Category Archives: raptors

Monday in Bird World

28 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Unless you have been on an island somewhere, you probably know that Canada has a federal election today. Most voted early, and please, if you live and vote elsewhere, do not mail in your ballot. Go and vote in person. You want your ballot to count. Take an audio book or a magazine or something, even a bottle of water to help you stay in line so your voice is heard. There are people to help you get there. And by all means, go early and vote. We had a 450% rise in turnout for early voting at our polling station!!!!!!!!!

I have been looking at therapy dogs and have finally found one that will be picked up next Saturday. For over a year I considered a rescue dog but it appears they have more trauma than i can deal with at this point in my life. Most of the ones here are a Shepherd mix. Instead, we will see which one of the little boys in the picture below picks us. I am partial to the one with the wide white stripe on the left facing you.

Update: Second egg at USK this morning.

NEFlorida: Gabby has brought a fish for Bodie. Bodie did not get any prey yesterday. Beau has not been seen for four days.

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 27th April 2025

Quiet today on both nests, just a routine day – both females called for fish and took them quickly away on delivery to their nests, and both males brought two fish each, taking their respective totals to 23 (Garry LV0) and 54 (Louis). The weather was wet and windy as forecast, and it’s raining as I file this report (22.15 GMT+1). The main difference between the nests is that one has a long established pair, currently incubating three eggs, while the other has a new couple in the early stages of pairbonding. Season Nine is off to a good start, fingers crossed it continues. The overnight forecast for the Inver Mallie area (https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2646094) is light rain and a gentle breeze continuing through tomorrow afternoon.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.44.03 (04.54.09); Nest Two 21.44.00 (05.00.50)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/3hwN14iQOV4 Nest Two, fish number one 05.51.44

https://youtu.be/emNgeo_CV3A Nest One, fish number one 11.14.44

https://youtu.be/tghASM3eMek Nest One, fish number two 16.35.01

https://youtu.be/7RE-LA7Pdwo Nest Two, fish number two 16.58.46

Bonus guide to ‘nature’s fireworks’ which are out early: George WTS advises where and how to visit Scotland’s best bluebell woods – but please don’t leave the path!

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/travel/14704931/scotland-bluebell-woods-top-spots

Blast from the past, this day in previous years

https://youtu.be/q_WwmwEsYBA  N1 Louis won’t let Aila have his fish 2019

https://youtu.be/p3aqIV2VHuo  N1 Owl attacks Aila 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/OsGsdpzZVdY  N2 Owl strikes Dorcha as she guards her egg 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/2RPYImn6HsQ  N2 Egg number two for Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/AtdFILU2Sm0  N2 Owl attacks minutes after the second egg 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/E2U7-JML07w N2 Egg number three! 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/jT3MesYLieY  N2 Hooded Crow intrudes on Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/-JTu8Cr1Guo N2 First fish does a flypast before landing 2024

https://youtu.be/MfQttkWT3Uk  N1 Garry LV0 leaves Nest One and perches on Pole Tree 2024

https://youtu.be/B-zPWF3ZiJg  N2 Takes two to tangle: Loch Arkaig Ospreys bump into each other 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

Llyn Brenig: Has it stopped?

Venice Golf and Country Club Ospreys: Ildiko Pokk says they are doing great.

Longmont: Some snow but some pretty osprey eggs, too.

Decorah Goose Cam: Still waiting for hatch!

Xcel Energy: Fort St Vrain: All is well.

Denton Homes: Beautiful triplets. Bad, bad storms set to hit the area on Monday. Send positive wishes those tornadoes will go somewhere else.

OPPD Fort Calhoun is in line for the storms, too.

Trempealeau Eagle Nest: Is also in line with the heavy storms pushing through the Nebraska region. Mum has been doing a grand job feeding her only surviving eaglet alone.

I often wonder if Iris remembers Finnegan, Sum-eh and Antali?

Moorings Park: The expected date of Ozzie’s fledge if 4 May. That is this coming week.

Big Bear Valley: The snowstorm that hit the nearest area on Saturday has all but melted.

Farmer Derek Owl Cam: Starr goes up and down the 2 x 4 attached to the tree to go up and down easily from the nest to the ground.

West End Bald Eagle nest: Makaio eating prey on top of Tor.

Redding: Little darlings Liberty and Guardian continue to work on their new next with hope for next year.

Little Miami Conservancy: Flapping and hopping.

Sandpoint: Geese should hatch and jump today or Tuesday. Will this give Keo and Keke time to lay eggs?

Duke Farms: It appeared that the rabbit (or squirrel) was enough for all three eaglets to get some bites. ‘PB’ writes that a big fish came on the nest Monday morning and all ate well.

SW Florida:

Latvian Osperey Nest in the Kurzeme. Selma and Svings are here and we might have osplets again this year. Wish them luck! Thanks, Sassa Bird!

Link to the cams: https://www.youtube.com/@LatvijasDabasfondsOnline/streams

Sassa Bird sends us a history of this nest we are watching: “The nest we are observing is located in Kurzeme. According to the information available to Aigars Kalvāns, it has been known since 2004. The nest is built in the branches of a bent old pine tree. From 2007 to 2023, the nest has been inhabited every year, and only in 2007, 2010 and 2019 was nesting in it unsuccessful. In the remaining years, 1-3 young ospreys left the nest. In 2023, the male and female were without rings, so the origin of these birds is unknown to us. The camera system was created by Jānis Ķuze and Jānis Rudzītis. In 2024, a pair of ospreys Selga and Svings, both unringed, nested. Two chicks (Līga and Jancis) hatched and successfully fledged. Children’s ring No. 59T, 59V”.

Latvian Golden Eagle: This is Spilve’s nest. In 2020, her beautiful fully feathered chick, Klints, died of starvation when she lost her mate and could not find food. Golden Eagles will practice cainism and there are two eggs. It is extremely rare – and I do say extremely rare – that the second hatch would survive. Grislis is a good mate.

Geemef sends us another news item: “‘In Britain, we burn precious peatland for sport’ – article in Prospect magazine about the shameful practice of grouse moor burning:

https://raptorpersecutionuk.org/2025/04/25/in-britain-we-burn-precious-peatland-for-sport-article-in-prospect-magazine-about-grouse-moor-burning/

This is a good article, sent to us from our friend ‘EJ’. They say: “I know it’s not good news, but I needed to send you this article.
Nothing we can do about it except take care of our own back yards.
I take heart that my son and stepson are planting pollinator friendly gardens, watering the bees and bugs in the heat, and now leaving leaf piles and flower stalks in the fall for the bumblebees and birds and all the other insects we cannot see.” https://www.sustainability-times.com/environmental-protection/alarming-saudi-construction-this-colossal-105-mile-long-desert-skyscraper-risks-exterminating-thousands-of-birds-across-critical-migration-routes/

‘EJ’ is right. I never thought I would see a reverse in the caring of our world but, I continue to believe that if we each take charge of where we are, we can make a positive impact.

Sent from my iPhone

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘EJ, Geemeff, Heidi, SB, PB’, King Cavaliers, Cartwright, MB, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig, Alaistair Cameron and Llyn Brenig Project FB, Ildiko Pokk and VGCCO, Pam Breci and Longmont, Raptor Resource Project, Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain, OPPD Fort Calhoun, Trempeauleau Bald Eagles, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, FoBBV, Farmer Derek GHO Cam, Duke Farms, Redding, Sandpoint, Little Miami Conservancy, Karen Meadows, SW Florida, LDF, Raptor Persecution UK< UK Osprey Information

Saturday in Bird World

26 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It was a gorgeous spring day on Friday the 25th of April on the Canadian prairies and it is just as nice today. We drove a friend to Wildlife Haven (our great rescue and rehabilitation clinic) to drop off donations of supplements, enrichment items, and clean sheets and towels. They are all intended for Baby Days celebration which happens on the 24th of May.

If you live in the area, here is the information:

Wildlife Haven in Ile des Chênes, MB, is hosting its third annual Wild Baby Shower on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, from 1 PM to 3 PM. The event aims to support the care of orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife during their peak baby season. Attendees can enjoy interactive games, prizes, and meet Wildlife Ambassadors. There will also be guided hospital tours, a baby-themed photo booth, and a gift table for wild babies. 

The Wild Baby Shower is a chance to support Wildlife Haven’s mission of saving wild animals. Attendees can make a donation or bring a gift from the registry, which includes items like specialized food, warmth, and medical supplies, according to MyRegistry.com. Wildlife Haven anticipates admitting over 750 wild patients during their peak season, so any support is greatly appreciated. 

I like to remind everyone that baby animals will be coming into care around the world in the northern hemisphere and if you have anything that can help, please donate.

I want to start with a very special nest – this nest could teach the world some good lessons! Then we will check on what is going on with Heidi and those osprey nests in the US.

Heidi’s US Osprey nest note:

Wolf Bay osprey platform: The third baby for Josie and Bert hatched on 4/25.  The three cuties are only three days apart in age.

Geemeff reminds us of a special day – Mark Your Calendars!

“Sunday 4 May marks International Dawn Chorus Day 2025. Here’s the top tips from the RSPB for enjoying it.’

https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/the-dawn-chorus-all-you-need-to-know-about-natures-big-show

Names were given and a memorial planned for the three eaglets of Scout and Bella that died when their nest was tossed out of the tree by high winds this week.

Glaslyn News: “It has been a dramatic season so far with KC6/Teifi and Aran fighting for their place on the Glaslyn nest. On Tuesday it became clear that Aran had started his campaign in earnest to recover his nest. He began aggressively divebombing KC6/Teifi on the nest and chased him through the valley, leading to spectacular views for visitors and volunteers who watched them in the air from the Visitor Centre.

On Wednesday morning he brought a large Mullet to Elen before chasing Teifi out of his territory once again. He has been present on the nest today, and this evening returned with another fish for Elen. We have not seen Teifi on the nest camera since Wednesday morning.

Is this the beginning of a fresh start for Aran and Elen?”

Here is that nest battle on video: https://youtu.be/MIcDcKGlwWo?

Big Bear Valley: I don’t know about you but I really don’t want Sunny and Gizmo to fledge for a long, long time! https://youtu.be/EHzKcNE3WG4?

Trempealeau Bald Eagles: T3 is 15 days old today. Mum is working hard to provide for herself and her only surviving eaglet. She came in with the big fish and fed T3 twice, brooding her eaglet inbetween so it could not get a chill. What a great Mum. Dad showed up today to feed a few bites of fish to little T3 and then flew off taking the fish to his other nest and chicks. (Don’t get me started!)

Peace caught it on video: https://youtu.be/yaubm2K6sAw? I really want this little one to survive. It is getting its thermal down, but the rain can cause Mum to not be able to fish, so Dad taking their food is not good.

Cromer Peregrine Falcons: Poppy and Henry have two chicks at the time I am writing. https://youtu.be/Q8E4xLgv55s?

Cal Falcons: Please read the post by Cal Falcons carefully. I hope you are as angry as I am at the changes that could make our beautiful raptors – endangered and extinct. What are you going to do to stop this

Cal Falcons

eordnosSptl6tum2m51haal60fa2ah381082575i5a4l5062l5084708tuc2  · 

Due to the use of DDT and other pesticides, there were fewer than 100 Peregrine Falcons in the lower 48 United States in the 1970s. Bald Eagles had dropped to fewer than 1000 individuals across the same area. Thanks to the effects of science-based environmental regulations such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), there are currently ~5,000 Peregrine Falcons and ~300,000 Bald Eagles in the lower 48!

The recovery of these two species is due almost entirely to legislation that is scheduled to be officially “sunset” by Executive Order dated 9 April 2025 (“Zero-based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy). The damage that this could cause is immeasurable and could take decades of concerted effort to recover from. In some cases, the damage could be irreversible, as many endangered species could very quickly go extinct without protections.

Environmental regulations protect not only plant and animal species but every person on the planet through clean air and water, and it is estimated that the environment provides approximately 150 trillion dollars of economic benefit globally every year for free (Jiang et al. 2021). Recovery of the Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle are just two of many stories that demonstrate the power of regulation in conserving the natural world that we all live in, depend on, and enjoy.”

These orders impact birds in the United States and those that migrate to my country for their spring and summer breeding. They also impact the nests that we watch. We need help for our wildlife and the natural areas of our world, not hindrances and indifference.

Defenders of Wildlife, a US-based organization states, ““Rolling back these kinds of protections for migratory birds such as snowy owls, red-winged blackbirds, and white pelicans will undoubtedly result in the deaths of tens of thousands of birds,” said Daniel Moss, senior government relations representative at Defenders of Wildlife. “This action is particularly egregious as we approach the 15th anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon explosion which resulted in catastrophic mortality rates for sea birds. Only thanks to the MBTA, BP was forced to pay $100 million in fines.  Weakening this law by giving businesses a free pass to do harm is the exact opposite of what our government should be doing.”

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 25th April 2025

This day in 2021 saw the first appearance of Affric 152 on Nest One, and this day in 2023 saw the first appearance of Garry LV0 on Nest One, although he’d first appeared in 2022, intruding on Nest Two. This year things are looking different on Nest One – Affric has been chased off back to her own nest at Bunarkaig with her mate Prince, and Garry has definitely claimed the nest as his own and is fighting off all comers, while his relationship with new female Blue 536 goes from strength to strength. With mating attempts not being rejected and plenty of fish being offered, we can be cautiously optimistic that we finally have a bonded pair on Nest One, with the slim possibility of chicks this year, although it’s more likely to be next year assuming the pair return together. Garry brought three fish to the nest including the season’s first flatfish, and his tally rises to eighteen. Things are very settled over on Nest Two, with Louis taking turns to incubate the three eggs while Dorcha goes off to eat the fish he brings her. His two deliveries today take his tally to fifty one. The weather was settled today with the forecasted drizzle staying away, but rain is due tonight and all day tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.51.59 (04.29.33); Nest Two 21.45.59 (04.48.50)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/R8f0rZc_Ltc  N2 Breakfast for Dorcha as the first fish arrives 06.56.43 

https://youtu.be/nupk9f0MtmE  N1 Breakfast for Blue 536 – Garry LV0 brings a whole trout 08.46.59

https://youtu.be/jGh2w8AI_WA  N1 Garry LV0’s second fish is the season’s first flatfish 13.18.34

https://youtu.be/_pNEypf6mYU N1 A Hoodie arrives and flies off the perch to chase an Osprey 17.08.47 (zoom) 

https://youtu.be/XHIsDRQ7YH4  N2 Louis delivers fish number two, a headless trout 17.21.46 

https://youtu.be/8iv8nJJBeF8  N1 Blue 536 eventually comes for Garry LV0’s third fish 17.59.05 

Bonus watch – how do Woodland Trust create a new woodland?

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/1_Sm9SEu0PI  N1 Ringed female stranger visits 2021 (slo-mo, zoom)

https://youtu.be/F65FJe4xMHc  N1 Louis visits the nest shortly after the ringed female 2021

https://youtu.be/0swlIF7VWuM  N1 Woodpecker and Blue Tit visit 2021

https://youtu.be/6frCvYMt4a0  N2 Louis is too busy mating to notice Dorcha’s new egg 2022

https://youtu.be/OVCVE1wwydU  N2 Louis sees his egg and takes over incubation for the first time 2022

https://youtu.be/15WD6z9hROg  N1 It’s last year’s intruder from N2: LV0 visits N1 for the first time 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/0-quAK2Ju1Y  N1 He’s back! Garry LV0 arrives 2024

https://youtu.be/EQN51E_PIO4  N2 Unringed intruder Osprey seen off by Louis 2024 (real-time with slo-mo repeat)

https://youtu.be/1TGdaSB0t04  N2 Female Chaffinch looks tiny perching next to Dorcha 2024 (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

If you missed the April Condor chat by the Ventana Wildlife Society, here it is: https://youtu.be/sCGnKrFcHcM? I highly recommend that you watch, and if you loved Iniko, there is a video of her journey over the five years, especially the time of the Dolan Fire of 2020 that killed her Dad, Kingpin.

Iniko (Born during Troubled Times) is getting some orange/red on her head! Remember, she rose from the ashes as they mention in the video blog.

The Ventana Wildlife Society continues to work hard to protect these amazing birds from HPAI.

All I can say is I am glad the individual was caught. Unbelievable.

Vengeful shooter laid poisoned baits in attempt to frame a Scottish estate for raptor persecution –Download

Fraser Point: Both eaglets have names – Blue and Kaimani. Many of you have noticed the number of eels showing up at nests. Dr Sharpe was on the chat today and said this: “I wonder if wolf eels are especially susceptible to domoic acid poisoning. They must be turning up dead a lot along the western coast of Santa Cruz.” He went on to say, “We had two chicks die at the Pelican Harbor nest at about 1 week old one year. The red tide often seems to peak around the time the eagle chicks hatch.” “That’s probably what is killing the pelicans that are showing up at some nests. I saw a pelican spiral into the ocean and die a few weeks ago.” [Dr Sharpe is referring to Red Tide]. Dr Sharpe was asked about the Fraser Point eagles being older and would it impact them. He remarked, “Only if they eat a lot of fish and the red tide is still around. I’m in Colorado, so I don’t know the current conditions there.”

Decorah Goose Cam: Waiting for hatch!

Golden Eagle Cam in Romania: The new mother at this nest, Pausa, has never had eaglets before or so it appears. She has absolutely no idea what to do and when the eaglet hatched on day 43 she kept picking it up and moving it out of the egg bowl causing it to get cold. She stepped on it. Picked it up and moved it again. Eventually the poor little thing died. The third egg could hatch in 3-4 days time but I doubt if the eaglet will are any better than this one. Being parents is not always instinctual.

Cromer Falcons: Dad, Henry, watches Mum, Poppy, feed the chicks! They are such little darlings and such an attentive Dad!

https://youtu.be/aaC4hjDnOkg?

It is free and it is fun. Guess the day of the first hatch at Rutland Water’s nest of Blue 33 and Maya at Manton Bay! Put your choice in the chat and Bart M will tabulate everything.

The Bald Eagle, Majestic, arrived at Wildlife Haven in 2014. She was dehydrated and emaciated and had an old wing injury that had did not heal properly. She is a great ambassador and loves her new cage. She did some loud chortles as we walked up to say hello.

So cute. Ducklingham Palace.

Fort St Vrain: Wet days and a damp nest. The eaglets have their thermal down and are looking good despite the weather. Keep sending this family good vibes.

Newfoundland Ospreys have returned. We wait for the Snow Lane camera to come live to see Beaumont and Hope.

Why on earth are koalas being culled? (I asked the same question when authorities in New Zealand were going to cull Canada Geese).

Why were hundreds of koalas shot in an aerial cull in Victoria?https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/25/why-were-hundreds-of-koalas-shot-in-an-aerial-cull-in-victoria?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. We will see you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB’, Wolf Bay, RSPB, Deb Stecyk/NCTC Eagles, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, FOBBV, Trempealeau Eagle nest, Cal Falcons, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Ventana Wildlife Society, Raptor Persecution UK, IWS/Explore, Wild Bucovina Association, Cromer Falcons, Defenders of Wildlife, Wildlife Haven, LRWT and Bart M, Xcel Energy, The Guardian, Ian Winter and Snow Lane Osprey Nest with Beaumont and Hope

Friday in Bird World

25 April 2025

Hello Everyone!

We have a nest note from Heidi: Bruce and Naha have their third egg at the Seaside Osprey platform. Congratulations! The egg was laid on Thursday the 24th.

‘A’ wants us to have a smile on our face, first thing! They write: “Aren’t they the cutest little people? And look at how strong their tiny legs are. That’s one of the features of these birds that I hadn’t really appreciated until the streaming cams.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2SHdcmTIo8&list=TLPQMjUwNDIwMjXPhayb3oGdQg&index=2

Oh, if humans were as resilient as raptors! Bella and Scout have been doing renovations on the alternative nest at the NCTC after their main nest and three chicks were blown off and killed.

.  New eaglet at Surrey Bald Eagle nest in beautiful British Columbia, Canada!

Can you help this little eaglet that lost its nest?

How about donating some fish for your local wildlife rehab clinic? Thank you so much to those high school students. I wonder how many other clinics need fish?

Don and Connie Dennis closely watch Ethel and Oscar at the Russell Lake osprey platform in Nova Scotia. They got this great photograph (there is no streaming cam) of Oscar catching his sweetie, a fish!

Usk Valley: First egg on Thursday!

Threave Ospreys: Former fledgling is home!

Wolf Bay: An enormous fish arrives, and both osplets get a nice feed.

Boulder County Fairgrounds: Mum and new male have four eggs on Thursday!

Centreport Eagles: There are three eaglets in the nest with thermal down.

HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY IRIS!

Salisbury Cathedral: First hatch came on Thursday!

San Jose City Hall: Four little fluff balls in a pile. Their eyes remain closed. That said, these eyases will develop very quickly. From hatching as fluffy chicks covered in down like the four below, they grow into powerful, feathered hunters. They first fly at about 35-45 days, but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks while they learn to hunt.

Here is a detailed look at the development to help you as you observe these beautiful falcons.

1. Hatching and Early Growth:

  • Peregrine falcons lay 3-5 eggs in a clutch. 
  • The eggs hatch after about 30-36 days of incubation. 
  • Newly hatched chicks are covered in white down and weigh about 1.5 ounces. 
  • They quickly gain weight, doubling in size within the first 6 days and increasing tenfold within 3 weeks. 
  • Chicks initially scoot around on their tarsi (lower leg bones) before they are strong enough to stand and walk. 

2. Feather Development:

  • At around 21-35 days, feathers begin to replace the down, and brown juvenile feathers emerge. 
  • Pin feathers, the precursors to full feathers, appear at wing tips and tail. 

3. Fledging and Dependence:

  • Young falcons are ready for their first flight around 35-40 days, but they remain dependent on their parents for another month or two. 
  • Parents continue to feed and protect the young, teaching them how to hunt. 

4. Juvenile Plumage and Independence:

  • Juvenile plumage is worn for about a year, gradually fading and changing with wear. 
  • After a period of learning and practice, young falcons become independent and begin hunting on their own. 

5. Maturity and Breeding:

6. Lifespan:

  • Peregrine falcons can live for 12-15 years, and some may live even longer. 

Rutland Water: (From their recent newsletter): “Spring means the return of our Rutland Water Ospreys, and it’s already been a busy few weeks for them! The male 33(11) returned on 13th March, followed by Maya on 17th March. She has previously raised 38 chicks, and is one of the most successful breeding female Ospreys on record! After arriving and refuelling, the pair have certainly busy. 33(11) was collecting sticks and grass to build up the nest, and Maya laid her first egg on the evening of 2nd April, followed by a second on 5th April, a third on 8th April, and a fourth on 11th April. The two parents are taking turns incubating the eggs – though they had some drama to contend with when an intruding Osprey briefly landed on the nest (on Maya in fact!). It takes between 35-42 days for an egg to hatch, so the eggs should begin hatching in the first couple of weeks of May. Maya and 33(11) have successfully raised and fledged a clutch of four eggs previously, and we look forward to following their progress this season.”

Trempealeau Bald Eagle Cam: This is a wonderful Mum. She fishes and brings food to her only surviving chick (who is getting its thermal down, thankfully) and then the male comes and takes the fish. So far, they are doing alright, but send them good energy, please.

Denton Homes: Bad weather continues in the region. Hoping all the eagle nests (and others) stay safe!

Little Miami Conservancy: Two little eaglets filled to the brim. How lovely.

Decorah Goose Cam: We are on pip watch this week. Mother Goose carefully covers the eggs with the down so she can feed.

Mlade Buky, Romania Black Storks: Beautiful Bety and Bukachek.

Do you know what an Oystercatcher is?

Norfolk bird surveyors find Britain’s oldest known oystercatchers https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/24/norfolk-birds-rspb-britains-oldest-known-oystercatchers?CMP=share_btn_url

Glaslyn: Aran and Elen have been on the perch together on Thursday. I hope things are settling down and that the single egg in the nest hatches and fledges.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, PB’, NCTC, Ryan Baliski/Raptors of the World, Centre for Wildlife Care, Hoo’s Woods Raptor Centre, Connie and Don Dennis/Ospreys of Nova Scotia, Usk Valley Ospreys, Threave Valley Ospreys, Wolf Bay, Boulder County Fairgrounds, Centreport Eagles, Montana Osprey Cams, Salisbury Cathedral Scrape, San Jose City Hall Falcons, LRWT, The Guardian, Trempealeau Bald Eagle Cam, Denton Homes, Little Miami Conservancy, Decorah Goose Cam, Mlade Buky Black Stork Cam, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Cornell Bird Lab Cams

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 OspreysDownload

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

Wednesday in Bird World

23 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Yesterday was Earth Day. While we should, each day, try to protect our planet, did you do anything special? In Winnipeg, we will be having the opening of the new Buffalo Crossing at Fort Whyte on Sunday the 27th. It will mark the end of a week of events celebrating Earth Day. https://youtu.be/DQPIdqPi3TI?

Do you know the history of Earth Day? It is always on the 22nd of April.

Here’s are some facts:

  • 1969:John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and peace, later sanctioned by the United Nations. 
  • 1970:Senator Nelson organized the first Earth Day, focusing on the United States. 
  • April 22, 1970:The first Earth Day took place, with an estimated 20 million Americans participating. 
  • Late 1970:The Environmental Protection Agency was created, and other environmental laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act were passed. 
  • 1990:Earth Day went global, with over 140 countries participating, significantly expanding its reach and influence. 
  • Present:Earth Day continues to be an international event, advocating for a cleaner, more sustainable world. 

Morning Update: Kielder Forest: At 11.40 today KF13 laid egg 3 in nest 1A.

It is a heavy overcast day on the Canadian prairies. The birds flit in and out of the garden while a gentle rain descends. It doesn’t feel like spring. Much more like the end of autumn, but we need some good rain, so let it pour! That will help everything turn green. Still, the heaviest snows seen all year are falling in parts of northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

There really is not a lot going on with the ospreys right now. Many are incubating while others are fighting off intruders and trying to hold on to their nests. Some have simply not returned.

Tweed Valley Osprey Project: Well, this is marvellous. I hoped we would have a trio – two females and a male. Wouldn’t this be nice for Iris?

It is that age-old question—do we cooperate and thrive or compete and fail? Unfortunately, failure seems to be the order of the day for 2025 breeding osprey nests that have intruders.

Iris, Hellgate Canyon: Some are starting to look at that osprey that delivered the fish as if it could have been Finnegan. There was a more than 90% chance that it was due to the plumage and the fish gift. Thankfully, there continues to be no egg in the nest. The most we can hope for is that Louis gets busy helping with Star and their chicks, that Finnegan returns if Louis disappears to the baseball park, or that Iris does not lay a single egg this year. It is hard on her body, and for what? For Crow food?

Poor Iris was fish calling and calling. When you read that raptors ‘bond’ for life, after this year, I hope you don’t believe it! Male arrives with a stick. It looks like Louis to me. Brings a stick, not a fish and then wants to mate.

Here is the video of the encounter: https://youtu.be/pqB1cowWUO4?

Iris did quiet little cheeps looking over to the owl pole and flew off the nest late Tuesday afternoon.

Rumour has it that a male was sky dancing. I would love it to be Finn or another young one willing to tackle Louis.

Glaslyn: Aran continues to try for his nest, but Teifi is there or about, and, quite honestly, I think this much-loved older male osprey, mate of Mrs G and then Elen, is losing his hold.

Elen in the rain.

Duke Farms: I honestly did not believe all three would survive to fledge, but here they are. Just look at those beautiful juveniles.

Redding Eagles: On Tuesday, Liberty and Guardian were working on their new nest, bringing in soft grasses.

Eagle Country: Blaze and his new mate, Skye, did not have any eaglets this year, but the couple continue to come to the nest with prey items.

Little Miami Conservancy: LM 8 and LM 9 are getting their thick thermal down, and those pin feathers appear. Sadly, there are problems with not having enough food. LM 8 from a small fish, and LM 9 got some scraps.

USS Steel: USS8 has had nothing but big crops. There is something extraordinary about being an only eaglet.

Port Tobacco: Riley and Teo appear to be doing well.

Golden Eagle Cam, Romania: Pip Watch. If you are queasy and the second egg hatches, please be advised that golden eagles practice ‘Cainism’. The older will kill the younger unless there is an extraordinary amount of food, and even then, the life of the second is not guaranteed.

Denton Farms: ‘PB’ writes: “Denton Farms little one is too cute…look at that crop!”

Kielder Forest: Musical Nests!

First 2025 view of a regular intruder _ Kielder OspreysDownload

San Jose City Hall: 4th chick hatches two days after the oldest ones. https://youtu.be/sm1TK10KdyQ?

Raptor Resource Project reports on our single Mum and the only surviving eaglet and ‘PB’ adds: “Trempealeau mom just had her huge fish stolen from Mr T…this mom is trying so hard. Good thing the baby ate well. Now she needs to fish tomorrow before the rain starts.”

‘PB’ reports that Mum was up early for food for the two of them. The little T3 has a nice crop. They also report that huge storms with tornades are moving into the central area of the US. Stay safe everyone.

Fort St Vrain: The two surviving eaglets are getting their thick thermal down. They remain way too curious about the outside world, and those crib rails could use some reinforcement: they appear to be doing well.

Saaksilivie #1, Finland: It is located on the edge of a swamp in Satakunta, in the top of a pine tree about eight meters high. It is the home of Eura and Eve who fledged two chicks in 2024, Lumme and Utu.

Saaksilvie Satakunna, #2, Finland: No information on any occupancy or hatches since 2019. It is currently empty.

Saaksilivie Satakunnan, #3, Finland (Wind and Magic): This is the nest of Tuulos and Taika. They had three eggs in 2024. One did not hatch, one chick died right after hatching, and another was taken by an Eagle Owl.

Information on Nest #3: Nest #3 is located in the Satakunta region in Western Finland. Ospreys have nested there in 1997 and from 2002 to 2009. The man-made nest was rebuilt in 2016 but it wasn’t until 2019 when the current male, Ahti, discovered the nest and was soon joined by a female who was called Helmi. The young pair spent the summer in the vicinity of the nest but Helmi didn’t lay any eggs. The following year the pair returned and in the spring of 2020 Helmi laid 3 eggs. The first successful nesting at the site in 11 years resulted in two fledglings. In the spring of 2021 Ahti returned but Helmi didn’t. By the time Ahti returned the nest had been taken over by a new pair, but Ahti reclaimed his nest site and the female eventually stayed with him. The new female, who was named Nuppu, had a ring on her right leg. She was ringed as a nestling in 2018. In 2022, Tuulos and Tiuku were a new pair. They were there in 2024.

Saaksilivie #4, Finland: This is the nest of Nemo and Nuppu. In 2024, they had three eggs hatch. Chicks were URA, USU, and UPU. Upu was taken from the nest by a White-tail Eagle. Ura escaped from the nest when the White-tail eagle tried to take it. Usu fell from the nest and was rescued. USU was taken to the Pyhtää Bird Sanctuary for care but died later.

Saaksilivie #5 LS nest in Southwest Finland: Home of Sara and Roni who laid two eggs in 2024. Both were taken from the nest by Ravens when the nest was empty. They had two chicks fledge in 2023.

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Plenty of excitement today after a quiet day yesterday! Dorcha laid her third and final egg this morning, and a few hours later was seeing off an intruder Osprey who buzzed her on the nest. Unfortunately the intruder didn’t allow us a proper look but s/he was wearing a Blue Darvic ring on the left leg, therefore a Scottish Osprey. Blue 536 and Garry LV0 are candidates, or it might have been an unknown newcomer to the area. It probably wasn’t

 Affric 152, as Chaddie reports the Bunarkaig nest has a sitting Osprey on incubation duty, and we know that is Affric’s nest after LizB confirmed it via her long lens camera last year. Louis brought two fish to the nest, taking his tally to forty five. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought Blue 536 an early afternoon fish but she wasn’t around when he brought a second fish at supper time. Perhaps he’s supplying her with fish off-nest, as their relationship seems to be building nicely. His fish tally rises to twelve. After a soggy night, today was dry and will remain so overnight and tomorrow morning, but rain is forecast for the afternoon.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.58.56 (05.03.55); Nest Two 22.17.01 (05.07.23)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/VVo-U1M7_To  N2 Another early breakfast for Dorcha 05.55.09

https://youtu.be/F-c8ExCby2Y N2 Egg number three! Congratulations Dorcha! 10.30.10https://youtu.be/zG281Jn64sg N2 Louis gets a good look and takes over egg duty12.28.18https://youtu.be/ikIcnpBI7Kg N2 Intruder Osprey buzzes Dorcha 14:16 05https://youtu.be/2uVh32TZTaE N1 Blue 536 grabs the fish and leaves Garry LV0 to tidy up 14.25.59https://youtu.be/ir0pxb4jEZ8 N2 Louis hands over a second fish and settles down to egg duty 15.09.20https://youtu.be/pdZDKN8z3vU N1 Garry LV0 brings a second fish but no one’s there 20.43.20Bonus words of wisdom from George WTS about how to handle differing reactions around the possible outcomes for the three eggs: 

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=24624233

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/uPIkehlZIXw  N1 Aila gives chase 2020 (slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/-YjzEre5Ex8  N2 Midnight owl strike 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/olQdCvN9Vj4  N2 Another owl strike an hour after the first 2022 (slo-mo)https://youtu.be/odF55TOSvUY N2 Louis chases an intruder osprey off the nest 2022
https://youtu.be/iOH80Okm7ZY N2 Yet another intruder Osprey on the nest 2022
https://youtu.be/uOeWEzk6yos  N2 Cheeky Hoodie intrudes on Louis 2023
https://youtu.be/U17pKvmqkcw N2 Golden Eagle touches down on Nest Two 2023 (slo-mo)https://youtu.be/nQJirIJiue4 N1 Garry stops coy-mantling and unsuccessfully attempts mating with Affric 2024
https://youtu.be/bVMPL7NSoN4  N1 Ill-tempered mating encounter between Affric & Prince 2024 
https://youtu.be/GomhIEZ_2mE N1 Garry brings another fish and leaves with a squirt 2024
https://youtu.be/dXwt2HSZ1fk  N2 A fish supper arrives during a colourful sunset 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

Farmer Derek’s Owl Cam: Bonnie and Clyde’s Starr is growing and getting those gorgeous GHO feathers. Soon she will be hunting with her parents, practising on the ground. The adults will provide her with lots of food so she can thrive and teaching movements. Her initial hunting will be on the ground – after she fledges.

MN-DNR: Not an eagle! Look carefully and you will see the nesting duck.

Geemeff has found a new nest cam for a Great Gray Owl! “A new nest cam from explore.org: A Great Grey Owl

https://explore.org/livecams/owl-research-institute/great-gray-owl-nest

Geemeff has sent us some good information from Cornell’s Nestwatch about building bird houses and what to provide for birds when they are nesting. Enjoy!

All About Birdhouses – NestWatchDownload

Good night everyone! I moved the smaller light coloured cat tree into the conservatory. Hugo Yugo is the Queen of her castle!

Baby Hope likes the edge of the sofa. She has already created a bit of a dent!

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams: ‘Geemeff, PB’, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Duke Farms, FORE, Eagle Country, Little Miami Conservancy, Pix Cams, Port Tobacco, Wild Bucovina Association, Denton Farms, SK Hideaways, Saaksilvie #1, Explore.org, Farmer Derek’s Owl Cam, Cornell Nestwatch, Xcel Energy, Saaksilivie Nesting Information, MN-DNR, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust

Tragedy at NCTC nest…late Saturday in Bird World

20 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

I am sending this out early instead of Sunday morning. A huge storm has hit the NCTC nest of Bella and Scout and the nest has collapsed. I believe all three of those gorgeous healthy eaglets who were sleeping at the time will have passed. There were strong winds. Tragic. More than sad for this amazing and beautiful family. I am at a complete loss for words. https://youtu.be/7PTxwKogiVg?

I do not know the status of Bella. Help was to go out and check. Oh, I am hoping for a miracle for all our of them but preparing for the worst. Send your positive thoughts.

Saturday turned out to be a really beautiful day on the Canadian prairies with the temperature climbing to 10 C and the grey clouds have disappeared! Today, we are going to check out the American White Pelicans that have now arrived in Manitoba! Pictures tomorrow.

Iris: It feels like Louis is stalking her. Has Finnegan returned and been chased away? is he on his way? We wait.

Brock made his presence known this morning, choosing to sit on the outdoor dining table, staring into the house through the garden doors! When he finished his big bowl of tasty salmon, he walked right over to the garden door and stared inside at ‘The Girls’ who were busy watching him.

Squishy came later. The Girls tolerate Brock but do not like the other cats that come to the feeder. The plan is to move it away from the doors so they don’t see who else comes calling.

Loch Arkaig: Geemeff writes: “Egg number two! 12.55 Dorcha is on the nest and it looks like she’s getting ready to lay her second egg 12.56.16 She gives a shake of her tail 12.56.18 She stands and the second egg is seen. She fusses them for a little while, turning and positioning them to her satisfaction before settling down and aligning her brood patch over the two eggs. (More later in the post)

Glaslyn: Elen laid her third egg!

RSPB Loch Garten: The nest continues to be unsettled and more so with the arrival of KL5.

Big Bear Valley: The kids are learning to be self-sufficient! https://youtu.be/Qk4HCIlPZek?

San Jose Falcons: Monty and Hartley had their first hatch on Saturday! Oh, they have two! SK Hideaways has the video: https://youtu.be/_9jZtIHqat4?

Goitzsche-Wildnis: ‘JC’ comments on her video: “Zeus is doing his homework by brooding in the nest while Fjona has taken a break. He seems to be comfortable with the incubation tasks. But his companion returns and, with very little delicacy and screaming, pushes Zeus out of the nest. The girl has character… and a bit of bad drool, even.” https://youtu.be/N4cIKfZ0DpA?

Loch of the Lowes: Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve says: “Grab a cuppa and settle down for a full review of the comings and goings so far! ☕ It’s been a complex start to the season with no fewer than four combinations of osprey pairings appearing on the nest 👀; *NC0 (resident breeding female 2020-2024, not seen since 2nd April) & a New Male *The New Male and an Unringed Female (with the ‘Cluedo’ marking on the back of her head) *LM24 (aka The Dark Intruder, who held territory in second half of 2024 with NC0) & the same Unringed Female, and finally… *LM24 & the Dark Female (with the ‘Bandit’ eye mask who intruded in 2024, and possibly 2023)! Confused !? It’s taken a lot of careful reviewing and analysing to pick apart the rapidly changing dynamic, but it looks like LM24 and the Dark Female have finally become ‘top ospreys’ at the Lowes nest, appearing to be settled as a pair and dominant for a week! Talons crossed for eggs in the next 7-10 days! 🤞🦅🥚 [Note: The osprey which attacked and knocked the Dark Female off the nest was thought to originally be the Unringed Female (with the ‘Cluedo piece’ marking on the back of her head) – however, thanks to some excellent photos by Scott Duncan from the hide, we were able to spy a silver BTO ring on the right leg of the osprey!!

Yes, we got excited too thinking it might be the return of NC0, but this osprey had no white break in her brown mask behind her eye, and the underwing markings did not match those of NC0. We have had at least 3 different BTO-only ringed osprey intruding in the last few years, so it could easily be the return of these individuals, or new ones who have lost their Darvic colour rings, which can be prone to cracking and falling off due to the impact of repeatedly hitting the water. If we get any sightings of NC0 we will let folks know.]”

The season so far in video! https://youtu.be/6Pd-LufRSgM?

Kielder Forest’s latest news: Egg 3 for Nest 7 arrived at 14.13 yesterday. KX7 was making the usual squeaks and grunts pre-laying. She had a final push at 14.13 and a few seconds later stood. Nest 11, the first time two ospreys have been seen at this nest. Hoping they stay.

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 19th April 2025

Today delivered the anticipated excitement: with a quick shake of her tail feathers, Dorcha produced the second egg at 12.55.16, and the new female Blue 536 turned up again today, saw Affric 152 off Nest One, and got a fish from Garry LV0, to much jubilation from their fans. Very early days, but at the risk of jinxing things, Blue 536 does seem to be showing an interest in the nest and in Garry for more than just a few free fish on her journey elsewhere. Along with the fish came a few mating attempts, none have been successful, but Blue 536 isn’t rebuffing him, and looks at home on Nest One. Cautiously optimistic! Garry’s single fish takes his tally to six, and Louis also brought one fish, taking his tally to forty. In other news, Louis chased a Hoodie away from Nest Two, Garry LV0 dealt with a pronged stick, and Dorcha can have a little rest, if the owls continue to stay away, before her next and probably final egg is due on Tuesday. The weather forecast is for light cloud and light winds overnight and into tomorrow, and a few sunny spells.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.34.32 (05.25.05); Nest Two 21.31.17 (05.35.12)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/psJLabACO1U N2 Early breakfast for Dorcha 05.44.34

https://youtu.be/r3HwBnSxQFg N2 Hoodie chased away by Louis 06.20.59

https://youtu.be/fk9QLXJ5oA0 N1 Blue 536 arrives, waits an hour but Garry doesn’t appear 06.37.25 

https://youtu.be/JZ4karhsVMo  N1 Affric touches down and is chased away 11.42.53 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/gnysQoRM6G8 N2 Egg number two! 12.56.16 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/EzmggXArZEQ N1 Blue 536 gets a fish from Garry LV0 15.03.31

https://youtu.be/n4Y8mwMyZuI  N1 Garry deals competently with a large forked stick 17.23.30

Bonus news item: in the wake of the illegal felling of the 500 year old Whitewebbs Oak, Woodland Trust explain the value of our ancient trees:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czjnv448110o

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/eLQgDi2VKIA  N1 A stranger follows Louis to the nest 2021 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/xm-qPYjLLnE  N1&2 Typhoon jets do a flypast of both nests 2022

https://youtu.be/Pt6-35zGrZw N1 Prince takes a very long mating run-up 2022

https://youtu.be/GLChgTeSpiA N2 Louis chases Prince away from Nest Two 2022

https://youtu.be/9O8JWeQEXeE  N2 Dorcha uses her crow voice on a Hoodie 2023

https://youtu.be/kZJTfoKO6GY  N2 Dorcha is very vocal when supper arrives 2023

https://youtu.be/EwONgG-jTWI N1 No takers for Garry LV0’s travelling fish 2024

https://youtu.be/BCOPgYVTB5s  N2 Drama as Dorcha fights with an eagle 2024 (slo-mo repeat with zoom)

https://youtu.be/nHPwQ5xDs5U  N2 Fish number one, large headless trout, Dorcha’s injury visible as she takes it 2024 (zoom) 

https://youtu.be/G6MmnbWYf90 N2 Affric waits on Nest One but Garry is a no-show 2024

https://youtu.be/dVOw0D9-zaU  N2 Louis arrives chased by a Hoodie as Dorcha rests quietly 2024 (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

Heidi sent me this link. If you like Leonard Cohen and Canada Geese, this is for you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48AJBXs5dNc

Heidi sends us some osprey news, too!

Seaside osprey nest: Congratulations to Naha and Bruce on their first egg, laid 4/18 at 17:01. Naha has laid her first egg on the same date for three straight years.

Lake Murray ospreys:  Lucy and Kenny had three eggs (laid 3/14,  3/17, 3/20).  Around the 26th of March, they started to have intruder issues.  On 3/28 there was a serious altercation between Kenny and a  male intruder.  It is thought that was the last time Kenny was seen.  The new male took over, and has since been named ‘Newman’.  But, for awhile Newman was not bringing fish to Lucy, so Lucy was having to catch her own fish.  The eggs were unattended for long periods of time.  One egg broke on 3/29.  Newman was also seen trying to kick the eggs out of the nest.  One egg was thrown from the bowl, and Lucy was able to roll it back.  Well, the cam owner and chatters say that apparently Newman has matured over the past couple of weeks, and he has been bringing large fish to Lucy.  And not only that, he has been incubating the eggs at times.  We have all seen peregrine falcon males do this.  Some peregrine males have been known to fully assume ‘Dad’ responsibilities, and will assist the female with her clutch and chicks, if the father is missing.  At the Exshaw osprey nest, Mr. O helped Louise in 2023 with her two chicks after Jasper disappeared, but Little had already died.  Has anyone ever known of another case where a male osprey has done the same thing?  If egg #1 at Lake Murray is still remaining, it will be 37 days old on 4/20.  

Crooked Lake osprey nest:  Congrats to Mom and Noble on their second egg, laid on 4/19 at 10:41.

Ospreys continue to arrive in Finland. https://www.youtube.com/live/IVx9nEX0afs?

Thank you so much for being with us today. 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: ‘Geemeff, Heidi’, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, RSPB Loch Garten, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Information, LOTL, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, San Jose City Hall, Goitzsche-Wildness and Joan Castmyer, Kielder Forest, Seaside Ospreys, Lake Murray Ospreys, Crooked Lake Osprey Cam, Kuopio Finland Osprey Cam/Kaala Saaski

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
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:

We have teamed up with three other landowners at #LochArkaig to reawaken the landscape across an area of Lochaber that is larger than Edinburgh. The founding members of Beò Airceig are Achnacarry Estate, Arkaig Community Forest, Forestry and Land Scotland and Woodland Trust Scotland.🧵 1/4

— Woodland Trust Scotland (@wtscotsocial.bsky.social) 2025-02-10T08:55:34.276Z

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

Thursday in Bird World

17 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

This morning marked the arrival of our first Brown Thrasher, energetically scratching in the soil, while several dozen Dark-eyed Juncos flitted about, along with our regular visitors, all eagerly waiting and searching as I savored my coffee before feeding them.

Anne made a generous donation of a large bag of hot dogs for the crows, and their delight was palpable! Additionally, a neighbor brought over a hefty 50-pound bag of kibble for our outdoor cats. It’s heartwarming to see ‘Squishy’—the beloved cat with one ear folded down—making a comeback at the feeder after a long absence.

Everyone has their favorite birds and animals, yet they’re unable to set up feeders of their own, making their contributions all the more meaningful. It’s truly wonderful to witness such kindness and community spirit.

Our rescue facilities are currently overflowing and desperately in need of supplies. One essential item that we often overlook is thin protection gloves. If you have any spare pairs at home, consider donating them to someone in your community—they can make a significant difference!

As we dive into spring cleaning, tidying up our gardens and swapping out winter clothes, let’s not forget the countless items that animal rescues and rehabilitation shelters desperately need. Before you throw anything away, take a moment to consider whether it could be of value to a local shelter.

Donating your unwanted items is not only an excellent way to declutter your home, but it also provides critical support to those caring for animals in need. It’s a powerful act of kindness that benefits both you and the animals—let’s make a positive impact together!

————————————————————————————-

The notice arrived in my inbox shortly after I published my post on Wednesday morning. I promised Geemeff that it would be prominently displayed today!

News! Egg – well done Dorcha!!! First glimpsed at 17.52.55

17.50 Dorcha is on the nest sitting down and making little squeaking noises. She’s getting ready to lay her first egg!

17.52.55 She gives a little wiggle and stands up and the egg can just be glimpsed. Congratulations Dorcha!

And Louis, not forgetting his 5-second contribution..

18.06.12 She stands up and as she does, she gives the egg a little push with her leg and we get a clearer view.

(zoomed)

Iris: Iris: There’s someone who’s been visiting Iris, trying time and again to steal her incredible fish. You know who I am talking about. His persistence drives me up the wall! However, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the ‘good’ Louis brings to the nest. Take Blue NC0 at Loch of the Lowes, for instance—she lost her partner, Laddie LM12, in 2024. Last year, there was genuine hope for her to bond with the Dark Night this year. Sadly, without a male to defend her territory, Blue NC0 lost both her nest and her land. Louis is the one who now safeguards Iris’s territory (she was there before him!). Finn, the only young male bold enough to challenge Louis, managed to oust Louis and keep him away from Iris. Together, they raised two beautiful chicks last year. If, heaven forbid, Finn doesn’t return, I have faith that Iris will still hold on to her nest because Louis is so protective of ‘his’ territory. Iris absolutely deserves it! So, if there is any silver lining, that is it. Thin like aluminum foil, but a reality nonetheless.

Elen has laid yet another egg at the Glaslyn nest, and this one is likely Teifi’s. Aran, having taken possession of the nest he initially shared with Mrs G, faces a crucial decision. With uncertainty surrounding the paternity of this new egg, it seems almost inevitable that he will choose to remove it. After all, why would Aran invest time in raising a chick that could belong to another male, jeopardising his own genetic legacy? It’s a tough call, but the instinct to protect his own lineage is likely to prevail!

Pitching rain in Wales Wednesday afternoon.

In contrast to Glaslyn, at the Tweed Valley 2 nest, Mrs O and an unringed female seem to be inclined to share the single male at the nest! They only get disgruntled when a fish is delivered. Maybe he should try bringing in two at a time. We might have a Trio at Tweed!!!!!! That would be really interesting.

Sauces: Betty Lou has had the most amazing care an eaglet could ever dream about. Jak and Audacity have kept her full and safe and relished every second getting to be parents again. One of those miracle moments of this year that we must cherish.

Dyfi: Idris and Telyn have three eggs they are incubating. The wind is blowing like it is a gale over at Dyfi! They may get some of that rain, too. The skies over the distant hills certainly seem to imply that damp weather is descending on the Glaslyn valley.

Llyn Clywedog: Seren Blue 5F is getting soaked, too. Did you know that Aran from Glaslyn courted Seren while he was bonded with Mrs G? Seren luckily gave up on losing her eggs and flew north a bit and found Dylan. They have raised some wonderful chicks together. I believe they still hold the record for the largest male osplet ringed in Wales.

Boulder County Fair Grounds: First egg arrives on Wednesday!

Loveland, Colorado: Two eggs as of Wednesday.

PSEG Oyster Bay: One egg as of Wednesday.

Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain Bald Eagles: Out of four, the two surviving eaglets appear to be doing quite well.

Charlo Montana: Lola is not too fond of the new male hanging around the nest. Charlie has yet to return and is very late.

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 16th April 2025

Only one topic of conversation tonight – the arrival of the first egg! With a few squeaks, Dorcha produced the egg at 17.52.55 today and tonight there’s the welcome sight of her on the nest protecting the egg from the weather. Congratulations to Dorcha, and to Louis who did his usual classic double take at his first sight of the egg! Many on the forum are celebrating by making a donation to Woodland Trust: if you’re able to give, any amount is welcome, and the info is in the bonus section. Link to George WTS’ fundraising comment here: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=24512818. In other news, no activity at Nest One today  – we had reports of a third Osprey at Bunarkaig, which might explain Garry LV0’s absence, perhaps we’ll see him tomorrow. Louis delivered two fish today to take his tally to thirtyfive, Dorcha chased a Hoodie away, and the wet weather is due to continue overnight and through to Friday.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One (05.20.12); Nest Two 21.22.09 (05.26.09)

Today’s videos: 

https://youtu.be/s_kzQzXLhzM N2 Dorcha uses her crow voice to scare off a Hoodie 10.58.30

https://youtu.be/ps0VU6SZ-F4 N2 Elevenses for Dorcha when fish number one arrives 11.46.13 

https://youtu.be/BKHSD1BymP0 N2 Dorcha quickly returns when Louis brings a second fish 16.41.45 

https://youtu.be/yMqIGkUXvnc  N2 First EGG! Congratulations Dorcha! 17.52.55 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/WJOWeX-Hxd8 N2 Louis’ first look at the egg 19.04.11

Bonus action – if you’re eggcited by the first egg, anticipating a second in three days, and have any spare funds… Woodland Trust will put them to good use protecting Louis & Dorcha’s home. Hit the yellow button on this page or use this link: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/give/donate  

If you prefer to donate offline call WT’s friendly team on 0330 333 3300 between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday 

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/I-VmcgzVveY  N1 Aila watches a Red Deer near the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/7_XmXGafimM N1 Lonely Louis skydances in vain 2021

https://youtu.be/CJl9LiQ23eQ N1 Louis is vertically challenged 2021

https://youtu.be/XNiNQjkUSBs N1 Louis does his demented penguin impression 2022

https://youtu.be/3g5njmmeykE  N1 Comedy as Louis forgets he’s got a fish and tries mating! 2022

https://youtu.be/mJrYkJieaSo  N1 A Robin sings in the dark 2023

https://youtu.be/krmpSP7wVU0  N1 Louis does a flypast with fish number two 2023

https://youtu.be/qYLZK_Iym44  N1 A Barn Owl visits 2024

https://youtu.be/g4S95JxjN_k  N1 Interesting triangular encounter – with a new player! 2024

https://youtu.be/GH6XNHVJR1M N2 Dorcha didn’t take long to sort out Louis’ awkward stick! 2024

https://youtu.be/OI9pOORSzXA  N2 Nest One A Hoodie lands, interrupting Garry’s nest prep 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

What can we do to help our garden birds?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/16/garden-birds-need-a-hedge-against-decline?CMP=share_btn_url

Sandpoint: Geese continue to incubate eggs while Keo and Keke attempt to build a nest on a light pole.

I have been worried sick about Finnegan. If I could these beautiful birds would have tracking devices – I know it is silly – so we would know where they are and what is happening with them. I needed a smile and after checking on Betty Lou and Sunny and Gizmo, I went to check on Big Red and Arthur. There was snow starting to fall. Arthur had arrived to give a shift change and with some prey for the Queen of the Red-tail Hawks.

They have been together for 8 seasons!

The first egg was laid on April 2. Incubation is typically 28-32 days, making pip watch set for April 30.

Adorable Arthur.

Smile. CROW rescues a pair of osplets.

Lastly. It is time to stand up for the nests. In off time, those running streaming cams should refurbish and restore their osprey platforms which should include building rails, making certain that the base can allow for the drainage of water but has SS mesh to keep from sticks, eggs, and chicks form falling through. Nesting material should be provided. It has been shown that a proper nest can encourage good care of osplets (Snow Lane, Newfoundland, 2024).

Salem Electric, the osprey family wanting to use this platform needs help. Get the bucket truck up there and help them! Get everything ready and let your crews do this quickly!

Kielder Forest: KF13 laid her and W6’s first egg of the season at 13.01 today at Nest 1A.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff’, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Bwywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Tweed Valley 2, IWS/Explore, Dyfi Osprey Project, Llyn Clywedog, Boulder County Fairground, Loveland Colorado Ospreys, PSEG, The Guardian, Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain, Cornell Bird Lab, CROW, Charlo Montana, Sandpoint, Salem Electric, Kielder Forest, Foulshaw Ospreys

Tuesday in Bird World

15 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

I am growling. Can you hear me? I have lots of images in today’s blog, but Heidi tells me that they continue to be scrambled, sometimes being replaced with old images or the images are so cropped you cannot see them. When I look at my screen, everything is as it should be. I apologise. This is WordPress and I guess it is time to have another long chat or get a divorce with them!

After being outside on Sunday and proclaiming spring had arrived, we woke up to snow Monday morning. It is falling down fast (but will not accumulate, thankfully). Silly me. I jinxed it!

Despite this, the Dark-eyed Juncos showed up by the dozens to search for the new White Millet that had been scattered.

Today it is sunny and warm!

The latest from Glaslyn before we begin: “We have not seen Aran since 11:20 yesterday, but he was possibly one of three Ospreys we saw chasing one another over the valley yesterday afternoon. It was KC6/Teifi that returned to the nest yesterday evening and shared a Flounder with Elen. We do not currently know where Aran is.

This morning Teifi delivered a Flounder to Elen, but since then he has been in aerial combat with Blue 685 (Tweed Valley 2021) and the two males are chasing one another around the valley. We can only watch as the drama unfolds.”

On Monday, the Decorah N1 Geese ushered their six goslings to the leap of faith. Five made it. Sadly, one did not. ‘J’ says turn up the sound! Here is a video of that amazing event! https://youtu.be/rpwrXIqmTcw?

The Raptor Resource Project explains this incredible feat.

Raptor Resource Project: Bald Eagle and Bird of Prey CamsDownload

As I do the spring cleaning in the conservatory, I have Iris on the screen. She has been working on her nest and the horizon. I worried about Iris returning; I briefly considered the possibility that Finn might not return, but I couldn’t think about that. Migration is fraught with dangers. However, my primary concern is that our Queen awaits her Finnegan’s return. Send positive wishes, let’s get him home.

This is the way we want to see it. Bart M caught the mood on Manton Bay perfectly!

Dyfi: Idris and Telyn have their third egg.

Black Storks are arriving at their nests!

‘TU’ sends news: “9:48 AM Estonian black stork female KERLI arrived to KERGU who was already in the nest waiting )) 14.04.2025 They also posted photo of the male visitor in Karl’s nest in Karula And in Latvia black stork chose an empty nest and we could see him sleeping at nights – then the real owner lesser spotted eagle Anna appeared and they met today! What a Monday! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzo0fsqZuaI

It isn’t just the Loch of the Lowes that is confused, BHA brings us up to speed on the Port of Ridgefield Osprey nest: “No eggs on Ridgefield nest yet and today the activity has been confusing with three Osprey coming and going. (Similar to some of your own Osprey reports!) Not sure who was who but I think it was the female and a strange male on the nest, then a third Osprey flew in with fish and the female mantled and ate a little. She then took off with the fish leaving the two males. From there it got confusing as it appeared there was another fish on the other side of the nest which one started eating. (Maybe the 3rd Osprey was a female?) But then they started fighting and both went over the side of the nest. A few minutes later one returned and it appeared to be the interloper. It stayed awhile, then left. Nest is empty now. Guess it’s a good thing there are no eggs! (I left comments in chat, hoping one of the other 5 viewers might have some input, but no other comments yet.)

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

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 14th April 2025

A very wet day today, no intruders or visitors, and only two fish deliveries. Garry LV0 paid a long visit to Nest One, bringing moss instead of fish, and doing a fair bit of nest work before perching on the centre perch and looking around before departing. Over on Nest Two, Louis brought two fish today, taking his tally to thirty one, but the first fish only arrived well after 2pm, and when he delivered the second shortly after 4pm, Dorcha wasn’t there so Louis tucked into it himself. When she arrived back a little later, Louis picked up the remains of the fish and flew off with it. However as both he and Dorcha have nicely rounded full crops, neither one is going hungry. The weather forecast calls for more rain overnight and into tomorrow, but there is a prospect of a break from the rain in the afternoon. As of the time of filing this report (23.30) the nest is empty so it’s unlikely the first egg will arrive overnight.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.19.53 (05.31.04); Nest Two 21.12.25 (05.41.25)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/LTAYF-7tmqQ N1 Garry LV0 brings moss and stays a while

https://youtu.be/lL_QYANa9C4 N2 Finally! A fish arrives for Dorcha 14.39.28 

https://youtu.be/rvg7SdHjZZg  N2 Louis brings a second fish but Dorcha’s not there 16.08.11

Bonus guide to delayed incubation – what to expect when the first egg arrives:  

https://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/blog/emyr-mwt/delayed-incubation-ospreys

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/UU44l6A5Vy4  N1 Touchdown – but who? 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/09e-9iR9Uvg  N1 Lonesome again – Louis waits in vain 2021

https://youtu.be/No4cPpPY9eM  N1 Cheeky Crow wants Louis’ fish 2021

https://youtu.be/ZHbPfslJSb4  N2 Dorcha finally gets Louis’ fish 2022

https://youtu.be/epotlXiS6_w  N2 Dorcha wants dinner, Louis wants Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/GwydfsZfM1s  N2 Louis looking magnificent 2023

https://youtu.be/0rLUKr-CEmE  Nest One sunset 2023 (quick-time)

https://youtu.be/HIEpIrsKACA  Nest Two sunset 2023 (quick-time)

https://youtu.be/PMBJ6rBYv6o  N1 Garry LV0 visits the nest then perches on Pole Tree 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/GR5uY71Ebvc  N2 FIRST EGG! 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/-GKcJeJWPlQ  N2 Louis sees the egg for the first time 2024 

https://youtu.be/3xzJPU206Rg  N2 Louis has his first incubation session 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

Heidi’s Osprey Report:

Brevard, Florida: There were three fish deliveries on Monday: 15.30 Mom arrived with small fish, 5 min feeding, nothing for youngest; 15.57 Dad arrived with large partial, good meal for both chicks. Another large partial from Dad at 1820, both ate well.  So, they ended up pretty well-fed today.

NCTC: Scout flew into the nest with blood all down the side of his neck on Monday. Was it a territorial battle? Or prey? All the kids were full to the brim and more. ‘J’ says they look like they ate ‘golfballs’! I agree.

Rita the Eagle: ‘J’ sends us Rita’s posting for Rita’s History Monday:

Captiva Eagle Nest: Both fledglings continue to visit the nest on occasion.

Big Bear: Fishing line appears to be on the nest again! Thanks, naturechat.org and ‘J’

‘J’ says she hates fishing line. Join the club! One of the most significant issues is even if humans clean up after themselves, which they don’t, lines can get broken and stay in a fish, get broken and hang around tree branches in lakes and get picked up. Oh, if we could dissolve the fishing line after so many minutes of exposure to water. I know, I know…It was seen at 0820. Jackie and Shadow are aware of it and hopefully they will be able to deal with it. (Yes, it is a human-made issue. Intervention in this situation and with Sunny and Gizmo this age could be highly dangerous for them even if someone could do it!)

Games keeper charged in the Yorkshire Dales for Hen Harrier killing.

Gamekeeper from a Yorkshire Dales grouse moor charged in relation to alleged shooting of hen harrierDownload

Cornell Owl Cam: Athena and her owlets. https://youtu.be/URYbidkMpAc?

NEFlorida: Bodie tucked into a nice big fish that Gabby delivered.

Hummingbird Migration Map:

Norwich Cathedral: Four eggs for the falcons!

Wells Fargo, West Des Moines, Iowa: First Osprey egg of the season on Monday!

Glaslyn: We do not know what will happen at Glaslyn. Aran hid Teifi’s egg under the nesting material, and he was not seen at the nest on Monday. Will Elen have more eggs? Will Teifi become her bonded partner beginning this year? Will Aran prevail? We wait.

‘PB’ sent a great image of the little third hatch at Duke Farms. It made it. We often wondered and look at how sweet it is.

Fraser Point Announcement:

Steelscape Osprey Platform: First egg of the season.

Latvian White-Tail Eagle nest at Durbe: Milda’s first egg has hatched!

Tonight, I am deeply troubled and appalled by the actions of some individuals in my province who should know better. The thought of shooting crows and magpies for fun is both outrageous and disturbing! In 2025, it’s unimaginable that some people remain unaware of the intelligence and emotional depth of non-human animals. We must urgently advocate for protections for all species to prevent the senseless mass killings that are happening. Our moral responsibility is to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves.

Crows & Magpies Will be Shot Dead in Mass Killing Contest in Manitoba – Animal JusticeDownload

And if that is not enough, we litter our home with all our garbage and it can kill them. Think fishing line at Big Bear today or all those osprey nests littered with human junk.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, images, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘BHA, EJ, Geemeff, Heidi, J, PB, TU’, Raptor Resource Project, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Bart Molenaar, LDF, Eagle Club of Estonia, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Brevard Florida Ospreys, NCTC Bald Eagle Nest, Rita the Eagle FB, Window to Wildlife, FOBBV, Raptor Persecution UK, Cornell Bird Lab Owl Cam, Ryan Vaughn, Norwich Cathedral, Iown DNR, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Duke Farms, Steelscape, PETA, LDF, Dyfi Osprey Project

Monday in Bird World

14 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It was a bit nippy on Sunday, but spring is definitely here. It was time to shake off the winter and get back to walking 4 or 5 times a week. Our first trip was around St Vital Park and then over to the duck pond. There were approximately 85 Canada Geese there along with 5 male Wood Ducks and 2 females, and a couple pair of Mallards along with 3 Ring-billed Gulls. There is still some ice on the pond. It was nice to see families with proper seed feeding them as we wait for the grass to turn green and grow.

You have no idea how happy I am that the walkways are free of ice. This winter has been long because of this. I so enjoyed all the walking that we have done in previous years. Oh, this is wonderful!

Moving on to our feathered friends…

Eggs are starting to land in those osprey nests! Eaglets are growing or fledging or halfway there.

Birds of Poole Harbour: CJ7 laid the season’s first egg for her and mate, Blue 022, on Sunday.

Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home: There are now three eggs in this osprey nest.

Glaslyn: Ospreys can count and they ‘know’. Aran arrived on Saturday and Elen laid her first egg on Sunday the 13th. It would have been KC1’s, Teifi’s. Aran tried to evict it and then when that did not work, he buried it. Aran might have trouble holding on to the nest he shared with Mrs G and then Elen when Mrs G did not return from migration. We wait to see how this works out.

So why did Aran (and other males at different nests at different times) try to eject and then bury the egg?

Male ospreys eject eggs from their nest if they suspect they didn’t fertilise the eggs. We quickly learn that ospreys can count! This behaviour is a strategy to ensure their offspring survive, as they may eject eggs from the nest that they don’t believe to be their own. Ospreys are generally monogamous and mate for life, but if a male suspects infidelity, he may eject eggs to remove potential competitors. 

  • Ensuring their own genetic line: Male ospreys are motivated to ensure their offspring survive. They may eject eggs if they believe they are not their own, as they are essentially removing potential competitors. 
  • Guardianship of the nest: Ospreys fiercely protect their nests and mates. If another male is suspected of mating with the female, the male may eject eggs to ensure his own paternity. 
  • Courtship and Mating: Male ospreys engage in frequent courtship displays and mating behaviours, which can increase the likelihood of fertilisation by their partner. If they witness a female with another male, they may attempt to eject the eggs to ensure their genetic line is the only one present. 
  • Territoriality:Male ospreys are territorial and will defend their nest and mate from other males. This can extend to ejecting eggs if they suspect other males have been involved in mating with the female. 

In summary, the ejection of eggs is a behaviour driven by the male osprey’s instinct to protect his mate and ensure his genetic line continues. It’s a natural defence mechanism against potential rivals and a strategy to maintain the success of his breeding effort. 

Film showing a bathing osprey. It is delightful. https://youtu.be/rev2Y0sbFhk?

Oh, what a worry KNF-E3 O3 was to everyone. Steve looked. Cody helped. And on Sunday that fledgling flew up to the nest like a pro wanting fish. Mum and Dad did not disappoint. Isn’t this wonderful? We will count every one of these moments as gold.

Little Miami Conservancy: These two are doing well but cannot yet thermoregulate their temperature.

Foulshaw Moss: White YW and Blue 35 have their second egg on Sunday. at 1308.

Fort St. Vrain: Less drama today at the nest. Both eaglets fine.

Fat little bottom. Cute.

NCTC: The trio of Scott and Bella are doing extraordinarily well. Little angels.

Port Tobacco: All is well.

Johnson City ETSU: I blinked and that little fluffy chick now has juvenile feathers!

Bluff City ETSU: And just look at these two!

Duke Farms: Then there is this trio. All doing well.

US Steel: Only Bob is doing well. Getting his pin feathers.

Sauces: Betty Lou. Look at those feathers coming in!

Fraser Point: Two adorable babies being well cared for by Andor and Cruz.

Big Bear Valley: Is it possible they will be too full to fly? We would love to keep them on the nest.

Geemeff’s Daily Summary for Loch Arkaig. Just look at the number of fish that Louis has brought in. Now he started out, as Geemeff reminded me, like this last year. But bad weather and an illness and/or injury turned the tide on the nest and the two osplets were translocated. One survived. One did not.

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 13th April 2025

Another calm day without intruders, Affric 152 or Prince dropping in. And sadly, no unattached female visitors for Garry LV0 despite his bringing a fish and making Nest One very cosy with sticks and bedding. Garry’s fish tally rises by a whopping 50% up to a total of three since he arrived on 9th April, fingers crossed that this will be the season he finds a mate. Louis on the other hand is providing so well for Dorcha that she initially refused the second of his two fish deliveries today, and his tally now stands at twentynine since they returned on 2nd April. At the time of filing this report (23.45) Nest Two is empty – will Dorcha return and spend the night as she did last night, will she lay the first egg tomorrow? We must wait and see. The weather forecast is light rain and light winds overnight and into tomorrow, not the best weather for eggs but Dorcha will cope.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.31.19 (05.28.03); Nest Two 21.29.45 (05.32.34)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/cJRzg3GKcZw  N1 Garry LV0 brings a fish but takes it away seconds later 07.58.17

https://youtu.be/tJxdXWMuArw N2 Louis brings a late breakfast 09.02.07

https://youtu.be/2sWdD3SyZQI N1 Garry LV0 stays a little longer on his second visit 08.56.47

https://youtu.be/8_TK0aK9cus N1 Garry pole-vaults in for a third visit 09.33.50

https://youtu.be/Y2Zr8mmDBxA N2 Dorcha doesn’t want the second fish 20.19.17 

Bonus guide to Osprey egg production:

https://kielderospreys.wpcomstaging.com/2013/05/04/copulation-and-laying-eggs-a-bit-of-a-biology-lessonBlast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/S79vEf6sTV0  N2 Louis chases an intruder 2020 (Slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/aw9gnUSlGO0  N1 Late night drama as Louis chases another intruder 2020
https://youtu.be/6yGNxv2KqNQ  N2 Misty morning mating 2022 (x-rated!!)
https://youtu.be/P60wseTCepU  N1 Louis brings a fish to his old nest 2022
https://youtu.be/NmUONfZzPeI  N2 Louis loses a stick and nearly gets lucky 2023
https://youtu.be/9dNWnjbzqEY  N2 Dorcha sees off a Hoodie 2023https://youtu.be/NHDU63bbEag  N1 Garry LV0 brings another fish 2024 (zoom)
https://youtu.be/G1l5YJriSt8   N1 Garry LV0 startles a little songbird 2024 (slo-mo zoom)
https://youtu.be/9MU4DHe21Ak  N2 No egg tonight: both depart 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

Loch of the Lowes: News from The Woodland Trust:· 

“Over the last 5 days, things appeared to have settled into a fairly relaxed routine for LM24 (The Dark Intruder) and his new mate the Unringed Female. The pair have been spending more time on and around the nest, often appearing at first light, indicating they are likely to be roosting nearby. Mating has been regular, though the male is still sometimes getting himself back to front, but he has also busied himself with bringing material into the nest, skydancing and bringing in fish to his mate – everything you would expect a breeding male to do.

Throughout the week there had been little in the way of intruders, with only a fleeting incursion on the 9th April, which the Unringed Female easily defended against. Not content with LM24’s offerings, she brought in a huge trout yesterday, which unusually she caught on the Loch where it is usually more common to see pike and perch.

This morning it was only LM24 who appeared on the nest at dawn, and it remained quiet for much of the day, with no sign of the Unringed Female. Ospreys can be a little bit like buses, with not much happening and then everything happening all at once! True to form it all kicked off mid-afternoon with the arrival of yet another new intruding bird (another unringed female) who was very ‘hangry’!

This female wasted no time in demanding food from LM24, who although initially reluctant, passed his half eaten pike to her, before trying to attempt to mate. The female, with very striking markings (a large triangle on the back of her head, dark chest and a white gap between her eyes) was not keen to reciprocate, but quickly began rearranging the furniture. This female behaved in a way that was very confident and suggested that she may be a little older and more experienced than both LM24 and his Unringed Female partner.

The ‘hangry’ female (who devoured her fish) very vocally began demanding more food from the male, who was keeping a close and perhaps rather confused eye on the things from the top of the camera. After several more failed mating attempts, he finally managed to encourage the female to lift her tail and mate successfully, before……enter stage left; LM24’s mate, the Unringed Female landed on the nest, flapping her wings and mantling, clearly unhappy with proceedings!! She was closely followed by LM24, who briefly touched down before being chased off by the ‘hangry’ intruder!

All three osprey then took to the skies in a spectacular display of flying, diving and shouting, before the Unringed Female returned to the nest. Her respite was short lived however, with the other female returning to launch another furious attack! Once again the birds took off in a flurry of talons and wings, before order finally seemed to be restored 5 minutes later with both LM24 and his mate the Unringed Female settling back onto the nest together.

Things appear to have settled down and order for now seems to have been restored, but for how long?

Follow the webcam for all the action, or come and visit the centre, open 10:30am – 5pm each day”

https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/…/loch-of-the…

Hellgate Canyon: Gorgeous Iris. Still waiting for Finnegan. He was there on the 14th last year. Fingers crossed he arrives today!!!!!!! Oh, tears will flow around the world. Please let this miracle happen again…

Salem Electric: Lots of work to do on this nest. I sure wish that humans in the US would follow some of the UK’s practices where the nest is refurbished each year while the ospreys are on migration!

Clark PUD: Both ospreys are on the nest. Lovely.

Port of Ridgefield: Both home.

Seaside: Bruce has been supplying Naha with some really nice fish since their return. Sunday was no exception with a Redtail Surf Perch and two trout.

Niagara Bee Ospreys: No eggs but a Canada Goose is visiting the nest.

Farmer Derek’s Owl Nest: Bonnie and Clive have one owlet this year, Starr. She is a beauty.

Russell Lake, Nova Scotia: Oscar arrived so early. It seems that he was so happy to have Ethel return that he has been out looking for any kind of gift to brighten her day! OK, Oscar. You can stop now. Those eggs and chicks don’t want to get mixed up with human litter!

Coeur de’Alene, Idaho: No ospreys in sight. Canada Goose nesting on the north platform.

In 2024, with four osplets on the nest and everyone hoping for them, the male disappeared during a heat dome. Mum tried but it is difficult to raise four even if both parents are fishing. Three of the chicks died of siblicide/starvation. One fledged.

Update from Fort St Vrain:

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 articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post: ‘Geemeff’, Birds of Poole Harbour, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home, RAKPhotographic, Kistachie National Forest, Little Miami Conservancy, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Fort St Vrain, NCTC, Port Tobacco, Johnson City ETSU, Bluff City ETSU, Pix Cams, Duke Farms, IWS/Explore, FOBBV, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, The Scottish Wildlife Trust, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Salem Electric, Clark PUD, Port of Ridgefield, Seaside Ospreys, Niagara Bee Ospreys, Farmer Derek, Ospreys of Nova Scotia, City of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, The Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Loch of the Lowes Visitor’s Centre, Fort St Vrain/Excel Energy