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.
It is cloudy. We had another thunderstorm last night and that thunder jacket for Toby and Missey really came in handy. Poor things when the first clap rattled the house they yelped and starting running around like someone was chasing them with a cow prod. The jackets certainly worked and both settled into bed with me for a long quiet night.
Have you watched The Last Osprey? If you haven’t, then I urge you to do this.
Here is the link: You will need to watch it with ads which gives them revenue so just click to watch with ads. It is that good.
It will not make your day turn into sunshine but it will highlight what Heidi and I, Michael Academia and others have been saying for years — industrial fishing in The Bay has to stop. The question now is: is it too late? Studies have already been done. Adding another putting off the cessation of industrial fishing only ensures the demise of the osprey and other species in that ecosystem. Why not a moratorium until a study is completed? That makes much more sense based on what we know. But, sitting where I do in Canada, I wonder who has any common sense? We have watched and are now watching – again – adults abandoning their only surviving chicks because of too little or no food. In Norway, Sol was removed from a nest and place in another that is thriving.
I do take exception with one aspect of part 1 of the documentary, The Last Osprey. The myth is that ospreys do not do well in rehabilitation. Our friend who was at the Audubon Raptor Centre in Florida, Lisa, would tell you a different story. I don’t think I mentioned Mr Krispy – he had been electocuted and lost almost all his feathers. He was released a little more than a year after going into care. Pitkin County’s chick fell over and was taken into care and released. Those are only two stories but what about Bailey at the Raptor Centre? The key is to getting them soon enough before their organs begin to shut down. It is too late for those sitting on some of the nests you are watching.
I want to applaud Heidi again. I thank whatever spirit controls this world for her coming into my life many years ago. She is tenacious, and she was not going to let PSEG Oyster Bay get by with having fishing line on that nest. I believe she would have climbed up there herself if she had lived in the area, but she knew to contact Bobby Horvath. If there is a chick in danger in Manhattan or on Long Island, Bobby is your man. That chick is alive today because of her video—but also because of all the phone calls everyone made to PSEG, Bobby, the DEC, etc. It takes more than a village, and you cannot give up!!!!!!!!!
This is Oyster Bay today.
It isn’t fishing line, but it is human debris – a takeaway box. Gosh, humans make messes, and ospreys love to bring things to the nest. There was a running joke that maybe it was fish and chips. The kids are fish calling. These three should fledge. Thank goodness.
Tiny at Blackbush – four of them – continues to do better than I thought it would. This is one determined little osplet.
Different parents at Minnesota has really changed this nest with two thriving osplets.
Osoyoos. This nest needs fish!
One of the discussions in the documentary The Last Osprey is the amount of energy parents must expend to furnish their nests and care for their young when the young are starving, too. Feather development. Emaciated chicks. It is hard to tell, but there is not a lot of fat on this chick at Osoyoos compared to those at some of the other nests. Meanwhile, with the rare exception, the UK nests are thriving, and I have word that the Aviemore ospreys are safe from the wildfire scorching the area.
Pam Breci sent this to me – and we always need to cherish and cheer on those nests that are doing well.
I loved Duke and Daisy. They decided not to breed one year. I wonder what eventually happened to them. Does anyone know?
This is Sandy Hook and instead of eating Menhaden, they are eating fluke.
AI information on Fluke:
AI Overview
Fluke fish, also known as Summer Flounder, are a predatory marine flatfish found in the western Atlantic Ocean. Highly prized by both commercial harvesters and recreational anglers, they are famous for their sweet, mild, and delicate white meat, which is excellent for searing or rolling.
Key Characteristics
Appearance & Camouflage: Fluke are flat and laterally compressed, meaning they swim and lie on the ocean floor on their side. They are nicknamed “chameleons of the sea” for their ability to change their top-side coloration (grays, blues, or browns) to match the ocean floor.
The “Left-Eyed” Trait: While born with an eye on each side, the fluke’s right eye migrates to the left side of its head as it matures. When held with the belly facing down and eyes facing up, its head will point to the left.
Distinctive Spots: They typically feature five or more prominent, dark, eye-like spots (ocelli) arranged in a distinct pattern on their back.
Ambush Predators: Unlike bottom-feeding scavengers, fluke are aggressive hunters equipped with large mouths and sharp teeth, feeding on small fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Fluke vs. Flounder
The relationship often causes confusion, but the easiest way to understand it is that all fluke are flounders, but not all flounders are fluke. “Flounder” is a broader umbrella term for various species of flatfish. Fluke specifically refers to the Summer Flounder, while other species (like the Winter Flounder) are right-eyed, smaller-mouthed, and lack teeth
The fluke being brought in is keeping this nest thriving, and both adults are fishing for their kids. Lots of small fish is just as good as a few big ones.
I want to remember this season with Iris, Clark, and their chick. I know that we cherished the year she bonded with Finnegan and they raised two to fledge: Sum-eh and Antali. Iris is doing great as a mum, and Clark is not only a wonderful provider but also a protector. Each of us should cherish these next weeks with this wonderful family. This year has been hard on Iris because of the heat, yet she will protect her chicks before anything else. She is going to need time to ‘fatten’ up for her own migration later in July before she departs sometime in September. I wonder if there will be a naming contest for the chick? Gosh, I hope so. Maybe I missed it, and they have already started. I must admit to enjoying the newly fledged birds in my garden. I cannot take my eyes off of the gorgeous Blue Jays. The Starlings have moved on to their summer grounds but will return late in the fall and spend the winter. It has just been glorious!
Look how big Iris’s ‘baby’ is!
Posted a week ago:
Chick at day 20! Don’t you just love the attitude?
Wonderful news just keeps coming from Knepp Farm in the UK and their commitment to rewilding.
The latest report from Geemeff and the Woodland Trust:
Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 16th July 2026
It was a quiet day, with just a little intruder action, not enough to send an adult in pursuit, and the chicks spent most of today wingercising. Juniper 8P7 in particular was very animated, actually doing a two-footed hop, and moving perilously close to the edge. But she kept inside the cot rails, and had a good look over the side as if figuring out how high up she is. She and Amber 8P6 are looking very strong and fledge-watch can’t be far away. Louis delivered five fish today although Dorcha might argue it was only four as he inadvertently took one of them away with him when he left, dropping it overboard with a clunk. Fortunately it was the smallest fish, a partial flatfish, and he returned forty five minutes later with a decent sized trout so everyone had a good dinner. The Nest Two tally now rises to two hundred and ninety two, while over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536, taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and sixty eight. Their unviable egg is still intact, and after delivering the second fish, Garry did settle down on it but soon left. The weather was hot and sunny, and set to continue with an overnight low of 13°C and a more comfortable high tomorrow of 24°C.
===========================================================Mum and Dad slept on the barge in South Australia last night. Dear souls.
Beautiful Lady incubating her two precious eggs at the Olympic Park White-bellied Sea Eagle nest in Sydney.
Gorgeous Diamond. She lost her mate eleven years ago and a miracle happened when Xavier appeared and cared for her and her chicks. We have now sadly had to say goodbye to Xavier, also, and hello to Gimbir who keeps us entertained and who has turned out to be a very good mate.
The week in wildlife in photographs by the Guardian.
Thank you for being with us. Toby and I are going out for a walk. My son and daughter in law will come for a visit today – so good to see them again and Don is out with Ann at the nature centre. It is wonderful to have a day wit no heat ande no rain. All the little birds are so very happy.
I am working with my new camera to see if I can get you some decent images from the garden. Keep your fingers crossed. I have been very frustrated since I sold my DS850 and I might just hve to get a better mirrorless camera.
If you did not know, the Ferguson Museum chick, which was starving, was predated by a Bald Eagle this morning.
Enjoy the weekend. We will be back with you again soon.
Thank you to everyone who posted images and information on FB, to Geemeff, thank you for your daily summary, to PB – special thanks for our chats and the life support line when things get so sad you can’t stand it. To everyone who called about the PSEG nest and especially to Heidi for her persistence, thank you so much. You saved a life. People can create positive change. You just can’t give in to despair. Thank you to the Guardian and the owners of the streaming cams.
I hope that the beginning of summer has been good to each of you. The days seem to pass so quickly that we must look past the ticks, the midges, the wasps, the mosquitoes and enjoy the beauty of this season. When I think of summer – and for those reading my blog the last week – you will know that I have had ‘Japan on my mind’. I remember walking around the Golden Temple in Kyoto with its pond surrounded by beautiful purple iris. The purple iris in many of the gardens on my street are blooming now, too. My son is in Tokyo eating ramen, shopping, and heading out to go fishing with his friends there. One day I will return – he might have to help me!
One of Bird World’s friends and someone who keeps a good eye on some nests, sent me the following note: “Remember that kitten season is amongst us; in Canada it typically runs from early spring (March/April) to late fall (October/November), with a peak in breeding and births happening between May and July. Brock and the other kitty are driven by their instinct and could be out moving around their territory. It’s early still so don’t give up hope just yet.” There are few homeless cats in our neighbourhood. Brock might have had to go a distance but he always came ‘home’ in the past after three days. I wish to be hopeful.
At the Cornell campus, P2 has now fledged leaving only little P3 at home. P3 will probably not fledge for at least 4 or 5 days. Big Red and Arthur will make certain that each is fed. No worries.
This sweet darling baby has no idea how lucky it is. Iris, the oldest breeding osprey in the world, and its very young dad, Clark. Yet, from his experiences with the Bald Eagles nearby, Clark is quick to stay home and protect his family while they eat, for fear that another raptor will try to steal a free meal and harm them. I think Clark is magnificent. I hope that he has more years with Iris, but, for now, let us simply enjoy these precious moments. A beautiful sleeping osplet, so full and healthy.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 22nd June 2026
The weather was settled, there were no intruders or fights between the chicks, and the day was calm and routine, apart from Louis bringing an even more unsuitable stick than the one dubbed The Aerial. Garry LV0 brought one fish to Aurora 536 taking the Nest One total to one hundred and twenty nine, while Louis just kept bringing fish faster than Dorcha and the chicks could eat them. His six fish today take the Nest Two total to one hundred and seventy eight. The weather will remain settled with an overnight low of 14°C, with sunshine and a high of 24°C tomorrow.
I believe we are losing the third hatch at the Ferguson Museum -. It is tucked in, not moving, and could be dying from some kind of breathing/nest infection. It is, however, unclear, and the baby perked up during the afternoon. Fingers crossed. The female is fish calling!
We were so hopeful that the Buzzards that hatched in Latvia would survive and now the hawk is predating them. Goshawks are to be feared. https://youtu.be/gMX-ZS1URcI?
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 23rd June 2026
The weather was settled today and nothing out of the ordinary occurred. The chicks didn’t fight and the males supplied fish to their respective nests. Garry LV0 delivered two fish to Aurora 536 taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and thirty one, and Louis delivered three fish to Dorcha, taking the Nest Two tally to one hundred and eighty one. The family was so full from yesterday’s fish that not much interest was shown in the first delivery but by the second and third fishes, the chicks were coming forward eagerly and trying a little nibble. Having wrestled with the unsuitable stick he brought yesterday and leaving it in an arched position, Louis decided to tackle it today, and after a great effort he managed to collapse the Arch over the side but still part of the cot rail security barrier. At the time of filing this report (00.30) light rain is falling and is expected to continue overnight with a low of 14°C, but dry up tomorrow with a high of 21°C.
We have news from our monitor V from Indian Creek, Maryland:
“Rough storm last night and the third head on the nest in front of my porch did not appear this morning and the female brought soft ground grass to tromp down in one spot of the nest. The other two chicks look very healthy and although the fish are smaller, the male is still bringing them in regularly.
Similarly, the nest next door has at least one chick still in the nest. They raised the nest wall on my side so after my early glimpse of one chick really going at another, I’ve only caught a rare glimpse of a chick, but did this morning. This nest would seem to have had less fish, but of course I miss so much.
The four nests along the south shore at the creek mouth are probably a bust. One I’d hoped for left her nest yesterday. I never did catch a glimpse of the two of them together after she began incubating, too long ago for viable eggs now. I have a magical pretend hope in one of these four, still. It will be some time before a chick would be big enough for me to glimpse through the box nest and foliage. OH MY the most bizarre thing, an eagle was sitting right next to the osprey on that nest – here is a fast snapshot, was too slow to get a better focus, eagle flew immediately after and osprey chased. Weird.
As for the string of five nests at the head of the creek, the pairs are maintaining contact with their nests and one another, but either eggs or hatchlings didn’t make it. However, one nest that spent the earlier season abandoned has a steady couple hanging out.
And finally, yesterday I was certain a nest farther up the road, above Island Creek, with the Potomac across the road from it, had a chick or chicks. But I saw both male and female staring into the bottom of the nest this morning as I went to vote. Last night’s storm would have hit that nest hard, wind right across the wide Potomac. Down here nobody is throwing any silver dollars across the river.
And, finally, I will begin promoting the initial serialization of Island Creek Ospreys tomorrow on my marketing site. Here is the link to the Island Creek Ospreys home page which has links to each of the small segments within the years. I’ve got two years posted and will turn back now to the next 5 years. They’re written. It’s now a matter of cut, paste, find photos, etc., etc. But it’s a start.”
I have seen some wonder why Clark stays with Iris and the baby while they eat. This is precisely why – an eagle will land right next to an osprey on its nest. Iris would be focused on feeding the chick. As I mentioned, Clark is a hero. A great Dad and so ever young.
Jill continues to feed Big and Little at the Achieva nest. No sign of Jack for a bit. I wonder what has happened to him or if he just decided to start his summer vacation?
What do over 571 osprey nests tell you about what is happening in the Chesapeake Bay? If you didn’t believe that a lack of fish mattered, perhaps you might think differently after reading this study. Please forward to anyone. This is tragic – and I need many, many more to join the movement to stop the industrial fishing of Menhaden. (That includes along the Gulf States, too).
Thank you for being with me. As the rain settles a bit, Mr and Mrs Crow, Mr and Mrs Blue Jay and a host of other songbirds are at the feeders in case there is a storm before they turn in for the night. We have had nothing but rain and more rain. We were wearing jumpers today with the heating on. I worry about the nests – the cold damp is not good for little ones but I believe the Crows and Jays are fledged or near to it.
I also want to thank ‘L’ in Alabama for feeding the crows on her picnic table. They will reward you – every day when they call you will know that you have helped wildlife in your patch. Now if we could get everyone to join there would be no blank spaces and no hungry birds and animals. Humans waste 40% of the food they buy…why not let the animals eat it?
Take care.
Thank you to absolutely everyone – to Geemeff for her summaries, for those amazing videos and reports from all the others including our monitor V in Maryland, to the owners of the streaming cams, and those that write good reports based on observation not fantasy!
A very happy but, sadly, belated ‘Happy Father’s Day’ to everyone who has ever cared for another living soul and to our raptor dads especially who work hard to provide for their families in a very rapidly changing world.
I so enjoyed my friend Ruth’s visit on Sunday. Normally, visitors are Don’s friends keeping tabs on him, so this was quite special for me! She brought me the most beautiful fabric – a William Morris Co ‘Blackthorn’ pattern on a heavy linen fabric. Now to contemplate what to do with this treasure.
The garden news is that the Crows have fledged their young. I cannot keep enough ‘meat’ on the bird table for them!!!!!! It is still unclear to me how many there are because they still want the parents to feed them. They have yet to make an appearance where I can get a photo of them, nor has Dyson stayed long enough. She has babies in a nest somewhere! And her trips back and forth are short, so it is close by.
There is, however, a lingering sadness around our entire block. Brock and another dear cat, Charlie, went missing on the same day. Everyone has looked, driven around, called, and now checked sheds and garages. My heart is very heavy. Brock was very special to me, and I hope that he miraculously shows up. If I do not see him in another week, I will have to accept that he is gone. That something happened. He was a sweet soul, and a tree will go up in his memory. I hope he did not suffer.
Photo taken by a neighbour last summer.
I find solace in looking at my bunch – they help keep me calm and they know better than to ever want to be outside! It is dangerous out there.
Toby thinks he is a Calico cat.
Thankfully, the fish have continued to come into Little Dewey at Dewey Beach. Heidi jokingly said not to tell Omega they had been bringing in Menhaden. We don’t know where Mum is finding them, but keep on – we still have more than a month to go before fledge, and Little Dewey is going to need lots of fish. Might we find a fairy in the neighbourhood?
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 21st June 2026
The weather was settled today, sunny and dry, and both males provided well – Garry LV0 brought three fish for Aurora 536 taking his tally to one hundred and twenty eight, and Louis delivered six fish including a pike, the Nest Two tally now stands at one hundred and seventy two. Dorcha was startled during one of Louis’ deliveries, but not nearly as startled as the chick who got an eyeful of poo from an ill-judged squirt by the other. Or perhaps not so ill-judged – the chicks had been fighting earlier and the one who came off worst was the one who squirted! The forecast is dry overnight with a low of 11°C but a possibility of light rain showers tomorrow, with a high of 22°C.
Everything you need to know about what is going on in the California nests by SK Hideaways!
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 20th June 2026
Another day where the main talking point was fish – Louis delivered both the season’s earliest fish at 03.21 and the season’s latest at 23.40, with both deliveries made while night cam was on, and put in his longest working day at 20 hours 18 minutes. His delivery of five fish takes the Nest Two tally to one hundred and sixty six. Louis startled Dorcha twice today, both times by appearing quickly – the first time she jumped up and winged him away, and the second time she let him land with his fifth fish. He had more problem deliveries, he caught his wing on a forked stick when bringing fish two, and he clattered that same stick departing after fish three. By contrast, Garry LV0 had no problems with either of his two deliveries to Aurora 536, and his Nest One tally rises to one hundred and twenty five. For a pleasant change there was more sunshine and less rain than forecast for today, and the mild sunny weather will continue with an overnight low of 10°C and a high of 19°C tomorrow.
Sandy & Luna Squeeze Onto Back Porch to Say Good Morning ~ Watch Helicopter (2026 Jun19) Luna and Sandy greeted viewers from the back porch, squeezed together like peas in a pod. A little later, their attention was turned to a helicopter flying overhead. We lamented the possibility of increased air traffic should the Moon Camp property be developed. We support the effort to stop any such development. Shadow then arrived with the first fish of the day, which Sandy quickly claimed. Luna would get the other half when Sandy had enough. If you would like to support the preservation of Moon Camp, learn more at https://savemooncamp.org/. Video: https://youtu.be/urk5hiJB95A
BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT! Luna Climbs to Y-Branch ~ Perches Even Higher (2026 Jun 17) Luna stepped up to the Y branch and kept going up! This is a big developmental accomplishment as fledge time approaches. Sandy was suitably impressed with Luna’s progress, but was content to manage her branches. Eagles typically fledge between 10 and 14 weeks, so the window is now open for Luna and Sandy, who are 73 days old. Males typically fledge first as they are smaller. Video: https://youtu.be/If_H8omr7nk
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
BIG DAY AT FRASER POINT‼️ Zuma’s Fludge+Fledge ~ Partial Nest Collapse ~ Ryder’sNear Fludge (2026 Jun 20) The day began normally ~ Sasha bouncing around in the treetop, Ryder bouncing around the nest, and Zuma on the overnight perch. ~ Things got exciting when Zuma tried to descend from her perch to the nest and lost footing, falling to the ground. Ryder advised her to flap and asked if she was OK ~ turns out she was. ~ Later, while showing off her magnificent wingers, Ryder landed on the nest ledge, a big chunk of which broke off and fell to the ground, throwing up a big plume of nesting material. Fortunately, Ryder is much stronger than the first time she got too close to the edge (26 April 2026) and was able to recover and return to the nest. ~ We finally caught sight of Zuma at 12:47 (minute 7:46 in the video) as she made her way up the hill and took several short flights. We won’t wager on when she might return to the nest, but we’re quite confident that she will.
All in all, an eventful day at Fraser Point.
*Note: there has been no formal declaration of the eaglets’ genders. Our references to gender are just our best guesses. Video: https://youtu.be/AM7s0HwvKNY
Zuma Goes Out on a Limb ~ Explores Life Off Nest for 1st Time (2026 Jun 17) Call it branching or branch-hopping, Zuma went from the nest to a branch off the nest. A big accomplishment and deserving of praise. Zuma took up residency on that right side branch mid-afternoon and traversed back and forth several times before perching there overnight. Congratulations, Zuma! Video: https://youtu.be/3YbwXv9AAQY
Ryder & Zuma Choose Bounce House ~ Sasha Likes the Jungle Gym (2026 Jun 14) After Cruz and Andor filled the dawn with a beautiful duet, the eaglets began their morning chores. For Sasha that meant flying from one branch to another on her “jungle gym”. For Zuma and Ryder it meant strengthening their wings and legs with big wingers and jumps in their “bounce house”. The younger two seem content to watch Sasha explore the nest tree and beyond for now. We’re very happy for them to stick close to home as long as they’d like. Video: https://youtu.be/UcVY8wb2Ksk
Audacity & Jak Watch Sunset & Retire to Fave Night Roost (2026 Jun 17)The amazing IWS/explore cam ops team found Jak and Audacity watching the sunset before they retired to what I call the nest-watch roost. Such a treat to see them together ~ as sweet and bonded as ever. Video: https://youtu.be/CX4ZUTb8cy4
Fledglings Inseparable 2+ Weeks Post-Fledge ~ Parents Still Feeding (2026 Jun 15) All four fledglings were on camera today, beginning with their overnight roost on the louvers adjacent to the nesting area. Throughout the day, cam ops found them both apart and together (3 of them anyway with 1 just below). What a treat to see them all 2+ weeks post-fledge. As a bonus, we saw Hartley feeding them, Monty making a Dad Dash delivery, and the two of them bonding in the nest box. Video: https://youtu.be/u0dIuFbxwBs
Boys Perform Morning Aerobatics ~ Top Gun Training Progressing Well (2026 Jun 18) From dawn till dusk, the stellar cam ops team followed Jet, Scout, Stewart, and Walton ~ as well as Hartley and Monty ~ through their entertaining activities. ~ The morning brought incredible flying scenes followed by predictable loafing to refuel. ~ Scout interrupted Hartley and Monty when they attempted to pair bond in the nest, causing the long suffering parents to bolt from the area. ~ At day’s end, the boys came back together on the louver to roost, with an adult around the corner. An exciting and eventful day in San Jose! Video: https://youtu.be/rOC0Zu3gY6Y
Peregrines Hassle Cholyn ~ Chase Goes Talons Up ~ Cam Ops Give Us a Finale Treat (2026 Jun 19) Two peregrine falcons were unhappy with Cholyn and Chase’s presence, so became something of a nuisance. They swooped on Cholyn in the nest ~ she rose up and swatted at them. Then Chase arrived and soon went talons up when he was swooped. That took care of the nuisance. Once sure that the intruders were gone, Chase took his leave and cam ops gave us some stunning close-ups of Queen Cholyn. At the end, she and Chase exchanged beautiful chortles before she departed to meet him elsewhere. Video: https://youtu.be/b3HcKlH1X3U
‘CG’ sent us a video list from the Syracuse Red-tail Hawk nest where we have some fledging happening!
Home to Ruth, Oren, OR6, and OR7.
OR7 fludges at 46 days old on the evening of 6/12/26. After making a safe landing, flying here and there, he spends the night on a railing. https://youtu.be/FKUe7phkj7A?s
OR7 shows OR6 how it’s done. OR6 fledges at 51 days old 6/17/26. They spend the night together in a nearby tree. https://youtu.be/IZlav2VcHa4?
Videos by Sylvia’s Raptor Cam
Oh, wow. I am so grateful to Geemeff, SK Hideaways, and CG – it is great to get such good coverage of specific nests!
In Wales, Katherine Keir has kept everyone appraised as to Aran and I am happy to say that he got to celebrate Father’s Day this year with his new mate. It seems they have one chick.
Ping Shen writes about Harry and Sally in Seattle with some great photos!
“Harry and Sally’s 3rd chick hatched sometime between June 16 and 17, and Harry has been very busy making fish deliveries. Mom and the 3 Osplets seem to be doing well – fingers are crossed they can keep them fed and happy. It is still quite a joy to watch these parents tend to their new young – I didn’t visit as much last year during these early days and regretted it, so am trying to make up for it now!”
I need your help. My Memorial Page is missing eaglets, eaglets, hawks, and ospreys from the streaming cams that have died. Please take a look and send me a note, as I don’t want to leave anyone out. Don’t be shy! I have tried to keep them in chronological order but towards the end they aren’t.
There is something else that I am doing. This year, I hope, with the help of a much-too-busy Heidi, to put together a map. That map will show the nests that fledged their full clutch. I want to see where the successes are visually, and this is difficult to do on our forms. I do not believe there will be many on streaming cams who manage to raise all of their chicks, but I would like your input. When fledge comes, send me the nest name and location! I might already have it, but that is alright. We don’t want to miss any nest.
Breaking news: The Fraser Point nest of Andor and Cruz has collapsed. Ryder appears to be alright.
The second eaglet has died at the Lesser Spotted Eaglet nest in Estonia as was sadly expected. When the oldest didn’t kill it, the adult chose not to feed. They only fledge one no matter how many hatch. It is ‘their way’. In this instance, it was familial homicide.
Bety was aerating the nest at Mlade Buky around the single egg today.
A miserable day at Cornell nest of Big Red and Arthur. Not good for another fledge – drippy feathers and all. P1 is at the nest too, having fledged two days ago. No doubt they are all hungry!
Our baby at Hellgate is losing its little down and turning into a dinosaur! Do you realize that ospreys are some of the only dinosaurs to survive the dinosaur age? And we are murdering them as one of my reader’s states, in the NE USA -. They sent me a poster after reading about the Menhaden issues. I agree. Our planet is on life support and a few greedy corporations and people are killing her and all that is beautiful ———we simply cannot let that happen.
Small acts of kindness matter. A friend in London saw a pigeon drinking from a tiny, dirty puddle. They had a bottle of water and a cup in their car, and they went over and, in a safe place, left water for the bird. It went immediately. Remember. Water is life. It costs little to leave out a pan of cool water in a spot for wildlife. Please, if you can, leave out water, especially during these heat domes. Water is often more important than food.
Iris feeding her little dinosaur. Clark brought a huge whole fish for the family.
Iris makes me happy.
Thank you for being with us today. The rains are supposed to come down heavily the rest of the week, and today is packed with errands, including getting Toby’s nails trimmed. It was a joy being outside the last few days. I may take a day or two to write again. Summer is now officially here, and it will go by in a blink.
I want to thank Geemeff, SK Hideaways, CG, and Ping Shen for all their news! I really appreciate your generosity in sharing news with all our readers in Bird World. Thank you to the individuals who send out newsletters, post on FB with the latest information, and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to view these amazing birds.
I am feeling very nostalgic. The very first time I visited Japan was in 1988. It was August. My friend, Ikuhiko, introduced me to the culture, the temples, the gardens, the pickles, and the food in a much condensed two-week period. It was the first of so many trips – most of which centred on Kyoto.
Tuesday night, I watched a gardening show from the UK, Monty Don’s Japanese Gardens on YouTube, that looked at Japanese gardens in both spring and fall. It is a strange thing, but I can close my eyes and walk from the JR Station to the little apartment where I stayed a few blocks from the Kamo River and the old area of Kyoto. The place that I found tranquillity, however, was in Ohara, a the Sanzen-in temple on the mountain. It is a very old site, sacred to the Tendai sect, and famous for its gardens. To get there, I had to take the #11 bus, if I recall correctly. At the beginning of the trek were two shops – one with delicious food and the other with textiles created in various techniques using Indigo. They seemed to specialise in Shibori. Away from the road and up the mountain, artists were drawing and painting at the edge of a field. It was the amazing moss gardens at the top that drew me there. I do not have the proper words for how peaceful it was away from the hussle and bussle of Kyoto.
Ironically, one of the other programmes on the telly that Don enjoys, Death in Paradise, is set in Deshaies, Guadeloupe. There are always one or more images we recognise, including Katherine’s restaurant, which is on the beach in the main town.
Wonderful memories.
Tuesday was a very beautiful day. There was a breeze, and the temperature remained mild. No rain, no hail, and dinner was on the deck with the birds singing their little hearts out. Beautiful. Oh, being outside just brightens one’s soul!
Wednesday is busy. We have Tolu; Toby will stay with Ann while Don goes to his psychiatrist’s appointment; and then there is the first day of our South Osborne Farmers’ Market. Think yummy Chinese dumplings and fresh local honey! So this report is shorter than normal.
The weather has been more than windy in Hellgate Canyon. Clark had trouble bringing in a minnow-sized fish. I became concerned for the little one. He stayed with Iris and his baby and finally came in with a good-sized fish around 1020. Relief
It is still very windy at Hellgate Canyon. Clark brought in another fish after 1500 (he might well have brought in more earlier).
Iris feeds the baby while Clark keeps guard. Clark is so protective of his family!
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 17th June 2026
Today was calm and routine, no upsets, not much in the way of chick aggression, and no intruders. Louis brought three fish for his family, taking the Nest Two tally to one hundred and fifty one, and Garry LV0 brought one fish for Aurora 536 taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and twenty one. It rained on and off today and rain will continue through the night with light winds and a low of 12°C, continuing tomorrow with light rain, a gentle breeze and a high of 17°C.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 16th June 2026
The chicks threw a strop and fought each other, Dorcha took no notice, Louis got his toe nibbled, Aurora got a fish and Garry didn’t spend much time on the nest. He only brought one fish for Aurora, on camera anyway, he almost certainly is bringing fish during the approximately four hours daily cam down time, and his tally now stands at one hundred and twenty. Louis brought four fish for Dorcha and the Nest Two tally rises to one hundred and forty eight. The chicks fought with the eldest coming out on top but then looked ridiculous attacking the nest itself! The weather forecast for the Inver Mallie area is light rain and winds overnight with a low of 13°C, continuing tomorrow with light rain showers, a gentle breeze and scattered sunshine with a high of 17°C.
Fledge watchers are ready and signs will be going up on the Cornell Campus for Big Red and Arthur’s hawklets.
I love Big Red. She knows when her babies are about ready to fly, and she often chooses to feed them. She is an incredible RTH. The number of chicks she has fledged is unknown, as she has only been on camera with her mate, Ezra, since 2012. She hatched in 2003 and was probably raising babies in 2006. She glows when she has chicks. Positively glows.
Big and Little fledged, and Jill, with some help from Jack, is still feeding these two at the Achieva nest. What a wonderful nest this turned out to be this year, thanks to Jill.
Big and Little waiting for Mum to deliver an evening meal. They ‘trust’ that she will being food back. What an incredible nest.
Mum never disappoints. ‘PB’ thinks it could be a mackerel.
Hatch at Sandpoint!
Not quite sure what is going on with Bety and Bukachek this year. Will keep monitoring. Gosh, that nest is full of human debris.
Baby being fed at Cowlitz.
The trio at Dyfi are fantastic. Telyn and Idris are exceptional.
We have a second hatch at Ilomantsin sääkset #2. It is rainy and wet, and I hate that when there are babies in the nest. They get cold and die – let’s hope for sunshine.
It is really raining in Estonia at the nests of the Golden Eagle and Lesser Spotted Eagle. Both Lesser Spotted chicks have eaten, with the oldest having more – a rat that came in later. Wish them better weather.
Some have been worried about Little Bob at Poole Harbour. He was in a food coma earlier and gets up and eats when he is hungry. Everything looks fine to me.
Family portrait at Rutland with swans. Chicks will be ringed soon.
Smile. Little Dewey at Dewey Beach has had seven fish so far today.
Thank you so much for being with us – there is so much happening, fledges, hatches, and sadly, what looks like pending deaths at some nests. Will try to catch everyone up on the latest tomorrow or Friday. I may take tomorrow off -. Need to enjoy some time with Don in the country! In the meantime, take care! See you soon.
Thank you to Geemeff for those two great reports on Loch Arkaig, PB for alerting me to some nest news,SK Hideaways for their wonderful videos. I am grateful to everyone who posted information and images on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch these incredible bird families. Thank you.
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.
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.
“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
Dewey Beach. This must be a female – and continue to send positive wishes to her so that she fledges!
The trio are so fully feathered at Manton Bay and the nest of Blue 33 and Maya.
‘PB’ reports that Cowlitz has its first hatch today.
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:
Heidi also reports on The Bridge Club osprey nest in NY.
‘PB’ reports on Achieva:
Charlie and the New Female together on the nest at Charlo Montana feeding their two babies.
Look at those beautiful juvenile feathers on the Pitkin County Trails Osprey nest in Colorado!
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?
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.
So far it looks like we still have four osplets alive at the Blackbush nest in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Two big osplets at the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum osprey nest.
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!
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.
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.
It’s the end of the day and I have two great offerings for you.
We have SK Hideaways video of all of Clark’s fish deliveries the other day. My mailbox thought it was ‘Junk’ Mail – geez, what do they know!!!!!!! Ugh.
Clark Answers Iris’s Fish Calls ~ Chick #1 Gets Its First Meal ~ 2026 Jun 11
Iris and Clark’s first chick hatched today, but Iris waited some 48 hours for Clark to bring fish. No one knows why he was delayed, but he certainly made up for it with 4 fish deliveries (as of this video). Once Iris refueled, she fed chick #1. Congratulations, Iris and Clark, and welcome to the world #1.
So sorry I missed it but I know that each of you won’t want to miss seeing Clark and all those fish again!!!!!!!!
Clark just keeps bringing those big fish in.
Louis delivered a late fish at Loch Arkaig. It is included in the daily summary.
Geemeff Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch ArkaigMonday 15th June 2026
There was the odd chick fight today but not much, and not too serious so perhaps as both begin to develop the oily look of the reptilian phase, and with Louis bringing plenty of fish, the aggression will taper off completely. It was an otherwise calm day – Garry LV0 delivered two fish taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and nineteen, and he and Aurora continue to incubate their unviable egg. Louis delivered five fish, the first arrived as this season’s earliest shortly after day cam came on, and the last arrived as this season’s latest, with night cam coming on as he landed.The chicks lined up squeaking and will go to bed with full crops. The Nest Two tally rises to one hundred and forty four. The weather today was dry and warm as forecast, but also as forecast, is set to change back to wet with a 70% chance of rain overnight and a low of 11°C, and light rain, light winds, and a high of 18°C tomorrow. Actually, change that 70% to 100% because at the time of filing this report (midnight) it’s started raining and both females are pearled with raindrops.
Thanks so much for being with us! The rain and hail have stopped. The sun is out. Cats are fed along with Toby, and Don is fast asleep. I have a new bird book that I am going to start, but to my shock, it doesn’t contain anything about ospreys. What a disappointment. I was hoping it would be a gem so that it could be the book I donate to the final raffle for the Loch Arkaig group.
See you soon!
Thank you to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their incredible work documenting the lives of our raptors through video and summaries.
First up. Some good news. At the NCTC nest of Bella and Scout, RJ got a fishhook attached to a stick stuck in its talon. That chick did the ‘shake, shake, shake’ and got rid of that nuisance. Well, it is more than a nuisance. Could have caused permanent harm or death. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/Kx5Fw2LwQT8?
Sad news coming from the Salmon River Bald Eagle nest. ‘PB’ writes, “1:41 Salmon nest baby 2 gone confirmed with Idaho Fish and Game. Parents brought more twine in, and Sweet #2 was by mom’s foot when she left, took the twine and the baby with her. He managed to hang on to the far left side before falling, and they had someone check, and he was confirmed dead.”
More information from the Missoula team:
Cutie Pie waiting for some more fish.
Clark brought several fish and then a mid-afternoon whopper!!!!!!!
Oh, my heart.
Wide open. Iris seems to be getting more fish around its beak than in its mouth.
I hope that baby got some fish – it is definitely hungry.
More fish for Iris! Clark, I want to hug you. This time Clark ate the head but the fish is big and it is getting late.
Baby gets feed while Clark keeps watch over it and Iris.
Two precious babies and baling twine on the Charlo Montana nest. Please make some calls if you are in the area. Try the biologist for the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Audubon Society. This is human-caused!
I dislike the camera at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. No rewind. There are babies. You can see movement but that is all I know.
Just look at the temperature on the nest at Dewey Beach today and our precious Little Dewey.
Menhaden are a big deal for the ospreys that live in the NE.
D3 and D4 nearer and nearer to fledging at Decorah.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch ArkaigFriday 12th June 2026
Today was much calmer after the upset of losing little Chick3 yesterday. Early this morning Dorcha removed the body and disposed of it in the forest, leaving the two remaining chicks more room and a cleaner environment. There were some minor intruder alarms but none came close enough to be caught on nest cam, and both males had ample time to fish, and in Garry LV0’s case, to take over egg-sitting duties and release Aurora 536 to eat and stretch her wings. Sadly it does look like their hard work might be in vain because today is Day 43 and Osprey eggs usually hatch between 37-42 days. However, there is still a very slim chance that their egg might hatch, many eyes are watching Nest One hoping for a chick for them this year. Aurora returned to the nest with fish shortly after the cam came online, almost certainly caught by Garry and with his other delivery, the Nest One tally now stands at one hundred and fourteen. Louis brought three fish today and the Nest Two tally now stands at one hundred and thirty two. The thunder didn’t materialise but the showers did, with frequent dry spells throughout the day. However more rain is forecast for tonight and tomorrow, with an overnight low of 10°C and a high of 14°C tomorrow.
Bonus Osprey longevity info – for those who feared Louis was too old to return when he was late back this year, at thirteen or fourteen years old he’s not even half as old as the world’s oldest known Osprey – Iris of Hellgate Montana. She’s been nesting there since 1999, and yesterday, at the grand old age of thirty or thirty one, she hatched another chick! First hatch of her clutch of three eggs. Congratulations Iris and new mate Clark!
Come and join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, fun, and free!
You need to be vocal. Not only is the price of timber causing habitat loss at a time when we need trees more than ever, but tourism and luxury hotels are now threatening wildlife and our precious birds. In Manitoba, our Premier and everyone I know have been protesting AI data centres. I am glad our leader is Indigenous. I am proud that he is protecting wildlife habitat in the north. But I still need to be vigilant because my City seems to be doing the opposite! Please have your say when you hear about new developments – with strong united voices, we can invoke change. We just have to be patient sometimes. We cannot give up!
Quiet Eagle brings us an update on little eaglet Snow that was in the nest that slid at Traverse City and survived! https://youtu.be/j756uY1hbZE?
I want to close with an image of one of our local ospreys. My grandson, Jeremy, sent it to me. It is a short video and this osprey has a fish.
We have a growing number of osprey in our City. People are putting fish into the retention ponds for them. That might be an idea for some of you in the US, where there is a fish shortage. :))). I can’t seem to post the video so here are some screen captures. Look at the size of that fish. Wow.
We have rain or storm clouds brewing overhead. So much rain! There should not be any wildfires, and the trees and shrubs are doing incredibly. It is a green paradise with a touch of pink or red! There are now four fledgling Starlings – I probably said. They fascinate me. Tonight they are eating a New Zealand dog nugget that is a whole meal – Toby said he didn’t mind since we ran out of minnows and hot dogs! The weather is cooler – 14 C. I wonder if that makes them need more food to stay warm?
It’s too grainy. I so wish I had my long lens camera!
They are so cute and have entertained us all day.
I want to thank you for being with us today. Please take care. We look forward to having you with us again soon.
Thank you to everyone who posted information on FB, with or without images, and to Geemeff for her daily summary of the activities of the two nests at Loch Arkaig, Scotland. I want to thank the authors of newsletters and articles that provide us with a wealth of information. To the owners of the streaming cams, we are grateful to be able to watch the lives of our feathered friends and their growing families. I also want to thank the Guardian for their continued reports on the environment and wildlife and last, but not least, Jeremy, for remembering me and sending me that great osprey video to share with you.
The female at the Golden Eagle 2 nest in Estonia has been missing since the 11 June. Dad continues to supply food to the eaglet but as his role is hunting and protecting, he is not feeding. The chick has tried to eat but just can’t. This could quickly turn into a very sad situation where we lose both a healthy bouncy eaglet and its Mum.
“The Bald Eagle 2 nest camera is located in the extended danger area near the Estonian Defence Forces Central Training Area in Northern Estonia. Defence Forces training involves quite noisy activities or a large number of equipment and people moving around the training area. In order to clarify the impact of these activities on eagles nesting in the vicinity of the training areas, the State Defence Investment Centre has commissioned a study, which is being carried out by the Eagle Club. During the study, we installed a nest camera on a bald eagle nest, among other activities.
Kaljukotkas 2 is a native territory of golden eagles – one of those located south of Lahemaa National Park in Põhja-Kõrvemaa. The nests have been located in this territory over time on different bog islands or on the edge of the bog; the generations of golden eagles have changed there, but the territory has remained the same. The eagles have been nesting in this nest at the end of a large stump since 2016. In recent years, the chick here has become capable of flying, although at a later time than average. This indicates that the laying of eggs is later than average. The chick of 2023 also got a companion with the help of our German colleague Oliver Krone. It flew from the breeding territory to Latvia in early November, returned to Estonia in early December and spent the winter here. We have not added the monitored golden eagles to the migration map, because they tend to be quite sedentary. However, some of the young birds hatched in Estonia move as far as Poland and Ukraine for the winter.
Both adult birds are here without rings, so we do not know their age or origin. The first egg appeared in the nest this year on March 26 at 2:46 p.m. We can expect the chick to hatch at the end of April.”
Clark brought the first fish right after 0900 but immediately an intruder was in the area. He flew off with the fish and returned it to Iris at 0931 so that her and the baby could eat.
Baby has had at least one other feeding before noon! Things look good for Iris and Clark who has been bringing in nesting materials, too.
Heidi reports that Miles and Hennie now have three babies. Wish them well.
Dani Connor saved a plantation forest in Sweden near her home in the north through a GoFundMe. She was determined that the red squirrels and other wildlife would not lose their home. Just look at what is happening in Norway. Our wildlife need trees and it isn’t just the birds. Our planet needs trees. I know the plantation trees were planted to be cut down but perhaps with the climate heating up so much, it is time to find a way to purchase these lands.
This reminds me. It appears to me that the fundraising for Moon Camp to protect the land around Jackie and Shadow’s nest has stalled at about 3.3 million. That is a huge amount of funds donated by fundraising by viewers and local school children. They are posting that they need 6 million by the end of the month. If you are intending to donate but haven’t yet, please check in and do so. Help them save this land where other wildlife also live. Go to SaveMoonCamp.org
It looks like SK Hideaways has caught Jackie and Shadow’s Luna getting lift, and believe me, everyone is concerned about fireworks with Luna and Sandy. They are in a fledge window. https://youtu.be/W1TSYPxDU_I?
I love this family tree from Big Bear that was posted on FB.
SW Florida’s Bald Eagle nest in Fort Myers on the Pritchett Property M15 has a new female to replace F23 who was killed during the 2026 season. Check out Photos by Donna Lee on FB to see all of the images of M15 with his new mate.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch ArkaigThursday 11th June 2026
Sadly, there’s only one talking point today and that’s the loss of little Chick3. Hatched on 6th June shortly after midnight, the little chick was five days old today and didn’t really have a chance against its two big siblings. Despite Louis delivering plenty of food, Dorcha keeping the chicks warm and dry, and the older pair mainly taking out their aggression on each other, the youngest chick was too weak to survive on a reduced diet. Comfort can be found in that Chick3’s death was as peaceful as is possible on a lively Osprey nest. In other news, Dorcha furiously saw off an intruding Osprey who first perched on the camera pole and then on the nearby Scots Pine – she kept it so well away that it was impossible to see if it was yesterday’s intruder JJ4 returning, or a stranger. Louis delivered four fish taking the Nest Two tally to one hundred and twenty nine, and Garry LV0 delivered three fish to Aurora 536, taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and twelve. Aurora’s egg is now forty two days old and the possibility of hatching is improbable but not yet impossible. The weather was a repeat of yesterday’s, wet and windy, and tonight’s overnight forecast is light rain and light winds with a low of 11°C overnight, continuing with thundery showers, a moderate breeze and a high of 15°C tomorrow.
Bonus read: Toby Carvery apologise for cutting down one of the important trees on Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Register and will plant 1,000 new trees (Ed: as if that could replace the 500 year old oak!)
I am happy to say that our garden animals are thriving. We now have four European Starling fledglings! And I have discovered that Crows like large raw minnows – the ones that were in the freezer that Toby decided were not ‘dehydrated’. So there you go – have large minnows in your freezer, and you don’t go fishing, well, feed the crows. Their babies need mushy protein.
Thank you so much for being with us today. I am signing off. Toby and I are going to relax a little while Don is out with Ann. We wish you a lovely weekend with a lot of ice cream. And watch Iris and Clark with their new baby – . Might there be others? I promise you that unless there is another weather event there, this nest is going to be one to watch and I was a huge skeptic.
Toby loves strawberry ice cream.
Thank you to everyone who contributed information and images to FB, to SK Hideaways for their video, Geemeff for their daily summary, and Donna Lee for those great images of M15 and his new lady. Always great to have news from Heidi and Keilder Forest. hank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch these amazing bird families.
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.
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.
Happy Mum! The oldest breeding osprey in the world – at least thirty years. Imagine.
Oh, another fish. 1747.
Iris plays with her stick while Clark prepares to brood his baby and incubate the other two eggs.
It sure sounded like Iris was ordering more fish when they exchanged places and Clark flew off.
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:
15:22, 6/11 Less than 5 hours old, and Iris gives the Chick his first feeding. Iris is amazing to watch. She is an experienced Osprey Mom. #HellgateOspreypic.twitter.com/HmzG7M6hry
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:
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.
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.
