Tag Archives: California

JJ4 lands on Lock Arkaig 2…late Monday in Bird World

13 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

Geemeff was the first to spot the handsome visitor to Loch Arkaig’s nest 2! Here is the video: https://youtu.be/gUBZwBc-KU4?

We wait.

A close-up of an osprey standing on its nest, surrounded by twigs and branches, with a mountainous landscape in the background.

It is believed that this is the same osprey that intruded on Dorcha when she was on nest 2 on the 9th of April. At the time, Geemeff could only see a ‘J’.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 12th April 2026

Amidst the disappointment of the continuing absence of Louis, Loch Arkaig’s resident male since 2017, a shining event occurred with the arrival of the very handsome male JJ4. He’s a local lad, fledged in 2020 from the non-cam nest on private land at the western end of the loch, and he looked right at home perched on Nest Two. After a bit of fiddling with the troublesome stick (which wasn’t a bother at all until Dorcha decided to move it a few days ago), he left his mark on the nest with a well-aimed squirt before flying off towards the loch. Unfortunately, Dorcha missed him as she didn’t put in an appearance at all today, we can only speculate on her motives and hope to see her tomorrow. As a six year old and Dorcha a minimum of 9 years old, JJ4 would be a good match for her should the position become vacant. But that is getting ahead of ourselves. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 and Aurora had a typical day with fish arriving and departing the nest, sticks being brought and furnishings being rearranged, and the odd mating attempt, untroubled by any intruders.


Today’s video:https://youtu.be/gUBZwBc-KU4 N2 Handsome male Osprey JJ4 visits 18.50.08

Bonus action – Woodland Trust asks for your support in the upcoming UK local elections:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/protecting-trees-and-woods/campaign-with-us/elections/
Bonus watch – is the ringed male with the unreadable Darvic starting with J, who visited last year, today’s visitor JJ4?

https://youtu.be/c7sOtUoE2Kc N2 9 Apr 2025 (zoom with slo-mo repeat)
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:https://youtu.be/gHON30DPkRg N1 Nesting dance: Louis with pompoms 2021 (quick-time Classic Ospreys – Grieg)https://youtu.be/VQDncOOrCAA N2 Lovebirds: early morning mating 2022https://youtu.be/NrNcLnttpdc N1 Splitscreen – is this the same bird? 2022https://youtu.be/x_JJOmUeaF0  N2 Stunning sunset over Nest Two 2022 (time-lapse)https://youtu.be/yyMQbIUN3bI  N2 Skydancing in the dark 2023https://youtu.be/UVrPq6MNPc0  N2 Mating on the high perch 2023https://youtu.be/t2R05W5xHZ8  N1 Affric 152 takes a fish from Garry LV0 2024https://youtu.be/ZjIl05N5jjA  N1 Louis & Garry LV0 chase each other on and off the nest 2024https://youtu.be/cODGsUlHOns  N2  Dorcha dines on the nest 2024https://youtu.be/k1Udox-wXjA N1 Garry LV0 arrives, does some prep, leaves 2025https://youtu.be/Jb_uOUGFJZw N2 Deliverlouis! A very fine trout is delivered 2025

Geemeff’s latest offering is a five-minute mayhem with ospreys and a fish: https://youtu.be/0PnevrwuNjI?

A bird nest situated on a tree limb with three young birds visible inside, while an adult bird perches on a nearby branch against a backdrop of rolling hills and a forested landscape.

If our birds did have enough challenges, there are the cats – Cats are the number one killer of bird species. Now they are after the oyster catchers. ‘PB’ sent this to me – we both have cats and we want to pass on the message to please keep your cats indoors.

york/news/american-oystercatcher-camera-project-captures-predators-disturbance?ms=digital-eng-social-facebook-x-20260400-nas_eng&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=20260400-nas_eng&fbclid=IwdGRjcARIziJjbGNrBEjNY2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHt1HRpDb8RS758dCsEAQOxZ4t1ytmcOrz-h99d73w_6gQJEXvu4aFxgKoVCr_aem_bP_k4uSm3ubvGjekRiMXOA

The results of the Great British Bird Count:

https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch/results

I want to say, up front, a huge thank you to Geemeff, Mary Cheadle, and Jeff Kerr for keeping us informe on what is happening at the UK osprey nests an managing so much data so that it is not lost!

A pair of ospreys, a female and a male, are seen on their nest, surrounded by trees, showcasing their return to Dorset for the fifth consecutive year.

Maya is currently incubating three eggs with mate, Blue 33 at Rutland’s Manton Bay platform.

A close-up of an osprey resting in its nest, showcasing unique markings on its head and feathers.

No eggs yet for CJ7 and Blue 022 at Poole Harbour. Will they raise four again?

An osprey standing in its nest made of sticks and twigs, with a patch of moss and foliage in the background.

In the US, Richmond and Wendy have their first egg at the Golden Gate Audubon nest on the WWII whirley crane on Sunday the 12th.

Heidi reports that we have the first egg at Dewey Beach – the site of much saddness last year.

An osprey sitting on a nest with three eggs in Dewey Beach, showing a view of the nearby buildings and water.

Pitkin County Trails improved its camera this year and we have ospreys incubating egg/s.

A bird's nest made of sticks situated on a tall wooden pole against a clear blue sky, with utility wires in the background and a person operating a lift nearby.
An osprey standing on a nest made of twigs and branches, with a blurred natural background.

The eagles seem to be doing well. There are fledglings and there are babies. The Dale Hollow nest has three getting their feathers.

Three young eaglets sitting in a nest with their father, enjoying a sunny afternoon. The eaglets have fluffy gray feathers and open beaks, while the father's dark feathers are visible in the background.

There are three for Andor and Cruz at Fraser Point.

An adult bald eagle feeding two fluffy chicks in a nest filled with feathers and debris, surrounded by greenery.

FOBBV put out a video of the rain at Big Bear and those precious little eaglets with their full crops of Jackie and Shadow. https://youtu.be/IQjt6zysT30?

Closing with Iris’s familiar pose on her perch overlooking one of the finest osprey nests that I know of – she works hard to tidy it up for departure and returns to something lovely that she continues to fix. (She did not sleep on her perch overnight).

An osprey perched on a wooden post next to its nest made of sticks. The background features a parking lot with several vehicles and trees lining the area.

For your reading – the interesting story of a man who put the sound of birds on vinyl – from The Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/apr/13/ludwig-koch-bird-man-refugee-film-alarm-notes?CMP=share_btn_url

It is a heavily overcast day in Winnipeg. 0 degrees at the moment. It should not get warmer than 4 C today with the strange promise of 18-20 C on Wednesday! Mr Crow has just been to the feeder, and Mr Blue Jay is making his way through the lilacs to grab a peanut or two. The European Starlings are arriving as the chickadees leave. I can see the white of the tails of the Dark-eyed Juncos flitting about quietly from the ground to the branches. The promise of rain today is not bothering the birds. They seem especially interested in the seed that Toby and I have been stirring up, or should I say the shells of the seed from the winter. Much will be spread to create compost and new soil towards the back of the garden. Toby and I have now been working on this for three days. At some point, the plan is to get some topsoil and a large container of wildflower seeds and plant them. Whether it will be too shady once the lilac leaf is unknown, but we are going to try it.

What are we reading during Story Time? Rebecca Solnit’s Hope in the Dark. I sometimes need to be reminded that if we think locally, we can get ‘things’ done and not give up hope when the world seems to be falling apart. I have often said to you that if each one of us took care of the animals in our own gardens, or the ones that come to our gardens like Brock, the world would be immensely improved. Solnit talks about being local – you might be part of the movement that only eats seasonally within a 100-mile radius of your home. Imagine how much fuel that would save if we all ate the harvests of the time instead of wanting to have strawberries in Winnipeg in February? We do have really delicious ones in June and July! We try to practice this, and it was refreshing to read that in doing so, it is a bit of a resistance to huge corporations. I did grow up in the 60s and 70s and was part of the back-to-the-land movement. I only wish I had the energy to do that again! The book is good. If you are feeling powerless, pick up a copy from your library or order online. Have a good read – I think it will do wonders for bringing hope back into your heart.

Oh, three crows! The baby from last year is home to help with this year’s brood.

Several black birds foraging for peanuts on a feeder in a snowy garden, with more peanuts scattered on the ground.

I was wrong. There were at least 8 crows in the garden, with one being attacked. Was it out of its territory and hungry? I wonder.

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

Thank you to Geemeff for the news from the Woodland Trust and all the wonderful links, to the UK Osprey Info FB group for always keeping us up to date and to those others who post on FB. Thanks, Heidi, for watching the nests that are not easy. I am grateful to The Guardian for their continuing coverage of the interesting stories about wildlife and the environment, and to all the owners of the streaming cams – without you, we would not be so involved in the lives of these magnificent creatures.

Sadness at Lock Arkaig 2…Sunday in Bird World

12 April 2026

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I am writing today’s blog with a very heavy heart. Louis has not returned to Lock Arkaig 2. There was rain late on Saturday. Still, a part of me hopes that he will land on the nest and shock us all. The reality that he is not returning lingers, and it is a difficult pill to swallow. Jean-Marie Dupart has monitored the youngsters staying over in Senegal til they return to their birth homes at two years. He also notes this week that there remain some older ospreys, either setting off on migration late or deciding to stay in their winter homes. I would like to think that Louis has decided to retire, living his life out catching fish in the sun and sand of West Africa.

I am counting on Geemeff to put together a terrific memorial video to Louis if he does not turn up in the next few days. It will not be easy as Louis was such a big part of so many learning to love ospreys.

A nighttime camera view of a bird's nest made of twigs and branches, situated on a tree, with a dark water surface visible in the background.

Windy and not so nice at Lach Arkaig 2 Sunday. Dorcha has not been seen at the nest on Sunday. Has she left to check out other possibilities?

A bird's nest made of branches and twigs, situated in a tree overlooking a hilly landscape with trees and a body of water in the background.

Geemeff asked me if I remembered life before Toby. I do, but it is a life that will never return. We had a vacation in Guadaloupe – the last big holiday that Don and I will ever take, the February before adopting Toby in April. Don’s health began to deteriorate about a month after Toby arrived. What I didn’t say in my response is that I am very happy. I can’t turn back the clock. Don’s health is such that I can actually begin monitoring the ospreys more closely this year, since there are no long trips to see birds. We walk Toby and go to the park, watch the animals in the garden, and Ann is so helpful in getting him to The Leaf and The Zoo, places that Toby can’t go. I have good support. Toby also means I will be spending much time in the garden, as he loves company and patrols the perimeter in case any of those ‘cats’ come inside. Today, we worked on spreading birdseed and peanut shells and painted a lidded bench that Ann gave me for his clothes. Don was content to sit in front of the telly (yes, that is where we are). I am not complaining – life is just changing, and Toby and the Girls and I are adjusting ourselves to this changing reality.

We are also putting out all the signals that spring is arriving. The forecast says it will be 18-20 C on Wednesday. You have to be kidding me. Or is it another year of roller coaster rides, with up-and-down temperatures from extreme heat to cold? Toby says a barbecue might be good!

What are the things you do that signal a change from winter to spring in your mind?

The RSPB is advising individuals to remove their birdseed tables and feeders and use suet and solid seed cylinders instead. We are going to do this when my last batch of seed bags runs out this year. The aim is to prevent avian flu. Have a read to see how you can help. Avian Flu is not restricted to the UK; it is a global phenomena that probably killed our much beloved Annie, the peregrine falcon from The Campanile, in San Francisco and the thousands of geese here in Manitoba.

Take down bird feeders this summer to cut spread of avian disease, says RSPBhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/10/rspb-bird-feeders-nuts-seeds-summer-parasitic-avian-disease?CMP=share_btn_url

At Rutland’s Manton Bay osprey platform, Maya laid her third egg on Saturday. Blue 33 would like to have four again!

An osprey sitting in its nest made of twigs, with a body of water in the background.

We can’t forget about the wonderful Bald Eagles, and SK Hideaways has put together some memories of Eve and Kai at the nest of Gabby and Beau before these two beautiful eaglets depart. It has been a magical year at this nest. https://youtu.be/yLkrhOSwPmQ?

Two juvenile eagles resting together in their nest, surrounded by twigs and branches.

Bety and Bukacheck have returned to the Mlady Buky White Stork nest.

Two storks in their nest on a rooftop, with a scenic view of a village and mountains in the background.

At Fort St Vrain, the two eaglets are already scooting out of the nest bowl. The youngest did so at five days old! I am impressed. I also hope that those remaining eggs do not hatch despite Mum continuing to incubate them and brood these characters! It is pip watch for the last one.

A top view of an eagle's nest containing three eggs and two fuzzy eaglets, with an adult eagle nearby, surrounded by a natural landscape.
A bald eagle sitting in its nest with two chicks in a natural setting.

You can clearly see the ‘ears’ on the triplets at the Fraser Point nest of Andor and Cruz in California.

A bald eagle sitting in its nest with several fluffy chicks nearby, surrounded by twigs and vegetation.

‘J’ keeps me up on the latest kakapo news:

“Andrew Digby‬ made a comparison with 2019:

This year’s #kakapo breeding season has been the biggest on record:
– 256 eggs (252 in 2019)
– 148 fertile eggs (116 in 2019)
– 105 eggs hatched (86 in 2019).
It’ll be 2+ months until we know how many chicks will fledge (73 in 2019). There are currently 95 alive.”

Thanks, ‘J’.

SK Hideaways also sent me a link to share with everyone – the return of the Golden Eagle!

Golden eagles could be reintroduced to England after more than 150 years
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/12/golden-eagles-reintroduced-england-150-years?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

We have our first egg for Dylan and Seren Blue 5F at Clywedog! 13:27 was the time.

A bird resting on a nest made of twigs and branches, with a green hilly landscape in the background.

If you are wondering why I am not reporting on many of the North American nests, I’m so glad that Heidi is keeping up with them – I don’t know how she manages it. I track a small number, a very small number. Heidi will begin her reporting when there are chicks hatching.

Heidi reports: “4/12 – The Venice kids are doing great. They are 23, 22, and 20 days old.

A bird sitting in a large nest made of twigs and branches, located on a wooden structure above a body of water. The surrounding area features green grass and trees.

Live cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_XWSAR-ltE

I love this post!

An osprey standing near its nest, which contains three eggs, with a body of water in the background. The image captures a moment during a live stream of the nesting site.

Eggs are coming at Heidi’s nests!

An osprey named Opal sitting in a nest made of twigs and branches, with a clear view of a grassy field in the background.

The chicks at Brevard have had lots of fish as the wind in the region has diminished. Achieva chicks are doing OK, too much to my surprise. I would still like to see a pile of fish on that nest, but Jack doesn’t leave them there, as that could easily attract predators.

A bird sitting in a nest made of twigs, with a natural landscape and a body of water in the background.
An osprey nest made of twigs, with a young osprey standing inside, set against a backdrop of trees and a residential street.

It continues to rain and with all the snow melting, all manner of wildlife are coming into our neighbourhood including frolicking deer! Posted on our FB community page:

Two deer wading in a small puddle in a park, surrounded by grass and remnants of snow, with houses visible in the background.
Screenshot

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. We will see you soon!

Thank you to SK Hideaways for continuing to create videos even while on holiday, to all the individuals, including Heidi, who post recent nest information and images on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams, so that we can watch these wonderful avian families. Thanks, ‘J’, for not letting us forget about the kakapo!

Late Monday/Early Tuesday in Bird World

6/7 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

I wasn’t going to post but…

SK Hideaways compiled the week’s videos and I could not send them. They are on holiday!!!!!


SK Hideaways Videos, 29 March – 6 April 2026

FOBBV Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA 

Courtesy of  FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley

Shadow Declares Mealtime Over ~ Swoops in to Brood Eaglets, Excuses Jackie (2026 Apr 6)

Video: https://youtu.be/3AQVsHm1hW4

Eaglets #1 & #2 Arrive!  Jackie & Shadow’s 2nd Clutch a Success (2026 Apr 4-5)

Video: https://youtu.be/Sg7No7esiAg

PIP Confirmed ~  Shadow Wants to Incubate till Both Eggs Hatch (2026 Apr 3)

Video: https://youtu.be/lo9QFUdRK_A

West End ~ Catalina Island, CA

Isla & Lee’s Wee Hour Beaky Kiss Fest & Shenanigans (2026 April 1)

Video: https://youtu.be/ZA5crZd75fACourtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | West End Eagles Cam Ops

Two Harbors Eagles ~ Catalina Island, CA

Cholyn & Chase in All Their Romantic Glory ~ An Oceanside Sunrise (2026 Mar 30)

Video: https://youtu.be/UDihd44HTxM

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Two Harbors Eagles Cam Ops

Fraser Point Eagles ~ Santa Cruz Island, CA

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops

FP2 ~ Zuma Arrives to Join Sasha,Cruz & Andor (2026 Mar 30)

Video: https://youtu.be/xhwv8IWAHas 

Cruz & Andor Welcome FP1 ~ Sasha  (2026 Mar 28-29)

Video: https://youtu.be/HTrZlwpDO0I

Geemeff sends us the daily summary from The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 6th April 2026

The weather was much more settled today and forecast to remain so for the next couple of days and with luck, Louis will make his way home during that weather window. The most interesting thing that happened today was that Dorcha visited Nest One again, just a fleeting visit unlike yesterday’s hour-long one, and also a repeat of her quick visit to Nest One on this day last year.

Today’s video:

https://youtu.be/Pjr_WwqjNG8 N1&2 Dorcha does some housekeeping then visits Nest One 13.15.32

Blast from the past – this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/OvVG5MBBjd4  N1 Welcome home Aila! 2020

https://youtu.be/j_2zRRZeJQY   N1 Sealed with a fish: the reunion of Aila & Louis 2020

https://youtu.be/7Q3BC32Ukgw  N1 Fleeting glimpse of an Osprey (slo-mo) 2021  

https://youtu.be/WlIs0DTECK0 N2 Louis is heard skydancing before arriving 2023

https://youtu.be/Uz2YCaJzWLo N2 Disaster! A howling gale blows Dorcha off the nest (zoom) 2024

https://youtu.be/y8Jxs3sbhS4 N1 A Barn Owl (Tyto alba) visits briefly (zoom) 2024

https://youtu.be/pVw-5InEmdM N2 Comings & goings before Dorcha finally gets the fish 2025

https://youtu.be/2TrKItSxR3o N1 An unringed Osprey visits – it’s Dorcha! (zoom) 2025  

https://youtu.be/gypEolHWuXg N2 The Sabre Dance performed by Louis & Dorcha (quick time Classic Ospreys – Khachaturian) 2025

Come and join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Ospreys continue to arrive:

Oscar has returned to his nest at Russell Lake in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. We anxiously await the arrival of Ethel, his outstanding mate.

Harry has arrived at SS Alyth.

There was a male osprey on the nest with Iris, but my markings chart shows it was Louis, not New Guy 2. Gosh, I would love to be wrong!

UV has returned to Keilder Forest’s nest 5A.

At the Golden Gate Audubon nest of Richmond, his new mate, Wendy, has begun helping with that incredible nest on the World War II whirley crane. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/sPmvv6r4KZs?

Lots of tandem feedings going on today with the Bald Eagles. One of those was at Little Miami Conservancy. When there are three, mum and dad need to kick in and feed them so everyone gets their crop full.

That little baby is getting lots of bites!

A pair of bald eagles tending to their nest with several eaglets visible among the twigs and branches. The background shows a blurred landscape with trees.

If you missed it, Cornell Bird Lab has the video of Iris returning to her nest in Missoula’s Hellgate Canyon: https://youtu.be/xM_3aiCH4hM?

An osprey sitting on its nest made of twigs and branches, with a parking lot visible in the background.

My goodness, she looks good.

There have been at least three fish deliveries at the Achieva Osprey platform in St Petersburg, Florida on Monday. Hoorah.

LJ2 has arrived home at Lyn Brennig.

Syfaddan has returned to her nest in the Usk Valley.

They are getting home. Now what is happening at Loch Arkaig?! Well, it’s a mess according to Geemeff. “Garry LVO on nest 2; Dorcha on nest 1 getting Garry’s fish and a half-hearted mating attempt; Unringed dark female on nest 2; Aurora 536 on nest 2!” All I can say is ‘gracious me’. Louis, you had best get home.

Iris slept on her perch waiting for new guy 2 to return.

A view of an osprey nest made of twigs and branches, located in a parking lot near buildings and trees. An osprey is perched on the nest, with empty parking spaces visible in the background.

Toby waiting to play fetch!

A black and white Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sitting next to a plush sheep toy on a rug in a living room.

Thank you for being with us. Take care, everyone. See you later in the week – it is going to be busy here. Good busy. And we are expecting more snow, which means pet food, human food, and wood (along with paper to light it) brought inside.

Thank you to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their videos and reports, to the owners of the streaming cams for allowing us to take screen captures and watch these amazing bird families, and to the individuals who post information on FB – always grateful to you!

Iris and Blue 35

6 April 2026

Hello Everyone!

It could be a very busy day at the UK nests and in the western part of the US as favourable winds are blowing in the ospreys.

It has been confirmed that our dear Iris is, indeed, the osprey that landed early this morning on the Hellgate Canyon nest. I hope everyone had a good cry – a joyful one. Now let’s get that young male osprey back that was courting her last season!

Louis and Starr are already back. Starr was the first to arrive in Missoula. Their nest is at the Baseball Park – and despite all we think, Louis is a good mate to Starr and they raise 2 or 3 chicks to fledge every year.

Gosh, Iris looks good.

An osprey with spread wings standing on a nest made of sticks, with a view of an empty parking lot in the background.
An osprey spreads its wings while standing on a nest made of sticks. The background shows a parking lot and lampposts.
A close-up view of an osprey nest made of branches, with an osprey perched nearby. The scene is set against a parking lot in black and white.

Blue 35 has returned to Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve in Cumbria and is reclaiming her nest after Blue 717 got a little friendly with White YW.

We are waiting the arrival of Louis at Loch Arkaig Nest 2 in Scotland. His mate Dorcha will be delighted to see him land with a nice big trout.

Busy day at the Glaslyn nests:

A social media post detailing an eventful day at Glaslyn Valley, highlighting the presence of ospreys at the Glaslyn nest, with mentions of various birds and activities throughout the day.
A close-up view of two ospreys in a nest made of twigs, with one osprey standing and another slightly turned. The nest contains some moss and dirt. In the lower corners, there are additional images of ospreys, one in flight and another perched.

Lots of action at Loch of the Lowes.

Ospreys at Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre engaging in territorial behavior as one female osprey defends her nest from another.
An osprey perched on a large nest made of twigs, surrounded by trees and a scenic lake in the background. Two smaller images show the osprey in flight.

Thanks, Alison Copland. BoPH have created a genealogy chart. The Carey nest is the one for CJ7 and Blue 022, and it has a streaming cam.

A flowchart detailing the breeding history of ospreys in Poole Harbour from 2022 to 2025, including nests and individual codes for each bird.

Latest arrival news from Kielder Forest:

More males, at last!

One of my favourite males, Tegid Z1, Monty’s son, who breeds on a private nest, has returned safely.

A screenshot of a Facebook post detailing the return of a BTO ringed male osprey at Glaslyn, alongside a female osprey, with information about their breeding history and nesting partners.

So the males are starting to show up in Wales, too. Come on Louis!!!!!!!!!

The feeding is going very well at the Achieva Osprey platform. My goodness, if I didn’t know better, I would think this was a new male. (Maybe it is – I am not trying to start rumours here, just pondering the fish deliveries. I was never that pleased with Jack’s deliveries for Diane and the kids. Has anyone truly identified head markings?)

A bird sitting in a nest made of twigs, with a second bird perched nearby on a wooden post. In the background, trees and residential buildings are visible.

Bella and Scout’s two eaglets are doing just fine although there was a choking concern for the baby earlier on Monday.

Two adult bald eagles are tending to three fuzzy chicks in a nest made of twigs and straw.

Nature chat’s banner:

Interloping Common Buzzard laid 2nd egg today at Lesser Spotted Eagle Cam, as usual LSE pair hasn’t arrived for the season yet.

Hatch occurred yesterday for 2nd egg at Fort St. Vrain Station Eagle Cam, and pip observed on 3rd egg.

Pip watch continues for 3rd egg at ND-LEEF Eagle Cam.

Peanut has branched at the Winter Park, Florida Bald Eagle nest. Best be watching this energetic second hatch. She is going to take off fast!

News about California Condors:

A California condor egg resting in a hollow cavity inside a towering redwood tree, surrounded by mist and foliage.
Text discussing the California condor's history and its relationship with ancient megafauna, highlighting its role in ecology and conservation.
An image depicting a California condor with a tracking device, alongside a nest containing an egg, set against a backdrop of a coastal redwood forest and ocean.

Stop over and see the two little cuties that Jackie and Shadow are feeding and brooding. They are two little round teddy bears! So very happy for our darling couple.

Take care everyone. Iris’s arrival has made this day much brighter! We are all delighted. If Louis returns, I will be posting again. Otherwise, I will see you later in the week.

Thank you to ‘PB’ for her messages, to the owners of the streaming cams for my screen captures and for allowing us to witness the life of these incredible birds. I am grateful to everyone who posts on FB with information. Without your eyes, we might miss something!

CJ7 arrives at Poole Harbour…

25 March 2026

Hi there,

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

She’s landing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Nature Chat and ‘J’.

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

Thank you for being with us today. Take care.

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

Surprise and shock rang out on Sunday…

Monday 16 March 2026

Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16 March 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

This is a quick posting for a couple of reasons.

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

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

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

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

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

Take care!

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

Good things come in threes…late Sunday in Bird World

8 March 2026

Good Evening everyone,

To those who celebrate the achievements of women – Happy International Women’s Day!

It has been quite the day. But first up, something good. The threesome at the Moorings Park Osprey platform of Harry and Sally. Seriously, well fed, healthy, happy little tikes.

I wish all good things came in threes!

We have had quite the weekend. It began with the car needing new brakes and a routine oil change, etc., and with two tyres repaired because they had picked up debris from a nearby house fire. Then Toby got sick. Last, my twenty-year old washing machine – which does not owe me a penny – decided it was time to call it a day. I am really hoping that it stops here!

I cannot tell you if Toby is better. Thank you to everyone for your notes and well wishes – they literally came from around the world. It warmed my heart. I hope to find out more about what is going on in the next couple of days. I can tell you that he has been very hungry and has eaten, is drinking water, and ran outside to chase a squirrel, barking his head off in the afternoon.

Toby is watching the Crufts 2026 Dog Show from Birmingham hoping that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that won the ‘toy’ group will win overall.

Toby would never make the ‘toy’ group. Just look at those paws. He clocks in at a mighty 25 lbs. just like the breeder said he would. So much for the 2XL little sweatshirt. It barely makes it to his waist!!!!!!!!

While I am dealing with one thing, my neighbour, who has two Cavaliers – a tri-colour like Toby and a Blenheim (rust and white), is having a very difficult time. The little Blenheim (both girls are tiny beside Toby) has a heart condition. My heart breaks when I see my friend walking her adorable girls in their cute outfits knowing she is frightened about what is happening.

All of this kept me from the bird cams today. I clean when I worry so the laundry room is properly ready for the arrival of the new machines. They should live longer than I will.

But, let’s check a few. Moorings Park is doing fantastic. Cholyn and Chase have a second egg and that is good news.

Most osprey cams are streaming, including those in Germany. Cranes and storks are arriving early. It saddens me to think that many who are migrating from Africa will have to pass through war zones to get to their nests in the north.

Besides flying through Lebanon, we also have those birds flying through Ukraine.

The wind was so strong at Big Bear on Saturday that Jackie was tossed about like she was a feather on the nest. Very scary.

Stella and Ira have three eggs at the US Steel nest! Wings of Whimsy recorded the event: https://youtu.be/xdcEOajcANI?

Nest preparations continue to go well for Red-tail Hawks Big Red and Arthur on the Cornell Campus.

SK Hideaways Videos Week of 1 March 2026

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

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

Cholyn & Chase Chortle About Nest Changes, Meet-ups & Alerts (2026 Mar 4)
From dawn till dusk and even through the night, Cholyn and Chase chortle, snortle, and murmur to each other about whatever is happening in the moment. Their bond is remarkable to behold. 
Video: https://youtu.be/LoHana6raBc

Long Labor for Cholyn’s 3rd Egg ~ First Peek Shows Breakage (2026 Mar 2)
In 23 nesting seasons, this is the first time that Cholyn has laid three eggs. Her labor was atypical and difficult, so it wasn’t completely surprising to see that the third egg was cracked when first revealed. The good news is that Cholyn and Chase are healthy, and that they have two strong eggs. Wishing them success and hoping to see these eggs turn into bundles of fluff. 
Video: https://youtu.be/i60SnPkL8io


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

Female & Lee All-Day Courtship ~ Sleepover, Beakies, Mating Attempt (2026 Mar 3)
The female, F, and Lee, the 4-year-old sub-adult eagle from the Seal Rocks nest exhibited courtship behaviors throughout the day. We can only guess what they were up to while the cameras were down, but today looked promising. 
Video: https://youtu.be/zjFbfJxk3w8
Lee/D29 & Female Seem to Like Each Other ~ As the West End Turns (2026 Mar 2)
When the West End cameras came on after being down for 2 weeks, we were met with a new male. Seems the female remains the same ~ this is the one that arrived after Haku and Akecheta left. The male is Lee/D29, a 2022 hatch from the Seal Rocks nest, also on Catalina Island. The couple soared and perched together for much of the morning. What will happen next? Only the eagles know for sure.
Video: https://youtu.be/mlBQgJTi19E


San Jose City Hall Falcons ~ Hartley & Monty
Courtesy San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcon Cam
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBSxPjy5sow
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pp9TisLmLU
Roof Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQLhmV6bP6o
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SanJoseCityHallFalcons/
Wiki https://sanjoseperegrines.editme.com/

Hartley & Monty Have A Bonding Palooza Day (2026 Mar 5)
It was an all-day bond fest with Hartley and Monty. They are full tilt on all things nesting, including mating 7 times today. We can be fairly certain to see eggs in the very near future.
Video: https://youtu.be/MYBLAFrnp3s


John Bunker Sands Eagles ~ Mom, Dad, and JBS24
Courtesy John Bunker Sands Wetland Center Eagle Cam 
Eagle Tower Camera 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wdo7BzUU_g
Eagle Tower Camera 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEDb2KqvvyQ

Dad Brings *Very* Fresh Fish ~ JBS24 Gets Fed and Self Feeds (2026 Mar 5)
JBS24 is 5-1/2 weeks old and is progressing right on schedule. Here’s what occurs in the fifth week, courtesy of Loudon Wildlife Conservancy:
~ Begins playing with sticks 
~ Is capable of fully standing
~ Is aware of its surroundings, in and outside the nest 
~ Begins tracking objects and birds outside the nest 
~ The tarsi (the feet or lowest part of the legs) are full size, and the foot pad is nearly full size 
~ Imprinting is nearly complete

JBS24 is doing a little self-feeding in addition to the above milestones. Mom and Dad spend quite a lot of time with their only eaglet. This family is a joy to observe. 
Video: https://youtu.be/zI5sDnFeuHo

Thank you, SK Hideaways!!!!!!!!! You bring the nests to life for us.

Ellie and Harvey at Farmer Derek’s Bald Eagle nest should have their second hatch by tomorrow.

I wonder what is going to happen at the Glaslyn nest this season. Will Aran return and prevail as the male? Will Teifi return and take over the nest? Will Elen return? We wait.

The female at Duke Farms continues, at times, to incubate the remaining unviable egg. The little one is a cutie.

Winter Park eaglets had some prey today. There has been some concern about the lack of prey coming to the nest as of late.

Oh, remember how we worried about ‘Tiny Tim’? – not so tiny anymore! Can you tell Wink from Atlas now?

At Dade County, R9, the oldest, still has to fledge. Females often take longer than males.

Eve and Kai perch along the rim of the NE Florida nest of their parents, Beau and Gabby. Eve is 68 days old today and Kai is 67. Fledge in a week?

Quinn (Captiva nest of Connie and Clive) is gorgeous and if you look carefully, all of these eaglets are so close in age. They spend their days looking out to the world they will soon conquer through flight.

There is at least one tiny osplet at the Pink Shell nest in Florida. Let’s hope that this nest is successful this year.

If you missed the February Ventana Wildlife Society’s Condor Chat, here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/D_Y10nw9mHU?

You will learn something you never thought you needed to know!

The funds to save the land near Jackie and Shadow’s nest were nearly 1 million dollars when I last checked. Others are seeking donations: the Severna Ospreys need batteries for their camera so they can stream.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We hope that your weekend was much better than ours. That said, we are looking forward to an ‘uneventful’ week. We have started doing nothing on Thursdays. Toby gets to go for his walk with Ellen, and I stay in my PJs. A writer of all things Parisian recommended some lovely Pima cotton pyjamas made in South Carolina, and I do love them. The phone is ignored for most of the day. No one is invited over or invited in if they show up. We watch movies, read books to Toby and The Girls and generally use Thursday as a day to recharge our so-called batteries. If you are feeling overwhelmed, however slight the feeling, I highly recommend a ‘day off’. And I do mean a day off!!!!!

We look forward to seeing you again soon – Friday, if not sooner.

Thank you to SK Hideaways for their wonderful videos that add much to my post. I would also like to thank the owners of the streaming cams where I took my screen captures and who allow us to watch the lives of our favourite birds.

Nest Adoptions, Fledges, Ospreys, and more…Late Wednesday brief check on Bird World

4 March 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

This is just a quick posting.

First, some good news, the eldest fledged at the Dade County Bald Eagle nest of Ron and Rose today.

Ospreys are arriving! Word has come from Viki that one osprey has landed in Indian Creek; they do not normally arrive until after St Patrick’s Day. The couple are at the Danville nest, and Heidi sends word that ospreys are arriving in Colonial Beach.

The IWS nest challenge is underway. Many of us have received merchandise and I am happy to say that at least two of us have been asked to name an eaglet.

Funds continue to come in to purchase the land known as Moon Camp near Jackie and Shadow’s nest to keep it out of the hands of developers. In a blink of an eye, or so it seems, nearly $750,000 of the 10 million needed has been raised. Congratulations to everyone.

I remain saddened by the death of F23 and the continuing controversy over the COD. In the end, it doesn’t matter if someone shot her because it is illegal. If she died because of a road accident and somehow managed to get herself into a garden known to her, then that is a different story. It is possible for eagles to have an injury and fly and later die as we have seen many who fall, hit their head, and die of a concussion later. I do not have enough information to comment other than it is simply a sad day for M15, E26 and all who loved this young mother.

I have lots of news to share but I am simply worn out. We will be celebrating Toby’s first birthday hopefully this week – it is tomorrow. Thankfully he can’t read a calendar. I found a photo of him just after he had arrived and managed to climb the cat tree for the first time.

His birthday wish is a box of Kleenex all to himself with no interference. I don’t think so.

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. I hope to be back at the weekend or Monday.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams and those who post information on FB. My blog would not be the same without your generous sharing.

Hatch and pip for Sally and Harry

2 March 2026

Hello Everyone,

Heidi brought me the good news: “Moorings Park had their first hatch at 12:45 this afternoon.” She noted that the first hatch had its very first fish dinner at 1504 while the second egg was hatching!

Sally is incredible at delayed incubation!

Oh, it’s nice to have some good news!

‘B’ also sent a story from the LA Times. They write: “Cute story in the LA Times today on “How two Big Bear eagles became social media’s hottest love story”.

How two Big Bear eagles became social media’s hottest love story

I really hope it helps raise funds to purchase the land around the nest of Jackie and Shadow!

Thank you for being with us. Take care. See you tomorrow when there will be two — or could there be three?

Thanks, Heidi, for the heads up and to ‘B’ for the very cool article on Jackie and Shadow. If you are a member of The Joy of Ospreys FB, there is a video of the event. Thank you to Moorings Park for the streaming cam that lets us into the lives of Harry and Sally and their osplets.