Category Archives: Wild Justice

Wow! Everyone loves Gabby and Beau…Friday in Bird World

5 September 2025

Good Morning Everyone!

It has been rainy and grey for most of Wednesday and all day Thursday. I am so tired of rain. Please let the sun and warm weather return for a bit!

Toby spent the afternoon with his friend Nellie while I took Don to a doctor’s appointment. Toby and Nellie are besties.

Don has Hemachromatosis, and we have been working hard to get those Iron levels in his body down, along with ‘phlebotomies’—such a funny name. Well, we went from the high 160s to 13 Iron. He doesn’t even have to have any blood taken out until 2026. We are pleased, and his doctor is a ‘sweetie’. She lives in our neighbourhood and also feeds all the wildlife, including four baby raccoons. She kissed Toby’s picture on my phone, and she has eight rescue cats while driving a Mojito Lime coloured Jeep. I adore her!

The overwhelming response to Gabby’s arrival filled my inbox – it lit up with over 300 emails. Has it been such a sad year for the ospreys that the safe arrival of this iconic Bald Eagle has given us hope? She is gorgeous, looks fit, and Beau was undoubtedly happy to see her!!!!!!!

I will keep you informed as this has always been one of my favourite nests.

SK Hideaways video offerings on some of our favourite nests!

While Jackie & Shadow are Away, the Critters Do Play ~ 24-Hours in Their Habitat (2-3 Sept 2025)

It’s a veritable menagerie in Jackie and Shadow’s paradise habitat. Over a 24-hour period here are just a few of the critters we saw:

~ Band-tailed Pigeons

~ Lodgepole Chipmunk

~ Mountain Chickadee

~ San Bernardino Squirrels Fiona & Fast Freddie

~ Cooper’s Hawk

~ Common Raven

~ Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk

~ Stellar’s Jay

Courtesy FOBBVCAM, Friends of Big Bear Valley

Diamond and Gimbir ~ 3 Bonding Sessions + 2 (Sort of) Mating Attempts (4 Sept 2025)

Diamond’s new suitor, Gimbir, has been very keen to impress and getting very familiar with the nest box over the past 3 days. This morning, they bonded three times before 6:00 a.m. and even shared a beaky kiss. They then met on the tower for one decent mating attempt and one miss. It’s fascinating to watch this new relationship unfold, while we humans still struggle with the loss of Xavier. We do believe that falcons have emotions, but they are certainly nothing like the human variety, which bodes well for their survivability.

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW

Revolving Changeovers with Dad’s Lullaby and Mum’s Melbourne Shuffle (2 Sep 2025, 5:15-9:16 a.m.)

Dad arrived early for the first changeover. The next four came in relatively quick succession. Dad sang his chirping lullabies and Mum did her magnificent Melbourne Shuffle atop the eggs. These chicks will know who’s who when they hatch.

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam 

South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY

North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 4th September 2025
Not much activity today, a few songbirds visited and an RAF Atlas transporter was seen on both nest cams but the most interesting event today is a post from George with some season wrap up statistics. The Osprey cam page is the most visited of the entire Woodland Trust website –  of course! – with over 100,000 visitors clocking up 1,000,000 web sessions, and along with the Friends of Loch Arkaig and Morag Hughes’ big swim, has generated £25,000 in donations. Let’s give ourselves a pat on the back, and big thanks to George for moderating this forum which along with the nest cams is the best entertainment around. Thanks to Postcode Lottery for sponsoring the cams. Link to George’s post: 

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=27858631
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.03.53 (

05.41.38); Nest Two 20.57.38 (05.50.52)
Today’s videos: noneBonus retail opportunity – 

Woodland Trust tree calendar 2026 includes a stunning photo of Loch Arkaig:05.26.28

https://shop.woodlandtrust.org.uk/woodland-trust-tree-calendar-2026Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/f9xGkReEs2o  N1 Three fish one after another for Lachlan 2017 (thanks Scylla)
https://youtu.be/TjCNVR0D0dA N1 Rannoch gets a fresh flapping flounder 2019 (thanks Scylla)https://youtu.be/ghdrU4ka5_U N1 Good grief – more fish! Number five arrives 2020
https://youtu.be/K03sHXEtezg N2 Ouch! Louis gets his leg pulled 2022
https://youtu.be/XusFfpEKwHA  N2 Sarafina leaves as the Hoodies move in 2022
https://youtu.be/3sGLsMZX-Yk  N2 Fish number four causes a bit of a fankle 2022

https://youtu.be/tQhK-KB1690 N2 Little bird looks tiny on Dorcha’s perch 2023

‘A’ brings us the latest commentary on the Australian nests- and I do love this personal take on nests in the country where she lives:

“Breakfast was early at WBSE this morning, with Lady feeding some leftover fish to the littles before 6am. Little SE36 woke up in the prime position so was offered the first couple of bites and was brave enough to take them, despite the looming of SE35 from behind. It decided not to push things, however, and allowed its larger sibling to eat then, until it had taken the edge off its early morning appetite. Both are getting enough to eat and are looking good. Preening is the order of the day today, with both obviously feeling very itchy as they learn about feathers. They are just too adorable for words. And so sweet. 

Meanwhile, in the course of comparing last season to this, I notice that this year’s chicks are being called by the same numbers as last year’s (SE35 and SE36). Is this an oversight? I am confused (though it is worth noting that this is an almost constant state and it is particularly easy to confuse me, so that’s not exactly a measure of anything whatsoever). Why are this year’s chicks not SE37 and SE38? Surely they should be. 

We will probably not see SSTrig chick fledge and her absence from the hilltop will be our only hint that she is no longer on the headland. The rangers do a daily sweep of the area and the nests in an attempt to pinpoint the departures, but they cannot be sure whether an individual chick has left the building or whether it is just exploring potential take-off points (as SSTrig has been doing of late). They do a regular head count and estimates are based on that (and of course on the rescue of birds who ditch in the bay and have to be given a second attempt at fledging). What a wonderful thing it is to know that these rangers devote their lives to helping these exquisite birds and that they are being given every bit of help they can possibly need. Supplementary feedings, hydration, sprinkler systems in the heat of January and February, weekly weighings to monitor their weight gain and vet checks where needed, not to mention the incubators that allow these eggs to hatch in a perfect environment, untouched by flies or other pests. It truly is a beautiful thing, and the closest thing to a worry-free live stream you’re ever likely to find. The fact that these birds are the stuff of seafaring legends and can live (and breed) into the seventies (thinking of Wisdom of course, although she is a Laysan albatross rather than a royal northern albatross, but the distinction is largely irrelevant from the perspective of adoring the albatross) is just awe-inspiring before you even consider their amazing endurance and their incredible inbuilt GPS allowing them to negotiate journeys covering thousands of kms with such precision that they return to within 50 metres of their natal nest. Just beyond belief. No wonder they are perhaps the most fascinating of birds. Certainly they are one of the most loveable, with their gentle nature, their grace and their beauty. Their dedication to raising their one chick per season is awe-inspiring, sitting for days and days, even weeks, as they await the return of a mate to take over incubation. But there is no need to go on. You know exactly why I adore the albatross so much. Such a very special bird.

SSTrig chick is either becoming better acquainted with the camera or attempting to eat it. Whatever she is doing, she is making a racket and is in such exxtreme close-up that it is difficult to tell which bit of her we are seeing. She really has been a very adventurous albie, building herself a new nest and constructing several play nests during her months on the headland. Obviously, curiosity is a big feature of this chick – she has been fascinating to watch as she has explored her surroundings. She has even reconoitred some of the take-offs her parents use when they leave after feedings, as if she is planning her departure and plotting her path to the skies. Seriously. Why else would she be exploring those particular pathways down the headland? Whether it’s intelligence or some inner GPS, these birds circumnavigate the globe, and the fact that they return to within 50 metres of the nest in which they hatched after a journey of several thousand kms is absolutely mind-blowing. This little one’s big day is rapidly approaching. In fact, she could leave pretty much at any point now. September has arrived and with it two important things: football finals and the first flight of the Taiaroa Head albatross chicks. Both are events filled with equal parts joy and fear. Anticipation and trepidation. Godspeed, gorgeous birds. Return safely. 

Just an update on Taiaroa Head. The beginning of the end has arrived, with the most recent sweep of the nests revealing that when the winds came up on Monday (1 September), we saw the departure of the first of this year’s chicks. She was 223 days old. Usefully, she happens to be one of the chicks to be given GPS tags this season, so we can track her progress as she heads towards South America. It appears obvious that SS Trig’s parents are aware that their offspring is on the verge of her own great journey, coming in very frequently over the past week or so to feed her. She has had two feedings today (4 September) and was also fed twice yesterday I believe. There are obviously a couple of other chicks on the headland who are  readying  themselves for departure, with rangers finding three boluses so far, two of which contained plastic. SS Trig chick has been practising her hovering and getting some good air under her wings, but she has been lighter than average pretty much throughout her life so far, and I hope she is strong enough for her big adventure. It seems strange that they empty their stomachs before leaving when their next meal will also have to be their first catch. Yes, I know they are trying to remove any excess weight, but if they are using wind currents rather than wing flapping for most of their flight, then surely having the caloric buffer would be the wiser choice. It just goes to show how little we humans know, eh? 

And a reminder that it was on 3 September 2022 that Royal Cam chick Lillibet fledged, the first of that season’s chicks to do so. I cried and cried that day. I still believe it was a fludge – the winds associated with that storm were so strong, and she had been practising her hovering and slipped on the ultra-slippery headland and up she went. And headed off into the storm. I was watching it live at the time, and could hardly believe my eyes. She lost her footing, ended up in the air and decided to keep going. At least that’s what I saw. Little Lillibet. Named after the Queen, a great lady who will be tremendously missed.

As I type, the open tab from Orange is suddenly a burst of e-chups as a bonding session begins between Gimbir and Diamond. Gimbir is becoming more confident around her, though making sure his exit from the box is secured at all times. This is a lengthy bonding session. Both birds have gigantic crops – Gimbir’s is particularly huge. He certainly is a good hunter but so far has not been observed sharing his bounty. Certainly, they are very interested in each other, and their bonding sessions are frequent (at least a dozen a day). This one is continuing, having lasted several minutes already. I am so glad Diamond is not alone. ” 

And more from A: “I’m sure you’re aware that we have the first egg at Port Lincoln. Dad is proving a good provider and brought in a niced celebratory fish for mum. He also took over incubating while she ate her fish. 

He’s also brought in some nesting material, which she approved of and has incorporated into the nest structure. These two seem to chat a lot and appear to have a very convivial relationship. I’m never certain that the birds we are seeing are the same two as last year – I can never tell, despite the fact that the pattern on their heads is apparently as distinctive as a fingerprint so some of the viewers have surely done a computer comparison of photos from last year’s stream with those from this year. But certainly, the behaviours of the birds (both individually and in their interactions with each other) appear different year to year, and certainly this year’s pair seem much more relaxed and much more closely bonded than last year’s. So make of that what you will. 

At WBSE, little SE36 (or is it SE38 and if not, why not) is so much smaller than its sibling. It simply has to be a male with a big sister, surely, given their identical sizes 24 hours after the second hatch. And again, I wonder what research has been done on the relationship between gender and hatch order, because it certainly seems as though the first hatches are more often female and the second hatches male. There could be many very good reasons for this in terms of species survival, and I could definitely speculate along those lines. But it could be purely illusory – we are more aware of those nests because we become attached to the smaller male eaglet and therefore we tend to remember the female first hatches with little brothers. I would like to know though. I’m sure work has been done on it. 

Spring has sprung here in Melbourne – the sun is out and the trees are beginning to blossom, while the birds are flirting and nest building – a lovely time of the year and my personal favourite.”

Do you live near St. Louis? Why not travel to the World Bird Sanctuary for International Vulture Awareness Day this weekend?

Visit WBS this Saturday Sept 6 2025 for International Vulture Awareness DayDownload

What are vultures and why are they important?

For the kid in all of us: https://youtu.be/P0si5myKEfA?

Why are vultures important? https://youtu.be/kwZKP3idR70?

And a longer one from Audubon – Vultures, the Unloved Bird: https://youtu.be/Tmzla2KarFk?

Look at this amazing King Vulture!

“King Vulture” by Me in ME is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Another beauty you might know: the Maltese White Backed Vulture

“In search of the Maltese Falcon #13 – White Backed Vulture, Malta Falconry Centre” by foxypar4 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

There is an army of women in India protecting the General Adjutant. They are known as the Hargila Army. The Hargila Army is an all-women grassroots conservation movement in Assam, India, founded by Dr. Purnima Devi Barman to save the threatened Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila). This group of thousands of women educates their communities, installs protective nets for nests, and plants trees to restore the storks’ habitat. Through weaving stork designs into traditional clothing and other cultural activities, they have successfully changed the negative perception of the bird, increased local pride, empowered women, and even helped move the stork from endangered to “near threatened” status.
 

  • Community Engagement:The army, named after the stork, consists of thousands of women who go village to village to raise awareness and educate others about the storks. 
  • Habitat Protection:They plant trees to create better nesting sites and install nets to protect chicks from falling from their nests. 
  • Rescue Efforts:Members also care for injured chicks at wildlife centers and work to free rescued birds back into their natural habitats. 
  • Cultural Integration:The women weave the Greater Adjutant into their traditional clothing and create folk songs and celebrations featuring the bird, transforming it from a disliked bird to a symbol of pride and a source of income. 
  • Pioneering Conservation:Dr. Purnima Devi Barman’s community-led approach, which incorporates traditional practices and empowers local women, has been crucial to the program’s success. 

Impact of the Hargila Army

  • Population Growth:Thanks to the efforts of the Hargila Army, the population of Greater Adjutant Storks in Assam has significantly increased. 
  • Status Improvement:The bird’s population growth has led to its reassessment by the IUCN from “endangered” to “near threatened”. 
  • Women’s Empowerment:The movement has provided thousands of women with a new identity, a sense of pride, and an opportunity for economic empowerment through weaving and garment sales. 
  • Global Recognition:The conservation model has been shared and is being replicated in other regions, including Cambodia. 

Protection for the General Adjutant (Greater Adjutant) involves community-led conservation efforts, including nesting site support, raising awareness, and cultural integration, especially in areas like Assam, India, where local groups like the Hargila Army have significantly increased nest numbers.The species is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List with a recovery trend but remains dependent on continued efforts to prevent population decline.
 

Key Conservation Measures 

  • Community Engagement:Local communities, particularly women in Assam, have become active participants in conservation through initiatives like the Hargila Army, which involves cultural programming, educational programs, and local pride in the birds.
  • Nest Protection:Conservationists have implemented strategies to protect young birds, including placing nets below nests to prevent injuries from falls and raising fallen chicks for several months before their release.
  • Habitat Improvement:Conservation efforts focus on protecting the nesting trees and surrounding habitat, a key factor in the species’ recovery.
  • Cultural Integration:The importance of the Greater Adjutant has been integrated into local culture through songs, art, and even prayers, shifting public perception from seeing the birds as pests to valued residents.

Challenges and Current Status 

  • IUCN Status:The Greater Adjutant’s conservation status has improved from Endangered to Near Threatened due to dedicated conservation work, though it remains a species dependent on ongoing support.
  • Population Size:The global population of mature Greater Adjutants is still moderately small (around 1,360-1,510 individuals), making it vulnerable to declines if conservation efforts weaken.

Examples of Success 

  • In Kamrup district, Assam, the number of Greater Adjutant nests has grown from 27 to over 210 in just thirteen years, a significant increase attributed to the community’s involvement.
  • A scholarship program for children whose families host nests has been established, and a Hargila Learning Centre and museum have been created, further empowering local communities to protect the birds.

My friend Michael St. John cannot stop seeing birds in the wrong place. Today, he was off to try and spot some raptors, including the elusive Blue KW0, a UK osprey that wound up in Barbados two years ago. Michael saw him first and caused an international discussion! Today, he spotted a Eurasian Spoonbill casually standing in the water. Michael is very humble. His e-bird list is long and he has only been watching birds for a few years. I think he is inspirational to all of us to get out and look! Congratulations, Michael, on this and the Hen Harrier sighting a few weeks ago! You deserve a medal. And now confirmed, it is the first sighting of a Hen Harrier in the Americas! Michael got this note confirming:

From: Andrew Dobson <andrewdobs@gmail.com>

Subject: Re: First Hen Harrier for Barbados?

Date: 5 September 2025 at 2:38:11 AM GMT-4

To: Michael St John <mstjohn@glacialpure.com>

Dear Michael

Not just for Barbados, but for the Americas! This is amazing news. I know Richard Porter very well and I have met Mark Avery. I wouldn’t argue with any of the raptor experts, especially Richard and Dick Fosman. I think you should amend your eBird record.

I’ll amend my seasonal report to NAB immediately. Are you able to send me your best photos? It might even knock the Pallid Harrier off the front page. About time you had a Northern Harrier to complete the set!

Best wishes

Andrew

‘The Girls’ are doing very well! Toby loves them and has learned to play gently with Missey. Hugo Yugo and Toby are real circus performers leaping, running, tumbling, and playing hide and seek. Hope sits and watches. Calico can be pretty cranky and she will push Toby back. I was told Calicos are different. These two are but I adore them. As of today, Baby Hope has been with us for two years. It was two years ago that she came to the feral feeder and we were able to trap her almost immediately. If you have forgotten the story of Calico and Hope or are new to my blog, here is their story:

The Story of Calico and HopeDownload

In an effort to make more ‘higher’ spaces for The Girls, instead of rushing off to buy another cat tree, we moved this old Asian dresser to the garden window when we moved the large cat tree for Hope to the sitting room. Each of the cats has decided it is pretty nice on that quilt. This time it was Hugo Yugo’s turn.

Missey wanted to be on that soft quilt but Hugo Yugo wasn’t prepared to move. She has just jumped on the island and is in a bit of a snit.

Baby Hope is feeling so much better.

Calico took over the top of the little cat tree and isn’t moving either. Calico is very sweet. I cannot imagine not having her and her only surviving baby in our lives. It has been just over two years since Calico decided to step into that cat carrier and join our menagerie.

The deer near my friend on the way to drop off Toby.

I am enclosing this posting from Wildlife Haven today, not for your to donate, but for you to see one of the rare animals they are caring for – a baby lynx. This is my local rescue and they do amazing work – remember the turtle with the soft shell and the invention of the device by Dr Tess to raise the shell off the back and get it hard again. That turtle was released after a year of care. If you live in Manitoba, Wildlife Haven has its Open House on September 20 and 21 this year. Go to their website to purchase tickets. You will have the opportunity to meet all the ambassadors and see the surgeries, the new flight wing, and more. It will be $10 well spent as it goes directly to the care of the wildlife they rescue.

Rare Baby Lynx RescueDownload

Toby is attaching the latest post from the blog, Walking with Daddy. Beautiful images of a Sparrowhawk encountering a Magpie. Enjoy!

A sparrowhawk on Shoreham BeachDownload

Just some notes. Idris is still feeding Brianne at the Dyfi Osprey Platform breaking all manner of records.

At Rutland, 8, Maya, and Blue 33 are still home. 9K5 is still on the Gilestone nest in the Usk Valley in Wales along with dad. Ron is back at the Dade County nest and has been for a few days. Nova Scotia Ospreys are still home. O2 was spotted on the Cornell Campus along with Big Red. – Will catch up with all of them on Monday.

We can make a difference. Wild Justice is happy to announce that an adventure playground is illegal in Wales.

Wild Justice Good newsDownload

Thank you so much for being with us today. We will check on our favourite raptors again on Monday! Take care. Enjoy the weekend – get out and look for birds migrating through your area and remember to ask people to turn off their lights and if you can pursuade the powers in your community who control lighting, tell them why it is important for migrating birds to have the skies dark. Plus it saves money with high energy costs. We will look forward to having you with us!

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘A, Geemeff, and SK Hideaways’, Michael St John for sharing his birding adventures, the owners of the streaming cams whose information and images we used, the individuals who take the time to create videos ande post them on YouTube, and the administrators of FB groups such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers that still cover environmental issues as well as the rescues such as Wildlife Haven who give our friends a second chance. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Sad news, WBSE34 euthanised and 33 is in care…Tuesday in Bird World

12 November 2024

Hello Everyone,

Sad news has come in this morning. As you were aware, it appeared that only one sea eaglet was seen around the parents. WBSE34 found itself far, far from home and blinded. We have also received word that WBSE33 is in care. This could be very good news if her condition is good. Oh, these poor babies. Thanks, Heidi.

Hugo Yugo is fine. It could, however, have ended badly. She ate a shoelace with a knot at one end! I will spare you the details, but suffice it to say that the ‘evidence’ arrived in the middle of dinner with my ‘bestie’. Hugo Yugo is back to her cheeky self and is now cuddled under my left arm, making it difficult for me to keyboard. Her sisters might well wish she was still under the weather as they had quite a bit of peace while she was under the weather. We are all relieved, and to think we thought she was trying to pass a fur ball!!!!!!! Not our girl. Where in the world she found this shoestring is beyond me; none seem to be missing. Gracious. I thought only dogs did things like this!!!!!!

Quickly skipping to our birds…

As anticipated, the second egg arrived for M15 and F23 around 6:15 PM. F23 experienced some intense contractions, which made me feel uncomfortable! I don’t expect a third egg, so we should be entering the hard incubation phase. A hatch is expected in mid-December.

Here it is caught on video! https://youtu.be/CyGBfYAPlDk?

We might have at least one fledge at Collins Street when you read this. The eyases are hungry, the parents are teasing them, and they can fly – they don’t know it yet! https://youtu.be/lauS5ZxHfaw?

Still there, but not for long.

Gosh, they are cute. SK Hideaways caught two on the perch and beaky kisses, too. We are so going to miss these three! https://youtu.be/xTzR2lhGCh8?

The family is waiting for breakfast at Port Lincoln. One fish arrived at 0924, and another at 1018. Mum brought them both to the nest, but as you will see from the images, she is not wet, so it is assumed that she picked them up from Dad. Unless, of course, she dried really quickly before returning to the nest.

Yesterday, Dad delivered four fish. He will probably do that again today. He is off to a good start! Kasse and Wilko can eat all the fish that comes to the nest – guaranteed.

.These fish counts and observations are absolutely critical in understanding osprey behaviour and the fish demands of a nest. I am still collecting data for the people working in Virginia to end the commercial fishing of menhaden. Yesterday, I received a fish count from ‘SD’ who counted 579 deliveries at Glaslyn. Counts vary due to the weather, the nests close proximity to good fishing, competition from other ospreys, eagles, gulls, etc. (More about the overfishing of Menhaden and need for accurate counts like they do at Port Lincoln below).

Morning images from the scrape of Diamond and Xavier. They might not have the runway that the Collins Street triplets have, but there is a whole lot of flapping going on with downy feathers flying everywhere! These two are more than adorable. Diamond and Xavier are demonstrating their flying skills and showing the kids how much fun it is to be a bird outside the window of the scrape.

Lots of food at Orange. The down is disappearing with only a few dandelions left. This year I have spent more time watching this scrape than Melbourne. Oh, how I hope that Yira and Garrama triumph without any issues soaring high above the tower chasing Diamond and Xavier for prey and getting it! With no bad weather when they fledge. Yes, let’s wish – all of us for sunny days and no rain!

Lots of activity at the nest of Gabby and Beau on Monday.

In migration news, Blue 511 appears to have flown with the good winds south out of Poole Harbour Monday morning. There is news of an osprey still in The Netherlands that has not left on its migration.

If you missed part 1 of the five part series on what CJ7 and Blue 022 got up to in raising four osplets to fledge in 2024, then here it is. There is a new release every Friday so do subscribe. (It’s free). The first episode is ‘The Arrival’. https://youtu.be/IlySzcfTh3c?

Isn’t it about time that all power companies need to be respectful of wildlife and amend and erect new poles or place them underground so no bird gets fried? Eighteen swans found dead. Please read about their unnecessary deaths here: https://bbc.com/news/articles/cew2nzvdyklo

The posting below addresses Stripped Bass; if you look closely, you will see that this was over a year ago. Never mind the date – everything still applies. I want to add that the osprey chicks and some adults starved to death because of Omega’s industrial fishing of Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. Not just a few, nearly every chick hatched and not just in Virginia! This has to stop. For precious little Cobey and all the Cobeys that hatch in the future, please help. If you do not live in Virginia, write to their Governor. Let’s flood his office from around the world. You can get a digital form by searching for Governor Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia and clicking the ‘Contact’ link at the top.

Wild Justice has just sent out its report on the Rodenticide Stewardship Report. Did the efforts to create less harm to wildlife work? Have a read – you can really educate yourself on these commercial killers and the harm that they do.

Collateral_Damage_Wild_Justice_websiteDownload

Can you help the British Trust for Ornithology?

Calico would like you to help those who cannot always help themselves or who find themselves in a difficult moment.

‘MP’ sent me a link that addresses even more ways that being in nature heals us and how touching plants can help. Thank you!

https://www.livescience.com/health/a-direct-relationship-between-your-sense-of-sight-and-recovery-rate-biologist-kathy-willis-on-why-looking-at-nature-can-speed-up-healing?utm_term=EACFAD43-2015-4ED5-BB24-0F91F8AC994E&lrh=ad9593b53bdc7d1701328fe35b20b4bcfcaf820d4b7c74c2aa18868201b08d9d&utm_campaign=368B3745-DDE0-4A69-A2E8-62503D85375D&utm_mediu

So that you know, I will no longer be posting on X but will be moving the blog to Bluesky this week. The best way to receive the blog is by e-mail subscription. There is no fee, and I have vowed that there never will be a charge for my blog or ads. You can unsubscribe at any time quickly.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please stop and go outside and be near plants and birds. Each of us needs to take care of ourselves. It is an anxious time. Tomorrow I will have some images of the geese and ducks that remain at my local pond for you. It was soothing – yes, soothing is a good word – to spend time with them on a crisp sunny day.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, images, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, H, J, MP’, SWFlorida Eagle Cam, SK Hideaways, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, Port Lincoln Ospreys, NEFL-AEF, Birds of Poole Harbour, CBCN, Wild Justice, BTO, Facts that will Blow Your Mind FB, livescience.com

Eagles are OK…Starlings return to the garden…Friday in Bird World

27 September 2024

Good Morning,

Gabby is in the nest this morning. She is OK. The hurricane is in Georgia. Send good wishes to Pa and Missey Berry at the Berry College Eagle nest.

First up. A few weeks ago, Sharon Pollock sent me the name of an organization that fights for the rights of those who can’t fight for themselves. Earth Justice is taking those who seek to trawl Alaska’s coral reefs to court. I want Earth Justice to represent the Menhaden of the Chesapeake Bay and the dying Ospreys. When I take my little mini break, I will be working on my presentation to them. A copy of it will go to those behind the fight in Virginia. If you have any articles on the dire consequences of the Menhaden commercial fishing in the Bay, please send them to me? I want a comprehensive bibliography. Let me know if you were part of any groups observing or dealing with osprey nests that had chicks starve to death. I need details and details.

It is to be 29 C today. Blue clear skies. A breeze. And it was a lovely day but the winds were really gusting. The sand was blowing in the countryside north of the City when we went to see if there were any geese feeding. None. The ones we saw were at a golf course. Beautiful green grass and a pond! Smart geese.

At 0915 Thursday morning, the European Starlings returned to the garden. Oh, it was so good to see them! They left the garden in the late spring. They share the large flat feeder with the sparrows and the Blue Jays while crunching down on the seed cylinder. One is having a bath! They have been away for a few months and look ‘thin’ to me. They will now stay over through the winter. These are non-breeders. See all the silvery white lines on their breast and heads!

With the hurricane winds bearing down on Florida, look what happened to migratory patterns! Who says birds aren’t smart????????

As I write this, the hurricane is 5 hours from making land fall and I am really concerned about our birds in Florida and in the area north of the Florida panhandle as Helene is still set to be a strong cat 2.

Connor turned on the Captiva Osprey cam so that we can see the impact of the storm. That said, at the time, Helene is north of Captiva and the Barrier Islands.

Gabby is on her nest in NE Florida south of Jacksonville hoping it stays put. The only way that you can tell what is happening with the storm is to view the nest using cam 4.

Gabby is still there.

Gabby is decidedly hunkered down in that nest.

Will check in on Gabby now and again. Stay safe, sweetie!

She left the nest at 1723.

It is really whipping and twisting Gabby’s nest tree at times.

Winds are much stronger.

Helene is a cat 4 and the eye will be 150 miles west of Jacksonville.

Pretty gusty at SW Florida.

M15 and F23 have arrived at the nest with sticks ahead of Helene making landfall.

The SW Florida pair left the nest at precisely the same time as Gabby – 1723! That is the most exciting thing to come out of watching this storm so far.

Tornadoes, gusts of wind, heavy rain. Perhaps all of the nests in Florida will dodge this hurricane.

The arrival of the Pink-footed Geese to the UK is pretty close to the top of my bucket list.

Connor talks about the new cameras at Captiva and shows us the fish bone in Jack’s legs and how, eventually, it will dry and shrink and come out! Go to 7.29. https://youtu.be/AhgcJ23s9Fo?s

Geemeff sends us an article on starving ospreys due to the overfishing of Menhaden. Thank you to everyone who sent in a letter. Hopefully this issue will not die until the situation in the Bay has changed!

https://dailyprogress.com/colonial-beachs-osprey-season-was-a-disaster-birds-starved/article_8ddda70a-e8bc-5b50-8c16-f5b94c5647f3.html

I did not see anything but rain at the Newfoundland Power Osprey platform at Snow Lane. Have they all left?

I don’t know what it is about the two little sea eaglets this year. My all time favourites were SE25 and 26 because 25 took such good care of its sibling, teaching it how to do things with 26 rising to the occasion regardless of its foot/leg injury.

The whole family is soaking wet. Gosh, that nest must smell!!!!!!!

Heidi has been following the Growing Home Ospreys in Australia. Just look at that cute little osplet. Are you feeling osprey withdrawal? Check out their streaming cam!

Egg 1 is 33 days old today at Port Lincoln. I am thinking Mum should be resting all that she can because in another week she won’t be able to! Have you put your guess as to the hatch date and time in the Port Lincoln chat?

At the US Steel nest of Irv and Claire, a subadult had to be asked to leave! https://youtu.be/QhlhE6F3e04?

Gary brings us up to date on what is happening with the Redding Eagles, Liberty and Guardian. https://youtu.be/6sNco6LgaJw?

In the UK, Wild Justice is filing a formal complaint against Waitrose and the high street chain, Marks & Spencer for using toxic lead ammunition to kill the gamebirds they sell in their shops!

Wild Justice lodges formal complaint to Competition & Marketing Authority about Marks & Spencer & WaDownload

There is nothing that makes me madder than someone with a camera stressing out wildlife to get the perfect ‘shot’. I have seen individuals with their long lens (600 mm) standing underneath a tree with a Bald Eagle only to have that eagle leave the nature centre for good. Or the dozen or more that rushed the Great White Egrets when they landed on their tree to roost at night. Seriously. Humans poison the ocean, destroy habitat, leave garbage everywhere, put out rodenticide to kill rats that harm the entire food chain and another forty or more despicable actions that harm our beloved animals and feathered friends. It needs to stop!

‘You could single-handedly push it to extinction’: how social media is putting our rarest wildlife aDownload

‘The Girls’ are getting into some kind of hibernating mode despite the hot weather. Hugo Yugo can almost always be found in the little house at the top of the cat tree. Baby Hope is in the basket, Calico is hiding somewhere resting so no one pounces on her, and Missey loves to pose!

Hugo Yugo still sleeps like a little child. She has to have her head on my left arm, under my chin. Slightly uncomfortable and causes insomnia!!!!!! Oh, but do you think I move? Of course, not! She is my adorable tiny little Ginger with the weepy eyes.

Calico’s Tip for the Day: We came home with a small bag of apples right off a tree and a bag of caramels for making caramel apples. They just scream fall to me! Have you tried to make them and the caramel fell off the apples? Calico doesn’t want me to be sad this year so she has found the solution!!!!!!! If you purchase apples they will have had a wax coating applied to help preserve them (unless you pick them off a tree). You can soak the apples in very hot water or dip them in boiling water to remove the wax. But that is not all, you then need to make certain that they are thoroughly dry before you dip them in the caramel.

Calico also suggests that if you haven’t had a caramel apple for years, make some. Be a kid again!!!!!!!!!!

“caramel apples” by divadea is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Today, we will be attending Wildlife Haven’s Open House. Stay tuned for some images of their raptor ambassadors including dear Majestic, the Bald Eagle. Take care! See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff’, Sunnie Day, Window to Wildlife’s Captiva Osprey Cam, NEFL-AEF, Jacksonville Weather, SW Florida Bald Eagle Cam, RSPB England, Window to Wildlife, Daily Progress, Newfoundland Power, Olympic Park Eagles, Heidi McGrue, Port Lincoln Ospreys, PIX Cams, Gary’s Eagle Videos, Raptor Persecution UK, The Guardian, and OpenVerse.

Mini and More…Sunday in Bird World

20 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone,

My goodness. At 2000 the garden just lit up with visitors -two Ruby-throated Hummingbirds came to feed on the Vermillion plants. They are on their migration, coming down from northern Manitoba, feeding in Winnipeg, and continuing southward. Then the Cooper’s Hawk that was on the Conservatory roof a couple of days ago flew in and landed in the lilacs, being ever so quiet -hoping to get a snack before light’s out. The Blue Jays and Sparrows are quiet ten minutes later, as are Dyson and Gang, who were scurrying around when the hawk arrived. I was watching to see if Calico would return for a snack.

Heavily cropped and poor lighting.

11:36:58 Saturday. Minnesota Arboretum chick takes to the skies. Mum is still waiting – late Saturday afternoon – for her baby’s return. Get a fish Dad!

The osplet returned to his waiting Mum at 18:11! Well done. Congratulations!

The youngest osplet at Charlo Montana C15 also fledged on Saturday and it flew when the Highlights were on.C15 has returned to the nest.

‘A’ alerted me to an incident Saturday morning with Mini. Mini had flown to the perch from the brewery side of the road and was chased by one of her siblings, who forced her off the perch and onto the nest—very aggressive behaviour by 3 who spent the night on the north perch chattering. Mini will later get a fish and eat it without incident- 0658.

Mini went on to enjoy her morning fish. She ate every bite.

1417:

By 1600 that left leg is causing Mini considerable discomfort.

1711: Dad brings Mini a nice live whole goldfish! Thanks for the notification ‘L’. Hang on, Mini! Dad has a really nice crop…good for you, Dad. You have been so incredible this season feeding a family of six!!!!!!!!!

Look at our girl hold that fish down with that right talon. Way to go, Mini!

At 1735, twenty-four minutes later, our gal is ready to hork that fish tail. Down it goes at 1736.

Holding the fish down tight with the right foot has allowed Mini to eat much faster and she did not lose the fish over the nest. So proud of you, Mini.

Mini finished that up and flew off only to return to the nest a few minutes later. We can see her nice crop. She wants another goldfish – fish calling to Dad!

Good night, Mini!

After Three had left the nest, Dad delivered a big fish to Mini. S he was jumping all over the nest in excitement as he arrived. She ate every bit flying off with the tail. Mini is doing so much better with her feeding now that she is holding the fish down with that right talon.

Clean up crew arrives.

Wow. There were so many fish deliveries on the Sandpoint Osprey nest and my goodness, the Mum fed the osplet rather well in comparison to other days. No one was hungry. At 1533, the 7th fish arrived on the nest. Unbelievable.

Coco has a big wingspan and is flexing those wings getting them strong. There was a good ‘ps’ around 11:11 as well.

Looking good at the Dunrovin nest with fledglings continuing to return and screaming for fish from Swoop and Harriet. What a beautiful day they had in the mountains.

‘H’ has some good reports for us! As always, thank you for keeping such a good eye on these nests.

Fortis Exshaw – “After missing the only fish delivery to the nest from Louise on 8/18, a very hungry Banff wisely decided to forgo an early morning flight.  She was waiting on the nest when Louise delivered a ‘whale’ fish at 1001.  That fish was equal to 2.5 to 3 fish.  Oh my goodness, the temperament of teenage ospreys . . after taking possession of the fish, Banff lunged and flapped at her mom to get her off of ‘Banff’s nest’!  Lol, Louise understands . . this is not her first rodeo with teenagers.  Banff feasted on the huge fish on-and-off for several hours, and never let go of it.  There was at least 1/4 of the fish remaining when Louise delivered another fish at 1509.  A very excited Banff celebrated with a couple of high hovers while holding the fish!  Banff ate some of the new fish, but she was not very hungry.  Then at 1728 an intruder decided to harass Banff.  Banff was buzzed with close fly-bys four times, then Banff quickly flew off the nest to avoid potential harm.  Good girl.  She left a partial fish and a nearly-whole fish on the nest.  Banff did not return to the nest for the rest of the day, and the intruder did not take the fish.  Banff will have breakfast already waiting for her in the morning.  Stay safe Banff, wherever you are.”

[News has come in that Banff was taken off the nest and dropped at the side by the intruding Osprey at 0622 this morning. Thanks PB].

Osoyoos – “Olsen brought two fish to the nest,  The first fish at 0837 was a huge headless fish that lasted nearly two hours.  And the second fish at 1400 was also a good-sized fish.  At 54 days of age, ‘Junior’ was doing some high hovers, and at 1833, s/he was completely out of view of the cam for a few seconds.  Keep an eye out . . Junior just might fledge today!”

Forsythe – After having not been seen for 20 straight days, mom Opal made a surprise appearance on the nest at 0909.  And guess what? . . Oscar brought her a fish!  How cool is that?  Oscar to his gal: “See ya’ next year, honey. Stay safe.”  It was wonderful to see Opal again before she starts on her long journey.

Barnegat Light – “Here’s a photo of the multi-talented fledgling, Dorsett, as “captain of the ship.”  And, after she was not seen on camera for two days, Daisy was on the nest in the morning.  Later in the afternoon, Daisy delivered a fish to Dorsett on the nest.  Nice to see you, Daisy.”

Severna Park – “There has only been one fledgling seen on the nest for the past five days.  We cherish every chance that we get to see her and her dad, Oscar.”

Thank you again, ‘H’. It is that time of year when, as you said, it is always a pleasure to get a glimpse of the youngsters and their parents.

It looks like Diamond was hungry when, after turning down the European Starling, she finally accepted it!

It was not typical behaviour for Louis to be away from the nest and not delivering fish to his youngster/s. Ludo was certainly getting anxious. The weather was terrible and the water choppy. What relief when lewis shows up after a two day absence…

The weather has been terrible in Wales, evens Aran is out there fishing!

Louis has been delivering to Ludo today. I wonder if the water is as choppy at Loch Arkaig as it has been. Fish 2.

We are still waiting – and so is Dad – for the first egg at Port Lincoln. The good news is that Ervie is back in Port Lincoln!

As of 2330 Saturday in Canada, this is the situation at the Sydney Sea Eagles as reported by ‘A’: “

Breakfast was very late this morning – around 11.25 – and the fish took 15 minutes for Lady to feed to SE31. There were no bites for SE32, not even a little one, though to make up for it, he got beaked and lifted off the ground by its back and its neck several times. SE31’s viciousness is increasing. Today, when both were hungry, SE31 was a little stinker, really hurting little SE32 when she lifted him up by the loose skin between his shoulder blades. SE31 had literally mouthfuls of feathers to spit out on several occasions. Little SE32 crept forward and around and did everything possible to get near mum but to no avail. SE31 beaked him wherever he tried to go. Just as Lady left the nest, all food gone, SE32 makes it up to the empty table. Poor little mite looks so sad. We need a large lunch fish fairly quickly, as that was not a large fish and we need SE31 to be too full to eat before SE32 is going to get anything at all. He had a bad day yesterday food-wise and we really need him to eat this afternoon.”

Later news: “So there were three small whole fish brought in between 11:25 and 13:06 and SE32 got one small piece. This situation is worsening, and although SE32 is getting up to the table, he is too scared to raise his head once he gets there. He rushes up to the table to try and find leftovers he can self-feed but there have been no leftovers for him to find over the past 24 hours, so this is not helping him right now. SE31 keeps a close eye on him, so if he found food to self-feed, SE31 would probably be up there joining in without moments! And he makes sure SE32 stays in submission during feedings by simply leaning over him (and sometimes grabbing a beakful of feathers and shaking him violently, even picking him up off the ground, his little feet flailing to gain traction).” Thanks, ‘A’. I h ope the situation changes quickly

Let us all hope that little 32 gets some courage and a lot of fish!

At Taiaroa Head – home of the Royal Albatross Colony, Manaaki gets wonderful feedings two days in a row!

One of my heroes that fights for wildlife and whose early love of Kestrels keeps him going in the face of death threats is Chris Packham. There is a really good article in The Guardian today about this man who is one of the founders of Wild Justice.

Chris-Packham-‘I-would-lose-my-voice-immediately-if-I-went-to-prison-for-protesting-Wildlife-TDownload

Thank you to everyone for being with me today. As the wild fires grow in Canada, please keep all of our feathered friends (and the humans and other wildlife) in your thoughts. 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 today: ‘A, H, L’, Mn Landscape Arboretum, Charlo Montana, PSEG, Sandpoint, Dunrovin, Fortis Exshaw, Osoyoos, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, Severna Park, Forsythe Ospreys, Cilla Kinross, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, E Lewis and Glaslyn Osprey Group, Geemeff and the Woodland Trust, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Sydney Sea Eagle Cam, Lady Hawk and the NZ DOC, and The Guardian.