Well, I am going to start with heartbreaking news and hopefully, by the end of this posting, we will have some good news! – No, that isn’t going to happen. I just received word about an event at the Dyfi nest of Idris and Telyn from Geemeff.
Oh, we need to breathe!
One of the osplets of Lucy and Newman at the Lake Murray Osprey platform was taken by the GHO after 0200 this morning. We know the GHO is there. For several years, the owner tried mannequins, music, but it was the strobe lights that helped the one year. So where are they? Am I missing seeing them? This is heartbreaking. As Heidi says, Lucy and Newmann spent all this time fattening up their chicks for an owl’s dinner. It’s terrible. Yes, I know owls have to eat, but there are certainly enough rodents around to keep them fat!
All those beautiful babies together and happy. It is believed to be the second hatch that was taken.
I really do not like owls.
There has been an amendment to the Eagle and Golden Eagle petition. Here is the new wording. Please read and then go to change.org and support the efforts.
The four osplets at Steelscape are surviving well, and Mum is doing a great job at feeding each of those little mouths. Thanks, ‘PB’ for the image!
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 4th June 2026
Today was a much calmer day after the excitement of yesterday’s second chick hatching. Louis kept the family well supplied with fish and Dorcha made sure both chicks were fed and kept warm and dry despite the constant rain. Louis brought three fish including a very large trout which he came back for and flew off with after Dorcha and the chicks had had a meal. The Nest Two fish tally now stands at one hundred and nine, and the Nest One tally at ninety nine following Garry LV0’s two deliveries for Aurora 536, including the season’s first flatfish. More rain’s due overnight with a low of 9°C changing to thundery showers and a high of 14°C.
So far, so good at Dewey Beach. Keep sending that energy. The chick last year died at 50 days. We want Baby Dewey to fledge! He has won all of our hearts.
I am getting word that there is another issue, this time at Dyfi- Telyn has swallowed a fishing line with a hook attached. They cannot use barbs in the UK (a blessing). Let’s hope this comes out naturally and doesn’t cause any internal damage. What can I say? People love to go recreational fishing. They leave their garbage around, BUT also, lines break when fish get caught, and the raptors pay for it.
That was 5 hours ago. Telyn has been eating and let us hope that this hook and line go through her system or come out without any harm. Telyn is an incredible mother and Idris – well, what can I say? He is an amazing Dad.
I want to close and get this news out to you. Kelly Sorensen has published a paper on an alternative to lead ammunitions. Please read and advocate for all our raptors.
Smile. ‘PB’ sent a sceen capture of Little at Achieva this morning adding s/he looks like a Butterball Turkey. These kids are healthy thanks to Mum Jill.
I also want to close with another great image. Dylan brought in a whale of a fish – it looked like it was almost as big as the nest – at 0800 today – for his mate, Seren. They are eating with one another and holding on to their strong bond after the loss of their three chicks.
Gosh, we need a break. It has been a rough year. Sending each and everyone of you a virtual hug.
Thank you to everyone who alerted me about Lake Murray. These adults are much loved, and the sadness extends around the world. The red strobe lights need to be moved up to the nest so they hit the owl’s eyes as it approaches. They should not be on the ground. Someone, please, tell the owner to put them on poles now. Thank you. Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams, writers of FB posts and articles.
We hope that the start to the last weekend in May has been good to you. We are moving into June and the time is passing too quickly. All winter I complained about the cold and ice and the fact that we could not get out and walk as we used to due to the icy sidewalks and trails. Now it is so hot that we have heat warnings and due to Toby’s breed and Don’s medication, we can’t go out if it is too hot!!!!!!!! I hate complaining. On top of this, Don is loving the series Death in Paradise. It is filmed at Deshaines in Guadaloupe, where we stayed on our last big holiday. We recognise so many of the places! Gosh, that was fun, and the weather was beautiful. The hummingbirds would flit around our faces in the morning and evenings, and we spent so much time in the new Botanical Gardens while staying in a small cottage on the grounds of the Old Botanical Gardens. It was magical. I hope you can all go one day – just eat the fish the women cook on the beach. Fresh, grilled, and wrapped in newsprint! Delicious.
We were out early for a Toby walk and then to pick up our little Hyskap plants. Toby and Don waited 45 minutes in line with me – the programme is a success, and yet, most of my neighbours do not know about it. Our little plot of land is almost brimming with trees and shrubs for the birds and animals. We are pleased. We are on a mission to drink lots of homemade ‘sun’ tea (cold tea made with tea bags, not the powdered pre-sugared kind). The key is to keep everyone hydrated, including The Girls, Toby, and the animals outside. I hope you are paying attention, too!!!!!
It is the very last season for the streaming cam for Richmond and his new mate, Wendy. That in itself is a sad occurreance but this morning tragedy struck. The first egg DNH nor did the second. There was one little osplet. Wendy sadly could not figure out how to feed it in time to save that precious baby. She removed her dead chick and the last unviable egg to the edge of the nest this morning.
Richmond sees his baby for the first time – so joyful after losing his long term mate, Rosie, this year, and now, this little one perished.
I wish Golden Gate Audubon would reconsider shutting off the camera. Perhaps a fundraiser? There aren’t to many ospreys! How many do we get to watch in California? And Richmond is still there after all these years – . I wonder if they might change their minds?
At the Usk Valley, the chick has had four fish delivered, including at least one nice Bream that I saw. Syfadden is an excellent isher. Syfadden and Cogwyn are doing excellent!
Looks of activity at the San Jose City Hall. All four have flown and it is a busy time for Hartley, Monty, and BOGs chasing these four characters down. SK Hideaways has some video for us: https://youtu.be/kIcphBp29qU?
Gayle Gordon brings us sad news from the Blue Springs Bald Eagle nest. Did someone rescue this eaglet, I wonder.
Augusta and Samson have two osplets at Border Ospreys! Rosie Shields brings us all the latest news.
It looks like there will only be one hatch at Ranworth this year.
Just look at that baby – on top and right up front at Poole Harbour.
Idris, Telyn, and three little osplets at Dyfi. It is all under control.
Elen and Teifi are doing well with their three at Glaslyn.
It’s hard to see but close by at the Pont Cresor nest, Aeron Z2 and Blue 014 also have three healthy little ones!
The trio at Rutland Water’s Manton Bay nest of Blue 33 and Maya are moving out of the Reptile Phase and getting their beautiful juvenile feathers. Just look at them with their beaks wide open!
Now to check on two nests in the US – Dewey Beach because I am concerned about fish deliveries and the impact of when Omega starts trawling and Traverse Bay because of the nest slide.
Dewey Beach: Mum had a small PS. Four feedings for the baby today, according to wicked fish counter-identifier, Heidi. The little one is so cute.
I’d like to think that a miracle is holding up that Traverse City nest. Things are alright. Keep sending positive wishes for both of these nests.
There is a crisis in California. Seabirds are starving to death.
If you see a sick bird and there is someone fishing with a net, get help and scoop them up. Do not cut the line they are attached to. This could kill them. Get them to the nearest wildlife rehabilitation centre!
This reminds me – each of you should be doing some due diligence. In your phone, have the numbers of the local wildlife rescue in your area. Do not be afraid to call them! Do not call the USFWS, call the rescues!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you don’t know the number of the nearest rescue of the streaming cams that you are watching and there is no chat or a moderator, find out what the nearest rescue is and put it in your phone. If you notice something untoward, call and report!
Ever heard of the Dartford Warbler? It has made a comeback. Have a happy read.
Two gorgeous White-tail eaglets on the nest for Milda and Zorro. I note from the chat there is an issue with getting fish to the nest at the weekend – it is the same in many parts of the US and Canada. Humans take over the rivers and the lakes and the raptors cannot feed their families. I really do love some of the regions in the UK that ban human activity during breeding season!
Condensation on the camera lens?
Incubation continues at many Finnish osprey nests, including 2 and 5. The very first Finnish chick hatched in nest 1 on May 26.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 30th May 2026
After many calm days, there were two intrusions by strange Ospreys, or possibly the same Osprey in two locations. An unringed male actually landed on Nest Two when Louis was on incubation duty, and was chased off quickly. The chase continued in the air, and meantime Dorcha tag-teamed back onto the nest to protect the eggs. Over on Nest One the intruder didn’t actually land but came close enough, with Garry chasing, to put Aurora on high alert. The eggs are due to start hatching in a couple of days and the two males performed their protective roles perfectly as did the two females. Garry LV0 delivered one fish for Aurora 536 raising the Nest One tally to eighty nine, and Louis also delivered one fish to Dorcha, raising the Nest Two tally to ninety five. It rained lightly on and off, a damp and misty day today, and tonight’s overnight forecast is light rain showers and light winds with a low of 12°C, changing tomorrow to thundery showers with a gentle breeze and a high of 15°C.
Last but not least – Big Red and a nest full of hawklets and chippies. The babies are not only getting their gorgeous juvenile feathers but they are also working those wings.
Thank you for being with us today. Take care. Stay hydrated. Send good wishes to all the nests and please, if you can, leave water out for wildlife. It could save a life. See you soon!
Thank you so much to everyone who has posted information on FB today, to Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Info, to PB for keeping me informed, and to the owners of the streaming cams and the authors of newsletters and articles. Thank you to Geemeff and SK Hideaways for their videos and daily reports.
It’s hot. We were out early with Toby and now we are inside, drapes drawn and AC on. Cavaliers are susceptible to many ailments (I don’t care, I will take good care of Toby forever) so that Toby cannot be out in the heat of the day. He has a ‘chill’ coat that is soaked in cold water and a chill mat and I have made ice lollies for him with bone broth. Interestingly, Don has a medicine that restricts him from being out in the heat, too. So I guess summer is going to be interesting!
The first hatch has happened in the Glaslyn Valley and it is at the Pont Cresor nest of Z2 Aeron and Blue 014.
There are still two at the nest of CJ7 and Blue 022 at Poole Harbour although I almost caught myself thinking there were three.
There are three osplets at the Moraine Preservation Fund Osprey Platform. Little is so tiny! I hope they get lots of fish and this baby survives.
Clark PUD in Washington State has three babies and no shade!
Newport Bay Conservany has two osplets that are getting their juvenile feathers.
Three babies at Smallwood…
Beautiful babies with Mum at Brevard in Florida.
Incubation continues in the Usk Valley in Wales.
Two little scrappers at Port of Ridgefield in Washington.
Please send the Dewey Beach every ounce of energy you can. One little osplet. Please, please let them have enough fish to keep this baby to fledge. Two small fish have come to the nest. Dad is trying but the adults have to be so hungry. This whole lack of fish ‘thing’ that is human caused is simply driving me to the brink.
Incubation continues at Loch of the Lowes in Scotland.
First fish from Jack at the Achieva nest came at 0832. The family was waiting. Mum got it and fed everyone.
Chick 2 has hatched for Idris and Telyn at Dyfi.
There are still three chicks at Rutland’s Manton Bay nest of Blue 33 and Maya.
Three eggs being incubated at Lyn Brenig in Wales.
One beautiful baby so far for White YW and Blue 35 at Foulshaw Moss.
Frankie and Angel and their two darling osplets at Loch Doon.
Dylan loves delivering Brown Trout to his family at Lyn Clywedog in Wales.
Life in the osprey world appears to be going well at these nests. There are, of course, many others, and we must check in on Iris. Tomorrow is the first day to vote on the name for NewGuy2. Please take part.
These two are hilarious.
Rosie Shields brings us the latest news from Border Ospreys.
I am excited that Aran and his new mate will have chicks in a few days. He was the mate to Mrs G, then Elen (who is now with Teifi), and it is just great that there was a platform and a female for this dedicated dad.
Mary Kerr posted a YouTube video of Teifi and his brother Tywi in 2020. Teifi will be a dad in a few days when his and Elen’s eggs begin to hatch. Teifi is the son of Idris and Telyn. https://youtu.be/x1ewvCXqql8?
It appears that Richmond and Wendy’s first egg is not viable at 41 days.
Kielder Forest news – and there is a hatch at nest 1A.
The livestream has been turned off of the Falconshire Bald Eagle nest where Scout eats crumbs and picks at his injured wing. Will he survive? We will never know what happened because they chose to intervene to band the chicks but not to keep Scout in rehab. Banding is, in my mind, a good thing but it is an intervention on the nest. Why not help Scout? Instead of hiding what is happening just because they are overwhelmed by people who care? Caring people should motivate for good!!!!!!
The last screen:
Good night from Missey.
First egg of the 2026 Loon Preservation Society has been laid!
Bird flu has been detected in a pair of goshawks in the UK.
The heat on the Canadian Prairies has kept us inside. Don sleeps more as his disease progresses. Sometimes Toby ‘allows’ me to check on the bird nests. Toby is a bit like a toddler when their mother is on the telephone and they want attention!!!!!!! And how can I refuse?
If you are living in the UK, I know it is HOT, with temperatures of 35°C. Geemeff told me. Unbelievable. Mark Avery, head of RSPB for 25 years, has included paragraphs on a hotter Britain. I have included those thoughts in their entirety. “A hotter UK: a report published a couple of days ago – click here – by the Climate Change Committee contained the slightly chilling phrase ‘The UK was built for a climate that no longer exists today and will be increasingly distant in years to come.‘. That focuses our minds on what we need to do to adapt to the climate-mediated changes that are heading down the road anyway, such as increasing summer temperatures and increasing length of periods of what are currently abnormally high summer temperatures.
It won’t be me who is living in my current late-Victorian semi-detached brick-built, no cavity wall house in 25 years’ time but whoever does will need to do a bit more than know which curtains to shut, which doors to shut (and when to leave them wide open) to cope with high temperatures. Our house has quite a lot of roof that faces south (which is why solar panels work pretty well) but only one small window that faces south so the sun doesn’t beat down into rooms in the middle of the day. And the front door, and largest windows face west (whence the wind often comes) and the back door faces east, so it is possible to flush hot air from the house when temperatures drop in the evening. Even so, sitting quietly, reading a book, with one’s feet in a bowl of cold water is still an option applied even in these times.
There is much food for thought on flooding, the viability of farming, wildlife and infrastructure in this report. Read it and please never, ever, consider voting for Reform or the Conservatives whilst they have their current policies of scrapping net-zero measures. “
It is not just Britain that is hot. And the water that holds the fish for our beloved ospreys will be warming. Life will be difficult. How can we help? Remember: Put a bowl of water outside. There will be someone who needs it, and you might not know. It could be Mama Raccoon, the Sparrow, the homeless cat or dog, that comes in the middle of the night. Water is life.
It isn’t about raptors but if you happen to be near Mumbai, head over to see the art show and listen to a talk by my friend Pherozah Godrej.
Beautiful Big Red and her babies. The oldest is just becoming steady standing.
Ruth and Oren’s two hawklets are older at Syracuse University. Look at their juvenile feathers coming in and how good they are at standing.
Geemeff’s The calm routine of the previous days changed today when Louis was kept busy keeping intruders away from the nest – while Dorcha protected the eggs, Louis chased away first a crow and later in the day an intruder Osprey. Neither got close enough to be a threat and Louis still had plenty of time to deliver two fish, taking the nest tally to eighty six. No intruders troubled the occupants of Nest One, and Garry LV0’s tally rises to eighty one after he delivered two fish to Aurora 536. The Inver Mallie forecast for the nest area is dry overnight with light cloud and light winds and a low of 9°C, continuing tomorrow with sunny intervals and a high of 20°C. Today’s videos:
The Amersfoort Tower that has falcons in The Netherlands has another little one, Little Prince. He is doing so much better than Smallie that we worried so much about years ago!
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum – new couple? two eggs? three? hard to see. I did not see any fish brought on to the nest for the female. I hope I just missed the delivery. Looks like intruders about, too.
Remember. Names for NewGuy2 posted tomorrow!
Thank you for being with us. I expect many more osprey babies to enter the world over the next couple of days. It is marvellous. I don’t believe I have ever worried about fish coming on a nest, save for the year that Aran was injured. What a contrast to the concerns in the NE US. Send wishes to all those nests, please – if the eggs hatch we need fish!
I have just learned that California has passed a law that would protect endangered species. I will find out more and report in a day or two. If this is true, it is wonderful – a real change from what is happening in Florida.
Take care. Stay cool. Remember to drink lots of water! Stay hydrated. See you soon.
Thank you to all of today’s contributors, whether it be videos, FB announcements, newsletters, or invites. We are grateful for all the camera owners who allow us to watch the lives of the birds, and we would be very grateful to know what has happened to Scout.
Oh, the rain is gone, the sun is out, and Toby had a walk before the hot weather kicked in after lunch. Don and Toby are now sound asleep on the sofa. I noticed that it is sometimes harder for Don to walk with us. It looks like it is time to get that all-important walker! I am still sick, but the nice weather is giving me some energy!
Later…25 C. Toby hid under the deck when we went outside. It was his way of telling us that it was too hot for a Cavalier to be outside. Geemeff reported it was 27 C in London and we are expecting 32 C this coming week. Our City is wondering what to do about climate change – one big answer is trees. Thankfully, they have replanted every 123 year old tree cut down on our street. Will I live to see them reach 10 metres? I wonder. They certainly aren’t going to be offering shade soon.
Our Province generates electricity by hydroelectric power in the north. What happens if the water dries up? Are these things I should be thinking about insteading of listening to birdsong in the garden.
No, we should all be outside in nature listening for birdsong and enjoying the breeze, if there is one. It heals everything.
Jackie & Shadow Greet Stunning Sunrise ~ Sandy & Luna Listen & Learn (2026 May 21)Jackie and Shadow greet each day with a series of chortles, snortles, and togetherness. 6-week-old Sandy and Luna observe the tradition in hopes of having perfect mates of their own one day. They did take a break in their listening exercise to have something that looked like a PS (poop shot) contest, which definitely added an unexpected element of humor to this otherwise serene slice of the family’s morning. Video: https://youtu.be/gsX35LWeo8U
Fraser Point Eagles ~ Santa Cruz Island, CA ~ Cruz, Andor, Sasha, Zuma & Ryder Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s Cruz manages the eaglets’ snatch & go shenanigans vs. peregrine mom Hartley doing the same (2026 May 20) A morning in the life of Cruz and Andor, and their 7-week-old eaglets Sasha, Zuma, and Ryder. The Fraser Point nest is often called the “Zen nest” for good reason. We thought it would be interesting to contrast that calm to the mayhem that ensues when peregrine falcon parents bring prey to chicks of the comparatively same age. As such, there is a 2-minute clip of the San Jose City Hall Falcons receiving one of their meals this morning. Do you relate more with Zen or Zany? Video: https://youtu.be/c9rs3z7Rh6c
Meet Jet, Scout, Stewart & Walton ~ Flapping, Bouncing Boys at 4-1/2 Weeks (2026 May 23)Hartley and Monty’s 4-1/2-week old boys are on track to take flight far sooner than we’re ready ~ as soon as next week. Jet, Scout, Stewart, and Walton are flapping, bouncing, and head-tilting exactly as they should be at this age. Their shenanigans are more entertaining by the day. Video: https://youtu.be/EYU0d3IHwSk 4 Week Milestones:Chicks sleep outside nest box, steal prey, perch on ledge and drain (2026 May 18) The chicks are achieving milestones right on schedule. They had many firsts yesterday: sleeping outside the nest box (3 of them), stealing prey from parents, jumping up to the lower ledge (2 of them), and Red perched on the drain. They’re growing up way too fast for my liking. Video: https://youtu.be/GhKpFR5-4Ao
Cholyn & Chase’s Date Night ~ Seaside Chat & Sunset Stick Wrangling (22 May 2026) Though we can’t follow them every second of the day (unfortunately), on-cam views tell us that Cholyn and Chase spend a lot of time together. Cam ops found them in their seaside hideaway, chortling, beaky kissing, and watching the world go by. Later, they met on the Two Harbors nest, where a pesky Y branch is partially obstructing one of their flight paths and really getting on Chase’s nerves. So far, the branch is winning. No matter where they are or what they’re doing, observing this special couple is always a huge gift. Video: https://youtu.be/PxEikeV79oQ
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 24th May 2026
Today’s report is pretty much the same as yesterday’s – routine fish deliveries and incubation changeovers, and some rain. The only unusual thing was some owl calls heard near Nest Two in daylight, bringing up the possibility that last year’s mimic Jay might be back. Garry LV0 brought one fish on camera for Aurora 536, taking the Nest One tally to seventy nine, and Louis brought two fish for Dorcha, taking the Nest Two tally to eighty four. At the time of posting this report (23.30) night cam is on on both nests and both females are sitting peacefully on the eggs, three eggs for Dorcha and one for first time mum Aurora. The overnight forecast islight clouds with a low of 11°C, changing to light rain showers with sunny spells and a high of 17°C tomorrow.
Bonus watch – With reference to the mimic Jay and the cleverness of Corvids, here’s David Attenborough and the Crows in Japan who’ve learned to use humans to their advantage:
Two cuties for Idris and Telyn so far at Dyfi. Adults did a team feeding on Sunday. Sweet.
Two hungry beaks for CJ7 and her fish!
At Manton Bay, Blue 33 and Maya have a nest of almost three little reptiles as the soft down of the hatchlings gives way to that oily head and coppery feathers at the nape of the neck.
Dylan and Seren have three osplets and after delivering a fish at 1445 on Sunday, Dylan stayed and helped Seren feed the babies.
Two littles for Frankie and Angel at Roundhouse Loch Doon.
The chat at the Falconshire Bald Eagle nest remains shut down to the vulnerability of what is happening on the nest. Scout is still with us! The weather is not great, but a part of a fawn came in on Sunday morning, and Scout had a good feed. The wing is still healing.
No one needs to worry about P3. The third hatch for Big Red and Arthur is doing quite well and is often right up front at meal time.
Big continues to fly and return to the nest for fish at the Achieva Credit Union.
I might have missed it but I have yet to see a fish delivery to Mum and only chick at Dewey Beach. No, I didn’t. Nothing. This is going to be very sad.
A read: ‘Thirty-Two Words for Field’ by the late Manchán Magan, thanks to Emergence Magazine.
If you want to know what is going on at the US osprey nests – I will only touch on a few – then please check out the FB group Joy of Ospreys.
Hatch watch at Glaslyn for both nests!
Thank you for being with us today. It was so hot here, and it is going to get worse. I imagine that no matter where you live, you will see a change in temperatures this summer. Please leave out water for the birds – baths help to cool them off, and bowls of water offer hydration. You also need to make sure that you are getting enough hydration, too.
Got old cat or dog kibble? Birds eat it! It is a great source of protein.
See you soon!
Thank you so much to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their diligence in sending me their weekly videos and daily summaries. I am so terribly grateful to both of them. It allows me to include much more news that I might – and I know you are wondering what is happening at all those nests! I am grateful to everyone who posts information on FaceBook whether it is a newsletter, or the latest news with a photo. Let us all thank the owners of the streaming cams who let us watch these amazing families.
I continue to fight a horrific beginning of spring cold! Thank you for all the various remedies – I am trying them! Lots of honey, lemon, and ginger! Don and Toby have embraced the day since it is raining outside as just another ‘pajama day’. That has been grand.
There continues to be sadness at Western Maryland Shore Old Town Home. The second hatch died six days ago of starvation, and today, the first hatch, a tiny little thing that was not only starving but could not get sufficiently under Mum to keep warm, died of hypothermia in the rain. For whatever reason, Mum decided to incubate the unviable egg instead of her brooding her chick. Perhaps it is a blessing. That sounds horrible, I know. But I cannot stand to see these wee things starve, get a little fish, starve some more, eventually dying a few days before fledge – emaciated.
This image is from Heidi and ‘PB’ – the little osplet had 17 bites of food at that meal, its last.
Big Red took care of her three chicks brilliantly in what has been a soaking wet day on the Cornell Campus. Fed and warm.
In the UK, there was almost a tragedy when Seren accidentally kicked one of her three chicks out of the egg cup. This is an amazing osplet – I cannot wait to see what they do in their lifetime if they manage this. Geemeff has it on video: https://youtu.be/ByCRVMITshM?
Scout on the Falconshire Bald Eagle nest is alive. There was much concern over this eaglet’s welfare. Let’s hope lots of prey come so that Scout might thrive.
Speaking of prey. Let’s think about this. Agricultural practices have changed around the world. The fields and woods are not full of rodents and gophers because humans don’t like them around. The Raptors would thrive. The rivers are full of toxins like phosphates, are warming, and have fewer and fewer fish. So when someone says it is just ‘nature’, think again. Maybe it is something linked to humans, but less obvious than a fishing line.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 23rd May 2026
Another uneventful day with spells of rain, fish deliveries, and incubation duty changeovers. Louis delivered three fish for Dorcha taking the Nest Two tally to eighty two, and Garry LV0 delivered two fish for Aurora 536, although the second one was really just the tail-end of his dinner.
Garry’s tally now stands at seventy eight. More rain is forecast for tonight and tomorrow, along with what’s referred to as a gentle breeze. However, one of last night’s ‘gentle breezes’ completely upended Dorcha, so here’s wishing her an uneventful night on the exposed nest. Temperature spread is a low of 11°C tonight and a high of 16°C tomorrow.
There are two little bobbleheads for CJ7 and Blue 022 – and there are a lot of fish on that nest!
There is a wee baby for Idris and Telyn at the Dyfi nest in Wales along with a pip in the second egg.
Good news story of the day: The eagle nest collapsed. One eaglet went into care. Everyone wondered if the adults would feed the other but then a human-made nest went up and yes, the eagles are caring for their chick!!!!!!!! Humans can do good things. This is wonderful. Thank you!
Everything you wanted to know (or not) about Iris’s eggs.
Look for the NG2 name choices to be posted on the 26th of May.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care everyone. Stay safe and I hope, beyond hope, you do not get this summer cold or flu whatever it is.
Thank you to Geemeff for her report on all things Loch Arkaig, to Heidi and ‘PB’ for drawing my attention to what has happened at WMSOTH, and to all those who created videos or posted on FB; we are grateful. Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch our lovely families.
We were expecting it. Big had been flapping her wings in the rain, getting stronger and stronger, and this morning he took off and returned to the nest like a pro. Time: 10:25:41. Thanks ‘PB’ and Heidi.
Proud Mum Jill and Little watched as Big circled around the nest. Congratulations – this is the most well deserved fledge and just wait til Little flies – maybe at the weekend.
Jill did it with a little help from Jack at the start and a lot of help at the end. Now to keep the fish coming for the fledgling.
This is just wonderful…at one point we feared these two would starve to death but Mum Jill literally taloned up and kept her babies fed. I remain astonished at all she did and so proud of her.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 20th May 2026
Another calm routine day, no alarms or intruders, just rain and fish deliveries and the males taking their turn on the eggs allowing the females to stretch their wings and go off nest to eat. Garry LV0 brought three fish for Aurora 536, taking his tally to seventy three, and Louis brought one fish for Dorcha, taking the Nest Two tally to seventy three. The forecast overnight and through tomorrow is more rain, with a low of 7°C and a high of 17°C.
They could hear the chicks at the Dyfi nest of Idris and Telyn in the microphones overnight! Won’t be long!
I love this! Jeff Kear says, “SO TODAY COULD BE BUSY.
With possible hatches at:- DYFI, POOLE HARBOUR, LOCH DOON and KIELDER NEST 7. And the second Chick at Clywedog has already hatched, Egg Number 4 at MANTON BAY as well(forgot that one)”.
Yes, it will be a busy one. Take care everyone. I will see you with the latest on the UK hatches this evening.
Thank you to ‘PB’ and Heidi, to Geemeff for their Loch Arkaig Summary, those who post to FB and the owners of the streaming cams that let us look into the lives of our friends.
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.
We had a beautiful day. Instead of living in pajamas, we put on our lighter jackets and gum boots and headed to the country – to Pineridge.
We sat by the fire and drank hot chocolate. It was glorious.
While we were away…Idris arrived home at the Dyfi Osprey platform in Wales to his mate Telyn, Blue 5F.
Telyn knew he was arriving. She watched as Idris flew in and landed. The sky dancing began shortly after – this devoted pair, so delighted to see one another! Idris arrived almost a fortnight later than he did in 2025.
And he hardly got home and the snow has started falling…
I wonder what other ospreys came in on those strong winds????
Blue 014, the mate of Aeron Z2, has returned home to the Glaslyn Valley and the Pont Cresor nest.
Only Jackie and Shadow know. Pip watch is on.
Baby Hope is excited about the possibility of an eaglet at Big Bear.
Andor and Cruz now have three eaglets at the Fraser Point nest in the Channel Islands. Sasha, Zuma, and Ryder. No wonder Andor was loading up this nest with prey. A Coot has been added to a whole lot of fish!
There has been a second hatch at the Achieva osprey platform of Jack and Jill. This one is nearly six days younger than the first hatch. I am not a happy camper over this turn of events…There is a problem with fish deliveries at this nest – historically. Is it intruders taking the fish? Who knows?
Thank you for being with us for this very quick check in! There are lots of other hatches and arrivals in the US – it is going to be a very busy weekend. Here is the list from nature chaat:
Thank you to those who are posting information on FB, to the owners and posters on nature chat and to ‘J’ for sending me the latest list, and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow me to rewind and see Daddy Longlegs Idris arrive home to his great love, Telyn! Thank you.
It’s a bit chilly at -7 C this morning but there is a beautiful blue sky and bright sunshine to make us feel warm. The birds are all over the garden looking for seed through the fresh snow that we woke up to. Spring will come. There will be lots of moisture in the ground. That will be a blessing. I see Mr Blue Jay has arrived along with the Starlings, Dark-eyed Juncos, and various types of sparrows. Those Blue Jays are so gorgeous against the white snow.
We had a lovely visit with our daughter and grandson yesterday. Jaine came with a homemade Opera cake that could win any Bake Off prize in the world.
This little red squirrel is keeping everyone curious. It darts in and out of the woodbox and under the deck, caching nuts. Hugo Yugo is completely intrigued and sits at the window watching for hours. Isn’t it cute?
Oh, I love this Red-tailed Hawk. For many, Big Red was one of the first raptors they watched on a streaming cam. There is a great Facebook group, along with a live chat from hatch to fledge. This chat will blow you away for one specific reason – each of the moderators is so knowledgeable. Laura Culley used to be one of them. There are set times when chat is open, and historical data and new science are always being added. You could not find a better place if you want to learn about hawks! I will let you know when chat is open and how to find it.
At the nest of Beau and Gabby, the oldest eaglet, Eve, fledged! She really manted to join Kai who earned his wings the day prior.
Lisa Russo posted Gretchen’s post on FB. Thank you, Lisa.
Screenshot
Heidi reports a pip at Brevard County Osprey platform and she was right – there is a chick at Brevard this morning.
Four eggs for Elaine and Newmann at Spirit Bluff scrape.
I was delighted to hear from Lisa, one of our great Bird World members and a daily reader, who also is key at the Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey. An article has been published about her work there. Have a read! Lisa is a real inspiration. I am so proud of her – and her award as Volunteer of the Year in 2024.
Maybe someone reading this article about Lisa might be motivated to volunteer locally.
One of the eagles at the Audubon Centre that is benefiting from the devotion of many like Lisa is River.
At the Winter Park Bald Eagle nest Peanut has branched. That is wonderful. Peanut’s older sibling, Brutus, is also at the Audubon Centre after being knocked off the nest by a GHO.
So where is Quinn? Diane Lambertson posted a FB message that might hold that answer.
The IWS has given a beautiful name to the female at the West End Bald Eagle nest in the Channel Islands.
Angel has returned to her nest at Loch Doon and they say Frankie is coming in behind her.
A great presentation by Dr Tim McKrill on osprey migration for us and the Osprey Leadership Foundation: https://youtu.be/wlJoNyKapfc?
Watching for Idris and Telyn to arrive at Dyfi.
SK Hideaways is on a mission to a faraway place. They sent one video this morning. Thank you! Safe and wonderful travels.
West End Eagles ~ Catalina Island, CA F & Lee Inseparable on Flirty Pre-Naming Day ~ Must Be Love😍 (2026 Mar 23) F’s name should be announced tomorrow! She and Lee were celebrating together all morning as they repeatedly soared from nest to tor to secret hideout. They were inseparable and had much to chortle-snortle about. There was no interest in mating, but there sure were a lot of goo-goo eyes between them plus one of the sweetest beaky kisses I’ve ever seen. Video: https://youtu.be/PYNBCu8Tw0o Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | West End Eagles Cam Ops Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14 Other Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmmAzrAkKqI Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kad6O4nF6bg
This female is now Isla.
Two ospreys at Pitkin County this morning.
There is a hatch underway for Bella and Scout at the NCTC Bald Eagle nest. Let’s send this family our best wishes. They lost their beautiful eaglets last year in a nest collapse. It was so sad for everyone.
Despite some deaths, it appears that the Kakapo breeding season is going to be a success.
Thank you for being with us today. Please take care of yourself. Have a marvellous weekend. We will be back soon – too much happening. We are on pip watch for Andor and Cruz at Fraser Point.
Thank you to Lisa Ferguson for sending me that great article. Congratulations! I am grateful to everyone who supplied videos, to those who posted on FB, and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us watch our bird families.
I have had the most marvellous time with my friend Geemeff who has now returned to the UK. We talked ospreys and, of course, anyone who has read my blog for the past osprey seasons will know that I am rather fond of Blue 33, who is my favourite male. At the same time, during the pandemic, Louis and Aila broke the hearts of nearly half a million people with their trio at Loch Arkaig in 2020. Those chicks were Doddie (JJ6), Vera (JJ8), and Captain (JJ7).
Geemeff filmed the first video from a hide at Rutland Water. There was no editing other than the use of slo-mo so that you could actually see what Blue 33 is doing. Now, it is not unusual for an opsrey male to sky dance while trying to woo the female, but look – Blue 33 hovers like a helicopter over Maya. What strength that took! Amazing. I have never seen this behaviour, and neither had Geemeff when she filmed it while on tour at Rutland. Have you? I would love to hear from you if you have.
Louis and Aila won our hearts, and so did the 2021 trio, including my favourite JJ7, Captain! I’d like you to please watch this bizarre behaviour of Mum. The chicks are unsure what to think! But please, you must watch to the very end.
The only one of the trio to be identified and photographed as returning as a two year old of the trio was Doddie who was seen on the Shetland Islands.
Isn’t this chick of Gimbir and Diamond at the Charles Sturt University Falcon Scrape just the cutest only chick? Please vote to give it a good name!
The Currawongs continue to be thwarted by the Olympic Park sea eagles 35 and 36. So far those pesky little birds have not been able to oust the two from the Olympic Forest! Bravo. Prey is being delivered.
Remnants of prey line the gutter at 367 Collins Street in the CBD of Melbourne. So far no fledges from any of the three peregrine falcons.
Your favourite osprey streaming cams and nature centres are fundraising. Here is the latest from Dyfi:
More trials for those who kill our beautiful raptors – will Scotland finally have penalties that will make people stop this horrible practice? Raptor Persecution UK provides us with the latest information.
Thank you for being with us today. Take care. We will be back with you next Monday unless there is something that happens – such as a fledge in Melbourne. Be sure to vote for a name for Gimbir and Diamond’s chick. Check out my blog for November 10th for the details including the choice of names. See you soon!
Thank you to Gemeff and SK Hideaways for their videos and to the owners of the streaming cams, those that post information on the various FB groups, Raptor Persecution UK, and Birdlife Malta for their informative posts.
