The Purpose: The special day honours Jackie’s global impact, highlights the importance of wildlife conservation, and ties into America’s 250th anniversary.
Legal Status: It is a single-day legislative proclamation and does not create a permanent annual state holiday, official time off, or mandatory closures.
Background: Jackie was a beloved 14-year-old bald eagle in the San Bernardino National Forest whose life was broadcast globally via a 24/7 livestream run by the Friends of Big Bear Valley. She passed away in August 2026.
Those who support this bill and want to show their love and honour Jackie will wear purple on the 4th! I am telling you this early so you can find something purple!!!!!!!
I would like to thank ‘B’ for alerting me to this wonderful tribute to Jackie.
So get out your purple. What a wonderful way to honour wildlife and our dear Jackie! Each of us needs to support wildlife so let us all join in with California no matter where we live!
Thank you for being with me this evening. Please take care.
Thank you to ‘B’, to KTLA, and to the State of California!
Jackie and Shadow have been on my mind. It isn’t the first time we have lost a raptor that we loved. I adored Samson and worried for Gabby. I have missed Akecheta more than anyone could imagine, and then Thunder. Joe was very special to me because he openly mourned the bringing of the rat to the nest that killed Peace and Love. And then there were the ospreys. The death of Laddie LM12 broke my heart, and when I thought that Louis was no more, it broke further. They are clearly more than birds on a screen to us!
A prayer for Jackie from an unknown source:
We pause today to remember Jackie, the magnificent bald eagle whose spirit touched so many hearts across the world. Thank you for the grace, strength, and fierce devotion she brought into our lives, reminding us of the wild beauty of your creation.
We give thanks for the dedicated people at the Ojai Raptor Centrewho offered her comfort, safety, and tender care in her final days. Bring peace and solace to all the heartbroken human caretakers and watchers who mourn her passing.
Wrap her loyal mate, Shadow, in comfort as he adjusts to life without her, and let Jackie soar now on strong, unburdened wings, free from pain and illness, resting forever in your eternal peace.
Beloved Big Bear bald eagle Jackie passed away on August 10, 2026, at the age of 14 after a weeks-long battle with a severe illness at the Ojai Raptor Centre. Her dedication to her mate Shadow and her resilience captivated millions worldwide through the Friends of Big Bear Valley live nest camera. Jackie will remain in our hearts. Will we ever forget the sound of her chortle? I don’t think so.
Healing takes time. As Alison points out, thank goodness those cute little sea eaglets hatched healthy and sweet.
Just a few more tributes and then I will stop and Jackie will live in my heart, your hearts, and on the memorial wall, bigger than life.
Another: “On 5/1/26 Jackie beelined to the lake to pull a fish for her eaglets. This video shows her buzzing by my camera and taking the fresh catch up to the nest. The song in this video I wrote a couple of months ago in hopes and anticipation of Jackie’s eggs hatching and an eaglet or two surviving. We all hope the two young eaglets make it to fledge and 2026 goes down in history as another successful one for Jackie & Shadow. Photography is from ground and lake level by Big Bear local Trisha Dale Green. Song created by Trisha Dale Green using SUNO.” https://youtu.be/gz7TQ-ANqeA?s
‘A’ from Melbourne: “Hearts heavy with the tremendous grief at Jackie’s loss, thank goodness the hatch of the precious sea eaglets at Olympic Park comes as we need something this beautiful to remind us that the bird world keeps turning, emotionally and literally, and that no sadness can overwhelm the joy of a little fluff ball with a shiny black beak and the most adorable tiny pink feet. Mind you, I am very glad to be reminded just how fluffy and roomy Lady’s underfluffies are for two fuzzy hatchlings – it really is FREEZING in the early mornings in southeastern Australia at the moment, worse down here in Melbourne than in Sydney of course, but it’s great to see the dear little creatures snuggled up in their sea eagle doona. Meanwhile, I did adore the celebratory honking duet from Dad and Lady against the background of the ubiqitious currawong chorus. How can two such lovely raptors sound like an old engine on its very last legs?”
‘V’: “My first experience with watching any raptors was when I accidentally happened on a live video of Spirit hatching. Since then, I have become addicted to eagles, osprey and Albatross. Thank you, Jackie, for the memories.”
‘JM’: “This is heartbreaking news. I’m so thankful to have been able to watch Jackie and Shadow over the last couple years. She is with Sandy now.”
‘BA’: “Oh Mary Ann, tears are flowing… there are no words……”
‘L’: “This is heartbreaking news. I’m so thankful to have been able to watch Jackie and Shadow over the last couple years. She is with Sandy now. 🦅💔😔”
‘L’: “May she fly high over Big Bear and Reat in Peace in Heaven with all the others who have gone on before her. I think what hurts me the most is that she has passed away on my Birthday. When we left this morning to go out to eat I didn’t know about it till we got back home. We love and miss you Jackie and we will Always remember you ❤️🦅🙏”
‘R’:”Bon Voyage, Jackie; safe sailing. You will be missed forever, but your impact on our nation and media outlets will long be remembered. Thanks for allowing medical specialists to care for you and learn more about your condition, so that they may help other raptors in the future. Soar to the highest heights and watch over Shadow to choose a mate wisely. 🦅🪹🪺”
‘M’: “😢 Soar high up in the sky.”
‘L’:”When Harriet from the Southwest Florida nest disappeared I didn’t grieve as much as I am over Jackie. Harriet was so much older, although it was shocking too, I accepted it. M15 had those little eaglets to raise and I focused on that. I’m feeling more sorrowful over Jackie than I have over any human. I guess that sounds terrible.”
Tonight, people across the world are grieving the loss of a remarkable bald eagle, Jackie. Jackie touched millions of lives simply by living hers. She invited us into her wild world, and somewhere along the way, she became part of ours. We all followed Jackie and Shadow through so many moments of their lives. We celebrated with them. We worried about them. Most importantly, we collectively cared about them.
To everyone at Friends of Big Bear Valley and Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, thank you for watching over Jackie and Shadow and for being a steward of their nest site. Thank you for sharing their lives with the world. You gave millions of us the opportunity to experience the wonder of wild bald eagles from wherever we happened to be. What you shared became so much bigger than a camera pointed at an eagle’s nest. You connected people to the natural world. Our hearts are with the entire Big Bear Valley community as you grieve the loss of an eagle who became such a beloved part of your lives.
To the entire team at the The Ojai Raptor Center we are thinking of you tonight. As a small raptor rehabilitation center in Connecticut, we understand how deeply it hurts to lose a patient. We know how much of yourselves you give to each animal. We know how fiercely you hold onto hope and fight for every possible chance at recovery. We are truly in awe of the extraordinary medical care she received throughout her journey. Your commitment to giving her every possible chance was evident every step of the way. Although the outcome was not the one any of us hoped for, she was surrounded by comfort and incredible love because of you. The care you gave her mattered. Our hearts are with every member of your team as you grieve this tremendous loss.
I always smiled when Jackie and Shadow made the national news. There was something incredibly hopeful about seeing the entire country follow along and grow to love these two wild bald eagles. Almost everywhere we go to present a wildlife program this past year, someone asks me, “Have you heard of Jackie and Shadow?” I always smile. Of course I have.
In many ways, Jackie and Shadow became my wild comrades in education. People cared about them, so they wanted to learn more. They learned what life is really like for a wild bald eagle. They also began to understand the dangers eagles and other wildlife face every day. Jackie and Shadow opened the door to conversations about wildlife that those of us in conservation work so hard to have. Jackie made millions of people care about bald eagles. She made them care about the wild places they need to survive. She made people care about protecting the natural world we all share.
Just weeks ago, people came together to raise $10 million to save 63 acres near Jackie and Shadow’s nest from development. Land that was once destined for development will now remain wild. The connection people felt with Jackie and Shadow inspired action. It helped protect the habitat they depended on and preserve a piece of the wild for generations to come. Their story shows us what can happen when people fall in love with wildlife and decide the places those animals call home are worth fighting for. That is conservation. That is Jackie’s legacy.
Jackie was so much more than a famous eagle on a screen. She became a national ambassador for her species. She taught millions of people without ever entering a classroom. Her legacy will live on in the person who finds an injured bird and knows to reach out for help. She will live on in the person who stops to pick up discarded fishing line before it can entangle wildlife, or the fisherman who chooses to use only non lead fishing weights. She will live on in the hunter who chooses lead-free ammunition to protect eagles and other scavengers. And she will live on in the wonder in a child’s eyes as they watch an eagle soar overhead.
All because they knew Jackie and Shadow.
Thank you, Jackie. Thank you for letting us into your wild world. Thank you for teaching us. Thank you for making people care for our natural world. Your wings reached farther than you could ever have known.
May you fly forever free and watch over Shadow and your beloved nest site as their guardian spirit.”
‘J’: I can’t stop crying my eyes out. She was more than a bird on a screen.”
‘L notes about my query of the photo little Jackie in the nest with Ricky and Lucy’: “That picture was on YouTube, from Chanel 5, KTLA yesterday. An elderly man took it when Jackie’s parents was raising her. He said he had lived there for 20 years. Also, he said Luna and Sandy are still in the area.
‘J’ sends unknown tribute: “I don’t know who wrote this, but it’s beautiful.
I’ve been trying to understand why losing Jackie has affected me so deeply. Why the death of a bald eagle I only knew through a camera can genuinely make my heart hurt.
I think it’s because Jackie represented a mother’s love to me. She gave everything she had to her babies. She sat through snowstorms and freezing temperatures protecting them, endured failed nests and loss, and still came back and tried again. She fought for her babies with everything she had.
When you’ve lost your own mom, watching something that represents that kind of love disappear touches a place inside you that never completely goes away.
And thinking about Shadow makes it even harder. He’ll never know why Jackie didn’t come back. I know animals don’t understand death or grieve exactly the way we do, but Jackie and Shadow were bonded. They built a nest, protected each other, survived storms and raised their babies together. Now one of them is simply gone.
Maybe that’s why so many of us are hurting. We aren’t only grieving an eagle. Jackie’s loss reminds us of our own. Moms, dads, partners, siblings, friends, grandparents and beloved animals—we know what it feels like when someone who was always there suddenly isn’t.
But Jackie leaves an incredible legacy. Her offspring will continue on, and generations from now there may be bald eagles soaring over Big Bear carrying a little piece of Jackie with them. Shadow will eventually continue on too, because that is the way of nature, even when our hearts aren’t ready for it.
For years we watched Jackie through snow, wind, heartbreak and triumph. We worried about her, rooted for her and celebrated her babies. Somewhere along the way, she became more than an eagle on a camera. She became a symbol of motherhood, resilience, devotion and unconditional love.
So yes, I’m grieving a bald eagle today. Because sometimes grief is simply love looking for somewhere to go.
Fly high, beautiful Jackie. You fought hard, loved fiercely and gave everything you had to your babies.
Your wings may be gone from Big Bear, but your legacy will continue flying over it for generations.
You mattered, Jackie. More than you could ever have known.”
‘S”: “Marianne, it is with profound sadness that I tell you Jackie has passed. I’m sure your inbox is blowing up, but wanted to make sure you knew. RIP, Queen Jackie.”
Our hearts will heal but for now thank you to everyone who cared so much for Jackie – she wasn’t just a bird! She was so much more than that.
I am searching for a tribute or news from SK Hideaway’s who so dearly loved Jackie. Will keep my eyes open. In the meantime, thank you for all your comments. I have included some of them from various parts of the world. Take care. I will be back with you on Monday.
Thank you to all those who composed musical tributes or videos to Jackie, to each of you who loved Jackie and wrote from your heart, and to the two individuals who created videos about Shadow and KD1.
We really hope that you are enjoying the weekend and that instead of being glued to the screens, you are actually outside listening to the birds! I have made it my mission to ensure that outside of sleeping, 50% of our time is spent outside. This includes just relaxing on the deck with Toby, listening to the birds in the trees and at the feeders. Don’s mood is much better, and that makes my life much easier! Tomorrow we are going out to Wildlife Haven for a picnic and to check to see if we can see Milan, the Mississippi Kite who became an ambassador in 2014. Until winter closes in on us, I hope that this routine can continue.
We are on pip/hatch watch at the WBSE in the Olympic Park in Sydney.
On Ferris Akel’s Saturday ‘tour’, he found the Ps on the Cornell Campus squeeing loudly for the adults to bring food. They are, by the way, very well fed! They were so loud!
The Ps are strong flyers. They appear to be in excellent condition.
Dorcha did not migrate from Loch Arkaig, but she did take a 34-hour spa break. Many of the females do this before starting to feed their chicks and themselves up for migration.
If you need to get caught up on the eagles and the eaglets – yes, there are eaglets, check out the videos from SK Hideaways this past week!!!!!!!!!!
SK Hideaways Videos, Week of 2 August 2026
FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley Resident male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014 Resident female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012 Sandy hatched 4 April 2026, Luna hatched 5 April 2026 Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4 Live Recap & Observations: https://bit.ly/4wGjwVg Shadow Shares Twin Pines with Many Visitors ~Keeps His Distance(2026 Aug 7-8) Seems lots of the visiting sub-adults want to be wherever Shadow is. Three of them came to Twin Pines while he perched ~ all of them on lower branches. Shadow, the banded sub-adult, and another roosted there overnight. Shadow distanced himself whenever any visitor attempted to perch near him. When he flew off in the morning, the banded sub-adult followed. Keep sending those positive thoughts to Shadow and Jackie in these unsettling times. Video: https://youtu.be/uWsYElJ_Ph4
Shadow & Sub-Adult on Snag ~ Another Sub-Adult on Nest, Has Shadow’s Snortle (2026 Aug 6) The drama continues in Jackie and Shadow’s habitat. A banded sub-adult joined Shadow on the Lookout Snag ~ he flew off within a minute. Later, a different sub-adult ~ likely a male ~ visited the nest for over a half-hour. This eagle is about 3 years old and likely male, given the size and higher voice. The visitor practiced his chortle several times while on the nest. He sounded very much like Shadow.
This is an interesting time in Big Bear as many sub-adults and juveniles pass through the area. Most will likely move on within a couple months. Video: https://youtu.be/Uh0ObVH6eQs Shadow Roosts with Sub-Adult Overnight ~ Chats in A.M. Before Departing for the Day (2026 Aug 4-5) Shadow stopped by the Cactus Snag before retiring to the roost tree. The sub-adult did the same a bit later. They remained there overnight. In the morning, Shadow chortle-snortled good morning and then zipped off to one of his summertime hangouts while the sub-adult remained in the habitat. So grateful for any glimpses of Shadow, though his summertime routine could make him even more elusive. As I view the habitat, I continue to envision Jackie back there ~ strong and healthy. Video: https://youtu.be/Zp5ELqUjQm4
Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles~ Australia ~ Lady & Dad (mated pair since 2016) Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html) Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw4pdgy3-U0 Dad Not Shy About Asking Lady for Egg Time ~ Pip Watch Approaches(8 Aug 2026) As always, Lady and Dad begin the day with a honking duet. Dad has never been subtle about his desire to incubate and this year has been no exception. With pip watch in progress for SE37 and SE38, both parents are eager to have a front nest seat to the ultimate hatch. Video: https://youtu.be/VwZuMcjzEp4
2nd Movement of TE6 & TE7 Symphonyin Squee Major withBreakfish (2026 Aug 4) As promised, TE6 and TE7 delivered a complete and quite lengthy 2nd movement of their Symphony in Squee Major. We were spellbound as they squee’d flawlessly through fish delivery, mantling, fish stealing, and consumption. They really are the consummate performers. Enjoy. Video: https://youtu.be/K9MnUOqkGE8
TE6 & TE7 Symphonyin Squee Major, 1st Movement w/ Intermission(2026 Aug 3) TE6 and TE7 promised us music at dawn, but opted for a photo op instead. They promised a complete performance tomorrow. I couldn’t complain, though, as we were all gifted stunning views of these two gorgeous eaglets, thank to the fabulous Raptor Resource Project cam ops pros. Very grateful, indeed. Video: https://youtu.be/eAffr2dcQ5k
Sub-Adult Snags a Whopper ~ Adult Looks for Steal ~ Eaglets Explore(2026 Aug 2) A sub-adult entered the territory and found a big fish on the shore. As s/he flew away with the catch, an adult flew behind and perched just above the sub-adult, apparently waiting for the youngster to present an opportunity for a steal. Scavenging and stealing is not just for juvenile and immature eagles ~ adults also use this survival tactic. The sub-adult did not slip up and the adult flew off, leaving the young eagle to eat in peace.
Meanwhile, 4-month old eaglets, TE6 and TE7, are acing flight school and exploring their beautiful Trempealeau playground. While one lounged near the camera, the other explored. Cam ops was in top form following that eaglet on its adventure. Video: https://youtu.be/sX9yOLYmj80 Eaglets TE6 & TE7 Get Breakfast ~ One Makes It Grab & Go(2026 Jul 31)
Mr. and Mrs. T’s 2026 eaglets are about 16 weeks old, having hatched on an alternate nest this year ~ one without a camera. They fledged 3 weeks ago and have graced us with their presence on the nest with a camera. On this morning, Mr. T (I think) brought a nice big fish for breakfast. We watch as one eaglet mantles and the other squees wildly, as we’d expect. What we didn’t expect was that the mantling eaglet took off with the fish. Clearly grab and go training is going very well for this little rascal. Video: https://youtu.be/k5p6vhUWfN0
Cholyn & Chase ~ A Lesson in Not Sweating the Small Stuff (2026 Aug 5) At 28 years young, Cholyn and Chase have much wisdom to impart. Here are 17 minutes of Channel Islands royalty taking life as it comes ~ being in the moment.
This was a special day ~ Cholyn and Chase were mostly inseparable and cam ops was right there with them. Hope you enjoy these moments of calm and take a break from whatever drama or trauma may challenge you today. Video: https://youtu.be/wpetZNAdRPY Cholyn & Chase ~ 28 Years Young ~ Joined at the Wing for 23 Years(2026 Aug 2) Cholyn and Chase spent the day moving from one favorite perch to another. Whether they were perched together or apart, they kept eyes on each other and chatted across the habitat. This beautiful couple of 23 years is full of vitality, spunk, and devotion to one another. Maybe that’s what keeps them young. Video: https://youtu.be/0hmn5ixc4WY
The little osprey that was removed from one of the Tweed Valley nest has been rehabilitated, has grown and is strong. He was returned to the nest along with some fish and both of the osplets were ringed.
What about the eaglet Snow whose nest collapsed at Traverse City, Michigan? Here is some news and also the plans to expand North Sky, where Snow was initially cared for: https://youtu.be/NaLfUp0ssG8?
There are areas in the world where the ospreys did so well this season. Rutland Water was one of those!
We are waiting for the fourth chick at Blackbush Beach Club in Prince Edward Island to fledge – the other three are doing well and fish are plentiful. When so many nests could only struggle to fledge one chick, with so many having no chicks survive if there was any breeding at all, Blackbush is one of the shining stars of the North American osprey 2026 season.
The chicks are amazingly cordial – they know more fish are coming. Food security not food stress.
C22 enjoying a nice fish at Charlo.
At Hellgate Canyon, Iris and Wensi slept at the nest – Iris on the perch and her beloved only osplet, Wensi, in the nest.
They were waiting for the breakfast fish from Clarke and he did not disappoint. No matter the weather or the water conditions, Clarke tends to bring in the fish! What a guy.
Mary Cheadle runs the most amazing fundraisers for Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust. This one is for the calendar. The information is below. Postage is higher outside the UK. There will be another ‘grand’ fundraiser with books coming up! I love to donate to help out – I am so impressed how much can be raised when the donations can be as little as 3 GBP!
Geemeff sent me her latest news and it has gone down some deep dark hole in my computer. Apologies to Geemeff and to you. I will send today’s report out later tonight.
Thank you so much for being with me today. We are so anxious to get outside and enjoy the nice weather. Those days of having heat domes and being stuck inside have been inspirational in getting out and enjoying nature.
Please take care! If you have any raptor news, please let me know. You can leave a comment – I do get around to checking those, but not nearly as often these days as I should. Your patience is so appreciated.
Thank you to SK Hideaways for those great videos, Ferris Akel for tracking down the Ps, to everyone else who sent me news or posted information and images on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch the challenges our favourite bird families face daily.
Friday was a busy day. The plumbers have almost finished making our main bath ‘accessible’ in case Don needs mobility aids. They were working hard today, and it was often loud, so Don went with Ann to our Zoo, and he got to see Lumi, the little lynx that was rehabilitated by Wildlife Haven. It was exciting, as they had missed seeing Lumi on three previous occasions. This evening, Don’s second cousin, a budding Vancouver photographer, was here visiting her Mum, and Susan agreed to do some photos for us at King’s Park. It was ideal, and there was more – we had some photos taken near a waterfall and pool where Toby had his first swim!!!!!!! I am going to get him a kiddie pool. You would have thought that he went swimming every day – Toby is a real duck.
Susan will edit the images but she did send us one.
As you are aware, Jackie’s latest red blood count has dropped below 10%. She has returned to the critical care unit and has to have oxygen. I feel for this beloved eagle. Without asking you, I am pretty certain that each of us would love to see her fly back to the nest to be with Shadow. The truth is – she is hanging on to life. I have seen the craziest comments – like let her fly up to Shadow, give her another transfusion. First of all, she can’t fly. Secondly, a second blood transfusion is very dangerous. I believe that, at this point, we have to trust the highly qualified vet team and Jackie to know whether she has the strength to continue fighting. Some of you will recall that at the end of June, Jackie’s behaviour was a bit off. She had a fight with Shadow over a fish. She had to have been sick then. The team are desperately seeking answers and getting more clues daily but our girl is more than extremely sick.
No matter what happens, I will be forever grateful that Jackie used all the energy she had to bring two beautiful eaglets into the world, Sandy and Luna, with Shadow this year. I suspect she was ill at the time, and that must have really taken its toll on her body. Poor thing. If it is to be, then I hope she soars into the ether with Sandy Speers, who loved Jackie so much, and that Shadow, like M15, finds another very good mate. Until then, I continue to hope for Jackie’s full recovery.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 7th August 2026
Today was heavy with fish deliveries but light on key players – neither Dorcha nor Garry LV0 turned up today. Aurora spent a little time on Nest One but on her last appearance this evening just perched silently before flying away, clearly Garry wasn’t in the neighbourhood. The Nest One fish total remains at one hundred and ninety four. Louis however was very much in evidence, delivering eight fish to his two chicks who were stuffed so full, neither turned up for the eighth fish and he took it away again. The Nest Two total now stands at three hundred and eighty nine, four of which were brought by Dorcha. Has she left on migration? It would be an early departure for her, she usually waits until the chicks are around seventy five days old, and today Juniper and Amber are sixty seven and sixty five days old respectively. She has been known to stay away from the nest for a day or two before leaving, popping in occasionally, so perhaps we’ll see her tomorrow. It was very wet today with heavy rain showers throughout the day, and the rain will continue lightly overnight with a low of 13°C, then heavy again tomorrow with a high of 17°C.
I love Blue 33 – everyone knows that – and his mate Maya. A lovely image of two of the fledglings from this year.
I am so proud of the individuals who are stepping up to stop the gill net fishing of Menhaden. There will be a survey that can be sent in to a meeting in November. I will send that link, but please educate yourself on the impact of this vacuuming of fish and the use of spotter planes has had on the entire ecosystem, including our dear ospreys dying before our eyes. Many have lost their businesses as well to save 196 jobs at Reedsville, Virginia.
Viki is still feeding three ospreys including that fledgling! She writes, “Indeed, your language is nothing compared to my anger language. ONE flipping living chick in 3 flipping years. Fed this morning. On the search for another box of bait to keep it up. Good to know that they learn to fish at migration.”
Viki was worried that the chick would not be taught to fish so I sent her a couple of articles. There are no fish for the ospreys – the nests were in sight of her porch. She is distraught but determined – like those fighting against a 0- 50% reduction because no one knows how many fish Omega are taking. It is the most frustrated I have been in years. So when the time comes to step up and speak, I hope you will join me.
George and Hope are at the Osprey House Environmental Centre in Griffins, Australia. They have three lovely osplets this year. All very healthy!
The West Midlands (no streaming cams) had a very good year for ospreys. Congratulations. Here is the total for the 2026 class:
Good news out of Rutland – chick wasn’t lost, just looking over the territory!
C22 slept on the nest at Charlo and has been flying around Saturday morning with Chloe – always heading back to the nest in hope of fish! Doing well.
The fledglings are all eating at Blackbush Beach Resort in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
I was very distressed this morning to see that there are proposals for an upgrade at the park near where I live. Our mayor doesn’t like geese, apparently. So this year they culled the eggs and greased others to get rid of the population. I think they don’t know much about geese or ducks. People bring their families to see the wildlife. Why not hire a few high school students during the season to power-spray the sidewalks? It would allow the families to continue to enjoy the ducks and geese; paths would be cleaner, and the wildlife would have the right to their nesting spots they have used for aeons. 3.4 million is the cost. We have lots of crime now, lots of people who are homeless with drug issues…our City is rapidly becoming not a great place to live. Many blame it on the current group of suits that are at City Hall, not just the mayor.
I agree. We need to be outside more and not on our screens. One artist is hand-drawing 1,000 birds to try and get us to do just that. But how would an app keep us off our phones? Please read.
“Hansen, a renowned ornithological illustrator and author, has a monumental task – a hand-painted compendium of every one of the roughly 1,000 bird species ever recorded from the US and Canada, including those found in waters up to 200 miles from shore, Hawaiian birds not included. When finished, it will complete the visual backbone of an app called Flock, whose mission, compared with that of most apps, is quietly subversive.
For rather than seeking to monopolize and monetize its users’ attention, it deftly employs elements of computer gaming and social networking to draw people outward, into the world of birding, with the broader aim of cultivating a community of conservationists.”
The ornithological artist drawing 1,000 birds by hand – all for an app that wants you off your phone
am signing off. We are going outside today. Rain is predicted for the beginning of the week and today the temperatures will go up to a wonderful 23 C. Take care all. I hope you are well.
Thank you to Geemeff for their wonderful summary and videos from Loch Arkaig, the UK Osprey Info with Jeff Kear, to all those who post on FB, to Susan Thompson for the great photos at King’s Park yesterday, and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch our bird families. We are so very grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you as always to The Guardian for including interesting wildlife stories every day.
Simply one note today. The staff and volunteers at the Ojai Raptor Centre who are caring for our beloved Jackie would appreciate cards and letters of encouragement as they strive to get our beloved Big Bear Bald Eagle Matriarch back home.
Here are the details:
Want to Send a Note to Patient 26-519 or Our Team?
Over the past few days, several people have asked if they can mail a card or note of encouragement for Patient 26-519 or for the team caring for her. The answer is absolutely! We would be honoured to receive your cards and messages, and we’ll display them at the Centre for our team to see. Your words of encouragement have meant more to us during these past few weeks than you may realise. If you’d like to send something, please mail it to: Ojai Raptor Centre Attn: Patient 26-519 P.O. Box 182 Oak View, CA 93022
Thank you for caring so deeply about wildlife and about the people working every day to give these animals the very best care possible.
The Ojai Raptor Centre is seeking expedited testing to find out why Jackie’s anaemia is not only persistent but also getting worse. Her blood cell levels should be 30% or higher. They have dropped from 17% to 13%.
This was the latest update. I apologise. The update has blown up the image of Jackie. I have used it for the cover.
August 3, 2026 Update: Bald Eagle Patient 26-519 From Big Bear Lake Photo [above]: Bald Eagle Patient 26-519 Patient Update: Bald Eagle 26-519Today’s bloodwork brought some difficult news: her packed cell volume (PCV) has dropped back down to 13%, which means her anemia has worsened since our last update. Our veterinary team is responding quickly. Additional advanced diagnostic testing is now underway, and expedited laboratory testing has been requested as we continue working to better understand her condition and guide the next steps in her treatment. At this stage, we do not have further answers to share, but we promise to keep you informed as soon as we have meaningful new information. We know how deeply so many of you care about this eagle, and we are grateful for your continued encouragement and support. At this time, we kindly ask the public and members of the media to continue respecting the veterinary and rehabilitation teams involved in her care by allowing them the time and space they need to remain focused on patient care. Please refrain from calling, texting, emailing, or visiting our facility for updates. Thank you for standing with us as we continue doing everything possible for Patient 26-519.
Please send your love, prayers and positive energy to our dear Jackie, who is obviously struggling.
I hope that the Ojai Raptor Centre can, through quicker testing, find out the root cause of Jackie’s anaemia.
Take care, everyone. I am sorry this is not better news.
What a week it has been! My fear is that we are still seeing the perils our dear osprey will have to deal with as wildfires, drought, and extreme rain are impacting all parts of our planet. That weather is impacting us as well – the heat and what will be food shortages, particularly items made of wheat or cereal crops, that have been impacted. It truly is a difficult time for all.
Thank you to everyone who posted good wishes to Heidi. The loss of CH1 is truly devastating, as there were so few ospreys left in that region and, of course, it is the nest she loved.
There is some good news.
0E5, the first hatched male, at Dunrovin Ranch fledged this morning and returned to the nest!
The chick that was removed from the Fru Rauer nest in Norway has been rehomed in a nest with adults that had one chick about the same size. Sol is being fed and monitored by a team as there is no camera. Here is the YouTube announcement: https://youtu.be/zcYWlWscCMc?
The second hatch at Tweed Valley was removed with the hope that it will thrive away from a nest where there was a very aggressive older chick that would not allow it to eat.
The younger chick at Oyster Bay is staying near the nest and getting the fish being delivered.
Fish is being provided to all four fledglings at Poole Harbour. Blue 022 and CJ7 are exceptional parents. The fledglings seem to be always eating.
I love this image of Blue 33 almost getting his talons pulled off as he delivers two fish at once to the Rutland Manton Bay nest in the UK. Plenty of fish for the ospreys! Amazing Dad.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 1st August 2026
Today was a repeat of yesterday, the chicks slept elsewhere overnight and are really unlikely to sleep on the nest again, preferring to perch in trees which better suits the shape of their feet. They hopped on and off the nest, called very noisily for fish, competed with their mum to get fish from Louis and mantled over their prize, loudly warning the others away. Dorcha might have to go fishing for herself soon as she’s not getting much of Louis’ deliveries but she doesn’t try too hard to get the fish ahead of the chicks. There were a few alarms today, Ravens were heard cronking in the distance but nothing came near enough to be caught on camera. Louis delivered four fish, taking the Nest Two tally to three hundred and sixty one, and nearly lost a toe to Amber in her eagerness to get to the fish. Garry brought one fish for Aurora and stayed to do a little nest tidying – the Nest One tally now stands at one hundred and eight nine. It should be mainly dry overnight and tomorrow with a low of 11°C and a high of 19°C.
This is the last article that University of Florida-Gainsville Intern at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Centre has written before returning to classes. ‘R’ sent it to me to share with you, and it gives us some hope for a species and maybe for all species. I keep thinking we need young people like Wes taking care of the environment!
FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA Resident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014 Resident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012 Sandy hatched 4 April 2026, Luna hatched 5 April 2026 Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4
Shadow Checks In Morning and Night ~ Sub-Adult Stays Close~Critters Clean Up (2026 Jul 30) Shadow continues to spend the night in his usual roost tree, stopping briefly on a favorite perch in the morning. The sub-adult (I think the same one) seems to be in the area whenever Shadow is there. The sub-adult has taken the hint to perch a respectable distance from Shadow, as he’s shown no interest in interacting directly. While the eagles are away during the day, a whole host of critters visit the nest ~ I call them the cleaning crew. Sandy and Luna have not been seen on camera since July 23rd. Enjoy this day in Jackie and Shadow’s habitat. Video: https://youtu.be/wzV_Uf40fP4 Shadow’s Comings and GoingsWhile Awaiting Jackie’s Return (2026 Jul 24) Shadow’s routine has changed since Jackie was taken into care. Sometimes we see him morning and night, sometimes we don’t. Sometimes with a sub-adult bald eagle, sometimes alone. Here’s a day when we saw him both morning and night. This was also the last day faint squees were heard from juvenile eagles, which we hope were Sandy and Luna. It’s a time of wonder, discovery, and hope as we observe this habitat in a different light. Video: https://youtu.be/qfP_F-PEN9k
Jackie is on everyone’s mind! She is improving and was feeding herself. She is in the best care, and this is a reminder not to be sucked into those who keep spreading horrible rumours. No wildlife facility, let alone Ojai Raptor Centre, would keep a raptor in care longer than is needed for donations! Unbelievable.
Arthur has been spotted on campus with the Ps who continue to thrive with him and Big Red providing prey.
This is another tragedy. Every White-tail Eagle that has died in Dorset, England has died of rodenticide poisoning.
The two osplets at Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are thriving despite the heat that is covering our region. [Please note this nest never had three chicks – the third did not die, and any information related to that on the Memorial Page has been removed. There was confusion about the name of the nest when an individual sent me information for the Memorial Page].
Mum and Dad on the barge nest at Port Lincoln as they prepare for the 2026 breeding season – mating is certainly on the agenda!
Friends of Osprey Sth Australia have been checking the other platforms in the area as they work to reintroduce the species to the region. They are hopeful for a good year! I will keep you posted.
All four juveniles, including the fledglings, home for fish at Blackbush.
Fish arrived at Cowlitz.
I have no idea what has happened at Osoyoos but the heat has been incredible.
Fish at Sandpoint for only osplet.
Fledglings return to the Salmon, Idaho nest for fish. On occasion you can see the wildfire smoke on the streaming cam that is near.
Lucky osplet at the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho nest just got a huge whole fish from Dad!
These two osprey nests are right in the middle of humans – just look at Sandy Hook!
We hope that each of you are doing well. Please do check the Memorial Page and help me fill in the gaps and send good wishes to all those osplets on nests for a successful fledge and migration – and to the adults who are trying to fatten up for their journey to their winter homes. I can tell you that Seren Blue 5F has made it to her winter home in The Gambia. She has been photographed. I hope that next year is a better season for her and Dylan at Llyn Clywedog.
Hugo Yugo clowning around on the chair. You can see the poor dear has no teeth in front to hold her tongue. She is a real character.
Hope loving Missey.
Toby had his flea and tick treatment and wears his little jacket so none of the liquid will get on the cats.
It has been busy at the bird baths. The raccoon comes at night and even took a bath and a good old drink. Please remember to leave out life-saving water for the birds and other wildlife. It does make a difference.
See you soon!
Thank you to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their dedication, their videos, and nest summaries. Thank you to everyone who wrote to me this week. I am grateful to everyone wo posted on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams who allow us to view these families. A big shout out to those who rescued osplets in need and who have tried to make their lives better – Fru Rauer and Tweed Valley this week.
This is going to be a very, very short hello to everyone and a wish that each of you has a lovely weekend – and if it is a long one like it is in Canada, then please get out and enjoy some birdsong in the shade, if possible. It remains very hot here. Ann has taken Don out, and I plan on having a cuddling nap with Toby! The Girls are all sound asleep. Calico and Missey have not been happy with one another, so I am trying another one of those calming diffusers from the vet. I really do feel gutted when they are not getting along.
There is relief. ‘PB’ writes: “Hennie brought CH1 a dogfish (which was to tough to eat) and 2 menhaden which baby devoured. Hennie looks thin this morning but took off after 3rd fish delivery hopefully to get her own fish or eat some of it and bring back a partial.”
There was no help coming for CH1 like at South Cape May Meadows and those who care dearly for the adults and chicks at this nest – namely our Heidi – were devastated that CH1 would wither and die on that nest. Why not feed them? The answer was that the chick might fledge early. My response is – they can’t fledge if they are starving to death. Let us hope that more fish arrives for the adults, too.
There is other good news. Jackie is continuing to improve.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 30th July 2026
The chicks spent today flying around making constant short flights, landing on the nearby Scots Pine, returning to the nest for fish, competing for fish with each other and with Dorcha, and generally enjoying their new found freedom. For the first time since the season began in April, the nest is empty as both chicks are spending their first night elsewhere. This is another side of nest cam watching – we’re willing the chicks on to fledge, and then suddenly have to cope with empty nest syndrome! But we will have the pleasure of the chicks’ company for a few weeks longer as they fatten up and prepare for migration, historically Dorcha doesn’t stay too long after her chicks fledge but Louis will stick around bringing fish until the chicks leave. From now on every sighting is to be treasured. This time last year Aurora had already left but both she and Garry are still here, Garry brought her one fish today taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and eighty seven, while Louis brought five fish, taking the Nest Two tally to three hundred and fifty one. After a damp start the weather was settled although the ‘moderate breezes’ sounded very loud on nest cam, and it’s forecast to be dry overnight with a low of 9 °C, changing to thundery showers tomorrow with gentle breezes and a high of 15 °C.
It has been confirmed that little Sol will not be returned to the Fru Rauer nest in Norway but will be placed with a more experienced pair of adults where there is plenty of fish.
It seems that many places are suffering this year from a lack of fish. The wildfires and heat across the UK and Europe have had an impact as well as in North America.
Sadly there are a lot of condors dying from lead poisoning.
I cannot get enough of Iris and Wensi!
Nearing fledge in Minnesota. Two beautiful osplets.
Smile. There are still four feathered chicks at Blackbush!
Take care, all. I will be back on Monday. I am going to take a few days off. We are having some plumbing renovations done, and the plumbers are not here, so if the weather allows, I hope to get Don and Toby out for some walks and to visit with some friends and family this weekend.
Remember – please leave a dish of water out and food if you can!
Thank you to Geemeff, to PB, and to everyone who posted on FB, to the Ventana Wildlife Society and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to view the lives of these magnificent creatures.
This will not be a long post but it has some very good news in it that I hope will make you smile.
My faith in humans stepping up to help the ospreys is improving. This was in the latest newsletter from the NJ Wildlife Conservancy.
“SOUTH CAPE MAY MEADOWS
Important Osprey Cam Update
July 29 Update on Osprey Chick “Uno”
Yesterday, our staff consulted with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection including representatives from the endangered species program regarding the osprey chick at South Cape May Meadows.
Following the discussion and having not seen either adult osprey nearby for more than 24 hours, our staff made the decision to provide fish in Uno’s nest. As of this afternoon, Uno ate a sizeable meal of fish placed on the platform and continues to be bright, active and alert.
This juvenile osprey is large and healthy and right on the verge of fledging. We hope he/she will fly and hunt independently in the coming days but for now will continue to provide daily fish with fingers crossed for a positive outcome.
It is important to recognize that nature has a delicate balance and that human intervention, however well intended, can be disruptive and cause negative results. Some would argue it is better to let nature take its course, and that often is the right option. We do not know how providing fish might affect Uno’s life journey.
At this time, we do not plan to turn the streaming osprey camera on again this season but will share Uno updates as appropriate.
Thank you again for caring so much about Uno, and please know we care just as much and are doing all we can to help.”
Patient Update: Bald Eagle 26-519 from Big Bear Lake
She continues to receive around-the-clock veterinary care. We’re pleased to share that she has now been moved from our intensive care unit, where she required oxygen therapy, to one of our regular hospital care units. While this marks an encouraging milestone, she remains a very sick patient and continues to require intensive treatment and monitoring. This is an encouraging step forward, but it does not mean she is out of danger.
We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support, encouragement, and kindness shown to our team throughout her care. Your messages on social media truly mean a great deal to all of us.
As always, we kindly ask the public and members of the media to continue respecting our small team’s time and allowing us to remain focused on patient care. Please refrain from calling, texting, emailing, or visiting our facility for updates. We will continue sharing meaningful updates through our official social media channels as new information becomes available.
If you would like to support Ojai Raptor Center’s work, please visit our website or the Bald Eagle Rehabilitation Campaign link in our bio. Your generosity helps us provide specialized care for this patient while strengthening our ability to care for future Bald Eagles and the hundreds of other wild birds that arrive at Ojai Raptor Center each year.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us on this journey.”
This is great news and there is more coming in a longer post at the end of the week.
Thank you so much for being with us today!
Thank you to Pam Breci for her messages, to Geemeff, to those great folks in NJ, and to the owners of the streaming cams and those who post on FB with the latest info and images.
It was a wonderful time with out son and daughter-in law as well as our daughter and her partner. A busy week. They took my list of things to do and just go on with it. The Peletron bike now longer haunts me sitting by the dining room table. The box room is cleared up and it has a new home. The attic is 95% cleared out. All the good stuff was kept, lots donated, and some sadly made it to the landfill. They were so organised! My contribution was to ‘stay out of the way’. The kids leave to return to their home in the Caribbean in a couple of hours. Gosh, I miss them already!
I apologise for I have not caught up with answering your e-mails. My inbox has exploded since the funds came through for Moon Camp.
A lot has happened in Bird World.
First of all, everyone knows that the funds needed to purchase the land and put it into a trust – Moon Camp – to preserve the foraging area of Jackie and Shadow and whoever comes after them is secure. They did it with a week to spare. Bravo!
Thank you to everyone who helped to make this happen. Now we just need Jackie home —- and she is in the best facility possible to help her, Ojai Raptor Centre!
Sadly, as it happens every year, a White-tail waited til the osprey fledglings get nice and fat for fledge and then struck. AK wrote: “ Sadly, UMU, the #4 nestling in Finland, was taken by a White-tailed Eagle.”
If you follow the images below you will see that the osprey cme to try and get its chick to no avail. The WTE slipped into the forest.
You can see the sequence here, and the osprey flies up to the forest and then turns to the right. So sad. They wait, those eagles and hawks, til the osplets are fat and ready to fledge.
It is fledge watch and Geemeff just sent me the cutest video of Amber flapping her wings and then helicoptering out of view of the camera. Soon! It comes too quickly! We sit and wait for eggs to hatch – that seems to take endless time – and then before we know it they are losing their baby look and turning into ferocious reptiles and then beautiful juveniles. For all those who survived this most tragic year, we salute you and anyone and all who helped.
Ping Shen reports from Seattle: “Hope you are well and the heat and smoke are not too bad. We are getting a bit of both here in Seattle, though nothing like what the midwest and northeast had last week.
Some good news mid-week – a very short visit today and all 3 young continue to look good. Mom delivered a Starry Flounder not five minutes after I arrived and lunch was served. The pecking order is very clearly established – you can see #3 sitting back while the first 2 surround mom, the little one not even trying to get in there and seemingly content to wait. However, since it seems to still be doing well, I guess there has been enough fish for this complacency to work! Fingers crossed they continue to well but so far so good. They are now well past the stage where they lost #3 last season, so an improvement already…”
News from Viki and Indian Creek: “LB seems to have split now that Lily has returned. Lily had no problem getting the first AND the second fish I threw this morning, ate them both, not even stopping by the chick’s nest, and since she was full she let the third one I threw sink and the chick has not been fed. It’s like one step forward, two steps back.
Full blown construction surrounds me in the neighborhood today. I sit out on the porch (second day in a row of lovely weather) with noise canceling headphones on. Waiting for LB to show up so I can throw a fish to him to bring to the chick.
LMAO – you are right! An osprey from the other side of the creek just now got that fish. Glad to know they float for a long while.
Heading out to give Lily one more chance – I cover up with a Dr. Seuss XL pajama pant and a long sleeve shirt from one of my husband’s political campaigns. Hoping it was LB who took #4 fish. Sheesh. This is becoming stressful!? [Note: Viki is the mother of the chicks.}
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 24th July 2026
More intruder action today but Dorcha made sure they didn’t come near the nest, allowing the chicks to get on with wingercising and stuffing themselves with fish. There was a lot of fish to get through as Louis delivered seven fish taking the Nest Two tally to three hundred and twenty six, and the chicks are in great shape. Both Amber 8P6 and Juniper 8P7 have been exercising their wings, strengthening them ready for fledging, doing little hops, and Amber in particular did some quite high mini-helicopters, when she wasn’t tangling her talons or wings in a stick, as she did on one occasion. Over on Nest One, Aurora and Garry have stopped paying attention to the rotten but still intact egg and Aurora sleeps elsewhere now, but they are still attending the nest, bringing fish and bedding and adjusting the furnishings. This bodes well for next year when with luck they will produce a viable clutch. Garry brought two fish for Aurora, taking his tally to one hundred and eighty one. The ‘gentle breezes’ forecast for today seemed much stronger than that, but of course, exposed nests at the top of tall trees will feel the effects more. Those ‘gentle breezes’ are set to continue tonight and through tomorrow, with heavy rain, a low of 13°C and a high of 17°C. At the time of filing this report (half past midnight) the rain has begun and Dorcha is on the nest next to her chicks.
I will have more news on Monday. I am still trying to rest up from that wonderful visit! This morning we went to the English Gardens with Toby. Don is doing well after I adjusted his medication four days ago. The change has been rather phenomenal and I am delighted.
Toby checks out all the flowers.
My gorgeous granddaughter, Elysha, who long time readers will know – on her wedding day in Australia.
My family wishes you a good weekend.
See you on Monday!
Thank you to SK Hideaways, Ping Shen, and Geemeff for their great contributions, to those who posted on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams and YouTube stations.
Photo [above]: Bald Eagle Patient 26-519 Patient Update: Bald Eagle 26-519Today’s bloodwork brought some difficult news: her packed cell volume (PCV) has dropped back down to 13%, which means her anemia has worsened since our last update. Our veterinary team is responding quickly. Additional advanced diagnostic testing is now underway, and expedited laboratory testing has been requested as we continue working to better understand her condition and guide the next steps in her treatment. At this stage, we do not have further answers to share, but we promise to keep you informed as soon as we have meaningful new information. We know how deeply so many of you care about this eagle, and we are grateful for your continued encouragement and support. At this time, we kindly ask the public and members of the media to continue respecting the veterinary and rehabilitation teams involved in her care by allowing them the time and space they need to remain focused on patient care. Please refrain from calling, texting, emailing, or visiting our facility for updates. Thank you for standing with us as we continue doing everything possible for Patient 26-519.
