Tag Archives: Hellgate Canyon

Jackie is critically ill…Late, late Tuesday in Bird World

21 July 2026

Greetings Everyone,

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.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/IFCDPvjn3lA N1 Garry waits on the empty nest until Aurora arrives to take his fish 10.56.46https://youtu.be/iwcojlOyXLo N2 The chicks get high! Well, a couple of inches anyway 11.52.30https://youtu.be/aW60h3-afIA N2 The first fish arrives late – the chicks tussle for it 12.36.18https://youtu.be/RMeOGHrtk_Q N2 Dorcha defends against an intruder after fish two is delivered 13.08.38https://youtu.be/hX1MSyyQRI4 N1 Romeo makes his move! 14.08.12https://youtu.be/W4Z4D-rO4uQ N2 Louis tries and fails to take fish two back again 14.53.42https://youtu.be/jfZ2uity4eM  N1 Aurora’s waiting when Garry brings fish two 16.01.50https://youtu.be/SJ_dF_Ljkxo N1 & N2 A trio of Typhoons caught on both cams 16.15.34https://youtu.be/lXfjmjhJ5rc N2 Dorcha uses her crow voice as a Tawny Owl calls very near by 23.41.31

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: 

https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/07/20/twelve-osprey-chicks-arrive-after-2700km-journey-to-help-restore-spains-wild-population

Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

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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.

https://www.uncw.edu/news/academic-affairs/chssa/2026/07/seahawks-in-peril-gessner-revisits-osprey-in-audubon-feature

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.

Name the chicks…Thursday in Bird World

9 July 2026

Good Afternoon Everyone,

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.

Here is the place to vo5te – go all the way down to the chat: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/

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.

Late Saturday in Bird World

28 June 2026

Greetings Everyone,

I am thinking about all of you living in Europe sweltering in this heat and the wildlife. Or those in Japan and elsewhere who have had earthquakes and now, my son tells me two storms coming to Japan as he is set to fly out for Canada. Please take care of yourself.

I had a lovely Saturday. A friend was here for tea. At the same time, Don needs to go to the hospital, and his brother is taking him tomorrow. It is a prostrate issue again. So today’s report is going to be shorter than normal.

One thing I want to mention is that our dear Ervie has been spotted fishing where he did when he first fledged with dad at Delamere Wetlands.

My goodness – our favourite third hatch. Ervie hatched on the Port Lincoln barge on 16 September 2021 at 00:51:50. He will be five years old this year. Mark your calendars. Let’s all eat some birthday cake in celebration.

‘PB’ has sent me some good reports from the nests.

“Blackbush Little tiny 4 has an open head wound, this bravest of all souls, like Cape Henlopen #3, just keeps getting back up to eat. If it didn’t get food, it would be the end. But this nest has lots of fish, and #4 is fighting to survive.”

“Now tiny 4 moved by Dad, dad feeding 4 privately, rhen mom walks up and gets food from dad to give to 4. I hope the food gives this brave one some good nutrients to grow.”

4 has been injured by 3 and there are certainly concerns since its head now ppears to be bleeding.

“Oyster Bay mom can’t wait for dad she goes fishing 2:25 but #1 eats most of it. I fear we may lose one here. Not enough to keep oldest full.”

“Sandy Hook may be only nest along NJ with 3. All look good still.”

Little Dewey hit the jackpot today. Mum has been bringing in the fish.

Dewey mom found 4 more Menhaden, Heidi told me: 13.22.00, 13.36.12, 13.52.54, 14.15.34, 5:29:44 Dewey mom another menhaden. She had brought in some in the morning.

SK Hideaways brings us up to date with Sandy and Luna, who are now ready to fledge – something we all feared as 4th of July celebrations in the US approach with their useless fireworks. https://youtu.be/glMMMrK8mmI?

Cornell Bird Lab gives us another close-up look at Clark and Iris’s baby! https://youtu.be/fqaMN3W40UI?

Cornell Bird Lab captures the visit of P2 to the nest as P3 gets some inspiration for an impending fledge! https://youtu.be/fqaMN3W40UI?

Super couple CJ7 and Blue 022. The fish brought in today, according to the chat: 05:09, 09:01, 13:24, 16:41, 17:44, 18:33, 20:07, 21:04. Just think about that. Four chicks are thriving. I believe they will break Maya and Blue 33’s record of fledging four this year. Poole Harbour has fledged four chicks in 2024, 2025, and appears to be ready to do it again in 2026, breaking the record.

Manton Bay: 2020 and 2019 were the two years that they fledged four chicks. They had four chicks in clutches other years but at least one died each year.

CJ7 with her four feathered babes of 2026.

A happy story. House Martins return to a UK street.

Young country diary: The house martins are back – I can hear the chicks from my bedroom

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jun/27/young-country-diary-the-house-martins-are-back-i-can-hear-the-chicks-from-my-bedroom?CMP=share_btn_url

Another Golden Eaglet hit with pellets…

Another young satellite-tagged Golden Eagle from south Scotland translocation project found injuredDownload

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig 27th June 2026

Another calm and routine day, no intruders or alarms, the only negative is the wet weather as it rained steadily with only a few breaks throughout the day. However that didn’t prevent the males from fishing – Garry LV0 brought two on-cam fish for Aurora 536, taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and forty one, and Louis brought four fish for Dorcha and the chicks, taking the Nest Two tally to one hundred and ninety seven. As Steve Quinn showed in his weekly stats published today, Louis is setting records and performing very well. Links cant be posted unfortunately, but just pop Nest 2 fish summary to week 10 into the search field and it’ll come up. It’s raining as this report is posted (midnight), and set to continue overnight with a low of 14°C throughout tomorrow with a high of 17°C and the possibility of sunny intervals.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/J1SLRLZ8jRI N2 Early breakfast of trout arrives for the family 04.30.49https://youtu.be/sfXCe22Xnyo N2 Despite strong winds expert fisherbird Louis brings a second fish 08.21.55https://youtu.be/LOcr3poUczQ N1 Garry brings Aurora a fish in the rain 16.19.07 (zoom)https://youtu.be/EhbwlTJIWbE N2 10+ hours after the last. fish  three is worth the wait 19.12.28https://youtu.be/-PFQkQJwS98 N1 Garry brings a second fish and both depart, nest is empty 22.03.12https://youtu.be/kTq5KGpr7Rw N2 Louis chirps softly as he brings number four 22.25.15

Why not come and join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Thank you for being with me today. Please take care of yourselves. I hope to be back with you either tomorrow or Monday.

Thank you to SK Hideaways, Cornell Bird Lab, and Geemeff for their videos and/or daily summaries. I am also grateful to ‘PB’ for keeping a keen eye on some of those hard-to-watch nests. Thank you to the others who post on FB, the owners of the streaming cams, The Guardian for reporting, and Raptor Persecution UK for keeping us apprised of the good, the bad, and the very ugly in the world of raptor persecution in the UK.

Happiness…late, late Friday in Bird World

19 June 2026

Hello Everyone,

I should say that for some of you it will be good night and for others, good morning. My intention had been to take a break, but then something ‘magical and miraculous’ happened. After 29.5 hours without food, the female at the Dewey Beach nest flew off. The male has not been seen for a day and a half and I hope that no harm has come to him but that is a long time to be away. Perhaps he was unable to find food. I remember many being gone for several days especially if there had been a storm. Duke at Barneghat Light was one of those about three years ago. Or was it two?

At any rate around 1600 the female, utterly starving herself, flew off the nest. She returned with what I would call a large minnow. Baby Dewey was ravenous. Mum didn’t start there – she kept fishing. The last count I had was either 5 or 6 fish being delivered, once she flew in with two!

Heidi calls it at six.

A bird nest at Dewey Beach with an adult bird feeding its chick. The adult has a fish in its beak, while the chick stands nearby, appearing eager for food.
A close-up view of an osprey chick in a nest, with an adult osprey partially visible, on a sunny day by the water. In the background, a glimpse of a coastal area with buildings is visible.

Another female, Jill, at Achieva, has been fishing to feed her two osplets and that kept Little and Big alive to fledge. The male is being the way the male has always been – Jack is not reliable. I do not know why and it could honestly not be his fault. Gulls and eagles as well as other ospreys steal fish. He is not a youngster, etc.

Post detailing the capture of five spadefish by ospreys, with timestamps and observations about their feeding behavior.
Two ospreys standing on a nest made of sticks, with one osprey holding a fish in its claws.

The news is not so good for the female that incubated her eggs and hatched three chicks all on her own. The male has shown up but too little, too late. Let’s hope that Mum and one chick can survive. Have a read:

A Facebook post from Twin Cities Metro Osprey Watch discussing the challenges faced by a female osprey raising her chicks after mating with a polygynous male, detailing the delivery of fish and the current survival status of the chicks.
A split image showing two bird nests. On the left, an osprey is standing over its chicks, holding nesting material against a blue sky. On the right, another osprey is perched on a nest with young chicks, set against a neutral background.

The first fledge for Irv and Stella at the US Steel nest. It was Sid! And, yes, he did return!

At Cornell, fledgling P1 made it back to the nest. Three gorgeous peachy breasts!!!!!

Two young red-tailed hawks nesting on a railing, with greenery and a street visible in the background.

At the Lesser Spotted Eagle nest of Milda and Madis, the two little eaglets seem to be doing alright. Remember – there could be obligate siblicide at this nest. That said, Madis is bringing in quite a bit of prey.

A majestic eagle standing over its fluffy chick in a natural nest, surrounded by greenery and trees.
A majestic bird of prey stands over its nest, which contains a small, fluffy chick. The nest is made of twigs and surrounded by greenery in a forested setting.

Iris is such a good Mum. She is so delicate feeding the baby. But she looks tired to me and thin – an I imagining this? I hope so. I think I am so used to her fishing for. herself and eating huge fish. Now she is focused on baby.

Close-up of an osprey on its nest, looking down at the ground among twigs and leaves.
An adult osprey interacts with a chick in a nest filled with twigs and dried grass.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 19th June 2026

Today was all about fish! Despite the wet and windy conditions, magnificent fisherbird Louis just kept delivering fish, eight in all, this season’s daily total record. With the first arriving at 04.12 and the last arriving at 23.04, Louis certainly put in quite a long shift. The Nest Two total now stands at one hundred and sixty one, with one hundred and fifty nine brought by Louis and two by Dorcha. By contrast, Garry LV0 brought only one fish for Aurora, taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and twenty three. However, there are no chicks to feed, and with the nest cam going down for approximately four hours every morning, it’s neither possible to say what his actual total is, nor fair to compare him to Louis. Despite the constant supply of fish and bulging crops, the two chicks on Nest Two had a really vicious fight, started unwisely by one who then suffered swift retaliation, being pecked to the point that the other had feathers in its beak. Dorcha took no notice but did stop the fight when she sat on them. They will just have to work it out – hopefully Louis will keep bringing a constant supply of fish and the chicks will grow out of this stage soon. The weather was much wetter and windier than the light rain showers and gentle breezes forecast for today, and while more rain and wind is expected overnight and tomorrow with a low of 11°C and a high of 17°C, there should be sunny intervals tomorrow.

Today’s videos

https://youtu.be/vDIEbm8kKt4 N2 Early breakfast fish number one 04.12.16

https://youtu.be/0z5bnTmcWRk N2 Fish number two 08.09.56

https://youtu.be/Ff49SMJD_HQ N2 Fish number three 08.57.07

https://youtu.be/YZZMHmye6Tg N1 Fish number one and only 10.01.42

https://youtu.be/UMBHxaaZ3kc N2 Vicious chick fight, one starts, the other finishes 10.24.13

https://youtu.be/ypWDRcs6WYk N2 Fish number four 11.34.04

https://youtu.be/Eyx45dhh514 N2 Fish number five 15.09.46

https://youtu.be/58l8kPe1d_k N2 Fish number six 21.04.04

https://youtu.be/TPfTPsQ43Vc N2 Fish number seven 21.18.24

https://youtu.be/QUAHpWFWw8k N2 Fish number eight! 23.04.03

Blast from the past, this day in 2020:

The legendary queen of the mountain gave us an unforgettable moment on this day in 2020: Aila has a brain fade and decides to move an awkwardly shaped stick from one side of the nest to the other, apparently oblivious to the presence of her chicks. They duck this way and that trying to keep out of her destructive path, and when Aila finally leaves the nest, one of them delivers a parting shot with perfect emphasis.

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

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

I don’t like to end with saddness but tonight I am. Forsythe. Opal and Oscar have had two of their three chicks die from starvation. There is one adorable feathered chick on the nest. From my vantage point, the adults have abandoned this chick and will let it die on the nest. No one is there with it tonight and food has not come. Every once in awhile you hear a little cheep, cheep – calling for fish. It breaks your heart and this is what the ospreys are up against. So much better if there are no eggs or if the eggs do not hatch. No food for them. In two years, no food for the returnees even if they survived. The entire eco system is dead or dying.

A close-up view of a bird's nest made of twigs, with two chicks resting inside, situated on a platform above a grassy landscape and a small water body, captured by a surveillance camera.
A dimly lit camera view of a bird's nest made of twigs and branches, positioned on a wooden platform in an open field, with a pole-mounted camera in the background.

Please take care. I am going to take a break and I will be back with you on Monday. Please feel free to send me any news. I will definitely begin to put my blog together late Sunday after my friend Ruth goes home – I am looking forward to having a friend over. The Girls and Toby have a bit of a surprise for Don.

Thank you to Geemeff for her daily summary and videos, to Heidi and PB for their reports on fish and nests, and to all those who post on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch the beauty and the horror of the life events of our bird families.

Concern grows as fish deliveries dry up in the US NE…Friday in Bird World

19 June 2026

Hello Everyone,

Oh, my goodness. It is pouring down rain again and Toby has his thunder shirt on! Thanks to ‘P’ I have discovered they also make these calming jackets for cats. Missey is the other one that was soooooo anxious during the recent storms so that I have now ordered one for her. The running joke amongst us is that the animals have more outfits than we do! It’s true. They are the glue that holds our mental health in place along with the garden and its wildlife.

Our neighbourhood is very concerned. Neither Brock nor Charlie, the cat with the frozen folded ear, have been seen and they disappeared at the same time. I do not believe in coincidences. Neighbours have adjusted their cameras and put out bowls o food in an attempt to see if we can spot them on camera. Don, Toby, and I have called and banged on every shed and garage and one house that is vacant with work being done for fear they are locked in. Brock would not easily go into a trap. I tried him many times but, he might be lured into a house or a space to go to sleep and then someone close the door and not come back. Jane and I are beside ourselves with worry.

P1 fledged at the nest of Big Red and Arthur on the Cornell Campus on Thursday. Congratulations. P2 is ready, but P3 isn’t. How can you tell? To properly fly, we should be able to clearly see five or six dark bands on their tail.

Cornell Bird Lab has that fledge on video: https://youtu.be/BF6JfvkSy8E?

Can you tell who is the youngest by the number of bands? Laura Culley taught me this.

Two young hawks sitting in their nest made of twigs, with green leaves visible around them.

Clark came to say hello, then delivered a stick for the cot rails, and then within a few minutes returned with a breakfast fish for Iris and baby.

Two ospreys on their nest, surrounded by a parking lot and greenery in the background.
An osprey feeding a chick in a nest, with another chick visible nearby. The scene shows the details of the nest constructed with sticks and other materials.
Two ospreys in a nest feeding a chick, with visible twigs and nesting materials.
Screenshot of a social media post from Montana Osprey Cams discussing the hatching status of ospreys' eggs and feeding details for the chicks.
A young osprey chick is peeking out from a nest surrounded by grass and three eggs.

Now that industrial fishing has begun in the NE, it appears there are fewer and fewer fish for males to find and deliver to their nests. There have been deaths in the last few days, including Forsythe. I was inherently sad before this osprey season began, and I feel as if someone just punched me in the gut really hard at the start of each day. Heidi and I predicted this more than three years ago. The decline is happening swiftly. The adults who hatched babies cannot find enough fish to feed themselves and their chicks. They also know that even if a few live, they won’t find fish when they fledge. I had hoped that the ospreys would choose not to breed at all, as Duke and Daisy did a couple of years ago at Barnegat Light. What you are watching is the slow extinction of a species in a region of the US that should not be happening. While some might wish to point to all manner of causes – Bald Eagles eating millions of tonnes of fish so the osprey don’t have any – the real culprit is the industrial trawling using spotter planes of the fish that is the basis of the ecosystem in the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding areas. Menhaden. You are witnessing this. It is not going to get any better. What we must do is celebrate the chicks that survive, find a fairy or two to help Little Dewey, and make it rain fish for those that are still alive. In other words, a miracle.

We have another female who is going out fishing to try and keep her babies alive – Hennie at Henlopen State Park. Thanks, Heidi.

An osprey named Hennie stands in its nest made of twigs and branches, feeding its chicks. The nest is elevated and surrounded by grass.

Miles helped, too.

An osprey, named Hennie, feeding her young chicks in a nest made of twigs and branches, with a medium-sized fish nearby.

This is very concerning.

Social media post discussing the hatching of two eaglets named Sandy and Luna, and their potential impact on July 4 celebrations.
Two juvenile eagles perched in a nest overlooking a lake and forested landscape, with text about their flight window and the fireworks debate in Big Bear.

Please go and sign the petition.

https://www.change.org/p/protect-big-bear-s-bald-eagles-eaglets-from-july-4th-fireworks-disturbance?source_location=search

The weather at Dewey Beach has been very bad and Little Dewey has had no fish in at least 24 hours.

Has Mum gone fishing, too? I hope so!

A pair of ospreys in their nest, with one adult bird perched beside a chick, overlooking a body of water and nearby buildings.
A bird's nest with two young osprey chicks and an adult osprey in a coastal setting, overlooking a marina with buildings and outdoor seating.
A young osprey chick sitting in a nest made of twigs and branches, with a waterfront view and buildings in the background.

At 1600 Mum returned with literally a minnow for Little Dewey. He has had only this snack in more than 24 hours. I really wish someone would drop fish on this nest. If this chick starves to death in front of us like the one last year, it is going to be hard to deal with. The cause of the lack of fish is manmade – industrial fishing – cannot someone do something?

A live view of an osprey nest showing an adult osprey and a chick, with a restaurant and beach area in the background.

Mum might determine that there is no fish for her baby as he gets older and abandons the nest. This is an acute possibility. We have to be prepared.

Every nest I have checked needs fish in the US – it would be good to see 5-7 fish on these nests where the chicks are in the Reptile phase or later. Dewey is getting feathers. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum babies seem tiny.

An osprey standing on a nest filled with sticks and grass, with three chicks visible in the nest. The background features grassy fields and a gravel path.
An osprey stands on its nest, which is made of twigs and grass, with two chicks visible in the nest below. The surrounding landscape features grassy areas and a gravel path.

The nest is so full of human debris and it appears only one egg that Bety is incubating – it just doesn’t feel right this year at Mlade Buky. Maybe it is just me.

A stork standing in its nest on a rooftop, with houses and hills in the background, during sunset.

Finnish nest 4. Two chicks in reptile phase doing well.

An osprey is feeding its chick in a nest made of branches, with a blurred natural background.

Beautiful juvenile feathers on the trio at Finnish nest 1.

An osprey feeding its chicks in a nest made of branches and moss.

Two tiny tiny little osplets at Ilomansti Finnish 2 nest.

A bird sitting in a nest made of branches near a body of water, with two chicks visible in the nest.

Three at Oyster Bay getting their juvenile feathers.

An osprey perched on a nest overlooking a harbor with boats and a beach in view, under a partly sunny sky.

Three covered with feathers at Clark PUD in Washington.

A close-up view of a bird's nest featuring a parent bird and several chicks. The nest is made of twigs and moss, situated on a ledge with greenery and a road visible in the background.

Chick 2 is calling for prey, and Mum fed at the Lesser Spotted Eagle nest in Estonia. We can only take this nest one day at a time as Lesser Spotted Eagles practice obligate siblicide (the oldest chick kills the younger).

A Lesser Spotted Eagle stands on a nest with a chick, surrounded by greenery and tree branches in the background.
A bird of prey feeding its chicks in a nest surrounded by trees.

This black stork nest is doing so well in Estonia that a foster storklet has been added.

Four fluffy young birds in a nest with a tree in the background, as a person holds a green bag above them.
A nest with four fluffy stork chicks, surrounded by greenery and trees. The chicks are looking towards the viewer, while one appears to be pecking at something on the nest.

Trine has it on video: https://youtu.be/ARD6I0hvmmM?

Cleaning a stork’s nest in Germany! https://youtu.be/4bOH5sE9Nwk?

Two people in a platform above a large bird's nest, working on the nest with tools, with green grass in the background.

Storklets being ringed. https://youtu.be/rfTyPio17Cc?

A stork stands next to its chicks in a large nest made of twigs, set against a scenic backdrop of trees and houses under a partly cloudy sky.
A person holding a black identification band for a bird while surrounded by young birds in a nest made of twigs and straw.
A person is attaching identification tags to baby birds resting on the ground, surrounded by grass and straw.

Bobby Bach (third Bob) is doing find according to the folks at Glaslyn. There was some concern after the recent removal of fishing line but they have been monitoring the situation with their own special cameras closely and conclude he is alright. The weather has been terrible, but Teifi has been delivering fish, regardless. Here is Bobby Bach right up front and using its crop as a pillow.

A bird of prey stands in a nest with two chicks, feeding them a fish while surrounded by twigs and greenery.
A bird, likely a hawk, stands by a nest containing several chicks. The nest is made of twigs and is located in a green landscape.

​​Syfadden has been bringing in the fish to the Usk Valley while Clogwyn has made certain – despite their size that they are kept warm and dry in the bad weather of Wales.

A hawk is seen in its nest with several chicks, surrounded by twigs and branches, set against a backdrop of green fields and hills under a cloudy sky.
A bird's nest made of twigs and branches is situated high in a tree, with a scenic view of a green landscape in the background under a cloudy sky.

At Rutland Manton Bay’s nest of Maya and Blue 33, the osplets, fully feathered, enter their fledge window in less than a fortnight from 28th Jun – 11 Jul. I wish every osplet in the US had the chance for fish that this nest has!

Close-up of ospreys and their chicks in a nest by a body of water, captured from a live webcam.
A nest by the water containing several young ospreys resting among sticks and twigs.

That is a nest full of osplets – four of them – at Poole Harbour – doing just fine. CJ7 and Blue 022. Amazing. They will probably break Maya and Blue 33s record of fledging four (I must check – it could be this clutch!).

An adult osprey stands watch over its three chicks in a nest made of twigs and branches, surrounded by greenery in the background.

I feel like I am the bearer of bad news. Despite the understanding, several years ago, that Heidi and I had that this would happen if the industrial fishing of Menhaden was not curtailed, it is still more than difficult. It doesn’t have to happen. Every person reading my blog, their friends, anyone who loves ospreys should be calling Audubon, anyone in the State of Virginia including the Governor, and every TV, radio, and newspaper channel.

Thank you for being with us. I keep saying that I am going to take a break and it might just be this weekend that I do. It is a little overwhelming seeing so many babies and parents starving. Take care. There are fledges to come on the Channel Islands and P2 at Cornell.

Thank you to everyone who posted information on FB and images, the owners of the streaming cams, and to each of you for your comments and information sent to me by other means.

Fledge at Cornell?…Thursday in Bird World

18 June 2026

Hello Everyone,

It was a fantastic day to be outside. The garden is really ‘loud’ with birdsong – you can hear them more than half a block away! And the rain and heat have done the plants wonders.

Some images that we are enjoying.

Close-up of vibrant pink flowers with yellow centers, set against a rustic wooden background.
A colorful birdhouse surrounded by lush green foliage, with two small birds perched on top of the house. In the background, there is a wooden structure partially obscured by the plants.

A memory and a treasure. A Paolo Soleri bell. He died during the month when I met my friend Lynne in Phoenix for a mini-break, too many years ago now.

A vintage, weathered bell hung from a hook with green and rust colors, surrounded by lush green leaves against a background of wooden shingles.

The peonies will be blooming, but are off limits to Toby just like the hydrangeas as they are toxic to dogs.

A cluster of peony buds with green leaves, featuring some buds showing hints of pink coloration, set against a backdrop of light gray wooden siding.

We are sitting outside, and Mr Crow has come for a visit. I thought he was going to have a bath, but he jumped down onto the ground. I wonder what caught his eye.

The sparrows had a lot of fun in the bird bath today, but it meant that we had to clean it about four times! Oh, they make a mess.

A group of small sparrows bathing in a blue birdbath surrounded by lush green leaves.

You never have your camera when you truly need it. Mr Crow is balancing on one of the flower poles, waiting for the squirrel to finish at the table feeder. Oh, he is back at the bird bath and now off he goes. Lots of activity between 1900-2100.

Oh, how sad. It appears the eldest chick (they both hatched on 11 June) crawled out from under New Female at Charlo, Montana during the night when it was in the 50s and succumbed to hypothermia. The NF tried several times to get the chick back under her for warmth to no avail. What a tragic nest accident!

Mum trying to get her baby back.

A hawk sitting in its nest, with two eggs visible, while another bird is perched on a nearby post in low-light conditions.

The Eagle Dock Osprey Nest is located in Cold Spring Harbour, New York. It sits out in the distance across the mudflats, visible from the shoreline near the Eagle Dock Community Beach (on Shore Road) and the adjacent Shore Road Sanctuary. Their osprey cam has gone live and the two adults are present.

Here is the link to their camera – it is blowing a positive gale right now so things are really moving about. https://www.youtube.com/live/z17UbNy075o?

An osprey nest made of sticks with two ospreys perched on top, situated near a riverbank. In the background, a boat is seen on the water.

I think each of you had your eyes on that beautiful eaglet Snow at Traverse City, Michigan, when its nest slid, and it fell. All the while, we noted that the adults were the most incredible parents. Snow had no parasites or infections and was well fed and feathered on the initial examination. Snow was strong, and her two fractures are healing nicely, and she is receiving the best of care at Northern Sky Raptor Sanctuary. Today, they announced that Snow is a female! I will note that the parents continue to go to the nest. Yes, raptors have feelings and they are missing their Snow. What a lucky eaglet to have such good care. Many do not.

A Facebook post from North Sky Raptor Sanctuary detailing the progress of an injured bald eagle named Snow, mentioning physical therapy, medical treatments, and blood test results.
Announcement celebrating that Snow is a female eagle, with details on donations for her care and raptor rehabilitation efforts.
A close-up of a young eagle wrapped in a towel, looking directly at the camera with its beak slightly open. The eagle has a dark plumage and bright eyes.

I am confounded. We are used to seeing fishing line and baling twine on US osprey and eagle nests. It was not until this year that it seemed to be a common occurrence at UK osprey nests. Yesterday, the great folks at Glaslyn successfully removed the fishing line and hook that were wrapped around the youngest chick from the nest of Elen and Teifi. Thank you to everyone who notified them and those who helped quickly!

Update on an osprey nest regarding a Brown Trout with fishing line that entangled a chick, detailing the intervention to remove it and the monitoring of the chicks' health.
An osprey is feeding its chicks in a nest made of twigs and branches, surrounded by green grass and trees.

We love Luna and Sandy – Jackie and Shadow’s soon-to-fledge eaglets – at Big Bear. They are getting closer and closer. SK Hideaways caught Luna getting higher! https://youtu.be/If_H8omr7nk?

This is what our ospreys are up against. The industrial fishing (not the commercial fishing of the locals) needs to stop. Omega needs to be mothballed.

A message detailing the observations of spotter planes tracking fish schools in the Chesapeake Bay, noting the coverage area from a previous day and mentioning several ships and planes involved in the search.
A map showing flight paths from yesterday, marked in orange with highlighted circles, compared to today's flight paths in a different area, indicating a change in flight routes.

One of Canada’s leading authors, Margaret Atwood, is saving Pelee Island (along with her family) for migratory birds)

How Margaret Atwood and her family helped turn Pelee Island into a migratory bird research hub – TheDownload

Oh, there are chicks dying in Finland. The latest is at LS #5.

I had many questions about Steelscape’s camera. It is not streaming. Our ‘sleuth’, PB, had a contact and has discovered that the individual who wanted the streaming cam and who was in IT has been made redundant. These things happen. I continue to be thankful for the Achieva Osprey cam – especially this year, as it has been a stunner, but the individual who led the effort might no longer be with that branch. There was once an active FB group just for the nest.

There is one osplet at The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbour, New Jersey (south). Baby appears to waiting for fish. This is the first time I have checked on this nest. Does anyone have details?

A close-up view of a bird nest made of twigs and grass, with two hatchling birds visible, set against a backdrop of wetland greenery and a cloudy sky.
An osprey perched on its nest made of sticks and grass, with a green marshy landscape and water visible in the background.
An osprey stands on its nest made of sticks, with a chick partially visible in the nest, set against a backdrop of grassy marshland and blue sky.

Beautiful family portrait of White Stork family in Lubla Parish, Poland. Storklets are Eliasz & Gabriel.

Two adult storks standing beside three young storks in a nest, with houses and trees in the background.

Big Red doesn’t like her babies to fledge when it is raining. Of course, she is so smart – their feathers would be heavy and it is also windy. To keep them home, she often feeds them constantly!

A close-up view of a red-tailed hawk nest on a balcony, featuring several young hawks resting among twigs and branches, with a green landscape and street visible in the background.
View of a red-tailed hawk nest on a rainy day, with vegetation and blurred visibility due to raindrops on the camera lens.
A live cam view of a red-tailed hawk nest on a balcony, with one hawk in the nest and another flying nearby. The background shows trees and a street.
Two young red-tailed hawks perched in a nest made of twigs and leaves, overlooking a street with greenery and buildings in the background.
A red-tailed hawk perched on a railing near its nest, with another hawk visible in the foreground. The background shows a green landscape and a street.

So where are the other two? Are they at the end or down on the ledge? It appears that the first fledge might have been at 1825. I await official confirmation.

All is well at Hellgate Canyon with Iris, Clark, and Baby.

Two ospreys are perched on a nest made of twigs and branches, with a parking lot and greenery visible in the background.
An osprey is sitting in its nest, surrounded by twigs, leaves, and grass.

The oldest chick that died of hypothermia at Charlo, Montana overnight has not been removed from the nest. This is so sad. Let us hope that nothing happens to Only Bob.

An osprey perched on a nest with chicks and an egg, while another osprey stands on a nearby pole, surrounded by a green landscape and mountains in the background.

Three little ones at Osoyoos. Pray for this nest and the others that are struggling – perhaps, in reality, that is almost all of them in one way or another.

A pair of ospreys on their nest, with two chicks visible among the sticks and twigs. The scene is taken from above, showing the nest structure against a green background.

Dewey Beach is still good.

An osprey nest with two chicks and an adult osprey, set against a backdrop of a waterfront view featuring buildings and a dock.

SK Hideaways has news of Zuma! https://youtu.be/3YbwXv9AAQY?

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 18th June 2026

It was wet and windy today, and there was a moment which could have been nasty but fortunately wasn’t – a gust of wind caught Dorcha and flipped her over, taking a chick as well. But Dorcha righted herself and the chick quickly crawled back under her with no harm done. On the 6th anniversary of Legendary Louis and the Day of Nine Fish, it was a slow fish day, Louis only brought two fish and the second was such a tiddler it was gone in four minutes. Chick1 achieved a milestone by swallowing the small tail, while earlier Dorcha had struggled to swallow the much larger tail of the first fish. The Nest Two tally now rises to one hundred and fifty three, and Garry LV0’s single fish takes the Nest One tally to one hundred and twenty two. Aurora 536 spent most of the day incubating the unviable egg, how long she’ll keep doing that is a matter of speculation. Heavy rain and light winds with a low of 15°C is the overnight forecast, changing to light rain showers, a gentle breeze and a high of 17°C tomorrow.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/ReJNNcKbvSI N2 Louis brings the first fish and stays while Dorcha feeds the chicks 13.38.11

https://youtu.be/MVfn-uLCvRk N2 Oh no! Wind flips Dorcha and nearly takes a chick 14.48.18

https://youtu.be/OQL2iuo5Poc N1 Garry gives Aurora a fish and they both depart 17.25.52

Osplet growth in the early stages (our chicks are 17 and 15 days old respectively):

https://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/blog/karis-mwt/feathers

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

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

Thank you so much for being with us. It is time to do a wee bit of weeding in the garden before getting the lads inside. We hope that you had a wonderful Thursday. Take care of yourself. Please get outside if you can. Nature is regenerating!

Thank you to ‘MP’ and ‘PB’ re the Steelscape streaming cam, to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their videos and for that incredible daily summary of happenings at Loch Arkaig. I am grateful to everyone who owns a streaming cam that stays on and lets us watch these incredible birds. Streaming cams cost money and human power – so thank you! And to everyone who posted information, put images and events on FB – we are so grateful.

Compassionate humans help wildlife, Cornell hawklets anxious to fly…late Tuesday in Bird World

16 June 2026

Good Afternoon Everyone,

We woke up to blue skies and sunshine! And, while sipping our tea and munching on croissants, we counted two Blue Jays at the feeder! Did I tell you about the Cooper’s Hawk hiding in the lilacs that Mr Blue Jay flushed out on Sunday? It was a frightening moment. Mr Blue Jay was screeching at the top of his little lungs. I thought the hawk had his mate or one of their newly hatched chicks BUT maybe Mr Blue Jay just say the hawk loitering in ‘his lilacs’ and wanted him gone. He sure chased him out of the neighbourhood. Imagine.

Ann is taking Don to his annual appointment today and I am going to sit on the deck with Toby and relax. We had an accident yesterday. I know each of us has spilled a cup of water and marvelled at how much there is when you go to clean it up. Well, imagine an extra large mug of hot chocolate. My goodness. Poor Don just couldn’t hold it (early Parkinson’s). The key is like training dogs – nothing negative. Our little Bissell worked overtime after I had scrubbed with a brush. The space is dry but there is still a dark stain in one spot and hopefully after a couple more bouts of cleaning, we can get that out. I bought this big old carpet years ago when wool and silk carpets didn’t cost the price of a car. I love it but, is it time to give it up?

From our monitor, ‘V’, who is writing a book on her twenty-year experience with ospreys living right in front of her. Sadly, life has changed for the birds, but today VV sends us some good news. Please note that I am protecting the location for obvious reasons and the individual.

“Most of my observed nests are a bust again this year. But one of the two nests in front of my house still has at least one chick still alive (bad early bullying, haven’t seen bobble heads in a few days, but someone is still getting fed)— but in the oldest nest, THREE chicks have reached dinosaur stage — first time parents, male an excellent fisher. We’re rigging up a pulley to that nest so we can start adding fish if times get too lean for them. 🤞🏻”

More good news from ‘V’: “It seemed one of the nests up the road also had feeding going on as I drove by. So perhaps there will be a couple fledges from here this year. I can’t imagine we’d be so fortunate.

The fish- pulley apparatus has been “rigged” — waterman vernacular — and we’re going to try to attach it in the morning when the tide is lower. That’s what someone needs to video, the 74 year old woman wading out to the piling for the 83 year old man to haul and attach a bird feeder.   Dodo birds to say the least. Ha!”

V is my hero. Not afraid to save their babies. There are others – I’m like a geisha – I never tell, but there are a number this year that have decided to establish fish ponds to help their ospreys.

There has been questions about Iris’s other two eggs. Egg 2 is 40 days today. Not going to hatch. It is possible that Egg 3 might hatch. Personally, if every osprey nest fledged one very healthy chick, we should feel blessed. I keep thinking about Dewey Beach in the same way. One healthy – not four with 2 or 3 dying of starvation and battering.

Baby One is doing just fine. One nice, strong chick. Yesterday, it disappeared into that bark that was brought in, and many of you became concerned that something had happened. You had to look closely to find its little head.

A close-up of a baby osprey chick interacting with a parent, surrounded by nesting materials.

Another human is helping some storks, with one of the adults in trouble. There are so many compassionate people throughout the world. Sometimes we have to pull away from the news – and just look at the good or we can easily drop ourselves into despair.

Here is the video: https://youtu.be/fp6ZQJJmDbE?

A nest with young storks and an adult stork feeding them, with a view of a village in the background.
Two young storks are being fed in their nest, with a view of a rural area in the background.

“One of the storks with a leg ring has both legs wrapped in long pieces of metal bands. It can’t free itself from the tether. The parent with the ring was in the nest this morning and again this afternoon, and you can see that its legs are still tied. One parent is feeding the young, the other is charred with soot, but it’s not enough food. Yesterday, the storks received a large portion of meat food from a human, and today, the human also threw a large amount of fresh meat into the nest. Storks are afraid of people; it will be difficult to remove the metal band (because it’s not a string) from its tangled legs. Perhaps this stork will be caught on the ground and its legs will be freed.”

‘J’ sends us the latest installment of Kakapo news.

Kakapo Files podcast episode 18:
15 Jun 2026

Six months after this record-breaking kākāpō breeding season began, all 91 living chicks have fledged and left the nest. The chicks remain with their kākāpō mums and are still being fed by them, as well as eating a range of plant material, and as cold wet midwinter weather sets in the chicks are learning to find dry roost sites. The Kākāpō Team’s Daryl Eason and Andrew Digby answer listener questions, including why did Kākāpō cam star Rakiura spend so much time in the nest digging, what can you learn from a piece of egg shell, and could old museum specimens be a source of lost kākāpō genes?

In this episode:
02:06 – Island news with ranger Daniella Whitaker
06:21 – Update on Kākāpō Cam star Rakiura
11:43 – Sick kākāpō
15:19 – Are kākāpō smart?
18:19 – Previous nest cams
20:05 – Why did Rakiura dig so much in her nest?
24:00 – Do kākāpō compete with other species?
25:30 – Kākāpō on Coal Island and at Sanctuary Mountain Mangatautari
30:57 – Museum specimens and lost genes

Learn more:
Follow the Kākāpō Files podcast to keep up to date
Listen to the Voice of the Kākāpō series for a recap of the 2019 breeding season. Also listen to the episodes covering the interim 2022 breeding season, and about how a few male kākāpō have fared in the North Island, in the fenced Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
For more New Zealand science and nature find and follow the Our Changing World podcast, and subscribe to the show’s monthly newsletter

Guests:
Kākāpō ranger, Daniella Whitaker, Kākāpō Recovery Programme
Kākāpō technical advisor, Daryl Eason, Kākāpō Recovery Programme
Kākāpō science advisor, Andrew Digby

Kakapo Files season II:
https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/k%C4%81k%C4%81p%C5%8D-island-diary/id1447593081?i=1000762432199 
https://www.youtube.com/live/UL6P1TdsRXc?list=PLB06qFjAt4VBoq1t-spjkxq6IB5WcEexS 
https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/wild-sounds

Dewey Beach. This must be a female – and continue to send positive wishes to her so that she fledges!

An osprey adult stands near a nest with two chicks, one visible and looking up. The nest is surrounded by sticks and located near a body of water with buildings in the background.

The trio are so fully feathered at Manton Bay and the nest of Blue 33 and Maya.

A closely grouped family of ospreys in a nest made of twigs and sticks, with one adult bird observing the chicks. The background shows a body of water.

‘PB’ reports that Cowlitz has its first hatch today.

A pair of images showing bird eggs in a nest, with one egg hatching and a chick visible next to the eggs.

The reality of not enough fish is spreading through the nests – Forstythe, Field Museum, Farm Field amongst others.

Heidi reports on the loss at Field Farm:

An osprey feeding its chicks in a large nest made of twigs and branches, surrounded by green grass.

Heidi also reports on The Bridge Club osprey nest in NY.

An osprey taking off from its nest with young chicks visible inside the nest, surrounded by a natural landscape during dawn.

‘PB’ reports on Achieva:

Facebook post detailing a fishing report with timestamps and observations of interactions between birds and fish.
A collage of images depicting an osprey nesting area, showing the bird with its wings spread, sitting on a nest made of sticks, and interacting with nestlings or prey.

Charlie and the New Female together on the nest at Charlo Montana feeding their two babies.

Two adult ospreys in a nest with several chicks and remnants of food.

Look at those beautiful juvenile feathers on the Pitkin County Trails Osprey nest in Colorado!

An osprey stands over its chicks in a large nest made of sticks, set against a green landscape with shrubs in the background.

It can be very dangerous being an osprey chick during fish deliveries. We have seen chicks killed, almost smashed…today it was Louis turn at Lock Arkaig 2 to flip a chick. Geemeff has it on video: https://youtu.be/boMblyAoBC4?

A very successful nest is Wolf Bay in Alabama! One of the three chicks has fledged and the live feed has now returned. Aren’t they gorgeous?

Three young ospreys in a nest, surrounded by branches and overlooking a body of water.

At Osoyoos in British Columbia, Canada, the three osplets are still alive. Please send this nest good wishes. They have had trouble with heat and getting fish to the nest for many years.

Two ospreys sitting in their nest surrounded by twigs and branches, with some chicks visible beneath them.

So far it looks like we still have four osplets alive at the Blackbush nest in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Two ospreys in their nest with several chicks at Blackburn Beach Resort.

Two big osplets at the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum osprey nest.

An adult osprey feeding two chick osprey in a nest made of sticks and foliage.
A nest with four young ospreys, sitting on sticks and leaves, while one adult osprey is feeding them.

The Fortis Exshaw streaming cams in Alberta appear not to be working.

We still have two osplets at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. I will try to find any news I can about the woman who was caring for three osplets alone in Minnesota and post it tomorrow. If you happen to know, send me a note!

An aerial view of an osprey nest made of sticks and straw, with two adult ospreys visible near the edge of the nest and a chick resting inside the nest.

At the Red-tail Hawk nest of Big Red and Arthur (one of my favourites) the two older chicks P1 and P2 are preparing to fledge. Cornell did a video of their anxious moments: https://youtu.be/vS44rBVDG_U?

They are so cute. Big Red and Arthur will be showing them where to fly to – and you can count on Arthur for making sure that his babies are well fed after they fly.

A group of red-tailed hawk chicks standing on their nest, preparing to fledge, with greenery and a road visible in the background.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. There is so much happening – it is very difficult to keep up.

It is so nice to have you with us, and I appreciate all your notes, your e-mails, comments, and good wishes. Everyone is so kind, and it means so much to me. I want to add that there is something odd going on with my e-mail at times. Several letters from one of my friends in SF, who supplies us with those wonderful videos, SK Hideaways, were a week late in arriving in my ‘Inbox’, and they all came at once. I could be missing yours, or they might not have arrived – so if you sent me something and I did not respond, please resend. I do try to reply within 48 hours, and normally the same day if things at home are going smoothly.

Thank you to everyone who sent me news, posted information or images on FB, created videos – I am so very, very grateful. To the owners of the streaming cams, we are all so very thankful that you allow us to watch these incredible families.

First bites of fish

11 June 2026

I don’t know about you but I am so overjoyed that if my house blew away today it would probably not have even phased me.

Clark arrived. Saw the shell, listened to Iris, saw his first baby and went fishing. Within three hours, he had brought in three fish. It is 1827 nest time and it might have even brought in more. It seems his protective instincts along with paternal ones kicked in right at the time of hatch and right when the Clarke Fork River had descended and slowed. Dr Green noted that it was now good for osprey fishing.

Did you shed any tears as you watched Iris gently feed that wee babe the tiniest little pieces of fish? Despite not having had chicks every year, Iris knows how to feed them so they get the fish.

An osprey feeding a chick in a nest, surrounded by twigs and grass.
An adult osprey peering at its chick in a nest, surrounded by twigs and grass.

As you know, I was extremely worried, even going so far as to wish those eggs would not hatch. That was when the first egg was hatching!!!!!!! I worried Iris’s babies would starve to death. This has happened with Louis. Or worried she would be so hungry she would have to leave them. Well, thank goodness for miracles! And today felt like a miracle.

Proud parents.

Two ospreys are nesting on a platform, surrounded by sticks and grass. One osprey is holding a stick while the other looks on. A parking lot is visible in the background.

Happy Mum! The oldest breeding osprey in the world – at least thirty years. Imagine.

An osprey sitting on a nest made of twigs and branches, with a parking lot and green landscaping visible in the background.

Oh, another fish. 1747.

Two ospreys on their nest with twigs and green grass, in a parking lot setting.

Iris plays with her stick while Clark prepares to brood his baby and incubate the other two eggs.

Two ospreys sitting on their nest, with visible chicks and greenery around them, set against a background of a parking lot.

It sure sounded like Iris was ordering more fish when they exchanged places and Clark flew off.

Osprey sitting in its nest made of twigs and branches, with a parking lot and trees in the background.

First fish: 1242. Second fish: 1414. Third fish: 1512. Fourth fish: 1747.

I might have missed one between 1512 and 1747 but if you look that is five hours and four fish. I would say Clark is doing so well as a new dad. I am without words.

RP sent the following video links for us to enjoy:

Chicks first PS

Little Dewey got fed well today, too. Three fish by the time this image was taken. Little Dewey looks like the Hulk. Thanks ‘PB’ for the image:

A close-up of a young bird in a nest, with fluffy gray feathers and an open beak, surrounded by twigs and branches.

That’s it for today….let’s all walk around smiling. Two nests doing fantastic. With Little Dewey not so little anymore. Notice the feathers coming in. What a character.

Take care, everyone. Hugo Yugo and Toby wish you a great end of the week.

A dog resting on a cat tree with a scratching post, while a cat peeks out from a small hiding space below.

Thank you to PB and RP for their images and video links. Much appreciated. Thank you to the Montana Osprey Project and Cornell Bird Lab for their streaming cam so that we can watch this miracle unfold at Hellgate Canyon.

Clark arrives with a fish…

11 June 2026

The time was 12:42:50.

Clark arrives with a small fish for Iris and gets a surprise – the hatch of his first chick!

Two ospreys standing in a nest made of twigs and branches, with some green vegetation visible at the center.

Iris was so hungry, and this will feed her, but we need lots more fish as this baby gets bigger. I wonder if Iris will try to feed the newly hatched chick???

Clark was curious about the eggshell.

Two ospreys sitting in their nest, with one osprey holding an empty eggshell. The background shows a parking area and foliage.

Clark stayed with Iris while she ate her fish making me think that there could be intruders about. Then I think Iris gave him some marching orders for more fish!

Two ospreys are seen in their nest, with one bird looking towards the camera and the other partially visible in the background. The nest contains sticks, grass, and possibly some eggs.
An osprey sitting in its nest made of twigs and branches, with greenery in the background and a parking lot visible in the distance.

I am cautiously optimistic – don’t kick for not being over the moon. I am really concerned about what is going on around this nest. Is it the river causing issues? Does Clark not understand how many fish are required? Are there intruders?

I know you wanted to know if fish came and it did!

Take care.

Thank you to the Montana Osprey Project and the Cornell Bird Lab for this streaming cam and remember – they are fundraising to keep this cam streaming!

Hatch continues at Hellgate with no Clark and no fish and will more people speak up for ospreys?

11 June 2026

Greetings,

If you have read my blog for the past three years, you will be very familiar with the word ‘Menhaden’, a species of fish that is crucial for ospreys in certain regions of the world. In fact, it is the basis of the ecosystem of The Chesapeake Bay where many species depend on it. But with Omega Protein taking all of the schools of fish through trawling with huge industrial ships and spotter planes, there is nothing left for the birds and marine life. A new study puts the problem squarely on over fishing while many over the years have tried to find other reasons. Politicians in Virginia – which are really holding up the changes since Omega is stationed at Reedsville – even blamed the Bald Eagles for taking all the fish!!!!!!!!! Do they think we are that stupid?

https://www.cbf.org/news/new-study-links-starving-chesapeake-bay-osprey-to-menhaden-woes/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSXu81leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFMT01yTjZFMk1MR29TSkllc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvcMqcfw3ZxwVx2R-_ayVd5ch9hYNoTxBkb4I8j6WMTTtXiuxNasnYHgUFJx_aem_XGbseQfXHe_VJvAjGggebA

Justin Hawkins wrote on Menhaden – Little Fish, Big Deal a good analysis of what is happening and why Menhaden are so important.

“The Localized Depletion Debate: Can a Healthy Menhaden Stock Still Leave Predators Hungry?

For years, one of the most common responses to concerns about industrial menhaden harvest has been straightforward:

“The stock isn’t overfished.”

According to Atlantic menhaden stock assessments, the species is not currently classified as overfished, and overfishing is not considered to be occurring on a coastwide basis.

To many people, that sounds like the end of the discussion.

But for a growing number of fisheries scientists, conservation groups, and recreational anglers, it may actually be the beginning.

The reason is a concept known as localized depletion.

It is a simple idea that asks a surprisingly complicated question:

Can a fish population be healthy overall while becoming less available in the specific places where predators need it most?

Looking at the Coast From 30,000 Feet

Stock assessments are designed to evaluate fish populations across enormous geographic areas.

For Atlantic menhaden, that means examining the entire Atlantic coast.

Scientists estimate population size, fishing mortality, recruitment, spawning success, and long-term sustainability across a range stretching from New England to Florida.

From that perspective, the species may appear healthy.

But critics argue that broad-scale assessments can sometimes miss what is happening at smaller scales.

After all, predators do not live on a coastwide scale.

A striped bass feeding in the Chesapeake Bay is not utilizing forage fish off Rhode Island.

An osprey nesting on a tributary of the Bay is not hunting schools of menhaden hundreds of miles away.

Predators live locally.

They feed locally.

And they respond to local prey availability.

That distinction lies at the heart of the localized depletion debate.

A Grocery Store Analogy

Imagine a city with one hundred grocery stores.

Ninety-five are fully stocked.

Five are nearly empty.

Looking only at the citywide inventory data, food supplies appear abundant.

But for the residents living near those five stores, availability is a very different story.

Supporters of the localized depletion theory argue that forage fish may function in a similar way.

A coastwide stock assessment can show healthy overall abundance while predators in specific estuaries, bays, or feeding areas experience reduced access to forage.

The fish exist.

The question is whether they exist where they are needed.

Why Chesapeake Bay Became Ground Zero

No area illustrates this debate more clearly than Chesapeake Bay.

The Bay serves as one of the most important nursery and feeding habitats for Atlantic menhaden.

It is also home to striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, dolphins, ospreys, pelicans, and countless other predators that depend directly or indirectly on menhaden.

Historically, the Bay also hosted much of the Atlantic reduction fishery.

For decades, hundreds of millions of pounds of menhaden were harvested annually from this single ecosystem.

Conservation organizations began asking a straightforward question:

If such large quantities of forage are removed from one of the most important feeding areas on the East Coast, can local predators remain unaffected?

That question remains largely unresolved.

What the Osprey Studies Suggest

One reason localized depletion has attracted scientific attention is because of osprey research.

Biologists studying portions of Chesapeake Bay documented declining reproductive success in some nesting populations.

Researchers observed that adult birds were bringing different prey species back to nests and, in some cases, appeared to be delivering fewer energy-rich menhaden than historically observed.

The concern was not simply about osprey numbers.

It was about what the birds might be indicating.

Osprey are highly efficient fish predators.

If they struggle to locate preferred forage in specific areas, researchers naturally wonder whether other predators may be experiencing similar challenges.

While alternative explanations certainly exist, including habitat changes, climate factors, and environmental stressors, the findings fueled further interest in localized prey availability.

Predators Don’t Read Stock Assessments

One criticism often voiced by anglers is that predators respond to conditions in real time.

A redfish cannot eat a coastwide biomass estimate.

A striped bass cannot feed on statistical abundance.

Predators require actual prey in actual locations.

This is why many fisheries scientists have become increasingly interested in ecosystem-based management.

Rather than focusing solely on whether a forage species remains abundant overall, ecosystem approaches attempt to understand whether enough forage remains available to support predator populations.

It represents a subtle but important shift in thinking.

The question is no longer only:

“How many menhaden exist?”

The question becomes:

“How many menhaden are available to predators when and where they need them?”

The Challenge of Measuring Local Impacts

One reason the localized depletion debate remains unsettled is that it is extremely difficult to measure.

Fish move.

Predators move.

Environmental conditions change.

Water temperatures fluctuate.

Weather patterns influence distribution.

Separating the effects of fishing from natural variability is one of the most difficult tasks in fisheries science.

As a result, definitive proof can be elusive.

But many researchers argue that uncertainty should not be mistaken for evidence that local effects do not exist.

In fact, some contend that localized depletion may be one of the most important unanswered questions in forage fish management.

Why the Debate Matters

At its core, the localized depletion debate is not really about menhaden.

It is about ecosystems.

If forage fish become less available in key feeding areas, the effects may extend far beyond a single species.

Striped bass may have to work harder to locate food.

Osprey may experience lower nesting success.

Marine mammals may alter feeding behavior.

Entire predator communities may be affected in ways that are difficult to detect through traditional stock assessments.

Whether those effects are large, small, temporary, or significant remains the subject of ongoing research.

But the question itself has become impossible to ignore.

A Different Way to Think About Fisheries

For decades, fisheries management focused on whether harvested species could sustain fishing pressure.

Today, scientists are increasingly asking whether ecosystems can sustain it as well.

Localized depletion sits at the center of that transition.

It challenges the assumption that a healthy stock automatically means a healthy ecosystem.

And it raises a possibility that many anglers intuitively understand:

A fish can be abundant somewhere and still be scarce where it matters most.

That possibility is why the localized depletion debate continues to shape discussions about menhaden management, predator conservation, and the future of ecosystem-based fisheries management along the Atlantic coast.”

A shoreline view featuring tall grass and waves, with several blue and orange fishing boats in the background and the text 'Local Ecosystems Pay The Price' overlaying the image.

But…this is happening now.

I continue to check in on Iris with tears in my eyes. Babies hatching and no fish for her or them. Where in the world is Clark? How far does he have to go and get fish?

This just might be the nest that breaks me this year.

An osprey resting in its nest made of sticks and twigs, with green grass peeking through, set against a background of a parking area and vegetation.

Please send Iris and Clark your good wishes. We need fish!

The river’s levels are low, but it appears to be still flowing fast. The forecast is for cooler temperatures, thank goodness. Will Iris leave the nest with the babies to go fishing? This is the question of the day, along with the problem of Clark’s presence. He was so good til he got into that altercation with the Bald Eagle. Oh, I am worried.

A chart displaying discharge rates and conditions for three nearby rivers: Bitterroot River, Clark Fork, and Blackfoot River. Includes flow measurements in cubic feet per second (cfs), wind speed, temperature, and high/low temperature for specific dates in June.

Weather forecast showing temperatures and conditions for June 11 and 12, with various times of the day and expected weather including sunny and partly cloudy skies, and one instance of light rain with thunder.

Thank you for being with us again this morning.

Thank you to the Montana Raptor Project and Cornell Bird Lab for their streaming cam and the FB group Menhaden – Little Fish, Big Deal for covering the disaster that began several years ago in the NE. Thank you also to River Reports.