With all the ospreys migrating and eggs being laid in the Southern Hemisphere – along with those little white balls of goodness at the WBSE nest in the Olympic Park in Sydney, there isn’t a lot of news.
That said, it is easy to forget that there are eaglets still in the nest, and Patience – Glacier Gardens 10 (GG10) branched this morning! She is 86 days old, and her sibling, Compassion, is 84 days old. Dad Prosperity brought in a fish to celebrate the milestone in his eldest eaglet’s life. [Note: The average age for Bald Eagles to fledge in the far north is longer than it is in the southern parts of the US].
It is a beautiful morning. The birds have been fed, and we are awaiting our monthly subscription, which I presume will arrive on Monday. They have eaten more than anticipated, which is going to make me reexamine what type of seed to use and how much to put out! It is one thing to get peanuts, and it is another to have the squirrels cache them despite having food year-round!!!! We had lots of peanut plants in the garden this year.
The Ojai Raptor Centre posted on FB that they are still waiting for test results and will combine them with necropsy results, etc., and issue a final statement once all the dots can be connected. That way we will have a clear indication (we hope) of what caused Jackie to be so ill during those days, weeks, or months.
At the Peregrine Falcon scrape at Great Spirit Bluff, Elaine and Newmann are pair bonding. Don’t forget to watch that fabulous couple at 367 Collins Street – how many eggs will be laid this year? four? And then there is Diamond and Gimbir – but, as always, I miss Annie. Thankfully, we have Monty and Hartley who seem to have the most characterful little eyases at San Jose City Hall!
News from The Osprey House Environment Centre – where one seemingly healthy chick with a nice ‘ps’ remains for George and Hope:
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 27th August 2026 Today was all about fish! While Steve Quinn and WTS George were presenting the very interesting webinar on fishy stats and forest restoration this evening, super fisherbird Louis was still delivering fish and equalling his all-time record by bringing nine fish in one day. That record had stood since 18th June 2020, the year when there were three chicks and an adult female to feed. This time there’s only one chick, Juniper 8P7, to feed, plus a couple of cheeky Hoodies who sneak in and steal fish whenever they can. Louis’ hard work means the Nest Two tally takes a massive jump to four hundred and seventy. The day ended with a visit from a Barn Owl to Nest One. The weather was settled today and should remain so overnight with a low of 13°C but changing to drizzle by morning then generally cloudy and cool for the rest of the day with a high of 18°C. Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/PDk0fe7j1WA N2 Two fish in under ten minutes but Juniper nips Louis! 06.03.10; 06.12.56https://youtu.be/9G213H8liYI N2 Another fish, another nip when Louis brings number three 06.44.11https://youtu.be/naLGFy9qp2s N2 Hoodies steal fish as Juniper departs with fish three 07.07.42https://youtu.be/f5F_6aGoCOY N2 Louis brings fish four and doesn’t get nipped! 07.44.49https://youtu.be/IrKzeQrhQew N2 Juniper flies with a fish in each foot 08.15.18 (zoom)https://youtu.be/5d9SiX1s90A N2 Dedicated dad brings a fifth fish for his chick 11.23.14https://youtu.be/GxH_iG_oD5w N2 Juniper uses fish six as a pillow 12.36.23https://youtu.be/4EJeTjlPNs8 N2 Fish seven arrives before Juniper has finished fish six 17.38.27https://youtu.be/2fdYDARzjcE N2 Juniper returns with fish seven to get fish eight from Louis 20.27.28https://youtu.be/-_UzPpLHMx4 N2 Super fisherbird Louis brings record-equalling fish nine! 20.43.54 https://youtu.be/BFXxBb_S1F0 N1 A Barn Owl (Strix aluco) pays a visit 22.51.44
Louis is incredible. Amber hasn’t been seen in a while, and we hope she and Dorcha are well. Juniper is certainly reaping the benefits of being the only osplet at home.
It is nearing the end of the season at Loch Arkaig and I want to thank Geemeff for always sharing her report with us. She is off on an adventure for a bit.
In Manitoba we still have ospreys at the nest and eagles and reports are coming in from Nova Scotia about successful nests. That is wonderful. Once I get some compilation of that I will share it with you.
Wensi fish calling this morning:
I’ll also be away for a few days. Don had a rapid decline yesterday and has gone into the hospital. I am going to use this time to recharge my batteries. I will be back with you next week. In the meantime, please do take care of yourself. Remember to put out water for migrating birds and turn off your lights. If you can, put out food. The birds need it! We’ve destroyed much of their habitat.
Thank you to Geemeff, all the owners of streaming cams, and the individuals who post information and images on FB. Otherwise, we might not always know what is happening to our dear raptor families.
My life has always been made richer by the people who are part of it, and that includes all of you. I appreciate your notes, your quiet recommendations on the best stain cleaner, thunder jacket, vaccinations – what a caring community. You let me know about any news I might have missed and your wishes for me when I am sick and very tired are so appreciated. I am blessed. I am also fortunate to have readers/followers/Bird World friends who either volunteer or work at many of the rehabilitation centres where our raptors wind up staying and getting help.
I know that everyone is anxiously watching for updates on Jackie. I have also been annoyed by those who are impatient and rude. I am sure you have seen their comments. I know that our local wildlife rehabilitation centre is now taking in twice as many patients as it did before the other facility in our province closed. So what I am asking you to do is simply sit back and wait. Imagine a few people trying to create miracles with new patients coming in and the world watching them. Can you imagine if that patient was our dear Jackie, the most famous bald eagle female in the world, perhaps?
Most wildlife rehabilitation centres work on a shoe string. They do incredible things with very little, to the astonishment of everyone. I still recall E17 and the flight area at Humane Indiana. They didn’t need a fancy enclosure to get that eaglet back into shape – they just needed dedicated staff and volunteers who refused to give up. E17 was returned near the nest in South Bend. It was remarkable.
Jackie is in the best place she can be. I know that the Ojai Raptor Centre has received numerous donations to help with her care. But let us not forget that every test for an exotic toxin, every IV bag, every transfusion – it all comes at a great cost. Just the testing for lead is so expensive, never mind everything else. So if you are still considering donating, please do and label it for Jackie’s care.
The Ojai Raptor Center has very humble beginnings. The Founder, Kim Stroud, who retired in January, started taking care of sick/hurt birds in her backyard and in a wood shop behind her place of business in 2000. In 2010, Kim was able to move her operations to the Ojai Honor Farm; four acres on a former minimum security honor farm facility. With the help of generous donations, they were able to transform some buildings into a medical hospital and added a number of flight cages.
In 2023, ORC brought on board Dr Kat (as she is called), who brought her own specialised training to the centre, including infectious disease management. With a small full-time staff and a host of volunteers, they focus on the care and treatment of all winged birds.
Like all non-profits, ORC struggles with the costs of running a full-scale wildlife hospital and depends on local support to maintain operations. In 2024, ORC was in deficit because they needed to replace flight netting and repair water lines. And today, more and more patients are coming into care as rivers and lakes dry up, habitats are lost, or accidents occur.
So please help, if you can. [I know that everyone and every organisation is struggling, but I mention this because Ojai is an exceptional centre. It is where Dr Sharpe took Victor!
But please wait for updates. Limited staff and volunteers are needed to help clients/patients and are not answering phones. We know that Jackie had a blood transfusion and that she improved and then had a setback. They are working tirelessly to determine the cause of her anaemia, but she is beginning to eat independently, which is a big plus. Send Jackie all the best wishes that you can.
Louis and Dorcha’s second hatch, Amber, Blue 8P6, fledged today. It was a magnificent flight. Amber stood on the edge of the nest looking towards the loch and began flapping her wings. She flew like a pro to a nearby pine tree – seen in the distance in the video. The landing appeared to be perfect as well.
Amber returned to the nest just like a pro – what a strong chick! Geemeff has that landing: https://youtu.be/9BQRF4ykYeI?
At the Pont Cresor nest, Aeron Z2 is proving that he is quite the fisher. He once again brought in two fish at a time! There is clearly not a problem with food in Wales for the ospreys.
It is quite a different story in the US, where females abandon their chicks in the nest before fledging to find food to build up their bodies for migration, before they starve. At South Cape Meadows, Hera was last seen more than two weeks ago. Zeus was delivering fish to the single surviving osplet, Uno, but has not been seen in two days. The situation is dire, as the organs of the osplet are already beginning to shut down. If the food isn’t delivered today, this chick will starve in place. I cannot tell you how much that breaks my heart.
I am afraid that if I lived there, I would load a backpack with ice and fish and deliver it to the nest. Then I would argue in court that the human cause of this great disaster besetting this region of the US and its ospreys.
They have turned the camera off on Uno at the nest of Zeus and Hera. The chick will starve without any help. Why not feed it? They know the cause. The fault lies with the State of Virginia, which takes political donations and a handful of jobs over the entire region’s ecosystem and its other employment – ospreys die. The whales and dolphins have left. This is simply more than tragic.
Despite the high temperatures, the two osplets at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are doing well because the amount of fish is keeping them hydrated.
A fish for the only surviving osplet at Cowlitz PUD.
All of the osplets have fledged at Clark PUD in Washington State.
An adult arrives to help with the fish and another fledgling shows up at Clark.
The surviving two have fledged at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, also. Well done!
Mum came and took the leftover fish.
All is well at Blackbush and I believe that is Tiny 4 flapping its wings.
At Oyster Bay, there is a lot of fish calling while one fledgling enjoys a fish.
I wonder if the fishing is hard near Charlo. Charlie really needs to get a fish on the nest for Winnie and C22.
There was a bit of a fish fight over a small one at the Poole Harbour nest of CJ7 and Blue 022.
I love the look of Dad in the background. It looks like 6T7 has it for sure but…wait..
6T9 ultimately keeps the fish.
At Upper Newport Bay, Ripple arrives and Dad delivers a breakfast fish.
At Salmon, Idaho, Dad delivered a nice fish and everyone was able to get a share.
At the Usk Valley in Wales, the second chick that had often been aggressively treated by its older sibling took flight today at 53 days! Congratulations 0U1. The older sibling, 0U0, fledged on the 19th of July at 53 days.
I want to close with some more happiness. At the Osprey House Environmental Centre in Griffin, Australia, two little osplets hatched to George and Hope. I understand that big sister, Maria, who helped last year, has dispersed.
And, last, Geemeff brings us the exciting news from Loch Arkaig today!
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 28th July 2026
Amber did it – she fledged today! With a quick check of her wings, Loch Arkaig Osprey chick 8P6, AKA Amber, opened her wings fully and launched off into the big wide world. She made a perfect landing on the Scots Pine tree, stayed there for a few minutes, then took off again and didn’t return for five hours. Her return was as elegant as her departure, she landed smoothly from a hover over the nest and then walked forward and cuddled up to her sister Juniper 8P7. Louis brought three fish today, taking the Nest Two tally to three hundred and forty two, and Dorcha and Juniper shared two of those while Amber was away enjoying her new found freedom but she’d had a good meal from the first fish. Aurora 536 on the other hand got no fish at all from Garry LV0 despite calling loud and long, but each time he turned up, his talons were empty and she eventually departed. A year ago today was her last appearance on nest cam in Season Nine – it will be interesting to see if she turns up tomorrow. Garry’s total remains at one hundred and eighty four. It started raining this evening before night cam came on, and the forecast is for heavy rain and a gentle breeze with a low of 13°C overnight, changing to light rain with a high of 17°C tomorrow.
Thank you for being with us today! Take care – and remember, please put out water for wildlife. See our little visitor looking for food who had a drink from the birdbath last night!
Thank you to Geemeff, the wonderful folks at Ojai Raptor Centre, everyone who posted on FB with information and images, and the owners of the streaming cams.
I just wish everyone was as brave as Viki and a few others who are out there providing fish because they understand that the lack of food is human-caused.
Today is a short posting because this one story is so remarkable you do not need to hear or read anything else! Would you believe it if someone told you that two little eaglets on top of a hydro pole, one just hatched and another hatching, could be rescued and saved? Well, believe it and watch this video to see what happened! https://youtu.be/-UaKaFwGz58?
Meanwhile chicks everywhere, if they haven’t died or fledged, are flapping away getting ready.
Jay Koolpix nest:
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 26th July 2026
No fledge as yet but both Juniper 8P7 and Amber 8P6 were hop, skip and jumping over the nest today, balancing precariously on the edge, peering down into the depths, and doing helicopters. Juniper hasn’t yet gone off the screen as Amber has but she’s getting closer all the time. So it’ll be eyes peeled tomorrow watching for that magic moment when they find their wings and go off into the big wide world that’s waiting beyond the nest. There were more intruders about – perhaps newly fledged from nearby, or more likely unattached older birds looking for their own nests and mates – but no one came near enough to bother the chicks. Louis brought five fish, taking the Nest Two tally to three hundred and thirty four, and causing a tug of trout between Dorcha and a determined Juniper. But it was all fairly low key with none of the aggressive assertiveness we’ll see once the chicks go into hyperphagia, when Louis can expect to get his leg pulled or even bitten as the chicks fight to get to the fish first. Actually, it’s not just the chicks – Dorcha accidentally got his foot instead of the fish today but soon let go with no harm done. Over on Nest One, Aurora was calling for fish but Garry arrived and mounted her instead, choosing to reaffirm their bond with a mating attempt. His total remains at one hundred and eighty two. It didn’t rain as much as forecast and should remain dry overnight with a low of 10°C, changing to light rain and a gentle breeze tomorrow with a high of 17°C.
Thanks everyone for being with us today. Take care! See you soon!
Thank you to Pam Breci, to the people who care enough to really try and save our osprey babies, and to Geemeff for their videos and summary. To all those who posted on FB or are owners of streaming cams, we thank you immensely.
Before I begin with some news from the nests, I want to thank everyone who donated to Save Moon Camp. It is very special to me that half of the funds came from ordinary individuals like you and me. I am grateful that others came with the remaining amount so that the habitat could be saved.
It is important to save these special places – more so now that there are development companies quick to want to build housing estates and condos in the most beautiful natural places on our planet. We need to ensure that they don’t. One of the great Canadian writers, Margaret Atwood, helped champion the conservation and ecological protection of Pelee Island in Lake Erie, Ontario. Rather than saving an entire island from physical destruction, she and her late partner Graeme Gibson focused on preserving its vital natural ecosystem by co-founding the Pelee Island Bird Observatory (PIBO) and advocating for its migratory bird habitats.
You don’t have to be a famous writer or a millionaire to save land. You simply have to understand that humans can do wonderful, marvellous miracles ‘together’. I continue to advocate for ‘one garden at a time’ – we don’t need huge goals like 100 acres or 35,000 acres. Imagine if every home, beginning with yours, had Butterfly bushes, trees for shade for the birds and animals, places for water for them, and, if you can, food. Then add the next house, and the next, and the next….then close your eyes and imagine the forest sanctuary you have created. Please, if you can, start a movement. The wildlife need habitat.
We are in the beginning stages of planning to dig up the area behind our conservatory to cover it with trees that grow quickly. We may take the other area where wood is stacked as well. I will document the change in photos once we begin. For now, the animals and birds are enjoying the shade and the three bird baths. Water has been the key during the heat that we had and the new heat dome that is arriving tomorrow. Today it is so humid and hot it is hard to stay outside very long.
I have not posted much this week because the children have been helping me finish up my decluttering! They did the attic in no time. What an amazing team they are. I miss them today. The house is quiet, and we are left to go through one large box of photos. Toby has a mild case of conjunctivitis that is slowly getting better, and I do mean slowly. The Girls are fine, and well… we will enjoy the quiet today and tomorrow. Tuesday is the day the plumbers will be here tearing things apart.
Do you know how to tell if your toilet is leaking? Pour soy sauce in the tank and see if it runs down the sides of the bowl! My water bill doubled in a month, and we knew something was amiss. So not only are they putting in a new loo, but they are finally installing the gorgeous German vanity that I purchased before the pandemic! It will be dusty and dirty.
So what has been going on with the ospreys? Well, in the UK, they have been fledging. Not having the problems that the US ospreys have had with food, the chicks are healthy. Aran’s only baby with his new mate fledged and sat on the perch, wondering what to do. This is its second flight:
The only one at the Loch of the Lowes, Blue 2JB, at 53 days, has fledged, and the little boy of Elen and Teifi’s finally took to the sky. Others that fledged have returned to their nests. US ospreys are fledging too – Santiam Canyon had one this morning. It is hard to keep up with them now! All fledglings need to return to the nest to be fed by the parents for several weeks or even a month. Instinctively, ospreys know how to fish – 61.5 million years of developing- but they still need help from the adults.
The latest news from Big Bear: ·
Habitat Update
We do not have an update on Jackie currently. Ojai Raptor Center said they would not be giving any additional information on Jackie until Monday at the earliest.
We have had many questions about the sub adult that likely battled with Jackie and has been very present in the habitat for several days.
We spoke with Dr. Peter Sharpe, Bald Eagle expert and Conservationist regarding the sub adult. He aged this eagle at 3 ½ years old. Bald eagles generally reach full maturity at the age of 5 years old, though they can be ready to mate and lay eggs at the age of 4, however that is not as common.
Dr. Sharpe feels that it is a bit early for this sub adult to be looking for nesting territory and/or a mate. Shadow did show defensive behavior against the sub adult for several days while Sandy and Luna were at the nest and seen in the area on both cameras.
Though we have been hearing vocals that may be Sandy or Luna in the habitat, the last time we saw them on our cameras was on 7/23. With several other young eagles in the area, these vocals may or may not be Sandy or Luna.
If Sandy and Luna have indeed left on their life’s journey, their timing is completely normal. At the Big Bear nest, previous eaglets have generally dispersed at around 4 weeks. It is not confirmed Sandy and Luna have left the area, we can only observe and time will tell. If Sandy and Luna are not in the habitat, Shadow would not feel the need to protect the territory.
When the eagles are not in nesting season, they are much more tolerant of other eagles. Sandy Steers and I spent over an hour watching Jackie and a sub adult back in 2023 (pictures attached). Jackie was not concerned at all about the subadult perching with her. In fact, she continued to preen and seemed very relaxed, though glancing over at the other eagle occasionally to keep an eye on it.
A soft reminder, please be kind to the FOBBV team and each other. We are all going through this together.
Stay tuned for future updates, we will continue to post information here.
GW”
A good message for all of us:
SK Hideaways Videos for Week of 19 July 2026
FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA Resident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014 Resident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012 Sandy hatched 4 April 2026, Luna hatched 5 April 2026 Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4 Live Recap & Observations: https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz Shadow and Sub-Adult Share Nighttime Roost Tree (2026 Jul 25)
Shadow’s vocal were heard in the early morning, but not again until the evening just after he flew by. A sub-adult was flying behind him but stopped to perch on Twin Pines and then the Simba Tree before flying off to join Shadow on his and Jackie’s roost tree. Missed seeing Sandy and Luna again today and wish them a safe night along with all Big Bear eagles. Sending positive thoughts for Jackie’s speedy and complete recovery. Video: https://youtu.be/uRxUyUgKTpo
Sandy & LunaPossible Last Sightings ~ But Not Last Squees~ 2026 Jul 23 I held this video for a couple days in hopes of seeing Sandy and Luna back on camera. So far we haven’t seen them, but believe we have heard them ~ quite a lot. Whether we see them again or not, this video brings some sweet and poignant moments of their typical mornings together ~ good morning squees, flying from favorite perch to favorite perch, and even some beakie kisses. A nice collection for the memory book. Video: https://youtu.be/O32HJ6mozQI Shadow Calls for Jackie Morning & Evening ~ Send Positivity Their Way(2026 Jul 23) Shadow calls for Jackie probably more often than we see on camera. In my opinion, he misses her. Also in my opinion, while he is dealing with the presence of visiting sub-adult bald eagles, he has no interest in taking another mate. His focus is on Jackie’s whereabouts and taking care of Sandy and Luna. Sending oodles of positive thoughts to Jackie and Shadow for a happy reunion one day soon. Video: https://youtu.be/IaJECLI95kk
Shadow & Sub-Adult Perch Peacefullyas Eaglets Watch ~ Fiona & Fast Finale(2026 Jul 22) Shadow and a sub-adult seem to have reached a truce to some extent. This sub-adult followed Shadow all over today. Each time it landed near him, he immediately flew off, except for a 25-minute period in the afternoon. He had much to say to the youngster but there was no physical aggression. Perhaps the truce included the condition that the sub-adult not breach the nest again.
At day’s end, Shadow perched behind the pine boughs next to the Cactus Snag for about 90 minutes. Was he trying to ditch the sub before roost time? We’ll never know, but he retired to his and Jackie’s roost tree. Luna roosted back on the Simba Tree and Sandy stayed on the high Y branch of the nest tree. Fiona and Fast Freddie took advantage of the empty nest and had quite a party. Video: https://youtu.be/qc4eJpY9-EY Shadow Stays Strong ~ Sub-Adult Remains ~ Another Day Without Jackie~ 2026 Jul 21 I chronicled this whole day as a testament to the strength and keen survival instincts of these bald eagles. It seems Shadow kept the persistent sub-adult from returning to the nest with great support from Sandy and Luna. He also managed to deliver 3 fish in the span of a half-hour in the morning and another 3 in the evening.
Luna and Sandy are venturing farther away as evidenced by Luna’s 9-hour absence from camera view and Sandy’s 3-hour absence. Shadow returning to an empty nest in the afternoon was difficult to see, but fans were soon treated when Luna and then Sandy returned to the nest in the evening.
I sprinkled the video with photos of Jackie ~ remembering happier times and sending oodles of positive thoughts for her speedy and complete recovery. Video: https://youtu.be/lFjfSoF_-7o
Sub-Adult Returns to Nest Tree🌲Shadow Divebombs, Locks Talons on Descent The sub-adult that Shadow had flushed out earlier in the day returned in the evening. This was not a good idea. Shadow first gave the visitor a stern verbal warning before diving on them. They both descended and their talons locked briefly before Shadow chased the sub-adult across the valley. Shadow then returned and perched on the Simba Tree during which time Luna and Sandy briefly checked on him there.
At nightfall, Sandy and Luna perched on the nest tree basement while Shadow retired to his and Jackie’s night roost tree. Sending positive thoughts for Jackie’s complete and speedy recovery while she is at the wildlife rehabilitation center being well cared for. And we wish all Big Bear eagles well as they all navigate life in the wild. (2026 Jul 19) Video: https://youtu.be/u-Wjj6i0cZU
Sub-Adult Breaches Nest ~ Shadow Attacks and Chases as Luna & Sandy Fly In(2026 Jul 19) One of the persistent sub-adult bald eagles followed Shadow to the nest. Shadow made his displeasure known vocally, but when Luna arrived, Shadow leapt over him and flushed the sub-adult from the nest, chasing them to the lake and possibly beyond. Sandy arrived at the nest as the chase was unfolding, and she and Luna looked on, squee-less. Not a minute later, Shadow was perched on Twin Pines and 9 minutes later, Sandy and Luna perched on the Cactus Snag. Shadow remains on Twin Pines, on guard as we publish. We wish all Big Bear eagles well and continue to wait for definitive news of Jackie’s whereabouts. Video: https://youtu.be/3OnNjmhclpo
Fraser Point Eagles ~ Santa Cruz Island, CA ~ Cruz, Andor, Sasha (hatched 3/28), Zuma (hatched 3/30), Ryder (hatched 4/1) Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s Two Eaglets Rouse Cruz from Her Night Roost ~ Hang Out Awhile(2026 Jul 23) Fans were treated to Princess Cruz on her overnight roost followed by not one but two eaglets rousing her in the wee hours. She exited stage left pretty quickly. The eaglets stayed long enough to show us some of their signature shenanigans and progress they’ve made in eagle school in the weeks since we last saw them. Video: https://youtu.be/-wNvLxUawZI
San Jose City Hall Falcons ~ San Jose, CA ~ Hartley, Monty, and chicks Jet, Scout, Stewart, Walton (hatched 4/21/26) Courtesy San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcon Cam | Predatory Bird Research Group Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBSxPjy5sow Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pp9TisLmLU Roof Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQLhmV6bP6o Walton and Scout Make Surprise Visit to Nest Area ~ Adult Skedaddles(2026 July 18) Walton arrived, screaming, of course, while an adult was on the runway. With no drama, the adult flew, at which point Scout arrived. What a treat to see them both for this short visit. They look to be healthy and spunky. Video: https://youtu.be/NhsJmukFq2w
Cholyn & Chase Defend TerritoryAgainst Peregrine Falcons (2026 Jul 18) The Two Harbors peregrines must be in the midst of their nesting season, as they’ve been very territorial lately. They seem to have forgotten who rules the territory, though, as they persist in stooping on Cholyn and Chase. Our royal couple, despite their 28 years, are more than capable of defending their territory and displayed a most impressive series of evasive actions to keep the speedy peregrines at bay. Video: https://youtu.be/v2CFlmN1tpc
And then our other great contributor, Geemeff brings us the news from Loch Arkaig and the Woodland Trust:
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 25th July 2026
Today’s big news is that we are officially on fledge watch! The chicks have been wingercising and taking little hops but today Amber 8P6 did a proper helicopter, disappearing out of the cam view at the top of the screen while Juniper 8P7 looked on in amazement. Juniper also got airborne, but only a few inches above the ground so it looks like Amber may well beat her older sister to first fledge. All eyes will be concentrating more than usual on the nest tomorrow! Meanwhile Dorcha is still fending off intruders, an unringed probably male Osprey flew very close, and there were one or two other alarms but no one else caught on nest cam. Intruders didn’t seem to take up Louis’ time as he delivered three fine looking trout including a gold coloured one, and he was sporting a very well-filled crop. The Nest Two tally now stands at three hundred and twenty nine. Aurora 536 spent a fair bit of time on Nest One, Garry LV0 delivered one fish taking his tally to one hundred and eighty two, and stayed to do a bit of nest tidying. It rained overnight but despite the forecast was mainly dry during the day, and there’ll be more rain overnight with a low of 12°C, continuing throughout tomorrow with a high of 17°C. There should be an early evening break in the rain tomorrow which would be ideal conditions for a fledge. However, the chicks will decide when they’re ready.Today’s videos: https://youtu.be/EJgW5nIVUuQ N2 Louis brings a huge lively trout 08.59.22 https://youtu.be/jf8-s_O-qUM N2 Dorcha warns away an intruder Osprey flying too near the nest 10.16.23https://youtu.be/f4RRAzdVszw N2 Juniper’s keen when fish two arrives, Amber joins in later 11.18.18 https://youtu.be/wSUiOyv4KMo N1 Aurora grabs the flatfish, has a nibble, and leaves with it 18.06.26https://youtu.be/J6Ki2ZIxvoI N2 Amber does a proper off-the-screen helicopter! 18.57.16https://youtu.be/wMGEFDUt_EoN2 Louis brings a very colourful third trout 19.53.04 (zoom)
Come and join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:
Zeus has been making fish deliveries to Cape May to the chick who we hope will fledge soon! Another miracle. One little survivor.
There are still four osplets at Blackbush in Prince Edward Island. Against the odds, little four is going to make it unless something very strange happens.
Despite heating rivers and dying fish, Clark works hard for his family and delivers a nice fish for Iris and Wensi early this morning.
Wensi is working on building muscles to fly.
Two osplets at Oyster Bay – at least one has fledged and returned. Fish are coming to the nest, but the one who might not have fledged (apologies, I have not kept up with this nest as much as I should) is constantly fish-calling.
Looking to the upcoming season in the Southern Hemisphere:
Mum and Dad are on the barge nest and mating constantly! Meanwhile we hope Ervie and his female mate have chicks this year, too.
Lady and Dad in the Olympic Forest nest where Lady is incubating her two precious eggs.
Beautiful Diamond at the Falcon Scrape on the campus of Charles Sturt University in Orange, Australia. Gimbir is safe and sound and often in the scrape. He is quite the character. Looking forward to more healthy chicks this season.
The streaming cam at 367 Collins Street – home to the Melbourne Falcon family – will be turned on once there are eggs.
Thank you so much for your notes. I am so glad that you appreciated the photos of Toby and The Girls! They are so very special to my life.
Toby keeping us company as we sort through photos.
Have a lovely week. We will be back with you on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Thank you to Geemeff, SK Hideaways, Pam Breci, to all the contributors on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch our bird friends.
We had a wonderful birthday party for my daughter. Toby was so good… ours is a family of cat lovers, and being the first dog there has been some scepticism amongst the others. Of course, anyone reading this knows how I feel about my little man. He found some mulch, which he knew he was not supposed to have, and look at this silly character!
The weather cooperated – it was cool and sunny without any mosquitoes and no rain! It was so nice to have all the family (almost) together.
There has been some news about Jackie and I want to pass it along to you if you have not already seen it. Jackie is critically ill. She is in the best place she can be to receive care. It appears that she has some kind of toxicity. You might recall that Victor had zinc toxicity. He was a young eaglet, not yet fledged, and he survived to be released. What a glorious day that was.
I believe the date on the posting below is a typo and should read 21 July. So this is the latest information. Thanks, Sharon Pollock.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 21st July 2026
More intruders today but nothing like the dramatic scenes of yesterday when 2024 Loch Fleet chick Blue 9A6 actually locked talons with Dorcha. None of today’s appeared on nest cam but Dorcha certainly saw them and reacted to them, and her day ended with her using her crow voice to warn off a Tawny Owl calling very near by. The RAF also intruded with several aircraft disturbing the peace including a trio of Typhoon jets caught on both nest cams. Louis brought three fish taking the Nest Two tally to three hundred and nine, and causing the two chicks to tussle over a flatfish which was eventually won by Amber 8P6 but not before Juniper 8P7 had had a good go at it. In between fish deliveries and intruder alarms they practised wingercising and both chicks managed a little lift off, only a few inches off the ground but helicoptering and then fledging is on the horizon. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536, taking his tally to one hundred and seventy seven. He made another mating attempt then did some housekeeping, they’re both now ignoring the rotten but still intact egg, and it’s good to see them reaffirming their pair bond. The weather was settled and sunny but not too hot, and will remain so tomorrow with an overnight low of 12°C and a high tomorrow of 19°C.
Bonus update – Following the return of 2024 Loch Arkaig chick 1JW to Spain, here’s news of this year’s cohort of Scottish translocatees just arrived in Valencia:
There is excellent news – David Gessner is getting involved and giving a real voice to fight over the industrial/commercial fishing of Menhaden that has caused a collapse of the ecosystem and the deaths of the ospreys.
One of the ‘groups’ that I support that work hard and punch beyond their numbers is Ventana Wildlife and the California Condors. Here is some great news from Kelly Sorenson, the Director of VWS:
July 21, 2026
Dear Mary,After the heartbreak we shared recently, we are overjoyed to bring you some wonderful news. Condor (340) and Condor (868) have made full recoveries from lead poisoning and are back in central California!
Thanks to the incredible, life-saving care of our partners at the Oakland Zoo and Los Angeles Zoo, both birds are now resting and recharging in our Big Sur pen. Over the next few weeks they’ll build up strength and reintegrate into the flock before their return to the wild in mid-August. And thanks to explore.organd the Live Cams, you can help us keep watch. Once Condor (340) and Condor (868) arrive later today, they should be the center of attention, both for the rest of the flock and for the hundreds of viewers like you tuning in!
(These Pinnacles-released condors would normally return to the Pinnacles pen, but with that pen closed for its annual maintenance, Big Sur welcomed them home. It is a wonderful example of our close partnership with Pinnacles National Park.)
Condor (340), “Kun-Wac-Shun” This 22-year-old male, named by Chief Nelson Wallulutum of the Wasco Tribe, is a true legend. He is the most dominant male in the Pinnacles flock and famously raised the first wild condor chick to fledge at Pinnacles in over 100 years. After showing severe signs of lead poisoning on April 2, the Oakland Zoo’s around-the-clock care pulled him through a critical situation.
Condor (868) A resilient 9-year-old male and proud father of two, Condor (868) was captured on April 30 with clinical signs of lead poisoning and rushed to the Los Angeles Zoo, where the veterinary team brought him back to full health.
A reminder of why this matters: lead poisoning remains the number one threat to wild condors. It is also preventable. By choosing non-lead ammunition, hunters and ranchers become vital partners in keeping these birds safe.Watch Condor (340) and Condor (868) on the Live Cam →Learn about our free Non-Lead Ammunition Program →Read Condor (340) and Condor 868’s full bios →Recoveries like these are only possible because of you. Thank you for standing with this flock through the hard days and celebrating with us on the good ones.
With gratitude,
Kelly Sorenson Executive Director
…and the Condor Crew Ventana Wildlife Society
While we might not think that there is any silver lining to Jackie being rescued after a fight with a large sub-adult, she is getting treatment for an illness that she had that had nothing to do with that other eagle. My grandmother always told me to believe hard that everything happens for a reason. I am glad that Jackie is in care. Thrilled that she was able to have two chicks this season with Shadow to fledge – Sandy and Luna. Imagine if she had young chicks in the nest and got ill without treatment. So, I want to go to bed tonight sending all the positive energy that I can to Jackie for healing. I hope you will do the same.
At our local wildlife rehab, there are two orphan hawks that are in care.
Fledge at Ranworth in the UK:
Beautiful chick at Charlo Montana!
Beautiful chick at Hellgate Canyon:
Two gorgeous osplets at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho! There was a third beautiful healthy chick that tragically died during a very horrific storm that hit the area in late June.
The new couple at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are terrific. Just look at those two healthy fully feathered osplets.
Mum sheltering her baby in the heat at Osoyoos.
CJ7 and three of her four babies at the Poole Harbour nest in the UK.
Two fledglings wishing for fish at Poole Harbour.
Elen and Teifi’s trio at Glslyn.
Thank you so much for being with us. I really needed you to know how Jackie is doing if you didn’t know. Take care.
Thank you also to everyone who has written to me. My son returns to the Caribbean on Saturday and I hope to have time to answer those letters by late Sunday.
Thank you to Geemeff for her summary and videos and the link to the information about Gessner, to Kelly Sorenson for the great news, to the Ojai Raptor Centre who are trying so hard to heal Jackie, to Pam Breci for keeping me posted, and to everyone else who posted information on FB along with images and the owners of the streaming cams who allow us to follow the lives of these bird families.
When your neighbours call late at night and don’t know what to do with a little one who doesn’t seem able to fly…He pecked me when I picked him up to check him over. Nothing appeared broken. He is young and his tail is not as developed as it should be, but he can fly, knows to get away into the lilacs, and to be quiet. I hope that his parents find him early in the morning. His call is rather quiet, but the hearing of the Blue Jays must be better than mine!
Isn’t he sweet?
I asked what happened to Duke at Barnegat Light. Heidi answered: “Duke and Daisy did not have eggs in 2024, but they spent a wonderful summer together. We would see them together almost all the time.
In 2025, Daisy did not return from migration. Several females vied for Duke and his nest. Duke chose a female that was named Dixie. Dixie laid 3 eggs. Then there was a storm that lasted for a couple of days. Duke could not provide fish for Dixie, so Dixie started to leave the eggs to try to fish for herself. On one such occasion, gulls took two of the eggs. Dixie returned, but did not adequately incubate the last egg, and it eventually broke.
Fast forward to this season: Duke’s mate from last year, Dixie, was around a bit in early spring, but she didn’t stick around. There were two or three other female hopefuls, but none of them stayed. Ben thinks lack of food availability caused the females to move on. Duke is seen every day, usually eating a fluke on the marsh perch.”
If you look at the pole in the marsh, there is Duke~
The weather took another bad turn with high winds in Missoula but that didn’t stop Clark from bringing in a whopper for Iris and their baby.
Clark needs to eat – he had the head, thank goodness. What a guy.
Good night Iris and baby.
Remember, overall development and, in particular, feather development, depend on good food and lots of it. I wonder if we put Iris’s baby next to another one (a survivor of three at one of the other NE nests) what you would see.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust summary disappeared. I think I hit delete tonight. Apologies all around. Geemeff is so kind – she sent it again so we don’t miss anything. Thank you!
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 17th July 2026
It was a slow fish day today, both males brought two fish to their respective nests, taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and seventy, and the Nest Two tally to two hundred and ninety four. The weather was settled and the temperature more comfortable today, so perhaps it was intruders that kept Louis busy. The first intrusion was early morning around 4am, Dorcha was on high alert with Louis heard in the distance, and again around 10.30am. That’s just what the nest cam captured, there’s a lot of prime Osprey territory out there for Louis to defend, and Amber and Juniper are healthy and well fed and two big fish made decent meals for them today so no worries on that score although more fish would be preferable. Dorcha filled in some of the waiting time by bringing unsuitable sticks and creating havoc causing the chicks to move out of her way or join in to help get better placement. She made herself a new perch from one particular stick and hopped up onto it looking pleased with herself while later Louis used it to feak his beak. The settled weather continues with the forecast of partly cloudy, light winds and a low of 10°C overnight, changing to sunny intervals, a gentle breeze and a high of 21°C tomorrow. At the time of filing this report, quarter past midnight, only Cam One is on night mode, and the sky seen on Cam Two is still very light with traces of pink sunset glow.
More osprey chicks are dying as their parents abandon them due to a lack of food. The latest appears to be the little chick at The Wetlands Institute. I know that many of you felt this was a peculiar situation. From the outset, the chick was hungry, and living things react differently to starvation. The chick reacted to its parents. After three and a half days, it took its wings to the sky – no more hunger.
I want to state something categorically. All of this starvation is ‘human-caused ‘. I don’t care if it is heat domes, lack of fish, habitat loss, warming rivers and lakes that take the fish deep so the osprey cannot fish – it is our fault. We do not need another study about what is happening at the Chesapeake Bay. How few ospreys survived? With this in mind, I have included the team’s explanation of the rescue of Sol at the Norwegian osprey nest of Fru Rauer. I believe we should write to everyone and use Norway as a moral compass for how we address these losses.
The postal address of The Wetlands Institute is below along with their phone number if you have free phone coverage across the US:
The Wetlands Institute ® | 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd, Stone Harbor, NJ, 08247 | 609.368.1211
Their e-mail is: info@wetlandsinstitute.org
A great explanation from the rescue team that removed Sol from the Fru Rauer nest.
“Many people have asked why we decided to remove Sol, the youngest chick, from the nest instead of letting nature take its course.
Under normal circumstances, we would never interfere. Wild osprey have successfully raised their young for thousands of years without human intervention. However, we believe these are no longer normal circumstances.
The challenges facing this nest were largely created by human activity. Climate change has led to prolonged periods of extreme heat, causing fish to remain in deeper, cooler water where they are much harder for the adult ospreys to catch. At the same time, pollution and the long-term decline of fish populations in the fjord have reduced the amount of food available.
As food became scarce, competition between the chicks increased. Sibling aggression is a natural behavior in ospreys during times of food shortage, and Sol, being the youngest and smallest chick, had very little chance of survival.
From the very beginning of this project, we made a promise: if the chicks were threatened because of conditions caused by human impacts—not by natural processes alone—we would consider intervention. We believe this situation met that commitment.
By rescuing Sol, we are not trying to change nature. Instead, we are trying to reduce the consequences of environmental changes that humans have contributed to creating. Our goal is to give one young osprey the opportunity to survive, be rehabilitated if necessary, and eventually return to the wild, where it can contribute to future generations. Every osprey matters. Protecting individual birds today also helps strengthen the future population of this remarkable species.
We understand that not everyone will agree with our decision, and we respect those different opinions. However, after careful consideration, we believe rescuing Sol was the most responsible choice under these exceptional circumstances.”
I wish that everyone in the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding areas where the osprey nests have been challenged, like little Sol, would have come to the same conclusions and stepped up to help the raptors. It breaks my heart that no one wants to take a stand and say that industrial/commercial fishing of Menhaden has caused a catastrophic collapse of an entire ecosystem.
Translocation project between Scotland and Spain continues this year.
SK Hideaways Videos for the Week of 12 July 2026 While we may have seen the last sightings of the four siblings at the San Jose peregrine falcon nest, we continue to enjoy Sandy and Luna at Big Bear, as well as any and all happenings with the Channel Island eagles. My Southern Hemisphere coverage will ramp up over next few weeks. That’s just my little world of coverage for now. Mary Ann covers much, much more and we’re eternally grateful. FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Jackie, Shadow; eaglets Sandy & Luna (hatched 4-5 April 2026) Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4 Live Recap & Observations: https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz Cross-Valley Eaglet Chortles ~ A.M. Tug-o-Fish ~ Three on Cactus Snag (2026 Jul 18) Dawn at Big Bear brought another symphony of chatter with Sandy and Luna squee’ing across the valley. Sunrise was magnificent as they continued their conversation. When they left their night perches, Sandy and Luna met on the Cactus Snag till Shadow flew past with the first fish of the day. They raced to the nest to collect their snack ~ Luna beating Sandy to the grab. About 1/2 way through the fish, Sandy snuck in for the steal; at 3/4 gone, Luna took it back. They digested on the front perch before returning to the Cactus Snag, where Shadow ultimately joined them, chortling to Jackie, who remained off camera. In a spectacular finale, Shadow struck an horaltic pose that mesmerized even Sandy and Luna. A glorious morning was had by all lucky enough to see it. Video: https://youtu.be/ah5ksEbUODY Shadow’s 7-Fish Day ~ Sandy & Luna Compete Fiercely ~ Score Evenly(2026 Jul 17) Once again Shadow outdid himself in the fish delivery department. He brought one fish early, which no one came to the nest to claim. But then delivered 6 more in a 4-hour timespan. Sandy and Luna competed quite fiercely for 3 of the fish, as Shadow looked on with an expression we dare not attempt to interpret. It could have been anything from pride to concern to mild interest ~ we’ll never know. The other 3 fish were grabbed so quickly that the “losing” eaglet had no chance of competing for it. Suffice it to say, both Sandy and Luna both went to sleep with very full crops tonight. Video: https://youtu.be/rTgvrWi6hWQ Shadow’s Fish Fest ~ 2 for Sandy, 2 for Luna ~ Food Comas Ensue (2026 Jul 15)Shadow was on a mission this afternoon bringing FOUR FISH in just over an hour. Sandy and Luna were in fish heaven ~ they got two each. Shadow left them to their food comas, which they duly embraced, each on their favorite perch. Video: https://youtu.be/nh_hKzhHc1g Sandy & Luna Get Their Own Fish ~ Preen Each Other and Nap (2026 Jul 13) Master angler Shadow made sure both Sandy and Luna got their own fish this morning. It was a flurry of feathers with each fish delivery after the eaglets raced across the valley to claim their prize. Once they’d enjoyed their snacks, they settled down together for some beaky kisses, tail biting, and ~ as the food coma set in ~ naps. Cuteness overload ensued. Video: https://youtu.be/VTjElRgpchQ
FOBBVCAM Eagles JACKIE’S HOME! Whole Family Meets on Nest for Fish! (2026 Jul 12) As we’ve learned since this video was released, Jackie is spending time further out in the territory keeping an eye on sub-adult eagles who are passing through the area. She and Shadow are making sure that Sandy and Luna’s efforts to hone their skills in preparation to become independent are not hampered. But she did make an appearance on the 12th.
After Jackie and Shadow perched on Twin Pines together, Shadow departed to get Jackie a welcome home fish. She was very grateful and enjoyed it mostly to herself, even when Sandy and Luna came home expecting to get some. Life lessons were taught. But ever the doting father, Shadow brought a second fish, which Luna happily scarfed down. With this fish, Shadow had fed the entire family today. Well, of course he had. What a gift to see the entire family on the nest together. It was a good day in Big Bear Valley. Video: https://youtu.be/_Ilx0Vwopd0
Sandy & Luna End/Begin Days with Beaky Kisses ~ Stunning Sunset/Sunrise (2026 Jul 11-12) Sandy and Luna ended the day together on the nest, sharing beaky kisses and allopreening with a lovely sunset as their backdrop. When Shadow delivered supper, Sandy swooped in, mantling with her magnificent wings, but left Luna a few bites in the end. The eaglets then shuffled some branches before Luna departed for his overnight roost on the Simba Tree.
As dawn broke, the eaglets remained on their respective night roosts. Then Big Bear came aglow with a most stunning and long-lasting sunrise during which Sandy traversed across the valley to join Luna on the Simba Tree. Ultimately, they relocated to the Lookout Snag, where they finished watching the sunrise together. It was a magical time and one which we won’t soon forget. (2026 Jul 11-12) Video:https://youtu.be/Ua-mAhCld3Q
Walton Learns Territory Defense from Monty ~ Dive-bombing, Talons Up (2026 Jul 14) As Hartley relaxed on the ledge, Walton zoomed in and bumped her off. But in a twist of Walton’s prior experiences, Monty was right behind him. Monty flew over, circled back, and swooped on Walton, causing Walton to go talons up and tumble to the runway. Monty circled back around and flew over once for good measure (secretly we think he was checking Walton was OK). Poor Walton got a tough lesson in territorial defense, which he pondered for a minute before departing.
As devoted fans, we wonder if we’ll ever see the boys here again, but some of the trackers seem to be working. Walton’s tracker pinged in San Francisco and Oakland (~35-45 miles away as the crow flies). Scout’s has pinged further away at Hellyer Park in south San Jose (~6 miles). Jet’s has pinged in the Fremont Hills (~18-19 miles). And, unfortunately, Stewart’s tracker has stopped working. 75% is not bad, though. While we’ll miss them, we’re grateful to know they are dispersing healthy and hearty. Video: https://youtu.be/RZ71UkrSYZU
Cholyn Chills While a BIG Rattler, Lucy Franco, and Rowboater Visit (2026 Jul 16) While Chase was off doing eagle things, Cholyn sat on their couch as a host of visitors slithered and floated by. A VERY large Southern Pacific rattlesnake visited the overlook nest in the pre-dawn hours, the Lucy Franco tugged by a bit later with goods for a local port, and an intrepid rower bobbed by. All the while, Cholyn remained on her couch watching the world and visitors go by. How cool to see what was happening all around Cholyn and Chase’s habitat. Video: https://youtu.be/9PVJot6LfqI
Concerns grow for Loch Doon fledgling Blue 5B4, who flew out of the nest strong on Friday afternoon. Frankie has brought in five fish, but she has not returned to the nest.
Second chick not ready to fly at Loch Doon.
Little Dewey or Sassy has had lots of fish at the Dewey Beach nest since its fledgling. Thanks, Heidi and Pam, for keeping track!
There is only one nest that appears to be doing well in Connecticut.
Yesterday was a good day for Oyster Bay. Today they are fighting some – hungry.
It is the second flight for Aava at the Janakkalan nest in Finland. Look at the face of the siblings! Aava hatched on the 28th of May.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 18th July 2026
There was a lot of intruder action today affecting both nests, and Dorcha’s reaction to one event seemed to indicate the intruder was an eagle, as she flattened herself and the chicks onto the nest, instead of rearing up and warning them away. Both species of UK eagles nest in the Loch Arkaig area – White-tailed Eagles and Golden Eagles – and both Louis and Dorcha have encountered them before, details in the bonus section. Despite the alarms, Garry LV0 delivered two fish to Aurora 536, taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and seventy two, and Louis delivered three fish to Dorcha and the chicks, taking the Nest Two tally to two hundred and ninety seven. Juniper 8P7 and Amber 8P6 had a tug of fish which came perilously close to the nest edge but went no further, and
Steve Quinn gave us his usual thorough weekly analysis of Louis’ fishing statistics: hyvor doesn’t allow comment links so pop Nest 2 fish summary to week 13 into the search field. The weather was settled and not too hot, tonight’s forecast is partly cloudy, light winds and an overnight low of 8
°C, changing to sunny intervals with light winds and a high of 21°C tomorrow.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Also, thank you for your letters and your commitment to helping rectify the terrible situation in the US. It is too late for our little ones this year, but commercial fishing has to be stopped. Menhaden stocks need to be placed in the Bay to reproduce, etc., etc. And Industrial fishing needs to stop. As humans, we need to evaluate what our actions have on wildlife, including the waters that hold the fish needed by the fish-eating birds.
I am taking Sunday off. We will be back with you on Monday. Take care all.
Thank you to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their videos, to Heidi, who has such a great historical file on all these ospreys as well as a fabulous analytical mind, to all those who posted on FB with information and images, and to the owners of the streaming cams – thank you for allowing us to watch these avian families.
Oh, my goodness. How many people were cheering this little one on to fledge? Little Dewey defied the odds, and it was the female that made this happen – just like Jill did at Achieva. Without Mum fishing, the outcome would not have been as exciting as we are feeling today.
I have to admit that I worried every day if fish would come in and be plentiful enough for Little Dewey to make it to the end. Last year, at 50 days the chick died. But not Little Dewey. Strong and determined she took off at 0955. She was 56 days old.
I really want to see this little one return to the nest. But, for now, relief and congratulations.
Take a good look.
Thank you for an amazing year Mum and Little Dewey. Without the female delivering fish, this would have been a very different outcome.
Thank you to the owners of the streaming cam for letting us witness this miracle amongst so many tragedies. Thank you ‘PB’ for alerting me. Heidi will be posting a video. Check out Joy of Ospreys FB.
I don’t want to bore you to death, but it is hot. We continue under a special advisory for temperatures in the 30s, climbing to the mid 30s C, with a humidex reading of 45 C.
The heat is changing all of our lives. That, along with intense and multiple storms and heavy rains, is causing catastrophic events around the world. For me, my focus is on the wildlife who are particularly suffering – no shade, not much fish (for many reasons when it is a heat related event), and no one willing to step up and help. Dave Hancock put up shades for the Bald Eagles in British Columbia. Will we need to do this for the ospreys that live in vulnerable areas? or will there be any ospreys to shade. Viki reports from Indian Creek, Maryland. She writes, “The worst news, it’s possible only one of the two chicks in Lily’s nest got fed yesterday. There were at least two fish deliveries, but the third Lily was squeeing for it as LB prepped it in his perch tree — and that fish was tiny. I’m not even sure if it was big enough for LB to share. I do not see a happy outcome for Island Creek. Year number 3 of no fledglings.” If you have not checked out her blog documenting years of observing the ospreys on Indian Creek – when they were plentiful – please do. It’s free and you can learn a lot about osprey behaviour. Here is the place to go: IslandCreekOspreyes.com
It is time to name the chicks at Loch Arkaig nest 2, home to Louis and Dorcha. The deadline is Monday, and the selection will be made Monday night, so put your thinking caps on. There are two. To give name suggestions, you must either go to the forum or any Woodland Trust social media platform and use this #2026NAME. Then put in two names, one for each chick.
You will note that George indicates both chicks are female. I was going to leave this to Geemeff to surprise everyone, but it seems everyone knows!!!!!!
Dorcha feeding the two chicks:
After waiting patiently in the line, little four did get some fish around noon at the Blackbush nest in Prince Edward Island. It was not a lot – a few bites and the skin at the end before Mum cleaned her beak. I am not clear if the little one had food earlier.
At 1259 Little Four is hoping for a private feeding. It certainly got a few bites before it was joined by another bigger sib who, in the end, frightened the little one to the rail (the little chick is very nervous).
The little one at Osoyoos has a leaf-lined nest and had some fish at 0614.
I believe we are losing at least one of the two osplets on the nest at Cowlitz or both. This nest desperately needs a huge influx of fish.
Clark PUD is doing well.
Two chicks at Port of Ridgefield are doing well.
The only hatch of Keke and Kam at Sandpoint looks alright. Small fish coming in – like all nests, they could use lots more fish to build up fat and strength. Little one is growing fast.
Trio at Santiam doing well.
Dixie Rother posted good news about the Glacier Gardens eaglets.
Pam Breci catches the fledge at Salt Point, Lansing, NY. Yeah.
Celebrations at Seilli Island, Finland. The famous Seili Island (Seilli) Osprey nest in Finland’s Archipelago Sea features adult ospreys Hildur and Stefu. In a highly celebrated milestone for 2026, the pair successfully welcomed three chicks that hatched on June 1, 3, and 5—a major event as three chicks had not successfully hatched on this specific nest in ten years.
Clark was out early. What an amazing family.
Iris keeps baby cool.
Charlie has been bringing in big trout for Mum and baby C22 at Charlo Montana.
McEuen Park osplets look alright but it also looks hot. I wish every cam had a temperature gauge.
The nest of Telyn and Idris at Dyfi is sure getting full!!!!
CJ7 and Blue 022 have a fuller nest at Poole Harbour Carey’s Secret Garden osprey nest! Four female chicks doing fantastic.
Elen and Teifi have three gorgeous ospreys at Glaslyn.
Two at Usk Valley doing well.
Llyn Brenig chicks behaving themselves at their Welsh nest. Fish came on. No great interest by chicks so off the adult went.
Toby and Hugo Yugo wish you a great day.
Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. Stay cool. Please remember the animals and leave out water. It is life saving.
Thank you to all of the individuals who posted information on FB and images, to Viki Volks for her observations at Island Creek, to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to observe these families, thank you, thank you.
There are a couple of items that need to be sent out to you that were not in the earlier post. One of those is SK Hideaway’s videos for the week of the 28th of June. This is a remarkable list of videos covering many nests on several continents, please check all of them out for the latest information on these bird families:
SK Hideaways Videos, week of 28 June 2026
FOBBVCAM Eagles, Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Jackie, Shadow ~ eaglets Sandy and Luna (13 weeks old) Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4 Live Recap & Observations: https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz Sandy & Luna’s Reaction to Fireworks(2026 Jul 4) While Sandy and Luna noticed the fireworks, they did not move from their roosts. It was a relief and a joy to see these strong, fearless eaglets hold their ground. Video: https://youtu.be/BtLJDMQ16sU Sandy & Luna Put on Dazzling Flight Displays! A Busy Day Exploring(2026 Jul 3) What a difference a day or two make. After spending the night together in the nest tree, Sandy and Luna got an early start exploring the habitat. Their flight skills grow stronger every day, along with their confidence. They stayed close together for much of the day ~ perching on a variety of trees. When they both departed the Sunny Hideout, they gave viewers a dazzling airshow that fans won’t soon forget. Video: https://youtu.be/PJYYeCH6kQM
Sandy & Luna Reunite at Nest ~ Get 2-Fish Reward ~ (2026 Jul 2) Four days after Sandy fell from the nest tree and three days after Luna fledged, the eaglets reunited on the nest. But before they did, they met on adjacent perches in their habitat ~ Luna on the Cactus Snag and Sandy making a great flight to the top of Sunny Hideout.
They returned to the nest within seconds of each other and it wasn’t long before Shadow delivered the first fish of the day, followed shortly by fishes two and three (#3 not shown here). Fans got their wish of Sandy and Luna reuniting at the nest. We have a suspicion it may have been Shadow’s wish, too. Video: https://youtu.be/AMnXeJ1UCQw
Ace Flyer Luna Makes the Rounds ~ Sandy Makes an Appearance (2026 Jul 1) It was a glorious day seeing the entire family throughout their beautiful habitat. Luna had a busy morning perching not only on all of Jackie and Shadow’s favorite perches, but also his very own, currently nameless, pine tree perch. He ended his camera time on the Lookout Snag and headed in the direction where cam ops later found the elusive Sandy. This reminded me of a time last year when the whole family – Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo – met up on the Lookout Snag, so I included a photo of that special morning in this video.
Sandy claimed a nameless pine tree of her own and snuggled in throughout the afternoon. Turns out this pine tree is very near Jackie and Shadow’s roost tree, so she’ll have four eagle eyes on her overnight. I’m guessing Luna is nearby. Video: https://youtu.be/ruisDc0Pm74 Luna Returns to Nest! The Lure of Fish!(2026 Jun 30) Luna spent the night atop the Simba Tree ~ his first destination and first night away from the nest. He exercised his wings a lot throughout the morning, but when Shadow circle around with his favorite food, Luna put those exercises to work and flew straight home, squeeing all the way. He devoured his fish in about a minute and sent Shadow out for more. But Luna couldn’t wait for the next Dad Dash delivery, so took off again about an hour later, flying like an ace. We have a feeling we’ll see him again soon. Video: https://youtu.be/J56GjZBpKoU Sandy Found! Food Delivered to Simba Tree and Headless Tree Rock (2026 Jun 29) Cam ops found Sandy snuggled in the Headless Tree this afternoon as Luna continued adjusting to his new digs atop the Simba Tree. Shadow brought fish to the nest, presumably to lure the eaglets to fly, but that wasn’t to be, so he took it to the Simba Tree. Luna’s not quite ready to make his way down, so Shadow nibbled on the fish himself. Awhile later, Sandy popped out from the bushes onto a nearby rock where a parent soon brought her a snack. All is going very well here. Video: https://youtu.be/xlEMNAS4DFU
Luna Fledges in Grand Style ~ Meets Shadow on Simba Tree (2026 Jun 29, 9:24:43) Luna gave it some thought and then launched from the high front porch perch. It was a beautiful sight to see. Well done, Luna! Video: https://youtu.be/lNSDqf2Av-s
Sandy Fell From Nest🍂 FOBBV May Have Located Her🎉 Phew! 😮💨 After a glorious morning of new milestones by Luna reaching higher heights on the Y branch and Sandy venturing further out on a front porch limb, the day dimmed. In attempting to return to the nest from the front porch by jumping over Sandy, Luna accidentally knocked Sandy off her perch.
Sandy was lodged in branches at two points below the nest tree for awhile, but soon released and righted herself. She was soaring or flapping as she released ~ a very good sign. Then FOBBV reported that she had been seen flying on their security camera. Hopefully we’ll see her on the webcam soon. (2026 Jun 28) Video:https://youtu.be/_I12FV2ZfX8
Scout and Walton Remainin the Territory ~ Still Ousting Parents in Fleeting Moments(2026 Jul 1) In the waning moments of our time with Hartley and Monty’s 2026 brood, each sighting and each antic is a joy to see. Here, I also captured how Hartley and Monty slowly resume their lives as empty-nesters. They are bonding frequently, but still getting interrupted by chicks. This time Scout had the job of ousting them from the nest area, while Walton was more interested in snacking on the sunshade below. Video: https://youtu.be/CVtrzagmHl4
Morning Mayhemwith Jet, Scout & Walton We continue to see Jet, Scout, and Walton regularly, while Stewart is exploring further afield. The three brothers roost together overnight on the louvers and then are often seen together in the morning hours. They still oust parents from the nest area whenever the opportunity presents itself and this morning was no exception. Monty continues to fall for the ploy. So grateful to be able to watch them during this formative time in their growth. (2026 Jun 28) Video: https://youtu.be/V-ihIWce5MA
Lady Lays Egg #1!🥚 Welcome SE 37 To Be!🎊 Breeding season has begun for Lady and Dad with the arrival of egg #1. Here’s to seeing SE37 in 5 or 6 weeks. Congrats Lady and Dad! Video: https://youtu.be/7eusfpBt7ZY
After 23 Years Together, Cholyn & Chase Still Have Much to Discuss(2026 Jul 4) In a 2-day compilation, I captured a number of conversations and interactions between Cholyn and Chase. Their relationship is fascinating and heartwarming. This video is an exercise in stopping to smell the roses, appreciating a marvelous partnership, and gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy the life of this spectacular couple. Video: https://youtu.be/1kBjJ-C-8FI
I have been absolutely concerned about number 4, the tiny osplet, at Blackbush Osprey platform in Prince Edward Island. Please remember that it is difficult under the most beneficial conditions to raise four chicks to fledge. Maya and Blue 33 have had several clutches of four but only two clutches of four fledged. We are waiting for Blue 022 and CJ7s latest four to fledge and if they do, it will beat Maya and Blue’s record and another one – fledging four chicks in consecutive years. What makes the UK nests different? First, Blue 33 has fish right below his nest. Rutland is stocked for fishers as well as the wildlife. At Poole Harbour, CJ7 is not afraid to go out fishing for her kids.
I have not seen the female fish at Blackbush. I want you to send me a note and correct me if this is wrong. I check daily, many times, but that does not mean I see everything. Little four had some fish early Monday and bless its heart, had a crop from a later fish – a note from ‘PB’ raised my hopes again for this one. It has lived another day. If it survives, this chick will be able to survive almost anything.
‘PB’ also reports that the female at Santiam is going to fish for her family. What a year this has been in the US – it is the first year that I recall so many females just getting up and getting on with the entire job of caring for their chicks. They have a choice, and I believe, as I have said several times, they are so intelligent to consider the options. They can do nothing, and if the males bring in insufficient fish, one or more of their chicks will die. Second, they can leave their babies and go fishing so they have food to live (Mum, too). This choice means they cannot guard them, so they could be preyed upon. Of course, as Laura Culley would say, if they don’t bring the fish in, the babies will die regardless, so best be hopeful and try fishing. Jill led the pack at the Achieva Osprey nest, and she is still coming to the nest with fish for Big and Little. Those babies have no idea how fortunate they are to have her for their mother. What I hope is that they learned from observing their mother and that, too, will bring in fish for their osplets. What I don’t understand is that when there is just enough fish coming in, why don’t the females go out and fish, too? Like at Blackbush?
Here is Geemeff’s summary for today:
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 6th July 2026
The weather was wet and windy in spells, fish were delivered and eaten, but the only story of the day was the news of the return of 1JW to the Pego-Oliva marsh in Valencia. 1JW is the 2024 chick who was placed on a translocation programme in Spain, following horrendous weather conditions and Louis unable to provide fish, who went on to fledge and migrate. It is wonderful to see photos of him as a confident two year old back in the area where he fledged, which he now calls home. Link to the press release in the bonus section. Garry brought three fish for Aurora, taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and fifty three, and Louis brought four fish for Dorcha and the chicks, taking the Nest Two tally to two hundred and thirty seven. In other news, a chick appeared to lick raindrops off Dorcha’s plumage, and Garry & Aurora are leaving their nest and unviable egg unattended for much longer periods. Today wasn’t nearly as wet as expected but the forecast remains showing continuous rain through tomorrow evening, with an overnight low of 14°C and a high of 17°C tomorrow.
At the Osoyoos platform, Mum went for a break or to go fishing and Dad flew in with a fish. He left the whole fish on the nest. Mum returned with a fish, fed the only surviving baby, and then picked up Dad’s fish and began feeding it to. Mum and Baby will go to bed full tonight. Feeling thankful.
Little Clark could not have more devoted parents. Clark is ‘determined, focused, responsible, and very protective’ of his family. Iris has, from the very first bite she fed this chick, taken the best care making sure it is fed well and never in the hot sun. Delighted. The juvenile feathers coming in are so beautiful. They have a rich peach tone to them!
Still two lovelies on the Coeur d’Alene nest in Idaho.
I did not see any Red-tailed fledglings at the nest of Big Red and Arthur today. Big Red prefers that they are fed off the natal nest, and she likes to teach them how to hunt for squirrels and different techniques so they can eventually provide for themselves.
Oh, it is time for Toby and me to set up the camera that Cris gave me to track the visitors to the garden. I am hoping to see Brock at the feeding station. He has been seen, but not on our street. Has he found better food? He was about five city blocks away when spotted this afternoon. I am not technically inclined, so wish me luck. This camera appears to be made for people like me.
I hope the beginning of the week has been kind to you. I am already missing my son and daughter-in-law, and they haven’t even left yet. Tomorrow they will go to the daughter-in-law’s family cottage for a week. Ann will return. Tolu will come back, and life will seem normal. Meanwhile, I will be looking forward to Cris’s return in a week.
See you soon!
Thank you to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their videos and summaries. I am so terribly grateful. Thank you to ‘PB’ for keeping me informed when I miss something,and to the camera owners; I am so grateful. Without you, we would not know about these families and their challenges.
When I was a child, there was always a family picnic at the park or at my great-grandmother’s house to mark the 4th of July. They were all immigrants from Chur, Switzerland. The day meant a lot to them. The family had prospered and there was and still is family living in the farm and vinegard called ‘Hinterwald’ (Behind the Woods) outside of Chur. It was a wonderful day full of delicious summer food – fresh out of the various gardens – and always homemade ice cream. For those who are celebrating today, I hope that you had a fantastic time with loved ones and friends.
As a child, I loved the fireworks. Today, I know better and am a strong advocate for those funds to go to social programmes that help people, rather than money going up in smoke. I also wish that all the funds that will go into fireworks in the Big Bear Valley area and the nest of Shadow and Jackie had gone into the fund to purchase MoonCamp to safeguard this area for the eagles and all wildlife. Some States are outlawing fireworks altogether. I wish every State would take that enlightened stance.
SK Hideaways has a video of Sandy and Luna flying over this beautiful area – that does not need condos! https://youtu.be/PJYYeCH6kQM?
It was hot today. We had hoped that Toby would enjoy his sprinkler pad. Right now he is curious but a little frightened. We are not pushing him.
There is a heat dome over many parts of North America this weekend endangering the lives of the most vulnerable of the osplets on the nests.
At the nest of Big Red and Arthur, the fledglings are coming to the nest for prey deliveries by Arthur. https://youtu.be/ajyUBPXgxgs?
One of the big news stories in Bird World is that Lady and Dad have their first egg at the White-bellied Sea Eagles nest in the Olympic Forest in Sydney, Australia. SK Hideaways celebrates this wonderful moment. https://youtu.be/7eusfpBt7ZY?
CJ7 feeds her four daughters at the Carey Secret Garden Osprey nest in Poole Harbour. Imagine – four girls. All requiring much more food to develop than four boys.
At the second osprey nest at Poole, the chicks were deemed to be all male.
Ringing also took place across the UK. The two chicks in the Usk Valley were also ringed.
Normal service has resumed on the Usk Valley nest. Here are some images of our osprey family taken from the live cameras this afternoon: Syfaddan, Clogwyn and their two chicks, Blue 0U0 and Blue 0U1, new rings clearly visible.
This morning (Saturday 4 July) the two UVO osprey chicks were ringed by a skilled team of experienced climbers and licensed ringers.
Chick 1, who is 37 day old, was ringed on its left leg with a BTO metal ring with unique no. 1087337 and on the right leg with a ‘Darvic’ ring, blue with white lettering with unique inscription W0U0.
Chick 2 who is 34 days old, was ringed on the left leg with a BTO metal ring with unique no. 1087338 and on the right leg with a ‘Darvic’ ring, blue with white lettering with unique inscription 0U1.
Young ospreys are ringed well before they fledge the nest to leave on their first migration to Africa. This allows for monitoring of the birds as they grow up, go on their migration journeys, return to the UK as two-year-olds and hopefully, pair up to breed successfully later in life. It will also contribute to the overall national monitoring of the species as they make their return to Britain and more recently Wales.
UVO would like to thank all those involved with approvals in advance of, the support team during, and those on the ground (and up the tree!) directly contributing to the ringing operation.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 4th July 2026
Today was not nearly as wet as forecast, most of the day was dry with light winds, and Louis took advantage of that, delivering seven fish to Dorcha, raising the Nest Two tally to two hundred and twenty seven. It was a different situation over on Nest One – Garry LV0 was around, bringing moss and taking over when Aurora 536 flew off for a break, but didn’t bring any fish. An intruder was around, not seen on camera, perhaps that had an effect, or perhaps he delivered an early fish during the nest cam down time of approximately 6 hours from 03.15 to 09.10. His tally remains at one hundred and forty nine. Aurora didn’t go hungry though, as she had stashed a large piece of the previous evening’s third fish, and polished that off today. She continues to spend her nights on the nest covering the unviable egg. Tonight’s forecast is for light rain overnight with a low of 12°C, changing to heavy rain tomorrow with a high of 16°C.
Chick number 2 died of starvation at the Chesapeake nest today.
Even though I continue to worry, Little Dewey did well today. Mum did not wait for Dad to show up – these females are really becoming titans! ‘PB’ gives us the low down of all the deliveries to our not so little Dewey.
Oyster Bay: They need food. I hope for three but…’PB’ comments on deliveries: “Oyster Bay 7/4/26….no fish all morning, then mom 12:42 finally delivered a large fish (Menhaden ?) #1 & #2 feeding. #3 could not get in there. Then Dad delivers a whole fish 12:59 and #3 rushes over to dad for food. Dad looked unsure what to do, he wanted to feed and tries one bite to #3. Unfortunately, #2 saw opportunity to get food from Dad and moves in. Dad only fed #2. #3 on Dads right was begging but no bites. Dad left with remaining fish 1:06. #2 gets a couple of scraps from mom. #1 Huge crop. Hope they can get more fish for #3.” And then a final great update from ‘PB’: “Great update to share: dad partial fish 13:37 & mom 13:58 fish, #3 ate well! “
Lamoine State Park: Late fish delivery by the female but the third hatch had nothing to eat. This is another sad nest that needs food. I even wondered if the adults had abandoned the nest.
Sandy Hook: Good deliveries.
Osoyoos: The only surviving osplet of the three has a huge crop.
Went back and caught another fish delivery from Dad at Osoyoos.
Santiam Canyon: Doing well with the fish deliveries.
Cowlitz PUD: Little crops.
OBX: Two lovely feathered osplets who need names. Go to the link at the bottom of the image.
Salmon Idaho: Lots of fish appear to have come in on Saturday.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: The two feathered chicks are doing well. Dad delivered a fish – their expressions really perked up when they knew a meal was coming!
Charlo, Montana: Chloe feeding C22.
Upper Newport Bay: Ripple and Robinson both had fish.
Boulder County: The trio look good!
Loch Doon: All is good. Heavy rain starts later and Angel returns to the nest to try and cover her chicks – who are large!
Smallwood: Looking good with lots of helicoptering by the osplets. We are close to fledge.
Rutland Manton Bay: Fledge window.
Minneapolis Landscape: Two chicks appear to be doing rather well. I had my doubts initially, but all is looking good.
Blackbush: Number 1 continues to peck on 4 – trying to deny food and injuring that already damaged head. This is one tough little 4 that so many are cheering on but this nest is going to need lots of fish if the dominance power moves by the big siblings on that tiny little one are to stop.
Ah, that’s it for me. Just a quick run-through. Son is coming over tomorrow to help me with a camera for outside – we have gone through two or three. None are perfect, and most require some kind of monthly subscription, which I am trying to avoid. What this means is that I am going to enjoy the day and not look at nests. I will see you on Monday. Take care, everyone.
Thank you so much to Geemeff, to all those who created videos, including SK Hideaways, Karel, and BOGette, to those who posted information on FB, and to PB for keeping me up to date on some nests I didn’t get a chance to check. Once again, thank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch these incredible birds.
