Category Archives: wildlife rehabilitation

Friday in Bird World

18 July 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope that the week was kinder to you than it was to the little osplets on the nests. Gosh, I hate to be a bearer of bad news. This year has really ‘gotten’ to me and Heidi. She said something very important on Tuesday and I hope she does not mind my repeating it since it was public. Heidi wrote, “I love them, and I want to be there for them… because it is happening to them whether we watch or not. If they can endure the pain, then so can I.” Precisely how I feel and I know from many of you who have written to me in the middle of the night that you sit up and virutally hold their little talons as they pass. Thank you for being there for them.

The plight is getting news coverage – keep up the pressure! Thanks, Heidi.

Menhaden Scarcity Leads to Bleak Outlook for Ospreys – The SandPaperDownload

The book decluttering was quite the event. The final books went to the fire station thanks to my neighbour for their book drive. They were shocked to get thousands of almost new books! A great place for them. A win-win. The picnic table is assembled. The new beds are lovely and now, the last task is to pick a paint colour for the living room. It is the only room that I am going to refresh. Sometimes these things can become overwhelming so the goal is to stop before that becomes a reality.

In a week, we are going on a short holiday. Toby is going and The Girls are staying with Anne. On our return, Toby will begin his training. The trainer will come to our home. Looking forward.

There has been some sadness in the garden. We discovered that we had two baby Blue Jays. This evening when we took Toby on his walk, he wanted to go a different direction than normal. There in the back lane was one of the Baby Blue Jays. It had either hit one of the utility lines or landed on one and fell to its death. We scooped it up and brought it home burying it under the lime green hydrangea – a place where the little ones often flew. So sad. The adults work so hard to raise their young and in the end, so few survive those first months. There is also other sadness coming. For two nights Brock has not wanted to eat. He rests on the chairs on the deck and then goes back to the woodbox. Despite supplements, lots of good quality hard and wet food, dewormer, Brock is getting thinner and thinner. He does not run away from me but only allows me so close. I told him tonight how much his presence has meant to me and that I only wish he had trusted me enough to let me help him. He will be buried in the garden when he passes under the very large Crab Apple tree. I hope this time is not soon, but it feels as if it is. Send Brock your good wishes. All of this coloured what was to be a fun birthday party for Missey. So we will postpone that for a couple of days. The height of the party will be a small container of KFC. Missey loves KFC!!!!!!

‘PS’ report from Seattle Friday morning: “The two chicks continue to seem to do quite well, with multiple feedings witnessed, lots of flapping and hopping up and down on one leg, and some eating (though also a lot of still being fed by mom). I imagine, if all goes well, they will be fledging within the next 7-10 days? Can’t wait! 

Managed a lucky capture of mom coming back to the nest with a Starry Flounder one day, too. Rest of the photos here (https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/00d128UF4o). “

Mum has turned out to be a great fisher! It is so nice to see a nest doing well. They did lose one chick but these two are really flapping and getting strong. Thanks, ‘PS’

Some osprey nests have been neglected. As I race to try and decipher all my notes and get the data into the forms, it is time to start at the top and check to see what is happening. Before I do that, my inbox is full of great individuals wanting to help stop the commercial fishing that is taking all the Menhaden. Here is a new posting from Ben Wurtz and his team at Conserve Wildlife NJ.

First, pick a story to make the decline of ospreys ‘real’. Ask these lawmakers if they want to be the ones to go down in history as the killers of the Chesapeake and the cause of osprey genocide? Here is the individual listings of everyone in the Virginia House of Delegates and their e-mail addresses. Write to them. Make it clear what is at stake. Make it personal. Then sit down and write the radio, local television, local newspapers, anyone who will listen. We are gaining traction in our fight to get a moratorium. I want that and a clear 10 mile limit with no use of helicopters or spotter planes!

Virginia House of Delegates Member ListingsDownload

Heidi’s Osprey Report:

Allin’s Cove East: The trio are approximately six and a half weeks old. They will be thinking of fledging very soon.

Allin’s Cove West: One chick on the nest. It looks good.

City of Independence: The fishing seems to have slacked off a bit. River and Laurel have two osplets and there is a Bald Eagle nest right across the river! No doubt the eagles try and grab some of that fish that River catches for his family.

Charlo Montana: Mum and both osplets got lots of fish on Thursday evening. Delighted.

Dyfi: All fledglings are on the nest and accounted for Tuesday evening.

Dunrovin:

Latest Dunrovin Ranch newsletter:

Heat Masks and High Drama in the NestDownload

Thursday evening at Dunrovin. Little 4 figured out, after several attempts, how to get up and get some of that fish! Thank goodness.

Alyth SS: Flora is an incredible Mum. They lost one this year but two will fledge.

Birds of Poole Harbour: CJ7 and Blue 022 make beautiful babies. Blue has stepped up his fishing and everyone is full to the brim before light’s out.

Glaslyn: Elen continues to keep a careful watch over her nest, which appears she will share with Teifi if both safely return from migration nest season.

Foulshaw Moss 1: Home to White YW and Blue 35.

Steelscape: Two osplets were ringed on Wednesday the 16th!

Yorkshire Dales Castle Bolton Estate: Ringing of three osplets!

San Jose City Hall Falcons thanks to SK Hideaways! https://youtu.be/gWiPEYENiFk?

Cornell Red-tail Hawks and Ferris Akel: Ferris managed to catch up with the Os.

One or more of the Os have been sleeping in the natal nest on the Fernow Tower recently,

Bald Eagles on the mend at Hoo’s Woods:

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 17th July 2025

Nest One cam went down shortly after day cam switched over and is still down – technical issues mean it might be down for a while. Fortunately Nest Two cam is unaffected, as all eyes are on the nest awaiting the fledge of the two chicks, which didn’t happen today but is imminent. There were several intruder alerts causing Dorcha to alarm call but no intruders were seen. The chicks spent a great deal of time hopping, flapping, and getting quite high liftoff, and also spent a bit of time peering over the edge and triangulating, the process of determining distance or location which takes the form of rapid head bobbing by the chicks. Louis delivered four fish to the nest taking his tally to three hundred and eighteen. Due to the cam outage we have no idea if any fish were delivered to Nest One today, therefore Garry’s tally remains at one hundred and nine, however off-nest reports from LizB suggest both Nest One residents, Garry and Aurora, were in the area. The rain materialised later than forecast and is expected to last through the night with thundery showers, light winds, and a low of 16°C, and continue tomorrow with thundery showers, gentle breezes, a high of 21°C and a few sunny intervals.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One cam still down since 03.48.19 (03.05.51); Nest Two 22.57.45 (03.51.26)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/WS8ORUqI5A4 N2 The chicks have a tug-of-war over fish number one: Breac wins 05.01.58

https://youtu.be/JT-ncpD1424 N2 Dorcha’s absent when fish two arrives so Breac takes it 07.28.22

https://youtu.be/pBRkRI0jyBk N2 Breac helicopters and hovers getting ready for fledging 09.51.51

https://youtu.be/54NqajNZADI N2 Dorcha returns in time to get fish three from Louis 14.05.26 

https://youtu.be/rc1Ez7Lsdg0 N2 No one wants fish four so Louis drops and goes 16.45.39 

Bonus video – Woodland Trust’s restoration work at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest featuring gentle giant Tarzan:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/ck2Pg7Q5eLY  N1 You little plucker! Aila has her feathers plucked out 2019

https://youtu.be/lgknSbXblXc  N1 Louis brings a protesting pike 2020

https://youtu.be/iDqoJdLmn_k  N1 Doddie gets high – helicoptering! 2020

https://youtu.be/h-Cl2LeaLKE  N2 Early morning wingercising: getting ready for lift off 2022

https://youtu.be/JVDiG_6Oyuo  N2 Dorcha is attacked by her chick 2022

https://youtu.be/g0lqwAW8cgo  N2 Pesky persistent Hoodie 2022

https://youtu.be/KZglDL7mQK0  N2 Three females and a colourful sunset 2022

https://youtu.be/azPfrKSwNcA  N2 Loud gunshot near the nest – Dorcha flees instantly 2023

https://youtu.be/vwRQv_1sNL0 N1 Affric follows Garry to the nest but he has no fish 2023

https://youtu.be/CwKUyPR_ync N1 & N2 Noisy RAF jets disturb the females on both nests 2023

https://youtu.be/AogYtfshRZU  N2 Dorcha’s unwieldy stick nearly knocks the chick off! 2023

https://youtu.be/4wpfSlXahCc N2 Louis & Dorcha meet on the nest but there’s no fish 2024

https://youtu.be/-M7049KwfMA N1 Who does a distant flash flypast? 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 16th July 2025
The weather was settled today and it looked a good day for first flights, but neither chick fledged. Perhaps the intruder alerts in the morning put them off as they spent a lot of time pancaked and didn’t make any helicopter attempts today. They did however do plenty of wingercising and bunny hops, including an amusing incident when Breac 7P7 did a flap and a hop from one side of the nest to the other and landed on Darach 7P0’s back in a flurry of wings then immediately hopped backwards again. Right before that they’d been perfectly in sync, both standing at the front of the nest turning in unison to watch something off-cam then checking out the view over the edge. Steve Quinn was also checking out the view from his vantage point a kilometre away and took some stunning long lens footage of the nest and its residents, link to his video in the bonus section. It was also a good day for fishing – Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536, and further strengthened their bond with what looked like a successful mating attempt. His tally now stands at one hundred and twenty nine fish. Louis brought five fish to the nest, taking his tally to three hundred and fourteen, but Dorcha didn’t get all of them as the chicks especially Breac are asserting themselves and taking fish directly from Louis as he lands. Tonight’s forecast is dry overnight with a clear sky, light winds and a low of 13

°C but it’ll change tomorrow to heavy rain, a gentle breeze and a high of 23°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.43.23 (02.56.41); Nest Two 23.39.24 (03.28.04)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/VtMiUVtqDmc N2 Early breakfast arrives 04.07.14https://youtu.be/8Ca-PVst_OM N2 Darach takes the second fish from Louis 06.02.56https://youtu.be/8bUM0B9iWBg N1 Aurora calls for fish but Garry mates with her instead 06.53.40

https://youtu.be/7DW28KMMB80 N1 Garry responds to Aurora’s calls with a fish 14.09.44

https://youtu.be/4rn3HjvGPRMN2 The chicks take fish three from Louis and tussle over it 14.14.14

https://youtu.be/qKdynluAV9k N1 Aurora squeaks her excitement at getting a second fish 18.37.47

https://youtu.be/YFu-Ctayry4 N2 In and out of sync: the chicks together on the nest 19.20.57https://youtu.be/gaUsRO5PJFo N2 Against a colourful sunset, Louis delivers a fourth fish 21.47.05  

https://youtu.be/3UCjzdxVnEc N2 Late night fish supper, fish five, arrives 22.43.22
Bonus watch – Steve Quinn’s amazing long lens video of the nest from a kilometre away:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/4Ab9eT-jFjE  N1 Louis finally turns up with fish, gets mobbed by hangry chicks 2020

https://youtu.be/dED37P7d8HQ  N1 Synchronised stretching 2020

https://youtu.be/VOjowNQ9fqE  N2 Stretching & squirting: what the chicks get up to home alone at night 2022

https://youtu.be/3BVXtY_Bzx0  N2 Louis flies with fish 2022 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/BF_0tp4x8j8  N2 Hi def version of Dorcha’s injury 2022 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/h817CRnJtF0  N2 That’s no way to treat your mum! 2022

https://youtu.be/CSswPOm8JvE N2 LY7 nibbles the rotten egg 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/yn79acfwWD0 N2 The infertile egg is finally crushed by LY7! 2023

https://youtu.be/8SQiPHQE5tw N1 Affric and Garry check out an intruder threat 2023

https://youtu.be/bcctn-mHR5s Comedy moment: the wind blows Louis away during a mating attempt 2024

https://youtu.be/tmvFGPHenBo How does Louis manage to fly with a 10 foot pole? 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 15th July 2025
Intruder alerts and mini-helicopters were the order of the day but not much in the way of fish. Louis delivered only two fish today, a breakfast fish at 5am and a late night supper around 10.45 pm, taking his tally to three hundred and nine. However, an intruder Osprey was in the area causing multiple alarms and came close enough to be caught on camera on one occasion, which would have occupied Louis’ attention, and the second fish was a big lively trout, good for several dinners worth. The chicks’ energy levels are high enough for them to be preparing for fledging by flapping energetically, lifting off, and doing little hovers throughout the day when they weren’t pancaking because of the intruder alarms. Over on Nest One, Aurora 536 had a long wait before Garry LV0 finally brought her a fish at 8.15pm – was she the intruder at Nest Two, looking for free fish? The timings would work but the intruder wasn’t seen clearly – and his tally now stands at one hundred and twenty seven. The weather was mainly settled and set to continue with light clouds, light winds and a low of 12

°C overnight changing to sunny intervals and light winds with a high of 23°C tomorrow. Perfect for fledging? We shall have to wait and see!Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.07.30 (03.17.10); Nest Two 00.33.44 (03.34.57)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/AARQYgzR5Vo N2 Breakfast arrives and again Breac gets the fish first 05.31.11

https://youtu.be/pU9KyEAD0bQ N2 Intruder Osprey seen on nest cam – both adults defend 09.09.23

https://youtu.be/77_DfKJgquw N2 Lift off! The chicks get ready to fledge 11.51.14

https://youtu.be/jGPJxnvnJFw N1 Finally! Aurora’s first fish arrives at suppertime 20.14.53

https://youtu.be/bn1_moU9mZ8n N2 Late night lively fish supper arrives, fish number two 22.46.14Bonus watch – with fledging imminent, here’s what our chicks will see when they find their wings:

https://youtu.be/wiSNcrl7_mM  and  https://youtu.be/JALrf51Ljfk

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Y6uqbk9cB5I  N1 Aila sees off an Intruder Osprey landing on the nest 2019

https://youtu.be/d1TPzhnNURo N1 Aila lands on a chick and gets nipped 2020

https://youtu.be/iFO12gpfwOs  N1 Daylight sonata: Doddie in slow motion 2020 (Classic Ospreys – Beethoven)

https://youtu.be/2qGCifFHKS0  N1 Vera dances, Doddie joins in, Captain just watches 2020

https://youtu.be/9sIzFlMDITo  N2 Lovely wingercising by both chicks 2022

https://youtu.be/FfxiO3U1nu4  N2 Ready – aim – sorry mum.. 2023 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/LXNdASNtViU N1 Affric departs Nest One after no response to her calls 2023

https://youtu.be/AM_F3zl7x9I  N2 LY7 wingercises facing the nest cam 2023 (slo-mo repeat)

https://youtu.be/rmFJdA2wDCc N1 Juvenile Buzzard (Buteo buteo) visits 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/5Y9kwM70tXI  N2 Two fish in two days! Louis brings an early breakfast  2024

https://youtu.be/qJEOIijj5Hc  Valencia: the chicks are preening, plus tweets & FB posts 13-15th July 2024

https://youtu.be/h9oCsNTe8zE N2 Louis returns and this time gives Dorcha the fish 2024

Moraine State Park: First fledge Wednesday morning.

Tweed Valley:

Cornell Red-tail Hawks with N Sirohi:

Fish for all – just not industry. The petition on Change.org has gathered all the required signatures. Letters are going out to members of the Virginia Legislature. Keep sending them. I am reminding them that they could go down in history as the individuals who killed the Chesapeake Bay. Shame.

‘A’ brings us up to date with what is happening in Australia: “I have two major concerns about WBSE this year. First, the gap between the laying of the two eggs is huge – nearly 80 hours (17:50 on 4 July to 01:15 on 8 July) – although delayed incubation was practised until the second egg was laid. Already, I’m hoping that first hatch will be a male. Second, there have been a number of days when no prey has been brought to the nest at all and I am wondering why. Of course it’s not a major concern at the moment but when there are two fast-growing eaglets in that nest, it will matter a lot more than it currently does. Also, Lady and Dad are not the only white-bellied sea eagles on the block, with another adult eagle being spotted on the river a few days ago. That is wonderful of course but it also makes me a trifle nervous, for obvious reasons. 

Dad has been doing his share of the incubating, with the pair splitting the nest-sitting duties fairly evenly on many days, though Lady always takes the night shifts. Dad has been sleeping close by and is very attentive. I love how keen the dads are for egg time (and later on, for chick time). These sea eagles really are exquisite birds. I love the delicacy of their heads. 

At Orange, there is much bonding and mating occurring. Diamond and Xavier are adorable, and both are looking particularly healthy and well fed. 

Eggs are still six weeks away at Port Lincoln and we have heard nothing about Collins Street so far this season.”

Many of you will recall that we had hoped to go and see Puffins this summer. It did not happen. Today an article appeared in The Guardian showing how climate change and the heating of our planet is impacting these precious little seabirds.

How this summer’s heatwaves are affecting breeding birdshttps://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/jul/17/how-summer-heatwaves-affecting-breeding-birds?CMP=share_btn_url

The bird of the week!

Cochabamba Mountain Finch Rufous and SlateDownload

Missey, Calico, Baby Hope, Hugo Yugo, Toby and all the garden family including Brock wish you a very happy weekend.

Including Baby Blue Jay (the adults are moulting and have lost their crests).

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care everyone. See you on Monday!

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PS’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, and the authors of posts and articles, including The Guardian, Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all those at Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal FB. I am very grateful. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Thursday in Bird World

17 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

————————————————————————————-

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

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

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

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

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

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

(zoomed)

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

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

Pitching rain in Wales Wednesday afternoon.

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

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

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

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

Boulder County Fair Grounds: First egg arrives on Wednesday!

Loveland, Colorado: Two eggs as of Wednesday.

PSEG Oyster Bay: One egg as of Wednesday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s videos: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://youtu.be/OI9pOORSzXA  N2 Nest One A Hoodie lands, interrupting Garry’s nest prep 2024

Come and join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

What can we do to help our garden birds?

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

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

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

They have been together for 8 seasons!

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

Adorable Arthur.

Smile. CROW rescues a pair of osplets.

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday in Bird World

20 February 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Thank you for being with us today. Many of you are experiencing cold, wintry weather, and I understand that those of you in the southeastern United States are particularly surprised by the chill! While we should be accustomed to the cold here, I must admit that I wish it would go away. We haven’t been able to spend as much time outdoors as we would like. We all need to engage with nature. It is so good for our mental health. Please be careful if it is snowy and there is ice. Nothing is important enough to fall and get injured.

While our friends in the UK hope spring might be just around the corner, we are still in an extreme cold warning on the Canadian Prairies. It is one of the most extended extreme cold spells I can remember in recent history. Thankfully, the triple pane windows also create heat, and ‘The Girls’ can pretend they are outside in the sun. Even the sun warms up the conservatory for about six hours, and then, as the sun begins to lower itself in the west, the cold sets in. They have to come into the main part of the house and not one of the four is happy about that. They love that glass box where it is like they are living outside, but are actually safe inside.

In this extreme cold, I am always fretting about the outdoor animals. One Crow has consistently come to the table feeder to eat nuts from the cylinder. You can see the sparrows all puffed up to keep warm. They love perching on the branches of the lilacs and getting warmth from the sunshine. They will leave the garden early as soon as they begin to go down. By 4:30 things are pretty quiet. I am, however, missing all the beautiful birdsong from the garden. The number of songbirds is in significant decline.

I am so glad that Calico and her kitten Baby Hope are inside and not out with Brock and Star. There appears to be nothing I can do to convince either of them to trust me despite Brock now sitting about 15 cm or 6 inches from me when I take out food. If there is any sudden movement, he is off. I do not want to stress them out, but something will be done come spring – it will be an enclosure with a heat lamp. (Right now, it is too much work and cold to begin dismantling the wood boxes…I wish I had done it earlier.) If Star has kittens, which I fear she might, we will trap them and make sure they have homes.

The mailbox brings me to the topic for this post: Darvic rings. A reader wrote, “I was wondering if you’d heard anything about the banding of the osprey at Abu Dhabi. I saw them being weighed, but they didn’t measure their wings. Yet they put blue bands on one of all of their legs. They put a silver band on the other leg of all of them too. Wouldn’t the blue band be for boys? Why put a blue band on at all?”

Heidi did the video of the ringing of the triplets and I post it again here. https://youtu.be/ki2xKtFBF_Y?

What are Darvic Rings? The Darvic rings are a plastic ring that is fitted to the Osprey’s leg. Normally you can see them from a distance with binoculars or a spotting scope. Different countries use different colours. In the United Kingdom, the bands are blue with white lettering. Scotland places the Darvic ring on the left leg while England and Wales put it on the right. In Spain the Darvic rings are yellow, in Germany they are Black, and in France they are orange. Over time the amount of numbers or letters has changed but there are registries of every bird that is ringed. 

The birds are also fitted with a metal ring. It has a unique number and address and is more durable than the plastic ones which can, after several years, break. 

Birds are ringed before they are 45 days old. The reason for this is so the specially trained banders do not frighten the birds and cause them to fledge prematurely. Also, the leg will have grown to its adult size. This prevents the ring from getting too tight and injuring the bird. Ringing often takes place when the Osprey chicks are in the 30s – such as 36 days old, etc. At the time of banding the chicks are weighed and measured. Indeed, everything about them is measured!

So for the United Arab Emirates where the Abu Dhabi nest is located this is the specific information on ring colour and placement.  Nothing to do with gender:

TitleColour-ring type Soort Colour-ring colour Colour-ring code First letter Last letter Colour-ring position 
OspreysLegring : one, coded. Osprey Dark Blue [B] Three alpha-numeric code (3 letters/numbers). E Tarsus right.

 There are online lists of the colours of the rings for each country. If you spot a bird with a Darvic ring, there are sites where you should submit that information. It is always good to be able to locate where the birds are and if they are alive.

Few ring the ospreys (or other raptors) in North America which is a real shame. The benefits of ringing the birds – whether they be a raptor or a songbird – are many. Here are only a few articles to help you understand why this process is important.

Why do we put rings on birds? – Hawk Conservancy Trust – Hawk Conservancy TrustDownload
259.Reeves et al.Download
Colour Ringing – Roy Dennis Wildlife FoundationDownload

Checking on some of the nests:

Kistachie National Forest E3: The eaglets are getting frisky and playful. https://youtu.be/yUWLzSliOAA?

Redding Eagles: Will the heat impact any late eggs laid? https://youtu.be/yUWLzSliOAA?

Captiva Eagle Cam: Dasher and Dancer are doing just fine.

Achieva Credit Union Osprey Platforms: No egg yet for Jack and his new mate. The chicks normally hatched the first week in March. It is getting late for a clutch. I worry about the heat of the summer just as I would if there was another clutch at SW Florida.

NCTC: Scout is getting into the action of incubation. Fingers crossed. The couple now have three eggs! https://youtu.be/SsMcuXsNUIE?

Big Bear: Could you ignore Shadow’s charms? https://youtu.be/1ZAaKfrNXoE?

West End: In case you missed it, the first egg of Thunder and Makaio was taken by an opportunistic Raven. https://youtu.be/202j3SgZOwA?

Hilton Head: The two eaglets are doing well!

PA Country Farm: The male, Oliver, is showing signs of having HPAI. Please send your good wishes.

Little Miami Conservancy: The first egg is laid for eagle couple, Bette and Baxter, on Wednesday.

USS Steel: There is a three egg clutch for Irvine and his new mate, Stella, in 2025. She is a young mum, but Irv knows the ropes. It should be an exciting nest to watch this year. https://youtu.be/2mMml-j86cA?

Cornell Red Tail Hawk: Both Big Red and Arthur have been spotted on campus.

Moorings Park: Sally and Harry continue to incubate their three eggs.

Pine Island Ospreys:

Johnson City-ETSU: Eggs on January 23 and 26. Boone and Jolene should be expecting a pip by the end of February! Just think – 8 days.

Royal Albatross Colony: Adorable chick nestles next to its mother. https://youtu.be/Baq1kDo8k7Y?

SW Florida: M15 and F23 come to the nest. https://youtu.be/wFSLKTEhqq4?

NE Florida: For a $5 donation, you can help select one of four names for Beau and Gabby’s only eaglet in 2025.

Dale Hollow: Taylor and Franklin have their first egg.

Friends of South Australia Ospreys are concerned about Marie from Gleesons who has flown far from her nest.

News of new nest platforms comes from Geemeff:

New nest platforms in Utah:

https://universe.byu.edu/metro/provo-power-and-division-of-wildlife-resources-collaborate-to-build-osprey-nests

And in the Bronx:

New home for osprey birds being built in Eastchester Bay

There is also a new platform at Granville Island in Vancouver for eagles. It is a galvanized pole erected by one of my former students who was in charge of the rebuilding of the Market area. More information to follow.

There is a new FaceBook group organized by Trudi Kron for the Wolf Bay Osprey platform in Alabama. Here is the link to the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1368435824519762

Here is the link for the camera. Sticks are already being delivered! https://youtu.be/3xUG9gpVzlY?

Wildlife is truly under threat. Many of the nature centres and rehabilitation clinics are going to need your support and help. This is one of the latest postings.

Geemeff asks, “Stating the bleeding obvious- pesticides kill! Did we learn nothing from Rachel Carson? Silent Spring was written more than seventy years ago and sadly, not much has changed, if anything, things have got worse.” I agree. Humans have much to clean up and wildlife needs us more now than ever.

https://www.birdguides.com/news/pesticides-a-major-contributor-to-global-biodiversity-crisis-says-stud

One of our next conversations is going to be about where your donation dollars do the most good. Many are abandoning the WWF because of this – and other large organizations where the staff take more of the donations than the wildlife!

WWF helping facilitate trade in polar bear fur, investigation reveals | WWF | The GuardianDownload

.They are not birds, but at this stage, the balance and health of all wildlife has to be of our concern. That includes those adorable little European hedgehogs that populate the gardens. They were of least concern and now their existence is ‘threatened’. Habitat loss and pesticide use. It is a mantra that we are going to hear over and over again this year as animals die because of us. Please help them. No more green beautiful Home and Gardens lawns. Plant for pollinators without using pesticides. Urge your neighbours, your family, and your friends. ——– It looks like it is going to be up to use to take care of the areas around where we live. Imagine the power of the people of the world if we each dedicated our lives to making their lives better. Imagine.

I feel blessed to have so many talented and caring readers, many who are have become friends over the years. One is Juni Li, a New York artist, who has shared a drawing of Iris and Finnegan with us. Just imagine—within six weeks, Iris could be back with us. Wonder who will arrive first: Iris or Finnegan? Wish them good health, favorable winds, bountiful crops – and no interlopers.

I so wish Sum-eh and Antali had been ringed. Without Darvic rings, we will never know them if they return or if someone sees them in another area. We will also not know if they are found dead.

Iris always makes us smile and I hope this next story, sent to us by EJ, will, too.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/experts-baffled-results-unlikely-solution-110014598.html

The Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group Conference is fast approaching. Hopefully they will provide us with archival talks and paper presentations.

Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group Conference, 22 February 2025 – booking open – Raptor PersecutionDownload

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. We will see you again on Monday!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘EJ, Geemeff, H, J, MP, SP’, Heidi Mc, Hawk Conservancy Trust, The Journal of Raptor Research, The Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, Kistachie E3 Bald Eagle Nest, Nesting Bird Life and More, Gary Eagle Videos (FORE), SK Hideaways, Deb Stecyk, Little Miami Conservancy, Hilton Head Land Conservancy, American Eagle Foundation, univerise.byu.edu, Bronx Times, The Guardian, Vija, Pix Cams, American Eagle Foundation, Friends of Osprey Sth Aus, Cornell Bird Lab, Juni Li, Yahoo News, Raptor Persecution UK, Achieva Credit Union, Heidi McGrue and Pine Island Ospreys (Joy of Ospreys FB)

Calico is such an intelligent cat, and she is working hard to figure out the best way to provide help for feral cats. I wonder if she remembers living in the cold. She has created a line of five blank note cards on premium card stock with envelopes using my images. Her goal is to sell 500 cards. We have decided to do this directly instead of selling them through shops (who take multiple percentages from 40-60). It will mean more work for all The Girls and us, but in the end, those funds will provide much-needed food and help with spaying and neutering within our community.

I will post a separate page with information on how you can help Calico meet her goal on Monday!

Monday in Bird World

17 February 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope that each of you has had a lovely week and an even nicer weekend if you are still out in the workforce. We are so happy that you can be with us today. It is -31 C, and we have been in another extreme cold warning area for several days. Fortunately, the conservatory is on the south of the house, and the sun heats it regardless. The Girls just have to be out there watching their garden friends! It is, however, difficult at times to get outside and we often find ourselves thinking of the warm sun and birds in Guadeloupe.

This is the last day for the Big Bird Count. You have until 1 March to get your submissions into Cornell. Our garden bird numbers were down due to the extreme cold.

The deer have been eating the twigs off the newly cut trees in the park. Wood twigs are definitely not full of nutrition. I have not seen any deer in our garden for a few weeks.

This tiny little one is such a sweetie.

The temperatures continue to be on the ‘cold’ side. We keep the conservatory open for The Girls so they can enjoy the squirrels and the birds – and us, too. It will be so nice when April arrives – two months to go – until we thaw out. Star and Brock continue to come to the feeder, but I have seen no other cats which is really a blessing.

Hope and Calico are never far from one another. It is so endearing.

Hugo Yugo was grumpy at me for waking her up to try and get a photo!

Missey was grouchy too!!!!!!!!

The Girls seem to have almost gone into hibernation preferring to sleep during the cold months instead of even eating. They play with one another starting around 2130, but during the day, it is strictly nap time. Oh, what a charmed life they lead.

We hope that the bi-weekly posting is working out for you. I want to try and pick a topic that brings some additional information – that is more educational – than just a listing of what is happening at the nests. This change is allowing me to do that!

So today, I want to look at the world’s most beloved Bald Eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, whose nest at Big Bear and its elevation can be causing the issues relating to their eggs not hatching. In addition to the information below, I am also including some other information on the DDT that was sprayed in the area that might well be contributing to the thickness (or lack thereof) in some of their past egg shells. Even thought DDT spraying was outlawed decades ago, the soil remains contaminated and still impacts wildlife including Bald Eagles.

Jackie and Shadow have been braving the elements as snow transforms the Big Bear Valley in California. https://youtu.be/kJ6s66Baltg?

So why do Jackie and Shadow struggle with their eggs at such a high altitude? Their nest is 7000 feet above sea level and is known to be one of North America’s highest Bald Eagle nests. When I sought an answer, my computer came up with this one generated by AI. It looks reasonably thorough and should help us understand this couple’s difficulties in hatching eaglets. That said, we know that on occasion, they do have success. In 2023, more than 45 inches of snow fell on Jackie and Shadow’s nest due to the atmospheric rivers that year.

Eagles nesting at high altitudes can experience difficulties with fertility and egg hatching primarily due to the harsh environmental conditions at those elevations, including: lower oxygen levels, extreme temperature fluctuations, strong winds, and limited food availability, which can all negatively impact the development of the embryo within the egg and the overall health of the breeding pair. 

Key factors contributing to this issue:

  • Oxygen stress:Reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes can affect the egg development process, potentially hindering the embryo’s ability to properly grow and mature. 
  • Temperature extremes:High altitude environments can experience significant temperature swings, making it challenging for the female eagle to maintain a consistent incubation temperature needed for successful hatching. 
  • Weather challenges:High winds and storms at high altitudes can disrupt nesting activities, potentially damaging eggs or causing the adults to abandon the nest. 
  • Food scarcity:Finding enough food to sustain both the breeding pair and their chicks can be difficult in high altitude habitats, especially during harsh weather conditions, leading to malnutrition and impacting fertility. 
  • Hormonal disruptions:Environmental stress at high altitudes could potentially disrupt the hormonal balance of the eagles, affecting their reproductive capabilities. 

Here is more information on this nest:

The nest of Jackie and Shadow, the bald eagles in Big Bear Valley, California, is about 7,000 feet above sea level. The nest is located in a Jeffrey pine tree that’s 145 feet above the ground. 

Explanation

  • The nest is one of the highest known bald eagle nests in the United States. 
  • The nest is located in the San Bernardino National Forest. 
  • The nest is home to Jackie and Shadow, the only year-round resident bald eagles in Big Bear. 
  • The nest is monitored by a live-streaming camera operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit environmental preservation group. 
  • The nest has grown to be over five feet wide and six feet deep. 
  • The nest was started near the top of the tree by the previous resident pair, Lucy and Ricky, in 2012. 

The nest is located on an undeveloped parcel of land on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. 

Did you know that Jackie is thought to be the offspring of Ricky and Lucy? That would mean that she is now thirteen years old in 2025. She is the first eaglet to have ever hatched at the Big Bear nest in 2012. In recent years, her and Shadow have laid at least fourteen eggs together with five of them hatching. Simba fledged in 2019 and Spirit fledged in 2022. I still remember that fantastic eaglet. I am sure you do, too. Other eaglets were ZJ1 (yes, he was banded) named Cookie, who died of hypothermia during a storm in 2019 and Stormy, who fledged in 2018. Now, what was the name of the other one? Would you happen to know?

There is nearly a 33% chance that an egg will hatch. So will one of the three eggs hatch this year? We must wait to see. Maybe all three will! Clearly Jackie and Shadow with their devotion and love for one another and the determination they have to raise an eaglet offers each of us hope and inspiration.

What students learn about DDT and its ban in the early 1970s and the eagles at Big Bear:

What Students Learn From Their Big Bear Bald Eagle (And Real Life) Teachers | LAistDownload

The effects of pesticides on Bald Eagle populations:

1882Download

Pip watch begins for Jackie and Shadow on 1 March – well now, let’s count the days from today: 12!!!!!!!! We will be on pins and needles with excitement.

The Ravens wished to give Jackie grief. She wasn’t having it.https://youtu.be/_-zcJ-1qwAk?

Looking at the other nests:

Kistachie National Forest, E3: They are the cuties little fat bottomed eaglets. Their Mum, Andria II, is doing a fantastic job keeping both eaglets well fed.

John Bunker Sands Wetlands: Dad brings in a whopper of a fish for Mum and the kids!!!!! (Thanks MP)

Fraser Point: Andor and Cruz have their first egg of the 2025 breeding season.

Abu Dhabi Osprey Nest: The triplets being raised by the lone female and two males were banded. Heidi caught the action on video.

The average temperature in Abu Dhabi is 25 degrees C. Last year it was 30 C. There is no temperature for the nest which is located on a huge mound of sticks on the desert. The chicks survived with lots of fish!

West End Nest: The camera was down on Friday for awhile due to a big storm that went through the area. They played highlights. Hearts were broken everywhere watching Akecheta feed his triplets.

Sauces: Jak and Audacity’s first egg is still holding! The other two have broken. Well, we only need one and this couple sure deserve it. Their issue is, of course, not the same as Jackie and Shadow and the higher elevation nest. Theirs is strictly due to the DDT in the area. Next posting will look at why some nests in the Channel Islands might be

Two Harbours: Chase and Cholyn are working on their nest. No eggs yet.

USS Steel: The first egg for Irv and his new mate, Stella, arrived and the second was laid on the 16th. Congratulations to Irvine and Stella. Missing Claire. https://youtu.be/hg37rCwNavc?

Decorah North: Second egg laid on Valentine’s Day. First egg laid on the 11th. (In 2024, the first egg was laid on the 15th of February). Oh, we are going to be busy in five weeks time with all these hatches!

Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest: There is some concern that Mr T has not been seen at the nest since the 11th of February.

FOLFAN: Second egg laid on the 13th of February.

Hilton Head Bald Eagles: George and Gracie’s oldest gets out of the egg cup! https://youtu.be/2zmRnrAIbfw?

NE Florida: NE 31 stood on its feet, flatly on the nest, on Saturday the 15th for the first time. A milestone. What a great eaglet. Huge crop. Devoted parents. Melts your heart just watching Gabby and Beau care for this precious one.

‘A’ comments: “The chatters are calling it NE31’s stick fort, but as I described yesterday I think it was, there are some very thick kiddy rails on the side of the nest opposite the dining table. NE31 has been sleeping so that one of those large sticks is across his back, so that I am hoping his stick fort might make it hard for an owl to get a grip on him and extract him from under his stick. Again tonight, alone on the nest, he was sleeping in his stick fort when Gabby came down to the nest around 1.42am. She aerates the nest, in the process extricating NE31 from beneath his stick, and NE31 stands up tall and eyeballs mum, then tries to burrow back under the stick fort. 

Gabby has some difficulty brooding NE31 because of the stick but eventually the eaglet snuggles down in front of her breast feathers and goes back to sleep. Mum leaves again at 01:55. Little now can no longer get under its stick fort. The stick has been broken and displaced so that it no longer affords the protection it has done to the point. Unfortunate. 

Beau arrives on the nest to check on NE31 at 03:03:35 and does some aerating of the nest. This eventually disturbs the sleeping NE31, who stands up tall and bonks dad! (TS 03:12:25). TOO funny. It’s hard to see how effectively the stick fort now protects NE31 – it may represent some form of obstacle still, though not as useful a barrier as it was two nights ago, before it got broken. 

It is reassuring to me to see Beau on the nest tonight. It is a little early – I hope he remains until daylight because we know how that hour or 90 minutes before the sky begins to lighten is very much the favourite time for owls to hunt – or so I have observed when watching GHO cams. “

SW Florida: M15 is thinking he would like another chance at raising eaglets this year. How is F23 feeling about that? https://youtu.be/ol57dhBfdbg?

NCTC Nest: Scout is delivering fish dinners and grasses to Bella. https://youtu.be/MBaiPt014YU?

No wonder. Bella laid her third egg!!!!!!! Scout is really going to be a busy lad if these three eggs hatch. https://youtu.be/S4DH20KLU30?

Cardinal Land Conservancy: Bonnie and Clyde have their first egg and by the time you read this they should have their second.

Dade County home to Ron and Rose saw the ringing of R7 and R8.

Captiva: Connie and Clive’s Dasher and Dancer work their wings on the nest hoping to fly like Mum and Dad. https://youtu.be/-h0DY3y8MoA?

Centreport: Waiting for the first egg.

Moorings Park: Harry and Sally are incubating three eggs!

Achieva Credit Union: Jack and a new mate ??? – no eggs yet.

Kauai Moli:

Royal Cam Chick Royal Albatross Colony, NZ: Some really cute close ups. https://youtu.be/NVeCGfehAfo?

Leucistic Red Tail Hawk Nest: ‘A’ notes with concern: “The last visit to the nest was on 2 December – I think there is an entry in the log noting that Angel had flown under the nest (twice) about a week ago, but it is starting to look like this season will be much like last. We may not see them again this year. It is a mystery – where are they going? What are they doing? And why?”

The hawks might have relocated like they did last year, but we know that they are fine.

World Bird Sanctuary. This falls in line with the story below about the turtle where wildlife manage to survive under very challenging conditions. This one with a severe beak injury.

Wildlife Haven, Manitoba, Canada: Dr Tess designed a ‘contraption’ to help a turtle whose shell was soft and sunken in the hope of giving it a second chance at life. I love this vet and wish she would be here forever. She doesn’t give up and as I have said several times, she has no trouble believing a three legged deer can survive or a one legged eagle. Bravo, Dr Tess!

Calico’s Tip for the Day: If we want to help wildlife, modify the amount of beef, palm oil (please do check your labels), and timber. Trees are cut down for these crops and there are clear alternatives!!!!!!!!! Calico also recognises that birds flourish when coffee is grown in the shade. Why not reduce the amount of coffee you drink in order to help wildlife? Look for the certified Birds and Beans coffee!!!!!!!! Accept no substitute. Indeed, I can tell you that having one good cup of coffee that I know did not cause a tree to be cut is much better than drinking 3 or 4. Try it.

Richest nations ‘exporting extinction’ with demand for beef, palm oil and timberhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/14/richest-nations-exporting-extinction-with-demand-for-beef-palm-oil-and-timber-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

A good read. Hummingbirds discovered living in a hive in a cave in Ecuador.

Hummingbirds Living in a Hive Found for the First Time – The New York TimesDownload

For your watching pleasure: A documentary on the return of the Storks to Alsatia. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/1KyhelY3FyI?

Killed for sport and dumped. It is time to end this archaic practice in the UK.

Shot gamebirds geese dumped in NottinghamshireDownload

Thank you so much for being with me. Please take care. See you on Thursday. Have a great week everyone. Sending you good positive energy.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, images, articles, information, and streaming cams that helped me to write this post: ‘A, Geemeff, H, J, MP’, SK Hideaways, FOBBV, LAist, Fish and Wildlife Services, Kistachie National Forest E3, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, IWS/Explore, Heidi McGrue, USS Steel, Sylvia, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest, FOLFAN, Hilton Head Island Trust, NEFL-AEF, SK Hideaways, Deb Stecyk, NCTC Bald Eagle Nest, Cardinal Land Conservancy, WRDC Bald Eagle Nest, Window to Wildlife, Centreport Eagles, Moorings Park Osprey, Achieva Credit Union, Hob Osterlund, liznm, Window to Wildlife, World Bird Sanctuary, Wildlife Haven, The Guardian, The New York Times, Animaux du monde, Raptor Persecution UK

Late Thursday in Bird World

30 January 2025

Hello Everyone,

When we left Canada, it looked like this at the Montreal airport. There was heavy snow in the area that hit both Ottawa and Montreal. We wondered if we would take off. Thankfully, we did!

The learning curve upon arrival in Guadeloupe was high. I have to admit that my French is not that good! Renting a car might take only minutes in North America, but after a long day, it was a three-hour wait in 28-degree heat. Then, it was an arduous drive up and around the mountains to our cottage on the grounds of the Old Botanical Garden near Deschaines. The anxiety was worth it!

This is the view off the terrace of the cottage.

Complete with a dog that adopted the owners of the property – a Guadeloupe rescue. She is sweet. They even have cats!!!!!!! Who said we would be homesick?

It is Paradise. We are way up on the mountains in the rain forest and while it is 28 C, the breeze is vibrant, and we are not hot. Today was a wee trip into the small village to pick up a baguette and acquaint ourselves with what is available here. The nearest large supermarket is in Sainte-Rose. That is about 11 km away on a very winding road up and down and around the mountain. We opted to stay local. Tomorrow we will venture out to find one of the many restaurants that our host has recommended.

Now, skipping briefly to Bird World News:

The news has come that both E24 and E25 tested positive for HPAI. I do not know the strain but there is a new one in California, H5N9. I was also sent this information from my sidekick: “To the best of my knowledge… no one (bog’s) has reported seeing M15 today. F23 was recently seen at the pond, and looked okay.  I’ll let you know anything I can find out. Crow made an announcement at the nest tree, and the vet said we should possibly be concerned about the parents for up to two weeks.  They also said that HPAI is relatively new to the SWFL region.”

I found CROW’s press conference. It is here: https://youtu.be/BJelOrdk6P0?

Please send this amazing couple your best wishes. It is not easy seeing the two children you cared for so much die before you and you are helpless. I still remember Joe (Connie’s former mate at Captiva) mourning over the loss of Peace and Hope (rodenticide poisoning several years ago). It haunts me – that figure of him looking down as the last one, apparently healthy, broke a blood feather and bled to death.

Barb Henry posted a screen capture of F23 down at the pond.

Wings of Whimsy’s tribute to the SW Florida Eagle family and to E24 and E25. Get the tissues. https://youtu.be/YcEUG9mZJKI?

We have the first egg at Moorings Park Osprey nest for Harry and Sally.

Jackie and Shadow have surprised us with three eggs. My goodness if this is a year for a miracle at their nest, is this an extra one for luck? What if all three hatch? Shadow will be busy!!!!!!

Fishey eagle love at the nest before the third egg at Big Bear: https://youtu.be/tsKskF0ue-g?

All is well at the nest of Gabby and Beau. Beau loves being a Dad!!!!!! He has really picked up on feeding NE31. Gabby joins him in this video: https://youtu.be/_rpYDa8AW6w?

OGK’s son, RLK, got to meet his newly hatched chick at the Royal Albatross Colony in New Zealand.

NZ DOC image shared by Sharon Dunne on the FB group:

There are some wonderful events to celebrate. Please send all of the nests your most positive wishes for success. They have many, many challenges to over come – both the wee ones and the parents.

Thank you for being with us for this brief recap of what has been happening. There is lots more news out in Bird World. We will be back with you later on Saturday from what can only be called ‘Paradise’ – Guadeloupe. Take care everyone.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, images, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write this post today: ‘H, J, PB’, CROW, Barb Henry and the NEFL and EFL Eaglecam Watchers, Wings of Whimsy, Moorings Park, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, NZ DOC, Sharon Dunne

Tuesday in Bird World

7 January 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope that you are having a good start to the week.

It is a white-grey sky day in Winnipeg. I can see the little birds puffed up, trying to stay warm in the lilac bushes. What you can see in the winter is incredible, hidden by all the spring and summer foliage. All around the neighbourhood, squirrel dreys hang precariously. Bird nests are there that I didn’t know about. I see the hawk waiting at the corner, hoping for a quick lunch. Even with the cold there are so many wonderful things waiting to be discovered.

Something was terrific to be found in my garden at 2026. It was a young buck with only one antler. According to the home camera, the deer had been foraging around the bird feeders since 2056. This was unexpected despite the deer roaming the neighbourhood and especially at our park looking for food. So a load of potatoes and apples were left in case he or they return. We will get deer pellets tomorrow.

Calico had her annual check-up today. I was concerned about her weight as I joked the other day. She came in at 6.4 kg. It is right at the line or crossing it to be concerned about diabetes. Calico is beyond precious to me. I would never want to jeopardise her health, so she is now on Metabolic cat food – and so are all her sisters! If you have only one cat, it is easy to control what they eat. If you have four, it can prove challenging. So keep your fingers crossed for this special girl.

A couple of things off the top. Ranger Judy is not responsible for what happens to the Sea Eagles when they are picked up and taken into care. She is as devastated as are others who live in the area, like Cathy and Jen (and some I do not know), at the death of SE33. Yes, I wish I could have wiggled my nose to get Dr Tess down there to see if something else could be done. I am not a vet, and like everyone else outside that examining room, I don’t know anything about that injury. My wish would have been for Dr Tess to have had an opportunity to try and figure out if there was another possibility. She thinks out of the box, and in wildlife rehabilitation, that seems to be what is needed. Sadly, we will never know. Watching Lady and Dad work so hard to lose both of their eaglets is hard.

Donations. Thank you for all of your letters. I want to do a shout-out to the Ojai Raptor Centre that miraculously rid Victor of the zinc in his system – and, I forgot, and I am embarrassed about this – 19 was picked up when we feared he was dead near the nest in South Bend, Indiana and transported to the home of Humane Indiana where 19 was cared for and trained to be an eagle, returned and released near the nest. We all wept. —– There are so many other great centres. The ‘small and mighty’ Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey where Lisa Ferguson was the Volunteer of the Year. Today, she wrote to me to say that their 30-year-old ambassador, Bald Eagle Paige, took her last dance. Lisa says that Connick ‘was a character’. We hope he is happy at the Smithsonian. So look around you to the people who care and work hard for the birds when you decide to donate.

To answer a sack full of the same question: Did Beau bring prey to the nest? Yes, he brought some. Sometimes Gabby wasn’t there. That is, however, the big question. Will he bring prey to Gabby and the babies? Or will Gabby let Beau brood and she will do the hunting? We wait and we will have our answer shortly.

Traverse City, Michigan Bald Eagles, Harry and Harriet, love the snow! https://youtu.be/hac2G673Vo4?

Incubation continues with Gabby and Beau at NE Florida. They might just be hearing the little cheeps of their babies by now.

Gabby returns for the late shift after having a mud bath it seems!

Beau is up on security duty.

Meanwhile, eaglets are being fed at Captiva and SW Florida with no problems that I am aware.

Those babies at Captiva need a bath! Clive has food all over the nest and they are moving everywhere getting it stuck on those feathers.

Just look at the size of the wings on those Es at SW Florida!

Other Bald Eagle nests are still preparing and having fun with sticks. Just look at Liberty and Guardian. https://youtu.be/G6JplHWsizo?

Checking on Port Lincoln, both fledglings on the barge. Kasse is down by Dad in the cave with her fish tail and Wilko is on the nest.

Food deliveries for Monday and Tuesday at Port Lincoln:

There is some bonding going on at the Captiva Osprey nest! https://youtu.be/4lQxLJEbsj8?

The following was released by Terri at FORE on Monday:

Friends of the Redding Eagles-FORE

10h  · 

Announcement 1/6/25:

We wanted to let you know that we have received the Final Necropsy Report on our Redding eaglet “Luna”. We want to thank Krysta Rogers with the Wildlife Health Laboratory California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife for her hard work & thorough examination & extensive testing.

At this time, we are still reviewing the very detailed information presented in the entire Final Necropsy Report & we are consulting with our raptor rehab expert Marily Woodhouse on a few questions & clarifications on the findings. We also realize that some of the very graphic details of the report could be upsetting to many people who loved our Luna with all of their heart, so we want to be careful with how much of the Final Report we release publicly.

We would like to share this brief Summary that Krysta Rogers wrote so you will at least know what the findings revealed…

“Attached is the necropsy report for the eagle. Cause of death was likely related to the high temperatures in early June. There were no indications of infections or exposure to toxins, although testing was limited by the poor condition of the remains.”

Krysta also added this crucial information to the report:

“The unusually high temperatures in early to mid-June likely caused the eagle to leave its nest before it was physically ready. On June 11, when the eagle reportedly left the nest, the high temperature was 106°F. In early to mid-June 2024, there were two periods of consecutive days with temperatures above 100°F including June 5-7 when the maximum temperature ranged from 103°F to 106°F and June 10-12 when the maximum temperature ranged from 104°F to 106°F.

Additionally, the nighttime average low temperature for this week remained relatively high at 72°F. In early to mid-June 2023, the average high temperature was only 87°F during the day and 65°F at night, a temperature difference of 14 and 7 degrees, respectively.

Young birds in nests with little shade have few options to escape the heat and direct sunlight. During consecutive days of high heat, conditions in the nest may cause heat stress and the nestling may fall or jump from the nest when trying to escape the heat. The sibling of this eagle reportedly remained in the nest and died during this period of high heat. Heat stress may contribute to respiratory and/or cardiovascular strain, dehydration, and/or damage to the organs and gastrointestinal tract.”

Krysta Rogers

WILDLIFE HEALTH LABORATORY

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

As upsetting as this is to read, the information makes us feel even more relieved that our beloved Redding Eagles Liberty & Guardian accepted the Starter Nest we built for them & will now be nesting in a LIVE Tree with shade & a canopy to help protect all of their future eaglets. And, it was also a huge relief to learn there were no indications of infections like West Nile Virus or Avian Influenza present.

At least we finally have some closure on the 2023-2024 Nesting Season & now it is time for us to follow the lead of our beloved Redding Eagles as we begin the next chapter of this amazing journey together.

Here’s to New Beginnings!

Thank you to all of you for your never-ending patience & understanding. We appreciate all of you!

~Terri & the FORE Team

Moorings Park Osprey Cam, home to last year’s fledglings, Ruffie and Tuffy, is up and running for 2025. https://www.youtube.com/live/KSTIu8KwrfI?

Hob Osterlund has solved one mystery on Kauai:

There are ducks paddling about on the river in the UK! Oh, I can’t wait til spring til ours return.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/06/country-diary-gadding-about-on-the-river?

There is an exhibition in The Netherlands about birds. This is part of the text. If you are close, attend! “With a bird, showcases projects, objects, and investigations where artists explore our relationships with birds. These works delve into how we seek to understand, emulate, and connect with birds while examining how they transcend categories such as human and non-human, science and folklore, life and death, reality and dreams, and the realms of land, water, and sky. With a bird, supports resident city birds like sparrows, black crows, blackbirds, magpies, and tits with supplementary foods and invites humans to dream, imagine, speculate, observe, converse, listen, read, feed, reminisce, and reflect.”

with a Bird, | OnomatopeeDownload

Rita’s History Monday:

Geemeff sends us the link to the osprey nest in Spain: https://youtu.be/WiW_Ys_qLeQ?

Calico’s Tip for the Day: Work with all agencies including Wild Justice in the UK to ban lead in all its forms for ammunition! It will mean a huge life support to our raptors.

Image is from Wild Justice.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. We hope to see you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, images, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘B, Geemeff, J, S’, Great Lakes Bald Eagle Cam, NEFL-AEF, Window to Wildlife, SW Florida Eagle Cam, FORE, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, Sylvia, FORE, Hob Osterlund, Moorings Park Ospreys, The Guardian, Rita the Bald Eagle, SEO Spain, Wild Justice

Sunday in Bird World

22 December 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope the weekend has been good for you and everyone you love.

Saturday was a wonderful day on the Canadian Prairies. It was warmer, -7 C , but a little windy. No snow!

The birds and squirrels enjoyed the contents of the basket, just without the basket! Both Crows came to feed along with more than fifty Starlings, more Sparrows than I could count, a Little Woodpecker (Mrs Downy), and ALL of the squirrels, including dear Dyson. There was, sadly, only one Blue Jay. I have not gotten close enough to tell if Mr or Mrs Junior is missing. It just saddens me. Brock had his meal. So, for the most part, all is good with the world in the garden.

The deer were across from the park near me when we left them a large bag of apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots Saturday afternoon. The conservation officers disapprove. Four of us feed them because there is no food except the shrubs and Brandon Cedars planted in people’s front gardens for them since their forest area was cleared.

There were deer at another park. It is such a pleasure to see them. It is a large area with lots of bush. They appeared healthy and people driving through were very cautious of their presence. What a change from those near to where I live that drive way too fast.

It was a lovely day. Good food, many laughs, and time outside.

I did little checking on the birds. Let’s see what is happening with a few of them.

SK Hideaways gives us Hartley and Monty with a brand new brilliant camera at San Jose. Gosh, aren’t they adorable?! I love peregrine falcons except for the anxiety and challenges they face living in an urban environment like these two. https://youtu.be/cKE8Habt8BU?

At Port Lincoln yesterday. No fish have been delivered yet on Sunday.

Mum brought in a massive fish on Sunday at 1122, and it looks like Wilko claimed it.

The cuteness factor is in the nest of M15 and F23. No other place! Well, not yet.

They eat and eat and SK Hideaways caught in on video: https://youtu.be/4q-WM3nfazg?

‘J’ writes: “I think both of the E’s are going to be mighty survivors, both feisty as can be! F23 must also be a buddha reincarnation. She takes M15’s shenanigans in stride and now completely ignores her kids pulling her feathers.” We all agree!

A good video showing E25 making a prey steal! https://youtu.be/QCCEPfR4ZBY?

The rebuilding at Johnson City ETSU has begun. Jolene and Boone will make quick work of all that is required.

‘I did not catch Jackie or Shadow at the nest in Big Bear Valley.

There has been some concern for what is happening at the NE Florida nest of Gabby and Beau. Some chatters are worried that something is the matter. Gabby is giving Beau much more incubation time than she did last year. Last year, Beau wasn’t ready. this year it appears he is and he is happily looking after those eggs. Gabby appears to be fine but leaving the eggs which seems odd. Send good energy please just in case.

Ban one and keep another. Killing any bees is not good for the planet.

UK to ban bee-killing pesticides but highly toxic type could still be allowedhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/dec/21/uk-ban-bee-killing-pesticides-highly-toxic-neonicotinoid-could-be-allowed?CMP=share_btn_url

Sadly, bird flu is causing many deaths as migrating birds carrying the virus move south. Thanks, Sunnie Day.

Bird flu has spiked in parts of the U.S. In Iowa, migrating birds play a role

https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/2024-12-20/bird-flu-spread-updates-iowa-chickens-poutry-wild-migration

The recent outbreaks at several poultry operations in northwest Iowa are connected to a virus circulating in wild birds. A different strain infected 13 dairies and 3 poultry operations in late May and June.

Looking to help. Donate produce to your local wildlife rehab clinic! Leave food for squirrels, not just birds!

Recent research shows that 40% of the food in North America is wasted. Calico’s Tip for the Day: Buy Less, Use it All, Never throw anything away!

My son is visiting Curacao for a wee holiday. He posted a beautiful photo of a Common Ground Dove on her nest. Isn’t she gorgeous? This is the tinest dove living in the Caribbean. It grows only to a length of 16 cm or a fraction over 6 inches.

I am used to seeing the Zenaida or Eared Dove. I could tell this one by the yellow on its beak. The Audubon Field Guide describes its habitat thus: “Farms, orchards, wood edges, roadsides. Mostly in semi-open habitats with low brush and grass. In the southeast, found mostly in brushy fields, understory of open pine woods, forest edges. In southwest, occurs in similar habitats including orchards, ranch yards, mesquite thickets along streams.”

All About Birds describes its feeding habits, “Common Ground Doves make their living by gleaning small seeds from wild grasses and weeds. They are also common visitors to bird feeders. They may specialize on certain seeds during the summer, when food is abundant, but eat a variety of seeds during winter. Ground doves also feed on small berries and insects. In spring and summer they may eat snail shells, possibly to replenish the calcium devoted to eggs and crop-milk during nesting.”

Their challenges are habitat loss, including areas where they can nest, cat predation or accidentally by people, and car collisions. They are currently of low concern in terms of conservation.

Hugo Yugo wishes everyone sweet dreams.

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care of yourself. It is very busy everywhere, and people are not watching or taking care on the roads. Most of all, breathe. Take time to enjoy the very simple pleasures. Take a walk. Listen to the birds. Watch them. Take any loads off your shoulders. Be kind. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write this post today: ‘A, CM, J’, SK Hideaways, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and the PLO, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Lady Hawk, ETSU-Johnson City, FOBBV, NEFL-AEF, The Guardian, National Geographic, Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue and Rehab, Iowa Public Radio, Audubon Field Guide, Cornell Bird Lab All About Birds

Wednesday in Bird World

4 December 2024

Hello Everyone,

First thing. There is an egg for Ron and Rose at the WRDC nest near Miami in Dade County. 14:34 according to Heidi on Tuesday. Congratulations! Everything looks alright with that egg.

The video: https://youtu.be/sb71R6oInuQ?

In one day, we will celebrate the arrival of Hugo Yugo to our lives. We adopted her on the 5th of December believing that she was a male as we had been told (and requested). The vet would laughingly inform us that we had one of a handful of Ginger Girls. Her name became Hugo Yugo, and it took her nearly nine months to start growing. We would not have given her back for a New York minute.

Wrapped in her blanket, at 11 weeks old, she was all ears. And she was sick. Poor thing. Dr Green quickly put that to rights.

My pal and faithful osprey data collector, Heidi, is worried that I will compromise ‘The Girls’ by bringing Brock into the house. She knows that these four girls are ‘everything’ to me. Brock would need to be ‘caged’ (I have one), and he would need to go to the vet for testing before he could be cleared to come into the house. I do not believe this will ever happen. Brock is too ‘feral’. So, we provide him with high-quality food, water, and 2 warm and safe places to sleep that are dry if he should choose to use them. My Girls are the rocks in my life. They give me the same joy that walking in the forest does. I will do anything and everything to protect them just as if they were my human children.

Hugo Yugo is at the vet’s last year, the morning after we picked her up from her foster family. She was dreadfully ill.

It was terrible. We ached for this little one. A week later, she was still sick, but she was showing some signs of improvement. She loved cuddling in a pink baby blanket. I would wrap her tight like a tortilla and place her in the curve of my left arm to stay warm. That is where she still sleeps today, sans a blanket.

All well at the vet’s on the 18th! She is playing and the vet tells us she will survive.

By the 28th of December (23 days later), Hugo Yugo was ruling the cat tree. We never looked back. She continues to be the boss of the house. The respite worker commented today on how HY chased Calico back into the back corner of the conservatory from the living room. This little Ginger is fearless.

At the vet last week still getting into trouble. It is a small sink but Hugo Yugo did grow, finally.

Tuesday was Gifting Tuesday. This year was Calico’s turn the local charity that would get our funds and any other selections related to that institution. Last year, Missey had this privilege. Local wildlife rehab facilities, feral cat groups, nature centres, you name it, were there for the picking. The one that Calico put her paw on first was the choice. It was Wildlife Haven this year! Then, she had to select the ambassador to be adopted. She put her paw on the printout of Gus, the Turkey Vulture! There you go. Looks like a carrion eater is our adoptee this year! It is pretty fun. We had several others this year. Giving Tuesday is great if there is someone or some institution that will double the donations. It can have a huge impact.

Gabby and Beau spent almost all day at the nest on Tuesday. Thinking eggs? Oh, please!

She looks like she is thinking about it or geez, is this Beau? My old eyes are so bad.

‘J’ reports that an owl struck Gabby during the night but she is OK. Oh, these owls!

It is windy at Port Lincoln and the family is waiting for the first fish of the day.

Noon. No fish yet. Looks like a day when we will be wishing the fairy would appear.

Now that I have gotten it out of head that Kasse has the pink ring, here she is with her bright red ring doing some nice wingers.

Well, it is afternoon. Dad is in the man cave, and he appears to not be interested in fishing. Mum is off the nest. I wonder if she has gone to find fish for her and the two osplets.

Mum did bring in that fish. Then the fish fairy came with 6 fish and Dad rounded up the day with two after 4pm! What a day at Port Lincoln.

Royal Cam Dad RLK is home safely and ready to incubate his egg! Oh, isn’t it a relief when they return after foraging?

One of the eagles was seen on Tuesday.

Giliath!

Thunder and Akecheta spent the night at the West End nest and were there in the early morning.

Hey look who is at Fraser Point! Andor and Cruz.

I did not see anyone at the Two Harbours nest of Chase and Cholyn.

It was a gorgeous day at Decorah in Iowa!

One eagle at the NCTC nest and then two. Bella and Scout visit the old nest.https://youtu.be/F6ZwZg36Vtc?

Looks like the Eagles have the Hilton Head nest! Yeah, George and Gracie. https://youtu.be/kQnHDQbI7KM?

But wait a minute! Bailey the GHO is working on the nest after the Eagle leaves. This is not so good! https://youtu.be/sb71R6oInuQ?

In past instances, the GHOs have taken the nest from the eagles. Think Bonnie and Clyde at Farmer Derek’s. They are not cute and fluffy. GHOs are Apex Raptors, Predators of the highest level.

Bonnie and Clyde paid a visit to the Cardinal Land Conservancy nest on Tuesday.

Hawk Mountain migration update. There are some real concerning numbers there and there are some surprises. See if you can find the raptors that gained in numbers and then which one lost the most?

22 year old Red tail Hawk rescued!

‘J’ sends me a note that had me shaking my head: “I told you I had bought Geo Magazine from April 1978 because it had a long article in it about kakapo. It was a harsh read. Starts with quotes from people in the 1800s – I now know the best way to cook a kakapo, you never know when that might come in handy.  When the author went over there were only 12 (!!!) kakapo left as far as anyone knew, and all of them were males. There were 24 humans watching and protecting them 24/7 and basically everyone was waiting for the species to die out. One, a 24 year old student fell down a cliff and died. But after the author came back home he got the call that 30 more kakapo had been found, so at least it ended with a positive note, everyone hoping that at least one of the 30 would be a female.”

Today, people are still working around the clock to care for these amazing birds. As of November 2024, there are 244 kākāpō alive. They are critically endangered. Fun Facts: The population has actually doubled since 2016. The programme to save the Kakapo was started by the New Zealand Government and the Maori tribe, Ngai Tahu. Conservation efforts include artificial insemination, supplementary feeding, and transmitters to help the staff locate the birds for their annual checks.

New Zealand’s quirky kākāpō are pulled back from the edge of extinction | Natural History MuseumDownload

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

The visitor to the Achieva Credit Union osprey platform looks down and says, “What the heck is this mess?! And they want me to lay eggs, where?” Thanks, MP for the capture.

Tuesday is always a long day for me. Today was snow and really brisk winds. The roads were terrible. Calico has a project and I had to pick it up at our local photo store – which happened to be about 24 minutes across town on slick roads. I was not impressed with the way our winter is starting. Hopefully I didn’t miss too many events in Bird World!

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, notes of concern, videos, articles, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Heidi, J, MP’, WRDC, Heidi McGrue, Hugo Yugo and the Anderson Animal Wellness Centre in Winnipeg, NEFL-AEF, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Sharon Dunne, Judy Harrington, IWS/Explore.org, Raptor Resource Project, NCTC, Deb Stecyk, Hilton Head Land Trust, Hawk Mountain, A Place Called Hope, Natural History Museum, Rita the Eagle, Achieva Credit Union

Wisdom lays an egg…Friday in Bird World

29 November 2024

Hello Everyone,

Thursday was cold, and the wind was blowing the snow around so that, at times, you could not see anything—a ‘whiteout.’ We have had a coyote in our neighborhood, along with the four deer I was trying to find. The news came early Thursday that the Department of Conservation had to shoot the coyote after it had chased the deer into heavy traffic, killed one, and partially eaten it. The coyote also nearly attacked a child when the child came near to where it was sleeping. No doubt, the poor creature was starving and may have been ill. We now have three deer. Several are providing them with supplementary food. Tomorrow, I plan to approach our market, which is well known for its fruit and vegetables, to see if they will donate the unsalable items that deer can eat. That would be wonderful.

We hope everyone who celebrated had a good day and that each of you found time, no matter where you are, to just sit and pause and think of all the little things for which we are grateful.

Bird World is bringing us good news.

There is not much more that can be said for that heading! Incredible. Wisdom – the oldest known wild bird in the world – has outlived numerous mates and is set to raise another Moli in 2025! Can you see me smiling? It seriously doesn’t get much better than this.

In addition to this great news about Wisdom and her egg, we also have images of SE33. What a beautiful sea eagle fledgling. Gorgeous. He is in good condition and will be trained to fly strong and hunt before being released. I really hope that they put a tracker on him.

Wisdom even tops the fact that Dr Green is coming in on a day when she would normally not be in the surgery to clean Hugo Yugo’s teeth and take out those incisors. January 6. The little sweetie will get some relief. She is still woozy from those vaccinations but eating well.

Before you read this short article on what migratory ducks eat on their journey, write down six things you think would be on that menu. See how well you did!

Wild duck diets — Ducks Unlimited CanadaDownload

Someone I know well met a naturalist who knows nothing about ospreys and spreads disinformation in person and on line. Because this individual uses the title ‘naturalist’, people believe them. Several years ago, ‘SS’ and I caused a lot of grief at the Collins Marsh Osprey platform when the Only Bob, Malik, had a forced fledge. The caretaker at the time used the title ‘naturalist’ and they did not and would not respond to our alarm calls for help. Wildlife rehabilitation personnel who we contacted attempted to go to the property to search and help the osplet and were refused permission to enter the grounds. As a consequence, Malik died.

‘SS’ and I learned a lot from that event, especially that anyone can call themselves a naturalist, just like a person can get a truck and a hammer and say they are a contractor! No qualifications required. So when you see disinformation online or hear it, step up. Have a conversation. State the facts you know calmly, pointing out their errors. You can help someone learn every day. Also, do not let anyone undermine the value of streaming cams. Much of the new information on ospreys and other birds comes from the diligent observations of nests on streaming cams by citizen scientists.

Brian Collins is working hard to show that the osprey deaths in the Bay are directly linked to a lack of Menhaden. We wonder when the last one will be taken like the Cod in the area???

This makes me angry and sad.

VIMS scientists critique research linking osprey declines to menhaden industryDownload

Kansas City Bald Eagles Ellie and Harvey are back for another fun packed year and are bonding at the nest! https://youtu.be/cuoqS2j4f-M?

M15 certainly picked a gorgeous mate who turned out to be an exceptional mother. F23 is even stunning when she takes a bath! https://youtu.be/AupKhKyckWs?

Half way to seeing those little eaglets!

Talk about stunners though, just look at Wilko and Kasse! They are two of the most beautiful osprey chicks I have ever seen. And this Mum is one of the most amazing. It is extremely rare for the females to leave the chicks to bring fish to the nest. That is the job of the males. It does happen later when the fledglings are bulking up for migration and – yes, it does happen at other times but this is rare. A good example is 2024 when CJ7 helped Blue 022 feed their four osplets ensuring they all survived.

Mum must be enjoying that light and being able to dive off the nest and get a fish!

Dad came in with a partial fish that was eaten quickly. Wilko has been working its wings and getting some air under them.

Look at the thick legs on Kasse (top right).

Prebanding day video of Wilko and Kasse: https://youtu.be/bZzlsnK826g?

Some of us have been wondering about their brother Ervie. I posted a question about him on the FB page of Friends of Osprey South Australia. Will keep you posted!

Not a lot of activity was going on at the NE Florida nest of Gabby and Beau on Thursday. Think they got invited for Thanksgiving dinner?

The fundraiser for Montana Osprey Project was, I hope, a huge success. The pens are beautiful! I don’t know if they have any left. They are refillable and well, who wouldn’t want a stick from the ‘miracle nest of 2024’.

The endangered Cockatoo in Australia is also very long lived. “Eight Carnaby’s cockatoos aged between 21 and 35 years have been recorded, according to research published in Pacific Conservation Biology. The oldest bird, at 35 years old, was first recorded as an egg in August 1986. The report co-author Peter Mawson, a researcher with Western Australia’s biodiversity department, said the male cockatoo “looked as healthy as the day he left the nest”, and was still breeding when last sighted in 2021.”

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/nov/28/western-australias-endangered-cockatoo-among-worlds-longest-living-birds?CMP=share_btn_url

Many are vegetarians and my inbox was flooded with images of turkeys celebrating Thanksgiving by having their own feasts instead of being eaten.

Cal Falcons has a winter fundraiser that is underway in case you are interested.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We hope to see you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘J’, Hob Osterlund, EagleCam, Ducks Unlimitied Canada, Brian Collins, whro, Androcat, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and PLO, Heidi McGrue, NEFL-AEF, Montana Osprey Project, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Cal Falcons

Connie and Clive have first egg of 2024 season…Tuesday in Bird World

19 November 2024

Hello Everyone,

Because of the latest news, Tuesdays posting will be going out late afternoon Monday. I will be back with you on Wednesday unless there is a brief announcement about new eggs or Yira.

Latest News: Connie and Clive have their first egg at Captiva! Clive was in attendance giving support to Connie during the labour.

NestFlix Memories has the video of the event: https://youtu.be/BrzejQ1jtGY?

It was 7 C on the Canadian Prairies. The sky was ice-grey. There were several deer crossing the roads in the country on the way home from our walk. There is also a huge Buck that has been photographed in our neighbourhood along with some other deer. They come up from the river. I think they are hungry. There are areas of our City where people feed the deer regularly in the winter. There is too much traffic here and I wish they would move on down the river where it is safer.

‘The Girls’ and, in particular, Hugo Yugo and Missey have been ‘interested’ in the pine cones and boughs being added to the table. I am interested in having some quiet time. The wood is crackling, the spiced tea is in the cup, and Ronald Blythe’s books have arrived. Hoping to get half an hour. Wish me luck.

The video of the vet assessment of Garrama has been posted on YouTube. https://youtu.be/-918nxIq1us?

We all have our favourites, but Mum at Port Lincoln is so beautiful and so talented. There are few females who get off the nest and bring fish to their chicks. Mum has been showing us just how good she is at catching fish off that barge for several days. It is awesome. I hope that Wilko and Kasse are watching and imprinting this behaviour.

On the 18th, she delivered 3 fish. Dad came in with 6 and the Fish Fairies arrived. Thank goodness for those supplementary fish. These kids are growing. They are standing and soon they will be walking all over that nest. Isn’t it wonderful?!

It really was a fish bonanza on Monday.

Today is the 19th in Orange Australia. There has been no positive sighting of Yira since the 15th on a posted video. There is, however, a video of a bird flying past the tower that Cilla Kinross posted. There are questions about the identity of the bird. There is no firm confirmation that it was Yira. https://youtu.be/VV__2Ut4AsY?

Both Diamond and Xavier had huge crops Tuesday morning. There is nothing in the behaviour of Diamond and Xavier that gives me confidence that Yira is still alive. No flying demonstrations, no prey drops between parents, no alerting. Nothing. She needs food – we would see, someone would see Diamond and/or Xavier alerting and delivering. Instead, they are eating and getting full crops. I would like very much to be wrong. I will place Yira on the Memorial Wall tomorrow and will remove her if we get a sighting.

I really wish we knew. Diamond and Xavier worked so hard and gave these two eyases such a wonderful life in the scrape.

Xavier’s crop bursting. He is the cutest little falcon. We all adore him. He loves his eggies and is such a good dad.

Diamond sleeping on ledge of scrape with a popping crop.

Diamond looking down from the scrape watching for Yira???????

I wondered about the survival rate between rural versus urban peregrine falcons. This is an AI generated response to that search:

Urban peregrine falcons may have a higher survival rate and breeding success than rural peregrine falcons: 

  • Survival rate: Adult peregrine falcons have an annual survival rate of 80–85%. 
  • Breeding success: Urban peregrine falcons have a higher probability of successful nesting attempts (94% vs. 78% in rural areas) and produce more chicks that fledge. 

Urban peregrines may have a higher survival rate and breeding success due to the availability of suitable nesting sites and prey in urban environments. However, some populations may breed in suboptimal locations and become trapped by their environment. 

Peregrine falcons are apex predators that live in mountain ranges, river valleys, and along coastlines. They were once near-extinct in North America due to the widespread use of pesticides like DDT after World War II. However, the species has made a comeback in recent years. In Canada, the peregrine falcon is endangered and there are an estimated 5,000–50,000 adult peregrine falcons. 

A very short, but good blog read on first-year peregrine falcon survival rates:

Musings on Peregrine Mortality | Outside My WindowDownload

An academic study of rates in the United States:

Gahbaueretal.2015ProductivityMortalityandManagementofUrbanPeregrineFalconsinNENA.JWM7910-19Download

New York City ‘might’ have the largest population of peregrine falcons.

Peregrine Falcon Program – NYSDECDownload

Another really good look at Peregrine Falcon return from near extinction from DDT to the present. Written by a librarian in Georgia, there are some good references and notes.

From Death’s Door to Life in the City: The Urban Peregrine Falcon, by Lucy M. Rowland : Articles : TDownload

There have been no reports from Judy Harrington or anyone near the Olympic Park forest regarding the status of SE 33 who is in care today.

Gabby and Beau have no eggs yet. I must check the other nests, including Pa and Missey Berry in Georgia. Gosh, we could see some more soon. I understand Blaze and Abby have had their nest trees by the recent hurricanes, but are working on restoring it. There is, I believe, an issue with the camera. Please feel free to correct me!

No eagles at Dulles-Greenway.

I wonder if the Majestics are going to get that storm that is churning in Kansas set to hit us? I bet they will. Both eagles there on Monday.

Sharon Dunne brings us Ranger Sharyn’s latest report:

Jackie and Shadow are always putting smiles on our face! Always. I am trying to imagine them picking paint colours or furniture. https://youtu.be/YEo8K9ATXsQ?

I am going to close and be back with you Wednesday morning. The news of Connie and Clive is too good to wait! Take care everyone. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to put together my post today: Window to Wildlife, NestFlix Memories, Falcon Cam Project, Port Lincoln Ospreys, Bart M and PLO, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, AI Generated, Outside My Window, ResearchGate, NYC Peregrine Falcon Program, Terrain.org, Dulles-Greenway, Denton Homes, Sharon Dunne.