Category Archives: Welsh ospreys

Collins Street is live, cute little sea eagles…Saturday in Bird World

29 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

It is 22:20 Friday, the 28th of July. Things should be getting quiet in Osprey World. The chicks should be fledging or fledged, working those wings and getting them strong. The fledglings and those about to fledge should be adapting well to self-feeding. Dads should be delivering more fish to the nests while the Mums also are fattening up like the osplets – preparing for migration. There should be a magical lull where everything is alright, but – it isn’t. ‘MP’ has just written to tell me that Mum could be missing from the Steelscape, Inc nest. There is still one osplet on the nest nearing fledge, and one has flown. ‘H’ just sent me a note that Louise is missing from the FortisExshaw nest and that Mr O has protected the nest and osplets from an intruder. The Scottish Wildlife Trust has now acknowledged that Blue NC0 is probably dead. I listed her on the Memorial Wall 13 days ago. Things are volatile in the nests of our Ospreys, so please, join me in sending them all your very best and most positive energy.

Update: ‘MP’ has written to say the female at Steelscape has returned. Good news. Maybe she is sunning herself and eating fish preparing the chicks for her departure while Dad is upping the deliveries to help the chicks get ready.

Lewis still does not care and he certainly doesn’t mind having the cat tree house all to himself even if he no longer fits. It is hard to imagine that they will be a year old now – Missey already is and Louis was born about the middle of August.

We are all anxious for more of the news from Australia now that the cutest little sea eaglets have hatched. Well, Collins CBD is now live! ‘H’ sent me the links…

South facing:

https://www.youtube.com/live/y3b2rKUPMsA?feature=share

North facing:

https://www.youtube.com/live/xUUK5c-Gsz0?feature=share

And yes…there is a falcon on the north facing camera Saturday morning in Canada….yippeeeeeee.

This wonderful rescue spread around the world like wildfire. Thank you to the dozens of people who sent me the link to the stories! Osprey -water logged and exhausted – hitches a ride on a boat.

Exhausted-baby-osprey-hitches-ride-to-Jersey-Shore-on-familys-boat-VIDEO-nj.com_Download

Oh, I respect Isabella Tree. In this short article, ‘Don’t Be Afraid to Rewild’ for The Guardian, she explains what rewilding is to gardening and it isn’t about letting it all ‘just go’. “Our gardens, now, must help us in the battle against the climate crisis. The planet is on fire. Water is catastrophically scarce. The sprinklers, mowers, leaf-blowers, high-carbon gismos, peat compost and chemical inputs pushed on us by garden centres – the billion-pound horticultural industry that Titchmarsh has been defending to the House of Lords – is as bad for the planet as industrial farming.”

Dont-be-scared-of-rewilding-Monty-Don-and-Alan-Titchmarsh-its-a-garden-revelation-Isabella-TreDownload

California Condors. The Ventana Wildlife Society is doing amazing things and there is a lot of good information on tagging, on a 20+ year old Condor with lead toxitocisis. The effort to move this Condor from the Oakland Zoo to the LA Zoo for quick surgery is incredible and again shows us that there are people out there who will do anything for the wildlife. Ventana WS has a Condor chat every month. Check it out. They also post the Zoom chat on YT later if you cannot make it.

Update on the Dulles-Greenway eaglet that remains in care:

It just feels good that so many incredible and ordinary people are trying to make a difference…I hope it spreads like a bad cold. Imagine if we woke up to find everyone feeding the animals, insisting on ponds being stocked, signing up for shore clean-ups, refusing to buy plastic, finding ways to limit their use of fossil fuels, putting away the leaf blowers and planting Milkweed and other native plants for the birds, bees, and butterflies. Wow.

A Swing around the Nests!

Let’s start with ‘H’ because she has some concerns on her nests….

Osoyoos: Fishing remains very difficult.  There were three small fish brought to the nest on 7/28.Feeding from 1509 to 1512, a very small fish.  Chick #2 was beaked and intimidated by #1, and was prevented from eating.  Feeding from 0517 to 0526, a slightly larger fish, and once again chick #1 prevented chick #2 from joining in the feeding.  At 1719 Olsen brought a fish to the nest, and Soo flew away with the fish.  There was no feeding.  She must have been absolutely starving.Chick #2 last ate a decent meal at 0647 on 7/26.  On 7/27 chick #2 ate a total of 24 bites of fish at four feedings.  On 7/28, chick #2 had nothing to eat.  And, even though chick #1 has eaten some small meals, it is not enough, especially considering the heat.  The high temperature in Osoyoos is predicted to be 34 Celsius on 7/29.  The osplets are 32 and 33 days old.”

Fortis Exshaw:

It was not a good day at the Exshaw osprey platform.  There were only two fish brought to the nest, including one by  Mr.O.  The last fish was delivered at 1040.  Intruders seemed to be the problem.  Mr.O flew to the nest at least six times to help provide defense against intruders.  And, Louise was not seen after 1456.At 1642, there was a terrible altercation at the nest between Mr.O and an intruder, ending with their talons becoming locked together, and both of them tumbling overboard.  Mr.O was not seen after that.  As darkness fell, an osprey flew to the T-perch, and we are hoping that it was Louise assuming her usual roosting spot.”

Kent Island –  All is well for this family on the Chesapeake.  This lovely 47 day old girl of Audrey and Tom will soon have a name!

Barnegat Light – Oh goodness, Dorsett was so very close to fledging on 7/28.  Many times we were on the edge of our seats.  Just look at the height of that hover.  Dorsett is 59 days old, and today will be the day for her first flight!  (I’m positive, lol)

Forsythe – The fishing has been poor for a few days, most likely due to the extreme heat which is expected to last at least another day.  Oscar only managed to deliver three fish to the nest for the two fledglings.  Opal was last seen on 7/25, and she may be taking some time for herself at this point in the season.

Thanks so much, ‘H’. We are not sure if Louise is missing so please continue, as always to send positive wishes to all the nests especially those in trouble or that could be facing difficulties.

Patchogue: Mini got a nice fish and took it up to the perch to eat…milestone after milestone this chick has shown us that she can survive and do well, not just ordinary but, very well.

There has been some concern on the chat and by ‘L’ about Mini’s voice. I s it hoarse? is there a case? Unfortunately there could be many causes including food stuck in the wind pipe or bacterial or fungal infections. It could be the dirt in the area and we don’t know where Mini is now most of the day. That said it would be extremely stressful to have people chasing Mini to try and get her to a rehabber now that she is flying. Let us all hope that this is ‘nothing’ but if she should appear ill on the nest, then PSEG should be notified as well as Brookhaven Wildlife 631 451 8696. They are the closest. Do not call them unless Mini is sick on the nest. If she is eating and flying about sit back and observe.

Mini wants a fish!

Good Night, Mini.

Allin’s Cove East, RI: Both osplets fledged on Friday!

Steelscape: Three gets on the other side of Mum and gets some fish. During the afternoon Dad delivered 3 fish while Mum was away.

Carova Beach: Fledglings/Juveniles continue to come to the nest sometimes with pieces of fish.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Many nests are struggling in this area with only a single parent (lots of missing males) and intruders. We are fortunate that this little one is doing well after a terrible beginning to the season. Dad is doing his very best to get fish on the table despite the ravaging heat that has come and gone over the summer.

A nice fish before bed.

Bridges Golf Osprey: The fish just keep coming. These two are so ready to fly. They are looking particularly well.

Sandpoint: Waiting for fish.

Loch Arkaig: Has Louis been injured or is this blood from his latest fish delivery?

Dyfi: Lots of big fish coming on the nest for the fledglings of Idris and Telyn. Some of the nests in the Pacific NW of Canada and the US would like just one of those a day! Maybe Forsythe, too….the size of the fish is incredible.

Alyth: Lots of hungry fledgling squawking for fish!

Cowlitz: Nice fish for the fledgling.

Oyster Bay: The fledglings are really doing well and there appears to be enough fish being delivered for all. This has been a good nest all year.

Wolf Bay: There seems to be – like the other nests – one fledgling with a fish and another one wishing it was theirs.

Boulder County: Three gorgeous osplets – Big Sibling has fledged (on the 26th and returned to the nest after a minute and 17 seconds) but all still like Mum to shade them and feed them…despite the fact that they are getting good at self-feeding.

The Dorset Hobby Falcons: Fantastic. No hunger at this nest! Stop and notice that all that white fluffy is giving away to some beautiful silky deep charcoal coloured feathers.

San Jose City Hall: Hartley and Monty are happy to see one together. Wonder what Soledad is doing? I sure wish these fledglings would check in on camera!

Sydney Sea Eagles: Both of the little fluff balls are doing so well…you can almost see Lady ‘glow’.

West End, Channel Islands: Thunder and Akecheta’s 2023 fledglings – Scout and Starlight -can often be seen at the old nest that was used in 2022 and before. Gorgeous fledglings and so happy to see them together. We missed seeing them grow up on the new nest this year so this is a real treat.

One last smile…little ducks! You gotta’ love them.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/28/country-diary-little-grebes-swim-around-me-like-bath-toy-ducks?CMP=share_btn_link

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

Thank you to the following for all their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, G, H, K, L, M, MP, S, R’, Sunnie Day, NJ.com, The Guardian, Ventana Wildlife Society, Mirvac, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Kent Island, Conserve Wildlife of NJ, Forsythe Ospreys, PSEG, Allins Cove East, Steelscape, Inc, Carova Beach, MN Landscape Arboretum, Bridges Golf Club, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Dyfi Ospreys, Alyth, Cowlitz PUD, Wolf Bay, Sharon Pollock and the Dorset Hobby Falcons, Boulder County Fair Grounds, SK Hideaways and SJ CH Falcons, Sydney Sea Eagles, IWS/Explore.

Oh..so cute. SE31 and SE32. Friday in Bird World

28 July 2022

Good Morning Everyone,

Gosh, not only is it the end of the week but it is also the end of July. The beautiful osplets from Norway are now in Ireland and all is well. All three chicks at Dunrovin have fledged along with probably many more today. It cooled down a bit on the Canadian Prairies and thankfully, I did not get the storms that some did on Wednesday evening. I would be fine but, of course, my concerns are always with those that come and go from the garden. Right now Mr Crow is yelling his head off demanding cheesy dogs, Junior wants more peanuts, and Little Red is sitting in the lilacs waiting in case I change my mind and put out more of those tasty nuts. Missey and Lewis have been relatively quiet all day which means that they will be tearing around all night. Bird seed and cat food are now stocked for next month and life is good.

Oh, we always need some great news. There are such wonderful people out there…Man swims 70′ in Idaho to save Osprey! “Ten days of fluids, antibiotics and a diet of fish helped the 2-and-a-half-pound adult male osprey heal from soft-tissue injuries, but no fractures.“The geese beat him up pretty bad,’ said Birds of Prey Northwest Founding Director Jane Veltkamp.”

https://cdapress.com/news/2023/jul/27/hes-still-alive/?fbclid=IwAR3tG5vNhivOei7bTrWBHhmD-C4vCcxN3uqBS9-gLwwoIA2qSLiOKBzG92U

More good news is coming from South Australia where the water company has agreed to remove the spikes from his pipes! Congratulations! This is the way that it should always be!

The hottest recorded July in history. Sadly the heat that is driving severe weather, low fish counts and drought is not going away. Just how long can those that have the power to do something continue to deny the need is not urgent?

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jul/27/scientists-july-world-hottest-month-record-climate-temperatures

The Norwegian osplets have arrived in Ireland in a private jet and are now safely in their new cages. Not sure what their parents thought about this…perhaps I am not supposed to mention something like that.

The Grey storklets have received names!

When I grew up, everyone wanted manicured lawns, beautiful flower beds, patios and porches with climbing roses on trellis. The magazines pushed our control over nature – just like those very managed French gardens of the 19th century. When I returned to Manitoba, one of my neighbours was a graduate in math from Cornell. A brilliant man but life had thrown some wrenches at him. He let his garden go. People talked about him as if he was a freak. Of course, ‘J’ was ahead of the times. Now people seek him out for his advice.

Please share with your friends, family, and neighbours:

We finally have the date when the grouse hunting licenses on United Utilities land will not be renewed – 2027 and the hunting groups are in meltdown…I am over the moon that this onslaught on wildlife will be stopped. Let us hope more join in!

Emails-of-support-for-United-Utilities-decision-not-to-renew-shooting-leases-–-Raptor-Persecution-UDownload

Whirl through the Nests:

Little Mini, our amazing fledgling from Patchogue, eating a fish Thursday afternoon. Time 1424 when Mini grabbed that fish.

Mini wants a fish and is watching. Is Dad feeding off nest? I wonder.

Steelscape: ‘PB’ sent a great screen capture of the third hatch and what a crop. Dad delivered a number of fish and this one that has been pecked and pulled ate well.

Dunrovin: All three – Snap, Crackle, and Pop – have now fledged!

Glaslyn: All is well. Look at the size of that Mullet!

Loch Arkaig: Is Dorcha getting tired of visitors?

Boulder County: Everyone is home. All are being fed well. What an amazing family.

The Bridges Golf: Nice fish delivery before time to tuck it all in. These two look ready to fledge. I have failed to check on them for a few days. Please correct me if they have already taken to the skies. Nice to see two survive after a really poor start during that heat.

Cowlitz PUD: Fledgling and adults continue to return to the nest. All is good.

Clark PUD: Everything is fantastic.

Sandpoint: Both of the osplets – Keke and Coco – were well fed on Thursday.

MN Landscape Arboretum: Everything appears to be alright. I did not see a lot of fish deliveries on Thursday but I might have missed them. It has been really hot near the nest – 29 C. They have had the same heat that we have had in Winnipeg. This is impacting all the nests and their ability to fish.

Loch of the Lowes: Laddie will continue to deliver. PF4 grabbed the fish and Dad this morning while PF5 dreams of fish. There has been no sign of Blue NC0 for nearly a fortnight.

Sydney Sea Eagles: ‘A’ is so excited. She reports, “At 7am 28 July, we can see a large hole in the second egg and movement inside. Dad has just brought in a lovely headless fresh fish for breakfast for SE31’s first feeding. It’s good at holding its head up but it’s not great at the food transfer bit so it’s dropping most of its bites. Mum is being so patient with the sweet little one. It did not end up getting much food and I think it was still hungry afterwards, but it did get a couple of small bites. Meanwhile, SE32 is making good progress, and as we watch the feeding we can see the hole enlarge as a flap starts to open next to it. I think the second chick will be out within 36 hours of SE31’s hatch, which is a pretty good result considering the 75-hour gap between the laying of the eggs and the fact that Dad was so impatient with the incubation that I worried about whether that first egg would even hatch! There will hopefully be two fluffy little balls under mum by tonight.” Then minutes later she writes again…”

The hole is bigger at 07:54 and we can see the chick working away inside the second egg. That shell really is incredibly thick. It can’t be easy for the tiny chicks trying to break free of that calcium tomb. I always hope they have the strength to make it out. When you consider that they are already 24 hours into their escape effort by the time we see that first pip, it really is a pretty impressive achievement for such tiny youngsters. Life gets really hard really fast for them. And it doesn’t really get that much easier. I suppose the weeks in their nest are the best of their lives, in the sense that they are largely fed and protected by doting parents. Life in the wild will be so challenging, and the preparation time is so short. 
How adorable they are at this age. Still unable to bonk each other. Just lovely. Let’s hope we have a peaceful nest, that the family stays safe, and that all goes well this season.”

Isn’t this little one just precious. This family really deserves a break. They raise such beautiful babies to fledge…send positive, positive wishes for the very best for them.

Se31’s first feeding:

And then….SE32 hatched! Get ready for cuteness overload as the Australian raptor season beings.

Royal Cam Albatross: Prince Minaaki has been ringed! It is possible that this wonderful Albie will have fledged in six weeks. So do your thing and help make the seas safe for the Albatross — don’t look that can of tuna in the eye!

Cornell Red-tail Hawks: Suzanne Arnold Horning found Big Red and Arthur,.

Time for ‘H’s reports!

Fortis Exshaw: There were three large fish delivered to the nest, with Mr. O contributing the first one.  There was also a meal from a leftover fish from the previous evening.  The chicks are now 40 days old, and both have been active with wingercising.  And, at the second fish delivery, one of the chicks took the whole fish from Louise and mantled it, wow!  Of course, Louise retrieved the fish, lol.  Mr. O once again was instrumental in providing protection for the nest.  At 1023 Mr. O urgently flew to the nest, was very vocal and demonstrated his most fearsome body language directed at an unseen intruder.  Louise followed him to the nest 20 seconds later.  For the next four minutes they collaborated in warding off the intruder.”

Forsythe – There were three fish delivered to the nest, and all were delivered by Oscar.  Opal was last seen on 7/25.  Ollie was the only fledgling at the nest for the first two deliveries at 0625 and 1222, and Owen didn’t even fly to the nest to make a bid.  So, I assumed that Owen may have been served a fish at another location.  At 1825, both siblings were at the nest when Oscar delivered a large headless fish.  There was a battle for the fish, with Ollie coming away victorious.  There was also a brutal and prolonged battle between the two siblings at 1311.  They are hungry.  I hope Oscar will have more success fishing on Friday, but unfortunately it will be another extremely hot day.  The high temperature is predicted to be 96-97 degrees.

Thanks so very much ‘H’ and thanks to all of you for being with me today. Take care of yourself! See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, postings, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, H, PB’, CDA.org Press, Fan Solly ad Friends of Osprey St Australia, The Guardian, Gregorius Joris Toonen and Ospreys, Arne Torkler, Raptor Persecution UK, PSEG, Steelscape, Dunrovin Ospreys, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, The Woodland Trust, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Boulder County Ospreys, Bridges Golf Ospreys, Cowlitz PUD, Clark PUD, Sandpoint Ospreys, MN Landscape Arboretum, The Scottish Wildlife Trust, Sydney Sea Eagles, Gracie Shepherd and Sydney Sea Eagles, Sharon Dunne and Royal Cam Albatross Group NZ, Fortis Exshaw, Forsythe, and Suzanne Arnold Horning.

SE31 is here…Thursday in Bird World

27 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

I am starting to write my blog at 1700 Thursday evening after a lovely but short trip to the local farmer’s market. It is 31 degrees C, but the humidity makes it feel like 34 C. There is yet another thunderstorm warning for this evening until tomorrow morning. This has been the norm for a week now with massive dark – near black-blue clouds coming in and torrential rain and wind. Thankfully the storm passed north of where I live because the hail that occupied it was the size of a large heirloom tomato! I can only think of the osplets in the nests along Lake Winnipeg. It had to be horrific.

When I got home, it was time to put out the evening spread for all the garden animals. Little Red ‘decided’ that he was going to stash all of the peanuts before the Blue Jays could have even one. What an energetic tenacious little squirrel! What he doesn’t know is that I know where he is putting all those peanuts – in the home that I made for him last year! So…those peanuts will be brought out again on Thursday evening and he can take them all over again! No wonder he stays so slim and trim.

Missey had been watching all of the action until she got totally bored! BTW. you can see some of those pink bird collision squares on the window…just barely. They work!

Sometimes she sits, like the Queen of the Conservatory, that she is!

This is the little stork that Dmitri saved named after the coin in the RU because he was the fifth hatch and his mother was killing him. Dmitri has had his surgery and is up the ladder saying hello and feeding Pyatachok! This is fantastic. Both are looking well. Pyatachok is obviously pleased to see the person who saved his life. Smile. There are wonderful people in the world living the most ordinary lives but doing the most extraordinary things.

Here is the video!

Gosh, it was nice to open the mailbox on Wednesday and find two news articles sent to me by ‘EJ’. Each was a fantastic rescue. These will warm your heart!

Bald-eagle-rescued-from-New-Jersey-electrical-tower-after-its-wing-was-stuck-for-five-hours-Fox-NeDownload
Bald-eagle-rescued-from-James-River-after-getting-caught-in-fly-fishing-line-WRIC-ABC-8NewsDownload

Whenever you think about a rescue or an intervention that people tell you is impossible, I want you to always remember Dale Hollow 2023. We were told the terrain was too steep, no cherry picker could get to the nest, that it was just impossible. Well, geez. Remember that it was an arborist that got onto the nest and worked a miracle getting the two eaglets untangled from one another. While DH17 went on to live and fledge sadly we lost DH18 because of the arguments and paper trails that had to be created for the rescue. So, please do not give up. Remember — a way was found for a nest deemed impossible!

A rescue in Canada. You know when we begin to despair and believe that humans don’t care – we have lots of examples that tell us otherwise!

SE31 got out of that shell in great time. Can’t wait for 32 to be with us…this nest is always a really bittersweet one. The chicks are incredibly lovable and beautiful. They are harassed by the Pied Currawong that chase them out of the forest so that they are unable to return to the nest to be fed and learn to fly and fish by their parents. They end up on the sidewalk by the Discovery Centre if they are lucky and taken into care and then released. Can I even begin to hope that this year might be different?

The saddest thing is that Lady and Dad do not get to experience training their fledglings and seeing them thrive in the wild. Bittersweet.

Dad watching his wee baby hatch. Beautiful. How touching is this?

‘MP’ got a great screen shot of this little fluff ball. Thank you for sharing it with all of us!

Dad is so proud of his new baby!

SK Hideaways gives us a video of all the excitement in the Sydney Olympic Forest:

SE32 is on its way.

Around the Nests:

Tweed Valley 2: Poul, the surviving osplet from the goshawk attack that killed Sasha, fledged on Wednesday. Congratulations!

Osoyoos: Sadly, the heat of the area around Osoyoos is causing the fishing to be slow. The fish will go deeper into the water (if there are fish) and then the Osprey cannot get them. ‘H’ is already reporting a drop in fish for those two lovely osplets of Soo and Olsen. It is what we fear every year.

Dunrovin: The second chick, Snap, fledged on Wednesday. Only one more to go!

Steelscape, Inc.: Not sure about the number of bites of fish but chick 3 did get some fish dinner. The older chick that will be fledging any time is more interested in flapping those wings now than eating so this is now a good thing for Third. It may not stay that way but for now…fingers crossed.

Patchogue: Those parents continue to amaze me. Chicks in and off the nest. Mini getting fish. What a lovely year. What a devoted family. I would so love the precise gender mix in this group…but, like all of you, I am still smiling.

Mini and the live fish that flipped and flopped. That was a brilliant save!

Loch Arkaig: Ludo keeps making milestones. Carrying fish by themselves is one of those! Well done.

Glaslyn: Elen with OH1 and OH2. Aran and his new mate did very well…two Welsh lads to return and breed!

Kuopia Saaksilvie Kallavest: The three osplets were small in weight when they were ringed on the 17th of July. Each appears to still be doing well and is ready for flying.

Time for ‘H’s report – as always, I am so grateful ‘H’.

Forsythe: There were five fish brought to the nest for the two fledglings, and all were delivered by Oscar.  Owen acquired three, while Ollie managed to grab two of the fish.  But, my goodness these two fought.  There was quite a battle between the two of them at 1726 that lasted two minutes, and resulted in Ollie being ejected from the nest!

Barnegat Light – Wow, look at the height of that hover!  Dorsett is 57 days old.  Stay tuned . . .


Kent Island – The Biologist that banded Tom and Audrey’s chick determined that she is a female.  The soon-to-be-named chick is 45 days old.


Patuxent Nest 1 – On 7/26, while the fledglings were on the nest, and Sib-B was eating a fish, a Great Blue Heron landed on the nest!  They sibs both skedaddled, but Sib-B managed to keep her fish, and then later returned with it.


Osoyoos: Fishing was poor for the second day in a row.  Dad delivered three small fish to the nest, and Mom may have tried to fish as well.  Chick #2 had some bites of fish during the first meal of the day, but due to aggression by chick #1, s/he was prevented from eating at the next two meals.  Chick #2 was subjected to chick #1’s aggression at off-meal times as well.

FortisExshaw: Louise brought seven fish to the nest, and Mr. O delivered one.  At 1612, Mr. O landed with a fish while Louise was out.  He waited for a couple of minutes, then flew off, leaving the fish on the nest. The two kids looked at each other like “What are we supposed to do with this?”, lol.  At 1157 and 1204, Mr. O landed on the nest to assist Louise with intruder defense.  What a guy!  The 39-day-old chicks are both practicing wingers.  And, one of the two chicks tried a bit of self feeding in the evening. 

Thanks Heidi. How many remember the battles between Ervie and Bassa at the Port Lincoln nest after those two had fledged? Gosh that Forsythe nest sounds like Port Lincoln! Bassa left – and Ervie stayed and our dear little third hatch survivor, Ervie, is still in Port Lincoln waiting for a mate and a nest. Not so fast, Ervie!

Black Eagles:

When you are feeling a little despair at the nests, what do you do? I recall ‘MP’ told me that he watches the sparrows in Mini’s nest! Well, my Geemeff sent this to me this morning. It isn’t raptors but it is people working hard to get seals untangled from fishing nets and line! Remember…there are our super heroes working quietly every day to help wildlife.

Royal Cam Albatross: ‘A’ loves this little guy. She writes, “This is priceless. First up, have a look at the size of that pile of nesting material at the beginning of the video. It is HUGE. It looks like the pile of lawn clippings after my large back lawn has been mown. He is amazing. And then check out how aggressively he works on pulling out the grass. I have never seen bunches of grass pulled out like that, even by the adults. They normally pull out a token blade or two at a time, not beakfuls like Manaaki. He is not playing around here. This albie is one serious builder.”

The osplets were given health checks, ringed, and bagged to head to Ireland for the translocation project to restore Ospreys to the Emerald Isles. There is much excitement and here is the image of the flight being tracked. They are travelling by private jet! A person from Irish National Parks and Wildlife Service is with them.

Thank you so much for being with me today. The big story is down in the Sydney Olympic Forest and it is not going to be long until we begin to look rather closely at Xavier and Diamond, the Peregrine Falcon couple that everyone loves in. Orange, Australia. Then it will be the Port Lincoln Ospreys and the CBD Falcons. It is hard to believe but in a fortnight many ospreys will start their journey south in North America. Those that fly over Cuba will arrive about the middle of September as they make their way to Brazil and other areas of South America. Take care everyone. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, EJ, Geemeff, H, MP’, Storks 40 Pyatachok, Fox News, ABC 8 News, Western Wheel, Sydney Sea Eagles, SK Hideaways and Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Gracie Shepherd and Raptors of the World, Conservation Without Borders, Osoyoos, Dunrovin Ranch, Steelscape, Inc, PSEG, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Forsythe, Conserve Wildlife of NJ, Kent Island, Patuxent River Park, Osoyoos, FortisExshaw, Ocean Conservation Namibia, Lady Hawk and the NZ DOC, Gregorius Joris Toonen, and Merry Kotka.

Fledges at Boulder and Seaside…Zeus Returns…Pip at Sea Eagles! Wednesday in Bird World

26 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

Every once in awhile there is a lull…a time when chicks are ready to fledge but haven’t quite yet. Others are eating fish and coming on and off the nest. It is a good thing. It has been a bittersweet year full of dramatic miracles like M15 raising the 2 Es, River getting a male partner to help with intruders and fish so that the only surviving eaglet at Dale Hollow could live, Mr O showing up right on time to help Louise at the Fortis Exshaw nest – and, of course, Little Mini living to fledge. She is a survivor.

At a time when many nests lots all their osplets, there is much to be thankful for – every time you look at an osplet surviving this year, smile. It has been a whirlwind of losses and tears due to weather, starvation, and predation. We must celebrate those that lived and continue to send positive energy to the nests that are struggling or that could potentially have issues with predation. The Osprey season is not over yet in the Northern Hemisphere until the last chick or adult has lifted its wings and started its long journey south. In Australia, the first osplet chicks are hatching! Soon we will turn our attention in that direction, but today, there is the pip in the first egg at the nest of Lady and Dad in the Sydney Olympic Forest, and everyone is cheering.

‘H’ and I are monitoring the life of 311 osprey eggs. So far 10.61% of those eggs did not hatch. 23.74% died meaning that 76.26% so far have lived. Starvation was the most common cause of death followed by predation by other raptors then siblicide.

Now, in the garden, because you have asked. The Little Blue Jay is doing well. I might have mentioned this – I meant to. The frightened Little Blue Jay lost its tail feathers so it would not die by cat predation. The month old fledgling met up with a tiny little Blue Jay who recently fledged from another nest who came to the garden. Its parents told it to sit and not move. The two were rather cute. Yesterday evening that little blue jay flew back with its parents to their nest at the corner of my street. Meanwhile, the older Blue Jay lacking a tail, joined its siblings, eating and flying around the garden. I am hopeful. It is sitting in the square feeder with a roof covering tonight.

Our weather has been nothing short of horrible. The clouds are holding the smoke from the wildfires in place. We had a thunderstorm that began Monday night around 2200 and lasted til the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday. Lightning and thunder kept me awake, along with Lewis and Missey, who hate the storms. Everything is humid and saturated, making it difficult to breathe. The plants and trees love it, though! The birds do not. Their seed was soaked and needed a thorough removal. Now, because of all the rain, seed will only be put out in small amounts and refilled…oh, does it ever get gross when it is wet and begins to ferment. Yuck!

So, let’s get checking on our nests:

Steelscape, Inc. This nest and Forsythe are right up there for continuing worries. There are intruders, and fish deliveries might not be plentiful. On Tuesday, keen-eyed fish bite counter ‘PB’ watched as the third hatch at Steelscape, Inc had two feedings before 1300 with 100 bites. That is fantastic. This osplet will not do much rushing around the nest, so don’t worry. It has to conserve its energy and make those bites of fish count. It is a survivor, and the Mum is fantastic, offering bites whenever that big sister allows. Another reader, ‘MP’ took a great screenshot of Third’s ‘ps’. It is good…a dehydrated chick would not be able to project its ps over the side of the nest like this… and then ‘PB’ watched Three was fed an entire fish. Life is good. Thanks, everyone! Our worries are not over but this fully feathered chick has not died and will definitely live to see another day.

Cowlitz: Fledgling continues to come to the nest! Excellent.

Clark PUD: Both surviving chicks are doing very well.

River Ospreys, Blackwater NWR: All three osplets have fledged and today a visiting juvenile came to the nest. This nest is located in Maryland and is one that survived the storms to raise three healthy birds.

Dunrovin: Pop fledges on Tuesday. Wasn’t interested in the fish, just flying!

Boulder County: The two oldest chicks fledged Wednesday morning! Way to go Boulder!

Patchogue: Little Mini got a great big fish for breakfast on Wednesday. All is well. Each of the four fledglings has been seen in the last 24 hours. Excellent news.

I did promise that we could check on the UK and European nests today and that is where we are heading.

Finnish Nest 1: Oh, my goodness. If I didn’t worry about goshawks I would smile every time I see this beautiful nest in the forest. The three osplets have been ringed – Yellow HKU a female named Usva, HXT a female named Tuomi, and HXR, a male named Roil. Usva is really flapping her wings and wanting to fly. Lots of nice fish coming to this nest. It is wonderful.

Finnish Nest 4: The is the nest of Nuppu and Nemo. They had three chicks. One died. Both survivors are females named Lumo, HWL and Apila, HXA.

Finnish Nest L-S5: Two surviving chicks of four eggs. The first egg was displaced by the male and never incubated and the fourth egg did not hatch. The two remaining osplets are Sade Yellow K1S a female and Slim K2S a little male. They were ringed on July 13. Both are doing very well.

Janakallan: Both osplets are doing well. I am looking for information regarding ringing and gender reveal.

Loch Arkaig: Louis and Dorcha’s fledgling, Ludo, is quite the pesky osplet!

Dyfi: Telyn watching over her chicks as they eat their fish.

Glaslyn: Aran makes sure that both of his boys have fish to eat as Elen looks on.

Loch of the Lowes: Laddie continues to deliver fish and this one is getting eaten in the rain. As far as I know there has been no sign of Blue NC0.

Rutland: Fussing over Fish Deliveries! Normal osprey behaviour after fledging. As long as they don’t kill one another.

Osprey House, Australia: Third egg hatched on Tuesday! Congratulations.

Time for ‘H’s reports:

Fortis Exshaw – This family had another nice day.  The Stepdad, Mr. O, delivered one fish for the family and Louise brought 4 large fish.  One of the fish caught by Louise was so big, it allowed for two meals.  Mr. O also contributed a splendid stick, which Louise immediately took command of and deftly placed it exactly where she wanted it.

Forsythe – What a difference a day makes.  Oscar and Opal delivered 8 fish to the nest for their two fledglings.  After all the wrangling and stealing, it appeared that Owen and Ollie each had 4 fish.  Fantastic!

Osoyoos – It was an atypical day, in that Olsen apparently had some difficulty fishing.  There were only three fish brought to the nest where there are typically 6-9.  At the last fish delivery of the day at 2029, there was some bonking of sib #2 by sib #1.

Kent Island – What a big surprise … Audrey and Tom’s 43 day old youngster was banded!  And, there is currently a naming contest, so ‘Junior’ will soon have an official name.

Barnegat Light – The big news is that Dorsett managed to double the height of his/her brief hovers on 7/25.  A day or two more until s/he fledges?   Dorsett is 56 days old. 

Severna Park – The two fledglings are often seen in the nest enjoying a fish.  Oscar has been bringing them fish, and I’m not sure, but Olivia may be taking a break.

Audubon Boathouse –  This is a photo of Dory on the nest at sunrise, a day after she lost her only baby to a predator.  My heart breaks for Dory and Skiff.


South Cape May Meadows – Since the terrible 3-day storm in June resulted in the deaths of her three young nestlings, Hera can occasionally be seen at her nest, sometimes eating a fish.  Her mate, Zeus, had not been seen since 6/20, and it was feared that he died in the storm.  Well, Zeus was at the nest on 7/25 with Hera (confirmed by an ‘expert’).  How wonderful that Zeus is still alive.

‘H’ also adds that the second osplet at Seaside, Naiku, fledged on Tuesday. Congratulations Seaside. Thank you, ‘H’! Your reports are always appreciated.

Dorset Hobby: My goodness, those little falcons are the cutest things and can they ever devour prey! They are seriously cute as Mum feeds them.

Lesser Spotted Eaglet, Zemgale, Latvia: Doing great. Should be branching in the nest week? Beautiful eaglet.

Eastern Imperial Eaglets, Tatarstan RU: Talk about beauties. These two – again defied the odds – and this nest will have two fledge. No Jainism here! These parents found lots of food for their two youngsters.

An osprey nest is saved! Thanks Sunnie Day.

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

My special thanks to those that sent notes, screen captures, observed nests, made posts and who operated streaming cams that all helped me to write my blog today. Thanks to ‘H, MP, PB’, Se McGregor and Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Steelscape Inc, Cowlitz PUD, Clark PUD, Dunrovin Ranch, River Ospreys, Finnish Osprey Foundation, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Dyfi Ospreys, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, LOTL, LRWT, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Wildlife Conserve F of NJ, Severna Park, Forsythe Ospreys, Cape May Meadows, Audubon Boathouse, Kent Island, Boulder County Fair Grounds, PSEG, SK Hideaways and the Dorset Hobby Falcons, Osprey House, LDF, Sunnie Day and Shaw Local, and RU Imperial Eagles.

Potential fledges…Tuesday in Bird World

25 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

There was a fish delivery at 0816 on the Patchogue Nest and Mini, who was on the perch at the time, flew down to snap that breakfast up! Mum was on the nest at the time of the delivery and flew off….it makes you wonder if the adults aren’t counting who gets what fish during the day. This family is so good at keeping all four of their fledglings fed. It is heart warming.

Mum is so proud of her little fourth hatch. She was on the nest when Mini did a big ‘ps’ at 0844 and then Little Mini did laps around the nest. gosh, she is a good flier. Mini returned at 0846 with Mum watching every flap of her wings!

Off she goes!

Look at Mum’s beak…there is Mini flying in front of the Blue Point Brewery.

Great landing. Darn that black bin bag!

Little Mini is so smart. The others are away from the nest and Dad flies in with a nice fish at 1052 Monday morning. Way to go, Mini!

There were many other fish deliveries. Fish 3 arrived at 11:26, fish four was at 14:23, and another fish came at 15:50. I did not watch for fish after this. Mini got the majority of these and it looks like Three had one with Mini on the perch. The 1550 fish was taken by Dad off the nest either to feed himself or another one of the siblings off nest.

Good Night Mini – good night Mum, Three, and One.

Good Morning Mini.

Well, no surprise, I am celebrating Mini! What a precious osplet who defied the odds – and I mean defied the odds with most of the nests from New York along up along the Chesapeake producing less than one osplet a nest! You are looking at a miracle.

If you are thinking about the heat and its impact on the birds, think no more. ‘R’ sent me an article from The Washington Post on what is happening in Phoenix. — Please, no matter where you are, find a way to leave our water for the birds. It does not have to be anything fancy. An ordinary bowl will work fine. They desperately need hydration.

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Attempts to safe the world’s rarest bird might have a chance!

Spinning Around the Nests:

Glaslyn: Both of the lads have now fledged. Aren’t they gorgeous?

Bridge Golf Club Ospreys: What a change from the earlier fish deliveries. Today five fish were delivered!

Steelscape: I cannot comment on the amount of fish that the third hatch had today but all three are alive at the end of Monday evening.

Sandpoint: Mum Keke is on the nest with the only osplet, Coco. Fish deliveries appear to have slowed a bit as fledging is approaching.

MN Landscape Arboretum: Gosh, golly. This Mum really turned herself and this nest around. There are nice fish being brought in by the 21 year old male and the chick is growing magnificently.

Collins Marsh: There are two beautiful osplets growing like one of our Canadian wildlfires in this nest…incredible result after the sadness of losing Malik in a forced fledge and no nesting last year.

Great Bay: It is hard to believe that this nest and so many lost all their chicks around the Chesapeake Bay. Water so close and yet – no fish. Overfishing of Mehenden? Need a quote or an outright ban on fishing. Need re-stocking?

Cowlitz: We had a fledge on the 24th and the little one has successfully returned to the nest. Well done. You can just see the chick’s tail.

‘PB’ found a great image of this nest with its protective shield. If you know of a nest that should use this device, then please feel free to take a screen show or go to the Cowlitz PUD FB page for 30 March.

Seaside: It was a windy day with some precipitation.

Boulder County: ‘PB’ caught one of those osplets getting a lot of height! Fledge watch! T hanks ‘PB’.

Dunrovin: Flapping and hopping. Someone is going to fledge soon. W ill it be Snap, Crackle, or Pop?

Fort Calhoun Station, Omaha Nebraska: The only osprey nest in eastern Nebraska and now with a streaming cam. One nicely feathered chick. Here is that link:

Island Beach: the two osplets of Beau and Bay are getting some good hovering in.

Osprey House Environmental Centre in Australia: Two of the eggs hatched on the 24th. One left to go. Don’t you just love these little osplets? They are so cute. Just wanting a little bit of fish.

Llyn Brenig: Both of the Osplets took to the wind and flew, one right after the other!

Salt Water Cove Harbour, Newfoundland: Just look at that Osprey nest! BTW. In Canada, Newfoundland is known as ‘The Rock’.

And now for ‘H’s report:

Fortis Exshaw – “There was a total of seven fish, including two headless offerings from Mr. O.  Mr. O also contributed two sticks for nest maintenance, and he provided on-nest intruder defense during one of Louise’s feedings. One of the two 36-day-old siblings was doing some serious wingers!”

Forsythe: Oh dear, another day with few fish for the fledglings.  Oscar delivered fish at 0607, 0933, and 1812.  Ollie managed to grab the first one, while Owen won the battle for the other two. The nest was fairly civil, however, with no major kerfuffles.  And, guess what?  After some major head-bobbing and triangulating, one of the sibs (thought to be Ollie) dove into a small pond adjacent to the nest!  She did not appear to come away with a fish, but she must have seen one.  Very cool Ollie!

Barnegat Light – A couple of mini-milestones for 54-day-old Dorsett: she ate her first fish tail, and she managed to get several inches of lift off the nest while vigorously flapping her wings.

Osoyoos –  All is well for the Ospreys in Osoyoos.  Soo and Olsen are doing a fantastic job raising their 29 and 28-day-old youngsters.

Dahlgren – The nest remains a frequent gathering and dining spot for the family.  How did that nest get so small?

McEuen Park – Those three gorgeous osplets are nearing fledge.  And, one of them even sleeps standing up.

Thank you ‘H’. Mini was a fourth hatch miracle. For the ospreys, the Fortis Exshaw Nest is another. What a fairytale story.

Do you want to know about the California Condors? the impact of the vaccine for HPAI on their population? why not join Joe and his crew on Thursday for a live chat.

An up-to-date study out of Northern Colorado on the eagle population and the post-fledge period – video. Post-fledge is the time the eaglets (or any Avian) spend with their parents before they leave their parent’s territory and become independent.

Let’s end with a big smile – one of our favourite Peregrine Falcon couples, Lou and Annie – bonding.

Thank you so much for being with me today. There is so much action on the nests right now with impending fledges it is difficult to keep up! Tomorrow I will focus more on the UK and European nests. Take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, videos, articles, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning. ‘H, PB, R’, PSEG, The Washington Post, Science, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Bridge Golf Ospreys, Steelscdape Inc, Sandpoint Ospreys, MN Landscape Arboretum, Collins Marsh, Great Bay, Cowlitz PUD, Seaside, Boulder County, Dunrovin Ranch, Ft Calhoun Station, Friends of Island Beach, Osprey House, Linda McIlroy and Raptors of the World, Gerard Hickey and Ospreys of Newfoundland and Labrador, Fortis Exshaw, Forsythe, Wildlife Conserve Foundation of NJ, Dahlgren, McEuen Park, Ventata Wildlife Society, Northern Colorado Front Range Bald Eagle nesting Programme and SK Hideaways and Cal Falcons.

Little Skipper predated by GHO…Monday in Bird World

24 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

Every day I am so grateful for the joy that the garden animals bring to my life and for the gifts, like these beautiful sunflowers, that they grew.

I hope that each of you checked in on Mini on Sunday. Oh, goodness. That bird has no idea what a fan base it has nor how loved it is but, Mini proved that with great parents, an area with enough fish (many do not), and the ‘will to live’, a tiny fourth hatch can survive. Sunday was, therefore, a day of celebration!

There are still issues at other nests with lack of fish – or lack of fish deliveries due to a single parent and intruders: Steelscape, Loch of the Lowes, Forsythe to name three. Keep sending them your best wishes. If you had asked me if we would lose so many fully feathered osplets this year so close to fledge or that we had the potential to lose some more I would have said ‘no’. It has been a challenging year everywhere but, particularly, on the US coasts (Washington and the Columbia River), Chesapeake Bay Area, and Florida.

But, for now, I just want to relish Mini’s day…

And that is just about all I did!!!!!!!!!!!! Sometimes it is good to just stop and rejoice. This was no small feat this tiny fourth hatch pulled off. Some of you might even think it was a miracle.

Mini took a couple of flights after that remarkable fledge. There is that empty nest at 1116. Mini is going to come flying over the brewery across the street and put her landing gear down. She has a little hiccup with the rim but otherwise, perfect.

Here comes Mini trying to line up with the runway!

Beautiful Mini around 1725. The lovely brown dots of her necklace look like little hearts. She has a solid dark eye line and her head is a little muddy. That head is the only thing that will not change so get lots of images of it. Too bad there is no distinctive type of image but memorize it and keep a file. You will be able to recognise her easily by her necklace now but, if she were to return to this nest in the future, you need to know that head because, sadly, banding is not common in the US. She will look different with her adult plumage. It is not often that females return to their natal nest – the males do but it does happen and wouldn’t we love to see her again in a couple of years?

At 1906, the four siblings are on the nest. A huge round of applause for these parents fledgling four this year, please. Many nests could hardly manage two. Many lost all their chicks. For whatever reason, the two PSEG nests did very well indeed.

At 2008, Mini does a really nice ‘ps’. It is all that fish she got today!

Thankfully we did not need a rescue at Patchogue. But I know from all of you that wrote or commented that the plight of Mini caused you to move into action to try and save her should something go amiss. It is those traits in all of you – generosity, compassion, caring – that take away the despair. When you see a chick on a nest that might be lost, you do not hesitate to move into action to try and get help. We cannot save them all and, indeed, the system is set up so that they fail. But today, we witnessed a chick that defied the odds because it wanted to live and a family that made sure that happened – including the siblings on this nest who were nothing short of amazing.

Good Night Mini!

My time today was otherwise occupied with that adorable little Blue Jay that once slept on the little birds and who often watches me from one of the perches. Today, it let me get too close and then….I noticed. Can you see what is missing?

It is called ‘fright moult’. One of the feral cats might have caught this little one, or was it a squirrel? Difficult to know, but my bet is on the cat. To survive, it moulted all its tail feathers. That means this sweet baby can fly with some difficulty but not for long distances. This means that migration is out of the question. In the past, we have had Blue Jays during the winter, so…I am trying to find where the incident occurred so that the feathers might be glued back. Wish us luck. Right now, this baby is in a safe place.

‘H’ has just sent me word that Little Skipper was predated by a GHO on 24 July at 00:20 (12:20 am). This much loved and only osplet of Dory and Skiff was 44 days old. Audubon Boathouse. A real little gem up on the coast that survived til now. You will note that Little Skipper was not so little. The GHOs wait til right before or right after fledge (mostly, it seems) when the chicks are nice and fat. We need protective guards placed on these osprey nests like Cowlitz PUD provided its couple.

What do you think of when you think of a duck pond? I bet it isn’t this! This just literally makes me ill.

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The look of the ducks coming up to get their food so that they can be shot in cold blood in that dire forbidden muddy mess is beyond my imagination. Sorry, folks. But there needs to be an outright ban on this practice. There is no skill involved – it is like baiting the area for the fish around the boat or using ‘fish finders’. Or putting out tonnes of apples for bears…Of course, what I would like to see is an outright ban on killing all wild animals and all fishing. Put a moratorium in place for 8-10 years and see how well the oceans have recovered. (Fish can be farmed if humans insist on eating them).

What would happen if we stopped fishing?

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There is another osplet caught up in fishing line. I do not know the nest but the information was posted on Nor-Cal Birding. In all instances do not give up if someone doesn’t respond or help. If you see an osplet tangled in fishing line (or any other wildlife) get pictures for proof, get the exact location, and find the nearest wildlife rehabber and the nearest USFWS office. Go to ahnow.org to search for the nearest help to the site. If you are not satisfied with that, then Google “nearest wildlife rehab to _________”. Do not wait. Remember how long it took to get help at Dale Hollow? Take action quickly once you see that something is clearly wrong.

A good example. We might not always win but we always need to go the distance for our feathered friends. They cannot advocate for themselves – and sometimes we win. It is those wins – and the fledges that seem impossible – like Little Mini – that really do brighten our day and give us the strength to carry on for others.

Another Osprey nest caught on fire and another set of babies were rescued. This was in Lavigne, Ontario.

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We now know of at least 3 nests that have caught on fire in the past week. Two, in Canada, had the osplets saved. Recommendation: Every utility company undertakes to erect a new pole and platform for all nests on old hydro poles. Be caring, be generous, be compassionate power companies. Need funds? CrowdFunder can be started!

I am so proud to be part of the efforts to raise nesting platforms for the Ospreys in South Australia. Without these artificial nests on poles, the Ospreys have to lay their eggs on the rocks were the eggs and chicks are prone to predation.

Now for a spin around the nests:

Roundhouse Loch Noon: Both of the osplets have now fledged! Congratulations.

Loch of the Lowes: Laddie tries his best to fend off intruders and feed both fledglings. The first hatch, the female, PF4, got this one! She has gotten the last two. The lad, PF5, got a considerable fish earlier on Sunday.

Glaslyn: OH2 fledged on Sunday. Congratulations Aran and Elen – both chicks are now flying.

Here it is on video:

MN Landscape Arboretum: Everything is good.

Steelscape: Things are not good. ‘PB’ has monitored the nest and reports that the third hatch is getting weaker and weaker. It is kept from eating by the first hatch. It had no fish until 7:35pm today when the little one got a private feeding from Mum. There is a drought in the area dn the water is low. As a result there are problems getting enough fish to the nest for Mum and the trio. Please send warm wishes.

Mum reaches out to the little one and this time it eats! The others are quite full. Let us hope that there is a good portion of fish left. You can see where the big one has yanked the feathers from the back. It would be a shame to lose another chick so close to fledge. Thank goodness that fourth egg did not hatch!

I bet that fish never tasted so good as it did to this wee one today. It was quite weak earlier.

At Dunrovin, we are on fledge watch.

For those of you watching the Sydney Sea Eagles, it is pip watch. Can you believe it? There is a fish in the nest already waiting for Lady and any hatchlings.

The remainder of ‘H’s report. Little Skipper was one of her favourites and my heart goes out to my friend who helps me monitor a number of nests. It is so difficult – what a challenging year it has been. Our hearts are broken.

Kent Island –  “There were at least eight fish brought to the nest on 7/23, including one by Audrey.  At 42 days of age, ‘Junior’ has been learning how to perform nestorations under the tutelage of his Mom.”

Fortis Exshaw – “Breakfast consisted of a fish that Louise had brought to the nest very late the previous evening.  Throughout the day, Louise delivered three large fish to the nest, and Mr. O delivered one.  However, Louise was already feeding the kids at the time of Mr. O’s fish offering, so he flew away with his fish.  At 36 days of age, the youngsters are doing very well.”

Forsythe – “Between Opal and Oscar, six large fish were delivered to the nest.  Both Owen and Ollie had plenty to eat.  Ollie managed to grab the 10:10 fish from Opal but was pushed off the nest by Owen.  Ollie was seen flying off the nest with the fish in his beak, and a short while later she flew to the cam pole holding the fish in her talons!  At one point in the afternoon Owen and Ollie were each just standing on their fish, because they were too full to eat.  The temperatures were lower on 7/23, so perhaps fish were easier to catch.  Let’s hope the improved fishing conditions will continue.”

Thank you ‘H’.

I have a little Blue Jay to attend to and was hoping that today would be quiet. Already human debris is causing a disturbance. ‘L’ writes that one of the osplets at Patchogue has a mask attached to its leg this morning. Let us all hope that this mask comes off.

Remember that all manner of things require cutting before disposal. Loops in bags, rubber bands, those plastic tabs that come with bread need to be cut in half…and we need to be diligent and clean up – after ourselves and others. If you do go on a clean-up of parks and places where there are birds, you should wear gloves, clean your hands thoroughly, and use sanitiser afterwards.

Good Morning Mini!

There is an article about the SWFlorida nest – home to Harriet and M15 and the darling Es that you might enjoy.

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Please keep all of the wildlife and our dear nests that are struggling without the help of the heat that is penetrating everything. ‘PB’ just sent me the forecast map for the US which has been hit so very hard this breeding season.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Please take care of yourself. See you soon!

Thank you to everyone who sent notes about Little Mini. Our entire Bird World family has been uplifted by her success. Relish this Sunday and her achievements. It does not often end with such success! Yeah, Mini!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘H, L, L, M, PB, SW’, PSEG, Raptor Persecution UK, BBC, BBC Radio Leicester, Municipality of West Nipissing, Newstalk 1010, Port Lincoln Osprey, Friends of Loch Arkaig, The Woodland Trust, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, MN Landscape Arboretum, Steelscape, Inc, Days at Dunrovin, Sydney Sea Eagles, Audubon/Explore, Kent Island, Fortis Exshaw, NOAA, and Forsythe Ospreys.

Mini fledges! Cowlitz fledge? …Sunday in Bird World

23 June 2023

Hello Everyone!

Oh, tears….The big event begins on Saturday when ‘M’ alerts me to Mini’s amazing hover and ends with all of us rejoicing. Mini flew!

On Saturday, Mini did a great hover…a great hover…has been on the nest and has observed her siblings. She is going to do so great!

The tail on the ascent.

Landing after about 5 seconds of good hovering.

And PB wrote, “Mini at Patchogue branched on the perch 7:23am and fledged 8:26am….sooo happy and crying at same time. She did the impossible from being the runt and getting bullied and made it to fledge. So wish she was banded so when she ever returns we know it’s mini!” –Those banding sentiments are with so many of us…We want to know how she does. One way to tell one osprey from another is their head markings and Mini’s are distinctive. Take screen shots of her head from all angles, keep them. It is the only part of her that will not change!

Mini got her fish at 0856. What a fantastic reward – although it is unclear that Dad knows his little girl flew! Congratulations Mini. Stay safe out there. I think we all must have cried. Bittersweet moment.

The news is sad but the eagle that is being honoured was one of the first to be banded during the re-introduction of Bald Eagles into the US after the terrible decimation of our raptors from DDT.

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There has been a rare bird sighting – a Switchable Black Kite – in Norfolk.

Speaking of kites and all other raptors in the UK – the Hen Harriers, the eagles…one utility company has said that it will not renew the licenses for grouse hunting on its land. As a colleague and friend pointed out, what is not known is how long those licenses can be used. When is the deadline? I hope that it is soon and that other utilities will follow suit. If the legal system cannot stop the grouse hunters from killing off all the raptors then preventing them from using the land is a brilliant alternative. Of course, the 21st century thing to do would be to stop this medieval tradition in its entirety!

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There is sad news coming from OWL in British Columbia about Tyr, the eaglet on the Hancock Wildlife nest. Early concerns showed a possible issue with its leg.

If you are fans of Thunder and Akecheta at the West End Channel Islands nest, the 2023 fledglings often show up at the old nest site along with one or more of the parents.

Anthony is often on the Two Harbours nest along with parents Chase and Cholyn.

Now for some nest news:

MN Landscape Arboretum: Gosh, that little chick is getting its feathers and Mum is attentive. A real change from a month ago!

Boulder County: What a loving family. The five of them just make my heart beat. It is so interesting this year that the Ospreys living on nests in places other than in Florida and in the NE US are doing so very well. It is good to have their population growing and sadly, as hard as it is to say, to have some of the pressure off of the over saturated areas (like Florida and Chesapeake Bay).

These three at Boulder are real beauties. Mum does everything she can for them including being a huge umbrella when it is hot even if they are as big as her!

Charlo Montana: ‘L’ alerted me to the streaming cam being back on at Charlo Montana. The two chicks hatched in mid-June. They are 5 weeks old and doing well. And then the cam went down again! It is extremely hot in Montana. Mum is doing a fantastic job keeping the two cool. Bless her heart.

Loch of the Lowes: The Woodland Trust is more positive than I am that Blue NC0 will return. Laddie has his hands full and the chicks are hungry like those at Forsythe. Blue NC0 has been MIA for a week and this is really more than a spa break. She is a devoted mother and it has been a difficult year with little fish ——–how about stocking that loch like they do at Clywedog in Wales? That would solve this issue! Come on Woodland Trust – not just trees, fish! Here is the most recent report.

At the same time, I would like to call for a few more platform nests to be built for the growing population of ospreys.

Osprey-Diary-at-Loch-of-the-Lowes-Weeks-17-18-Scottish-Wildlife-TrustDownload

Steelscape, Inc.: This Washington in Kalama had fallen off my radar until ‘PB’ wrote to me this evening about a real problem with fish deliveries for the three osplets. It is entirely possible that the third hatchling could be lost. Let us hope not. They have the same problem as Cowlitz it would appear – Eagles taking the fish from the Osprey, the heat, etc. But unlike Cowlitz, which has only one osplet to feed, this nest has three. Thank goodness the fourth egg did not hatch. Oh, goodness. Send it your very best wishes….and look. It is baking hot there, and these babies are feathered. We don’t want to lose another one – so many are starving this year.

Cowlitz: We now know that the wire mesh grids that Cowlitz PUD constructed to protect the osprey nest from Eagle predation have not hindered the ospreys. The only osplet has flapped and jumped and today, that sweet baby fledged (?) or did it branch to the top of the mesh? I think it is on top of the mesh but, if it did not fly – this one soon will!

Seaside: The two osplets, Kawok, the first hatch, and Naika, the second, are beautiful juveniles who are starting to feel their independence. They remind me a bit of Ervie and his brothers once they had fledged. Everyone was civil until then and then it was everyone lad for itself. There is a bit of an aggression showing up just like it is at other nests towards the adults especially if they do not show up with fish! No one is hungry, as far as I can tell, on this nest!

Alyth: The fledglings return to the nest for fish and rest. Flying is hard work. They did not sleep on the nest last night.

Poole Harbour: Oh, it was wet in Pool Harbour on Saturday! Miserable. Windy. The trio were busy preening and trying to dry off Sunday morning.

Glaslyn: OH2 has walked to the perch to with OH1 and Mum, Elen. Will he fly today? He sure is flapping those wings and looks strong and ready.

Dyfi: A bit of a lonely nest at times. One of the fledglings showed up Sunday morning. It looks a bit dreary and damp. Idris and Telyn will be doing a great job feeding their fledglings. Cennen has been flying for a week!

Time for ‘H’s reports:

Fortis Exshaw – Louise had some minor intruder issues, and she flushed an intruder off the tall perch and out of the area twice.  She also delivered five fish to feed her chicks.  The two 35-day-old osplets are thriving.  Mr. O was not seen on camera Saturday.

Forsythe – There were four fish delivered to the nest, including one by Opal.  The fledglings each had two fish.  Even though the food had increased slightly on Saturday, there was still significant aggression, and the siblings were literally at each other’s throats.  After a few days of very little food, the youngest sibling, Ollie, was the primary aggressor.  The battle at 1438 was quite serious.  I’m hoping the fish deliveries continue to increase so that these two juvies can relax.

Osoyoos – Dad continues to be a great provider for his family.  The 26 and 27-day-old chicks are progressing normally.

Severna Park – Olivia and Oscar continue to deliver fish to the nest for their two fledglings.  I have not seen anyone sleeping at the nest for the last two nights.

Barnegat Light – Oh my goodness, at 53 days of age, ‘Dorsett’ looks so grown up!   Dorsett has been wingercising and practicing self feeding. 

Patuxent Nest 1 – Foster and Sib-B are still hanging out and eating fish at the nest, but are sleeping elsewhere.

Patuxent Nest 2 – The livestream was down for 28 days, and finally returned full time on 7/20.  By that time, all three of the chicks had already fledged.  On 7/22 two of the fledglings were seen in the nest at the same time.  

Thank you so much, ‘H’.

The FB posts in Manitoba are full of individuals finding baby birds in their yards. This is happening everywhere, not just near me. So what do you do? Review the chart below and make certain that you have your nearest wildlife rehab clinics on speed dial on the contact list of your cell phone, please.

Thank you so much for being with me today. Continue to send all that positive energy of yours to the nests including those that are struggling with starvation and nest aggression this season. Take care of yourself. I hope to see you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, their comments, postings, tweets, websites, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘Geemeff, H, L, M, PB, PSEG, Audubon, Birdguides.com, Raptor Persecution UK, Deb Stecyk and Bald Eagles 101, IWS, MN Landscape Arboretum, Boulder County Fair Grounds Ospreys, Forsythe Ospreys, Charlo Montana and Owl Research Project, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Steelscape Inc, Cowlitz PUD, Seaside Ospreys, Alyth, Poole Harbour Ospreys, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, Dyfi Osprey Project, Fortis Exshaw, Forsythe, Osoyoos, Severna Park, Wildlife Conserve Foundation of NJ, Patuxent River Park, and Chirp Nature Centre.

WBSE30 is alive…Saturday in Bird World

22 July 2023

Good Morning All!

It was an exciting time in the garden today. The usual suspects were all here but there was a new addition! The European Starlings brought at least one of the juveniles to the garden. It ate in the square feeder, drank in the bird bath, and went into the lilacs to be fed by a parent. Warmed my heart because so many of the Avian families in my neighbourhood bring their babies to the garden to eat and to be safe.

It is very difficult to tell European Starling adults apart – the males and females – just like it is with Blue Jays. This juvenile Starling is gorgeous. The bird book says it is a ‘dull grey-brown’. Well, I don’t think there is anything ‘dull’ about this little beauty.

Just look at the plumage. Under the neck is a soft dark grey collar with a light dove grey trim. Think about the reticula lace ruffs of European royalty in the late 16th century! Not precisely, but think along those lines when you look at the plumage of birds.

So now look at that lovely collar.

Then skip over to the wings and the rump and you begin to get the darkest charcoal, nearly ebony in parts with thicker and more defined outlines on the feathers. This time they almost appear bronze. This is seriously a handsome juvenile.

You can see more of that golden bronze that breaks into a rust when the juvie leans over and the light hits those feathers.

My goodness – what an excellent combination for a fall wardrobe. I worked with a man once that collected all manner of natural objects – well, he collected lots, but he often told me that we have to look to nature for the colours and the patterns. He was right.

The adult trying to find the juvenile in all the thick lilac branches to feed it. This is why I fill those feeders up day in and day out…I could not be more happier to see the adults bringing their babies to the garden. It is a tough world in an urban environment for wildlife. I continue to say that and I hope you don’t get tone-deaf to hearing it. We have taken over their habitat and it is up to us to help them. On the hottest of days that means water – water is hopefully something everyone can spare. But the next time you are tossing food into the bin look and see what you are throwing away. Would a bird eat it?

How did you spend your Friday? I know that many were watching Little Mini to see if she would fledge. Let us hope that she is with us a few more days before flying but, she wants to. Remember. Mini was so tiny we could hardly find her in the nest amidst the big siblings. She appears to be a female which means she has 50% more growth to do than say Three who appears to be a male. Her wings are the span of the nest, she has her tail feathers, now for all of them just to be ‘perfect’ and then, her body will know when to fly. Unless someone knocks her out of the nest or she gets crazy listening to Three ‘fish cry’.

Mini had at least two nice fish and a glorious PS on Friday. The adults do not forget about the chicks on the nest.

Look out below!

As a result of Mini and doing a lot of clearing out, I did not watch the nests on Friday hardly at all. And that is sometimes a good thing. It was not a beautiful day – it was hot and very humid. I still need to get to the nature centre for my daily walk. Instead, I watched Little Red harass Dyson over peanuts. Red squirrels can be very aggressive. I was just screaming at that squirrel who was obviously stashing the peanuts in the wood pile while the others wanted to eat.

Many of you have written in to see what has happened with WBSE30 presumed to have died. Well, she is alive!

There is some nest news and let’s go and see what happened on Friday and early Saturday morning.

Glaslyn: OH2 has not yet fledged – at least not at the time I am writing but it is going to be soon. 0H1 has fledged – both are males.

It was a nasty day at Glaslyn and Saturday morning is even wetter. Happy that 0H2 decided to stay on the nest.

Dyfi: Home to Idris and Telyn. Everyone is soaking wet Saturday morning.

Llyn Clywedog: Every time I think of this nest, I tear up. Dylan and Seren had two beautiful healthy osplets. When I first saw the fish on the nest just there, no one about, my heart sank a bit. thankfully, our fledgling arrived to claim it.

Alyth: The weather is much better and there are three fledglings waiting for fish deliveries!

The last chick did not leave this nest until mid-September and It is confirmed that Dad remained there feeding it all the time. What a fantastic nest.

Loch of the Lowes: Blue NC0 has not been seen for a week. She has not started migration – it is just too early. There have been intruders all season at this nest. I do not believe she would leave two fledglings for this long. Something has sadly happened to her although I hope that she lands on the nest and makes a fool out of me. That would be brilliant and it would be welcoming. Laddie is trying to keep intruders away and be both Mum and Dad. The fledglings are both hungry——and I do mean hungry. Just like they were at Achieva or at Forsythe, currently. He is doing the best he can in circumstances he cannot control.

Blue NC0 and Laddie LM12.

Laddie delivering a fish and the male PF5 got it – he is so hungry having been pushed about by the sister PF4…Two fish so far today – I cannot completely confirm who got the second but I hope that each fledgling got a meal.

Poole Harbour: Food security is paramount for a civil nest. Just look at Poole Harbour!

It is now confirmed that Blue 5H4 did a two-part fledge at 17:13:13 on 21 July. Returned safely. All waiting for their breakfast fish with CJ7 looking on from the perch.

Fortis Exshaw had such a huge fish that I had to post it earlier than H’s report. This nest should simply put a smile on our faces – it and Little Mini and even the Third hatch at Boulder. They are survivors.

‘H’ writes: “Things seemed to have settled for this nest since Mr. O came along eight days ago to help Louise after the disappearance of her long-time mate, Jasper.  Mr. O landed on the nest at 1205 to provide deterrence against an intruder, while Louise was out fishing.  Louise brought four large fish to the nest, and Mr. O brought a few sticks throughout the day.  At 1818 Louise assisted Mr. O with his stick placement.  At least one of the chicks seems to be learning from his stepdad, and has been practicing moving sticks around.”

Forsythe: “Fishing must still be difficult for Oscar and Opal.  There were only three fish delivered to the nest on 7/21, one by Opal, two by Oscar, and the fish were not very large.  Owen, the oldest of the two fledglings, managed to acquire all three of the fish, with nothing left over for Ollie.  Ollie last ate a small piece of fish at 0935 on 7/20.  There has been an increase in aggression on the nest.”


Kent Island – “All is well for Audrey, Tom, and their 40 day old offspring.  Some have been referring to the little one as ‘Junior’.  Junior is simply cute as a button!”

Boathouse – “Life is good on Muscongus Bay for 42 day old Skipper.  Skipper has been learning from his dad, and he is becoming quite adept at rearranging sticks.”

Dahlgren – “The fledglings D11 and D12 seem to be enjoying exploring their new world.  They  both return to the nest for meals, and to sleep.  I am still amazed how peaceful this nest was all season, despite the siblings hatching four days apart.”

Thanks so much, ‘H’.

Tatarstan RU: Eastern Imperial Eagle nest of Altyn and Altnay. G osh those two little eaglets are growing and they are sporting some green bling!

Lesser Spotted Eagle nest of Anna and Andris in Zemgale, Latvia: What a gorgeous baby!

Karl II and Kaia Black Stork Nest, Karula National Forest, Estonia: Three gorgeous storklets waiting for fish in the morning sunlight. Thank you Urmas for ensuring this family has food in a year of drought and few fish or frogs.

News for Waba and Bonus, the two surviving fledglings from Karl and Kaia’s nest of 2022 (Bonus was a foster from the nest of Jan and Jannika):

Dorset Hobby Falcons: One is Self-feeding! That nest is getting smaller as these two fluff balls grow bigger and bigger.

There is growing concern over the kills by goshawks of ospreys. I am reposting a FB post so that you can see this fantastic image of an Osprey’s talons. Notice the curve and the reason for this – it is not for fighting. Ospreys cannot defend themselves with their talons like eagles and hawks can.

Puts a smile on your face. There are many kind people willing to drop everything and help our ospreys.

Sadly the osplets were lost. But like so many of you who saw this earlier and wrote to me – if it was such an iconic nest, why were these chicks not saved like the ones in Nova Scotia? Did the fire burn so quickly? Did no one not see the smoke and get help? Can you imagine those adult ospreys flying above the nest seeing their chicks burned alive? Will the power company put up a new safe platform on a pole nearby like in Nova Scotia?

I have been asked to spread the word about a beautiful white parrot that needs to be located. It belonged to an elderly woman who was ill and could no longer care for her beloved pet. She entrusted the bird to A Tropical Concept Exotic Bird Rescue, who then found an adoptive home. The individual who took the parrot was a ‘flipper’ – get the bird and resell. A Tropical Concept Exotic Bird Rescue wants to find Bella, the white Parrot. She is unusual in that the parrot will say, ‘Bella, Bella, Bella’. If you or someone you know might have seen or had contact with this parrot, there is a $3000 USD reward. It is believed the bird could be in Arizona but, as I know, birds are flown daily so she could be anywhere. They just want to know that she is well cared for. No questions asked. Here is the contact: https://www.facebook.com/atcbirdrescue

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog this morning: ‘A, Geemeff, H, J’, Wikipedia, the Spruce, PSEG, Linda McElroy and Raptors of the World, Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, Dyfi Ospreys, CarnyXWild, Alyth, LOTL, Jannet King and Love for the Pool Harbour Ospreys, Poole Harbour Ospreys, Fortis Exshaw, Lisa Lavargna and Ospreys Only, Cherly Scott Trueblood and Birds of Prey, Forsythe, Kent Island, Dahlgren, Boathouse Ospreys, Tatarstan RU Eagle Cam, LDF, Eagle Club of Estonia, Looduskalender Forum, Dorset Hobby Falcons, and Sunnie Day.

OH1 at Glaslyn just took off…Thursday in Bird World

20 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

It has rained every day for ever so many days. The garden is emerald green. Without even looking at the forecast – the storm clouds roll in quickly – you can tell that something is going to happen by the frantic activity of everyone trying to eat!

One of Dyson’s kits got so excited and then lost its peanut over the edge of the feeder. Ahhhh….

The little sparrows lined up on the branch of Abigale’s tree hoping to get fed or get a turn at the feeder after the squirrel.

It was delightful to see Little Red at the feeders! He knew I was watching and thwarted my gaze.

Baby Blue Jay having a nap.

The little one only woke up when a sibling came to pester. There are five of the babies alive out of the original six…they were all in the garden on the feeders, having baths, and eating today. That is pretty good…they bring me such joy I cannot even describe it properly sometimes.

The baby on the left (above) is the one that slept with the little garden ornamental birds. Its crest finally has blue on it! But I can still tell which one this wee baby is from its behaviour. Adorable. Always loves a good long bath.

Lewis, of course, could care less. These days he is either sleeping or eating!

Oh, my goodness, the ospreys were fledging on Wednesday! I am going to lose count of all of them quickly! It took great effort to get all of the data in my forms along with the continued quest to find more French and German osprey nests.

And they were fledging on Thursday. OH1 just took off not long ago at the Glaslyn Nest! Congratulations! Time was 14:33.

‘D’ wrote and told me that it looks like it is possible all three on the Crooked Lake, Iowa osprey platform of parents Nobel and Whitley fledged on the 19th. Sunnie Day was going over to the footage to make sure that the first hatch CL16 also flew – and the verdict is ‘yes’ – all three flew today.

Take off and return for the first chick’s flight.

Siblings watching.

A great return.

‘H’ wrote and the second chick at Dahlgren flew!

Geemeff wrote that Ludo, the newly named osplet of Louis and Dorcha at Loch Arkaig, fledged before he got his official name. It was apparently the shortest trip ever from the nest take-off to the return landing.

Here is the video of that short flight:

Blue 5H3 took off at Poole Harbour at 1719 on the 19th.

These are exciting times for these young birds but, we have to remember that their journey is just beginning. Like many others less fortunate, these birds got to fly and we hope they will be safe.

The news coming out of the Chesapeake Bay Area that has been hit with storms and whose ospreys are starving to death underscores the coming challenges for the osprey population in the area.

“Williamsburg, VA – In 2023, The Center for Conservation Biology has documented the highest rate of osprey nest failure ever recorded within the lower Chesapeake Bay.  Only 17 of 167 nests monitored during the season produced any young.  The nesting population produced only 21 young resulting in a reproductive rate of 0.13 young per pair.  This rate is below that recorded during the height of the DDT era.  In order for the population to sustain itself, pairs should produce 1.15 young per pair.”

Here is the full report:

The-Center-for-Conservation-Biology-documents-unprecedented-osprey-nest-failures-within-the-lower-ChDownload

When a goshawk attacks a fledgling osplet on the nest while it is eating along with its sibling and Mum, my heart stops. Those are dangerous raptors and all of you know that predation by goshawks occurs throughout Europe and the UK. The loss of these chicks is personal to those who live and work around the nests – to whom the birds really are family. Have a read of John William’s poignant blog regarding the loss of the Llyn Clywedog fledgling on the 18th of July.

Tragedy-The-Clywedog-OspreysDownload

Translocation projects continue.

Instead of chopping down the Osprey platform for the demolition, it will be left standing long after the osplets fledge! We needed a good news story like this one. Thanks, Geemeff – it is “one for the good guys” as you say.

Rare bird spotted in the UK. Accident? Intentional? Black winged Kites are a “Small and distinctive falconlike kite. Light underneath, blue-gray above with conspicuous black shoulders formed by black wing coverts. Juveniles have a scaly back and brownish-washed breast. Found in open savannah, semi-desert, and agricultural lands with scattered woods; frequently seen on exposed perches. Varied flight style, hovering like a kestrel or gliding like a harrier with deep wingbeats and raised wings.. ” (eBird).

Rare-black-winged-kite-spotted-in-Norfolk-Broads-BBC-NewsDownload

Time for a spin around some of the nests not covered above:

Boulder County Fair Grounds: A Fantastic news with diligent devoted adults and three very healthy nearly ready to fledge osplets.

MN Landscape Arboretum: It is all good. Lots of nice fish meals beginning very early. Our 21 year old Dad is doing fantastic.

Patchogue: Little Mini had a nice fish first thing as the sun was coming up.

The time was 0525 and Mini scrambled with that fish stuck on its foot!

Cowlitz PUD: All is well. Chick is eating, sleeping, and growing. And the metal grids are still holding out against the Bald Eagle predation. At the suggestion of ‘MB’, I wrote to Tweed Valley and Llyn Clywedog about the metal grids erected on the nest at Cowlitz to try and stop predation. It is something that the UK nests might have to consider if the goshawk threat to ospreys continues.

Oyster Bay: All present and accounted for.

Wolf Bay: Fledglings come to the nest hoping for a fish dinner.

Dunrovin: Everything is fantastic.

Poole Harbour: Getting lift and then gone. Blue 5H3 fledged at 1719 while its siblings watched.

Glaslyn: I thought it was the best screen capture I had seen of Aran’s new mate Elen and their two lads. Everything is fine. No fledges as yet. Soon.

‘H’ reports on the nests she is monitoring:

Fortis Exshaw: “Thankfully it was a mostly intruder-free day for this blended Osprey family.  There were a couple of minor intruder issues, with Mr. O quickly flying to the nest at 0624 and 0651 to assist with defense.  There were a total of 5 fish brought to the nest, one by Mr. O.  At 1249 Mr. O landed on the nest and got an earful from Louise.  She may have been telling him to go fishing, and even the two kids got involved and had a ‘talk’ with their stepdad, lol.  This went on for about three minutes, with poor Mr. O just standing there and responding with soft chirps.  It was comical.  He showed up later with a headless fish.  After Louise had brought the last fish of the day at 1951, Mr. O came to the nest and simply stood by for 27 minutes, while Louise fed the kids and enjoyed a meal for herself.  Very cool, Mr. O.”

Dahlgren – At 1246 D12 became a fledgling at 58 days of age, although it was unclear if that was her intention at the time.  She flew across the nest and may have intended to land on the other side, but miscalculated and tumbled over the edge.  There was the sound of sticks hitting the water, but no splash or ripples were seen.  Several seconds later, D12 was seen flying low past the nest toward a nearby dock.  D12 landed safely back on the nest 4 1/2 hours later.  Enjoy your new life as a flighted bird, D12! 

Kent Island – All is well on the Chesapeake for Audrey, Tom, and their 38 day old youngster.

Severna Park – Olivia and Oscar continue to provide for their two fledglings at the nest.

Forsythe –  At 57 days of age, Ollie jumped up, flapped three times and landed on the camera pole.  Then 52 minutes later she jumped back down to the nest.  Perhaps she will fly away from the nest and take a spin around the marsh today.

Boathouse –  At 40 days of age, Skipper has been taking wingercising very seriously.

Thanks so very much, ‘H’!

Dorset Hobby: Oh, my goodness gracious. These little Hobbies are adorable.

Port Lincoln: Mum and Dad seem to be staying more and more on the barge nest as egg-laying approaches in August. ‘A’ reports some failed mating attempts, and you might recall that there was some concern for Dad last season.

Sydney Sea Eagles: ‘A’ reports that the 19th was “another quiet night, possums passing a few times. Lady left for a short break just before 7am and back straight away. Dad brought part of a fish shortly after, which she took away to eat. Both were then in and out during the day though Lady spend more than 2 hours longer than Dad on the eggs today. In the whole incubation period to date both have spent an almost equal time on the eggs. At dusk, Lady was settled as usual for the night.”

Durbe County, Latvia: Milda and Voldis’s male eaglet returns to the nest looking for a meal. Isn’t he gorgeous?

The female fledgling also visited the nest! both are safe and flying well.

Lesser Spotted Eaglet Nest in Zemgale Latvia of Anna and Andris. the eaglet enjoyed having a vole and a frog for a meal. I wonder how scarce food is in the forest?

Three beautiful storklets at the nest of Karl II and Kai in Estonia.

Four beautiful storklets of Bety and Bukacek are superb.

Lady Hawk captures a feeding at the Selati Verreaux Black Eagle Nest in South Africa.

Black Eagles are large raptors that live in various parts of Africa. The pair will lay two eggs four days apart. Incubation is 40-45 days. If two eggs and both hatch, the oldest chick will kill the second one. There will be only one chick to raise and fledge. They eat mammals such as monkeys, small antelope, squirrels, and rabbits.

Thank you so much for being with me today. P lease take care. Have a good end of the week. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Thank you to the following for their alerts, notes, videos, posts, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, D, Geemeff, H, MB’, Timothy Dygert Live Street, Pool Harbour Ospreys, Friends of Loch Arkaig and the Woodland Trust, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, The Centre for Conservation Biology, John Williams Blog, Gregorious Joris Toonjen and Ospreys, CBS2, ITV News, BBC News, Boulder County Fair Grounds, MN Landscape Arboretum, Wolf Bay, Dunrovin Ranch, PSEG, Annie Roc and The Glaslyn Osprey Group, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Fortis Exshaw, Dahlgren Ospreys, Kent Island Ospreys, Severna Park, Forsythe Ospreys, Boathouse/Audubon, Dorset Hobby Nest, Pool Harbour Ospreys, Cowlitz PUD, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Sydney Sea Eagles, LizNM and the Latvian Fund for Nature, Latvian Fund for Nature, Eagle Club of Estonia, Mlade Buky Storks,Lady Hawk and Selati Verreaux Black Eagles.

The storm that just keeps giving…Monday in Bird World

17 July 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

It is 11 degrees C or 51.8 F. Chilly. The temperatures on the Canadian Prairies are like a roller-coaster these days. My tea is not cold this evening; it is hot!

Sunday was meant to be a quiet day, and, for the most part, it was. I do not know if I mentioned a young and very beautiful Calico cat that has been coming to my house since last fall. I feed her and call her ‘Calico’ (nothing creative in that). Now she will come and sit about 1.5 metres from me. If she is ‘starving’, she comes to the garden door and looks in. Thankfully I see her most often and take out food. She had kittens about two weeks ago (the problem with feral cats). This is her first litter. I have tried to find where she goes until this evening. She is very tricky. She had me going in the opposite direction. I now have it narrowed down to an old garage or a garden shed. The goal is to locate the kittens, see if the Humane Society can find homes for them, and see the status of Calico. The goal is to get the kittens into good homes ultimately. Calico is probably too old to be socialised but I am hoping to have her a heated home by fall.

Then ‘H’ warned me about an issue with a nest in Ocean City (later). Definitely did not end quietly!

What should you do when you believe a nest has a crisis? You’ll need to take notes and screen captures. Dates and times. What happened? Make sure it is a crisis. While doing that, find out the precise location of the nest. Google search for the wildlife rescue and rehab clinics for that specific location. Get their contact details. Once you are confident there is a problem, contact them! Don’t sit and discuss the sadness on chat – do something! This is especially important if there is no chat moderator. There are rules and guidelines to get permits. The nest in question at Ocean City has adults missing, one chick dead, and one alive. The question is: Can they intervene and foster the surviving chick before it dies? What is that old Nike saying? Just do It. It takes time to get permission; the sooner people know there is a problem, the quicker help can arrive. It could save a life. (It isn’t easy to know who is the precise authority over the particular nesting area so write to several agencies).

There was a surprise for me. An Osprey landed on the Seilli Osprey nest in the far north of Finland. The nest did not have a mated pair or chicks this year but maybe next year?

The two chicks at nest #5 in Finland were ringed on 13 July.

The chicks at the two German nests that we have been observing – Goitzsche-Wildnis and Eschenbach – have now fledged. All three on the Goitsche-Wildnis cam flew on the 13th of July.

The three flew and returned at Eschenbach safely.

At the Oceanside Marine Nature Study Centre, the first two hatches flew on the 12th of July while the third took off on the 13th. A fish came in but only one claimed it as the reward…more fish arriving later.

The osplets at Maryland Western Shore Old Town Home nest have fledged as well and I am searching for dates. If you know when those beauties flew, please let me know. (I have asked chat with no response).

All is well for the fledglings at Wolf Bay in Alabama.

Just returned.

Waiting for fish!

At Crooked Lake there is a whole lot of flapping going on. Fledge is so close it could happen this week. The chicks are 51, 50, and 48 days old. Average fledge range is 50-55 days.

Watching the Ferris State University nest for fledges, too.

‘H’ is also reporting a fledge today. It is the first fledge for the Forsythe nest and she says, “Forsythe fledgling has been identified as chick #1 (Owen).  I hope she was able to find a safe perch.  The storm started 20 minutes after she took off.” Send your best wishes. It is terrible for these birds when they have just flown and the heavy rains begin. I am haunted by the image of Yurruga on the little building at Orange to do this day.

At Llyn Brenig, it is reported that “LM6 and LJ2 both brought in a good size trout each to the girls. Both have a huge meal tonight”.

In other news,

The MN Arboretum Landscape osplet appears to be eating really well and amassed a huge crop on Sunday. ‘L’ caught a screen shot of its outstretched left wing for me and all looks alright. Hoping that is the case!

It was raining on Little Mini – as it was on many of the nests in the area. Some had huge storms hit Saturday night. In fact, Mini seemed to have a miserable Sunday with the big ones flying in and grabbing the fish.

One soaked Little Mini. Hopefully, Mum and Dad will come and feed their fourth hatch so she gets some good fish before night falls.

Mini eating a nice fish Monday morning. Thanks Mum and Dad!

Everything is fine at Dunrovin and the weather appears to be markedly nicer than that for the nests on the NE coast.

Everything is fine at the Boulder County Fair Grounds and, in fact, it is looking good for most of the nests despite the storms and torrential rains in the NE, so far.

That egg on the Loch Arkaig nest is finally smushed…..Just watch this chick flap and hop!

Congratulations to Victor at Moorings Park who was seen catching a fish on Saturday 15 July. It might well not be Victor’s first but we certainly know he has the skill set to get his own food. A tribute video was made in celebration of the event.

Just when you think it is a quiet Sunday, it isn’t. Both adults at the Ocean City OC nest in New Jersey are missing. Two chicks – one has died. The other is living. Folks are hoping for an intervention and a fostering situation.

UPDATE: The second chick fell off the nest into the marsh and died. The issue appears to be a die-off of fish from the storms that have hit this coast over the past month as well as the heat domes and the current issues with fewer fish in areas of salt water. What makes this so sad is that entire nests have died off this season and without trying to be too negative this could be a glimpse into the future for many of the nests. I wonder if any of the surviving parents will leave the area for elsewhere? There are other ospreys, adults, landing on this nest. It is really unclear if these are the parents of the two dead chicks but, personally, I do not believe so. Ospreys do not just abandon dying chicks (even this did not happen at either Carthage or Snow Lane).

‘H’s report on the other nests she is monitoring:

Osoyoos:  It is hot is Osoyoos and temperatures are predicted to be even warmer later in the week.  Dad has been delivering 7-8 fish per day.  Soo and Olsen’s 20 and 21 day old osplets are doing very well.

Forsythe:  Things are off to a pretty good start this morning.  Oscar delivered a partial fish at 0836, and Opal delivered a huge fish at 0853.  The beneficiary is chick #2 who had been shorted on fish the past few days when chick #1 was in the nest.  Opal will get a nice meal from that large fish as well. I hope that chick #1 is safe and will return to the nest soon.

Dahlgren:   D12, the younger sibling at 55 days of age, seemed so eager to fledge on 7/16.  There was a storm that went through, but after the weather cleared and his wings dried out, D12 stood at the edge of the nest for the longest time.  At one point he leaned into the wind, bobbed his head, spread his wings a little, and bobbed some more . . and all the viewers held their breath . . Ah, but he did not fly, and we eventually had to exhale, lol.  Fly when you are ready, little one.

‘Sibling B’ fledged at 1504 and made a nice return landing on the nest about 7 1/2 minutes later.  Foster, Sib B’s older foster sister, was waiting in the nest to congratulate him.  Nicely done, Sib B !


Louise delivered 8 fish to the nest at: 0604, 0640, 0807, 1234, 1400, 1804, 1945, 2058.  Her chicks were once again well fed.  Louise’s new friend, Mr. O, did not bring in a fish.  But he did land on the nest at 1214 and seemed to be fending off an intruder.  Louise landed on the nest right behind him, then Mr. O flew off after the intruder.  Mr. O also brought a nice stick to Louise at 1921, and surprisingly, she was satisfied with his initial placement of the stick, lol.

Thanks so much, ‘H’.

A real survivor! Lived to tell the tale of its nest collapsing and is now seen in Senegal by Jean-marie Depart. What a beautiful story.

If you are concerned about the amount of plastic in the oceans – and we should be because in several years, there will be more plastic than fish – here is an article titled, ‘Global assessment of marine plastic exposure risk for oceanic birds’. Please read and try as hard as possible to find alternatives to plastic in everything you use and purchase. The article was part of a package of materials from the British Trust for Ornithology and appeared in Nature.

Whenever you look at those cute little Albatross chicks (or Petrels), you need to realise that they are the most at risk. Let us all join together to do what we can to help them.

Global-assessment-of-the-impact-of-marine-plasticsDownload

Artist interpretations of our feathered friends opens at the Photographer’s Gallery. Have a look at some of the images.

Feather-report-artists-images-of-birds-–-in-pictures-Art-and-design-The-GuardianDownload

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

Thank you so much to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘H’, Seilli Ospreys, Finnish Osprey Foundation, Eschenbach Ospreys, MNSA Osprey Cam, Maryland Western Shore Old Home town, Wolf Bay, Timothy Dygert Live Stream, Ferris State University, Llyn Brenig, MN Arboretum, PSEG, Dunrovin Ranch, Boulder County Fair Grounds, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Ej Ej and Moorings Park, OC Osprey Cam, Osoyoos, Forsythe, Dahlgren, Patuxent River Park, FortisExshaw, The Guardian, BTO and Nature, and Mary GK.