Tag Archives: Loch Arkaig

Late, late Friday in Bird World

18 September 2026

Greetings Everyone,

It is very late on Friday night. Toby and I have been at the hospital for most of the late afternoon and very early evening. What a delight it was to talk to Don’s ‘neighbour’, Heidi. Heidi is a walking history book – born in Lubek, Germany in 1942. She told me how, when the wall went up, her mother stuffed food and treats in her pocket because she knew Heidi and her friends were crossing a little ditch into ‘the East’. I told her how I spent time woodfiring pottery in Mecklenberg. The region of Mecklenberg is also home to many, many lakes with ospreys!!!!!!!!!!! We learned something from one another. As for Don, he has been given a drug that appears to have had a dramatic negative impact on his independence. I am hoping that miracles do happen.

Toby just lives his best life at the hospital. He loves everyone and now stops and chats – after three weeks, long-time patients recognise him. A sweet girl starts waving a wand when we come through the locked door to Don’s ward. Toby always loves chatting with her and getting some pets. One of my greatest joys is seeing him bring happiness to others – and I am so thankful that we had him trained to be a therapy dog so he can be shared with them in hospital or in care homes. He is an incredibly ‘good’ dog – he only barks with other dogs. Is it some kind of canine symphony? or when he sees ‘a cat’ out in the garden and it is not one of his sisters. He does not jump or scratch or lick without getting some kind of signal from the person (that signal I have to work out – it is like a silent yes going through some sound wave I cannot here).

Still best friends. This is every morning…if it didn’t happen, I would worry. It is their way of getting to eat breakfast together as long as their waitress brings their plates!

A calico cat sleeping on a perch beside a sleeping dog on a soft surface. The scene features sunlight lighting the room and a view of greenery outside the window.

But, enough…is Iris still here?

The latest Iris ever stayed in Missoula was September 11th. She is still there, as far as I can tell! Remember all the comments about Iris looking tired and a bit dishevelled? I am pleased that she is staying later and eating a lot of fish to build up her system so that her migration and return are successful.

An image showing stadium lights with a bird flying by, capturing a moment when Iris, an osprey, exits the lights.

A compilation all about Iris:

An osprey, named Iris, standing on a wooden post while eating a fish, with a blurred natural background.

Charlie is still at Charlo, too!

A bird perched on a wooden post overlooking a scenic landscape of fields and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Missing Idris and Telyn along with their cute kiddos? Dyfi have put together videos like no one else!

Screenshot of the Dyfi Osprey Project YouTube channel, featuring a grid of video thumbnails organized by year from 2011 to 2026.

Geemeff’s last summary:

Final daily summary for Loch Arkaig Season Ten: Friday 18th September

A few little birds thought about paying a visit then changed their minds – neither nest looks very appealing in the prevailing wet grey conditions. Our Osprey family are well on their way to their wintering grounds after a very successful season. Dorcha returned early on 4th April and both Garry and Aurora returned on the 7th, stopping in first at Nest Two before going to their own home at Nest One. But then we waited, and waited, and Louis didn’t arrive. It was getting tense and people were starting to write him off and then like magic, he turned up on the 17th looking fit and well and ready to start the new season right away. While Garry and Aurora got off to a slow start eventually producing just the one egg which didn’t hatch, Louis and Dorcha produced three eggs and hatched three chicks. Sadly the third chick faded away after only five days, but the other two grew big and strong and fighting fit. Perhaps a bit too much fighting, despite a steady supply of 481 fish from Louis and 5 from Dorcha, however both females went on to fledge and migrate and their feisty natures should stand them in good stead for their future prospects when seeking nests and mates of their own. The season ended on 4th September when Louis paid a final visit to the nest, and we wish them all fair winds and plenty of fish, and look forward to seeing the adults back next spring for Season Eleven.

WTS George will post this season’s highlights video here in due course, and then the comments will close until that glorious day next March when they reopen and we all return for Season Eleven. Meantime, you can join fellow followers of the Arkaig Ospreys on Facebook or over at Adam’s site, and chat about all things Osprey over winter:https://www.facebook.com/groups/829595230542720https://walkingwithdaddy.com/osprey/

Many thanks to Woodland Trust for installing the nest cams and providing us with such a thrilling look at the wild world of the Ospreys while protecting our precious ancient woodland for the generations to come. Thanks also to the People’s Postcode Lottery for sponsoring the nest cams, and to everyone who participates and makes this forum such a friendly and informative space. Farewell until Spring 2027!

Season Ten 2026:

April 4 Dorcha arrives N2 12.21.56

7 Garry LV0 arrives N2 08.56.13

7 Aurora 536 arrives N2 13.38.44

12 Western Arkaig male JJ4 arrives N2 18.50.08

17 Louis returns! N2 17.57.42

18 Louis & Dorcha are reunited 06.37.28

26 First egg for Dorcha & Louis 06.56.29

29 Second egg for Dorcha & Louis 05.34.12

30 First egg for Aurora and first on Nest One in six years 19.18.37

May 2 Third egg for Dorcha & Louis 03.12.24 

June 1 First chick hatches! 12.40.39

3 Second chick hatches! 06.21.54

6 Third chick hatches 00.49.09

11 Sad death of little Chick3 10.00+

12 Dorcha disposes of the body in the forest 08.09.00

14 Aurora’s egg deemed unviable

July 8 Chicks ringed 8P6, 8P7, both female 

14 Chicks named Amber 8P6, Juniper 8P7

28 Fledge! Amber finds her wings 13.15.40 

29 Fledge! Juniper finds her wings 17.44.03 

August 8 Dorcha’s last nest visit 16.19.03

11 Dorcha seen off-nest

13 Amber last seen 19.37.44 

14 Aurora last seen 08.55.46 

16 Amber seen off-nest 

17 Garry last seen 09.34.53 

22-27 Aurora seen in Poole Harbour

September 4 Juniper last seen 08.28.16

4 Louis last seen 14.11.07 

1JW seen nesting in Spain at the Pego Oliva Marsh 

Seasons One to Nine highlights:

2017  https://youtu.be/1q-YUOB5y4g

2018  https://youtu.be/5-ihSqZbv_w

2019  https://youtu.be/0581sPj0_RY

2020  https://youtu.be/l30udB0KKcE

2021  https://youtu.be/01RR3gk-KAo

2022  https://youtu.be/FCzFusezbtM

2023  https://youtu.be/9uWupO0G9tY 2024  https://youtu.be/pgLrWvnETSY

2025  https://youtu.be/-kK4vb1OTiw

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

Heidi would like us all to turn our attention to Mum and Dad at the Port Lincoln osprey barge:

A split-screen image showing various scenes related to an osprey nest. The top left features a view of a pole with the ocean in the background, while the top right displays the osprey nest containing eggs. The bottom left focuses on an adult osprey perched on a rope, and the bottom right contains notes and graphs related to egg timings and observations.
A Facebook post discussing a live streaming osprey nest in Port Lincoln, Australia, detailing the history of egg abandonment by the mother osprey and the current situation regarding feeding challenges faced by the parents.

I am saddened by what happened at the nest of Hope and George at the Osprey Environmental Centre, and I hope fish fairies fly in to help Mum, Dad, and the kiddos. I am certain we can all help buy fish from our cookie jar stashes!!!!!!!!

It is the first time I can recall so much attention being placed on the importance of Menhaden. It is wonderful, but is it too late? Anyone reading my blog knows that I abhor any company of any nationality, including my own Canadian ones, wrecking the environment and an entire ecosystem! I really hope gillnet fishing will stop – everywhere.

Map showing Smuggler's Point and surrounding coastal areas with annotations indicating location.

Sea Eaglets are growing and getting beautiful feathering. SE37 still dominants the meals and sometimes SE38 has to wait but Lady is doing the best she can!

Two young birds in a nest made of twigs and leaves, with a timestamp in the corner.
A nest with a fluffy white chick resting on green leaves, surrounded by twigs and branches, and an adult bird standing nearby.
A close-up view of a sea eagle nest with several fluffy, downy chicks resting on a bed of leaves and twigs.

Dinner with Buzzards:

Country diary: Dinner time for the buzzard family is not a dignified affair | Kate Blincoehttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/18/country-diary-dinner-time-for-the-buzzard-family-is-not-a-dignified-affair?CMP=share_btn_url

Toby and I can attest that raptors’ eating habits are anything but organised. We have witnessed them plucking on our Japanese arch, on top of the fence, with feathers and fur flying in every direction when the wind blows. Lately, we have sadly been finding grey squirrel heads near the park where we like to walk.

The Reds seem to escape the tyranny.

Lots of sparrows at the feeders.

A flock of sparrows feeding on a bird feeder filled with seeds and peanuts, surrounded by green foliage.

The island was moved today and I just left the mess so tomorrow is going to be a day of ‘surface cleaning’ til Melissa gets here on Monday. I hope to have a short report for you with the ‘good news’. If not, it will arrive Sunday evening.

In the meantime, get outside. Enjoy the crisp autumn air. Go for a walk if you can. If not, breathe in what feels like really clean air. I love the smell of fallen leaves as you walk over them. They often remind me of my university days, heading off to the football stadium in Norman. It is interesting how scents/odors can transport us to another time and another place.

Thank you so much to Geemeff for that final summary on Loch Arkaig for the Woodland Trust, to those who posted images and information on FB, to the individuals fighting for Menhaden and saving the ospreys, to The Guardian for its environmental and wildlife reporting, and to the owners of the streaming cams – we are grateful.

Iris is still here…Late Saturday in Bird World

12 September 2026

Hello Everyone,

Get the tissues out. I have a story from the hospital today. Ann and I always try to be there for at least one meal. She likes to go at noon, and I prefer arriving at 1630. It takes Toby and me about thirty-five minutes to get across town, and added up, the later time means Don will be ‘full’ (he eats well for me, and I always take a green salad and fresh fruit to wind up the hospital meal) till morning. There is no cookie cupboard at the hospital, although there is a box of homemade ginger cookies that Jaine made on his chest of drawers there – he doesn’t remember, so that is good, as he won’t try to get out of bed and fall trying to get one. (Visitors give him one). Toby and I left this evening. I reached over, kissed him goodbye, and told him, ‘I miss you’. He said back immediately, ‘I am always here’. I whispered, ‘I missyou at home’. Don squeezed my hand, raised it to his lips and kissed it. I held it together until Toby and I got home, broke down, and just cried. This has to be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life…We still don’t know the future. It is simply one day at a time, but underneath all of this is a strong foundation of love.

If you have a loved one who has dementia (not talking about Alzheimer’s – they are so different), remember that they ‘know’ things. They might look like they are snoozing, but they are listening… they feel, and they know. The proteins in their brain are changing, but that brain is intact, not dying.

Tomorrow is my youngest grandson’s birthday party, and Toby and I will stop in at the hospital on the way home. I will not be posting tomorrow, but will be back on Monday or Tuesday. I am including the video listing from SK Hideaways. Please take a look at the wonderful work they do! Also, news from Geemeff.

SK Hideaways Videos Week of 6 September 2026

367 Collins Street Falcons ~ Melbourne ~ F24 & M24
Courtesy Victorian Peregrine Project
South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY
North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

M24 Arrived Too Early F24 Sent Him Off to Fetch Breakfast ~ 2026 Sep 10
M24 arrived empty-taloned before sunrise. F24 was rather unimpressed and sent him off. When he returned 2-1/2 hours later with large prey, mum was delighted to see him. We then got to enjoy his egg lullaby as he situated himself for his morning incubation stint. 
Video: https://youtu.be/jnpk9Y1gLz8

FalconCam Project ~ Diamond (~13 years) & Gimbir (~2 years)
Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW (http://www.csu.edu.au/special/falconcam/) ~ Australia
Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuZaWzhXSAI
Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQxrTGgNu4M

Egg #3 for Diamond & Gimbir ~ Pro Parents Make it Look Easy ~ 2026 Sep 10
Relieving Gimbir of egg duty, Diamond arrived with a full crop and had a quick delivery of egg #3. Gimbir returned with prey and dashed (not shown), then returned for his first 3-egg incubation stint. Well done, you two!
Video: https://youtu.be/51MYA5NH1jg

Diamond Lays Egg #2 After Chat with Gimbir ~2026 Sep 7
In my story, Gimbir stopped by the nest box with a huge crop. After some brief bonding, Diamond informed him she felt egg #2 coming soon. She mentioned that it might be nice to have a snack beforehand. Gimbir didn’t quite get the message, found a scrap for himself, and departed. Diamond already had a sufficient crop herself, so was ready to go. She delivered egg #2 at 23:24:32 with minimal fuss. Wishing Diamond and Gimbir successful hatches.
Video: https://youtu.be/r1UjuD3pQ2s

FOBBVCAM Eagles  ~  Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Shadow (12 years), Jackie (dec. 10 August 2026), Sandy, and Luna (last seen on camera 23 July 2023)
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Nest Cam:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
Wide View Cam (Cam 2):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4
Live Recap & Observations:  https://bit.ly/4wGjwVg

Shadow & Kaydee Nest Dance He Bows Out First ~  2026 Sep 11
Shadow and Kaydee spent about 8 minutes in the nest together. The changing interactions are fascinating. It is early days. We watch, learn, and trust the eagles. 
Video: https://youtu.be/I3wJZ_a33NM

Shadow & Kaydee Evening and Morning Rendezvous ~ 2026 Sep 9-10
Remembering Jackie on 1 Month Mark of Her Passing❤️‍🩹
After spending the entire day as a perch potato on Twin Pines, Shadow retired to the Roost Tree. Kaydee came along a bit later and did a nest check before joining him. In the morning, they exchanged greetings and perched on the Lookout Snag for a short time.

In addition to continuing to observe the dynamics between Shadow and Kaydee, I took a moment in this video to honor Jackie on the one-month mark since her passing. Jackie will always be the heart and soul of the Big Bear Valley eagle community, setting the foundation for the resurgence in eagle life that has developed since her birth in 2012. Jackie remains in our hearts today and always.
Video: https://youtu.be/QiFZ5UeWe6c

Shadow & Kaydee Meet at Dawn ~ Ravens Wake the Neighborhood ~ 2026 Sep 9
While they roosted separately overnight, Shadow and Kaydee met up at dawn. They watched each other across the habitat before coming together on the Lookout Snag for a half hour. They then resumed their off-season adventures.
Video: https://youtu.be/TzJPFak8rnM

Shadow’s Day ~ Stunning Horaltic Poses ~ Rain Shower ~ 2026 Sep 7
After few sightings of Shadow the day before, we were grateful to see him for a good, long time today. He started the morning on the Lookout Snag, then perched on Twin Pines for over 3-1/2 hours. While there, he displayed not one, but two spectacular horaltic poses. Lucky us.
Video: https://youtu.be/rbCoC-8tp5s


Two Harbors Eagles ~  Catalina Island, CA ~ Cholyn & Chase (28 years old; mated pair for 23 years)
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Two Harbors Eagles Cam Ops
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ
Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

Cholyn’s Day of Bliss ~ Chase Hillside Haven ~ 2026 Sep 10
Cholyn spent the morning on a favorite oceanfront perch taking in the brilliant, sparkling Pacific. She enjoyed it so much that she returned in the afternoon before visiting the nest. Chase settled on the cactus perch in the afternoon. The lovebirds watched each other across their habitat before departing on their evening escapades. Any view of Cholyn and Chase is a gift. Forever grateful to Two Harbors cam ops.
Video: https://youtu.be/Onz4H40gONQ

Iris was still eating fish at the Owl Pole today – this is the latest she has ever stayed. Let us all send our Queen of Ospreys much love and good wishes. May she eat loads of fish, get healthy, migrate, and return to us next April along with Clark.

Isn’t she amazing. Look at that size of fish! Go, girl!

An osprey perched on a tall wooden pole near a river, surrounded by trees and rocky riverbank.
An osprey standing on a wooden post, feeding on a fish in a natural setting with greenery in the background.

Geemeff writes: “Woodland Trust forum member CraigB made this tribute to Louis via chatGBP, and is happy for it to be shared:”

An illustration of an eagle soaring above Loch Arkaig, with mountains and forest in the background. The eagle is depicted landing near the water, capturing a fish with its talons, while the serene landscape reflects the highland environment.

Geemeff says: Greetings from Komodo! Interrupting my Dragon watching to tell you Loch Arkaig’s 2024’s lone survivor 1JW has returned to his translocated home in Valencia and has been seen nesting! 

WTS George posted: I received a message from Itziar on the Spanish team regarding 1JW, our 2024 chick who was translocated to Valencia:  “He has been seen on many occasions at Pego Oliva Marsh, interacting with this year’s birds and spending time on one of the artificial nests that we have built. Unfortunately, the nest that he has been using is far away from any areas of public access so is impossible to get any photos. We haven’t seen him for a few days so maybe he has begun his migration, in which case we await his return next year, and hopefully he’ll find a mate! As it’s still early September, we’re all still watching out in case he’s still around.”

Geemeff says: That is such great news after the disastrous year of 2024 that was Season Eight – the weather was foul, chick3 didn’t last long and the other two nearly died of starvation and hypothermia as Louis wasn’t able to fish in the unrelenting cold and rain plus got ill as well, and the chicks were too big for Dorcha to cover properly. Then Woodland Trust sought and received permission from Nature Scot first to try hand feeding at the nest, and when that wasn’t enough, for the remaining two to be given to Roy Dennis to join that year’s cohort of Scottish translocatees to go to Spain as part of the reintroduction programme that’s been running successfully for some years. The chicks were ringed in Spain, Yellow 1JR and 1JW, but 1JR succumbed to a heart condition leaving only 1JW. Who went on to fledge and it seems, go roaring on to return from migration as a two year old and claim a nest! What a survivor he is. Another example of the benefits of ringing, or banding as it’s called across the pond – we would never have known of his success without his Darvic ring giving an incontestable identification.

Geemeff has had a great adventure, and maybe they will allow me to share a couple of images – life is for living; always remember that. I wish I could have gone on this trip with them.

Take care, everyone. I will be back in a few days.

Thank you to SK Hideaways, Geemeff, and The Woodland Trust for the great news. I am always grateful, as you are, to the owners of the streaming cams for letting us see our birds and their lives.

Late Wednesday in Bird World

2 September 2026

Hello Everyone,

You can tell the ‘air’ is different. The beautiful emerald colour at the top of the trees is quickly fading into gold, red, and copper. Summer is ending, and fall is here despite the fact that the temperature is 24 C.

Thank you again for all your amazing letters and your support. I can tell you that I really need all that positive energy. Each of you has asked for an update, so this is a snapshot of the past two days. Don was moved into a private room with a window. The doctors felt that he was not progressing because of the overstimulation of the brain in the emergency room. I fed him his lunch yesterday – he was ravenous. Today Jaine and Carter (daughter and oldest grandson) went at lunch to feed him and give him some homemade cookies. His appetite is good. Unfortunately, after they left, he fell. (He was not in his bed but in a wheelchair in the hall – a nice change from staring at the walls. I was told I could not get him a telly because it clamps to the rails on the bed and he could injure himself). Then he got agitated and was up again. This time it took five people to get him back, and they had to sedate him. All the nurse kept saying when she called was ‘he is big and strong’. He has a security guard with him now! I keep wondering what else in the world is going to happen? Something is certainly wrong, and as far as I can tell, it is one of the percolating infections he is trying to fight.

There are so many things, but if you have loved ones who are dehydrated, it can appear they have memory issues when they don’t. Infections cause sudden changes in behaviour and great agitation, sometimes violence. Please remember these two things because not everything is as it seems.

Bird World is pretty quiet.

The Royal Cam chick is 222 days old today. In about two weeks, Awoheh will be at the average for flight. The albatrosses return to Tairora Head when they are approximately five or six years old after foraging off the coast of Chile.

Blue 33 was still at Rutland but everyone else appears to be gone.

Beautiful fish for Wensi at Hellgate Canyon.

Idris is delivering some big ones to the Dyfi nest in Wales!

Teifi remains busy at Glaslyn.

Blue 8P7 is screaming for fish and Louis does not disappoint at Loch Arkaig.

No activity at Blackbush that I could see.

Fish still coming into the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum nest for the two juveniles that have not left.

No prey for 37 and 38 at the Olympic Park WBSE nest so far today. Adults have arrived twice empty taloned.

Incubation continues at 367 Collins Street. Four beautiful peregrine falcon eggs!

Gorgeous Mum at Port Lincoln Osprey barge hoping for a breakfast fish from Dad soon!

More osprey nest news from South Australia:

Maria Marika gives us news of the black storks.

Lin Lawson brings us news from Charlo, Montana.

Remember to get your purple out to honour Jackie on the 4th! That is this Friday.

Thank you for being with us today. I hope to be back with you tomorrow but it could be Friday or Saturday depending on what is happening at the hospital. In the meantime, please take care of yourself. See you soon!

Thank you to all the owners of the streaming cams who let us watch these amazing birds, and to those who posted information and images on FB. I am terribly grateful.

SE38 gets topped up…late Monday in Bird World

31 August 2026

Hello Everyone,

It is windy, and you would think, by looking at the low dark clouds, that we were going to have a storm. It rained solidly last night – the proof I have is that there were puddles everywhere. Toby and I went to bed early and slept through it all, from 9-9. Yes, I was exhausted. On our walk this afternoon, we saw the first golden copper leaves scattered about the boulevard. Fall is really here and it is just the end of August. Temperatures remain in the mid-twenties despite the ‘autumn feel’.

I did not go to the hospital today. Last Christmas, I went every day and wore myself out. I said I would go every other day, making sure someone is there on my days off. Today, Ann was there to feed Don his lunch, and his oldest friend, Andrew, went up at 3. Despite eating his lunch, something is a ‘bit off’. He talked with his eyes closed and knew his friend, but he also went in and out of a very deep sleep. I know that in late stage Lewy Body Dementia, the person sleeps much of the time. Again, it is a day at a time. Thank you for your kind notes and all your good wishes.

Geemeff has arrived at their adventure destination safely. I hope they have a fantastic adventure!

SK Hideaways has sent their complete video listing, but I am adding one- SE38 finally gets a big meal. Lady persisted. Thank goodness. Everyone is worried, and many have stopped watching the nest because they fear 38 won’t make it. So here is this video by SK Hideaways: https://youtu.be/gjJ01khy2fA?

SK Hideaways Videos, Week of 23 August 2026

367 Collins Street Falcons ~ Melbourne ~ F24, M24 (maybe)
Courtesy Victorian Peregrine Project
South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY
North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

Mum Lays Egg #3 in a Hurry ~ Dad Works Out the Incubation Fit ~ 2026 Aug 28
Congrats to mum and dad on egg #3. The delivery seemed almost effortless for mum. But dad puzzled a bit to get himself on top of all 3 eggs. He got there in the end and has plenty of time to practice.
Video:  https://youtu.be/INETWMjvFjo

Mum Delivers Egg #2  ~ The Pushes & Proof
367 Collins St. Falcons 🪽 Melbourne, Australia ~ 2026 Aug 25Mum laid egg 2 in just a few minutes in the evening, bringing this one in what seems quick succession to the first. Dad will be excited come morning.
Video: https://youtu.be/kRjyyXG3krA

Welcome Egg #1 ~ A Tidied Nest with Mom and Dad
367 Collins St. Falcons 🪽 Melbourne, Australia ~ 2026 Aug 25
As 367 Collins Street begins the 2026 season, we see mom and dad with egg #1, which apparently was laid yesterday (24 August). Let the gutter stomping countdown begin!
Video: https://youtu.be/1m7TM399Xc0


FOBBVCAM Eagles  ~  Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Shadow, Jackie (dec. 9 August 2026), Sandy, and Luna (last seen on camera 23 July 2023)
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Nest Cam:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
Wide View Cam (Cam 2):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4
Live Recap & Observations:  https://bit.ly/4wGjwVg

Shadow & Kaydee’s Rock-Star Quality Morning Duets ~ Introduced by Fiona ~ 2026 Aug 26
Shadow and Kaydee woke the valley in the wee hours of the morning with stunning duets before heading out from the roost tree for the day. They made a quick stop on the Lookout Snag along the way.
Video: https://youtu.be/YULMHzwlwJk
Shadow’s Stunning Close-Ups on Nest After Brief Meetup with Kaydee ~ 2026 Aug 25
Shadow and Kaydee gave us a great fly-by as they headed to the Lookout Snag for a brief chortle-snortle. They then spent the rest of the afternoon doing their own thing. Shadow gifted us with a long visit to the nest. FOBBVCAM double-gifted us with some stunning close-ups of gorgeous Shadow. Beyond grateful.
Video: https://youtu.be/doOEAyr4Jzo

Shadow OK with Stick Shuffling on Nest ~ Not Ready for Kaydee’s Beaky Kisses ~ 2026 Aug 23
Shadow and Kaydee met on the nest before dusk. Kaydee practiced branch management while Shadow mostly watched. He joined her for awhile, but when she extended beaky kisses, Shadow was not receptive. His hormones are not in a bonding phase, so his withdrawal from Kaydee is not surprising. I’m trying to leave it there (ignoring every human impulse to describe it otherwise). At evening’s end, Shadow and Kaydee once again roosted together in the Roost Tree.
Video:  https://youtu.be/6BVc4os6MOU


Sydney WB Sea Eagles ~ Australia ~ Lady, Dad, SE37 (hatched 13 August), and SE38 (hatched 14 August)
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

Sydney WB Sea Eagles SE38 Struggles to Find Courage to Eat ~ Lady’s Encouragement Helps ~ 2026 Aug 26With SE37 firmly established as the alpha sea eaglet, SE38 has become fearful of any beaks coming their way, including a parent offering food. This video is a fascinating display of the behaviors resulting from the hierarchy of these eaglets. I am pleased to report that due to Lady’s persistence and gentle encouragement, SE38 ultimately got a good meal during this feeding. We watch and learn ~ always. 
Video:  https://youtu.be/ugAnJczXunw

Ron and Rose are at the WRDC nest! https://youtu.be/DVKsWi0sfRk?

Gabby and Beau working on theirs.

Wings of Whimsy has their sassy reunion on video! They were so glad to see one another. https://youtu.be/5f7b_pptSlo?si=ZfnPtvkNzanDZd6V

Wensi says her parents are still home so where are the fish?????

Blue 33 and Maya still home at Rutland.

C22 was at Roger’s Place but no sign of Charlie.

Juvenile still at Dyfi. When will Idris get to fish for himself?

Teifi is still delivering at Glaslyn! Beautiful fish. Elen was also seen today.

Juveniles still fish calling at Lyn Brenig.

And Louis is still fishing at Loch Arkaig!

Blue 6T9 got the prize at Poole Harbour…fish still being delivered.

The garden is just bursting with birds wanting seed and water!

Hugo Yugo watching the crows.

Beautiful Hope.

The three baby Crows this year.

Thanks so much for being with us today! Please take care. I won’t promise to send out a blog on Tuesday as I intend to spend most of my time at the hospital but definitely Wednesday.

Thank you, SK Hideaways, for the great video list! Thank you to Wings of Whimsy, everyone who posted on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams where I peeked at our juvenile ospreys and eagles. We are so very grateful to all of you.

Branching at Glacier Gardens…Friday in Bird World

28 August 2026

Good Morning,

With all the ospreys migrating and eggs being laid in the Southern Hemisphere – along with those little white balls of goodness at the WBSE nest in the Olympic Park in Sydney, there isn’t a lot of news.

That said, it is easy to forget that there are eaglets still in the nest, and Patience – Glacier Gardens 10 (GG10) branched this morning! She is 86 days old, and her sibling, Compassion, is 84 days old. Dad Prosperity brought in a fish to celebrate the milestone in his eldest eaglet’s life. [Note: The average age for Bald Eagles to fledge in the far north is longer than it is in the southern parts of the US].

It is a beautiful morning. The birds have been fed, and we are awaiting our monthly subscription, which I presume will arrive on Monday. They have eaten more than anticipated, which is going to make me reexamine what type of seed to use and how much to put out! It is one thing to get peanuts, and it is another to have the squirrels cache them despite having food year-round!!!! We had lots of peanut plants in the garden this year.

The Ojai Raptor Centre posted on FB that they are still waiting for test results and will combine them with necropsy results, etc., and issue a final statement once all the dots can be connected. That way we will have a clear indication (we hope) of what caused Jackie to be so ill during those days, weeks, or months.

At the Peregrine Falcon scrape at Great Spirit Bluff, Elaine and Newmann are pair bonding. Don’t forget to watch that fabulous couple at 367 Collins Street – how many eggs will be laid this year? four? And then there is Diamond and Gimbir – but, as always, I miss Annie. Thankfully, we have Monty and Hartley who seem to have the most characterful little eyases at San Jose City Hall!

SK Hideaways catches the laying of egg 3 at Collins Street: https://youtu.be/INETWMjvFjo?s

News from The Osprey House Environment Centre – where one seemingly healthy chick with a nice ‘ps’ remains for George and Hope:

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 27th August 2026
Today was all about fish! While Steve Quinn and WTS George were presenting the very interesting webinar on fishy stats and forest restoration this evening, super fisherbird Louis was still delivering fish and equalling his all-time record by bringing nine fish in one day. That record had stood since 18th June 2020, the year when there were three chicks and an adult female to feed. This time there’s only one chick, Juniper 8P7, to feed, plus a couple of cheeky Hoodies who sneak in and steal fish whenever they can. Louis’ hard work means the Nest Two tally takes a massive jump to four hundred and seventy. The day ended with a visit from a Barn Owl to Nest One. The weather was settled today and should remain so overnight with a low of 13°C but changing to drizzle by morning then generally cloudy and cool for the rest of the day with a high of 18°C.
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/PDk0fe7j1WA N2 Two fish in under ten minutes but Juniper nips Louis! 06.03.10; 06.12.56https://youtu.be/9G213H8liYI N2 Another fish, another nip when Louis brings number three 06.44.11https://youtu.be/naLGFy9qp2s N2 Hoodies steal fish as Juniper departs with fish three 07.07.42https://youtu.be/f5F_6aGoCOY N2 Louis brings fish four and doesn’t get nipped! 07.44.49https://youtu.be/IrKzeQrhQew N2 Juniper flies with a fish in each foot 08.15.18 (zoom)https://youtu.be/5d9SiX1s90A N2 Dedicated dad brings a fifth fish for his chick 11.23.14https://youtu.be/GxH_iG_oD5w N2 Juniper uses fish six as a pillow 12.36.23https://youtu.be/4EJeTjlPNs8 N2 Fish seven arrives before Juniper has finished fish six 17.38.27https://youtu.be/2fdYDARzjcE N2 Juniper returns with fish seven to get fish eight from Louis 20.27.28https://youtu.be/-_UzPpLHMx4  N2 Super fisherbird Louis brings record-equalling fish nine! 20.43.54  https://youtu.be/BFXxBb_S1F0 N1 A Barn Owl (Strix aluco) pays a visit 22.51.44

Louis is incredible. Amber hasn’t been seen in a while, and we hope she and Dorcha are well. Juniper is certainly reaping the benefits of being the only osplet at home.

It is nearing the end of the season at Loch Arkaig and I want to thank Geemeff for always sharing her report with us. She is off on an adventure for a bit.

Over 80% decline in ospreys in Stockton, NJ:

https://stockton.edu/news/2026/nest-cams-help-stockton-study-declining-osprey-nest-productivity.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawT-eT5wZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAGJyaWQRMWdwVmJ5cDRIejJsOHZ6RmpzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe3AIwJNfU683_ysAM0ebylkGf2d5p3YVlLr73pCpqYDrHElBywdVxsYl-1SY_aem_5YpA7s1aVaqp2vu4zUWSVg

In Manitoba we still have ospreys at the nest and eagles and reports are coming in from Nova Scotia about successful nests. That is wonderful. Once I get some compilation of that I will share it with you.

Wensi fish calling this morning:

I’ll also be away for a few days. Don had a rapid decline yesterday and has gone into the hospital. I am going to use this time to recharge my batteries. I will be back with you next week. In the meantime, please do take care of yourself. Remember to put out water for migrating birds and turn off your lights. If you can, put out food. The birds need it! We’ve destroyed much of their habitat.

Thank you to Geemeff, all the owners of streaming cams, and the individuals who post information and images on FB. Otherwise, we might not always know what is happening to our dear raptor families.

Did I tell you how much I adore Wensi? …Late Thursday in Bird World

27 August 2026

Greetings Everyone,

Update: Second egg at Port Lincoln today

Wednesday was a lovely day. Don and Ann spent time around our duck pond, full of ducks, geese, and people having a good time. It was all topped off with an ice cream dipped in chocolate sauce. We ended the day sitting outside and taking a late walk with Toby. The leaves are definitely changing – the golden touch of the setting sun really highlights the changes every evening. The temperatures are still those of summer – 25 C. The farmer’s markets are full of fresh corn, local honey, blueberries, cherries, and peaches. It is one of my favourite times of the year! Tomorrow I am going to try and make charred corn and black bean nachos. There is a wonderful recipe in The Guardian this evening. Looks easy and delicious.

Thank you to the staff of The Guardian~!

Tomorrow, Miyoung arrives to cut our hair. Toby is in dire need, too, but I think I am going to leave him with his great feathering and his grinch feet. He loves his baths, and we cut out any mats that he gets, especially the burrs that he gets tangled in when he goes to the back of the property. He is so good at sitting and letting me clean the fur off the bottom of his pads and any mats—and he loves the massage with shampoo!!!!!!!!! What a joy he is to care for, especially since he doesn’t like going to the groomers so much. (We get his nails trimmed and his bottom tidied at the vet surgery).

I might just make this, take the laptop outside, and watch Wensi. The camera operators gave us some amazing images on Wednesday as Wensi got a fish delivery. Don’t ask me if it was Clarke or Iris – it was quick. No one wants their leg taken off by a ravished fledgling!

Iris and Clarke continue to provide fish for Wensi. This is surely one of the healthiest ospreys in the US this season. I would give anything if Wensi had a Darvic ring so we could hear about her in the future.

‘PB’ sent me a note saying M15 had returned to the SW Florida Bald Eagle nest in Fort Myers, ending his summer vacation. Will the female that he has been seen with join him?

At Big Bear, Shadow was caught on camera calling out to Kaydee, who responded. SK Hideaways has them and their morning duet – have a listen! https://youtu.be/YULMHzwlwJk?

Lizmn catches up with Milda, the White-tailed Eagle of Durbe County, Latvia, delivering fish but no fledglings there to grab it! https://youtu.be/p3omLB2V54M?

Wings of Whimsy catches up with Beau at the NE Florida nest. https://youtu.be/8r-bAtjmhSc?

Beau is working on those restorations before Gabby gets home!

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 26th August 2026
It’s clear Season Ten is winding down – the Hoodies are very bold, there’s only one chick and Louis still around, and night cam is switching over earlier each night. Louis brought one fish today, a flatfish, and Juniper managed to finish it despite harassment by a Hoodie. The Nest Two tally now stands at four hundred and sixty one, including five brought by Dorcha. The weather was settled today, cloudy and achieving a high of about 20°C, and should continue cloudy overnight with a low of 13°C, and sunny intervals tomorrow with a high of 22°C.


Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/lI-AjKSwRCU N2 Louis brings a fish but Juniper is harassed by a Hoodie 13.40.15https://youtu.be/9FxU2CVHtx4

 N2 Juniper waits quietly as the sun sets 20.31.18


Bonus webinar – tomorrow night at 7pm( 19:00 GM|T+1) Steve and George will be discussing the 2025 season and the current restoration works in Arkaig forest:https://woodlandtrust-org-uk.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_78gnztVZT_q7mHQG4JBNZw#/registration

I will be listening to the webinar tomorrow (1300 Winnipeg time).

Its almost Open House at our local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, Wildlife Haven. They have now taken in twice as many patients in the first half of the year than they did all of last year!

Check out your local rescues and see if they have an Open House – and remember, save those clean, well-used towels and sheets. They can use them! Clearing out a house of a loved one? Don’t just chuck everything in the bin. Rescue centres need storage bins, woodworking tools, stainless steel dishes, laundry detergent, bleach – you name it – including toys for enrichment.

We are hoping to attend. We haven’t missed an Open House in years.

Get the tissues out. ‘PB’ sent me a link to a tribute to Jackie that I think you will enjoy: https://youtu.be/S7KAIlAcHLk?

There are still ospreys at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

SE38 is sometimes shy about eating. We are all cheering that little one on – and Lady is helping. SK Hideaways captures Lady’s tender encouragement on video: https://youtu.be/ugAnJczXunw?

Now how many eggs do we have at Port Lincoln? Are there two? We are waiting. Bart says between 72-78 hours. As I am watching it is now 76.6 hours since egg 1 so any time!

For those worried that Mum isn’t incubating the eggs all day, this is delayed incubation. It helps get the chicks to hatch closer together. Some of the UK osprey females have made an ‘art’ of delayed incubation, hatching three chicks on the same day – sometimes within a few hours. It really does help with all of the bonking, and oh, do our ospreys love to bonk one another for dominance and fish.

She laid her second egg this morning.

Good news from the Ventana Wildlife:

Christopher has fledged at Tweed Valley this morning.

Some more good news coming out of Wales:

Thank you so much! We love having you with us. It is a gorgeous day for haircuts and then a trip to the country. Toby says it is a great day for ice cream cones! Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to all the contributors – SK Hideaways, Geemeff, all those who post on FB, including the UK Osprey Information group! Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams for letting us see the lives of these amazing birds, and to ‘PB ‘, who is very busy but always sends me news. Thank you. Also a big shout out to the Guardian food contributors for that great recipe – try it! And check out their page on the newspaper site along with their environmental news.

Late Sunday in Bird World

23 August 2026

Hello Everyone,

It is a gorgeous Sunday afternoon on the Canadian prairies. The sky is a clear blue and there is a breeze making the 25 C temperatures seem slightly cooler. It was a lovely day for walks with Toby and, because Don slept last night, I woke up feeling like a new person. It is amazing how a good night’s sleep makes all the difference to our lives!!!!!!! Don has been waking up every hour and a half. Normally he is ‘very quiet ‘, but for the past week, he has come to my room and turned on the light, waking up Hugo Yugo, Toby, and me. Of course, he was simply confused about where his room is, but he had also been making a bit of a mess in the kitchen. Last night, I decided to try and tire him out, so he was given the job of sweeping the deck and helping me break up the old cedar feeders. We put them in the thick forest area of the back garden where they will decompose and provide places for insects that the birds enjoy so much. I love that area of the garden. It is completely ‘wild’ – not touched by a human hand except for us placing this wood there. It is full of birds and squirrels enjoying life in the middle of a big Canadian city. It just makes me so happy to provide them with a safe place to rest and eat. In addition to helping with the deck, we gave Toby an ‘extra’ walk and I made certain that Don did not fall asleep until 2100. he woke up once at 2300 and then slept until 0715. (I have cameras watching his every move). He got dressed, got a drink and quietly dosed on and off on the sofa until Toby and I got up at 0900. Magnificent.

As a result, we have rearranged the living room and cleaned it a bit, cleaned out the fridge, and had a couple of walks with Toby, but the real treat was having fresh blueberries in pancakes for breakfast with our local maple syrup. It was delicious and something I rarely get to, since I am usually too tired to be bothered. Don loves pancakes, and he ate them, smiling with every bite. I was so happy.

It is fairly quiet with all of the birds. Fish are (or not) being delivered in preparation for migration which has started. Many of the UK females left at the beginning of August. Blue 35 from Foulshaw Moss left on the 9th of August followed by Blue 717 from another Foulshaw Moss nest on the 14th. Aurora departed and has been photographed fishing at Lytchett Bay, Poole Harbour. Geemeff sent me a great photograph of her. – and credits are given in Geemeff’s summary below but this is about Darvic rings.

How would we know that this is Aurora? Well, only by her underwing pattern or the pattern on top of her head. Of course, the Darvic ring on her left leg tells us its distinct number. I am a strong proponent for ringing the osplets in the nest. I am so very grateful that this is common practice in the UK. Some states research osprey, but every day I hope someone has ringed Wensi or the Ps to learn about their dispersal. Of course, I really want every surviving osprey and eaglet to be ringed around age 35 days (or at the appropriate time per species).

We held our breath as it was reported that a fishing line was attached to the back of little SE37 at the Sydney Olympic Park WBSE nest. It was horrible to see – just like the little fluffy ball had been caught by someone fishing, but through the back. Thankfully, a miracle happened, and the hook fell off into the nesting material. Of course, it is still an issue because it’s still there, but let us hope the adults’ experience means they will make sure it is worked into the nest or removed.

All I could think when I heard about the hook was my goodness what else can happen this year?

Locals have an eye on Beau at the NE Florida nest where he has been seen perched a short distance from the nest. Gabby will be arriving soon!

Everyone is still home at Hellgate Canyon. Wensi on the nest fish calling. Clarke arrives with a huge headless fish and then, to our surprise, Iris photobombs!

Sleepy Wensi on the nest hoping for a breakfast fish.

Clarke does a quick drop trying to protect his talons and flies off.

Here comes Mum Iris to check on things.

Iris reminded me of the pilots learning to take off and land – she literally touched the nest and took off again. I hope she found a big fish. Like you, I worry about Iris – she is so loved, and I want to see her often before she departs. We do not know what the next migration will bring, but I hope the winds of late March and April return our beloved Iris to us as well as Clarke.

Wensi had trouble eating the head of the fish and he flew off with it. Did he go to the Owl Pole? Does he need Mum to help? Will he lose his big fish to an intruder?

Not on the Owl Pole.

It is raining at Blackbush Beach Resort in PEI, Canada. No one seen at the nest.

The two fledglings at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are doing so well – fish are being delivered to the nest and they look to be in good condition.

There have been a few updates about Sol, the osplet from the Fru Rauer nest, which was taken in for care and then placed in a foster nest. According to the chat, Sol was seen on the ground and then flew off over the treetops when she noticed humans. It is unknown whether the foster male is feeding her off the nest.

White 63L was on the Fru Rauer nest today.

Another angle. Beautiful osplet.

And then two waiting for fish.

Maya and Blue 33 at Rutland Water today. What a gorgeous couple. They finally get to spend some time together before Maya departs on her migration.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 22nd August 2026

Today’s big news is the sighting of Aurora 536 at Lytchett Bay in Poole Harbour a week after her last appearance on nest cam on the 14th. This is the second year running she’s been sighted there by the photographer Mark Wright, she was seen last year on 18-19th August so this is obviously a familiar route for her and a known place to stock up on food before making the crossing over to Europe and then across to Africa. Link to Mark’s photos in the bonus section. Louis and Juniper are the only family members still around, he brought her three fish today, taking the Nest Two tally to four hundred and fifty three. Steve Quinn published his usual thorough analysis of the fishing stats today, a search for Nest 2 fish summary to week 18 will bring up his post. There was an interesting discussion aroundLizB ‘s theory that Amber’s early departure at a very young age might mean she could be male, and could be Chick One rather than Chick Two. Both are possible but as always, we can only speculate and hope to see or hear of Amber as an adult and perhaps answer one of those questions. The weather was settled, cloudy and cool today, and should continue overnight with a low of 11°C, a chance of light rain showers tomorrow morning then cloudy and dry with a high of 15°C.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/r4tOzShipbY N2 Juniper takes her breakfast fish with a lot of noise 06.15.55https://youtu.be/6g-Kz9WCG9Y N2 Coal Tits and Blue Tits flit around the nest 12.08.52https://youtu.be/1f_iytCua-I N2 Louis brings a flatfish for Juniper 19.07.25https://youtu.be/3ARP09vhi0g N2 Fish number three is gone in three minutes 19.42.34
Bonus photos – Aurora 536 spotted in Poole Harbour by Mark Wright  – she was seen there 18-19 August last year, so she’s taking a familiar route south:

Osprey 536 aka Aurora from Nest 1 at Loch Arkaig, ScotlandSeen today in Lytchett Bay, Dorset, England@harbourbirds.bsky.social @ukoi.bsky.social

— (@markwright12002.bsky.social) 2026-08-22T14:37:02.052Z

Everyone’s invited to join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and you’re all welcome:

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

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Thank you so much for being with us today. It is mid-afternoon. Time for tea and some shortbread and then to discover what I can find to keep Don tired tonight! Wish me luck.

Have a good end to your week, everyone. Take care of yourselves. If you feel overwhelmed, please just stop and take a deep breath. If you can, go for a walk or sit quietly, even for a few minutes, and listen to songbirds. It is easy to reach burnout. It is easy to become so anxious. I suggest stopping watching the news altogether. We do, and while a little filters through with e-mail, most of the time I am oblivious to what is happening outside my little world. It gives me peace. Sometimes that is what we really need. Peace and quiet.

Thank you to Geemeff for those wonderful images, videos, and the summary; to everyone who posts on FB and includes images; and to the owners of the streaming cams who let us share in the good and the bad that happens at the nests!

Sunday in Bird World

16 August 2026

Good Morning,

What a beautiful day on the Canadian Prairies. We are going on an adventure today to see whether any hawks are migrating over the Pembina Hills. It has been several years since we went to the Crossing to see them. Wish us luck!

I want to start with some fantastic fishing news in the osprey world. Saturday at the Dyfi nest of Idris and Telyn, five very large fish were delivered in under an hour. Yes, you read that right.

At the OBX osprey nest in the US, a kind landowner tossed a fish that had been delivered but fell off the platform back to the awaiting juvie. Well done, whoever you are!

Always looking for returnees. It can be hard even with a Darvic ring. A 2014 male fledgling from Loch Doon, Shalloch, was signing at the Penwhapple Reservoir in Girvan. He was first seen as a returnee in Wales in 2016. Well done Loch Doon.

There is news that Sol has flown from the adoptive nest but has not returned in nearly two days. The adoptive father has been seen with fish but no juvenile. We hope Sol is eating elsewhere. It is always worrying when they do not return to the nest!

Cutie pie Gimbir is delivering lots of prey to Diamond in the scrape.

Sadly, the third hatch of George and Hope at the Osprey Environmental Centre in Griffin, Australia has died of siblicide.

SK Hideaways Videos, Week of 8 August 2026
Today’s update is dedicated to Jackie and Shadow. While we continue to follow other nests, our hearts and minds are with our beloved Big Bear couple. Jackie was the rock solid foundation of Big Bear ~ we naively believed we had many more years to witness her strength, beauty, bravery, and wisdom. Such a loss shakes us to our core. It brings to light realities we’d rather not acknowledge and breaks our hearts. But rather than crumble, we take a page from Jackie’s book. We stand back up, brush ourselves off, and carry on ~ albeit in baby steps. This week has been and combination of profound grief, heartwarming remembrances, and occasional denials. We each have our own grieving process, but one thing we share is that we are, indeed, grieving a most beloved and inspirational eagles, whose life we have had the privilege of watching. Fly high, dear Jackie, and rest in peace.
~ SK Hideaways


FOBBVCAM Eagles  ~  Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Shadow, Jackie (dec. 9 August 2026), Sandy, and Luna (last seen on camera 23 July 2023)
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Nest Cam:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
Wide View Cam (Cam 2):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4
Live Recap & Observations:  https://bit.ly/4wGjwVg

KD1 & Shadow Visit Nest Together (2026 Aug 13)
Shadow & KD1 met on the nest in the afternoon, after KD1’s dawn visit. They both seemed comfortable, but we cannot know what impulses they have or whether they will become a pair when mating season comes toward the end of the year. For now, we observe and learn, as we will our hearts to heal from the hole Jackie left in them
Video: https://youtu.be/MkgTQBBC_SI

Morning Serenades and Afternoon Meet-Up with Friend (2026 August 9)
After morning serenades by Shadow and a sub-adult (likely KD1), the eagles left the roost tree and perched separately. Shadow surveyed the habitat from the Lookout Snag before departing for his morning eagle activities. KD1 returned to Twin Pines a few hours later, where Shadow soon joined the sub-adult ~ each on their own branch. They both departed early afternoon.
Video:  https://youtu.be/XyNnd3p6nLU


San Jose City Hall Falcons ~ Monty & Hartley
Courtesy San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcon Cam | Predatory Bird Research Group
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBSxPjy5sow
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pp9TisLmLU
Roof Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQLhmV6bP6o

Monty Lures Hartley to Nest for Bonding ~ Tries 3 More Times Unsuccessfully (2026 Aug 14)
Hartley and Monty spent time in the nest area this morning. Monty has a certain technique for luring Hartley into the nest box for bonding. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. And sometimes, he surprises us.
Video: https://youtu.be/_I1zjNkPeaA


Sydney WB Sea Eagles ~ Australia ~ Lady, Dad, SE37, and SE38
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

SE38 Hatches ~ SE37 Puts Head in Shell ~ Lady & Dad’s Family is Complete (2026 Aug 14)
Like SE37, SE38 hatched in the wee hours. SE37 seemed to want to hatch again, sticking their head in SE38’s half shell. Ultimately, they both mugged for the camera, leaving fans weak in the knees with cuteness overload.
Video:  https://youtu.be/QfxN_k_qH24

Welcome to the World SE37!!!  (2026 Aug 13)
SE37 toiled for 20+ hours to make a perfect zipper around the middle of its egg to hatch at about 4:08 A.M. Sydney time. While Lady rocked the eggs ~ looking as though she might be trying to help SE37 out ~ Dad “paced” around the nest waiting for the seaglet to arrive. Hoping SE38 joins the party soon!
Video: https://youtu.be/iswZi-9VZMU

SE37 HAS PIPPED ~ Beak Seen ~ SE38 Possible Pip (2026 Aug 12)SE37 is working on its grand entrance as it pecks away, showing its beak and making great progress. There is a mark atop SE38, which might also be the beginning of a pip. Good luck SE37 and SE38, hope to see you both soon.
Video: https://youtu.be/1gUHaF2o7nc


West End Eagles ~ Catalina Island, CA ~ Isla & Lee (newish maybe couple)
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | West End Eagles Cam Ops 
Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14
Other Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT1adgYSfbcqI
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCGyi19a6J4

Beautiful Sub-Adult Brings Breakfast to Nest + Some Channel Islands Eagle History (2026 Aug 9)
There have been several sub-adults in the West End territory over the past few months. This day, a real beauty brought a whole fish to the nest for breakfast and returned in the afternoon to finish it. 
The eagle restoration project on the Channel Islands began in 1980 ~ going from zero eagles on the islands to 14 breeding pairs that hatched at least 16 chicks in 2026. A remarkable success. While enjoying the 4 nests for which the Institute for Wildlife Studies and explore.org sponsor livestreams, we can thank these organization and their partners for their tireless work in bringing such a wealth of eagle life back to these beautiful islands.
Video:  https://youtu.be/VewZm2uvOkY

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 15th August 2026
The Nest Two cam is still out and a site visit has determined that replacement parts are needed which with luck will arrive in the next few days. Off-cam observations by local resident LizB show chicks were seen on or near the nest and on some occasions were eating fish. Nest One cam is still functioning, barring the usual daily 6+ hour morning outage, but no Ospreys came to the nest when the cam was on line. However, reports from LizB showed an Osprey perched nearby for several hours, at a guess Aurora, but no fish was seen. The Nest One tally remains at two hundred and one, and using Steve Quinn’s formula for estimating Louis’ catch, the Nest Two total moves up to four hundred and twenty four. Nest One did have some feathered visitors, not the big ones we’re hoping for, but some little Coal Tits and Bullfinches. Huge thanks to LizB for her off-cam reports, and to the folk at Woodland Trust and 

Wildlife Windows who are doing all they can to get Nest Cam Two up and running again. A reminder of the difficulties of maintaining a livestream in a remote area is in the bonus section. The weather was mainly settled today but at the time of filing this report (midnight) it’s raining and heavy rain is forecast overnight, with a low of 12°C, changing to light rain throughout tomorrow with a high of 17°C.Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/A-jPXC-j5X8 N1 Little visitors arrive – a family of Bullfinches 15.55.06 (zoom)https://youtu.be/ZaS8yA0TFyM N1 More little visitors – Coal Tits this time 16.56.09
Bonus watch – just what it takes to bring us the window into the private lives of our Osprey family:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/behind-the-scenes/


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

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

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Flowers from all over the world are being sent to the entrance of Fawnskin Park in California for Jackie.

All is well with the little sea eaglets 37 and 38 at the Olympic Park WBSE nest in Sydney.

‘B’ sent me a great e-mail with lots of links to videos and information you will enjoy. I am including it in its entirety – thanks so much, B.

“Hi Mary Ann — I thought you might be interested in this 3-minute YouTube video from the local Bay Area ABC station, which covers the story of the rescue/release of the two condors that were trapped in the Ventana Wildlife Society’s condor sanctuary as it was threatened by the Big Sur fire: https://youtu.be/WSb3GKTESh0?

It took a smoky 3-hour drive on dirt roads with scattered fires alongside to rescue the birds.  Important work, nicely done.

I’ve still got the Jackie blues.  We have lost a number of the birds we watch.  (Don’t forget Aila!)   It goes with watching birds in the wild, where nature is full of threats. But Jackie was special, and this one hits especially hard.

This video tries to explain why Jackie’s death hurt so many people: She tries to explain why Jackie’s death hurt so many people: https://youtu.be/SKee7r6ZtmA?

What she says is true, but I would still say it all can be summarized by saying Jackie was very, very special  for very, very many people for very, very many different reasons.  

I’m so thankful for all of the rescuers and all of the caregivers and that Jackie is now out of pain.  And hopeful for a positive future for Jackie’s faithful mate Shadow.

Thankful, too, that Moon Camp was saved, which helps that positive future for Shadow and all future Big Bear eagles.  I don’t think Moon Camp could have been saved if it weren’t for the community of fans that built around Jackie and Shadow and for all the donations that came from those fans.  And very thankful that included in those fans were the Brockmans, whose huge donation took the fund-raising drive over the top.”

One last check in – can’t forget Iris, Wensi, and Clarke.

Wensi fish calling right before the Saturday ends with Iris sleeping on the perch.

Take care, everyone. Did not intend to post today but did – I am promising myself a day off so maybe it will be tomorrow. See you soon.

Thank you to B, SK Hideaways, Geemeff, all the FB contributors with their stories and images. Thank you also to those who write investigative reports and the owners of the streaming cams for without them we would not know what is happening on the nests.

LA CBS tribute to Jackie…late Friday in Bird World

14 August 2026

Good Evening Everyone!

We hope you had a good end of the week and that this weekend you take time to breathe and get outside. The summer is quickly coming to an end, and we can already see a tinge in the leaves across our back lane. Today, the birds were in a big flurry around 1500. The Crow family was all in attendance, along with the six Blue Jays – and hundreds and hundreds of sparrows of various types. We noticed a lactating grey squirrel, but it was not Dyson. Since the disappearance of Brock and the other cat, Charlie, we have also noticed a decline in the number of grey squirrels. Down by half. As I have mentioned previously, there is some concern that someone is using rodenticide. That deadly poison goes through the food chain – it can even kill the hawk that comes several times a week! Please do not use it, and if you know of others who do, don’t attack them but do educate them. So read up – there is lots of information on the dangers of this deadly poison on the Internet.

I want to thank everyone for their notes while you grieve, Jackie. She was so loved, and her influence has touched so many. I am grateful for the excellent care she received, from the first responders to the staff and volunteers at the Ojai Raptor Centre. Jackie died a natural death – and whether she knew it or not, she was surrounded by love. Tributes are still being made, and many want a permanent memorial to her at Big Bear Valley. Flower tributes have been left, and I know from your notes and comments that many people have a big hole in their hearts. Luna and Sandy are fine. I find it very interesting that Jackie stayed strong until they had left the area. As you know, raptors hide their vulnerabilities. Otherwise, others will try to take their position. At some point, however, when one is so very, very sick, that illness cannot be hidden anymore, and that is what happened to our dear Jackie. Shadow will be fine. He misses Jackie. He calls out for her, but no one answers. It is not breeding season, but like M15, he will need a strong mate to help him keep the Big Bear nest. It looks like the one female, nearing five years, KD1, is hoping to fill that spot. We need to send Shadow our best wishes just like we did Bella (NCTC), Connie (Captiva), Gabby (NE Florida) and M15 (SW Florida) – to name a few of the eagles who have lost their mates in the past five years.

CBS LA has a lovely thirty-minute tribute: https://youtu.be/B2od9c1IlDo?

I am delighted to report that one female osprey, Blue NC0, whose mate, Laddie LM12, died two years ago, appears to have found another nest and mate. She lost her nest at Loch of the Lowes last year when she failed to bond with the Dark Knight. She has recently been at the Alyth SS Substation nest that previously belonged to Harry and Flora. Harry disappeared, and Flora lost her nest (or that is what it appears). Clyde is the current male, and he has been bringing fish to Blue NC0. Loch of the Lowes and Alyth are approximately 18 km away from one another. I wish Blue NC0 the best.

I want to begin with Geemeff’s summaries and videos from Loch Arkaig:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 14th August 2026

Today’s big story is the Nest Two camera being taken out by an electrical storm. Unfortunately, as it’s in a remote area, it’s going to take a while to restore service but it is being worked on, and luckily Nest One cam is still streaming live. Garry LV0 wasn’t seen today so his fish tally remains at two hundred and one, but Aurora 536 came to the nest and preened quietly for a few minutes before departing. Thanks to off-nest reports from local resident LizB, we know the chicks were around today both on and off the nest, and Louis was seen delivering fish. Fishing stats guru Steve Quinn has worked out a formula for estimating deliveries by Louis during the cam outage and the Nest Two tally has been raised to four hundred and nineteen. Dorcha has not been seen on cam since Saturday 8th and off-cam on Tuesday 11th. Meanwhile, all the main events of Season Ten are available on Woodland Trust’s playlist, details in the bonus section. After a stormy night, the weather was reasonably settled today but at the time of this report, midnight, it’s raining and due to continue overnight with a low of 12°C, changing to light showers with sunny intervals and a high of 18°C tomorrow.
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/3abZkT-QbX8 N2 The moment the storm takes the camera out 04.29.31 https://youtu.be/e3GDrR-jrtc N1 Aurora arrives, preens quietly, no Garry so she departs 08.41.36 

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 13th August 2026 

Garry LV0 and Aurora spent time on Nest One today, and he brought her one fish, taking his tally to two hundred and one. The two chicks were on and off Nest Two being very competitive, squaring up to each other, slapping wings, pushing each other off the nest and chasing, and generally doing their best to get as much fish as possible. Louis only brought three fish, all flatfish, and Amber got the first two and Juniper the third. The Nest Two tally now stands at four hundred and fourteen. Dorcha wasn’t seen today, either on or off the nest, and it looks like she might have headed south – we wish her fair winds and plenty of fish and look forward to seeing her safely back next year for Season Eleven. The weather was damp and overcast, with Nest One shrouded in mist at times, and the damp weather is set to continue with thundery showers and light winds and a low of 16°C overnight, continuing tomorrow with light rain, a gentle breeze, occasional sunny spells and a high of 19°C.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/Bwa5tZUn8gw N2 Amber’s waiting when Louis brings the first fish 11.48.59https://youtu.be/4C9DHUpEri0 N2 Amber gets the second fish as Juniper loses out again 15.09.25https://youtu.be/AL-CYDZL52M N2 Finally it’s Juniper’s turn and she gets fish three 16.09.41https://youtu.be/-LZhVieT–0 N1 Aurora’s calls are answered when Garry brings a fish 16.47.16

Everyone’s invited to join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and you’re all welcome:

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

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Individuals throughout the UK (and elsewhere like myself) are fed up with the medieval practice on the shooting estates BECAUSE it leads to the gamekeepers poisoning, beating, and killing in the most bizarre ways the raptors that come and take a grouse for food. No one tells them they crossed a boundary – and to be honest the pheasants imported, the monies exchanged, never warrant the brutal killing of the raptors.

Reclaim Our Moors – protest walk against grouse shooting, Peak District National Park, Sunday 16 AugDownload

In the US, people are worried about changes to The Endangered Species Act. Audubon tells us all about it:

Conserving Habitat Has Always Been Central to the Endangered Species Act | AudubonDownload

As you are aware, I am a big fan of Knepp Farms and their Rewilding campaign. In their latest newsletter, they tell of the most recent introduction: “In our latest episode of the Knepp Wilding Podcast, butterfly expert and old friend Neil Hulme joins us to talk about the Knepp Wildland Foundation’s most recent reintroduction project – the black-veined white butterfly.  

Absent from Britain for more than a century, Neil discusses the specialist task of reintroducing a species that vanished this long ago and why we’re hopeful that this rare, striking insect will once again become a UK resident.”

The newsletter also brings up other issues such as the failure of national parks to provide safe environments for wildlife. There are other stories. Have a read.

News from Knepp National Parks or National EmbarrassmentDownload

Oh, you want cute. They look like miniature fuzzy snow persons! SE37 and 38 are adorable.

SK Hideaways has a cute video of the little sea eaglets. You also get to hear the duet! : https://youtu.be/QfxN_k_qH24?

Sadly, it appears that we will not have any Ervie babies this year. We saw him at the nest, but no female! Oh, let’s hope a female comes around. We love Ervie – and I can’t wait til he is a Dad.

Phoenix, from the Sandpoint nest, is doing well in rehab. He is said to be very, very feisty! He won’t leave his wing protector on…but this is good. He will be strong when he leaves care and goes back into the world. (A Bald Eagle injured Phoenix when he flew off the nest).

The females are starting to migrate in the UK. Blue 014 from the Pont Cresor nest in Glaslyn has not been seen since she had a fish on the Glaslyn nest on the 10th. Other females are helping the males fill up the chicks!

Take care everyone. Thanks for being with us. I keep saying I am going to take a day off. Maybe it will be tomorrow. I am hoping to get us on a little road trip if it isn’t raining all day.

Thank you to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their videos and summaries of nest activities, to Knepp Farms for giving me hope for the future, to everyone who posted information and images on FB, to Ruth T for chasing down the latest raptor persecution news in the UK, and to everyone who owns a camera or posts news somewhere so that we know what is happening in the nests. A big thank you to CBS LA for a lovely tribute to Jackie.

SE37 and 38 hatch on the same day…Thursday in Bird World

13 August 2026

I am hoping that this is the week of ‘good’ news!

SE37 is white, fuzzy, and adorable. SK Hideaways has the hatch in the Olympic Park in Sydney! https://youtu.be/iswZi-9VZMU?

First feeding. You can also see the pip in the second egg. Come on SE38!

SE38 worked that pip really fast and both sea eaglets hatched within 24 hours. Fantastic.

Patience and Compassion have yet to fledge at the Glacier Gardens Bald Eagle nest in Alaska. They are so close. Just look at those hatch dates and remember the number 77 – a great day for fledging. They are sure gorgeous, fully feathered, and, let’s hope, very healthy! Patience (GG10) hatched on June 2, and Compassion (GG11) hatched on June 4.

Patience is 72 days old today.

Iris and Wensi wait for Clarke to bring breakfast. I didn’t see a delivery (perhaps I missed it). Later the pair flew off.

Waiting for breakfast at Poole Harbour!

‘J’ sent an update on Snow that they found:

‘

Maybe this is the way to stop the killing of the Hen Harriers and other raptors on these estates!!!

Top London chef shuns Red Grouse from large “factory grouse shooting operations” where birds of preyDownload

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 12th August 2026
Garry LV0 and Aurora 536 are both still here – Garry brought a fish for Aurora which is officially fish number 200 for him, but with the nest cam being down for 6-8 hours daily, his actual total is almost certainly much higher. This time last year Aurora had already left on migration, last seen 28th July, she could go at any time so every sighting is to be treasured. Dorcha didn’t appear on nest cam again today, although an adult Osprey, more than likely Dorcha, was spotted by LizB yesterday perched near Louis so she is probably still in the area. Last year her final sighting was on 7th August but as this season started later than usual due to Louis’ late return, she might stay around for a bit longer. Her two chicks should definitely be here til at least the end of the month, fattening up and competing for food ready for the rigours of migration. Louis brought three fish for them today, and the Nest Two tally now stands at four hundred and eleven. The weather was settled but cloudy so today’s eclipse wasn’t visible, and the forecast is for light rain and an overnight low of 17°C, continuing wet tomorrow with sunny intervals and a high of 23°C.
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/OlWuTsWZir8 N2 Louis lands on an empty nest and waits for a chick to arrive 05.50.57https://youtu.be/3ZQTarHD1Dw N2 Juniper’s waiting and gets fish two 11.04.53https://youtu.be/gInHcbLfsoE N1 Garry brings a fish for Aurora 14.16.18https://youtu.be/O-TvX8jBAXs N2 Juniper gets fish three and drives Amber off the nest 19.30.06

Everyone’s invited to join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and you’re all welcome:

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

Phoenix is doing well in care and enjoyed a ‘bass’ dinner last evening after having flown and been chased and grounded by a Bald Eagle. Thank you to everyone who helped Keke and Kam’s only osplet this year at Sandpoint.Update: Sandpoint Osprey Nest Friends

Phoenix is in strong spirits today. Now that he is stabilised, we will proceed with diagnostics like X-rays and possible surgery to repair a laceration. He is on pain medication and feeling feisty. There are always unknowns when it comes to wild raptors, but we have high hopes. We will be sure to update everyone later this afternoon as we know more. Thank you to everyone for caring for the Osprey and all the local raptors! ❤

Good news coming from Tweed Valley. Remember the second osplet was removed due to aggression and potential siblicide. It was returned when strong enough to fight off the older sibling. So far, so good!

At Blackbush. This is hilarious. Please read.

Black stork news from Estonia.

Switzerland has long to have ospreys and their translocation project paid off this year with the first hatches!

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care – there is lots and lots of news coming in – it is hard to keep up some days! I will be back with you on Saturday evening. I am taking a day off! We were at the farm today to get eggs and veggies along with some beautiful flowers.

It was a wonderful day.

Thank you to Geemeff and SK Hideaways for their great work in providing videos and daily summaries; to those who post images and news on FB, we are grateful. Thank you to those who write about and track persecution against raptors, and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us look into the lives of raptors.