Tag Archives: Achieva Ospreys

Blinken is ill…Late Wednesday in Bird World

29 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

The spring weather dipped and it was chilly. Don was really looking forward to going to Fort Whyte on Wednesday, but 5 C with wind meant that he got to visit his other favourite place, The Leaf, with Ann. There are koi and the butterfly area that give him great delight.

Toby and I stayed home. Had a wee walk, did a tiny bit of clearing up, and then relaxed. I immediately fell asleep with Toby wrapped around my head. Sometimes we don’t know when we are ‘dog tired’.

It is now late Wednesday night. There is growing concern for the second hatch, Blinken, at the Moorings Park Osprey Platform in Naples, Florida. The osplet cannot eat, and its poop shots are ‘dry’. The bird is very dehydrated, and I fear it will not live much longer.

Two osprey birds in a nest at Moorings Park, Naples, Florida, surrounded by greenery and water.

You might recall that Richmond and Rosie lost a fully feathered osplet several years ago. Molate died immediately after falling from the nest to a platform below on July 16, 2022, at 58 days of age, following a decline in health. The body of Molate was on the platform but not retrieved and no necroscopy was conducted (as I recall the situation). The behaviours of Blinken and Molate are similar – it is unfortuante that we do not know what caused Richmond and Rosie’s chick’s demise.

Molate:

Close-up of an eagle with a striking feather pattern and a bright orange eye, facing away from the camera against a blurred water background.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 29th April 2026Dorcha produced her second egg right on schedule today – it arrived bright and early with a few squeaks and whistles. The branches and bedding is hiding it from view for now, but her behaviour made it quite clear she’d laid another egg. Third and probably final egg due in three days time. Meanwhile over on Nest One, Aurora 536 is keeping us guessing, no egg as yet despite showing quite promising signs from time to time. The males performed as expected, both Louis and Garry LV0 delivered two fish each, taking the Nest One tally to thirty five and the Nest Two to thirty two.
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/uMAu-4WhyaY N2 Dorcha refuses breakfast – is an egg on the way? 05.28.24https://youtu.be/psj41aGoErU N2 Egg number two! Congratulations Dorcha & Louis 05.34.12

https://youtu.be/PHvbx1DF0M4 N1 Garry delivers a whopping great trout 16.10.43 https://youtu.be/j07bQlyfEHQ N2 Louis delivers fish number two and settles down to egg duties 17.41.11

https://youtu.be/g7lrnNCsGH0 N1 Aurora refuses Garry’s second fish 20.35.41

Bonus action – a significant, lasting way you can support Woodland Trust and stand up for trees:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/give/gift-in-will

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/rxYqoHxXPMY  N1 Louis coy-mantles for Aila 2017

https://youtu.be/wO972vIFy8U  N1 First mating for Louis & Aila 2017

https://youtu.be/shhxI4hywlY  N1 Tawny Owl attacks Aila 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/rYQg6ow0Krg  N1 Aila helps Louis log on 2020

https://youtu.be/5zVFnXl94p8  N1 Affric & Prince return 2022

https://youtu.be/h0lIyo4MYQw  N1 The Art of Weave 2023 (Classic Ospreys: Bach in quicktime)

https://youtu.be/FoF0b5rBZ4s  N2 Dorcha’s glad to see Louis bringing breakfast 2024 

https://youtu.be/en2jZLwlbtg  N1 Garry LV0 fails to mate with his new girlfriend 2024     

https://youtu.be/KgbhdQWyOZE  N2 Dorcha’s not interested when a third fish arrives 2024 https://youtu.be/IVnRt58Tuws N1 At last! Successful mating between Blue 536 and Garry LV0 2025https://youtu.be/il6HhuVaY2s N2 Dorcha’s happy to see Louis with fish number two 2025 

You’re invited to join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Quiet Eagle caught one of this year’s fledglings returning to the NE Florida nest of Beau and Gabby! What a wonderful surprise! https://youtu.be/VXg35bQvgTI?

A young and an adult bald eagle perched on a nest in a tree, with green foliage and a colorful sky in the background.

It is raining on Big Red at the Cornell Red-tail Hawk nest as we await pip.

A red-tailed hawk sitting in a nest made of twigs and branches, surrounded by greenery and an urban background.

Arthur is such a good mate! Here in a video by Cornell Bird Labs, he delivers prey to the Queen of the RTHs. https://youtu.be/IcX48z_ZTNA?

At the other Red-tail Hawk nest of Ruth and Oren, the two little ones are doing well.

A hawk stands over its fluffy chick in a nest made of twigs and greenery, with a plain background showing elements of the nest structure.
A fluffy, newly hatched bird chick resting in a nest made of twigs and pine needles.

Milda and Zorro’s White-tail eaglets in Latvia are nothing short of adorable. They are four days old.

A sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) with two fluffy chicks in their nest, surrounded by sticks and branches, set against a blurred forest background.

Migration Update from Hawk Mountain, PA:

Table displaying bird species count, including last week's count, season total, and 10-year average for various raptor species.

Sharon Pollock brings us an interesting video from the Big Bear nest of Jackie and Shadow. (copy and paste the link into your computer)

Two eagle chicks in a nest with one chick vocalizing while the other rests, surrounded by sticks and greenery.

Predator of the Australia Honeyeater caught on video! https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/29/australia-endangered-bird-regent-honeyeater-video-egg-thieves?CMP=share_

I am closing tonight with a very disturbing incident that happened in my City. A seventeen year old male drove an SUV over sleeping Canada Geese. Warning: This video is very disturbing. https://youtu.be/G8EqFpLOi4w?

Citizens are outraged, and many in the mental health field are stating that this type of violence towards innocent wildlife is only a short way from harming humans.

We must close with some happiness, and that is the Achieva osprey nest. Mum, Jill, is incredible. As Mother’s Day approaches, surely she might be the top nominee in Bird World this season. She has kept her babies alive and herself by going out and fishing, some mornings and almost every evening but one that I am aware. Other osprey nests might be successful when fish are short if those females would follow her lead.

A bird's nest on a tall pole with a chick and an adult bird, surrounded by trees and a residential area in the background.

Thank you for being with us tonight. Please take care. We look forward to having you with us again soon.

Thank you to Sharon Pollock and the Cornell Bird Lab for their videos, to Geemeff for their extensive daily summary and videos of all things at Loch Arkaig, to the authors of the FB posts, and the owners of the streaming cams. I am very grateful. Thank you also to The Guardian for reporting on environmental and wildlife news and ‘PB’ for keeping me up to date on Blinken and the Achieva osprey nest.

Late Sunday in Bird World

26 April 2026

Good Evening!

We hope that you had a wonderful weekend – and please tell me that you had some time to go outside. It was a tad cooler here today but we sat in the warm sun on the deck and listened to birdsong coming from the feeders. Oh, it made my heart skip happy beats! It was another quiet day – a most welcome one. We did some spring cleaning and celebrated by making strawberry shortcakes. Tomorrow, Toby goes for a much-needed grooming (Monday). I’m hoping for a trip to Fort Whyte for a walk in the forest and a check on the geese that should be laying eggs.

Shadow continues to bring in big fish for Jackie and the kids. The snow is melting.

A parent bird stands in a snowy nest, caring for three fluffy chicks under a clear blue sky, with a scenic view of a lake and mountains in the background.

Isn’t he handsome? Teifi is one of Idris and Telyn’s fledglings – he is Maya’s grandson. How cool is that? I am so glad that the Glaslyn nest has settled down or him and Elen. As you know, I adore Aran and it seems that he has also found a platform and a mate. Smiling. Calm is good.

An osprey sitting on a nest, appearing to incubate eggs. The bird has distinctive brown and white feathers with striking yellow eyes, surrounded by natural vegetation and twigs.

The Dyfi family tree now has its fledglings at Glaslyn:

Infographic of the Dyfi Osprey Project Family Tree from 2011 to Present, detailing the lineage and breeding history of various ospreys, including notable individuals and their offspring.

Here’s Teifi. It was the first year, 2020, that Idris was bonded with Telyn after Monty:

A timeline showing the lineage of the Osprey named Idris from 2020 to 2026, including information on successful and unsuccessful hatches, along with the names and status of each chick.
Information about a male animal named Teifi, spotted in Santander Bay, Spain, in May 2022, and in North Wales in 2024 and 2025, with breeding noted in North Wales since 2026.

News from Loch of the Lowes:

Close-up of a freshly laid osprey egg in a nest, surrounded by nesting material.

SK Hideaways videos for the week – always grateful!

SK Hideaways Videos, Week of 19 April 2026

FOBBVCAM Eagles, Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Jackie, Shadow, and 2 chicks
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4
LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz

Jackie & Shadow got everything in order as a storm approached ~ The chicks enjoyed meals 7 and 8 ~ They’re tucked and warm under Jackie (2026 Apr 25)
Video: https://youtu.be/ZHZwUvD7SEw

One Chick Escapes Egg Bowl ~ Jackie has a Word with Shadow About It (2026 Apr 19)
Video: https://youtu.be/Af1ZfwYL1bk

Jackie & Shadow Oust Persistent Ravens ~ Eaglets Safe & Sound (2026 Apr 19)
Video: https://youtu.be/BYL7oyiPppo

Fraser Point Eagles ~ Santa Cruz Island, CA ~ Cruz, Andor, Sasha, Zuma, and Ryder
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s

Ryder’s Rescue and Cuddly Reunion ~ IWS & Erin are Superstars (2026 Apr 24)
Video: https://youtu.be/lKSFIC4irKI

Ryder Fell From Nest ~ Keeping Faith for Rescue (2026 Apr 24)
Video: https://youtu.be/WJ6b7BAztF0
Cruz & Andor Manage Pecking Order of 3 Chicks with Nonstop Fish (2026 Apr 23)
Video: https://youtu.be/5m948gPoCWc
Chicks Shuffle Along on Clown Feet to Reach Endless Fish Deliveries (2026 Apr 20)
Video: https://youtu.be/tqUXCH76InM


John Bunker Sands Eagles ~ Mom, Dad, and JBS24
Courtesy John Bunker Sands Wetland Center Eagle Cam
Eagle Tower Camera 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wdo7BzUU_g
Eagle Tower Camera 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEDb2KqvvyQ

JBS24 Comes Home to Fresh Fish and Clean Fluffs (2026 April 19)
Video: https://youtu.be/x5p0mcPtLEs


San Jose City Hall Falcons, San Jose, CA ~ Hartley, Monty, and 4 Chicks
Courtesy San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcon Cam
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBSxPjy5sow
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pp9TisLmLU
Roof Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQLhmV6bP6o

Monty Really, Really Wanted to Feed Someone ~ Even Hartley (2026 Apr 23)
Video: https://youtu.be/YXbKW2SRKgw

Monty Resumes Role of Super Dad ~ No One’s Going Hungry or Cold (2026 Apr 22)
Video: https://youtu.be/2-GlKlHMlRo

4th Hatch ~ Monty Meets All 4 ~ Hartley Gives 1st Feeding (2026 Apr 21)
Video: https://youtu.be/F9NFVYJCBks

Hartley Welcomes Chicks 1, 2 AND 3 ~ Monty Waits for a Peek (2026 Apr 21)
Video: https://youtu.be/m-LTvHVPKXE

I’m not going to swear but…how many ospreys die because of hooks and fishing line? This one was rescued.

A police officer using a long pole to assist in freeing an Osprey caught on a fishing hook, while standing on a ladder near a river.

So happy. This time it was a happy ending.

A young osprey standing on the ground in a grassy area, with a pet carrier nearby.

It was a booming year (no pun intended). Kakapo breed every four years. Records broken this year on this critically endangered species, but the species remains in decline from four years ago.

A close-up image of two kākāpō birds, showcasing their distinct features. The left bird has vibrant green feathers with a rounded body, while the right bird, slightly younger, displays soft plumage and a curious expression. Below the birds, text highlights the critical kākāpō population count of 235 as of April 2026.

Osprey baby in Italy!

An osprey standing near its nest with eggs and chicks, surrounded by twigs and branches.
Announcement about the first fisher hawk birth of 2026 at Oasi WWF Laguna di Orbetello, detailing the hatching of the first egg and updates on Okab, a fishing falcon born in 2024.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 26th April 2026

Today’s momentous news is the arrival of the first egg – around 06.50 Dorcha started making little squeaking sounds and at 06.56.29 she laid the first egg of Season Ten. The nest cup is too deep and there are branches obscuring the view, but it was clear from her behaviour that she is now brooding an egg. Louis came along about an hour later with her breakfast, and we were able to watch his reaction before he happily took over egg duty, allowing her to depart to eat her fish. No sign of eggs yet for Aurora 536 and Garry LV0 but things will take longer with them as they aren’t a long-established pair like Louis & Dorcha. Garry delivered two fish taking his tally to thirty, and Louis delivered three fish, taking the nest tally to twenty five. At the time of this report (23.30), Dorcha is still away after departing with her third fish, and Louis is looking very settled on the nest.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/gyonJzbicJE N2 First egg! Congratulations Dorcha and Louis! 06.56.29

https://youtu.be/W8-fFs6TBW8 N2 First look for Louis when he brings the first fish 07.59.27

https://youtu.be/ys5b9FxT82k N1 Aurora’s calls are answered with a nice sized fish from Garry 11.06.10  

https://youtu.be/yDnzR2DL6OA N2 Dorcha departs with the second fish leaving Louis to egg-sit 19.41.05  

https://youtu.be/591ZDgF6gbw N1 Garry flies off with fish two as Aurora doesn’t take it 20.21.05

https://youtu.be/AQXp3vpgAMk N2 Louis brings a substantial late evening supper  21.13.13

Bonus read – hormonal changes in birds during the breeding season (thanks LizB)

https://www.birdfact.com/anatomy-and-physiology/reproductive-system/hormonal-control-of-reproduction-in-birds

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/aDk_oSfFyJA  N1 Aila lays egg number two 2019

https://youtu.be/TR0ZAmEuEvU  N1 Aila lays egg number two 2020

https://youtu.be/A0Fql5tp3Zw  N1 Dad’s turn! Louis is finally on egg duty 2020

https://youtu.be/YWOgNITPfXc  N1 Ringed female Blue 152 visits again 2021

https://youtu.be/OZBLR7uszwo  N2 Very early breakfast but no more fish for Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/kh92z7IRnCw  N1 Three Ospreys fighting over the nest 2023 (super slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/r9ckJWn_V3I  N1 Aerobatics as Garry LV0’s involved in a chase 2024

https://youtu.be/G-DaqLc2tcE N2 A thirteen second handover of fish number two 2024

https://youtu.be/rMpsosLakXg N2 Dorcha uses her Crow voice to see off a Hoodie 2025

https://youtu.be/uUleqJXiBhw N1 Blue 536’s stick and Garry LV0’s fish fly on and off! 2025 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/o0i-471GSIE N1 A Tawny Owl pays a twilight visit 2025

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

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

It was a good day at Achieva thanks to Jill who is really stepping up to take care of her babies. Jack was late today – last time I checked Jill had delivered a fish and then went out later, at her usual time, to bring in another catfish.

Osprey nest on a platform with two adult ospreys, surrounded by trees and a residential area in the background.

In the image below, you can see the significant size difference between the two chicks. Big is almost fully feathered. Little is just getting its tail. We still see the white stripe on Little.

A close-up of a bird's nest featuring a parent bird with brown feathers standing over a smaller, spotted chick nestled among twigs and foliage.

Alaska and Australia teaming up to help protect the Shearwater!

‘The birds are a global citizen’: Indigenous groups in Australia and Alaska team up to track a feathered adventurer’s epic journey.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/26/indigenous-groups-australia-alaska-track-short-tailed-shearwater-bird?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care of yourself and have a great end of the weekend and the beginning of the week. See you soon!

Toby loving his Bully Stick.

A close-up of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog chewing on a dog treat, resting on a soft, textured pillow.

Thank you so much to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their great contributions – their work takes so much time. I am very grateful to those who post current information on FB and other platforms, to The Guardian for its reporting on wildlife concerns, and to Dyfi Osprey Project for keeping such wonderful historical information. To the owners of the streaming cams, thank you seems too small. We would know about these amazing birds and their environmental challenges if it were not for you.

Little goes to bed full at Achieva…Late Monday in Bird World

20 April 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

First, I want to thank one of our regular readers, ‘CR’, for stepping up in response to a request. I had reached out to see if anyone had images or knowledge of the owl attacks on Peanut at the Winter Park nest. ‘CR’, so concerned about this sweet eaglet, stayed up. They took video clips and still images. Why is this important? Because another regular reader has researched methods to deter owls from striking eagle nests. ‘MP’ wanted proof of the extent to which Peanut was attacked to accompany a presentation on how this viciousness could be stopped. We know that owls also attack osprey nests – this could become very important. I am so grateful to these two readers for responding and wanting to find a way to help, even if nothing comes of it soon. Thank you both! —–Remember, we can all help in many ways, small and large.

Spring feels like it is here. 16 C. However, we are expected to have torrential downpours later this week that might cause flooding. This is nothing compared to what is happening in other parts of the world and my thoughts today are with our friends in Japan who have had a strong earthquake and tsunami.

Toby and I are ‘being good’ and trying to stay out of Melissa’s way as she cleans up after us. Best thing I have ever done recently – for myself. I love a clean house, but goodness, there was never the time or the energy to get into the corners or those cobwebs 4 metres up in the conservatory. Now Toby and I need to have a conversation about ‘muddy paws’. I am going to bed smiling – the house glistens, and this is another weight off my shoulders. My mind is calm. What a wonderful way to start the week. I am so grateful to the wonderful people who help me live through having a husband with Lewy Body Dementia. Toby loves it because we can have many more walks, and Calico is getting an extra story hour!!!!!!! Gosh, I love these animals. They hear me start reading and, like lining up to get on an ark, they begin to filter into the conservatory.

So what in the world has gone on in Bird World today?

Let’s start with some sadness and move on to great joy. All three eaglets at the Hanover Bald Eagle nest, home to single Mum Hope and Dad Spot, who isn’t helping, have died. Spot killed the last one a short time ago. Reminiscent of the first year that Scout had eaglets with Bella at the NCTC nest. Very sad.

It looks like Achieva has started off good today. I saw three fish be delivered by 1400. Jack has surprised me. Little got a nice crop but he has to wait. Big is probably a ‘really BIG’ sister.

I wonder if Jack has a physical issue and that is why he was so ‘off’ with the fish? Did he get a sprained leg? Surely ospreys get unwell and out of whack like we do! At any rate, today was a fantastic day. We will celebrate it.

A close-up view of an osprey nest with two young ospreys on it, surrounded by twigs and branches, set against a backdrop of trees and a residential area.
A bird's nest made of twigs, located on a platform, with two birds present; one perched on a pole and another standing on the edge of the nest. Visible background includes trees and a street.
An osprey sitting in its nest made of twigs, with a view of a neighborhood street and trees in the background.
A bird's nest situated on a platform with two chicks and an adult bird, surrounded by greenery and a view of a street in the background.
A bird's nest made of twigs is pictured on a platform, with trees and a street in the background. Two birds are visible in the nest.
A bird's nest made of twigs is visible atop a tall pole, with a bird sitting on it. The background includes trees and a street with vehicles and buildings.
A webcam image of an osprey nest featuring two young chicks and an adult osprey perched on a post nearby. The background includes trees and a street.

More fish. Little at Achieva had a nice crop before bed! Wow. What a great day.

An osprey standing on a nest made of twigs, located on a pole surrounded by trees, with a suburban street visible in the background.
An osprey sits on a pole overlooking a large nest made of twigs, with a smaller osprey inside the nest. Background features include trees and a street with houses.

Lola has not been seen at the Charlo nest for two full days. The Owl Institute has published a statement that might shed some light on her absence:

A social media post discussing the status of Ospreys Lola and Charlie, mentioning recent fighting over their nest and potential relocation.

Iris and New Guy 2 continue to be a presence together on the Hellgate Canyon nest! Just smiling. There was a fish dug out of the rim of the nest, too, a nice big one.

Two ospreys sitting on a nest at night, with one osprey in the foreground and the other slightly behind.
An osprey sitting on its nest made of twigs, overlooking a parking lot and surrounding trees in a daytime setting.
Two ospreys perched on a nest, one looking directly at the camera while the other is slightly turned, with a blurred background of a parking lot and green trees.

Milda has her second little WT eaglet hatch at the Durbe County nest in Latvia. Congratulations!

Beautiful day in Norway at the Fru Rauer osprey nest.

An osprey standing on a nest made of sticks overlooking a body of water, with a rocky shoreline and hills in the background under a clear sky.
An osprey sitting in a nest made of sticks, with a scenic view of a calm body of water in the background under a clear sky.

There are eggs being laid at some of the Finnish osprey nests – gosh, it feels so early. At other nests, the ospreys are arriving.

#4:

A bird of prey standing on a nest made of twigs and branches, surrounded by a forest landscape in the background.
An osprey stands on its nest made of twigs, overlooking a scenic landscape of trees and hills.

Osp caught the nest building at the Jannakkala nest! https://youtu.be/ASp7ogw9uYY?

A collage of four images showing an osprey in a nest made of twigs and branches, with some areas of ground visible in the background.

And there is the egg laid on either the 18/19 of April! And then it was ‘rejected’….goodness, the drama that is unfolding at all the osprey nests this year. “Janakkala Osprey 18-19.4.2026_Aake ei hyväksy XLL:n ensimmäisen munan / Aake rejects XLL’s first egg.”

An osprey perched on its nest made of twigs and branches, situated on a grassy field with sparse vegetation in the background.

When we visited Guadalope last year, we called the Blue and Yellow Macaw at the Botanical Gardens ‘Roger’. We brought a stuffed one home which Toby adopted the minute he saw it as a little puppy. Today, these beautiful creatures are once again back in Rio. Smile. A good news story is always welcome.

A dream come true’: Brazil’s blue-and-yellow macaws return to Rio after 200 years https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/09/a-dream-come-true-brazils-blue-and-yellow-macaws-return-to-rio-after-200-years?CMP=share_btn_url

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 20th April 2026

Today was another routine day with mating encounters and many fish – Louis and Garry LV0 made three deliveries each. Dorcha took all three fish eagerly, but Aurora 536 turned down her second one, preferring to remain on her perch. There’s speculation that an egg might be imminent, however, she left for the night and the nest is currently empty. After Louis and Dorcha unusually pulled an all-nighter sleeping on the nest last night, Nest Two is also empty tonight. The fish count now stands at nine total for Nest Two, seven from Louis and two from Dorcha, and twenty one for Nest One, all brought by Garry. George WTS wonders “Anyone care to predict who will come out on top between Louis and Garry? Will experience or youth count?” and so far, the consensus is Louis will win. We shall see.Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/mDwLg_MTVLs N2 Louis arrives with a well munched trout 06.41.23https://youtu.be/bWqtuXimQbI  N1 Aurora seizes the first fish immediately then departs 11.03.25https://youtu.be/qXuUPwjwTYA N2 Fish number two for Dorcha, a headless trout 12.47.22 https://youtu.be/whWVIkcWqII  N1 Garry LV0 arrives with fish number two but Aurora 536 isn’t there 14.01.52 https://youtu.be/qhdDPmpbXiQ N1 This time Aurora doesn’t hesitate and grabs fish number three 18.51.54 https://youtu.be/VtxsuFNS6QQ N2 Dorcha has a bit of a tussle getting fish number three 19.25.37
Bonus guide to sustainable foraging and what’s in season this month:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2023/04/foraging-in-april/
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/wHZ82lsjm0w N1 Is an egg on the way? Aila rejects Louis 2020
https://youtu.be/BmWPo9QWyCo  N1 Aila attacks Louis! 2020 (Slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/aafgLlitPRM  N1 Louis pays a flying visit to his empty nest 2021
https://youtu.be/9VqSvrxPL_E  N2 Fish fight, Dorcha wins eventually 2022
https://youtu.be/Cc8twF7MOYs  N2 Dorcha stays the night on the nest 2023
https://youtu.be/upyTm7MQoaY  N2 Egg number three! 2024 (zoomed repeat)
https://youtu.be/IrJUd9po9EQ  N1 Garry LV0 does a flypast before bringing his fish to Nest One 2024
https://youtu.be/PlkidBYXpsg N2 Dorcha shows no sign of injury on leaving with her fish 2024https://youtu.be/F2ypJD3KP48 N2 Dorcha gets a lively breakfast 2025 https://youtu.be/_U3zHvEiUHY N1 Garry brings breakfast for Blue 536 2025 

https://youtu.be/ogHunWjD9iA N1 Affric lands with an aerial battle going on nearby 2025

Everyone’s welcome at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, fun, and free:

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

‘J’ sends us the banner from naturechat.org:

2nd egg hatched today at White-tailed Eagle Cam in Latvia.

3rd egg hatched today at Peregrine Falcon Cam in Belgium.

Pip watch begins for 1st egg at Peregrine Falcon Cam in Belgium 2.

At the John Bunker Sands Wetlands Bald Eagle nest, fledgling/juvenile JBS24 returned to the nest for a fish dinner. I am so pleased that this juvenile is doing so well.

This is what has gone on at the Loch of the Lowes so far this 2026 season: https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/2026/04/loch-of-the-lowes-osprey-update-the-2026-season-so-far/?

The Usk Valley Osprey Cam has its own FaceBook group: https://www.facebook.com/uskvalleyospreys

Two ospreys perched on a nest in a foggy landscape, with trees and hills in the background, representing the Usk Valley Ospreys project.

It is late and time for me and Toby to begin to settling for the night.

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

Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to this posting – to Geemeff for all the news from Loch Arkaig, to those who posted images and information on FB, to ‘J’ for the news from naturechat.org, The Guardian for covering environmental and wildlife issues, to the owners of the streaming cams who let us observe these amazing families, and to you for caring so much about our planet and our wildlife.

Loch of the Lowes osprey update – the 2026 season so far
Loch of the Lowes osprey update – the 2026 season so far

Royal Cam egg has pipped…Saturday in Bird World

20 January 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

There is some good news about pips and eggs in Bird World today. Sadly, there will be no further hatches at WRDC and none at Berry College. 

There are lots of visitors in the garden this morning. To my huge delight, three Crows were flying down to get peanuts when Dyson wasn’t in the way! Dyson’s kits were all here, along with Little Red and the two Blue Jays. I did not see a single European Starling. I wonder where they are.

Hugo Yugo seems to have grown overnight. Seriously. She is busy watching everyone in the garden from the table in the conservatory. She hasn’t moved for more than an hour.

Baby Hope wanted some quiet time. It didn’t last long.

Hugo Yugo is tired after all that play fighting. But, look, she fills up part o the top of the cat tree. She is growing!

A new all Black cat showed up at the feeder today. Its image has been posted in all the local missing cat FB pages in case it is lost. 

Earlier, ‘The Boyfriend’ had had his traditional Friday roast chicken dinner. Maybe the visitor got some leftovers.

Congratulations to Jolene and Boone at the ETSU nest in Tennessee on their first egg of the season on 18 Jan. This new Mum raised two eaglets to fledge last year.

The biggest news is that we have a pip in the egg of the Royal Albatross couple in NZ. 

Jackie spent some time at the nest she has with Shadow at Big Bear Lake on Friday. Gosh, she’s gorgeous.

C11 has a huge crop, stands, and does some wing exercises, while C10 stretches underneath the dry palm frond blanket. Everything is going well at Captiva.

New bedding material and more fish brought to the nest as the winds pick up in the area.

E23 has eaten, slept, and grown. This eaglet is changing so quickly. E23 has a Mohawk now. Pin feathers are coming in. Clown feet and today, many thought that E23 was going to start chewing on that possum tail. Just look at that fat little bottom. Privileged only eaglet. 

This little one really likes to sleep with its head propped on the rails! Thank goodness M15 and F23 are filling in the holes.

E23 is too big to fit under Mamma F23 anymore.

Ron and Rose certainly have that nest cup deep. You can just get a glimpse of R6 if it stretches its head way up high. What a little cutie. Looks like R6 is going to be an only eaglet – nothing wrong with that!

R6 is five days old today.

At the NE Florida Eagle nest, Gabby and Beau took turns incubating the egg.

Event Log for Gabby and Beau for Friday:

All that snow that fell across the US and Canada has meant the Eagles are working hard to get their nests in order. This is Beau and Bella at the NCTC nest on Friday doing just that.

Wow. There were five fish brought to Gil and Brad on the 20th – 3 from Mum and 2 from Dad. How lucky these two are! And we now see clearly that the help the fish fairies brought to ensure both survived was a huge success without any harm done to the actual fishing of the adults. Keep it up Port Lincoln!!!!!! 

Age (chicks): Giliath : 95 days, Bradley : 93 days
Fish count: Mum: 3, Dad: 2
Fish times: 09:00, 09:31, 15:19, 16:34, 16:49

Bradley was doing some hovering and flying in the late afternoon.

Video of SE31 at the Parramatta River. Just look at the size of SE31 whose is playing with garbage down at the River Roost.

‘A’ brings us the latest for January 20 at Sydney: Early, at 6am, both parents were at River Roost, with SE31 whining for food. At 6:40am, one of the parents caught a fish for her, in front of River Roost. She is so hard to see at times in the mangroves. Later, in the early afternoon, SE31 was out of sight, but Dad was seen taking off, circling over the wetlands, returning, then heading off again towards Wentworth Point. He returned at 2:23pm with a small fish – Lady was still there. By 2:40, our juvenile was eating on a low branch, Dad was in the air and Lady was still in the same place. The picture below is of Dad – with some feather gaps in his wings.

‘A’ sent in today’s antics with Marri at Orange! Oh, she’s loud. Xavier and Diamond must be delighted their daughter is alright and still home. (Parent at end of video is Diamond, not Xavier as amended by SKHideaways).

In St Petersburg, Jack is bringing Diane fish gifts as we begin to dream of eggs in a couple of weeks at the Achieva Osprey platform.

Red Listed Birds found shot and dumped in Cheshire. Despicable.

Woodcock-shot-and-dumped-in-Cheshire-–-Raptor-Persecution-UKDownload

The BTO brings us a paper tracking the behaviour of 47 Short-eared Owls. t is a totally interesting study that found that one female raised two broods of chicks to fledge in two different countries in a single year!

Tracking-Short-eared-Owls-Notes-from-the-field-BTO-British-Trust-for-OrnithologyDownload

Have you read it, The Raven? 

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ’A, J’, Trudi Kron, NZ DOC, Sharon Dunne, Lady Hawk, SK Hideaways, FOBBV, Window to Wildlife, SW Florida Eagle Cam, WRDC, NEFL-AEF, Deb Stecyk, PLO, WBSE 2024, Diana Lambertson, Raptor Persecution UK, BTO, and The Woodland Trust Scotland.

Send positive wishes to Middle!

8 June 2023

The initial news was that it looked like Middle – the second hatch from the Achieva Osprey nest – was doing well when it was rescued by Bird in Loving Hands on Wednesday.

Middle was grounded and this was fortunate when the rescuers were there so it could go into care. At the time Middle had not eaten for more than two days.

Middle being transported.

This is today’s update:

Muster all the positive energy you have for this osplet! Thank you.

Want to get up close and personal with some Bald Eagles?

I am just home from a wonderful day outside. Did not see a single bird! Yes, seriously. I did spot a lot of nests and it was just nice to be outside in the fresh air on a beautiful sunny day.

The image below is the nest of Anna and Louis in the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana.

What caught my eye was an invitation by the Wildlife Biologists Steve Shively and Cody Austell of the US Forestry Service at the Kistachie National Forest for people to come and get up close to the Bald Eagles, Anna and Louis. OK. Not that close. They have a great eagle viewing area set up with spotting scopes and they will be giving private tours.

If you live near Central Louisiana and are free at 10 am on either February 10, 17, or 19 at 10 am, give them a shout to sign up. The e-mail is visitKNFeagle@gmail.com

I am also super excited. Cody and Steve will be setting up another camera stream with the same super sound they have for Anna and Louis for the other Bald Eagle family in the forest. Last year there were three nests. Sadly, both adults in area 2, were found dead. They had been shot. At any rate, there will be two different streams watching both nests next season. Fantastic. I wonder if the male on the nest is as great a fisher as Louis? There were 10 new fish on the nest today. The duck and the Coot have been eaten and I am not sure where the turtle is.

Just a couple of quick comments about happenings in Bird World. The camera is now back on in Port Lincoln on the Osprey barge. Ervie had been there earlier so he is fine. A huge storm ripped through the area and did tonnes of damage. Just waiting to see how everything is with the hearts that beat and run Port Lincoln Osprey Project. There is not an egg yet on the Achieva Osprey Nest even though Diane has been on the nest for long periods.

The winds and rain seem to have subsided at the NEFlorida Bald Eagle Nest of Samson and Gabby. I have not been home long enough to see how NE26 and 27 are behaving but there are at least five fish in the pantry so food is not an issue!

They look like they are getting along. Fingers crossed!

OGK is busy being a great dad down in New Zealand at Taiaroa Head. This little Royal Cam chick is going to gain lots of grams! Sooooooo very sweet.

Lots of beautiful water birds were out on the Mississippi Flyway this morning.

If you like Roseate Spoonbills as much as I do, you need to check out this streaming cam in St Augustine Florida. Spoonbills forage in shallow water. This is an adult in the nest. The juveniles are a pale pink while the adults have that bring cherry red/pink on the wings. Their head is bare and is a yellow-green colour. Their name comes from the flattened beak that looks like a spoon!

B15 at Berry College seems to be doing just fine, too. The worry over an injury to the wing is gone. It is a really sweet little eaglet.

So if you are anywhere near to Central Louisiana and want a personal tour to see the Bald Eagles nesting in the Kisatchie National Forest, please do get in touch with Steve or Cody. I would love to go on one of their tours. They are so knowledgable and – need help identifying prey on a nest – they are great at answering those questions. I have learned all about turtles this year! Send all your positive and warm wishes to all the nests (and people) who are going to get really low temperatures in areas that do not normally have them!

Thank you for joining me today. Take care everyone. See you soon!

Thank you to the KNF FB Page, Berry College, NE Florida and the AEF, Explore.org, Achieva Credit Union, Cornell Bird Lab and NZ DOC, and KNF Bald Eagle Cam for their streaming cams where I took my screen captures.

Tuesday in Bird World

All of the eaglets are doing well. It is a great Tuesday. It is seriously a great Tuesday with the hatch of 27 and the sighting of JJ7 in Senegal.

NE27 is only a little over 13 hours old and it is right up there with big sib having some fish. 27 looks almost as big as 26. Hopefully they will both hold their own and be nice to one another. Samson is not letting the pantry even think about getting low on stock! Gosh, I adore this Bald Eagle couple – Samson and Gabby.

These two are going to keep Gabby and Samson on their toes! That is 27 with its beak wide open calling for food despite the fact that it could live on the yolk of the egg for some hours, up to 24.

Pa Berry brought in a rabbit for the Tuesday nest feast at Berry College. B15 seemed to really enjoy it! It was caught on video and is impossible for me to replicate the joy in Missy at the rabbit’s arrival. Notice how B15 pancakes it as Pa lands.

Bless-Her-Heart Anna did the Mumbrella for more than 7 hours straight last night and early this morning so her baby would stay warm and dry in the torrential downpours in the Kisatchie Forest.

Anna and the nest were soaking.

When the rains stopped and things began to dry out, Anna started digging up the nest to aerate it. Her little eaglet isn’t so little anymore and was sitting up straight with its big clown feet today enjoying some fish. According to the rangers, the eagles have not eaten the turtle yet.

To be named shortly eaglet was doing a lot of preening with those itchy feathers coming in. This is the cutest little one. Anna certainly makes sure it is never hungry. The eagles have been bringing in pine to help with the insect problems and all that fish. The eaglet is 13 days old today.

Ervie woke up to thick fog this morning. By the time it had cleared, Ervie had flown off in search of fish.

Got a good look in the nest of Jackie and Shadow at Big Bear. No second egg yet but soon. What we can see is that the eagles have found some soft material to line that egg cup. It is not just sticks and twigs. Thanks cam operator!

Something very interesting is happening at the WRDC nest of Rita and Ron. R2 has discovered self-feeding and s/he is not giving up trying to eat that fish. I think this is absolutely brilliant. R2 is the one that often doesn’t get fed until R1 is stuffed. This is a solution. Feed yourself. This is definitely the sign of a survivor.

A little earlier both eaglets had nice crops which you can see in the image below. Just hold on and take a deep breath. They love getting to the edge and looking over.

At the SWFlorida Bald Eagle nest of Harriet and M15, both parents were feeding and both E19 and E20 had huge crops.

Indeed, it appears that someone has put a beach ball in their crops! What you are looking at is that wonderful thermal down that will remain under the feathers to help the eagles regulate their temperature. If you look carefully you can see the feathers coming in on the wing tips of the one closest to the bottom of the screen.

For the fans of Honour and Liberty at Redding, nestorations are underway!

And if the Redding Bald Eagle nest is not on your list, here is the link:

And last but never least, we are coming up to egg watch for Jack and Diane at the Achieva Credit Union Osprey nest in St Petersburg, Florida. They fledged three chicks last year….one of a handful of nests world wide on streaming cam to do so. It is a dreary rainy day and at least one adult, looks like Jack, has come and gone.

Look at that gorgeous bark!

Here is the link to the streaming cam.

Life is good. Everyone is happy. All have eaten. What more could we want?

Thank you for joining me today. Take care everyone. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their streaming cams where I took my screen captures: Achieva Credit Union, Port Lincoln Osprey, KNF Bald Eagle Cam, NEFlorida Bald Eagles and the AEF, SWFlorida Bald Eagles and D Pritchett, Friends of Big Bear, WRDC, and Redding California Eagles.

Thursday in Bird World

There were certainly tears flowing and hands clapping around the world as the identification of the juvenile Osprey that flew 350 km from its natal nest in a week was confirmed as Falky, the 2021 hatch at the Port Lincoln Osprey barge. This is simply incredible and Falky has now changed the understanding of how far male Ospreys travel from their natal nest. Yes, indeed, it is a game changer for sure. Now we can start looking for Bazza, DEW, and Star with the mindset that just because no one sees them around the area of the barge, it doesn’t mean they are not out there. They could be near Adelaide or north of Eba Anchorage or even farther afield. Perhaps a South Australian contest to spot the raptors would be appropriate. Get everyone looking while, at the same time educating them to the challenges the declining number of Osprey face in Australia.

Speaking of threats to raptors, my friend ‘S’ sent me a link this morning because I have mentioned the growing concerns over Avian flu. Thank you, S. It is a great list of the threats to the birds regardless of their geographical location and a good reminder to us all. Have a read:

https://hawkwatch.org/learn/threats-to-raptors

Today, the eaglet in the Kisatchie National Forest is one week old, according to the rangers. To celebrate, Louis brought in a Razor Backed Turtle. It is a delicacy and quite the favourite of Bald Eagles.

You can just see it above Anna’s back. The temperature is 3 C (37.4 F) and dropping at the site of the nest to -2 C as that cold front moves through the region. Stay warm everyone!

That baby might like a taste of that turtle! Will Anna save it for herself??

Louis continues to stock the pantry and I am thrilled because it means there is always food! Good thing we don’t have to have the smell with the sound and visuals from the nest. Whew.

The KNF nest is just beginning to dry out after last night’s torrential rains.

Before the thunderstorms hit, Anna filled up the eaglet to the brim. As she has done for several days, Anna had the eaglet stretch its neck to get the food. All of this helps to strengthen the little one’s muscles.

Within minutes of finishing, the rains came down. Anna was a fantastic Mumbrella. She held that pose just like she was a statue.

The storm passed earlier than forecast. Anna might have been soaked but just look at that little one. It is dry and fluffy. Thank you, Anna! You are a fantastic Mum.

Yesterday, the camera zoomed in on Ervie at the Port Lincoln Osprey barge. He had been fishing and is preening and drying off his feathers.

Ervie had three fish deliveries yesterday – 06:37, 07:41, and 14:02 which was a huge fish. Ervie still had a nice crop hours later!

For the fans of Jack and Diane at the Achieva Osprey Nest in St Petersburg, Florida, Jack delivered a fish to Diane. Here is a video clip of that offering this morning. I wonder when we should be expecting some eggs at this nest???? Fish offerings remind me that the time is drawing close. It is 22 degrees C at Jack and Diane’s nest – a nice day, not too hot.

That little eagle needs to stay under Pa Berry and Missy. The temperatures have dropped and it is 4 C or 40 F at the nest at the moment.

B15 is energetic and happy. Quite the handful! And like the eaglet at the KNF nest, it has the cutest little tail.

E19 and E20 both had good sized crops after the noon feeding on the SWFlorida nest of Harriet and M15. We can relax. All seems to be going well. It is 24 degrees C – another nice day in a Florida winter!

I wish I could say the same for Big Red and Arthur up in Ithaca. At the present time it is -8 C. There are a few flakes of snow and what was on the ground is not melting. So why is this temperature bad for Big Red and Arthur if there aren’t any eggs to worry about? It is the prey. When it gets cold, those voles, mice, chippies, squirrels, etc hunker down and go to sleep. The hawks go hungry. I wish I could deliver them a care package!

It is a good day in Bird World albeit a cold one. Send warming wishes to all of the nests. These winter storms in the US are not over yet! But the tears of joy for Falky and the implications of that distance in searching for the other birds continue to fall.

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

Thank you to the following for their streaming cams or their FB pages where I took my screen captures: Cornell Bird Lab RTH, KNF Bald Eagles, Berry College, Port Lincoln Osprey, Achieva Credit Union FB, and SWFlorida Eagles and D Pritchett.

Tuesday in Bird World

It is a blustery snowy day on the Canadian Prairies. We woke up to more snow and the birds wondering where to find food underneath it. It is fine for the birds that eat out of the feeders but those that feed on the ground will have a tough time of it. I feel for them on days like today. Our temperatures are ranging from -22 C to -14 C. So not warm! And the snow will continue throughout the day and night. It is definitely winter in Canada. We have had 4 or 5 years of drought and hopefully the moisture and rain in the spring will change that!!!

Everyone is trying to see if there is a pip or a crack in the third egg at the WRDC Nest in Miami-Dade county. The two nestlings are doing quite well. R1 does a little of the bonking but R2 is eating very well. Both have had full crops. Personally, I am hoping that R3 does not hatch. These two are doing well and the third hatch – well, we all know that often it is a real challenge for them even with experienced parents.

R1 and R2 are simply ‘can’t take my eyes off them cute’. Adorable. Cuddly. Soft.

A little one peeking out from under Mum after their nice meal. They have been enjoying a variety of fish including Tilapia. Dad seems to always have several varieties on hand for feeding.

Harriet and M15’s E19 and E20 are continuing to do well, also. They are starting to get their pin feathers now that they are 8 and 7 days old. We can look forward to them being ‘itchy’ by the weekend, I would think. They grow so fast.

You can see the pinfeathers easier in the image below. They are just tiny black flecks right now but they are growing in.

Adorable.

Gabby has about a week more of incubation before her and Samson will be busy feeding the bobbleheads! Fingers crossed for both eggs to hatch up at The Hamlet near Jacksonville. I cannot wait. This is one of my favourite nests. Last year the couple fledged Legacy. As an only child on the nest, Gabby and Samson did everything they could to replace the lessons Legacy would learn from having siblings. At one point, when Legacy was so so tiny, they tested her to see if she would walk over to the fish out of the nest bowl. She did and she kept getting stronger and stronger. What a beautiful juvenile she was when we last saw her in the summer.

Mr President and The First Lady have been to visit their nest at the National Arboretum in Washington, DC. Since 2015, the pair have made this nest their home and during that time they have fledged 7 eaglets. Don’t expect eggs for a bit.

Here is the link to their camera.

This morning their nest had another visitor – a Red-tailed Hawk hoping to catch some breakfast.

Jack and Diane have been working on their Osprey nest on the grounds of the Achieva Credit Union in St Petersburg, Florida for awhile now. Jack brought Diane her first breakfast fish the other day and this morning she was waiting for another. Looking for eggs to be laid in a few weeks.

Last year Jack and Diane were one of a few couples, world-wide, that fledged three chicks. For a long time it was touch and go with Tiny Tot Tumbles but Diane started bringing in extra fish including her huge catfish and things turned around for that little one. She must have a secret place to go fishing because she always leaves and comes back with a large fish to feed everyone.

So far this nest has not had the problems with predators taking the eggs like Lena and Andy at Captiva. However, I am a little uneasy at times as the fish deliveries are inconsistent. I even thought that Jack was providing for another nest last year. So, fair warning – this nest can cause one to be anxious at times.

Here is the link to this Osprey camera:

Another good Osprey Nest to watch is up at Oyster Bay, NY, where there were three fledges last year, also. Here is that link and I will bring it and Achieva back up again – along with others – when eggs are about to hatch.

Sometimes it is nice when not much is happening in Bird World. We can sit back and relax and enjoy all of them without the drama. I have not seen nor have I had word that Daisy the Duck has returned to the White-Bellied Sea Eagle nest since she visited on 1 January with her mate. I surely hope that she finds another spot and tries it. Anything is better than the Sea Eagles nest! We want her to succeed. My contact has not sent me an image of her down in the water so let us all image her paddling in the duck pond!

Thank you for joining me today. Stay warm, stay safe! See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their streaming cams where I took my screen shots: SWFlorida Bald Eagle Nest and D Pritchett Family, NEFlorida Bald Eagle Cam and the AEF, the WRDC, The National Arboretum Bald Eagle Cam and the AEF, and the Achieva Credit Union.

Christmas Day in Bird World

It is a gorgeous Christmas morning over Big Bear Lake in San Bernadino County, California. This is the home of Bald Eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow. What a beautiful view as the sun rises to wake up the forest and the animals that live around the lake.

A little later the camera operator gives us a treat by panning around the area where Jackie and Shadow live.

Jackie and Shadow have been delivering some nice (some large) twigs to the nest. This wonderful couple live in the hope of hatching eaglets and we send them positive energy as we hope with them.

Harriet and M15 might be wishing for a little bit of the cooler northern Californian weather in Fort Myers. The couple began ‘listening’ to their eggs last evening. It is pip watch!

About four days before hatching, the eaglets will grow their egg tooth. Imagine it as a sharp spike facing outward towards the shell on the tip of the beak. The little ones will chip away at the shell. They will take their first breath and continue picking away until they have broken through and hatched. This whole process can take up to four days.

Last year Harriet and M15, fledged E17 and E18 – the twins that won all of our hearts from their first bobblehead days, to going into care for conjunctivitis, to their return. Beautiful fledglings. Best friends.

I am so glad that Samson and Gabby did not lay their eggs at the same time as Harriet and M15. This way we will get to enjoy having two nests of bobble heads independent of one another! Last year, Gabby and Samson had one hatch, Legacy. S/he turned out to be a beautiful and formidable juvenile.

Gabby is on incubation duties.

Anna and Louis are also incubating two eggs and have a wait similar to that of Samson and Gabby. Their nest is in the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. This is the couple’s second breeding attempt. Last year they fledged Kisatchie, the first eaglet hatched and fledged on this nest in central Louisiana since 2013. Wow. Cody and Steve have installed sound at the nest this year.

It was fun watching Anna and Louis last year figure out what to do as new parents. Louis is a fabulous provider. When he is not loading the nest down with fish, he is aiming to give Anna the softest Spanish Moss he can find for the egg cup! Just look at it.

Clive and Connie are incubating two eggs over at Captiva. They have had some terrible weather there lately and this image is from yesterday. The camera appears to be down this morning.

Clive is a new mate for Connie. Last year, Connie and Joe hatched two eaglets, Peace and Hope, who died on the nest from rodenticide poisoning.

One of the ospreys over wintering at Urdaibai in the Basque Country of Spain waking up to Christmas morning.

While many of the Ospreys are opting to stay on the Iberian Peninsula instead of making the long journey down to The Gambia or Senegal, there are still celebrations as the December count along the Senegal coast was 1100 birds this year. Jean-Marie Dupart did an amazing job going out and counting all of the beautiful fish eagles. Thank you!

German Osprey along the coast of Senegal.

Closer to home, Jack and Diane have been working on their nest. Some really nice strips of bark have been brought in. Last year, the pair fledged three for the first time: Sibling 1, Sibling 2, and the miracle bird who survived against all the odds and became dominant, Tiny Tot Tumbles.

Cilla Kinross is celebrating the third camera at Charles Sturt Falcon Project. There is a ledge and box camera and now one that shows the falcons flying around the outside of the water tower. Congratulations, Cilla.

Here is the link if you wish to check out the new tower cam:

Big Red and Arthur have been spotted out hunting so all is well with the Red-tail Hawks on the Cornell Campus. Hope to have images I can post for you shortly.

The countdown is on for all the hawk and osprey fans…three months til Big Red is incubating eggs and three months til the first arrivals of the Western Ospreys back in the UK. Oh, and the beautiful storks of Latvia and Estonia. May they all stay safe until then.

Wishing all of the birds who bring us such joy, extra prey items, good weather, and safe flying.

Thank you for joining me today. No matter what holiday you celebrate, I hope that you have a peaceful, joyful day, with something a little special. For those birds not with us today, we thank them for the happiness they gave to us – and as one of my readers ‘B’ so eloquently said, ‘and all they taught us.’ So true. Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their streaming cams where I took my screen shots: Friends of Big Bear, NEFlorida Eagle Cam and the AEF, SWFlorida Eagle Cam and D Pritchett Family, KNF Eagle Cam, Captiva Eagle Cam, Urdaibai Biosphere Osprey Cam, Charles Sturt University Falcon Cam and Cilla Kinross, and the Achieva Osprey Cam.

Note: Port Lincoln Osprey Cam is down or we would all get a look at those lads!