Tag Archives: Big Bear

Name Jackie and Shadow’s chicks…Late, late Thursday in Bird World

16 April 2026

Good Evening,

Want to help name Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets? Here is the link. Below is a note about the process.

Naming Contest
A pair of baby bald eagle chicks in a nest, with one chick being fed by an adult eagle; to the right, a smiling woman with long gray hair is shown, likely in a natural setting.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 15th April 2026


Another quiet day, just the three Ospreys – Dorcha, Garry LV0 and Aurora 536 – around, and no nest swapping today. Cam One didn’t come online until nearly 1pm and through the swoops as the cam recalibrated Garry was seen with a fish which travelled on and off the nest a few times before Aurora took it from him and departed with it. They had several mating attempts one of which definitely looked successful. Dorcha was the only visitor to her nest, coming twice, keeping a quiet vigil, head turning, checking the area whether for intruders or her missing mate Louis we can’t say. Over in Bunarkaig things are settled too, LizB gave this report: Two ospreys at the nest when I passed earlier this afternoon. One arrived with a fish while I was watching, which the female took to a neighbouring tree to eat. The male spent time tidying the nest. All looked nice and peaceful.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/vGAt51eYQdY N2 Dorcha keeps a lonely vigil 09.04.14https://youtu.be/bP5DOJQFkhw N1 Garry’s seen with a fish as the cam comes online 12.58.23  https://youtu.be/XF5nxnqqZP8 N1 Aurora does nest prep like a reluctant teenager 13.32.54https://youtu.be/xILuXzfJnsg N1 Is Garry bringing a new fish or an old one? 14.02.35  

https://youtu.be/UHwsdMnhE40 N1 Successful mating for Garry and Aurora 17.42.09https://youtu.be/a403Hb90Ww0 N2 Dorcha returns and waits as the day draws to a close 18.35.59Bonus read – George quoted in an article about protestors trying to save ancient woodland:https://www.pressreader.com/uk/barrhead-news-saxb/20260415/281852945143245
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/51sv0sFASJA N1 Aila & Louis: love in the dark 2020
https://youtu.be/Ne6U24RQtfk N1 Louis is harassed by persistent Hoodies 2021
https://youtu.be/LbhbAx0KBh4 N2 Stickly situation: Louis and a log 2022
https://youtu.be/7w0I3iYZssc N2 Synchronised landings 2023 (slo-mo repeat)https://youtu.be/glFpcNXi9Oo N2 Dorcha and the egg star on BBC Breakfast 2024
https://youtu.be/cuIKVzgrQMY N1: Garry LV0 does some nest scraping and watches for a potential mate 2024
https://youtu.be/GVX93Gmg5KI George WTS’s interview on BBC Radio Scotland Today 2024https://youtu.be/A_RZD0tcTvQ  N2  Louis arrives with a lively flapping trout 2025https://youtu.be/Ca_z21qf71I N1 Garry LV0 leaves in a hurry, an aerial fight ensues 2025https://youtu.be/6I2Eivd3aaM N2 Dorcha seizes fish number two as soon as it arrives 2025 https://youtu.be/6I2Eivd3aaM N1 is this a female Buzzard scouting for a nest? 2025

Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

The osprey platform in Ranworth, Norfolk has its first egg.

Elen commands the nest at Glaslyn with mate, Teifi. Eggs next week?

An osprey perched on a branch near its nest overlooking a lush green field at dusk.

Fru and Herr Rauer have made the news in Norway. http://youtube.com/post/Ugkx-SD2WBXBbBJa05v7HZRPbBuwVAfRAlWv?

Dylan and Seren at the Lyn Clywedog 1 nest:

A large bird of prey standing on a nest, with an egg visible, set against a dark, mountainous landscape.

Songbird killing continues in Lebanon. Not nice.

A person holding several captured songbirds in their hands.

Pam Breci reports that the geese have taken over the Niagara Bee Osprey nest.

Osprey on south nest at Coeur de’ Alene, Idaho.

An osprey stands on a large nest made of sticks, situated on a platform above a park. In the background, there are playground equipment and trees beginning to bloom in a city area.

Geemeff sends us a good news story:

https://www.aol.com/articles/rhode-island-energy-moves-osprey-233149136.html

Hot in St Petersburg. Mum, Jill, shades the babies. Both had breakfast. But will the little one have anything else? Does Mum need to go and fish again? Does she know where Diane caught her catfish?

A bird perched on a nest made of twigs, with a scenic view of trees and houses in the background.
A hawk standing in its nest made of twigs, surrounded by trees, with a view of a suburban street in the background.

The Moorings Park osplets have been named. The oldest is Winken and the second is Blinken. (I guess Baby that was lost is Nod).

A nest of ospreys with two chicks and one adult bird in a natural setting near the water, captured during a live stream.

Geemeff informs me that JJ4 has been at Loch Arkaig and has brought in nesting materials. Now…if he wants to win Dorcha’s heart, he’d best get on with a fish!

An osprey standing on a nest made of twigs and branches, overlooking a scenic landscape with mountains and a river in the background.

Today was a long day with many individuals coming and going. The only thing that works when you are caring for someone with dementia is to keep the routine. Ours blew up in shards today. We did get our hair cut, and Miyoung is amazing. She is so good and careful with Donald. Doors were fixed, a digital door opener was installed, and now the third person is here, wiring the doorbell and the alarm. I still have to get the gate in front built so that it can lock. Don will be living in a fortress! But he can wander in the garden as much as he wants!!!!!!!!! All of this has made me mentally tired and I am going to take some time off and get outside once everything is finished! I will be back with you on Monday. Have a great weekend.

Thank you to Geemeff for the happy story and for the Woodland Trust news, to all those who post on FB with such great information, the owners of the streaming cams, and to you, my readers for being there for wildlife. Thank you to CABS for all they do!

Looks like two eaglets so far for Jackie and Shadow

4 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

It is a windy, seemingly chilly day in the Big Bear Valley. The lake is a beautiful blue as Jackie and Shadow are in their nest waiting for the arrival of the second eaglet, who is working its way out of the shell. Shadow really wants a turn, but Jackie, being Jackie, has put her talons down firmly.

We are watching the action on the big screen.

Two bald eagles sitting in their nest on a tree branch, overlooking a scenic lake and forested landscape in the background.

I hope you are, too. Over 38,000 people are waiting for a glimpse of our Super Star’s little ones.

The link to their camera is here: https://www.youtube.com/live/B4-L2nfGcuE?

As for us, we had a good day. We took a break from checking on birds and hatches to take Toby to the park for a nice walk. Then to the pet store to pick up duck hearts and a good pair of scissors. I met a lovely woman there with a Cavalier. We exchanged notes on feeding strategies, each of us knowing that there are serious health concerns with this breed. So far, Toby is clear, and I know my breeder! That means a lot, but that still does not mean that he might not have heart or joint issues, so we are doing everything we can to help ensure that does not happen. The woman and I also agreed that, even though we would never pick another breed, they are too lovable and devoted. That is precisely what I need in my life right now as the husband I had for so long ebbs away.

I am delighted that Aran and Dorcha are home. I am waiting for Louis and for Blue 35 at Foulshaw Moss to return. Fingers crossed.

I also want to recommend a video by Robert Fuller if you are interested in Red Kites, and I hope you are. He erected a large tower to film them on his Yorkshire property. Here are some snaps off the telly:

A person wearing a beanie and gloves is inspecting a large nest in a tree, surrounded by branches and greenery.
Two eagles are standing near their nest, which contains a white chick and remnants of food.
A close-up of a bird of prey in flight, showcasing its wings and distinctive plumage, with a background of trees and a nest.

Here is the link to The Hidden Life of Red Kites: https://youtu.be/snwsIUqzxYM?

Send best wishes to Jackie and Shadow and to all those birds who are migrating to their breeding grounds now. They need it!

See you soon!

Pip at Big Bear!!!!!

3 April 2026

The first pip for Jackie and Shadow has been confirmed.

@FOBBVCAM

​​!pip 10:03:03 Pip Pip Horray, we have seen a pip! Please look at our Facebook page for more information.

Close-up view of a bald eagle nest featuring two eggs surrounded by twigs and straw.

Congratulations. I know where everyone is watching…28,762 people right now waiting for this special eaglet including Jackie and Shadow.

Thank you to the owners of the cam and the chat who have confirmed pip.

Idris is home at Dyfi!

2 April 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

We had a beautiful day. Instead of living in pajamas, we put on our lighter jackets and gum boots and headed to the country – to Pineridge.

A man wearing sunglasses and a brown leather jacket sits on a wooden deck, holding a coffee cup, next to a fire pit, with a cozy outdoor seating area in the background.
A small dog wearing a bright blue coat stands on a wooden deck, looking toward the camera. There is snow on the ground and a few dried plants in the background.

We sat by the fire and drank hot chocolate. It was glorious.

While we were away…Idris arrived home at the Dyfi Osprey platform in Wales to his mate Telyn, Blue 5F.

Telyn knew he was arriving. She watched as Idris flew in and landed. The sky dancing began shortly after – this devoted pair, so delighted to see one another! Idris arrived almost a fortnight later than he did in 2025.

And he hardly got home and the snow has started falling…

A young osprey stands on a nest made of branches in a natural setting with grassy fields and distant hills in the background, displaying data about weather and time at the bottom.
An osprey takes flight near a nesting site, with another osprey visible on the nest. The background features a grassy landscape and distant hills.
An osprey is flying toward its nest, while another osprey is perched on the nest. The background features open fields and a distant house under a cloudy sky.
A view of an osprey nest with two adult ospreys resting on it, surrounded by a grassy landscape and a distant forested area. A pole with a weather sensor is visible in the background.

I wonder what other ospreys came in on those strong winds????

Blue 014, the mate of Aeron Z2, has returned home to the Glaslyn Valley and the Pont Cresor nest.

Only Jackie and Shadow know. Pip watch is on.

A pair of bald eagles are tending to their nest, which is located on a tree branch overlooking a scenic view of water and forested landscape.

Baby Hope is excited about the possibility of an eaglet at Big Bear.

A calico cat sitting on a wooden surface, gazing at a television screen displaying a nature scene with a bird perched on a nest.

Andor and Cruz now have three eaglets at the Fraser Point nest in the Channel Islands. Sasha, Zuma, and Ryder. No wonder Andor was loading up this nest with prey. A Coot has been added to a whole lot of fish!

A bald eagle tending to its nest with chicks, surrounded by sticks and leaves.
A bald eagle feeding its chicks in a nest, with some fish visible in the nest and greenery in the background.

There has been a second hatch at the Achieva osprey platform of Jack and Jill. This one is nearly six days younger than the first hatch. I am not a happy camper over this turn of events…There is a problem with fish deliveries at this nest – historically. Is it intruders taking the fish? Who knows?

A young bird sitting in a nest made of twigs, with trees and a street visible in the background.

Thank you for being with us for this very quick check in! There are lots of other hatches and arrivals in the US – it is going to be a very busy weekend. Here is the list from nature chaat:

Kama laid 1st egg today at White-tailed Eagle Cam in Russia.

Lizzie laid 5th egg this morning at Peregrine Falcon Cam in New Jersey.

3rd egg hatched before midnight last night at Fraser Point Eagle Cam.

1st egg hatched this morning at Glen Hazel (Hays) Eagle Cam.

Hatch in progress for 3rd egg at U.S. Steel Eagle Cam.

Pip watch continues for 1st eggs at Big Bear Eagle Cam, Fort St. Vrain Station Eagle Cam and ND-LEEF Eagle Cam.

See you soon!

Thank you to those who are posting information on FB, to the owners and posters on nature chat and to ‘J’ for sending me the latest list, and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow me to rewind and see Daddy Longlegs Idris arrive home to his great love, Telyn! Thank you.

Big Red isn’t fooling around….Wednesday in Bird World

1 April 2026

It might be April Fool’s Day but Big Red isn’t fooling around. She laid her fourth egg today! Cornell Bird Lab has it on video: https://youtu.be/JlHxc-bpsQg?

A red-tailed hawk sitting on a nest made of twigs and branches, with a focus on its back and tail feathers.

Aeron Z2 has arrived at the Friends of Osprey Pont Cresor nest in Glaslyn. Of course, this could get interesting as Elen is home alone at the other Glaslyn nest and Blue 014 has yet to arrive at Pont Cresor.

Aeron Z2 is handsome, and he did cause a lot of mischief last season. His brother Tegid Z1 (on a private nest) is also equally adorable. Monty’s boys.

A close-up of an osprey standing on a nest made of sticks, with a scenic background of hills and sparse trees. The sky is overcast.

Lots happening at Loch of the Lowes but not a couple confirmed as yet. And where is Blue NCO? Does she have another nest and mate? I wonder.

Text post about recent osprey sightings at Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve, discussing their behaviors and conditions.

In the garden, lots of action as a Sharp-shinned Hawk (a male) had a Starling lunch right in front of us.

A hawk standing on the snow, next to its prey, a fallen bird, surrounded by scattered leaves and twigs.

Missing Blue 35 – and females chasing after White YW. I don’t blame them – he’s a great dad at Foulshaw Moss.

An osprey nest with two ospreys in a dramatic pose, surrounded by a landscape of open fields and distant hills, showcasing daytime activity in the nest.

USS9 and USS10 are cute.

Two fluffy bald eagle chicks in a nest, with an unhatched egg between them, resting on straw.

More fish are needed at Moorings Park. Everyone is fighting with little three, and 2 seems to be the dominant osplet right now. 3 got some fish – finally.

An adult osprey standing in a nest with three chicks, surrounded by branches and vegetation, near a body of water.
An osprey stands beside three chicks in their nest, with a view of a calm body of water and greenery in the background.
An osprey standing near three chick ospreys in a nest, surrounded by greenery and water in the background.
An osprey standing on a nest with three young ospreys in a natural setting by a river, surrounded by trees.

I am always concerned about the Achieva nest, always. For many reasons.

An osprey stands in a nest made of twigs with another chick visible inside, surrounded by green trees and a suburban street in the background.

‘J’ sent Naturechat’s points:

Pip in progress for 3rd egg at U.S. Steel Eagle Cam.

3rd egg laid today at Black Stork Cam in Poland 2.

Pip watch continues for 1st eggs at Big Bear Eagle Cam, Fort St. Vrain Station Eagle Cam, Glen Hazel (Hays) Eagle Cam and ND-LEEF Eagle Cam.

When will Frannie lay her 1st egg at Eastern Bluebird Cam in VA?

It was quite the day here. Our entire routine went upside down and sideways. The new care helper came at 0830. She is fantastic. Then the delivery man came with two months of birdseed – bags everywhere. Then the installer arrived to wire the house for the alarm, the doorbell, and the fire alarm. Ann arrived and then there were several other deliveries. I don’t need to tell you that Don, The Girls, and Toby are all snoring! It is going to be an early night.

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. See you soon – remember. We are waiting for the hatch at Big Bear along with hundreds of thousands of other people.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams and those who have posted information and images on FB that I have used in today’s blog.

CJ7 arrives at Poole Harbour…

25 March 2026

Hi there,

Not only did this super mum land on the same day as last year but she arrived within one minute of her time in 2025. I don’t even know if trains and planes have that kind of timely accuracy! The time was 18:29:44.

She’s landing!

The latest Blue 022, her mate, has arrived is the 26th of March in 2023. In 2025, he arrived on 22 March. So come on Blue 022 – you are the most amazing Dad. CJ7 waited a long time for you and together you have produced numerous clutches of four chicks going to fledge – you are a super couple.

Birds of Poole Harbour has the arrival on video: https://youtu.be/Ehd_yrIf_PQ?

At the Big Bear nest of Jackie and Shadow, Jackie had to literally protect her eggs and fight of Ravens who were attacking her as she incubated. It was horrible to watch. They were very careful coming on and off and taking breaks on Wednesday.

Emma is at the Pitkin County nest in Colorado. I don’t think Charlie is home yet.

Geese are taking over Captain Mac’s osprey platform on Fenwick Island. I am pleased. Let the geese take the platforms where osplets were abandoned because there was a lack of food, and they starved right in front of our eyes just days before fledging – like this nest! And I do love my ospreys.

‘J’ sent me the latest notes from nature chat:

Alla laid 1st egg today at Northern Goshawk Cam in Estonia.

Hatch in progress for 4th egg at Eurasian Eagle-Owl Cam in Germany.

Probable hatch in progress for 1st egg at Little Miami Conservancy Eagle Cam.

Hatch watch begins today for 1st egg at Decorah Eagle Cam.

Thanks, Nature Chat and ‘J’.

It’s nearing 1800 and Toby is going to start thinking it is time for a meal. He had a fun day with Lucy, Ann’s dog and Ann, at their house while Don and I went for his doctor’s appointment. Spring wants to arrive but it isn’t yet. The light is different and we are getting hopeful.

Thank you for being with us today. Take care.

Thank you to ‘J’ for her note about what is happening and the links from nature chat, to those who post on FB including Heidi, and to those who make videos and own streaming cams that allow us to watch our favourite bird families.

Jackie lays egg 2, clutch 2!

27 February 2026

Hello Everyone,

I didn’t expect to be back so soon – well, there is great news. Jackie and Shadow have egg 2 of clutch 2.

Thanks SK Hideaways for the video capturing the moment! https://youtu.be/FKRbz02gZG0?

Featured image from SK Hideaways video capture.

Wow…Eggs! Big Bear and Two Harbours

24 February 2026

There is some news that can’t wait –

Jackie and Shadow have their first egg of their second clutch. I am just in tears.

Chase and Cholyn have their first egg of the season.

Seriously over the moon for these two couples. Send them the most positive energy you have!

Before I close, let’s check on that little one at Duke Farms. Baby is fine; Nice piece of fish on that nest for later.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us into the lives of these incredible birds.

See you on Friday!

Blizzard at Duke Farms, Rare King Eider in Toronto…

23 February 2026

Good Morning Everyone,

It is actually Sunday evening when I am sending this out. Ellen is coming early to take Toby for his walk on Monday morning, and we are busy with projects. Hopefully, nothing will happen in the next 12 hours!

I am delighted to tell you that we had a really wonderful week. Despite the temperatures plummeting, the early part of the week was marvellous, and we had some of the best walks of the entire winter. The garden is full of chickadees at dusk, with the European Starlings arriving several times a day to feed on cat or dog kibble. Brock is doing well. He was here Sunday evening and then found his way to my neighbour Jane’s, where he ate a feast and rested again. The pizza delivery driver came and, instead of bolting, he went to the other end of the porch and waited til the all clear. I hope he stays at Jane’s. It would make all of us have better blood pressure readings!

The Girls and Toby are also marvellous. Toby’s fur is as soft as a cloud. It is because of the dehydrated sardines. They helped us clean out the bookcases of all books and move the cases to the conservatory. They will be primed, painted, and reloaded. The plan is to move my desk and desktop computer out into the library area right in the middle of all the action within the house. Then I can keep an eye on everyone. At the same time, the books are out in the conservatory, ready for us to grab a new one at any time for story time.

So, wish us luck with all this painting! Missey’s tail seems to be the only problem – she always gets into mischief when it comes to paint, and we would think it would be Hugo Yugo.

Always nipping at one another!

These are the moments that get birders excited – a very rare bird in the Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto – a King Eider. Here is the news report with some really good information on Eider migration and ‘why’ it might have stopped over in Toronto: https://youtu.be/l4VPXXuXaOM?

I couldn’t stand it and had to check on Mum and the hatchling at Duke Farms. It is always a worry when a new hatch opens, and a storm hits. Sleet is starting to accumulate in New Jersey, around 1500. You can hear it hitting the camera lens. Send good wishes!

SK Hideaways outdid themselves on videos this week. Please check them out – this is a lot of hard work and incredible effort!

SK Hideaways Videos Week of 15 February 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 ~Resident in flux


Fraser Point ~ Cruz & Andor
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s

Cruz Welcomes 1st Egg ~ Andor Snoozes in Waiting Room (2026 Feb 19)
Cruz laid her first egg of the season after a day spent mostly in or near the nest bowl. Andor was perched nearby and will be ready to meet their egg first thing in the morning. 
Video: https://youtu.be/UlT9pQ_J9c8

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

Kestrel Brings Mouse to Snag ~ Dining Balance Act 
No eagles today, but Mr. Kestrel was quite entertaining. The neighborhood kestrel enjoyed his mouse breakfast while balancing on the tip of a snag. Feaking (cleaning beak) was a slippery proposition. (2026 Feb 21)
Video: https://youtu.be/gkMOPrtpRz0

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

Chase Catches Fish 1 that Ate Fish 2 that Ate Fish 3 (2026 Feb 20)
Chase brought Cholyn a massive fish gift that turned out to be a three-for-one deal. According to our resident fish expert, Chase caught a big Kelp Fish that had eaten the Topsmelt (whole, mind you), that had eaten a Sardine (also whole).  Needless to say, both Cholyn and (finally) Chase filled their crops.  Chase once again showed his excellence as a great provider and mate. 
Video: https://youtu.be/O7Spi_nane4

Chase Calls Cholyn for Fish 2x ~ Stunning Close-Ups (2026 Feb 15)
At the height of nesting season, Chase is collecting lots of brownie points by delivering many fish gifts to Cholyn. Oh, Cholyn does love her fish! We were then gifted with some stunning close-ups of beautiful Cholyn, thanks to the stellar Two Harbors cam ops team. 
Video: https://youtu.be/PBj80qZsZdg


FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Jackie & Shadow
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Resident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014
Resident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://youtube.com/live/LCGYWfbyBWc
LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz

Jackie Nibbles Shadow’s Neck on Frisky Friday Date Night  (2026 Feb 20)
After evening nestorations, Jackie was quite demonstrative about being ready for romance, which included her loud declarations and neck nibbles. Shadow was not quite ready and continued with his branch management. They made up for it later behind closed branches.
Video: https://youtu.be/hwiTHNebbx0

Juvenile Eagle Interrupts Shadow’s Lunch ~ Jackie Comes Home to Mate (2026 Feb 18)
As with Jackie’s fish a few days before, a juvenile bald eagle followed Shadow back to the nest hoping to share some of his lunch. Shadow, of course, wouldn’t hear of it, complaining until the youngster flew off. A bit later, Jackie arrived for nestorations and mating, the latter fairly rare on the nest. They departed together and were seen together later on the Lookout Snag for more mating. Fingers still crossed for a second clutch. 
Video: https://youtu.be/ctSrnTXP7wY

Jackie & Shadow Enjoy Snow Day Feesh & Sticks (2026 Feb 17)
A snow-covered valley and nest did not keep Shadow from delivering a fish gift to Jackie nor did it keep her from happily collecting it. Shadow also delivered a stick, which required some placement negotiations. As a bonus, there were snowy beaky kisses. A brief but eventful visit. 
Video: https://youtu.be/2PqA-NX63FY

Juvie Spoils Jackie’s Peaceful Feesh ~ In Warmest Memory of Sandy Steers 💙(2026 Feb 15)
As we remember Sandy Steers, the heart and soul of Big Bear Valley wildlife conservation, we are grateful for the opportunity to watch the lives of Jackie and Shadow. We think Sandy would have enjoyed today’s happenings. 

Shadow brought one fish to the nest, which he peacefully enjoyed all to himself. But when Jackie brought her fish, a wily juvenile followed her in hopes of getting a few bites.  Well, of course, Jackie was not about to share her fish and let the juvenile know in no uncertain terms. Jackie managed to finish her feesh with, the juvie keeping close watch, and then shooed it off. Much to our delight, the juvenile soared around the valley, gifting us a wonderful airshow. Even Jackie may have enjoyed the show, now that her belly was full. 
Video: https://youtu.be/WZqLPjTDxyU


John Bunker Sands Eagles ~ Combine, TX ~ Mom, Dad, and JBS24
JBS24’s Bottomless Buffet (and Belly) (2026 Feb 16)
JBS24 is 3 weeks and 1 day old. The eaglet is spoiled for choice at mealtimes with Mom and Dad both often in the nest offering a variety of prey. JBS24 is growing up fast, now sporting grey thermal down and almost always a full crop. 
Video: https://youtu.be/h_Nks375XLg
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

When I checked, both Jazz and Nola were in food comas in the Kisatchie National Forest E3 Bald Eagle nest of Alex and Andria II? III?

Gracie Shepherd catches E26 at the SW Florida Eagle nest of M15 and F23 trying out their wings in the wind. That eagle can really hover! Are we ready for this beauty to fledge? https://youtu.be/vEAmBdxHWlQ?

Suzanne Kay reveals the banding results from Dade County:

Quinn late Sunday nightwas hunkered down in the nest as a storm was rocking the nest at Captiva.

Beau and Gabby sure make beautiful babies – Kai and Eve, fully feathered and gorgeous. (I am a little soft on this nest!)

There is some amazing news coming out of Rutland’s Osprey Project.

Monty and Hartley are sure feeling ‘spring like’! SK Hideaways catches their moves: https://youtu.be/LwwsKn4-vS4?

Calico has a special video for everyone today. They have wings but are not raptors. Dani Connor Wild is in Mexico, and she went up to the top of the mountain on horseback and found thousands of Monarch butterflies.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/hOO0UncoyIE?

It is so wonderful to have you with us. I always welcome your comments and your e-mails. I think I am almost caught up in answering – please accept my apologies for any delay. Take care. It is going to be a busy week, and I really hope that it is completely uneventful, no drama, nothing! We will see you again on Friday.

I am so grateful to SK Hideaways who so generously arranges their weekly videos for us – for all the others who contribute videos on YouTube, post information on FaceBook, and write articles that eduate each and every one of us. There is always something to learn! To the owners of the streaming cams, everyone is grateful to you. We would not know about the lives of our most wonderful raptor families without those cameras. I want to thank you, my readers, for caring for our wildlife, for writing those letters, and for being there and trying to help when it is needed. You are amazing and I am so grateful to have you as part of the Bird World family.

First egg for Duke Farms Eagles…Late Monday in Bird World

12 January 2025

Good Evening Everyone,

I did not intend to post a blog today. The warm weather has energied all of us. We did a 4.3 km walk and then came home and dismantled the conservatory, scrubbed the floors, and rearranged the furniture. I wish Toby could do heavy lifting. He gets bored when Hugo Yugo wants to sleep and not play and now Toby is into tearing leaves off the tropical plants! What a mess they make.

We have our first egg at Duke Farms.

It is the time of year when some institutions offer honorary adoptions to support the essential work they do for our raptors. One of those is Ventana Wildlife, which manages the California Condors at Big Sur and Pinnacles. You could adopt – Redwood Queen, mother of Iniko (1031), who survived the Dolan Fire. Redwood Queen was the mate of Kingpin, who died, but she is now the lead condor in the flock.

Eagles at Decorah North.

Milda, the White-tail Eagle, was on her nest in Durbe County, Latvia on Monday.

Ospreys in Abu Dhabi! Here is the link to the streaming cams: https://www.youtube.com/live/3HOYTC_Ws3M?

I do love the eaglets – they are the cutest little things but my heart throbs at the sight of a tiny osprey or eyas.

I really ‘need’ Jackie and Shadow and Jak and Audacity to have at least one healthy eaglet this year. It would make 2026 so much better. Both couples are working on their nests.

Crap. The Mum at Winter Park was attacked by an owl. Ondabebee caught it on video. https://www.youtube.com/live/3HOYTC_Ws3M?

Jean-marie Dupart counts ospreys in Western African along the coast of Senegal. We are so grateful for his diligence, dedication, and the sightings of banded birds. Thank you for your report. Gosh KA9 sounds like a familiar osplet…let me see if I can find out where it is from.

Of course, KA9 is a male that hatched at Llyn Brenig in 2022. Ringed 4 July 2022. Parents are LJ2 and LM6.

Screenshot

We did lots of walking and cleaned up the conservatory, moving furniture, etc. Then we made SK Hideaways’ scone recipe #2. Delicious.

Oh, I wish I were a little younger. I would open a facility for people with dementia where they had free access to gardens, animals, baking -. Most talk about the time for some things, but it doesn’t seem to happen in the free way that it should. Keeping minds and bodies busy is paramount.

I will share one of these with each of you virtually!

Thank you so much for being with us for this very brief blog. I cannot promise that there will be another til the end of the week or next Monday. In the meantime, please do take care of yourself.

Thank you to everyone who posted information on FB. We appreciate your generous sharing of information and videos. Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch our beloved raptor families.