Category Archives: Uncategorized

Syracuse University mourns the death of RTH, Oren…Late Thursday in Bird World

17 September 2026

Good Evening Everyone!

What a gorgeous fall day. It was 11 C when Toby and I went for our first walk. The sky was blue and there was a gentle breeze. The leaves were dancing down from the trees at the little park at the end of our street. If we go around 1000, Toby gets to see his friend, 17 month-old, Adelina. She claps her little hands when she sees him coming and he begins to go at a much quicker pace. It delights me!

My news will be short today – sorry. I continue to declutter, clean, and modify parts of the house in anticipation of Don returning home – at some point. Toby and I also spent three hours at the hospital. Prior to his admission, Don was mobile; he could feed and toilet himself – like everyone else. Today, he is, more or less, an invalid. The cause of the extreme change mystifies me.

Very sad news coming out of Syracuse University:

A red-tailed hawk standing on grass, holding a piece of prey in its talons.
Announcement of the tragic passing of a red-tailed hawk named Oren, detailing the circumstances of his injury and rescue efforts, along with a tribute to his life and family.

Well, the osprey news is rather thin.

At Hellgate Canyon, Wensi and Clarke were last seen about the same time, on the 6th of September. The latest Iris stayed was the 11th of September. This year, however, she has stayed longer. She was photographed eating a fish on the light stand at the baseball park where Louis and Starr have their nest. I understand this is south of Iris’s nest and could indicate the beginning of her migration.

Silhouette of a bird perched on theater stage lighting equipment against a light background.

Lin Lawson posted that image. I find it one of the most striking images of Iris – just her profile, eating a fish.

A silhouette of stadium lights against a sunset sky, with a mountainous background. The scene suggests a serene evening atmosphere, possibly indicating the presence of wildlife.

Well, she was still around on the 17th eating another fish on the light stand!!!!!!!!!!

Post about Iris the owl, dated September 17, 2026, noting her later than usual appearance and referencing her fishing activity.
A zoomed-in view of a tree with a partially obscured bird, likely an osprey, perched on a branch amidst green foliage.
A close-up view of tall lighting poles with multiple floodlights, silhouetted against a hazy sky and distant hills.

The 18th will be exactly one week after our Queen has stayed. Each of us noticed Iris looking a little ‘worn out’ after raising Wensi. I am glad she is taking her time, getting fit, and putting some fat on. Female ospreys are known to lose at least 30% of their body weight laying eggs, incubating, and raising their chicks. They have to put that back on, plus some, to be truly ready for their long journeys to their winter homes.

It appears that C22 has finally left Montana and headed south. Charlie was seen enjoying eating his own fish without a screaming young one!

An Osprey perched on a wooden post overlooking a river and mountains in the background, with a nest made of sticks visible below.

Cowlitz seems to be the only Pacific NW nest with an adult and chick still there.

In Canada, we still have a few ospreys.

Virginia Osprey Foundation’s latest newsletter:

https://www.virginiaospreyfoundation.org/post/osprey-flyer-volume-xxxv-september-october-edition-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawUZfWNwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5Y7oOnVfhswIAS2cVx6ypk_SiYnt9bPdWBPDTAx2uTNJlG6Xi8G1KIEwLI9w_aem_DFmloKOGhRbmci-7P1QaUg

Please note that this is included in the newsletter: “Public comments are being accepted through October 9, 2026. We strongly encourage everyone who cares about Ospreys, the Chesapeake Bay, and the health of our entire Bay ecosystem to participate.  Please see the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Public Comment schedule here.  The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has provided a link so that you can sign onto their document which will be submitted to ASMFC.” Go to https://cbf.quorum.us/campaign/addendum2/?utm_source=action-alert&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=menhaden&utm_content=microsite

You do not have to live in the region. Please, please go to the document and sign it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More on the issue of Menhaden and the rapid decline of the osprey population.

Jason Schratwieser, President of the International Game Fish Association, smiling while seated in a casual setting, discussing fishing management issues related to menhaden.

Another post – long so I have cut and pasted:

Justin Hawkins

STATE OF REALIZATION

“At some point, the menhaden debate has to become about more than how many fish we can legally remove.

It has to become about whether we should.

Menhaden are not just another commodity. They are forage. They move energy through the ecosystem, feeding redfish, striped bass, birds, sharks, dolphins, and countless other predators.

A school of menhaden entering an estuary isn’t an empty resource waiting to be extracted. It’s already doing something.

It’s feeding the ecosystem.

That’s what gets lost when we talk only about harvest limits.

And here’s the question I keep coming back to:

If we can develop alternatives to wild-caught forage fish, why wouldn’t we use them?

Algae, alternative feed ingredients, invasive species, and other technologies are already being investigated as substitutes for some of the products traditionally made from wild fish.

So why continue putting additional pressure on a foundational forage species when other options are becoming available?

This isn’t anti-fishing.

It isn’t anti-commercial fishing.

It’s a question of priorities.

In the Chesapeake, managers are even considering significant reductions to the menhaden reduction fishery cap. That alone should tell us this conversation deserves more than a simple argument over whether the coast-wide stock is technically “overfished.”

A coast-wide assessment doesn’t automatically tell us what is happening in every bay, marsh, and estuary.

Growing up around the Gulf Coast teaches you something quickly.

Nothing in the water exists by itself.

Take away enough pieces, and eventually you change the system.

We don’t have to wait until something is broken before deciding it’s worth protecting.

You’re allowed to want abundant marshes.

You’re allowed to want healthy redfish and trout populations.

You’re allowed to want osprey over the Chesapeake and bait moving through Gulf marshes.

And you’re allowed to ask whether turning a foundational forage fish into an industrial product is really the highest and best use of that resource.

Maybe the real question isn’t how much menhaden can we take?

Maybe it’s:

How much should we leave in the water?

Because sometimes the most valuable fish is the one that never reaches the processing plant.”

Do people need fish to survive? No, we do not. Do ospreys rely on fish as their only food? Yes. What about the others, like albatross?? Climate change, global oceans warming, rivers drying up – all of this spells disaster, and it is impacting wildlife that depend on fish. I am too tired tonight, but this is a very serious issue. Humans can do without supplements and give up eating chicken or salmon (Menhaden are used to make feed for chicken and salmon farms as well as supplements). We would not die. Indeed, eating a more plant-based diet benefits us and the planet. As one Michelin-star chef remarked the other day, eating beans is very healthy, a good choice for the planet, and, in times of escalating food costs, a great way to lower food costs!!

Aran has departed from the Friends’ nest in Anglesey.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 17th September 2026

Another wet and windy day, with night cam switching over shortly after 8pm. The only activity was a Raven perching on Nest One and kronking loudly at others flying nearby

Today’s video:  

https://youtu.be/UIZLlUXmsts N1 A Raven perches and warns off others nearby 16.40.22 (zoom)

Bonus guide – Woodland Trust’s guide to the first signs of autumn: 

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2026/09/first-signs-of-autumn-6-seasonal-changes-to-look-out-for

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:  

https://youtu.be/XB-jUBtwanA N2 A Tawny Owl pays a midnight visit and a stag calls nearby 2022
https://youtu.be/JarMFpvPE3A N2 A Raven (Corvus corax) visits and rearranges the furnishings 2025

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

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‘R’ sent me a recent article, How to Stop a Murdering Cat, about felines and their devastating impact on songbirds. The number of birds killed by well-fed, or ‘fat cats, ‘ is astonishing. Please spread the word for people to keep their pets inside. We might have 1 billion more birds singing in the trees – or more.

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2015/12/accessories-for-your-murderous-pet/419601

‘J’ sent me some good news articles; I will start a section on my blog tomorrow and include them. You can join in, too. Please do send me amazing stories and their links to share with others.

SK Hideaways caught Kaydee snuggling up with Shadow and wanting ‘his’ fish. https://youtu.be/bvJyHjfo0VA?si=8lNaw2WloXqK1I66

Thank you, everyone, for being with us today. I hope to post some good news stories later tomorrow, so please send me more than I have so we have a diverse mix. If I do not post my blog tomorrow, they will appear late Saturday. Now take care everyone and get outside and enjoy the autumn nip in the air.

Thank you, as always, to Geemeff and SK Hideaways. Thank you to everyone who posted information on FB – I am so grateful. These days, I don’t always have time to go back and rewind all the videos when I get home from the hospital. To everyone fighting to stop the industrial fishing of Menhaden to save the osprey and an ecosystem- bravo. The people who want this to cease are growing each day. We have a real chance of winning, and winning we must do.

Help the Osprey!

15 September 2026

Hello Everyone,

I know that you love each and every species – many are die-hard followers of osprey, eagle, stork, falcon, and albatross streaming cams.

However, it is time to step up and defend the Ospreys. They are, as many of you know, the ‘canaries in the coal mine, and they are starving to death because of a lack of fish. Please read the following carefully and check out David Sikorski’s first post, which explains how to participate if you cannot be present at the hearings.

David Sikorski serves on the ASMFC as an MD rep but not on the Menhaden board. I work for the Coastal Conservation Association and oversee our work in MD and VA. He said to me today, along with the link below: “Hello! This is the direct link to all things addendum II. It does not have preferred options for conservation as it is the ASMFC portal but is the best place to send people to find out how to participate in the process.”

Atlantic Menhaden Draft Addendum II

Barbara Slatcher writes on FB today: “Here is a good graphic showing how low osprey reproduction is in salty water. Almost 0 chicks in the black research areas. Amazingly all the way up the York River red and black up the Rappahannock. There are 10,000 nesting pairs in the Bay watershed. The research only includes 1,000 pairs. Imagine what the total losses of chicks actually are.”

Map illustrating 2026 Osprey productivity in Chesapeake Bay, indicating areas of young per pair with color-coded classifications: blue for >0.8, yellow for 0.4-0.8, red for 0.2-0.4, and brown for <0.2.

The American Bird Conservancy posted:

A social media post from American Bird Conservancy discussing the decline of Osprey breeding success in the Chesapeake Bay due to the loss of menhaden fish.
An osprey perched on a branch with a fish in its talons, alongside a message about the declining nesting success of ospreys in the Bay.

In Osprey Land, Iris is still in Missoula, Wawa is still at Seaside, and C22 was still at Charlo.

Geemeff sends us a daily update:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 15th September 2026 

A mostly dreich day where the only action was a multi-species visit from a mini flock of songbirds – in order: Coal tit, Wrens, Chaffinches, Blue Tits, Robin and Great Tits (thanks Steve for the ID). More wet weather expected tomorrow with some dry spells.

Today’s video:

https://youtu.be/utvaZrX0SZ8 N2 Birdsong heard as various little birds flit around the nest 07.18.38

Bonus action: still time to vote for your favourite tree, open until 29th September:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/tree-of-the-year

Special blast from the past: on this day in 2023, Roy Dennis, the UK’s foremost raptor expert, appeared on BBC Morning Live presented by Gaby Roslin and Gethin Jones to discuss the reintroduction of White-tailed Eagles (AKA Sea Eagles):

https://youtu.be/H3lx3b8nY1I Roy Dennis and the Sea Eagle reintroduction programme 2023

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/qgk4rPFKrhc N1 Nocturnal intruder: A Pine Marten visits 2020
https://youtu.be/RVho3ocVmbE N1 All aboard the Osprey Express! 2020
https://youtu.be/HgkvgBpoz4A N2 Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris) climbs up Dorcha’s perch 2023 (zoom)

Still chatting at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, probably not for much longer:

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

News from Ventana Wildlife about the wildfires impacting the condor community:

VWS Logo From the Director

September 15, 2026

Dear Mary,

Timber Fire Update
The Timber Fire remains in limbo, and our biologists still can’t get to the sanctuary to place lead-free food at the feeding site. The wild flock is steering clear of the area too for now, so we’re keeping a close eye on conditions and will let you know as soon as it’s safe to get back in. Watch Joe Burnett‘s firsthand footage from when he went up to release the condors early because of the fire, they would have otherwise stayed in captivity a few more weeks: Watch VideoSave the Date: October 24 Release
Join us live at our early October Condor Chat & Release to watch it happen. This special event replaces our regular last-Thursday Condor Chat for the month. A huge thank you to Oregon Zoo, San Diego Zoo, and The Peregrine Fund for these incredible birds.

Before that, tune into our September 24 Condor Chat, where you’ll help name this year’s Rookies! The crew is going with a rock and mineral theme this time, think Jasper, Obsidian, Marble, and more. Viewers vote on their top five favorites from the biologists’ list, then our interns match each name to a bird based on the personality they see over the following weeks.Thank you, as always, for following along and for standing with us and the condors.


With gratitude,

Kelly Sorenson
Executive Director

…and the Condor Crew
Ventana Wildlife Society

Hawk Mountain’s Migration News:

Table displaying bird species with their weekly total, season total, and 10-year average counts.

Do you love storks? ‘J’ sends us a link to a great video about the Stork Capital of the World

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=alfaro+storks

I have very good news today. Don is being transferred to a specialised physical and occupational therapy unit at another hospital as soon as a bed becomes available. Today, he walked and was very lucid. A plan is in place for him so we wait to see how he will do.

Take care everyone! Please find time to be outside – it heals all manner of ills.

Thank you to Geemeff and ‘J’, to all the individuals who posted on FB or sent links and notes such as Ventana Wildlife, and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch our favourite bird families. I am very grateful to David Sikorski for sending me the information I need to stay informed and take a stand on menhaden gillnet fishing, which is destroying the food ospreys need to survive! Thank you, David, and to everyone else fighting hard for the ecosystem the ospreys depend on.

Last osplet at Osprey House Environment Centre dies

14 Septmeber 2026

It is with profound saddness that I report that the last surviving osplet, of three, died of starvation at the Osprey House Environment Centre in Australia today.

Hope had been bringing in fish for her only surviving chick but her mate, George, would fight her for the fish and take most of them. On occasion one would slip by and she could feed herself and the baby. It was not enough. The little one perished of starvation.

It is not clear to the precise reason for George’s behaviour but I suspect he has injured one or both eyes or has an eye disease and cannot fish for himself.

Here is the announcement from 22 minutes ago:

t is with great sadness that we share that our last remaining chick has passed away.

We know many members of our community have been following this nest closely and will be upset and disappointed by this news.

We understand that events like this can be difficult to witness and often raise questions about whether intervention is possible. While we appreciate the concern and care people have for these birds, wildlife management agencies and nest monitoring programs generally follow a non-intervention approach with wild osprey nests. This means that, except in very specific circumstances involving human-caused threats or immediate risks to public safety, natural processes are allowed to occur without interference.

Ospreys face many challenges throughout the breeding season, and not all chicks survive to fledging. While this can be confronting to observe, chick mortality is a natural part of the life cycle of wild birds and contributes to the balance of healthy wild populations.

Our role is to monitor and share information about the nest while minimising disturbance to the birds. Intervening in natural nesting events can cause additional stress to the adult birds, disrupt nesting behaviour, and may not improve outcomes for the remaining chicks.

We have also received many comments about one of the adult ospreys, with some community members concerned that George may be unwell. While we understand these concerns, there is currently no clear evidence that capturing him would improve outcomes. Capturing and handling wild raptors can cause significant stress. For this reason, intervention is only considered in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear need and a reasonable likelihood of a positive outcome.

We thank our community for the care and interest shown in this osprey family throughout the season. We will continue to monitor the nest and provide updates on Hope and George.

❤️Thank you for helping us appreciate and respect wildlife by allowing nature to take its course.

SE 38 doing well…late Monday in Bird World

15 September 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

We’ll all have empty nest syndrome soon. Most of the ospreys have flown to their winter homes and left us to watch the peregrine falcons, the WBSE, and the Bald Eagles! I don’t know about you but watching Mum at Port Lincoln incubate eggs isn’t all that exciting but I do love seeing Dad bring her a fish in the morning.

2026 osprey breeding performance was the worst ever recorded for the Chesapeake Bay is published:

https://ccbbirds.org/2026/09/14/2026-osprey-breeding-performance-was-the-worst-ever-recorded-for-the-chesapeake-bay/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUVbtlwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAGJyaWQRMTZoQ0E1VjhDc2d0eFltOWhzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEec6lb7hxKRLNitQ6vdA7CgcNVVIhwpEt3CwzYXnCBhv5NrjGUOoGppvjhriI_aem_aIZsd4fHd_kVZPH_evaucg

More and more organizations and people are supporting the reduction of the amount or the entire stopping of industrial fishing of Menhaden.

An osprey with outstretched wings stands on a wooden platform near its nest, overlooking a green marshland with a city skyline in the background.

I am so pleased.

The takeaway from the report: “The 2026 breeding season was the worst productivity year ever recorded for osprey in the Chesapeake Bay.  Average productivity in waters above 5 parts per thousand (ppt) salinity (N = 769) was 0.25 young/pair.  On a global scale, the annual breeding performance required to maintain a stable population ranges from 0.8 to 1.3 young/pair.  Only pairs nesting within tidal fresh waters (N = 168 nests producing 1.04 young/pair) exceeded the breeding performance threshold required for population maintenance.  Eighty-one percent of all pairs nesting in waters above 5 ppt failed to fledge any young.  Of pairs that did produce young, 70% were single-chick broods.  The 2026 results extend the ongoing trend of productivity decline throughout saltier regions of the Bay.”

Unless something is done, ospreys will go extinct in the region.

A few of the nests that still have ospreys:

C22 and Charlie are still at Charlo with Charlie delivering fish. Mostly at Roger’s Place.

I really haven’t reported on the nest of Bruce and Naha at Seaside much this season. Bruce is still there bringing fish to one of the fledglings.

Wensi has not been seen since 6 September at the Hellgate Canyon nest or owl Pole. Iris still appears to be in the area.

A tree filled with green leaves, with a bird preening among the branches, indicating post-meal behavior.

Photo of fledgling Elsi starting her migration from the Dyfi osprey nest. Thanks so much! She is gorgeous.

Osprey in flight against a backdrop of misty mountains and greenery.

Aran may still be at Glaslyn today. He was there yesterday. It was raining, not a good day to fly!

A photo taken through a camera viewfinder showing a bird perched on a branch in a natural setting, surrounded by greenery.

Dad was still at Boulder County Fairgrounds.

In Australia, SE38 is still doing well! Look at that crop. SK Hideaways has the feeding on video. It was an eel! https://youtu.be/qMUP6PbcjOg?

A parent bird feeding its chick, which has fluffy white down feathers, in a nest surrounded by leaves.

We woke up to a rainy, cold 8°C day. We needed to turn on the heating last evening. Toby certainly doesn’t mind going out to do all that ‘business ‘, but I found bundling up to go for a walk a little daunting after such hot weather only a few days ago.

We spent part of our afternoon at the hospital. Don moves so fast in the wheelchair that they are considering putting a seatbelt on him so he doesn’t hit something and fall out. The team at the hospital (his doctor, nurse, physiotherapist and social worker) are starting to formulate a plan for Donald. They are good and quite considerate of everything, including safety, which is paramount. For us, he now requires two strong people to lift him. If that continues, he would not be able to come home and would have to go into long-term care. If, however, he were to need only one person to lift him, they would provide me with a care worker for a 12-hour period, including getting Don to bed and getting him up in the morning, giving medications and giving him a nightly shower. I can sleep and not worry about him! We would also get one of those fancy hospital beds with a warning system that lowers and rises and goes up and down every which way. A nurse would come weekly to check on his bladder issues. This would be ideal. I am prepared for either scenario.

Thank you so much for being with us. Take care. I will be back in a couple of days.

Thank you to SK Hideaways, everyone who posted information and images on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams that let us watch our bird families. I am, as are my readers, forever grateful.

Iris is still here…Late Saturday in Bird World

12 September 2026

Hello Everyone,

Get the tissues out. I have a story from the hospital today. Ann and I always try to be there for at least one meal. She likes to go at noon, and I prefer arriving at 1630. It takes Toby and me about thirty-five minutes to get across town, and added up, the later time means Don will be ‘full’ (he eats well for me, and I always take a green salad and fresh fruit to wind up the hospital meal) till morning. There is no cookie cupboard at the hospital, although there is a box of homemade ginger cookies that Jaine made on his chest of drawers there – he doesn’t remember, so that is good, as he won’t try to get out of bed and fall trying to get one. (Visitors give him one). Toby and I left this evening. I reached over, kissed him goodbye, and told him, ‘I miss you’. He said back immediately, ‘I am always here’. I whispered, ‘I missyou at home’. Don squeezed my hand, raised it to his lips and kissed it. I held it together until Toby and I got home, broke down, and just cried. This has to be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life…We still don’t know the future. It is simply one day at a time, but underneath all of this is a strong foundation of love.

If you have a loved one who has dementia (not talking about Alzheimer’s – they are so different), remember that they ‘know’ things. They might look like they are snoozing, but they are listening… they feel, and they know. The proteins in their brain are changing, but that brain is intact, not dying.

Tomorrow is my youngest grandson’s birthday party, and Toby and I will stop in at the hospital on the way home. I will not be posting tomorrow, but will be back on Monday or Tuesday. I am including the video listing from SK Hideaways. Please take a look at the wonderful work they do! Also, news from Geemeff.

SK Hideaways Videos Week of 6 September 2026

367 Collins Street Falcons ~ Melbourne ~ F24 & M24
Courtesy Victorian Peregrine Project
South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY
North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

M24 Arrived Too Early F24 Sent Him Off to Fetch Breakfast ~ 2026 Sep 10
M24 arrived empty-taloned before sunrise. F24 was rather unimpressed and sent him off. When he returned 2-1/2 hours later with large prey, mum was delighted to see him. We then got to enjoy his egg lullaby as he situated himself for his morning incubation stint. 
Video: https://youtu.be/jnpk9Y1gLz8

FalconCam Project ~ Diamond (~13 years) & Gimbir (~2 years)
Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW (http://www.csu.edu.au/special/falconcam/) ~ Australia
Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuZaWzhXSAI
Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQxrTGgNu4M

Egg #3 for Diamond & Gimbir ~ Pro Parents Make it Look Easy ~ 2026 Sep 10
Relieving Gimbir of egg duty, Diamond arrived with a full crop and had a quick delivery of egg #3. Gimbir returned with prey and dashed (not shown), then returned for his first 3-egg incubation stint. Well done, you two!
Video: https://youtu.be/51MYA5NH1jg

Diamond Lays Egg #2 After Chat with Gimbir ~2026 Sep 7
In my story, Gimbir stopped by the nest box with a huge crop. After some brief bonding, Diamond informed him she felt egg #2 coming soon. She mentioned that it might be nice to have a snack beforehand. Gimbir didn’t quite get the message, found a scrap for himself, and departed. Diamond already had a sufficient crop herself, so was ready to go. She delivered egg #2 at 23:24:32 with minimal fuss. Wishing Diamond and Gimbir successful hatches.
Video: https://youtu.be/r1UjuD3pQ2s

FOBBVCAM Eagles  ~  Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Shadow (12 years), Jackie (dec. 10 August 2026), Sandy, and Luna (last seen on camera 23 July 2023)
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Nest Cam:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
Wide View Cam (Cam 2):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4
Live Recap & Observations:  https://bit.ly/4wGjwVg

Shadow & Kaydee Nest Dance He Bows Out First ~  2026 Sep 11
Shadow and Kaydee spent about 8 minutes in the nest together. The changing interactions are fascinating. It is early days. We watch, learn, and trust the eagles. 
Video: https://youtu.be/I3wJZ_a33NM

Shadow & Kaydee Evening and Morning Rendezvous ~ 2026 Sep 9-10
Remembering Jackie on 1 Month Mark of Her Passing❤️‍🩹
After spending the entire day as a perch potato on Twin Pines, Shadow retired to the Roost Tree. Kaydee came along a bit later and did a nest check before joining him. In the morning, they exchanged greetings and perched on the Lookout Snag for a short time.

In addition to continuing to observe the dynamics between Shadow and Kaydee, I took a moment in this video to honor Jackie on the one-month mark since her passing. Jackie will always be the heart and soul of the Big Bear Valley eagle community, setting the foundation for the resurgence in eagle life that has developed since her birth in 2012. Jackie remains in our hearts today and always.
Video: https://youtu.be/QiFZ5UeWe6c

Shadow & Kaydee Meet at Dawn ~ Ravens Wake the Neighborhood ~ 2026 Sep 9
While they roosted separately overnight, Shadow and Kaydee met up at dawn. They watched each other across the habitat before coming together on the Lookout Snag for a half hour. They then resumed their off-season adventures.
Video: https://youtu.be/TzJPFak8rnM

Shadow’s Day ~ Stunning Horaltic Poses ~ Rain Shower ~ 2026 Sep 7
After few sightings of Shadow the day before, we were grateful to see him for a good, long time today. He started the morning on the Lookout Snag, then perched on Twin Pines for over 3-1/2 hours. While there, he displayed not one, but two spectacular horaltic poses. Lucky us.
Video: https://youtu.be/rbCoC-8tp5s


Two Harbors Eagles ~  Catalina Island, CA ~ Cholyn & Chase (28 years old; mated pair for 23 years)
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Two Harbors Eagles Cam Ops
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ
Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

Cholyn’s Day of Bliss ~ Chase Hillside Haven ~ 2026 Sep 10
Cholyn spent the morning on a favorite oceanfront perch taking in the brilliant, sparkling Pacific. She enjoyed it so much that she returned in the afternoon before visiting the nest. Chase settled on the cactus perch in the afternoon. The lovebirds watched each other across their habitat before departing on their evening escapades. Any view of Cholyn and Chase is a gift. Forever grateful to Two Harbors cam ops.
Video: https://youtu.be/Onz4H40gONQ

Iris was still eating fish at the Owl Pole today – this is the latest she has ever stayed. Let us all send our Queen of Ospreys much love and good wishes. May she eat loads of fish, get healthy, migrate, and return to us next April along with Clark.

Isn’t she amazing. Look at that size of fish! Go, girl!

An osprey perched on a tall wooden pole near a river, surrounded by trees and rocky riverbank.
An osprey standing on a wooden post, feeding on a fish in a natural setting with greenery in the background.

Geemeff writes: “Woodland Trust forum member CraigB made this tribute to Louis via chatGBP, and is happy for it to be shared:”

An illustration of an eagle soaring above Loch Arkaig, with mountains and forest in the background. The eagle is depicted landing near the water, capturing a fish with its talons, while the serene landscape reflects the highland environment.

Geemeff says: Greetings from Komodo! Interrupting my Dragon watching to tell you Loch Arkaig’s 2024’s lone survivor 1JW has returned to his translocated home in Valencia and has been seen nesting! 

WTS George posted: I received a message from Itziar on the Spanish team regarding 1JW, our 2024 chick who was translocated to Valencia:  “He has been seen on many occasions at Pego Oliva Marsh, interacting with this year’s birds and spending time on one of the artificial nests that we have built. Unfortunately, the nest that he has been using is far away from any areas of public access so is impossible to get any photos. We haven’t seen him for a few days so maybe he has begun his migration, in which case we await his return next year, and hopefully he’ll find a mate! As it’s still early September, we’re all still watching out in case he’s still around.”

Geemeff says: That is such great news after the disastrous year of 2024 that was Season Eight – the weather was foul, chick3 didn’t last long and the other two nearly died of starvation and hypothermia as Louis wasn’t able to fish in the unrelenting cold and rain plus got ill as well, and the chicks were too big for Dorcha to cover properly. Then Woodland Trust sought and received permission from Nature Scot first to try hand feeding at the nest, and when that wasn’t enough, for the remaining two to be given to Roy Dennis to join that year’s cohort of Scottish translocatees to go to Spain as part of the reintroduction programme that’s been running successfully for some years. The chicks were ringed in Spain, Yellow 1JR and 1JW, but 1JR succumbed to a heart condition leaving only 1JW. Who went on to fledge and it seems, go roaring on to return from migration as a two year old and claim a nest! What a survivor he is. Another example of the benefits of ringing, or banding as it’s called across the pond – we would never have known of his success without his Darvic ring giving an incontestable identification.

Geemeff has had a great adventure, and maybe they will allow me to share a couple of images – life is for living; always remember that. I wish I could have gone on this trip with them.

Take care, everyone. I will be back in a few days.

Thank you to SK Hideaways, Geemeff, and The Woodland Trust for the great news. I am always grateful, as you are, to the owners of the streaming cams for letting us see our birds and their lives.

Idris is on migration…Saturday in Bird World

12 September 2026

Hello Everyone!

The weather is much cooler. 15 C. It really feels like fall. The first Starling to return! Toby and I are cleaning up the garden. Ann and I now take turns, alternate days, going to the hospital. Don fell again yesterday. The nurses could not get there in time when the bed alert sounded and found him sitting cross-legged on the floor. It has now been 17 days. He is improving in some ways but his body is giving out. I am preparing myself for the fact that he might not return home. At the moment he needs constant care and watching and it takes 2-3 people to lift him. I am only one! We will do whatever is best for him.

Tobby’s grooming had been neglected. That is all fixed. He is so soft. Don kept rubbing and rubbing him yesterday at the hospital. No more neglecting. Paws and the behind are so important to keep clean. Our vet suggests washing their paws and drying the well (so as not to get anything nasty growing down deep) every time they go out for a walk.

Close-up of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a shiny coat, sitting calmly, showcasing its expressive eyes and distinct fur pattern.

On everyone’s advice, I have returned to a hobby that I love – photography. I love the new R7 camera with the 100-400 mm lens. Just the perfect weight. Let’s see what some of those first images look like!

One of the Blue Jays shot through the conservatory window. I am going to build a hide in the garden. I can only imagine how this might look if it wasn’t shot through glass.

A blue jay perched on a decorative metal hook, displaying its vibrant blue and white feathers against a blurred green background.

Mushrooms are growing all over the neighbourhood. It has been so wet!

A close-up of layered brown and white mushroom growth on a decaying tree stump, surrounded by green leaves.

The Starlings have returned – more and more to fill up on cat and dog kibble!

A blurry image caught with my iphone.

A spotted bird perched on the edge of a birdbath surrounded by green foliage.

Toby and I spend a lot of time sitting on the bench on the deck. I hope the birds and squirrels will get used to us sitting here so I can photograph them.

Iris is still home. If she is still at Hellgate Canyon on Sunday, she has broken her historical record of 11 September being the latest she stayed in Montana.

An osprey perched on a wooden pole near water, holding a fish, with lush greenery in the background.

Images from Iris’s Cafe!

Interior view of Iris Cafe with a barista smiling behind the counter, showcasing various beverages and a menu board.

Aran was still at Glaslyn, but Idris has left on his migration!

A blurred photo capturing a bird perched on a branch, surrounded by trees and foliage.

Daisy from the Loch Doon nest in the UK is still in France:

A soaring osprey with a brown and white plumage flying against a clear blue sky.

It feels like only yesterday that we were waiting for all to arrive. Now they are gone on their long journey along the flyway, through France and the Iberian Peninsula, across the Strait of Gibraltar, and down to Senegal and The Gambia.

Sightings are already being reported.

A Facebook post expressing gratitude to individuals for their work on Fishing Ospreys, highlighting a specific observation of an Osprey migration in Vendée, France, on September 8, 2026.
A hawk in mid-flight with outstretched wings against a cloudy sky.

Looking good at the WBSE nest in the Olympic Park Forest in Sydney.

Two white-bellied sea eagle chicks in their nest, with one parent nearby. The scene captures the natural habitat of these birds, featuring leaves and branches in the background.

Osprey House Environmental Centre posted some incredible images of George and Hope’s only surviving chick. Look at those feathers.

Close-up of a young osprey with its beak open, displaying bright yellow eyes and intricate feather patterns in the background.

The Ps are catching their own dinner!

A hawk perched on a tree branch surrounded by lush green leaves.

Seasonal news from Dunrovin posted by Sheila Staley on Osprey Friends FB:

9/22/16 Dunrovin

“It looks like the 2026 season is over, although Swoop may still be in the area fueling up, he hasn’t been seen on the cams. This has been a fun year, with very little drama, there was some sibling aggression but it didn’t last long. A couple of highlights was when Swoop feed the chicks and when he caught a fish so heavy he had to swim to the river bank. Winnie was still nervous with some of the ranch activities but seems to have been more comfortable/calmer than in the past. Before her last visit on the nest, Winnie was out of site for a few days, then she made a few appearances a couple of days before she was last seen. Spangle left after Star kept keeping him from the nest. Star owned the nest for the remainder of the season. Swoop provided his girl with plenty of fish. Star was last seen flying toward the river. Hoping for safe travels for all the Dunrovin Ospreys and look forward to seeing Swoop & Winnie in the Spring of 2027.

Stats:

Return Dates:

Swoop – 4/10/26

Winnie – 4/13/26

Eggs laid Hatched Fledged Notes

5/2/26 6/9/26 8/4/26 Star (OE4), female

5/5/26 6/10/26 8/2/26 Spangle (OE5), male

5/8/26 not viable

The chicks were banded on 7/22/26, named on 8/2/26, the gender was determined by the bander.

Last Seen:

Winnie – 8/21/26

Spangle – 8/23/26

Swoop – 9/8/26 *likely around 9/9

Star – 9/9/26 10:05am

Videos of some highlights:

Swoop feeds chicks

Spangle fledges

Star fledges

Video of Swoop’s big catch and swimming to riverbank”

Two ospreys perched on a wooden post in a green field.

Oh, how I wish every nest would post this information and keep it in an archives.

Raptor Monitoring Scheme in Scotland, Annual Report. Osprey nests are up!

https://raptormonitoring.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Scottish_Raptor_Monitoring_Scheme_Annual_Report_2024.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawUSU45wZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4K1RbpD-Jrzjtyj9Ty3y25cFQlQeBPF7hSe-OZLhji1we1rOBW4dXyzlBYFg_aem_ptCbu9YcLYC7Hbzdl14p9Q

Will Bradley get a mate before Ervie?!

Two ospreys on a nest in South Australia, one adult osprey perched on a stand nearby as the sun sets over the ocean.

I’m an environmental activist and osprey lover. I am also a Canadian and as everyone knows – I want this Canadian company out of The Bay. Save the ospreys!

Facebook post outlining a lawsuit by the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization against the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to halt industrial harvesting of Atlantic menhaden in Virginia waters.
A map displaying flight paths around the Chesapeake Bay area, with several planes marked and timestamps indicated. One area is highlighted in a red circle, showing grouped flight activity.

More ways to have your voice heard on this matter:

Social media post encouraging public comments about Atlantic menhaden and fisheries management, emphasizing the importance of community voices in environmental decisions.
Illustration of an Atlantic Menhaden fish in water, featured on a document about the Menhaden Draft Addendum II from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Screenshot

Please do not use rodenticide! This happened in an area close to where I live.

A close-up view of a hawk lying on the ground among fallen leaves, with its head resting on the ground.

On a happier note, Hope is doing a great job despite George in Australia.

Two ospreys and a chick in a nest, with one osprey feeding a fish to the chick. Background shows greenery and a body of water.

SE38 continues to get nice crops from the feedings by Lady while incubation continues at 367 Collins Street and at Orange with the falcon families and at Port Lincoln with the ospreys.

Two white-bellied sea eagle chicks in a nest, with one parent eagle standing nearby. The nest is surrounded by greenery.

The latest on Shadow and Kaydee by SK Hideaways: https://youtu.be/I3wJZ_a33NM?

There is a lot more news, but that is it for us today. Take care, everyone. Wish that Ervie finds a mate this season for next year – and that Dad continues to get some fish to Mum at Port Lincoln. Do you ever wonder if the raptors just want to retire from raising families?

A big shout out to SK Hideaways for their Big Bear video! Thank you to everyone for their posts on FB today and for the owners of the streaming cams – we will be forever grateful to you for allowing us the opportunity to witness the lives of our beloved birds.

Diamond lays third egg…Late Thursday in Bird World

10 September 2026

Greetings Everyone,

I want to wish all my readers who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah starting tomorrow a very happy New Year’s celebration.

It was hot for September. 27 C today with a gentle breeze now and again. The children are all back to school as of Tuesday, the day after Labour Day. The Blue Jays are currently enjoying a late-day feed on peanuts. I can see Junior at the big table feeder right now, with a grey cat walking around the lilacs. Toby will take care of that. He always allowed Brock once he was trained, but he gets rid of the others. I am always afraid they will attack the birds – all are well-fed pets!!!!!!!

Toby and I were home today. Ann was at the hospital, and Don continues with physiotherapy and occupational therapy. It is a long road ahead before he’s strong enough to come home. I am going up tomorrow and Toby is going to the groomer. Poor little guy. He loves to run outside but he gets burrs in his lovely long feathering. He likes his baths and his feet soaks but he really is due for a clipping.

We lucked out today. One of our neighbours gave us some lemon cucumbers and there is a beautiful bouquet from Oak Knoll Farms. Both put a smile on my face. Have you ever tried a lemon cucumber? If not, you are really missing something delicious.

A bouquet of pink roses and buds arranged in a white watering can, with greenery blurred in the background.
A wooden tray containing five yellow melons, displayed on a dark surface.

Oh, we know that the world has turned upside down in terms of raptors when we get to hear from our friend ‘A’ who writes to us out of Melbourne. This news sadly found its way to the Junk Mail folder and I only found it today. We will be looking for more lively commentary as the season progresses.

“The top news is that dad arrived on the ledge at the Collins Street scrape, looking perfectly healthy, just before 6pm Melbourne time (8 September). This is of course a huge relief to everybody. 

Not sure whether you caught this piece of news but our albatross chick is on his way to Chile. He was a strong healthy lad and should have a good chance and we wish him godspeed and lots of fish.

Of course, being me, I’ve spent a lot of time watching the Olympic Park nest and counting the bites SE38 is getting. As if I wouldn’t be! SE37 really is a Zoe. I can handle a bit of sibling rivalry, but this is so vicious and occurs even when SE37 can barely reach over her crop to attack her younger brother. Lady is the only reason the little one is still alive.She has been wonderful, taking so much time and effort to try and feed her younger hatch. He is terrified of SE37, and it is sad to watch him cowering as Lady tries to coax him to lift his head and eat.

He has learnt to creep up the nest to mum, where he sometimes arrives in time for some bites but often does not. He has had a few good days followed by two or three bad days and I’m wondering whether things will improve or get worse as SE37 gets more and more gigantic. It really is hard to watch. I find myself skimming over the footage and studying the feedings but it’s a depressing watch most days.

Gimbir is absolutely adorable and is making a wonderful dad in this, his second season. He is devoted to Diamond and very keen to participate in all things paternal, which is so cute.” 

Diamond has now laid her third egg if you missed it! SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/51MYA5NH1jg?

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t believe Diamond has ever fledged three chicks. This could be a first.

A peregrine falcon sitting in a nesting box, surrounded by small eggs and gravel, with a view of the countryside outside.

Iris is still at Hellgate Canyon. There is even an Iris coffee shop now run by the students. According to Dr Greene, Iris flew by the window along the river during the opening!

Interior of Iris Cafe with staff and customers, showcasing a coffee preparation area and colorful wall art.

Lucille Powell caught Iris:

An Osprey perched on a tree in a rocky landscape, surrounded by evergreen trees, captured by a wildlife camera.

Teifi, mate to Elen at Glaslyn, is still home as is Dinas in the Glaslyn Valley.

Volunteer Gail Edgley observing Ospreys at the Glaslyn estuary, highlighting their identification and behaviors.
An osprey flying over a shallow body of water, holding a fish in its talons.

Jeff Kear carried the latest Dyfi migration report. Note that Idris remains enjoying his fish dinners to himself. No doubt these males get tired and out of shape, just like the females, and need some ‘me time’.

Bar chart showing the age of Dyfi Osprey chicks at migration from 2011 to 2026, with blue bars representing average male age and red bars representing average female age.

So grateful to Suzanne Arnold Horning for keeping up with the Ps, where at least one is still on the Cornell Campus with Big Red and Arthur.

A hawk is perched on a metal railing at the top of a building under a cloudy sky.

We still have ospreys in Manitoba. Why would they leave – the water is still open and there are plenty of fish in Lake Winnipeg and various other ponds around the City of Winnipeg – some people even stock places with fish for them!

A bird of prey, possibly an osprey, perched on a rooftop under a clear blue sky.

Hearings are currently underway about the lack of Menhaden. As you know, I am a Canadian, and I am not happy that it is a Canadian company (or any other international company, even one from the US) sucking Menhaden out of the Bay. Let’s hope people finally stand up for wildlife and shut down industrial trawler-based fishing! Save the Ospreys.

A close-up of a striped bass held by a person, showing visible lesions on its side under a clear blue sky near water.

This isn’t nice.

A series of images depicting dead fish floating in green water, with pieces of debris also on the surface. The lower corner shows a fishing rod and a bucket.

Our local wildlife rehabilitation centre has been busy.

Two Bald Eagles, one juvenile and one adult, at Wildlife Haven in Manitoba, Canada, recovering and gaining strength in a flyway before their release back into the wild.
A spacious aviary with two hawks perched on a branch surrounded by greenery.

A great turn out to Jackie’s Memorial:

A large crowd gathers at Fawn Park for a memorial event, surrounded by flowers and tributes. Attendees are seen taking photos and engaging with one another under a clear blue sky, with trees in the background.

Take care, everyone. We will see you again soon!

Thank you to everyone who contributed images and information on FB – and a big shout out to ‘A’ from Melbourne. Lovely to have your commentary back. We, of course, are grateful to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch these bird families!

Love at Big Bear? Fledge at Tairoa Head…Late Wednesday in Bird World

9 September 2026

Greetings!

Toby and I have not been home long. We visited with Don’s psychiatrist (what a great doctor) and stopped to give Ann some raincoats for her two dogs, Lucy and Daisy, and Toby’s old stroller. It is too tiny for our big boy – he is long from head to tail and long in the legs and clocks in at 30 lbs. Then we went to the hospital. Ann said that Don had eaten all of his lunch, but Toby and I decided to stop and get him an egg-mayo sandwich and a container of fresh pineapple chunks. Don sucked them up like he was a Dyson vacuum! The nurse was a little put out with me saying he wouldn’t eat his supper, but he only ate 25% of his supper last night. Their lunches are good, but the evening meal is not so much.

Poor Toby needs to go to the groomer.

An elderly man in a hospital bed holding a sandwich, with a small dog resting on his lap. A tray with food and drinks is visible in the background.

On the way out, two ladies in wheelchairs spotted Toby in his new stroller. They lit up and wanted to see him. I opened the top so they could pet him – needless to say animals and nature are good therapy.

I don’t like the algorithms that track what I write or search for on the Internet. Or my phone, which tracks everything that I do for someone else (who would care what I do?), but I found a story about what some good tech is doing by a young NZ woman who writes a blog *shit you should care about*. Maybe we can get robots to clear all the plastic from the ocean and find a way to cool it at the same time. German engineers are working!

Autonomous robots are cleaning the seafloor

Luce writes: If we’re gonna be hell-bent on building robots, let them help our oceans! German researchers at the Technical University of Munich built Smart Grapple, a diving robot that uses onboard sensors and cameras to tell trash from marine life on its own, then grips and lifts junk, car seats, tyres, fishing nets, up to 250kg, without a human diver risking their life for it.

I love it.

Dear Aran, formerly Mrs G’s partner then Elen’s at Glaslyn, has a new partner and they raised one chick this year at a private platform of Friends of Osprey in Wales. Kathryn Keir has kept everyone informed, and Aran is still here. Appears Mum and chick have now both departed for their migration. Next year there will be a camera as Aran is sooooo loved and everyone was distraught when Teifi displaced him. But, it worked out! Aran never got along with Z2 Aeron at the Pont Cresor nest which is very close to Glaslyn.

A close-up image of a white bird, possibly an osprey, perched on a branch in a green landscape. The background features rocky terrain.

Another place that the lack of Menhaden had a devastating impact:

A social media post discussing the failed nesting of ospreys at Severna Park on the Severn River, mentioning the abandonment of three eggs.
Infographic detailing the 2026 Severn River Osprey Breeding Survey findings, including nest inventory and breeding activity statistics from field observations.

The trawler fishing must stop! Otherwise, there will be no ospreys in this region. None. Worse than the DDT crisis of the 1970s. That was fixed. Seems no one has the backbone to do the right thing and stop the fishing completely.

News from Tweed Valley:

A juvenile osprey perched on a branch near a river, with a focus on its distinctive features and band on its leg.
A juvenile osprey flying over Pagham Harbour, showcasing its wings spread wide as it glides in search of food during migration.

Our thoughts continue to be with the people living in line of these hurricanes – and, of course, the wildlife.

A split screen image showing a map of hurricanes in the Eastern Pacific, with one labeled as Category 5 and another as Category 4, along with a person expressing excitement about this unprecedented weather event.

Iris is still home at Hellgate Canyon! Maybe Clark and Iris will get a chance to fatten up since it appears Wensi has set off for southern locations.

An osprey standing in its nest made of sticks, overlooking a parking lot filled with cars, with train cars visible in the background.
A close-up of an osprey perched on a nest made of twigs, with a parking lot and trees in the background.

It appears that the latest Iris departed on 11 September 2014. Let’s see what she does this year.

SK Hideaways caught Shadow and Kaydee and the early morning ravens at Big Bear. Don’t you feel like things are getting serious? https://youtu.be/TzJPFak8rnM?

SE38 continues to do well. There were lots of big crops yesterday. 38 is starting off right today.

A bird feeding three chicks in a nest made of twigs and leaves, set on a tree branch.

And the Royal Cam Chick, Awheo has fledged!

Notification about the fledging of Āwheo, a Northern Royal Albatross chick, which took flight at 225 days old over the Pacific Ocean.
A close-up of an albatross sitting on green grass, with a backdrop of a coastal landscape and ocean.

Thank you so much for being with us. I hope to have time tomorrow to catch up with the comments! Take care, everyone – and if you have not signed up for the Glaslyn fundraiser being organised by Mary Cheatle, please check it out! (And, yes, I am on the list! – fingers crossed). You can contact Mary via FB Messenger if you want to take part.

Announcement for Glaslyn Fundraiser, detailing donor names, corresponding numbers for items, and instructions for participation.
A framed watercolor painting of a hawk with detailed feathers and a focused expression, against a soft background.

Thank you to everyone who posted on FB today with information and messages – I didn’t have the time to check all of the nests. Thank you to those who own the streaming cams that make it possible to watch our bird families, and to SK Hideaways; as always, thank you for your videos.

M24 returns…Late Tuesday in Bird World

9 September 2026

Good Afternoon Everyone,

It is a beautiful day! It is my day ‘off’ from hospital visits. toby and I are supposed to clear out the winter coats today. We will see. The weather is so nice. The sun is shining through cotton-ball clouds, and a brisk breeze is blowing.

Toby and I had a long, gentle walk. He loves to go to the little park at the end of the street in the mornings. A lady is always doing Tai Chi, and another is with her toddler. Toby loves toddlers!!!!!!!! It seems that the little girl also anticipates Toby’s arrival. It is so sweet. She always starts clapping her tiny little hands when she sees him crossing the street.

The Blue Jays are so busy – along with the squirrels – caching peanuts. I love that the Blue Jays call when they fly into the feeder, announcing their arrival. I am watching them from the conservatory – there is nothing like the garden animals to lift one’s spirits!

Hopefully, in a week or so, I will have some really good images of them for you. Last year I sold my professional camera and five telephoto lenses. The D850 was simply too heavy, and adding an 800 mm lens on top of that, well…you get the picture. I thought the P1100 would work well, but I am finding I have to use a tripod to capture the fine detail in the feathers, and it is not always convenient to carry a heavy tripod. Well, at least it isn’t for me as I always have Toby and Don with me. I am hoping to change that, so I take one of Ann’s days and use it to go photograph wildlife. I am realising how much self-care is important since the last time Don was in the hospital. So another hint to everyone out there caring for someone – and I know many of you are – you must take time to do something fun for yourself. Whatever that is, you need to do it. You cannot take care of another person and not become resentful if you do not also care for yourself. that means special little treats – they could simply be a visit to a local dessert shop, the most luscious-smelling shower gel, allowing yourself to have someone clean your house (here it is a necessity with four cats and Toby), flowers, chocolates, or used camera equipment to get you outside looking at the flora and fauna. One day I mean to write a post simply on what I have learned, in the hope that it is of value to you at some time or another. I knew nothing when I started this journey with Don – nothing. We have learned together by the seat of our pants, and it has paid off. I do not know when he will be strong enough to come home – remember, the hospital thought he was an invalid! He is now getting physiotherapy and is really being hydrated. You also have to watch that. If we are not properly hydrated, we can present as delusional when we definitely aren’t. Of course, you need to do this at home, too. I found something nice: sparkling water mixed with watermelon juice and apple juice. It’s been very refreshing on days when our days have decided to stay hot.

The good news is that Don was in a wheelchair today, using his feet to go up and down the hall. He heard Ann and started waving and saying, ‘Hi, Ann.’ Ann telephoned me and put the phone on speakerphone, and Don and I had a full conversation for ten minutes. I cannot tell you the last time that happened. We recorded that conversation and sent it to his doctor. I will see him tomorrow- I am wondering if blood thinners help??? I think it is the only change in his medications. We will see. But the news is good – one day at a time.

I put the word out to a camera company in Canada that sells excellent used equipment and found a used Canon R7 with fewer than 8000 shutter clicks. In other words, it is like new. The cost of the camera and the telephoto lens (also used but like new) is less than a new camera body. I am very pleased. I always recommend checking with reputable shops or even the companies themselves for refurbished, like-new, previously owned equipment. Canon Canada does that, and I am certain it is the same everywhere.

So, little M24 at the 367 Collins Street scrape flew in late yesterday like he hadn’t been away, causing everyone to worry beyond belief! I wonder if he is dealing with intruders?

Well, that is a huge relief.

Viki has updated news for us on the only osprey to fledge from St. George’s Island in Maryland. I want to add that this single family, out of a possible 20+ nests, survived ONLY because they were fed by a compassionate human.

“I believe Junior stopped by this morning and called and retrieved the fish I threw!!! He started to eat on the nearby branch but by the time I returned from putting the fish bag to the freezer he’d headed out somewhere with it. It might be him still sleeping in the very few remaining green boughs in the loblolly copse to my north (where New House 1 is being built).

Mr. Perfect is still in the copse as well, since I don’t see him securing the nest for the winter, I feel he remains so to watch over the construction diminishing his copse. But these are the only two I’ve heard or saw on my walk this morning.

I’m convinced the trawlers need to stop to save the osprey. And believe humans have harmed the Chesapeake watershed to the tipping point. I moved to this island in 1986 and see a tremendous loss of trees, land, turtles, birds, ducks, otters, foxes  ….  the list goes on.  I believe the heron rookery is gone.”

Connie Dennis, the founder of the Nova Scotia Osprey FB group, posted this article this morning. Thanks, Connie. Please note the area at the bottom. Please send a comment asking them to stop the gillnet and industrial trawling of ospreys. Tell them about the osprey nests you have watched that have failed! We have to fight this – I am embarrassed that they are a Canadian company, but that might work in our favour in protecting the ospreys right now, speaking as a Canadian.

https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/news/osprey-population-decline-menhaden?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawUNI0VwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7zO-TXBJnBpM3ouZLGJr5t0ZHfY8RdrdVJP5VdoCE9m90uSNtFlEFCNqf8kw_aem_u_W2FpqkXkXl5ebBmn59dw

Elsie is the only juvenile still at Dyfi and Idris is being a fantastic dad, as usual.

Will Elsi break a record? She is 105 days old. The record appears to be 110. See data chart below – thank you Emyr Evans and team.

This is only part of their data and I wish we had this for every live-streaming nest!

Look at these images of her. She is gorgeous.

Mary Kerr has posted some amazing images from the Pont Cresor nest at Glaslyn. There are many more on their FB page. Have a look.

SE38 continues to do well – look at that crop!

Now this is interesting!

Toby is rubbing my arm, wanting attention. Just like a toddler.

Thank you for being with us. Please take care – see you soon.

Thank you to everyone who posted information on FB along with those great images, to the owners of the streaming cams we are very grateful. If not for them, we would not know anything about these amazing raptors. I am so grateful to Viki for keeping an eye on her osprey family and helping them survive.

M24 missing at Melbourne…late Monday in Bird World

7 September 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

It’s raining – again. We had 114 mm of rain, and some large commercial and apartment buildings near where I live had more than 60 cm of water in their basement. My daughter still does not have power after the storm hit last night. I was lucky. I have power and no water or sewer in my basement (I finally checked). Toby and I went out for a last walk. Toby just amazes me. He is smarter than many humans that I know.

He wanted to be in bed with his ‘daddy’ today. Don is doing well, but he will have to do a lot of physiotherapy to get him strong enough to walk again. Please take a page out of the phrase, ‘If you don’t use it, you will lose it’. Besides nature being good for our mental health, walking is essential to keep us moving!

Thank you for all your good wishes. They keep me going.

There is concern growing for the male mate of the female incubating four eggs at 367 Collins Street in Melbourne. This is the message from Victor Hurley:

C22 is still at Charlo! Then Charlie must still be home, too.

Iris is still home, too! One of the individuals saw her and posted it on the website so we would know she was still around.

Idris continues to deliver to the girls at the nest. I was only able to catch Elsi on the nest today for two fish (flat – flounder?).

Fish are still being delivered to 0U0 by Dad at the Usk Valley nest in Wales.

Frankie and Angel are on migration and a pine marten visits the nest.

Viki sends news on Junior. “After calling and calling last Friday and watching Dad retrieve a fish (two times in the course of the day) to eat himself, but NOT retrieving any fish I threw for him to take to his chick, Junior finally left the nest, and no one has been in it since.

Dad tried with every unretrieved fish I threw to show Junior how to fly over the fish – but Junior wouldn’t get off that nest. Until finally we all gave up and left. Then he did too.

Junior never tried to retrieve a fish that I threw for himself, so I’m not so sure that the live fish I saw him with a couple times didn’t actually come from Mom or Dad. I don’t know.

Dad was still flying about this morning  – Monday – and also the male of the nest next door (Mr. Perfect) is still guarding his territory which is being completely disrupted on shore by new home construction – but no Junior or food calling since Friday. 

So, I am assuming the best !!!”

I think this is good news from Tweed. I worried about Christopher, but both juveniles (his sister is Kirsti) seem to be doing well and fighting like siblings! Both have protected the nest from intruders who want their fish.

A glimpse at what Shadow was doing today by SK Hideaways: https://youtu.be/rbCoC-8tp5s?

Thank you so much for being with us. Toby and I are going to watch a movie and relax. Take care.

Thank you to everyone who posted information and images on FB, and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us glimpse into the challenging lives of our raptors. I also want to thank Viki for her great reporting and for keeping an osprey family alive so that their one surviving chick could live and migrate. She is my hero. I am always grateful to SK Hideaways for their great videos.