Tag Archives: Orange Australia

Flapping on Collins Street ledge… late Monday in Bird World

2 November 2026

Hello Everyone,

It is heavily overcast and 14 degrees C in Winnipeg. Incredible. We have had drizzle all day, but it didn’t keep Toby from wanting to go out for a walk and then – to run all over Melissa’s clean floor!

The garden has been full of birds. I think the Starlings beat the Crows today. They are so beautiful. The squirrels have thick fur for the winter and everyone is caching.

We have videos!

SK Hideaways Videos Week of 25 October 2026

Channel Islands: The Extreme Sport of Eagle Nest/Cam Maintenance ~ Dr. Sharpe, IWS, and explore are ROCKSTARS~ 2026 Oct
This was extreme sport at its most extreme. The incomparable team of Dr. Peter Sharpe and his team ventured across hill and dale, scaled craggy hillsides, and helicoptered in to spruce up the Two Harbors, West End, Sauces Canyon, and Fraser Point territories of our beloved Channel Island Eagles. Enjoy the adventures of these superheroes, thank your lucky stars it wasn’t you, and consider donations to the amazing organizations that make it all happen.
Video: https://youtu.be/CYKma9rOOKk

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org
With Gratitude to “Retired” Superhero Dr. Peter Sharpe and his team, and the incredible IWS/Explore Cam Ops pros
Fraser Point Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s
Sauces Canyon Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnTsOesC6hE
Two Harbors:
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ
Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI
West End:
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

367 Collins Street Falcons ~ Melbourne, Australia ~ F24 & M24, eggs hatched October 1, 2 & 5
Courtesy Victorian Peregrine Project | Melbourne
South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY
North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

Sadly, we are likely to lose at least one of the female chicks this week, as previously reported. Glad to have been able to capture some happy times last week.

M24 Declares GUTTER STOMPING Kickoff with Food Lure ~ 2026 Oct 30
The chicks have been content lounging in the northern wing since they discovered it 12 days ago. But dad M24 decided it was time they got some exercise, so he lured them back across the gutter with food. (OK, I made that up, but it did get them moving.)While it wasn’t a full-blown gutter stomp, it was a great start, whetting our appetite for more to come.
Video: https://youtu.be/fPE_FIXZFqQ

Wingers, Mini Gutters Stomps & Ledge Heart-Stoppers ~ 2026 Oct 29
At nearly 4 weeks old, the chicks are nonstop entertainment. While gutter stomping hasn’t begun in earnest, there are plenty of wingers and beak nibbles, as well as laying on the ledge, which causes older viewers a bit of heartburn. Grateful to Dr. Hurley for zooming the north camera such that we have a closer view of all the antics.
Video: https://youtu.be/xdgJN1A6VC0

Little Man Scrambles Up to Nest ~ Cuddle Puddle Threesome Unites ~ 2026 Oct 25
Three cheers for this determined, feisty Little Man. He scrambled up to the north nest with his sisters like a champ. All is right with his world.
Video: https://youtu.be/e1BXSwcR5ao

FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Shadow (12 years), Jackie (dec. 10 August 2026), KD-1 (Kaydee 4 years), 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

Eagles, Eagles Everywhere ~ A Busy Day in the Habitat ~ 2026 Oct 31
There was a stream of eagle traffic in Shadow’s habitat this afternoon. Not sure if there were two or four eagles perched on two of Shadow and Kaydee’s favorite trees, but they were all a joy to see whoever they were.
Video: https://youtu.be/SrEcbiUurA4

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

Chase Catches a WHOPPER ~ Not Too Interested in Sharing with Cholyn ~ 2026 Oct 29
Chase arrived at the Two Harbors nest with a massive fish ~ tailless, which was a surprise ~ and began chowing down. But all the while, he kept an eye out for Cholyn, who has been known to swoop in and steal his meal. Well, she did swoop in, but Chase was ready and flew to the Overlook nest to finish eating. He continued to guard the fish till he’d had enough, then moved aside at which point Cholyn arrived and enjoyed the leftovers. Those two ~ what a joy to behold.
Video: https://youtu.be/eNwjTR-gktk

‘J’ sent me a good news story from Switzerland. Ironically, it is from the area where my family live/d. My great-great-grandfather, Johannes Simeon Bruesch (and many before him) helped to govern the area around Chur. This is about the Bearded Vulture.

“During this year’s breeding season, 30 young bearded vultures fledged in Switzerland. Of these, 29 came from wild broods, and one young bird was released into the wild. This brings the total number of young bearded vultures that have fledged in Switzerland since the reintroduction project began in 1991 to just under 300. About 80 per cent of them came from wild broods.

A New Record
The international project to reintroduce the bearded vulture has set a new record for 2026 with 72 wild broods. The bearded vultures were most successful in Switzerland, with 29 wild broods, followed by France, Italy, and Austria, which recorded 18, 17, and eight wild broods, respectively.

Reintroductions Remain Important
Since the project began in 1991, a total of 299 young vultures have fledged in the Swiss Alps. Of these, 242 came from wild broods and 57 from reintroductions. This illustrates that, in terms of numbers, reintroductions now contribute less to the growing population. Nevertheless, they remain important because the risks of inbreeding are increasing. For this reason, young bearded vultures continue to be released into the wild, contributing to the genetic diversity of the still-small population.

Hotspots in Graubünden and Valais
In Switzerland, the bearded vulture population density has so far been highest in Graubünden and Valais. In these two cantons, eighteen and seven young birds, respectively, have fledged this year. Two breeding pairs were also successful in the canton of Bern, while one pair each in the cantons of St. Gallen and Ticino raised a young bird.

Bearded Vulture Count, October 10–18
Once again, we are organizing the annual count of bearded vultures living in Switzerland. Volunteers are invited to help with this effort.”

The link: https://bartgeier.ch/news/30-bartgeier-ausgeflogen

According to the Vulture Conservation Foundation, “The Bearded Vulture is Europe’s rarest vulture. Still, the population of the species on the continent is on the rise thanks to extensive reintroduction and conservation efforts. It is an unmistakable bird, both for its breathtaking features and its unique behaviour.”


“Bearded Vultures were once found in all the mountain ranges of southern Europe from western Spain to the Balkans. Over the 19th and 20th Centuries the Bearded Vulture was intensively persecuted and combined with a decline in wild mountain herbivore population and changes in farming practices, the population becoming extinct across nearly all of its European range.

Efforts to reintroduce the Bearded Vulture began in the late 1970s with the Alpine Reintroduction Project and in the space of just 40 years the population of Bearded Vultures in the Alps is firmly been reestablished, making it one of the world’s most successful wildlife comeback stories. Following the success of this project efforts began in Spain to bring the Bearded Vulture back with the Andalucia Reintroduction Projects in 1996 followed by the Valencia Reintroduction Project in 2018.

Whilst today the species occupies a small percentage of its former range, in the Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada and Alpine mountain ranges and small populations on the islands of Corsica and Crete, the population in western Europe is increasing.”

GenusGypaetus barbatus
Common name in other languagesGerman Bartgeier; French Gypaète Barbu; Spanish Quebrantahuesos; Portuguese Brita-ossos; Swedish Skäggam
IUCN Red List Status (Europe)Near threatened
Left in the wild1,675-6,700 mature individuals worldwide (BirdLife International 2021)
Breeding pairs465 breeding pairs in Europe (Vulture Conservation Foundation 2022)
Breeding behaviourUsually monogamous pairings but trios occur
RangePyrenees, Sierra Nevada and Alpine mountain range, Corsica and Crete (Europe)
HabitatRemote, mountainous areas, with precipitous terrain, usually above 1,000 m
Size100-115cm
Wingspan2.5-2.85m
Weight4.5-7.1kg
DietFeeding on carrion, with a large proportion (around 85%) made up of bones, usually of mountain herbivores such Ibex, Chamois, Red Deer and domestic animals like sheep
Life expectancyup to 40 years in captivity

An adult Bearded Vulture from the e-Bird archives:

A bearded vulture perched on the ground, showcasing its distinctive orange-brown head and black wings in a natural grassy environment.

The Olympic Park eagles are getting ready to fledge!

Two birds perched on branches near a large nest in a tree surrounded by greenery, with a timestamp indicating the date and time.
A bird's nest with three birds, including a larger parent bird and two younger chicks, perched on tree branches surrounded by greenery.

At 367 Collins Street, the sick chick is keeping itself to the north end of the ledge while the two, hopefully healthy, babies are at the south end flapping.

A young bird perched on a ledge, surrounded by debris and nesting materials, with a building's concrete wall in the background.
Aerial view of a cityscape featuring tall buildings, a river, and a bridge. The image shows elements of urban construction and greenery along the waterway.

Diamond and Gimbir aren’t giving up on those eggs. So sad.

A peregrine falcon resting in its nesting box with pebbles on the floor and a view of the landscape outside.

Liberty and Guardian are working on their nest in Redding, California today.

A bald eagle sitting in its nest atop a tree branch, surrounded by greenery and a cloudy sky in the background.

Eagle having a meal at Little Miami Conservancy:

A bald eagle stands in its nest, partially turning its head, with autumn foliage in the background.

Beau and Gabby are working hard at the NE Florida nest.

Two eagles in a nesting area surrounded by branches and greenery, seemingly caring for their young.

Some sad news coming out of Latvia from Maria Marika:

A person in a light-colored shirt and wide-brimmed hat stands outdoors, looking into the distance with a notebook in one hand and binoculars around their neck, surrounded by greenery.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care of yourselves and thank you, as always, for your love and support. Toby, The Girls, and I are coping with a horrible situation but we are alright. The key is to not try and go back but move forward – and find joy in ways you might have forgotten or overlooked.

Thank you to SK Hideaways, to eBird for the image of the Bearded Vulture, to the Bearded Vulture Conservation Society for their information and to ‘J’ from Berlin for sending me the good news story. Thank you to everyone else who posted information and images on FB, and to the owners of the streaming cams, I am always grateful, always.

Diamond lays 2nd egg at Orange…Monday in Bird World

7 September 2026

Hello Everyone!

This posting will be short. It has been an eventful morning. It looks like we might have another storm and rain coming, too. Last evening, in less than an hour, we got 114 mm of rain. It flooded so many streets, underpasses, and basements. The sky is growing darker. It is quite warm and humid and the garden looks like a tropical rainforest instead of a normal prairie urban lot.

The good news. I spoke with Don’s new medical doctor at the hospital. After observing him with me and Ann and our family and friends, the hospital team has determined that the absolute best place in the world for Don is at home. We have done everything right, enriching his life well beyond most could ever dream of in a care facility. They are beginning physiotherapy to get him mobile and I will have a portable ultrasound machine to determine if his bladder is full and his brain can’t talk to his bladder. I will have access to a nurse to come and rectify that situation until such time as his prostrate can be removed. What a relief – and what help. We are elated. This also means that my cleaning out goes into high gear! I will not be posting tomorrow but I wanted to let you know as my heart has skipped so many happy beats with your love and support.

Second, Diamond has laid her second egg of the season. I believe that SPO has the best content so here it is in full and you should consider signing up for their newsletter if you do not receive it already.

The good news keeps coming from Orange, New South Wales. Diamond has laid her second egg of the 2026 peregrine falcon breeding season, just two days after producing her first at the Charles Sturt University FalconCam nest.

Diamond laid egg #1 at 7:25 a.m. on September 5. Egg #2 followed on September 7, growing the clutch to two and keeping her remarkably close to the roughly 60-hour interval that is typical at this nest.

The second egg adds another happy turn to a weekend that had already delivered plenty of action. After Diamond laid her first egg, Gimbir arrived, inspected the newest addition and then took off after one of the sulphur-crested cockatoos that had followed him toward the nest.

Gimbir Meets His First Egg

Gimbir arrived at the nest about an hour after Diamond laid the egg, apparently with sulphur-crested cockatoos helping hurry him along. Once inside, he had his first opportunity to see what had changed.

There it was in the gravel: the pair’s first egg of 2026.

For Gimbir, this breeding season has already involved courtship, food deliveries and plenty of time around the nest with Diamond. Now all that preparation had produced something very real. Diamond’s first egg had arrived. The quiet introduction didn’t last long. Those cockatoos were still around.

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Cockatoos Turn the Celebration Into a Chase

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are a familiar part of the skies around Orange, and they certainly weren’t giving the new father much peace that morning.

After his visit with Diamond and the egg, Gimbir left the nest and went after one of the cockatoos.

Suddenly, the morning had everything. Diamond had laid the first egg. Gimbir had come in to inspect the newest addition to the nest. And moments later, the peregrine tiercel was back in the air on the tail of a cockatoo. It was a wonderfully fitting start to the next stage of the Orange falcons’ season.

A Long Wait Ends for Diamond and Gimbir

The first egg had been building toward this moment for some time. Gimbir has been bringing Diamond food and spending increasing amounts of time around the nest. Diamond, meanwhile, has repeatedly worked the gravel scrape where the pair’s eggs are laid.

Those little signs have now become an egg. For Diamond, laying it was no small task. Egg laying requires considerable physical effort from a female peregrine, and the close confines of the nest make that effort easy to see. Once it was over, Diamond finally had the first member of her 2026 clutch resting in the scrape. And she was not be finished.

Diamond Lays Her Second Egg

Diamond didn’t keep Orange waiting for long. Her second egg arrived on September 7, two days after the first. Eggs at the Orange nest average about 60 hours apart, with recorded intervals ranging from roughly 46 to 75 hours.

https://575d4fec6f03a58b389c24cfb6893e80.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/L9-5eDTNBnY?autoplay=0&playsinline=1&rel=0

With two eggs now resting in the scrape, attention turns to whether Diamond will produce a third. The FalconCam Project had expected another egg or two after her first, so the 2026 clutch may still grow. If Diamond follows the same general rhythm, another egg could arrive within the next few days. For now, though, Diamond and Gimbir have two.

Two Eggs Change the Picture in Orange

Only a few days ago, the signs were subtle: Gimbir bringing food, Diamond spending time in the scrape and the pair strengthening their bond. Now there are two eggs in the gravel.

Diamond’s first egg officially began the next stage of the season. Her second has made the possibility of another Orange peregrine family feel much more tangible. There may still be another egg to come. After Diamond completes the clutch, the long incubation watch begins, followed by the hope of hatching later in the season.

And Gimbir? The new father has already brought food, checked on the first egg and chased a cockatoo away from the neighbourhood. His 2026 parenting résumé is getting colourful very quickly.

This live camera experience has been provided by the Charles Sturt FalconCam Project.

Thank you for your wonderful wishes – they keep me going. See you on Wednesday.

Thank you to SPO and Charles Sturt University Falcon Cam Project.

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.

All is well in Bird World

8 January 2025

Hello Everyone,

Gosh, it is going to warm up to 0 C. The ice build up that was causing so many people issues, including myself despite heating tape, etc., is melting! The sun is shining and the sky is a light baby blue. Toby is off on his walk with Ellen and right now our world feels calm. Cardamon buns are rising in the kitchen in preparation for a visit from Don’s cousin.

In Bird World, there is no news of Akecheta. I never give up on him. I like to think he is off looking for Thunder and didn’t take too much to Haku, preferring to keep his life and limbs intact rather than fighting all out.

The baby eaglets are growing like bad weeds – most of them do not have to share food, which is only a plus. Only Ron, Rose, Gabby, and Beau have to contend with the bonking sessions. I do love Gabby. When she gets fed up with the pair of them, she just sits on them. Mind you, they are pretty evenly matched, and from watching the cats in the house, it is good to get some ‘play fighting’ in before one gets lost in the world without the safety of the nest.

​​NE32 hatched at 1:00 am on December 31st 2025, NE33 hatched at 7:54am on January 1, 2026 according to the bot on chat.

Girri is doing just fine -. I don’t know about you but this is the happiest I have felt about the fledglings at the Orange scrape in years. Girri is going to triumph.

Well, the news coming out of the UK on the illegal sale of peregrine falcons to the Middle East should get everyone in an uproar.

‘Hundreds’ of UK Peregrines targeted for illegal falconry trade in Middle East – Raptor PersecutionDownload

‘A’ sends their commentary from the heat of Melbourne: “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn6uMhgdwro&list=TLPQMDUwMTIwMjZJCtxYfy21yQ&index=2

He is panting heavily when he brings this monstrous catch up to the tower scrape. Darling Gimbir. He is such a sweetie. Look at those eyes. Diamond really does seem to attract some special males, doesn’t she? I do miss our precious Xavier a great deal, but I am very happy that Diamond has a devoted and very young mate. It shows that somewhere relatively nearby (presumably within 50km), there is a scrape successfully fledging young peregrines. Now that is a lovely thought, is it not?

Meanwhile, that pair at NEFL are outrageous. Lots of exercise at least. Poor Gabby and Beau – getting bonked by their own offspring. Feisty is the appropriate word at this age I suppose. But I really do hope they cut it out pretty soon and settle down.

At Chez A in Melbourne, it is 39C today and the temperature still climbing at 2.30pm (the forecast is for 42C) and it’s as much as anyone can manage. I do worry about the garden birds on days like this. I tell everyone that the best thing they can do for the birds (apart from growing trees and also nectar-producing shrubs for all our honeyeaters and parrots and so on) is provide them with fresh water in summer. When days are above 40C, everything in the garden needs water, including all the pollinators and other insects. It’s not just the birds and the cats. We’re all praying that no-one throws a cigarette butt out of a car window anywhere rural today – the fire danger is rated extreme. We lost over 100 people in a single day on the last really bad bushfire day.”

Big Red spotted. It is always a good day. She hatched in 2003 seven miles from her nest at Ithaca. She was ringed in October of 2003. She will be 23 years old this year.

A good news story.

The Royal Albatross are partying like it’s no tomorrow at Taiaroa Head in New Zealand! They are looking for future mates, dancing, and sky calling. It is fantastic. https://youtu.be/P5SyyM-f6rs?

All other eaglets that have hatched are doing well. No problems that I am aware.

Thank you for being with us today. We are doing exceptionally well. The sunshine brings both happiness and hope! Take care of yourself. I will be back with you probably on Saturday.

Thank you to those individuals who created videos or took photos and posted them online so that I might share them with you on my blog. Thanks, ‘A’, for your comments – stay cool! Thank you Raptor Persecution UK for bringing us the news uncensored when it concerns our raptors.

Day 22 Welcome to Winter…Girri flying strong…KNF E3 has an egg!

23 December 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Calm has settled in with the dogs and cats. Nellie tested me to see if I would feed her continually or provide endless treats or allow her to stay outside in the snow longer than her arthritic back legs could bear. ‘No’. Nellie is a quick learner. Toby and Nellie are waiting or Ellen to show up at 1500 for their walk – a treat for me for the holidays is a dog walker for the entire period coming twice a day. Oh, it is so nice.

I didn’t know all of those things that dog owners know until we got Toby. Of course, Hugo Yugo still sleeps in the crook of my arm at night while Toby is wrapped around me or on the other pillow. Calico still gets extra attention and brushings along with Missey who spends the late evening with Don and a brush. Baby Hope waits for me at night to sneak her some treats. I love my girls — and I love this little guy.

There is a new couple at the Kistachie National Forest E3 nest. On Monday, the first egg of their season arrived. Congratulations. For those of you who don’t know, this was the nest of Alex and Andria – a beloved couple. It is now the home of Alex II and Andria III. Congratulations to everyone down in Louisiana!

Monday evening, when we go to bed, Clive and Connie will have their first eaglet to care for! How exciting. They are incredible parents.

This means this morning there will be a fluffy bobblehead and maybe another on the way at Captiva.

Coot has been on the menu for R9 and R10 at Dade County nest of Ron and Rose. Aren’t they cute?!

E26 is a cutie pie. Their menu was fish and/or roadkill. It doesn’t look like that second egg is going to hatch (of course, I could get a surprise). This is day 38 for that second egg.

We are on day 30 today for Beau and Gabby’s first egg at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest. So, it looks like we could have a baby there by next Monday! Are you getting excited?

Girri has been seen on the top of the tower with Diamond and Gimbir! This is the time from the chat moderator: “@donnadec2606​​23 DEC TOWER 3 on the roof ; 06.43.43; FLIGHTS 09.26.07+; BOX 06.44.06 screaming Girri flies by; LEDGE 07.00.33 kangaroo hops away; 09.26.14 Girri hovers by ledge.” Holly Parsons caught Gimbir on the ledge and Girri flying by – mid area at the right!

This is nothing short of marvellous news. I do not remember, in recent years, any of the fledglings flying so strongly – please feel free to correct me!

SK Hideaways has Girri flying on video! https://youtu.be/2Yvnm67rL2A?

A story from The Guardian that should put a smile on your face!

‘Miracle’ of Zealandia: chick is born to rare takahē pair thought to be infertile https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/21/takahe-chick-rare-born-new-zealand?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you so much for being with us. I am going to send this out this evening because of the news of Girri. See you late Tuesday or Wednesday morning! Take care.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams where I took my screen captures, to SK Hideaways for that great video of Girri, and to The Guardian for always covering the environment and wildlife.

Day 20. Welcome to Winter

21 December 2025

Happy Winter Solstice!

It might be the shortest day, but it also harks back to the days when they were not longer. It is a welcome day in our house because it has been getting dark by 1630.

So what is Winter Solstice? This is what Google said: “Winter solstice rituals focus on welcoming the return of light after the longest night, often involving candle lighting, feasting, creating altars with natural elements (evergreens, stones, candles in white/gold/green), and intention setting like writing and burning wishes or fears to release them, reflecting ancient traditions of Yule, Saturnalia, and Dongzhi that celebrate rebirth, renewal, and hope.”

There are so many ways to celebrate the solstice. The Nordic countries do a fantastic job of lighting up their community spaces and their homes, creating a warm glow using candles. I would love to do that with real beeswax candles, but the last time I tried, Missey almost caught her beautiful, fluffy tail on fire. So I decided to do some research, and here are some other ways to celebrate. I particularly like number 6: “6. Connect with nature: 

Spend some time outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Take in the beauty of the winter landscape and appreciate the natural world around you. In these darkest days, seeking sunlight on your face becomes even more important. A brief moment in the sun can lift your mood, boost your energy, and remind you of the light slowly returning with each passing day. If you’re near water and feel called to it, cold water swimming can be an invigorating way to connect with nature and your body. Immersing yourself in cold water sharpens your senses, grounds you in the present moment, and leaves you feeling refreshed and alive. Whether it’s standing under the sun, walking through frosty fields, or dipping into icy waters, connecting with nature during the Winter Solstice invites us to align with the Earth’s rhythms and find peace in its beauty.” Oh, I don’t think I am brave enough to take a plunge in our icy rivers but a nice walk with Toby in the park will be perfect.

You may want to join in today.

10 simple and beautiful ways to celebrate Winter SolsticeDownload

Toby’s friend, Nellie, is already to make some holiday memories with him and The Girls.

This is just the best news about Girri. We knew she was a strong girl! And thankfully the weather has been brilliant after her fledge. Please read and smile. (There is older news below).

Girri out and about

Jak and Audacity have been together for eleven years. We have witnessed their triumphs and their struggles. Cried and leapt for joy. SK Hideaways gives us their history. Enjoy. https://youtu.be/jCVVKQNIbfw?

News on Girri on the Falcon Cam chat: “21 DEC BOX 04.38.50 distant call heard; 04.41.52 D out; Gimbir in box 05.51.33, 06.12.22, 06.22.01, 06.31.00, 10.03 44; Girri update: seen by Cilla in roost trees this morning!”

Gimbir is in the scrape. What an amazing first-time dad he was!

There could be a pip in the second egg at the SW Florida nest of M15 and F23. I sure hope this second hatch is strong and feisty.

E26 is doing great!

Protecting Mum and the nest. M15 is one of those great Bald Eagle dads!

NestFlix Memories gives us some insight into little R9 and Mummy Rose moving the fish to give it some room! https://youtu.be/dyxhLia-f6c?

There is a pip. R10 is wanting to hatch!

Feeding at Dade this morning:

Missing Big Red and Arthur and those cute little Red-tailed hawklets? Well, here is a video of the season’s highlights for you to enjoy. https://youtu.be/0PY02IzVD48?

Have a glorious day everyone! We will see you tomorrow after all the drama of Nellie’s arrival has settled. It is -28 C. Whew. So cold you don’t feel it. Bye.

Thank you so much to Cilla Kinross for her report on Girri and those lovely photos, the owners of the streaming cams, Gracie Shepherd for her FB posts, and SK Hideaways, always, for their videos!

Day 5 Welcome to Winter…Girri is a BIG girl!

6 December 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

I am so happy that Toby and Hugo Yugo’s little kissing/licking fest touched your hearts. It is really easy to see why they bring such joy to our lives! SP wrote, “Mary Ann, you are my Santa!  The Toby-HY love fest… I’ve only watched it three times… so far. xoxo”

Brock reminded me today that it is ‘essential’ to find a way to have water for the outdoor animals that we feed. This is easy if you live in an area where it never gets below freezing. Here, it can be problematic. You MUST be careful so as not to cause the little birds to freeze their feet and feathers. Because of these issues, I am reluctant to use a heater in the bird baths if there is any chance their little feet will stick and be pulled off! Luckily for Brock, there are two dishes in his heated feeding station – one for wet food and the other for water. He had several long drinks today!

The small sparrows and Starlings were busy eating snow. They don’t get as much as they would if there were a bird bath for them, but they do get some hydration, which is really important if you are feeding them.

Two articles with some different points of view.

Should You Provide Birds Water in Winter?Download
Offer Water to Wildlife in WinterDownload

I hope you did not worry about Gabby being away from her nest and leaving Beau to incubate for approximately 24 hours. This is ‘Gabby’s Way’. Every year, she takes a break before the eggs hatch. The first time I saw this panic set in, I thought she had died, leaving Samson to care for their family, but no. Gabby was having a ‘spa time’ – I liked to call it. Gabby is now home, and Beau was so happy to get off those eggs, he flew off the nest when he caught her flying in!

Beautiful Gabby back in the nest.

I decided to take a sheet out of Gabby’s playbook today while Anne was caring for Don, Toby, and The Girls.

You probably know someone who was or is a caregiver to another individual – their partner, a parent, another family member, or a friend. It is stressful. There is no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Caregivers are often ‘tired beyond belief’ and rarely take time for themselves. You might know someone who cared for another person and actually died before them. It happens more often than you might think. As Don’s illness progresses, I am trying hard to make sure that my life is a bit more balanced. So, going back to Gabby…I gave myself a ‘treat’ today. I spent the afternoon at the Dior counter today getting a ‘refresh’ from a wonderful woman who has worked for this French cosmetics company for 35 years. It was fun – and a reminder that each of us needs to create time to relax and laugh!

Moving back to our birds. As you know, Heidi and I have been monitoring osprey nests for mortality numbers and causes. Heidi sent this to me today and I thought that you might be interested, too.

“This was the presentation held yesterday on Virginia Eastern Shore by Dr. Watts and Ben Wurst.  The presentation itself is only about 67 minutes long, and is very informative.https://youtu.be/bR8byYABd8s?s

A lot of takeaways.  VV’s nests all had abandoned eggs.  But, Watts’ data indicated the majority of nest failures were from brood reduction due to a lack of menhaden.  Most of the eggs hatched, but most chicks didn’t survive.  Interesting.”

Overfishing has led to the death of 60,000 penguins! The Guardian gives us the details. “More sustainable fisheries management could improve the penguins’ chances of survival. Conservationists are taking action on the ground, by building artificial nests to shelter chicks, managing predators and hand-rearing adults and chicks who need rescuing. Commercial purse-seine fishing, which involves encircling a school of fish with a large net and then trapping them by closing the bottom, has been banned around the six largest penguin-breeding colonies in South Africa.

It is hoped this will “increase access to prey for penguins at critical parts of their life cycle”, said the study co-author Dr Azwianewi Makhado, from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in South Africa.”

60,000 African penguins starved to death after sardine numbers collapsed – studyhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/05/african-penguins-starve-to-death-south-africa-sardine-population-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

“African Penguins” by BasL is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

I don’t know about you, but my calendar is counting down to the arrival of the ospreys in the UK! Of course, there is a big gold star at the beginning of April to remind me to be on the lookout for Iris’s return to Missoula, Montana.

Lots of couples are incubating. Eagles and Albatross.

You can watch the Royal Albatross Royal Cam Pair, BOK and WYL, in New Zealand. If you are not aware, the letters relate to the coloured identification bands on their legs. BOK (female) is Blue-Orange-Black with ‘K’ being for Black. WYL (male) is White-Yellow-Lime.

Today, the couple were reunited as they switched incubation duties. The note under the video reads: “WYL returns to the Plateau nest site to give his mate BOK a well-earned break from incubation. Watch him enter from the left of the frame to greet her, and after a brief reunion, BOK lifts off and hands over nest duties. Following a few vocal exchanges with the neighbors, she heads back out to sea. Join us live as we follow their journey through the 2025–26 breeding season! RoyalCam was set up in January 2016 by the Department of Conservation and the Cornell Lab has been collaborating with DOC since 2019 to bring the cam to life. To learn more while watching, view the cam at https://www.doc.govt.nz/royalcam“

At Port Lincoln, Dad was on the barge during the early morning hours having a nap. The camera panned to the old barge but no ospreys were visible.

Girri is such a character. She has even been incubating the remaining egg in the scrape on and off!

Just look at those juvenile feathers coming in!

Girri is a BIG girl.

There has been no news of any peregrine falcons from the CBD of Melbourne coming into care. This is great news!

Liberty and Guardian have been at the Redding Eagles nest.

More eagle news on Monday!

Signing off with Hawk Mountain’s migratory count for the week of 3 December. Osprey count way down. Bald Eagles up. Sharp-shinned Hawks down along with many others. My goodness…but a growth in Broad-winged haws.

It isn’t just at Hawk Mountain that some species numbers are beginning to plummet. In the UK, recognizing this horrific act, people are opting to name streets after our amazing birds in order that they not be forgotten.

Streets named after birds in Britain on rise as species’ populations plummethttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/dec/05/street-names-birds-britain-rise-populations-plummet?CMP=share_btn_url

I don’t need to tell you that Toby and The Girls make my life worth living.

After a day of frolicking in the snow, there is nothing nicer than napping on a toy duck.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We hope to have you with us again tomorrow!

Thank you to Heidi for sending us the link to that presentation on the Ospreys with Dr Watts and to SP for allowing me to quote them. I am also grateful to the owners of the streaming cams – Charles Sturt University, Port Lincoln Osprey, American Eagle Foundation, and NZ Dept of Conservation/Cornell Bird Lab – where I took my screen captures today and to the authors of the articles on providing water for wildlife in winter, The Guardian for covering the death of the African Penguins or OpenVerse for the image of the African Penguins.

Name the chick! …Monday in Bird World

10 November 2025

Hello Everyone,

It says Monday, but it is actually late Sunday night.

I hope each of you had a lovely weekend. We had snow and ice, and it wasn’t all that wonderful, but it warmed up today to 1°C, so some of that treacherous ice has melted. Thank goodness! The garden animals have been very busy, and on Saturday, there were so many European Starlings that it was completely impossible to count them. Oh, they are lovely birds. Our friend Geemeff was here to see them, and they noticed that our Blue Jays are much brighter in colour than those in the UK.

Heidi has sent me the most informative presentation on the issue of the ospreys in the Chesapeake. It is worth sharing with everyone who cares about the destiny of our fish hawks in that region.

Heidi writes: “This was a very informative presentation about the decline of ospreys around the Chesapeake Bay region. It includes some general osprey educational information, then at around the 49 minute mark, they start to talk more about the decline of ospreys, and specifically as it relates to industrial fishing of menhaden. It is a long video (2 hours), but I watched it in 15-20 minute increments over a couple of days.”

https://www.youtube.com/live/GZ8LEu4D4IM

SK Hideaways Videos for the Week of 2 November 2025

All my videos stem from my love of raptors. My mission is to inform, educate, and entertain viewers. I have never and will never monetize my videos. They are purely a labor of love that give me great joy to share with anyone kind enough to view them. Much gratitude to Mary Ann Steggles for bringing my videos to you.

367 Collins St. Falcons, Mum F24, Dad M24, and 3 chicks

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam 

South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY

North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

Morning Shenanigans More Vigorous & Daring.  NEW ~ Louvre Perching (2025 Nov 7)

As fledge nears, the chicks are more active and even a little twitchy, especially first thing in the morning. Their wing exercises are more vigorous, their gutter stomping louder and bouncier, and all of this happening more often on the ledge. Today, one sister made it to the louvre ~ another milestone. 

Video: https://youtu.be/7ZxZtiwNMNo

Chicks Take Self-Feeding Seriously ~ Give Mum the Boot (or Beak) (2025 Nov 7)

The chicks were all over mum F24 when she delivered breakfast a little later than they would have liked. They needed no help devouring every last morsel and then gave mum the heave-ho when she stopped by for leftovers. 

Video: https://youtu.be/80HsbSvINCc

Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles, Lady, Dad, and 2 eaglets

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=pcKLMh-MGEE

SE35 & SE36 Discover They Now Have a Gigantic Playground (2025 Nov 8, 5:43-12:55)

The day after SE36’s fledge, both eaglets were up and out to their now favorite perch in the wee hours. SE35 flew first with SE36 not far behind. 

SE35 became curious about the various bits of equipment on the tree, plucking it like prey! So if the cam goes out, we’ll know why! 

They were out and back several times ~ a great sign of their flying progress and a sound way for them to hone those skills. 

Video: https://youtu.be/IPzgtwAHqWc

SE36 FLEDGES✈️ Follows SE35 to Dad’s Perch🌲 and Back Again🎉 (2025 Nov 7)

SE36 had a beautiful fledge, flying to Dad’s perch tree to meet SE35, who flew moments before. The eaglets were frisky and lively all afternoon ~ seemed like they were planning SE36’s fledge along. After an exhausting day, the siblings pancaked in the nest overnight. 

Video: https://youtu.be/1X2xSXtak2o

SE35 Leaves Nest for 2-Hour Exploration ~ SE36 Remains on Sentry Duty (2025 Nov 6)

SE35 took to the forest for a 2-hour exploration of the habitat. SE36 was content to keep an eye on things and simply look stunning. When SE35 returned, all was well between the eaglets and they simply got on with their day. 

Video: https://youtu.be/ti9wc6SnVXI

FalconCam Project, Diamond, Gimbir, and 1 chick

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW (http://www.csu.edu.au/special/falconcam/)

Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA

Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuZaWzhXSAI

Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj1Y6ydRl1c

Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFAsJvGPd00

Gimbir Watches Diamond Feed Chick #1 from Cilla Stones 🥰 (2025 Nov 7) 

Gimbir continued his on-the-job training after delivering one of many meals. While he typically flees after deliveries, this time he perched himself on the Cilla stones and watched Diamond feed his first born. It was one of the most heartwarming displays I’ve ever seen. 

Video: https://youtu.be/rd9q2EL5GxM

Gimbir Brings 3 Starlings in 9 Minutes ~ Chicks Gets First Meal (2025 Nov 6, 6:01-6:29)

Gimbir showed his paternal chops, delivering a significant bounty to the nest for the 17-hour-old chick and Diamond. His 9-minute hunt reaped 3 starlings. Wonder if Diamond was impressed as we were. 

Video: https://youtu.be/mynzf-kkOQQ

Gimbir Meets His Very First Chick ~ Moments of Puzzlement Ensues (2025 Nov 5)

Gimbir seemed somewhat perplexed to see a fluff ball where there used to be an egg. While he hasn’t yet learned the subtleties of fatherhood – or even the not-so-subtleties, he will do so in time. Here we look at his first two visits with his very first chick. 

Video: https://youtu.be/6UR71MPV3Dw

FIRST HATCH for Diamond & Gimbir ~ From Pip to Hatch in 7 HOURS (2025 Nov 5)

Diamond increased moving and shaking of the eggs as she likely detected a pip and heard at least one chick. Chick #1 was motivated to see the world! The video shows progress from pip to hatch over 7 hours

Video: https://youtu.be/Uaz0j6B6um8

FOBBV Eagles, Jackie & Shadow

Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley

Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE

Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://youtube.com/live/LCGYWfbyBWc

LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz

Shadow then Jackie Make Pre-Season Nest Visits🪹Rendezvous on Roost Tree🌲 (2025 Nov 3)

Adult visits to the Lookout Snag and Basement were gifts enough. But then, Shadow and then Jackie each visited the nest. Shadow brought 2 sticks with Jackie following a bit later to inspect the still messy nest. It’s pre-season time, so every visit is an extra special gift. The cherry on top was Jackie and Shadow’s rendezvous on the Roost Tree.

Video: https://youtu.be/nS3L24OBpYo

Two Harbors Eagles, Cholyn & Chase

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Two Harbors Cam Ops 

Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ

Cholyn & Chase Do Major Nestorations with Massive Sticks (2025 Nov 3)

Cholyn and Chase continue shoring up the rails of the original nest, bringing in massive branch after massive branch plus soft material from the fluff factory. Typical disagreements about what furniture should go where are quickly resolved. They depart the nest at the end of the video, flying away to their secret hideaway. Listen for the beautiful chortles. 

Video: https://youtu.be/-SeV6GpIbv0

Thanks, Heidi and SK!!!

It continues to be possible that the falcons Gimbir and Diamond at the Charles Sturt Falcon scrape in Orange will only have one eyas to care for and what a lucky little fluffy white ball this one is if that is the case!

This little one is seriously adorable.

Cilla Kinross wants to name this little cutie pie. Here is the information – please vote noting that you can select up to three names but no more or your vote will be discarded!

These are the choices. The link to vote is below:

Nestling needs a name

While the little one at Orange has not even had its beak change colour, the trio at Melbourne’s CBD falcon scrape at 367 Collins Street are preparing to fly. Almost all of the dandelions have disappeared and they are enjoying watching their parents fly through the CBD luring them into a life away from the scrape. Soon! Too soon, of course.

Every year we wring our hands with worry around the fledging of the sea eaglets at Sydney. It is the Currawongs. Despite those pesky birds attacking our fledglings, Lady and Dad are persisting in feeding the eaglets on the nest and today on the branches of nest tree – Ranger Judy Harrington says this is a great milestone. In all the years I have watched this nest, the adults only fed at the nest or down by the River Roost. No doubt these feedings will keep the fledglings strong, strong enough to beat those pesky birds so that they can learn to hunt from Lady and Dad and live a marvellous independent life – both of them. No more starving sea eaglets on the pavement by the Discovery Centre taken into care — let’s hope! So happy.

‘A’ sends us their commentary from Melbourne: “Dear Mary Ann,

I presume you have seen this footage, but in case you hadn’t, I thought I’d send it to you:

It’s almost as if the two eaglets following each other and appearing to play together is giving the younger sibling confidence. It certainly looks like that (okay, I’m anthropomorphising but you have to admit, it does appear that way.) 

Let’s hope this year will be different. Certainly, the pre- and post-fledge behaviours have been somewhat different this year, and the confidence of both eaglets may be greater when it comes to insisting on their right to exist in that forest. I have a lot of confidence that this is going to be the year that the eaglets manage to thrive despite the currawongs. If they work to some extent as a team, they will surely have a better chance. Let’s hope my completely irrational belief is based on something real. 

The three at Collins Street are such a noisy and energetic rabble that the parents just dump food and flee. Meanwhile at Orange, Gimbir continues to observe and learn. He still has not done a feeding but I’m sure he will try soon. Meanwhile, I believe I was right about the egg that hatched being the last one laid. Certainly, it was the one with the least colour. But whether or not I am right about that, I don’t think either of the two remaining eggs is going to hatch. At this stage, I have enough confidence in Gimbir’s hunting to have stop fearing a second or third hatch, but I don’t think we’re going to have one.”

M15 is undoubtedly a handsome eagle, and he is working hard with F23 to prepare their SW Florida nest for eggs. Mulhady and Pepe already have three at Central Florida – they always seem to be the first!

I have a soft spot for the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest of Gabby. Like so many of you, I adored Samson, but it appears that Beau is rising to the occasion, and let us hope that they have another fledgling this year! They are sure working on that nest.

Eagles at the US Steel nest.

They are working on the Decorah North nest in Iowa!

And at many other nests including Fraser Point on the Channel Islands.

There are ospreys visiting the Captiva Osprey nest on Sanibel Island! They came and went before I checked on the nest. The chat is very informative and Window to Wildlife has a daily log – the link to it is in the chat. This is a new osprey couple it appears.

Jack and Jill have been at the Achieva Credit Union nest in St Petersburg, Florida. Concerns persist regarding the structure, with worry that eggs and/or chicks may fall through.

The environment remains on all of our minds. As much as we try to avoid plastic, it is almost impossible to do so. What a mess we have made of things! The Guardian brings us up to date on just one of the major disasters brought on by plastic.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/nov/08/environmental-catastrophe-fears-as-millions-of-plastic-beads-wash-up-on-camber-sands?CMP=share_btn_url

Enjoy some great wildlife pictures. Calico just knows that you will enjoy them.

Is that a goose on your head? Earth’s most spectacular inhabitants – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2025/nov/04/cristina-mittermeier-earth-most-spectacular-inhabitants-in-pictures?CMP=share_btn_url

Our local wildlie rehabilitation centre, Wildlife Haven is really busy. Lumi the rare lynx cub is now doing much better after refusing to eat. Now they have a Bald Eagle in their care.

Anyone reading my blog is aware of the dangers posed by lead to our beloved raptors. We must continue our fight to halt the production of lead ammunition, as well as lead in all types of fishing gear. Please raise your voice to ban this deadly substance any time you can.

How much do you know about Great Grey Owls? There are some lovely close ups of nestlings in this documentary by Our World. https://youtu.be/OVE3UzyvEIc?

From everyone in my family to yours, we hope you have a truly wonderful week. We look forward to you being with us again next Monday. Here are some recent photos of Toby and his sisters and a few of the garden animals that add so much joy to my life. Indeed, I cannot imagine a day without them despite all the work they create.

Toby is modelling his new turtleneck sweater. Toby is going to need a miniature closet soon.

Hugo Yugo looking beautiful in the golden light of sunset.

Baby Hope – the sweetest and most shy of the bunch.

The mysterious Missey.

Lovable Calico.

Mr Crow waiting his turn in line to get a peanut.

Brock trying to hurry and eat his roast chicken and ham before Toby finds out he is outside! As everyone knows, Brock is a true survivor. He has lived for five years outside on his own. He won’t come in the house and is very weary of being ‘trapped’ in fancy heated houses for winter. So, we simply love him, respect what life has thrown at him and what he is used to, and make sure he gets at least three large tins of food and fresh water every day.

One of five grey squirrels.

Do you know what the national bird of Canada is? Have a good read and celebrate the American Bird Conservancy’s Bird of the Week!!

Canada Jay WhiskyjackDownload

Take care. See you soon.

Thank you to A, Heidi and SK Hideaways, to all the owners of the streaming cams that give us a glimpse – a great privilege – into the lives of our favourite raptors, to the authors of Facebook posts that keep us up to date on the nest happenings, and to papers such as The Guardian that continue to carry the environmental story. My blog would never be the same without their contributions. I am very grateful!

Pip for Xavier and Diamond?

1 October 2024

Holly Parsons has just posted a screen capture of a possible pip in the egg of Xavier and Diamond at Orange, Australia.

Average incubation is 34-36 days. Egg 1 is now 34 days.

Get the popcorn out!

Is Diamond listening or napping?

Sunday in Bird World

22 September 2024

Hello Everyone,

As is typical, I am writing my post on Saturday. I had hoped for some sun and wind to dry up all the rain, but, the rain is now coming down harder and harder. Three Crows were frantically pecking at the nut cylinder. I noticed that they gave each other space so that they could eat. All was going well until Dyson arrived! The Crows flew off. They returned later for a big bowl of cheesy dogs. I can see Junior at the feeder sorting through the peanuts. Where is Mrs Junior? It is always worrisome when one or the other does not show up at the morning feeder.

Dyson is moulting. She isn’t sick! She is so strong and healthy. It makes us happy to be a part of her life. I wish we could get the trees to grow faster or convince her to please just stay in our garden. No roads!

It has really started pouring. And yeah, Mrs Junior just flew in to get some peanuts!!!!!! Relief.

In Canada, Beaumont continues to deliver large fish to the nest where his two fledglings might like to scrap for the dinner! Both are eating well and Beaumont is making sure each is fed.

Dad and at least one chick are still at the LDF nest in Kuzeme Latvia.

Right now there is harmony and peace at the NE Florida nest of Gabby. She doesn’t seem to care if the male has necrotic feet in places. They are on the branches together, side by side at times, and in the nest making nestorations. If Gabby gets to raise little eaglets in peace this year, we should all jump up and down with joyful tears.

They have been on and off the nest on Saturday. The AEF has ‘temporarily’ designated the male as 24E1 (year, eagle, first visitor).

The eyes of the male visitor remind me so much of those of Samson. I know it isn’t, but for a split second.

The SW Florida streaming cams are up and ready for action starting today or tomorrow.

It was a beautiful day at the nest of Bella at the NCTC. Didn’t see any eagles.

You can help support conservation by buying stamps! Aren’t these beautiful?

These will be available in the new year. There are currently others for sale – some designed by adults and other junior winners. They are lovely.

The little eaglet in Australia is doing so well and this little fluffy bundle of joy has a name – Lukin.

Bradley and Shultzie. Yes! Good thing there are two perches. It’s always good, just like the Blue Jays, to get a total head count before sunset.

Judy Harrington brings us up to date with the Olympic Park Eagles.

The new pair in the USK Valley in Wales left late. They didn’t breed but hopes are high for 2025.

FAREWELL TO THE 2024 GILESTONE OSPREYS — Usk Valley OspreysDownload

Bird Flu is possibly the reason for the decline in Peregrine Falcon populations in the US. Like everything else, it is still with us – it just isn’t making the news like it did. That is a shame.

Why Are Peregrine Falcon Numbers Falling in the United States Again_ _ AudubonDownload

Xavier flew out for the morning breakfast hunt. Diamond waits patiently to see what he will return with for her meal.

We blinked and the Olympic Park Eaglets grew and grew. When did this happen? They are more steady on their feet. Their wing feathers are growing in. They look like eagles, not nestlings. SE 34 is learning to self-feed.

Will we see the Royal Cam chick back on cam before fledge? Possibly not.

Pippa’s Mum is the first to return: Royal Cam chick Atawhai (Miss Pippa) and Lillibet’s Mum YRK is the first to return to Taiaroa this year. You will remember her amazing mate, OGK – some of us still tear up at the thought of him. OGK has not been seen since he went missing in 2022.

The Only Bob at Growing Home is so fortunate. It will never ever have to share a fish with a ravenous sibling. Look carefully. Tiny white bobblehead.

The fight for the survival of the osprey (and other wildlife) in the Chesapeake Bay is on and hinges on the curtailing of the industrial fishing of Menhaden.

In The Arena: Dr. Bryan Watts | Theodore Roosevelt Conservation PartnershipDownload

There is always something to learn about migration: “For migrating birds, fall brings difficulty and danger. To reach warm winter climes, many birds must fly hundreds or thousands of miles, expend immense amounts of energy and successfully dodge storms, skyscrapers and other potential threats.

Still, scientists have long assumed that a basic trade-off made migration worth the gamble: Once birds arrived at their wintering grounds, they wouldn’t need to work so hard to stay warm, saving substantial amounts of energy. “But nobody ever tested this,” said Nils Linek, a behavioral ecologist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany.

Now, Dr. Linek and his colleagues have done so. Their findings, based on a partially migratory population of German blackbirds, challenge the conventional wisdom. Even in the depths of winter, blackbirds basking in balmy southern Europe or northern Africa did not spend any less energy than those riding out the cold in Germany, the scientists found.”

Read on to find out more.

Study Reveals Bird-Migration Mystery – The New York TimesDownload

On line tool is helping with bird collision and renewable energy in Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Nepal for the past two years.

Online Tool Prevents Bird Collisions in Flyways Across the World – BirdLife InternationalDownload

Calico’s Tip for the Day. You have heard us mention numerous times the need to halt bird collisions. Residences indeed account for more deaths than skyscrapers. Hard to believe? I know, but it is true if you take all the deaths due to our windows collectively. So what is the problem? People do not know how to stop the birds from hitting their windows. Calico says that you must space the decals on the OUTSIDE of the window at least 5 cm or two inches apart. That’s right. You cannot just put one decal on the outside of your window and hope it will work; you never put it on the inside. The most economical method is window paint. Again, on the outside of the windows. I liked using the white or the yellow. Squiggle everywhere. Let your children or grandchildren help. The window paints come off easily.

Nova Scotia’s official bird (I know that everyone knew that, right?) on an iconic boat, the Bluenose II.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for the notes, posts, videos, articles, images, tweets, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘PB for today and for Saturday’s Tweet from Dr Greene’, Newfoundland Power, LDF, NEFL-AEF, NCTC, USFWS, Port Lincoln Osprey, Judy Harrington and Olympic Park Eagles, Jeff Kear and USK Valley Ospreys, Audubon, Charles Sturt Falcon Cam, Olympic Park Eagles, The Royal Albatross Centre, Growing Home, Bryan Watts and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Sharon Dunne, Bluenose II, USFWS, Birdlife International, and The New York Times.