hotter up on those top floors of the concrete buildings with the sun beating down.

There were three feedings at Orange before 0800 on Thursday!

More feedings at Orange and the kiddos explore the scrape checking out the Cilla Stones!

Seriously cute with its little bloody beak. Just look at those sparkling black eyes. Adorable.

‘A’ comments: “Meanwhile, the falcon chicks at both scrapes are eating machines. All five appear very healthy and active. The parents are barely able to cope with their demands and are working tirelessly to do so. At Collins Street, the littles are into the gutter and the stomping season has begun. So far, there have been no problems and no-one has got themselves trapped down there. Mum is now leaving the kiddos to get up and down by themselves, as they are capable of doing. 

Darling Diamond and Xavier are feeding their pair about eight or nine meals on an average day and the chicks seem to be growing before our very eyes. At every feeding, they seem larger than at the last. Similarly, the trio at Collins Street appear to have permanently bloated crops. “

More osprey nests with eggs in South Australia.

Many will have noticed the netting that Mum brought in to the Port Lincoln nest. So many were concerned that the osplets could get caught in it and be pulled off the nest. We have seen this many times before. Pitkin County comes first to my mind where one chick died and the other spent a year in rehabilitation before being released. The fish fairies came quickly removing the netting and leaving some nice fish.

This happened on the 21st – the removal of the netting so a few days ago.

Wilko had breakfast with Mum at 0611 on Thursday. Kasse slept through all of it. It looks like a rather small fish or partial fish arrived at 1340 and had not been clocked on the obs board when I checked. Both osplets fed. They do need more fish!

Geemeff sent us an article about the Coobwie Osprey nest with the four chicks. I have yet to confirm that the fourth has made it. It was not eating when I left for Nova Scotia and I have not seen any information. If you have, please let me know.

They grow up too fast

Judy Harrington gives us a good report on what SE33 and SE34 were up to. Notice that they are way up on the branches and could fly any moment save for the fact that currawongs send them back to the nest. Personally I think this is a good thing. They need to get used to and ignore those pesky birds. Hopefully spending more time on the nest watching Lady and Dad deal with them will help.

The two could easily fly Thursday morning. They certainly have me sitting on the edge of my chair and it looks like several hundred more! They were way up in the branches. They came down to the nest several times, went higher, and then down lower. They are very aware of the Currawong. This is a good thing – the longer they stay on the nest the more they should develop skills to either fly out when the Currawong aren’t around or ignore them and follow the path Lady and Dad take to the river. Once at the River, they will be fine. They will be trained to hunt and fish by Lady and Dad. They just have to get down there, not somewhere else!

They are still in the nest at the Olympic Park in Sydney, being harassed by the Curras. That might keep them home so that they can mature more…

‘A’ sends us the latest report from the nest at Sydney: “October 24: An early quartet to welcome the day [don’t you just love the eaglets joining in the morning squawking?], then Lady was off chasing a currawong. Both eaglets moved out on the limb together, side by side. The eaglets were resting – waiting – and Lady brought in a gull just before 10am, along with swoopers. SE33 self-fed well and both were fed a little by Lady. After a quiet late morning, Lady flew in at 12:15. She must have seen Dad coming with a fish. This was grabbed by SE34, who took a long time to break into the flesh. Lady tried to join in, SE33 ate a little, until finally they left it at 2:30pm. A long feed. Dad finished off a few scraps. Both eaglets were then resting on the nest and venturing up the perch branch – flapping and exploring a little. Both eagles were seen down on the river at 16:40. At dusk, the eaglets were standing on the rim of the nest, with a magpie swooping.”

‘A’ continues with her own thoughts which parallel mine – the sea eagles do not eat the chicks of the Curra so why bother one another? “October 24: An early quartet to welcome the day [don’t you just love the eaglets joining in the morning squawking?], then Lady was off chasing a currawong. Both eaglets moved out on the limb together, side by side. The eaglets were resting – waiting – and Lady brought in a gull just before 10am, along with swoopers. SE33 self-fed well and both were fed a little by Lady. After a quiet late morning, Lady flew in at 12:15. She must have seen Dad coming with a fish. This was grabbed by SE34, who took a long time to break into the flesh. Lady tried to join in, SE33 ate a little, until finally they left it at 2:30pm. A long feed. Dad finished off a few scraps. Both eaglets were then resting on the nest and venturing up the perch branch – flapping and exploring a little. Both eagles were seen down on the river at 16:40. At dusk, the eaglets were standing on the rim of the nest, with a magpie swooping.

…

I continue to gain confidence in the eaglets gaining confidence from repeated successes in dealing with the swooping birds. It simply HAS to help, doesn’t it? This has not happened in any season I have seen previously. This is the first time they have had a substantial pre-fledge period where they have self-fed and been fed on the nest while seeing off the swoopers and using the nest as their ‘safe spot’. 

You can see the difference between the magpies and the currawongs – the currawongs have totally black heads and a white band across the end of their tails. They are also noticeably larger than the magpies. From my knowledge of these birds, neither attacks in pairs or groups like the smaller birds (such as the noisy mynahs, who attack in twos and threes, repeatedly swooping at the target bird, either simultaneously or in rapid succession, from different directions). These larger birds swoop individually at the target bird, as the magpie is doing in this photo. (The white on the back of the neck in this pic shows the swooper to be a magpie not a currawong, who has no white on its head or neck.) The magpies also have white (or light grey for females and juveniles) on their backs, unlike currawongs, whose backs are black. The magpies have longer, slightly thinner beaks. Apparently, both magpies and currawongs will often steal both eggs and chicks as prey, though I personally have not seen it. They also attack fledglings of smaller birds as prey but presumably not fledglings of the size of the sea eaglets. 

They continually say in the literature that the currawongs are merely protecting their young, but if this is the case, why is it that we never see the sea eagles bring in currawongs or magpies as prey? In all the years we have watched the WBSE nest, how many have you seen being eaten? No, me neither. Not a single one.”

At NE Florida, Beau and Gabby slept on the nest tree and then did some great nestorations. This is becoming a beautiful spot for eggs.

Across the state of Florida from Gabby and Beau, M15 and F23 are working diligently on getting their nest ready, too! They have been working on the crib rails and bringing in moss to make everything soft and nice for F23 and her eggs.

It was a scary moment. M15 working on sticks and F23 nearly hit by a car! This is when we are more than grateful for boots on the ground with their cameras like The Real Saunders Photography. Their images are incredible. I urge you to follow their FB feed to see all the action you miss because it is not on the cams. https://youtu.be/5AVTQD7d3Z8?

I have been helping Brian Collins get fish count figures for all the osprey nests that I can. Geemeff sent me the count for Loch Arkaig for this past year and a few earlier. Poole Harbour raised four to fledge. Blue 022 and CJ7 were really busy fishing. I was sent their count today by Jenny Moore. Thank you to Geemeff and Jenny. The individuals overseeing the regulations for commercial fishing of Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay have no idea how many Menhaden exist in the Bay nor do they have any notion of how many fish osprey take for various size nests. We hope to educate them. If you or if you know someone who did fish counts at a nest for 2024 or earlier, please have them get in touch with me with that data. It will really help our approach.

Here is the count for Poole Harbour. This is amazing information. Notice they even include the time of day and which parent was most active in deliveries.

The fish count from Loch Arkaig:

These are the actual figures with a brief explanation of chick and egg numbers. The vast majority of fish deliveries are Brown Trout, with Mackerel and Flatfish coming in next but in low numbers, and a couple of other species in insignificant numbers eg one eel.

G Fish stats for Loch Arkaig:

2024 Male delivered 255 and female delivered 1 fish: three eggs, three chicks hatched, C3 starved to death at 23 days old due to weather making fishing difficult, C2 died before fledging at 62 days old as a result of weakness due to semi-starvation due to weather, and C1 survived to fledge after being placed on a translocation programme.

2023 Male delivered 396 and female delivered 1 fish: three eggs – one lost in owl attack, one unviable, C3 hatched and fledged

2022 Male delivered 546 and female delivered 0 fish: three eggs – C1 and C2 hatched and fledged, C3 died at 7 days old,

2021 unknown fish: female failed to return and male moved to a non-cam nest with new partner therefore number of eggs and hatches unknown, two chicks hatched and fledged

2020 Male delivered 553 and female delivered 26 fish: three eggs – all hatched and fledged

2019 Male delivered 407 and female delivered 7 fish: three eggs – C2 dead in shell, C1 and C3 hatched and fledged

Calico and Baby Hope always make sure that we take good care of ‘The Boyfriend’ by providing him with food and water, special treats, and several choices of outdoor accommodation. It is not his fault that his owners ‘dumped’ his mother and/or him to live on the streets. He is too frightened to come and live in the house so we do the best we can for him, giving him options which he can choose or not knowing that one day, we will put the food out and not see him again. Life is short for the urban feral cats. Many asked me if I think he will go in the little container home. I don’t think he will. I believe he lives under the deck where Calico had Hope (and maybe some other kittens who did not survive that litter). Calico and The Boyfriend were together before she moved into the house. They were always in the garden and at the feeding station. Although the vet felt that Baby Hope was a kitten from Calico’s first litter, I am unsure. It is possible that he is actually a surviving kitten from Calico’s very first litter (if Hope wasn’t in that litter). It is just my gut feeling. When we lived in the UK, we rescued a small Calico cat and her kitten, a tuxedo. Because he stays where Hope was born, I wonder even more. The neighbours look out by giving food and any time anyone makes a remark about trapping him, we all go crazy so that talk has stopped. He is not adoptable. But he is a gentle soul nevertheless. We do the best we can for him knowing that under that deck he is dry and away from the weather. He has now survived at least two winters there.

Baby Hope always watches The Boyfriend when he eats and, in return, he sits and looks longingly at her for several minutes before leaving. He now comes if I call ‘Kitty, Kitty’ really loud. I try to manage that he gets all the food put out at the beginning and if he wants seconds he can have it. I pick up the deworming medication this week! He is a lovely tuxedo and is now part of our family although not inside with us.

He was intently watching Little Red from a perch on the barbecue table.

Calico’s Tip for the Day concerns feeding the birds outdoors. Look over the list. There are some items that you might not have considered. That said, I disagree with ever feeding birds bread despite even the leader of our bird house building workshop saying that everyone does it after admitting it is unhealthy. So please, no bread. I always give the Crows and Jays cat kibble but I do not soak it.

Calico also found a poster about feeding ducks. The majority of the ducks resident in Manitoba during the spring and summer are now gone. Many will be showing up in ponds near the southern US (if not further). Please keep in mind what to feed them.

Calico would love it if we had hedgehogs in Canada. She reminds everyone in the UK to please leave the leaves. The hedgehogs might need them!

Cockatoo finally rescued after being trapped in shopping mall!

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/23/mickey-the-cockatoo-macarthur-square-coles-birds-indoors?CMP=share_btn_url

‘J’ has been monitoring the situation at the US Steel Plant where there is the nest of Claire and Irvin. It appears there is a new female there. We do not know the status of Claire. We will continue to monitor. Thanks, ‘J’.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. We hope to 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 this morning: ‘A, Geemeff, H, J, Jenny Moore, L’, UC Berkeley News, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, SK Hideaways, Heidi McGrue, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, Australian Rural & Regional News, Judy Harrington and Sea Eagle Cam, Olympic Park Eagle Cam, NEFL-AEF, SW Florida Eagle Cam, The Real Saunders Photography, Jenny Moore and Poole Harbour Fish Count, Geemeff and Loch Arkaig Fish Count, Backyard Bird Lovers, For Fox Sake Animal Rescue, Hope for Hedgehogs Woodside, The Guardian.

Gabby and Beau are home…Monday in Bird World

14 October 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

It is Sunday morning at 1000. The three Blue Jays are dashing in and out caching peanuts this morning. We have spread the nuts out in four different places so that there is less fussing. The Red Squirrels have the small square feeder while the Blue Jays and Crow are sharing the large one. The Grey Squirrels are on the deck. In the middle of all of this are the Starlings who have decided that they are really enjoying the solid suet cylinders more than the ‘Superior’ birdseed. They all seem happy and energetic. The rain from last night has given way to blue skies and fluffy cotton ball clouds that are moving rapidly to the South. ‘The Boyfriend’ appeared right on time. He is going to be ‘dewormed’. That is the plan for our return from the Maritimes. De Worming The Boyfriend. We will also build him a new winter home complete with lots of straw and a heat lamp. Winter feels like it is approaching fast! Today is a day for wool socks and jumpers.

We had our Thanksgiving dinner earlier in the week with my ‘bestie’, but we are sneaking in another little meal, just the two of us and The Girls and ‘The Boyfriend’ before we head to Nova Scotia. Everyone deserves a special treat. We are likely on our way as you read this. We are so grateful for everyone: the animals, our family and friends, and you, as I said yesterday. We feel blessed. Thank you so much for your good wishes for our Thanksgiving and holiday. So appreciated.

Just remember, there will be no blog on Tuesday. We will be travelling to our digs for the week.

The streaming cams that have nests with chicks are doing very well. The Sea Eaglets will be fledging soon, and we must send positive wishes to chase those Currawongs away from them when they fly. That is the only major event that will be happening while I am away. Of course, we hope all those birds not seen on camera since Milton sped through Florida will be seen soon – including Clive, Gabby, and Beau.

Feeding time for Mamma Kestrel. https://youtu.be/vU2cwxeq_kw?

Neither Beau or Gabby have been seen on camera at their NE Florida nest since Milton passed through until late Sunday evening. What a relief to see them. The last time we saw Gabby was when she brought in sticks last Tuesday.

At SW Florida, it is full speed ahead for M15 and F23 as they make that nest as cosy as possible.

Thunder and Akecheta were at the West End nest in the Channel Islands on Sunday checking it out.

Look at Kasse’s fat little bottom and that cute tiny tail. (More about this family later).

Good reasons to participate in an annual bird count – the Christmas Bird Count will be coming up in about ten weeks! https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/14/aussie-bird-count-2024-geraldine-hickey-australian-birdlife?CMP=share_btn_url

Honestly, even with their pin feathers coming in, can we imagine more cuter chicks?

Pin feathers on the go at 367 Collins Street, too. And breakfast came early!

Heidi caught a feeding on video – and there are so many feedings. These little falcon dads are incredible. https://youtu.be/xqEGJsmCfFY?

The sea eaglets are getting ‘too antsy’, hopping about the nest, on and off the branch, and looking out to the wider world.

Some news from Ranger Judy Harrington:

Oh, the first flight for 33 is getting so close. I just held my breath.

‘A’ gives us the report from Sydney’s Cam: “October 14: Again, there was some unknown disturbance during the night – SE33 was alert, with wings out. SE33 spent a lot of the night sleeping standing. Early morning duets with the young ones joining in, then eagles away. At times in the early morning, there was a very noisy flock of Rainbow Lorikeets close by the nest – youngsters standing and watching. Then calling together, reacting to lorikeets. At 10:15, one eagle was seen down on River Roost, Eaglets were resting, lying in the nest. At 10:34, Dad brought in a scrap of fish, which was grabbed and mantled by SE34 but stolen by SE33, and self-fed. When Lady brought some leaves, SE33 mantled over his prey and kept it. Mid-afternoon there was a big storm, and all enjoyed the feeling of rain on their wings. By 5pm, the sun was shining again. Dad brought in a late gull at 17:57, which was taken by Lady and fed to the eaglets. Maybe a little self-feeding with scraps. At last light, Dad came to the nest – false alarm, not prey – followed by Lady.”

SK Hideaways caught 33 and 34 doing some magnificent posing. https://youtu.be/7h51yn8bvf8?

The wind is blowing at Port Lincoln. Mum looks to Dad, who is on the ropes, hoping that a fish will be coming soon.

Mum is still waiting for fish for the Wilko and Kasse – and, of course, herself.

Dad came in with a huge Sheepshead (I think that is what it is) for the chicks the evening prior (see top image below), but they are still waiting on Monday in Australia. Mum is trying her best to just sit on them so no unpleasantness but Wilco is getting impatient.

‘A’ remarks: “
I’m writing because dad has just brought in a very late fish at Port Lincoln (it’s nearly8.30pm there) – those IR lights must really be helping (I know they helped that night heron that was fishing off the barge). This is probably a good thing, as there was only one fish brought in today, and it didn’t arrive until after 4pm. The littles behaved themselves, and mum gave a saliva feeding to keep the osplets calm at lunchtime. The fish dad brought in 8.20pm was a big one, minus its head, and mum was hungry herself so had a good dinner, as the kids were in food comas from their late afternoon feedings. “

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. See you in a few days!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A’, Charter Group, NEFL-AEF, SW Florida Eagle Cam, IWS/Explore.org, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, SK Hideaways, Olympic Park Eagles, Judy Harrington and Sydney Sea Eagle Cam.

Sunday in Bird World

13 October 2024

Hello Everyone,

We hope that the weekend has been good to all of you.

Many Canadians are celebrating Thanksgiving today with family and friends. The official day is Monday. Lots of good food to celebrate the harvest and to just look around and be thankful for all that we have. It has been a very challenging year for my family and I am so grateful to my children, my friends, to my husband and to his amazing doctor. Because of them, life has been good, full of laughter and ‘living’. I am also grateful to all of you. The wonderful letters, the photos you share with me – of you, your family, and your adorable pets. You are the best! Thank you for being there.

Just listen. ‘MI’ sent me this video taken in Niverville, Manitoba of geese, honking geese. Oh, I am going to miss them so much.

It is late Saturday afternoon and the promised rains have arrived on the Canadian Prairies. I treasure these rains. They clean off the roof of the conservatory from leaves and dust that have accumulated, but, most of all, they help the trees and shrubs prepare for winter. The birds and squirrels are still flitting about finding seed and much to the horror of our guest this afternoon, the Crows had a veritable buffet! I am clearing out the fridge and little odds and ends. Things like grapes wind up on their tray and they do love them.

Not all bird seed is alike and apparently the quality of peanuts from one retailer to the other is different – according to Junior and his Missus Saturday morning. They pecked all about those nuts searching for the heaviest!

Isn’t Junior handsome? Look at that beautiful profile. Junior will stay with us for the winter. Our job is to keep the peanuts coming!!!!!!

Selections finally made.

Inside, ‘The Girls’ are starting to notice that supplies are being left out. Suitcases will get filled tomorrow so that the girls’ anxiety level doesn’t peak too soon.

Hugo Yugo is now getting her teeth brushed twice daily to try and avoid any issues with gingivitis. She is an angel and loves the chicken flavoured toothpaste. I feel blessed. She is sooooooooo tiny. Her tail is bigger than she is. She did grow some, but goodness, she is so very little.

Missey is the ‘best’ behaved of the four. I can trim her nails every day, brush her, clean her teeth and then use dental wipes and she just lets me hold her without wiggling so I can get on with it. Calico is rather different! She is just darn difficult. She doesn’t want any part of it. Well, that is too bad, so sad. Calico will eventually settle, but, for now, it is going to happen regardless of whether she likes it or not. Hope is another story since she continues to be a little wild.

Now getting on with these words…

This is the way industry should work with wildlife! Take notice, Omega!!!!

Mum and Dad will be grandparents if Calypso and his mate’s eggs hatch! Isn’t this wonderful…oh, and Ervie and all his brothers will be uncles.

The new female at Collins Street is working so hard to shade and keep her brood cool! Let’s hope those wings can spread big and wide as it is going to get hot up there. https://youtu.be/SYliGHlf3a0?

Sunday breakfast in the CBD. ‘A’ comments: “Little Dad at Collins Street is just the sweetest. He has been working hard at his hunting and the prey he brings is sometimes a challenge for him. He’s so cute struggling down the ledge with a prey item that’s at least half his size. But he manages. I do wonder how on earth he manages to fly with it, and get it up so high too. He must be a very strong little falcon indeed. I am so impressed by what he and Xavier at Orange can carry. When Xavier brings in a monster pigeon as he did recently or a duckling, it dwarfs him, making me wonder the power to weight ratio of these small male falcons. They must be incredibly strong.”

Thanks to our Australian sleuth ‘A’, we have more news from Collins Street: “And yet more food at Collins Street. When mum brought in food at around 19:08, the chicks were all fast asleep, but they soon roused themselves at the prospect of food, and mum fed them all yet again. Those crops have been full for most of the day, and no-one is going to sleep hungry at this scrape. Mum also has a large crop and dad hasn’t missed out today either. So it seems the pigeon population of the Melbourne CBD has returned, at least in sufficient numbers to make things relatively easy for our falcon family when it comes to finding food. Certainly, this trio of eyases is being stuffed to the brim several times a day. They are adorable. Very very noisy and full of beans. So energetic in ensuring that they get fed. Mum works hard and she does a good job with the clamouring hordes. The youngest does very well indeed, both through its own efforts to get fed (it is very pushy and often grabs at food from its siblings’ beaks and is very good at positioning itself in the front row at feedings) and because mum makes the effort to feed all three beaks. Basically, as long as they are still there and still open, she will keep feeding. 

At this meal, the chicks have moved into their tripod feeding arrangements, with the youngest nearest to mum. As you know, I am very keen on this particular positioning, as it makes it easy for mum to reach all three beaks, which are grouped together in the centre of the tripod, and it also provides some support for the chciks, so that early on when they are not as steady, they tend not to face-plant. Thoise crops are bulging!!! Isn’t it lovely to see? And that was a nice parrot at Orange today. I am not prepared to hazard a guess as to what sort of parrot it was but there is discussion on the chat about the colours that were evident on the plumage. Diamond loves a nice parrot almost as much as she likes a plump pigeon, though perhaps a nice duckling might be her favourite. I wonder what the other watchers at Orange think on that subject. I’d love their opinions. 

Mum continues to coax the chicks at Collins Street, trying to get them to eat even more, as if they did not already have absolutely mammoth crops. She is e-chupping and continuing to offer bites and the chicks are trying hard to do what she asks. The youngest spends several minutes trying to deal with a bite that seemed to be ‘stuck’, but eventually it managed to swallow the food. OH MY GOODNESS!!! Just LOOK at those crops at 19:20!!!! Yes, I know they don’t burst, but I have to believe they are VERY uncomfortable. Surely. That is just outrageous. Crops the size of their heads, literally. I swear that is not an exaggeration. Again, as with the osplets, I predict a growth spurt in the morning. “

The cams at NE Florida nest of Gabby and Beau went live late Saturday afternoon. Neither eagle has been seen on cam at the time I am writing (4pm on Saturday) but the AEF says they have no reason to believe they are not safe and sound!

View of Redding nest of Liberty and Guardian on Saturday.

Achieva. Look at this nest and then remember what you read about the brand new super designed osprey nest that was built by the fishing company at the top to replace an old one they had to remove. I wish someone cared.

There is an eagle at the Trempealeau Eagle nest.

Ah, I was waiting. Someone asked me why I am not mentioning Pepe and Muhlady. First, they are wonderful eagle parents who have raised some impressive chicks. The owner of the property that has the nest and who runs the camera has indicated that he will prosecute anyone who uses images in any way from his site. I will not mention SuperBeaks again.

Nesting Bird Life and More caught a feeding at Port Lincoln. Yes, they are the cutest. Racing stripes and all! https://youtu.be/DSIq8tPB8fA?

I have a soft spot for Ospreys that knows no bounds. Just look at those two little fish eaters. Don’t you just want to pick them up, wrap them in a tiny blankie, and hold them?

It is now early Sunday morning. Dad has a fish he is eating on the ropes and Mum is anxiously anticipating that he will get some of it to her, Wilko and Kasse!

Dad did not disappoint. He left Mum a huge piece of fish for the family! They are just starting to dig in.

‘A’ remarks: “When I turned to the Port Lincoln tab to check the littles, I thought one of the osplets was dead, but when I rewound, it was just in a food coma from eating too much fish at breakfast (which was served in three sittings, the first when dad arrived with the large floppy fish at 07:23, the second at 08:32 and the third at around 08:53). Good heavens. By 09:30 they are eating yet again. It was a very large fish this morning. The sound is back up and the little chirps mum gives the osplets to encourage them to open their beaks are SO cute – different from those of an eagle or a falcon. The loveliest full-throated chirrups. No wonder I feared we had lost another osplet. It’s out for the count. Awwww. They are just adorable with their little bandit masks and racing stripes. (I had to explain to Jonathan how these chicks were different from all the other little fluffy bobbleheads I had insisted he see and that description interested him enough that he came and peered at my laptop to check them out. And yes, they are different, he said. I do love their livery. They really are cute as a button (unless they’re a Zoe, of course, at which point one becomes somewhat distracted by their behaviour. But these two are getting along fine, and even yesterday’s long wait for food did not provoke any dominating behaviour. What a relief. ” And more…”PLO has confirmed what we knew already – that the Fish Fairy (aka Janet) is ready for duty if she is needed. Thus far, dad has been doing an excellent job. But it is very nice to know that there won’t be any chicks starving on this nest this season. There is no aggression between Wilco and Kasse and I’m hopeful there won’t be. The long wait for food yesterday was a good indicator of how well they are getting along. “

Oh, my goodness. It is going to be a great year for ospreys in South Australia. More babies.

Poor Xavier. Diamond is away. He comes into the scrape with the morning’s Starling breakfast in the hope of feeding his chicks — and then, oops…here she comes and thwarts that idea!

There are times that I wish the Sea Eagles would have eaten every Pied Currawong in the Olympic Forest! SE33 and SE34 are branching and looking out to the wider world. Will they be able to get down to the river with Dad and Lady without being chased out of the area by those Curras?

Ranger Judy gives the summary of the day’s events at the Olympic Park Eagle nest:

Both Claire and Irv at the US Steel Plant Bald Eagle nest. https://youtu.be/RRAh2Ye5PiI?

Mamma Kestrel is totally busy with this lot!!!!!!! https://youtu.be/RRAh2Ye5PiI?

Bonnie and Clyde, the GHOs at Farmer Derek’s in Kansas, are ready to entertain all of us. https://youtu.be/JebgeGEm7iY?

When the love of birds and the understanding of their need comes first. A lovely little article.

Country diary: ‘Your need greater than mine,’ I murmur to the dotterels | Jim Perrinhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/12/country-diary-your-need-greater-than-mine-i-murmur?CMP=share_btn_url

“Banded dotterel” by Andrej Chudy is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

What challenges do Dotterels face? In New Zealand they are fighting to save them! https://youtu.be/n6Et813R3Ug?

Good descriptions from the British Trust for Ornithology. Dotterels are on the Red List in the UK.

Dotterel | BTO – British Trust for OrnithologyDownload

Gracie Shepherd reported on FB that Jak and Audacity were working on their nest in the Channel Islands on Saturday. I went to have a look. They are forever hopeful like we are for them. Just look at them working so hard.

We can always use a smile and these Merlin chicks are providing it today.

Hugo Yugo wishes you the very best of days! Missey is giving her a good ole’ wash.

Thank you for being with us today! Take care everyone. 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: ‘A, J’, Fran Solly and Friends of Sth Aus, SK Hideaways, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, NEFL-AEF, FORE, Achieva Credit Union, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Olympic Park Sea Eagles, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Trempealeau Bald Eagle Cam, Nesting Bird Life and More, PIX Cams, Charter Group of Wildlife Ecology, The Guardian, Androcat, OpenVerse, NZ DOC, BTO, IWS/Explore, Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary.

Friday in Bird World

11 October 2024

Good Morning!

First up. I have had some questions about donations for the fish at Port Lincoln for Wilko and Kasse. Fran Solly answered me right away. The fish donations are being handled by Port Lincoln Osprey. There is a link on their FB page and on the live stream Obs board. It is PayPal and funds can be sent from anywhere in the world to South Australia. You can specify that they go for fish for the kiddos if you like in the square where it asks what the payment is for.

Wilko and Kasse wanting some fish.

I have just had some amazing news from Janette Forster (PLO): “We have just heard we have 4 chicks on a platform we installed on Yorke Peninsula – Coobowie – so that is exciting – never heard of 4 in Australia, usually it is 3 at the most.” I am hoping some of those chicks in South Australia will be females. Ervie needs a mate!

Gosh, wasn’t Wednesday tense? Milton making a night landfall kept everyone sitting at the edge of our chairs until late. So far, we know that M15 and F23 are fine. What a relief…indeed, the news has been rather good. The osprey platform that I complained about at Achieva held – so I won’t complain again except to ask that someone (Audubon at Clearwater) fix those drain holes so we don’t lose another chick or egg. The Osprey platform at Captiva held, but they lost their new camera. We are still holding our breath to find out if dear Clive, who tried to ride out Milton in the nest, survived. Oh, please, let him be sitting there! Let’s hope that the wildlife of Florida (and all the people) can relax and that there will not be any more storms or hurricanes for the rest of the year. They have so much cleanup to do.

We are officially beginning the long weekend for Canadian Thanksgiving. I will be leaving for our second trip to the Atlantic coast on Monday. My plan is for minimal postings from Wednesday the 16th. There will be no post on Tuesday, October 15. I am looking forward to the rolling hills and the beautiful landscape and getting away from a city that has been a construction site for too many years. The concrete and all the building are really getting to me despite my little piece of land being a haven. I need ‘the wild’ and the ocean’s roar for a week.

‘The Girls’ and ‘The Boyfriend’ had their organic chicken dinner early. Gosh, the feral cat is so cute. He waits and looks in the window and now only hides close to the door til he hears me close it and he feels safe to come out. He is very afraid of humans.

Tonight he got three small bowls of chicken. It turns out that Missey is the only one who wanted ‘real meat’! His fur is getting shinier and his patches of missing fur are now mostly filled in. He really is a sweetheart.

He always stops when he has finished eating and looks in the garden door at us. He will sit for a few minutes before moving on. I wish he would walk in the door! He is quite the handsome Tuxedo.

It will be a year on Saturday that we lost dear Lewis. I am so worried about the teeth and gums of the girls. Now Hugo Yugo is showing signs of gingivitis despite wiping teeth and gums with Vetradent, brushing, and having dental treats and food. Many of her adult teeth have failed to come in. I am hoping something can be done to help her and it is not the issues that Lewis had!

Hugo Yugo is just the sweetest little kitten. Technically, she is a cat, but she remains so tiny and kitten-like. It is marvellous to wake up with her snuggled under my chin in the morning.

Everyone else is fine. All of the garden animals are accounted for except we have noticed that one of the Red Squirrels has not been at the feeder. We will keep a good watch. Maybe we are just missing it. The cars drive so fast down the streets and the canopy that the squirrels used to cross over is gone now that so many trees have been cut down due to disease. The Reds often use the power lines but then they can also fall. So, we wait and hope.

Moving on to the birds…

Peregrine Falcons being killed on the grouse moor estates!

Peregrine found shot in notorious grouse moor area in Angus GlensDownload

Individual ordered to repay the profit from the crimes he committed against Scottish raptors!

Scottish court orders convicted Peregrine launderer Lewis Hall to pay back thousands under Proceeds of Crime ActDownload

At the NCTC nest, Scout has been doing defense. No sign of Bella. https://youtu.be/dQHBOc4HeQE?

The Bald Eagle at the SW Florida nest has been confirmed to be F23 and M15 was there as well so both eagles seen, photographed and are alright. https://youtu.be/laT8TyVva14?

No one had seen an eagle ride out a storm in a nest like Clive at Captiva. We are hoping for our families at Captiva, Achieva in St Petersburg, and M15 to all be alright and return to their nests.

They are getting ready for Liberty and Guardian in Redding with a new camera. Let us hope they are both safe and sound.

Everyone at CROW is safe and awaiting the return to Sanibel.

We can now easily see the drain holes that need mesh so that the eggs and osplets do not fall down form the nest at Achieva and die as per last year. Please write to Audubon at Clearwater. We know everyone is busy but let’s get this nest in their sights. They built the original platform! And it has held, thankfully, including the perch that I often squawk about.

Here is news about NE Florida nest of Beau and Gabby.

Cuter than little buttons the Port Lincoln osplets.

Breakfast fish at the Olympic Sea Eagle nest in Sydney. ‘A’ is watching closely and worrying about fledging at the Olympic Sea Eagle nest. “Still two at WBSE at 10am, lying duckling style on their nest, side by side. They are SO sweet together and I do love the way they have been so friendly throughout their nestling period. I recall one minor incident of bonking and that was about it. SE34 did seem to show some level of deference to SE33 when they were younger, but even then, he was not intimidated, just waiting for his turn, and SE33 was not aggressive. Mum made sure she fed SE33 first most of the time, which also helped reinforce pecking order and avoid disputes. And of course Dad kept a good supply of prey coming to the nest so SE33 never got to experience real hunger. Well done Lady and Dad. Another season of getting two chicks ready to fledge. ” “We still have two eaglets at WBSE. This does not bother me in the slightest. The better prepared they are for their big adventure and the stronger they are, the better. It is going to be a huge challenge and I want them fed and healthy and strong. 

October 11: b\Both eaglets spent part of the night standing. All were awake early, joining in a chorus and flapping about. Dad brought a good-sized mullet at 6;30 and Lady fed them. SE34 self-fed as well. Then they were alone for the morning. Late morning both eagles were still at River Roost. Currawong swooper was about the nest later. Eaglets were waiting, resting, and around 4pm enthusiastically flapping about the nest. They even squonked at a magpie calling above. After a lean day, Lady brought a bird in at 17:12, fed a little, then took it off to de-feather. She fed both, and then Dad brought a gull chick in. SE33 self-fed and Lady also fed them both. Plenty to eat at the end of day.”

Adorable. ‘A’ remarks: “At Collins Street, in a preview of what is to come, we are having a sunny day even though it is only 12C. Mum is standing with her wings outstretched, back to the street, shading the trio of sleeping eyases. She is SO good at this. The chicks are in complete shade, stretched out and growing as hard as they can. (I saw a comment once about chicks fast asleep, working as hard as they could to convert fish into eaglet, which I thought was just a magnificent turn of phrase. Well, that’s what these three are doing right now, although of course they are converting pigeon into falcon, watched over by their very conscientious mum.) This little family is wonderful to watch. I am hopeful that little dad will be able to provide for the five of them, with mum’s help a bit later on when those appetites are even larger than they are right now. 

I have been amazed in the past couple of days at both Collins Street and Orange by the size of the prey these little males are able to catch and carry. Birds that appear to be more than half their size have been brought in at both scrapes this week – these falcons may be smaller and more delicate than the eagles but wow, are they stronger than they look. I’m very impressed. “

The same at Orange. Little falcons having their breakfast are nothing short of sweet and adorable even when their pin feathers are starting. ‘A’ sends us the short morning summary from Orange: “At Orange,Xavier has already brought in at least three prey items this morning, Here is the summary of the day so far: 

11 Oct BOND 05.28.49; PREY 06.08 39 feeds; 07.59.26 takes; 09.32.02 takes; TOWER PREY STASH 06.55.16 on MW; 08.21.59 D eats MW stash; 08.01.14 at hatch”

Voting has ended. The names are Yira and Garrama. There is a crack in the third egg and we are thinking it could be egg damage. Surely to goodness we won’t have another chick, will we?

More of the Crimson Rosella from breakfast.

Hard to believe. Xavier gets to feed his chicks – on video. https://youtu.be/_I2F05edfso?

Annie was at The Campanile.

News about Waba!

Another reminder about leaving the leaves!

Thanks, ‘MM’ – A sad sight – lightening hits an eagle nest but – the amount of habitat being lost to wildlife is going to have devastating effects. https://youtu.be/udagWeaIw48?

It is always good to end with a smile. Does King Charles love ospreys as much as us? Just ordered. Review to come! Thanks ‘Tiger’ for the posting!

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, images, tweets, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Fran Solly, H, J, Janette Forster, MM, PB’, Raptor Persecution UK, Deb Stecyk and the NCTC Bald Eagle Cam, D Morningstar and SW Florida Eagle Cam, Liz Wutschel, Window to Wildlife, Trudi Kron and Bald Eagles 101, CROW, Achieva Credit Union, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Liz Russo and NEFL Eagle Chat, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Olympic Park Eagles, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Cal Falcons, FOX 31 Denver, Maria Marika, People’s Trust for Endangered Species, Tiger Mozone and now King Charles III.

Clive, the bravest of the brave…Thursday in Bird World

10 October 2024

Hello Everyone,

Cams are down in Florida. We have yet to determine what happened. ‘PB’ sent the following images to me from Barb Henry. All is well at SW Florida in Fort Myers. We are waiting for the word of Clive. And I am presuming that Achieva platform is alright. It was still holding in the worst winds as the far eye wall went through last night.

This report is a kind of mixed-up stream of consciousness following of Milton and the nests. In particular, I focused on Captiva, Achieva, and SW Florida. Thursday was quite the day and many of the other nests got simply overlooked – brief mentions at the tail end. So many of you watched Clive and stayed with him til the cameras went out at Captiva. He is my hero! Let us all hope that there is some word from Window to Wildlife on his status on Thursday since power to the cameras appears to be out there.

This is the wall of the hurricane after Milton made landfall hitting the Achieva Osprey platform. Notice the surge of water in the street below.

Milton has made landfall. So far, M15 and F23’s nest is holding. Some of the upper branches might break off.

At 36 minutes to landfall…cameras went out at Captiva at 1934 or thereabouts. At that time, Clive was in the nest.

Achieva. 89 mph wind gusts at the moment. Achieva had 5 inches of rain in an hour and had more than 7 inches prior to that. Lots of flash floods. The worst of the winds seem to hit Achieva after 2100 and you could see the streets filling up with water. See second image below.

This was 24 minutes til landfall near Achieva nest.

M15 visited his nest in Fort Myers, Florida before a tornado was at Cape Coral moving towards the Fort Myers area. They are expecting that tornado to hit the area of the nest within a few minutes as I write this. This is a PDF tornado, a monster tornado with life-threatening winds. They are saying that these are some of the biggest tornadoes ever seen in Florida. There is significant damage on the north side of Fort Myers. The cells are moving to the east and the nest should be alright for now. It is 1317 at the nest.

Lots of water when that system went through but M15’s tree is still standing.

Twisting M15’s tree around. Not sure those top perches are going to survive this.

There are huge tornadoes all over the area of the nests that are covered on the streaming cams – and, of course, all those wildlife that are not covered on cam. What a horrible day this is going to be.

One of the Bald Eagles is in the nest at Captiva! Look at the time. We are within 1 hour 48 minutes of Milton making landfall. Maybe this eagle knows something we don’t. They are thinking the hurricane is going to hit Sarasota instead of Tampa Bay. That would include Fort Myers and, of course, Captiva is in that path.

Lots of power line flashes going on at Captiva.

Osprey nest at Captiva. The storm surge is hitting the island. Milton is 1 hour and 3 minutes away and the osprey nest is losing sticks and rocking but holding in there.

Cameras off at Captiva now. Clive was still at the nest, hunkered way down as the hurricane went right over Captiva on its way towards St Petersburgh and Sarasota.

‘PB’ sent the migration map. Notice how smart those birds were to avoid Florida.

In other news…

Wilko and sibling, halfway around the world, only have one thing on their mind – fish! *

Every crop is full at 367 Collins Street in Melbourne.

‘A’ reports. “Those three are voracious eaters, and mum is kept very busy indeed filling those three endlessly open beaks. The youngest is very good at getting fed – it begs ceaselessly and loudly and always has its beak wide open. When it turns forward to face mum, it does not do as well as when it has its back to her in the tripod configuration I have been talking about. When the three beaks are gathered together in the centre of the tripod, it is very easy for mum to put food into all three, even though the heights vary. So the youngest has the best access to food in this position, which it has quickly realised. Smart little eyas. Getting fed is its number one priority after all and it is working that out fast. 

These little snow people are beyond adorable. Fluffy wee falcons are the cutest things. Little dad is working hard and doing a great job. From soon after 16:24, we can hear him chirping away from the northern end of the ledge. Mum is brooding the trio, who are sprawled in front of the open garage, sleeping in a pile. Dad is eager to get mum’s attention, but she remains with the chicks, It certainly interests the chicks, who wake up at the sound of dad e=chupping. He then begins his kak-kak-kak vocalisation, loudly. He repeats it once or twice. No move from mum. “

The two little falcons appear to be doing just fine at Orange.

All is well with the Olympic Park Sea Eaglets.

Everything is good at Port Lincoln!

Thank you to everyone for being with us. Continue to send positive wishes to everyone as heavy work begins cleaning up after Milton. Take care. See you soon.

*It was reported that Mum removed Comet from the nest. This was an error. The second hatch was fed to the two other chicks as we saw at Niagara Bee.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, H, PR’, Achieva Credit Union, Window to Wildlife, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Google Maps, BirdCast, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Olympic Park Eagles, and Port Lincoln Ospreys.

2nd hatch, Comet, at PLO dies while 3rd egg hatches, Milton heading for Florida nests…Wednesday in Bird World

9 October 2024

Good Morning,

The view from Captiva. You can compare with the image from yesterday below. Keep everyone in your thoughts.

Update: Third egg hatches at Port Lincoln. .https://youtu.be/iIkeg8_3l98?

Wilko loves his fish and the third hatch had a swipe of fish at 1124.

Later, the third hatch ate well after Wilko was full and passed out in a food coma. Thanks, ‘H’ for that great clip!

It is just past noon on Tuesday as I begin writing this. We are listening to the news coming out of Florida as they prepare to be hit by Hurricane Milton either today or on Thursday. In the garden, here on the Canadian Prairies, it is a different story. Three Blue Jays are getting peanuts. Three. That means our resident family is safe. They will not migrate, but rather, stay with us for the winter. The Starlings are busy having baths and if this system will allow it, I will post a video of them really enjoying the water. The Crows have not been around, but we can hear them. All squirrels present and accounted for and The Boyfriend has had his breakfast.

Growing concern for the second hatch at Port Lincoln. Both Heidi and I have been anxious since it hatched. Osprey chicks love their fish and when they are not up screaming for fish within a few hours, I am always worried.

At 0616, my concern for the second hatch grows. I don’t think this little one has survived. What we need is one strong chick at this nest! So, let’s keep that in mind and wish this family well.

Chick 2 has died.

Rather sad. Outwardly that second hatch with its fat little bottom looks healthy. Thankfully, the little darling looks peaceful in death. Meanwhile, Wilko is screaming for fish.

The explanation for the choice of names for hatch 1 at Port Lincoln:

Hawk Mountain’s latest migration count:

Shockingly calm at Captiva Osprey platform Tuesday afternoon as Milton is set to hit the area in the next 18 hours at the time I am writing.

Late Monday evening and the winds are picking up with a bit of a howl on the streaming cams at both the Captiva Osprey and Bald Eagle nest.

You can see that the ground is heavily saturated at Fort Myers after Helene at the nest of M15 and F23.

If Milton stays to the trajectory forecast Monday, NE Florida might not get much more than a lot of heavy rain. Gabby was working on the nest on Tuesday.

There are still cars around the St Petersburgh streets and it appears to be the ‘calm before the storm’ at the Achieva Credit Union osprey nest. It is possible, according to predictions, that if the hurricane is a bit south, this area could be hit hard.

‘PB’ sent this posting from Window to Wildlife:

CROW has successfully evacuated from its premises on Sanibel with all its patients as of Tuesday afternoon. Fantastic effort.

These kestrel chicks are so cute and Mum is doing an amazing job feeding all of them. It sounds like peregrine falcons being fed, but quieter! https://youtu.be/PeTqhh3SwtE?

Those CBD Melbourne chicks are well fed, too!!!!!! https://youtu.be/MEiouJqyTUA?

Xavier is providing plenty of prey for his family, too!

‘A’ reports on Diamond and Xavier: “Darling Xavier arrived with fresh prey at around 15:05 to find no Diamond and two hungry chicks. He spent some time preparing the food and seems a bit unsure, as if waiting for Diamond to arrive. At 15:08, he decided to feed the chicks. The first two bites were too big or had feathers on them or were somehow unsuitable so Xavier ate them himself. But shortly after 15:08:30, he finds a small beak with a bite of food. He makes sure that the next bite goes to the younger chick. Very nicely done, Xavier. Oh he is SUCH a sweetie. He works hard to get food to the younger chick, leaning down and carefully trying to put food into its beak, with success. He made very sure that he was giving bites to both chicks. He feeds carefully, as if not wanting to make a mistake and get into trouble with Diamond, perhaps. Sorry, honey, I choked a chick. No, I’m with Xavier. It doesn’t sound good!

What is good though is watching Xavier get some quality chick time. I love watching him get that rare chance to feed his chicks, especially when Diamond is being lazy with the younger hatch (she is not doing that to any major degree this year, but when she is, Xavier is always a welcome sight). He is so deliberate and yet eager at the same time. He does love being a dad. So many of these raptor dads do. They are a delight to watch enjoying their parenting duties. “

WBSE 33 and 34 will be branching soon. Look at them. So tall, so steady on their feet, beautiful juvenile plumage.

‘A’ sends the latest report from the Sea Eagle nest to us: “October 9: After an early duet with the eaglets joining in too, the eaglets both self-fed on the remains of a small bird that Dad brought in at 19:29 yesterday – a late delivery last night. SE33 was seen then expelling a pellet, standing on the front rim. Then both stood or rested on the nest all morning – waiting. After 12, SE33 flapped to the base of PB, and later was standing there. SE34 was flapping well in the bowl as well . A currawong swooper was still about. Around 4:30pm, SE33 was very close to branching – flapped across to the base of PB. At 16:37, one of the eagles at River Roost was seen heading off. Prey? Eaglets are still waiting for prey at 5pm. Lady finally delivered a gull chick at 17:22 and fed them both. Then more flapping across the nest.”

Mum falls with prey into the nest. https://youtu.be/yTjchajxGbk?

The long version of the film about the importance of the Menhaden. https://vimeo.com/952527402?autoplay=1&muted=1…

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please send positive wishes to all those in the eye of the hurricane. Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, announcements, images, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, H, PB’, Heidi McGrue and the Joy of Ospreys, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Hawk Mountain, Window to Wildlife, SW Florida Eagle Cam, NEFL-AEF, Achieva Credit Union, Chartered Group, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Olympic Sea Eagle Cam, Menhaden – Little Fish, Big Deal and Vimeo, Nesting Bird Life and More.

2nd hatch at PLO, Cute Australian Bobbleheads…Monday in Bird World

7 October 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Sunday was a bit nippy. 9 C. The 40 kph winds were whipping the trees about with the leaves falling at an alarming rate. It is now 1100 and everyone is in the garden. Three Crows eating peanuts and suet. Three Blue Jays doing the same. Then there are the 18 or so European Starlings trying to grab some mealworms in between the Jays and the Crows. At least in our garden, they are not bullies. Everyone seems to wait their turn like planes lined up on a runway. Since the spring we have not been able to see the little birds very well as they have been hidden in the lilac bushes with their thick leaves. Soon all of those lilacs will be bare.

The bird feeder workshop was quite fun. The young woman leading the few of us that dared to show we lacked some essential skills was wonderful. She discussed every aspect feeding birds from seeds to feeders and for me, how to breed my own meal worms. Yes, we will call it Hugo Yugo’s Meal Work Farm!!!!! I don’t think Calico would want anything to do with bugs and worms! You need a transparent plastic bin (ugh, plastic), some paper towels, bran, and some starter meal worms. This tub has apparently been going at Oak Hammock Marsh for fifteen years. There are hundreds and hundreds of meal worms. I will keep you posted – I have everything but the breeding stock of worms.

Then we had a tray that showed us what to feed birds, different seeds for different species. Two things she noted should not be fed: bacon grease and peanut butter. Both of them will stick to the feathers of the birds and prevent them from flying. The bacon grease melts at a lower temperature than suet which should only be used in the winter. So don’t be tempted to use it. Popcorn – do not salt or butter – and best not on strings. Just air pop it and put it on your tray feeder! Some seeds can only be purchased at specialty bird shops while others can be bought at your local feed and seed stores. Calico says to always check prices -. We get some seed from a local farmer and others at the feed and seed. Our specialty bird feed store is at least twice as expensive. With the number of birds we feed, we need to find good quality food at reasonable prices.

And like magic…another feeder for the garden!

In the fields adjacent to the marsh, the geese were feeding. There were all four species that come to this area of the Canadian Prairies present – Ross’s Geese, Snow Geese, White-front Geese, and Canada Geese.

Florida hasn’t cleaned up after Hurricane Helene and already Milton is on its way to hit Fort Myers. Again, we can only be thankful that the raptors do not have any eggs or chicks in those nests. This will be the largest evacuation of Florida sine 2017 as Milton prepares for landfall. Milton appears to have the potential to impact all of the nests in Florida from Miami to Jacksonville. Stay safe everyone.

A different view of the Olympic Park Sea Eagles from cam 4. Lady is hunting for lunch! https://youtu.be/UIO6-eJBsGA?

Lady worked hard for prey.

Xavier tried to feed his chicks! Poor Guy. He is such a sweetie. Diamond is one protective falcon female!!!!!!!!!! https://youtu.be/rSGA_ATc7IE?

‘A’ reports that it is time to name the chicks at Orange! “Thought you would want this info in your blog as soon as it dropped. Here is the link for voting. They will choose the top two names from the voting (and the third egg, if it hatches, will get the third most popular name). 

Here is the link to the home page (they want people to go through the home page to vote, not just go straight to the voting page, so that’s the link I’m including): https://science-health.csu.edu.au/falconcam and select the News section (if you want to go straight to the voting page, which they prefer you not to do, it’s https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeSVVrghyPtbulRzJAR8GxNyv-kK66jKHowKKqg4OdXxfO0JQ/viewform?pli=1. 

The name choices are: 

Bidhi (big)

Birrang (high, faraway, blue sky)

Birrgun (swift)

Bumbi (smoke)

Garrama (hunter)

Ghuda (shiny)

Gindhay (playful)

Magarra (pretty or bright)

Marrung (cunning)

Nanan (fast)

Yira (sharp)”

So did Mum tell Dad to go and get a fish or put in a phone call to the fish fairies? He flew out right after a little chat. 🙂

OMG. Ervie’s little brother or sister is so cute…and Mum had such a time getting it back under her after its feeding!

Heidi reports: “The second hatch at Port Lincoln occurred prior to 15:19 on 10/7.  The second baby was first seen out of the shell for a split second in a very fuzzy cam view at 15:19 (screenshot).”

The triplets are eating well in Melbourne!

Heidi got that morning feed by Mum on video! https://youtu.be/M-AMx425fZc?

Beautiful eaglets.

Lukin is the name of the little White-tail eaglet at Port Lincoln. He is 50 days old today and is standing and walking on the crane nest quite steadily.

Beau was on the LOP and Gabby was there, too. They are in the area of Milton. Send them good wishes – like I know you will to everyone.

It is raining in Fort Myers. The ground is absolutely saturated.

The nest is really a beauty. F23 and M15 have been working particularly hard and those cot rails are getting perfect. I wonder what it will look like after this hurricane? https://youtu.be/mOMRW5Ff8yw?

Brown Pelican caught on the Captiva Osprey cam where it is also raining and winds are gusting. Milton is not set to make landfall til Tuesday.

Sleeping kestrel chicks – six of them! https://youtu.be/aP6eWWocNcM?

The Black Storks are making progress on their way to Africa. Some have arrived. You can follow their journeys on the interactive BirdMap.

Calico’s Tip for the Day: Go for a walk! Or, if you can’t, sit outside in the sunshine. It will do you more good than you can imagine!

‘Nature is free, and the best kind of medicine’: is this the perfect walk for improving mental healtDownload

As most of you are aware, my husband has Lewy Body Dementia. Getting out in nature is essential not only to HIS mental health, but also mine. Taking part in simple activities, like building a bird feeder, is also key to one’s well being. It was not rocket science. Pre-drilled holes, but it helped with confidence. So if you know of someone who needs a boost, see what is happening at your local wildlife centre and take them! Sign up for a morning bird walk, build a bird house, learn to identify raptors. Life is truly beautiful – live it! Our dance card is full – every day there is something even if it is a trip to the local farmer’s market for their final event. The local honey is divine. Fantastic in tea or on toast.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Send warm wishes to everyone in the path of Milton as Florida prepares to get hit again.

Bird World is so exciting with all the new babies. Watch the cams, check them out, rewind to see the wonderful feedings. Watching falcons is so much different than ospreys. Now that we know that the fish fairies will visit Port Lincoln, we can relax. 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, H’, Oak Hammock Marsh, CNN Weather, Olympic Park Eagle Cam 4, SK Hideaways, Falcon Cam Project, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Heidi McGrue, Olympic Park Eagle Cam, NEFL-AEF, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Window to Wildlife, Charter Group of Wildlife Ecology, BirdMap, and The Guardian.