Tag Archives: environmental action

Some good, some bad…Late Thursday in Bird World

25 June 2026

Hello Everyone,

Greetings. It only got up to 25°C today, but it still felt hot. We had on-and-off rain with Toby running in and out on occasion to ‘do his business’. Miyoung arrived to cut hair and was shocked when I asked for an extra short pixie cut. I laughed and reminded her that when I was her age, I was wearing a miniskirt with thigh-high boots, a nose ring, and a shaved head. I believe she left in shock. I wonder why young people assume us oldies have not had adventurous lives?????

She added some pink, cut it short and life goes on.

As you have noticed, there have been terrible earthquakes around the world, and Europe is just cooking. I know readers whose living room temperatures in London are 27, and in Berlin, even hotter. Please, please take care of yourselves. If you have a fan, great. If you have AC, great. You can also dampen your clothes and your sheets to help cool you. Please do not take your dogs for walks in this heat.

BBC News on the heatwave hitting Europe: https://youtu.be/SIGeKlsSA_c?

Please leave water out for animals and birds. It will save their lives.

Lighting has hit Loch Arkaig’s streaming cams, and they are down. It is unclear whether they will be available for the rest of the season.

While it might have been cooler in Scotland, the Welsh and nests in the South of England have had lots of hight temperatures.

Usk Valley this morning:

Lots of fish coming to the Poole Harbour nest for CJ7 and Blue 022’s four kiddos. What do I mean by lots? Blue 022 delivered TEN fish today to the nest – good size ones. His kids are not going to get dehydrated nor is his mate!

Above the water at Rutland is surely an advantage in the heat.

Tweed Valley 2 had its first hatch today. This is incredibly late. I wonder what will happen in September when it is time to migrate?

Information about the ringing of the Loch Doon nest:

Screenshot

The temperature at the Dyfi nest of Idris and Telyn and chicks is 31.9 C at night.

The third little one at Cape Henlopen State Park’s osprey platform died this afternoon. Poor thing was so battered. Aggressive siblings. Just a whiff of not enough food, and well, the wee little ones suffer. I know people are horrified by storks, but they take a look at their brood, their size, analyse food availability and well – it is quick. This baby suffered.

There are still four at Blackbush Osprey platform on Prince Edward Island. The little one is to the far right and getting bites in the screen capture below.

Two at Cowlitz PUD. This nest IMHO needs more fish.

We have lost one at Osoyoos and the oldest gets most of the fish that I can see. This nest needs more fish, too. Lots more fish.

Pitkin County Trails Osprey platform looks OK. I wish these nests had the temperature at the nest posted.

The two osplets at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum nest are doing splendid.

Only ‘surviving’ Bob at Charlo Montana trying to keep cool. The temperatures were 79 F.

At the US Steel nest of Irv and Stella, both eaglets have now fledged. Hutch flew and met up with Maz. How grand! https://youtu.be/7Juu2c9N1aw?s

Clark continues to bring in whoppers! Iris and Baby are certainly lucky.

The White Storks at Bad Salzungen, Thüringen are ready to fledge. Here is a whole lot of flapping going on. https://youtu.be/H1etyMkz76o?

Fostering. Helping one nest with another. Love it!

Audubon writes about the crisis that is facing all ospreys in the Chesapeake Bay Area. We need more news – every type of news to explain why this is unforgivable.

https://www.audubon.org/magazine/ospreys-chesapeake-bay-are-starving-death-disastrous-rates-what-will-it-take-save-them?fbclid=IwY2xjawSqpw9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFhbGh2NGlnWktjZk5QWXJxc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkxcUgBZl8-lgfag-45Q_3fl8EtjPDk7mqCiFP-_-AOO9PRvR2gAej1SJvXz_aem_CTtX_FYQEjDCvNBtFnZfgw

I understand that Whooping Crane protected lands are now NOT protected. With only 500 remaining in the wild, what in the world do these government officials south of where I live think they are doing? I am starting to think the goal is to kill off all wildlife. Can this actually be true? Pacific areas have now also been opened to commercial fishing – trying to create another area that has no wildlife like the Chesapeake? I wake up and shake my head every morning. I have tried to keep politics out of my blog but sometimes it is difficult when it is the politicians killing the wildlife with their inaction or in some cases turning the world upside down actions.

Has anyone had trouble accessing the Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho osprey cam?

Ospreys in the Southern Hemisphere are preparing nests!

At the Port Lincoln barge – home to Mum and Dad, parents of dear Ernie – they are making preparations. Mum is working on the nest and Dad is not sharing his fish. Fish fairies, are you ready?

Some news of Giliath and our dear Ervie from the 20th:

“2026.06.20 – An update on Ervie & Giliath’s trackers. Giliath is still staying local and fishin in the usual spots then heading back to the main wharf for the night. Ervie has gone on another trip to Tumby Bay but has not visited the island as yet. Will be interesting in the morning to see where he spends tonight.”

Ervie’s tracking:

Chesapeake Bay trio.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 25th June 2026

The day was going very well, with settled weather and both males bringing three fish each – Garry LV0’s Nest One tally now rises to one hundred and thirty eight, and Louis takes the Nest Two tally to one hundred and eighty nine. Aurora continues to incubate the egg but is leaving it for longer periods of time, Dorcha caused havoc with another unsuitable stick, and the chicks had a short and not very serious fight. However – the weather’s changed and around 21.30 a loud clap of thunder and a bolt of lightning scared Louis off the nest and both livestreams have gone down. It may be that the relay signal has been knocked out, we’ll have to wait and see if service can be restored. A weather warning for thunderstorms is in effect for the nest area until midnight tomorrow, and overnight there’ll be light rain with a low of 17°C, continuing tomorrow with a high of 22°C.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/0oO00gR1EJc N2 Very lively first fish 04.26.48https://youtu.be/KlZJimpqT_Q N1 Tiny whole trout for Aurora 06.03.47https://youtu.be/s6UQvIXb0mI N2 Log gate! Dorcha causes havoc with unsuitable sticks 07.33.48https://youtu.be/k2v8jyOTkRA  N2 Second fish arrives – the chicks are growing as we watch!  09.17.54 https://youtu.be/_jFAfUWr1wI N2 A short and not very serious chick fight 13.43.57https://youtu.be/RzL0zmoLWrc N1 Garry’s second fish is a flatfish 15.07.31https://youtu.be/tKJdEVNouN4 N1 Aurora flies to Stick Tree with fish three 18.32.16 (zoom) https://youtu.be/J8R0qOqp6mA N2 Louis brings fish three and shows off an impressive crop 21.15.45

https://youtu.be/6-6pJHei5tY N2 Oh no! Thunder & lightning scare Louis off the nest – both cams go down! 21.29.40

You’re invited to join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

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One of the Great Bay osplets fell out of the nest and has been rescued. The other one is not doing well – there isn’t enough food. Another starved to death. So sad. I know the law doesn’t allow for retrieval but surely we might establish that humans are responsible or a lack of fish and then it would be alright to intervene.

P3 is often on the nest of Big Red and Arthur alone until food is brought in and big siblings find their way! What a little sweetie. Standing and self-feeding. So far all are doing well.

How can birds in Australia be protected as Bird Flu spreads?

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jun/24/h5n1-bird-flu-australia-native-bird-mammal-species-at-risk?CMP=share_btn_url

So many, many things our wildlife have to face every day just to even begin trying to survive.

Good night, everyone. Thank you for being with us today. Toby and I are up enjoying some quiet time. Life has been very challenging at home the last week or so as Don’s mental health deteriorates. There are moments of clarity, and then he cannot tell the sink from the bedroom. It eats at my heart, and there is nothing more that I can do for him other than try to make him happy, keep him clean and in as good mental health care as possible. I am going to have a holiday – it is being planned in my head. When I get really tired, I start focusing on the little details. In the meantime, Toby and I are moving furniture. I have a very large silk-and-wool rug that I purchased decades ago. It has been cleaned many times, including the time that a huge mug of hot chocolate went everywhere. Last night I moved the sofas, having decided that the rug had to go. As I rolled it, I noticed that the beautiful natural colours that had faded on the top side were staring me in the face. It is so beautiful. I pulled and pushed, and we got it laid out. That rug isn’t going anywhere! I will enjoy the flat weave side now.

Oh, please do take care of yourselves. Check things you might toss or donate in case they turn out magical like this old rug. I might not see you until Saturday. I am tired today.

Thank you to Geemeff for her daily summary and videos, The Guardian for continually reporting on issues related to wildlife and the environment, to those who post information on FB along with screen captures, to the authors of other newsletters, and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch these families.

Second fledge at Cornell…Late Tuesday in Bird World

23 June 2026

Hello Everyone,

I hope that the beginning of summer has been good to each of you. The days seem to pass so quickly that we must look past the ticks, the midges, the wasps, the mosquitoes and enjoy the beauty of this season. When I think of summer – and for those reading my blog the last week – you will know that I have had ‘Japan on my mind’. I remember walking around the Golden Temple in Kyoto with its pond surrounded by beautiful purple iris. The purple iris in many of the gardens on my street are blooming now, too. My son is in Tokyo eating ramen, shopping, and heading out to go fishing with his friends there. One day I will return – he might have to help me!

One of Bird World’s friends and someone who keeps a good eye on some nests, sent me the following note: “Remember that kitten season is amongst us; in Canada it typically runs from early spring (March/April) to late fall (October/November), with a peak in breeding and births happening between May and July. Brock and the other kitty are driven by their instinct and could be out moving around their territory. It’s early still so don’t give up hope just yet.” There are few homeless cats in our neighbourhood. Brock might have had to go a distance but he always came ‘home’ in the past after three days. I wish to be hopeful.

At the Cornell campus, P2 has now fledged leaving only little P3 at home. P3 will probably not fledge for at least 4 or 5 days. Big Red and Arthur will make certain that each is fed. No worries.

Some images from the nest today.

Just look at this! Iris and Clark’s baby after eating on that big fish all day. https://youtu.be/suhjI_PvwSI?

This sweet darling baby has no idea how lucky it is. Iris, the oldest breeding osprey in the world, and its very young dad, Clark. Yet, from his experiences with the Bald Eagles nearby, Clark is quick to stay home and protect his family while they eat, for fear that another raptor will try to steal a free meal and harm them. I think Clark is magnificent. I hope that he has more years with Iris, but, for now, let us simply enjoy these precious moments. A beautiful sleeping osplet, so full and healthy.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 22nd June 2026

The weather was settled, there were no intruders or fights between the chicks, and the day was calm and routine, apart from Louis bringing an even more unsuitable stick than the one dubbed The Aerial. Garry LV0 brought one fish to Aurora 536 taking the Nest One total to one hundred and twenty nine, while Louis just kept bringing fish faster than Dorcha and the chicks could eat them. His six fish today take the Nest Two total to one hundred and seventy eight. The weather will remain settled with an overnight low of 14°C, with sunshine and a high of 24°C tomorrow.

Today’s videos: 

https://youtu.be/4Mr7YuXHFB4 N2 the first fish arrives with night cam still on 03.46.25

https://youtu.be/_3T1fnsbFVs N2 the second fish arrives just 7 mins 28 secs after the first! 03.59.23

https://youtu.be/_7s0yMD7XEs N2 Louis brings a third fish before 6am! 05.32.34 

https://youtu.be/NuZIYdaRQoY N2 Branching out – Louis brings an unsuitable stick 12.29.27

https://youtu.be/0XLDXBafWHs N1 Aurora flies off with her fish leaving Garry in charge 13.13.56

https://youtu.be/AUdTehH1vBQ N2 Fourth fish is late but worth waiting for 19.54.20

https://youtu.be/V5V-8HYdpBo N2 Late fish supper arrives, fifth fish today 22.06.20

https://youtu.be/1MXOoZpWTaw N2 Fish number six flaps unnoticed by Dorcha 22.24.43

You’re invited to join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

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News from the DNR Bald Eagle nest in Minnesota!

Grounded DNR EagleCam eaglet released and remaining chicks fledge from the nestDownload

The fledge of Cornell Big Red and Arthur of P1: https://youtu.be/HZFLWDeb-g8?

I believe we are losing the third hatch at the Ferguson Museum -. It is tucked in, not moving, and could be dying from some kind of breathing/nest infection. It is, however, unclear, and the baby perked up during the afternoon. Fingers crossed. The female is fish calling!

We were so hopeful that the Buzzards that hatched in Latvia would survive and now the hawk is predating them. Goshawks are to be feared. https://youtu.be/gMX-ZS1URcI?

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 23rd June 2026

The weather was settled today and nothing out of the ordinary occurred. The chicks didn’t fight and the males supplied fish to their respective nests. Garry LV0 delivered two fish to Aurora 536 taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and thirty one, and Louis delivered three fish to Dorcha, taking the Nest Two tally to one hundred and eighty one. The family was so full from yesterday’s fish that not much interest was shown in the first delivery but by the second and third fishes, the chicks were coming forward eagerly and trying a little nibble. Having wrestled with the unsuitable stick he brought yesterday and leaving it in an arched position, Louis decided to tackle it today, and after a great effort he managed to collapse the Arch over the side but still part of the cot rail security barrier. At the time of filing this report (00.30) light rain is falling and is expected to continue overnight with a low of 14°C, but dry up tomorrow with a high of 21°C.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/ITQ6QjCIulk N2 The family barely react to the first fish 03.59.36https://youtu.be/7WUzI-6938w N2 Dorcha’s not interested but the chicks try a nibble 10.36.56https://youtu.be/JCNJ3E7LEVI N1Aurora grabs the fish and leaves Garry in charge 15.21.28https://youtu.be/-gEPRQex3NQ N2 Louis delivers a massive fish and remains on the nest 15.30.19https://youtu.be/hcgj_uHDsy4 N1 For how much longer will Garry incubate the unviable egg? 19.24.30https://youtu.be/ORvGGbqPBlA

N2 With great effort, Louis removes the Arch! 20.19.19

Bonus info – how do Ospreys manage to swallow fish bones without injury on the way down? Here are some answers (thanks LizB)

https://nutritionofosprey.wordpress.com/digestive-an

atomy-and-physiology

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

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

We have news from our monitor V from Indian Creek, Maryland:

“Rough storm last night and the third head on the nest in front of my porch did not appear this morning and the female brought soft ground grass to tromp down in one spot of the nest. The other two chicks look very healthy and although the fish are smaller, the male is still bringing them in regularly.

Similarly, the nest next door has at least one chick still in the nest. They raised the nest wall on my side so after my early glimpse of one chick really going at another, I’ve only caught a rare glimpse of a chick, but did this morning. This nest would seem to have had less fish, but of course I miss so much.

The four nests along the south shore at the creek mouth are probably a bust. One I’d hoped for left her nest yesterday. I never did catch a glimpse of the two of them together after she began incubating, too long ago for viable eggs now.  I have a magical pretend hope in one of these four, still. It will be some time before a chick would be big enough for me to glimpse through the box nest and foliage. OH MY the most bizarre thing, an eagle was sitting right next to the osprey on that nest – here is a fast snapshot, was too slow to get a better focus, eagle flew immediately after and osprey chased. Weird.  image001.png

As for the string of five nests at the head of the creek, the pairs are maintaining contact with their nests and one another, but either eggs or hatchlings didn’t make it. However, one nest that spent the earlier season abandoned has a steady couple hanging out.

And finally, yesterday I was certain a nest farther up the road, above Island Creek, with the Potomac across the road from it, had a chick or chicks. But I saw both male and female staring into the bottom of the nest this morning as I went to vote. Last night’s storm would have hit that nest hard, wind right across the wide Potomac. Down here nobody is throwing any silver dollars across the river.

And, finally, I will begin promoting the initial serialization of Island Creek Ospreys tomorrow on my marketing site. Here is the link to the Island Creek Ospreys home page which has links to each of the small segments within the years. I’ve got two years posted and will turn back now to the next  5 years. They’re written. It’s now a matter of cut, paste, find photos, etc., etc.  But it’s a start.”

I have seen some wonder why Clark stays with Iris and the baby while they eat. This is precisely why – an eagle will land right next to an osprey on its nest. Iris would be focused on feeding the chick. As I mentioned, Clark is a hero. A great Dad and so ever young.

Jill continues to feed Big and Little at the Achieva nest. No sign of Jack for a bit. I wonder what has happened to him or if he just decided to start his summer vacation?

What do over 571 osprey nests tell you about what is happening in the Chesapeake Bay? If you didn’t believe that a lack of fish mattered, perhaps you might think differently after reading this study. Please forward to anyone. This is tragic – and I need many, many more to join the movement to stop the industrial fishing of Menhaden. (That includes along the Gulf States, too).

https://www.virginiaospreyfoundation.org/post/what-571-osprey-nests-tell-us-about-the-chesapeake-bay?fbclid=IwY2xjawSn_AdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF1NG10NktsRkZiZzZTSkUwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnBXtOiHmzvJxSdGDtfH0Go47ABDcjmdf4xOLGqCw_yA1GmSSJj3YC3kx_Ch_aem_SVnVss58Bnjxd6PqOtYGJA

Thank you for being with me. As the rain settles a bit, Mr and Mrs Crow, Mr and Mrs Blue Jay and a host of other songbirds are at the feeders in case there is a storm before they turn in for the night. We have had nothing but rain and more rain. We were wearing jumpers today with the heating on. I worry about the nests – the cold damp is not good for little ones but I believe the Crows and Jays are fledged or near to it.

I also want to thank ‘L’ in Alabama for feeding the crows on her picnic table. They will reward you – every day when they call you will know that you have helped wildlife in your patch. Now if we could get everyone to join there would be no blank spaces and no hungry birds and animals. Humans waste 40% of the food they buy…why not let the animals eat it?

Take care.

Thank you to absolutely everyone – to Geemeff for her summaries, for those amazing videos and reports from all the others including our monitor V in Maryland, to the owners of the streaming cams, and those that write good reports based on observation not fantasy!