Tag Archives: California

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.

JC26 is a cutie pie…Sunday in Bird World

1 March 2026

Toby and I were woken up by the phone pinging and pinging around 2330 Saturday night. It wouldn’t stop. What was going on? Turns out the two-story woodframe house at the corner, home to our neighbour Jim Russell for 27 years, was on fire. It went up in flames so quickly that the fire and police personnel could not get into the structure. We still do not know if our neighbour was in the house at the time. Jim was a brilliant eccentric. He had studied math at Cornell and came to Canada in the late 1960s, as I recall. Paramedics and fire crew are still there as little blazes continue to flare up. I am tired. Toby is tired. We were up til 0300 worrying if Jim was in the house and remembering, with great sadness, our neighbours, Bert and Joanne, who died in a house fire across the street in 2011. They were our dear friends. We bought our house form them and Don helped Bert when Joanne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Memories came in like a tsunami.

I know you will understand when I say that this posting will be short.

There have been a lot of rumours about the Bald Eagle nests this season, with the latest one being that Shadow had disappeared. Shadow is fine. It was confirmed that he was on the eggs last evening, even though the posting said he was MIA. Please check the cameras and exercise caution – there are too many ‘alternative facts’ floating around that cause worry and anxiety.

Thank you SK Hideaways for sending me your videos!

SK Hideaways Videos Week of 22 February 2026

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


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

Cruz Lays 3rd Egg ~ No Muss, No Fuss Once Again (2026 Feb 26)
Cruz rose at 00:42 and laid her third egg at 00:43:28 ~ she wanted to get back to sleep. And sleep she did until she gave us a split-second peek of all three eggs at 06:58. Wishing Princess Cruz and Andor success with this full clutch. 
Video: https://youtu.be/t4C95kIBhbs

Princess Cruz Lays 2nd Egg ~ Quick & Easy (2026 Feb 22)
A very easy labor for Cruz as she laid her second egg. Congratulations, Cruz & Andor!
Video: https://youtu.be/AurPv3UFB1M

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 Does Bedtime Egg Roll ~ Chortles Wispy Lullaby (2026 Feb 27)
After a day of textbook nest changeovers, Chase retired to his night perch and Cholyn settled in for overnight incubation. After she carefully rolled the two precious eggs, she called out in her unique wispy chortle. Because we’re hopelessly sentimental, we like to think that lovely music was a bedtime lullaby. Whatever it was, it was glorious. 
Cholyn Lays Egg #2 Early and Quickly
Cholyn was a few hours earlier than expected and laid egg #2 quickly and easily.  Congratulations Cholyn & Chase! (2026 Feb 26)
Video: https://youtu.be/5Qnqo5nnXcg

28-Year-Old Cholyn and Chase Welcome 1st Egg of the Season🎉(2026 Feb 24)
In their 23rd season together, 28-year-old Cholyn and Chase welcomed their first egg. Cholyn fooled fans for a few nights before laying this first egg, but, of course, she had her own schedule. Congratulations! 
Video: https://youtu.be/q3g9NCeN04E


FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Jackie & Shadow
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4
Live Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz

Shadow Snortles to Jackie’s Mating Call ~ Obliges Then Brings Fish (2026 Feb 28)
When Jackie called Shadow to the Cactus Snag, he was quick to respond. Turns out it was a mating call. Having taken care of business, Jackie returned to the nest to await her feesh brunch, which Shadow also provided. Together they are a power couple ~ super partners, providers, and parents. 
Video: https://youtu.be/aoE-OV3sUeE

Jackie Delivers Egg #2 of Second Clutch ~ Congrats Jackie & Shadow! (2026 Feb 27)Jackie laid egg #2 of her and Shadow’s second clutch in the early evening. The 4-minute labor brought Jackie’s signature tea kettle sounds and another perfect egg. All good wishes to Jackie and Shadow for success with this second clutch.   
Video: https://youtu.be/FKRbz02gZG0

Jackie Lays Egg #1 of Second Clutch ~ Shadow Checks on Jackie, Meets Egg 🥰(2026 Feb 24)
Jackie and Shadow welcomed the first egg of their second clutch. Wishing them a successful outcome. 
Video: https://youtu.be/2xmOylatUyg


John Bunker Sands Eagles ~ Combine TX ~ 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

JBS24 is in full Clown Feet and thriving (2026 Feb 26)
At 4-1/2 weeks, JBS24 is shedding some of that natal down, sprouting pin feathers, and sporting some rather impressive clown feet. Great to see this little one doing well and progressing as expected. 
Video: https://youtu.be/wDCEsLT-XTU


San Jose CH Falcons ~ San Jose, CA ~ Hartley and Monty
Hartley & Monty Display Every Courtship Behavior Known to Falcons (2026 Feb 22)
Hartley and Monty are very focused on their upcoming nesting season. They had conversations, mated (twice), and pair bonded in the nest box. Monty provided the piece de resistance when he delivered a food gift, which Hartley happily tugged away from him and flew off. We’ll be looking for eggs in the very near future! 
Video: https://youtu.be/LwwsKn4-vS4
Courtesy San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcon Cam
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pp9TisLmLU

At the Winter Park Florida Bald Eagle nest, Peanut (aka Tiny Tim) is anything but tiny. Looks like a ravenous female to me that second hatch that survived some pretty challenging bonking early on. Peanut really took lessons and was doing a grand job of self-feeding on Saturday.

At the Johnson City nest, Baiba caught Boone feeding his little one JC26 for the first time. https://youtu.be/BYRwO0l-qfE?

From all of us – we wish you a great end to the weekend and a wonderful week. I will be back with you on Friday.

Thank you so much to SK Hideaways for sharing their video list, to the owners of the streaming cams where I took my screen captures – thank you for allowing us into the lives of these amazing birds.

Branching…Lots going on in Bird World

26 February 2026

Hello Everyone,

I am taking a moment while Miyoung cuts Don’s hair to try to post some of the latest bird news. Missey is watching from the table, and Toby is on the sofa in the conservatory, wishing for an extra walk, not Dad getting a haircut!

The weather is warming up before it gets a bit nippy again. Tomorrow is going to be plus 2 C. Ann and Don are going to go out for a walk – we are going to do as much walking outside with him as we can as his condition is changing and we are starting to see a few Parkinson’s tremors. That is signalling the potential need for a walker sooner than expected. But, we will see!

So many of you have asked about the little squirrel with the mange. He has overcome his exposure to rodenticide, and his fur is about half grown back in. We are astonished and so happy. I want to attribute this to his being in good condition. It is a bit like Brock. Jane and I, along with some others, keep him well fed, and he stays on Jane’s porch much of the time. His fur is glossy – he does not look like a feral cat living outside, but he is.

The whiter fur is the new.

Branching. When an eaglet officially flies to a branch from the nest bowl. We have two today!

Quinn at the Captiva nest of Connie and Clive has branched.

70 day old E26 at the SW Florida nest of M15 and F23 has branched at 0913 local time. S/he flew to the veranda. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/hG3QdbKOQL4?

Well done. I am expecting Eve and Kai at the NE Florida nest along with Dade County eaglets to be on that list any time!

More eggs are being laid!

Ma Vrain and her mate number 3??? Identified as Pa3 has laid her first egg at the Ft St Vrain Bald Eagle nest in Colorado.

Cruz and Andor have their third eagle egg at Fraser’s Point.

At Decorah North, the drama is seemingly coming to a close. Mr North, the long-time male resident of the nest, has been injured and has been MIA.

On the 17th: “The Decorah North eagle nest turned into the scene of a fast and fierce showdown on the morning of February 17, 2026. After being gone for almost a week, Mr. North had just recently returned to the area. During his absence, an unidentified male eagle had been hanging around DNF and testing the boundaries of the territory. Viewers watching the Decorah North live cam could feel the tension building. Then it happened. The intruder didn’t just perch nearby. He actually landed right inside the nest.” Mr North engaged with the intruder. “As soon as the intruder landed, Mr. North took off, circled back, and attempted to strike from behind before the intruder turned to face him.”

Mr North had been missing for a week. He has now been seen around the nest with what some are calling a wing injury. I will not give up on him just yet. The intruder is being called UM (unidentified male).

Mrs DNF has not accepted the UM as I understand it. There have been boots on the ground looking for Mr North.

I would like to introduce you to Condor 470 Fuego – please read more in the file below. To get you started: “His plucky spirit and spectacular flying skills make him a wonderful addition to the Big Sur flock. Fuego (470) has also been a member of not one, but two different trios! Along with his foster father, Amigo (204), he first paired with Condor (534). The trio was successfully able to raise their chick, Laura’s Bird (842). Unfortunately shortly after Laura’s Bird (842) fledged, Condor (534) went missing. The following breeding season Fuego (470) and his foster father added another female to their group, Kodama (646). They successfully raised their chick, Katie’s Bird (1003)​, but Fuego (470) has since left the trio and paired with Sottow (962). During the 2024 nesting season, they hatched Condor (1318) who fledged in late November of 2024. We are thrilled that Fuego (470) and this first-time-condor-mom have been successful so far!”

Fuego (470) – VENTANA WILDLIFE SOCIETYDownload

Audubon Florida sends out its first statewide newsletter on wildlife for the year.

(FL) Statewide eNews 1282026Download

I could not close without checking on our only eaglet at Duke Farms. It is doing very well with an enthusiastic dad who has a buffet on that nest for his mate and baby.

I am really getting itchy feet for those ospreys to start arriving in the UK!

In the meantime, I want to mention something to all of you. There is no person who reads my blog who is unaware of the challenges everyone is facing amid escalating inflation, the high cost of healthcare premiums, medicines, and food for us and our beloved pets. Many who used to donate cash to their favourite wildlife rehabilitation centre, or even to a streaming cam, are unable to do so. I do not want you to feel bad about yourself. There are other ways to help – I will continue to remind you that the vet clinics, the wildlife rehabilitation centres all need clean used towels, rags, gently used pet crates and carriers. You can help and not have to spend a cent, and it will really help them. So look at those piles in the attic, the garage, the basement and see if there is anything that might be needed – and that even includes tools!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care of yourself. We will be with you again soon – probably at the weekend unless we have a fledge.

Thank you to Ventana Wildlife, SPO, Audubon Florida, and the owners of the streaming cams that let us into the lives of our feathered families.

Wow…Eggs! Big Bear and Two Harbours

24 February 2026

There is some news that can’t wait –

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

Chase and Cholyn have their first egg of the season.

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

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

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

See you on Friday!

Blizzard at Duke Farms, Rare King Eider in Toronto…

23 February 2026

Good Morning Everyone,

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

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

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

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

Always nipping at one another!

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

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

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

SK Hideaways Videos Week of 15 February 2026

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


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

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

Sauces Canyon ~ Audacity & Jak
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Sauces Canyon Eagles Cam Ops
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnTsOesC6hE

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


John Bunker Sands Eagles ~ Combine, TX ~ Mom, Dad, and JBS24
JBS24’s Bottomless Buffet (and Belly) (2026 Feb 16)
JBS24 is 3 weeks and 1 day old. The eaglet is spoiled for choice at mealtimes with Mom and Dad both often in the nest offering a variety of prey. JBS24 is growing up fast, now sporting grey thermal down and almost always a full crop. 
Video: https://youtu.be/h_Nks375XLg
Courtesy John Bunker Sands Wetland Center Eagle Cam
Eagle Tower Camera 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wdo7BzUU_g
Eagle Tower Camera 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEDb2KqvvyQ

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

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

Suzanne Kay reveals the banding results from Dade County:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2nd egg at Achieva…Late Saturday in Bird World

21 February 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

I am starting to write my post Saturday evening. It is 1733 and the conservatory is filled with light. The days are much longer and that is truly welcome. Everyone feels good. The weather will, however, continue to get cooler until next weekend when they are predicting we will drop to -30 C.

Today, we put another area rug in the conservatory. There is a reason for these rugs – they are for Toby. He chases Hugo Yugo throughout the house or Hugo Yugo chases him. There is a real issue regarding the legs of these Cavaliers. Like Toby’s food, I am doing everything I can to protect his health and physical well being. This means there is one more rug to get for the library area. At the same time, these rugs must be secured so that Don doesn’t trip on them. Talk about a balancing act!

Hugo Yugo and Toby helped with the rug.

We need to send some good energy to Duke Farms. One of the three eggs broke Friday night. The other one appears to not be viable. There is, however, one little eaglet working hard to get out of the last egg!

The siblings at the Winter Park Florida Bald Eagle nest are doing fantastic.

Jazz is getting a private feeding. Things on this nest, the E3 at the Kisatchie National Forest have turned around just as everyone had hoped. Nola still has first rights, so to speak, but Jazz is eating well and there is plenty of food coming on the nest. The little one looks great.

So far the food deliveries on the E1 nest of Anna and Louis II have been low on Saturday.

There is a second egg for Jack and Jill at Achieva.

Decorah Mum protected her precious egg scovered in snow. There are two of them.

Owlvira and Hoots two of the four owlets that survived are doing fantastic.

Little Miami Conservancy now has three eggs.

There are now 10 Kakapo chicks. This is going to be a brilliant year! There was a daytime egg check a few minutes ago. Here it is on video: https://youtu.be/bkNQWALZ9mw?

Bella has laid the third egg for her and Scout. Wish them luck! Deb Stecyk has it on video: https://youtu.be/PCAOOIIyBVM?

SK Hideaways caught a beautiful kestrel bringing a mouse into the Sauces Canyon area! https://youtu.be/gkMOPrtpRz0?

Baby Hope wishes everyone a wonderul end to their weekend.

Missey hopes your weather is warmer than ours.

Brock had several meals and slept on my neighbour’s porch for about three hours. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

Thank you for a quick check in with some of our nests. We will be back again with you on Monday with more news about our wonderful feathered friends. Please take care. Enjoy the end of the weekend. Get outside if you can. It is revitalising!

Thank you to those who created videos, to the owners of the streaming cams who let us peek into the lives of our feathered friends, and to the authors of the FB posts who keep us informed of all the action! I am truly grateful.

Late Friday in Bird World

20 February 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

We had another beautiful, albeit slightly cooler day, today. There is still beautiful white fluffy snow in the garden and the birds were so busy eating tonight it made us wonder if there was another storm coming. Nothing predicted.

Quick nest news:

A wonderful video link sent to me by ‘L’ about the Laysan Albatross, Wisdom, and her legacy. This is the video caption: “Earlier this year, we shared that N333, Wisdom’s son from 2011, had welcomed a chick of his own. Thanks to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service volunteer Dan Rapp, we now get an up-close look at this newest member of Wisdom’s remarkable family tree. N333 has an incredible story himself—he survived the 2011 tsunami as a chick and has since returned to Midway to raise the next generation. Seeing his journey come full circle is a powerful reminder of the resilience of these birds and the importance of protecting their home. 👉 Read more about N333’s journey here: https://friendsofmidway.org/wisdoms-l…

https://youtu.be/TCmc1aKeUM4?

Stella and Irvin have their first egg at the US Steel nest in PA. Congratulations!

Andor and Cruz have their first egg at the Fraser Point nest in the Channel Islands, California.

Little Miami Conservancy now has two eggs as of Thursday.

Pip watch continues for egg 1 and 2 at Duke Farms. It is doubtful if the first egg is viable (IMHO).

Decorah should have its second egg today. I haven’t see anything to indicate that another egg has been laid yet (It is 1945 CDT).

At the Two Harbours nest, Chase has been supplying Cholyn with some nice fish. SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/O7Spi_nane4?

Now you see it, now you don’t. The thick cord with the bobber is still in the KNF E1 nest of Anna and Louis II. The eaglets so far have not gotten tangled again. Let’s hope this good news continues.

Lots of fish and nice big crops on both eaglets at the E3 nest of Alex and Andria at the KNF forest. This is lovely to see. Let us hope that fish delivery and good feedings by both parents continue.

Willow and Gus at Eagle Country had some trouble with their egg when it got caught on Willow’s leg. The egg is well past hatching but Willow continues to incubate. Androcat has the incident on video: https://youtu.be/VtVxoIDTyWM?

Fridays are cake day at our house. It is a way to end the week and get to spend some time with Ann. This was today’s offering from the Lilac Bakery – almost too beautiful to cut.

Everyone is well. We have had a good week. In fact, it has been a brilliant week. Knock on wood, this continues. I do not know if it is the warmer weather, my arthritis not bothering me so much, or Don’s new medications taking hold. The warm weather makes our walks so much nicer! I cannot tell you how much being outside lifts one’s soul. If you are feeling challenged for any reason, please spend some time outside. I promise it can be life-changing.

Toby wishes you a wonderful weekend!

Thank you so much for being with us this evening.

Thank you to ‘L’ for her link to the story about Wisdom’s son, to the authors of the FB posts, the owners of the streaming cams that let us look into the lives of the birds, to SK Hideaways, Androcat, and Friends of Midway Atoll for the videos I have included this evening.

Sadness, Sticks, and Snow…late Tuesday in Bird World

17 February 2026

Dear Friends,

I am so sorry to write and tell you that the only egg of Jak and Audacity that carried such hope for another Betty Lou this season has broken.

Send out your love to this amazing Bald Eagle couple. They tried so hard and we hoped with them.

At the Fernow Tower nest of Big Red and Arthur on the Cornell Campus, our 23-year-old Queen of the Red-tail Hawks and her mate, Arthur, have brought in the first sticks to their nest. Cornell Bird Lab caught it on video. https://youtu.be/dERgvuToQS4?

Do we think that Jackie and Shadow are thinking about a second clutch? SK Hideaways has them looking at that nest in the snow. https://youtu.be/2PqA-NX63FY?

So sorry to have to send the news about Jak and Audacity. We were so hopeful. There is a snowstorm on its way here that will begin in a few hours. Heavy snowfall warning with perhaps 16 cm. We will be fine. Please take care of yourself…and before I leave I want to show you an image that ‘R’ sent me from Gainsville, Florida. You might think that nest is in the palm tree but it is on a pole on the other side! Thanks, ‘R’. We will look forward to any report of little ones!

Thank you to Cornell Bird Lab and SK Hideaways for their videos, to the IWS/Explore.org for its camera at Sauces and to each of you for loving our raptor families. Thank you to ‘R’ for that great photograph.