Tag Archives: environment

Diamond lays third egg…Late Thursday in Bird World

10 September 2026

Greetings Everyone,

I want to wish all my readers who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah starting tomorrow a very happy New Year’s celebration.

It was hot for September. 27 C today with a gentle breeze now and again. The children are all back to school as of Tuesday, the day after Labour Day. The Blue Jays are currently enjoying a late-day feed on peanuts. I can see Junior at the big table feeder right now, with a grey cat walking around the lilacs. Toby will take care of that. He always allowed Brock once he was trained, but he gets rid of the others. I am always afraid they will attack the birds – all are well-fed pets!!!!!!!

Toby and I were home today. Ann was at the hospital, and Don continues with physiotherapy and occupational therapy. It is a long road ahead before he’s strong enough to come home. I am going up tomorrow and Toby is going to the groomer. Poor little guy. He loves to run outside but he gets burrs in his lovely long feathering. He likes his baths and his feet soaks but he really is due for a clipping.

We lucked out today. One of our neighbours gave us some lemon cucumbers and there is a beautiful bouquet from Oak Knoll Farms. Both put a smile on my face. Have you ever tried a lemon cucumber? If not, you are really missing something delicious.

A bouquet of pink roses and buds arranged in a white watering can, with greenery blurred in the background.
A wooden tray containing five yellow melons, displayed on a dark surface.

Oh, we know that the world has turned upside down in terms of raptors when we get to hear from our friend ‘A’ who writes to us out of Melbourne. This news sadly found its way to the Junk Mail folder and I only found it today. We will be looking for more lively commentary as the season progresses.

“The top news is that dad arrived on the ledge at the Collins Street scrape, looking perfectly healthy, just before 6pm Melbourne time (8 September). This is of course a huge relief to everybody. 

Not sure whether you caught this piece of news but our albatross chick is on his way to Chile. He was a strong healthy lad and should have a good chance and we wish him godspeed and lots of fish.

Of course, being me, I’ve spent a lot of time watching the Olympic Park nest and counting the bites SE38 is getting. As if I wouldn’t be! SE37 really is a Zoe. I can handle a bit of sibling rivalry, but this is so vicious and occurs even when SE37 can barely reach over her crop to attack her younger brother. Lady is the only reason the little one is still alive.She has been wonderful, taking so much time and effort to try and feed her younger hatch. He is terrified of SE37, and it is sad to watch him cowering as Lady tries to coax him to lift his head and eat.

He has learnt to creep up the nest to mum, where he sometimes arrives in time for some bites but often does not. He has had a few good days followed by two or three bad days and I’m wondering whether things will improve or get worse as SE37 gets more and more gigantic. It really is hard to watch. I find myself skimming over the footage and studying the feedings but it’s a depressing watch most days.

Gimbir is absolutely adorable and is making a wonderful dad in this, his second season. He is devoted to Diamond and very keen to participate in all things paternal, which is so cute.” 

Diamond has now laid her third egg if you missed it! SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/51MYA5NH1jg?

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t believe Diamond has ever fledged three chicks. This could be a first.

A peregrine falcon sitting in a nesting box, surrounded by small eggs and gravel, with a view of the countryside outside.

Iris is still at Hellgate Canyon. There is even an Iris coffee shop now run by the students. According to Dr Greene, Iris flew by the window along the river during the opening!

Interior of Iris Cafe with staff and customers, showcasing a coffee preparation area and colorful wall art.

Lucille Powell caught Iris:

An Osprey perched on a tree in a rocky landscape, surrounded by evergreen trees, captured by a wildlife camera.

Teifi, mate to Elen at Glaslyn, is still home as is Dinas in the Glaslyn Valley.

Volunteer Gail Edgley observing Ospreys at the Glaslyn estuary, highlighting their identification and behaviors.
An osprey flying over a shallow body of water, holding a fish in its talons.

Jeff Kear carried the latest Dyfi migration report. Note that Idris remains enjoying his fish dinners to himself. No doubt these males get tired and out of shape, just like the females, and need some ‘me time’.

Bar chart showing the age of Dyfi Osprey chicks at migration from 2011 to 2026, with blue bars representing average male age and red bars representing average female age.

So grateful to Suzanne Arnold Horning for keeping up with the Ps, where at least one is still on the Cornell Campus with Big Red and Arthur.

A hawk is perched on a metal railing at the top of a building under a cloudy sky.

We still have ospreys in Manitoba. Why would they leave – the water is still open and there are plenty of fish in Lake Winnipeg and various other ponds around the City of Winnipeg – some people even stock places with fish for them!

A bird of prey, possibly an osprey, perched on a rooftop under a clear blue sky.

Hearings are currently underway about the lack of Menhaden. As you know, I am a Canadian, and I am not happy that it is a Canadian company (or any other international company, even one from the US) sucking Menhaden out of the Bay. Let’s hope people finally stand up for wildlife and shut down industrial trawler-based fishing! Save the Ospreys.

A close-up of a striped bass held by a person, showing visible lesions on its side under a clear blue sky near water.

This isn’t nice.

A series of images depicting dead fish floating in green water, with pieces of debris also on the surface. The lower corner shows a fishing rod and a bucket.

Our local wildlife rehabilitation centre has been busy.

Two Bald Eagles, one juvenile and one adult, at Wildlife Haven in Manitoba, Canada, recovering and gaining strength in a flyway before their release back into the wild.
A spacious aviary with two hawks perched on a branch surrounded by greenery.

A great turn out to Jackie’s Memorial:

A large crowd gathers at Fawn Park for a memorial event, surrounded by flowers and tributes. Attendees are seen taking photos and engaging with one another under a clear blue sky, with trees in the background.

Take care, everyone. We will see you again soon!

Thank you to everyone who contributed images and information on FB – and a big shout out to ‘A’ from Melbourne. Lovely to have your commentary back. We, of course, are grateful to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch these bird families!

Love at Big Bear? Fledge at Tairoa Head…Late Wednesday in Bird World

9 September 2026

Greetings!

Toby and I have not been home long. We visited with Don’s psychiatrist (what a great doctor) and stopped to give Ann some raincoats for her two dogs, Lucy and Daisy, and Toby’s old stroller. It is too tiny for our big boy – he is long from head to tail and long in the legs and clocks in at 30 lbs. Then we went to the hospital. Ann said that Don had eaten all of his lunch, but Toby and I decided to stop and get him an egg-mayo sandwich and a container of fresh pineapple chunks. Don sucked them up like he was a Dyson vacuum! The nurse was a little put out with me saying he wouldn’t eat his supper, but he only ate 25% of his supper last night. Their lunches are good, but the evening meal is not so much.

Poor Toby needs to go to the groomer.

An elderly man in a hospital bed holding a sandwich, with a small dog resting on his lap. A tray with food and drinks is visible in the background.

On the way out, two ladies in wheelchairs spotted Toby in his new stroller. They lit up and wanted to see him. I opened the top so they could pet him – needless to say animals and nature are good therapy.

I don’t like the algorithms that track what I write or search for on the Internet. Or my phone, which tracks everything that I do for someone else (who would care what I do?), but I found a story about what some good tech is doing by a young NZ woman who writes a blog *shit you should care about*. Maybe we can get robots to clear all the plastic from the ocean and find a way to cool it at the same time. German engineers are working!

Autonomous robots are cleaning the seafloor

Luce writes: If we’re gonna be hell-bent on building robots, let them help our oceans! German researchers at the Technical University of Munich built Smart Grapple, a diving robot that uses onboard sensors and cameras to tell trash from marine life on its own, then grips and lifts junk, car seats, tyres, fishing nets, up to 250kg, without a human diver risking their life for it.

I love it.

Dear Aran, formerly Mrs G’s partner then Elen’s at Glaslyn, has a new partner and they raised one chick this year at a private platform of Friends of Osprey in Wales. Kathryn Keir has kept everyone informed, and Aran is still here. Appears Mum and chick have now both departed for their migration. Next year there will be a camera as Aran is sooooo loved and everyone was distraught when Teifi displaced him. But, it worked out! Aran never got along with Z2 Aeron at the Pont Cresor nest which is very close to Glaslyn.

A close-up image of a white bird, possibly an osprey, perched on a branch in a green landscape. The background features rocky terrain.

Another place that the lack of Menhaden had a devastating impact:

A social media post discussing the failed nesting of ospreys at Severna Park on the Severn River, mentioning the abandonment of three eggs.
Infographic detailing the 2026 Severn River Osprey Breeding Survey findings, including nest inventory and breeding activity statistics from field observations.

The trawler fishing must stop! Otherwise, there will be no ospreys in this region. None. Worse than the DDT crisis of the 1970s. That was fixed. Seems no one has the backbone to do the right thing and stop the fishing completely.

News from Tweed Valley:

A juvenile osprey perched on a branch near a river, with a focus on its distinctive features and band on its leg.
A juvenile osprey flying over Pagham Harbour, showcasing its wings spread wide as it glides in search of food during migration.

Our thoughts continue to be with the people living in line of these hurricanes – and, of course, the wildlife.

A split screen image showing a map of hurricanes in the Eastern Pacific, with one labeled as Category 5 and another as Category 4, along with a person expressing excitement about this unprecedented weather event.

Iris is still home at Hellgate Canyon! Maybe Clark and Iris will get a chance to fatten up since it appears Wensi has set off for southern locations.

An osprey standing in its nest made of sticks, overlooking a parking lot filled with cars, with train cars visible in the background.
A close-up of an osprey perched on a nest made of twigs, with a parking lot and trees in the background.

It appears that the latest Iris departed on 11 September 2014. Let’s see what she does this year.

SK Hideaways caught Shadow and Kaydee and the early morning ravens at Big Bear. Don’t you feel like things are getting serious? https://youtu.be/TzJPFak8rnM?

SE38 continues to do well. There were lots of big crops yesterday. 38 is starting off right today.

A bird feeding three chicks in a nest made of twigs and leaves, set on a tree branch.

And the Royal Cam Chick, Awheo has fledged!

Notification about the fledging of Āwheo, a Northern Royal Albatross chick, which took flight at 225 days old over the Pacific Ocean.
A close-up of an albatross sitting on green grass, with a backdrop of a coastal landscape and ocean.

Thank you so much for being with us. I hope to have time tomorrow to catch up with the comments! Take care, everyone – and if you have not signed up for the Glaslyn fundraiser being organised by Mary Cheatle, please check it out! (And, yes, I am on the list! – fingers crossed). You can contact Mary via FB Messenger if you want to take part.

Announcement for Glaslyn Fundraiser, detailing donor names, corresponding numbers for items, and instructions for participation.
A framed watercolor painting of a hawk with detailed feathers and a focused expression, against a soft background.

Thank you to everyone who posted on FB today with information and messages – I didn’t have the time to check all of the nests. Thank you to those who own the streaming cams that make it possible to watch our bird families, and to SK Hideaways; as always, thank you for your videos.

M24 returns…Late Tuesday in Bird World

9 September 2026

Good Afternoon Everyone,

It is a beautiful day! It is my day ‘off’ from hospital visits. toby and I are supposed to clear out the winter coats today. We will see. The weather is so nice. The sun is shining through cotton-ball clouds, and a brisk breeze is blowing.

Toby and I had a long, gentle walk. He loves to go to the little park at the end of the street in the mornings. A lady is always doing Tai Chi, and another is with her toddler. Toby loves toddlers!!!!!!!! It seems that the little girl also anticipates Toby’s arrival. It is so sweet. She always starts clapping her tiny little hands when she sees him crossing the street.

The Blue Jays are so busy – along with the squirrels – caching peanuts. I love that the Blue Jays call when they fly into the feeder, announcing their arrival. I am watching them from the conservatory – there is nothing like the garden animals to lift one’s spirits!

Hopefully, in a week or so, I will have some really good images of them for you. Last year I sold my professional camera and five telephoto lenses. The D850 was simply too heavy, and adding an 800 mm lens on top of that, well…you get the picture. I thought the P1100 would work well, but I am finding I have to use a tripod to capture the fine detail in the feathers, and it is not always convenient to carry a heavy tripod. Well, at least it isn’t for me as I always have Toby and Don with me. I am hoping to change that, so I take one of Ann’s days and use it to go photograph wildlife. I am realising how much self-care is important since the last time Don was in the hospital. So another hint to everyone out there caring for someone – and I know many of you are – you must take time to do something fun for yourself. Whatever that is, you need to do it. You cannot take care of another person and not become resentful if you do not also care for yourself. that means special little treats – they could simply be a visit to a local dessert shop, the most luscious-smelling shower gel, allowing yourself to have someone clean your house (here it is a necessity with four cats and Toby), flowers, chocolates, or used camera equipment to get you outside looking at the flora and fauna. One day I mean to write a post simply on what I have learned, in the hope that it is of value to you at some time or another. I knew nothing when I started this journey with Don – nothing. We have learned together by the seat of our pants, and it has paid off. I do not know when he will be strong enough to come home – remember, the hospital thought he was an invalid! He is now getting physiotherapy and is really being hydrated. You also have to watch that. If we are not properly hydrated, we can present as delusional when we definitely aren’t. Of course, you need to do this at home, too. I found something nice: sparkling water mixed with watermelon juice and apple juice. It’s been very refreshing on days when our days have decided to stay hot.

The good news is that Don was in a wheelchair today, using his feet to go up and down the hall. He heard Ann and started waving and saying, ‘Hi, Ann.’ Ann telephoned me and put the phone on speakerphone, and Don and I had a full conversation for ten minutes. I cannot tell you the last time that happened. We recorded that conversation and sent it to his doctor. I will see him tomorrow- I am wondering if blood thinners help??? I think it is the only change in his medications. We will see. But the news is good – one day at a time.

I put the word out to a camera company in Canada that sells excellent used equipment and found a used Canon R7 with fewer than 8000 shutter clicks. In other words, it is like new. The cost of the camera and the telephoto lens (also used but like new) is less than a new camera body. I am very pleased. I always recommend checking with reputable shops or even the companies themselves for refurbished, like-new, previously owned equipment. Canon Canada does that, and I am certain it is the same everywhere.

So, little M24 at the 367 Collins Street scrape flew in late yesterday like he hadn’t been away, causing everyone to worry beyond belief! I wonder if he is dealing with intruders?

Well, that is a huge relief.

Viki has updated news for us on the only osprey to fledge from St. George’s Island in Maryland. I want to add that this single family, out of a possible 20+ nests, survived ONLY because they were fed by a compassionate human.

“I believe Junior stopped by this morning and called and retrieved the fish I threw!!! He started to eat on the nearby branch but by the time I returned from putting the fish bag to the freezer he’d headed out somewhere with it. It might be him still sleeping in the very few remaining green boughs in the loblolly copse to my north (where New House 1 is being built).

Mr. Perfect is still in the copse as well, since I don’t see him securing the nest for the winter, I feel he remains so to watch over the construction diminishing his copse. But these are the only two I’ve heard or saw on my walk this morning.

I’m convinced the trawlers need to stop to save the osprey. And believe humans have harmed the Chesapeake watershed to the tipping point. I moved to this island in 1986 and see a tremendous loss of trees, land, turtles, birds, ducks, otters, foxes  ….  the list goes on.  I believe the heron rookery is gone.”

Connie Dennis, the founder of the Nova Scotia Osprey FB group, posted this article this morning. Thanks, Connie. Please note the area at the bottom. Please send a comment asking them to stop the gillnet and industrial trawling of ospreys. Tell them about the osprey nests you have watched that have failed! We have to fight this – I am embarrassed that they are a Canadian company, but that might work in our favour in protecting the ospreys right now, speaking as a Canadian.

https://www.nvbirdalliance.org/news/osprey-population-decline-menhaden?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwY2xjawUNI0VwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7zO-TXBJnBpM3ouZLGJr5t0ZHfY8RdrdVJP5VdoCE9m90uSNtFlEFCNqf8kw_aem_u_W2FpqkXkXl5ebBmn59dw

Elsie is the only juvenile still at Dyfi and Idris is being a fantastic dad, as usual.

Will Elsi break a record? She is 105 days old. The record appears to be 110. See data chart below – thank you Emyr Evans and team.

This is only part of their data and I wish we had this for every live-streaming nest!

Look at these images of her. She is gorgeous.

Mary Kerr has posted some amazing images from the Pont Cresor nest at Glaslyn. There are many more on their FB page. Have a look.

SE38 continues to do well – look at that crop!

Now this is interesting!

Toby is rubbing my arm, wanting attention. Just like a toddler.

Thank you for being with us. Please take care – see you soon.

Thank you to everyone who posted information on FB along with those great images, to the owners of the streaming cams we are very grateful. If not for them, we would not know anything about these amazing raptors. I am so grateful to Viki for keeping an eye on her osprey family and helping them survive.

M24 missing at Melbourne…late Monday in Bird World

7 September 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

It’s raining – again. We had 114 mm of rain, and some large commercial and apartment buildings near where I live had more than 60 cm of water in their basement. My daughter still does not have power after the storm hit last night. I was lucky. I have power and no water or sewer in my basement (I finally checked). Toby and I went out for a last walk. Toby just amazes me. He is smarter than many humans that I know.

He wanted to be in bed with his ‘daddy’ today. Don is doing well, but he will have to do a lot of physiotherapy to get him strong enough to walk again. Please take a page out of the phrase, ‘If you don’t use it, you will lose it’. Besides nature being good for our mental health, walking is essential to keep us moving!

Thank you for all your good wishes. They keep me going.

There is concern growing for the male mate of the female incubating four eggs at 367 Collins Street in Melbourne. This is the message from Victor Hurley:

C22 is still at Charlo! Then Charlie must still be home, too.

Iris is still home, too! One of the individuals saw her and posted it on the website so we would know she was still around.

Idris continues to deliver to the girls at the nest. I was only able to catch Elsi on the nest today for two fish (flat – flounder?).

Fish are still being delivered to 0U0 by Dad at the Usk Valley nest in Wales.

Frankie and Angel are on migration and a pine marten visits the nest.

Viki sends news on Junior. “After calling and calling last Friday and watching Dad retrieve a fish (two times in the course of the day) to eat himself, but NOT retrieving any fish I threw for him to take to his chick, Junior finally left the nest, and no one has been in it since.

Dad tried with every unretrieved fish I threw to show Junior how to fly over the fish – but Junior wouldn’t get off that nest. Until finally we all gave up and left. Then he did too.

Junior never tried to retrieve a fish that I threw for himself, so I’m not so sure that the live fish I saw him with a couple times didn’t actually come from Mom or Dad. I don’t know.

Dad was still flying about this morning  – Monday – and also the male of the nest next door (Mr. Perfect) is still guarding his territory which is being completely disrupted on shore by new home construction – but no Junior or food calling since Friday. 

So, I am assuming the best !!!”

I think this is good news from Tweed. I worried about Christopher, but both juveniles (his sister is Kirsti) seem to be doing well and fighting like siblings! Both have protected the nest from intruders who want their fish.

A glimpse at what Shadow was doing today by SK Hideaways: https://youtu.be/rbCoC-8tp5s?

Thank you so much for being with us. Toby and I are going to watch a movie and relax. Take care.

Thank you to everyone who posted information and images on FB, and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us glimpse into the challenging lives of our raptors. I also want to thank Viki for her great reporting and for keeping an osprey family alive so that their one surviving chick could live and migrate. She is my hero. I am always grateful to SK Hideaways for their great videos.

Diamond lays 2nd egg at Orange…Monday in Bird World

7 September 2026

Hello Everyone!

This posting will be short. It has been an eventful morning. It looks like we might have another storm and rain coming, too. Last evening, in less than an hour, we got 114 mm of rain. It flooded so many streets, underpasses, and basements. The sky is growing darker. It is quite warm and humid and the garden looks like a tropical rainforest instead of a normal prairie urban lot.

The good news. I spoke with Don’s new medical doctor at the hospital. After observing him with me and Ann and our family and friends, the hospital team has determined that the absolute best place in the world for Don is at home. We have done everything right, enriching his life well beyond most could ever dream of in a care facility. They are beginning physiotherapy to get him mobile and I will have a portable ultrasound machine to determine if his bladder is full and his brain can’t talk to his bladder. I will have access to a nurse to come and rectify that situation until such time as his prostrate can be removed. What a relief – and what help. We are elated. This also means that my cleaning out goes into high gear! I will not be posting tomorrow but I wanted to let you know as my heart has skipped so many happy beats with your love and support.

Second, Diamond has laid her second egg of the season. I believe that SPO has the best content so here it is in full and you should consider signing up for their newsletter if you do not receive it already.

The good news keeps coming from Orange, New South Wales. Diamond has laid her second egg of the 2026 peregrine falcon breeding season, just two days after producing her first at the Charles Sturt University FalconCam nest.

Diamond laid egg #1 at 7:25 a.m. on September 5. Egg #2 followed on September 7, growing the clutch to two and keeping her remarkably close to the roughly 60-hour interval that is typical at this nest.

The second egg adds another happy turn to a weekend that had already delivered plenty of action. After Diamond laid her first egg, Gimbir arrived, inspected the newest addition and then took off after one of the sulphur-crested cockatoos that had followed him toward the nest.

Gimbir Meets His First Egg

Gimbir arrived at the nest about an hour after Diamond laid the egg, apparently with sulphur-crested cockatoos helping hurry him along. Once inside, he had his first opportunity to see what had changed.

There it was in the gravel: the pair’s first egg of 2026.

For Gimbir, this breeding season has already involved courtship, food deliveries and plenty of time around the nest with Diamond. Now all that preparation had produced something very real. Diamond’s first egg had arrived. The quiet introduction didn’t last long. Those cockatoos were still around.

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Cockatoos Turn the Celebration Into a Chase

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are a familiar part of the skies around Orange, and they certainly weren’t giving the new father much peace that morning.

After his visit with Diamond and the egg, Gimbir left the nest and went after one of the cockatoos.

Suddenly, the morning had everything. Diamond had laid the first egg. Gimbir had come in to inspect the newest addition to the nest. And moments later, the peregrine tiercel was back in the air on the tail of a cockatoo. It was a wonderfully fitting start to the next stage of the Orange falcons’ season.

A Long Wait Ends for Diamond and Gimbir

The first egg had been building toward this moment for some time. Gimbir has been bringing Diamond food and spending increasing amounts of time around the nest. Diamond, meanwhile, has repeatedly worked the gravel scrape where the pair’s eggs are laid.

Those little signs have now become an egg. For Diamond, laying it was no small task. Egg laying requires considerable physical effort from a female peregrine, and the close confines of the nest make that effort easy to see. Once it was over, Diamond finally had the first member of her 2026 clutch resting in the scrape. And she was not be finished.

Diamond Lays Her Second Egg

Diamond didn’t keep Orange waiting for long. Her second egg arrived on September 7, two days after the first. Eggs at the Orange nest average about 60 hours apart, with recorded intervals ranging from roughly 46 to 75 hours.

https://575d4fec6f03a58b389c24cfb6893e80.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/L9-5eDTNBnY?autoplay=0&playsinline=1&rel=0

With two eggs now resting in the scrape, attention turns to whether Diamond will produce a third. The FalconCam Project had expected another egg or two after her first, so the 2026 clutch may still grow. If Diamond follows the same general rhythm, another egg could arrive within the next few days. For now, though, Diamond and Gimbir have two.

Two Eggs Change the Picture in Orange

Only a few days ago, the signs were subtle: Gimbir bringing food, Diamond spending time in the scrape and the pair strengthening their bond. Now there are two eggs in the gravel.

Diamond’s first egg officially began the next stage of the season. Her second has made the possibility of another Orange peregrine family feel much more tangible. There may still be another egg to come. After Diamond completes the clutch, the long incubation watch begins, followed by the hope of hatching later in the season.

And Gimbir? The new father has already brought food, checked on the first egg and chased a cockatoo away from the neighbourhood. His 2026 parenting résumé is getting colourful very quickly.

This live camera experience has been provided by the Charles Sturt FalconCam Project.

Thank you for your wonderful wishes – they keep me going. See you on Wednesday.

Thank you to SPO and Charles Sturt University Falcon Cam Project.

Nests getting empty, Alan Stewart’s book launch…Late Sunday in Bird World

6 September 2026

Hello Everyone,

I hope each of us has found time to relax and enjoy the weekend. These past weeks I have made some ‘resolutions’. The last time that Don was in the hospital at the end of December, I wore myself out going every day because the nurse said that I was the only ‘thing’ that calmed him down. He was quite mobile at the time and would walk up and down the hall with his little bag wanting to come home. It broke my heart so I was there twice a day. This time, things are different. And this is something I want to explore. He is not mobile. So what happened? I learned that wearing yourself out is not helpful either to you or the person you are caring for. Remember to always following the airline directions: put on your oxygen mask first! So, this episode, I have tried to make certain that there is someone to visit and help every other day – I am there on the other days. His visit went well with his friend today and everyone is taking fruit and Ginger Ale – hydration and soething familiar. He drank so much liquids at home and was never dehydrated so this is to help combat that at the hospital!

Toby needed a new stroller. He grew out of the little one. I really do hope he is finished growing. He turned 17 months old yesterday. I think we can even go to the market!

Hope has discovered it is a ‘safe’ place. Hugo Yugo (darn that orange cat) woke everyone up, attacking her around 0300. Toby took great exception to what was going on and probably woke all the neighbours up with his barking. (Toby rarely barks, but when he hears a cat howling in pain or someone is at the door – or always he will bark at the door when we are leaving for a walk).

There are so many tributes to Jackie – some are good, and some aren’t. I am really looking forward to SK Hideaways video highlighting Jackie’s life. I am encouraging a tribute to the Channel Islands eagles, especially Chase & Cholyn. These eagles often get overlooked and we have to remember they have been together for more than two decades!

SK Hideaways Videos, Week of August 30, 2026

367 Collins Street Falcons ~ Melbourne ~ F24 & M24
Courtesy Victorian Peregrine Project
South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY
North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

Mum Gives Camera “The Look” as She Lays 4th Egg PLUS Dad’s 1st Peek  ~ 2026 Aug 30
Mum welcomed egg #4 with occasional glances at the camera. We apologized for the intrusion, but extended heartfelt congratulations. Dad arrived in the pre-dawn hour to give mum a break. This should complete their clutch and begin the countdown to hatch, which is typically 30-35 days.
Video: https://youtu.be/3lP6i-JjETw


FalconCam Project ~ Diamond & Gimbir
Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW (http://www.csu.edu.au/special/falconcam/) ~ Australia
Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuZaWzhXSAI
Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQxrTGgNu4M

Diamond & Gimbir Welcome First Egg of the Season! ~ 2026 Sep 5
A beautiful rainbow welcomed this auspicious day as Diamond and Gimbir celebrated the arrival of their first egg of the season. We couldn’t help but think of dear Xavier as the rainbow “hugged” the tower. Wishing Diamond and Gimbir a successful season. 
Video: https://youtu.be/sr_i_zVwODg


FOBBVCAM Eagles  ~  Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Shadow, Jackie (dec. 9 August 2026), Sandy, and Luna (last seen on camera 23 July 2023)
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/4wGjwVg

Shadow & Kaydee’s Evening Nest Meet-Up & Tug-o-Stick Before Roost Time ~ 2026 Sep 3
Shadow and Kaydee met up for some stick shuffling, a little bumping and beaking, plus tug-o-stick shenanigans. They once again retired to the Roost Tree for the night.
Video: https://youtu.be/QYcg4SWqlBM

Kaydee Returns to Nest for 2nd Night, Shadow Follows ~ Flirty Antics Ensue  ~ 2026 Sep 1
Kaydee returned to the nest for the second night in row, but unlike last night, tonight she had company. Shadow joined Kaydee on the nest, where they shuffled sticks, bumped beaks, and chortled. Kaydee was more flirty than Shadow, but he wasn’t too resistant to her attention. We cannot know what will happen when nesting season begins  toward the end of the year, but watching Shadow and Kaydee during this transitional time in both their lives is a gift and fascinating.
Video:  https://youtu.be/zrLbwsGKqDs

Kaydee Shuffles Nest Sticks Meets Shadow on Roost Tree ~ 2026 Aug31
Kaydee spent some time exploring the nest tree canopy and bowl before meeting up with Shadow on the Roost Tree. They shared a perch briefly, before Kaydee retired to a lower perch overnight.

Video: https://youtu.be/ShIpsT0zyvY


Sydney WB Sea Eagles ~ Australia ~ Lady, Dad, SE37 (hatched 13 August), and SE38 (hatched 14 August)
Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html)
Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw4pdgy3-U0

SE38’s MASSIVE Crop 3 Days in a Row PLUS A Dual Feeding by Lady & Dad ~ 2026 Sep 4-6
Over the course of 3 days and an increase in food brought to the nest, SE37 grew less aggressive and SE38 grew more confident. There was a marked difference in SE38’s appearance and behavior in this time, not to mention a bulging crop. Cautiously optimistic SE38 has turned the corner. 
Video: https://youtu.be/j4u9wW6l8og

Lady’s Persistence Gets SE38 a BIG Meal ~ Finally ~ 2026 Aug 31
It has been a rough few days for sea eaglet SE38. At 17 days old, the subordinate eaglet has struggled to get food due to sibling SE37’s dominance. But on this evening, SE37 was very full and mum Lady was very persistent. The result was that SE38 got a very good feeding and went to bed with a full crop. Here’s to more days like this one.
Video: https://youtu.be/gjJ01khy2fA


Two Harbors Eagles ~  Catalina Island, CA ~ Cholyn & Chase (28 years old; mated pair for 23 years)
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Two Harbors Eagles Cam Ops
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ
Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

Cholyn & Chase Chortle & Chill by the Seaside ~ 2026 Sep 3
While Cholyn and Chase have been on summer vacation, we’ve missed seeing them regularly, so today’s sightings were a special treat. In the morning Chase met up with Cholyn on her seaside perch. Later cam ops found her on the cactus perch. Every sighting a gift.
Video: https://youtu.be/pIqjY1b2vDk

I am so pleased that there are videos of the Australian raptor families. SE 38 has had huge crops for the last three days! No worries there.

The last of the chicks at Glaslyn migrated. Teifi got to eat a fish – finally – in peace and quiet.

Beau and Gabby are really finishing off their nest, and it is only the beginning of September! I wonder when the first egg will be laid. Will it be November or earlier, with this being a year of high heat on the planet? Bald Eagle Live Nest Cams has them working hard on video: https://youtu.be/2FM-2ZToL3E?

Idris is still delivering fish at Dyfi. The girls are now 101 days old – the first time that two fledglings have remained at the nest past 100 days before migrating.

At Poole Harbour, Blue 6T8 had really kept her dad, Blue 022 busy with fish. She was last seen early this morning and then poof – gone?

Alan Stewart’s book on a killing of a man walking his dog:

Book launch: Prelude to Murder – Revenge Killing on a Highland Estate – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

I’m going to say good bye. It is nearly 1700 and we are expecting rain and storms this evening. Toby and I have recycling duty to get finished.

Take care everyone. Have a good start to the week. See you soon.

Thank you to SK Hideaways for those great videos, to the owners of the streaming cams we are always grateful as you allow us to get upset stomachs, buy too many tissues, and jump for joy at the events in the lives of our bird families. Thank you to Raptor Persecution UK for their meticulous reporting on raptor persecution in the UK. I just wrote to Alan Stewart and ordered his book, Prelude to Murder. While it involves a murder of a human, the individual in prison is possibly responsible for the poisoning of raptors on that estate in Scotland.

Euthanise wounded wildlife? Maybe not…Friday in Bird World

4 September 2026

Hello Everyone,

Toby and I are just back from the hospital – it is late on Thursday. In some ways, Don has improved, but he is still fighting infections, and they have changed his antibiotics. We are all hoping that he responds to the new antibiotic.

Toby was good, and everyone noticed. He sat in the chair by Don’s bed and licked his ‘daddy’s’ hand. If I asked Don to put his hand out for Toby, he responded positively, and he knew that Jaine had visited him yesterday. He said she made ‘good cookies’.

One of the most positive things that happened is that Ann and I were able to communicate with Don’s brother about how wrong the hospital was to assume Don was an ‘invalid’ when he was home! That was the assumption. They now know that he walked no less than 3 km a day. That is the total for Toby’s walks, but there are additional walks at the nature centre and parks. There was also an issue with his normal medications not being given. That is now fixed. Some steps forward. One thing I have learned over the past week is that we have to advocate for our loved ones. Don’t assume doctors and nurses know everything about them; they need to, to provide the best possible care! They have many patients, and there are long-held beliefs about people with Alzheimer’s and dementia that are not always true. I am so fortunate that Don is in a very caring hospital and they listen, think, and advise.

Your continued prayers and good energy are so welcome.

Geemeff is having a marvellous adventure. Still, they are finding things for me to share with you. The former vet at Wildlife Haven was a strong advocate against euthanising animals. She believed, based on her observations, that wildlife can overcome many challenges and live normal lives. Think of a three-legged deer (or dog or cat). Here is a wonderful story about a raptor with a broken wing that has survived for three years in the wild.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crerw2nj81zo

I also received a wonderful article from Connie Dennis, founder of the Nova Scotia Osprey FB group (along with her husband, Dennis) and author of the adorable book, Pickles. This is about the plight of the two osprey nests at the Eastern Passage where construction crews are dismantling old fuel containers (think toxic).

Advocates keep eye on ospreys as DND removes old fuel tanks in Eastern Passage – Halifax Examiner https://share.google/33SRa31FyUGf96b7o

‘So much more than beautiful birds’: Advocates keep eye on ospreys as DND removes old fuel tanks in Eastern Passage – Halifax Examiner

Halifax Examiner

Thanks, Connie. Everyone needs to step up in our quickly changing environment to help the ospreys (and all wildlife). They are often targets at the whim of people who are in too much of a hurry to do something.

At the Osprey Environment Centre, Hope has already lost two of her three chicks this year because of her mate, George. George takes the fish that Hope catches for the surviving chick, and Hope is struggling to feed herself and the chick. I have not seen this in the time I have been researching ospreys. Has anyone else?

In stark contrast to what is happening to Hope, Iris has had a magnificent year with her new mate, Clark. Their only hatch, Wensi, is big and strong! But, the question on everyone’s mind is: when will Iris depart for her migration? Lucille Powell posted the dates supplied by the Montana Osprey Project’s files:

She is still in Missoula. Because it is early September, she is nearing the time when she typically departs for her annual southward migration to warmer winter climates. You can watch live updates and check her current status on the Cornell Lab Hellgate Ospreys page.

Clark is delivering fish to a screaming Wensi! The cam operator is giving us some great images of this miracle chick.

There is an excellent update on Snow, the Traverse City eaglet, whose nest slipped and it fell.

Ospreys are now fishing in the ocean at the Outer Banks. With the Super El Niño coming for 2027 and droughts in areas that they migrate to (Central and South America), let us hope that they adapt quickly.

Dads still hanging with their kids in Wales.

At Glacier Gardens, eaglet Compassion has fledged.

Smile. Lady kept feeding 38 til it had a crop so big observors wondered if it would pop! Wonderful.

News coming out of Cornell: Suzanne Arnold Horning writes:

“Last nite we had a very strong line of storms pass through NY state. We did spot one of the Ps on the antenna at Barton Hall but I forgot to share last nite.

Tonite we were quite relieved to find both Ps on campus. One was on the hillside on a pole beyond the smoke stacks. The other P was perched on top of Sage, calling away and giving us a Big Red stare.

I love that the Ps are still on campus and have not left the parental territory!

It’s a hot and humid day on the Canadian prairies. I wonder what is in store for us with the Super El-Nino coming. I am having to fill all of the water sources for the birds (and change and clean them) several times a day.

Now that a toxic spray is approved for use on US peanut plants, I wonder what I will wind up feeding the squirrels and the Corvids??? Currently the Corvids are enjoying some juicy cheesy dogs that Ann sent home with me for them!

Here’s the link and make sure you get a tissue: https://youtu.be/Iww4OzdMNFg?

We have our purple on – Jackie was so loved.

Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to Geemeff and Connie Dennis for sharing great links to stories that should mean a lot to all of us. Thank you to Bald Eagles Live Web Cams & News for the tribute to Jackie, and to all who posted stories and images on FB, and to the owners of the cams that allow us to see these incredible birds.

Late Wednesday in Bird World

2 September 2026

Hello Everyone,

You can tell the ‘air’ is different. The beautiful emerald colour at the top of the trees is quickly fading into gold, red, and copper. Summer is ending, and fall is here despite the fact that the temperature is 24 C.

Thank you again for all your amazing letters and your support. I can tell you that I really need all that positive energy. Each of you has asked for an update, so this is a snapshot of the past two days. Don was moved into a private room with a window. The doctors felt that he was not progressing because of the overstimulation of the brain in the emergency room. I fed him his lunch yesterday – he was ravenous. Today Jaine and Carter (daughter and oldest grandson) went at lunch to feed him and give him some homemade cookies. His appetite is good. Unfortunately, after they left, he fell. (He was not in his bed but in a wheelchair in the hall – a nice change from staring at the walls. I was told I could not get him a telly because it clamps to the rails on the bed and he could injure himself). Then he got agitated and was up again. This time it took five people to get him back, and they had to sedate him. All the nurse kept saying when she called was ‘he is big and strong’. He has a security guard with him now! I keep wondering what else in the world is going to happen? Something is certainly wrong, and as far as I can tell, it is one of the percolating infections he is trying to fight.

There are so many things, but if you have loved ones who are dehydrated, it can appear they have memory issues when they don’t. Infections cause sudden changes in behaviour and great agitation, sometimes violence. Please remember these two things because not everything is as it seems.

Bird World is pretty quiet.

The Royal Cam chick is 222 days old today. In about two weeks, Awoheh will be at the average for flight. The albatrosses return to Tairora Head when they are approximately five or six years old after foraging off the coast of Chile.

Blue 33 was still at Rutland but everyone else appears to be gone.

Beautiful fish for Wensi at Hellgate Canyon.

Idris is delivering some big ones to the Dyfi nest in Wales!

Teifi remains busy at Glaslyn.

Blue 8P7 is screaming for fish and Louis does not disappoint at Loch Arkaig.

No activity at Blackbush that I could see.

Fish still coming into the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum nest for the two juveniles that have not left.

No prey for 37 and 38 at the Olympic Park WBSE nest so far today. Adults have arrived twice empty taloned.

Incubation continues at 367 Collins Street. Four beautiful peregrine falcon eggs!

Gorgeous Mum at Port Lincoln Osprey barge hoping for a breakfast fish from Dad soon!

More osprey nest news from South Australia:

Maria Marika gives us news of the black storks.

Lin Lawson brings us news from Charlo, Montana.

Remember to get your purple out to honour Jackie on the 4th! That is this Friday.

Thank you for being with us today. I hope to be back with you tomorrow but it could be Friday or Saturday depending on what is happening at the hospital. In the meantime, please take care of yourself. See you soon!

Thank you to all the owners of the streaming cams who let us watch these amazing birds, and to those who posted information and images on FB. I am terribly grateful.

Wear something purple for Jackie…late Tuesday in Bird World

1 September 2026

California has officially proclaimed September 4, 2026, as California Wildlife Day in memory of Jackie, the famous Big Bear bald eagle. 

  • The Resolution: Senator Tony Strickland introduced Senate Resolution 140, which passed with bipartisan support in the California State Senate. 
  • The Purpose: The special day honours Jackie’s global impact, highlights the importance of wildlife conservation, and ties into America’s 250th anniversary. 
  • Legal Status: It is a single-day legislative proclamation and does not create a permanent annual state holiday, official time off, or mandatory closures. 
  • Background: Jackie was a beloved 14-year-old bald eagle in the San Bernardino National Forest whose life was broadcast globally via a 24/7 livestream run by the Friends of Big Bear Valley. She passed away in August 2026. 

Those who support this bill and want to show their love and honour Jackie will wear purple on the 4th! I am telling you this early so you can find something purple!!!!!!!

I would like to thank ‘B’ for alerting me to this wonderful tribute to Jackie.

KTLA covers the story: https://youtu.be/ZJTL6ZWnJsg?s

So get out your purple. What a wonderful way to honour wildlife and our dear Jackie! Each of us needs to support wildlife so let us all join in with California no matter where we live!

Thank you for being with me this evening. Please take care.

Thank you to ‘B’, to KTLA, and to the State of California!

Wensi gets a late night snack…Late, late Monday in Bird World

31 August 2026

Hello Everyone,

Thank you so much for your prayers, for keeping us in your thoughts and your love. As MicPark said in the comments, Toby and I will survive this. We will, but I do not know how I would have survived this time without him and ‘The Girls’. We have been through challenging times like all families, especially when our youngest son was killed in a road accident. I can do this! There are millions of families dealing with someone who has dementia or Alzheimer’s. It is a horrible, horrible disease that truly robs that person of their identity.

I am trying to focus on the positive and the fun things that we did. One of those was making a snack late at night – tonight, Toby and I made a little pizza in honour of all those thousands of pizzas over the years made at midnight. It was delicious and brought back such fond times. I saved half and will take it to the hospital tomorrow.

Did I tell you that we don’t use pizza dough anymore? We used to make it from scratch. I use flour tortilla shells. They make the best thin crust pizza – if that is what you like. We would take a large one and put it in an 8 or 9 inch cake pan. It curls the edges up so you can have a deep dish style if you want. Put on the sauce and toppings and bake for 13 minutes at 410 F. Easy for kids to make – young and old. Make sure you get good pizza cheese, at least 25 % MF.

As osprey season really winds down, the Bald Eagles are returning to our delight. I did jump up and down with joy when I saw Gabby – she looks in terrific shape. Ron and Rose, as reported on Monday, have returned and I am sure looking forward to see if anyone will take up residence in the West End nest in the Channel Islands.

Recently, the clubbing of gannets was outlawed (at least for this year) on one of the Scottish islands (reported in a former blog). Here is a hopeful article on these seabirds.

Gorgeous gannets!

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/31/country-diary-for-the-gannets-of-bass-rock-its-a-slow-road-to-recovery?CMP=share_btn_url

The Port Lincoln osprey barge. Wind and rain hitting Mum as she covers her precious eggs. It looks like the weather is keeping Dad from getting any fish to the nest. As I keep thinking and saying, fish fairies, get ready. If you’ve donated to the fish fund before, start saving those pennies so these babies have a chance of survival.

Nicer weather for 37 and 38 in Sydney.

37 ate first and then there was fish left for 38. Lady did a good job feeding both.

Look at that crop on Diamond! Incredible.

With four eggs, the 367 Collins Street falcons are into full incubation mode.

Wensi got a late night snack, too – 20:27!

It was a big fish. Still eating in the dark – more than an hour after the delivery. Wensi will sleep with a full crop.

Thank you so much for being such a supportive community. Please keep an eye on Wensi. It will not be long before they fly to their winter homes, and then we’ll anxiously await seeing who returns next year. Let us hope they’re all in good health.

I will see you again in a few days.

Thank you to The Guardian for the article on the Gannets and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us look at these incredible raptor families. What would we do without them?