protecting wildlife – Page 5 – Mary Ann Steggles

Sunday in Bird World

18 May 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Morning Updates:

Dyfi: Second osplet hatches for Idris and Telyn.

Foulshaw Moss: First hatch.

Latvian Golden Eagle: Both chicks of Spilve alive.

The cooler weather, 3 C, continues on the Canadian prairies. It is so wet and so cold. I feel for any little birds in the nest. It reminds me of when the osprey nests (or eagles) get damp and cold.

Missey and Calico are even friendly when it is chilly. I have the tiny space heater plugged in and both found the precise spot where the heat dispersed the best and shared! My goodness what is the world coming to – Calico and Missey sharing?

Little Toby is doing better. He is not scratching his ear nearly as often and he does not yelp when I put the medication in. He does love his little pill dipped in peanut butter and thinks if we head for the fridge it is ‘cheese time’. I don’t fall for it every time. He isn’t going to train me this young!!!!!!

We left Toby home and made a quick trip to the greenhouse. This is the long weekend of May commonly known as Queen Victoria’s Birthday weekend. Gardeners call it ‘Greenhouse Weekend’. It is the time when normally we would not fear a frost and all plants could go into the ground. They had been holding a jasmine plant for me and the woman had a new climber, Butterfly Blue. You make tea out of the blue flowers and it is supposed to help with cognition and stress. It is, “Butterfly pea (clitoria ternatea) is a flowering plant also known as Asian pigeonwings, blue butterfly pea or blue ternate flower. It is a type of pea, but its flowers are more famous than its fruit. The purple blooms have been used for centuries as a natural food dye.” A tea shops says, “These flowers have the power to delight, changing colour from blue to purple to pink, depending on what they’re mixed with. They have been used to add colour to celebratory drinks in various locales around the world since forever.

Butterfly Pea Flower is perfect for making exotic tea-infused cocktails, unicorn lattes or just for a little fun in your cup.

Blue butterfly pea is also rich in antioxidants. It can slow down the skin aging process, prevent premature aging, and improve overall skin tone and texture.”

I will be excited to try it.

It is the weekend and we have some hatches starting in the UK.

Dyfi Osprey Project: The first hatch for Idris and Telyn! Idris has a good look. We can count on lots of Mullet for the family. Idris is an incredible provider.

Poole Harbour: Soon!

Storm took down their nest but one eagle was saved! How wonderful.

Loch of the Lowes: The new male has been filmed fishing at the loch. He is going to be a good provider for the new female and their family. https://youtu.be/g8XmC9Afok4?

Duke Farms: Sylvia catches the first fledge on video. https://youtu.be/dM8vQNEk9VA?

Boulder County: Those pesky little birds would like to get Mum off those eggs. They think they might make a tasty dinner.

Wolf Bay: By 1636, there had been six feedings for the osprey trio.

Rutland Manton Bay: Maya has been feeding all four of the chicks. Send good wishes. Their hatch dates are spread and the last two are tiny. If any couple can pull this off, Maya and Blue 33 can.

Finnish Nests: Incubation continues on all nests.

LVM Klinšu ērglis (Latvian Golden Eagle nest of Spilve and Grislis): The eldest eaglet survives. There has been lots of food. The small one was being fed, but the older one continually bonks it and it is not popping its head up to eat. Sadly, as we know, there is the imperative of the oldest to kill the second hatch. The oldest golden eagle hatchling may start acting aggressively to its younger sibling(s) as soon as it or they hatch. Within the first two days, this often escalates into “bill-stabbing” wherein the younger sibling is jabbed around their neck or the middle of their body until a gaping, fatal wound is created.

Silve is feeding the second hatch. In instances where there is lots of food and good parenting, there is an opportunity for the second eaglet to survive.

Geemeff Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 17th May 2025

The day started with an early visit from an inquisitive Buzzard who checked out the nest even to lifting bits of bark to look underneath, and returned a second time to preen and shed a few little feathers. Later in the day an unseen intruder near Nest Two caused Dorcha to flee the nest and not return for five minutes, while on Nest One Garry LV0 made some alarm calls and shortly afterwards both he and Aurora fled the nest and didn’t return for three hours. However when they did return, Garry brought a fish for Aurora, and less than three hours later, delivered a second, which takes his tally to fifty six. Louis made Dorcha wait for a meal today and delivered only a single fish but that fish was a whopper and made for a substantial meal. His tally now stands at ninety four. Today’s weather continued the pattern of clear sky overnight and sunshine during the day, and that should continue tonight, with sunshine and a high of 22°C tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.17.16 (03.17.06); Nest Two 23.45.07 (03.39.18)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/ErDsAnWi3-E N1 A Buzzard pokes about inquisitively 06.36.32

https://youtu.be/JvJOyJzMabg N1 The Buzzard returns and does some preening 06.42.37 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/U2G-xjJBEKs N1 Aurora waits for Garry then grabs the fish and goes 13.26.06

https://youtu.be/OFrj8CuZmPQ N1 Another fish for Aurora not long after the first 16.15.11https://youtu.be/prod5jXGvEU N2 Nearly 24 hours after the last one, a fish finally arrives – it’s huge! 18.50.12
Bonus advice – what to do if you find a chick out of the nest:https://www.popsci.com/environment/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-baby-bird/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/2xr0kHFi4BE N1 Aila brings a new Louis-removal device 2019

https://youtu.be/2SeN0J1rxOg N1 Close encounters of the bird kind 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/Rh1aeXJkWng N1 Co-ordinated stick work by Louis & Aila 2020

https://youtu.be/IW7bBXUG7QM N1 Woohoo! Successful mating by the Newsome Twosome 2021

https://youtu.be/aip-ZV4vZ4g N1 First fish delivered to Blue 152 by The Stranger 2021

https://youtu.be/akMXEPJOQIo N2 Dorcha sees off intruder Osprey Blue PU0 2023

https://youtu.be/miF-Q3_MxDg N2 Intruder Blue PU0 returns and very nearly lands on Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/9aC3rufAdio N2 Dorcha uses her ‘scare crow’ voice 2023

https://youtu.be/5cCaq5kTqkI N2 First fish is number 100 and also season’s earliest! 2024

https://youtu.be/ebw5Gj3hh4A N2 Louis arrives with an unsuitable stick 2024

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

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

‘AR’ sends us some of the latest information on mapping the evolution of our feathered friends!

Researchers Have Mapped the Evolution of Every Known Bird Species

Heidi sent this video discussion to me and I would like to share it with you. Perhaps you have seen it, I haven’t. It is a discussion of the owl attack on Dory, the female osprey, at the Audubon Boathouse.I don’t know if you’ve seen this: A video collaboration from Explore.org and Audubon Seabird Institute

Heidi says, “I thought this video was well done. Dory was an excellent mom and mate and we loved her. Dory was a predator, but she was not at the top of the food chain. Dory became prey. Warning: briefly graphic.”

Also a nest note from Heidi that is truly a miracle: “
5/17 – Havre de Grace osprey nest: The babies hatched on 5/12 and 5/13. A very inexperienced Mom did not feed them for nearly two days… she did not know how. At first she just ate and made no attempt to feed them, despite their apparent readiness to receive fish bits. Later she would lean toward them from about 2 feet away to offer them bites… like ‘come and get it’. I thought for sure those babies were going to die. But her instincts kicked it, Mom learned, and now she’s doing very well… and so are the kids! I was relieved that Mom suddenly seemed to get the hang of it. There is not a lot of time at that stage for a long-duration learning curve.”

‘EJ’ sent me a note about a rehabilitation officer that might interest all of you. They write, “I wanted to bring your attention to the Southwest Wildlife Foundation of Utah, run by a man named Martin Tyner, who has cared for raptors, mainly Golden Eagles, his entire life. He has lots of YouTube videos which you will love, especially the release of rehabbed raptors.” Oh, it is always a delight when our raptors have been healed and can go back and live in the wild. Check out his channel!

‘EJ’ also sent a cute video. Do you think owls like baths? https://www.thedodo.com/daily-dodo/she-was-miserable-and-trapped-in-manure-now-shes-unrecognizable

I could not leave without checking on Big Red, Arthur, and O1 and O2. The chicks are getting some pin feathers. There are clown feet. Life is looking good and the sun is shining in Ithaca!

I want to thank everyone who has sent a list – short or long – to help me with the Memorial Wall. Please keep them coming! I know that I am missing eaglets that have died. Any information is appreciated.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. We hope to have you with us again soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘AR, EJ, Geemeff, Heidi, PR’, Dyfi Osprey Project, Birds of Poole Harbour, TA Montague and Bald Eagles 101, LOTL, Sylvia and Duke Farms, Boulder County, Wolf Bay, LRWT, Saaksilvie, LDF Golden Eagle Nest, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, SciTechDaily, Explore.org, the dodo.com, Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam, Havre de Grace

Saturday in Bird World

17 May 2025

Hello Everyone,

Morning Updates:

The 4th egg has hatched at Rutland Manton Bay.

First fledge at Duke Farms.

USK Valley: Children have given the ospreys their names: “We are pleased to announce that our male osprey is to be called Syfaddan* named after Llangors Lake, which is one of the favoured fishing grounds. The female will be known as Clogwyn** after the imposing rocky outcrop on the Allt overlooking their nest. This feature has also assumed the more romantic mantle of “the Pride Rock from The Lion King” – for fairly obvious reasons – by other children in the area.”

What’s in a name_ — Usk Valley Ospreys Download

Heidi Nest Notes:

‘PB’ reports two osplets at Salt Point.

The pouring rain continues. The grass and leaves turn a deeper emerald green with every drop. The temperature is dropping, however, and with the wind chill it is -5C. The potted tomatoes, peppers, and hydrangea are inside on the island, as snow is predicted. Brock’s dishes are all full. The birds have abandoned the garden to the squirrels, who continue their search for peanuts and seeds. It must be hard on the outdoor animals – this rollercoaster ride of a season.

The Girls have been busy watching everything flying about. The lilac blossoms are beautiful but I fear that with the high winds they will not last.

Hugo Yugo is under the table having been cornered by Toby. Baby Hope looks down hoping she is high enough and out of the way.

Toby and Hugo Yugo wanting to play with the same toys! These two are actually friends.

Thank you for all your good wishes for Toby. He appears to be getting better. We had a dear friend for lunch today, whom we hadn’t seen in several years. Toby and she hit it off brilliantly! What impressed me most was that ‘R’ picked up on Toby’s attachment to ‘me’. She asked Don if he was jealous. His reply was more thoughtful and elaborate, but in essence, he said, ‘no’. I had always brought the cats to our house, and they had always gone to him, so it was only ‘fair’ that Toby could be mine. Had I not been driving, the tears would have streamed down the front of my sweater. A complicated question answered precisely and accurately with empathy from a very dear man.

Quickly getting to the news highlights form Bird World:

Surrey Reserve Bald Eagles: Hancock Wildlife Foundation has sent a climber to retrieve the bodies of SR10 and SR11 so that they can be tested to determine the cause of the eaglets’ death. The post read, “A four member climbing team thankfully retrieved Brit & Rey’s two deceased eaglets. Lots of fresh fish was left for the parents. Thanks to all who organized this retrieval, and we hope this gives some peace to the deeply grieving parents.”

FOBBV: Special moments at the Big Bear nest captured on video before the darlings Sunny and Gizmo fledge. https://youtu.be/WraMnX8mFy0?

Loch Doon: First hatch of the 2025 breeding season came on Friday the 16th.

Kielder Forest: Rutland’s two-year-olds are making their presence known!

Another 2023 Manton Bay female! _ Kielder Ospreys Download

Nests are coming under heavy winds and rain. Will they hold up, ‘PR’ asks. They write, “We have a very windy day. The wind blew part of a house finch nest half off. I checked and they were still in process of building and no babies or eggs yet. But Oppd Osprey, Denton Homes and Trempealeau nests are all in heavy winds today. If you look at Denton it’s really blowing that tree around. Photos in order.”

‘PB’ reports that the Denton Homes nest is swaying considerably in the high winds.

We are all concerned about nests collapsing after the death of the triplets, three very healthy eaglets, of Scout and Bella, at the NCTC nest.

Cornell Red-tail Hawk Nest: Beautiful little chicks of Big Red and Arthur, bursting after a great meal. https://youtu.be/8VgHH2iV034?

Trempeauleau Eagle Nest: T3 is growing so well, and Mum gets a huge gold medal for raising this beautiful eaglet single-handedly.

Norwegian Osprey Nest: There are at least two eggs, perhaps three.

Goitzsche Wildnis: Incubation continues.

Golden Gate Audubon SF Ospreys: Rosie and Richmond had their first hatch on the 10th or the 11th of May. It is unclear if there have been any others.

Rutland Manton Bay: The age spread is great. Maya and Blue 33 are very experienced. Will they be adding another to the three hatches already? Quite frankly, I hope not. Number 3 is rather tiny.

Cardinal Land Conservancy: A fantastic nest that I haven’t checked on enough. Great parents, eaglets growing up with four meals and a turtle on Fridays. Incredible.

San Jose City Hall: SK Hideaways catches the frantic nature of having four ringed and hungry eyases! https://youtu.be/vpojZPJghJo?

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 16th May 2025

Today was calm and routine – Louis brought two fish for Dorcha, taking his tally to ninety three, but Garry didn’t bring any fish for Aurora, engaging instead in a mating session which looked successful. His tally remains at fifty four, the weather remains settled, and we’re moving along nicely towards pip-watch with first hatch expected around 21-23 May – that’s next week!

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.16.47 (03.21.04); Nest 23.44.37 (03.43.07)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/3ainCb_9inA N2 First fish arrives to the sound of birdsong 05.51.01

https://youtu.be/FmbBKyiOcBI N1 Successful mating for Garry & Aurora 18.36.48

https://youtu.be/jj0bPDw-OAE N2 Louis finally lands and gives fish two to Dorcha 21.36.22

Geemeff’s sends two other news items:

Ospreys and menhaden – again! https://penobscotbaypress.com/articles/forum-islandadvantages/are-osprey-in-trouble-again/

GenZ have discovered birding – will their interest help stop some of the stripping away of wilslife and environmental protections?

https://www.deseret.com/magazine/2025/05/15/bird-watching-captures-new-generation

‘VV’ gives us a report of some strange activity happening at the Maryland Osprey nests near the Bay: “One of the nest owners of N5 (where the gull ate the eggs) has returned. W/o the other around I can’t discern M from F. If Female, it means Nests 2, 3, 4, & 5 had established males this year who left their nests this month, 2 w/ mates and 2 w/o

Just as I was typing an eagle forced an osprey to drop a fish and the eagle retrieved it – these osprey cannot catch a break here this year. OH NO, I think it was the male of N9 – where incubation is still ongoing – who lost the fish. The eagles tag teamed him, I think they have a nest directly across the creek from me but deep into the pine.

Anyway, at least 3 males self-deported this month from the 5 nests off my porch. If males consistently fail to catch enough food for the nest, would they just stop coming home? Forcing the females, incubating or not, to fish or starve. There appear to be many unattended nests along the creek which had previously been rigorously attended – and in a number of cases believe were incubating eggs.

Also, like N5, one osprey has returned to N14 after days of absence. IDK M or F on that nest. Regardless, I have to conjecture only a regional dearth of food leading to impending starvation would prompt ospreys to leave off their breeding duties, from mating through to incubation.”

‘A’ sends us some news and comments, too! “Just look at these GHO owlets. They are the cutest things and couldn’t hurt an eaglet or osplet (yet)! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frFP0GfDFK8&list=TLPQMTQwNTIwMjWuwzEhGO60dQ&index=7. And we are soon going to lose our cute fluffball from Taiaroa Head. The countdown begins. Eight or ten weeks to go I think. September is fledge month from memory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W2RCbyMiTk&list=TLPQMTQwNTIwMjV0ZXQf2Szmxg&index=2. The little one has been under the average weight for a female chick of her age for a couple of weeks but was fed twice the day before this video and should now be in the normal weight range again. These birds are absolutely exquisite, and so gentle. I adore them.

Lady and Dad have started to prepare their Olympic Park nest for a new season, and are spending nights near the nest much of the time. Earlier in the week, a juvenile sea eagle was seen around the island, catching a fish on the river. I wonder whether it is one of their past SE fledglings. Obviously, we hope so. Meanwhile, Mrs T continues to do a great solo job with T3, whose crop is immense nearly every time I check. She has really been a wonderful mum in difficult circumstances. Mr T continues to try and steal food from the nest when he can to take to his other nest, over on the island but Mrs T is still managing fabulously well with T3. I only hope the eaglet/s at Mr T’s other nest are doing well too.

At FOBBV, we are waiting for Sunny and Gizmo to take the plunge, as you are well aware. At NEFL the nest does look very empty. The juvie who adopted Bodie and the nest was such a strange addition to an already unusual season at NEFL. What a special year it really has been. I am absolutely certain that having siblings is a huge plus for eaglets (and presumably osplets etc) and it was a massive bonus for Bodie that the juvie arrived. It really did look as though the two of them enjoyed each other’s company immensely – I know I’m anthropomorphising but I’m just observing, and surely the juvie would have left again if that had not been the case, or if it was there purely for the food, would have fought Bodie. It was also interesting that a parent continued to bring food to the nest, making no serious effort to drive the intruder away. At Orange, Diamond and Xavier are doing a lot of bonding – several times a day – with Diamond also showing a lot of interest in cleaning up the nest box, even arranging pebbles. Diamond is on her ledge as I type, but has only a medium-sized crop (normally, she arrives with a crop so large it makes you wonder how she flies with it), so lunch might be on her mind. And Betty Lou looks so healthy – it has been a wonderful season for Jaks and darling Audacity.”

News from Knepp Farm:

News from Knepp Download

They are adorable!

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2025/may/16/week-in-wildlife-hitchhiking-cygnets-a-criminal-duck-and-hopping-hares?CMP=share_btn_link

Thank you so much for being with us today. If the weather isn’t too bad, we are heading out to look at some jasmine plants today. In the meantime, take care. We are on hatch watch for the UK nests!!!!!!!!! It is finally going to get exciting. 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, Geemeff, Heidi, PB, VV’, USK Valley, Dewey Beach, Barnegat Light, Hancock Wildlife Foundation Surrey Reserve Bald Eagle Nest, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, Loch Doon, Kielder Forest News, OPPD Fort Calhoun, Denton Homes, Cornell Bird Lab Red-tail Hawk Cam, Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest, Fru Raurer, Joan Castnyer, Golden Gate Audubon, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, VV Maryland osprey report, ‘A’s report, Knepp Farm, Barbara Wolfson and Bald Eagles 101, Rutland Manton Bay, SK Hideaways and San Jose City Hall, The Guardian

Thursday in Bird World

15 May 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Morning Update: It is raining hard as I finish up the blog this morning. Oh, I hope that this will help the wildfires raging throughout my province – and, hence, save the lives of the wildlife and people.

Toby is sleeping on his little pink blankie next to me. He has had his pain medication and his ear drops but, honestly, I do not know if he is any better. I hope so.

I dipped his pain pill in peanut butter and he opened his mouth wide. Then gave him 80 ml of water with a syringe. After the pain medication took effect, he ate his kibble and played some. It was nice to see. Tomorrow I will get another two days of pain pills and have them check that ear. It is so tender – more than it was! Gosh, it just breaks our hearts when one of our pets (or one of the raptors on the screen) is unwell.

He is just not his sweet little energetic self – please send your good wishes for him to get well.

The very hot weather broke and you can feel the cold wind pouring down – a wind that is going to drop temperatures from 38 C to 3 C. All of our plants must come inside. The conservatory will be full of tomatoes and peppers. The delicate herbs are already on the kitchen counter.

There are new birds arriving daily. Yesterday we watched three Blue Jays and today the Crows are arriving for their cheesy dogs. If there are not little ones in the nest, they will be there soon. The Chickadees are coming to a new tiny feeder and the various sparrow species are pecking about. The lilacs are blooming somewhat early and the beautiful crabapple tree that we planted in memory of our Blue Abyssinian cat, Abigale, is full of the most gorgeous pink blossoms. Brock even had a nap under it today!

Migration is in full swing!

Take all the precautions that you can: turn out the lights, encourage others to turn out the lights including your town and city, leave out water, and if you can supply some food. Water is life-saving and shallow bowls can save many, many lives. I love ‘The Girls’ but it is time to keep the cats indoors!

Heidi’s osprey news:

South Cape May Meadows, 5/14: Hera and Zeus have been caring for three eggs. Zeus hasn’t been seen since 5/11. Hera finally left the nest a couple of times today to take care of herself. And, at 18:24 she left the nest to roost. It is looking like Hera will not have any fledglings for the fifth straight year.

Dewey beach Lions Club: Their first baby hatched on 5/14.

‘VV’ brings us the report for some undisclosed location nests near the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland:

“The good news: Ethel, that trollop of the neighborhood, finally settled back down into her original 2020 nest (N1) with her original partner (M1) – after they’ve spent the past 3 years and start of this one fighting & teasing one another. She’s incubating in N1 for the first time since 2021 and M1 has been feeding her for what I think is the first time ever. He was a very poor mate and dad in ’21.

Across the creek, in Nest 9 – a tall box nest on the shore, Aunt Suzanne and Uncle Roland are still incubating and the same for Nest 16, on a much lower piling in the creek bed.

From what I can tell that’s it. Even Nest 5 with it’s accurately named Mr. & Mrs. Perfect, who have been incubating since late April abandoned their eggs in advance of the rains early in this week. This appears true of all the other nests I can observe on Island Creek, except possibly #12, which is difficult to judge

Now what would have that many nests abandoning incubation around the same time?

In Nest 5, the Perfects have nested there easily for a decade, with one successful male replacement. She has sat through terrific storms and hatched chicks, she has incubated way beyond hatch dates not giving up despite ultimate failure. She is an excruciatingly pragmatic mom. So WHAT moved her, and other experienced females off their eggs it would seem within the same week?

In Nest 5 I watched a gull eat the eggs – the gull would repeatedly lift one whole egg aloft in his beak – it was so shiny I would have said it was wet. But each time he put it down and then lifted it again it was still shining. He also held aloft a broken egg shell, and maybe it was just a very slimy nest by then – but even the broken shell looked shinier than I’ve ever seen an egg on the cams.

We have not had the intruders of past years – we had the one new pair ultimately settle, but they stopped mating perhaps a half-week or so before N5 abandoned their eggs. [I think I’d seen both at N5 the day before.]

Also of note: 2 unattached males with nests attracted no females while females at Nest 5 a few years ago and Nest 11 this year replaced males within the season of their previous mates’ disappearances. These 2 unattached males left the neighborhood shortly after the new pair stopped mating and the same week N5 was abandoned. Neither Mr. or Mrs. Perfect have been back to the nest. Some of the other nests still have osprey occasionally perched on their edges.”

Sadly, the two eaglets at the Surrey Reserve Eagle nest in British Columbia, SR10 and SR11, have died. It is possible that since this happened so suddenly that it is HPAI.

The two eaglets at the White Rock Bald Eagle nest in British Columbia, being cared for by the single Mum, appear to be doing well. They had a nice fish dinner on Wednesday!

Trempeauleau Bald Eagles: Mum caught a single fish and the male took half of it off the nest. Looks like she flew in with a bigger fish later.

FOBBV: A reminder of the importance of writing to get changes to the Migratory Bird Act changed.

“We are requesting public assistance & asking you to comment on the proposal that aims to nullify the Endangered Species ACT (ESA) & remove habitat protections from it: https://bit.ly/4dhLsWT“

Sunny and Gizmo are so anxious to fly and we are so anxious for them to stay.

Duke Farms: The trio are ready to take to the skies, too!

In Wales at the Glaslyn nest, it appears that Aran has lost his nest and mate, Elen, to Teifi KC6.

Kielder Forest: The most recent news release.

Egg 2 for Nest 5A _ Kielder Ospreys Download

Birds of Poole Harbour: Incubation continues. Blue 022 and CJ7 have been putting up with an intruder at the nest. Send positive energy. We do not need either of these incredible adults injured.

Dyfi: Telyn has been leaving fish at the cot rails of the nest. We are expecting pips in the next days. Egg 1 will be 37 days old on Friday. I cannot wait. Idris and Telyn are incredible parents.

Foulshaw Moss: We are expecting the first hatch for White YW and Blue 35 this coming weekend!

San Jose Falcons: SK Hideaways has the banding video for us! https://youtu.be/D1RlvHE804o?

Remembering Annie at Cal Falcons. Such a touching tribute. We miss you so much, Annie.

I have wondered what has happened to Annie and Grinnell’s offspring, Lawrentium, who was raising eyases on Alcatraz. This is what I have been able to determine in my search for answers about the impact of HPAI in the San Francisco Bay area. HPAI has had a significant effect on falcons in the Bay Area. We are aware of Annie, but recent studies indicate that 40% of the peregrine territories in the area are unoccupied. This includes Annie and Grinnell’s offspring on Alcatraz, Lawrentium, whose scrape Cormorants are now using.

Bird Flu Flocked Into The Bay! This is How it’s Affecting The Region – The Pioneer Download

Worcester Cathedral Falcons: More saddness. It almost feels like the falcon population is being wiped out everywhere. The latest post reads:

“We have made the decision to shut down the Livestream, not a fault this time. As many have noticed the chick has not been fed today, this is a deliberate act by the adults. From 5am it became clear the chick was not well, not calling for food & acting lethargically, the adults know this & will not normally attempt to feed ill chicks. Avian Flu could be a cause here as the chick has exhibited 3 or 4 symptoms. 10 minutes ago, no interest was shown when the female landed with prey & proceeded to eat it the box. This would also explain why the chick stumbled backwards onto the ledge yesterday. If by any chance there is a recovery we will restart but highly unlikely. A sad end to this year’s season but looking for positive results next year. We will post another update when events here become clearer.”

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 14th May 2025

Intruders caused Louis to fly off and defend the nest but they were only seen in the far distance, while the intruders who actually landed on the nest were much smaller and less of a threat – a Jay intruded on Dorcha, a Tawny Owl and a Great Spotted Woodpecker paid a visit to Nest One. Aurora did a little gentle nest prep while waiting for Garry to bring fish, he obliged twice, and his tally rises to fifty three. Louis skipped breakfast and brought Dorcha elevenses instead, but made up for it with a further two deliveries – those three fish take his tally to eighty eight. As predicted, the weather was settled and sunny today, tonight’s forecast is clear skies with a gentle breeze and sunny tomorrow with a high of 23°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.10.05 (03.50.42); Nest Two 23.34.36 (04.17.09)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/o_ES4CRH3LM N1 A male Tawny Owl visits 01.16.22

https://youtu.be/xZrjpYMESsU N2 A Jay (Garrulus Glandarius) pays a visit to Dorcha 07.14.10 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/KdoqMsKxDfY N2 Breakfast’s late but very fresh: a lively flapper 11.51.34 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/lzo2elmyrE8 N1 A Great Spotted Woodpecker pays a flying visit 12.02.36 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/46A6Z1S0HfQ N1 Aurora grabs Garry’s fish, nibbles it, takes it away 13.48.48

https://youtu.be/dFz4DDAOzOY N2 Louis arrives with a second fish 14.52.25

https://youtu.be/x8Eyx_HduCo N1 Aurora does nest prep while waiting for Garry with fish two 18.02.38 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/VGy_u8YhYXQ N2 Dorcha’s delighted to see a third fish arriving for her 18.30.12

Bonus – first watch, then take action and join Woodland Trust’s call to Restore Our Forgotten Forests:

https://campaigns.woodlandtrust.org.uk/page/166361

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/FlMmlJjYav0 N1 Aila’s attacked again by an owl 2019

https://youtu.be/a82-7I-dU0A N1 Musical nests: Aila & Louis hop on and off the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/d-HM-pAELtE N1 Sleepy Aila manages an afternoon nap 2020

https://youtu.be/SbgWzXqVX2g N1 Ghostly apparition? 2020

https://youtu.be/UQsvtAT9sAI N1 Blue 152 pays a dawn visit to the nest 2021

https://youtu.be/V1vbOK3ewwc N1 The Newsome Twosome are getting better at it! 2021

https://youtu.be/zsPVChFoZ88 N2 Dorcha and the big stick 2023

https://youtu.be/j4RTRS0Yni8 N2 Intruder Blue PU0 invades Nest Two 2023

https://youtu.be/bSxkqptK4Eg N1 Louis mantles at an unseen intruder 2023

https://youtu.be/B_R0BHuZaZg N1 Is it a Tree Pipit dashing across the cam view 2024

https://youtu.be/WPtsG8MRD6k N2 Does an egg move by itself? 2024

https://youtu.be/r6nJXvhKANo N2 What time do you call this? 2024

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

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

It is very easy to get very sad (or worse) when our raptor families are sick, missing, or dying. They are like family to so many. We have known them for years and shared their hopes and dreams. Sometimes we need to find other outlets and have a break. One of our readers has done just that and they sent some good news, “There are three sites that I still check daily, because they usually make me smile: – Follow The Feathers: the cutest parrot flock around, with Bruce in the berry dome and Chester the budgie with the big hairdo and Sonny the elderly Amazon and the other cuties- The Cascadia pet shop with Paula the 65 year old stripper (Cockatoo)- Wild Heart Ranch. The good news story is that Skylar the bald eagle has been released!!!

https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartRanch/videos/1206311474323270

Skylar was the one that started my Wild Heart Ranch journey, the one that got the boots fitted and was expected to become an ambassador, you might remember the video of Annette losing her cool when she saw that Skylar could live normally. Skylar is back in the wild, hurray!!!”

Hellgate Canyon: A note from Dr Greene: ” Hello everyone, We would like to remind folks that nest cameras allow us an intimate view of the lives of wild creatures – with all the trials and tribulations they face. Just because what we are lucky enough to watch is on a small screen, it does not mean that these are “feel good” movies. These wild creatures are doing their best to thrive, and they are operating according to their own rules.

Although it may be worrying, scary and frustrating to watch, these wild creatures are not operating according to human etiquette, and we should not project our values on them.

We all may have strong feelings and responses to what we are seeing, but PLEASE refrain from attacking each other, and attacking the behavior of the ospreys. Instead we urge you to appreciate and marvel at the difficulties and challenges that Iris and other ospreys face, and their resilience to keep on keeping on!

Sincerely, Erick Greene and the Montana Osprey Team”

Let’s close with a look at Big Red and Arthur’s two fluffy little chicks at the Fernow Tower nest on the Cornell Campus in Ithaca, New York.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, J, VV’, Ross Ellett, SCMM, Dewey Beach, Undisclosed Maryland location, HWF, Trempeauleau Eagles, FOBBV, Duke Farms, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Kielder Forest, Dyfi Osprey Project, Birds of Poole Harbour, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Cal Falcons, The Pioneer, Worcester Cathedral, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Dr E Greene and the Montana Osprey Cam, SK Hideaways, Cornell Bird Lab

Monday in Bird World

12 May 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Sunday did not turn out as expected. We lost dear Dory at Audubon Boathouse*, and then I received word that the five Black Storklets in Jogdeva had been stomped, with at least two dying. My husband’s friend, who lost his wife, came to visit, and it was very emotional. Not the sunshine and laughter one might think of on Mother’s Day. Indeed, so many mothers are no longer with us that brings tears in itself — and I know that everyone would like to be with them just one more time to say everything that never got told, or to confirm their great love and bond. The lesson always is: never put off anything for a day if you can do it now. You might not have tomorrow.

*I am pretty bothered by this death. The boathouse underwent renovations/repairs. It has been known for aeons that the owls take the osplets and try to harm the parents. In this instance, it was a deadly attack on the female, rendering the eggs non-viable. While it is true that ospreys return over and over again to the same place to nest (it is their territory), it is equally valid that the new roof of the boathouse could have been fitted with red strobe lights at each corner. These are effective when used. The two organizations had the funds to accomplish this when the ospreys were migrating. At least they could have tried.

‘MP’ sent a screen capture of their favourite Mum – the female at the John Bunker Sands Wetlands near Dallas. Two beautiful fledges this season!

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am asking for your help. As you may be aware, I try to keep a Memorial Page of the raptors that died or who went MIA in a single year. We lost so many and then Akecheta and Thunder – well, I simply had to stop for awhile. Then we began to lose more and more. I do not wish to leave anyone off the list so this is what I would ask of you.

Please send me any information about any birds on streaming cams that either died or went MIA in 2025. I am including Annie, etc even though we do not know the precise date she went missing. Do not assume that I will have the name on my list. Your list could just read eaglets 1 and 2, Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest, Wisconsin. If you have other information, please include it. Thank you so much! This will make a huge difference in me getting that Memorial Page as accurate and up to date as possible.

Heidi’s Osprey News:

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 11th May 2025

A quiet day today, no intruders on either nest. The day started with a dawn tryst on Nest One, with Garry LV0 and Aurora 536 having two successful mating sessions. Possibly not enough mating activity to produce eggs this season and it is getting past the point of no return time-wise, but then again, the birds don’t read the manuals and may yet surprise us. In a repeat of yesterday Garry brought one fish today taking his tally to forty seven, and Louis brought two fish, taking his tally to eighty one. Dorcha’s first fish was a small lively flapper which she stayed on the nest to polish off before departing. The second, headless, fish was much bigger and she carried it off in a precarious beak hold, much as Aila did on this day in 2020 however Aila did an athletic mid-air transfer from beak to talons which we didn’t see Dorcha do, so hope she didn’t lose it as she flew off. Apart from some light overnight rain the weather was settled and sunny but more rain is forecast for tonight, with sunny intervals tomorrow. That’s still much better weather than Aila had to endure on this day in 2020 when she had to protect the three eggs which were the future famous lockdown Osplets from overnight snow flurries. Links to those events in the blast from the past section.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 20.40.14 (03.48.45); Nest Two 22.44.36 (04.12.36)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/L7wUZ2nkFqk N1 Dawn tryst – successful mating for Garry and Aurora 04.44.29

https://youtu.be/L0KYI2VYpqw N2 Lively small breakfast trout – Dorcha polishes it off on the nest 06.38.45

https://youtu.be/9mV9VDy0nXc N1 Elevenses arrive for Aurora, a good sized headless trout 11.35.18

https://youtu.be/XEuoQfpCuVM N2 Dorcha leaves with fish number two in a beak-hold 17.46.10

Bonus watch – A short video about wildlife crime detection dogs and how they’re trained (starts at 26:00)

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/IhjvqpMq1S4 N1 Intruder Osprey flies right over the nest 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/WW7IBGOOjLU N1 Preparing the nest ready for the first hatch 2020

https://youtu.be/-v6-w-_3oDM N1 Aila does a mid air transfer 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/BsF44kBqGG0 N1 A close shave for Louis – Aila nearly takes his head off! 2020

https://youtu.be/wqUvCjMwwio N1 Mumbrella: Aila protects her eggs during snow flurries 2020

https://youtu.be/yZkcVaa9o-A N1 Affric (Blue 152) and The Stranger return 2021

https://youtu.be/AGoiZjcwD3M N2 First fish of the day arrives at lunchtime 2023

https://youtu.be/UiJihpt7uEs N2 Dorcha ignores the second fish and leaves without it 2023

https://youtu.be/fwGRG7NNI4o N1 A Jay visits 2024

https://youtu.be/_xdZMQaEYA4 N2 Very late breakfast – fish number one 2024

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

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

I was extremely upset by the situation at the Black Stork nest in Jogeva County in Estonia. There were five storklets and an intruder. The latest news on Looduskalendar English Forum is “Two chicks confirmed dead, two chicks confirmed alive. Another egg we don’t know about.

At least there’s still hope. And the parents are okay.

Now we’ll have to wait if the intruder can be kept away, and if the remaining storklets are well. “

The male had been missing since 5 May and there was a fight in the nest with some stomping on the storklets – intruding storks. Oh, please let two or perhaps three of them be alive! It also appears that the male might have returned. Perhaps he was only out of camera range trying to protect the territory.

To counter that, ‘TU’ reminds me: “There are lovely people who tries to make this world a bit better!!! In Makov, on station for rescued birds and animals they delivered 3 chicks and an egg to be adopted by couple of not releasable white storks Honzik and Johanka.” The foster parents are delighted! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J1utP1GG9s

Trempealeau Bald Eagles: T3 continues to do well.

Cornell Red-tail Hawks: O1 and O2 appear to be doing well. Big Red is loving every second of being a Mum.

Snow Lane Osprey Nest, Newfoundland: After raising two gorgeous fledges last year, Beaumont returned early and earnestly set about fixing up the nest he has shared for many, many years with his mate, Hope. Sadly, it now appears that Hope has failed to return from her migration this year.

This beautiful photograph of an osprey in flight was taken by Marc Lausier. Thank you, Marc, for letting me sharing this beauty with my readers. Please check out his website!

Muonio Nest, Finland: Both ospreys are on the nest. Waiting for eggs.

Janakkalan, Finland: Eggs are being incubated.

Paltamo, Finland: Eggs are being incubated.

Ylläslompolo, Finland: The nest appears unoccupied so far.

‘BAH’ sends us the latest from the Port of Ridgefield: “3rd egg laid at Ridgefield last Friday, but since then things have gone wrong on the nest, starting Tuesday when another couple raised heck for two days, fighting and dive bombing the couple on the nest. The female ended up with blood on her feathers. This continued through Wednesday, according to chatters. The eggs were not incubated through it all, and now chatterers say this is a different female on the nest. She doesn’t incubate and ignores the eggs thoroughly, but the male has started incubating again. But it’s no doubt in vain. Alas!”

Golden Gate Audubon Nest: Richmond and Rosie had their first hatch of the 2025 season late Sunday – Happy Mother’s Day, Rosie!

Did you know that incubation is the only time that adult ospreys will sleep lying down?

Baby Hope wishes everyone a terrific Monday!

Thank you so much for being with me. There is much more news. Also thank you for continuing to send in your Spark Birds. Your remarks are so welcome by all of my readers. So please do not be shy – and also, answer myt call for entries for the Memorial Wall. I need all the help you can provide. Thank you. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘BAH, Geemeff, Heidi, MP, PB, TU’, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Eagle Club of Estonia, Looduskalender Forum, csillagig65, Trempealeau Bald Eagle Cam, Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam, Snow Lane Osprey Platform and Newfoundland Power, Marc Lausier and One-for-One Photography, Finnish Osprey Foundation, Port of Ridgefield, Colonial Beach, Smallwood Ospreys

Friday in Bird World

7 May 2025

Hello Everyone,

It has been one of the most roller-coaster years that I can remember in Bird World. Mates not returning. Mates arriving late only to find that younger birds have taken their place. Long standing residents have lost their nests. Single Mums struggle to tend their chicks. Today, for the very first time, Big Red’s third hatch O3 died shortly after hatch. In her history on camera, which began in 2012 (she probably began raising chicks in 2005-06), no chick has died on the nest. Every hatch has fledged except for one and that was K3 who had a problem with her jaw. She was rescued but had to be euthanised. I have to admit that I am heart broken. Like all other raptors, Big Red and Arthur have two other chicks to raise to fledge and then teach them the ways of the hawk so they can survive in the big world. Arthur has the nest full of food and the other two appear to be healthy. It has been the wettest season I can remember on this nest and I hate ‘wet’ nests. Many chicks of various species die from what harbours in that damp and with lung problems.

This made me feel very weepy. Friday and it is pitching down rain on Big Red and Ithaca. Send her good wishes, please.

Cornell’s official notification of the loss of O3.

Sad News_ Red-tailed Hawk Chick _O3_ Dies Shortly After Hatching _ Cornell Lab Bird Cams Download

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 8th May 2025

Today was mainly calm and routine – Garry LV0 delivered two fish for Aurora 536 but seems to have adopted a pattern of making her wait, by arriving on the nest with the fish then immediately taking it away, and returning a bit later to give it to her. No mating behaviour has been observed lately, but as they’re off-nest most of the time, we don’t know if it’s taking place elsewhere on one of the other vacant nests in the area, or not at all. The two fish take Garry’s tally to forty three, while Louis, who also brought two fish for Dorcha, raises his tally to seventy five. Steve Q posted his fish statistics for week five, summing up Louis’ output as “Remarkably consistent numbers over the last 3 seasons”. There weren’t any overnight owl visits, but something unseen scared Dorcha off the nest today, leaving the eggs unattended for about two and a half minutes. However, they came to no harm and we’re still on track for first hatch in just about two weeks time. The weather was settled again, another stunning sunset was seen from Nest Two, and the forecast is clear skies and light winds tonight, and a positively balmy 19°C and full sunshine tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.39.20 (04.07.01); Nest Two 22.54.02 (04.12.47)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/Rq6jzQKsGi0 N2 Louis settles down to egg duty after delivering the first fish 06.09.05 (zoom)https://youtu.be/tS6l2Py6V74 N1 Yet again Garry makes Aurora wait to get the first fish 10.05.36

https://youtu.be/Z29I7aHzXyoN1 Fish 2 is a repeat of fish one – taken away before Aurora can get it 16.03.12

https://youtu.be/o2ZMRUIF0PQ N2 What makes Dorcha flee the nest? 17.43.47

https://youtu.be/3Ab39-Ps8TI N2 Dorcha’s still wary when fish number two arrives 17.53.59

Bonus action – Before vandals attack any more of our ancient trees, we can become citizen scientists, and help Woodland Trust record ancient trees:

https://ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/hGuegL1duZM N1 What scares Aila at midnight? 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/fv2-S7IAT7g N1 Aila employs a tried and tested Louis-removal technique 2020

https://youtu.be/RydYvBR0m5I N1 Aila invents a new Louis-removal technique 2020

https://youtu.be/Ys65Fgfu9sM N1 Unusual visitor – a Twite (Linaria flavirostris) visits 2021

https://youtu.be/oMCTfmauWKA N2 First Owl-strike on Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/meJb_ovW0V8 N2 Second Owl-strike on Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/ea0yqDp1ups N2 Third Owl-strike on Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/uecjKN_3VQI N2 Late night fish supper arrives for Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/WD9vJ3lVeMk N1 Garry LV0 & Aida pay a flying visit 2024

https://youtu.be/vXtY4BrntTM N1 Garry LV0 wrestles with a huge clump of moss 2024

https://youtu.be/ZrKyT_jo5DI N2 Dorcha headbutts Louis to get him off the eggs 2024 (slo-mo repeat with zoom)

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

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

Life at home today was very interesting. The plan is to make certain that Toby loves to go in the car and behaves himself when we are out and about.

Many, many years ago when I travelled to Japan regularly, I loved watching the little puppies and dogs being pushed in the specially designed prams for them. I had never seen anything like it! Well, today, Toby got his very own little enclosed stroller so that we can literally take him almost everywhere.

Oh, but wait!!!!!!!! Who’s in the stroller?

Calico: ‘Can I go for a ride, too?’

We did have a delightful day. Toby got to take in all of the shops, see the animals, and even enjoy the sunshine while we had a picnic. No whining, no barking, just a quiet puppy playing with his toys in his carrier or sleeping. Did I tell you that I feel blessed?

Back at home, the energy came out and this old pair of shoes took a bit of a beating!

Being outside really helped to get over the loss at Cornell. Toby and The Girls help, too. As I told someone today, ‘Toby is my heart’. He is the most incredible little creature.

I checked on only a few other nests, but will try and catch up tomorrow. Sometimes it is just nice to ‘stop’ and reflect on how much these amazing birds mean to us.

Heidi’s Nest Notes:

You will be hearing about intruding ospreys – lots of them. Many are the two year olds returning after their first migration. Kielder Forest has some of those visitors.

Another ‘new to here’ intruder and Nest 5A update _ Kielder Ospreys Download

FOBBV: SK Hideaways caught our dear Gizmo and Sunny sleeping alone. Their time with us is getting shorter and shorter. Visit the cam as much as you can – you will not regret it. You will only regret it if you don’t. https://youtu.be/vnLAyVBKCPI?

Trempealeau Bald Eagles: Baby has a full crop!

Video of little T3 protecting the nest. https://youtu.be/tYbkLV7v-60?

Duke Farms: ‘PB’ writes: “Duke Farms. 6:31am…mom brings fish and feeds all 3 then dad brings large Eel and other 2 share a meal…all 3 having breakfast!”

Hellgate Canyon: Iris has a new male companion and he brings fish. What more can we ask? Oh, and he’s pretty cute.

Will there be more eggs?

If the first clutch is lost early in the season, they may attempt a second nesting attempt. A second clutch is likely if the eggs are lost early in the season, but the pair is less likely to breed again if the eggs are lost later in the season.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Single Breeding Attempt: Ospreys generally have only one breeding attempt per year.
Early Loss: If the first clutch of eggs is lost early in the breeding season (before the eggs hatch), the pair may attempt to lay a second clutch.
Timeframe for Second Clutch: A second clutch is usually laid about three weeks after the failure of the first one.
Late Season Loss: If the eggs are lost during the middle or later stages of the breeding season, the pair is more likely to skip breeding that year.

Dr Greene has some thoughts for us:

“Hi everyone,

Sorry for the radio silence – I have been travelling and busy. At the start of the season, we cautioned you to buckle your seatbelts for the Hellgate Soap Opera! And our cautionary warning was warranted – there has certainly been a lot going on.

Finnegan did not return, and alas, we suspect that he might have died over the winter. He could have gone somewhere else, but with such a successful breeding season last year, if he was still alive he would have most likely returned to the Hellgate nest.

Louis visited Iris and mated repeatedly with her, and she laid three eggs (April 29, May 1 and May 4). Iris’ behavior is very interesting: without a dedicated mate, she has not been super attentive to her eggs. We suspect that from previous experience, she knows that without a partner bringing her food and helping to share incubation with her, the eggs won’t survive. So she has been flying off leaving them unguarded.

The astounding thing to us is that the half life of an untended osprey egg is measured in seconds or minutes!! Almost as soon as Iris leaves an egg untended, a raven swoops in and flies off with the egg. This demonstrates the need for the eggs and small chicks to be tended 24/7, and without a bonded pair bringing up young is not possible.

But a few days ago, NEW GUY 2 showed up, and Iris seems to be pairing with him! He has been bringing in fish and driving off Louis. This is exactly what happened last year, and so Iris may lay some more eggs. Stay tuned . . . .

I have posted a timeline that summarizes events from the 2024 breeding season (on the bottom half), and the 2025 events so far.

More later!

Think pure thoughts, Erick Greene and the Montana Osprey Team

More osprey news from Geemeff for us!

Ospreys will nest where they want to nest, whatever humans do! Let’s hope the landowner doesn’t kick this nest into the water again..https://www.easthamptonstar.com/villages/202558/ospreys-return-to-site-wrecked-nest

——————-

A migrating Osprey spotted at night!

https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/sefton-coast-natterjack-toad-song-an-experience-to-be-remembered

I will continue with the Spark Birds that inspired you. If you have a comment on a bird, please send it. Thank you!

Thank you for being with me today. Please take care. We hope to see you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB’, Cornell Bird Lab Red-tail Hawk Cam, Cornell Bird Lab, SK Hideaways, Trempeauleau Bald Eagle Cam, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Dr Greene, East Hampton Star, inyourarea.co.uk, Duke Farms, Colonial Beach. Osoyoos, Smallwood, Patuxent River Park Nests 1 and 2, Kielder Ospreys

Friday in Bird World

2 May 2025

Hello Everyone,

As we prepare for the arrival of Toby, my time is running out. Anything that could fit into a small mouth must go into hiding along with ‘precious’ rugs, shoes, etc. Cords must be taped to the wall so they cannot be seen. It is a big learning curve from having cats! As a result, my blog will be brief for the next several days. I will try to catch the latest news and follow up on the White Rock and Trempealeau eagle nests and any happenings in the UK.

Cornell Red-tail Hawks: On Thursday, Big Red and Arthur have their first pip of the 2025 season.

Here is the video: https://youtu.be/lPqiUSN3wwE?

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: ‘MP’ alerts us to a new couple on the nest. “I don’t know if you are aware of this nest having 2 new osprey residents. A new male and female. The nest looks amazing compared to the other resident’s nests.”

‘AR’ sent me a great good news story to share with you! One lucky Eagle.

https://www.fox13news.com/news/sarasota-county-man-dives-lake-save-eagle-this-is-symbol-america-man

White Rock, BC Bald Eagle nest. Read this carefully – the female incubated the eggs alone for 42 days. She might be fine if the males would stop stealing the food. Then there is the issue of the heat. This nest needs a sunshade! They are the sweetest little eaglets and well, I do not believe this is going to end well. Maybe all these eagles should take a page out of the osprey playbook from Threave!

The latest post on the White Rock eaglets from Terry Anita:

“

Weird and Wonderful Secondhan

Lord’s Shoes & Apparel

News Feed posts

Facebook

Bald Eagles Live Nest Cams and News

Terry Anita · ronsdpteSou2hugui4cu78lc9itlhaliu5h4983cilc65837219m7utc6th0 ·

5/2/25 This is the White Rock, BC, Canada post for today. Please comment here. I’ll be updating & adding screenshots & info throughout the day. Eagles Mom (Dad missing) 2 eaglets. Hatched 4/30/25.

Screenshot 1: The male with the missing feathers above the right eye visits the nest. #2: Mom and male fly out. #3 Eaglets looking good this morning. Mom returns with no food. Male returns, digs in the nest for leftovers, then leaves.

These are believed to be Moms 25th and 26th eaglets. She has a lot of experience. But the circumstances are so difficult. She just spent 42 days incubating alone. And if it wasn’t for the males stealing all the food she brought in. She’d be in a better position, with left overs in the pantry. Local residents have left out grasses for her, to line the nest. But she hasn’t taken them. She’s doing the very best she can. The eaglets are also left alone in full sun on that nest. And are way too young to be able to regulate their temperature. All we can do is keep positive vibes going. This is a very big uphill battle for Mom.

Live cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Suz5R5mBV7s

There are other nests in close proximity. And many bald eagles in the area. There have been several males vying for Mom since Dad went missing. However most of the males seem more intent on taking food from the nest, than anything else. Mom has been tolerant of a few of these males and mated with more than one of them. The area gets a lot of eagles visiting when the herring run takes place. The White Rock, BC herring run typically happens in spring, with the most intense activity usually occurring in early to mid-March. The exact timing is unpredictable, but it generally begins in late February or early March and can continue into April.

We are watching nature unscripted. Should it become distressing to watch. Please step away & take a break.. Please do not try and compare this situation with other nests. No two nests, eagles or circumstances are the same.

Backstory. Mom is not a first time Mom. She’s been in the area for several years. And is believed to have had around 26 hatches, including this seasons eaglets. The male (Dad) went missing shortly after the first egg was laid. That egg was left unattended for over 11 hours and deemed non viable. The second egg was laid. But with her mate missing the female had to incubate the eggs alone. She was obviously gone for long periods of time, multiple times. As she has to find food for herself. The male visitors weren’t bringing her food and had no interest in the eggs. The eggs hatched on 4/30/25.

***Several males have been around, trying to win Mom over.

You might see any one of these males on the nest, usually stealing food. It’s very difficult to distinguish one male from another… A young male “Smudge” with dark feathers on his head just above the beak is one that can be easily recognized.. Smudge has been a frequent visitor… He’s been seen for about the last month and a half, on and off. But had stayed for the past few weeks.. Smudge seemed to be invested and even brought a fish in on 4/30/25.

Update. Smudge was in a fight with another male on the evening of 4/30/25. We are waiting to see if he’ll return. Or if the male he fought with has taken his place.”

Hellgate Canyon: Iris laid the second egg on Thursday 1 May. Poor darling. I would give almost anything to see Finnegan fly onto that nest right now.

Hilton Head Eagles: E1 fledged three days ago. https://youtu.be/nGnlkFIXzbI?

FOBBV: Gizmo and Sunny are really working their wings. https://youtu.be/prd7vuG7xjY?

Heidi’s Osprey Nest Notes:

Kent Island (Chesapeake Conservancy): There’s a new Audrey in town. ‘Fair Lady’ beat out a couple other females and won over Tom, and she laid her first egg on 5/1 at around 11:10. Meet Audrey4, aka simply ‘Audrey’.

OBX (Outer Banks): Oh my, what an early rough start to the season it was for Betsy and Frederick. There were so many intruders and battles. But, finally things settled down and Betsy laid her first egg of the season on 5/1 at 14:07. This first egg is almost a month later than last season.

My inbox continues to be filled with the most devastating news for wildlife that I have witnessed in my lifetime.

Each of you should know the name ‘Wisdom’, the oldest ringed bird in the world, a Laysan Albatross, who nests on the Midway Atoll. So when you read the following, sent in by Geemeff, I want you to think about ‘Wisdom’ and I hope that this will cause you to act to fight against any policies that destroy the lives of those, like Wisdom, who cannot speak for themselves.

Now is Our time!

A Nai’a (Spinner Dolphin) springs forth on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) 2025
Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteer Joe Owen

Supporters of Friends of Midway Atoll (FOMA) are needed now more than ever to be the voice for the public lands and waters known as Kuaihelani (the backbone of heaven), which is designated as a National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial within the larger Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM). The Administration has reduced the federal workforce, is proposing new policies and rescinding long-standing environmental policies, all of which are negatively impacting the ability to conserve, honor and protect our Nation’s public lands and waters.

With these unprecedented challenges, the FOMA Board is committed to sharing specific requests and calls to action via this newsletter and our newly launched advocacy web page here.  Addressing and finding solutions to the critical needs of wildlife and people on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Battle of Midway National Memorial has our sleeves rolled up. We are positioned to help but the need is greater than our current capacity.

One Way to Help

FOMA takes its responsibilities seriously by aligning your donations with priority conservation needs that cannot be met by the refuge. We promise to continue to direct our funds to projects that offer immediate support for wildlife, bridge the financial gaps needed to continue collecting one of the longest sets of seabird data on the planet, share the stories and magic of Midway, and supplement core volunteer functions lost to budget and personnel cuts. As an example, the current refuge volunteer coordinator position will be vacated and unfunded in May. However, your donations have enabled FOMA to fund a volunteer coordinator position to mentor, train, and lead a 4-person crew of 6-month volunteers to implement critical on-the-ground conservation work. This will allow critical work to continue without losing ground to protect species and their habitats.

We are exploring creative ways to support Midway, including directing FOMA funds to pay contractors who can continue to protect habitats from invasive species. After nearly 3 decades of continuous effort, the refuge is close to eradicating Verbesina encloides; and stepping back now is inconceivable. Additionally, we will ensure efforts continue to honor those who fought in the Battle of Midway. We also commit to building a relationship with the PMNM Culturally Working Group while illuminating the cultural significance of Kuaihelani by honoring native Hawaiian species and place names.

Heavy Hearted Farewells

As a result of recent actions by this Administration to reduce the federal workforce, Midway has lost critical operational and administrative staff capacity. In February 2025, Midway Atoll and its sister Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge lost their supply, shipping and travel logistics coordinator, Dan Link. This is a critical position given the logistics of supporting these remote refuges in Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. On Friday, April 17th Midway Atoll lost its full-time Budget Analyst who managed Midway Atoll’s budget including paying bills, making purchases and supporting large contracts.

Also on April 17th we bid a heavy-hearted farewell to an irreplaceable brain trust in the Pacific Islands Refuges and Monuments Office in Honolulu that provided direct support to Midway Atoll and the other refuges and monuments in the Pacific. We bid farewell to Science Manager for the Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative Jeff Burgett, Refuges and Monuments Area Supervisor Ric Lopez, Deputy Area Supervisor Susan White, Supervisory Wildlife Biologist Beth Flint, Biology Science Technician Anna Vallery, Administrative Officer Eloise Wong and Wildlife Biologist Megan Laut (pictured below).

Photo by: USFWS/Laura Beauregard

These individuals were the backbone of the support office for all the National Wildlife Refuges including the Battle of Midway National Memorial and the Marine National Monuments in the Pacific. Their cumulative time spent working at the field level for wildlife (and people too) along with upper level managerial and planning experience is measured in centuries of knowledge, passion, intellect and wisdom. Known throughout the Pacific for their expertise, these now former employees had to secure their files and walk out the door with only a few days’ notice.

The impact of this loss will be felt for decades and has crippled the ability of those remaining to protect Midway and meet the mission of the agency. Unfortunately, this is just the beginning as more staff cuts are anticipated as well as a possible Reduction in Force. Along with budget and staff reductions, Executive Orders to eliminate previous provisions to protect nature further threaten the ability to conserve fish and wildlife in these extraordinary and unparalleled environments.

Imminent Threats to Midway’s Wildlife and What You Can Do!

Unfortunately, these warp speed actions by the Administration are now producing major threats to wildlife and habitat through the dismantling of federal laws protecting the islands, reefs, and waters at PMNM and more urgently at Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument (PIHMNM). This monument encompasses 7 National Wildlife Refuges and protects wildlife that knows no ocean boundaries as they transit in the greater oceanic ecosystem.

Grey reef sharks and schools of anthias in the waters of Jarvis Island, Pacific Remote Island Areas Marine National Monument. President Biden has an opportunity to fully protect the area. (Kelvin Gorospe/NOAA/2017)

In an effort to create a collective strength in numbers, we will continue to highlight the most pressing threats and point to those non-profit organizations protecting these monuments. On our webpage you will find links to recent executive orders or actions that seek public comment. We will also provide clear guidance and helpful tips.

Now is our time to hoist the sails and voyage together. We feel honored to join you and look forward to speaking out together for what we deeply value as we malama (take care of) Kuaihelani.

I Mua!

In the Hawaiian language the words I Mua mean to “move forward” or “move ahead” towards a goal and can express a deep commitment to support a feeling, an idea, a person or a cause.

Mahalo for all your support,
Your Friends of Midway Atoll

friendsmidway@spanchoo

We need to treasure and protect them.

Farmer Derek Kansas Bald Eagle Nest: Continually hit by owl strikes. https://youtu.be/JPBxkZYEXn4?

As many of you might recall, I have praised the wildlife vet, Dr Tess, that has spent the last year at our rehabilitation clinic, Wildlife Haven. She maintains that wildlife are more resilient and can survive with many physical challenges. What this means is that new wildlife vets like Dr Tess are reluctant to simpy euthanise wildlife simply because they are missing a limb or have an inconvenient broken bone. ‘MP’ sent me an example of another surviving nicely in the wild with one leg! They write, “This is an example of what you were talking about. Ron Dudley captured this photo of a Brewer’s Blackbird missing a foot but still able to go on. It didn’t stop her from gathering nesting materiel for her nest. She was just as efficient as the other females. Only the female builds the nest in this species, as you probably know. So, all the males around just sat back and watched. They appear to have big feet too. I thought you’d be interested in seeing it play out in real time.”

Border Ospreys: Samson and Augusta have their first egg of the season!

FIRST EGG Download

San Jose City Hall: There is joy to be found. Look at those crops. Thank you, ‘PB’.

A magnificent rescue!

Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest: T3 is getting stuffed. Despite male taking food, the little one is doing well. Please send good positive energy.

How thoughtful.

Geemeff’s daily summary for Loch Akraig and The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 1st May 2025
After an absence of a few hours which had us feeling a little edgy in case Blue 536 was ‘doing an Aida’, she turned up on Nest One ready to accept fish and mating advances from Garry LV0, and succeeded in getting both. Just as well, as females need ongoing mating for egg production to be stimulated, and the male needs to deliver a steady supply of fish to keep the female’s interest. Bearing in mind that Aila & Louis met on 28th April, mated for the first time on 29th April and still managed to fledge a chick in time to migrate, this pair are in line with that schedule so there is still an outside chance of chicks on this nest this season. Garry’s three fish deliveries take his tally to thirty one, and over on Nest Two, Louis also delivered three fish to Dorcha, raising his tally to sixty three. There was a bit of rain today, but the Inver Mallie forecast for tonight and tomorrow is more settled, with light clouds and light breezes.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.08.23 (04.37.31); Nest Two 22.03.42 (04.43.17)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/ilG9n0vf8YE N1 Garry LVO brings a fish to the empty nest 05.06.50

https://youtu.be/jIX9worErpA N2 Dorcha stays on the nest to dine on the first fish 11.02.05 https://youtu.be/gHoeec_K298 N1 Successful mating after a short absence 11.29.39

https://youtu.be/CggxUpYOh3M N1 Another successful mating 11.51.15 https://youtu.be/vfGb0sFlXtk N2 Dorcha does a grab and go with the second fish 13.39.56https://youtu.be/EfXhITns0qo N1 Blue 536 grabs the second fish immediately 14.16.16 https://youtu.be/ym2B_bnn8SA N1 Fish number three is very well travelled! 16.23.16 https://youtu.be/iHguhJna2Os N2 Dorcha wastes no time taking the third fish 19.04.28

Bonus lesson – how to pronounce Dorcha’s name:
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/Easandorcha.shtml

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/l-f7VaXK21A N1 Two red deer graze near the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/fnHg9LxETHA N1 Louis pays a flying visit 2021 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/wE6nWxP8JTU N2 Dorcha’s third egg arrives just after midnight 2022

https://youtu.be/w3jSNo9VC3g N1 Affric & Prince are back with moss! 2022

https://youtu.be/KiQW-kUOBnM N2 Louis is oblivious as a bat flits around 2022

https://youtu.be/iF-53Y6h0IA N2 Dorcha’s finally able to persuade Louis to leave 2022

https://youtu.be/7fF-jH2_83k N2 Dorcha tells Louis off for taking so long 2023

https://youtu.be/0wwxhyiiz24 N1 Aida arrives with the sunrise, Garry is heard but not seen 2024

https://youtu.be/oHU-qlnE6lQ N2 Intruder flying nearby causes Dorcha & Louis to flee the nest 2024 (slo-mo repeat with zoom)

https://youtu.be/8mdWTR5kpcE N1 Garry LV0 brings a fish but Aida’s not there 2024 (zoom)

Thank you so much for being with me today. Take care. We hope to see you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, posts, letters, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘AR, Geemeff, Heidi, MP, PB’, Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam, Cornell Bird Lab, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Fox News, Hilton Head Eagles, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, Friends of Midway Atoll, Pukaha National Wildlife Centre, Farmer Derek Kansas City Bald Eagle Nest, San Jose City Hall, Deborah Victoriana Friends of Duke Farms, Raptor Resource Project, Kent Island, OBX, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust

Thursday in Bird World

1 May 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It is May! The grass is getting green. There are buds on the trees and our favourite market garden opened for the season on Wednesday. Everyone was so happy and couldn’t help but let that spill over to saying hello to everyone! Fantastic. Happiness is contagious.

The White Crowned Sparrows have returned form their migration and spent the morning scratching in the garden. Lovely to have them back.

We are getting ready to pick up Toby on Saturday. Yes, there has been a name change! Yesterday we connected with some neighbours on our walk that had small dogs. It is going to be fun! Toby passed his vet check on Wednesday except for a tiny hernia which will be repaired when he is fixed.

We also noticed how many birds are now nesting in a type of evergreen, a small upright one, since the large elm trees have been cut down in our neighbourhood. Today we are going out to get several of these trees. They grow fast and will give some added protection for our garden friends including the rabbits that like to hide under them.

Hugo Yugo wants to wish everyone a wonderful May Day from her favourite spot in the house. No worries about Toby jumping up there.

Heidi sends some nest news for us:
Osoyoos osprey nest: The first egg of the season was laid on 4/30 at 21:27.

South Cape May: Congratulations to Hera and Zeus on their second egg, laid on 5/1 at 07:37.

Geemeff sends us the daily summary for the Loch Arkaig and the Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 30th April 2025

This day last year was all about Aida, the ten-day wonder we thought would be Garry LV0’s mate but who disappeared as soon as she was given a name! Things look very different on Nest One this year however, as Blue 536 arrived on 18th April and has not only allowed Garry to mate successfully with her but has also brought nesting materials and shown Affric 152 the door when she came calling. Garry brought two fish to the nest, taking his tally to twenty eight. However, something unseen caused him to startle and fly off the empty nest with the second fish, dragging bits of bedding as he went. There was no sign of Blue 536 and no intruder caught on nest cam. The residents of Nest Two continued calmly, no alarms, just routine, with three fish delivered by Louis raising his tally to fifty nine. We are now potentially three weeks away from first hatch. The weather was settled and sunny but light rain is expected tonight through to mid morning, and cloudy for the rest of the day.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.03.57 (04.19.43); Nest Two 22.02.10 (04.38.42)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/Jne_dpBphq0 N2 Dorcha departs with the first fish in a beak hold 09.21.29https://youtu.be/SsW5LJKZSBk N1 Garry LV0 brings Blue 536 the first fish of the day 11.00.50https://youtu.be/VEXgE-ScSkQ N2 Is this second fish a Brown Trout or a Silver Tourist? Dorcha doesn’t mind which! 13.48.54

https://youtu.be/5XmPB_jp2N8 N1 Why does Garry LV0 flee the empty nest with fish number two? 19.43.35

https://youtu.be/s52rukepjLI N2 DeliverLouis: A nice fish supper arrives for Dorcha 19.54.11

Bonus listen – latest Woodland Walks podcast from Adam Shaw about another Woodland Trust temperate rainforest like Arkaig Forest:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/ZIC6oJaL_EM N1 Cheeky Hoodie annoys Louis 2017

https://youtu.be/tg86hWM2aIA N1 Is it the Tawny Owl disturbing Aila? 2020

https://youtu.be/PoQ1BlwQBTE N1 Little plucker! Aila’s drastic action to make Louis move 2020

https://youtu.be/dDUQS2FK7Yw N2 Shouldn’t laugh but.. poor Dorcha! 2022

https://youtu.be/PhoMl4grLhI N2 Louis removal aids! 2023

https://youtu.be/Rwc5CsbBa3w N1 She’s back and she’s got a name – meet Aida! 2024

https://youtu.be/5wDe16_t_eE N1 Aida gets a fish from her boyfriend Garry 2024

https://youtu.be/3rZnQ5f8Qn4 N1 Aida seems willing, Garry makes several attempts but no success yet 2024

https://youtu.be/k5rxoSg2D44 N2 Intruder Osprey touches down next to Dorcha 2024 (slo-mo repeat)

https://youtu.be/RU2k7NeBRZ8 N1 Aida screams for fish but Garry’s eaten it all 2024

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

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

White Rock, BC: Well, the new male, Smudge, is pitching in! Can we hope that these two little eaglets that recently hatched will survive? Wishing for another nest that is compromising for the good of the hatchlings.

Little sweeties being fed by Mum.

San Jose City Hall: Cuteness overload. https://youtu.be/jbOL_HuRLbQ?

Trempeauleau Nest, Wisconsin: It is an eagle nest that I am watching closely so these are all the updates I can find.

Rutland Manton Bay Previous Fledgling: Oh, my goodness 3H3 is really making the rounds!

Great Bay Ospreys:

Charlo, Montana: Lola showing off her egg.

Hellgate Canyon: Beautiful, resilient Iris.

Sandpoint: The Canada Geese have left the property and it appears that Keo has flown by a couple of times to check and see if the property is indeed vacated.

All of the goslings made it to the water safely!

Loch of the Lowes: We now have what appears to be a stable pair on Blue NC0 and Laddie’s nest:

Denton Homes: ‘PB’ sent a great image of a dual feeding Wednesday.

Farmer Derek’s GHO Cam: Starr fludged Tuesday night. Androcat has the mishap on video: https://youtu.be/7A4kOTOF1kg?

German White Storks: ‘TU’ sends us news: “German white storks Sissi and Franz had 4 eggs and few attacks on the nest. Few of them happened even at night time so we could see battles in black and white ) So 3 chicks hatched the same day!” https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10049613998422033&set=pcb.1375529173713873

Kakapo Recovery: Great news.

Common pesticides are killing gorgeous Corellas in Australia. It could happen anywhere.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/30/fenitrothion-cased-mass-bird-death-little-corellas-newscastle-nsw-epa-confirms-ntwnfb?CMP=share_btn_url

Please turn the lights off!

If you live in Manitoba, consider heading to the Baby Shower at Wildlife Haven in late May.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB, TU’, Wildlife Haven, Ross Ellet, Kakapo Recovery, German White Stork Cam, Farmer Derek, Denton Homes, Sandpoint, Montana Osprey Project, Raptor Resource Project, Diana Lambertson and The Joy of Ospreys, Evelyn Bardoul, SK Hideaways, Terri Anita and White Rock BC Eagles, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, SCMM, Osoyoos Osprey Platform, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Info, Rutland Osprey Project

Wednesday in Bird World

30 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It is a special day for Aran at Glaslyn today! They write, “Roll back to April 30 2015. On this day ten years ago Aran landed on the Glaslyn nest for the very first time, when the original male 11(98) failed to return. He arrived just in time and raised two chicks with Mrs G that year. Ten years on and the situation at the nest is no less dramatic!” Well, done Aran.

It feels like winter hit us again! The sky is blue and the sun is shining but it is cold. The central heating is back on and my friend, who was going to put the pump in her pond, has decided to wait til the end of May!

Still, we have wildfires, and this one does not please me. It is about 20 km north of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. I go to Delta Research to see the birds, and there is an eagle family that has their nest there, which would be close to where the fires are burning.

Some Ospreys continue to arrive in Canada. It feels late, but I am not certain that it is. Will have to check the forms one day.

Snow Lane, Newfoundland: Beaumont is home. We wait for Hope.

FOBBV: Beautiful video of Sunny and Gizmo. Please savour every second we have with them. Soon they will fly and while that is their destiny, what little miracles and what amazing joy they have brought to us, to their parents Jackie and Shadow, and to one another. https://youtu.be/I4WMS9H3HrQ?

‘TU’ sends us some news: “WTE couple from Tatarstan in Russia got their chick and we hope it will be a good season. Couple of booted eagles in the same region have 2 eggs, second appeared yesterday. But as we remember for booted eagles in Spain it was always bad story for the small eaglet.”

Sad news coming out of Hancock Wildlife White Rock Bald Eagle nest:

Why can’t these chicks be moved to another nest for fostering? Or can we have intervention in the form of supplementary fish until the eaglets are old enough for Mum to leave them to go hunting? Or, pray tell, why, knowing the situation, were the eggs not moved to another nest to be hatched and raised? If you haven’t guessed by now, I believe firmly in intervention when it can occur and when there is a chance of a better outcome than watching two little eaglets starve to death.

Hellgate Canyon. Don’t pass out. Iris needed a break and probably some fish and look who came to take care of the egg. Am I dreaming?

The egg was rained on and rolled by Louis and then the Raven took it.

Beautiful Iris and her whopper of a fish.

Charlo Montana: Charlie and Lola have their first egg of the season.

Salisbury Cathedral Falcons:

Cornell Red-tail Haw cam of Big Red and Arthur: We are on pip watch.

Most of us are aware that Murphy the Eagle died some time ago. I received today and I thought I would put all of the information that was sent to me with the question by the reader: “Tragedy struck on a stormy weekend. Violent weather swept through Missouri, and Murphy was found dead in his aviary. Authorities reported that the severe storms and tornadoes that passed near the area played a role in his untimely demise. As First Alert 4 reports, a full necropsy later revealed that he sustained significant head trauma. The sanctuary stated they could not determine if the trauma resulted from a fall or from the fierce winds and heavy precipitation. This uncertainty adds to the sorrow felt by wildlife lovers and local residents alike. Additional reports highlighted the unpredictability of nature. Officials explained that Murphy had weathered many storms during his long life. Yet this particular outbreak proved too much for him. KTVI reports that his death came as a shock not only to the staff at the sanctuary but also to a community that had followed his journey closely. The sanctuary confirmed that no other birds were injured during the incident. They stressed that their safety plans had prevented further harm, though Murphy’s case remained an unfortunate exception.”

So the question is: with the reasonable accurate weather forecasting, why are not raptors and other animals/birds moved inside until the storms have passed? Sadly, I do not know the answer to this question but with climate change the increasing frequency of severe weather, one would think, if funds and staff are available, that all animals would be removed to a safe place until the storm had passed. I think here of the evacuations that occur throughout Florida.

Achieva Credit Union: According to MP, Jack and Jill are being harassed by some very persistent Blue Jays. There it is up on the perch. That Blue Jay is lucky that ospreys only like fish!

Sydney Sea Eagles: Lady and Dad have been photographed.

Heidi’s Nest Notes (please note that she does not cover every nest in the US nor every nest daily, just highlights):

South Cape May Meadows osprey nest: The camera was down for the better part of a few days. It was live streaming again late afternoon of 4/27 for just a couple of hours, and there were no eggs seen. When the cam resumed again on the morning of 4/29 at 07:30, Hera was incubating one egg. So, the egg could have been laid as early as the evening of 4/27, or on 4/28, or overnight on 4/29. Just in case, we should be on egg watch for egg #2 by the afternoon or evening of 4/30.

While the live stream was down, a motion-sensing infrared night light was installed for the purpose of helping us see when there is activity in the dark. The GHO has had a significant presence at the nest all season so far. Please see the following chat posts from the Nature Conservancy of New Jersey, to explain what has been done to try to deter the owl:

_______________

Lake Murray ospreys: It looks as though Lucy will not have any chicks from this clutch of eggs. Lucy laid 3 eggs and one of them broke on 3/29 (not known which egg). Her mate, Kenny, was usurped by the current male on 3/27-3/28. The new male (named Newman) has been bringing Lucy fish, and he has also been doing some incubating. Even if we go out on a limb and say that the two remaining eggs are egg #2 and egg #3, they are ages 44 and 41 days on 4/30, and no sign of a pip.

4/30 – The Frenchman’s Creek chick fledged this morning at 57 days of age! That first flight happened at 09:50, and s/he returned to the nest in just over a minute.

At Syracuse University, two of the Red-tail Hawk eggs hatched on Monday.

Geemeff writes: “Every time I hear anything at all on the subject of hen harrier persecution, my teeth start to ache from being ground very hard. What is it about this amazing bird that causes the idiots with guns who like to kill for ‘fun’ to persecute it so relentlessly? Surely the bird can’t be taking more than one grouse per day in breeding season? Given that the sport shooting industry raise and release around fifty million game birds annually simply to be shot, the very low numbers of hen harriers in the UK can’t begin to make a dent in those numbers. Even if each hen harrier took two or even ten a day, it still wouldn’t affect the vast numbers of game birds reared merely to be killed and most often not even eaten as they’re riddled with toxic lead shot.

It makes me ashamed to have a government that protects the so called ‘sport’ shooting industry.”

https://raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/04/28/138-hen-harriers-confirmed-missing-or-illegally-killed-in-uk-since-2018-most-of-them-on-or-close-to-grouse-moors/

Geemeff continues, “And another four satellite-tagged Hen Harriers have gone missing since the beginning of this year”:

https://raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/04/28/four-more-satellite-tagged-hen-harriers-have-gone-missing-since-january-2025/

Thank you, Geemeff. You are absolutely right. Anyone who wants to begin to understand just needs to read any of the many books on the topic, but I particularly like Bowland Beth.

And, sadly, it is not just your government. The cutting of funding to rangers, changes to the migratory bird act in the US, etc, make life for all wildlife very precarious. I am embarrassed and infuriated. We all should be.

Falcons and other birds need them to survive. Can we not figure out a way to get along with pigeons?

Ruffling feathers on the allotment | Brief letters https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/27/ruffling-feathers-on-the-allotment?CMP=share_btn_url

Calico’s Tip for Everyone: It’s Migration. Turn out the Lights. Ask your cities and towns to turn them off!

Trempeauleau: Mrs T at Trempeauleau Bald Eagle nest in Wisconsin is incredible. She is going to raise this little eaglet of hers to fledge. I can feel it. The baby is getting its thermal down, and there must be fish ready. Just about as soon as she catches one, or in this case, brings what appears to be a road kill possum and a fish, Mr T comes to get it to take it to the other nest. Regardless, things are going well for now. Let us all send positive wishes that they continue to do so. Is he lazy? Opportunistic? This is his eaglet, too!

Video of Mr T stealing a possum Mum brought in and then a fish. https://youtu.be/KaGPMBaL-dg?

Great Bay Ospreys: Egg #2, 4/29 at 20:05.

Xcel Fort St Vrain: Two surviving babies are doing well.

Geemeff’s daily summary for The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 29th Apr 2025An exciting day today on Nest One where it looks like Garry LV0 and Blue 536 have mated successfully, not once but at least three times today. Furthermore, as if to fully claim possession of the nest (and Garry!), Blue 536 brought a stick to add to the furnishings. He brought her two fish taking his tally to twenty six. We wait to see how things progress, but it’s looking very good for finally having a resident pair on Nest One

since she arrived on Friday 18th April. Over on Nest Two, Louis and Dorcha went about their usual business of giving and receiving fish and taking turns incubating the eggs, and Louis’ two fish deliveries take his tally to fifty seven. Tonight’s forecast is for clear skies and light winds, and a sunny day with gentle breezes tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.10.49 (04.47.08); Nest Two 22.25.41 (04.52.28)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/IVnRt58Tuws N1 At last! Successful mating between Blue 536 and Garry LV0 05.13.00https://youtu.be/rOUzWiOpTpI N2 Dorcha’s keen to tear into fish number one 05.47.04https://youtu.be/Rqv12H8GHP0 N1 Handover of fish one is interrupted by an unseen intruder 10.44.31

https://youtu.be/NA39q-kBs_0 N1 Blue 536 accepts the tiny tail end of fish number two 16.50.59

https://youtu.be/il6HhuVaY2s N2 Dorcha’s happy to see Louis with fish number two 18.38.15

Bonus action – a significant, lasting way you can support Woodland Trust and stand up for trees:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/give/gift-in-will

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/rxYqoHxXPMY N1 Louis coy-mantles for Aila 2017

https://youtu.be/wO972vIFy8U N1 First mating for Louis & Aila 2017

https://youtu.be/shhxI4hywlY N1 Tawny Owl attacks Aila 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/rYQg6ow0Krg N1 Aila helps Louis log on 2020

https://youtu.be/TCoPSKsYP4w N1 Aila chases an intruder leaving the eggs unattended 2020

https://youtu.be/5zVFnXl94p8 N1 Affric & Prince return 2022

https://youtu.be/h0lIyo4MYQw N1 The Art of Weave 2023 (Classic Ospreys: Bach in quicktime)

https://youtu.be/FoF0b5rBZ4s N2 Dorcha’s glad to see Louis bringing breakfast 2024

https://youtu.be/_ptnXEqz0JI N1 Fish number one for Garry’s potential girlfriend 2024

https://youtu.be/en2jZLwlbtg N1 Garry LV0 tries and fails mating with his new female friend 2024

https://youtu.be/KgbhdQWyOZE N2 Dorcha’s not interested when a third fish arrives 2024

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

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

Dyfi: Mark the 17th of May for pip watch for Idris and Telyn.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘BHA, Geemeff, Heidi, PB, SB, TU’, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, SK Hideaways, Newfoundland Power, Terry Anita and Bald Eagles Live Nest News and Cams, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Raptor Resource Project, Salisbury Cathedral Falcons, Eagle Cam, Cornell Red Tail Hawk Cam, The Guardian, Raptor Persecution UK, Achieva Credit Union, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Trempealeau Bald Eagles, Peace, Xcel Fort St Vrain, SCMM, Lake Murray Ospreys, Frenchman’s Creek, Dyfi Osprey Project

Thursday in Bird World

24 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

The sky is the most beautiful clear blue. The winds have died down and everyone is enjoying all that the garden has to offer. We went to check on the chickadees and saw signs saying, ‘The Bears are Awake’ and others that said not to feed the wildlife because of the bears. There was not a chickadee in sight. It was, however, so nice to get outside and now sipping our afternoon tea, the squirrels and Starlings are having a frenzy at the new suet cylinders. There has been snow to the west and northwest of us. I hope this feeding frenzy is not because the weather is going to turn!

Mr Crow was not pleased with Dyson and the kits spending so much time on the big table feeder eating all of the nuts.

Meanwhile Brock was sunning himself on the top of one of the wood boxes when another cat went to eat at the feeder. It was the tiny all black kitten from last year. I have never seen Brock move so fast as to get that cat out of ‘his’ territory!

There is, however, bad weather heading through Nebraska and the eagle and osprey nests in the area. Stay safe. ‘PB’ tells me it is to get so bad that the storm chasers have come to town.

The storm went north of Denton Homes and the Majestics but ‘PB’ reports that more are popping up all over the state.

Hellgate Canyon Osprey Nest: Dr Greene reminds us:

“Hi everyone,

We know that some folks are upset with Louis, but we would like to remind you that these are wild creatures, and we should not project our human values on them. These cameras give us very intimate views into the lives of these fantastic wild ospreys, but there it does not always go as “we want.”

To put things in perspective, Iris has had an AMAZING run – she has probably fledged more chicks during her lifetime than most other ospreys anywhere in the world! And she keeps on trying!

Sincerely, Erick Greene and the Montana Osprey Team”

I am not mad at Louis. I am disappointed that Finnegan did not return, but as I continue to say, we must treasure each moment because we do not know when something terrible will happen. Yes, I had hoped for another nest of chicks and to see Iris as the great mum she is. I wish a male would bring her some good fish when she calls. But I do not want her to lose her nest at this stage in her life. And that is where Louis is important. Hopefully, he will continue to defend her against all male and female intruders, including Blue ZO, a four-year-old female from Fort Missoula. I cannot imagine Iris being homeless. Without a Finnegan, I also don’t want her to have to raise chicks. She should enjoy her summers so she can be fit for migration and return to us again and again.

Iris chased a female down the river today. Oh, darling Iris. We do not want you to get injured. I don’t think we could take it.

Llyn Brenig: The latest:

“After laying the first egg on 15 April from her pairing with 416, 372 went on to lay another two over the Easter weekend. In the meantime, LJ2 asserted himself and fought for his nest, attacking both 372 and 416 in the process. After some initial struggles, LJ2 looks to have achieved dominance and evicted two of the eggs from the nest (the third remains on the periphery of the platform and is being ignored by both birds). After this lively start to the osprey season, we continue to watch with great interest.

Follow all the drama on our webcams – https://ow.ly/GrzY50VGiVl – or visit the North Wales Wildlife Trust Lookout at Llyn Brenig (follow the signs from the visitor centre!).”

RSPB Loch Garten: Oh, another nest that might be a failure this year. RSPB Loch Garten writes,

“The latest action-packed instalment of #TheOspreyDiaries is here!

It’s touch and go now at Loch Garten. Will Asha return? Will a new female appear and get Brodie’s attention? Or will we see an empty nest this season? Stay tuned for all the updates right here.”

As I continue, you will notice that Iris is not the only one having nest issues!

Glaslyn: Elen laid her second egg at 1417 on Wednesday. The other three are gone due to the kerfuffel between Aran and Teifi. Will this egg go the way of the others? Will Aran reclaim his nest? Will Teifi leave? Will Elen accept Aran? It really is a soap opera.

Usk Valley: Things look like they could be encouraging.

ENCOURAGING SIGNS — Usk Valley Ospreys Download

Thank goodness there is a movement to erect some badly needed safe osprey poles! Can you chip in? I would love to see this happening at Achieva!

Geemeff sends us the daily summary for Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 23rd April 2025

Another quiet day where not much happened. Blue 536 visited Nest One in the morning but when Garry LV0 didn’t bring fish and attempted mating instead, she left. She should have returned later because he brought a fish at supper time and took it away as there weren’t any takers. His fish tally rises to thirteen. Nest Two saw Louis delivering two fish, taking his tally to forty seven, and getting rewarded by being allowed on egg duty while Dorcha went off to have her meal. Male Ospreys have brood patches like the females, but not all male Ospreys are as enthusiastic about egg-sitting as Louis. The weather was settled, the promised rain didn’t materialise and the forecast is dry tonight – a good night for owls, they are calling as this report is being posted (midnight) – and sunny intervals tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.47.54 (04.35.40); Nest Two 21.44.19 (04.55.28)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/hu5NnXsXYHk N1 Great Tit visits at dawn and returns later 05.47.45

https://youtu.be/6bVxUOVXQEo N2 Dorcha shrieks when she sees breakfast arriving 05.56.38

https://youtu.be/B_iuG4WfwjQ N1 Blue 536 calls in vain but no fish from Garry LV0 08.41.27

https://youtu.be/eq2Jw7PlqW8 N2 Louis brings lunch for Dorcha – second fish today 13.41.30

https://youtu.be/NJpWUVhmuWY N1 Garry brings a fish but no one’s there 19.33.06

Bonus read – discover Woodland Trust’s partnership with Sainsburys – it’s more than just eggs:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/partnerships/our-partners/sainsburys

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/HC8FSMTgKWk N1 Aila lays the first egg 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/Cnif4BNYFuM N1 Louis brings a fish to the empty nest 2021

https://youtu.be/OpyGsxeMGwE N1 Is this emaciated unringed female Aila? 2021 (long version)

https://youtu.be/fmNwPCmnz5k N2 Louis the pole vaulter 2022

https://youtu.be/VgOVHWjXnkk N1 Sweet little singer singing its heart out 2022

https://youtu.be/qLyRSw-879A N2 Ravens alarm Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/45Svwh7f7qA N2 Wind-swept lovers 2023

https://youtu.be/wpswrPe2VU0 Garry returns with his fish, still no takers 2024

https://youtu.be/6NqL5vXG91w N1: Prince attacks Affric 2024 (slo-mo zoom repeat)

https://youtu.be/oStv3X3SDiM N2 Louis brings Dorcha a fish supper 2024

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

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

San Jose City Hall Falcons: Oh, wow. I am in love. Just look at these four – and do not worry. As SK Hideaways’ video shows, that fourth hatch (two days after the first three) got right up front to get its food! https://youtu.be/iPwcVApFTPA?

There might not be many falcon or hawk streaming cams, but these are such precious little angels. I think we should all watch Monty and Hartley raising these four without hesitation.

Remember. Cornell Redtail Hawk Cam. Big Red and Arthur will be on hatch watch in about six days. This is my favourite raptor nest. I love this Red-tail Hawk, who, at 22 years old, is so special I cannot even find the words to describe her.

There are two streaming cams you can see what is happening from all sides.

A tender moment between Arthur and Big Red.

NE Florida Bald Eagles: Gabby and Beau have been delivering fish to Bodie. Three on Tuesday! And Bodie was eating well on Wednesday when I checked. She is up on the branch looking very much like her beautiful Mum, Gabby, in that heraldic pose. Dear Juvie has not been seen since Saturday on any camera.

Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain Bald Eagles: The two surviving eaglets are doing very well and were full to the brim on Wednesday!

Farmer Derek’s Bonnie and Clyde Owl Cam: Look at little Starr up on those branches. She jumps down to the nest to get prey from Bonnie! Oh, my goodness, if GHOS would just leave the eaglets and osplets alone, I would love them.

Denton Homes Majestics: A lovely day on the nest.

Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest: Mum is doing an amazing job raising her only surviving chick. Dad has come to steal fish she has caught. Don’t get me started. Today T3 has some fish and Mum also fed T3 one of its siblings (T4, perhaps). Thermal down is coming. It cannot come fast enough as good weather is not promised.

Duke Farms: Some have written to me about their concern for the amount of food coming to this nest. We often see the adults cutting back. These are beautiful, fully feathered eaglets. Let’s hope prey is plentiful enough for all to be healthy when they fumble. They are undoubtedly gorgeous and are climbing around those nest rails.

Decorah Goose Cam: We are on hatch watch.

Union County Falcon Scrape. It is hot. Mum is panting and there is at least one hatch, but I think two so far!

Heidi’s US Osprey Notes:

Cape Henlopen osprey cam: The new platform was installed over two years ago, and it went unused (except for the vultures that used to hang out there every day). There were a few different ospreys spotted on the platform this spring, and one female in particular. Then on 4/16 a handsome fellow showed up, and the two quickly became an item. They have had some intruder issues which they have handled well. The male has brought in nesting material, brought the female fish gifts, and they have been mating several times a day!

Wolf Bay osprey cam: Josie and Bert now have two little hatchlings. The second baby hatched the morning of 4/23.

Venice osprey cam: There is no shortage of fish at this nest, and the three kiddos are doing great. They are 18, 21, and 22 days old on 4/24.

Frenchman’s Creek: This only-chick is 50 days old, and has been doing some great wingers with small hops!

Brevard County osprey cam: The youngest osplet finally figured out that being on the other side of Mom during a feeding tends to work out pretty well… look at that crop!

Thanks, Heidi!

A couple of other notes scrolling through the nests:

Bay and Beau at Island Beach State Park have their first egg.

Calico’s Tip of the Day: Listen to Jane Goodall’s message for Earth Day. On Earth Day, we finally made all of the changes to the cleaning supplies that we use in the house. Today, we are going to install a rain barrel. What else can you do? Can we do? https://youtu.be/gIpQa0k7y3A?

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

Thank you to the following for their posts, comments, notes, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB’, The Weather Channel, Dr Ericke Green, Louis Matteau/Hellgate Osprey Cam, Llyn Brenig, RSPB Loch Garten, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Usk Valley, Carol Fuller/The Joy of Ospreys, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Heidi McGrue/The Joy of Ospreys, San Jose City Falcons, SK Hideaways, Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam, NEFL-AEF, Xcel Energy, Farmer Derek’s Owl Cam, Denton Homes, Trempealeau Bald Eagle Cam, Duke Farms, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, Union County Falcon Scrape, Cape Henlopen, Venice Golf and Country Club Ospreys, Wolf Bay Osprey Cam, Frenchman’s Creek, Brevard County, Jane Goodall Institute

Friday in Bird World

18 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Latest Update:

Dyfi: Idris and Telyn have three eggs!

Oh, Thursday was wonderful. We got to spend time with our granddaughter and her Australian boyfriend. We will have her in Winnipeg until the fall, and then she will be heading ‘Down Under’. Thursday has been busy and I did not check on many nests.

I am happy that we had ‘dinner and a show’. The deer came to the bird feeders while we had dinner in the conservatory. Josh so wanted to see a deer, and I had no idea that they were still coming to the garden. I have not seen them. It was magical. They stayed for about an hour and a half, eating birdseed.

Aren’t they adorable with the seed stuck to the end of their nose?

Iris caught herself one of those whoppers she is known for showing up with, to the envy of that male from the Baseball Park. No Finnegan. Ospreys are still arriving in Nova Scotia. I want to be hopeful for those heading to Montana.

Like you, tears will flow if this Finn returns to deliver a big fish to our Queen, Iris.

‘A’ comments: “Iris does appear to be searching for Finnegan. She is at least eating well – whenever I see her, she seems to have a large crop. But it is so sad that Finnegan has not returned to her. Is it Louis who is hanging around? Or is it some other osprey? Certainly, whoever it is is very persistent, as you say, and she is not happy about it. For that reason, I wonder whether it is in fact Louis, because surely she wouldn’t be so keen on protecting the nest from him. The fish, yes, obviously she doesn’t want him stealing that, but would she try driving him away? I’m sure if it is Louis, regular watchers of this nest would recognise him.

‘A’ notes on Friday: “This visiting osprey has brought Iris a nice fish (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcxvXwiAElI) but she is not interested and is obviously still waiting for Finnegan. And to me, that also suggests that this is not Louis, because Louis was a cad. He would have arrived empty-taloned and tried to mate with Iris. So at least this osprey is attempting to woo her, but still, she is not interested. At least, not yet. PLEASE come home Finn.”

I thought your readers deserved to see this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T03RYu5Z8s8.

Is Athena just the cutest thing? And aren’t her owlets just too adorable for words? I know they’re deadly enemies of our eaglets and osplets but they are truly the most exquisite creatures, are they not? And the little owlets are SO sweet. “

‘CG’ sends us news from Raptor Resource:

This year’s season of ‘The Falcon Bachelor’ flipped the script! As usual, Newman passed out roses – by which we mean food gifts – to a succession of female falcons. We spotted Julie 90/Z (a regular visitor), Kandiyohi H/34, Hope E/60, and Newman’s mate from last year, Elaine U/09! Elaine celebrated her second birthday and first year as an adult this spring, and we were excited to see a little less drama than we saw last year. Or so we thought!

Real Falcon Housewives of the Mississippi River

*US Bank to GSB: Five miles as the falcon flies*

We have a nest box at the US Bank Building in La Crosse, Wisconsin, roughly five miles SE of Great Spirit Bluff as the falcon flies. Male Ardy 06/D, a 2015 hatch from Ardent Milling in Lake City, MN, has nested there with Karen 44/P, a 2016 hatch from MPL’s Clay Boswell plant in Cohasset, MN since at least 2021. We were quite surprised to see Elaine show up in Karen’s stead this spring. Or did she? For at least two weeks, Elaine flew back and forth between La Crosse and Great Spirit Bluff, chasing competitors away, receiving food gifts, and copulating with both males. Twice the courtships, twice the attention, and most importantly, twice the food gifts!

Elaine accepting a food gift from Ardy at US Bank.

Elaine accepting food gift from Ardy

We’re usually wondering which falcon the irresistible Newman will end up with! But Elaine flipped the script by locking down two territories and two potential mates. Since she appeared to prefer Ardy – she certainly spent more time with him – we were wondering if Newman would end up with a mate at all. When Elaine laid an egg at US Bank La Crosse, we figured it was game over. Sorry, Newman! But Elaine confounded our expectations by laying her next four eggs at Great Spirit Bluff! As I write this…

Elaine and Newman are in full incubation at Great Spirit Bluff. We expect hatch on or around May 5.
Ardy is pursuing an unbanded two-year-old female. Addie isn’t caring for Elaine’s lone egg, but will probably lay her own.
Elaine dropped by to visit US Bank on April 7 while Newman was busy incubating the couple’s eggs. She tussled with Addie, briefly chasing her away. Is she still locking down the territory and/or copulating with Ardy? We’d love to see how closely related the GSB nestlings are to one another, since Newman might not have fathered all of them!
PS: In case you don’t know, mother Savanna was killed by a GHO June, 2023, while protecting her four eyases. No one replaced her in 2024. This scrape is worth a looksee. Great cameras with great views of the surrounding area from near the top of the bluff. I-90 and the Mississippi River below. Across the river is Wisconsin.

Mum and Dad were on the nest at the Sydney Olympic Park.

Geemeff sends us the daily summary for The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 17th April 2025

After the excitement of the first egg arriving yesterday, today fell into a steady routine. Louis delivered two fish taking his tally to thirty seven, he and Dorcha spent time on the nest, sometimes together, sometimes taking turns off the nest. A Hooded Crow nearby, not seen on nest cam, made the pair startle and fly off the nest but not for long, and the egg, barely seen in its cocoon of moss, was mostly kept covered from the light rain. The second egg is due in three days, should be sometime on Saturday, but delayed incubation is being practised until it’s laid, and this egg won’t suffer from being left unbrooded for short periods. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 returned with some bedding and spent some time doing nest prep and surveying his territory. The overnight forecast is for mist turning into light rain tomorrow but there should be some dry and sunny spells.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.37.43 (05.23.58); Nest Two 21.40.39 (05.29.07)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/94MaMt_CENM N2 Dorcha carefully tends the egg 01.23.30

https://youtu.be/CnwSIqV7HJ0 N2 Dorcha nibbles the first fish before leaving Louis to egg-sit 08.58.47

https://youtu.be/d4JCzUL6RlA N1 Garry LV0 brings bedding and stays to survey his territory 09.14.28

https://youtu.be/ObDC3cxYrsI N2 Second fish arrives but the pair are troubled by unseen intruders 16.10.05

Bonus watch – the Beò Airceig initiative founded by Achnacarry Estate, Arkaig Community Forest, Forestry & Land Scotland and Woodland Trust Scotland to revitalise an area larger than Edinburgh:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/d3Y9CGoYsvY N1 Bold Hoodie takes advantage of Aila’s absence 2020

https://youtu.be/UPtm4jmy9Zo N1 Louis finally manages to subdue a tricky stick 2021

https://youtu.be/mZYG9XNCof8 N2 How to tell Louis & Dorcha apart 2022

https://youtu.be/NIeUiK4R_r8 N2 Noisy helicopter gets Louis & Dorcha’s attention 2023

https://youtu.be/GITGVoOkg2o N1 & 2 Hercules caught on both nest cams 2023 (split-screen zoom)

https://youtu.be/n974C1G3zig N2 Moody cloudy sunset 2023 (time lapse)

https://youtu.be/SGa5_hOLmmg N2 The second egg arrives! 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/oJc06aWLkAg N1 Garry LV0 brings fish but no one comes for it 2024

https://youtu.be/DUPOg7KJH_U N1 Affric calls for fish but Garry brings a branch 18.07.48

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

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

Rodenticide is never a good idea. This is why:

“It’s difficult to give a precise number of poisoned mice an eagle needs to eat before succumbing to rodenticide poisoning. The exact amount of poison that will cause death in an eagle depends on factors like the type and concentration of rodenticide, the size and health of the eagle, and how much of the poisoned prey is consumed. However, it’s clear that eagles can be poisoned through secondary poisoning, meaning they can die from eating prey that has already ingested a lethal dose of rodenticide.

Here’s what the research shows:

The effects of rodenticides can persist:Even after an eagle has eaten poisoned prey, the effects of the rodenticide can last for several months.

Rodenticides are lethal to various animals, including eagles:When a rodent eats bait containing rodenticide, it can take days for the poison to take effect, causing internal bleeding and eventually death.

Eagles can be exposed to rodenticides through their prey:Eagles that eat poisoned mice or rats are at risk of secondary poisoning.

Exposure to rodenticides is widespread:Studies have shown that a significant percentage of eagles tested have anticoagulant rodenticides in their bodies, indicating widespread exposure.

Rodenticides can be a cause of death:While rodenticides aren’t always the direct cause of death in eagles, they have been confirmed as the cause of death in some cases.

The amount of rodenticide ingested is crucial:The lethal dose of rodenticide varies depending on the specific chemical, but it can be relatively small.

OPPD Fort Calhoun: First egg of the season!

Foulshaw Moss: Third egg for White YW and Blue 35.

FOBBV: Sunny and Gizmo are strengthening their wings! https://youtu.be/bF-40dLc2Ik?

Charlo Montana: Lola and New Guy – will they get acquainted? Is she still holding out hope for Charlie like Iris is for Finn?

Friends of Dillon Ranger District, Colorado: Ospreys home. https://youtu.be/sAPm-K3NyLI?

SW Florida Bald Eagles: M15 and F23. Gorgeous couple. Offseason but thinking of the future. https://youtu.be/pvCpxYiIB_Q?

Latvian White-tail Eagle Nest, Durbe County: Milda and Zorro have two little eaglets! Liznm catches a feeding for us: https://youtu.be/uJUZL1D295g?

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, CG, Geemeff, MP, PB’, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Cornell Bird Lab, Sydney Sea Eagles, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, OPPD Fort Calhoun, Cumbrian Wildlife Trust, FOBBV, Charlo Montana, Friends of Dillon Ranger District, Vija, Dyfi Osprey Project, Raptor Resource Project, Liznm

Category Archives: protecting wildlife

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