Tag Archives: birds

Late Monday in Bird World

3 February 2024

Greetings Everyone,

Oh, I wish I could bottle up the warmth of this island and send it to all of you. The sun, the quiet, the clean air, the sounds of birds and amphibians, and all the local roosters just lift your spirits so much. One of the nicest things is eating outside! And not having to have a coat or boots on. I am feeling blessed.

Our breakfast guest was a Brown Trembler. She comes every morning and evening when we are outside. She must be related to puppy!

eBird describes thus: “A bright-eyed, hefty billed bird of forests and scrublands. Tends to hold its tail cocked up and wings drooped, especially when feeding. Typically appears almost entirely warm brown; dark above and paler below with some gray on head. Gray Trembler lacks the brown hues of Brown Trembler and has some degree of white below. White-breasted Thrasher has largely bright white underparts and a dark red eye (not yellow as in Brown Trembler). Song is a slow jumble of rich whistles and high-pitched sibilant notes. Calls include scattered whistles and harsh scolding notes.”

It is Monday and we head home on Thursday arriving on Friday. There is currently snow falling because the young man is going to go and shovel. Oh, I wish I could twitch my nose and fetch The Girls to Guadeloupe for the rest of the winter. The idea of going back to that cold is not appealing.

One of the best things about this holiday has been doing nothing. Everyone in the village is rushing around the large beach near town, Grand Anse. It is crawling with tourists. The parking lots are full. We came to be outside but have opted to stay away from the chaos. So far it has been the right decision. While I do not rush after a new bird to add to the Life List, it has happened with ease just walking through the garden here. In fact, there is a Guadeloupe Woodpecker visiting regularly. It is larger, I believe, than the Hairy Woodpeckers that visit my garden. The plumage is a glossy black with a shocking red iridescent breast.

“guadeloupe woodpecker” by abcdefgewing is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.

To some, it sounds odd to travel so far to do nothing, but nothing is perfect. As you might recall, our son lives on the island of Grenada and we always enjoy our trips there – the great food, the white sand beaches, and the birds. This trip is different. It feels good just to stop – to feel the wind and the sun on our faces and to listen to these some 290 species of birds. I just wish I could see them and that Merlin had them in their sound ID!!!!!!!!!!

Two lovely young ladies from Paris had grilled fish dinners with us sitting on the sandy beach! Talk about delicious. They even said that Donald was ‘cool’. That sure boosted his ego!!!!!!!!!!

The mantra everywhere is embrace ‘local’. The fish came with either white rice or rice and beans. The ladies have a set menu and the porc ragut and the creole poulet were already gone when we arrived. Just as well. I am not a fish lover and this fish was good!!!!!!!!

The camera is now up and running at the West End nest. Thunder is confirmed as being at the nest. There is another male eagle. Tonight I am waiting for any confirmation about Akecheta.

Visitor at the West End nest with Thunder??? It is very foggy – I can’t tell who is who. This male visitor has two silver bands, one on each leg. As the fog clears, the cam is getting some better images. It would appear that it is not our beloved Akecheta. https://youtu.be/KJN5edaYWXk?

Jak and Audacity have their first egg at Sauces laid on our anniversary 2/2.

Reminders around the Internet that Harriet disappeared two years ago today, too. 2/2/2023. M15 did such an amazing job raising E21 and E22 alone. We were so proud of him. And while we miss Harriet, F23 has proven to be an exceptional mother. We continue to send positive wishes to F23 and M15 as they recover from the loss of E24 and 25 to HPAI. May they live long and have many healthy eaglets in the years to come.

If you missed it, both eggs have now hatched at the E3 nest in the Kistachie National Forest of Alex II and Andria II.

Everything appears to be fabulous with Gabby, Beau, and NE31.

There appears to be a female interested in Jack’s outstanding nest at the Achieva Credit Union in St Petersburg, Florida. Way to woo them, Jack!

They look pretty happy. Lots of nice bark coming. Maybe this is the best nest this platform could ever wish for?????!!!!!!!!!!!

The Royal Cam chick has been switched out for another. RLK does not seem to have enough food for the wee one, so it has been placed with an adult who does. LGL is said to be some 500 km away from the nest, foraging. Send a big shout-out to the fantastic rangers in New Zealand who take such good care in monitoring the needs of these babies and act immediately when help is required. They are incredible.

And then they brought fed chick back to dad! Fantastic. I hope RLK gets to go and eat soon! https://youtu.be/Q85Zm_Iug6Y?

At Captiva on Sunday with Dasher and Dancer.

The GHO at the Pine Island Osprey nest attacked the female in the middle of the night and then stood over the eggs. It is not clear, but it would appear that the eggs are unharmed, but the female osprey might have been injured. I suggest not getting attached to this nest because of the GHO. Think Lake Murray! This owl is just waiting. That is very sad, but it is a reality. Brace yourself and hope for the best.

Harry and Harriet and eagle love in a snowy nest in Michigan. The couple had three eggs and fledged three eaglets in 2024. Looks like a good nest to watch!

You waited. We hoped that Angel and Tom were OK and here they are! The cam is back. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/rBhM-FCiw_4?

Why are birds dying in a rainforest?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/30/birds-dying-pristine-amazon-climate-crisis-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. I do not plan to post again until very late Wednesday or Thursday before we fly out.

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, posts, images, videos and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: eBird, OpenVerse, Wings of Whimsy, IWS/Explore, Kisatchie National Forest E3 Bald Eagle Cam, NZ DOC, limn, Window to Wildlife, Pine Island Osprey Cam, NEFL-AEF, Achieva Credit Union, Great Lakes Bald Eagle Cam, Window to Wildlife, The Guardian

Very late Saturday in Bird World

1 February 2025

Greetings Everyone!

It rained in a rain forest. No surprise there! We meandered into the small area of shops and found a lovely little restaurant overlooking the marina. The food was delicious. The coconut pie was out of this world – the best I have ever eaten and that is saying something coming from the southern US, originally.

Deshaies offers everything we wanted in a break from the Canadian winter. The hummingbirds fill the garden area flitting from flower to flower. There are three or four different types. Then there are Bandicoots, Red Jungle Roosters, hens, and chicks, and today we heard a woodpecker along with many others serenading us that we could not identify and neither could Merlin ID (only 65% of the birds on Guadeloupe are in their identification system). The National Forest is about 50 yards away on one side.

We are enjoying paradise.

The view to the marina.

Mostly fish items – freshly caught but also spaghetti and curry.

The finest coconut pie with homemade ice cream.

I had hoped for relaxation, and that is what we found. The puppy waits for us at the gate or comes running if she hears our voices wanting pets and more pets. Don’t tell The Girls! She has melted our hearts.

The trip is already more than I could ask for in a holiday. My dear husband has managed so well—often better than I did when things got anxious. He is excellent at spotting hummingbirds and helps watch for the roosters, hens, and their chicks on the road. They are everywhere. It almost seems like everyone has them for eggs. The weather has been warm; being outside in a forest melts any woes. It is forest bathing in a way so different from home – and we love it. I feel so privileged to travel and stay in such a serene place. Feeling grateful.

Checking on our bird friends…

There is now a second hatch for Alex II and Andria II at the Kistachie E3 nest in Louisiana. Oh, these bobbleheads are cute and strong! Go and check them out.

CROW has put out a statement answering some Questions and rumours that have been filtering through the airwaves. ( I hope this shows up in its entirety. Please search on CROW FB if it isn’t. Very informative information).

M15 and F23 have both been seen around the Pritchett Property.

The Royal Cam chick is doing quite well under the care of its father, RLK. Ranger Sharyn did a weight check. https://youtu.be/aU4-uKEgY4k?s

E31 is likely to be the most spoiled eaglet in the entire state of Florida this breeding season. Talk about a dad! Beau has embraced fatherhood like he read the manual from Shadow or M15. Gabby did really well. Oh, I know that we growled at Beau at times, but she kept the faith and for good reason.

Up at the food table. Can you see little 31?

Beau is feeding NE31 – again. Gosh, he loves taking care of this eaglet. https://youtu.be/EQapL5_-Z6M?

Kids climbing over one another to try to get priority at feeding at John Bunker Sands.

Three fish gifts for Jackie from Shadow – one for each egg? https://youtu.be/aTcHAYxfDRs?

Dasher and Dancer enjoying a nice meal.

Looked like a fish dinner for R7 and R8 and it also looked like R8 got its tank filled up! Nice.

More groups should band together to buy up huge tracts of land like the RSPB before developers get their hands on it and wildlife declines.

‘It’s incredible, the place just swarms with birdlife’: inside England’s biggest bird sanctuaryhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/01/its-incredible-the-place-just-swarms-with-birdlife-inside-englands-biggest-bird-sanctuary?CMP=share_btn_url

Two other news items. Tom and Angel have been seen at the nest and Window to Wildlife says that the cam will be turned on soon. Dr Sharpe is also planning to make a trip to the West End to see about the camera and hopefully to have some news of the eagles, Thunder and Akecheta for us.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care! See you in a few days – it could even be Tuesday or earlier if there is news.

Thank you to the following for their notes, comments, videos, images, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: Kistachie National Forest E3 nest, CROW, NZ DOC, Sharon Dunne, NEFL-AEF, AEF, John Bunker Sands, SK Hideaways, Window to Wildlife, WRDC, The Guardian

Late Friday in Bird World

31 January 2025

Hello Everyone,

It was a beautiful day in Guadeloupe. We spent it at the Botanical Gardens. If you are ever in this part of the world, I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful space. As you might recall, we are staying in a cottage on the grounds of the old Botanical Garden.

The new one began its current configuration in 2001. Scattered throughout the gardens are koi ponds, flamingos, Rainbow Lorikeets, and Parrots. The birds used to fly free in great numbers on the island. They are now extinct! Habitat destruction (deforestation) and hunting wiped them out. You can purchase food for the various fish and birds at the entrance gate. It is a great way to spend three or four hours.

The koi pond.

Lorikeets eat out of your hand.

The Panoramic Restaurant at the top of the water falls. Great local dishes but everything is on Caribbean time – allow at least 2.5 hours for a lingering lunch.

The sound of the water falling over the rocks. Click for the video. Oh, I hope it plays.

Looking at the Flamingos from the Panoramic Restaurant.

Look at the size of the tree compared to the humans below.

There are roosters, chickens, and chicks everywhere!!!! This is a Red Jungle Rooster. There were Crested Hummingbirds, Carib Grackles, Bandicoots around the garden.

Roger is having his lunch.

A beautiful day in paradise.

Now to check on our bird families…

Everyone in Bird World continues to mourn the loss of E24 and E25 with the SW Florida Bald Eagle family. We hope that F23 and M15 will be spared and return to the nest next season to once again raise a family. It has certainly been difficult not knowing how the adults are doing.

One of the most wonderful notices that I received was that M15 was seen at the pond on Friday. The individual told me he looked good. We need to allow for a fortnight from when the eaglets were sick and passed away for F23 and M15 to be ‘out of the woods’. Then they should have temporary immunity to this blessed curse that has hit the avian world. Here is the video link showing them: https://youtu.be/ZTANpuxjUNE?

While we wait for word from the West End nest of Thunder and Akecheta and more sightings of F23 and M15 that show that their health is good, we really must rejoice for those nests that are, at this time, doing very well. I cannot think of a better place to start than the Royal Albatross colony in New Zealand near Dunedin. There OGK’s son, RLK, is brooding their beautiful chick! The NZ DOC has put out the most precious video of RLK meeting that wee babe and reaching down to talk to it. OGK would be very proud! https://youtu.be/0uZs1z5msug?

Great close ups and a feeding! https://youtu.be/ZTANpuxjUNE?s

They are the gentle giants of the sea. They hunt over 6 million square miles of sea, mostly The Roaring Forties of the Southern Ocean, for food. It is a shame that as an international community we have not stopped the practices of the long-haul fishing trawlers (dropping their lines during the day) or have not come up with ways to rid the seas of plastics to save these beautiful creatures with their ten foot wingspans. They live in the winds lowering their heart rate to the same as when they are on their nests (80 beats per minute). They spend years foraging before returning with their wobbly legs to find a mate and then maybe, in years to come, to have a family. They should live to be as old or older than Wisdom, now in her 70s.

There are some things that we cannot control, that we cannot do anything about and then there are others that we can. With Avian Flu, demands must be placed at every level to curtail the disease including the factory chicken farms. Many would have them closed. We can certainly lobby environmental groups to help put into place best practices – demand that best practices be used – on those fishing trawlers such as loading lines at night and on the side of the boat, using safety protections on the hooks, etc. The list is not long and many agencies offer free devices for the ships. It is shameful that we cannot cause change in the industry to the extent that we no longer have to worry about an albatross being beheaded. Yes, that is what happens. It is horrendous. But eating plastic and thinking it is food and dying is horrific, too. While it is difficult to stop buying items that are made of plastic, we certainly should be trying our best. The other day, I realised that one of the biggest culprits is plastic medicine bottles! Why not put tablets in wax-lined paper envelopes? I plan to contact several of our local pharmacies when I return to Canada. We need to also support and call for funding for companies seeking to rid the ocean of consumer plastic waste.

We must smile when we look at Jack working so hard at Achieva Credit Union Osprey nest in St Petersburg. While we were trying to get help for that platform, Jack had other ideas. He started building a nest anyone would be proud of. Now ‘MP’ reports that he is bringing in fish to the nest and calling. Is he calling Diane? That is so sad. Maybe another female will want this beautiful nest and that fish!

Maybe Jack will attract a female! Someone arrived.

Tandem feeding for 31 – and, at the age of 10 days, 31 gets out of the nest bowl and up to the buffet to be fed by Dad. Fantastic! https://youtu.be/_rpYDa8AW6w?

Still waiting for the cams at the West End. Will we have eggs? Thunder usually lays them at the end of January or beginning of February – around our anniversary!

Congratulations to Alex II and Andria II at the E3 nest in the Kisatchie Forest on their first hatch of the 2025 breeding season! https://youtu.be/5iD4P2eY4z8?

The first egg is in the nest at PA County Farm! https://youtu.be/kRAOM-MS9nE?

Geemeff sends us this: How the Sport Shooting Industry is spreading HPAI and getting away with it! These poor animals are bred only to be shot, and not even for food which would allow some slight justification for their slaughter, then dumped illegally. Besides the potential spread of bird flu, scavengers of their carcasses are prone to getting lead poisoning from the lead shot used by the disgusting shooting industry.

Shot pheasants dumped in Lincolnshire during heightened risk of Avian Influenza

More Hen Harriers killed….when oh when will there be something done to stop this massacre?

133 hen harriers confirmed ‘missing’ or illegally killed in UK since 2018, most of them on or close to grouse moors

Storks arriving in Lindheim!

Good night Dasher and Dancer.

In a highly significant step forward for vulture conservation, India’s government has banned the use of Nimesulide – a widely used veterinary painkiller that’s highly toxic to these threatened birds.

https://www.birdlife.org/news/2025/01/10/vulture-conservation-in-india-boosted-by-additional-veterinary-drug-ban

Egg #2 for Sally and Harry arrived at Moorings Park on Friday.

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. See you late Sunday or Monday.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, H, J, MP’, Jardin Botanique de Deshaies, NZ DOC and Cornell Bird Lab, Royal Cam Albatross, Lizmn, Whiskers and Wings, SW Florida Eagle Cam, Achieva Credit Union, Baiba, SK Hideaways, HDonTap, Raptor Persecution UK, GalS, Window to Wildlife, birdlife.org

Late Thursday in Bird World

30 January 2025

Hello Everyone,

When we left Canada, it looked like this at the Montreal airport. There was heavy snow in the area that hit both Ottawa and Montreal. We wondered if we would take off. Thankfully, we did!

The learning curve upon arrival in Guadeloupe was high. I have to admit that my French is not that good! Renting a car might take only minutes in North America, but after a long day, it was a three-hour wait in 28-degree heat. Then, it was an arduous drive up and around the mountains to our cottage on the grounds of the Old Botanical Garden near Deschaines. The anxiety was worth it!

This is the view off the terrace of the cottage.

Complete with a dog that adopted the owners of the property – a Guadeloupe rescue. She is sweet. They even have cats!!!!!!! Who said we would be homesick?

It is Paradise. We are way up on the mountains in the rain forest and while it is 28 C, the breeze is vibrant, and we are not hot. Today was a wee trip into the small village to pick up a baguette and acquaint ourselves with what is available here. The nearest large supermarket is in Sainte-Rose. That is about 11 km away on a very winding road up and down and around the mountain. We opted to stay local. Tomorrow we will venture out to find one of the many restaurants that our host has recommended.

Now, skipping briefly to Bird World News:

The news has come that both E24 and E25 tested positive for HPAI. I do not know the strain but there is a new one in California, H5N9. I was also sent this information from my sidekick: “To the best of my knowledge… no one (bog’s) has reported seeing M15 today. F23 was recently seen at the pond, and looked okay.  I’ll let you know anything I can find out. Crow made an announcement at the nest tree, and the vet said we should possibly be concerned about the parents for up to two weeks.  They also said that HPAI is relatively new to the SWFL region.”

I found CROW’s press conference. It is here: https://youtu.be/BJelOrdk6P0?

Please send this amazing couple your best wishes. It is not easy seeing the two children you cared for so much die before you and you are helpless. I still remember Joe (Connie’s former mate at Captiva) mourning over the loss of Peace and Hope (rodenticide poisoning several years ago). It haunts me – that figure of him looking down as the last one, apparently healthy, broke a blood feather and bled to death.

Barb Henry posted a screen capture of F23 down at the pond.

Wings of Whimsy’s tribute to the SW Florida Eagle family and to E24 and E25. Get the tissues. https://youtu.be/YcEUG9mZJKI?

We have the first egg at Moorings Park Osprey nest for Harry and Sally.

Jackie and Shadow have surprised us with three eggs. My goodness if this is a year for a miracle at their nest, is this an extra one for luck? What if all three hatch? Shadow will be busy!!!!!!

Fishey eagle love at the nest before the third egg at Big Bear: https://youtu.be/tsKskF0ue-g?

All is well at the nest of Gabby and Beau. Beau loves being a Dad!!!!!! He has really picked up on feeding NE31. Gabby joins him in this video: https://youtu.be/_rpYDa8AW6w?

OGK’s son, RLK, got to meet his newly hatched chick at the Royal Albatross Colony in New Zealand.

NZ DOC image shared by Sharon Dunne on the FB group:

There are some wonderful events to celebrate. Please send all of the nests your most positive wishes for success. They have many, many challenges to over come – both the wee ones and the parents.

Thank you for being with us for this brief recap of what has been happening. There is lots more news out in Bird World. We will be back with you later on Saturday from what can only be called ‘Paradise’ – Guadeloupe. Take care everyone.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, images, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write this post today: ‘H, J, PB’, CROW, Barb Henry and the NEFL and EFL Eaglecam Watchers, Wings of Whimsy, Moorings Park, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, NZ DOC, Sharon Dunne

Quick update: M15 feeds E25

Hi Everyone,

Getting ready for a holiday is exhausting. We are all ready to head out the door.

I checked on the SW Florida nest of M15 and F23. As most of you already know, CROW came with the help of Joshua Tree and retrieved the body of little E24 for a necroscopy. Everyone was quick to act!

E25 ate a little fish prior to the removal.

Then this evening I checked and there was M15 feeding his surviving baby. What a relief. Let us hope that everyone remains safe and sound for eons and eons.

Thank you to everyone involved and to SW Florida and the Pritchett Family for their streaming cams that allow us to take part in this amazing family’s triumphs and challenges!

Monday in Bird World

27 January 2025

Hello Everyone,

Fortunately, there were some beautiful moments on Sunday that helped ease the sorrow of losing E24 at the SW Florida Bald Eagle nest, as well as the ongoing concern for dear Akecheta. As one of the chatters pointed out, his name means ‘fighter.’ We can only hope that he was able to utilize all the skills at his disposal so that when the cameras return, he will be there beside Thunder.

In fact, the Es were doing so well – meeting every milestone – and being so loved by M15 and F23 – that we were paying most of our attention to NE31 and to Jackie and Shadow. We never thought something would come out of ‘left field’ at M15 and F23’s nest. It reminds us never to take anything for granted!

E25 looks reasonably alert.

I will not be able to answer all of your letters today and I apologize as I know that everyone is grieving and is concerned by the odd behaviour of M15 and F23. Neither returned to the nest after E24 passed on Sunday. Heidi writes that F23 brought a fish to the nest this morning and E25 took a few bites. E25 should have been ravenous. I want us to prepare ourselves for the worst while hoping for the best.

I will not speculate as to what caused E24’s passing. The little one had a seizure prior to its collapse at 1841. It had been lethargic for a few hours.

Bird Flu is always one of the tragic diseases that comes to mind – and, again, I am not stating this is Bird Flu. HPAI is highly contagious and we should review aspects of it because it could impact our beloved raptor families this year. Almost exactly three years ago, I wrote about Avian Flu and a case that had hit Estonia in the spring of 2021. That was the very first time that the Virologist, Thijs Kuiken, knew of HPAI happening outside the normal time of autumn.

The excerpts below were written on the 18th of January 2022. Even if this is not Bird Flu at SW Florida, it is good to remind ourselves that this deadly disease is still ravaging the avian populations around the world.

On 6 January, the CBC announced that hundreds of birds in Newfoundland, Canada had contracted the H5N1 strain of avian flu. 

What is extraordinary about this is that it is the same ‘highly pathogenic’ (HPAI) avian flu strain that killed the two White-tailed Eaglets in the Balkans last spring. The male had brought a stork or a crane onto the Estonian nest and the two chicks died as a result of eating it according to the autopsy conducted by Madis Leivits. Thijs Kuiken, Virologist from Erasmus University, Rotterdam said to me in an e-mail, ‘HPAI outbreaks in wildlife were restricted to autumn and winter, and had stopped altogether or were at low levels by the time spring arrived’. Kuiken notes that the incidence of HPAI is overlapping with the breading season of many wild animals that could have been impacted. Many chicks could have died. 

Going back to the Newfoundland issue, the question is: how did it cross the Atlantic? Kuiken is working with the Newfoundland Government to discover how this might have happened. 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/avian-flu-newfoundland-labrador-1.6304817

Today it was announced that this same Avian Flu is responsible for the culling of swans in the UK including those that belong to the Queen.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-60025956

Of further interest is the fact that the same HPAI strain was discovered The in a bird shot in South Carolina in late December 2021. No region appears to be untouched. 

If you are interested in learning more about Avian flu and its impact, please read the following article by Dr Kuiken. It is very informative and can be understood easily without great scientific knowledge. 

https://thecorrespondent.com/831/the-next-pandemic-is-being-hatched-in-industrial-poultry-farms/1080687412200-1dda10f4

How will this impact the health of all wild birds in Europe and North America? What can be done? Some answers are in the article above. Perhaps it is time to really look at the factory farming of animals carefully and deliberately to a view of becoming more local.

Geemeff also sent me this very clear graphic that outlines how HPAI spreads.

It is hard to move on. There have been some shocking events already in Bald Eagle World that have hit us to our core. It is hard to put them in a box and celebrate the good, but we must do that. There are ways to halt the spread of Avian Flu and Thijs Kuiken writes about that in his articles. For now, though, I ask you to rejoice in the lives of the eagles that are with us, celebrate them, do not close your eyes because it is hard. To grive for these families – for Thunder as she might be mourning Akecheta – for F23 and M15 who have lost one of their children – is to show that you care. Cry. Kick the fridge if you must. It isn’t fair. Do whatever it is that shows your remarkable humanity. That is what makes the Bird World community special. We share in the triumphs and the losses day in and day out. I am so grateful for all of you because you care in a world that seems to be spinning crazily in the other direction. Hold on to that empathy. Send your love out. Mourn with these families.

NE31 is a darling. https://youtu.be/cIroMsxUKjs? The American Eagle Foundation has certainly been busy catching some of the sweetest moments at this nest.

Calico has been unwell and I found that 31 brought me a lot of comfort. There is something so special about new life and the hope that it brings to all of us, especially an eaglet that we so anxiously awaited to see for over two years!

Just look at those strong wings and fat little bottom. 31 has shown how strong it is from the moment it hatched and held its head up pretty high.

On Monday, NE31 was working its wings and pulling itself up higher in the egg bowl as Gabby was getting some fish for its snack. It will not be long until this one is clamouring out of that cup and up to the pantry! You will recall that Gabby gets them moving and up to the table as soon as she can. Food is a great motivator.

Right now, Gabby is on the big screen in our sitting room. She is looking up while 31 peeks out of her breast feathers. Relish ever precious moment.

Heidi reports that the deliveries at the WRDC nest of Ron and Rose have stepped up! Excellent news. There are lots of fish dinners for the family.

It was a very welcome sight at the Captiva nest when a very large fish came. And then, the eaglet stood and walked over and went – ‘hey, I can feed myself!”

Each nest is passing milestone after milestone daily. Dasher and Dancer are working their wings and getting those Hulk leg muscles stronger and stronger as the dandelion mohawks disappear.

It can’t be easy walking around on that nest. But to stand and flap wings using the tips for balance is a real achievement. Both eaglets are doing this.

Dasher is determined to get some fish flakes off that head.

Fish at John Bunker Sands, too!

I am grateful that Ospreys only (well 99.9% of the time) eat fish. (Mind you I know all the issues, as do you, about fish, but…). Wilko who is 114 days old is enjoying a fish. Kasse is 111 days old today.

On Monday, Mum brought in 2 fish and Dad delivered 1. Kasse had two meals and Wilko had a single dinner – at least that is what we can see on camera. No doubt these two fledglings are following their parents and others to the fishing grounds as they get older.

Jack continues to work on his nest. And what an amazing nest he has made! Bless his heart. The bark is coming in to line the area for eggs.

At the Royal Albatross colony, the Royal Cam chick had made 3 star like pips on the egg and is making good progress towards hatch. The first pip was spotted on the 23rd of January, and the egg was removed to prevent a fly strike. A warmed dummy egg was placed with the Royal Cam chick’s egg in an incubator. Fly strike spray was used on the nest to prevent any harm to the chick once it is returned upon hatch.

It is a white grey day in Winnipeg. It feels like it could rain. New suet cylinders are scattered throughout the lilac bushes that extend about 10 metres along the east side of the garden. The tube feeders are full of black oil seed while peanuts slide off the table feeders. There is Alfalfa for the deer and this evening, I will literally dump a huge bag of Black Oil Seed and half a huge bag of peanuts. This should last the birds and squirrels til we return home. The Cat Sitter, Gary, will make certain that The Girls are fed and have plenty of play time. He also takes care of Brock, Star, and the two other cats that come to the feral feeder. That heated double bowl for wet food and water has been such a blessing for the outdoor cats this year. If all goes to plan, they will have a small shed with heat lamps and straw for next winter.

On Tuesday we fly to Montreal. Keeping with our motto of ‘Stay Calm’, we will spend the night there before getting on the flight to Guadeloupe. We arrive there late afternoon on Wednesday. Can you tell we are not rushing anything? My plan is to have a post for you for Thursday evening unless there are some significant occurrences in Bird World. Until then, be easy on yourself. Grieve and then celebrate. We are so privileged to get to know these raptor families. They touch us in ways that one never expects.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, graphics, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post this afternoon: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, SP’, IWS/Explore, NEFL-AEF, SW Florida Eagle Cam, CBC, BBC, The Correspondent, Window to Wildlife, WRDC, Achieva Credit Union, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, Port Lincoln Ospreys, NZ DOC and Cornell Bird Lab

Sadness at SW Florida

26 January 2022

Good Evening,

I am sending this out because of the breaking news. I will be back with you either Monday later in the day or Tuesday morning.

Sunday late update: It appears that one of the Es on the SW Florida Eagle nest has died after struggling to breathe.

So sad for F23 and M15. Times from Heidi from observations: 18.39 struggling to breathe 18.39.55 flipped over backwards.

I will not post its poor little body. Beyond sad.

The sky is a blue-grey and it is nice and warm on the Canadian Prairies. The birds are singing and for the first time in several weeks, all four grey squirrels were in the garden. I had begun to worry that something had happened to them and then it just seemed that they had decided to hibernate til the frigid weather dissipated. It was so nice to see them.

The Girls and I have just finished Tony Putnam’s Bob the Robin. A Love Letter to Britain’s Favourite Bird. This lovely volume clad in bright red is a hidden gem in the publications coming out in 2024 that has its origins during the pandemic. Tony Putnam is not a professional writer. The story unfolds from the depths of his heart in a way that I found very touching. The author is a gardener, and several Robins befriend him causing him to set up social media accounts. Sadly, many of the early birds arrive, raise a family, and disappear, not to return until Bob comes. Their friendship endures. They know the quirks of one another. Scattered throughout are tidbits about Robin’s behaviour that you might not know. Bob was more than a friend to Tony – he became a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people. You will fall in love with this little bird that greets Tony and shares his day. Calico gives it her ‘Golden Paw Award’ and puts it right up there with H is for Hare. $24.99 CDN at on-line retailers. Beautiful coloured photos of Bob taken by Tony in the centre of the volume.

Jackie and Shadow are no strangers to snow but a windy storm kept Jackie on her talons protecting those precious eggs Saturday night and early Sunday morning. https://youtu.be/CLmoWiu83e0?

The pantry is full at NE Florida. Layers of fish and other critters! 31 is growing before our eyes. Many of you have written to say that you thought Dasher and Dancer could not be beaten for cuteness til you saw NE31. S/he sure is a darling.

Nest cam highlights for Gabby and Beau: https://youtu.be/a_S5_3s-dJQ?

Dasher and Dancer are still ‘darlings’. They are just changing and who isn’t captivated by a tiny little hatchling?

Dad has been filling up the pantry excitedly at John Bunker Sands. Now, will Mum step up and make sure that both eaglets get their fair share? Let’s hope so! They are sure little cutie pies.

Some are concerned about the drop off in prey deliveries at the WRDC nest of Ron and Rose. You might recall there was a similar issue last breeding season.

Jolene and Boone have their second egg of the season. 1751 is the time! Congratulations.

At Achieva, Jack sits proudly on his perch. What a fine nest he has made. Incredible. He should get some ‘Golden Nest Award’ for his tenaciousness.

There have been owl attacks at Eagle Country. Times according to the moderator: “​​Bayhead cam – 03:41:35 Owl attack Blaze. 03.42.08 Blaze returns to the branch. 05:13:26 Owl knocks Blaze into the nest; 6:49:33 Blaze to nest; 6:52:44 Skye joins; 6:56 Blaze off; 6:59:52 Skye”.

Bella and Scout were at the NCTC nest on Sunday. And to those who continue to ask that question: Yes, it was Scout that didn’t recognize his chicks and ate them last year. We know he is going to do better this year. Trust Bella.

Scout defended the nest against a juvenile intruder. Geez. I am wondering if this is ‘his’ year to be a great dad, too? https://youtu.be/o6zTYn2JCSI?

There is a possible pip for the new couple, Alex II and Andria II at the E3 nest in the Kisatchie National Forest near Alexandria, Louisiana today. https://youtu.be/G_k7B8RS14U?

Just look at how big the Es are!!!!!!!!! They sure got a head start on everyone.

Sharon Pollock posted this – adorable.

Thinking of you, Akecheta.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, articles, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘H, J, MP, SP’. Tony Putnam and Bob the Robin, NEFL-AEF, American Eagle Foundation, Window to Wildlife, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, Tonya in NO, Eagle Country, Deb Stecyk, NCTC Bald Eagle Cam, Achieva Credit Union, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, SW Florida Eagle Cam, IWS/Explore.org

Sunday in Bird World

26 January 2025

Good Morning All!

Update: Second egg for Jackie and Shadow!

So many of our friends in Bird World are beginning to prepare for or celebrate the Lunar New Year.

The Seattle Times had an informative article for those wanting to learn more about this important Asian tradition.

https://www.seattletimes.com/life/culture/what-to-know-about-lunar-new-year-traditions/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=article_inset_1.1

The Pine Island Ospreys incubating eggs have had an audacious GHO knock Mum off the nest several times and now there are Red-shouldered Hawks! https://youtu.be/YMVY4Ct7U0Q?

Life doesn’t get much better than the Bald Eagle nest at The Hamlet. Beau has observed Gabby, learning every step along the way. It was a huge learning curve for a first-time dad, and I did not know what to expect. Well, Beau continues to amaze me. 31 is strong, and it won’t be long til Gabby has it crawling out of that egg bowl to get its meals up in that corner that she likes to use for feedings.

The sun came up nice and bright over the nest.

Watching for that second egg at Big Bear as Jackie and Shadow look over their territory amid shift changes.

Waiting for that first egg at Redding.

There is a new Bald Eagle cam in Northern California at Humboldt Bay. Dr Sharpe was busy in installing it this past week. Here is the link – there are already eagles coming to the nest! It will officially be called the Faye Slough Eagle Cam.

https://www.youtube.com/live/bp2wEYiTYWQ?si=xHxdurUz6oYltJGa

This is a Bald Eagle nest near the Redwood Zoo. Did you know about it? Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/bp2wEYiTYWQ?

Saturday is Ferris Akel. With the construction near to Big Red and Arthur’s nest on Fernow Tower, I have not seen the Red-tail Hawk couple at the nest. This spring Big Red will be 22 years old; she was ringed in October 2003! On Saturday, Ferris caught both Big Red and Arthur along with a juvenile RTH.

It was so very nice to see them and that they were safe!

Big Red was on the scaffolding on the clock tower.

Arthur.

The juvenile with its Baby Blues.

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

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘J, L, SP’, SK Hideaways, Ferris Akel Tour, Seattle Times, Pine Island Ospreys, NEFL-AEF, FORE, Redwood Eagle Cam, Humboldt Valley Eagle Cam

Saturday in Bird World

25 January 2024

Hello Everyone,

It was a gorgeous day for a walk in the forest. -3C. The deer were out and the chickadees were flitting from feeder to feeder. It is still two months til spring is officially here but it felt hopeful. It is these warmer breaks that help Canadians make it through the winter!

There were deer at the feeders at Fort Whyte.

There were deer in the park on the way home.

The one above looks like the female that ate for three hours at our feeders last night. I wonder. I know they move really fast!

Today, we tried to cram in last-minute errands with that lovely walk. When we got home, Brock was sitting on the deck waiting for us. The dish was empty! Poor thing. I wondered how long he had been there.

Baby Hope watching Brock eat. I placed the dish right at the edge of the garden door and not with the ones at the feral feeder.

Brock after licking his lips. His ears have some strange slots in them. I wonder if that really extreme cold caused that.

We have several eaglet nests to watch and at each and every one, the babies are of different ages and their plumage is at various stages. What a wonderful education.

Readers continue to respond to how amazing Beau has wrapped himself around fatherhood and what an incredible mate he is to Gabby. His desire to incubate, brood, feed, protect is top of the charts. This is one lucky eaglet!

I hope this beautiful couple have a long and productive life together.

Frances and Franklin laid their first egg in 2024 at Bluff City- ETSU on the 18th of January. There should be an egg shortly!

Liberty and Guardian were caught mating on the nest. SK Hideaways has it on video! https://youtu.be/OrkXrrC3Xus?

There is sure a lot of prey on the nest of the Es! M15 and F23 are working overtime to keep it smelling quite ‘ripe’.

Dasher and Dancer are going to need harnesses to hold up their crops if Connie and Clive don’t stop filling them to the top of the crop.

There are two little eaglets at John Bunker Sands and it is just as hard to see if both get fed as it was last season!

I wish that Jackie and Shadow had some of that moss from the NE Florida nest for that precious egg of theirs.

I seem to be having trouble getting the feed from the WRDC nest of Ron and Rose.

We all hope to see Akecheta back on that nest with Thunder and eaglets there instead of highlights. Continue to send incredible positive energy. Just maybe!

You can find photos of Rita the Eagle, Ron’s former mate at the WRDC here: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rita-the-Bald-Eagle/61562017139998/

Sometimes we need to see positive stories about wildlife. These come from Knepp Farm and others through the Knepp Farm newsletter.

Stories of hope from near & far – KneppDownload

An iceberg is moving dangerously close to the breeding grounds of seals and penguins.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/24/iceberg-threatens-remote-island-penguins-seals?CMP=share_btn_url

Good news. Dangerous pesticide being banned – finally.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/23/government-decision-not-to-authorise-pesticide-is-sweet-as-honey-for-pollinators?CMP=share_btn_url

It has been somewhat of a difficult day. Our neighbour came running out when we came home from our walk and errands. He had found two individuals in their car, one dead and another almost dead. They lived in a small apartment block nearby. They had backed up in their car and had gotten stuck. The exhaust came into the car, and without them knowing it impacted them. It was a freak accident, but it has affected all of us. If you live in a place with snow, please advise people that they should not leave the engine on if they get stuck in a snow bank. They must roll down their windows. It could save lives.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. We hope to see you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write this brief post today: ‘J, SP’, NEFL-AEF, Bluff City-ETSU, SK Hideaways, SWFlorida, Window to Wildlife, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, FOBBV, IWS/Explore.org, Rita the Eagle FB, Knepp Farm, The Guardian

Friday in Bird World

24 January 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

Morning Update: First egg for Boone and Jolene at Johnson City. https://youtu.be/MIejfqZA-5k?

Thank you to everyone who has sent and continues to send me updates about the images in my posts. The images should correctly accompany the story! I understand that there are now images, but they are often unrelated to the topic. If you see this, please let me know if you have the time. Include what search engine and device type you use and what is happening. Thank you so much. I appreciate your help. Everything looks ‘fine’ on my end, but it isn’t for you. This needs to be fixed.

I also want to welcome all the new subscribers to Bird World. Our readers come from around the world and are the most amazing people. I am grateful for their empathy towards all living things.

We are each privileged to share the lives of the avian families. What a time to live! From preparing the nests, laying the eggs, feeding, and fledging, we get a front-row seat. Can you imagine not getting to see little 31 grow up? And how lucky we are to witness Jackie lay her first egg of the season? Or Wilko and Kasse dust it up over a fish.

Thursday was a little warmer in Winnipeg. It was a lovely day to be out of the house. We headed out of town for a nice lunch with my bestie to see how the animals were doing and unwind from the noise of the city.

The sheep, goats, and the donkey ran to the fence thinking we had food even though they had just gotten their regular feed. The restaurant will give people carrots and other vegetables to feed them; they must have thought we were holding out on them.

This sheep reminds me of Calico.

The little cutie had the bluest eyes and the loudest ‘maa’. Made us jump.

The Aspen trees had a little snow resting on their branches. There was no sun and everything was grey and brown, but it was wonderfully quiet. Time changes when you are in the forest. Sometimes, it is like you just stop. The smells, the sounds, everything is different and, all of a sudden, before you notice, you are calm.

So many of you have asked about ‘The Girls’. During the coldest days last week, when it got down to -32 or more with the wind chill factored in, they were not allowed to go out in the conservatory. (It is very expensive to keep it warm during those frigid times). Missey would stand at the door looking out the glass to her favourite spot to watch birds and then she would look up at me. I felt so guilty. Then Calico would join her and soon, all four would be there pleading. It is supposed to be much nicer tomorrow and they will get their wish! That room is like being outside walking the trails through the woods. It is so calming. It is also like a hide. We can sit and watch everything that is happening in the garden without scaring away the birds and animals.

I am a broken record when it comes to Baby Hope’s eyes. They are piercing. Nothing like the others with that deep celadon colour.

Sadly, Hugo Yugo did grow. She was soooooo tiny for so long, and then, like the eaglets, she doubled in length almost overnight. She will always be the baby, nonetheless. She sleeps cuddled in the fold of my left arm and has to have the pillow with the silk cover – none of the cotton pillowcases will do.

They have noticed the suitcases. They have a great cat sitter. Fingers crossed. Four days before departure and those suitcases need packing.

Hundreds of letters have come in full of worry and grief for Akecheta. Dr Sharpe is busy installing a camera at another eagle nest in Humboldt. So many wish he were pouring over the terrain at the West End. I wish we could clone him. He has given decades of his life to building up the population of Bald Eagles on the Channel Islands. One of the problems when there are more than a handful of eagles is territorial disputes – and fights over mates. It is breeding season and hormones are running high for some. On Thursday, the Lucy Franco tub boat intentionally went to the West End where Thunder and Akecheta have their nest. Those on board used their binoculars, scouring both sides of the island to no avail. No one spotted the blue wing tag of Akecheta. Indeed, it appears that they also did not see Thunder. So we wait and we continue to hope for the best.

We have the second hatch at John Bunker Sands Wetlands.

Lori Covert and Window to Wildlife have announced the names for CE12 and CE13 – Dasher and Dancer, respectively. Someone was thinking Christmas!

With all the snow in the Southern US, you might be wondering how Bald Eagles stay warm. ‘EJ’ sends this from Louisiana where there was 8-10 inches of snow.

Raptor Resource Project: Bald Eagle and Bird of Prey CamsDownload

Hatching has begun for the Royal Cam chick on Taiaroa Head, New Zealand. https://youtu.be/sVuZ9zHjzac?

It isn’t just raptors eggs that are smuggled. It is parrot eggs.

All is well with 31! What a proud Beau and Gabby.

At Port Lincoln, Wilko and Kasse have each had a fish on Friday. This is the tally for Thursday.

The final tally for Friday for Kasse and Wilko:

Reminds me of Murphy and his rock!

Have you ever seen a Red Goshawk? The people in Central Australia were certainly surprised.

‘A hugely significant sighting’: red goshawk photographed for first time in central Australiahttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/24/endangered-red-goshawk-photographed-central-australia?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you so much for being with us today. Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, images, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘EJ, J’, Baiba, John Bunker Sands Wetlands, Lori Covert and Window to Wildlife, The Raptor Resource Project, The Oasis Sanctuary, NEFL-AEF, Port Lincoln Osprey, Bart M and the PLO, Hob Osterlund, The Guardian