Category Archives: nature

Most memorable nests of 2025

2 January 2026

Hello Everyone,

I have been asked to share this urgent request immediately because of the timely nature of the legislative bill: I apologize for the size – maybe you can go to the Wild Heart Ranch FB for the details if you cannot blow this up.

What a great community of people we have in Bird World. When I look at the map of people who read my blog and treasure our birds, there are very few places on the planet where there isn’t someone who is not a member of our family. It warms my heart.

There was a deep underlying purpose in asking you to contribute the joyful moments you remember from Bird World in 2025. Too often, we focus on the negative, even if that terrible event was only one of a dozen wonderful, glorious ones in a day. It is time for us to shift the way that we think – and believe me, I need to do this as much as anyone. Life has thrown a lot of extraordinarily difficult challenges at me this year – and I know that it has done the same to so very, very many of you. Sometimes I want to slide under the duvet and stay there for several days, hoping that whatever it is will go away. It doesn’t happen, of course. It is like some big furry monster just waiting for you to stick your head out. So now is the time to deal with it and bring the sunshine back into our lives.

I am going to start with a few instances to get the ball rolling, so to speak. Akecheta. The day when I saw Akecheta’s bloody head on Tor and Thunder sitting next to that other male, I was devastated. Maybe it was just the icing on top of the cake, the cherry on top of the sundae to different events that day, but it hit me so very, very hard. Then, when Akecheta was photographed on the Californian Mainland, I wept with joy. He was alive! But the real triumph was when Akecheta returned, healed and confident, to take his rightful place at the West End, sitting proudly with Haku looking out at the sea. The second instance that made me so very happy was seeing CJ7 and Blue 022 raise another clutch of four osplets at Poole Harbour. To raise two can be hard – three is difficult – but it takes extraordinary parenting to fledge four (and a source of good quality fish). https://youtu.be/mzG-D8kmI-s?

It has been a long time since we have witnessed the sea eaglets at the WBSE nest in the Olympic Forest survive. Most of the time, we cheer their growth, admiring their intelligence and beauty, only to worry that the Currawongs will drive them out of the territory or find them near the Discovery Centre, in need of care. This year, the Currawongs were outwitted! Yes, we lost the male 36, but there is no reason to believe that anything untoward happened to 35. She was a strong flyer. But seeing them fly in and out, getting food without falling into the Currawongs’ harm’s way, gives me hope for future clutches as well. Oh, there are so many. Iris returning to her nest.

Diamond mating with a very young male and producing a strong female who appears to be doing splendidly.

“There is something to appreciate in every moment of every day. Strive to 

find it as often as you can. Living with gratitude will change your life.” (Goodreads)

There are so many quotes. Find one that suits you and print it and look at it each morning when you open the fridge.

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” — Oprah Winfrey

There were a lot of wonderful memories in Bird World for 2025. Thank you for sharing some of your magical moments with the rest of us!

‘BF’: “Perhaps not the same as a highlight — in fact, this had the potential to be a “lowlight” — but an unusual situation that captured my attention was when an uninvited (and not related) juvenile bald eagle showed up on Gabby and Beau’s NE Florida nest looking for food.  It was rocky at first, but after a few days — and a few tussles — “Juvie” almost seemed to be an accepted member of the nest family (perhaps grudgingly?), along with Gabby and Beau’s own not-yet-fledged juvenile, Bodie.  All seemed to get along, it was surprisingly peaceful, and perhaps it was even a positive for Bodie to have the slightly older juvenile nest mate. Eventually Juvie moved on and Bodie fledged and dispersed and both are successfully off on their own.

‘PB’: Most memorable nest for me is Dunrovin and all that drama! Losing Mo due to a throat problem and then found by the river passed. Relieved Eenie fledged. That nest was so stressful when we almost lost the little ones falling off the side of the nest. I hope Dunrovin will fix the nest for next season so we don’t have to go through all that again.

“B’: “There are so many highlights for 2025 — for sure, every single hatch and fledge is a highlight to be remembered.  But I was especially pleased to see the successful hatch and fledge of eaglet Betty Lou for Audacity and Jak at the Sauces Canyon nest on Santa Cruz Island, since for Audacity and Jak it had been three seasons and four long years — with many broken eggs — since their most recent previous eaglet, Dina in 2021. 

Similarly, celebrity eagles Jackie and Shadow had spent many, many days the past two seasons at Big Bear Valley — through snow and winter storms — incubating eggs that turned out to be nonviable; it was wonderful to see the 2025 hatch of lively eaglets Sunny and Gizmo at Big Bear, the first for Jackie and Shadow since Spirit in 2022.  

The return of Akecheta to West End has been a surprise highlight.  We last saw Akecheta early in the year, lying on the ground, injured in an apparent territorial fight.  Then the cameras went out, and when they returned Akecheta was nowhere to be seen, and we were concerned for his survival.  It has been a real blessing that Akecheta has returned now to West End; we hope for mating and new eaglets in 2026.  As great as Akecheta’s return has been, the real highlight for me was the day in May when we heard the report that Akecheta and his distinctive blue wing tags had been spotted at Lake Casitas, many miles away on the mainland near Ojai, for that was when we learned that Akecheta had survived and was off in the world being an eagle.

oh, and how could I forget another whole class of highlights: the watching and waiting for the return of the migrating birds and the highlight it is when you see Iris or Louis and Dorcha arrive. Or seeing Beau arriving weeks early and waiting for Gabby.  These sorts of things are simple and repeatable, but they are something to celebrate each time.

‘R’: “My favorite ‘Bird’ story this year was following Iris. 🪺 And Jackie and Shadow’s success ❤️

My favorite non-bird item was definitely Heidi’s Christmas video to you ❤️💕and the pictures of Don and you!  I saved “Day 11 Welcome to Winter”, so I could look at the pictures again.Ever since I’ve known you, before  WordPress, I heard of Don, knew he was ill, and not as bad, back before COVID, but I never had a face to go with the name.”

‘N’: “I have many favs but this recent one comes to mind…caught this recently at Dade (speaking of our Florida nests). Made me giggle, which I can use often! 

Sibling pooping on sibling!

SP’: Oh, Mary Ann, with so much human tragedy in 2025, I was so invigorated to go back through the events of 2025 in Bird World only to discover an avalanche of happy, heartwarming, beautiful events throughout the year.  Here are way too many (in alpha order)! 

367 Collins Street Falcons: F23, M23, and 4 chicks
F23 and M23 had their talons full with 4 rambunctious chicks, but they raised and fledged them beautifully.
Dad Tries to Feed 5- and 2-Day Old Chicks Whole Prey (2025 Oct 5) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02vbdny7Bo0
Pre-Fledge Chicks Perform Acrobatics ~ Teetering on Ledge (2025 Nov 10) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_GfSbdrs68

AEF-NEFL Eagles:  Gabby, Beau, NE31, and Juvie
The arrival of Bodie (NE31) and Beau’s first foray into fatherhood were so special, as was the development of Gabby and Beau’s relationship. The “adoption” of Juvie by Gabby and Beau, and the ultimate bonding between Bodie and Juvie were simply beautiful.
Beau Tries to Feed NE31 for the First Time (2025 Jan 21) https://youtu.be/G4zea3983tw?si=RA0InJ2bNJkm5wYo
Bodie Branches Out ~ Juvie Shares Flying Tips (2025 Apr 5) https://youtu.be/cYTuJVPT8K4?si=tNR4bQZCq6EQRa7o

FalconCam Project: Diamond, Gimbir, and Girri (RIP dear Xavier)
Girri lifted our spirits as we mourned for Xavier. Gimbir stepped up to take on parental duties as he learned from pro mum Diamond.
Gimbir Brings 3 Starlings in 9 Minutes ~ Chick Gets First Meal (2025 Nov 6) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mynzf-kkOQQ
GIRRI FLEDGES at 43 Days Old ( 2025 Dec 18) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96yPLdvaixU

FOBBV Eagles: Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo (RIP Misty)
Jackie and Shadow mourned the loss of one chick as they raised Sunny and Gizmo to be strong, independent fledglings. It was such a gift after two years of failed clutches.
SC Stands Tall on New Clown Feet ~ BC Delivers Single Bonk (2025 Mar 23) https://youtu.be/sWFD087ffRg?si=ATZrG4B9dD3xnpqm
Golden Hour Moments with Sunny & Gizmo ~ Special Times to Remember Always (2025 May 15) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WraMnX8mFy0

San Jose City Hall Falcons: Hartley, Monty, Emma, Willow, Octavia, and Chico
For the second year, Hartley and Monty raised four chicks. There were so many delightful moments with all of them.
FIRST 2 CHICKS HATCH: One Gets Wild Ride Across Nest (2025 Apr 19) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9jZtIHqat4
Raucous Rooftop Food Fight ~ All 4 Chicks Win (2025 Jun 7) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9rt2B1BZ8A

Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles: Lady, Dad, SE35, and SE36
Despite a sad ending for SE36, the saga of SE35 and SE36 was a joy to watch. Family time was always a special treat.
SE35, SE36, Lady & Dad Spend the Afternoon Together Next Door (2025 Nov 10) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcaObXf4qpA

Two Harbors Eagles: Cholyn and Chase
Every moment with these two is a gift.
Cholyn & Chase on 22 Years of Mated Perfection (2025 Oct 21) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTbMUL24oMs


West End Eagles: Akecheta’s Return
AKECHETA RETURNS! (2025 Sep 24) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgFXKDnDrp0

I could go on (Betty Lou, Blue and Kaimana, TE3!), but I’ll stop here. Thank you for pulling this good news together to go on lifting spirits as you do all year long. 

‘L’: 1. Beau at the NEFL nest brooding the eggs and the look on his face when “Bodie” hatched. In addition to Bodie being a single, a rogue juvenile showed up and stuck around for a few weeks providing additional entertainment. 

2. Audacity and Jak, Santa Cruz Island. Audacity laid 3 eggs, 2 broke and the third hatched. It was a miracle after several years of broken eggs for this longtime pair. It was pure joy watching “Betty Lou” grow up. 

3. Jackie & Shadow with 3 hatchlings! Unfortunately losing one but the other two survived given the names “Sonny” & “Gizmo.”

4. The trio of Scout & Bella lined up on the rails at the NCTC nest(unfortunately the nest collapsed)

5. The Trempealeau nest with TE3. Mrs. T deserved an award after practically raising TE3 alone. 

6. Gimbir taking over the nest after the male Xavier disappeared from the Charles Sturt University FalconCam nest. Diamond laying 3 eggs and little Girri hatching! 

‘J’: I obviously do not have a lot of memories this year, but one stands out above everything: WELCOME HOME AKECHETA!

‘SA’: Iris arrives home. Jackie and Shadow have two – Sunny and Gizmo. Cheta comes home to the West End.

‘TN’: It was a cracker of a year for Poole Harbour raising another clutch of four to fledge. Simply brilliant.

‘C’: Akecheta returns to the West End.

‘BA’: “As for favorite nest event of 2025, mine is probably the same as most everyone else’s  —  the successful hatching of Jackie and Shadow’s three eaglets, and the subsequent successful fledging of two of them. (The death of one was probably the saddest event for me, though I know it was probably best that they only had to raise two.)

Second favorite event was Gabby and Beau’s first successful year together raising an eaglet. (That too is probably a favorite of most others.) I know there were many other joyful moments in bird world. It’s good to have them balance out the sad moments.

(Really sad about CalFalcons last year…. haven’t yet gotten over the loss of both — and that nest that still sits empty.)”

‘J’: “Has to be Sunny and Gizmo hands down. Jackie and Shadow being parents gave me a new reason to want to live through my cancer treatments.’

‘K’: ‘There was worry that Louis might not return to Loch Arkaig. Seeing him land on the nest was the best moment for me all year. Louis survived what ailed him and came home to Dorcha.’

‘WL’: There are too many wonderful things that happened but two stand out for me amidst a lot of dismal nests. The first is little T3 in that nest in Wisconsin, raised only by its mother, no thanks to that two-timing dad. That chick was determined to live. The other was Iris returning to her nest. It was sad Finnegan didn’t make it. Maybe the new one will.’

‘A’: ‘The death of Xavier rocked my world to its core. Then an almost too-young Gimbir turns up. Diamond likes him. Diamond really likes him. Out of the sadness came a superb female falcon named Girri. Many of the latest fledglings out of that scrape did not make it. Girri is doing extremely well. Seeing Girri fly over the tower, learning to be a falcon from Diamond and Gimbir, makes me smile every day. It was the best thing to come out of the worst.’ ‘We cannot forget the falcon fledges from the CBD in Melbourne!’

Thank you ‘AK’ for this incredible card!

Thank you to everyone who participated.

The day my baby got sick.

Home from the vet and bright-eyed but sad because he cannot find his daddy.

Woolly and Mysterious Missey, who has a ‘mat’ that I must cut out. Don typically brushes her many times a day.

Precious Calico.

The little trouble maker, HUGO YUGO!

Sweet Hope.

Toby is sleeping upside down next to me. He is feeling better because he wanted to romp around the house with Hugo Yugo a few minutes ago. It is so very nice to have him home from the veterinary hospital. While I might have complained that there isn’t enough room in the bed with him on the pillow and HY in my arm, Calico at one side, and Missey near my feet – I sure would not want it any other way. The only one that doesn’t join in is Hope and maybe she will one day.

We wish you a wonderful 2026.

Thank you to everyone who participated and to the owners of the streaming cams so that we can watch these amazing birds and their families. I also want to thank SK Hideaways for their amazing videos that add depth to the stories. You are all so wonderful and my blog would never have the spice of life that it does without you!

Latest Pip Views at NE Florida!

Hello Everyone,

Today Don is being moved from one room to another and will eventually have his own private room with a window – I hope – later today. The constant change is difficult for many people. He prefers everything to be the same and for no bright lights or noise! I can relate to that! Toby and The Girls are fine and Nellie is going home in a couple of hours so I can begin to process all of this.

I am looking out the window, and there are the usual 33-35 European Starlings and one nice fluffed-up Blue Jay looking for food. It is there! It is actually a lovely day with no wind and temperatures of -8 °C.

Here are two screen captures of Gabby and Beau’s pip:

I just wanted to pop in and encourage you to check on the NE Florida nests while you are watching the eaglets at SW Florida, Dade County, and Captiva – and, of course, Girri, flying around the tower.

Be sure to send me the moments you enjoyed on the nests in 2025 so I can get them on the blog for the 2nd of January.

All the best!

Thank you to the American Eagle Foundation for their streaming cam so we can watch the lives of Beau and Gabby at NE Florida.

Pip for Beau and Gabby!

30 December 2025

Hello Everyone,

Great news from the American Eagle Foundation. It is official. Beau and Gabby have a pip. This is what I have been waiting for – and what joy this little one will bring.

This image is from the AEF:

First, please do send me some of your favourite memories from our bird nests so that I can post them on 2 January! I really want to hear from you!

SK Hideaways Videos, week of 12/21/25

Channel Island Eagles

Fraser Point Eagles: Elusive Cruz Visits Nest with Andor ~ A Few Sticks are Shuffled (2025 Dec 27)

It was a real treat to see Cruz and Andor together after Cruz’s nearly 2-week absence from the cameras. For those who haven’t met this pair, we provided a little history as they did a bit of stick shuffling and hanging out. 

The female, Cruz, hatched at the Pelican Harbor nest on Santa Cruz Island in 2006 and was the first known chick to naturally hatch on the islands since 1950. Andor hatched at the Baby’s Harbor nest, also on Santa Cruz Island, in 2017.
Video: https://youtu.be/ijOvAohCxeA
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org, Fraser Point Cam Ops
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s

Two Harbors Eagles Cholyn & Chase ~ 22 Years of Devotion & Territory Rule (2025 Dec 21)
Cholyn and Chase briefly greeted the morning together at the nest before Chase departed to do eagle things. Cam ops then gifted us with close-ups of Cholyn and we took the opportunity to share some history of these 27-year-olds marvels, who have been together for 22 years. Their story is part of the eagle restoration program in the Channel Islands that began in 1980. Through trial, error, and extraordinary work by scientists at the Institute for Wildlife Studies, the program has been wildly successful. Cholyn and Chase, now the elders of the Channel Island eagles, are just one piece of that story.

Video: https://youtu.be/y_ZPyUTo92E

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org, Two Harbors Eagles Cam Ops

Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ

FOBBVCAM Eagles🦅
Original live video courtesy of  @FOBBVCAM   https://www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org/

The opinions presented on this channel do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOBBV.

ℹResident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014

ℹResident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012

🔗Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE

🔗Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://youtube.com/live/LCGYWfbyBWc

🔴LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz

Jackie With and Without Fishing Line 🎣 With Shadow and Wonky Stick (2025 Dec 26-27)
Jackie arrived on December 26th with a long bit of fishing stuck to her beak. She stayed at the nest a short time, flying off with the line still attached.  We were relieved to see her arrive the next morning without the fishing fine, but with a beautiful, big wonky stick. Shadow joined later to celebrate and we all breathed a sigh of relief. 
Video: https://youtu.be/qscEDVaWNwM

Jackie & Shadow Bicker, Beaky Kiss & Bump During Big Nestorations (2025 Dec 26)

Jackie and Shadow spent just over an hour bringing a wide variety of branches to build up rails and begin forming an egg cup in anticipation of nesting season. Along the way, they entertained us with bickering, beaky kissing, and bumping each other to and fro.
Video: https://youtu.be/cn4LWsO8YQU

San Jose CH Falcons: Hartley & Monty Stop By to Deliver Holiday Greetings ❄️ (2025 Dec 25)

Hartley and Monty stopped by for some pair-bonding after opening and devouring their Christmas gifts.

Video: https://youtu.be/pXDnrxiFGQE

Courtesy San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcon Cam

AEF-NEFL Eagles: Gabby and Beau Have Long Conversation Before Changeover (2025 Dec 23)

Gabby and Beau may have been discussing the fact that pip watch for NE32 and NE33 is just 2-3 days away. They talked for quite some time before Gabby relieved Beau of incubation duty. The chortling and chirping was music to our ears. 
Video: https://youtu.be/2UAbkrjUyp8
Courtesy American Eagle Foundation/NEFL Eagle CamOps


FalconCam Project GIRRI RETURNS TO TOWER! 2025 Dec 23
Girri shows off her strength and flying skills as she returns to the top of the tower to meet up with her parents. She fledged just 5 days ago. Great job, Girri! (2025 Dec 23)
Video: https://youtu.be/2Yvnm67rL2A
Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW (http://www.csu.edu.au/special/falconcam/)

Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA

Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuZaWzhXSAI

Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KCFRoO6URs

Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQxrTGgNu4M

We’re on HATCH WATCH at NE Florida for Beau and Gabby and it is raining Monday night. The AEF confirmed a pip in the afternoon around 3pm.

Gabby is restless.

There will be a little one tomorrow.

We have a hatch at Hilton Head.

Everyone else is doing fine.

My news is that my husband is in the ICU waiting for a bed in the hospital so that he can be fully treated. I do not know what the future holds but he is calm and knows me, and there is nothing nicer than lying next to him cuddling. Thank you for all your positive wishes – that beautiful energy sent from around the world is precious and is helping us I am certain.

Please take care of yourselves. I will check in tomorrow briefly.

Thank you to SK Hideaways for their great videos, to the owners of the streaming cams, and to those who post news on FB. My blog would be nothing without your input.

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2026

29 December 2025

My dear friends in Bird World,

I cannot thank you enough for your best wishes. It isn’t easy to express how much your kindness and letters of support mean to me. I am as fine as fine can be under the circumstances. I slept for the first time last night. Nellie is going home on Tuesday and after she leaves I hope to begin processing all that has transpired over the past few weeks over hot mugs of tea. you will undoubtedly know that the British drink tea for everything – when I lived there any celebration or any issues were solved over a cuppa’.

Don is in the hospital, where he is safe, secure, and comfortable. He is currently in the ICU unit – urgent care. There is something significantly wrong with his bladder that is causing toxins to remain in his body. Those toxins could have caused the behaviour he was exhibiting. They are working on finding a solution to this problem. He will be moved ‘upstairs’ to the LAU Unit, where he will have an entire team looking after him – geriatric psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, home care workers, etc. Once he has been thoroughly evaluated and stabilised, they will work to find a safe and secure place for him to live. His condition has deteriorated rapidly, and my gut tells me that he will need to live where he can have 24/7 care and be in a secure unit where he cannot wander and get lost. Dementia is a terrible disease. Lewy Body Dementia is even worse with its horrific hallucinations. I am grateful to everyone who has helped and continues to support Don and me, and to our friends and family who have stepped up to take turns visiting him. Jaine came with her beautiful, smiling face and a bag of her favourite homemade chocolate-chip cookies. Their help and support are giving me the time and space to begin processing how our lives are changing.

I am also so happy that I have The Girls and Toby as well as Brock and the outside animals and birds – they get me out of bed to feed and clean after them which is extremely helpful. The problem is that it is too easy to cover one’s head with a duvet and shut out everything. I am responsible for their lives and I need to be strong for Don so that the team and I can make the best decisions for him that we can. He deserves that. He still knows me and I melt when his face lights up and he wants a kiss and a hug.

As we get to the beginning of 2026, I would love to hear from you on what your highlights of the 2025 season were. Please feel free to send them to me via e-mail or post them in the comments. I will put them in the blog on the 2nd of January. So please take part. I would love to hear from you. Let’s jog everyone’s memory about the wonderful things that happened this past year.

So thank you, and now, let’s get on with a look at a few nests! I hope to have a small daily report…I had thought a break might be good but I find, like you, that the birds bring much solace.

There is a pip at the Hilton Head Bald Eagle nest.

We are on pip watch for Gabby and Beau at NE Florida, and this baby just can’t come fast enough for me.

At SW Florida, E26 is getting a sweet little tail and some thermal down. M15 and F23 have been providing all manner of prey items – one, a RK cat – was removed. Thank goodness.

CE14 is one of the cutest little eaglets. Growing fast on the Captiva nest of Clive and Connie. Looks like another ‘only’.

Looks like Ron and Rose’s little eaglets are hoping for a bedtime snack!

Only nest so far with more than one hatch save for Superbeaks that had three eaglets with Froto passing. Let’s see how the others do.

We had hoped for the drama at the West End nest of Akecheta to stop. We had hoped that Haku and Akecheta could live in peace and raise an eaglet family. At the time I am writing this, Haku has been missing for a day with another female eaglet hanging around the nest. I hope that this is just a ‘silly something’ and life will return to normal there.

Or is it Haku? I cannot be certain. Akecheta seems perfectly at home sitting on Tor with this bird.

Gigi and Pat have been seen mating near the ND-LEEF nest in South Bend, Indiana.

I would love to see some ospreys on the Captiva Osprey nest, wouldn’t you?

Olivera and Hoots. Incubation of their two GHO eggs. Gosh, they are cute but I sure do not like them around the eagle and osprey nests!

I wonder how many trees had to be cut down just to make Christmas wrapping paper and napkins? Best to purchase gift bags and not write on them so they can be used over and over again!

Do you use Merlin Bird ID? Here is an article in The Guardian that you might find interesting.

‘It brings you closer to the natural world’: the rise of the Merlin birdsong identifying apphttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/27/merlin-ai-assisted-birdsong-identifying-app-bird-species?CMP=share_btn_url

Toby waiting for his walk with Ellen and Nellie. After Tuesday it will Toby and me hitting the snow!

Toby giving Nellie a good night kiss.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We hope your holidays were bright and that the new year is kind to each of you.

Thank you so very much to The Guardian for its wildlife articles, the owners of the streaming cams, and the authors of FB posts that helped me to write my blog this evening.

Day 23 Welcome to Winter…Eggs at John Bunker Sands, Hatch at Captiva

23 December 2025

Hello Everyone!

Good Morning.

-17 C and overcast. No sun in sight.

It was a great night. Our visiting canine, Nellie, settled in and slept through the night – and so did the rest of us! We woke up refreshed. Toby and Nellie headed out with Ellen at 0930 while ‘The Girls’ had their breakfast in peace. When the dogs got home, Don and I looked at the four sad bananas on the counter and set about to make banana bread. It was a great start to the morning.

Hugo Yugo and Toby were holding hands last evening. I can’t get enough of this puppy and sweet kitty. They have to either be touching or near to one another.

Oh, these animals just lift my spirits.

There are two eggs at the John Bunker Sands Wetlands Bald Eagle nest in Texas! That one flew right by me I was so intent on finding out about Girri. Congratulations.

That egg cup is deep!

SK Hideaway’s video of Girri’s return: https://youtu.be/2Yvnm67rL2A?

More videos of Girri reaching the tower. This one from Falcon Cam Project. https://youtu.be/0IIRQz6eImM?

Let’s hope we see more of Girri’s strong flying. It gives me hope that this fledgling of Diamond’s will survive!!!!!!!! She is one heck of a flyer.

Our friend ‘A’ is checking on Angel, the Leucistic Hawk, and her mate Tom and found an update from Connor at Window to Wildlife: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHDDXUkIKio

Connie and Clive have a hatch at the Captiva Eagle cam. CE14 looks strong and alert.

E26 appears to be lucky (in some ways). No indication of a pip in E27’s egg. This is day 38 for that egg. Yes, it is still within the time frame for hatching. Would I want it to? Well, I wouldn’t. Many will. E26 is strong, healthy, and eating well. A lack of a sibling means no bonking – that has already started at Dade County in force with the Rs.

Gabby and Beau continue incubation at NE Florida. I am getting excited for their first pip next week.

Jackie and Shadow are visiting the Big Bear Valley Bald Eagle nest! They were there Tuesday!

Ron and Rose have a nest full of food for C10 and C11. There are still a few bites of Coot and a whole lot of fish ready and waiting.

If you missed Ventana Wildlife’s December chat, here is the link to find out what is going on with the California condors: https://www.youtube.com/live/_FO6WuxmL08?

The post today is quick and sweet. We hope you are not caught up in the rat race of the build-up to the final days of the holidays. Take care. We will see you tomorrow.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams where I took my screen captures, to SK Hideaways for their video, to ‘A’ for alerting me to Connor’s Window to Wildlife update! This blog would not be the same without you and without all those amazing members of Bird World!

Day 22 Welcome to Winter…Girri flying strong…KNF E3 has an egg!

23 December 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Calm has settled in with the dogs and cats. Nellie tested me to see if I would feed her continually or provide endless treats or allow her to stay outside in the snow longer than her arthritic back legs could bear. ‘No’. Nellie is a quick learner. Toby and Nellie are waiting or Ellen to show up at 1500 for their walk – a treat for me for the holidays is a dog walker for the entire period coming twice a day. Oh, it is so nice.

I didn’t know all of those things that dog owners know until we got Toby. Of course, Hugo Yugo still sleeps in the crook of my arm at night while Toby is wrapped around me or on the other pillow. Calico still gets extra attention and brushings along with Missey who spends the late evening with Don and a brush. Baby Hope waits for me at night to sneak her some treats. I love my girls — and I love this little guy.

There is a new couple at the Kistachie National Forest E3 nest. On Monday, the first egg of their season arrived. Congratulations. For those of you who don’t know, this was the nest of Alex and Andria – a beloved couple. It is now the home of Alex II and Andria III. Congratulations to everyone down in Louisiana!

Monday evening, when we go to bed, Clive and Connie will have their first eaglet to care for! How exciting. They are incredible parents.

This means this morning there will be a fluffy bobblehead and maybe another on the way at Captiva.

Coot has been on the menu for R9 and R10 at Dade County nest of Ron and Rose. Aren’t they cute?!

E26 is a cutie pie. Their menu was fish and/or roadkill. It doesn’t look like that second egg is going to hatch (of course, I could get a surprise). This is day 38 for that second egg.

We are on day 30 today for Beau and Gabby’s first egg at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest. So, it looks like we could have a baby there by next Monday! Are you getting excited?

Girri has been seen on the top of the tower with Diamond and Gimbir! This is the time from the chat moderator: “@donnadec2606​​23 DEC TOWER 3 on the roof ; 06.43.43; FLIGHTS 09.26.07+; BOX 06.44.06 screaming Girri flies by; LEDGE 07.00.33 kangaroo hops away; 09.26.14 Girri hovers by ledge.” Holly Parsons caught Gimbir on the ledge and Girri flying by – mid area at the right!

This is nothing short of marvellous news. I do not remember, in recent years, any of the fledglings flying so strongly – please feel free to correct me!

SK Hideaways has Girri flying on video! https://youtu.be/2Yvnm67rL2A?

A story from The Guardian that should put a smile on your face!

‘Miracle’ of Zealandia: chick is born to rare takahē pair thought to be infertile https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/21/takahe-chick-rare-born-new-zealand?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you so much for being with us. I am going to send this out this evening because of the news of Girri. See you late Tuesday or Wednesday morning! Take care.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams where I took my screen captures, to SK Hideaways for that great video of Girri, and to The Guardian for always covering the environment and wildlife.

Day 21. Welcome to Winter. R10 on its way!

22 December 2025

Good Morning Everyone!

[I am sending this out at 2200 Sunday evening in case things get hectic Monday morning – have a great day everyone].

Yesterday was the Winter Solstice. From now on, we will have a tiny bit more daylight, which is always welcome. Sunday was bright and sunny, and there is nothing better to energise a weary body after days of snow and grey than bright light. The Girls certainly enjoyed having those beautiful rays of warmth fill the conservatory.

For the past several weeks or months, I have encouraged each of you to slow down – to savour the moment at hand without worrying about what happened a week ago, what will occur in a month, or if your holiday dinner is perfect, or your house looks like the best cleaning service has detailed it. You would be too worn out to enjoy any of the fun if you did that. Instead, relax. Make the days simple so that you can enjoy them.

I found a blog post about ‘How Not to Feel Lost in a Parisian Cafe’, and I want to share it with you, not that you are going to Paris soon (or maybe you are), but because it speaks to sheer relaxation. Take a quiet moment with a cuppa and enjoy it. Practice relaxing. It is one thing that North Americans are not good at! Endless lists, too much goal orientation and achievement having priority over simple living.

https://open.substack.com/pub/frenchglimpses/p/how-not-to-feel-lost-in-a-parisian?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

This led to a link about the joys of doing nothing in retirement. In this article in The Wall Street Journal, there is this quote: “Earlier this summer, I read ‘This Is Happiness,’ by Niall Williams, about a fictional Irish community in the mid-20th century where rain is a constant presence in the lives of the town’s poor residents, until it isn’t. “You don’t see rain stop, but you sense it,” he writes at one point. “You hear the quietness you thought was silence get quieter still, and you raise your head so your eyes can make sense of what your ears have already told you, which at first is only: something has changed. The quote describes more eloquently than my words how I felt that morning at the cabin when something for me had changed. It was the realization that in experiencing the peace that doing nothing brings, I could acknowledge quietly to myself, “This is happiness.”

Here is the link to the entire article (I don’t have a subscription and I was able to open it; I hope that you can): https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/relationships/retirement-rest-do-nothing-benefits-90d52ff4?reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Nellie arrived. The pups have been in and out, and then a rest, and then in and out again. Nellie loves the deep snow in the garden – she is a big girl. Toby likes to go out but not stay out as long. It has been great fun watching them play.

We had a proper ‘tea’ and christened a new teapot. This year we managed to break two teapots – the daily glass one and a much-loved temmoku one made by my friend Gunda Stewart years ago. There are ‘art’ teapots in my cupboards made by people across Canada, but I don’t use them. So…dear Anne brought us a replacement glass one, and I went over the top and purchased a rather glitzy version for special occasions. It is entirely unlike me; I am a much more rustic, handmade person. I like the story behind this design. It is based on the ceiling of the Library in the Fairmont Hotel in Toronto. This is where the ladies had to wait and have tea while the men checked them into the hotel.

I met a wonderful woman years ago in Yangon. Besides the fact that we both looked up and noticed that we were each reading Burmese Days, we were also sequestered inside our hotel for a few days during bombings in the City. Victoria introduced me to Coronation Chicken, and that is what we had today, along with egg mayo, sausage rolls, vegetable samosas, cranberry, orange, and mince tarts, shortbread cookies shaped like Scotty dogs, Fortnum’s Christmas cake, and chocolates. It was a fantastic way to celebrate the solstice! (I meant to take photos and forgot in the flurry of Nellie’s arrival!)

I wondered if Nellie was going to get stuck. She didn’t. She jumped and rolled.

A really tired Toby. He went to sleep before he even got in his bed.

Next to Toby, Nellie is in her big dog bed.

All is right in ‘dog’ world.

SK Hideaways Videos, week of 14 December 2025

Sauces Canyon Eagles:  Jak and Audacity Chortle in the Dawn ~ An 11-Year Love Story (2025 Dec 19)
As Jak and Audacity greet the day with nature’s most perfect music ~ chortles ~ we share a little history of this 11-year love story. 
Video: https://youtu.be/jCVVKQNIbfw
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnTsOesC6hE

West End Eagles

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org
Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14
Other Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmmAzrAkKqI
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kad6O4nF6bg

Haku Issues Mating Invitation ~ Akecheta’s Not in the Mood (2025 Dec 20)
As Akecheta and Haku enjoyed their often frequented ocean view, Haku started feeling a little frisky. She let out some beautiful chortles and lowered her head, making it clear she was inviting Akecheta to mate. This time, Akecheta was focused elsewhere and did not respond. These two are spending a lot of time together on camera, so we could guess they’re doing so off camera as well. We have seen at least 2 mating attempts before this event, so may also guess that such attempts are being made behind closed tors. We are feeling optimistic about a fruitful nesting season for these two. 
Video: https://youtu.be/zhov66JVXDI

Akecheta Attempts Mating After Haku Casts Massive Pellet (2025 Dec 17)
After spending the night together on the night perch, Haku woke before Akecheta and cleared her gizzard by casting a rather large pellet. So large, in fact, that when it hit the ground, it woke Akecheta. Unperturbed, he went right back to sleep before waking later to attempt the first mating we’ve seen on camera. While unsuccessful, it bodes well for these two pursuing nesting and mating behaviors for the season ahead. Akecheta later did some nestorations before setting off to the middle tor, posing beautifully for the camera. (2025 Dec 17)
Video: https://youtu.be/YWxv9J9LbMM

FOBBV Eagles: Two Juvie Eagles Visit Nest Tree ~ Jackie & Shadow Let Them Be (2025 Dec 15)
Two first year juvenile eagles (2025 hatch year) visited the nest tree. The first flew to the very top while Jackie and Shadow were finishing their day’s nestorations. While their hackles were raised and they were very vocal, Jackie and Shadow did not physically approach the visitor. The second juvie arrived at the nest tree after Jackie and Shadow had retired to their Roost Tree. Who might they be? #CouldBeSunnyOrGizmo
Video: https://youtu.be/F6R4BuHTTOc
Courtesy FOBBVCAM, Friends of Big Bear Valley, CA

FalconCam Project
Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW
Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuZaWzhXSAI
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KCFRoO6URs
Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQxrTGgNu4M

GIRRI FLEDGES at 43 Days Old (2025 Dec 18)
Girri woke early on her fledge day, full of energy and raring to go. After some vigorous wingercises and a full frontal attack of the camera, Girri took a wee rest and did a bit of yoga before taking flight. The fledge was perfect, as she flew across the flatlands to a perch tree. Cilla Ross captured video of her perched safely to everyone’s delight. Wishing Girri well in this exciting new phase of her young life.
Video: https://youtu.be/96yPLdvaixU

Viewer Discretion: Diamond’s Prey  Unzipping Lesson ~ Girri Chases Gimbir (2025 Dec 15)
Diamond brought another galah (aka pink and grey cockatoo) to the nest for Girri. She watched as her chick tried to consume the galah, but Girri does not yet possess the skills to prep prey. After letting Girri struggle a while, Diamond demonstrated how to prepare and ultimately consume prey. While SK Hideaways doesn’t normally publish graphic displays of raptors eating, we felt Diamond’s master class was interesting and educational. This is something raptor lovers may want to understand about these birds of prey. But we understand if you’d rather skip this lesson. When Gimbir came for the second seating, Girri chased him around the nest. Then Diamond fed him a few bites, but decided better of it. Best he remember that he’s a mate/parent and not a chick.
Video: https://youtu.be/rgCWPyT11No

There is nothing cuter than a couple of bobbleheads – .

Dade County R9.

SW Florida E26.

Two very much loved eaglets. R10 appears to be on its way.

I am unclear as to the status of E27’s egg. A single healthy eaglet fledging strong would be fine for me for each nest.

It looks like a juvenile eagle on the Berry College Bald Eagle nest in Georgia.

For those following the ups and downs of Lumi, the young lynx that found itself in the care of our local wildlife rehabilitation clinic, Wildlife Haven, is improving all the time. A video was posted on Instagram of Lumi going through the morning zoomies. She certainly looks like she is getting stronger each day!

We have eggs with Louis II and Anna II at Kisatchie National Forest’s E1 Bald Eagle nest. Now there is a bonded pair at the E3 nest. Tonya suggests that we are now on egg watch for them. Nice. https://youtu.be/NkSdsMy2WAo?

Gimbir in the Charles Sturt University Falcon scrape overlooking the wooded area below where Cilla saw Girri yesterday. I wonder if Gimbir can encourage Girri to try and make her way up that steep flight to get to the scrape where she hatched?

At Port Lincoln, let’s see what Giliath and Ervie have been up to – Giliath has been to Lincoln National Park, Boston Point, and Boston Island (very similar to Ervie).

Ervie’s tracker – both lads come back to the wharf at Port Lincoln to roost at night.

I don’t know about you but I am always relieved to see our dear Ervie doing so well.

I read Mark Avery’s Blog every month and he always reports on Bird Flu in the UK. Having seen the deaths of hundreds of Canada geese near to where I live, I continue to be interested in how HPAI is still impacting wildlife.

This was the report in Mark Avery’s most recent blog:

“Bird flu: Defra’s most recent update seems to cover the period up to 30 November and has a lot of positive records, especially of wildfowl, and adds Woodcock to the 2025 list of affected species bringing the total to 53: Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Bewick’s Swan, Black Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Eider, White-tailed Eagle, Red Kite, Buzzard, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Kestrel, Curlew, Woodcock, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Kittiwake, Little Gull, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Tern, Common Tern, Roseate Tern, Gannet, Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Cormorant, Razorbill, Guillemot, Puffin, Black Guillemot, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Grey Heron, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Greenfinch and Starling. The flaws in the ‘surveillance’ scheme mean that it is difficult to know what this species list means in terms of species affected – click here. “

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care! Have a great beginning to the week. See you on Tuesday!

Thank you to SK Hideaways for those great videos and to the owners of the streaming cams who give us a look into the lives of our eagles. I also want to thank those who take the time to post reports and images on FB so that we know what is going on with our beloved raptors. Thank you to Mark Avery for his blog where I used his bird flu report today as well as to the authors of the articles in Substack and WSJ.

Day 20. Welcome to Winter

21 December 2025

Happy Winter Solstice!

It might be the shortest day, but it also harks back to the days when they were not longer. It is a welcome day in our house because it has been getting dark by 1630.

So what is Winter Solstice? This is what Google said: “Winter solstice rituals focus on welcoming the return of light after the longest night, often involving candle lighting, feasting, creating altars with natural elements (evergreens, stones, candles in white/gold/green), and intention setting like writing and burning wishes or fears to release them, reflecting ancient traditions of Yule, Saturnalia, and Dongzhi that celebrate rebirth, renewal, and hope.”

There are so many ways to celebrate the solstice. The Nordic countries do a fantastic job of lighting up their community spaces and their homes, creating a warm glow using candles. I would love to do that with real beeswax candles, but the last time I tried, Missey almost caught her beautiful, fluffy tail on fire. So I decided to do some research, and here are some other ways to celebrate. I particularly like number 6: “6. Connect with nature: 

Spend some time outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Take in the beauty of the winter landscape and appreciate the natural world around you. In these darkest days, seeking sunlight on your face becomes even more important. A brief moment in the sun can lift your mood, boost your energy, and remind you of the light slowly returning with each passing day. If you’re near water and feel called to it, cold water swimming can be an invigorating way to connect with nature and your body. Immersing yourself in cold water sharpens your senses, grounds you in the present moment, and leaves you feeling refreshed and alive. Whether it’s standing under the sun, walking through frosty fields, or dipping into icy waters, connecting with nature during the Winter Solstice invites us to align with the Earth’s rhythms and find peace in its beauty.” Oh, I don’t think I am brave enough to take a plunge in our icy rivers but a nice walk with Toby in the park will be perfect.

You may want to join in today.

10 simple and beautiful ways to celebrate Winter SolsticeDownload

Toby’s friend, Nellie, is already to make some holiday memories with him and The Girls.

This is just the best news about Girri. We knew she was a strong girl! And thankfully the weather has been brilliant after her fledge. Please read and smile. (There is older news below).

Girri out and about

Jak and Audacity have been together for eleven years. We have witnessed their triumphs and their struggles. Cried and leapt for joy. SK Hideaways gives us their history. Enjoy. https://youtu.be/jCVVKQNIbfw?

News on Girri on the Falcon Cam chat: “21 DEC BOX 04.38.50 distant call heard; 04.41.52 D out; Gimbir in box 05.51.33, 06.12.22, 06.22.01, 06.31.00, 10.03 44; Girri update: seen by Cilla in roost trees this morning!”

Gimbir is in the scrape. What an amazing first-time dad he was!

There could be a pip in the second egg at the SW Florida nest of M15 and F23. I sure hope this second hatch is strong and feisty.

E26 is doing great!

Protecting Mum and the nest. M15 is one of those great Bald Eagle dads!

NestFlix Memories gives us some insight into little R9 and Mummy Rose moving the fish to give it some room! https://youtu.be/dyxhLia-f6c?

There is a pip. R10 is wanting to hatch!

Feeding at Dade this morning:

Missing Big Red and Arthur and those cute little Red-tailed hawklets? Well, here is a video of the season’s highlights for you to enjoy. https://youtu.be/0PY02IzVD48?

Have a glorious day everyone! We will see you tomorrow after all the drama of Nellie’s arrival has settled. It is -28 C. Whew. So cold you don’t feel it. Bye.

Thank you so much to Cilla Kinross for her report on Girri and those lovely photos, the owners of the streaming cams, Gracie Shepherd for her FB posts, and SK Hideaways, always, for their videos!

Day 19. Welcome to Winter. R9 hatched…Froto passed

20 December 2025

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Oh, my goodness. I have not seen so much snow in so long. Our weather was so lovely for so long – well into late, late November. Everyone believed we would be clobbered by snow, and we certainly have!

It’s Saturday. Tomorrow, Nellie arrives, and she will be with us for thirteen days. Nellie is a Retriever – a huge White British Retriever. Toby adores her, and they both like the snow, so the pair of them should have some superb romps in the garden.

We have all of our provisions in thanks to Ann who came in the middle of a heavy snowfall to be with Don and Toby. There is enough pet food for several months and surely there will be something in the larder – maybe not fresh fruit – but something for the humans in the house should the weather set in and not go away.

Many have asked what we are doing for the holidays. ‘Nothing’. I am not a grinch – I love and have loved sharing the holidays with friends and family for many decades. I am now ready to put the skids on and enjoy some quiet. We will enjoy the animals. I am not going to cook a big dinner – perhaps a small one with a pavlova for dessert or a Haskap Chocolate Yule Log from the Farmer’s Kitchen. There are only two of us who will be there! Although I suspect it depends on the offerings, as Toby and Nellie might have their noses right up at that table. My idea of a holiday, this year, is relaxing – we have done the big dinners, the fuss and muss and the fun and laughter. This year, I would like to sit under the duvet by the fire with a good book, watching the animals, a mug of hot chocolate in hand.

Indeed, I urge each of us to make our lives simpler and less stressful. Simple gifts, shared meals so that not one person has to do all the work, breathing and relaxing, walks and quiet times and, of course, watching the birds.

Rose and Ron’s first hatch, R9, has arrived at 37.8 days, at the Dade County nest in Florida. Egg 2 is 35 days old. What an incredibly beautiful sight – Ron and Rose looking at their new baby! The little one was first seen around 0813.

There is sadness at the Central Florida Superbeaks nest of Pepe and Muhlady as chick number 2, Froto, has died at 10 days old. It is thought that he got caught in the rails when one of the adults went to ward off an owl (both left the nest).

E26 is doing very well. Cute and already strong and eager to eat!

It appears that the part of E26’s egg that was attached to E27 is now off. No pip yet. Happy to have one healthy eaglet, too.

Country Diary is all about Brent Geese flying over the Isle of White.

Country diary: Postcard from a pier, where brent geese are the main attraction | Lev Parikianhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/19/country-diary-postcard-from-a-pier-where-brent-geese-are-the-main-attraction?CMP=share_btn_url

During the storm.

Brock came to the feeder around 2000 Friday night after the blizzard had calmed down. He does not mind the woven basket around his heated food tray, but he dislikes one of those plastic bins. Did someone try to trap him with one of them?

I do worry about Brock, but he has no frozen ears, and it has been really cold. His bolt hole must be warm.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. We will see you again tomorrow! Today is Nellie proofing the house!

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams, the authors of the FB posts, and The Guardian for covering the environment.

Day 18. Welcome to Winter. E26 is a strong eaglet.

19 December 2025

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Oh, my goodness, what a day it has been. I have made a couple of videos for you. Still, you do not get the intensity of the heavy wet snow blowing down. We have had more than 20 cm of snow in our garden in only two hours!

Ann braved the storm, which let me shop in the neighbourhood, stocking up on cat and dog food, along with any provisions we were missing. We can now stay put for up to a fortnight without having to leave the house – perhaps longer! Mind you. Toby loves the snow. He doesn’t care if it covers him from top to bottom. He jumps and, living up to his sporting pedigree as a duck hunting dog, often likes to pester the small birds.

SW Florida did beat Dade County to hatch, but R9 is now working its way out of that shell. This is perfect timing, as it lets us watch both of them and cheer those little ones on as they clamour to step into the world of eagles.

Oh, what a sweetie. And strong. This will be a formidable big sister for that second hatch (probably).

That little eaglet was ravenous!

You will notice that part of E26’s shell has attached itself to E27’s shell. Don’t concern yourself. The little one should be working itself out of the other end and as F23 and M15 roll that egg, the old shell could easily come off.

Proud parents M15 and F23.

I really hope you can open this. Girri has been seen and she was caught on camera flying very strongly. I am including that FB post and I urge you to visit the Orange, Australia Peregrine Falcons FB page for the latest news.

Cilla Kinross’s latest blog is located here with all the news about Girri and a video:

https://falconcam.csu.edu.au/2025/12/18/and-shes-off-2/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOymP1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeu4NmShlCMPYMAZH4VmFqJZ3mi4MhtTfify_gaNnGHIVraBcjdOqV97ogRxc_aem_SerBcOW7qxqLYqUDTvqA9w

In case you cannot open the link, Cilla notes that the fledge was a very strong one. Then she says, “I had a couple of visitors from Melbourne today and so we went and had a look for her. We found her by chance on the ground with some magpies in the woodland directly in front of the ledge cam, so she had moved a fair way from her original landing place.

Unfortunately, we disturbed her and she took off, flying close to the ground towards the road. We checked that she hadn’t gone across the road and into the open paddock (she hadn’t) and had a bit of a look around, but didn’t want to disturb her again as it is very hot today (32 C), so it’s best she rests in the shade until this evening.

She’ll now start learning to fly and may return to the box within a few days or a week or two. Barring accidents (they do happen from time to time) she should be with us for a couple of months and I will try and get some photos of her in the field.”

That brings you up to date on the latest ‘big’ news in Bird World.

Please take care. We look forward to having you with us again tomorrow!

Thank you so much to Cilla Kinross for her informative post, to the owners of the streaming cams I am so grateful as you allow us into the lives of our wonderful birds. I also want to thank those individuals who have posted on FB the latest news and photos. My blog would not be the same without you.