Bald Eagles – Page 2 – Mary Ann Steggles

Wensi gets a late night snack…Late, late Monday in Bird World

31 August 2026

Hello Everyone,

Thank you so much for your prayers, for keeping us in your thoughts and your love. As MicPark said in the comments, Toby and I will survive this. We will, but I do not know how I would have survived this time without him and ‘The Girls’. We have been through challenging times like all families, especially when our youngest son was killed in a road accident. I can do this! There are millions of families dealing with someone who has dementia or Alzheimer’s. It is a horrible, horrible disease that truly robs that person of their identity.

I am trying to focus on the positive and the fun things that we did. One of those was making a snack late at night – tonight, Toby and I made a little pizza in honour of all those thousands of pizzas over the years made at midnight. It was delicious and brought back such fond times. I saved half and will take it to the hospital tomorrow.

Did I tell you that we don’t use pizza dough anymore? We used to make it from scratch. I use flour tortilla shells. They make the best thin crust pizza – if that is what you like. We would take a large one and put it in an 8 or 9 inch cake pan. It curls the edges up so you can have a deep dish style if you want. Put on the sauce and toppings and bake for 13 minutes at 410 F. Easy for kids to make – young and old. Make sure you get good pizza cheese, at least 25 % MF.

As osprey season really winds down, the Bald Eagles are returning to our delight. I did jump up and down with joy when I saw Gabby – she looks in terrific shape. Ron and Rose, as reported on Monday, have returned and I am sure looking forward to see if anyone will take up residence in the West End nest in the Channel Islands.

Recently, the clubbing of gannets was outlawed (at least for this year) on one of the Scottish islands (reported in a former blog). Here is a hopeful article on these seabirds.

Gorgeous gannets!

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/31/country-diary-for-the-gannets-of-bass-rock-its-a-slow-road-to-recovery?CMP=share_btn_url

The Port Lincoln osprey barge. Wind and rain hitting Mum as she covers her precious eggs. It looks like the weather is keeping Dad from getting any fish to the nest. As I keep thinking and saying, fish fairies, get ready. If you’ve donated to the fish fund before, start saving those pennies so these babies have a chance of survival.

Nicer weather for 37 and 38 in Sydney.

37 ate first and then there was fish left for 38. Lady did a good job feeding both.

Look at that crop on Diamond! Incredible.

With four eggs, the 367 Collins Street falcons are into full incubation mode.

Wensi got a late night snack, too – 20:27!

It was a big fish. Still eating in the dark – more than an hour after the delivery. Wensi will sleep with a full crop.

Thank you so much for being such a supportive community. Please keep an eye on Wensi. It will not be long before they fly to their winter homes, and then we’ll anxiously await seeing who returns next year. Let us hope they’re all in good health.

I will see you again in a few days.

Thank you to The Guardian for the article on the Gannets and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us look at these incredible raptor families. What would we do without them?

SE38 gets topped up…late Monday in Bird World

31 August 2026

Hello Everyone,

It is windy, and you would think, by looking at the low dark clouds, that we were going to have a storm. It rained solidly last night – the proof I have is that there were puddles everywhere. Toby and I went to bed early and slept through it all, from 9-9. Yes, I was exhausted. On our walk this afternoon, we saw the first golden copper leaves scattered about the boulevard. Fall is really here and it is just the end of August. Temperatures remain in the mid-twenties despite the ‘autumn feel’.

I did not go to the hospital today. Last Christmas, I went every day and wore myself out. I said I would go every other day, making sure someone is there on my days off. Today, Ann was there to feed Don his lunch, and his oldest friend, Andrew, went up at 3. Despite eating his lunch, something is a ‘bit off’. He talked with his eyes closed and knew his friend, but he also went in and out of a very deep sleep. I know that in late stage Lewy Body Dementia, the person sleeps much of the time. Again, it is a day at a time. Thank you for your kind notes and all your good wishes.

Geemeff has arrived at their adventure destination safely. I hope they have a fantastic adventure!

SK Hideaways has sent their complete video listing, but I am adding one- SE38 finally gets a big meal. Lady persisted. Thank goodness. Everyone is worried, and many have stopped watching the nest because they fear 38 won’t make it. So here is this video by SK Hideaways: https://youtu.be/gjJ01khy2fA?

SK Hideaways Videos, Week of 23 August 2026

367 Collins Street Falcons ~ Melbourne ~ F24, M24 (maybe)
Courtesy Victorian Peregrine Project
South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY
North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

Mum Lays Egg #3 in a Hurry ~ Dad Works Out the Incubation Fit ~ 2026 Aug 28
Congrats to mum and dad on egg #3. The delivery seemed almost effortless for mum. But dad puzzled a bit to get himself on top of all 3 eggs. He got there in the end and has plenty of time to practice.
Video: https://youtu.be/INETWMjvFjo

Mum Delivers Egg #2 ~ The Pushes & Proof
367 Collins St. Falcons 🪽 Melbourne, Australia ~ 2026 Aug 25Mum laid egg 2 in just a few minutes in the evening, bringing this one in what seems quick succession to the first. Dad will be excited come morning.
Video: https://youtu.be/kRjyyXG3krA

Welcome Egg #1 ~ A Tidied Nest with Mom and Dad
367 Collins St. Falcons 🪽 Melbourne, Australia ~ 2026 Aug 25
As 367 Collins Street begins the 2026 season, we see mom and dad with egg #1, which apparently was laid yesterday (24 August). Let the gutter stomping countdown begin!
Video: https://youtu.be/1m7TM399Xc0

FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Shadow, Jackie (dec. 9 August 2026), Sandy, and Luna (last seen on camera 23 July 2023)
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/4wGjwVg

Shadow & Kaydee’s Rock-Star Quality Morning Duets ~ Introduced by Fiona ~ 2026 Aug 26
Shadow and Kaydee woke the valley in the wee hours of the morning with stunning duets before heading out from the roost tree for the day. They made a quick stop on the Lookout Snag along the way.
Video: https://youtu.be/YULMHzwlwJk
Shadow’s Stunning Close-Ups on Nest After Brief Meetup with Kaydee ~ 2026 Aug 25
Shadow and Kaydee gave us a great fly-by as they headed to the Lookout Snag for a brief chortle-snortle. They then spent the rest of the afternoon doing their own thing. Shadow gifted us with a long visit to the nest. FOBBVCAM double-gifted us with some stunning close-ups of gorgeous Shadow. Beyond grateful.
Video: https://youtu.be/doOEAyr4Jzo

Shadow OK with Stick Shuffling on Nest ~ Not Ready for Kaydee’s Beaky Kisses ~ 2026 Aug 23
Shadow and Kaydee met on the nest before dusk. Kaydee practiced branch management while Shadow mostly watched. He joined her for awhile, but when she extended beaky kisses, Shadow was not receptive. His hormones are not in a bonding phase, so his withdrawal from Kaydee is not surprising. I’m trying to leave it there (ignoring every human impulse to describe it otherwise). At evening’s end, Shadow and Kaydee once again roosted together in the Roost Tree.
Video: https://youtu.be/6BVc4os6MOU

Sydney WB Sea Eagles ~ Australia ~ Lady, Dad, SE37 (hatched 13 August), and SE38 (hatched 14 August)
Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html)
Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw4pdgy3-U0

Sydney WB Sea Eagles SE38 Struggles to Find Courage to Eat ~ Lady’s Encouragement Helps ~ 2026 Aug 26With SE37 firmly established as the alpha sea eaglet, SE38 has become fearful of any beaks coming their way, including a parent offering food. This video is a fascinating display of the behaviors resulting from the hierarchy of these eaglets. I am pleased to report that due to Lady’s persistence and gentle encouragement, SE38 ultimately got a good meal during this feeding. We watch and learn ~ always.
Video: https://youtu.be/ugAnJczXunw

Ron and Rose are at the WRDC nest! https://youtu.be/DVKsWi0sfRk?

Gabby and Beau working on theirs.

Wings of Whimsy has their sassy reunion on video! They were so glad to see one another. https://youtu.be/5f7b_pptSlo?si=ZfnPtvkNzanDZd6V

Wensi says her parents are still home so where are the fish?????

Blue 33 and Maya still home at Rutland.

C22 was at Roger’s Place but no sign of Charlie.

Juvenile still at Dyfi. When will Idris get to fish for himself?

Teifi is still delivering at Glaslyn! Beautiful fish. Elen was also seen today.

Juveniles still fish calling at Lyn Brenig.

And Louis is still fishing at Loch Arkaig!

Blue 6T9 got the prize at Poole Harbour…fish still being delivered.

The garden is just bursting with birds wanting seed and water!

Hugo Yugo watching the crows.

Beautiful Hope.

The three baby Crows this year.

Thanks so much for being with us today! Please take care. I won’t promise to send out a blog on Tuesday as I intend to spend most of my time at the hospital but definitely Wednesday.

Thank you, SK Hideaways, for the great video list! Thank you to Wings of Whimsy, everyone who posted on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams where I peeked at our juvenile ospreys and eagles. We are so very grateful to all of you.

Gabby is home…Late Saturday in Bird World

29 August 2026

Hello Everyone,

Thank you so much for your prayers, your notes, e-mails, and comments. I really appreciate them. Don is very, very ill. At the moment, he has multiple infections, and he is not responding. He remains in a state of delirium, the same as he was Thursday morning when he went into the hospital. He has the best of care and there is someone with him 24/7 and the doctor has asked me to take a day off and take care of myself. I have done everything I possibly can and now we wait. Ann is going to be with him today and she will let me know if he is improving or if I need to grab Toby and get to the hospital fast. Otherwise, I am going to try and recharge my depleted batteries a bit.

The good news (and then the bad) is that Don responded to the antibiotics and had a good visit with Ann. He was ‘bright eyed and bushy tailed’ as my mother would have said. He also had a good visit with his brother. And then – he fell. They are supposed to have someone with him 24/7. That did not happen. He injured his upper right arm, his right ribs, and hit his head on a concrete floor. He knew me and he knew Toby when we got to the hospital but it is clear he is not the same as he had been a few hours earlier. I don’t get ‘worked up’ easily but when I do – watch out. All I can say is that he is monitored at home and has never fallen. When he wandered, he only made it to the neighbour’s house and then we had that fixed so he could be in the garden but not beyond it and sometimes only in the house. So when someone tells me that they are concerned for his safety at home and he needs 24/7 care, is this the best they can do?—–Thank you for letting me vent!

Before the fall, Ann took it. I even talked to him on the phone and it was all good:

The big news for the day in Bird World is that Gabby has returned safely to the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest she shares with Beau (who has already arrived).

Here’s the video clip of her arrival: https://youtu.be/OEEfSyJqF9E?

I want to thank Geemeff for their wonderful summaries and videos from Loch Arkaig all season. You will see that they are off on their own adventure – migrating away from the UK to enjoy some other climates. Bon Voyage, Geemeff! Likes the ospreys – travel safe, eat well, and come back safely!!!!!

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 29th August 2026

A peaceful calm day with just a little harassment by the Hoodies, but Juniper managed to keep both of Louis’ two deliveries safe from them. The second fish was the season’s first mackerel, polished off by Juniper in under twenty minutes, which took the Nest Two tally to four hundred and seventy three. Will Juniper stick around long enough for the tally to reach five hundred? As always, it’s wait and see but the days are drawing in and warmer climes will start beckoning. The weather was mild and settled but that’s set to change to persistent cloud cover and periodic spells of rain overnight with a low of 12°C, and cool and wet tomorrow with a high of just 16°C.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/LrXqneSVATs N2 Fish number two is the season’s first mackerel 17.58.23

https://youtu.be/FcE6JU5rI1o N2 As the sun sets, Juniper departs for the night 20.38.21

I’m off on an adventure of my own tomorrow, so I’ll take this opportunity to give my best wishes to everyone until we meet again for Season Eleven, and wish our feathered family fair winds and plenty of fish on their journey south.

Maya and Blue 33 were still enjoying one another’s company at Rutland’s Manton Bay nest after the kids had flown the coop yesterday. I love how they enjoy spending time together. I have only seen Blue 33 today.

Latest report from Usk Valley in Wales – ospreys still hitting the nest.

https://www.uskvalleyospreys.org/news/ly3vjkqkkb7swddcq5ox2yeb3ns595?fbclid=IwY2xjawUAR5dwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWdwVmJ5cDRIejJsOHZ6RmpzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeKtlJiSP_Slj7Boa4XWe4886bI2w41CHwIdprcC-B3rqYneT4iJxECLSd-lg_aem_osTeor_yXKRv7iM2KATZpw

Hungry juveniles from elsewhere stealing fish of a nest in Tweed Valley – this is happening everywhere.

Rose Shields gives us the latest on the Border Ospreys – with a surprise twist.

ADDENDUM/ERRATUM

Shadow almost gave everyone a heart attack. Where was he?

https://youtu.be/dCAow_Hsih4?

Some gorgeous images of Wensi – thank you cam operator, again.

Thank you for being with us today. It is a gorgeous evening and Toby and I are off for a walk. He was fantastic at the hospital and proved how good he is at being a therapy dog to everyone who wanted to sit and pat him for awhile.

Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to Geemeff, to the AEF, to everyone who created videos, to Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Information, to those who write newsletters, and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us see these amazing birds. We are grateful.

Branching at Glacier Gardens…Friday in Bird World

28 August 2026

Good Morning,

With all the ospreys migrating and eggs being laid in the Southern Hemisphere – along with those little white balls of goodness at the WBSE nest in the Olympic Park in Sydney, there isn’t a lot of news.

That said, it is easy to forget that there are eaglets still in the nest, and Patience – Glacier Gardens 10 (GG10) branched this morning! She is 86 days old, and her sibling, Compassion, is 84 days old. Dad Prosperity brought in a fish to celebrate the milestone in his eldest eaglet’s life. [Note: The average age for Bald Eagles to fledge in the far north is longer than it is in the southern parts of the US].

It is a beautiful morning. The birds have been fed, and we are awaiting our monthly subscription, which I presume will arrive on Monday. They have eaten more than anticipated, which is going to make me reexamine what type of seed to use and how much to put out! It is one thing to get peanuts, and it is another to have the squirrels cache them despite having food year-round!!!! We had lots of peanut plants in the garden this year.

The Ojai Raptor Centre posted on FB that they are still waiting for test results and will combine them with necropsy results, etc., and issue a final statement once all the dots can be connected. That way we will have a clear indication (we hope) of what caused Jackie to be so ill during those days, weeks, or months.

At the Peregrine Falcon scrape at Great Spirit Bluff, Elaine and Newmann are pair bonding. Don’t forget to watch that fabulous couple at 367 Collins Street – how many eggs will be laid this year? four? And then there is Diamond and Gimbir – but, as always, I miss Annie. Thankfully, we have Monty and Hartley who seem to have the most characterful little eyases at San Jose City Hall!

SK Hideaways catches the laying of egg 3 at Collins Street: https://youtu.be/INETWMjvFjo?s

News from The Osprey House Environment Centre – where one seemingly healthy chick with a nice ‘ps’ remains for George and Hope:

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 27th August 2026
Today was all about fish! While Steve Quinn and WTS George were presenting the very interesting webinar on fishy stats and forest restoration this evening, super fisherbird Louis was still delivering fish and equalling his all-time record by bringing nine fish in one day. That record had stood since 18th June 2020, the year when there were three chicks and an adult female to feed. This time there’s only one chick, Juniper 8P7, to feed, plus a couple of cheeky Hoodies who sneak in and steal fish whenever they can. Louis’ hard work means the Nest Two tally takes a massive jump to four hundred and seventy. The day ended with a visit from a Barn Owl to Nest One. The weather was settled today and should remain so overnight with a low of 13°C but changing to drizzle by morning then generally cloudy and cool for the rest of the day with a high of 18°C.
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/PDk0fe7j1WA N2 Two fish in under ten minutes but Juniper nips Louis! 06.03.10; 06.12.56https://youtu.be/9G213H8liYI N2 Another fish, another nip when Louis brings number three 06.44.11https://youtu.be/naLGFy9qp2s N2 Hoodies steal fish as Juniper departs with fish three 07.07.42https://youtu.be/f5F_6aGoCOY N2 Louis brings fish four and doesn’t get nipped! 07.44.49https://youtu.be/IrKzeQrhQew N2 Juniper flies with a fish in each foot 08.15.18 (zoom)https://youtu.be/5d9SiX1s90A N2 Dedicated dad brings a fifth fish for his chick 11.23.14https://youtu.be/GxH_iG_oD5w N2 Juniper uses fish six as a pillow 12.36.23https://youtu.be/4EJeTjlPNs8 N2 Fish seven arrives before Juniper has finished fish six 17.38.27https://youtu.be/2fdYDARzjcE N2 Juniper returns with fish seven to get fish eight from Louis 20.27.28https://youtu.be/-_UzPpLHMx4 N2 Super fisherbird Louis brings record-equalling fish nine! 20.43.54 https://youtu.be/BFXxBb_S1F0 N1 A Barn Owl (Strix aluco) pays a visit 22.51.44

Louis is incredible. Amber hasn’t been seen in a while, and we hope she and Dorcha are well. Juniper is certainly reaping the benefits of being the only osplet at home.

It is nearing the end of the season at Loch Arkaig and I want to thank Geemeff for always sharing her report with us. She is off on an adventure for a bit.

Over 80% decline in ospreys in Stockton, NJ:

https://stockton.edu/news/2026/nest-cams-help-stockton-study-declining-osprey-nest-productivity.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawT-eT5wZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAGJyaWQRMWdwVmJ5cDRIejJsOHZ6RmpzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe3AIwJNfU683_ysAM0ebylkGf2d5p3YVlLr73pCpqYDrHElBywdVxsYl-1SY_aem_5YpA7s1aVaqp2vu4zUWSVg

In Manitoba we still have ospreys at the nest and eagles and reports are coming in from Nova Scotia about successful nests. That is wonderful. Once I get some compilation of that I will share it with you.

Wensi fish calling this morning:

I’ll also be away for a few days. Don had a rapid decline yesterday and has gone into the hospital. I am going to use this time to recharge my batteries. I will be back with you next week. In the meantime, please do take care of yourself. Remember to put out water for migrating birds and turn off your lights. If you can, put out food. The birds need it! We’ve destroyed much of their habitat.

Thank you to Geemeff, all the owners of streaming cams, and the individuals who post information and images on FB. Otherwise, we might not always know what is happening to our dear raptor families.

Did I tell you how much I adore Wensi? …Late Thursday in Bird World

27 August 2026

Greetings Everyone,

Update: Second egg at Port Lincoln today

Wednesday was a lovely day. Don and Ann spent time around our duck pond, full of ducks, geese, and people having a good time. It was all topped off with an ice cream dipped in chocolate sauce. We ended the day sitting outside and taking a late walk with Toby. The leaves are definitely changing – the golden touch of the setting sun really highlights the changes every evening. The temperatures are still those of summer – 25 C. The farmer’s markets are full of fresh corn, local honey, blueberries, cherries, and peaches. It is one of my favourite times of the year! Tomorrow I am going to try and make charred corn and black bean nachos. There is a wonderful recipe in The Guardian this evening. Looks easy and delicious.

Thank you to the staff of The Guardian~!

Tomorrow, Miyoung arrives to cut our hair. Toby is in dire need, too, but I think I am going to leave him with his great feathering and his grinch feet. He loves his baths, and we cut out any mats that he gets, especially the burrs that he gets tangled in when he goes to the back of the property. He is so good at sitting and letting me clean the fur off the bottom of his pads and any mats—and he loves the massage with shampoo!!!!!!!!! What a joy he is to care for, especially since he doesn’t like going to the groomers so much. (We get his nails trimmed and his bottom tidied at the vet surgery).

I might just make this, take the laptop outside, and watch Wensi. The camera operators gave us some amazing images on Wednesday as Wensi got a fish delivery. Don’t ask me if it was Clarke or Iris – it was quick. No one wants their leg taken off by a ravished fledgling!

Iris and Clarke continue to provide fish for Wensi. This is surely one of the healthiest ospreys in the US this season. I would give anything if Wensi had a Darvic ring so we could hear about her in the future.

‘PB’ sent me a note saying M15 had returned to the SW Florida Bald Eagle nest in Fort Myers, ending his summer vacation. Will the female that he has been seen with join him?

At Big Bear, Shadow was caught on camera calling out to Kaydee, who responded. SK Hideaways has them and their morning duet – have a listen! https://youtu.be/YULMHzwlwJk?

Lizmn catches up with Milda, the White-tailed Eagle of Durbe County, Latvia, delivering fish but no fledglings there to grab it! https://youtu.be/p3omLB2V54M?

Wings of Whimsy catches up with Beau at the NE Florida nest. https://youtu.be/8r-bAtjmhSc?

Beau is working on those restorations before Gabby gets home!

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 26th August 2026
It’s clear Season Ten is winding down – the Hoodies are very bold, there’s only one chick and Louis still around, and night cam is switching over earlier each night. Louis brought one fish today, a flatfish, and Juniper managed to finish it despite harassment by a Hoodie. The Nest Two tally now stands at four hundred and sixty one, including five brought by Dorcha. The weather was settled today, cloudy and achieving a high of about 20°C, and should continue cloudy overnight with a low of 13°C, and sunny intervals tomorrow with a high of 22°C.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/lI-AjKSwRCU N2 Louis brings a fish but Juniper is harassed by a Hoodie 13.40.15https://youtu.be/9FxU2CVHtx4

N2 Juniper waits quietly as the sun sets 20.31.18

Bonus webinar – tomorrow night at 7pm( 19:00 GM|T+1) Steve and George will be discussing the 2025 season and the current restoration works in Arkaig forest:https://woodlandtrust-org-uk.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_78gnztVZT_q7mHQG4JBNZw#/registration

I will be listening to the webinar tomorrow (1300 Winnipeg time).

Its almost Open House at our local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, Wildlife Haven. They have now taken in twice as many patients in the first half of the year than they did all of last year!

Check out your local rescues and see if they have an Open House – and remember, save those clean, well-used towels and sheets. They can use them! Clearing out a house of a loved one? Don’t just chuck everything in the bin. Rescue centres need storage bins, woodworking tools, stainless steel dishes, laundry detergent, bleach – you name it – including toys for enrichment.

We are hoping to attend. We haven’t missed an Open House in years.

Get the tissues out. ‘PB’ sent me a link to a tribute to Jackie that I think you will enjoy: https://youtu.be/S7KAIlAcHLk?

There are still ospreys at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

SE38 is sometimes shy about eating. We are all cheering that little one on – and Lady is helping. SK Hideaways captures Lady’s tender encouragement on video: https://youtu.be/ugAnJczXunw?

Now how many eggs do we have at Port Lincoln? Are there two? We are waiting. Bart says between 72-78 hours. As I am watching it is now 76.6 hours since egg 1 so any time!

For those worried that Mum isn’t incubating the eggs all day, this is delayed incubation. It helps get the chicks to hatch closer together. Some of the UK osprey females have made an ‘art’ of delayed incubation, hatching three chicks on the same day – sometimes within a few hours. It really does help with all of the bonking, and oh, do our ospreys love to bonk one another for dominance and fish.

She laid her second egg this morning.

Good news from the Ventana Wildlife:

Christopher has fledged at Tweed Valley this morning.

Some more good news coming out of Wales:

Thank you so much! We love having you with us. It is a gorgeous day for haircuts and then a trip to the country. Toby says it is a great day for ice cream cones! Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to all the contributors – SK Hideaways, Geemeff, all those who post on FB, including the UK Osprey Information group! Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams for letting us see the lives of these amazing birds, and to ‘PB ‘, who is very busy but always sends me news. Thank you. Also a big shout out to the Guardian food contributors for that great recipe – try it! And check out their page on the newspaper site along with their environmental news.

Late Wednesday in Bird World

26 August 2026

Hello Everyone,

Oh, it is a gorgeous autumn day on the Canadian prairies. Technically, it is still summer, but it feels like fall. We have had our walk and Don has gone with Ann to get a blood collection (he also has hemachromatosis) and a walk in the park. Toby and I cleaned up the laundry room, cleaned the bird baths, and made sure the birdfood was filled. There are so many! Last night we were shocked when, after sitting on the deck for at least half an hour, a hawk flew out of the huge prairie rose bushes! He had been sitting hoping for some dinner. I think we ruined those plans when Toby when down the steps.

This is the time in Bird World when we have a bit of a lull. The newest babies are the little sea eaglets at the Olympic Park nest in Sydney. Iris, Clarke, and Wensi are still at Hellgate Canyon. Blue 33 is the only osprey at Manton Bay, I believe. C22 and Charlie were fishing at Roger’s Place. Beau waits for Gabby’s arrival.

She is a beauty just like her great-grandmother, Maya, mate to Blue 33 at the Manton Bay nest at Rutland.

Even Geemeff’s reports for the Woodland Trust are getting shorter and shorter as the ospreys disperse.

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 25th August 2026

The RAF sent five aircraft flying down the loch, they were nearly as noisy as Juniper, whose voice seems to get more strident by the day. That will stand her in good stead when she has her own nest, for fish calling and warning intruders away from her chicks. Louis brought her two fish today, taking the Nest Two tally to four hundred and sixty, and she managed to protect both of them from the marauding Hoodies, one of whom was bold enough to nip her tail feathers. The weather was mostly dry and settled today with sunny spells and it should be dry and calm overnight with a low of 13°C continuing bright and clear tomorrow with a high of 22°C.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/3933v0YY0bE N2 Is it the visiting Buzzard who scares Juniper off the nest? 07.49.46https://youtu.be/pYQppLmQNu8 N2 Louis brings the first fish but Hoodies are around 09.34.30https://youtu.be/xXeH1Biuleg N2 Cheeky Hoodie nips Juniper’s tail feathers as she finishes fish two 12.52.44

How do the birds survive the tropical storms and hurricanes? Audubon Florida gives us some insight. (Click on link at bottom)

Surviving the Storm: Tropical Storm Impacts on Coastal Birds | Audubon Download

Migration is in full swing in some parts of the world. Hawk Mountain gives us the report for the flyway over PA in the US for the week of 25 August.

The map over North American thanks to Sunnie Day.

Scotland’s licensing is harming the raptors.

‘Not fit for purpose: Scotland’s bird control licensing system is failing wildlife’ says RSPB – Rapt Download

All is well with the two eaglets at the Glacier Gardens Bald Eagle nest! Look at how beautiful they are!

SK Hideaways captures some great images of Shadow! https://youtu.be/doOEAyr4Jzo?

Second egg at 367 Collins Street as we await the arrival of the first egg at Orange. SK Hideaways has it: https://youtu.be/kRjyyXG3krA?

Osprey babies are being rescued worldwide as they struggle to find food and stay healthy.

#2 at Boulder County is a beauty and she is heading south. Great image, Holly!

Hope and George are not getting any breaks this year. Now dangerous fishing gear – . Needs to be removed from that nest!

I love this tribute to the Usk Valley male osprey in Wales.

Thanks so much for being with us today. It is ‘Dog Day’ and I cannot tell you how much I adore my Toby. He came as a tiny little puppy and has grown and grown. He is the light of my life and the beat of my heart.

With his much loved and chewed Lamb Chop!

Take care all. See you soon.

Thank you to Geemeff and SK Hideaways for their summaries and videos, to those who posted information on FB with or without images, to Raptor Persecution UK, and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us watch these amazing birds.

Late Monday in Bird World

24 August 2026

Hello Everyone,

We had a wonderful day. That said, it looks as if it will end with strong winds and a thunderstorm. I really hope we get some rain!

I want to send of SK Hideaways videos for the previous week – all here in one location. Thank you, SK!

SK Hideaways Videos, Week of 16 August 2026

FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Shadow, Jackie (dec. 9 August 2026), Sandy, and Luna (last seen on camera 23 July 2023)
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/4wGjwVg

Shadow & Kaydee Awake Together on Roost Tree ~ Plan Day from Lookout Snag ~ 2026 Aug 22
Shadow and Kaydee overnighted on the Roost Tree, awaking with good-morning chortle-snortles and another stunning Big Bear sunrise. They perched on the Lookout Snag before heading out for the day. Included is our favorite capture of Shadow, Jackie, Sunny, and Gizmo on the Lookout Snag in June 2025 ~ forever in our hearts and mind.
Video: https://youtu.be/JTkgmXeUKlE

Shadow’s Afternoon Visit ~Kaydee Visits Nest ~ Roosts Alone ~ 2026 Aug 20
After waking on the Roost Tree with Kaydee, we saw Shadow for a couple hours in the afternoon on Twin Pines. But Kaydee was busy exploring and visited the nest tree for about 20 minutes, striking a stunning horaltic pose, before retiring to the Roost Tree. Tonight it was just Kaydee, as Shadow chose to roost elsewhere. We watch, learn, and trust the eagles.
Video: https://youtu.be/iEVdyFO8q5A

Shadow & KD-1 Keep Each Other Company, Morning and Night ~ 2026 Aug 18
Shadow and KD-1 began the day with several duets ~ seems KD-1 is learning to chortle. They came together in the afternoon, perching on Twin Pines for hours before, perhaps, a trip to the fish café. Shadow returned after dinner and remained until roost time, where he and KD-1 met again on the roost tree. KD-1 made a quick trip to the nest before returning to roost overnight.
All the while, Jackie is in our hearts and minds, as she always will be.
Video: https://youtu.be/dRcazZ1Jk3k

Fraser Point Eagles ~ Santa Cruz Island, CA ~ Cruz, Andor, Sasha (hatched 3/28), Zuma (hatched 3/30), Ryder (hatched 4/1)
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s

Cruz & Andor Home to Roost at Last ~ Kids Off to College ~ 2026 Aug 15-16
After weeks of watching an empty nest, straining our ears to hear the odd juvenile squee or adult chortle, fans themselves squee’d to see Andor and then Cruz arrive at the nest to roost overnight. It was much-needed joy after a difficult week of loss with the passing of beloved eagle Jackie from Big Bear. Hope seeing Cruz and Andor brings some comfort to all who need it.
Video: https://youtu.be/HhW2J1Vs–c

Sydney WB Sea Eagles ~ Australia ~ Lady, Dad, SE37 (hatched 13 August), and SE38 (hatched 14 August)
Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html)
Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw4pdgy3-U0

SE38 Uses SE37’s Food Coma to Get Private Feeding ~ 2026 Aug 20With SE37 firmly established as the alpha eaglet, SE38 is taking their position as beta eaglet very seriously and doing a great job. When SE37 fell into a food coma, SE38 inched their way up the nest, where Lady was nibbling on a nice, big fish, and got a private feeding. SE37 awoke after the feeding was done, but still gave SE38 a bop on general principle. SE38 shook it off and the two of them cuddled up to nap.
Video: https://youtu.be/YJUtWpuscss

SE37 & SE38 Cuteness Overload ~ But Pecking Order is Set ~ 2026 Aug 16Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles ~ Australia ~ Lady, Dad, SE37 (hatched 13 August), SE38 (hatched 14 August)
While we enjoy the fluffy cuteness that SE37 and SE38 bring, we also see that, at 3 days old, SE37 has established their dominance. This is expected and not malicious. SE38 will learn to avoid eye contact with SE37, become resilient, and show clever resourcefulness in getting plenty to eat.
Video: https://youtu.be/x-hHNirjBWA

The rarest of the raptors in the UK, the Montagu’s Harrier, has bred successfully for the second year in succession.

Montagu’s Harrier, UK’s rarest breeding raptor, nests successfully in England for second year in a r Download

What a stunning image!

“Montagu’s Harrier, juvenile, Bangalore, India” by Cks3976is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Check this out from the BBC: https://bbc.com/news/articles/c7vgvvyr78eo

The RSPB gives lots of information on this rarest of the rare raptors that makes its nest on the ground, just like the Hen Harriers that are so persecuted.

Montagu’s Harrier Bird Facts | Circus Pygargus Download

I hope that you have had a wonderful start to your week. We will see you again soon, we hope.

Thank you to SK Hideaways, OpenVerse, the BBC, and the RSPB for today’s information included in this blog!

Good Morning Melbourne…Early Monday in Bird World

24 August 2026

Good Morning Everyone,

The first egg has been laid at 367 Collins Street in Melbourne. The cameras are now live!

Here’s the link to the camera: https://www.youtube.com/live/oibsohQ14cY?si=e0sKmsNnKzIj5jJY

We have the first egg at Port Lincoln yesterday!

The sea eaglets are doing well after the scare with the fish hook at the Olympic Park WBSE nest in Sydney.

We are waiting for Gimbir and Diamond.

Beautiful Diamond.

Opreys are trying to fatten up in the Northern Hemisphere to make their migration to their winter homes. Storks are on the move as well as all the other raptors and songbirds.

Shadow and Kaydee are becoming more familiar. It’s stick-moving time, captured by SK Hideaways. https://youtu.be/6BVc4os6MOU?

That is just a morning glimpse of what is happening in Bird World. SW Florida should be seeing its first egg and hatch by Christmas! Wonder what will happen at Big Bear? And when will Gabby arrive? And then we have the Channel Islands!

Take care everyone. See you soon.

Thank you to all the owners of the streaming cams and to SK Hideaways for their videos. Check out the others by SK Hideaways – there are some beautiful chortels between Shadow and Kaydee.

Late Friday in Bird World

21 August 2026

Oh, my goodness. Summer is flying by. We had such a gorgeous day. I don’t want them to end!

We are joining our daughter and family at a beach cottage to take Toby to the dog beach and go swimming. Don is going to love it. He loves the sand and the water – let’s hope the weather is good.

Toby met Ann’s new tiny, tiny dog, Daisy, today. Those two played with Lucy in the garden. Like three old friends. It was a wonderful afternoon away from the house but not being a public place like the zoo – which is full of children attending camp right now.

As for me, I was searching high and low for something interesting to eat. Do you ever just get sick of eating? Things don’t taste good? Takeaway or delivery is often a mix of disgusting food, small portions, cold portions, and service fees, plus taxes and tips. Seriously, two burgers can wind up costing $62. Sorry. We have decided not to do that, so I’m looking for meals prepared locally, like The Greek Market. So Greek it is tonight!

This will be the shortest posting of the week, probably. I left at noon worried about Clark because he had not been seen delivering fish to Wensi. Instead, Iris was taking on this role.

So who delivered this fish first thing this morning? It sure looks like Clark. Am I bonkers?

Wensi came and went from the nest hoping for more fish. at one point he must have seen an adult.

I cannot tell you if this is little 4 at Blackbush or not but whoever it was kept seeing ospreys flying (you could see their shadows) and they were ever hopeful for a delivery.

Please continue to send prayers to those small islands and the Midway Atoll so that Hurricane Lala will pass and head off north.

I have missed commenting on Collin Marsh in Wisconsin. They had three fledglings originally. I cannot tell you if this is the same fledgling or not but it appears healthy. I am very pleased. The Marsh has been drained and the adults would have been fishing the local rivers and inlets.

Eating a nice fish!

Sharon Leigh Miles and friends have put together a family chart for Iris:

We need some really good news and if this doesn’t fit, I don’t know what does. No longer the fire threat to the Big Sur condors and – a condor returning to Big Sur after 21 years? All I can say is, wow. Thanks, Kelly, for your letter.

August 21, 2026

‘R’ sends us news of Avian Flu in New Zealand.

https://www.npr.org/2026/08/18/nx-s1-5929107/the-threat-the-h5n1-avian-flu-poses-to-australia-and-new-zealands-unique-wildlife

That is good news to close on. Take care everyone. Send good wishes to all our ospreys as they struggle to get fit for migration!

I will see you again – on Sunday. I am going to take a day off. I really am! I urge all of you to turn off the screens and step back for a few days and just enjoy the end of summer.

My faithful companion who really brings so much joy to my life I cannot even find the words. He loves having a bath – Toby is truly a ‘Spaniel’.

Thank you to everyone who contributed information that I have included in this blog. To R and Kelly Sorenson for their news on Avian Flu (R) and the good news at Big Sur. To everyone who posted on FB, and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us watch the birds.

Little 4 gets some fish at Blackbush…Late Wednesday in Bird World

19 August 2026

Hello Everyone,

We woke up to a cool morning. It was 10 C. The young man who clears my snow wrote to find out when I wanted him to start. I giggled. I guess when it snows – please, let’s not think about that now!!!!!!!

Little Four is much loved at the Blackbush Beach nest in Prince Edward Island. It is peculiar that he spends so much time on the nest. No fish yesterday but a small headless fish arrived at 0840 this morning. I have not had a chance to check for further deliveries. Some worry that Little Four won’t learn to fish. Remember. Ospreys do not learn to fish. 61 million years of adaptation and they know how to fish – no one has to teach Little Four. Most juveniles do not catch their first fish til they leave the nest on migration. This is why it is so important that the parents feed them up and fatten those bodies because fishing is not easy!

There will be skirmishes at times.

I thought I had a video of Ervie fighting with his siblings, but instead, the only one I have now is Ervie catching a puff. For those who don’t know, Ervie was the third hatch of 2021/22. He learned to fish by catching pufferfish!

We love you, Ervie. Now we wish he would get a mate!

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 18th August 2026

None of the adults were positively ID’d today, but an Osprey was seen eating fish near Nest One this afternoon, and a chick was seen eating fish on Nest Two around the same time. A chick was observed on and near the nest this morning but whether the same chick or her sister could not be determined. The Nest One fish tally remains at two hundred and one, and the Nest Two tally rises to an estimated four hundred and thirty nine. George WTS informed us a part for Nest Cam Two has arrived and someone should be making a site visit tomorrow to fit it. Fingers crossed that will get the cam back on line, but grateful thanks meantime to LizB for her off-cam reports. After a wet night it stayed damp with light to heavy rain and overcast conditions throughout the day, and a high of only

14°C. The rain will continue overnight with a low of 12°C, changing to thundery showers and light winds tomorrow – which might not be the best conditions for a site visit! – and a high of 16°C.

Bonus photos – Aurora 536 was sighted in Poole Harbour 18th August 2025 by Mark Wright:

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

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

=========================================================

Some have worried about Shadow being lonely. Shadow had his chortles answered this morning by KD1, and they have been spending quite a bit of time together. I do not think we need to worry about Shadow. SK Hideaways has the pair on video: https://youtu.be/dRcazZ1Jk3k?

I am so happy for Shadow.

I really hope that Gabby will be returning soon – it is normally in September. Beau is already back at the NE Florida nest awaiting his much loved mate.

At Hellgate Canyon, fish is being delivered elsewhere, it appears. No one slept at the nest. Wensi shows up fish calling once in awhile.

Those last glimpses of this family will be very precious because we do not know when we will last see each one. No crystal ball. But in our hearts, we wish them and all the other ospreys safe journeys and a return next spring.

Please do check out the little sea eaglets. They will grow very fast!

The only surviving osplet at the Chesapeake Conservancy has a name!

The third hatch died from siblicide at the Osprey House Environmental Centre in Australia. I now have serious concerns for the middle chick, chick 2.

Blue NC0 is establishing herself at the Alyth nest for next season and her new mate, Clyde, is in for a learning session. Blue NC0 is one of the best fishers I know!

It is time for us to go to the Farmer’s Market – every day there is at least one outing with me and if Ann is here, the lads get more than one. Doing new things, doing familiar things, being around people, being around animals – it is all good!

Grumpy. Not another photo!

Take care, everyone. Ospreys are winding down their season and I still have so much data to file. I will be back with you later this week when I get a chance to catch up on the work part of why I am watching these amazing birds – their mortality or should I say their life?!

Thank you to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their great videos and summaries, to the people who post on FB including our Heidi, and to the owners of the streaming cams, I am so ever grateful to you for allowing us to watch these raptors. They enrich our lives.

Tag Archives: Bald Eagles

Wensi gets a late night snack…Late, late Monday in Bird World

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SE38 gets topped up…late Monday in Bird World

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Gabby is home…Late Saturday in Bird World

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Branching at Glacier Gardens…Friday in Bird World

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Did I tell you how much I adore Wensi? …Late Thursday in Bird World

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Late Wednesday in Bird World

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Late Monday in Bird World

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Good Morning Melbourne…Early Monday in Bird World

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Late Friday in Bird World

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Little 4 gets some fish at Blackbush…Late Wednesday in Bird World

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