Tag Archives: Loch Arkaig

Pip/hatch for Big Red, Aran breeding at Glaslyn…late Friday in Bird World

1 May 2026

Happy May Day to everyone,

It is 6 C and what a wonderful sunny day it has been.

There is great news coming out of Glaslyn. Our dear Aran, once the mate of Mrs G and then Elen, ousted from his nest at Glaslyn in 2025 by Teifi, is now with a new mate and there are eggs!

From the Glaslyn Osprey Group FB:

Update on Ospreys breeding activities: Aran is nesting with Blue 7C1, and Blue 499 is bonding with Blue 3C2. A pair of Ospreys is also residing at the Ty'n Llwyn nest.

Big Red and Arthur will have a lovely little chick soon.

Look at the front egg!!!!!!!

A red-tailed hawk is shown on its nest with several eggs, surrounded by straw and twigs.

There is now some concern for Winken at Moorings Park who was seen with a fishing line hanging from its beak.

Fish continue to be delivered by Jill at the Achieva nest with a fish arriving from Jack around 11:18 this morning.

Ping Shen reports on the Seattle couple, Harry and Sally: “Making up for lost time – Harry has been busy delivering both fish and nesting material, and also spent some time today excavating the “bowl” of the nest (you can see things flying out behind his talon, almost like a dog), sitting in it, etc. Hopefully Sally is pleased, despite his late arrival! Great to see them both back…no eggs yet, but perhaps soon…”

An osprey standing on a nest with twigs, looking down at another osprey lying on its back.
An osprey standing over its nest, looking down at its offspring, surrounded by twigs and nesting materials.

Viki writes with good news from Maryland: “I discovered a 22nd nest on the island, and it had 2 osprey – looked a very bare platform so  perhaps they’re new. And another of my original 21 has 2 osprey now (maybe with eggs) so that’s 15 of 21 with a pair

And as for LB (the M4 young father who is fiddling around with Ethel on the side), Lily, F4, has figured it out. What LB wants to do is brood those eggs – if he brings a fish, she lets him incubate; if he shows up on N4 antsy, she lets him incubate. She no longer takes her fish to N3, which is on the way to Ethel’s N2, but takes it the other direction to N4’s traditional perch in the North Copse of pine trees. Lily also let LB mate with her-once after I’d seen him copulating with Ethel. (I think she must have a nest full of eggs given how long ago she started seriously incubating and the continued flurry of mating afterwards.  Do you think the new father is satisfying himself with brooding?  Possibly similar urges ?????”

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 30th April 2026

What a glorious day – Aurora 536 produced her first egg, which clearly took a lot of effort but gave us our first egg on Nest One since Aila had her lockdown trio there in 2020. Six years is a long time to wait and hope for chicks on the original Loch Arkaig camera nest but today that wish is coming true. Garry LV0 was surprised and did a comical double take when he first saw the egg – shortly before it was laid, he came steaming in for a mating attempt and was roundly told off by Aurora, who pecked him and winged him away, and although he offered fish later, she wasn’t interested – had a bit of a hard day! Garry brought her four fish in total, taking his tally to thirty nine, and over on Nest Two, all was calm with Louis bringing one fish for Dorcha, taking the nest tally to thirty three.
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/Sz6L4ZP7T48 N1 Fish number one – Aurora digs out a fresh fish tail from the nest cup 08.35.53https://youtu.be/89V2Fz4ZCZM N1 Garry brings fish number two, a huge headless trout 15.12.48https://youtu.be/NIAf0M7jHRA N2 Dorcha flies off with a colourful trout 16.45.56

https://youtu.be/qpAE26laGGw N1 Aurora attacks Garry when he tries to mate – is an egg imminent? 18.53.13https://youtu.be/3FEsX0EqE1k N1 First egg on Nest One in six years! 19.18.37 (zoom)https://youtu.be/gDogiAUcptE N1 Garry brings a third fish but Aurora’s busy with the egg 19.58.38 https://youtu.be/YCUepaMGHv8 N1 Garry does a double take 20.04.42https://youtu.be/aVg4jZpwsGE N1 Garry brings a fourth fish but Aurora’s still not interested 21.38.54

Bonus read – while we have eggs on our mind, discover Woodland Trust’s partnership with Sainsburys:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/partnerships/our-partners/sainsburys

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/ZIC6oJaL_EM  N1 Cheeky Hoodie annoys Louis 2017

https://youtu.be/tg86hWM2aIA   N1 Is it the Tawny Owl disturbing Aila? 2020

https://youtu.be/PoQ1BlwQBTE  N1 Little plucker! Aila’s drastic action to make Louis move 2020

https://youtu.be/dDUQS2FK7Yw  N2 Shouldn’t laugh but.. poor Dorcha! 2022

https://youtu.be/PhoMl4grLhI  N2 Louis removal aids! 2023

https://youtu.be/Rwc5CsbBa3w  N1 She’s back and she’s got a name – meet Aida! 2024  

https://youtu.be/3rZnQ5f8Qn4  N1 Aida’s willing, Garry makes several attempts but no success 2024

https://youtu.be/k5rxoSg2D44  N2 Intruder Osprey touches down next to Dorcha 2024 (slo-mo repeat)https://youtu.be/SsW5LJKZSBk N1 Garry LV0 brings Blue 536 the first fish of the day 2025

https://youtu.be/s52rukepjLI N2 DeliverLouis: A nice fish supper arrives for Dorcha 2025

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

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


That’s it for me today. Don will be returning with Ann for some dessert after a full afternoon at the nature centre. Thank you for being with us. Take care everyone. Keep an eye on Big Red and Arthur’s nest – we will have some of the cutest babies filling that nest at Cornell shortly.

Thank you to Ping Shen, Geemeff, PB, and Viki for keeping me up to date on their nests. I am terribly grateful to them and those who post on FB and who own the streaming cams that allow us into the lives of these magnificent birds.

First egg for Loch Arkaig nest 1 since 2020…late Thursday in Bird World

30 April 2026

Good Morning Everyone,

There is always a reason to celebrate, even when there is sadness. My friend, Geemeff, says that getting weary over the recent deaths is ‘because we care”…and yes, that is right. We fall in love with these little ones, and we want to help them when they are ill – desires most of the time that simply have to be nothing more than that. Today’s sadness comes from Mooring Park. It appears that this nest that began with three will have only one to fledge this year.

Blinken, the second hatch at Moorings Park Osprey Platform in Florida, was showing signs of being ill several days ago. Eagle-eye ‘PB’ spotted it. Sadly, the little one passed this morning, but not before looking lovingly and saying goodbye to Mum.

A black and white image showing two adult osprey on a nest with chicks, and one chick lying down. The nest is made of twigs and there are eggs visible in the nest.

Do animals and birds have emotions? Have a listen to Marc Bekoff: https://youtu.be/oQDPyBNtojI?

The big hug for Jane: https://youtu.be/EJmxu4ENJ50?

A person embracing a chimpanzee while standing next to a red crate, surrounded by lush greenery.

The very last time chicks were dancing and fledging from Loch Arkaig nest 1 was in 2020, with Louis and Aila’s trio. Aila did not return in 2021, and Louis never went back to their nest. He made nest 2 his with Dorcha. Today, Geemeff writes that Aurora has laid her first egg! Congratulations. It is nice to see that both nests at the lach will have babies this year!

A close-up view of a bird's nest on a mountain, featuring two young birds and one adult bird against a backdrop of rolling hills and trees.

Here is the link to Loch Arkaig 1 camera: https://www.youtube.com/live/–l_qKzu2kE?

The other good news is that it appears that Big Red and Arthur not only have one pip but two!

A red-tailed hawk resting in its nest made of twigs and branches, displaying its brown and white plumage.

OR 6 and 7 are doing great at Syracuse University’s Red-tail Hawk nest. This is also great news.

A mother bird gently interacting with her two chicks in a nest made of twigs and straw.

Charlie and Lola fans will be glad that the injured female and her mate have reunited on a different nest, choosing to live in what we hope is peace. Let the intruders have their old nest. Let’s wish them luck.

Speaking of intruders, Lyn Brenig had one in the dark!

A black and white infrared image of a nest with two ospreys, one appearing to intrude while the other sits on eggs.

And then we have this post from Dyfi. Did Idris think his mate Telyn was an intruder?

https://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/blog/emyr-mwt/strange-osprey-behaviour?fbclid=IwY2xjawRgmStleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeAxT9cMKvxG7NSW4_ec01natMTP3oV8WAfMc7Oe0W8R8dbEmkLnTJIhq-g2U_aem_cUkZwEPGj0wi19ibZNlpMQ

Meanwhile, we still have a fortnight before we expect Blue 33 and Maya’s eggs to pip at Rutland Water.

A little longer in Cumbria as we waited for Blue 35 to return.

Two ospreys sitting in their nest with a scenic background of fields and hills during sunrise.

One of the stories in this month’s Birdlife International magazine is the challenges that the Emperor Penguin now faces.

Emperor Penguin now Endangered due to climate changeDownload

As Grasslands disappear, so does the song of the Bobolink. A story from Orion:

Grassland Rock Stars – Orion MagazineDownload

I am waiting for Geemeff to send her summary of today’s events at Loch Arkaig. I suspect that with the arrival of the first egg in six years at Loch Arkaig nest 1, there is much to do and lots to celebrate. I will post that summary, along with all their wonderful videos, separately when they arrive.

I know that I am missing many who should appear on the Memorial Page. If you can help me with names – storks, hawks, eagles, ospreys, etc, I would be grateful. They should be remembered. Thank you!

Thank you for being with us today. We will be back with you soon!

Thank you to ‘PB’ for alerting me first about Blinken’s condition, to Marc Bekoff for his studies in animal behaviour, to Dyfi for their newsletter, to all who post on FB and keep us up to date and to the owners of the streaming cams mentioned, thank you. We would not be able to share the lives of our favourite bird families without you.

Late Sunday in Bird World

26 April 2026

Good Evening!

We hope that you had a wonderful weekend – and please tell me that you had some time to go outside. It was a tad cooler here today but we sat in the warm sun on the deck and listened to birdsong coming from the feeders. Oh, it made my heart skip happy beats! It was another quiet day – a most welcome one. We did some spring cleaning and celebrated by making strawberry shortcakes. Tomorrow, Toby goes for a much-needed grooming (Monday). I’m hoping for a trip to Fort Whyte for a walk in the forest and a check on the geese that should be laying eggs.

Shadow continues to bring in big fish for Jackie and the kids. The snow is melting.

A parent bird stands in a snowy nest, caring for three fluffy chicks under a clear blue sky, with a scenic view of a lake and mountains in the background.

Isn’t he handsome? Teifi is one of Idris and Telyn’s fledglings – he is Maya’s grandson. How cool is that? I am so glad that the Glaslyn nest has settled down or him and Elen. As you know, I adore Aran and it seems that he has also found a platform and a mate. Smiling. Calm is good.

An osprey sitting on a nest, appearing to incubate eggs. The bird has distinctive brown and white feathers with striking yellow eyes, surrounded by natural vegetation and twigs.

The Dyfi family tree now has its fledglings at Glaslyn:

Infographic of the Dyfi Osprey Project Family Tree from 2011 to Present, detailing the lineage and breeding history of various ospreys, including notable individuals and their offspring.

Here’s Teifi. It was the first year, 2020, that Idris was bonded with Telyn after Monty:

A timeline showing the lineage of the Osprey named Idris from 2020 to 2026, including information on successful and unsuccessful hatches, along with the names and status of each chick.
Information about a male animal named Teifi, spotted in Santander Bay, Spain, in May 2022, and in North Wales in 2024 and 2025, with breeding noted in North Wales since 2026.

News from Loch of the Lowes:

Close-up of a freshly laid osprey egg in a nest, surrounded by nesting material.

SK Hideaways videos for the week – always grateful!

SK Hideaways Videos, Week of 19 April 2026

FOBBVCAM Eagles, Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Jackie, Shadow, and 2 chicks
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4
LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz

Jackie & Shadow got everything in order as a storm approached ~ The chicks enjoyed meals 7 and 8 ~ They’re tucked and warm under Jackie (2026 Apr 25)
Video: https://youtu.be/ZHZwUvD7SEw

One Chick Escapes Egg Bowl ~ Jackie has a Word with Shadow About It (2026 Apr 19)
Video: https://youtu.be/Af1ZfwYL1bk

Jackie & Shadow Oust Persistent Ravens ~ Eaglets Safe & Sound (2026 Apr 19)
Video: https://youtu.be/BYL7oyiPppo

Fraser Point Eagles ~ Santa Cruz Island, CA ~ Cruz, Andor, Sasha, Zuma, and Ryder
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s

Ryder’s Rescue and Cuddly Reunion ~ IWS & Erin are Superstars (2026 Apr 24)
Video: https://youtu.be/lKSFIC4irKI

Ryder Fell From Nest ~ Keeping Faith for Rescue (2026 Apr 24)
Video: https://youtu.be/WJ6b7BAztF0
Cruz & Andor Manage Pecking Order of 3 Chicks with Nonstop Fish (2026 Apr 23)
Video: https://youtu.be/5m948gPoCWc
Chicks Shuffle Along on Clown Feet to Reach Endless Fish Deliveries (2026 Apr 20)
Video: https://youtu.be/tqUXCH76InM


John Bunker Sands Eagles ~ Mom, Dad, and JBS24
Courtesy John Bunker Sands Wetland Center Eagle Cam
Eagle Tower Camera 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wdo7BzUU_g
Eagle Tower Camera 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEDb2KqvvyQ

JBS24 Comes Home to Fresh Fish and Clean Fluffs (2026 April 19)
Video: https://youtu.be/x5p0mcPtLEs


San Jose City Hall Falcons, San Jose, CA ~ Hartley, Monty, and 4 Chicks
Courtesy San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcon Cam
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 Really, Really Wanted to Feed Someone ~ Even Hartley (2026 Apr 23)
Video: https://youtu.be/YXbKW2SRKgw

Monty Resumes Role of Super Dad ~ No One’s Going Hungry or Cold (2026 Apr 22)
Video: https://youtu.be/2-GlKlHMlRo

4th Hatch ~ Monty Meets All 4 ~ Hartley Gives 1st Feeding (2026 Apr 21)
Video: https://youtu.be/F9NFVYJCBks

Hartley Welcomes Chicks 1, 2 AND 3 ~ Monty Waits for a Peek (2026 Apr 21)
Video: https://youtu.be/m-LTvHVPKXE

I’m not going to swear but…how many ospreys die because of hooks and fishing line? This one was rescued.

A police officer using a long pole to assist in freeing an Osprey caught on a fishing hook, while standing on a ladder near a river.

So happy. This time it was a happy ending.

A young osprey standing on the ground in a grassy area, with a pet carrier nearby.

It was a booming year (no pun intended). Kakapo breed every four years. Records broken this year on this critically endangered species, but the species remains in decline from four years ago.

A close-up image of two kākāpō birds, showcasing their distinct features. The left bird has vibrant green feathers with a rounded body, while the right bird, slightly younger, displays soft plumage and a curious expression. Below the birds, text highlights the critical kākāpō population count of 235 as of April 2026.

Osprey baby in Italy!

An osprey standing near its nest with eggs and chicks, surrounded by twigs and branches.
Announcement about the first fisher hawk birth of 2026 at Oasi WWF Laguna di Orbetello, detailing the hatching of the first egg and updates on Okab, a fishing falcon born in 2024.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 26th April 2026

Today’s momentous news is the arrival of the first egg – around 06.50 Dorcha started making little squeaking sounds and at 06.56.29 she laid the first egg of Season Ten. The nest cup is too deep and there are branches obscuring the view, but it was clear from her behaviour that she is now brooding an egg. Louis came along about an hour later with her breakfast, and we were able to watch his reaction before he happily took over egg duty, allowing her to depart to eat her fish. No sign of eggs yet for Aurora 536 and Garry LV0 but things will take longer with them as they aren’t a long-established pair like Louis & Dorcha. Garry delivered two fish taking his tally to thirty, and Louis delivered three fish, taking the nest tally to twenty five. At the time of this report (23.30), Dorcha is still away after departing with her third fish, and Louis is looking very settled on the nest.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/gyonJzbicJE N2 First egg! Congratulations Dorcha and Louis! 06.56.29

https://youtu.be/W8-fFs6TBW8 N2 First look for Louis when he brings the first fish 07.59.27

https://youtu.be/ys5b9FxT82k N1 Aurora’s calls are answered with a nice sized fish from Garry 11.06.10  

https://youtu.be/yDnzR2DL6OA N2 Dorcha departs with the second fish leaving Louis to egg-sit 19.41.05  

https://youtu.be/591ZDgF6gbw N1 Garry flies off with fish two as Aurora doesn’t take it 20.21.05

https://youtu.be/AQXp3vpgAMk N2 Louis brings a substantial late evening supper  21.13.13

Bonus read – hormonal changes in birds during the breeding season (thanks LizB)

https://www.birdfact.com/anatomy-and-physiology/reproductive-system/hormonal-control-of-reproduction-in-birds

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/aDk_oSfFyJA  N1 Aila lays egg number two 2019

https://youtu.be/TR0ZAmEuEvU  N1 Aila lays egg number two 2020

https://youtu.be/A0Fql5tp3Zw  N1 Dad’s turn! Louis is finally on egg duty 2020

https://youtu.be/YWOgNITPfXc  N1 Ringed female Blue 152 visits again 2021

https://youtu.be/OZBLR7uszwo  N2 Very early breakfast but no more fish for Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/kh92z7IRnCw  N1 Three Ospreys fighting over the nest 2023 (super slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/r9ckJWn_V3I  N1 Aerobatics as Garry LV0’s involved in a chase 2024

https://youtu.be/G-DaqLc2tcE N2 A thirteen second handover of fish number two 2024

https://youtu.be/rMpsosLakXg N2 Dorcha uses her Crow voice to see off a Hoodie 2025

https://youtu.be/uUleqJXiBhw N1 Blue 536’s stick and Garry LV0’s fish fly on and off! 2025 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/o0i-471GSIE N1 A Tawny Owl pays a twilight visit 2025

Come and 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

It was a good day at Achieva thanks to Jill who is really stepping up to take care of her babies. Jack was late today – last time I checked Jill had delivered a fish and then went out later, at her usual time, to bring in another catfish.

Osprey nest on a platform with two adult ospreys, surrounded by trees and a residential area in the background.

In the image below, you can see the significant size difference between the two chicks. Big is almost fully feathered. Little is just getting its tail. We still see the white stripe on Little.

A close-up of a bird's nest featuring a parent bird with brown feathers standing over a smaller, spotted chick nestled among twigs and foliage.

Alaska and Australia teaming up to help protect the Shearwater!

‘The birds are a global citizen’: Indigenous groups in Australia and Alaska team up to track a feathered adventurer’s epic journey.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/26/indigenous-groups-australia-alaska-track-short-tailed-shearwater-bird?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care of yourself and have a great end of the weekend and the beginning of the week. See you soon!

Toby loving his Bully Stick.

A close-up of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog chewing on a dog treat, resting on a soft, textured pillow.

Thank you so much to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their great contributions – their work takes so much time. I am very grateful to those who post current information on FB and other platforms, to The Guardian for its reporting on wildlife concerns, and to Dyfi Osprey Project for keeping such wonderful historical information. To the owners of the streaming cams, thank you seems too small. We would know about these amazing birds and their environmental challenges if it were not for you.

First egg at Loch Arkaig…Sunday in Bird World

26 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

Louis and Dorcha have their first egg of the season! Oh, how we worried Louis would not show up from migration. He has worked hard on the nest and helping Dorcha get into fit shape for the eggs and chicks.

Geemeff has it! https://youtu.be/gyonJzbicJE?

A bird sitting in a large nest made of twigs and branches, located on a tree on a hillside with rolling mountains and trees in the background.

I love this on the Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre Guides: “No fishing is permitted at Loch of the Lowes at any time of year to protect its wildlife and rare underwater flora.”

This would stop all the lines and hooks, protect the environment, and focus on what is important – the wildlife and flora.

A rope that is being used to connect broken habitats has finally been used!

‘Cries of delight’ as Sumatran orangutan filmed using canopy bridge to cross road for first time. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/25/first-footage-endangered-sumatran-orangutan-using-canopy-bridge-cross-road-hope-species-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

And we have another good news story!

https://protectthewild.substack.com/p/victory-network-rail-to-reopen-nesting

Want to see some goslings jump? Check out Heidi’s post and then go to the streaming cam at Captain Mac’s. Sorry, no ospreys this year. Perhaps that is a blessing.

A bird sitting in a nest made of twigs, with several eggs visible nearby. The image is black and white with low lighting.

If you love forests as much as we do, here is a good 57-minute listen called The Scaffolding of Life by Suzanne Simard. I hope you can open it:

The Scaffolding of Life – with Suzanne SimardDownload

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 25th April 2026


Today was another settled day with good weather, plenty of fish, and no intruders. Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536 taking his tally to twenty eight, and Louis delivered four fish to Dorcha, taking the nest tally to twenty two. No eggs yet, perhaps that will give Dorcha or Louis a chance to get rid of The Stick before their first one’s laid. Louis nearly succeeded today, moving it into a much better position braced against the cot rails, however it didn’t last long there and is back where it started out today. Woods and trees are vital for the wellbeing of people and wildlife, and Woodland Trust would like our help to get candidates in the 7th May local UK elections to recognise this, details in the bonus section.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/C6JlW4GSqPw N2 Fish number one arrives in darkness 04.46.56 

https://youtu.be/b4bJxNuY108 N2 Louis takes fish two away as Dorcha’s full from fish one 06.21.45

https://youtu.be/qDutCUsKDwk N2 Has the problem of The Stick been solved? 06.29.30

https://youtu.be/A-kCWWsZcj0 N1 Aurora arrives and gets Garry’s fish on his second visit 12.54.56

https://youtu.be/PqfKPjRUajM N2 Louis’ third fish is a whole trout which Dorcha seizes eagerly 16.49.34

https://youtu.be/hS0Xg5e4rhg N1 Aurora tidies the nest while waiting for Garry to return fish two 17.43.15

https://youtu.be/jP_jPU3ZW2c N2 Louis coy-mantles over fish four before Dorcha tugs it off him 18.11.33

Bonus action – Please join Woodland Trust’s e-action to urge candidates in the May 7 elections to recognise the importance of woods and trees for people and wildlife:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/protecting-trees-and-woods/campaign-with-us/elections/     Check how your council is doing: https://www.natureemergency.com/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/F65FJe4xMHc  N1 Louis visits the nest shortly after the ringed female 2021

https://youtu.be/0swlIF7VWuM  N1 Woodpecker and Blue Tit visit 2021

https://youtu.be/6frCvYMt4a0  N2 Louis is too busy mating to notice Dorcha’s new egg 2022

https://youtu.be/OVCVE1wwydU  N2 Louis sees his egg and takes over incubation for the first time 2022

https://youtu.be/15WD6z9hROg  N1 It’s last year’s intruder from N2: LV0 visits N1 for the first time 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/0-quAK2Ju1Y  N1 He’s back! Garry LV0 arrives 2024

https://youtu.be/EQN51E_PIO4  N2 Unringed intruder Osprey seen off by Louis 2024 (real-time with slo-mo repeat)

https://youtu.be/1TGdaSB0t04  N2 Female Chaffinch looks tiny perching next to Dorcha 2024 (zoom

https://youtu.be/jGh2w8AI_WA  N1 Garry LV0’s second fish is the season’s first flatfish 2025

https://youtu.be/_pNEypf6mYU N1 A Hoodie arrives and flies off the perch to chase an Osprey 2025 (zoom) 

https://youtu.be/8iv8nJJBeF8  N1 Blue 536 eventually comes for Garry LV0’s third fish 2025 

It looks like Keilder Forest has more eggs! Congratulations.

Egg 1 for Nest 5A

All is well for Iris and the New Guy 2 (is that the right number?). Fish delivery!

An Osprey stands on its nest made of twigs, with its wings partially spread, in Missoula, Montana. The background shows a train passing by and green hills.

There was mating at the nest, but it was so quick and no fish that I thought it might have been you know who. Someone tell me I am wrong.

A hawk landing on a nest made of twigs and branches, with a parking lot and trees in the background.

All is good at Achieva. Jill continues to deliver fish in the evening and sometimes in the mornings if Jack doesn’t deliver. The babies are doing well. Fingers crossed. Look closely. Little is getting its tail!

Jack was in with an early fish!

A young hawk standing on a nest made of sticks, surrounded by greenery and trees. In the background, a residential street and parked cars are visible.

Big Red rolls the eggs and Arthur arrives to take over incubation.

A red-tailed hawk sitting on a nest with one visible egg, surrounded by twigs and branches, on a balcony ledge.
A red-tailed hawk sitting on a nest made of twigs atop a building, with a view of the street and trees in the background.

Lots of self-feeding with Winken and Blinken at Moorings Park.

Three ospreys are gathered on their nest, with one standing and two others foraging on the nest floor. In the background, a body of water and greenery are visible.

SK Hideways caught Jackie filling up the kids before the big snowstorm hit. https://youtu.be/ZHZwUvD7SEw?

It hit. Remember that eagles actually do better in cold weather – as long as they have a food source – than in the extreme heat.

A bald eagle perched on a snow-covered nest with branches surrounding it, set against a snowy landscape.
Two bald eagles standing on a snowy nest in a tree, with a snowy landscape in the background.

Lots of incubation going on. Most of the UK osprey nests have a full clutch but there are some just starting with eggs. We wait to see what happens at Locch Arkaig 1. We wait to see if Iris will lay eggs this year.

Meanwhile in San Jose, Monty and Hartley are busy bees feeding four.

A peregrine falcon caring for its hatchlings in a nest at San Jose City Hall, captured in black and white.
A peregrine falcon feeding its chicks in a nest at San Jose City Hall.

Milda feeding her two white-tail eaglets at her nest in Durbe County, Latvia. Aren’t they cute? It is so windy at that nest!

A close-up view of a sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) standing in its nest, surrounded by twigs and branches, with a forested background.

All over Europe storks are incubating eggs. It is wonderful.

We had a very quiet Saturday. I have marked Thursdays and Saturdays off our calendar – no appointments, no visitors for Don, nothing but the regular animal feedings. No cleaning. Easy meals. No screen time. This probably sounds quite silly, but the other five days of the week are full – and they are really nice. Ann is amazing with Don and keeps him busy – talking and walking. I am forever grateful to her. Tolu keeps him squeaky clean, and Melissa now looks after the house. Tomorrow, Toby goes for his groom. He loves to get in the water and the mud. His hair is VERY curly in spots and wavy in others, and it tends to get matted in certain areas (under his ears!). We have been to Pineridge, and we might just go back today. I promised Toby a ‘car ride’. His eyes and ears perk up when I say ‘car ride’. I love it. We are fine, and I am establishing some boundaries to maintain a good balance between activity and quiet. Last evening we had a video chat with our granddaughter in Australia. She is eloping in July, and her best friend is arriving any moment to celebrate her birthday. She is happy, and that makes me happy, although we do miss her terribly.

Have a good week. Take care! See you soon.

Thank you to Geemeff and SK Hideaways, to ‘PB; who keeps me informed about all goings on at Achieva, to those who post on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams that let us watch these birds. I am also grateful to Emergence Magazine, Kielder Forest, and The Guardian for reporting on environmental issues and what is happening where they are.

Monty and Hartley’s little cuties…Late Wednesday in Bird World

22 April 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

Happy Earth Day!

We had a splendid day in the country today, the warm sun on our faces with a beautiful, gentle breeze. Everyone was appreciating nature!

Toby was completely fascinated by the pig at the petting zoo at Pineridge.

A dog in a bright orange harness observing a sleeping pig through a fence in a farm setting.

Oh, what a beautiful evening we are having. There is a gentle, warm breeze flowing through the garden. Instead of being in the deep dark at 1630, we have a golden light from the setting sun. The fairy lights are just beginning to show and there are still squirrels and a few birds in the garden. The number of Starlings seems to have diminished significantly – something that needs to be noted in the garden journal.

Don went to the Zoo today with Ann (Tuesday). They walked for over 2.5 hours with a snack squeezed in. Don loves going to the little cafe next to the tundra area where the polar bears live. To their delight, all of the bears were active. One was sleeping by the cafe, another was swimming, and the others were in various areas of the large enclosure. With temperatures reaching 16 C, it is not a surprise that Don was very tired when they returned. I had woke with a head cold so Toby and I spent the day lounging in the garden after a short walk. We tried putting up the supports for the peony plants but, alas, the ground is still frozen! It was a lovely day to recover because we really hope to go to the country tomorrow to feed the chickadees before they disappear into the forest and then to Pineridge for burgers eaten on the picnic tables. This little ritual is another marker of the arrival of spring on the Canadian prairies.

For those following Charlo Montana, Lola has been spotted about two miles from the nest. She appears to be favouring the wing that was injured in the altercation with the owl. She appears to have lost her nest and mate, Charlie, to another female, but she is alive – and isn’t that all that matters?

Peanut was on the Winter Park nest, but I have not seen Brutus return despite being released under the nest. Connor has stated that Peanut is a female – she is huge compared to Brutus. This might well be the reason that she survived his attacks. Females can be determined, even second hatches.

As I mentioned in my previous blog, one of my favourite male ospreys, Aran, lost his nest at Glaslyn. Some wonderful locals are sharing news and images, and he has ‘hooked up’ with another female and has a new nest platform. I am very happy for him. He is a very good dad, although I was rather miffed with him when he was bonded with Mrs G while also keeping Blue 5F Seren on the side. Seren finally figured out what was going on and left the area – she is the mate to Dylan at Lyn Clywedog, and they have raised many to fledge, with a large number of those returning.

How cruel can people be? (If you are wondering, Powys is a county in Wales).

Buzzard dies after being tied to a tree root in Powys RSPCA appeals for informationDownload

So far it looks like a good day on Wednesday at Achieva.

An osprey stands in its large nest made of twigs and branches, surrounded by greenery. The background includes a residential area with houses and a street.

They ate well on Wednesday. ‘PB’ writes that Jill brought in a huge catfish around her usual time. How wonderful! I hope that this nest has had a great turn around.

Siblings eating side by side. Little with a huge crop. There is a sense of ‘food security’ now that Jack is back bringing several fish a day.

A bird is standing on its nest made of twigs, overlooking a tree-lined street. Some houses and cars are visible in the background.

Geemeff is busy putting together her report for Loch Arkaig today. Here is yesterday’s offering:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 21st April 2026

Apart from some distant intruders, it was another reassuringly boring day where not much happened. There were mating encounters, nest scraping, and a few sticks, bits of bark and clumps of moss arriving and occasionally departing on both nests.  Two fish were delivered for Dorcha and one for Aurora 536, Nest One tally now stands at twenty two fish, and Nest Two catching up quickly at eleven. No eggs yet.Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/E37u26fbzL0 N2 Louis hands over the fish then does nest prep 14.29.20https://youtu.be/S_MpJqktiiU N1 Flying fish arrives and departs several times 15.23.19https://youtu.be/JAdYmXPjQuw N2 Louis moves loose branches so Dorcha can leave with her fish 20.54.32

Bonus watch: Nest Two being built by intrepid licensed raptor experts Lewis Pate and Justin Grant (by climbing a 70ft tree!):https://youtu.be/xtwK6Yz1YNQ

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:https://youtu.be/DTX8U2NE7Cg  N1 That’s not a fish! Aila attacks Louis 2020
https://youtu.be/zHAY_VCv_qE  N1 RAF Typhoons disturb Aila 2020
https://youtu.be/iem0–gNv-M  N1 Louis sees off a determined Hoodie 2021
https://youtu.be/_aOu-EIRKIE  N2 First egg! Well done Dorcha! 2023
https://youtu.be/o0RwzsSpsvQ  N2 Louis gets his first go at incubating 2023
https://youtu.be/kpUzCIo4Wpc  N2 Hoodie disturbs Dorcha 2023https://youtu.be/S6oy9ymBRzM  N2 Gunshots at midnight startle Dorcha 2024
https://youtu.be/DJxMmArqkFI  N1 Garry LV0 brings fish 2024
https://youtu.be/JGy17RT7faA  N1 A dapper ‘Lord Hood’ arrives and poses for the camera 2024 (zoom)https://youtu.be/5BJ6Ow6l8f8 N2 Louis brings an early breakfast 2025

https://youtu.be/YzkWDfUjGHk N1 Luncheon fish for Blue 536 from Garry LV0 2025

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

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

Ah….Geemeff beat me…we got both days reports. How wonderful.

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 22nd April 2026

Another mainly uneventful day, just the odd distant interaction getting rid of a few bothersome corvids but not so many fish – Garry LV0 and Louis each delivered one fish, however, Louis’ was tiny, and Garry’s ultimately got lost! Aurora had difficulty grasping the big fish and flew off without it, circled back but Garry had picked it up again and started to fly off with it but dropped it as he left! He flew backwards and forwards looking for it but some forest floor dweller is going to luck out with a nice free meal. Garry’s total now stands at 23 while Louis’ moves up to ten, twelve total for the nest including Dorcha’s two deliveries. Just before midnight, Dorcha returned to the nest and is still perched there as this report is filed at half past midnight.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/ZvVDSATGOmg N2 Finally! A fish for Dorcha but it’s tiny 14.19.09

https://youtu.be/zugSnnD-a5I N1 Comedy of errors ans Garry LV0 brings and loses a fish 16.06.11

Bonus retail therapy – buy a jigsaw of artist Lee Scammacca’s beautiful painting of Louis & Dorcha:

https://shop.woodlandtrust.org.uk/woodland-trust-loch-arkaig-osprey-jigsaw

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/uPIkehlZIXw  N1 Aila gives chase 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/-YjzEre5Ex8  N2 Midnight owl strike 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/olQdCvN9Vj4  N2 Another owl strike an hour after the first 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/odF55TOSvUY N2 Louis chases an intruder osprey off the nest 2022

https://youtu.be/iOH80Okm7ZY N2 Yet another intruder Osprey on the nest 2022

https://youtu.be/uOeWEzk6yos  N2 Cheeky Hoodie intrudes on Louis 2023

https://youtu.be/iVpqJIxEVCE N2 Golden Eagle scares Louis and touches down on Nest Two 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/nQJirIJiue4 N1 Garry stops coy-mantling, unsuccessfully attempts mating with Affric 2024

https://youtu.be/bVMPL7NSoN4  N1 Ill-tempered mating encounter between Affric & Prince 2024 

https://youtu.be/dXwt2HSZ1fk  N2 A fish supper arrives during a colourful sunset 2024

https://youtu.be/F-c8ExCby2Y N2 Egg number three! Congratulations Dorcha! 2025

https://youtu.be/zG281Jn64sg N2 Louis gets a good look and takes over egg duty 2025

https://youtu.be/ikIcnpBI7Kg N2 Intruder Osprey buzzes Dorcha 2025

https://youtu.be/2uVh32TZTaE N1 Blue 536 grabs the fish and leaves Garry LV0 to tidy up 2025

The two surviving ospreys at Moorings Park are looking good to me.

Three juvenile ospreys on a nest with branches and vegetation, overlooking a body of water.

We have a second egg at Usk Valley today in Wales.

News from Glaslyn: “Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife – Glaslyn Ospreys.

rpsnodSeto95h0lf9aacc7cc5877g0hthahaa6l6131lmt0hc9l5t5c62h49 ·

Er na allen ni weld y wyau’n glir yn nyth Cyfeillion y Gweilch Pont Croesor, o’i hymddygiad roedden ni’n eitha’ siŵr fod Glas 014 wedi dodwy ei hail wy am 14:40 pnawn ddoe.

Yn y cyfamser, ar nyth Glaslyn, mi ddodwyodd Elen ei hail wy am 19:24 neithiwr.

Disgwyliem i’r ddwy iâr ddodwy eu trydydd wy ar ddydd Gwener, ond pwy fydd y cyntaf i ddodwy?

************

Although we were unable to get a clear view of the eggs in the Friends of the Ospreys Pont Croesor nest to confirm, from her behaviour we are pretty certain that Blue 014 laid her second egg at 14:40 yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile at the Glaslyn nest Elen laid her second egg at 19:24 yesterday evening.

We expect to see both females laying their third eggs on Friday, but who will be the first to lay?”

What a beautiful sight – the quadruplets of Monty and Hartley having a meal.

A peregrine falcon feeds its chicks in a nesting box, surrounded by feathers and eggshells.

I am afraid that is it for me today. It was beautiful and warm and I am super tired but smiling. Take care all. Thursday is pajama day here – I will be back with you on Friday then.

Thank you to Geemeff for their great reporting, to ‘PB’ for keeping me informed on all things Achieva, to everyone who posted information on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to look into the world of our favourite bird families. Thank you also to Raptor Persecution UK for their great investigative reporting. Check them out. I only cover a part of the stories.

A great day in Bird World

19 April 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

I hope that the weekend was kind to you and that you were able to get outside and listen to some birdsong! In our garden, they were singing their little hearts out as the sun came up and temperatures warmed up. Everything that breathes, including our plants and trees, wishes for spring to arrive as soon as possible!

Ann was here today with Don and Toby. They had a nice long walk, and I ran a few errands. My sympathy goes out to anyone who has only the weekend to do their shopping. My goodness, it is busier than a Tuesday! Won’t be doing this again – my current ‘dream’ is a super warm day to sit on the bench at our local park and read with squirrels running about and the birds singing.

It has been, so far, a simply great day in Bird World.

New Guy 2 arrived home to Iris yesterday, and today he brought her a huge fish, which she readily accepted and took away to eat. Our sweet ‘girl’ is being treated like the very special osprey she is.

An osprey delivering a large fish to another osprey at their nest, with a view of a parking lot in the background.

The USS eaglet that had to be rescued might be able to be returned to the nest! How wonderful is that? There is nothing like being raised on the nest with Mum and Dad. In this instance, Irv and Stella and they are marvellous parents. So happy for this baby and so very grateful to everyone who acted swiftly to get the help it required (along with all those permissions!).

Post about the bald eagle nest monitoring updates, including hatching dates and the rescue of eaglet USS-11.
A young bird, possibly a chick or eaglet, sitting on a table in a care facility, with soft feathers and a strong beak.

We were so afraid that the middle osplet at Achieva would pass last night. Heidi counted 64 bites of fish for Saturday. Today, the little one had a nice crop and will live another day. Each day makes it stronger – at some point in time, Heidi and I figured out that after 28 days the survival rate goes up much higher.

Big sibling is getting those lovely soft juvenile feathers while middle is in the Reptile phase. Enough fish yesterday to calm the nest a bit. Again, Mum is doing an incredible job in a challenging situation. Continue sending them big puffs of positive energy!

Two baby birds nestled among branches and twigs in a nest.

1246 Baby is getting some good bites. It is in a great position to get food off Mum’s beak. Dad Jack watching from the perch.

A live view of an osprey nest with two young ospreys and an adult osprey standing nearby, surrounded by trees and a residential area in the background.

The meal ended at 1311. I have no idea how much fish little got. Somehow that baby managed to get itself tangled up in the rim of the nest after.

A close-up view of an osprey standing in its nest made of twigs and branches, with some chicks visible beside it. The background shows a suburban street with trees and houses.
An osprey standing on its nest made of twigs and branches, with greenery in the background.

I think Mum has gone off fishing. Well done if she has. This wee sweet baby might have a full crop which will make it feel so much better when it goes to sleep.

A bird's nest made of twigs and branches is visible atop a tall pole, surrounded by lush greenery and residential buildings in the background.

Mum returned, as believed, with one of her catfish. Little kept its head down til Big was full. Very smart move. Mum ate and so did Little who is going to go to bed with a very nice crop. Smile. This is a brave and resilient female and if both of these beautiful chicks fledge, it is down to Jill and her catfish, a determined female to not let her family die. I am delighted tonight.

Osprey adult and chicks resting in a nest made of twigs atop a pole, surrounded by greenery and residential buildings in the background.
An osprey perched on a nest made of twigs and branches, surrounded by lush greenery and a residential area in the background.
A bird of prey standing on a nest made of twigs and branches, holding a piece of material in its beak.

I have received really good news from Viki who monitors twenty-one osprey nests right near her home. “It is remarkably hopeful here, osprey wise, although I nearly hourly try to rein myself in, unable to believe in a normal osprey year after the bad, worse, and steadily worsening years since 2020. But to keep on the hopeful side, here is the good spring news:

Synopsis: 21 nests; 11 w/ active pairs; 5 w/ at least 1 returned; 1 taken over by goose; 3 abandoned.

I can observe 21 nests that have been more or less active since 2020. A 22nd nest that has had a pair for years was destroyed in winter storms and no efforts at repair attempted by birds or humans.

Pairs have settled in 11 of the 21 and many appear to have begun laying eggs this week. I only feel confident of one pair actually incubating.

I have only been able to observe one osprey returned to each of four nests that had pairs last year.

I have also observed a single osprey on a fifth nest, but foliage often hides this nest from me so I cannot vouch for its history, nor feel confident in a full accounting this year.

Three nests, inactive last year, are abandoned, although Nest 3 has become the exclusive property of Nest 4 which is very close. A goose successfully kept 6-year resident Ethel off Nest 1 and probably has laid eggs in it. Nest 2 seems oddly still up for grabs, its story below.”

This is rather joyful. Two years ago all the osplets nearly died. Last year the adults abandoned their eggs after two weeks. So….it is all systems go. Can’t wait to see how things turn out this year. Thanks, Viki.

We have first eggs at Glaslyn for Teifi and Elen and at Usk Valley.

https://www.uskvalleyospreys.org/news/first-egg-of-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawRSK09leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeoee73KNJ939ySV0-g__UEvcgJAnew0nL0V0BIAxOgxFiqdRMbqpmU2-vMPU_aem_0HnkVQA10sfwPQwnusGEYw

Jeff Kear and the UK Osprey FB Group have wonderful lists. Oh, I do love lists. Now, how can we get the date in there – or shall I go to the other forms???

Table of nests with corresponding egg counts for EGGS 2026 as of April 19, 2026, listing nest names and check marks indicating presence of eggs.

I continue to dream that every osprey nest on a streaming cam or in a place to be monitored could have its history saved. It is so important to understand the osprey population – its growth and decline.

With all this good news, I am disappointed that there was not a single penalty imposed on the individual who destroyed the Peregrine Falcon eggs at St. Albans Cathedral last year.

No prosecution after man crushed Peregrine eggs at St Albans Cathedral – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 19th April 2026

It was another routine day with no intruders, just both pairs going about their business. Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora, although she didn’t want the second one, and spent time bring nesting materials and arranging the furnishings. His fish tally now stands at eighteen, while over on Nest Two, Louis delivered three fish, all eagerly grabbed by Dorcha, and his tally rises to four with a nest total of six including the two brought by Dorcha before he returned. The day started with the lovely sound of Louis skydancing before dawn, while Dorcha called not quite so melodiously from the nest, and ended with both of them on the nest in the dark, Dorcha on her perch and Louis snoozing on the nest. At the time of this report (23.30), they’re both still there, Louis still dozing, not surprising that he’s worn out after all his hard work yesterday and today – mating repeatedly, catching fish, skydancing and doing some enthusiastic nest prep.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/H3M5JbuK5rU  N2 Dancing in the dark – Louis skydances for Dorcha 05.07.52https://youtu.be/OQExTBwCf9U N2 Breakfast arrives for Dorcha 07.01.23

https://youtu.be/pMoOJLuZggA N2 Louis delivers a whopper second fish 10.39.03https://youtu.be/YQgCZz4zJlg N1 Aurora wrestles the fish away from Garry and departs with it 12.17.31 https://youtu.be/Drr2i4ZyROM N1 Garry offers a second fish twice but Aurora doesn’t take it 16.20.41https://youtu.be/VRo2qRd6Ctw N2 Louis brings a third fish for Dorcha who’s calling loudly 18.47.57https://youtu.be/2Uvtj0H5mlM N2 Lou

is dozes off on the nest 22.13.31

Bonus read –  guide to mating and egg production: 

https://kielderospreys.wpcomstaging.com/2013/05/04/copulation-and-laying-eggs-a-bit-of-a-biology-lesson
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/eLQgDi2VKIA  N1 A stranger follows Louis to the nest 2021 (slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/Pt6-35zGrZw N1 Prince takes a very long mating run-up 2022
https://youtu.be/GLChgTeSpiA N2 Louis chases Prince away from Nest Two 2022
https://youtu.be/9O8JWeQEXeE  N2 Dorcha uses her crow voice on a Hoodie 2023
https://youtu.be/kZJTfoKO6GY  N2 Dorcha is very vocal when supper arrives 2023https://youtu.be/BCOPgYVTB5s  N2 Drama as Dorcha fights with an eagle 2024 (slo-mo repeat with zoom)
https://youtu.be/nHPwQ5xDs5U  N2 Dorcha’s injury visible as she takes the first fish 2024 (zoom)
https://youtu.be/G6MmnbWYf90 N2 Affric waits on Nest One but Garry’s a no-show 2024
https://youtu.be/dVOw0D9-zaU  N2 Louis arrives chased by a Hoodie as Dorcha rests quietly 2024 (zoom)https://youtu.be/r3HwBnSxQFg N2 Hoodie chased away by Louis 2025https://youtu.be/JZ4karhsVMo  N1 Affric touches down and is chased away 2025 (zoom)https://youtu.be/gnysQoRM6G8 N2 Egg number two! 2025 (zoom)https://youtu.be/EzmggXArZEQ N1 Blue 536 gets a fish from Garry LV0 2025


Come and 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

‘J’ sends the banner from naturechat.org:

Freja laid 4th egg this morning at Kestrel Cam in Denmark.

1st egg & 2nd egg both hatched yesterday at Peregrine Falcon Cam in Belgium, and pip watch for 3rd egg.

1st egg hatched yesterday at White-tailed Eagle Cam in Latvia, and pip watch for 2nd egg.

I am so excited for Milda and Zorro’s first hatch. Milda is very special to me. I cried when she lost her loyal mate, Ramis, and then again when she stayed on the nest without food for at least 7 days. She was gone for a number of hours. It was winter and cold. No one believed the eggs would hatch, but there were two little miracles. And then…no food, again. The miracle little fluff balls died. Life has been very challenging for this amazing WTE and I am so hopeful that her hatchlings will thrive this year.

A close-up view of a bird resting in its nest made of twigs and branches, surrounded by a forest landscape at dusk.

Ah, it’s a good night in Bird World! There is lots more going on…stay tuned!

Female birds are often overlooked. Their colouring is not so dramatic as the males. Now someone has studied female birdsong!

‘How much have we missed?’: book tunes in to overlooked world of female birdsonghttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/19/hidden-world-of-female-birdsong-book?CMP=share_btn_url

I am looking forward to tomorrow – the first day for the lovely cleaning lady to tackle a home with four cats, a dog, and two adults, plus a stock of bird seed! I hope she doesn’t run away and never return.

Our little garden is growing.

Three black planters with soil and growing seedlings: small green plants on the left and taller green shoots in the center.

Take care all! See you soon.

Thank you to SK Hideaways, Geemeff, ‘PB’, the authors of those amazing FB posts, Raptor Persecution UK, and the owners of the streaming cams who allow us to cry and leap with joy with our bird families.

Looking good…Iris and NG 2 are back together

19 April 2026

Good Morning,

Dr Green can correct me, but I am pretty sure that this is NG2. They are keeping an eye on the skies – possibly for Louis and other intruders.

Oh, Iris puts a smile on my face with or without a partner and with or without babies. She is so resilient. There are so many lessons to be learned from her including always keeping our house tidy!

An osprey sitting in its nest made of sticks, with a parking lot and trees visible in the background, captured via a webcam.
Two ospreys sitting in their nest made of sticks, captured by the Hellgate Osprey Cam.
Close-up of an osprey with striking yellow eyes and intricate feather patterns, perched near a branch.
Two ospreys perched on a nest made of twigs, with a parking lot and trees in the background, taken from the Hellgate Osprey Cam.
Two ospreys sitting together in their nest, with a parking lot and trees in the background.
Two ospreys sit on their nest made of twigs and branches, with a view of an empty parking lot and trees in bloom in the background.
Two ospreys sitting on their nest made of twigs and branches, overlooking a parking lot and grassy area in the background.

‘PB’ has sent me another good news story: The little baby of Irvin and Stella had to be rescued. Everything went well. Here is the story: “Rescued little US Steel #11 (3rd hatch) swallowed synthetic fishing worm and already in digestive tract. Needed surgery and baby doing well.”

Tamarack Wildlife Center coordinates rescue efforts for a young eaglet that ingested a fishing hook, detailing the collaborative rescue process and emergency surgery.
A bald eagle feeding its chicks in a nest filled with twigs and branches.

Jack has brought in a fish at Achieva, but the little one is not eating. Perhaps the eldest will survive. Send good wishes to this family. Mum is trying her best in difficult circumstances.

An osprey sitting in its nest made of twigs, with a wooden post visible in the background surrounded by trees and a residential area.

News from Kielder Forest – more eggs. https://kielderospreys.wpcomstaging.com/…/egg-2-for…/

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 18th May 2025

It was business as usual today – a fish was brought to each nest, taking Nest One total to sixteen and Nest Two to three, along with a few sticks and other nesting materials, and after dealing with an English intruder Osprey, ring either 2B6 or 286, Louis and Dorcha were reunited. Any lingering fears about Louis’ health were allayed by the vigour with which he commenced mating activity, he initiated multiples sessions which all appeared successful  and we could be looking at eggs on Nest Two within 12 – 15 days, and on Nest One even sooner as Garry LV0 and Aurora 536 started much earlier. Fingers firmly crossed! The media enjoyed the return of Lockdown Louis and many emphasised the gettiing rid of the toy boy angle, link to one of the news articles in the bonus section – we wish JJ4 well but we are really happy to have Louis back. 

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/paoDoG1tURA N2 English male Osprey Blue 286? intrudes on Nest Two  06.34.55 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/IYpCTEk_pHc N2  Together again! Louis and Dorcha are reunited  06.37.28 

https://youtu.be/J-gySL4y8Cs N1 Garry LV0 lands with a fish, Aurora’s waiting but he takes off again 13.08.39

https://youtu.be/LLEVRpCvv0M N2 Louis delivers fish number one, no one there, he drops it and goes 13.32.19 

https://youtu.be/757Xxolx_uM  N2 Louis & Dorcha get down to business 15.53.59

Bonus read – The return of Louis makes the news:

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/osprey-louis-returns-to-nest-in-time-to-woo-mate-away-from-toy-boy-rival/ar-AA21c4jT

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/WF3FAQOLy8s  N1 Female stranger visits lonely Louis 2021 (real time)

https://youtu.be/WF3FAQOLy8s  N1 Female stranger visits lonely Louis 2021 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/ijqYocF2QoE  N2 Louis does a flypast with fish 2022 (zoomed)

https://youtu.be/ikX-jxrt_kw  N2 Louis subdues a stubborn stick 2023

https://youtu.be/QOxlUE3bGts N2 Louis delivers supper at sunset 2023

https://youtu.be/dU43UqtK7tI N1 cheeky Hoodies want Garry’s fish 2024

https://youtu.be/kRPBQfqCCs0  N1 Affric 152 is attacked by a strange Osprey 2024 (slo-mo repeat plus stills) 

https://youtu.be/zrElVMqpJlU  N1: Fish for Affric from Garry LV0, big headless trout 2024https://youtu.be/zrElVMqpJlU  N1: Fish for Affric from Garry LV0, big headless trout 2024

https://youtu.be/cZ1_OOE1hN4 N1 Garry LV0 buzzes a deer 2025

https://youtu.be/Qea56AzPPXo N2 Louis egg-sits after bringing fish number one 2025

https://youtu.be/sT_rfNZ_oPs N1 New Scottish female Blue 536 sees Affric 152 off the nest! 2025

https://youtu.be/GASqP38H2Fs N1 Garry and Blue 536 meet up on camera 2025

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

That’s all for today. Take care everyone. See you soon.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us into the lives of these wonderful raptors and to ‘PB’ for sending me that wonderful good news story. A big shout out to Geemeff for the daily summary from Loch Arkaig and also to Kielder Forest for keeping us up to date. Thanks everyone!

Ethel returns home…late Friday in Bird World

17 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

What a great day. First, it was Louis returning to Loch Arkaig 2. His latest previous date was the 11th.

A close-up of an osprey standing in its nest, made of sticks and twigs, with a mountainous landscape and forest in the background.

At Russell Lake, Oscar never took up with the intruding female. He must have known something. Ethel, his mate, was late. BUT she returned home today. So my goodness, there is cause for celebration on both sides of the pond.

I could not be more delighted.

Two ospreys, Oscar and Ethel, reunited on a nest. The image captures the moment with a scenic background of green foliage, taken at Russell Lake on April 17th, 2026.

‘PB’ sent me a great interview about Lola at Charlo Montana and why she might have been on the ground.

‘PB’ writes: “Good interview by Denver Holt gives more in depth view of finding Lola. Why would she be in the grass so long? She then flew up a tree? I hope she can fish? Anyway, its a short 9 minute interview. ” https://youtu.be/ymbeVxJOrAI?si=gE1u-kZCsynlTwOz

Just good news all around and what a way to start the weekend.

Take care everyone. See you soon!

Thank you to Connie Dennis, ‘PB’, and the owners of the streaming cams that allowed us to witness the return of these much-loved ospreys.

JJ4 lands on Lock Arkaig 2…late Monday in Bird World

13 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

Geemeff was the first to spot the handsome visitor to Loch Arkaig’s nest 2! Here is the video: https://youtu.be/gUBZwBc-KU4?

We wait.

A close-up of an osprey standing on its nest, surrounded by twigs and branches, with a mountainous landscape in the background.

It is believed that this is the same osprey that intruded on Dorcha when she was on nest 2 on the 9th of April. At the time, Geemeff could only see a ‘J’.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 12th April 2026

Amidst the disappointment of the continuing absence of Louis, Loch Arkaig’s resident male since 2017, a shining event occurred with the arrival of the very handsome male JJ4. He’s a local lad, fledged in 2020 from the non-cam nest on private land at the western end of the loch, and he looked right at home perched on Nest Two. After a bit of fiddling with the troublesome stick (which wasn’t a bother at all until Dorcha decided to move it a few days ago), he left his mark on the nest with a well-aimed squirt before flying off towards the loch. Unfortunately, Dorcha missed him as she didn’t put in an appearance at all today, we can only speculate on her motives and hope to see her tomorrow. As a six year old and Dorcha a minimum of 9 years old, JJ4 would be a good match for her should the position become vacant. But that is getting ahead of ourselves. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 and Aurora had a typical day with fish arriving and departing the nest, sticks being brought and furnishings being rearranged, and the odd mating attempt, untroubled by any intruders.


Today’s video:https://youtu.be/gUBZwBc-KU4 N2 Handsome male Osprey JJ4 visits 18.50.08

Bonus action – Woodland Trust asks for your support in the upcoming UK local elections:https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/protecting-trees-and-woods/campaign-with-us/elections/
Bonus watch – is the ringed male with the unreadable Darvic starting with J, who visited last year, today’s visitor JJ4?

https://youtu.be/c7sOtUoE2Kc N2 9 Apr 2025 (zoom with slo-mo repeat)
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:https://youtu.be/gHON30DPkRg N1 Nesting dance: Louis with pompoms 2021 (quick-time Classic Ospreys – Grieg)https://youtu.be/VQDncOOrCAA N2 Lovebirds: early morning mating 2022https://youtu.be/NrNcLnttpdc N1 Splitscreen – is this the same bird? 2022https://youtu.be/x_JJOmUeaF0  N2 Stunning sunset over Nest Two 2022 (time-lapse)https://youtu.be/yyMQbIUN3bI  N2 Skydancing in the dark 2023https://youtu.be/UVrPq6MNPc0  N2 Mating on the high perch 2023https://youtu.be/t2R05W5xHZ8  N1 Affric 152 takes a fish from Garry LV0 2024https://youtu.be/ZjIl05N5jjA  N1 Louis & Garry LV0 chase each other on and off the nest 2024https://youtu.be/cODGsUlHOns  N2  Dorcha dines on the nest 2024https://youtu.be/k1Udox-wXjA N1 Garry LV0 arrives, does some prep, leaves 2025https://youtu.be/Jb_uOUGFJZw N2 Deliverlouis! A very fine trout is delivered 2025

Geemeff’s latest offering is a five-minute mayhem with ospreys and a fish: https://youtu.be/0PnevrwuNjI?

A bird nest situated on a tree limb with three young birds visible inside, while an adult bird perches on a nearby branch against a backdrop of rolling hills and a forested landscape.

If our birds did have enough challenges, there are the cats – Cats are the number one killer of bird species. Now they are after the oyster catchers. ‘PB’ sent this to me – we both have cats and we want to pass on the message to please keep your cats indoors.

york/news/american-oystercatcher-camera-project-captures-predators-disturbance?ms=digital-eng-social-facebook-x-20260400-nas_eng&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=20260400-nas_eng&fbclid=IwdGRjcARIziJjbGNrBEjNY2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHt1HRpDb8RS758dCsEAQOxZ4t1ytmcOrz-h99d73w_6gQJEXvu4aFxgKoVCr_aem_bP_k4uSm3ubvGjekRiMXOA

The results of the Great British Bird Count:

https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch/results

I want to say, up front, a huge thank you to Geemeff, Mary Cheadle, and Jeff Kerr for keeping us informe on what is happening at the UK osprey nests an managing so much data so that it is not lost!

A pair of ospreys, a female and a male, are seen on their nest, surrounded by trees, showcasing their return to Dorset for the fifth consecutive year.

Maya is currently incubating three eggs with mate, Blue 33 at Rutland’s Manton Bay platform.

A close-up of an osprey resting in its nest, showcasing unique markings on its head and feathers.

No eggs yet for CJ7 and Blue 022 at Poole Harbour. Will they raise four again?

An osprey standing in its nest made of sticks and twigs, with a patch of moss and foliage in the background.

In the US, Richmond and Wendy have their first egg at the Golden Gate Audubon nest on the WWII whirley crane on Sunday the 12th.

Heidi reports that we have the first egg at Dewey Beach – the site of much saddness last year.

An osprey sitting on a nest with three eggs in Dewey Beach, showing a view of the nearby buildings and water.

Pitkin County Trails improved its camera this year and we have ospreys incubating egg/s.

A bird's nest made of sticks situated on a tall wooden pole against a clear blue sky, with utility wires in the background and a person operating a lift nearby.
An osprey standing on a nest made of twigs and branches, with a blurred natural background.

The eagles seem to be doing well. There are fledglings and there are babies. The Dale Hollow nest has three getting their feathers.

Three young eaglets sitting in a nest with their father, enjoying a sunny afternoon. The eaglets have fluffy gray feathers and open beaks, while the father's dark feathers are visible in the background.

There are three for Andor and Cruz at Fraser Point.

An adult bald eagle feeding two fluffy chicks in a nest filled with feathers and debris, surrounded by greenery.

FOBBV put out a video of the rain at Big Bear and those precious little eaglets with their full crops of Jackie and Shadow. https://youtu.be/IQjt6zysT30?

Closing with Iris’s familiar pose on her perch overlooking one of the finest osprey nests that I know of – she works hard to tidy it up for departure and returns to something lovely that she continues to fix. (She did not sleep on her perch overnight).

An osprey perched on a wooden post next to its nest made of sticks. The background features a parking lot with several vehicles and trees lining the area.

For your reading – the interesting story of a man who put the sound of birds on vinyl – from The Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/apr/13/ludwig-koch-bird-man-refugee-film-alarm-notes?CMP=share_btn_url

It is a heavily overcast day in Winnipeg. 0 degrees at the moment. It should not get warmer than 4 C today with the strange promise of 18-20 C on Wednesday! Mr Crow has just been to the feeder, and Mr Blue Jay is making his way through the lilacs to grab a peanut or two. The European Starlings are arriving as the chickadees leave. I can see the white of the tails of the Dark-eyed Juncos flitting about quietly from the ground to the branches. The promise of rain today is not bothering the birds. They seem especially interested in the seed that Toby and I have been stirring up, or should I say the shells of the seed from the winter. Much will be spread to create compost and new soil towards the back of the garden. Toby and I have now been working on this for three days. At some point, the plan is to get some topsoil and a large container of wildflower seeds and plant them. Whether it will be too shady once the lilac leaf is unknown, but we are going to try it.

What are we reading during Story Time? Rebecca Solnit’s Hope in the Dark. I sometimes need to be reminded that if we think locally, we can get ‘things’ done and not give up hope when the world seems to be falling apart. I have often said to you that if each one of us took care of the animals in our own gardens, or the ones that come to our gardens like Brock, the world would be immensely improved. Solnit talks about being local – you might be part of the movement that only eats seasonally within a 100-mile radius of your home. Imagine how much fuel that would save if we all ate the harvests of the time instead of wanting to have strawberries in Winnipeg in February? We do have really delicious ones in June and July! We try to practice this, and it was refreshing to read that in doing so, it is a bit of a resistance to huge corporations. I did grow up in the 60s and 70s and was part of the back-to-the-land movement. I only wish I had the energy to do that again! The book is good. If you are feeling powerless, pick up a copy from your library or order online. Have a good read – I think it will do wonders for bringing hope back into your heart.

Oh, three crows! The baby from last year is home to help with this year’s brood.

Several black birds foraging for peanuts on a feeder in a snowy garden, with more peanuts scattered on the ground.

I was wrong. There were at least 8 crows in the garden, with one being attacked. Was it out of its territory and hungry? I wonder.

Thank you for being with us today. Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to Geemeff for the news from the Woodland Trust and all the wonderful links, to the UK Osprey Info FB group for always keeping us up to date and to those others who post on FB. Thanks, Heidi, for watching the nests that are not easy. I am grateful to The Guardian for their continuing coverage of the interesting stories about wildlife and the environment, and to all the owners of the streaming cams – without you, we would not be so involved in the lives of these magnificent creatures.

Sadness at Lock Arkaig 2…Sunday in Bird World

12 April 2026

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I am writing today’s blog with a very heavy heart. Louis has not returned to Lock Arkaig 2. There was rain late on Saturday. Still, a part of me hopes that he will land on the nest and shock us all. The reality that he is not returning lingers, and it is a difficult pill to swallow. Jean-Marie Dupart has monitored the youngsters staying over in Senegal til they return to their birth homes at two years. He also notes this week that there remain some older ospreys, either setting off on migration late or deciding to stay in their winter homes. I would like to think that Louis has decided to retire, living his life out catching fish in the sun and sand of West Africa.

I am counting on Geemeff to put together a terrific memorial video to Louis if he does not turn up in the next few days. It will not be easy as Louis was such a big part of so many learning to love ospreys.

A nighttime camera view of a bird's nest made of twigs and branches, situated on a tree, with a dark water surface visible in the background.

Windy and not so nice at Lach Arkaig 2 Sunday. Dorcha has not been seen at the nest on Sunday. Has she left to check out other possibilities?

A bird's nest made of branches and twigs, situated in a tree overlooking a hilly landscape with trees and a body of water in the background.

Geemeff asked me if I remembered life before Toby. I do, but it is a life that will never return. We had a vacation in Guadaloupe – the last big holiday that Don and I will ever take, the February before adopting Toby in April. Don’s health began to deteriorate about a month after Toby arrived. What I didn’t say in my response is that I am very happy. I can’t turn back the clock. Don’s health is such that I can actually begin monitoring the ospreys more closely this year, since there are no long trips to see birds. We walk Toby and go to the park, watch the animals in the garden, and Ann is so helpful in getting him to The Leaf and The Zoo, places that Toby can’t go. I have good support. Toby also means I will be spending much time in the garden, as he loves company and patrols the perimeter in case any of those ‘cats’ come inside. Today, we worked on spreading birdseed and peanut shells and painted a lidded bench that Ann gave me for his clothes. Don was content to sit in front of the telly (yes, that is where we are). I am not complaining – life is just changing, and Toby and the Girls and I are adjusting ourselves to this changing reality.

We are also putting out all the signals that spring is arriving. The forecast says it will be 18-20 C on Wednesday. You have to be kidding me. Or is it another year of roller coaster rides, with up-and-down temperatures from extreme heat to cold? Toby says a barbecue might be good!

What are the things you do that signal a change from winter to spring in your mind?

The RSPB is advising individuals to remove their birdseed tables and feeders and use suet and solid seed cylinders instead. We are going to do this when my last batch of seed bags runs out this year. The aim is to prevent avian flu. Have a read to see how you can help. Avian Flu is not restricted to the UK; it is a global phenomena that probably killed our much beloved Annie, the peregrine falcon from The Campanile, in San Francisco and the thousands of geese here in Manitoba.

Take down bird feeders this summer to cut spread of avian disease, says RSPBhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/10/rspb-bird-feeders-nuts-seeds-summer-parasitic-avian-disease?CMP=share_btn_url

At Rutland’s Manton Bay osprey platform, Maya laid her third egg on Saturday. Blue 33 would like to have four again!

An osprey sitting in its nest made of twigs, with a body of water in the background.

We can’t forget about the wonderful Bald Eagles, and SK Hideaways has put together some memories of Eve and Kai at the nest of Gabby and Beau before these two beautiful eaglets depart. It has been a magical year at this nest. https://youtu.be/yLkrhOSwPmQ?

Two juvenile eagles resting together in their nest, surrounded by twigs and branches.

Bety and Bukacheck have returned to the Mlady Buky White Stork nest.

Two storks in their nest on a rooftop, with a scenic view of a village and mountains in the background.

At Fort St Vrain, the two eaglets are already scooting out of the nest bowl. The youngest did so at five days old! I am impressed. I also hope that those remaining eggs do not hatch despite Mum continuing to incubate them and brood these characters! It is pip watch for the last one.

A top view of an eagle's nest containing three eggs and two fuzzy eaglets, with an adult eagle nearby, surrounded by a natural landscape.
A bald eagle sitting in its nest with two chicks in a natural setting.

You can clearly see the ‘ears’ on the triplets at the Fraser Point nest of Andor and Cruz in California.

A bald eagle sitting in its nest with several fluffy chicks nearby, surrounded by twigs and vegetation.

‘J’ keeps me up on the latest kakapo news:

“Andrew Digby‬ made a comparison with 2019:

This year’s #kakapo breeding season has been the biggest on record:
– 256 eggs (252 in 2019)
– 148 fertile eggs (116 in 2019)
– 105 eggs hatched (86 in 2019).
It’ll be 2+ months until we know how many chicks will fledge (73 in 2019). There are currently 95 alive.”

Thanks, ‘J’.

SK Hideaways also sent me a link to share with everyone – the return of the Golden Eagle!

Golden eagles could be reintroduced to England after more than 150 years
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/12/golden-eagles-reintroduced-england-150-years?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

We have our first egg for Dylan and Seren Blue 5F at Clywedog! 13:27 was the time.

A bird resting on a nest made of twigs and branches, with a green hilly landscape in the background.

If you are wondering why I am not reporting on many of the North American nests, I’m so glad that Heidi is keeping up with them – I don’t know how she manages it. I track a small number, a very small number. Heidi will begin her reporting when there are chicks hatching.

Heidi reports: “4/12 – The Venice kids are doing great. They are 23, 22, and 20 days old.

A bird sitting in a large nest made of twigs and branches, located on a wooden structure above a body of water. The surrounding area features green grass and trees.

Live cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_XWSAR-ltE

I love this post!

An osprey standing near its nest, which contains three eggs, with a body of water in the background. The image captures a moment during a live stream of the nesting site.

Eggs are coming at Heidi’s nests!

An osprey named Opal sitting in a nest made of twigs and branches, with a clear view of a grassy field in the background.

The chicks at Brevard have had lots of fish as the wind in the region has diminished. Achieva chicks are doing OK, too much to my surprise. I would still like to see a pile of fish on that nest, but Jack doesn’t leave them there, as that could easily attract predators.

A bird sitting in a nest made of twigs, with a natural landscape and a body of water in the background.
An osprey nest made of twigs, with a young osprey standing inside, set against a backdrop of trees and a residential street.

It continues to rain and with all the snow melting, all manner of wildlife are coming into our neighbourhood including frolicking deer! Posted on our FB community page:

Two deer wading in a small puddle in a park, surrounded by grass and remnants of snow, with houses visible in the background.
Screenshot

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. We will see you soon!

Thank you to SK Hideaways for continuing to create videos even while on holiday, to all the individuals, including Heidi, who post recent nest information and images on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams, so that we can watch these wonderful avian families. Thanks, ‘J’, for not letting us forget about the kakapo!