Tag Archives: Big Red and Arthur

Peanut fledged…late Monday in Bird World

13 April 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

‘MP’ just sent me the good news that dear Peanut has fledged from the Winter Park Bald Eagle nest in Florida. It looks like a brilliant flight and I bet that eaglet who had been attacked 55 times, according to ‘MP’, was glad to get off that nest. Congratulations!

This news was just too good not to send tonight.

A bird in flight, highlighted with an arrow, passing near a tree with a nest, surrounded by greenery and a river in the background.

Fru Rauer returned to her nest in Norway on Monday.

An osprey sitting in its nest made of sticks and grass, with a scenic view of the water and coastline in the background.
An osprey perched on a nest overlooking a calm body of water, with rocky shoreline and distant hills in the background.

Winnie has returned from migration and is with Swoop at the Dunrovin nest in Colorado.

There is sad news coming out of San Francisco. This will be the very last season that we will be able to view Richmond and Wendy at the Richmond Shipyards. The streaming camera will be cut in September 2025. Here is the announcement:

Announcement from SF Bay Ospreys about the final season of their live stream, highlighting the success of the program and future conservation efforts.
A construction crane with a bird's nest at the top is positioned by the water, with a bird in flight nearby, and a city skyline visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.

My goodness – I feel a bit gutted. There are many species that are in huge decline, and in parts of the US, ospreys are one of those species! We do know that the peregrine falcons in the area have been hit hard by avian flu. Let us wish all well and just maybe someone else will take over that camera!

Everyone has heard me say that watching ospreys is better than any of the shows on the streaming stations. Well, Glaslyn has turned out to be that – and it sounds like Loch Arkaig might be as well.

Yesterday, we were certain that the Glaslyn nest would be occupied by Teifi and Eschells. Well, guess who returned to ‘her’ nest today? None other than Elen, who has been gone for a week (or a tad more). Then Aran decided to do two flybys!!!!!! At the end of Monday, it was Teifi and Elen on the Glaslyn nest. So will Aran hook up with Eschells? She would have a great mate!

That’s Elen on the perch. She appears to be ready to spend the night defending her nest. Teifi had better get that breakfast fish in early.

An osprey perched on a wooden branch above a grassy landscape with trees in the background.

Geemeff catches us up with Loch Arkaig:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 13th April 2026

A very confusing day today as everyone swapped nests, three fish put in an appearance including a pike 

(Esox lucius), a species not seen on the nest since 2023. The day started with the handsome new boy JJ4 visiting Nest Two but then got complicated with Garry LV0 & Aurora 536 constantly intruding on Dorcha on Nest Two, and at one stage four Ospreys were in sight although it wasn’t possible to ID the fourth, might have been JJ4 or an unringed intruder. Perhaps all the intrusions on Nest Two are due to the absence of the dominant resident male, our missing Louis, so it remains to be seen how things will play out. Despite their intrusions on the other nest, Garry & Aurora look very at home on Nest One, and the day ended with the pair of them perched quietly together looking for all the world like a pair of lovebirds. In other news, Chaddie informs us that Prince & Affric are staying on their nest at Bunarkaig, quietly going about their business. Probably just as well, as six birds swapping nests would need serious detangling skills from the watchers.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/fEXsWOurESI N2 Handsome male JJ4 returns at dawn 05.42.32 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/0PnevrwuNjI N2 Five minutes of mayhem with four Ospreys and a fish 07.56.23https://youtu.be/cC-hNiKhUJM N2 Garry LV0 intrudes on Dorcha who fights off aerial attacks 08.59.35https://youtu.be/ahkA-opGUA4 N2 This time it looks like it’s Aurora who attacks Dorcha 09.16.18

https://youtu.be/UuZJBD9WMqc N1 Garry prepares the nest but Aurora calls for fish 12.34.00

https://youtu.be/byG76WpP-js N2 Dorcha brings a pike (Esox lucius) to the nest15.04.46 (zoom)https://youtu.be/m3ZIPTnC1X4 N2 Dorcha defends against Garry LV0 and a third Osprey 15.27.44

https://youtu.be/tfl7AZbGSK8 Lovebirds! Garry & Aurora perch quietly together 19.28.58 (zoom)

Bonus guide to Osprey egg production:

https://kielderospreys.wpcomstaging.com/2013/05/04/copulation-and-laying-eggs-a-bit-of-a-biology-lesson

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/S79vEf6sTV0  N2 Louis chases an intruder 2020 (Slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/aw9gnUSlGO0  N1 Late night drama as Louis chases another intruder 2020
https://youtu.be/6yGNxv2KqNQ  N2 Misty morning mating 2022 (x-rated!!)
https://youtu.be/P60wseTCepU  N1 Louis brings a fish to his old nest 2022
https://youtu.be/NmUONfZzPeI  N2 Louis loses a stick and nearly gets lucky 2023
https://youtu.be/9dNWnjbzqEY  N2 Dorcha sees off a Hoodie 2023https://youtu.be/NHDU63bbEag  N1 Garry LV0 brings another fish 2024 (zoom)
https://youtu.be/G1l5YJriSt8   N1 Garry LV0 startles a little songbird 2024 (slo-mo zoom)
https://youtu.be/9MU4DHe21Ak  N2 No egg tonight: both depart 2024https://youtu.be/tJxdXWMuArw N2 Louis brings a late breakfast 2025https://youtu.be/8_TK0aK9cus N1 Garry pole-vaults in for a third visit 2025

All the above and more when you join in with 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

‘J’ sends the banner from Naturechat.org:

Frija laid 1st egg this morning at Kestrel Cam in Denmark.

Pip watch continues for final egg at Traverse City Eagle Cam.

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

Pip watch continues for final egg at Fort St. Vrain Station Eagle Cam.

Look who is checking out the scrape at Charles Sturt University’s that belongs to Diamond and Gimbir! FalconCam Project caught them: https://youtu.be/h7EZJMtlFlU?

Watch to see what the falcons do when they come to the scrape!!!!

Two white cockatoos are inside a nest box. One cockatoo has a yellow crest and is standing near the entrance, while the other is slightly blurred as it moves nearby. The nest box is made of wood, and there are small pebbles on the floor. In the background, a clear view of the landscape is visible through the open window.

The difference in size of the osplets at Achieva is incredible. The wee one waits for the eldest to get a huge crop and then steps up to get its fill of fish. Mum and Dad are doing well in caring for these two.

A bird's nest on a high platform, with a bird standing on it and surrounded by twigs and branches. The background shows trees and a suburban street.

Brevard County ospreys had a good fish day, too.

An osprey sitting in its nest made of twigs, with a calm waterfront and a boat dock in the background.

The two at Fort St Vrain are doing well. Egg 4 is within the hatch window but I am hoping that it is a Dudley! Two healthy eaglets is just fine.

Bald eagle feeding its chicks in a nest with eggs, surrounded by twigs and straw.

Androcat caught E26 at the pond on the grounds of the Pritchett Farm, having a blast. https://youtu.be/_NooQ_uctJw?

My goodness Iris is gorgeous.

An osprey sitting in a large nest made of twigs and branches, with a view of a parking lot and a train passing in the background.

Big Red is equally beautiful.

A red-tailed hawk sitting on a nest made of twigs, located on a metal railing with a view of a street and park in the background.

That’s it for tonight. Toby and I worked hard shifting birdseed today and right now it is time for ‘Calico’s Story Time’. Take care. We will see you soon.

Thank you to ‘Geemeff, J, MP’ for their news, notes, and images. I am always grateful – the more eyes on the nests the better. Thank you to those who posted on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to share in the lives of these amazing birds.

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.

Andor is a master angler, Pip Watch for Jackie and Shadow…Late Tuesday in Bird World

31 March 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

It was a lovely day on the Canadian prairies. After all the snow, everything began to melt. The sky was a beautiful Azure blue with soft cotton clouds. The garden was full of birds, squirrels, and a Ginger cat that came to visit. Brock was down the street napping after a full dinner at Jane’s and the world seemed right. The Girls and Toby are fine. Ann took Don and Ann for a long walk while I finalised the details of the door alarms and the new doorbell video camera. Hopefully installation will be soon. Those security measures will ease some anxiety.

On the Cornell campus, the rain came down in a fury late in the day. Big Red will do anything to protect those precious eggs!

A red-tailed hawk sitting in its nest made of twigs on a balcony railing, with a view of a street and a blue bus passing below.
A red-tailed hawk sitting in its nest on a ledge, with a view of a street and parked cars below. The scene is partially rainy, and there are trees and buildings in the background.

Shaking off all the rain like Toby does!

A red-tailed hawk perched on a nest made of twigs and greenery, with a view of a rainy urban landscape and street below.
View from a live cam showing a red-tailed hawk nestled in its nest on a balcony, surrounded by branches, overlooking a street scene with wet pavement and trees.

It felt pretty quiet in terms of UK osprey arrivals.

‘J’ sent the following notes from naturechat.org:

Hatch occurred today for 2nd egg at U.S. Steel Eagle Cam.

Alla laid 3rd egg this morning at at Northern Goshawk in Estonia.

Pip watch begins 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?

If you have not checked out this site, you will find live cams, information on dates of eggs, arrivals, hatches, etc. for many streaming cams around the world.

A young woman using ‘Raptor Stories’ as a handle created a lively little video on YouTube announcing the beginning of pip watch for Jackie and Shadow’s eggs. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/QVZM43Ys00U?

I am truly excited. Those eggs are intact. The Ravens have been kept at bay. Hope reigns in our house for one healthy eaglet in this nest! Send all your positive wishes.

Baiba has Shadow bringing in a nice fish for Jackie as pip approaches. They should be hearing those eaglets. https://youtu.be/F0N83Ivj98o?

KTLA, along with other news outlets, are getting excited for Jackie and Shadow, too. https://youtu.be/-nZBWJcBYCw?

Telyn is home at Dyfi, but no Idris. Look closely. She is on Monty’s perch eating a fish.

A wide view of a grassy field with a large osprey nest made of branches in the foreground, and a tall wooden pole with a perch above it in the background.

No one at home for Elen at Glaslyn either. At Loch of the Lowes, Dark Knight shows up, but where is Blue NCO?

Thank goodness CJ7 has her mate Blue 022 home!

A close-up of an osprey resting in its nest, surrounded by twigs and branches, with a scenic view of trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

Can you see all the fish Andor is bringing in to Cruz and the kids? You’d think there were a dozen little bobble heads being brooded under Cruz’s feathers!!!!!!! Looks like it is big sis, Sasha, and second hatch, Zuma.

A bald eagle sitting in its nest, with remnants of fish nearby and a wooded background.
A bald eagle standing over its nest with two fluffy eaglets visible in the nest below.

In PA, Irvine is going to need lots of prey – US Steel 9 hatched, US Steel 10 has hatched and there is another to go.

A close-up view of a newly hatched bald eagle chick resting beside two eggs in a nest, surrounded by straw and twigs.

Pix Cams has Stella on video feeding the two! https://youtu.be/QO0GawHAjdo?

Two fluffy bald eagle chicks resting in straw next to an unhatched egg in their nest.

Ellie and Harvey at the Kansas City Bald Eagle nest have two lovely eaglets who are getting their feathers.

A bald eagle standing guard over its nest with two gray chicks, surrounded by branches and grass in the background.

Just a quick check in. We are doing great and the air even smells like spring. This is a real boost to my spirits. Take care everyone! See you soon.

Thank you to everyone who created videos! Thank you to those that posted on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us see the highs and lows of these amazing raptor families.

Close-up of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel resting its head on a soft blanket, with its eyes looking directly at the camera.

Dyson was here today. Bless her.

A gray squirrel sitting in the snow, holding food in its paws, with a bushy tail and a snowy background.

Eve fledges, Big Red lays 2nd egg, hatches happening…

27 March 2026

Good Afternoon Everyone,

It’s a bit chilly at -7 C this morning but there is a beautiful blue sky and bright sunshine to make us feel warm. The birds are all over the garden looking for seed through the fresh snow that we woke up to. Spring will come. There will be lots of moisture in the ground. That will be a blessing. I see Mr Blue Jay has arrived along with the Starlings, Dark-eyed Juncos, and various types of sparrows. Those Blue Jays are so gorgeous against the white snow.

We had a lovely visit with our daughter and grandson yesterday. Jaine came with a homemade Opera cake that could win any Bake Off prize in the world.

This little red squirrel is keeping everyone curious. It darts in and out of the woodbox and under the deck, caching nuts. Hugo Yugo is completely intrigued and sits at the window watching for hours. Isn’t it cute?

Oh, I love this Red-tailed Hawk. For many, Big Red was one of the first raptors they watched on a streaming cam. There is a great Facebook group, along with a live chat from hatch to fledge. This chat will blow you away for one specific reason – each of the moderators is so knowledgeable. Laura Culley used to be one of them. There are set times when chat is open, and historical data and new science are always being added. You could not find a better place if you want to learn about hawks! I will let you know when chat is open and how to find it.

At the nest of Beau and Gabby, the oldest eaglet, Eve, fledged! She really manted to join Kai who earned his wings the day prior.

Lisa Russo posted Gretchen’s post on FB. Thank you, Lisa.

Screenshot

Heidi reports a pip at Brevard County Osprey platform and she was right – there is a chick at Brevard this morning.

Four eggs for Elaine and Newmann at Spirit Bluff scrape.

I was delighted to hear from Lisa, one of our great Bird World members and a daily reader, who also is key at the Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey. An article has been published about her work there. Have a read! Lisa is a real inspiration. I am so proud of her – and her award as Volunteer of the Year in 2024.

Maybe someone reading this article about Lisa might be motivated to volunteer locally.

A Creative, Behavior-Focused Approach to Bird Enrichment | AudubonDownload

One of the eagles at the Audubon Centre that is benefiting from the devotion of many like Lisa is River.

At the Winter Park Bald Eagle nest Peanut has branched. That is wonderful. Peanut’s older sibling, Brutus, is also at the Audubon Centre after being knocked off the nest by a GHO.

So where is Quinn? Diane Lambertson posted a FB message that might hold that answer.

The IWS has given a beautiful name to the female at the West End Bald Eagle nest in the Channel Islands.

Angel has returned to her nest at Loch Doon and they say Frankie is coming in behind her.

Wildlife Windows caught her arrival on video: https://www.youtube.com/live/a7Aocq3fybM?

A great presentation by Dr Tim McKrill on osprey migration for us and the Osprey Leadership Foundation: https://youtu.be/wlJoNyKapfc?

Watching for Idris and Telyn to arrive at Dyfi.

SK Hideaways is on a mission to a faraway place. They sent one video this morning. Thank you! Safe and wonderful travels.

West End Eagles ~ Catalina Island, CA
F & Lee Inseparable on Flirty Pre-Naming Day ~ Must Be Love😍 (2026 Mar 23)
F’s name should be announced tomorrow! She and Lee were celebrating together all morning as they repeatedly soared from nest to tor to secret hideout. They were inseparable and had much to chortle-snortle about. There was no interest in mating, but there sure were a lot of goo-goo eyes between them plus one of the sweetest beaky kisses I’ve ever seen. 
Video: https://youtu.be/PYNBCu8Tw0o
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

This female is now Isla.

Two ospreys at Pitkin County this morning.

There is a hatch underway for Bella and Scout at the NCTC Bald Eagle nest. Let’s send this family our best wishes. They lost their beautiful eaglets last year in a nest collapse. It was so sad for everyone.

Despite some deaths, it appears that the Kakapo breeding season is going to be a success.

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care of yourself. Have a marvellous weekend. We will be back soon – too much happening. We are on pip watch for Andor and Cruz at Fraser Point.

Thank you to Lisa Ferguson for sending me that great article. Congratulations! I am grateful to everyone who supplied videos, to those who posted on FB, and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us watch our bird families.

Kai fledges…Dark-eyed Juncos arrive in garden

25 March 2026

Good Afternoon,

Just a quick check in on some nests and the garden as spring arrives.

The first Dark-eyed Juncos of the season have arrived! Thank goodness the whole seed area is a mess and there is lots for them on the ground.

The big news (as far as I am concerned) is that Kai, Beau and Gabby’s baby, fledged about an hour and a half ago caught on video by Netflix Memories. https://youtu.be/VnmSSSODa6M?

Ospreys are arriving at the European nests including those in Germany.

Blue NCO calls for a mate from her nest at Loch of the Lowes.

She might be 23 years old but she is still gorgeous. Big Red.

Chichester’s Peregrine Falcon newsletter has arrived.

Chichester Newsletter no 3 250326Download

We have at least one osprey on the Pitkin County nest in Colorado.

On pip watch at Achieva. I hope that Jack steps up provisions. Many of you might wonder about the fish he brings in – this couple recycles fish just as Jack and Diane did. A fish comes in, part is eaten, it is taken away and. brought back. The ospreys have a place where, like the squirrels in my garden, that cache food. We saw this clearly at Captiva when there was a tree near to the platform that served this purpose.

So when you see a fish, don’t count them as individual fish – that is not the case. Jack will need to provide more. Diane supplemented the fish with her great catfish. Will this female have to pitch in for her babies to survive?

Thank you so much for being with us. Take care! See you soon.

Thank you to all the individuals who posted videos that I am sharing, information on FB, and to the owners of the streaming cams, we are all grateful to be able to watch our beautiful birds.

Remembering Rosie while Ospreys arriving…here, there, and everywhere

24 March 2026

Hello Everyone,

Oh, gosh. I can’t keep up with eaglets hatching and ospreys arriving so…watch those eagle nests as I will be chasing after osprey arrivals.

The pair at the Port of Ridgefield have arrived.

Blue 33 and Maya arrived within hours of one another at Rutland’s Manton Bay nest! I am over the moon – and I will keep saying that. Geemeff has Maya’s arrival. https://youtu.be/Zc_Zd__2jZY?

Some want to argue that it isn’t Maya. As keen osprey observers know, the head of the osprey does not change, and Maya has a distinctive ‘X’ on her head. Thanks, Geemeff.

RSPB is giving a Zoom talk, ‘The Return of the Osprey’ in May. Here are the details if you are interested: Go to Eventbrite.co.uk. It is free. Below is the date and time for me.

Register on Eventbrite

Big Red and Arthur have their first egg as of the 23rd. Please consider joining the Cornell Hawk Cam Chatters if you are not already a member to keep up with the latest and learn when and where the live chats will take place during the hatch-fledgling period.

Osprey pair back at Cape Cod Mashpee, MA nest.

My goodness – I did say that they are arriving fast and furious.

Heidi’s watching a lot of nests and one of those is Seaside. We have Port of Ridgefield home so the rest should be arriving soon.

Heidi reports that there are now three osplets at Venice Beach and Golf Course Osprey platform as of 23 March!

The little one at Moorings Park is having some difficulties getting up to the table when fish arrive. It is having to wait but Sally is a good mum and the little one did get fish!

It takes a good food source and exceptional parents to have three osplets fledge – never mind four. I wonder if CJ7 and Blue 022 at Poole Harbour will go for another four this year? Their nest is waiting for them.

A memorial video dedicated to Rosie, Richmond’s mate who did not return this year to her nest at Golden Gate Audubon in the SF Bay Area, has been compiled. https://youtu.be/i4h2jIE8xuU?

Did I say get your tissues out?

Richmond loved putting sticks on Rosie’s back.

It is really hard to say goodbye to such a good Mum. Soar high, Rosie dear.

Thank you for being with me this evening. Osprey World is very busy – and so are the eagles and hawks. There will be some fledges soon – I might miss them so please send me the news. Take care.

Thank you to everyone for their wonderful videos, and to SF Bay Ospreys for a fine memorial video of Rosie and Richmond. To those who contributed news and images on FB, I am forever in your debt, as we all are to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to witness the lives of these incredible birds.

Big Red and Arthur have their first egg

23 March 2026

Oh, what joy! The 23 year old Red-tail Hawk whose nest is on the Fernow Light Tower on the Cornell Campus in Ithaca, New York, laid her first egg of the 2026 season with mate, Arthur, this evening.

Here it is – and it’s raining.

Bravo!

Thank you to the Cornell Bird Lab for the streaming cams allowing us into the lives of this amazing family. I adore Big Red like hundreds of thousands of others.

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:

The Eagle Has Landed! Meet Our First African Fish Eagle ChickDownload

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.