Category Archives: window strike

Iris is still home…Monday in Bird World

16 September 2024

Hello Everyone,

Well, after three irritating days, the end of the ads is nigh. Thank you again to everyone who helped me spot those pop-up ads. WordPress assures me there should not be any, but…

At 1900, 38 Canada Geese flew over the conservatory in a line, not a wedge or V. Normally, geese fly in a V or wedge to conserve energy. When the leader gets tired, s/he falls back, and the next one takes its place. Being the leader is hard work; they are breaking the wind – creating a slipstream – for the other geese so that they can fly without expending so much energy. As they flap their wings, each bird helps to create a ‘lift’ for all the other geese in their formation. Research shows that flying in this type of formation also allows the group to communicate better. Talk about teamwork and cooperation. Humans have something to learn from our honkers.

Those V formations are quite extraordinary. You can’t tell from the ground, but the lead goose is the lowest of the bunch. Each goose behind is slightly higher than the one in front of it, all the way to the last goose, which is flying the highest. They do this because of the aerodynamics of their wings. The only goose that is using all its wing power is the lead goose… the point-man, so to speak. When that goose flaps its wings, it causes a certain turbulence of the air that’s following the wing. The next goose in line benefits from this swirling air, and doesn’t need to apply 100% of its wingpower. The next goose, again benefits from that one, and so on down the line. Flying in formation this way adds 71% more distance that they can fly than when flying alone!

So who gets chosen to be point-man? You’d think the one with the map! Or the leader? Or the new-guy? No. None of these. They actually take turns. When one gets tired, he will drop back so he can rest a bit and benefit from another goose’s turbulence. When migrating in good weather with favorable winds these guys can make up to 1,500 miles in a single day! That’s crazy, man! Hard to imagine, but it’s been done. They are migration masters.

So the flying at night thing … I’ve already touched upon one of the reasons they prefer the night. It has to do with that turbulence I just mentioned. You see, many other large birds (and these are large birds!) use thermals to gain altitude and to soar on. Raptors do this. Hawks, eagles, etc. During the day, the landscape is riddled with all kinds of thermals rising from the ground, all depending on what the surface looks like below; how much heat was absorbed and stored from the sun; if it’s dark or light … or even water. These thermals are great for raptors! Lots of vertical air movement all over. But geese don’t soar, and they don’t have need to fly in circles. They have somewhere to go. And all those daytime thermals are a pain in the butt; they don’t make for smooth sailing. Plus, they interfere with the aforementioned wing turbulence that they use to keep from tiring. At night, several hours after sunset, the Earth cools and those pesky vertical thermals disperse.

So that’s one reason they like the night. Another reason for night flight is to prevent over-heating (makes sense, right?) Nights are cooler, so birds that expend a lot of energy with constant flapping (as opposed to soaring) take advantage of the cool of the night.

A third reason is also something I’ve already mentioned. Hawks! And eagles! And falcons! All those guys are diurnal hunters, meaning they hunt during the day. Which goose in its right mind would want to share the not-so-friendly skies with something called a “raptor”? Now, if you’ve ever seen flocks of geese on the ground and tried to get among them or feed them or something, you may already know how mean and nasty they can get. People have used geese instead of watch-dogs. They are tough! Especially on the ground. But falcons, hawks, and eagles, hitting them from the air often spells doom. In other words, their goose is cooked. During the day, they often rest and feed and rejuvenate in the water where they are safe from raptor attack. As long as they stay in the water.

So given the choice, they take the red-eye.

Why Do Canadian Geese Fly At Night?, Forbes Magazine, 1 March 2018 (updated).

So why were the geese flying in a straight line over my house? I can’t find an answer. Maybe you know. Perhaps they were readying to land at Fort Whyte or at the river a few blocks away???

The other day Calico and Baby Hope watched ‘The Boyfriend’ as he ate at the feeder. I wonder what Calico was thinking. This was her little friend when she lived in the wild. They would come and eat together, but he always let her eat first. They would often rest under the lilac bushes. He will not come into the house; he runs away. I have tried frequently to get him to soften to me. So we make sure his food is out by 0900 and, again, at 1700. He also comes at other times, including in the middle of the night. Another animal, a raccoon, comes at night, eating everything still available and dumping the water from the bird baths. That means we must ‘jump’ in the morning to prepare everything for The Boyfriend’s arrival.

Dr Erick Greene and others around Missoula are keeping a close eye on Iris, Finnegan, Sum-eh, and Antali. It appears that all four are still fishing in the Clarke-Fork River. As far as I am aware, this is the latest that Iris has ever remained in the area. Her usual date for departure is 8 September. She must relish being a mum again to two such fine fledglings and having a mate like Finnegan.

Iris came to the nest at 0838 without fish. I did not see a delivery at the nest by 1100 on Sunday despite Antali’s persistent calling.

This person had a first hand view of Iris and family — have a read!

Hellgate Canyon Osprey Nest · iNaturalist United KingdomDownload

From Dr Greene:

Iris was at the nest at 0738 Monday morning. She was calling loud and seemed to have a piece of fish in her talons (??). She is looking for Antali and he did not come. She waited three minutes and when Antali did not arrive, she flew off towards the river.

At Charlo, is C16 catching its fish? Our fledgling observes the water below the nest and has returned wet, once, perhaps, with a fish. This is one gorgeous fledgling! That full crop sure makes me think he had an excellent breakfast.

C16 is always watching that water – unless he is sleeping! Can’t see those stunning eyes.

When I checked on the nest of Junebug at Dunrovin Ranch – which was several times including re-wind – I did not see anyone. Did you?

Just look at the fish that Beaumont delivered at the Newfoundland Snow Lane nest. Good gracious. There is enough for both of the fledglings. Will the winner share?

Still eating three hours later!

Niagara Bee Dad still delivering!

River was at the Sandpoint nest, but I saw no fish deliveries from Keke. Perhaps Keke is feeding River off the nest. River has been seen ‘wet’, and he flies back and forth to the river. Is s/he catching their fish dinner?

At the Golden Gate Audubon nest in SF Bay, Tully was last seen on the 14th of September.

Here is the video of the fly off: https://youtu.be/9MJdNDRKcEM?

Some more great information from the Dyfi Osprey Project in Wales, home to Idris and Telyn.

Hartley and Monty continue to bond – and then bond again – at the San Jose City Hall scrape. Love is in the air. https://youtu.be/pjskOK2DcNc?

Xavier. What can we say? Isn’t he the cutest little Peregrine Falcon? He always wants time to incubate his eggs, but…Diamond often has different ideas. They have been together for nine years. Today, he demanded squatter’s rights on those eggs!!!!!! https://youtu.be/fygxtkCjkwA?

Beautiful Sea Eaglets.

‘A’ remarks: “Both chicks did well out of that breakfast, and afterwards, they settled down together, side by side, to rest their giant crops (especially SE34!) and do a bit of preening. They are very companionable, the best of nest mates, and even when food is around, they have been behaving beautifully. Observing the pecking order seems to ensure peace at meal times – Lady is aware of the need to feed SE33 first if both chicks are at the table, although SE34 is now confident enough to accept food before its sibling has eaten if their relative positions create this situation. They are pretty much equal in size now and SE34 is confident and able to get himself fed. He moves forward if he needs to get closer to mum’s beak and he is not showing any behaviour that suggests that he feels intimidated at meal times. So all is going swimmingly at WBSE. “

And more from the morning of the 16th from ‘A’: “Lady was up early this morning (05:29). She found a substantial piece of feathered prey on the nest, so started feeding the littles, who roused themselves and got to the table despite the fact that it was still dark. Lady started by feeding a bite to SE33, as per pecking order, while SE34 found which direction the table was in (he had his back to it and turned around very clumsily, inconveniencing SE33 in the process). Once both eaglets were settled in their places, breakfast proceeded peacefully, with both nestlings behaving beautifully. 

Oh, I adore these two. I love what good nest buddies they have become, sometimes even allopreening and nibbling gently at each other’s facial feathers. They are so cute. I love these few short weeks on the nest, being cared for by doting parents and having little to do other than eat, sleep, grow and play. Their lives will be very hard, and their chances of successfully managing as juvenile sea eagles are not great based on previous years. Although of course they don’t realise it yet, these peaceful days in the nursery, as it were, probably represent some of the happiest of their lives. It is lovely to share them. “

I love storks. Even if you can’t speak German, you can enjoy the amazing images in this documentary. Click on the link above the image or copy and paste into your browser.

Beautiful sounds from the forest despite the Line Fire…it is now downgraded. https://youtu.be/pTw5X8U-ktg?

There is news from Portugal. I have signed up, but this file is thanks to UK Osprey Information and Jeff Kear, who kindly attached a translated version. Please scroll down and see the map showing where the ospreys have their spring and summer breeding grounds and travel to Portugal for the winter.

English translation Osprey News #8Download

Real Saunders Photography has posted some images of M15 and F23. There is action at the SW Florida Bald Eagle nest. The streaming cameras are to be operational on 1 October. https://youtu.be/3wJeooaW6oI?

‘A’ comments on the Royal Cam chick: “At Taiaroa Head, both TF and TFT are still there, though TFT in particular has been moving around a lot, going down the hill and perhaps seeking out a suitable spot from which to fledge. He may just be exploring – he’s always done a lot of that. No parents came in today, as far as I am aware, but of course the chicks will be emptying their stomachs before their big take-off. (That doesn’t make sense to me – surely they would want to keep any remaining nutrients they were given by their parents, as they have never done any fishing of their own and the next meal they get once they do fledge may be some time away – I have no idea how they understand where and how to find their own food, having never been taught how to do so nor even witnessed the adults doing it. So to leave home with an empty stomach seems to me a risky thing to do. I suppose getting and staying airborne is the most important thing, and that, too, they will be doing for the first time. It’s an awful lot of difficult things to be doing for the first time when their survival depends on getting it all right on the first try essentially. The thought of it worries me terribly.”

I caught a feeding. How wonderful!

‘A’ also checks on the falcons incubating on the ledge of 367 Collins Street in the CBD of Melbourne: “At Collins Street, Mum left the eggs just before 11:17 for a morning break, but she is back quickly, at 11:18, and repositions herself on the eggs. Dad flies up to the middle of the ledge, chupping as he arrives, soon after 12:47. He has not brought food, though he may have stashed some for her somewhere nearby. He’s such a cutie and so chatty. F24 chats back as she gets up from the eggs, so hopefully, he is telling her where he has left her breakfast. But no. He dives off the ledge, which she watches with some shock it seems, gazing after him for a while before settling back onto the eggs. I’m still not sure about food deliveries at this scrape, tbough mum does not appear to be starving so there must be some (or, more likely, she is eating off camera from a stash spot where dad is depositing food). 

Dad is back at 14:46 to relieve mum, who flies off the ledge. Again  though, he brings no food. He doesn’t settle down to incubate, instead flying off the ledge at 14:46:30. The eggs lie uncovered in the mid-afternoon. sunlight.”

Calico’s got two Tips for the Day: Help Stop Bird Strike and if you find a bird that has hit a window, helpful tips on how to help them.

Migration is a time for bird strike, sadly. Calico wants everyone to protect the birds from breaking their necks on windows. The most economical way to do this is by using window paints available where crayons, markers, etc. are sold. We found the white worked the best. Just scribble. After migration season, you can easily clean the window paint with white vinegar. We purchased Feather Friendly dot strips. The company says they last ten years. Calico wonders about that but they have been very effective in preventing any birds hitting our conservatory or the windows in the sitting room.

Calico asks that you read this helpful advice:

The Geese that have been breeding in northern Canada and in Winnipeg are starting to migrate. They face many challenges but the other one is BREAD. Do not feed waterfowl bread!!!!!!! It causes ducks to get ‘Angel Wing’ and that also impacts Geese. If you see others feeding ducks and geese bread, be kind, but educate them. There is nothing more fun for children than feeding bread to ducks and geese, but that is not what they should be eating! It will kill them in the end. So, please help my beloved geese. Thanks, ‘PB’ for this article. It is so timrely.

Geese are developing a fatal deformity after being fed too many carbs, park officials sayDownload

If you have the time, please check out Amy Tan’s talk on line about backyard birds. I have so enjoyed her book and her journey to learning about the feathered friends that visit her garden and her creation of special areas for them.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Have a fantastic week! See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, reports, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, J, PB’, Forbes Magazine, Montana Osprey Cam, Montana Osprey Project, iNaturalistUK, Owl Research Project, Dunrovin Ranch, Newfoundland Power, Pam Breci and The Joy of Ospreys, Golden Gate Audubon SF Ospreys, Dyfi Osprey Project, SK Hideaways, Olympic Sea Eagles, SOS Tesla Maria Marika, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Information, Real Saunders Photography, 367 Collins Street by Mirvac, Virginia Wildlife, Kelli Knight LeVan, NZ DOC, and Amy Tan.

Cobey is rescued…Thursday in Bird World

8 August 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

It is grey and very windy today. The only animals in the garden are Dyson and her kits waiting for me to put out new peanuts. Some of the larger container pots of tomatoes were blown over during the night and I have a thick jumper on with wool socks this morning. It feels like fall!

We hope you enjoyed a little trip down memory lane with the events at the nests and the birds that gave us hope and smiles so far during the 2023-24 breeding season. I enjoyed reading every list that you sent! Thank you again. Some of you have sent in more memories than reading the lists triggered. I will include a mini-listing tomorrow or the next day. I am so happy that you enjoyed that post. If you forgot someone, feel free to tell me.

‘H’ sent me a note saying little Cobey at Colonial Beach was rescued. Tears. Thank you to the owner of the cam who persisted in requesting help, to the DWR who came to the rescue, and to Dominion Energy, which brought in the bucket truck to help get little Cobey down. Cobey’s condition was described as ’emaciated’.

And her report: “8/7 Colonial Beach osprey nest:  This morning David delivered a partial fish to Cobey at 1131, and he also chased away an intruder.  Cobey worked on the fish on and off for a couple of hours before David removed it, thinking that Cobey was done with the fish.  Mom Betty had been missing for over four days.  And, David was not providing enough fish, nor was he feeding his 44-day-old youngster, Cobey.  Cobey had to take a crash course on self-feeding the past few days.  But, Cobey wasn’t getting enough to eat, and he was declining.  Everyone knew it.  The weather forecast was predicting a few stormy days, and Cobey would not have had any protection from the weather.  The nest owner continued to consult with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and the earlier decision to not intervene was reversed.  We were notified on the chat at around 1430, and within a half hour, we saw the bucket being raised and someone with gloved hands reaching across the nest for Cobey.  Many of us were crying.  It was a miracle.  We owe a debt of gratitude to Colonial Beach Osprey Nest Cam, and VA DWR, that Cobey now has a chance to live.  Cobey was taken to Alton’s Keep Wildbird Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, and will be under the care of Mr. Harley Thomas White.  “Now, you listen to Mr. White, Cobey, and do what you’re told… and he will make you better… And one day you will fly.”  

Screen captures from a video Heidi posted on FB of the rescue:

Harley Thomas White is caring for Cobey. He made a fish gravy and fed Cobey some fish pieces, emphasising Cobey’s critical condition. Cobey is thin and weak. There will be daily updates. These images came from a video on the website of Altons’ Keep Wildbird Rescue and Rehabilitation Center Inc. Check out Harley Thomas White’s FB page for the videos and updates for Cobey as well as the website of the centre. (Want to show your support for this rescue from the nest? Have a spare tenner? I bet they would appreciate it).

WordPress Media Storage. Once again, I have hit 99.95% of my storage capacity. Tuesday afternoon, I spent some time deleting educational and information files, videos, and images from posts in 2022 and 2023 to make room for Wednesday’s post. I will gradually go back through the Memorial Walls and try to leave the single best image for the deceased bird instead of including several. Moving forward, you will see that I am putting in links to articles and videos instead of inserting the video or the PDF file. It all goes to saving space. I pay the top subscription fee for WordPress, and they will not sell me any more storage, so this is the only alternative I have discovered. There will be images, but fewer of them, sadly. If you know any secrets to getting around this issue, please let me know!

I am getting extremely excited about the upcoming trip to Nova Scotia. There are three reasons for this. You might recall that we were in Toronto a few weeks ago. It was a trial run for a longer vacation. Two years ago my husband (at the age of 63) began having memory issues. This was followed by hallucinations beginning in March 2023. All the while, I could not get a doctor! With the help of an old friend, we were able to see a specialist in December of 2023. That visit, MRIs and trips to a neurologist confirmed a diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia. Some of you might remember that the American comedian Robin Williams had LBD. It is a terrible illness – not the memory issues. They come and go and never disappear like those who have Alzheimers, but it is the hallucinations that are tormenting. Thankfully, the pharmaceutical cocktail Don is taking is helping, and after Toronto, we got the green light to travel a little further and stay a little longer. (Please do not worry or fret. Believe it or not, we are doing great. Being outside on long walks fits me perfectly and it is also good for those with dementia. Nature heals and changes everything! We are living a good life – and enjoying every moment that we can). We are excited to return to a place we called home for so long but haven’t seen for 26 years. The second thing is that Nova Scotia is a birder’s paradise. While we will miss seeing the osprey chicks in the nest with the adults because they have now fledged, we hope to see them fishing and getting strong before they leave on their migration. We also hope to look out our windows in the morning and see Bald Eagles flying and get to add some shorebirds and waterfowl to our life lists. Meeting the Dennis family, who organised people throughout the province to observe and record the osprey nests, will be an honour. Last, luck found us the perfect place to stay. It is an Animal Sanctuary for rescued farm animals – pigs, goats, cows, etc. The entire property is Vegan, and we will be staying in a new apartment above a gallery. Across a quiet country road is the estuary where the eagles fly and the shorebirds scurry. What a wonderful change from living in the middle of a growing Prairie city! We are even hoping to ride bicycles!

‘CG’ reports on the search for Blue at HWF-BBCentral nest in Boundary Bay, British Columbia: “No reports yesterday of hearing Blue or the parents after Blue left the nest. Also, the parents were not seen later in the day.  Normally, Mere would come back to the nest and be perched above from around dinner time until Blue was tucked in for the night. At 1251 hours today a parent was seen on a post near the water.  Departed.”

In the United Kingdom, the fledging of two White-tail eaglets is causing a stir.

Beaver kits in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland are also putting smiles on the faces of those who worked so hard on their reintroduction. You may be aware that beaver activity is essential to establishing thriving wetlands and biodiversity.

https://cairngorms.co.uk/first-beaver-kits-in-400-years-born-in-the-wild-in-the-cairngorms-national-park

In Finland, all chicks at Saaksilvie #1 have flown.

USU is on the nest with Mum at nest #4 in Finland. The status of its wing is unclear or what might happen to the chick.

Beautiful osplets in Latvia waiting to fly.

Hollywood movie crew members watch Iris as she feeds her chicks. They should be considering making a movie of her life! Sum-eh fledged and returned to the nest after practising flying. She is flying around the parking lot and Dr Green reported she had also gone up and down the river. Antali is yet to fledge. S/he is five days younger than Sum-eh.

‘A’ comments: “When a lovely big fish is brought in at around 16:55, the only one home is Antali, who does not try to claim the fish or self-feed. Iris, in response to the constant begging for fish, soon begins feeding Antali. who already has a healthy crop. He can see Finn and/or Sumeh flying above – watching from below but not at all alarmed as he would be were the osprey above an intruder.  Sumeh flies in at about 16:59, eager for fish. Iris obliges. She feeds both osplets, but Sumeh is hungrier and more demanding, so she is given more food. This is a very big fish – there is plenty for the whole family. By 17:39 Iris is feeding primarily herself, although occasionally, one of the osplets (usually Antali at this stage of the feeding) decides one more bite could just fit. Dad arrives just before 18:04. Sumeh is closely studying the leftover fish mum is standing on. Iris is not pleased at the arrival of Finn, although he has BYO fish. It looks like a chunk of fish but may be something of the smaller variety. Finn takes it to the perch – the remainder of the earlier fish is still on the nest (about half of the fish) so there is still another meal for Iris and the kids.”

Beautiful osplet at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on a cloudy day. Waiting to fly. The chick has officially ‘perched’.

It really is not a coincidence that so many ospreys are dying in the Chesapeake Bay area. The extreme heat arrived, and there was no fish to hydrate the ospreys. Adults and chicks are being found dead. It is interesting to note that the Pacific Northwest had the extreme heat – even hotter in places – as did Iris – and the deaths were much less. So think about the lack of fish! The overfishing of the Menhaden needs to stop, and so does the rescue of starving osplets. We need a healthy population of fish hawks.

Mark Avery reminds us: “The Inglorious 12th – the start of the grouse shooting season is approaching. It’s one of the few issues that brings animal welfare, climate change, nature conservation and law enforcement together so clearly.” So what is the Inglorious 12th those that do not live in the UK ask? (12 August)

“Red Grouse chick” by cazalegg is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

PETA UK says: “Traditionally, the Glorious Twelfth – or the “Inglorious Twelfth”, as it should rightly be named – marks the start of the red grouse shooting season. But this year, many estates have been forced to delay or even cancel it after human-induced climate change saw unseasonably hard sleet and cold rain, resulting in fewer birds for hunters to blast out of the sky…About 700,000 red grouse will be killed between now and December. According to a report by the League Against Cruel Sports, 40% of birds shot are wounded rather than being killed outright, causing intense and prolonged suffering. Grouse are low-flying and difficult to shoot cleanly, and hunters need no formal training or competence with a gun to go on a shoot – it’s a free-for-all. These are just a couple of reasons why this barbaric “sport” should be banned.

Grouse are charming, sensitive birds who are devoted parents to their chicks. They deserve better than being killed in cold blood for someone’s twisted idea of entertainment. And it’s not just the grouse who suffer at the hands of the hunters. To preserve the interests of their own sick pleasure, hunters remove the grouse’s natural predators, meaning foxes, stoats, weasels, squirrels, and birds like hawks, falcons, owls, hen harriers, and eagles are trapped, poisoned, or shot or their nests are destroyed.

All this cruelty and destruction so that a tiny minority of bloodthirsty people can wander through the British countryside gunning down sentient animals – it’s a senseless massacre, not a hobby.”

When you sibling wants your other slipper!

In a comment to a post about migration and if the males ever leave a chick on the nest (the question was in regard to nest #4 in Finland where the sole surviving osplet appears to have a wing injury), the author of Belle’s Journey and many papers on Osprey behaviour and, in particular, migration, Rob Bierregaard says: “Adult females almost always leave first, usually a week or two before the males. In the northeastern US, it’s usually mid-August for females and the first 2 weeks of September for the males and young. This information is based on 107 satellite-tagged birds, so I know when birds start migrating, as opposed to leaving the nest and hanging around somewhere, which they’ll do, especially after a nest fails. When young leave the nest, they are not necessarily starting their migration. Some wander all over the place and and delay the start of their migration until, exceptionally, November. I had one young from Martha’s Vineyard, an Island off the east coast of Massachusetts, wander 1,200 miles all the way to the Great Lakes! I had one male linger into late September when a young couldn’t get its act together and was constantly on the nest begging. The male finally gave up and left before the young did.”

The Eurasian Hobby in Dorsett is becoming a Hobby instead of a ‘baby chick’. Don’t you just love those strong legs of the falcons?!

Geemeff sends both a happy and sad story of Ospreys at the Cape which has grown from a few pairs to now over 500 they estimate.

https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/08/06/as-ospreys-make-a-strong-comeback-on-the-cape-many-have-run-afoul-of-human-infrastructure

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

Daily summary Wednesday 7th August 2024

No action whatsoever today, not even a visit from a little bird. It’s not yet the middle of August, but with night cam switching on ever closer to 10pm and staying on until almost 5am, and no chicks flying around demanding fish from Louis, the season feels suspiciously like it’s over for this year. Affric152 and Prince should still be around as they have a young fledgling to look after, and with luck we might even see their chick testing his wings on or near one of the cam nests. Garry LV0 was the last one to leave last year so perhaps he’ll do that this year too but it does seem as if the star pair, Louis & Dorcha, have already headed south. With the weather being wet and windy today, and more of the same forecast for the next ten days, moving south seems the sensible thing to do.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.21.45 (04.41.53); Nest Two 22.14.31 (04.49.20)

Today’s videos: none – not even a visit from a little bird!

Bonus read – a free ebook by W. H. Majoros Season with the Osprey:

Click to access ASeasonWithTheOsprey.pdf

Watch the Loch Arkaig Osprey livestream 24/7 and join in the conversation here:

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

‘J’ sends news that the couple at the Pittsburgh-Hayes nest had their nest collapse during heavy rains and storms. Thankfully no eggs or chicks!

Welcome WBSE34 who joins that sibling at the Olympic Park Eagle nest in Sydney.

‘R’ sends a good read on why we should be putting bird friendly tape on our windows. How many birds do you think die each year from window strike?

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/billion-bird-deaths-glass-window-building-crashes

The wind appeared to be strong at the Port Lincoln barge. Both Mum and Dad were tucked in and then Dad flew off and left Mum hoping he was going to bring her a nice big fish for brekkie.

Jackie and Shadow were at the nest for morning chortles on Wednesday.

Ceramic nests save the life of little seabirds and they are coming to Alcatraz to save birds. Thanks, ‘EJ’ – a very engaging story of people figuring out solutions.

https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/30/as-atmospheric-heat-kills-seabirds-a-bay-area-ceramicist-fires-up-a-solution/?utm_source=copy_sitebutton&utm_medium=site_buttons&utm_campaign=site_buttons

Sadly, we will be hearing more about bird flu.

Bird flu is here. We have no plan.Download

But this is good news. It is time for some serious consideration about taking all the Menhaden that keep our ospreys alive (and other birds and mammals).

Atlantic menhaden board votes to study more restrictions on controversial Chesapeake Bay fishery

https://www.whro.org/environment/2024-08-06/atlantic-menhaden-board-votes-to-study-more-restrictions-on-controversial-chesapeake-bay-fishery

The measure passed this week is meant to help protect birds and fish that rely on menhaden as a key food source. But researchers say more data is needed to understand the dynamics in the bay.

I really hope that my readers living in this area and loving the Osprey will speak up – and anyone else that feels it is important for Osprey to have fish to eat! The commercial fishing of Menhaden has to stop – inside and outside of the Chesapeake Bay.

‘H’ reports:

8/7 Osoyoos osprey nest:  Unless I missed one, it seems that there were only 4 fish brought to the nest, all delivered by Olsen.  There were two good size fish from which Soo provided nice feedings.  And, the two very small fish were acquired by Chick 1.  Chick 2 was doing much better with his wingercizing today.  At 1749, Chick 2 was so high that s/he was almost completely out of view for a second.  Keep exercising those wings #2!  Weather forecast for 8/8:  Partly cloudy with smoky air, high temp 92F/33C, light winds.

8/7 Fenwick Island osprey nest (Captain Mac’s Fish House):  Everything is going well for Johnny, June and 54-day-old ‘Fen’.  Today was the first day in a few weeks that June did not catch a large striped bass, but the wind and rain may have had something to do with that.  Fen was wingercizing with some nice hops today.

8/7 Fortis Exshaw osprey nest:  There was another fledge today.  Due to the dirty camera, it is still difficult to see details of the birds.  But, at 1200, we believe that chick 2, named Peyto, fledged at 54 days of age.  Peyto landed on the nest perch at 1240, and dropped to the nest when a fish arrived.  Congratulations Peyto!

A wee peak at WBSE 33 and 34. They always look like fluffy little snow people to me.

Hugo Yugo wishes everyone the best Thursday (or Friday) depending on where you live. She is a sleepy girl waiting to get her eyes cleaned, poor thing.

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, images, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, CG, EJ, Geemeff, H, J, PB, RP’, Heidi McGrue and the Joy of Ospreys, Henry Thomas White and Altons’ Keep Wildbird Rescue and Rehabilitation Center Inc., Pam Breci and The Joy of Ospreys, Sea Eagle England, Cairngorms National Park, Finnish Osprey Foundation, Montana Osprey Cams, LDF, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Osprey Cam, Chesapeake Mermaid, OpenVerse, PETA UK, Dyfi Osprey Project, SK Hideaways, CBS News, SFStandard, The New York Times, Mark Avery, Brian Collins and Menhaden- Little Fish, Big Deal FB, Osoyoos Ospreys, Fenwick Island, and Fortis Exshaw.

More Eagle eggs…tributes to Flaco…Sunday in Bird World

25 February 2024

Good Morning Everyone!

It is +7 C in Winnipeg and everyone seems to be outside, smiling, walking their dogs or cats. The squirrels and Black-capped Chickadees were out at The English Garden. It really was superb despite my angst over the fact that we need the snow, we need our normal winter.

I am smiling. 4.8 km. It was a good day for a walk. Limited ice, lots of sunshine!

At home, Missey and Hugo Yugo found the store room. Quilts piled high on storage bins in case they wanted to look out. It is awaiting spring cleaning, but these two did not care! Well, not quite true. Hugo Yugo raised her head. She did not want her nap disturbed by me.

Lewis and Missey spent hours at this window next to one another, watching the Chickadees that had a nest there. Life goes on. Hopefully Hugo Yugo will spend time there with Miss.

It has been a horrid week. Trees were cut down, Hugo Yugo was ill and is now well, and ‘The Boyfriend’ disappearing topped it all. He did return. And then he was gone again. Not like him! A few of us feared the worst, but then he showed up at 1620 Saturday for food, and as I am writing this, he is eating kibble from the dishes left by my neighbour. Turns out he was locked in her garage for a few days. So…please check to ensure no kitties are locked in yours if you leave for a few days. Things turned around. I cannot do anything about the trees, but plant more in my garden or move which I don’t wish to do — I really couldn’t leave the garden animals. So, forward!

First, there is a correction. I had originally posted that Stella and Talon had their first egg on the 21st. Then I heard that they had three and thought I was wrong. It appears that the second egg was laid yesterday -Saturday- at the Florida-Gainesville nest, so let’s rewind. If there is to be a third, it should be in the nest on the 27th.

Andor and Cruz have their first egg of the 2024 season at Fraser Point in the Channel Islands. You may recall that they are Lillibet and Victor’s parents. Victor was rescued and treated by the Ojai Raptor Centre before being rereleased to the wild in 2023.

The first egg for Dad and the new female at ND-LEEF (ND17’s nest) was laid Saturday evening.

The Centreport Eagles have egg number 2. It feels like the sky is raining eagle eggs as of late.

Jak and Audacity teach us the meaning of love and hope. It has been three years since they fledged a single eaglet. Will we dance for joy on 8 March – we certainly will – if this egg survives to hatch!

PB sent a great image of Meadow this morning. Unless something changes, it appears that we no longer have to worry about Meadow’s survival. Isn’t that fantastic?

They are both rather itchy at Eagle Country.

Beau and Gabby also teach us about love and endurance and accepting one another’s learning curves. The couple returned to their nest after abandoning their egg on Saturday working away. Maybe they will have eaglets next year, maybe not. For now, the two are keeping their territory out of the hands of intruders and living their lives.

Tiny bobbleheads at Superbeaks.

JBS20 has had nice crops all Saturday. The arrival to the nest of the second adult made for some happy moments. AE sent a screen capture of that happy reunion.

Are you holding on to the edge of your seats? Today is the 25th of February. We are four days away from pip/hatch watch for Jackie and Shadow. FOUR.

Shadow has been up to his old stick trick to try and get some incubation time – and when the exchange happens, we get to see three intact eggs.

At the Captiva Eagle nest of Connie and Clive, their surviving eaglet, Cal, is getting proficient at self-feeding!

Ron and Rose are having R6 feed himself most of the time, too.

Chase and Cholyn’s precious egg at Two Harbours.

A view of the two eggs at Duke Farms.

And two eggs at Decorah North!

Royal Cam chick watched over by parent LGK followed by some good feedings. It is always hard to see these little ones left while the adults are out foraging. I wonder what kind of a gardener this one will be?

Giliath is doing well. Making the rounds and catching Puffers, too.

Bonding taking place at Lake Murray Osprey Platform. Lucy lost all her chicks to the GHO last year as well as her mate. I am disappointed that the protective guards used at Cowlitz PUD successfully in 2023 were not tried at this nest.

It is touching that so many are grieving over the death of Flaco, the Eurasian Owl. Tributes poured in from everywhere – the major newspapers and stations as well as a myriad of FB groups.

People and news crews gathered to remember this remarkable owl. Poems were written, tears were shed.

The Guardian carried Flaco’s story.

Flaco-New-York-Citys-beloved-owl-dies-after-striking-building-US-news-The-GuardianDownload

The personal testimonials about how Flaco inspired them to change jobs or to even live are very touching in this New York Times article.

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Could there have been other factors contributing to that collision?

Flacos-Crash-Might-Have-Been-More-Than-Bad-Luck.-Heres-What-We-Know.-The-New-York-TimesDownload

My inbox has been full of the same question – how do I feel about Flaco’s death? The simple answer is I was both sad and conflicted when I heard about his death. I am glad that out of his fourteen years (13 in captivity), he could live one of them freely, being an owl, learning to hunt and flying freely. This will conflict with many people whose opinions I respect and who I contact for help if a raptor is in danger in their area. My thoughts come from seeing our local eagle, Majestic, sitting in a 10 x 10 ft cage – it is a cage, come on. She did this for years and years before an enclosure like the one Rita has was built. Majestic cannot fly and cannot live in the wild. There was nothing wrong with Flaco – he was, as all animals in small enclosures in a zoo are, nothing short of a display object. I cannot even imagine what it would be like for a healthy owl to be confined. So…I am so sad he has died, but I am so glad he was able to fly free.

I just received a message that the ospreys from West Africa are beginning to arrive in Spain! We are less than three weeks away from UK arrivals if they are as early as Maya was one year. Gosh, golly…..And remember. We are FOUR days away from pip/hatch at FOBBV with Jackie and Shadow.

Thank you for being with me today. If you want more images and discussion about Flaco, I urge you to check out Bruce Yolton’s blog. He is a photographer and has followed Flaco from the beginning. I know that he preferred that Flaco was safe in his enclosure, so we will agree to disagree. He is, however, talented and observant of all wildlife in the area. Take care everyone. There are too many Bald Eagle eggs, and the Ospreys are coming online. It is going to get busy. Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, images, posts, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘AE, EJ, MP, PB’, IWS/Explore.org, Trudi Kron, ND-LEEF, Eagle Country, NEFL-AEF, Superbeaks, JB Sands Wetlands, FOBBV, Window to Wildlife, Duke Farms, Bald Eagles of Centerport Live Stream, tulsaducati, PLO, Laurie Spencer, Brendan Hall, Stella Hamilton, MandaPanda73, Pauline Ludwig, Janet Walker, Ian Ingle, The Guardian and The New York Times.

Flaco dies from building collision, Third egg at Florida-Gainesville Ospreys…Saturday in Bird World

24 February 2024

I am not sure it is a ‘Good Morning’ but Hello to everyone,

My focus has been entirely on the JBS Wetlands Eagle family. I have not seen both eagles on the nest since Wednesday and this has been concerning. However…any concerns have now dissipated.

JBS Wetlands has also written to MP: “

“Thank you for reaching out! The other adult eagle has been spotted several times this week activity hunting and spending time on the top of the tower on the lookout. We spotted the adult yesterday several times as well, twice on top of the tower while the other parent was on the nest with the eaglet!”

Finally, I caught a feeding at 16:03 and JBS Wetlands contacted me to tell me that both eagles were on the nest at 1832 with a feeding in progress. Relief.

Sadly, this morning, the world woke to the news that Flaco, the Eurasian Owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo just a year ago, has died from injuries after colliding with a building. Oh, I loved this little guy – like all of you.

Flaco-the-Eurasian-Eagle-Owl-Has-Died-NewsroomDownload
Flaco-Escaped-Central-Park-Zoo-Owl-and-Defier-of-Doubts-Is-Dead-The-New-York-TimesDownload

We are now five days away from pip/hatch watch at Big Bear. Jackie and Shadow are too funny. Shadow persisted, going in and out all day Friday, wanting turns to incubate! At one point, I looked at the eggs, which were intact. I returned for a screen capture and couldn’t find that split second. Jackie is being ever so careful. Extremely careful.

Five days. That is next Thursday. Mark your calendars. I have my tiny tiny bottle of champagne ready. At 1600 nest time on Friday there were 8595 people watching. I believe we will hit 10,000 when there is a hatch. Incredible. Bells should be ringing around the world in celebration.

This is a recap of Friday’s nest activity at Big Bear.

Chase and Cholyn have their first egg at Two Harbours!

Isn’t she the most beautiful 25 year old Bald Eagle? If you do not know, she is Thunder’s mother (Thunder the partner of Akecheta at the West End nest). And if this is Cholyn, my apologies!

The Canada Geese are back! Will we have a nest and be delighted when there is a hatch, and they all jump down to go to the stream?

Two eggs for Mr North and DNF laid on the 15th and 18th of February. Pip/hatch watch 35-36 days from then. Both taking good care to do incubation duty!

M15 feeds E23 as F23 looks on. They will relish these last weeks before their first eaglet takes flight.

I wasn’t expecting to see them, but Beau and Gabby did spend the night at the nest tree on Thursday. Gabby stayed longer in the morning and even went down to the nest. I wonder what she is thinking?

Lewis needed to help with the incubation at the Dulles-Greenway Nest. He did not. Rosa knew this and was half-hearted in doing her share. On Friday, the Crows did what was necessary – they pecked holes in them when left alone. It is best this happened now, not when there are eaglets.

Everyone is being fed at Eagle Country. There is some unidentifiable prey o that nest and piles of bits and bobs of fish and mammals. No one could go hungry. I do keep saying this, but some nests are prey richer than others. This is a good one!

Much smaller feedings, but more of them at Superbeaks. Mason and Dixie are so tiny compared to Swampy and Meadow!

At Captiva, Cal continues to be fed and is standing on the rim of the nest looking around. It appears that Connie and Clive will leave Lusa to become part of their nest. So sad to know how big that beautiful bird was and not to know what caused its demise.

Look how big E23 is. Anyone think this eaglet is a female besides me?

Everything continues to look good for Jak and Audacity at Sauces. Could this be the year that both Sauces and Big Bear have eaglets?

A big milestone. R6 caught self-feeding! He got some really good bites, too!!!!!

The deer and bunnies are keeping the eagles at Decorah North company while they incubate their eggs.

At the University of Florida-Gainesville, Stella and Talon have their third egg of the 2024 season. Thanks, ‘R’.

Big Red and Arthur were at the nest on Friday. Big Red stayed and spent a lot of time in that nest bowl making people think that today could be the day. It seems it wasn’t but we are moving into a window where we can begin to anticipate…think 13 or so of March.

So far, everything has stayed the same at the Patchogue Osprey platform. When the crew came to clean the nest of harmful objects, they flipped it over after more fishing line was noticed. It has created a mound that would cause – potentially – the eggs to roll. The Ospreys will have to create a nest cup in the mound and build off the sides, which we know that they can do watching Richmond and Rosie do this many times. Still, it would be helpful if the crew got the bucket, flipped it over and fixed the sticks along the edges to help Mum and Dad!

PSEG has posted that the ospreys will fix the nest the way they want. In other words, nothing will be done.

I received an update from Australia. Those adorable Lorikeets that used to check on Daisy the Duck at the WBSE nest have had paralysis issues. Here is the latest news on their treatment. I thought you would be interested. It is long. I could not post a PDF, but we all learn something every day. These rehabbers at WIRES are so dedicated!

Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome

Further to our update a fortnight ago, we are now thankfully seeing a reduction in the number of Rainbow Lorikeets impacted by Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome.We were able to provide prompt medical treatment for several hundred affected Lorikeets, and well over 400 survivors are now in recovery with their WIRES carers. We’ve included a little clip below. 

Why did this happen? 

Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome has occurred more frequently over the past four years, with this season being the most serious. Thousands of Lorikeets were impacted and had more serious and immediate symptoms. It appears to be a toxicity that affects a Lorikeet’s kidneys, liver and muscles. We believe it could be caused by a fungus or bacteria following heavy rain events. 

Dr Bishop treating an affected Lorikeet

Our Wildlife Veterinarian Dr Tania Bishop, treating a Rainbow Lorikeet affected with Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome.    

Can it be treated?  

When a Lorikeet is rescued early enough, a vet can flush out the kidneys with fluids and provide glucose for energy to support getting the toxin out of their system. They can also provide medication for any complications like aspiration and pneumonia, and lubrication to make sure their eyes aren’t permanently damaged. 

Whilst affected birds are extremely hungry and thirsty, it is impossible for them to swallow whilst the toxicity is in their system as it affects their muscles.

When the Lorikeet can start swallowing again, a wildlife carer needs to support-feed them until they can feed themselves, and then provide up to eight weeks of dedicated care before they are fit enough to survive in the wild.  

Two Lorikeets after receiving fluids with glucose

The photo above shows two Rainbow Lorikeets who had started to revive after receiving fluids with glucose. The towel is supporting their necks.

The photo below shows Lorikeets after receiving treatment. They’re no longer using their neck supports and whilst they’re still very wobbly and weak, they’re starting to get up, hop and chirp. 

Recovering Lorikeets after treatment

What was WIRES’ response?    

Since the first build-up of cases many weeks ago in south east Queensland and northern NSW; local groups, WIRES volunteers, and veterinarians have been managing this crisis, including rescuing, evaluating, and providing immediate care. 

When the event escalated, we deployed four Emergency Responders with Wildlife Ambulances to assist vets and carers with the rescue, transport, and immediate care of thousands of birds. 

We opened a temporary Community drop-off centre in Grafton, the worst affected area, and deployed our Wildlife Veterinarian Dr Tania Bishop to personally treat large numbers of Lorikeets on site and provide treatment advice for local vets.  

Hundreds of recovering Lorikeets are now in WIRES’ care. They will require many weeks of rehabilitation before they are strong enough for release. Below is a clip from just one of the pre-release aviaries erected at our carer Robyn’s property. Robyn has hundreds of recovering Lorikeets currently in care. 

Rehabilitating Lorikeets in WIRES care

And continuing on with learning. Do you know the 8 birds that mate for life? Make your list and then read this article by Audubon. How well did you do?

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Thank you so much for being with me today. Please take care. Looking forward to seeing you soon! (And please ignore that Pop Up Subscribe – it irritates me, too! I am trying to get it removed).

If you want to subscribe, you can do so here.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, screen captures, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘AE, B, Geemeff, H, J, MP, R’, WC# News, The New York Times, FOBBV, IWS/Explore, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, SW Florida Eagle Cam, NEFL-AEF, Dulles-Greenway, JB Sands Wetlands, Eagle Country, Superbeaks, Window to Wildlife, Gracie Shepherd, Heidi Mc, UFlorida-Gainesville, Cornell RTH Cam, PSEG, WIRES, and Audubon.

Beautiful Mini…Thursday in Bird World

3 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

We are almost at the end of the week. The time is flying by, and in Canada this is the August long weekend. It will be 30 C, and everyone will rush to their cottage near a lake to refresh. For me, it will mean continued diligence in keeping the bird baths and bowls full of water. It also means that it is the weekend for local corn, time to finally pickle the beets, harvest the first of the potatoes (I planted the seed potatoes in fibre bags), and take several gallons of peaches and turn them into jam. About 6 blocks away, our award winning ice cream shop will have the first of the Louis Lavender flavour available. Everything they make is local and this is lavender mixed with Saskatoons – they are sort of like blueberries but I like them better. Looking forward!

There is lots of good news coming in. This is just a thin slice of what has been happening.

I am thinking Ospreys!

Some wonderful rescues! Every one of these speaks to the dedication of the people at the wildlife rehab clinics – most volunteers – and to the power of people to cause change. Never give up!

Do you fish?

We are still elated that the osprey was untangled without incident to it or the other sibling on the nest.

It takes an international community to help the wildlife. They cannot speak for themselves. They have a right to live without our debris, without their lives and those of their chicks being endangered by our garbage – balloons, baling twine, fishing line. Just as was the case with the osplet above, please do not give up. Phone the local wildlife rehabber, the USFWS offices, television and radio stations in the area – do whatever it takes to right the wrong. The Migratory Bird Act allows for interventions when human debris endanger the life of wildlife even chicks on the nest.

Encourage the owners of every streaming cam to do annual clean-ups and repairs to their nest platforms just like they perform on their cameras. Be alert to fishing line, baling twine, hooks and line on the nests and make those phone calls and send those e-mails. You could save a life and I promise you, you will wake up feeling better and more determined to help others. They cannot get themselves out of our mess. Just look at that twine below.

A group of people came to the rescue.

One last information post before we move to the nests. The term ‘Crossing the Rainbow Bridge’ is familiar to all of us. Have a look at this!

The results of the necroscopy on Tuffy2, the Red-tail Hawklet on the Redding Bald Eagle nest, are published. The photo is by Doug Gifford.

This is the summary:

Bay Raptor RescueAuthor Here is a summary of the necropsy: 1. The analysis supports my post-mortem findings that the hatch year female was in very poor nutritional condition. 2. Her body and head had wounds that are consistent with talon punctures. 3. The body wounds were older and partially healed, and include a fractured sternum. 4. Two head wounds were more severe and recent, with the larger, rear wound penetrating the skull and causing brain damage. 5. The diagnosis is predator trauma leading to reduced food intake and emaciation.

Bay Raptor Rescue, 2 August 2023

Time to check in our nests…let’s start with the reports from ‘H’ today!

Fortis Exshaw: It was an intruder-filled day, with many intruder fly-bys, and even an attempted landing.  It started early, while Louise was away from the nest.  At 0635 Mr.O landed urgently in intruder-defense mode. He jumped up to intercept an intruder and ended up falling on his face. Then he flew off after the intruder.  Mr.O also flew to the nest a couple other times to help keep intruders away.  At 1237 Mr.O stayed on the nest for a full 50 minutes to provide protection while Louise fed the chicks.  There were six fish brought to the nest.  Just before noon portions of the livestream video image pixelated making identifications of the ospreys difficult.  There is a possibility that Mr.O may have delivered the fish at 1907.  At 0605 chick #2 grabbed the first fish and began to eat, but #1 stole the fish four minutes later, and a bit later #2 stole it back.  Both chicks ate well from that fish.  Chick #1 ate the second fish at 1135.  Louise fed both chicks at 1230.  Chick #1 ate the next fish at 1756.  At 1907 a small whole fish was dropped off and #2 grabbed it and mantled, but then surprisingly he walked away from it, so #1 ate the fish.  Finally, at 2005 Louise brought in a large fish and provided a long feeding for chick #2.  Chick #1 joined in the feeding later on.  


Forsythe: There were only two fish delivered to the nest by Oscar on 8/2.  It is impossible to know if the fledglings are being fed off the nest.  But, Ollie in particular spends a lot of time at the nest.  Owen acquired the first fish at 1001.  Ollie was the winner of the second fish at 1619, and she flew off with it.  However, Ollie arrogantly circled back around and buzzed Owen on the nest while still holding the fish.  At 1630 Ollie tried to land on the nest to eat her fish, but Owen wouldn’t let her.  A battle ensued with Owen taking possession of the fish, but both sibs ended up going overboard.  They were seen chasing each other, and neither one had the fish!   Ollie had lost her only fish of the day!  These two siblings had several knock-down-drag-out fights throughout the day.  It was awful to see.  They are so hungry.

Osoyoos –  Eight fish were brought to the nest, and all was well for this family of three.

Kent Island – At 51 days of age, Tom and Audrey’s chick did a nice job self-feeding from a fish delivered by Tom.  An official name for youngster will be announced on 8/4!

Thank you so much, ‘H’!

Shifting to our Mini. I wonder how many of you continue to stop in to see if you can see Mini on the Patchogue nest? Clearly I do…she is such an inspiration. And today, she had at least one nice fish!

Mini sees Dad coming with the fish.

Gorgeous Mini two hours later. Hoping for another delivery.

The bird that got the 1948 fish was Mini! The hearts are a give away along with the dirty front part of the legs.

Steelscape: The cam is on highlights. Three had not even hatched!

Before that happened, ‘PB’ caught the oldest sibling flying for the first time. The time was 0944. Throughout the day, Mum has been fighting off intruders.

Llyn Clywedog: John Williams keeps some amazing statistics on events at the nest of Dylan and Seren and the number and type of fish form month to month is one of those.

Loch Arkaig: A Hooded Crow visits the nest when Louis has been there. Is this Dyson?

Tartastan RU Eagles: Those two Eastern Imperial Eaglets are looking out to the world of Tartastan and dreaming of it being theirs.

MN Landscape Arboretum: It has been hot and Mum has tried to keep her gloriously large only osplet cool on Wednesday.

Collins Marsh: Two beautiful osplets. Collins Marsh should be very thrilled this year to see these handsome birds. One has fledged – I believe the other still has to fly but correct me, please!

Boulder: They have all flown successfully. Congratulations! Dad flies off with his fish – no one is home. Notice that the markings on Dad’s legs are like those of Mini.

Charlo Montana: The cam is up and running and just look at those two precious osplets.

Glacier Gardens: Hope is another beautiful raptor and what a wonderful name. It is something that each of us could use more of in our lives. Hope is flapping those wings and dreaming of a world off the nest.

Did you know that the farther north you go the larger the raptors are in size? And did you know that Hope will fledge around 89 days – the average for Alaskan eagles. That is almost a fortnight longer in the nest that her southern counterparts. The American Eagle Foundation found a huge difference in weight which is logical, “Northern eagles are larger than Southern eagles. Male Bald eagles’ weight may range from 6 to 9 pounds, with females’ weights usually 20 to 30 percent greater. Alaskan females reach up to 15 pounds. Florida males may weigh only 6 pounds.”

At San Jose City Hall, Soledad’s parents, Monty and Hartley, are finding some time -now that their vivacious daughter has fledged – for some bonding.

Cal Falcons: And checking in with Annie and Lou – looks like Annie devoured one huge pigeon! I always find it interesting that the fuller the crop is the more ‘Lacey’ the feathers on the chest/breast area appear…just beautiful. Annie looks like she needs to go and loaf and fall into a food coma.

Kuopio Kallaesi: Only the smallest of the chicks, K7Y, who weighted only 1100 grams at the time of ringing, remains on the nest. The other two K8Y and K9Y have fledged and have returned to the nest. Poor thing is all wet this morning. The parents are still taking great care and this one gets a really nice fish and is self-feeding without any interference from the others. Grand.

Ilomantsin: Everything looks fine.

Cornell Red-Tail Hawks: So many of you have written after the death of M2. It is not clear whether she hit a building or a window. But, as most agree, Cornell should be setting the gold standard in terms of safety for. irds. It is, after all, the home of the internationally respected Cornell Bird Lab. So with $30.8 million of assets for the Cornell lab in fiscal year 2022 (annual report below, thanks EJ), couldn’t they spare what is needed to make each window safe? Last year a very kind and empathetic donor gave $20,000 to collusion proof the breezeway where K1 broke her neck. In other instances, Karel and Cindy used their own resources to collision-proof the bus shelters. Just say’in.

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Because of M2’s death, it is reassuring that Suzanne Arnold Horning found all four remaining family members on campus on Wednesday.

Last, a photo of Murphy at the World Bird Sanctuary. His foster eaglet has been released and Murphy is enjoying being – just Murphy! I do wonder if he will ever incubate an egg again….we wait.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, pictures, Videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog for today: ‘EJ, H, JN, PB’, The Times, Parkes Champion Post, APCH, Linda McIlroy and Raptors of the World, Montana Osprey Cams, Christine’s Critters, KSBW TV News 8, Bay Raptor Rescue, Doug Gifford, Fortis Exshaw, Forsythe, Osoyoos, Kent Island, PSEG, Steelscape, The Clywedog Osprey Group, Tartastan Eagle Cam, MN Landscape Arboretum, Collins Marsh, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Boulder County, Charlo Montana, Glacier Gardens, SK Hideaways and SJ CH, SK Hideaway and Cal Falcons, Kuopio Kallaesi, Ilomantsin, Suzanne Arnold Horning and the Cornell RTH Chatters Group and the World Bird Sanctuary.

Ervie has a female friend, M2 dies…Wednesday in Bird World

2 August 2023

Good Morning Everyone!

Before we get on with the news…I really want to put a smile on everyone’s face this morning. Ervie. Dear Ervie. A female was hanging out in Ervie’s territory. Now Ervie is visiting hers. Jumping up and down for joy and little tears…Can we even begin to imagine? Just remembering that tenacious little third hatch taking on big Bazza continues to bring joy…and of course, all the scraps with Falky. The puffers. The worry and now this!

Gosh, I thought I would not be adding to the Memorial Page at this time of year, but here we are at # 127. Three new additions in the last 24 hours. One of them is the second hatch of Big Red and Arthur on the Cornell Campus, who was discovered in bushes under a roof, indicating a building or window collision. M1 and M3 had been spotted on Campus. Condolences…everything was just going so well, and it would not be long until they would be leaving the territory and finding their way.

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The other two deaths were the Black Stork fledglings, Jola and Derek.

Just breathe. That seems to be the mantra this season. Just breathe because balancing out all the deaths are some very good things that are happening.

You might recall that the Friends of Big Bear Valley were petitioning to have Labour Day fireworks cancelled in the Valley because of the stress put on Jackie and Shadow. This year it was several days before they returned to their nest. FOBBV asked for and received many articles on the damage fireworks cause to wildlife and domestic pets. ‘B’ wrote me this afternoon to inform me that there will be no more fireworks in the Big Bear Valley. Isn’t this wonderful? It should give us the understanding that what we do can matter – that our actions can drive meaningful change. We cannot give up in despair.

Sandy wrote in her FB post on 31 July: “Thank you for keeping up with Jackie and Shadow even as they are enjoying their summer break. They would like to announce that all of us can now relax—they heard that the Labor Day fireworks show planned for September in Big Bear Lake has been cancelled. Hooray!! Sandy”

This is the latest news from Loch of the Lowes. Blue NC0 has not been seen since 15 July and PF5 has not been seen since 28 July.

More good people helping an Osprey!

Oh, these Osprey fledglings are getting themselves into some mischief. Another rescue.

Checking in on a few nests:

At Patchogue, Mini continues to fare rather well. On Tuesday a fish arrived at 0826. I believe it was Mini that took the fish and flew off the nest with it. If it wasn’t she was definitely on the nest at 1028 and received a smaller fish. At 12:53 she was on the nest watching for Dad to fly through with a fish.

At 1700, Mini was ready and waiting when Dad delivered a magnificent fish! Look at the size of that fish. Mini will not need a late night top up. Way to go Dad!

Mini flies off with that big fish!

It is difficult to measure just how well each of the three osplets is being fed at Steelscape in comparison one to the other but the third hatch is still with us.

Pont Cresor: Home to Aeron Z2 and Blue 014. Three chicks fledged – 11, 16, and 19 July. Congratulations!

Collins Marsh: This nest continues to do amazingly well. Nice fish and the two chicks growing – one already fledged.

Pitkin County Open Space and Trails: It is good to remind ourselves that the battles for fish on the nest are helping our fledglings learn how to survive in the wild when there are many more vying for that fish they have in their talons. We have to breathe. In order to live, the ospreys must eat and that often means being ruthless.

Imperial Eagles, Tatarstan RU:

Port Lincoln Osprey: Dad brings Mum a fish on the nest!

Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Orange: Loving Xavier and Diamond. Wishing for a good season.

Sydney Sea Eagles: So delicate how Lady gives the tiniest of fish flakes to SE31 and SE32. Dad is keeping the pantry nice and full. He even fed Lady while she was brooding.

“Dad brought in the customary fresh fish at 06:52:25 this morning. It was intact and relatively large for this area. A lovely breakfast for the family. Mum had already fed them a first breakfast about an hour earlier, but SE32 was not really over-interested in eating at that time of day (exactly as it did yesterday morning). By the end of the morning, both had eaten plenty of lovely fresh fish. Always a happy sight.” – ‘A’ reports.

‘PB’ has been keeping an eye with ‘H’ on Fortis Exshaw. In fact, I am pretty certain that many of you are checking in and sending your wishes to this nest that is struggling with intruders. ‘PB’ writes: “Small fish 18:16 that #1 gets (from Mr O?), then Louise with bigger fish 18:26 and she feeds 2 and herself, mom is on extreme alert.”

Fortunately that chick 1 was busy with the earlier fish so Louise and 2 could eat.

I noted another fish that came in at 19:55. Chick 1 got that one and is getting really good at self-feeding! It is a good thing that Louise and chick 2 had the fish that Louise brought in – they must have been very hungry! In fact, we often forget that the parents have to eat as well…not just the chicks on the nest.

Oh, another fish at 2128! Did 2 get this one? It was mantling the delivery.

And ‘PB’ writes that Louise brought another fish in right after this one. Well, that is one way to make sure the very hungry second chick gets fed – one fish right after another and then another and another til the big one is so full it doesn’t care.

Louise flew off the nest. Has she engaged with an intruder? Two cannot self-feed and is picking at the fish – chick on the left.

One eventually goes into a food coma, while Two really tries to figure out what to do with his fish. And bravo…self-feeding for the very first time. This is a good thing.

‘H’ was keeping track and she put it very well…I love how she says Louse went into high gear! “It was touch-and-go for a while at the Exshaw nest.  On 7/31, Chick #2 only had one meal, around noon.  Chick #1 has begun to rush Mom or Mr.O to grab the fish upon delivery.  #1 is quite capable of self-feeding an entire fish.  Chick #2 is not at that level as yet, in fact #2 is downright polite about it, and won’t even try to steal a piece from #1.  By 1800, there had only been two fish delivered, and #1 had claimed and eaten both of them.  We were very worried about #2.  Well, then Louise kicked it into high gear and delivered five fish between 1813 and 2137.  Oh, bless her!  Chick #1 grabbed the fish at 1813.  And for the first time, #2 grabbed the fish at 1825, and tried to self feed.  After a few minutes, Louise took the fish and fed #2.  Yeah!  Chick #1 claimed the fish delivered at 1955.  Then at the 2128 delivery, chick #2 grabbed the fish from Louise and mantled it!  Yeah!  Chick #1 had designs on that fish too, and she seemed quite taken aback at #2’s new confident behavior, lol.  There was one more fish brought by Louise at 2137, which was claimed by #1.  Chick #2 did a nice job self-feeding from his fish, and was still eating it well after dark.  I believe that Louise delivered all of the fish to the nest on 8/1.  There was a delivery at 1103 where we had a very limited view of the adult, but there was a brief view of Louise’s distinctive back-of-head markings (quite different from Mr.O).  Another questionable identification of the adult was at 2128, however both top and back head markings proved it to be Louise.  In my opinion, Mr.O did not make an appearance on camera on 8/1.  But, don’t worry, Mr.O was probably guarding the area so that Louise was free to do her thing.”

367 Collins Street: Not live yet. They were just testing the system! That said, it could be up and running right now.

Boulder County: ‘PB’ notes that the storm that swept through the area has taken out the camera on the Osprey nest. At the time all three osplets were on the nest. Let us hope that everyone is fine.

Cowlitz PUD: Everything appears to be just fine and the metal guards have protected the nest and not impeded any movement of the adults or the fledgling.

Hellgate Canyon, Montana: Everyone has a picture of Iris with her huge fish today on the Owl Pole. It is always good to see her here or on the nest! Looking’ good, Iris.

Osoyoos: There has been a question about removing the Middle chick’s body from the body. All of you have watched Osprey nests and chicks dying at various ages. Sometimes the adults remove the body of their dead chick while, at other times, it is left on the nest and becomes part of that historical object.

‘H’ reports: “Olsen brought 9 fish to the nest on 8/1, and a few of them were large.  Soo, and her remaining chick were well fed.  I have seen a few nests where a chick died from siblicide from aggression that was fueled by a lack of fish on the nest, and then the next day there were lots of fish.  Chatters would ask, “where were all those fish when they needed them?”  The weather conditions have not improved at Osoyoos . . it is still quite hot, and the air is smokey from the nearby wildfire.  One difference seems to be that Soo was missing the last 52 hours of chick #2’s life.  The Osoyoos osprey family of three carries on . . and we support them.  The youngster is 37 days old.”

‘H’s other reports:

Kent Island – The livestream returned after having been down for nearly four days.  It seems that Audrey and Tom’s 51-day-old chick may have grown a bit in those four days.

Severna Park – It was so nice to find both juvies on the nest in the afternoon.  Earlier, one of the fledglings landed on the nest carrying a partial fish.

Barnegat Light – News Flash: Dorsett went diving and swimming!  Dorsett spent a fair amount of time on a piling at the Bay beach, when at 1002 she decided to take the plunge into the Bay.  Later in the afternoon she waded in the water and took a bath at the shoreline of Barnegat Bay.

Dahlgren –  Members of this lovely osprey family are often seen at the nest.  It is always good to see them.

Forsythe – In a flurry of fishing, Oscar delivered six fish to the nest for his two fledglings between 0724 and 0920.  Owen and Ollie each received three fish.  There were no fish delivered to the nest later in the day.  The older sibling, Owen, seems to be spending the most time away from the nest.  

Thank you so very much for being with me today. Please take care. L ooking forward to seeing you again soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘A, B. H, PB’, Fran Solly and Friends of Sth Australia, Cornell Bird Lab, Maria Marika, FOBBV, Loch of the Lowes Visitor’s Centre and Wildlife Reserve, Laura Asbell Stansfield, Barbara Walker and Osprey Friends, PSEG, Steelscape, Inc., Nyth Pont Cresor, Collins Marsh, Pitkin County Open Trails and Spaces, Imperial Eagles RU, PLO, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Sydney Sea Eagles, Fortis Exshaw, Boulder County Fair Grounds, Cowlitz PUD, Montana Osprey Project, Osoyoos, Kent Island, Forsythe Ospreys, Wildlife Conserve of NJ, and Dahlgren Ospreys.

Beloved Harriet…Saturday in Bird World

4 February 2022

Hello Everyone,

Friday was a long and horrible day with Little Boots passing and all the unknowns about Harriet. More than 2400 were watching for any news of Harriet as M15 was defending his chicks against the intruder. This is a very difficult situation because our much loved Harriet has not been home for over 40 hours. My stomach is wrenching and my concentration is not always focused. The cries of M15 just are eating at me. As I write this, I have to be honest. I do not believe that Harriet is just off on a spin. I believe that something has happened to her – either injured or dead, she is not returning to her eaglets and M15. I do not believe that any female, as experienced as Harriet is, leaves their eaglets at this stage of their development voluntarily – spa days or not. And I want to be very, very wrong – the kind of wrong where someone would throttle me with a pile of rotten tomatoes.

Many of you have written wondering if there is an organised search party. Harriet’s status as missing has made all of the news outlets and is being broadcast widely. If she is injured or seen, surely we will find out something later on Saturday bearing in mind that it is a large area and nothing has been seen of Samson yet. Harriet is a Fort Myers celebrity and I can only image ‘everyone’ that knows the situation is looking for here every minute they are outside.

https://www.fox13news.com/news/harriet-southwest-floridas-famous-mother-eagle-missing-from-nest-for-2-days

M15 up on the branch. His calls for Harriet really pull at our hearts. His mate of 8 years, raising beautiful eaglets together.

M15 fed both the eaglets from the rabbit in the morning. E21 ate first and, as is happening, 22 went into submission. After 21 went into food coma, M15 fed E22 and it wound up with a nice crop, too. So both eaglets had enough food for a crop and during the day slept and were oblivious to everything we are worrying about.

At one point, M15 flew down and mantled the eaglets protecting them from the intruder. That intruder stayed up high on the tree for several areas.

It appears more likely that M15 will have to do everything – and we must remember, M15 is hungry, too. He is now prey provider, nest security, eaglet feeder – and all the other things that two parents divide. It is not easy. It is especially not easy if there is an intruder about. Thankfully 21 and 22 are not wee babes.

E22 practising some self feeding after being fed some of the rabbit that M15 brought to the nest. The question in my mind is: can M15 be everything to these eaglets that they need if there is an intruder about? Can he not only provide security but, what about hunting for prey? Could carrion be left at the pond or somewhere as my friend ‘A’ suggested to me earlier this evening. We will simply have to wait and see. I cannot think of anything more extraordinary than waking up Saturday morning with Harriet on the nest. We just need a miracle. As I noted at the start, many will disagree with me because they believe that Harriet is just away for a day or two. This just seems so unlikely to me but, I will accept miracles and I hope she is on the nest in the morning when I wake up. Then you can start throwing virtual rotten tomatoes at me. I would love that.

M15 spent time sleeping with E21 and 22 before going up to the branch.

The official tweets:

M15 has only been away to look for Harriet and has not gone hunting as yet. Babies are not fighting. No food yet. We wait and hope, sending positive energy to this beloved eagle family.

Other Nest News:

The first of the Channel Islands Bald Eagles to have an egg for the 2023 season appear to be Jak and Audacity. Congratulations Sauces Canyon!

While people were voting on the name for Valentine’s younger sibling, 02, at the KNF E3 nest, Alex was busy bringing in fish – fish after fish after fish. More than 14 were delivered in a very short period of time. Andria often just stood staring at all of them! It really was a Friday night Fish Fest. I wish we could courier some of those fish over to M15 and the Es.

E02 is really, really good at the old snatch and grab. These two are so equal. At times it seems that 02 is actually bigger than Valentine. And gosh, nearing midnight, it seems that 02 will be named Nugget from the votes already submitted.

Just when you think there are too many..Alex delivers yet another fish.

It was a beautiful day over at the nest of Anna and Louis, too. Louis – where is your pile of fish? Alex thinks there is a fishing derby going on at Kincaid Lake. You better check and join in.

When you are watching the KNF-E1 nest, notice how 03 incubates Dudley and scoots it around. Dudley is in between 03’s talons while it is being fed by Anna.

Connick is doing great – just like the eaglets in Louisiana. Gosh, we sure did worry about this eaglet!

Clive is all wet. She has just delivered another fish for Connie and Connick. Connick is never hungry these days. Look at that nice crop.

Everyone saw the devastation that happened when Hurricane Ian made landfall on Captiva/Santibel. We worried out Connie and Clive and about Andy and Lena. Now that things have settled down, there is some good news — and gosh, could we use some good news.

Ringo at the Webster, Texas Bald Eagle nest continues to do well as we would have expected. It is extremely sad to have lost little Boots but, let us hope that this eaglet thrives and fledges. There is no reason to think otherwise. Paul White comments that Ringo is now picking up food bites that fall on the nest…great news and a move towards self-feeding eventually.

There is worrying news everywhere. Zoe has really taken a tour inland and she has been fishing at a creek. Now, there are streams or creeks in the UK that are stocked for osprey with hides for paying clients to take photographs of the ospreys fishing. With the recent floods it also seems that there could be fish in that stream. What we know is that Zoe needs to have some fish to eat.

The third Kakapo to hatch in 2022 has now been given its official name on its first hatch day celebrations. Welcome, Kawa.

Right now I can use all the good news that can come my way…This next announcement comes from Hob Osterlund on Kauai.

Things are just about perfect over at The Campanile. The prey deliveries are now the way they should be and Annie is very appreciative of ‘the new guy’ as SK Hideaways shows us:

Window decals to prevent bird strike. Do you put them on the inside of the window? I bet you do! I do. But that is going to change tomorrow morning.Indeed, almost everyone I know places them inside and we continue to complain of window strikes. New research shows we must put them on the outside of the windows if we want them to work!!!!!!! So remember that and fix the ones you have. Migratory season is especially bad for bird strikes.

Window-Stickers-to-Prevent-Bird-Strikes-Only-Work-One-Way-The-New-York-TimesDownload

It has been a particularly difficult and long day for everyone. There are many more nests with eggs that are being incubated, parents mating, work going on getting nests ready. Ospreys in Africa are fattening up for their long journey home. None of those are forgotten in the midst of the worry and sadness of today. We must continue to send the SWFlorida Eagle nest of M15 and Harriet strong positive wishes – great energy – as we do to all of the nests.

Thank you for being with me this morning. Please take care. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their tweets, notes, announcements, postings, videos, and streaming cams where I took my screen captures: ‘A’, FOX13 News, SWFL Eagles and D Pritchett, @SWFL Eagle Cam, Gracie Shepard and Raptors of the World, KNF-E3, KNF-E1, Window to Wildlife, Darleen Harris and Captiva Island Eagles and ospreys, Captivasanibel.com, Paul White and the Webster Texas Eagle Watchers, Fran Solly and Friends of Osprey, Kakapo Recovery, Hob Osterlund, SK Hideaways and Cal Falcons, and The New York Times.