We hope that the beginning of the week has been good to each and every one of you. The weather has certainly cooled off on the Canadian prairies, and it’s wonderful! We seem to have a bit of a spring in our step – at least in the morning before we get too tired!!!!!!!
Ann took Don to Fort Whyte today, and they walked the Buffalo Trail and saw pelicans and Cormorants. Don said, ‘It was a good day!’ That is wonderful. Toby and I are still doing the Swedish death cleaning. We had things from the attic that needed sorting, and we got that done today while Don and Ann were gone. It felt good. Tomorrow is my ‘running around’ day, but for now we are going to enjoy a fresh peach crisp with ice cream and a quick dinner of salad and chicken. Oh, I love these easy end-of-summer meals.
We are all concerned about the environment and the changes that we are seeing. I am profoundly concerned about the impact on wildlife, especially the raptors. Roy Dennis’ the founder of the Roy Dennis Foundation and the individual who reintroduced ospreys to Scotland amongst other places has written an blog that should be of interest to us all.
Past news from Geemeff about the goings on at Loch Arkaig:
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 17th August 2026
Garry LV0 is still here, he visited Nest One today, bringing a stick and staying for a minute before flying off, perching on Pole Tree then flying eastward out of sight. A few small feathered visitors investigated the nest but there was no sign of Aurora 536, last seen on the 14th, and Garry didn’t bring any fish so his tally remains at two hundred and one. The Nest Two cam is still out until probably Wednesday, therefore using Steve Quinn’s formula, the adjusted fish total for Nest Two is now four hundred and thirty four. Thanks to LizB and her spotting scope, we know a chick was seen at 15.10 eating on the nest, with attendant Hoodie on the cam post. A chick was also seen at other times in the morning, whether both sisters or the same one, can’t be determined. There was heavy rain in the afternoon and evening and at the time of filing this report (22.30) it’s still raining. Heavy rain is forecast throughout the night with a low of 13°C, changing to light rain showers, a gentle breeze and occasional sunny spells with a high of 16°C tomorrow.
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 16th August 2026 Nest Two cam is still down, Nest One cam is up for two thirds of the day but no one came to the nest today, and no one was observed in the area. Have Garry LV0 and Aurora 536 left? Garry was last seen on nest cam at
17.28.25 on Thursday 13th, and Aurora at 08.55.46 on Friday 14th, however, an Osprey was observed near the nest yesterday 15th, and recorded via long lens from across the loch by LizB, but too far away to identify. She also recorded one of the chicks chasing a Hoodie today, both clips are in the today’s videos section, and observed a fascinating sequence where a chick and a Kestrel chased a White-tailed Eagle! Hyvor no longer allows active links to comments, so scroll to LizB N2 17.08, and you’ll be able to read about the whole episode. Steve Quinn posted his weekly analysis of the fishing stats for Louis, currently being estimated daily until the cam is back on line, and still showing clear differences between years with males and years with females – search for Nest 2 fish summary to week 17 to read the full post. After overnight rain, the weather was mainly settled today and forecast to be cloudy and dry overnight with a low of 12°C, changing to heavy rain with a high of 19°C tomorrow
If you missed it, Jackie made The Guardian. Thanks, ‘B’.
Just announced by Tim Mackrill, here are this season’s Osprey chick ringing details. There are 24 chicks across 12 nests, comprising 14 males and 10 females. All have now fledged successfully.
Ringing date: 19/06/2026
Nest: Site C
Female parent: 25(10)
Male parent: 11(10)
8R4 (F)
Ringing date: 23/06/2026
Nest: Manton Bay
Female parent: Maya
Male parent: 33(11)
8R5 (M)
8R6 (F)
8R7 (M)
Ringing date:25/06/2026
Nest: Site K
Female parent: 00(09)
Male parent: 06(09)
8R8 (F)
Ringing date: 26/06/2026
Nest: Site B
Female parent: HJ8
Male parent: 359(21)
8R9 (F)
9R0 (F)
Ringing date: 29/06/2026
Nest: Site N
Female parent: Metal-ringed
Male parent: 6K(14)
9R1 (M)
9R2 (M)
9R3 (F)
Ringing date: 30/06/2026
Nest: Site L
Female parent: Unringed
Male parent: 3AH(17)
9R4 (M)
Ringing date: 30/06/2026
Nest: Site J
Female parent: 2AF(16)
Male parent: 1K(13)
9R5 (M)
9R6 (M)
Ringing date: 03/07/2026
Nest: Site Z
Female parent: 5H1(22)
Male parent: 3AY(19)
9R7 (M)
9R8 (M)
9R9 (F)
Ringing date: 05/07/2026
Nest: Site O
Female parent: Unringed
Male parent: 093(20)
9S0 (M)
9S1 (F)
9S2 (M)
Ringing date: 06/07/2026
Nest: Site Y
Female parent: Unringed
Male parent: 355(21)
9S3 (F)
9S4 (F)
Ringing date: 06/07/2026
Nest: Site S
Female parent: 30(05)
Male parent: T3(16)
3R9 (M)
Ringing date: 17/07/2026
Nest: Site W
Female parent: 3H9(23)
Male parent: 1H7(22)
9S5 (M)
9S6 (M)
I am happy to report that locals have been to the Osoyoos Osprey Platform and say the chick is big, healthy, and getting fish. Bravo!
Blue NC0 is still with Clyde at Alyth SS.
How to be an osprey? Some tips from Rutland!!!!!!!! Smile.
Looks like an adult at the Coeur d’ Alene nest in Idaho.
Like Clark, Gimbir has turned out to be a great provider!
We can see the rescue of the two condors in the release cages! Oh, my. You have to love the dedication of the folks from the Ventana Wildlife Society. https://youtu.be/WSb3GKTESh0?
Thank you for being with us today. It is a breezy evening, and it is about 22 C. Gorgeous. We are heading out for our next-to-last walk of the day. Take care of yourself. Take a breath. Send best wishes to all those fledgling ospreys struggling to find fish in the NE US.
Thank you to SK Hideaways, Geemeff, Roy Dennis, Rutland Water, and to all those who contributed on FB, including Jeff Kear and the UK Osprey Info FB Group. Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams and the news groups that are covering the life of our raptors.
What a beautiful day on the Canadian Prairies. We are going on an adventure today to see whether any hawks are migrating over the Pembina Hills. It has been several years since we went to the Crossing to see them. Wish us luck!
I want to start with some fantastic fishing news in the osprey world. Saturday at the Dyfi nest of Idris and Telyn, five very large fish were delivered in under an hour. Yes, you read that right.
At the OBX osprey nest in the US, a kind landowner tossed a fish that had been delivered but fell off the platform back to the awaiting juvie. Well done, whoever you are!
Always looking for returnees. It can be hard even with a Darvic ring. A 2014 male fledgling from Loch Doon, Shalloch, was signing at the Penwhapple Reservoir in Girvan. He was first seen as a returnee in Wales in 2016. Well done Loch Doon.
There is news that Sol has flown from the adoptive nest but has not returned in nearly two days. The adoptive father has been seen with fish but no juvenile. We hope Sol is eating elsewhere. It is always worrying when they do not return to the nest!
Cutie pie Gimbir is delivering lots of prey to Diamond in the scrape.
Sadly, the third hatch of George and Hope at the Osprey Environmental Centre in Griffin, Australia has died of siblicide.
SK Hideaways Videos, Week of 8 August 2026 Today’s update is dedicated to Jackie and Shadow. While we continue to follow other nests, our hearts and minds are with our beloved Big Bear couple. Jackie was the rock solid foundation of Big Bear ~ we naively believed we had many more years to witness her strength, beauty, bravery, and wisdom. Such a loss shakes us to our core. It brings to light realities we’d rather not acknowledge and breaks our hearts. But rather than crumble, we take a page from Jackie’s book. We stand back up, brush ourselves off, and carry on ~ albeit in baby steps. This week has been and combination of profound grief, heartwarming remembrances, and occasional denials. We each have our own grieving process, but one thing we share is that we are, indeed, grieving a most beloved and inspirational eagles, whose life we have had the privilege of watching. Fly high, dear Jackie, and rest in peace. ~ SK Hideaways
FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Shadow, Jackie (dec. 9 August 2026), Sandy, and Luna (last seen on camera 23 July 2023) Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4 Live Recap & Observations: https://bit.ly/4wGjwVg KD1 & Shadow Visit Nest Together (2026 Aug 13) Shadow & KD1 met on the nest in the afternoon, after KD1’s dawn visit. They both seemed comfortable, but we cannot know what impulses they have or whether they will become a pair when mating season comes toward the end of the year. For now, we observe and learn, as we will our hearts to heal from the hole Jackie left in them Video: https://youtu.be/MkgTQBBC_SI
Morning Serenadesand Afternoon Meet-Up with Friend (2026 August 9) After morning serenades by Shadow and a sub-adult (likely KD1), the eagles left the roost tree and perched separately. Shadow surveyed the habitat from the Lookout Snag before departing for his morning eagle activities. KD1 returned to Twin Pines a few hours later, where Shadow soon joined the sub-adult ~ each on their own branch. They both departed early afternoon. Video: https://youtu.be/XyNnd3p6nLU
San Jose City Hall Falcons ~ Monty & Hartley 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 Monty Lures Hartley to Nest for Bonding ~ Tries 3 More Times Unsuccessfully (2026 Aug 14) Hartley and Monty spent time in the nest area this morning. Monty has a certain technique for luring Hartley into the nest box for bonding. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. And sometimes, he surprises us. Video: https://youtu.be/_I1zjNkPeaA
SE38 Hatches ~ SE37 Puts Head in Shell ~ Lady & Dad’s Family is Complete (2026 Aug 14) Like SE37, SE38 hatched in the wee hours. SE37 seemed to want to hatch again, sticking their head in SE38’s half shell. Ultimately, they both mugged for the camera, leaving fans weak in the knees with cuteness overload. Video: https://youtu.be/QfxN_k_qH24 Welcome to the World SE37!!! (2026 Aug 13) SE37 toiled for 20+ hours to make a perfect zipper around the middle of its egg to hatch at about 4:08 A.M. Sydney time. While Lady rocked the eggs ~ looking as though she might be trying to help SE37 out ~ Dad “paced” around the nest waiting for the seaglet to arrive. Hoping SE38 joins the party soon! Video: https://youtu.be/iswZi-9VZMU
SE37 HAS PIPPED ~ Beak Seen ~ SE38 Possible Pip (2026 Aug 12)SE37 is working on its grand entrance as it pecks away, showing its beak and making great progress. There is a mark atop SE38, which might also be the beginning of a pip. Good luck SE37 and SE38, hope to see you both soon. Video: https://youtu.be/1gUHaF2o7nc
Beautiful Sub-Adult Brings Breakfast to Nest + Some Channel Islands Eagle History (2026 Aug 9) There have been several sub-adults in the West End territory over the past few months. This day, a real beauty brought a whole fish to the nest for breakfast and returned in the afternoon to finish it. The eagle restoration project on the Channel Islands began in 1980 ~ going from zero eagles on the islands to 14 breeding pairs that hatched at least 16 chicks in 2026. A remarkable success. While enjoying the 4 nests for which the Institute for Wildlife Studies and explore.org sponsor livestreams, we can thank these organization and their partners for their tireless work in bringing such a wealth of eagle life back to these beautiful islands. Video: https://youtu.be/VewZm2uvOkY
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 15th August 2026 The Nest Two cam is still out and a site visit has determined that replacement parts are needed which with luck will arrive in the next few days. Off-cam observations by local resident LizB show chicks were seen on or near the nest and on some occasions were eating fish. Nest One cam is still functioning, barring the usual daily 6+ hour morning outage, but no Ospreys came to the nest when the cam was on line. However, reports from LizB showed an Osprey perched nearby for several hours, at a guess Aurora, but no fish was seen. The Nest One tally remains at two hundred and one, and using Steve Quinn’s formula for estimating Louis’ catch, the Nest Two total moves up to four hundred and twenty four. Nest One did have some feathered visitors, not the big ones we’re hoping for, but some little Coal Tits and Bullfinches. Huge thanks to LizB for her off-cam reports, and to the folk at Woodland Trust and
Wildlife Windows who are doing all they can to get Nest Cam Two up and running again. A reminder of the difficulties of maintaining a livestream in a remote area is in the bonus section. The weather was mainly settled today but at the time of filing this report (midnight) it’s raining and heavy rain is forecast overnight, with a low of 12°C, changing to light rain throughout tomorrow with a high of 17°C.Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/A-jPXC-j5X8 N1 Little visitors arrive – a family of Bullfinches 15.55.06 (zoom)https://youtu.be/ZaS8yA0TFyM N1 More little visitors – Coal Tits this time 16.56.09 Bonus watch – just what it takes to bring us the window into the private lives of our Osprey family:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/behind-the-scenes/
You’re invited to join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:
Flowers from all over the world are being sent to the entrance of Fawnskin Park in California for Jackie.
All is well with the little sea eaglets 37 and 38 at the Olympic Park WBSE nest in Sydney.
‘B’ sent me a great e-mail with lots of links to videos and information you will enjoy. I am including it in its entirety – thanks so much, B.
“Hi Mary Ann — I thought you might be interested in this 3-minute YouTube video from the local Bay Area ABC station, which covers the story of the rescue/release of the two condors that were trapped in the Ventana Wildlife Society’s condor sanctuary as it was threatened by the Big Sur fire: https://youtu.be/WSb3GKTESh0?
It took a smoky 3-hour drive on dirt roads with scattered fires alongside to rescue the birds. Important work, nicely done.
I’ve still got the Jackie blues. We have lost a number of the birds we watch. (Don’t forget Aila!) It goes with watching birds in the wild, where nature is full of threats. But Jackie was special, and this one hits especially hard.
This video tries to explain why Jackie’s death hurt so many people: She tries to explain why Jackie’s death hurt so many people: https://youtu.be/SKee7r6ZtmA?
What she says is true, but I would still say it all can be summarized by saying Jackie was very, very special for very, very many people for very, very many different reasons.
I’m so thankful for all of the rescuers and all of the caregivers and that Jackie is now out of pain. And hopeful for a positive future for Jackie’s faithful mate Shadow.
Thankful, too, that Moon Camp was saved, which helps that positive future for Shadow and all future Big Bear eagles. I don’t think Moon Camp could have been saved if it weren’t for the community of fans that built around Jackie and Shadow and for all the donations that came from those fans. And very thankful that included in those fans were the Brockmans, whose huge donation took the fund-raising drive over the top.”
One last check in – can’t forget Iris, Wensi, and Clarke.
Wensi fish calling right before the Saturday ends with Iris sleeping on the perch.
Take care, everyone. Did not intend to post today but did – I am promising myself a day off so maybe it will be tomorrow. See you soon.
Thank you to B, SK Hideaways, Geemeff, all the FB contributors with their stories and images. Thank you also to those who write investigative reports and the owners of the streaming cams for without them we would not know what is happening on the nests.
We had a fabulous day at the English Gardens – ice creams and a pup cup, too! The weather cooperated fully – blue skies, nice temperatures, and a sweet breeze. Everyone was hoping to catch a glimpse of hummingbirds.
Geemeff kindly sent me yesterday’s summary and videos from Loch Arkaig that went MIA on my computer. Thank you, Geemeff.
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch ArkaigSaturday 8th August 2026 Both of yesterday’s missing key characters turned up today, and both brought fish – Garry LV0 delivered one fish for Aurora 536 on Nest One, taking his tally to one hundred and ninety five, and Dorcha delivered a fish to Nest Two where both of her chicks were waiting, taking her season’s tally to five. Louis also brought fish, he delivered three fish to the nest, getting his toes bitten in the process and taking his season’s tally to three hundred and eighty eight. The Nest Two total now stands at three hundred and ninety three. It was wet and windy today, with strong gusts of wind that caused Louis on one occasion to have to come around again to land with his fish, but that didn’t stop a pair of Hooded Crows from invading the nest in the chicks’ absence, rooting around looking for fish scraps. They didn’t find much, those hungry chicks don’t leave a lot. The rain is forecast to continue, heavy overnight with a gentle breeze and a low of 12°C, changing to light rain tomorrow and a high of 17°C, with more ‘gentle breezes’ which tend to roar through the branches and shake the nests.
The Stellar’s Eagle, who is a long distance from its home in Siberia, has been hanging around Newfoundland and Maine for a few years.
Screenshot
We must take every day at a time. Jackie’s red blood count has now risen from 6% to 9%. This is not the 30% it should be so she remains critical. Please keep sending her the best energy you have and the best wishes for her team to find the underlying cause of her anemia.
The baby at Blackbush Beach Osprey Platform in Prince Edward Island has fledged – congratulations to Mum and Dad who have done the impossible in a year of tragedy. They fledged four!!!!!!!!!
Now the siblings are not being friends (were they ever?) – as competition for fish arrivals result in some scrappy fights. It is all good. They will need these skills – the taking of the fish from another – in the world beyond the nest.
All four are really healthy – or so it appears.
Fish continue to arrive for Wensi at the Hellgate Canyon nest of Iris and Clarke.
Blackbush and Hellgate Canyon thrived. Clarke was able to overcome some adverse fishing conditions – thankfully- to provide for Iris and Wensi and himself. Other areas have human-caused issues that are killing all the osprey – namely the industrial vacuuming up of Menhaden.
There is the first egg for the Redcliffe Peregrine Falcons.
We will be looking for a hatch with the White-bellied Sea Eagles and in the coming weeks eggs at Port Lincoln and at Orange. And don’t forget – 367 Collins Street! We already have three little osplets at the Osprey Environmental Centre. The focus is shifting to the Southern Hemisphere.
Take care everyone.
Thank you to Geemeff for resending her report from yesterday at Loch Arkaig, to all those who posted information and images on FB, and the owners of the cameras where we view the lives of these birds.
We really hope that you are enjoying the weekend and that instead of being glued to the screens, you are actually outside listening to the birds! I have made it my mission to ensure that outside of sleeping, 50% of our time is spent outside. This includes just relaxing on the deck with Toby, listening to the birds in the trees and at the feeders. Don’s mood is much better, and that makes my life much easier! Tomorrow we are going out to Wildlife Haven for a picnic and to check to see if we can see Milan, the Mississippi Kite who became an ambassador in 2014. Until winter closes in on us, I hope that this routine can continue.
We are on pip/hatch watch at the WBSE in the Olympic Park in Sydney.
On Ferris Akel’s Saturday ‘tour’, he found the Ps on the Cornell Campus squeeing loudly for the adults to bring food. They are, by the way, very well fed! They were so loud!
The Ps are strong flyers. They appear to be in excellent condition.
Dorcha did not migrate from Loch Arkaig, but she did take a 34-hour spa break. Many of the females do this before starting to feed their chicks and themselves up for migration.
If you need to get caught up on the eagles and the eaglets – yes, there are eaglets, check out the videos from SK Hideaways this past week!!!!!!!!!!
SK Hideaways Videos, Week of 2 August 2026
FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley Resident male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014 Resident female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012 Sandy hatched 4 April 2026, Luna hatched 5 April 2026 Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4 Live Recap & Observations: https://bit.ly/4wGjwVg Shadow Shares Twin Pines with Many Visitors ~Keeps His Distance(2026 Aug 7-8) Seems lots of the visiting sub-adults want to be wherever Shadow is. Three of them came to Twin Pines while he perched ~ all of them on lower branches. Shadow, the banded sub-adult, and another roosted there overnight. Shadow distanced himself whenever any visitor attempted to perch near him. When he flew off in the morning, the banded sub-adult followed. Keep sending those positive thoughts to Shadow and Jackie in these unsettling times. Video: https://youtu.be/uWsYElJ_Ph4
Shadow & Sub-Adult on Snag ~ Another Sub-Adult on Nest, Has Shadow’s Snortle (2026 Aug 6) The drama continues in Jackie and Shadow’s habitat. A banded sub-adult joined Shadow on the Lookout Snag ~ he flew off within a minute. Later, a different sub-adult ~ likely a male ~ visited the nest for over a half-hour. This eagle is about 3 years old and likely male, given the size and higher voice. The visitor practiced his chortle several times while on the nest. He sounded very much like Shadow.
This is an interesting time in Big Bear as many sub-adults and juveniles pass through the area. Most will likely move on within a couple months. Video: https://youtu.be/Uh0ObVH6eQs Shadow Roosts with Sub-Adult Overnight ~ Chats in A.M. Before Departing for the Day (2026 Aug 4-5) Shadow stopped by the Cactus Snag before retiring to the roost tree. The sub-adult did the same a bit later. They remained there overnight. In the morning, Shadow chortle-snortled good morning and then zipped off to one of his summertime hangouts while the sub-adult remained in the habitat. So grateful for any glimpses of Shadow, though his summertime routine could make him even more elusive. As I view the habitat, I continue to envision Jackie back there ~ strong and healthy. Video: https://youtu.be/Zp5ELqUjQm4
Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles~ Australia ~ Lady & Dad (mated pair since 2016) Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html) Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw4pdgy3-U0 Dad Not Shy About Asking Lady for Egg Time ~ Pip Watch Approaches(8 Aug 2026) As always, Lady and Dad begin the day with a honking duet. Dad has never been subtle about his desire to incubate and this year has been no exception. With pip watch in progress for SE37 and SE38, both parents are eager to have a front nest seat to the ultimate hatch. Video: https://youtu.be/VwZuMcjzEp4
2nd Movement of TE6 & TE7 Symphonyin Squee Major withBreakfish (2026 Aug 4) As promised, TE6 and TE7 delivered a complete and quite lengthy 2nd movement of their Symphony in Squee Major. We were spellbound as they squee’d flawlessly through fish delivery, mantling, fish stealing, and consumption. They really are the consummate performers. Enjoy. Video: https://youtu.be/K9MnUOqkGE8
TE6 & TE7 Symphonyin Squee Major, 1st Movement w/ Intermission(2026 Aug 3) TE6 and TE7 promised us music at dawn, but opted for a photo op instead. They promised a complete performance tomorrow. I couldn’t complain, though, as we were all gifted stunning views of these two gorgeous eaglets, thank to the fabulous Raptor Resource Project cam ops pros. Very grateful, indeed. Video: https://youtu.be/eAffr2dcQ5k
Sub-Adult Snags a Whopper ~ Adult Looks for Steal ~ Eaglets Explore(2026 Aug 2) A sub-adult entered the territory and found a big fish on the shore. As s/he flew away with the catch, an adult flew behind and perched just above the sub-adult, apparently waiting for the youngster to present an opportunity for a steal. Scavenging and stealing is not just for juvenile and immature eagles ~ adults also use this survival tactic. The sub-adult did not slip up and the adult flew off, leaving the young eagle to eat in peace.
Meanwhile, 4-month old eaglets, TE6 and TE7, are acing flight school and exploring their beautiful Trempealeau playground. While one lounged near the camera, the other explored. Cam ops was in top form following that eaglet on its adventure. Video: https://youtu.be/sX9yOLYmj80 Eaglets TE6 & TE7 Get Breakfast ~ One Makes It Grab & Go(2026 Jul 31)
Mr. and Mrs. T’s 2026 eaglets are about 16 weeks old, having hatched on an alternate nest this year ~ one without a camera. They fledged 3 weeks ago and have graced us with their presence on the nest with a camera. On this morning, Mr. T (I think) brought a nice big fish for breakfast. We watch as one eaglet mantles and the other squees wildly, as we’d expect. What we didn’t expect was that the mantling eaglet took off with the fish. Clearly grab and go training is going very well for this little rascal. Video: https://youtu.be/k5p6vhUWfN0
Cholyn & Chase ~ A Lesson in Not Sweating the Small Stuff (2026 Aug 5) At 28 years young, Cholyn and Chase have much wisdom to impart. Here are 17 minutes of Channel Islands royalty taking life as it comes ~ being in the moment.
This was a special day ~ Cholyn and Chase were mostly inseparable and cam ops was right there with them. Hope you enjoy these moments of calm and take a break from whatever drama or trauma may challenge you today. Video: https://youtu.be/wpetZNAdRPY Cholyn & Chase ~ 28 Years Young ~ Joined at the Wing for 23 Years(2026 Aug 2) Cholyn and Chase spent the day moving from one favorite perch to another. Whether they were perched together or apart, they kept eyes on each other and chatted across the habitat. This beautiful couple of 23 years is full of vitality, spunk, and devotion to one another. Maybe that’s what keeps them young. Video: https://youtu.be/0hmn5ixc4WY
The little osprey that was removed from one of the Tweed Valley nest has been rehabilitated, has grown and is strong. He was returned to the nest along with some fish and both of the osplets were ringed.
What about the eaglet Snow whose nest collapsed at Traverse City, Michigan? Here is some news and also the plans to expand North Sky, where Snow was initially cared for: https://youtu.be/NaLfUp0ssG8?
There are areas in the world where the ospreys did so well this season. Rutland Water was one of those!
We are waiting for the fourth chick at Blackbush Beach Club in Prince Edward Island to fledge – the other three are doing well and fish are plentiful. When so many nests could only struggle to fledge one chick, with so many having no chicks survive if there was any breeding at all, Blackbush is one of the shining stars of the North American osprey 2026 season.
The chicks are amazingly cordial – they know more fish are coming. Food security not food stress.
C22 enjoying a nice fish at Charlo.
At Hellgate Canyon, Iris and Wensi slept at the nest – Iris on the perch and her beloved only osplet, Wensi, in the nest.
They were waiting for the breakfast fish from Clarke and he did not disappoint. No matter the weather or the water conditions, Clarke tends to bring in the fish! What a guy.
Mary Cheadle runs the most amazing fundraisers for Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust. This one is for the calendar. The information is below. Postage is higher outside the UK. There will be another ‘grand’ fundraiser with books coming up! I love to donate to help out – I am so impressed how much can be raised when the donations can be as little as 3 GBP!
Geemeff sent me her latest news and it has gone down some deep dark hole in my computer. Apologies to Geemeff and to you. I will send today’s report out later tonight.
Thank you so much for being with me today. We are so anxious to get outside and enjoy the nice weather. Those days of having heat domes and being stuck inside have been inspirational in getting out and enjoying nature.
Please take care! If you have any raptor news, please let me know. You can leave a comment – I do get around to checking those, but not nearly as often these days as I should. Your patience is so appreciated.
Thank you to SK Hideaways for those great videos, Ferris Akel for tracking down the Ps, to everyone else who sent me news or posted information and images on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch the challenges our favourite bird families face daily.
Friday was a busy day. The plumbers have almost finished making our main bath ‘accessible’ in case Don needs mobility aids. They were working hard today, and it was often loud, so Don went with Ann to our Zoo, and he got to see Lumi, the little lynx that was rehabilitated by Wildlife Haven. It was exciting, as they had missed seeing Lumi on three previous occasions. This evening, Don’s second cousin, a budding Vancouver photographer, was here visiting her Mum, and Susan agreed to do some photos for us at King’s Park. It was ideal, and there was more – we had some photos taken near a waterfall and pool where Toby had his first swim!!!!!!! I am going to get him a kiddie pool. You would have thought that he went swimming every day – Toby is a real duck.
Susan will edit the images but she did send us one.
As you are aware, Jackie’s latest red blood count has dropped below 10%. She has returned to the critical care unit and has to have oxygen. I feel for this beloved eagle. Without asking you, I am pretty certain that each of us would love to see her fly back to the nest to be with Shadow. The truth is – she is hanging on to life. I have seen the craziest comments – like let her fly up to Shadow, give her another transfusion. First of all, she can’t fly. Secondly, a second blood transfusion is very dangerous. I believe that, at this point, we have to trust the highly qualified vet team and Jackie to know whether she has the strength to continue fighting. Some of you will recall that at the end of June, Jackie’s behaviour was a bit off. She had a fight with Shadow over a fish. She had to have been sick then. The team are desperately seeking answers and getting more clues daily but our girl is more than extremely sick.
No matter what happens, I will be forever grateful that Jackie used all the energy she had to bring two beautiful eaglets into the world, Sandy and Luna, with Shadow this year. I suspect she was ill at the time, and that must have really taken its toll on her body. Poor thing. If it is to be, then I hope she soars into the ether with Sandy Speers, who loved Jackie so much, and that Shadow, like M15, finds another very good mate. Until then, I continue to hope for Jackie’s full recovery.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 7th August 2026
Today was heavy with fish deliveries but light on key players – neither Dorcha nor Garry LV0 turned up today. Aurora spent a little time on Nest One but on her last appearance this evening just perched silently before flying away, clearly Garry wasn’t in the neighbourhood. The Nest One fish total remains at one hundred and ninety four. Louis however was very much in evidence, delivering eight fish to his two chicks who were stuffed so full, neither turned up for the eighth fish and he took it away again. The Nest Two total now stands at three hundred and eighty nine, four of which were brought by Dorcha. Has she left on migration? It would be an early departure for her, she usually waits until the chicks are around seventy five days old, and today Juniper and Amber are sixty seven and sixty five days old respectively. She has been known to stay away from the nest for a day or two before leaving, popping in occasionally, so perhaps we’ll see her tomorrow. It was very wet today with heavy rain showers throughout the day, and the rain will continue lightly overnight with a low of 13°C, then heavy again tomorrow with a high of 17°C.
I love Blue 33 – everyone knows that – and his mate Maya. A lovely image of two of the fledglings from this year.
I am so proud of the individuals who are stepping up to stop the gill net fishing of Menhaden. There will be a survey that can be sent in to a meeting in November. I will send that link, but please educate yourself on the impact of this vacuuming of fish and the use of spotter planes has had on the entire ecosystem, including our dear ospreys dying before our eyes. Many have lost their businesses as well to save 196 jobs at Reedsville, Virginia.
Viki is still feeding three ospreys including that fledgling! She writes, “Indeed, your language is nothing compared to my anger language. ONE flipping living chick in 3 flipping years. Fed this morning. On the search for another box of bait to keep it up. Good to know that they learn to fish at migration.”
Viki was worried that the chick would not be taught to fish so I sent her a couple of articles. There are no fish for the ospreys – the nests were in sight of her porch. She is distraught but determined – like those fighting against a 0- 50% reduction because no one knows how many fish Omega are taking. It is the most frustrated I have been in years. So when the time comes to step up and speak, I hope you will join me.
George and Hope are at the Osprey House Environmental Centre in Griffins, Australia. They have three lovely osplets this year. All very healthy!
The West Midlands (no streaming cams) had a very good year for ospreys. Congratulations. Here is the total for the 2026 class:
Good news out of Rutland – chick wasn’t lost, just looking over the territory!
C22 slept on the nest at Charlo and has been flying around Saturday morning with Chloe – always heading back to the nest in hope of fish! Doing well.
The fledglings are all eating at Blackbush Beach Resort in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
I was very distressed this morning to see that there are proposals for an upgrade at the park near where I live. Our mayor doesn’t like geese, apparently. So this year they culled the eggs and greased others to get rid of the population. I think they don’t know much about geese or ducks. People bring their families to see the wildlife. Why not hire a few high school students during the season to power-spray the sidewalks? It would allow the families to continue to enjoy the ducks and geese; paths would be cleaner, and the wildlife would have the right to their nesting spots they have used for aeons. 3.4 million is the cost. We have lots of crime now, lots of people who are homeless with drug issues…our City is rapidly becoming not a great place to live. Many blame it on the current group of suits that are at City Hall, not just the mayor.
I agree. We need to be outside more and not on our screens. One artist is hand-drawing 1,000 birds to try and get us to do just that. But how would an app keep us off our phones? Please read.
“Hansen, a renowned ornithological illustrator and author, has a monumental task – a hand-painted compendium of every one of the roughly 1,000 bird species ever recorded from the US and Canada, including those found in waters up to 200 miles from shore, Hawaiian birds not included. When finished, it will complete the visual backbone of an app called Flock, whose mission, compared with that of most apps, is quietly subversive.
For rather than seeking to monopolize and monetize its users’ attention, it deftly employs elements of computer gaming and social networking to draw people outward, into the world of birding, with the broader aim of cultivating a community of conservationists.”
The ornithological artist drawing 1,000 birds by hand – all for an app that wants you off your phone
am signing off. We are going outside today. Rain is predicted for the beginning of the week and today the temperatures will go up to a wonderful 23 C. Take care all. I hope you are well.
Thank you to Geemeff for their wonderful summary and videos from Loch Arkaig, the UK Osprey Info with Jeff Kear, to all those who post on FB, to Susan Thompson for the great photos at King’s Park yesterday, and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch our bird families. We are so very grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you as always to The Guardian for including interesting wildlife stories every day.
I don’t know how you feel but having Wensi fledge and then return to the nest just made my Wednesday. Today, Wensi has been fed on the nest, spent time on the pole in the river, and is perfecting her flying skills.
If you missed the hour-long talk about this year at Hellgate Canyon, Dr Ericke Green stated that he believed that Wensi is a female. That made me so happy. Iris’s DNA – strong survival DNA along with luck – has kept her alive for more than thirty years. Indeed, counting from the time Iris first bred on the hydro pole at Missoula before the nest where she is currently, meant that thirty is the youngest she could be. It is more likely she is thirty-three or thirty-four. My goodness. Dr Green also assured people that the fish that Clarke had brought to the nest were sufficient for Iris to remain healthy during the incubation and hatch periods. You might have noticed those huge fish recently. As the waters get warmer, Clarke is bringing in suckers that weigh 3-4 lbs, much more than he weighs. Everyone agreed that Clarke is an incredible fishing partner for Iris. He has also brought in Mountain Trout.
At any rate, I hope you enjoy these screen captures from today:
Clark brought in a very early fish for breakfast before the day gets hot.
Still eating nearly 40 minutes after they began feasting on the fish.
Amazing Clarke. He bonded with Iris last year but it was too late to breed. He also brought Iris fish last year. So glad he returned successfully this year. He is an incredible Dad.
Wensi continues to practice her flying to and from the pole on the river.
I wonder what Wensi is saying to Mama Iris.
What a magical year it has been. I really suggest you watch this amazing osprey family and smile. We never know what will happen next. We know that Iris’s favourite return date is 7 April, so I know that all eyes will be on this nest in 2027. I pray both she and Clarke return safely.
Sadly, the second chick from Colonial Beach that was electrocuted did not make it through its surgery. This is the chick that was electrocuted on the pole.
‘PB’ reports: Blackbush 8/1/26 FLEDGE 8:27:17 for one of oldest chicks. “6:39:50 the amazing fisher dad delivers headless flounder for breakfish. Mom feeds all 4 chicks together. 7:32:16 the chicks watch mom tidying up the nest. lots of hovering going on….8:26:40 The chick that is about to fledge looks back at all its siblings to say “watch this”.”
Jackie has now undergone surgery, including a bone marrow biopsy. Ojai Raptor Centre is trying desperately to find what is making our girl sick. She came out of the surgery fine.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch ArkaigThursday 6th August 2026
It was a very slow fish day today – no fish arrived on camera on Nest One, although Aurora had a nicely rounded crop, so Garry’s tally remains at one hundred and ninety four. Louis only brought two fish, taking the Nest Two tally to three hundred and eighty one, Juniper got the first and Amber the second, and Dorcha had to fend for herself. There were one or two intruder alarms but no one caught on nest cam, apart from an intruder so small Aurora didn’t notice it – a Willow Warbler paid a brief visit to Nest One, and the only other item of note was Amber flying around with a chunk of wood caught in her talons until she landed on the nest and managed to free herself. After some overnight rain, the weather was settled today but it’s raining heavily at the time of filing this report (half past midnight) and heavy rain with light winds is forecast to continue through the night and tomorrow, with a low of 12°C and a high of 16°C.Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/iHiyC7yBkWM N2 Nest’s empty when Louis arrives with the first fish so he waits patiently 08.16.15https://youtu.be/sBTb1u_A2vU N2 Amber flies with a chunk of wood stuck in her talons 08.41.25https://youtu.be/bqwpslScm7w N2 Dorcha’s calls aren’t answered so she departs leaving Amber still calling 11.16.49https://youtu.be/e4uGZcg5Dfo N1 Aurora doesn’t notice a little Willow Warbler paying a visit 17.21.18 (zoom)https://youtu.be/AN4rUYXz-aU N2 Finally! A second fish arrives, and Amber steals it off Juniper 18.59.01https://youtu.be/wEFctw2jz1g N1 Aurora gets fed up calling in vain and departs 19.31.09 Bonus watch – An
Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care of yourselves. See you soon.
Thank you to Pam Breci and Geemeff, to the owners of the streaming cam at Hellgate Canyon (The Montana Osprey Project along with Cornell Bird Lab) and everyone who posted information on FB. I am very grateful.
We are having another cool day. It is fantastic! We hope that you are as well.
Heidi is meticulous in keeping data records for all the osprey nests that she monitors and she has been doing this or the International Osprey Data Project (my long term study in osprey mortality) for the past three/four years. Heidi posted this detailed information about a few of the nests that she has observed and documented this year. You will learn a lot from reading this.
“Keep in mind, there is a great deal of older osprey educational material available in print and online. The older materials present a typical osprey family lifestyle as being similar to old TV shows like Ozzie and Harriet, Father Knows Best, The Donna Reed Show, and Leave It To Beaver. The dads worked, and the moms stayed at home. I have watched dozens of osprey nest cams for a few years, and that has rarely been the case. An osprey nest where the female never fishes is uncommon, in my experience. If you do your research online, artificial intelligence will glean information from the out-dated articles as well as some newer information.
First, we shouldn’t assume that Miles has ‘succumbed’ to anything or became injured or died. That’s a bridge too far. Since we only know what we see on cams, it is important not to go too far in our ‘what if’ theories. We do know that there is a shortage of fish, primarily due to menhaden overfishing.
It is not unusual for both parents to fish. Many females do typically start to fish for the family to supplement the male’s contributions, when the chicks get older. That’s what Hennie did. The females are not necessarily supposed to provide most or all of the fish, but that is what I have been seeing at many nests. However, don’t forget that the males can also become preoccupied at times with defending the nest and surrounding area against intruders, and then they will spend less time fishing. When fishing becomes poor for our on-cam osprey families, it becomes poor for all of the fish-eating birds in the area, like other ospreys and eagles. This may result in a greater chance of one of ‘our’ osprey’s catch being stolen by other hungry birds. It stands to reason, that kleptoparasitism would increase in times of fish shortages. You can imagine for example, Miles spending a lot of time trying to catch a fish, he finally catches one and then it is stolen. He later catches another fish, and he eats it because he is expending a lot of energy and he is starving. Miles (and all the other males and fishing females) may have also had to travel further away to find better fishing than what they were finding at their usual local fishing spot. That would mean more energy expended just to get to the new fishing area, and then to fly home with the fish. The male can try to do this all day long, and the end result may be that the male has brought very few if any fish to the nest that day for his family.
Osprey nest ground monitors have been noticing that many females are abandoning nests earlier in their nesting season than in previous years, and that some males have been leaving early also. From what I have seen on cams, many of the males are leaving before the females. Leaving does not mean migrating. It could mean that they simply have reached their own maximum degree of malnutrition and exhaustion that they can tolerate, and they simply had to become self-focused to save their own lives.
What I have seen on nest cams this season:
For some nests, the ‘food stress’ for the ospreys presented itself early enough in the season that the eggs were abandoned. The male ospreys stopped coming to the nest with fish for the females, so the females had to leave to fish for themselves. This was not the first year we have seen this. We noticed this at the Severna Park, MD nest two years ago, last year the cam was down, and this year Oscar and Olivia abandoned their eggs again due to lack of fish.
Last season at the Forsythe, NJ nest, the male could not support the female by bringing her enough fish, so she abandoned their eggs. This season, the food stress presented itself much later, and two chicks hatched. The male, Oscar, stopped coming to the nest several days prior to the female finally giving up on the chicks. Opal had a long history of being a fishing osprey mom. But, unlike several years in the past, the she did not bring any fish to the nest for her chicks this season. She did however, spend many hours off cam and would return with a crop and empty talons. One would assume that she fished to save her own life, but probably also tried to fish for her family, and she simply wasn’t able to do so. How far did she have to fly to find fish? Opal finally abandoned the chicks and they perished. Both parents were seen at the nest a few times in the days after their chicks died.
Last year at the South Cape May nest, Hera abandoned her eggs when Zeus had been unable to provide enough fish to her. This season, Hera was last seen at the nest when Uno was only 38 days old. There had been a significant slowdown in fish deliveries to the nest. Hera had already been fishing for a couple weeks, and was providing 1/3 to 1/2 of the daily fish totals to the nest. After Hera’s departure, Zeus continued to support Uno for several days by delivering fish, mostly very small menhaden. July 26, was the last day that Zeus was seen at the nest. On 7/28 the cam was turned off and NCNJ began to place fish on the nest for Uno.
The Wetlands nest is a special case. Their only chick would not allow mom to feed it, repeatedly attacking her very severely, and attacking the dad as well. However, the male continued to make fish drops, and Rascal learned to self feed. But, fish counts were down significantly compared to earlier in the season. In the end, both parents abandoned the nest altogether, and Rascal passed away.
At Dewey Beach last year, both parents abandoned their only chick and it died at 50 days old. Dad left several days before Mom did. We did see the mom on the nest a few times after her chick passed. This season they had a new female, and she started fishing when Sassy was young. The last couple weeks of their season, Mom was catching most of the fish, and it was almost entirely small menhaden. Dewey Dad stopped coming to the nest when Sassy was 54 days old. Mom continued to provide for Sassy for four days after Sassy fledged. Mom was last seen on 7/17. We saw Dad again on 7/18 with a fish, Sassy flew in to take the fish, but Dad flew off with it. Mom has not been seen since 7/17, but I continue to see Dad at the nest, guarding against intruders. I last saw him on 7/30. Sassy has not been seen since 7/19.
The Cape Henlopen nest: Miles was last seen at the nest on 7/28 at 10:28 when he delivered a small menhaden. The fish count had been way down from a few days earlier. I believe that Miles had reached a breaking point where his body told him that he had to take care of himself. He was probably exhausted from trying to fish, fighting off kleptos trying to steal his fish, and trying to guard the area from intruders. In addition, Miles may have been flying further away to try to find fish, using up even more energy. He may have only been able to eat a couple tiny menhaden a day, or a dogfish, which wasn’t enough to support his energy requirements. I think it is possible that Miles may have left to find better fishing at a different location, so that he could regain his weight and strength. The adults also know that they have to migrate in a month or so. Starting from a depleted physical state, they know they have to begin to rest and fatten up before undertaking the immense challenges of migration.
Hennie had begun fishing fairly early in the season, and her contributions were very significant. There were no fish brought to the nest on 7/29 and 7/30. Hennie arrived in the evening on those days with a crop. The fact that she had eaten but not brought a fish to her youngster was quite shocking to some viewers. It was similar to what Opal had been doing at Forsythe, arriving with a crop but no fish. I believe that Hennie had tried to bring fish to her youngster, but it simply didn’t work out with the challenges of finding fish and surviving fish thieves. Hennie brought three fish to Chick1 on 7/31. On 8/1 Hennie brought a small menhaden to the nest for Chick1 at 11:14. It was approaching too late in the evening to expect another fish, so I knew Chick1 would not have another fish that day. The eagle took Chick1 that evening. We heard Hennie alarming from a nearby tree during the eagle attack. Hennie never abandoned her chick, and Chick1 was not dying. See the videos of the chick being active throughout the day on 8/1. I counted several very good ps’s by Chick1 on 8/1. But, Chick1 needed more fish, and if the eagle predation had not occurred, I don’t know if Hennie would have been able to catch enough fish for herself and her chick, so that Chick1 could fledge. We will never know. I do know the last few days that Hennie was seen on camera, she looked very thin, tired and depleted.
There are those that have said if Hennie or Miles had been at the nest the eagle attack would not have happened. That is not necessarily true. If Hennie had been on the perch, it may have deterred the eagle, or it might not have. In 2021 on an osprey live cam in Washington state, a bald eagle swooped down on an osprey nest and took two osplets at once. The osprey parents were both at the nest at the time.
Fish: I have monitored fish at many regional on-cam nests this season. The catch has overwhelmingly been small menhaden. Menhaden comprise the bulk of an osprey’s diet along the mid-Atlantic coast, and the northeast coast. Large adult menhaden have a very dense caloric content due to their high concentration of omega fatty acids. Small menhaden, while still food, lack the nutritional value of larger menhaden. They are not old enough to have accumulated and stored the high concentrations of omega oils. Other fish I have seen at the nests include lots of bluefish earlier in the season (very few later in the season), a lot of dogfish, a few croaker, scup, spot, mackerel, and even one black sea bass from Miles. Zeus at Cape May, brought several fresh water species to the nest this season (bass, sunfish varieties). We thought that would be a boon for that nest, since Zeus had an alternate location to fish. But, in reality, it pointed to the fact that their primary food source, menhaden, was missing. I have only seen a few large menhaden this season at Wetlands, Dewey Beach, Cape Henlopen, and South Cape May. Due to overfishing by an industrial reduction fishing fleet, the adult menhaden along the east coast have been almost entirely wiped out.
The photo is from June 13.”
In the Tweed Valley in the UK, one of the osplets was being attacked by its older sibling who had made sure the younger one did not eat. It was rescued so that it could survive. This is the latest update:
There is more news from Tweed:
In Australia, George and Hope are raising their three osplets alone this year – without their older sister helping!
People make a difference and this is a marvellous change to a very long standing tradition. This year Gannet chicks will not be clubbed to death.
Please remember that collectively we can make change – and I am hoping that one of those changes will be the absolute elimination of the industrial fishing for Menhaden that is causing an entire ecosystem to collapse and the death of our dear ospreys (amongst other wildlife).
People are helping ospreys in trouble. It warmsmy heart.
Geemeff Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 4th August 2026 Plenty of drama today – Dorcha saw off a persistent intruder Osprey who kept over-flying Nest Two, then intruded on Nest One herself, and was swiftly chased off by Aurora 536. Less than ten minutes after Aurora drove her away, she returned to Nest Two bringing a fish! Early in the season before Louis returned, Dorcha had brought two fish to the nest. She’s now doubled that total with her delivery of a trout yesterday and another today. The chicks were on and off the nest throughout the day competing for fish, and while attempting to keep her fish away from her sister, Amber accidentally achieved a milestone and flew with her fish for the first time. However, she still needs to perfect the other half of that skill, which is to keep hold of it, as on returning to the nest, she crashed through the branches at the side, and landed with empty talons. Garry brought one fish for Aurora, taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and ninety two, and the Nest Two tally rises to three hundred and seventy five with five fish from Louis and one fish from Dorcha today. As forecast, there were heavy rain showers and strong gusts of wind during the day and the wet weather is set to continue with light rain showers and a low of 14°C overnight, changing to thundery showers and a yellow warning for thunderstorms tomorrow, with a high of 17°C.
There was a fledge this morning at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum nest. Gosh what a good nest to watch this year with new adults!
Heidi reports “Oyster Bay is having a good day. Mom had not been seen for 2 days, but she’s back. Five fish so far (3 Dad, 2 Mom), both chicks have been eating.”
The update on Colonial Beach chick that was electrocuted and taken into care. It is able to stand up but did not eat well yesterday. Send your good wishes, please, to this baby.
At Hellgate Canyon, Wensi is really working his or her wings and well, there could be a fledge any time. Proud Mama Iris watches every move. Iris is looking a little rough. I sure hope she is able to spend the next month fattening up and getting into good condition for migration.
Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. I will be back with you on Friday. Taking a day off tomorrow (Thursday).
Thank you to everyone who sent me information, to Heidi for that great synopsis of some of the nests she is watching, to Geemeff for her videos and summary, Cornell Bird Lab, all who post on FB and the streaming cam owners who allow us to watch these amazing birds.
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.
What a day it has been – one of those where great things happen and then something else goes sideways. Toby is at the vet. It appears that something has gone wrong with his eyes. Ann has taken Don to the zoo. They are trying to get a glimpse of Lumi, the little lynx. Tomorrow we are having a big curry dinner and the photographer is going to meet us at the park. It is possible it is the last time that we will all be together. So, it will be very special.
Toby update: mild conjunctivitis. Eye drops. Oh, he was so good letting me put them in! I cannot tell you how much I missed him while he was at the vet’s for three hours. With Don and Ann gone and all The Girls sleeping, the house was TOO quiet.
A huge storm swept through the NE of the US impacting osprey nests. Our hero Viki who is feeding a male and his two chicks writes, “Just as both chicks were routinely getting fed, an awful storm last night took out one of them whose remains are a puddle of feathers. I just can’t believe it. I suspect it was the elder chick who died because the remaining chick is not wingercizing and it’s a perfect morning for it. The younger chick was getting food and had pretty much caught up in size to the elder.
Ethel (of course) was on the nest with the chick this morning when I got up and LB (dad) on the nest next door (which in osprey territorial deeds also belongs to LB’s nest with the chick). Apparently, the entire creek has noticed LB’s new fish source.
LB back on his perch waiting for my next pitch. I’m beginning to worry about his expectations. Ha! Those parents in the Australian nest still keep fishing even after the fish fairy deliveries …. Right? Cripes! He is becoming as insistent as a female hollering at him !!!
Dad LB; deceased puddle; last chick standing on Island Creek.”
This is so sad.
But later today Viki writes with some incredible news: “LB had brought a fish home while I was out and filled himself and delivered the rest to the nest. Why do I know he was full? He greeted me but didn’t go after the fish I threw …. Until a gull tried to get it. LB was off that branch, grabbed the fish I’d thrown, delivered it to the nest AND FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER STARTED FEEDING THE CHICK.
Naturally while standing in the hot mess that was the other chick. Nature is so ugly for being so gorgeous.”
And then..”Ethel is the hero. She has begun showing up on the nest waiting with the chick when I throw a fish to LB. It’s like watching Peyton Place around here – so many alliances and subterfuges !!!!
Maybe other people aren’t as nutty as us. Aren’t we lucky !!!”
More attention is now coming to the plight of the ospreys starving because of the industrial fishing of Menhaden.
We all hope that Jackie can return home and be reunited with Shadow as soon as possible. SK Hideaways brings us the latest: https://youtu.be/lFjfSoF_-7o?
Update on Snow:
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 22nd July 2026
More intruder action today, but only seen at a distance, and Louis and Dorcha worked together to see off the intruder. Louis had plenty of time to go fishing, and delivered six fish, the first two arriving within eleven minutes of each other, taking the Nest Two tally to three hundred and fifteen. Garry LV0 delivered one fish to Aurora 536, taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and seventy eight. Both he and Aurora are completely ignoring the egg now, it’s hidden under some nest bedding and with luck it will quietly disappear. The chicks on the other hand are more visible and vocal than ever, and boldly seize fish from Louis when he lands. Dorcha often gives way to them letting Juniper and Amber tussle it out for possession of the fish. There was a comical moment today reminiscent of the spaghetti scene in Lady and the Tramp, with Amber on one end and Dorcha on the other end of a long piece of fish skin, and later Juniper and Amber had a tug of fish (spoiler alert – Juniper won). The weather was settled and continues with thick cloud, light wind and a low of 13°C overnight, and light cloud, light winds and a high of 18°C tomorrow.
Two chicks have fledged at Santiam Canyon. Well done.
Pam Breci reports that the only chick at William & Mary has fledged. Excellent news.
Last, but never least, on a day I didn’t intend to post – Iris and Clark now have a name for their chick. It is Wensi and means dancer in Salish.
Thank you so much for being with me today. I wanted you to know the lovely name of Iris and Clark’s chick and to hear the good news coming from Viki. Take care. I will be back at the weekend.
Thank you to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their videos and summaries, to my hero Viki who stood up for the ospreys, to everyone who posted on FB and included information and images, and to the owners of the streaming cams – we are always grateful to you for if it were not for those cameras we would not know the wonders of these amazing birds.
