They have four little eyases, pink beaks, pink toes…white fluff. They are readying to be able to see (it usually takes 4-5 days). Monty and Hartley’s little falcon babies are so cute. Each one is doing so well.
Audubon Florida has published their annual report. These summaries are very interesting and you can learn a lot! Take, for example, how hurricanes benefit some shorebirds: “When multiple hurricanes and storms in 2024 rearranged habitats across the Gulf Coast, the resulting expanses of bare sand created ideal conditions for beach-nesting birds, especially Wilson’s Plovers. Combined with a lack of major storms in 2025, our team saw encouraging results for many coastal bird species all around the Sunshine State, thanks in large part to the dedication of our incredible shorebird steward staff and volunteers.”
Check it out. We can all learn something and what is happening in one region might give some insight into what is occuring in others.
Ospreys have returned to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum platform.
Ospreys have also returned to a very sad nest at Collins Marsh in Wisconsin. It is on top of the roof of an old fire watch tower that was hauled in to the nature centre. This nest has always needed attention and I feel for these two because it looks as if there are no rails at all and the whole is sloping downwards. My wish would be that every owner of a streaming cam connected to an osprey platform make an effort during the off season to clean and refurbish – and strengthen the nests and the platforms.
I just want to call it ‘evil’. I am still trying to wrap my head around the mind of an individual who would shoot a mute female swan incubating eggs and then stomp on her eggs, leaving her life-long partner to mourn. Now, the poaching of Bald Eagles in Michigan. These inconceivable acts of abuse and violence against animals happen in every country. No region is immune. Some blocks away from where I live, but close enough for discomfort, a seemingly normal couple tortured and killed cats on the dark web for money. They were looking for a child to be next when they were caught. The cruelty by the individuals against the swan, the eagles, and the raptors in places like Scotland tells me that if a person would hurt an animal, what in the world would they do to a human? They have no heart.
There is great news coming from the Snow Lane Osprey Platform in Newfoundland, Canada – Beaumont has just returned. Let’s hope his new mate arrives safely!
We have egg number 3 at Lyn Brenig in Wales.
The female at Loch Garten returned today after a week’s absence and laid her first egg.
Things going very well with Andor and Cruz’s triplets after the return of Ryder who fell out of the nest by the IWS.
Beautiful eggs of Teifi and Elen.
‘PB’ sent me a note that USS 11 was returned to the nest along with some nice fish gifts! Congratulations. Well done.
Thank you so much for being with us today for this quick report. We hope that you are well and enjoying the beginning of your week! Take care. We will be back in a couple of days – unless Big Red and Arthur have hatches and we will be back sooner.
Thank you so much to ‘PB’ for her alert, to the owners of the streaming cams for allowing us to view the lives of our bird friends, to Jeff Kear at UK Ospreys FB for keeping me on my toes, and to all who post information and images on FB to keep us up to date on what is happening.
We had a very strange day today. We were both tired. Toby was due to go for his grooming. It was a new doggie spa. I will only say this – Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not to be ‘shaved’ all over unless they are covered from tail to nose in heavy matting. (That would be supreme neglect. I said ‘no’ to the shave – I should have been warned off by that question. Toby did not get hurt, or anything, and the groomer did do what I asked, except that, on their own, they cleaned his face, which meant they cut off his whiskers! —– Toby will be going to his former groomer from now on even if I have to wait to get in!
The weather has turned a bit cool. It was 0. We had a very cool wind. It is to warm up – aren’t I always saying that? Spring really needs to come. I have ordered a gallon of paint so I can do a second coat of Railings on the exterior doors. I do love that deep grey with a blue undertone. We have changed door wreaths – we simply change the flowers and ornaments. The next couple of months are pink peonies. Oh, how I love peonies! We have one old bush from 1902 that still thrives, and over the past two years, I have planted more. Many of the shrubs have to be segregated from Toby as they would make him ill if he ate them!
‘PB’ alerted me to the goslings preparing to jump. These parents were incredible.
The five goslings were encouraged by Mum several times and then Dad flew up to give them a pep talk. The five appear to have made it down safely. Nothing cuter than these babies taking this huge leap of faith. Heidi has it on video: https://youtu.be/sqTCn7X8ipE?
Ping Shen wrote last night with such relief. “Here, it has been an interesting few weeks – after seeing Sally on April 2nd I naturally kept an eye out for Harry and a few days later a male did show up on the nest…upon closer inspection (photos), however, it was fairly clearly not Harry (no distinctive black spot in the left iris, etc). Sally seemed to tolerate this new male well enough (#5350 is Sally, on the right, with the new male on the left), though I wondered if she would wait for Harry and if so…where was he and when would he show up. As the days turned to weeks…I started to resign myself to the idea that I might not see Harry again. Then…as I ambled down towards the nest yesterday, seeing the 2 birds there and assuming it was Sally and the new male, imagine my surprise and joy to look through the viewfinder and find a different male…much more brown on the chest and then…as he turned just right…that drop in the left iris! Harry!! Unmistakably Harry, and the two are now back together – I hadn’t visited in a few days so I don’t know exactly when he showed up or what happened to the other male (presumably chased off by one or both of them), but what a relief! Interesting that he showed up some 3+ weeks after Sally – perhaps this is why she left a good six weeks or so before he did last summer? Perhaps her schedule is just earlier than his…anyways, as you can see they are wasting no time, and the nest is starting to expand and the Osplet-making has begun!
Thought you might enjoy the update from Seattle, and the good news. ”
Ping is not the only one who worries about late arrivals. This year, a number of ospreys have arrived several weeks later than they were expected. I am starting to wonder if they wintered in the same area, and weather events meant they were late in leaving. Wonder where they were??
The latest news from the chat – both chicks are out. “15:10-15:17–Ruth continued to help the chick in Egg #1, removing much of the shell as the chick pushed. A hatch can’t be called until the chick is fully out of the eggshell.” “A LOT has happened today! Egg#2 hatched around 17:08, so HAPPY HATCH DAY OR2 the second chick of 2026 named for its parents initials as well! We are THRILLED both chicks hatched on the same day!”
The little eaglet of Irv and Stella at the US Steel nest, USS 11 will be returned to his nest on Tuesday the 28th after rescue and rehabilitation. Great work everyone!
Geemeff stayed up very, very late. Aurora was assaulted by owl strikes. Check out all the action below at Loch Arkaig at the two nests!
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 27th April 2026Today started as a routine day enlivened by our first sight of the egg when Dorcha stood to roll it, giving us a good look at it. Louis delivered two fish to her, taking the nest total to twenty seven, and Garry LV0 brought two fish to Aurora 536, taking his tally to thirty two. Aurora didn’t eat either of them – she dropped the first and despite circling round to look for it, had to leave without it, and although Garry kept returning with the second fish, she showed no interest. It was speculated she might be getting ready to lay an egg but that ended when she left the nest at 19.40.
However, she returned to the nest at 23.53 but if she had any hopes of staying the night and laying an egg, those were dashed by a bombardment from owls who kept flying past her and over her, with calls heard continuously in the background. She didn’t actually receive a strike but had had enough and departed at 00.04. While this was going on, Dorcha was undisturbed on her nest.
All is well at the UK nests save for the owl strikes and intruders, including returning two year olds. We wait for hatch!
If you live near southern Manitoba, Wildlife Haven is having its ‘Baby Days’ on Saturday, 2 May. They are in great need. They already have over thirty new baby patients this season, and that number will continue to grow. I am certain it is the same with the rescues near you. Check out their wish lists – look in your garage. Got an old dog or cat carrier that is in good shape? Clean it up and donate if you no longer use it. Check for other items. You would be surprised by what is needed—including tools!
Thank you for being with me today. Tomorrow you should be able to see the two little darlings at Syracuse University. I encourage you to hawk watch – you won’t regret it. I am now waiting for Big Red and Arthur to have their babies.
Take care. We will see you soon.
I am so grateful to Ping Shen for sharing his Seattle osprey family with us. Thank you to Geemeff for staying up late to create the video of Aurora’s attack and all the other news. To ‘PB’ for keeping me informed on great events that I might have missed. To the authors of FB posts and the owners of the streaming cams – I am always grateful.
We hope that you had a wonderful weekend – and please tell me that you had some time to go outside. It was a tad cooler here today but we sat in the warm sun on the deck and listened to birdsong coming from the feeders. Oh, it made my heart skip happy beats! It was another quiet day – a most welcome one. We did some spring cleaning and celebrated by making strawberry shortcakes. Tomorrow, Toby goes for a much-needed grooming (Monday). I’m hoping for a trip to Fort Whyte for a walk in the forest and a check on the geese that should be laying eggs.
Shadow continues to bring in big fish for Jackie and the kids. The snow is melting.
Isn’t he handsome? Teifi is one of Idris and Telyn’s fledglings – he is Maya’s grandson. How cool is that? I am so glad that the Glaslyn nest has settled down or him and Elen. As you know, I adore Aran and it seems that he has also found a platform and a mate. Smiling. Calm is good.
The Dyfi family tree now has its fledglings at Glaslyn:
Here’s Teifi. It was the first year, 2020, that Idris was bonded with Telyn after Monty:
News from Loch of the Lowes:
SK Hideaways videos for the week – always grateful!
Jackie & Shadow got everything in order as a storm approached ~ The chicks enjoyed meals 7 and 8 ~ They’re tucked and warm under Jackie (2026 Apr 25) Video: https://youtu.be/ZHZwUvD7SEw One Chick Escapes Egg Bowl ~ Jackie has a Word with Shadow About It (2026 Apr 19) Video: https://youtu.be/Af1ZfwYL1bk
Fraser Point Eagles ~ Santa Cruz Island, CA ~ Cruz, Andor, Sasha, Zuma, and Ryder Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s
I’m not going to swear but…how many ospreys die because of hooks and fishing line? This one was rescued.
So happy. This time it was a happy ending.
It was a booming year (no pun intended). Kakapo breed every four years. Records broken this year on this critically endangered species, but the species remains in decline from four years ago.
Osprey baby in Italy!
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 26th April 2026
Today’s momentous news is the arrival of the first egg – around 06.50 Dorcha started making little squeaking sounds and at 06.56.29 she laid the first egg of Season Ten. The nest cup is too deep and there are branches obscuring the view, but it was clear from her behaviour that she is now brooding an egg. Louis came along about an hour later with her breakfast, and we were able to watch his reaction before he happily took over egg duty, allowing her to depart to eat her fish. No sign of eggs yet for Aurora 536 and Garry LV0 but things will take longer with them as they aren’t a long-established pair like Louis & Dorcha. Garry delivered two fish taking his tally to thirty, and Louis delivered three fish, taking the nest tally to twenty five. At the time of this report (23.30), Dorcha is still away after departing with her third fish, and Louis is looking very settled on the nest.
It was a good day at Achieva thanks to Jill who is really stepping up to take care of her babies. Jack was late today – last time I checked Jill had delivered a fish and then went out later, at her usual time, to bring in another catfish.
In the image below, you can see the significant size difference between the two chicks. Big is almost fully feathered. Little is just getting its tail. We still see the white stripe on Little.
Alaska and Australia teaming up to help protect the Shearwater!
‘The birds are a global citizen’: Indigenous groups in Australia and Alaska team up to track a feathered adventurer’s epic journey.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care of yourself and have a great end of the weekend and the beginning of the week. See you soon!
Toby loving his Bully Stick.
Thank you so much to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their great contributions – their work takes so much time. I am very grateful to those who post current information on FB and other platforms, to The Guardian for its reporting on wildlife concerns, and to Dyfi Osprey Project for keeping such wonderful historical information. To the owners of the streaming cams, thank you seems too small. We would know about these amazing birds and their environmental challenges if it were not for you.
Louis and Dorcha have their first egg of the season! Oh, how we worried Louis would not show up from migration. He has worked hard on the nest and helping Dorcha get into fit shape for the eggs and chicks.
I love this on the Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre Guides: “No fishing is permitted at Loch of the Lowes at any time of year to protect its wildlife and rare underwater flora.”
This would stop all the lines and hooks, protect the environment, and focus on what is important – the wildlife and flora.
A rope that is being used to connect broken habitats has finally been used!
Want to see some goslings jump? Check out Heidi’s post and then go to the streaming cam at Captain Mac’s. Sorry, no ospreys this year. Perhaps that is a blessing.
If you love forests as much as we do, here is a good 57-minute listen called The Scaffolding of Life by Suzanne Simard. I hope you can open it:
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 25th April 2026
Today was another settled day with good weather, plenty of fish, and no intruders. Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536 taking his tally to twenty eight, and Louis delivered four fish to Dorcha, taking the nest tally to twenty two. No eggs yet, perhaps that will give Dorcha or Louis a chance to get rid of The Stick before their first one’s laid. Louis nearly succeeded today, moving it into a much better position braced against the cot rails, however it didn’t last long there and is back where it started out today. Woods and trees are vital for the wellbeing of people and wildlife, and Woodland Trust would like our help to get candidates in the 7th May local UK elections to recognise this, details in the bonus section.
All is well for Iris and the New Guy 2 (is that the right number?). Fish delivery!
There was mating at the nest, but it was so quick and no fish that I thought it might have been you know who. Someone tell me I am wrong.
All is good at Achieva. Jill continues to deliver fish in the evening and sometimes in the mornings if Jack doesn’t deliver. The babies are doing well. Fingers crossed. Look closely. Little is getting its tail!
Jack was in with an early fish!
Big Red rolls the eggs and Arthur arrives to take over incubation.
Lots of self-feeding with Winken and Blinken at Moorings Park.
It hit. Remember that eagles actually do better in cold weather – as long as they have a food source – than in the extreme heat.
Lots of incubation going on. Most of the UK osprey nests have a full clutch but there are some just starting with eggs. We wait to see what happens at Locch Arkaig 1. We wait to see if Iris will lay eggs this year.
Meanwhile in San Jose, Monty and Hartley are busy bees feeding four.
Milda feeding her two white-tail eaglets at her nest in Durbe County, Latvia. Aren’t they cute? It is so windy at that nest!
All over Europe storks are incubating eggs. It is wonderful.
We had a very quiet Saturday. I have marked Thursdays and Saturdays off our calendar – no appointments, no visitors for Don, nothing but the regular animal feedings. No cleaning. Easy meals. No screen time. This probably sounds quite silly, but the other five days of the week are full – and they are really nice. Ann is amazing with Don and keeps him busy – talking and walking. I am forever grateful to her. Tolu keeps him squeaky clean, and Melissa now looks after the house. Tomorrow, Toby goes for his groom. He loves to get in the water and the mud. His hair is VERY curly in spots and wavy in others, and it tends to get matted in certain areas (under his ears!). We have been to Pineridge, and we might just go back today. I promised Toby a ‘car ride’. His eyes and ears perk up when I say ‘car ride’. I love it. We are fine, and I am establishing some boundaries to maintain a good balance between activity and quiet. Last evening we had a video chat with our granddaughter in Australia. She is eloping in July, and her best friend is arriving any moment to celebrate her birthday. She is happy, and that makes me happy, although we do miss her terribly.
Have a good week. Take care! See you soon.
Thank you to Geemeff and SK Hideaways, to ‘PB; who keeps me informed about all goings on at Achieva, to those who post on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams that let us watch these birds. I am also grateful to Emergence Magazine, Kielder Forest, and The Guardian for reporting on environmental issues and what is happening where they are.
Did you see it? Ryder fell out of the Fraser Point nest of Cruz and Andor. Many worried. Most ‘believed’ IWS would, because of their wonderful history, get the permissions and rescue. Others wrenched their hands.
UPDATE FROM IWS:
“We’re attempting to rescue Ryder. Erin expects to arrive at the nest around noon, and will see if she can find the eaglet. If she does, and it’s healthy, she’ll attempt to climb the tree and return Ryder to the nest. If Ryder is injured, she’s prepared to take him/her to a wildlife care facility.”
True to form, Ryder was rescued. There are lots of videos.
What a dramatic event. We are so blessed to have the dedicated staff at the IWS – and if you are ever looking for a worthy institution to donate, IWS is certainly one that uses your money wisely!!!!!!!!!
I am keeping an eye on Big Red and Arthur and their four eggs on the Fernow Light Stand, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
Have a listen. Have you ever heard a Nightingale? Rewilding is bringing them back. News from Knepp Farm:
There appeared to be no early fish at Achieva. Jill left after 1000. She flew in around 1022 with a fish to feed the hot and hungry kids. Yeah for Mum. She waited as long as she could.
Feed us! Catfish are bony, especially the heads, and it takes Jill a while to get into the meat for the babies. They were anxious for fish but not fighting.
Both adults on nest later looking for intruders.
Jill waiting for more fish: 1635. It is a bad fish day. My heart aches.
Hope that the babies have more fish. The nest has been relatively calm. Little did bonk Big once but paid for it – still, a brve move on the part of the baby.
The third egg at Pont Cresor for Aeron Z2 and Blue 014.
Ashley Wilson catches Winnie and Swoop looking from the perch over the new snow.
We have the first egg at Loch of the Lowes. Wish this new couple the very best!
Oh, it was the most magnificent day. I feel like I won the lottery. When we put on the addition, more than a decade ago, the individual pouring the crawl space had to cut back the deck. I have ignored it…But I can’t any longer, as I fear Don will fall. I phoned a carpenter to get a quote for extending that piece and another area. He came this morning. My neighbour has a friend visiting til he moves into his own space. He is working on The Little House on the Prairie Project, and they wondered what was ‘happening’ when I opened the gate so they could take some red lounge chairs I didn’t need. As it turns out, that friend is a carpenter, and together they are going to fix everything for me gratis. My neighbour even has the wood and deck screws. I am feeling very teary and blessed. How nice.
We hope that you have a wonderful weekend….Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care.
Thank you to the IWS for always being there, to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their videos, to the UK Osprey FB group for all their information and to everyone else who posts news on FB as I cannot keep up all the time, and to the owners of the streaming cams – I am forever grateful. We would never know the challenges that these raptor families face.
We had a splendid day in the country today, the warm sun on our faces with a beautiful, gentle breeze. Everyone was appreciating nature!
Toby was completely fascinated by the pig at the petting zoo at Pineridge.
Oh, what a beautiful evening we are having. There is a gentle, warm breeze flowing through the garden. Instead of being in the deep dark at 1630, we have a golden light from the setting sun. The fairy lights are just beginning to show and there are still squirrels and a few birds in the garden. The number of Starlings seems to have diminished significantly – something that needs to be noted in the garden journal.
Don went to the Zoo today with Ann (Tuesday). They walked for over 2.5 hours with a snack squeezed in. Don loves going to the little cafe next to the tundra area where the polar bears live. To their delight, all of the bears were active. One was sleeping by the cafe, another was swimming, and the others were in various areas of the large enclosure. With temperatures reaching 16 C, it is not a surprise that Don was very tired when they returned. I had woke with a head cold so Toby and I spent the day lounging in the garden after a short walk. We tried putting up the supports for the peony plants but, alas, the ground is still frozen! It was a lovely day to recover because we really hope to go to the country tomorrow to feed the chickadees before they disappear into the forest and then to Pineridge for burgers eaten on the picnic tables. This little ritual is another marker of the arrival of spring on the Canadian prairies.
For those following Charlo Montana, Lola has been spotted about two miles from the nest. She appears to be favouring the wing that was injured in the altercation with the owl. She appears to have lost her nest and mate, Charlie, to another female, but she is alive – and isn’t that all that matters?
Peanut was on the Winter Park nest, but I have not seen Brutus return despite being released under the nest. Connor has stated that Peanut is a female – she is huge compared to Brutus. This might well be the reason that she survived his attacks. Females can be determined, even second hatches.
As I mentioned in my previous blog, one of my favourite male ospreys, Aran, lost his nest at Glaslyn. Some wonderful locals are sharing news and images, and he has ‘hooked up’ with another female and has a new nest platform. I am very happy for him. He is a very good dad, although I was rather miffed with him when he was bonded with Mrs G while also keeping Blue 5F Seren on the side. Seren finally figured out what was going on and left the area – she is the mate to Dylan at Lyn Clywedog, and they have raised many to fledge, with a large number of those returning.
How cruel can people be? (If you are wondering, Powys is a county in Wales).
So far it looks like a good day on Wednesday at Achieva.
They ate well on Wednesday. ‘PB’ writes that Jill brought in a huge catfish around her usual time. How wonderful! I hope that this nest has had a great turn around.
Siblings eating side by side. Little with a huge crop. There is a sense of ‘food security’ now that Jack is back bringing several fish a day.
Geemeff is busy putting together her report for Loch Arkaig today. Here is yesterday’s offering:
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 21st April 2026
Apart from some distant intruders, it was another reassuringly boring day where not much happened. There were mating encounters, nest scraping, and a few sticks, bits of bark and clumps of moss arriving and occasionally departing on both nests. Two fish were delivered for Dorcha and one for Aurora 536, Nest One tally now stands at twenty two fish, and Nest Two catching up quickly at eleven. No eggs yet.Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/E37u26fbzL0 N2 Louis hands over the fish then does nest prep 14.29.20https://youtu.be/S_MpJqktiiU N1 Flying fish arrives and departs several times 15.23.19https://youtu.be/JAdYmXPjQuw N2 Louis moves loose branches so Dorcha can leave with her fish 20.54.32
Bonus watch: Nest Two being built by intrepid licensed raptor experts Lewis Pate and Justin Grant (by climbing a 70ft tree!):https://youtu.be/xtwK6Yz1YNQ
Ah….Geemeff beat me…we got both days reports. How wonderful.
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 22nd April 2026
Another mainly uneventful day, just the odd distant interaction getting rid of a few bothersome corvids but not so many fish – Garry LV0 and Louis each delivered one fish, however, Louis’ was tiny, and Garry’s ultimately got lost! Aurora had difficulty grasping the big fish and flew off without it, circled back but Garry had picked it up again and started to fly off with it but dropped it as he left! He flew backwards and forwards looking for it but some forest floor dweller is going to luck out with a nice free meal. Garry’s total now stands at 23 while Louis’ moves up to ten, twelve total for the nest including Dorcha’s two deliveries. Just before midnight, Dorcha returned to the nest and is still perched there as this report is filed at half past midnight.
Er na allen ni weld y wyau’n glir yn nyth Cyfeillion y Gweilch Pont Croesor, o’i hymddygiad roedden ni’n eitha’ siŵr fod Glas 014 wedi dodwy ei hail wy am 14:40 pnawn ddoe.
Yn y cyfamser, ar nyth Glaslyn, mi ddodwyodd Elen ei hail wy am 19:24 neithiwr.
Disgwyliem i’r ddwy iâr ddodwy eu trydydd wy ar ddydd Gwener, ond pwy fydd y cyntaf i ddodwy?
************
Although we were unable to get a clear view of the eggs in the Friends of the Ospreys Pont Croesor nest to confirm, from her behaviour we are pretty certain that Blue 014 laid her second egg at 14:40 yesterday afternoon.
Meanwhile at the Glaslyn nest Elen laid her second egg at 19:24 yesterday evening.
We expect to see both females laying their third eggs on Friday, but who will be the first to lay?”
What a beautiful sight – the quadruplets of Monty and Hartley having a meal.
I am afraid that is it for me today. It was beautiful and warm and I am super tired but smiling. Take care all. Thursday is pajama day here – I will be back with you on Friday then.
Thank you to Geemeff for their great reporting, to ‘PB’ for keeping me informed on all things Achieva, to everyone who posted information on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to look into the world of our favourite bird families. Thank you also to Raptor Persecution UK for their great investigative reporting. Check them out. I only cover a part of the stories.
I do not believe I have ever seen a clutch of four eggs hatch this close together and I am so delighted. No problems between chick 1 and 4 —mind you, falcons normally never have a problem raising four. Imagine what this would be like on an osprey nest???!!
Brutus was released today. The Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey did a fantastic job rehabilitating Winter Park’s oldest eaglet. I wonder if Brutus has any idea how strong and determined ‘little’ Peanut is!!!!!!!! Watch the nest to see if Brutus returns.
Near Glaslyn, Aran has. been seen with an unidentified female sitting on a fence and at a nest platform put up by Friends of Osprey. I am over the moon for this very ‘nice’ male osprey who lost his nest to Teifi along with his mate, Elen, because he returned late in 2025. It didn’t matter this year -that relationship had already started.
Looks like they are bonding!!!!!!!!!!
Elen has laid Teifi’s second egg today.
It is going to be busy in the Glaslyn Valley this summer!!!!!!
Take care, everyone. Just a quick note to let you know all this wonderful news. There is lots more happening. Will report tomorrow.
Thank you, ‘PB’, for the news about Brutus. Thank you to everyone in the Glaslyn Valley reporting on Aran and to the Friends of Osprey, who had a platform just waiting for him and his new mate. Over the moon. Finally, thanks SK Hideaways, who have to be so excited over the events at the San Jose City Hall Falcon scrape.
First, I want to thank one of our regular readers, ‘CR’, for stepping up in response to a request. I had reached out to see if anyone had images or knowledge of the owl attacks on Peanut at the Winter Park nest. ‘CR’, so concerned about this sweet eaglet, stayed up. They took video clips and still images. Why is this important? Because another regular reader has researched methods to deter owls from striking eagle nests. ‘MP’ wanted proof of the extent to which Peanut was attacked to accompany a presentation on how this viciousness could be stopped. We know that owls also attack osprey nests – this could become very important. I am so grateful to these two readers for responding and wanting to find a way to help, even if nothing comes of it soon. Thank you both! —–Remember, we can all help in many ways, small and large.
Spring feels like it is here. 16 C. However, we are expected to have torrential downpours later this week that might cause flooding. This is nothing compared to what is happening in other parts of the world and my thoughts today are with our friends in Japan who have had a strong earthquake and tsunami.
Toby and I are ‘being good’ and trying to stay out of Melissa’s way as she cleans up after us. Best thing I have ever done recently – for myself. I love a clean house, but goodness, there was never the time or the energy to get into the corners or those cobwebs 4 metres up in the conservatory. Now Toby and I need to have a conversation about ‘muddy paws’. I am going to bed smiling – the house glistens, and this is another weight off my shoulders. My mind is calm. What a wonderful way to start the week. I am so grateful to the wonderful people who help me live through having a husband with Lewy Body Dementia. Toby loves it because we can have many more walks, and Calico is getting an extra story hour!!!!!!! Gosh, I love these animals. They hear me start reading and, like lining up to get on an ark, they begin to filter into the conservatory.
So what in the world has gone on in Bird World today?
Let’s start with some sadness and move on to great joy. All three eaglets at the Hanover Bald Eagle nest, home to single Mum Hope and Dad Spot, who isn’t helping, have died. Spot killed the last one a short time ago. Reminiscent of the first year that Scout had eaglets with Bella at the NCTC nest. Very sad.
It looks like Achieva has started off good today. I saw three fish be delivered by 1400. Jack has surprised me. Little got a nice crop but he has to wait. Big is probably a ‘really BIG’ sister.
I wonder if Jack has a physical issue and that is why he was so ‘off’ with the fish? Did he get a sprained leg? Surely ospreys get unwell and out of whack like we do! At any rate, today was a fantastic day. We will celebrate it.
More fish. Little at Achieva had a nice crop before bed! Wow. What a great day.
Lola has not been seen at the Charlo nest for two full days. The Owl Institute has published a statement that might shed some light on her absence:
Iris and New Guy 2 continue to be a presence together on the Hellgate Canyon nest! Just smiling. There was a fish dug out of the rim of the nest, too, a nice big one.
Milda has her second little WT eaglet hatch at the Durbe County nest in Latvia. Congratulations!
Beautiful day in Norway at the Fru Rauer osprey nest.
There are eggs being laid at some of the Finnish osprey nests – gosh, it feels so early. At other nests, the ospreys are arriving.
And there is the egg laid on either the 18/19 of April! And then it was ‘rejected’….goodness, the drama that is unfolding at all the osprey nests this year. “Janakkala Osprey 18-19.4.2026_Aake ei hyväksy XLL:n ensimmäisen munan / Aake rejects XLL’s first egg.”
When we visited Guadalope last year, we called the Blue and Yellow Macaw at the Botanical Gardens ‘Roger’. We brought a stuffed one home which Toby adopted the minute he saw it as a little puppy. Today, these beautiful creatures are once again back in Rio. Smile. A good news story is always welcome.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 20th April 2026
Today was another routine day with mating encounters and many fish – Louis and Garry LV0 made three deliveries each. Dorcha took all three fish eagerly, but Aurora 536 turned down her second one, preferring to remain on her perch. There’s speculation that an egg might be imminent, however, she left for the night and the nest is currently empty. After Louis and Dorcha unusually pulled an all-nighter sleeping on the nest last night, Nest Two is also empty tonight. The fish count now stands at nine total for Nest Two, seven from Louis and two from Dorcha, and twenty one for Nest One, all brought by Garry. George WTS wonders “Anyone care to predict who will come out on top between Louis and Garry? Will experience or youth count?” and so far, the consensus is Louis will win. We shall see.Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/mDwLg_MTVLs N2 Louis arrives with a well munched trout 06.41.23https://youtu.be/bWqtuXimQbI N1 Aurora seizes the first fish immediately then departs 11.03.25https://youtu.be/qXuUPwjwTYA N2 Fish number two for Dorcha, a headless trout 12.47.22 https://youtu.be/whWVIkcWqII N1 Garry LV0 arrives with fish number two but Aurora 536 isn’t there 14.01.52 https://youtu.be/qhdDPmpbXiQ N1 This time Aurora doesn’t hesitate and grabs fish number three 18.51.54 https://youtu.be/VtxsuFNS6QQ N2 Dorcha has a bit of a tussle getting fish number three 19.25.37 Bonus guide to sustainable foraging and what’s in season this month:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2023/04/foraging-in-april/ Blast from the past, this day in previous years: https://youtu.be/wHZ82lsjm0w N1 Is an egg on the way? Aila rejects Louis 2020 https://youtu.be/BmWPo9QWyCo N1 Aila attacks Louis! 2020 (Slo-mo) https://youtu.be/aafgLlitPRM N1 Louis pays a flying visit to his empty nest 2021 https://youtu.be/9VqSvrxPL_E N2 Fish fight, Dorcha wins eventually 2022 https://youtu.be/Cc8twF7MOYs N2 Dorcha stays the night on the nest 2023 https://youtu.be/upyTm7MQoaY N2 Egg number three! 2024 (zoomed repeat) https://youtu.be/IrJUd9po9EQ N1 Garry LV0 does a flypast before bringing his fish to Nest One 2024 https://youtu.be/PlkidBYXpsg N2 Dorcha shows no sign of injury on leaving with her fish 2024https://youtu.be/F2ypJD3KP48 N2 Dorcha gets a lively breakfast 2025 https://youtu.be/_U3zHvEiUHY N1 Garry brings breakfast for Blue 536 2025
At the John Bunker Sands Wetlands Bald Eagle nest, fledgling/juvenile JBS24 returned to the nest for a fish dinner. I am so pleased that this juvenile is doing so well.
It is late and time for me and Toby to begin to settling for the night.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. See you soon!
Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to this posting – to Geemeff for all the news from Loch Arkaig, to those who posted images and information on FB, to ‘J’ for the news from naturechat.org, The Guardian for covering environmental and wildlife issues, to the owners of the streaming cams who let us observe these amazing families, and to you for caring so much about our planet and our wildlife.
I hope that the weekend was kind to you and that you were able to get outside and listen to some birdsong! In our garden, they were singing their little hearts out as the sun came up and temperatures warmed up. Everything that breathes, including our plants and trees, wishes for spring to arrive as soon as possible!
Ann was here today with Don and Toby. They had a nice long walk, and I ran a few errands. My sympathy goes out to anyone who has only the weekend to do their shopping. My goodness, it is busier than a Tuesday! Won’t be doing this again – my current ‘dream’ is a super warm day to sit on the bench at our local park and read with squirrels running about and the birds singing.
It has been, so far, a simply great day in Bird World.
New Guy 2 arrived home to Iris yesterday, and today he brought her a huge fish, which she readily accepted and took away to eat. Our sweet ‘girl’ is being treated like the very special osprey she is.
The USS eaglet that had to be rescued might be able to be returned to the nest! How wonderful is that? There is nothing like being raised on the nest with Mum and Dad. In this instance, Irv and Stella and they are marvellous parents. So happy for this baby and so very grateful to everyone who acted swiftly to get the help it required (along with all those permissions!).
We were so afraid that the middle osplet at Achieva would pass last night. Heidi counted 64 bites of fish for Saturday. Today, the little one had a nice crop and will live another day. Each day makes it stronger – at some point in time, Heidi and I figured out that after 28 days the survival rate goes up much higher.
Big sibling is getting those lovely soft juvenile feathers while middle is in the Reptile phase. Enough fish yesterday to calm the nest a bit. Again, Mum is doing an incredible job in a challenging situation. Continue sending them big puffs of positive energy!
1246 Baby is getting some good bites. It is in a great position to get food off Mum’s beak. Dad Jack watching from the perch.
The meal ended at 1311. I have no idea how much fish little got. Somehow that baby managed to get itself tangled up in the rim of the nest after.
I think Mum has gone off fishing. Well done if she has. This wee sweet baby might have a full crop which will make it feel so much better when it goes to sleep.
Mum returned, as believed, with one of her catfish. Little kept its head down til Big was full. Very smart move. Mum ate and so did Little who is going to go to bed with a very nice crop. Smile. This is a brave and resilient female and if both of these beautiful chicks fledge, it is down to Jill and her catfish, a determined female to not let her family die. I am delighted tonight.
I have received really good news from Viki who monitors twenty-one osprey nests right near her home. “It is remarkably hopeful here, osprey wise, although I nearly hourly try to rein myself in, unable to believe in a normal osprey year after the bad, worse, and steadily worsening years since 2020. But to keep on the hopeful side, here is the good spring news:
Synopsis: 21 nests; 11 w/ active pairs; 5 w/ at least 1 returned; 1 taken over by goose; 3 abandoned.
I can observe 21 nests that have been more or less active since 2020. A 22nd nest that has had a pair for years was destroyed in winter storms and no efforts at repair attempted by birds or humans.
Pairs have settled in 11 of the 21 and many appear to have begun laying eggs this week. I only feel confident of one pair actually incubating.
I have only been able to observe one osprey returned to each of four nests that had pairs last year.
I have also observed a single osprey on a fifth nest, but foliage often hides this nest from me so I cannot vouch for its history, nor feel confident in a full accounting this year.
Three nests, inactive last year, are abandoned, although Nest 3 has become the exclusive property of Nest 4 which is very close. A goose successfully kept 6-year resident Ethel off Nest 1 and probably has laid eggs in it. Nest 2 seems oddly still up for grabs, its story below.”
This is rather joyful. Two years ago all the osplets nearly died. Last year the adults abandoned their eggs after two weeks. So….it is all systems go. Can’t wait to see how things turn out this year. Thanks, Viki.
We have first eggs at Glaslyn for Teifi and Elen and at Usk Valley.
Jeff Kear and the UK Osprey FB Group have wonderful lists. Oh, I do love lists. Now, how can we get the date in there – or shall I go to the other forms???
I continue to dream that every osprey nest on a streaming cam or in a place to be monitored could have its history saved. It is so important to understand the osprey population – its growth and decline.
With all this good news, I am disappointed that there was not a single penalty imposed on the individual who destroyed the Peregrine Falcon eggs at St. Albans Cathedral last year.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 19th April 2026
It was another routine day with no intruders, just both pairs going about their business. Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora, although she didn’t want the second one, and spent time bring nesting materials and arranging the furnishings. His fish tally now stands at eighteen, while over on Nest Two, Louis delivered three fish, all eagerly grabbed by Dorcha, and his tally rises to four with a nest total of six including the two brought by Dorcha before he returned. The day started with the lovely sound of Louis skydancing before dawn, while Dorcha called not quite so melodiously from the nest, and ended with both of them on the nest in the dark, Dorcha on her perch and Louis snoozing on the nest. At the time of this report (23.30), they’re both still there, Louis still dozing, not surprising that he’s worn out after all his hard work yesterday and today – mating repeatedly, catching fish, skydancing and doing some enthusiastic nest prep.
I am so excited for Milda and Zorro’s first hatch. Milda is very special to me. I cried when she lost her loyal mate, Ramis, and then again when she stayed on the nest without food for at least 7 days. She was gone for a number of hours. It was winter and cold. No one believed the eggs would hatch, but there were two little miracles. And then…no food, again. The miracle little fluff balls died. Life has been very challenging for this amazing WTE and I am so hopeful that her hatchlings will thrive this year.
Ah, it’s a good night in Bird World! There is lots more going on…stay tuned!
Female birds are often overlooked. Their colouring is not so dramatic as the males. Now someone has studied female birdsong!
I am looking forward to tomorrow – the first day for the lovely cleaning lady to tackle a home with four cats, a dog, and two adults, plus a stock of bird seed! I hope she doesn’t run away and never return.
Our little garden is growing.
Take care all! See you soon.
Thank you to SK Hideaways, Geemeff, ‘PB’, the authors of those amazing FB posts, Raptor Persecution UK, and the owners of the streaming cams who allow us to cry and leap with joy with our bird families.
Dr Green can correct me, but I am pretty sure that this is NG2. They are keeping an eye on the skies – possibly for Louis and other intruders.
Oh, Iris puts a smile on my face with or without a partner and with or without babies. She is so resilient. There are so many lessons to be learned from her including always keeping our house tidy!
‘PB’ has sent me another good news story: The little baby of Irvin and Stella had to be rescued. Everything went well. Here is the story: “Rescued little US Steel #11 (3rd hatch) swallowed synthetic fishing worm and already in digestive tract. Needed surgery and baby doing well.”
Jack has brought in a fish at Achieva, but the little one is not eating. Perhaps the eldest will survive. Send good wishes to this family. Mum is trying her best in difficult circumstances.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 18th May 2025
It was business as usual today – a fish was brought to each nest, taking Nest One total to sixteen and Nest Two to three, along with a few sticks and other nesting materials, and after dealing with an English intruder Osprey, ring either 2B6 or 286, Louis and Dorcha were reunited. Any lingering fears about Louis’ health were allayed by the vigour with which he commenced mating activity, he initiated multiples sessions which all appeared successful and we could be looking at eggs on Nest Two within 12 – 15 days, and on Nest One even sooner as Garry LV0 and Aurora 536 started much earlier. Fingers firmly crossed! The media enjoyed the return of Lockdown Louis and many emphasised the gettiing rid of the toy boy angle, link to one of the news articles in the bonus section – we wish JJ4 well but we are really happy to have Louis back.
That’s all for today. Take care everyone. See you soon.
Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us into the lives of these wonderful raptors and to ‘PB’ for sending me that wonderful good news story. A big shout out to Geemeff for the daily summary from Loch Arkaig and also to Kielder Forest for keeping us up to date. Thanks everyone!
