Waiting for Blue 33 and Maya…Sunday in Bird World

22 March 2026

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope this finds each of you well and that you got outside, enjoyed the fresh air, and heard some birdsong! The Bald Eagles are gathering in areas north of me in Manitoba. It is another reminder that spring is just around the corner!

Last year Ping Shen shared his incredible photographs of a Seattle osprey family, Harry and Sally. The couple had three osplets. Sadly, one died, but two flourished. It was a real treat. Thank you, Ping! We are looking forward to Harry and Sally’s 2026 breeding season and all your images and stories.

Ping’s article is inspirational for me, and I think that it will touch each of you. We have all sought refuge in the lives of the raptors for various reasons. We need to cherish our wildlife, recognising how much our ‘souls’ are sustained by nature and how much we have in common.

“With noise and sooty exhaust constant backdrops, with a nest built on top of a 1.5 million-gallon storage tank for sewage runoff, these osprey — Harry and Sally, as I came to call them — engaged and persisted in the fraught, delicate dance of raising young. Engaged in my own delicate dance of raising my own young, I found some of the parallels quite humorous — more than once I would return home after watching the young birds demand food, maws agape, and see my own 4-year-old daughter open her mouth in silent command upon seeing me eat something interesting. Beyond humor lay the fortifying recognition of just how much we — human and bird — shared as parents. That parenting is perhaps the most hopeful act of all, that amid and against calamity and tall odds we dance, nurturing and sending forth a little bit of ourselves into an unknown future. A care package of love and hope tucked under a wing is all we leave them.”

‘LE’ sends us news that the first eaglet was born at the Fort Worth Zoo in 117 years! And no, it is not a Bald Eagle but an African Fish eagle! Here is the information:

I am so glad that the NZ DOC and the Kakapo Recovery are keeping us up to date on the 2026 breeding season. These remarkable flightgless green parrots breed only once every four years and 2026 is their year!

Mrs O is at the Tweed Valley nest waiting for a mate. Last year began in a remarkable way and ended in tragedy when two females share the same nest. Once the osplets hatched, the females could not sort out who would provide fish, if they would share duties or what – the male was simply not fit for purpose – and the cute little osplets starved to death.

What a very sad situation.

We are waiting for the first egg for Big Red and Arthur. Poor thing. She now lives in a construction zone.

Heidi writes that the second chick has hatched at the Venice Beach and Golf course osprey platform.

Both ospreys are at the Newport Bay Osprey platform. Here is the link to their camera: https://www.youtube.com/live/yIA5FVKQCIk?

Owls bothered Beau and Gabby’s Kia and Eve Friday night with Eve getting hit.

The triplets at Moorings Park osprey platform are well fed – with beautiful fat little bottoms.

Waiting for White YW and Blue 35. They have raised some incredible chicks at Foulshaw Moss in Cumbria.

The cameras are getting better and better. Thanks, Jeff!

Elen is still waiting at Glaslyn.

A great video of Kai and Eve at the nest of Gabby and Beau in Palm Court, Florida – before the kids depart. It has been a wonderful season for this family! Beau proved all the naysayers wrong and is a good strong mate for Gabby just like she knew. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/CeUxQWwidwY?

There is still time for Maya or Blue 33 to arrive today at Rutland. Birds are arriving.

I would also like to draw your attention to the manner in which the side rails of this nest have been secured. To my knowledge, much of the osprey platforms in the UK are checked, secured, and refurbished before the arrival of the ospreys in the UK. I love what they do at Glaslyn. Why couldn’t someone care this much about the ospreys in the US – such as the nest at Achieva in St Petersburg? How would the owners of that streaming cam like ‘their kids’ to slide through a hole and die? Oh, don’t get me started.

Gentle snow is coming down this morning. The Starlings are waiting for me to put out their kibble while a lone Blue Jay was glad to have the peanuts to itself. Mr Crow is not patiently waiting to get Toby’s leftover meat.

Take care everyone. Check out the wonder that is nature around you, just like Ping Shen you might discover a bird family that you can watch from egg to fledge! I will see you again soon.

Thank you to Ping Shen for sharing their wonderful article with us, to ‘LE’ for letting me know about that African Eagle, to the owners of the streaming cams we are always grateful to be able to watch the lives of our favourite bird families, to SK Hideaways I am always indebted to you for your fantastic videos, and to Jeff Kerr and UK Osprey – thanks. And to all the others who post on FB and take images – bless you!

Elen is home at Glaslyn!

20 March 2026

Oh, what a day to start the spring equinox. Elen has arrived at her nest in Glaslyn. Now…who will be her mate this season and will there be chaos or eggs?

Aran and Mrs G were the ospreys at the Glaslyn nest. Mrs G was replaced by Elen who bred with Aran and then Aran returned late in 2025. A young bird, Teifi, hooked up with Elen but there was a chaotic year and no chicks were produced.

Will Aran return early and reclaim his nest? Will Teifi? Will neither? We wait.

Update on Brutus from the Winter Park, Florida nest:

There is growing concern this morning about the fate of M15’s mate, F23. Suspicions about what happened at a nearby chicken far with the dear female being shot continue to gain some validity as the carcass of the eagle was ‘dumped’ instead of being handed over to the repository so that the feathers could be used in Indigenous ceremonies as is mandated by USFWS.

Fridge Friday for the Kakapo:

Cameras are live at Lyn Clywedog in preparation for the arrival of Dylan and Blye 5F Seren.

At Cornell University’s Red tail Hawk nest, Big Red is definitely thinking about eggs.

Obviously there will be more arrivals – probably the minute I hit submit! Keep your eyes on those UK osprey streaming cams!

Thank you for being with us this first morning of spring. Take care. See you Monday if not before.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to peer into the lives of our favourite birds, to those who post on FB, to the Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey for taking such good care of Brutus, to Barb Henry for investigating the death of F23, and to you, our readers.

It’s spring! Audacity lays egg 7…late Thursday in Bird World

19 March 2026

Happy Spring Equinox on Friday!

So what does the Spring Equinox symbolise? I asked AI.

“The spring equinox (or vernal equinox) symbolises a profound turning point towards light, new beginnings, and balance, marking the official end of winter’s dormancy and the start of growth. It represents a moment of global equilibrium (equal day and night), fostering themes of fertility, renewal, and the emergence of life. 

Core Symbolism of the Spring Equinox:

  • New Beginnings & Rebirth: The world emerging from winter’s slumber symbolizes a chance to start fresh, often characterized by planting, growing, and shedding the old.
  • Balance & Equilibrium: Occurring when the sun crosses the equator, it symbolizes the perfect, albeit fleeting, balance between light and dark, day and night.
  • Light over Darkness: As days begin to grow longer, the equinox is a testament to the return of warmth and the triumph of light over the cold and darkness of winter.
  • Fertility & Growth: Traditionally linked to the goddess Ostara, the season is heavily associated with fertility, growth, and abundance.
  • Transformation & Renewal: Similar to a seed sprouting, it represents a period of blooming and personal growth. Community-Based Research CentreCommunity-Based Research Centre +7

Common Symbols and Rituals:

  • Eggs: Representing fertility, new life, and the potential of the coming season.
  • Hares/Rabbits: Long-standing symbols of fertility and the quickening life of spring.
  • Flowers/Seeds: Snowdrops, crocuses, and the planting of seeds represent new growth and the awakening of the earth.
  • Bonfires/Candles: Lighting fires symbolizes the return of the sun’s warmth and light.
  • Spring Cleaning: Clearing out the physical and metaphorical stagnation of winter to prepare for new energy. Slow NorthSlow North +5

Cultural and Historical Contexts:

  • Holi (Hinduism): A vibrant festival celebrating the arrival of spring, joy, and the victory of good over evil.
  • Easter (Christianity): Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, aligning with the broader themes of rebirth.
  • Ostara (Pagan/Germanic): The pagan festival honoring the goddess of spring and dawn, Eostre.
  • Mesoamerican Traditions: Often recognized with the descent of the snake god Kukulkan at Chichen Itza, signifying the agricultural season’s start. Slow NorthSlow North +3

The spring equinox serves as a reminder to align with the rhythms of nature, celebrating the return of warmth and actively cultivating growth in both the environment and our personal lives. “

My family and I – two or four legged – wish each of you a wonderful beginning of spring, a sense of light and life, and hope.

Before I begin, it seems that Audacity and Jak have another nest. Gracie Shepherd caught up with them and discovered that Audacity has laid egg 7 of this breeding season. She is not giving up on having a little one. Tugs at my heart strings. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/SZ_xEjmVT3c?

It is currently very cloudy, with temperatures of +3 C in Winnipeg. There is a 45kph wind kicking up the snow and making it feel bitterly cold on our faces. We have now been out for two walks with Toby – shorter walks more frequently seem to work better for ‘us seniors’.

Thinking ahead to when the snow is gone and some changes to the garden to suit a dog that loves to run, I am moving the lower deck and hoping to create an agility area for Toby. We tested out the arrival of one tube. The ones we had for ‘The Girls’ are simply too small. Here is a video of the arrival with Hugo Yugo and Toby. My talents do not lie in camera work! That is for certain. Have patience. There are a couple of cute moments.

Big Red spent enough time on the nest on Thursday that everyone thought we might have an egg! Soon, soon!!!!!! Our Queen of the Red Tail Hawks is 23 years old. I am hoping for two healthy chicks that thrive, fledge, and survive. As much as I admire what the Cornell Bird Lab does, they really need to keep on making the windows bird-strike-proof. Sadly, the fledgling lost last year was to West Nile Virus, not window strike, but there is still work to be done on the latter.

Need another Red-tail Hawk nest to watch? Syracuse University’s nest is on streaming cam: https://www.youtube.com/live/X_lEUCn8QcI?

JBS24 is really getting ready to fledge. After the loss of JBS 25 to an unknown, the parents have been remarkable in their care of their surviving baby.

No one needs to worry. Gabby has eyes in the back of her head when it comes to her babies who are now doing some daring branching. It won’t be long as they are self-feeding, branching, and working wings. Beau and Gabby you did well.

E26 has found the pond at the SW Florida Bald Eagle nest of his dad, M15 and late Mum, F23.

There appears to be a new female on the nest at Dewey Beach. Heidi will confirm later.

SF Bay Ospreys and the Golden Gate Alliance have created a video montage of Richmond’s amazing nest-building talents at the Whirley Crane this season. https://youtu.be/H6c92MNqISw?

At Gwash B11/10 has returned. He is the partner to Blue 25 (10).

Menhaden in the Chesapeake are essential to the entire eco-system and the population has been destroyed by industrial fishing. Different fish, different area but do think about this the next time you reach for Krill Oil!

Duke Farms Only Eaglet is doing very well. Gosh, it is nice not to have to share food with a sibling!

There is at least one osprey at the Dahlgren osprey platform.

I have been asked for the link to the Dale Hollow streaming cam. Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/live/W7SeA3uDWSM?

There is real saddness as seabirds are washing up dead.

“Thousands of seabirds dying on western Europe’s coasts

Puffins, guillemots and razorbills are being washed up dead or dying on Europe’s Atlantic coast in what scientists call a ‘wreck’

Thousands of seabirds – mostly puffins, but also many guillemots and razorbills – are being washed up dead or dying on the Atlantic coasts of western Europe, in what scientists call a “wreck”.

This year’s events, the consequence of a series of severe storms during the late autumn and winter, are the worst since 2014, when as many as 54,000 birds were found stranded. Of these, well over half – between 30,000 and 34,000 – were puffins.

This may only be the tip of a very large iceberg, as puffins usually spend the winter far out in the north Atlantic, meaning many more birds will have died at sea and their corpses will never reach the shore.

The RSPB has warned that this recent series of weather-related disasters comes on top of a very tough few years for puffins. Avian flu and a decline of their favourite food – sand eels – have reduced breeding success at their colonies on offshore islands and around our coasts. They, and Britain’s other seabirds, such as gannets, fulmars and kittiwakes, also face problems from a rise in marine pollution.”

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/mar/19/thousands-seabirds-dying-western-europe-coast?CMP=share_btn_url

Beautiful Blue NCO at the Loch of the Lowes nest:

Thank you so much for being with us. I am sending this out late Thursday instead of Friday as it is not busy for me right now. I hope you have a great weekend. Will send short posts if any ospreys land on the UK nests! Take care.

Thank you so much to those who create videos for our enjoyment and education, to those who post information on Facebook, to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to witness the lives of our favourite birds, and to news sources that continue to provide information on our environment and our feathered friends.

Blue NCO arrives with large fish

19 March 2026

It is a gorgeous morning at Loch of the Lowes. Blue NCO arrived home yesterday to a nest she had shared with her late mate Laddie LM12. Last year she disappeared after two weeks and many feared the worst when she could not establish a mate and hang on to control of the nest. Only time will tell what will happen this year.

She is beautiful and seems in very good health. She landed a large fish – something she is known for – on the nest at dawn.

Geemeff has a video with her landing on the nest with that nice fish – cheeping. Oh, I hope she gets a good mate this year! https://youtu.be/9dx9wYteNxI?

The official word from the Scottish Wildlife Trust on Blue NCOs arrival yesterday:

There are now three little eaglets at the new Dale Hollow Bald Eagle nest in Tennessee.

Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/iXKauXBlHbY?

I do not have and have not asked for permission to use photos of the nest but check it out. Lots of large fish on that nest Thursday morning.

We are in the egg laying zone at Big Red and Arthur’s RTH nest on the Cornell Campus in Ithaca, New York.

As the Kakapo struggle to recover, there are new hatches with some sad and sudden deaths o the 4 year olds hatched during the last breeding season. (They only breed every four years).

I asked about Jack and how well he might be taking care of Jill at the Achieva nest. ‘MP’ sent a photo of a delivery and news. “Here’s the picture of her with the first fish at 9:00 AM CT. The only other fish I saw today was a less than half a fish. He did take over incubation twice, and she was gone only once time enough to have hunted a fish and eaten it. “

That’s it for me today! It is pajama day – a day when I worked hard the day before to do nothing today but walk Toby! Take care everyone. See you soon.

Thank you to ‘MP’ for the image of Jack and the news from Achieva, to Geemeff for the video of Blue NCO and her gigantic fish. To all those who post on FB or own streaming cams and share the lives of the birds with us, thank you. We at Bird World are grateful.

Wednesday in Bird World

18 March 2026

Hello Everyone,

We are in the midst of an unexpected blizzard, while thousands of miles to our southeast, it is green, and geese are enjoying the grass on a golf course. Thank you, ‘L’, for letting me share this lovely image of spring! We love our geese, but there is no place for them here, and yet, many arrived several weeks ago! The ponds have frozen, but there remains some open water in the two rivers that wind their way through our City. It is supposed to warm up beginning tomorrow, but I will believe it when I see it. We were not expecting this much snow today!

It doesn’t look like much, but the snow is blowing and accumulating so quickly! The lad who shovels or us thought snow was finished – he is going to get a real surprise! It is more than 30 cm deep on the walkway he cleared a few days ago, and is within 45 cm of covering the large bird table feeder. Unbelievable.

Toby loves it. He bounces through the snow if there is even a whiff of a ‘cat’ in the garden. My plan is to have a tall wooden fence built to match the one constructed a few years ago. I had not planned to put a fence on that part of the property, but the theft of dogs in our City has become quite troubling. Of course, ‘the cats’ – distinguished from ‘The Girls’ – come in from that back corner, so it is important to close it in. Toby loves his sisters, ‘The Girls’. He plays with them, but those that make their way into his outdoor territory will be ousted unless they are Brock (who now still spends 99% of his time at the neighbour down the street)!!!!!!!!!

I hope, after all these years, that each of you knows that I love all animals, but there is a special place in my heart for Big Red and Arthur, the late Annie at The Campanile, and ospreys. I have posted this song before, but I want you to get in the mood. Osprey season is starting in the UK – and has already begun in the US. Here are those wonderful school children with the Osprey Song (2011): https://youtu.be/KoOQK6ejuXY?

At the Lake Murray Osprey platform, Lucy has laid her second egg with a new mate. Please, please put up the owl defences for this family Lake Murray!

Company for Brutus. Storms are tearing down eagle and osprey nests around the US including an osprey nest that Penny Albright monitored near Sanibel that lost two chicks when the nest collapsed. These eaglets made it through…

Blue 25 has made another visit to Blue 33 and Maya’s nest at Manton Bay – Blue 33 normally arrives a few days prior to Maya, and Blue 25 enjoys his company! Geemeff caught her time on the nest: https://youtu.be/HU_XGU3NTro?

We have an osprey at the MNSA Osprey nest in Oceanside’s Jay Cool platform.

“WYL greets his chick upon returning to the nest in New Zealand. The adult male arrives from a foraging trip over the Pacific to feed his growing chick at the Plateau nest site. As the chick gets bigger, the parents will take longer foraging trips to collect enough food for both themselves and their chick.” (Cornell Bird Lab)

Peanut defended the Winter Park Florida nest against a RTH! Nestflix Memories (Gracie Shepherd) caught it on video: https://youtu.be/cQksMDubVEc?

Tonight, Wink is taking now chances. She is right in the nest with Peanut if that GHO returns – and, of course, it will – they never give up! Wink is an incredible mother – I am truly amazed and thankful for her diligence.

Gabby with her babies, Kai and Eve, at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest in Florida. Best keep a close eye on these two – they could fledge before you blink.

At the Johnson City nest of Boone and Jolene in Tennessee, snow arrived. Jolene kept those two babies warm and tried to feed them at the same time. Like Wink, she is an experiened and an exceptional Mum.

Huge crop on JBS 24. Mum and Dad are delivering food and leaving it for self-feeding on occasion.

Harry and Sally are up there in my list of osprey parents. Three babies, three little fat bottoms. Large fish coming in and Harry on guard as it appeared there could have been an intruder around today during a fish delivery. If you haven’t been watching Moorings Park, then check out this osprey family. It is a success story – and believe me when I tell you that there will be few such stories in the NE USA this season unless a miracle happens.

Rutlands Lagoon 4 nest is trying to keep the Egyptian Geese from laying eggs while everyone waits for the ospreys to arrive. This is a second nest with a camera amongst several nests at Rutland Water. AI says: “Based on 2025/2026 sightings, the Lagoon 4 nest at Rutland Water is often occupied by male 359 (a 2021 Rutland-born osprey) and female 3H9 (a 2023 Rutland-born osprey). They have been observed investigating the nest and strengthening bonds. Note: 359 and 3H9 are a distinct pair from the main Manton Bay pair, Maya and 33(11).”

I am getting impatient – and it is a tad early – for Maya and Blue 33 to arrive at Manton Bay.

At the Whitley Crane nest known as the Golden Gate Audubon Osprey nest, Richmond has worked and worked. There is a new female at the nest with him. I do not believe Rosie will make an appearance. Why do I say this? Well, when Aila did not return, Louis moved his nest to another location when he bonded with Dorcha. We often think animals and birds are not intelligent. If I have said it once, I will say it again million times, my teacher about raptor behaviour, the late Laura Culley, taught me that they are smarter and use higher levels of intelligence and communication that humans have lost.

I noticed in one of the chats – it was the Winter Park Florida chat – that someone noted that ‘animals have feelings’. Dr Mark Beckoff and Dr Jane Goodall taught us this. There are several good books out there. I urge you or anyone who is interested in the behaviour of non-humans to read any or all of the following.

Saddness at the Two Harbours as Chase & Cholyn lose their last egg. SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/8vmMpnkNsh4?

Big Red and Arthur have snow on their nest at Cornell University.

Suzanne Arnold Horning caught Big Red relaxing on the lights!

Cameras are now live at the Poole Harbour nest of CJ7 and Blue 022.

We have an osprey at Threave. Is it Black 80?

At Achieva the third egg was laid on the 25th of January. Can someone who is watching this nest tell me if Jack is delivering enough fish to his mate? I did not see deliveries today, but I might have missed something.

Dyfi is live! Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/tOS_34MKI5E?

In fact, start checking out all your favourite UK and European nests as the cameras are being turned on faster than I can keep a list.

The Pitkin County Osprey nest in Colorado is live.

I have such a soft spot for this White-tail eagle in Durbe County Latvia. Milda. Her current mate is Zorro. There was sorrow and now Zorro has proved to be a good mate and provider.

April 7. Hellgate Canyon. Iris’s favourite day to return to her nest in Missoula, Montana. Count the days – 20. Less than three weeks! The snow has melted.

There is evil in the world. I cannot imagine how anyone could harm an animal and yet, every day I find myself telling people not to give their kittens away to anyone. Russell Mason beat a Goshawk to death – how in the world can someone do this?

Large estates, with no eyes around in Scotland (and elsewhere), allow many horrific things to happen to our beautiful feathered friends. What can be done to stop this?

The Cornell Bird Lab gives us hope that people around the world are increasingly engaging with nature and birds. Yes, there are incredibly vicious people anywhere in the world that will harm birds and other animals, but there are more, I hope, that love and help them.

To put a smile on your face:

A total hoot! Beautiful birds – in pictures

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2026/mar/17/a-total-hoot-beautiful-birds-in-pictures-claire-rosen?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you so much for being with me today and for your patience, as my posting is often irregular. I had hoped to keep to Fridays and Mondays til the UK osprey season began, but every day there is something new and exciting! I will continue to post at the oddest of times, sometimes two or three times a day as news comes in. As you can imagine, my life is anything but routine. We do have a schedule, but it all depends on my husband’s mood, which can vary. I am impatiently waiting for spring to arrive. What I miss most is reading. Yes, we have story time, but it isn’t the same as sitting quietly on a park bench with squirrels dashing around, the wind gently blowing, with a good book in my hand, reading in silence. So, no promises other than there will always be a Monday blog, often coming out late Sunday, until we have osprey chicks on the nests in the UK and Europe.

Thank you to everyone who created videos, wrote informative FB posts, to Raptor Persecution UK for keeping us informed, and to the Cornell Bird Lab for continuing to support education. I remain forever grateful to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to venture into the challenging lives of our feathered friends. To all my readers who are now long-time friends, I appreciate your support. Your letters and comments mean the world to me.

Double Saddness

16 March 2026

Hello,

After being so excited about the young couple at the West End, the ravens have taken the egg when it was left alone. This is youth. They will learn. Both of them possibly wondered what to do with that egg – intuition doesn’t always come easy.

SK Hideaways ‘Now you see it, now you don’t’ shows us what happened. https://youtu.be/WVDHKRApfxQ

On top of this, Chase and Cholyn’s egg at Two Harbours has been pierced and broken.

On top of all of this saddness in the Channel Islands, Audacity isn’t giving up and has laid another egg.

My goodness, Audacity must be worn out. It takes a lot out of an eagle to produce this many eggs.

I want to thank Penny Albright for keeping us informed about some incredible osprey nests while she has been on vacation. It has been a real treat to see these families through her eyes!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I am not hopeful for the West End, Two Harbours, or Sauces this year. I want to be wrong!

Take care. See you soon. Ospreys landing in the UK and flying home. Lots to become excited about soon.

Thank you to SK Hideaways, Penny Albright and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to witness the lives, good and bad, of our beloved raptors.

Surprise and shock rang out on Sunday…

Monday 16 March 2026

Good Morning,

Just one of those quick postings. My inbox was filled with surprise, saddness, and shock when the very young female at the West End nest laid her very first egg on Sunday.

Everyone misses Thunder and Akecheta, whether it was at the old nest with Dr Sharpe rescuing eaglets or at the new one. I have not added them to the Memorial Wall and won’t because I believe they are out there somewhere. Akecheta was smart to just give up the territory, but we also lost Haku. Where is she? It is a challenging location with many intruders. Let’s wish this very young couple a long, happy, and successful breeding life.

SK Hideaways has the action on video: https://youtu.be/1lNeKmk3hZg?

White-Tail Eagle Milda laid her second egg on Sunday. Congratulations Milda and Zorro.

Rosie has not returned to Richmond as of today. His nest on the Whirley Crane would be an envy to any osprey! He has been working heard preparing for Rosie to return but she is very late and I am concerned.

Loch Doon streaming cam is live. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/a7Aocq3fybM?

My eyes are on Manton Bay and Loch of the Lowes today.

If you missed it, Quinn has fledged from the Captiva nest. So R9 and R10 along with E26 have taken to the skies.

The owl returned to the Winter Park nest, but Wink was sleeping by Peanut and raised up. As far as I am aware, nothing happened. Smart Mum. She knows about owls.

Thank you for being with us for this quick look at the egg laying in the Channell Islands West End nest. Take care. We will be back on Friday.

Thank you to SK Hideaways and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to check on our favourite bird families.

There is an egg at the West End nest!. Late Sunday in Bird World

16 March 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

This is a quick posting for a couple of reasons.

If you are worried about Brutus, the eldest eaglet from the Winter Park Bald Eagle nest in Florida, don’t. Brutus is in good hands with the Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey! Our friend, Lisa, is part of that rehabilitation community and if Lisa has anything to do with Brutus – he will learn how to be an eaglet and get back into the wild. She is awsome.

I want to give a shout-out to the viewers who spotted the Owl knocking Brutus out of the nest, and to the quick reactions by Windows to Wildlife and the Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey. Brutus was ‘lightly injured’. Updates promised, but Brutus will not be going back to the nest, as it could force Peanut to fledge way too early. Besides, Peanut deserves some time on that nest alone, building up their body and wings for flying. That nest isn’t as crowded anymore, but everyone is alright.

The real story right now is that the young couple that have taken to Thunder and Akecheta’s West End nest in the Channel Islands have their first egg. I almost dropped by drawers! I think she is a first time Mum. I hope they have a long and successful life without intruders – we need some peace at this nest.

Geemeff did her second video of the year, and it was the arrival of Blue 25 (10) at the Manton Bay nest. Oh, let’s hope Maya arrives before Blue 33 because Blue 25 always has her eyes set on Blue 33. If Maya were not to return, would Blue 33 accept Blue 25 as a mate? If he arrives, everything is up in the air right now! Perhaps literally. https://youtu.be/oLvBrnZaEzA?

Thank you so much for being with me. Oh, things are happening so quickly. Quinn fledged! Peanut is missing Brutus while Wink is keeping her youngest close at hand. Ospreys are flying over water and land to get home. I wonder who will arrive Monday.

Take care!

Thank you to Geemeff for their video, to Window to Wildlife for their quick response and caring, and to the owners of the streaming cams so that we can watch these amazing birds and their lives.

Blue 25 landed on Manton Bay nest…2 for Monty and Hartley (so far)…Sunday in Bird World

15 March 2026

Good Morning,

Update: Brutus of the Winter Park nest has been rescued. He was struck by an owl and went overboard. https://youtu.be/4rjjtFFYE48?

Peanut alone.

Spring isn’t here yet but we are looking for some warmer days come mid-week. It felt like -17 C but we bundled up and got Toby out. He doesn’t seem to mind!

This is another quick check-in. There is so much going on in Bird World now that it would take a full day just to list everything, so I encourage you to check those streaming cams! Ospreys are arriving in the US, and there are even eggs for some new arrivals, such as Wolf Bay. Forsythe. Colonial Beach. I wish I could dump a million fish into the Chesapeake Bay for them, or build an artificial lake just for ospreys! They are flying over Scotland – and any day those ‘stars’ of the streaming cams will be tweaking their nests.

Well, I call her the ‘troublemaker’. Blue 33 and Blue 25 sometimes get a little cosy if Maya is late arriving at the Rutland Manton Bay nest. Blue 25 (10) hatched in 2010. That is the information provided in the parentheses of UK ringed birds. Blue 33 (11) should not be far behind.

There is an excellent book on the history of Rutland and its ospreys.

AI Overview of Blue 25: “Osprey Blue 25 is a female osprey known for early, temporary visits to the Manton Bay nest at Rutland Water, notably arriving before resident female Maya in both 2023 and 2025. She is a long-time breeder, often pairing with male Blue 11, and has demonstrated competitive behavior, attempting to claim the prime Manton Bay nest early in the season. YouTube +1

Key Details of Blue 25 at Rutland:

  • Early 2025 Return: Blue 25 was the first osprey of the 2025 season to return to the Manton Bay nest, landing on March 13, 2025, before Maya.
  • Previous Intrusion: She had a similar “fling” with Maya’s mate, Blue 33, in 2023, visiting the nest before departing when Maya returned and reclaimed the site.
  • Breeding Partner: She typically nests with her long-time mate, Blue 11, elsewhere at Rutland. YouTube

Blue 25 is part of the extensive Rutland Osprey Project, which has successfully reintroduced ospreys to England since 1996.”

I am so excited. Heidi is monitoring the US nests this year – or a huge part of them – and I plan to focus on the ones in Colorado, the West Coast, Montana, and the UK and Europe. Let the fun begin!

SK Hideaways has sent their videos for the week. The West End nest is not settled yet. That is a tragedy. Akecheta and Thunder were not affected by any genetic or environmental factors and raised many eaglets. What I wouldn’t give to see them fly onto their old nest! I would also like to discover what happened to Phoenix, the fledgling from Mud Table nest on Santa Rosa Island that I named last year. If you hear anything, please let me know.

SK Hideaways Videos Week of 8 March 2026

Channel Island, California Eagles
Livestreamed nests:
~ Fraser Point ~ Santa Cruz Island ~ Cruz & Andor
~ Sauces Canyon ~ Santa Cruz Island ~ Audacity & Jak
~ Two Harbors ~ Catalina Island ~ Cholyn & Chase
~ West End ~ Catalina Island ~Residents in flux



Sauces Canyon ~ Audacity & Jak
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Sauces Canyon Eagles Cam Ops 
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnTsOesC6hE

Audacity Laid Egg #2 of 2nd Clutch ~ It Broke Within an Hour (2026 Mar 13)
Audacity went into labor for the fifth time this season with the first 4 eggs breaking. Egg #5 arrived quickly and rolled into the egg cup. Unfortunately, this one also broke.
Videohttps://youtu.be/9WKlCk3RSbQ


Audacity & Jak Horaltic Pose Contest ~ The Biggest & Longest Held Wins (2026 Mar 8)
Audacity and Jak spent most of the afternoon on the night perch. Nearly an hour of that time was spent in a stunning dual horaltic pose. We made a little game of it, but the view was breathtaking. 
Videohttps://youtu.be/lmUEQ7MNWr0

Two Harbors ~ Cholyn & Chase
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Two Harbors Eagles Cam Ops
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ
Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

One Egg Broke ~ Chase Moved it Aside Before Cholyn Returned
 (2026 Mar 11)
One of Cholyn and Chase’s two eggs broke for an unknown reason. Chase was on egg duty when the breakage was discovered, so he gently delivered the news to Cholyn when she returned from her break. They will now both focus on hatching the one remaining precious egg and we will all send positive vibes their way. 
Videohttps://youtu.be/A9CYwq-GQzM

West End Eagles ~ Unnamed Female & Lee
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | West End Eagles Cam Ops 
Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14
Other Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmmAzrAkKqI
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kad6O4nF6bg

Lee Gets the Hang of Things ~ Fog Makes Way for Glory Rainbow
 (2026 Mar 14)
A foggy dawn brought the unnamed female, F, and young male, Lee together for a successful mating. We’re not holding our breath for eggs this season, but it is a joy watching this relationship unfold.
Videohttps://youtu.be/uZPRPhxW1aE

Unnamed Female (F) & Lee awoke all flirty ~ Goo-goo eyes & beaky kisses (2026 Mar 12)The unnamed female and Lee spent the night on the historical night perch, though not quite on the same branch. When they woke, Lee took a chance and jumped up to the female, F’s, branch. It was a good bet, as they chortled in the dawn, and shared beaky kisses, and prolonged eye gazing. We don’t know what they’re doing off camera and they’re not spending a whole lot of time on nestorations, so I’m guessing that eggs are unlikely this season.  I’d happily be wrong! Hoping they build on their relationship and stay here to raise a family next year.
Videohttps://youtu.be/zsk1TIkIBaU


San Jose City Hall Falcons ~ Hartley & Monty
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

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SanJoseCityHallFalcons/
Wiki https://sanjoseperegrines.editme.com/


Hartley Lays 2nd Egg ~ Monty Checks Food Budget
 (2026 Mar 14)
Hartley surprised the statisticians by laying her second egg a few hours earlier than expected, based on past performance. Nevertheless, it was a welcome arrival, which Monty lauded. After conveying his appreciation to Hartley, Monty may have wondered if he had another 4-clutch gang of wild chicks to provide for in the near future. This would be Hartley and Monty’s third such clutch. Time will tell.
Videohttps://youtu.be/BTL14OdA01Y

Hartley Lays Egg #1 in Wee Hours ~ Monty Meets at Civilized Hour (2026 Mar 12)
The 2026 nesting season began for Hartley and Monty at 3:52 a.m. as Hartley laid her first egg. Monty teased her with a food gift before paying a visit to their egg a few hours later. Wishing Hartley and Monty another successful season. 
Videohttps://youtu.be/IjFb8_sj-lU

Ferris caught both Arthur and Big Red on the Cornell campus today along with so many amazing ducks and geese in the waters around Cornell University. It was nice to take a break today and check in on Ferris and the birds around Ithaca, New York.

Handsome Arthur.

Jeff Kear posted the information on the Dyfi nest of Idris and Telyn from last season:

The more I look at the dates the more excited I am getting but, will someone arrive at Loch of the Lowes soon? Blue NC0 used to come early! Is she still with us? Will she have a mate and retake her nest which she lost when LM12 passed?

Wishing you a marvellous day! Take care. We will be back soon. Lots to report.

Thank you to the creators of the videos I have included and especially SK Hideaways who does such an amazing job every week of keeping us in touch with so many nests. Much gratitude to those who post information on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams who allow us to get so excited – and sad – and angry – at times over the lives of our favourite birds. Thank you Ferris Akel for your tour.

Preparing for Iris’s arrival…Saturday in Bird World

14 March 2026

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope you had a lovely week. It is still cold, with it feeling like -20 C this morning, even though it is actually -16. Toby didn’t want to go outside. The Girls are busy watching the starlings as they land and search for kibble (I haven’t been out yet to feed them). Brock was here in the middle of the night – that is when he comes, so I get to see him on camera! He has a route. He spends most of his time at Jane’s. Brock loves her soft chair and wet, warm food. Then he goes to a lady a block away (again caught on camera) and comes here when he is assured Toby is sleeping. I do miss him.

Dr Green and team are preparing for Iris’s arrival. The fence has been placed on the parking lot of the Rivberview Health Centre to block any intruders that might want to get to close to her abode.

Typical of Iris, she left the nest in a pretty good state. Oh, please, send out good energy for our Osprey Queen to return – the oldest known osprey in the world should be 30 this year. I also really want her young mate from last year to return, too. We were all saddened when Finnegan, who bred successful to raise two beautiful osplets in 2024, did not return last year as we anticipated he would.

At the Wolf Bay nest in Alabama, Bert and Josie have their second egg of the season. The time was approximtely 0631 today – gosh…I hope there aren’t any Crows around!

Indeed, a thief was caught by the new camera at the Rutland #4 nest. Geemeff caught it.https://youtu.be/BXD-4KKeH3A

At the Moorings Park nest, the osplets are changing. Their heads are getting that oily look (pinfeathers) of the reptilian phase that 1 and 2 are entering. It is a delightful nest! Well behaved, so far.

The fundraiser for the new batteries at Severna Park was a success, and the camera is now live-streaming. There is a number of sparrows taking advantage of the nest while the ospreys are still migrating. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/SHGPhGPtDWI?

Ospreys are arriving in the UK. Sightings were in Perth & Kinross this morning, heading north. One was sightee flying over Waterford in Ireland.

I am keeping an eye on Manton Bay. Blue 33 (11) is fifteen years old this year. Maya is older, thought to be nineteen this year.

Heidi is on the case of the Dewey Beach cam and its angle! If anyone can get them to fix this, it is her.

Brutus and Peanut are being shown where to branch as they continue to self-feed and flap those wings.

Eve and Kai will be thinking of fledging but not for a week…

The pine lining to Big Red’s nest bowl on the Cornell Campus has been added. This is not only pretty but it is also a well known remedy to keeping insects away from the hatchlings.

Only eaglet at Duke Farms is doing well.

Stella and Irvin have three eggs at the US Steel nest. Stella has had a sub-adult trying to bother her but she is pretty calm and didn’t react.

Only surviving eaglet JBS24 has grown into a beautiful, fully feathered, wanting to fly bird. JBS24 will be 79 days old on April 14, around the average time of flight at this nest. That would make it 21 eaglets fledged from here since 2012.

That is just a little catch-up. No doubt many things will happen at the nests today. Keep an eye! Take care of yourself. Enjoy your weekend. We will see you again on Monday (unless Iris or any of the UK ospreys land on their nests). Thank you so much for being with us today.

A few of the gang say ‘hi’.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to view the lives of these amazing birds!