Category Archives: UK Waterfowl

First egg for Gabby and Beau…late Sunday in Bird World

23 November 2025

Good evening Everyone,

I am too excited and couldn’t wait til tomorrow to share the fantastic news. Gabby and Beau have their first egg at the NE Florida American Eagle Foundation nest! That egg arrived around 18:33. What a way to start the week!

I hope you had a remarkable weekend and spent some time outside, enjoying the crisp air of late autumn/early winter and getting those legs moving! Don went with Anne to the nature centre for a walk in the golden sunlight and to see if there are any geese on Friday. Toby and I have come in from our walk, and all the Girls, including Calico, are napping. Calico is doing well. Thank you for your kind notes. She is a very special girl to me, and I was so afraid we would lose her!

It has been quite warm. 8 or 9 degrees C on Sunday! We had such a lovely walk. The children were outside playing with only light jackets. We could tell which houses had birdfeeders by the song from their gardens, and many were taking the opportunity to put up fairy lights on a day when their fingers wouldn’t freeze. The time is speeding by. It was a blink, and a week disappeared.

Toby is getting his photo taken with Santa on the 29th. I will post it for you. I can’t imagine taking The Girls to the pet store to get their photo taken although it would be so cute and it is an excellent fundraising idea.

As I mentioned in earlier blogs, the raptors are still in Manitoba, along with hundreds of Canada Geese. It is hard to believe. What else is hard to believe is that for the past couple of weeks, we have seen Christmas trees decorated inside the homes as we go for our evening walk. The lights are gorgeous – I do appreciate them – but when did we start getting ready for the holidays (no matter which one/s you celebrate) right after Halloween?

Look what arrived in the post! (Our postal workers are on rotating strikes, and to receive any mail is rather remarkable.) I am so delighted. The Dyfi calendar is full of beautiful images and historical facts and those beanies will come in handy when winter does arrive.

I want to wish all of our readers who will be celebrating Thanksgiving this week a very special day to enjoy good food and the companionship of friends and family.

SK Hideaways Videos, week of 16 November 2025

Channel Island Bald Eagles
Sauces Bald Eagles, Santa Cruz Island, CA: Jak & Audacity’s Stunning Habitat plus Roosting On the Night Perch (2025 Nov 21)
Cam ops treated us to spectacular views of Santa Cruz Island before panning to the night perch, where Jak and Audacity roosted for the night. 
Video: https://youtu.be/G4Wa_vOuuYQ
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnTsOesC6hE

West End Eagles: Haku Scarfs Lunch ~ Meets Akecheta on Tor + Night Perch Rendezvous (2025 Nov 18)
After cam ops gave us a glorious tour of the area from the HD camera, they caught Haku devouring a nice, big vermilion rockfish on the nest before setting off to Wray’s Rock and then the far tor, where Akecheta met her. As evening approached, they rendezvoused on the night perch, much to the delight of fans. They don’t tend to spend the night on this perch and this night was no exception. But they did seem to spend much of the day together, and most likely roosted together out of prying camera eyes.
Video https://youtu.be/dLIlDCq_DO0

West End Eagles: Akecheta on Sentry & Haku on Fish + Island Fox ~ HD Cam New Position (2025 Nov 16) 
The IWS re-positioned the West End low cam for better visibility of the nest (no more secret hideout), but it also provides excellent views of the tors. Here we see both Akecheta and Haku from the re-positioned vantage point. As a bonus, an island fox makes a cameo appearance. Seeing Haku devour a fish on the nest gave us the view we needed to get our bearings of the re-positioned camera. The cherry on top was seeing Akecheta and Haku meet up on the far tor, this time on the original West End camera (not HD, but a wonderful scene nonetheless). (2025 Nov 16; 7:12-15:02)
Video: https://youtu.be/ILrE2CbmkoI
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org
Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14
Other Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmmAzrAkKqI
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kad6O4nF6bg

FalconCam Project Peregrine Falcons
Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW (http://www.csu.edu.au/special/falconcam/)
Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuZaWzhXSAI
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj1Y6ydRl1c
Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFAsJvGPd00

Girri Burrows into Diamond for Cute Cuddles (2025 Nov 18)
Girri got the cuddles they were craving from super mum Diamond. A mother-child connection at its sweetest. 
Video: https://youtu.be/aHzjeTDcHcY

Girri Tries to Teach Gimbir to Brood ~ Detente is Achieved (2025 Nov 17)
12-day old Girri still likes to be under a parent, where it’s nice and warm. Gimbir, however, hasn’t yet learned how to brood. Despite Girri’s efforts to wedge under Gimbir, it is not to be. A side-by-side arrangement has, however, been achieved. Not to Girri’s full satisfaction, but it’s working. 
Video: https://youtu.be/vWzj5tnUWOs

FOBBV Eagles, Big Bear Valley, CA
Jackie & Shadow Herald the Start of Stick Season ~ with Raven Cameo (2025 Nov 20)
It was a 9 stick day in what might have been the beginning of stick season. Jackie and Shadow came and went from the nest throughout the morning with Jackie making a final visit just before dusk. It was all about delivery, but little placement. There’s plenty of time. During the day, Jackie and Shadow rested on Split Pine, a raven visited the nest, and there was a sprinkling of snow at day’s end. 
Video: https://youtu.be/GNMyJtB-Zbc
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://youtube.com/live/LCGYWfbyBWc
LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz

Redding Bald Eagles
Liberty & Guardian Have Some Branch Management Issues (2025 Nov 19)
Liberty and Guardian performed some serious nestorations, some of which involved tricky branch placement. They each had a troublesome branch that we think will require ongoing tweaking before they’re content. Their new nest is coming along beautifully and will be ready for breeding time whenever they are.
Video: https://youtu.be/5cl-uDFTq0I
Courtesy of Friends of the Redding Eagles, Redding, California
Livestream page: https://www.youtube.com/@FriendsoftheReddingEagles/streams

Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles
Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html)
Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcKLMh-MGEE

SE35 Attacks Camera Parts ~ Tired of Paparazzi (2025 Nov 22)
SE35 has had an ongoing rivalry with the nest camera that we fans cling to, day in and day out. With SE36 out exploring, SE35 has been the sole star of the show. On this day, SE35 put their talon down and went after the camera equipment, tired of being in the spotlight. They succeeded in pausing its operation for about 10 minutes, but when operation resumed, we were right there watching. SE35 has since realized that being the object of so many fans’ affections is really not so bad after all. 
Video: https://youtu.be/_U_eFdYLgec

SE35’s Quandary ~ Self-Feeding or Being Fed ~ Tricky Fish Skin/Bones (2025 Nov 21)
When Dad delivered a fish, SE35 was somewhat conflicted between independence and the comfort of being nurtured.  It was a pretty gnarly fish from a skin and bones perspective. Lady knew just what to do. She let SE35 stand on part of the fish while feeding the other part. Then she stood back and watched as SE35 practiced self-feeding before helping again. It was a very long meal with lessons learned along the way. 
Video: https://youtu.be/h0y6JphCKDY

Thank you, SK Hideaways!

Windows to Wildlife has updated its cameras. Have a listen to what Connor has to say! https://youtu.be/PHDDXUkIKio?

The Tweed Valley Osprey Project has reason to celebrate and so should we. Blue 722.

The Raptor Resource Project wonders which eagles you are watching at Decorah?

Beautiful condors in heraldic pose captured by Tim Huntington.

Speaking of condors, did you catch the Condor chat with Kelly Sorenson and his team at the Ventana Wildlife Society? If you missed it, here is the link and as always, you will learn so much! https://www.youtube.com/live/XBZIu2i9l5s?

Here is the population update and, of course, it is only one page in the presentation. Please do check this presentation out!

‘A’ sends us her commentary on the Australian nests with a nod to Beau and Gabby:

“Just WONDERFUL news about Wisdom. You know my soft spot for albies – I’ve been watching the returnees at Taiaroa Head finding each other and laying eggs. The announcement of the Royal Cam family for this season is coming any minute now – literally. I will let you know when I hear. The educated money is on LGK and LGL, who are experienced parents and previous Royal Cam parents with a fertile egg this year. 

Meanwhile, the WBSE story continues to be a happy one, with the eaglets doing fabulously well. They continue to sleep in or near the nest, with their parents nearby, and they continue to return to the nest to wait for food deliveries or follow their parents in to the nest when they see them returning from a successful hunting trip. Each day, they are bigger and stronger and more confident. We can only hope they are following their parents down to the Parramatta River – they have been spotted near River Roost – and learning to fish for themselves. But at least they are getting that chance this year. What was it, I wonder, that so convinced me that this would be the year? As you will recall, I have been saying this since they were far too young for it to be even an educated guess. This was just a ‘feeling’, a premonition if you like. But I did feel it, and you are my proof! I am SO happy to be right about this. There are no words. There has been so much hope with such beautiful eaglets in previous seasons, only for them to come to a tragic end or disappear altogether. But this is so special and so beautiful to watch. They are operating as a family group, and this is the secret to the success of this year’s fledglings. 

Meanwhile, I have no news to report on the Collins Street fledglings, and this is good news. My sister tells me that there have been no fledglings brought into care so far – if there are, her husband will know because he will be the person they are likely to be brought to. So the absence of any word is wonderful. I spoke with her this afternoon, just to check, and so far, so good. I am annoyed that Mirvac turned off the cameras on 16 November, so we have no idea whether the chicks are returning to the ledge for food. I am hopeful that they may be, based on what we saw before the cameras went off. The parents both visited the ledge on that final day of footage – I told you about the behaviour in the scrapes – but we also know that all three did return to the ledge on the day of or the day after fledging, and the returnees foraged for leftovers and self-fed in the gutter. So I remain hopeful that they may be continuing to do so. 

At Orange, Gimbir is really taking to the role of dad enthusiastically, but it is also true that the little one adores its dad. Watching it trying to get Gimbir to brood made me laugh so much, because of course despite the best efforts of father and chick, nothing was going to make Gimbir large enough to cover the fluffball. Still, both tried hard. Girri was SO determined. The wee one has also followed dad to the ledge more than once – heart in the mouth stuff – and on one occasion, nipped at his tail and wing feathers (playfully or perhaps thoughtfully might be a better description). But it really does seem like dad is a bit of a favourite with Girri.  

As you might remember, I was a huge fan of Beau when he was V3 (I believe there were a total of 13 suitors for Gabby when Samson disappeared), and where all the others were pushy, V3 was quiet and loyal and took his time to respect Gabby’s grieving process and the time she needed to bond to a new male. I was always fond of the way he did his courting (yes, anthropomorphising to the max here but he really was the quiet devoted type when all his rivals were the exact opposite). It felt like Gabby needed to take whatever time it took her to process the loss of a long-term partner, and V3 was the only visiting male to recognise that. But whether or not that was the case, Beau certainly had staying power, and he is certainly doing his job with gusto this season. Just take a look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITiCBZwVQys&list=TLPQMjExMTIwMjVp9OEdcQ6I4Q&index=11. What a man!

Update from WBSE: 

November 21: Early to wake and away from the nest before 6am. Dad brought a good-sized fish at 8:35, with SE35 in quickly to claim it. Lady followed soon after with the remains of a gull. SE35 was quick to grab that, a little tussle, Lady fed a little, then SE35 self-fed well, Dad calling in for the tail. Then, it was fairly quiet until mid-afternoon, when one eaglet was close by, with currawong swoopers close too, swooping enthusiastically. Late in the afternoon, the parents were seen down on the river. Then at 7pm, just one was there and one eaglet came in to the nest, hoping, and finding a little scrap. At 7:30pm, Lady and one eaglet were above the nest. The other adult joined them shortly after. The second eaglet was not to be seen. A late duet then. Now all settled?

November 22: Early duets and SE35 came to the nest. At 5:30am, Dad flew in apparently with a small fish which SE35 ate on the nest. Both adults were seen on River Roost. Meanwhile our other eaglet was heard and then seen closer to the river, but in the Armory area. Swoopers were chasing it, ravens and currawongs. SE36 was flying strongly and seen in a tree. Has it been fed during the past day or two when not seen? At 11:20am, SE36 was seen again being chased across parklands – both adults were on River Roost. SE35 was seen below the camera at 13:40, still near home.

So one of our eaglets, SE36, is being chased and harrassed but is apparently flying strongly and could, we know, return to the nest if it wanted to do so. Perhaps it is exploring the Armory area and the Parramatta River, watching its parents fish. It is healthy and strong, so we continue to hope both are doing well even if we don’t see both every day – the BOTG at this nest provide wonderful information for us all. As I type, SE35 is playing with the twine holding the microphone above the nest, having finished eating the fish that Lady brought in. 

More when there is news at Taiaroa Head. 

Much love to you (and a special chin scratch for Calico)”

And more from ‘A’ on Sunday: “There are some concerns about SE36. Last night, SE35 slept in the nest tree, but I saw no sign of SE36. This morning, SE35 was where it had slept, in the branches of the nest tree, and waiting for breakfast. Around 06:28, a parent flew in to the nest with a piece of leftover fish, and SE35 hurried down the branch, squeeing with excitement, to self-feed. Happy eaglet noises! The juvenile seemed to be begging to be fed but Lady (I think it was mum) was having none of that. You’re a grown-up eaglet now! Feed yourself! Eventually, SE35 settled down to eat very proficiently, gripping the chunk of fish tightly in its left talon. The currawongs were swooping but SE35 seemed unconcerned. The parent remained on a branch above the nest while SE35 ate breakfast. The rain was falling and the wind gusted up and Lady flew higher in the nest tree. SE35 responded by doing a bit of flapping of its own, whether to get the water off its wings or whether a burst of energy suddenly overcame the fledgling, I have no idea. But there was jumping and flapping in the rain. At one stage, SE35 took the chunk of fish halfway up the perch branch, where it ate the remainder of its breakfast, still gripping its fish tightly in its left talon. Very well done SE35. But there was no sign of SE36. 

It is noteworthy that only one parent slept in the nest tree last night from what I could see. So the other parent could be with SE36. And it is worth remembering that the BOTG have heard SE36 and spotted it in the Armory area. I think it has also been seen and heard around River Roost. The question is whether SE36 is being fed. When it has been spotted, it has been flying strongly.but it has also been pursued by currawongs. So it is not being harrassed to the point that previous fledglings from this nest have been. However, it is critical that SE36 gets fed, wherever it is at the moment, and I have to wonder why it was not sleeping in the nest tree lasts night, if only because the nest and the nest tree have proved to be a reliable family-run restaurant for both juveniles since fledging. So it follows that if SE36 is healthy and hungry, it should be at or near the nest tree. The only reasons for this not being the case would be that it is injured or exhausted or that it is being fed elsewhere. We have to believe that the BOTG will report some sighting or audio of SE36 today (it is a Sunday in Australia so there should be people out there looking for these two today – and yesterday) and remember that when last spotted, SE36 was in good shape. 

We know little or nothing about the dispersal of fledgling sea eagles in this area because there really hasn’t been any recorded, thanks to the damned currawongs. And we have no idea of the genders of these two. So we don’t know whether one or both of the fledglings will instinctively move to establish a territory away from the nest area, though I would be surprised if either has learned to hunt independently as yet. So there remains a concern that if SE36 is not returning to the nest tree, things are not proceeding as smoothly as they have been. I will of course get today’s ranger report to you asap. It should be posted in the next couple of hours, but with daylight savings, it could be as late as 8pm (it’s 5.22pm now and I would expect it by 6.30). 

After breakfast, SE35 hung around in the nest tree, drying out its wings once the rain stopped, and occasionally vocalising when a currawong came too close. It was obvious that a number of them were above SE35 in the nest tree, but SE35 seemed confident that it was the boss. SE35 is the most exquisite creature, looking absolutely beautiful with its wings outstretched and the glint of the early morning sunlight on its plumage. After foraging around in the nest for any scraps, SE35 flew off the nest at 08:27. 

Shortly after 3:05pm, an eaglet landed on the nest. I am not sure which one but I think it may have been SE36. They’re very hard to tell apart when they’re not together, and I could easily be wrong because the pics of SE35 from this morning were in quite heavy rain and its plumage was therefore looking different. This afternoon visitor was getting dive-bombed by currawongs, swooping low over the nest, and it stood in the centre of the nest, looking up at the currawongs and vocalising as they swooped past. It was definitely an aggressive response, not one of fear and intimidation. But the currawongs are certainly as relentless as they have been in every previous season. Certainly, this prolonged dive-bombing did not occur this morning when SE35 was on the nest, so I wonder whether that also suggests that this afternoon eaglet is SE36. If so, the currawongs are attacking it far more fiercely than they did SE35 this morning, which is concerning, but SE36 (if it is 36) is giving back as much as it can muster and is refusing to be cowed. No parent arrived with food, though the eaglet continued to hang around in the nest tree. 

So SE36 has not been seen at the nest for the past two days, so we are starting to worry. SE35 is doing wonderfully well but I am concerned about SE36. “

“There was no ranger’s report for WBSE yesterday, which is why I didn’t send it to you, but I was hoping it would go up later. Not so. I fear they may have decided the season is over and ceased doing daily reports, which is frustrating because now is when we really need them. There has been no sign of SE36 at or near the nest for two days and two nights now, which is very worrying because it represents a sudden change from the routine the fledglings had established since leaving the nest. I can only hope for the best, and rely on the parents to do their job. At least SE35 is doing well and standing its ground against the currawongs. But I am very worried for SE36. 

News from Taiaroa Head is that the RoyalCam couple for this year is BOK and WYL, who raised a chick in 2024 at Top Flat Track. These are experienced parents and are incubating a fertile egg.” 

Thanks, ‘A’ – so glad there is no news to report on the Collins Street kids. It is as they say: No news is good news!

We are all concerned about what is happening to the osprey and other species due to industrial fishing in the Chesapeake Bay region – I say region because Omega goes out from the Bay since they have taken all of its Menhaden. Heidi found a really informative article from The Washington Post for us on this very subject. Please lobby to protect the ospreys!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A3tkCy8Cw

Red Kites are one of the most magnificent raptors. The RSPB describes them thus: “This magnificently graceful bird of prey is unmistakable with its reddish-brown body, angled wings and deeply forked tail. It was saved from national extinction by one of the world’s longest-running protection programmes. It has now been successfully re-introduced to England and Scotland. Red Kites are listed under Schedule 1 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act.” In terms of their conservation status, the RSPB states: “Back in Shakespeare’s day, Red Kites were really common, even in cities, where they acted as clean-up crews, catching rodents and scavenging on the scraps of meat that littered the streets. But attitudes changed and Red Kites became the victims of intense persecution. By the end of the 19th century, they were extinct in Scotland, England and Ireland, and just a few pairs were clinging on in Wales.

Thanks to reintroduction projects led by the RSPB and other organisations, Red Kites have made an astonishing comeback in the UK, with numbers increasing by 2,464% between 1995 and 2023. The UK is now home to about 17% of the world’s population.”

Beautiful images from OpenVerse:

“Red Kite” by Michael Brace is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Just look at that beautiul face and the plumage – how could anyone set out to kill them?

“Standing red kite” by Tambako the Jaguar is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.Picture by Tambako the Jaguar

At last someone has been arrested for poisoning them in Essex – but what about all of the others around the UK that have done the same?

Man arrested after five Red Kites found poisoned in Essex – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

The study intended to shed light on the release of non-native gamebirds in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland, which is proving problematic. Thank you, Raptor Persecution UK.

New report on gamebird releases in Cairngorms National Park doesn’t tell even half the story – RaptoDownload

What a stunning image by one of our Manitoba photographers of a Northern Harrier.

Mark Avery brings us up to date in his 21 November blog on Bird Flu in the UK:

“Bird flu: Defra’s most recent update seems to cover the period up to 16 November and has a lot of positive records, especially of wildfowl, with Black Swan, four new duck species and Woodpigeon added to the 2025 list of affected species bringing the total to 52: Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Bewick’s Swan, Black Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Eider, White-tailed Eagle, Red Kite, Buzzard, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Kestrel, Curlew, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Kittiwake, Little Gull, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern, Common Tern, Roseate Tern, Gannet, Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Cormorant, Razorbill, Guillemot, Puffin, Black Guillemot, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Grey Heron, Pheasant,Woodpigeon, Greenfinch and Starling. The flaws in the ‘surveillance’ scheme mean that it is difficult to know what this species list means in terms of species affected – click here. 

Notice, Woodpigeon is on the list. Maybe it would be helpful to know a bit more about those Woodpigeon movements at this time of year.

In Germany (1000+ birds) and France (maybe 10,000 birds) very large numbers of migrating European Cranes have died of bird flu. “

It’s not a bird or a plane, but just a bit of fun with fashionable dogs and a cat in Country Life! (I do think Toby fits the Spaniel – his ability to track the cats that come to the garden is undeniable!)

Haute dogs: How fashion’s finest would dress 11 dogs and one very spoilt cat if only they had the chDownload

Toby has more winter outfits than I do! He loves his red turtleneck.

Adorable friends.

Dear Calico.

Toby and Hugo Yugo caught horsing around.

Thank you so much for being with us today! We hope that you have a marvellous week with lots of birdsong and fresh air – please do get outside if you can! It really does raise your spirits. We look forward to having you with us again next week.

I want to thank SK Hideaways and ‘A’ for their generous contributions to my blog. SK Hideaways’s videos are first-rate and I am so grateful that they create them out of love for the birds and not for subscription numbers. That said, please give them a like and share them with friends and family. I also want to thank ‘A’ for their lively commentary and observations of the Australian raptor families. To the owners of the streaming cams, the blogs and the FB groups that are indicated in bold throughout my blog, my post would not be the same without you, too. I am grateful to all of you!

Top Flat Chick fledges…Friday in Bird World

20 September 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

The rain has continued but without the forecast storms. It just feels cold to the bone and yet the temperature doesn’t indicate that. Strange. A deep damp. All of the girls are curled up sleeping. The only one that is missing is Baby Hope. She is in hiding.

We have had rain and more rain and after it was time for a nice walk. As a consequence, I have been listening to birds outside (highly recommended) instead of watching them on a screen. I do urge you strongly to listen to the presentation by Rob Domenech. Take an hour to learn much about migration and migration patterns and challenges. Executive director of Raptor View Research Institute. This man is passionate, and he knows about his Ospreys. If your time is short, skip over to about 30 minutes. Then go back when you have a chance. It is that good. Did I say that more than once? https://youtu.be/lFQUgAXcF88?

It is a fantastic presentation and if you are at all wondering about the mortality rates, the migration patterns of the young fledglings towards the older more experienced ospreys, then you must take the time and watch this! I promise you will be sorry – he even gives some of the best reasoning behind banding!

The latest from Dr Greene via ‘PB” – thanks!:

Iris and her family made the telly, ‘The remarkable summer of Iris the osprey comes to a close’. I don’t know about you, but the departure of our beloved miracle family has left me feeling bittersweet. https://youtu.be/iKSGv30eaDc?

Reminds me of the American painter, Edward Hopper’s 1920-40s paintings.

Just look at EquiNOX. What a handsome falcon and he has done so well – getting leaned up for flight. NOX sure looks all grown up in his helmet. My goodness, Annie and Archie will be proud of him as he trains for the skies.

The two juveniles and Beaumont were at the Snow Lane nest in Newfoundland on Thursday. Beaumont delivered a fish to both of them.

In the top image, it is raining. There is an osplet on the perch on the far right bottom eating a fish.

Charlie on the perch looking over his territory.

One fledgling at home in Latvia with Dad at the Kurzeme nest. https://youtu.be/zbbOuDfALIc?

News of the Wells-Fargo Osprey is contained in the post below from SOAR:

Some Bald Eagles are working on nests such as M15 and F23 SW Florida! What a team they are. https://youtu.be/lyX6U4F3pAc?

Others, like NE Florida, are giving people indigestion that had grown fond of Beau. Just because ‘the visitor’ is sitting next to Gabby does not mean that Gabby will pick this male at the end of the day. We simply will have to wait and trust her judgment.

This is Gabby and the Visitor. This male was at the nest for part of last year, confirmed by the AEF. They certainly look intent on cleaning this space up!

Thunder and Akecheta have been trying to make nestorations at their West End Bald Eagle nest in the Channel Islands. https://youtu.be/q3RKk3eEb2I?

I heard lots of waterfowl, but did not see Jackie or Shadow at the Big Bear nest on Thursday.

Claire and Irv have been at the USS Steel nest.

https://youtu.be/Gn0q-eoky7g?

If you were watching the Black Storks on the Lodz, Poland nesting site, here is the most recent information on their migration!

Puffin Numbers on the Farne Islands are doing much better than anticipated.

Puffin increases on Farne Islands – BirdGuidesDownload

In New Zealand at the Northern Albatross Colony, the Top Flat Chick has fledged! She took to the skies early on Friday the 19th of September.

It is also time to ‘Name that Chick’. Here is the information, please participate. Please check out the meanings of the names before you click.

Xavier brought Diamond a tiny prey item. https://youtu.be/q7KVZqmxF58?

Lady and her beautiful babies. Both sea eaglets are doing well. They are getting more steady on those feet walking across a stick nest.

M22 gives F23 a much needed morning break at the Melbourne scrape.

Bonnie and Clyde, the GHOs, arrive at Farmer Derek’s nest in Kansas. https://youtu.be/lRBnzDIJNtg?

‘Auntie R’ sent us a wonderful link, just to put a smile on your face!

Calico’s Tip for the Day is a tip and an article. When it is really damp outside, you might want something warm and spicy to take that chill off. Calico suggests getting a large saucepan and fill it with cold water. Place 3-4 Orange Pekoe tea bags or 3-4 T of tea leaves in a tea ball into the pan. Bring to a simmer. Add cloves, a cinnamon stick, and some slices of orange, and sugar to taste. Let it simmer. Your house will have the aroma of fall and you will have a nice spiced tea. Sip the tea while reading the following article. The very first Wandering Albatross has been seen in Ireland. There was also a Black-browed. She thought it was interesting. How do these birds get off course? or does she think they are searching for new breeding and foraging grounds. Have a read and see what you think.

Birdwatch: strong winds bring Irish sea watchers the ultimate prize | Birdwatching | The GuardianDownload

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post this morning: ‘PB’, HMANA, KPAX-TV, California Raptor Center, Newfoundland Power Snow Lane Ospreys, SOAR, Sharon Dunne, SK Hideaways, NEFL-AEF, Netflix Memories, FOBBV, PIX Cams, Marika Solo, BirdGuides, Nesting Bird Life & More, Olympic Sea Eagles, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Androcat, and The Guardian.

Saturday in Bird World

24 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

You will now notice links to videos within the blog. Just click on them, and they will take you to YouTube. Geemeff helped me figure out how to save that precious space to include more images without using up all my media allowance! Thanks, Geemeff.

Friday was another scorcher in Winnipeg. It will be 31 C today but the heat index is reaching to 39 or 40 C. Even the English Gardens were so sultry that it was difficult to enjoy the beautiful foliage.

I continue to smile and tell The Girls how fortunate they are. What we are seeing is a growing number of cats, beautiful ones, coming to the feral feeder. People continue to dump their pets because they cannot afford to feed or care for them. It is so sad when these darling animals bring so much joy to one’s life. There was a steady stream yesterday – ‘The Boyfriend’, a Ginger Male, and a gorgeous long-haired ‘sort of’ Calico (photo below). ‘The Girls’ alert us to their presence. ‘The Boyfriend’ mostly comes during the night – between midnight and 0400. I catch him on the front video camera. But there is also ‘something’ coming and eating all the food and pushing the dishes about and upsetting the birdbaths. I do wonder if it is the fox or a raccoon or, perhaps, a big dog. They must come in through the back because they are not seen on the front camera.

Missey watching from inside where it is cool. They are telling everyone to please put out water because the heat index today was 38 C. The outdoor animals are having a very difficult time.

Remember those storms that hit Missoula with hurricane-force winds? We worried and teared up because of dear Iris and her family. Amy Moore tells us more about the devastation to other osprey families in her article in The Pulp. Thankfully, Iris, Finnegan, Sum-eh, and Antali were not injured.

Empty nested – The PulpDownload

‘J’ reminds us that Bobby Horvath keeps himself busy saving Ospreys and geese that get hit by golf balls on courses! He picks them up and puts them back together so they can live in the wild. Our fledgling ospreys can get into much mischief thanks to us and our fishing gear. Please tell people to take care of themselves and try to clean up after themselves, or stop fishing.

I have talked to you about the issues related to Osprey starvation and the industrial fishing of Menhaden in Chesapeake Bay. ‘H’ found this article that demonstrates clearly that the fish that our ospreys need to survive in the region can make a come back. New York put in regulations. Have a listen!

Hawk Mountain is located in Pennsylvania and is considered to be the world’s first sanctuary for raptors. It began during a time when people were paid to kill raptors – in 1929, $5 was a lot of money and if you turned in a goshawk that was what you received. A dead goshawk that is. Hawk Mountain was where the shooters lined up on top of the ridges when the birds migrated to kill them. Just think of that – thousands of bodies lying on the ground in the forest. A man by the name of Richard Pough began to take photographs of the autracities and eventually those images caught the attention of Rosalie Edge. Edge went to Hawk Mountain, and she came back in 1934, leasing 1400 acres. She created a safe place for the raptors. The killing ceased. In 1935, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary was opened to the public. Edge eventually purchased the property, creating a non-profit organisation to look after the sanctuary. You can visit there today – you can even go and help do a count!

They have just published its first migration count for this season.

Little Ringed Plovers nest successfully for the first time in Cornwall.

First successful nesting of Little Ringed Plover in Cornwall – BirdGuidesDownload

Annie and Archie are getting some together time as empty nesters. https://youtu.be/8SZz3qZEUws?

And more from our favourite Cal Falcons! https://youtu.be/8SZz3qZEUws?

CROW reminds everyone – baby Squirrel season is starting in some parts of North America. What should you do? Read below.

Migration season for Ospreys in the UK is underway (as it is in other parts of the world). I will keep track, once in awhile, of who is home and who is not.

Gorgeous Friday in Missoula and there are some ospreys on that hellgate Canyon nest.

Oh, goodness. ‘TU’ sends news that a storm came through and blew fledgling Antali off the nest. Let us all hope he is alright. https://www.facebook.com/100001195985354/videos/1565499424179303?idorvanity=241808466290553

Looks like everyone is still home at Charlo.

River is hanging on tight with the high winds at Sandpoint.

Looks like everyone is still home at Pitkin County.

For the most part the Finnish Osprey nests were relatively quiet. I caught an unringed on nest #1.

A nice little video of an osprey nest in Whistler, British Columbia. https://youtu.be/XgPX9SMm7N4?

FORE (Friends of Redding Eagles) has given us an update about the necroscopy of Luna and discussions on what to do about the nest tree of Liberty and Guardian. Thanks, ‘J’ for sending this in!

“Friends of the Redding Eagles-FORE

Sotprsodnem0a5cugugg44la299993c4hfi88m7cht3gu03la021u78a912a  · 

Update on Liberty & Guardian’s Nest & Nest Tree 8/22/24:

We just wanted to give you an update on our progress this Summer! We haven’t been posting much because It’s actually been a very busy Summer! We’ve been working non-stop on finding a way to help Liberty & Guardian any way we can next season. We’ve heard several of you suggest we simply “Cut down the Nest Tree” or “Remove the Nest”. After what happened to our Luna & Sol last season we completely understand how you feel! None of us want to experience something like that ever again! But, there are several Federal Laws protecting Bald & Golden Eagles so we have to abide by those laws at all times.

We’re still waiting on the Final Report on Luna’s Necropsy, but I have been in touch with Krysta Rogers frequently these last few months & she has been very helpful. She has answered several questions we asked her after the preliminary report was released & she reviewed a few videos I sent to her of Luna on the Grassy Island. Krysta said she will share the FINAL REPORT with us as soon as it is ready. We would all like to know what the cause of death was for our Luna & Sol & we really hope the final necropsy report will give us those answers. We have to let you know that there are times when the necropsy results are inconclusive, but we remain hopeful!

We’ve also been in touch with the California State Avian Conservation Coordinator Shannon Skalos regarding what we can & can’t do about Liberty & Guardian’s Nest & Nest Tree. Shannon was very helpful & understanding & she put us in touch with our local Fish & Wildlife Supervisor John Perrine who we’ve been working with to come up with a plan. Since we are not Biologists ourselves, we work under the guidance of our local Fish & Wildlife Biologists. We’ve been discussing what we can do within the constraints of the Federal Laws protecting Bald Eagles & their Nests & Nest Trees. 

Back in June, Shannon informed us that we cannot do anything to the Nest or Nest Tree without a Federal “Take Permit”. She said those permits can take quite a while to obtain & she didn’t think we had enough time to go that route(6-12 months). She said US Fish & Wildlife generally tries to “let nature take its course”, but they will always consider things on a case by case basis. 

Shannon let us know we would NOT need a permit to do something in any of the nearby trees as long as we don’t touch the Nest Tree. So, we immediately reached out to our dear friend & Eagle Biologist David Hancock from British Columbia who has a lot of experience & success in this area. David has been consulting with us & now we are in the process of making a plan which we will complete in September. We will share more details on our plan as we get closer! 

Our Project Manager Joe will be coming to Redding in September to replace parts & overhaul the entire Eaglecam System. So, we still have a lot of work ahead of us! But, we are determined to do whatever we can to help our beloved Redding Eagles Liberty & Guardian! And, we are also determined to do whatever we can to make it a great viewing experience for all of our wonderful followers & incredibly generous Donors who make this all possible!

We could not do this without YOU!

Stay tuned!

~Terri & the FORE Team

Here is some helpful information with us from the US Fish & Wildlife Eagle Management Plan:

“Eagle Nest Protections

Along with protecting eagles, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act also protects eagle nests. Eagle nests are protected at all times, not just when the nests are in use by eagles. This means eagle nests can never be removed, destroyed, moved, tampered with, or obstructed, no matter what time of year it is, without a permit.

An eagle nest is defined as “any assemblage of materials built, maintained, or used by bald eagles or golden eagles for the purpose of reproduction. An eagle nest remains an eagle nest until it becomes so diminished, or the nest substrate upon which it is built fails, that the nest is no longer usable and is not likely to become usable to eagles, as determined by a Federal, Tribal, or State eagle biologist” (50 CFR 22.6).

The following are all considered eagle nests and are protected (unless the nests are determined by a Federal, Tribal, or State eagle biologist to no longer be usable):

Any nest constructed by an eagle, even if the nest is never finished or used.

A nest built by another bird that is subsequently used by an eagle for reproduction.

A nest constructed by an eagle that is subsequently used by another species, such as owls or osprey. 

Note that if nest take removes all available nesting substrate from an eagle pair’s territory, this can lead to abandonment and loss of the eagle territory, which constitutes a form of disturbance take.laws”

Is Mum looking a little eggy at Port Lincoln?

Seabirds sang a tribute to the Penguin Icon, Sphen, as they mourn his death.

Magic moment: Sydney aquarium filled with song after sea birds mourn death of gay penguin Sphen | AnDownload

Our smile for the day comes from ‘SP’. Most of you know the Crawley Falcons that hatch their chicks on the balcony of a high rise in Australia. Apparently neighbours decided peregrine falcons were too noisy and asked that the plant pots where the falcons laid their eggs be removed. Well…Here is the story in pictures from their FB page. Oh, they now have at least two eggs.

And a shout-out ‘back’ to my kid teaching at St George’s Medical School – he’s been sending the love for over twenty years now! https://www.facebook.com/share/v/L9wxFqMKJH1qLkBg/

Turtles are starting to arrive at the Kistachie National Forest E-1 nest…oh, geez. If this eagle keeps this up, there won’t be a turtle within 5 miles of the park! This male loves his turtles.

Karl II’s son, Waba, is in the Ukraine where he continues to feed as he works his way back to Africa. Fingers crossed that Waba will return to Estonia and take over his natal nest next year! Yes! Waba can continue the great example of his father, Karl II, who sadly was electrocuted on an unprotected pole in Turkey last year.

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

Daily summary Friday 23rd August 2024

More rain overnight last night with strong winds, and a misty morning today. No Ospreys appeared on either nest, just a pair of Great Tits on Nest One, but we were treated to footage from Spain of our one surviving chick, 1JW, looking magnificent and defending his fish with a short sharp warning nip to another Osprey who attempted to get some of it. This all bodes well for his upcoming migration journey, and explains his informal nickname of ‘Jaws’. Also sent through by Fundación Migres were photos of Pean JH3, the Loch Arkaig Osprey who fledged from a private nest in 2017 the same year that Aila & Louis fledged their first chick, Lachlan JH4. Pean’s untimely death on a faulty power line in 2018 inspired Itziar Colodro Sainz from the Fundación to campaign successfully for modernisation of the local grid at the translocation area of Marjal Pego-Oliva Nature Reserve, which has subsequently saved many birds. More here: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=15815194 and here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-46952452. The wet weather will continue all week, with the possibility of thundery showers tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.32.40 (05.19.49); Nest Two 21.24.56 (05.26.39)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/cuNHwXdx6jE Video footage of ‘Jaws’ 1JW defending his fish in Spain 

https://youtu.be/Cxnfg-UCmUk N1 Pair of Great Tits visit 07.22.56

Bonus new partnership initiative between WT and Sainsburys also means more food and homes for wildlife:

https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4349695/sainsburys-woodland-trust-launch-agroforestry-initiative

Watch the Loch Arkaig Osprey livestream 24/7 and join in the conversation here:

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

‘H’ posted on Fenwick Island….little Fen. Dad is smart. Just drop those fish in when flying by. Don’t risk those precious talons with a hungry juvenile.

SE33 was aggressive towards its little sibling today. Despite there being plenty of fish on the nest, it would not allow the baby to eat but a few bites before starting to bonk it. SE33 goes into a food coma and Dad comes along and saves the day giving little 34 a really nice feeding. That baby was full. Love you, Dad!

‘A’ writes more of these current issues with sibling rivalry: “This morning, Lady went out early and brought back a large fresh whole fish. She started feeding SE33 at around 06:49 and continued to do so until just before 06:58, when SE34, who had had his head down on the nest, finally accepted a bite. But even though it had been eating large chunks of fish for nearly ten minutes, SE33 was not happy about SE34’s inclusion in the feeding and immediately beaks him in the back of the head. SE33 grabbed a beakful of head feathers and shook SE34 for some time. A moment or so later, when SE34 dared to move, he was attacked again. Once again, the shaking lasted some time. SE33 has an enormous crop by this stage and has been eating large pieces of fish uninterrupted since 06:50. 

The fact that SE34 had stayed down for so long, cringing violently away when Lady leaned near him to pick up a dropped piece of fish (she had dropped it, not SE34), was worrying enough in itself, but when after eating so much fish and SE34 showing deference for so long, SE33 instantly retaliated for the one mouthful SE34 had been given, it really depressed me. I thought we had got beyond this on this nest, but obviously, we haven’t. In fact, over the past week or so, it seems SE33 is getting more aggressive rather than less. 

Lady is still looking out for him, and there is still plenty of fish (Dad added a second fish to the breakfast spread this morning – there always seems to be food ready for when Lady wants to feed the eaglets) but it is a worry that he is obviously intimidated by SE33 to the extent that he is sometimes scared to eat. The question is whether he is still getting enough once SE33 has eaten all it can. 

By 7am, SE33 is getting more and more reluctant to accept bites. (It had already been rejecting them when SE34 dared to accept his first mouthful but that didn’t stop SE33 from attacking.) But SE34 is still not brave enough to lift his head. At 07:02, SE33 is STILL eating. SE34 dares to move – he is monitoring proceedings. By 07:02:40, SE33 is refusing food and Lady eats the bite herself. At 07:03, SE34 lifts his head cautiously.

There are two fish on the nest – one whole and one that Lady is finishing off. SE33 gets a second wind but this is a good thing, as it stops an attack on SE34 for lifting his head. Lady pauses the feeding. She surveys the eaglets and takes stock of the situation. She waits. SE33 is full, so I think she is waiting for it to turn away or lose interest in attacking SE34. She is certainly planning what to do next. 

Just after 07:04, SE33 does in fact turn away. SE34 sits up a little further. His head is up. At 07:04:25, Lady offers a bite to SE34, who takes it without retaliation from SE33. Lady then steps closer to SE33 and persists in offering it a bite for nearly half a minute until eventually it is accepted shortly before 07:05. 

Although SE34 has his head up, Lady does not offer him food. She continues feeding SE33, although it is reluctant and slow to accept bites. 07:06:20 and Lady moves some nest material, which strikes SE34 and causes him to turn away, fearing he is being attacked. Lady ends the feeding at this point, returning to brooding the eaglets, even though SE34 has not had any breakfast while SE33 is stuffed to the brim. There is a whole fish still on the nest, plus some leftovers from the other fish, and yet she has abandoned the effort to feed SE34. He is obviously intimidated and scared to eat, but with SE33 so full, it is unusual that Lady did not persist in her efforts to feed SE34. She made very little effort to feed him, and did not offer him bites with the same patience and persistence she used to push more and more food onto SE33. So it was all in all a worrying and disappointing breakfast feed. 

I am assuming Lady is going to let SE33 fall into a food coma and then go back to the fish to feed SE34. I certainly hope so. Otherwise, we are going to have problems at this nest. I am encouraged by the fact that the size gap between the two appears to have narrowed over the past four or five days, so talons crossed. “

There is more news from Australia. ‘A’ sends us the news of a rare white Rhino calf born – no feathers, but we will celebrate with them!https://youtu.be/QaPgf26-WYE?

Thank you so much for being with us today. Have a wonderful weekend everybody! See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, videos, articles, images, summaries, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, Geemeff, H, J, PB, SP, TU’, The Pulp, Return of the Menhaden, Hawk Mountain, BirdGuides, SK Hideaways, CROW, RSPB Loch Garten, Montana Osprey Project, Charlo Montana, Sandpoint, Pitkin County, Saaksilvie, Whistler Osprey Cam, FORE, PLO, The Guardian Crawley Falcons Instagram, Tonya Irwin, Looduskalender, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Heidi McGrue, and Olympic Park Eagles.

Sydney Sea Eagle ‘Dad’ feared injured has returned…Thursday in Bird World

29 June 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

Did you miss June? It seems to have flown by. In Canada, school holidays are beginning. The nature centres will be full of young people learning about their environment, kayaking and canoeing, and, of course, the dreaded ‘fishing’. Still, we want them outside appreciating what Mother Nature offers and learning how to be good stewards of the land. If fishing increases the need for stocked ponds albeit with cleaning up line and hooks and using non-lead equipment or if duck hunting helps create more wetlands and places for the waterfowl, then I can live with that…not my best option but better than the alternative.

It is hot and humid and there is going to be rain today. That is grand. We need it. The rivers in the city are very low. There could even be a thunderstorm which means that Lewis will be quite anxious. And guess what? They were right. We had dark swirling clouds and a heavy and longish downpour. The garden turned even more emerald green than it was and the flowers perked up. The squirrels and Blue Jays have planted sunflowers everywhere. I had no idea that they could root in almost no soil…I will get some photos for you. Last year there were a few and in the fall the birds ate the seeds! Oh, it was magnificent. I love my ‘Gone to the Birds’ garden.

Missey and Lewis have been helping with the flower arrangement. They seem to prefer the asymmetrical look.

Of course, when I came to check they were snuggled up in the chair together not saying who did what! Precious rescue kittens. We are starting our 9th month together. According to Missey’s file, she will be a year old around the middle of July while Lewis will be a year old the following month.

One of Dyson’s babies. Isn’t it sweet?

Everyone was busy eating before and after the storm.

I am having a fun dinner party for an old friend that I have not seen in so many years…so I am starting early on Thursday and today’s blog will be much shorter than normal.

Let’s get started with Little . Of the four chick nests, there are now only a couple that still have four chicks and I want to be confident in Mini fledgling. It is looking better every day. Did Mini get the breakfast fish? That has to be the question for every day. The answer is YES! Mini ate for ten minutes from 0521-31 until Big took the fish. Mini was pecking at the leftovers at 0646. Another fish lands on that nest at 0825, and Little Mini is being fed until at least 0839 – Mini is sleeping with the bones at 0902, no doubt concealing that precious fish from the big siblings. Another giant fish lands on the nest at 0954. A Big Sib is trying to self-feed but is not having much luck unzipping that hard-headed fish…I have no worries that Mini will find a way to get some fish, even if it is scraps from that fish.

Loving how Mini is looking so healthy and standing up strong. Mini can move around the nest really quick too especially if there is fish.

Mini found scraps. Mini can self-feed better than Big!

Mini being fed from the 0825 fish. Chick 1 is really an enormous female. Just look at the size of that bird. We have to be thankful that Dad really kept the fish coming on the nest so the chicks never felt that there was a severe issue with food, Mum looks out for Mini. Wondered about that for a couple of days but, yes, Mini gets its fish. The big first hatch is a gentle soul. We have fretted over Mini but for a nest with four chicks in an urban area this has been an incredible experience.

If there is fish around, Mini is lurking or standing right up front. I don’t know how many scraps Mini got of the 0954 fish, but he was right up front when the 1137 fish landed. The kid ate, ate, and wound up with a nice big crop that could still be seen at 1346. Now Mini is funny. There was some leftover fish, and at 1250, Mini decided to cover it up under him! Clever. Love this little osplet…let us continue to hope that he survives (this has to be the world’s tiniest female or a tiny, tiny male).

1147: Mini having a great big feed. Way to go Mum!

1220: Mini ‘sniffing out’ the fish that one of the Bigs has. Mini will later hide that fish.

“If I just get up close and slide my wing over this piece of fish those big siblings will never miss it!”

“Fish? What fish?”

Look at Mini sitting up tall with its big clown feet. That sure does look like some necklace developing on Mini!

20:43. Mini is eating scraps off the nest…did we say ‘SURVIVOR’? This is from the 2018 fish…it is raining.

Our beautiful Mini with the skinny neck tonight…watch this one change. The chick behind Mini to the right has long legs like a male. Looks like 3. The other one to the left has thick stocky legs like a female.

Mini’s tail is growing.

Thursday morning did not start well for Mini. It missed the breakfast fish which was taken by one of the Bigs (#2). Mini found some old fish skin and was pulling on it. His crop is sunken…let us wish for a lot of fish today.

There is growing concern over the fate of the 21 year old male White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Dad, from the Sydney Olympic Park nest. He had two falls and has not been seen in more than 22 hours. Lady is incubating two eggs.

The latest reports on Dad are: “12:45pm BOTH eagles have been seen and heard – flying and duet. Ground obs have not been able to get a good look at Dad, other than he is flying ok. He had been high up in a tree not too far from nest when they started looking.” THEN: “1:30pm – Dad returned to nest, he is currently incubating. He doesn’t seem himself. While he remains in the treetops there is nothing we can do but monitor.” Gosh, isn’t this a relief! I hope Lady gets some much needed food.

More dual feedings at the Boulder County Fair Grounds – thank you, Dad. This nest is doing well because these two adults work so well together to make sure all three – including that little third – get fed. It reminds me of some of the UK nests in that regard. Lots of fish came on this nest today and everyone ate very well.

Deyani is growing up and she brought prey to her nest – and Tom and Angel’s – on the 27th. Growing up successfully!

Mum at Mn Landscape Arboretum fed the chick at 0551 and 0956. Much of the time Mum stands at the edge and eats – seemingly waiting for the wee one to come over. I was glad to see that twice Mum went to the chick. Maybe. Hard to hope.

‘M’ has noticed a ring on the male at this nest. If you are watching, keep an eye and please let me know if you get all the numbers. We know there is an MS or M5. Thank you. This pair have tried to bring in sticks and the minute they get on the nest, they fly off. I hope they bring some more fish. This wee one needs to be shaded and brooded! It does not have its thermal down so it can regulate its temperature…asking for small miracles.

From the observers of the MN LA nest:

The camera remains offline at Bridges Golf. This image is from Tuesday.

Lots of fish coming to the Boulder County Fair Grounds nest today. Everyone is eating well!

Slow fish delivery at Cowlitz PUD but…the little one got a good feed.

The chick, however, continues to have a hollow crop meaning it is hungry. Dad brought in a little mud puppy, but Mum is so hungry she might eat it all – her crop is hollow, too. It is regrettable…I wonder how many eagles are in the area taking Dad’s fish.

Boy, if we could only FedEx some of that nice fish at Seaside up to Cowlitz. Goodness.

Oyster Bay is great.

There had been some concern for Tom as in Tom and Audrey on Kent Island but ‘H’ reports that “Tom arrived with a large fish around 0630, some 20 hours after the last fish.  Our view of the actual feeding was blocked, but you can see that the chick’s crop after the meal was much improved.  Audrey and her baby polished off that entire fish!” That is excellent news.

At the Patuxent 1 nest, ‘H’ reports: “We will never know why the chicks appeared so starved the other day when the live stream returned.  It was days after the stormy weather had passed.  But all is well at this nest.  There were 5 large fish delivered that I saw.”

At FortisExshaw, the report is good. ” Jasper delivered 5 good sized fish that I saw.  And there were also feedings from leftovers.  The kids do not seem to mind eating leftovers, lol.”

Everything’s settling down at Forsythe! Thank goodness. ‘H’ counted ten feedings with Middle sometimes getting to eat alone! What a turn around. Food security is back.

‘H’ has also been monitoring the Osoyoos nest and says no pip seen in the third egg and the other two chicks are doing well.

All of the other nests -Severna Park, Dahlgren, Boathouse, and Barnegat Light-are reported by ‘H’ as doing well.   

A 19 year old male Osprey is getting much needed help at A Place Called Hope, one of my favourite rehab centres in Connecticut. Send all your positive energy his way! He has a family somewhere…let us hope his mate can care for the kids and that those osplets are old enough to leave so she can go fishing.

The ‘Grey’ Storklets are thriving in Germany.

M3 is still in the nest at Cornell and has not fledged yet. Big Red brought meals for M3. Meanwhile, Big Red and Arthur are making food drops and feeding M1 and M2 over on Rice.

Ferris Akel is on the Cornell Campus with Big Red and family on the day that M1 fledged, a week ago:

‘A’ reports on Diamond and Xavier’s scrape in Orange: “At Orange, there is a lot of bonding behaviour occurring, with Xavier bringing prey for Diamond (whether or not she ends up eating it is another question – her crop was HUGE this morning when she arrived in the scrape) and the pair of them having undisturbed bonding in the scrape twice today. Xavier is looking particularly healthy this season. Diamond is SO much larger than Xavier. She does look like a grand dame.  I do hope they don’t have more than two chicks this year, and a spoiled only chick is quite okay with us. Diamond is getting older and we don’t want to see her overly stressed by parenting. She is a gorgeous bird and many people love her dearly. She is definitely approaching old age in wild peregrine terms, so we do worry about her. At least, I do.”

 Things are so much better at the nest of Karl II and Kaia. The storklets are big and healthy with all the good little fish and frogs that are coming in.

The White Storks in Tukums, Latvia are also doing so well. What a relief for everyone.

We should all be concerned about the ocean and its fish and the need for their protection for all of the wildlife that depend on the seas. Birdlife International discusses this and the need for protections – as well as the UK and the EU working together.

Safeguarding-the-lifeline-of-our-seas-A-call-for-urgent-and-coherent-action-to-protect-the-vital-foDownload

The wildfires from Canada that have been spreading acrid smoke have cost the environment.

Did you know that British Columbia has more Bald Eagles than anywhere else? Yes, that American symbol loves living in Canada – for the salmon! Hancock Wildlife has a couple of new eaglets with names. They have not fledged yet. Check out their camera and all the timely things that Hancock is doing – including building eagle nests with shade features and fighting the removal of eagle nests from parking lots.

Please remember to put out water for the birds and wildlife. You never know who might come to thank you.

Ringing continues to take place on the UK nests. I’ll let you know more about that as information comes in. BTW. How are you doing trying to cut plastic out of your life? It isn’t easy…I hope you won’t give up.

Thank you so much for being with me today as I touched on just a few nests that ‘H’ and I have been monitoring. Please take care! See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, tweets, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to create the content for my blog today: ‘A, H’, PSEG, Se McGregor and the Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Boulder County Fair Grounds Osprey, Lady Hawk and Window to Wildlife, MN Landscape Arboretum, Twin Cities Metro Osprey Watch, Bridge Golf Course Ospreys, Cowlitz PUD, Seaside Ospreys, Kent Island, Patuxent River Park, Osoyoos, Forsythe, A Place Called Hope, @CornellHawks, @ProfBillMcGuire, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, The Eagle Club of Estonia, Liznm and Must-Toonekurg, Latvian Fund for Nature, The Guardian, Ferris Akel, Hancock Wildlife Foundation, Janice Betts and UK Bird Lovers, BirdLife International, and Frank Neufang.