Tag Archives: peregrine falcons

Blizzard at Duke Farms, Rare King Eider in Toronto…

23 February 2026

Good Morning Everyone,

It is actually Sunday evening when I am sending this out. Ellen is coming early to take Toby for his walk on Monday morning, and we are busy with projects. Hopefully, nothing will happen in the next 12 hours!

I am delighted to tell you that we had a really wonderful week. Despite the temperatures plummeting, the early part of the week was marvellous, and we had some of the best walks of the entire winter. The garden is full of chickadees at dusk, with the European Starlings arriving several times a day to feed on cat or dog kibble. Brock is doing well. He was here Sunday evening and then found his way to my neighbour Jane’s, where he ate a feast and rested again. The pizza delivery driver came and, instead of bolting, he went to the other end of the porch and waited til the all clear. I hope he stays at Jane’s. It would make all of us have better blood pressure readings!

The Girls and Toby are also marvellous. Toby’s fur is as soft as a cloud. It is because of the dehydrated sardines. They helped us clean out the bookcases of all books and move the cases to the conservatory. They will be primed, painted, and reloaded. The plan is to move my desk and desktop computer out into the library area right in the middle of all the action within the house. Then I can keep an eye on everyone. At the same time, the books are out in the conservatory, ready for us to grab a new one at any time for story time.

So, wish us luck with all this painting! Missey’s tail seems to be the only problem – she always gets into mischief when it comes to paint, and we would think it would be Hugo Yugo.

Always nipping at one another!

These are the moments that get birders excited – a very rare bird in the Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto – a King Eider. Here is the news report with some really good information on Eider migration and ‘why’ it might have stopped over in Toronto: https://youtu.be/l4VPXXuXaOM?

I couldn’t stand it and had to check on Mum and the hatchling at Duke Farms. It is always a worry when a new hatch opens, and a storm hits. Sleet is starting to accumulate in New Jersey, around 1500. You can hear it hitting the camera lens. Send good wishes!

SK Hideaways outdid themselves on videos this week. Please check them out – this is a lot of hard work and incredible effort!

SK Hideaways Videos Week of 15 February 2026

Channel Island California Eagles
Livestreamed nests:
~ Fraser Point ~ Santa Cruz Island ~ Cruz & Andor
~ Sauces Canyon ~ Santa Cruz Island ~ Audacity & Jak
~ Two Harbors ~ Catalina Island ~ Cholyn & Chase
~ West End ~ Catalina Island ~Resident in flux


Fraser Point ~ Cruz & Andor
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s

Cruz Welcomes 1st Egg ~ Andor Snoozes in Waiting Room (2026 Feb 19)
Cruz laid her first egg of the season after a day spent mostly in or near the nest bowl. Andor was perched nearby and will be ready to meet their egg first thing in the morning. 
Video: https://youtu.be/UlT9pQ_J9c8

Sauces Canyon ~ Audacity & Jak
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Sauces Canyon Eagles Cam Ops
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnTsOesC6hE

Kestrel Brings Mouse to Snag ~ Dining Balance Act 
No eagles today, but Mr. Kestrel was quite entertaining. The neighborhood kestrel enjoyed his mouse breakfast while balancing on the tip of a snag. Feaking (cleaning beak) was a slippery proposition. (2026 Feb 21)
Video: https://youtu.be/gkMOPrtpRz0

Two Harbors ~ Cholyn & Chase
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ
Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

Chase Catches Fish 1 that Ate Fish 2 that Ate Fish 3 (2026 Feb 20)
Chase brought Cholyn a massive fish gift that turned out to be a three-for-one deal. According to our resident fish expert, Chase caught a big Kelp Fish that had eaten the Topsmelt (whole, mind you), that had eaten a Sardine (also whole).  Needless to say, both Cholyn and (finally) Chase filled their crops.  Chase once again showed his excellence as a great provider and mate. 
Video: https://youtu.be/O7Spi_nane4

Chase Calls Cholyn for Fish 2x ~ Stunning Close-Ups (2026 Feb 15)
At the height of nesting season, Chase is collecting lots of brownie points by delivering many fish gifts to Cholyn. Oh, Cholyn does love her fish! We were then gifted with some stunning close-ups of beautiful Cholyn, thanks to the stellar Two Harbors cam ops team. 
Video: https://youtu.be/PBj80qZsZdg


FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Jackie & Shadow
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Resident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014
Resident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012
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

Jackie Nibbles Shadow’s Neck on Frisky Friday Date Night  (2026 Feb 20)
After evening nestorations, Jackie was quite demonstrative about being ready for romance, which included her loud declarations and neck nibbles. Shadow was not quite ready and continued with his branch management. They made up for it later behind closed branches.
Video: https://youtu.be/hwiTHNebbx0

Juvenile Eagle Interrupts Shadow’s Lunch ~ Jackie Comes Home to Mate (2026 Feb 18)
As with Jackie’s fish a few days before, a juvenile bald eagle followed Shadow back to the nest hoping to share some of his lunch. Shadow, of course, wouldn’t hear of it, complaining until the youngster flew off. A bit later, Jackie arrived for nestorations and mating, the latter fairly rare on the nest. They departed together and were seen together later on the Lookout Snag for more mating. Fingers still crossed for a second clutch. 
Video: https://youtu.be/ctSrnTXP7wY

Jackie & Shadow Enjoy Snow Day Feesh & Sticks (2026 Feb 17)
A snow-covered valley and nest did not keep Shadow from delivering a fish gift to Jackie nor did it keep her from happily collecting it. Shadow also delivered a stick, which required some placement negotiations. As a bonus, there were snowy beaky kisses. A brief but eventful visit. 
Video: https://youtu.be/2PqA-NX63FY

Juvie Spoils Jackie’s Peaceful Feesh ~ In Warmest Memory of Sandy Steers 💙(2026 Feb 15)
As we remember Sandy Steers, the heart and soul of Big Bear Valley wildlife conservation, we are grateful for the opportunity to watch the lives of Jackie and Shadow. We think Sandy would have enjoyed today’s happenings. 

Shadow brought one fish to the nest, which he peacefully enjoyed all to himself. But when Jackie brought her fish, a wily juvenile followed her in hopes of getting a few bites.  Well, of course, Jackie was not about to share her fish and let the juvenile know in no uncertain terms. Jackie managed to finish her feesh with, the juvie keeping close watch, and then shooed it off. Much to our delight, the juvenile soared around the valley, gifting us a wonderful airshow. Even Jackie may have enjoyed the show, now that her belly was full. 
Video: https://youtu.be/WZqLPjTDxyU


John Bunker Sands Eagles ~ Combine, TX ~ Mom, Dad, and JBS24
JBS24’s Bottomless Buffet (and Belly) (2026 Feb 16)
JBS24 is 3 weeks and 1 day old. The eaglet is spoiled for choice at mealtimes with Mom and Dad both often in the nest offering a variety of prey. JBS24 is growing up fast, now sporting grey thermal down and almost always a full crop. 
Video: https://youtu.be/h_Nks375XLg
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

When I checked, both Jazz and Nola were in food comas in the Kisatchie National Forest E3 Bald Eagle nest of Alex and Andria II? III?

Gracie Shepherd catches E26 at the SW Florida Eagle nest of M15 and F23 trying out their wings in the wind. That eagle can really hover! Are we ready for this beauty to fledge? https://youtu.be/vEAmBdxHWlQ?

Suzanne Kay reveals the banding results from Dade County:

Quinn late Sunday nightwas hunkered down in the nest as a storm was rocking the nest at Captiva.

Beau and Gabby sure make beautiful babies – Kai and Eve, fully feathered and gorgeous. (I am a little soft on this nest!)

There is some amazing news coming out of Rutland’s Osprey Project.

Monty and Hartley are sure feeling ‘spring like’! SK Hideaways catches their moves: https://youtu.be/LwwsKn4-vS4?

Calico has a special video for everyone today. They have wings but are not raptors. Dani Connor Wild is in Mexico, and she went up to the top of the mountain on horseback and found thousands of Monarch butterflies.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/hOO0UncoyIE?

It is so wonderful to have you with us. I always welcome your comments and your e-mails. I think I am almost caught up in answering – please accept my apologies for any delay. Take care. It is going to be a busy week, and I really hope that it is completely uneventful, no drama, nothing! We will see you again on Friday.

I am so grateful to SK Hideaways who so generously arranges their weekly videos for us – for all the others who contribute videos on YouTube, post information on FaceBook, and write articles that eduate each and every one of us. There is always something to learn! To the owners of the streaming cams, everyone is grateful to you. We would not know about the lives of our most wonderful raptor families without those cameras. I want to thank you, my readers, for caring for our wildlife, for writing those letters, and for being there and trying to help when it is needed. You are amazing and I am so grateful to have you as part of the Bird World family.

Bella and Scout have their first egg…Late Sunday in Bird World

15 February 2026

Hello Everyone,

We hope that you had a lovely weekend. We certainly did. Toby had his Valentine Day grooming session. He smells so nice – for about two days! We had many slushy walks and even went to get some paint to cover a chest that is going to be a bench for Don to sit on to put on boots and shoes. Inside will be Toby’s wardrobe!

The Girls are fine and really enjoying the conservatory as it is getting warmer and warmer out there. We have finished our books except for the Friendship book and tomorrow we will be starting a new one. Will keep you posted.

It was warm and slushy on the Canadian Prairies. 2 degrees C. The first Canada Geese have arrived – three weeks early! ‘PB’ writes from Nebraska to tell me that the Sandhill Cranes are early, too.

While we had quite a bit of snow, it came late and I sure hope we get more because, if not, it will be very dry here. Concerns for drought exist in Nebraska, too. It continues to rain cats and dogs in London, UK.

At the NCTC nest of Scout and Bella, the first egg arrived on the 15th. Congratulations. We have to wish – super wish – this couple a great year. They lost almost fully feathered babies when their nest collapsed last year. It was beyond tragic. Deb Stecyk has it on video: https://youtu.be/5OA5GWZ6-94?s

What is up with the PA Farm Country Bald Eagles? They continue to lay four eggs annually! Do they love the challenge? My goodness, to raise four eaglets to fledge is rare.

How rare?

Bald eagle nests that fledge four chicks are extraordinarily rare. While bald eagles typically lay one to three eggs—with two being the most common—four-egg clutches and successful four-chick fledglings have been documented, but they are considered exceptional events. 

Key details regarding four-chick broods:

  • Rarity: In a 2011 report, a 4-chick brood was considered only the third ever documented for the species.
  • Successful Instances: Despite their rarity, some nests have successfully fledged four chicks, such as a nest in the 1000 Islands (Wisconsin) in 2021 and another at Grey Cloud Island in Minnesota in 2024.
  • Survival Factors: Four-egg clutches have a high, sometimes 100%, success rate in hatching and fledging when they occur, but they require abundant food and strong parents to succeed.
  • Challenges: In cases of four chicks, the smallest often struggles, and the nest can become very cramped, making survival to fledge difficult. 

Four-chick nests are so rare that one report noted that in over 8,000 monitored breeding attempts in Virginia, only one 4-chick brood was documented. 

Elfruler has a document and chart:

SUCCESS RATES OF CLUTCHES AND BROODS | Bald EaglesDownload

We wish them all the luck in the world.


SK Hideaways Videos Week of 8 February 2026

Channel Island California Eagles
Livestreamed nests:
~ Fraser Point ~ Santa Cruz Island ~ Cruz & Andor
~ Sauces Canyon ~ Santa Cruz Island ~ Audacity & Jak
~ Two Harbors (2 cameras) ~ Catalina Island ~ Cholyn & Chase
~ West End (3 cameras) ~ Catalina Island ~Resident in flux

Fraser Point
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s

Cruz vs. Manzanita ~ Adventures in Slapstick (2026 Feb 12)
When Andor went out for a break, Cruz decided to rearrange the furniture. The massive manzanita branch proved more difficult to move than she thought. The result was the eagle equivalent of slapstick comedy. Enjoy. 
Video: https://youtu.be/zhDZeyBXIq4


Two Harbors
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Two Harbors Eagles Cam Ops
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ
Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

Cholyn Downs Mackerel in 1 Gulp ~ Chase’s Jaw Drops (2026 Feb 13)
When Chase goes fishing, Cholyn is right behind him. But before he can even land in the nest with his catch, Cholyn grabs it. She then proceeds to scarf it down in one gulp. Chase can’t believe it, but we can’t tell if he’s impressed or dismayed. These two are pure joy to watch. 
Video: https://youtu.be/PmKzy9FtO1s


John Bunker Sands Eagles, Combine, TX
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 is Thriving with Mom and Dad as Model Parents (2026 Feb 11)
I captured the whole day with JBS24, who is doing very well, by all appearances. The 2-1/2 week old eaglet is eating well, exploring the nest a bit, and showing us how well those little wings can flap. Dual feedings are still quite common and JBS 24 seems to enjoy every morsel. While I wish JBS25 was here to enjoy those meals as well, I am grateful that JBS24 is thriving. 
Video: https://youtu.be/HJ_0lL959VU
JBS24 & JBS25 at 2 weeks ~ Family Mealtime ~ Dad Cuddles (2026 Feb 8)
At 2 weeks old, JBS 24 and JBS 25 are getting their thermal down to better help them thermoregulate. Mom and Dad continue to keep them well fed, resulting in almost no aggression. When Mom takes one of her short breaks, Dad is eager to cuddle up with his growing eaglets. They seem to love it! The history of this nest is fascinating, so I’ve included some of that history in this video.
Video: https://youtu.be/TbdMIiN8zE4

The Chichester Peregrine Falcon latest newsletter:

Chichester Peregrines newsletter No 2 15:02:26.Download

‘A’ has ‘Royal Albatross on their Mind: “I do love how social the albatrosses are though. I was watching the Midway Atoll livestream the other night and the closeness of the neighbouring nests is quite astonishing. Perhaps the birds feel less bored and lonely that way. Or perhaps there is some form of protection afforded by the arrangement. There must be a reason apart from sheer overcrowding, surely. 

I do adore the changeovers (and the gorgeous skycalls): www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWJ5U7JylG0. Once we’re into the post-guard phase, the parents are lucky to overlap much at all, but at this point, they are not yet leaving our little fluffball on its own. It is 24 days old, but still, it won’t be long before it’s on its own – sigh….  

I never really get used to the baby suddenly being abandoned as it were. And so young. Maybe this is when the proximity of the neighbouring nests becomes advantageous. 

Meanwhile, our wee one is adorable. They have taken blood to determine gender. Moana, who visited the RoyalCam nest yesterday evening (14 February – Happy Valentine’s Day), was very curious about the chick in the nest, which in turn seemed very nervous about the whole encounter. Dad WYL, of course, is extremely protective of his precious baby. www.youtube.com/watch?v=84VY9HihPtc&list=TLPQMTUwMjIwMjZE9oa0TwYOEA&index=6

BOK was unable to stay away from her chick for long, returning to the nest at about 9.40 this morning (15 February) after only 16 hours of foraging. As I type, she has just finished feeding her rapidly growing offspring. “

The biggest concern is that bloody fishing line that is over Roux at the Kistachie National Forest nest of Anna and Louis E1. They may have to find a way to get up there…certainly they found a way at Dale Hollow Years ago when no one thought it could be done.

Brock caught on local camera heading to Jane’s for a meal!

Thank you so much for being with us today. We will see you again the end of the week! (I am going to try and stick with late Sunday and late Thursday night posts unless something needs immediate attention!). Take care everyone. Get outside. Smell the spring air that is coming. Listen for the birdsong.

Thank you so much to ‘PB and A’ for their notes, to SK Hideaways for always supplying me with their list of weekly videos, to D Stecyk for monitoring the NCTC nest, to everyone who posted information on FB and wrote articles that help us understand the life of our raptors, including Elfruler. Thank you so much to all! I am so grateful to you. My blog would not be the same without your talents, and without the streaming cams and their owners, we would never have the opportunity to look into the lives of our feathered friends.

Happy Valentine’s Day

14 February 2026

Good Morning,

Well, actually it is Valentine’s Eve and Toby and I are up and I am sending this out to everyone as he is going for a grooming early. I hope to have a nice walk with Don in the English Gardens while Toby is being washed and blow dried. It is hard to describe how fast his hair and nails grow, but he is healthy and that is all that matters!

Geemeff sent me Explore.org’s Valentine tribute to the animals on their screens to share with you:

r-e-tkkdhjx-bduitydlki-aDownload

We hope that you are having a day full of love or full of memories of great love.

We loved the VERY young dad, Gimbir, and what is there not to adore about this one very special peregrine falcon fledgling – now a juvenile – at the Charles Sturt University falcom scrape. Girri is amazing. Many of you have been waiting for years – really since the time of the beginning of the cam – to be able to see one of Diamond’s fledglings survive like Girri is doing. She is living her best life chasing parents around wanting food. I love it.

Gimbir has his ‘mature’ plumage now and he is such a darling. Let’s send him a valentine kiss, too!

Falcon Cam Project gives us the latest video of Girri: https://youtu.be/Bse_W0YDmbs?

Red-shouldered Hawk has been causing misery to Willow, the GHO incubating eggs at the Eagle Country nest, who is incubating eggs. https://youtu.be/k3OhNDmqKlA?

Valentines should also go out to Window to Wildlife and those who facilitated the removal of the human debris on Connie and Clive’s nest at Captiva. Quinn is fine!

Ah, and send them some love – two of my favourite Eagle parents, Gabby and Beau and their kids Eve and Kai. Both can stand up straight!

Royal Cam chick is growing and growing. Those NZ DOC Rangers need a virtual hug for all the great work they do keeping the Albatross safe! Last weighing on video: https://youtu.be/k3OhNDmqKlA?

Hope for an endangered bird in Scotland.

‘We are hopeful’: small signs of recovery for Scotland’s rare capercaillie birdhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/13/small-signs-of-recovery-scotland-rare-capercaillie-bird?CMP=share_btn_url

There has been some intense sibling rivalry on the Kisatchie E1 nest of Anna and Louis II. Let us hope that it passes and that prey will be plentiful and settle the nest.

First egg for Bonnie and Clyde at the Cardinal Land Conservancy Bald Eagle nest.

There are three eggs on the new Dale Hollow Bald Eagle nest of Amonette and Franklin.

Calico wants everyone to remember that osprey season in the UK and Europe starts in about a month. To get everyone warmed up, here is the Juniors of Hurst Lodge School singing the Osprey Song during Osprey Week in 2015. https://youtu.be/KoOQK6ejuXY?

Thank you for being with us today. I will see you again on Monday. Take care of yourselves. I hope that you can get outside for some fresh air and bird song.

Thank you to everyone who wrote articles, FB posts, and created videos. I am extremely grateful to you and your amazing talents. They make my blog much better and to Geemeff and others who send me wonderful bird news! I am thankful.

Late Monday in Bird World

2 February 2026

Hello to Everyone,

Oh, the sadness that the loss of Jackie and Shadow’s eggs has caused. It was like a grey cloud that covered the entire world. Of all the nests, these two tug at our heartstrings more than any others – or so it seems by the continued number of letters I am receiving. They are certainly a very special couple.

Everyone is complaining about the weather. My friend, Geemeff, in the UK, is tired of rain, and we are tired of snow. There is little room in my garden for anymore! The rain in the UK is having a huge impact on the birds and wildlife there.

 ‘It sounds apocalyptic’: experts warn of impact of UK floods on birds, butterflies and dormice https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/01/storm-chandra-uk-floods-impact-wildlife-birds-butterflies-dormice-beavers-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

Here, the wind and the freezing cold are surely impacting the birds that come to the garden. Surely. It is difficult enough for humans – and for our dear Brock. We will be ever so happy when spring arrives.

Meanwhile…Toby continues to try on little coats. This one will be for a warmer day. The aviator coat and his red jump suit are perfect for the weather now. The jump suit is the best as he can leap into deep snow and not have it cover all of him.

Ann rescued a three-year-old dog. Lucy is a little smaller than Toby. Toby used his allowance to get her a very adjustable pink vest. We hope she likes it.

Once Lucy is fixed, she is coming over to meet Toby. Let us hope they are real friends. It would be brilliant.

Morning delight: There is an osprey at the Wolf Bay nest in Alabama.

There has been so much discussion about Jackie and Shadow and that is simply because we love them. They are the most loved bald eagles in the US if you count the number of viewers along with all the news coverage. We are sad for them – and for us. What a joy it has been to watch Spirit fledge and then Sunny and Gizmo last year. Oh, what a year it was and we hoped for another. Perhaps there will be. It was unusual for Jackie to be off the eggs for so long. Each of us knew that. You felt something was wrong. Those eggs are so precious to them. I got a note from ‘B’ that might help clarify what happened – and why we must always ‘trust the Eagles’.

‘B’ wrote: “I hadn’t looked at the Friends of Big Bear Valley facebook page until now, so I hadn’t realized that FOBBV had seen that one of the eggs was cracked even before the ravens visited.  So, yes, maybe Jackie had sensed that something was off.  Hopefully Jackie will quit incubating what remains now, so that she can move on, even if there isn’t a second clutch.  I totally understand you not sending a note upon learning the news — I had thought that might be a possibility even before you mentioned.  Much as we love all these nests, Jackie and Shadow are special.”

No matter what happens we will keep these two in our hearts and continue to check in on their daily activities. We might be surprised by a second clutch. As I mentioned, second clutches are, indeed, rare but Jackie and Shadow did have one in 2021.   

SK Hideaways Videos Week of 25 January 2026

FOBBV Bald Eagles: Jackie & Shadow ~ Happy Birthday, you two!  

While their precise hatch date is unknown, we celebrate both their birthdays on 1 February.
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Resident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014
Resident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012
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
Big Bear Eagle History: https://www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org/eagle-history/

Raven Breaks Both of Jackie & Shadow’s Eggs (2026 Jan 30)
It was a very sad day in Big Bear. Jackie and Shadow were away from the nest for nearly 4 hours. During that time, ravens made multiple visits and ultimately breached both of the eggs. But before they did, we could see that one egg was already cracked. Perhaps Jackie and Shadow’s extended absence indicated their sense that something was off with the eggs. Absent an eagle mind-reader, we will never know. 
Video: https://youtu.be/PT0yZCVYKJE
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley

JACKIE LAYS 2ND EGG! Shadow Will be So Eggcited Tomorrow! 2026 Jan 26
Jackie had another short labor laying her second egg of the season just before dusk. Shadow had been visiting just 20 minutes before, so he’ll get a welcome surprise in the morning.
Video: https://youtu.be/TTBhA0nK7NU


John Bunker Sands Bald Eagles: Mom & Dad
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

Eaglets JBS 24 &  JBS 25 Begin Bonking Despite Full Pantry (2026 Jan 28)
3-day-old JBS 24 and 2-day-old JBS 25 are being very well fed. They even have tiny baby crops and a very full nest of food. Despite that, instinct has kicked in and one eaglet, likely JBS 24, has begun a food competition. But it’s pretty minor and the video shows just one instance of the eaglet being aggressive against its sibling. It is reported that this nest historically has very little sibling aggression (except for last year), so let’s hope the typical trend continues. Even with the one bonk shown here, these two are a joy to watch. (2026 Jan 28)
Video: https://youtu.be/GPwd5POXfuM

1- and 2-Day Old Eaglets Get to Know the Joys of FISH (2026 Jan 27)
JBS 24 hatched on January 25th; JBS 25 on January 26th. We join them as Mom feeds them an afternoon fish snack. They make the troubles of the world simply fade away. 
Video: https://youtu.be/CIvPlG-vqNc


San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcons: Hartley & Monty
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

San Jose CH Falcons: Hartley & Monty’s Rooftop Rendezvous ~ Nesting Season in Full Gear (2026 Jan 29)
Despite what the calendar says, spring is already in the air for Hartley and Monty. Today they met briefly on the ledge before a rooftop rendezvous. Hoping for eggs in just over a month. 
Video: https://youtu.be/cMUzsVTn408

San Jose CH Falcons: Hartley & Monty Are in the Mood for Love (2026 Jan 24)
Nesting season kicks off in earnest as Hartley and Monty increase mating frequency.  
Video: https://youtu.be/RjN3HDNp_Wo

The GHO has caused the female at Frenchman’s Creek to stop incubating her egg at night. She has only laid one. Heidi has kept a close eye on this nest. It is so sad and at the same time, I am glad that the female wants to survive and has learned to stay away when the owls are flying at night. Osplets can wait another year or never until the owl is not around.

Finally. The murder trial of a gamekeeper who killed his colleague will begin. This all began, as I understand, with the killing of raptors.

Murder trial due to begin: former Head Gamekeeper David Campbell of Edradynate Estate accused of kilDownload

Chichester’s Peregrine Falcon news:

Chichester Peregrines News Letter 020226Download

A trip down memory lane: ‘A’ wrote, very excited. She found some information from three years ago and she wants me to share it with you. I know that you will remember the little red-tail hawklet raised by the Bald Eagles on Gabriola Island in British Columbia, Canada. ‘A’ writes: “I found this from 15 March 2023: 

As a followup to last year, a local observer reported that the hawklet Malala was being seen with the adults on the beach and seemed to be doing well – apparently young hawks stay with their parents longer than eaglets, and the parents are accepting this.

Isn’t that just wonderful? And how amazing that the adult birds maintain a caring and teaching relationship with the hawklet for some significant period of time after it fledges, even though this is not the usual behaviour with eaglet fledglings of a similar age. And how wonderful that the little hawklet is on the beach with its adoptive parents, learning how to hunt for eagle food. I cannot tell you how that just makes my heart sing. As you know, I adored that spunky little hawklet, and had SO many questions after it fledged that I never thought would be answered. So it is wonderful to hear that single piece of news – it makes me so incredibly happy. I suppose the courage of the wee thing was what made the difference. It was cautious in its early behaviour on the nest but equally, it stood up for itself, literally fought for respect once or twice, and generally behaved in a very assertive manner. I’m not sure whether the outcome would have been different if Malala had been a bit more timid. 

In the end, the basic behaviours of a chick were interpreted by the parents as warranting parental care because they are programmed to react that way and because their hormones were in the ‘chick caring’ phase. See a begging small beak, fill it with food. Hawklets are brave, bold little things – they do mature very quickly – and I suppose that is what saved this small person. But I really think this must happen quite frequently – some birds rely on the parental instincts of other species to reproduce at all (cuckoos, some ducks and a range of others), so I think we’d be surprised at how frequently it does occur if we knew the exact numbers. Parental instincts are just so incredibly strong. Look at the seemingly irrational devotion of parents of most species. The self-sacrifice involved in raising young is incredible (look at the albatrosses) and yet it is demonstrated by almost every species.  

As you might have picked up, this has absolutely made my weekend. I am beyond thrilled! Please update your readers. I know how popular the Gabriola Island nest became in 2022 as a result of this blended family – so much so that the landowners chose not to allow the livestream the following season (2023). They did continue to monitor the bald eagle pair in 2024, I think, though I don’t know about 2025. It was a GROWL project, but there is no current information about the nest on their site.”

Deb Stecyk has posted the following about the activities at the NCTC nest of Bella and Scout. You might have difficulty viewing the log here so please go to Bald Eagles 101 FB.

I am so ashamed that I forgot about some nests, and I do not intend to – look at the two eaglets at Hilton Head! They are so gorgeous and have all their juvenile plumage!!!!!! And what a feast – six fish. Lovely.

As i the Winter Park Bald Eagle nest had not endured enough with the earlier rivalry between the eaglets, difference in age by five days, then a huge storm has torn off the rails! https://youtu.be/zyHx4-fMUxg?

Send them good wishes. The eagles can quickly build up the rails if the chicks can manage to stay in the nest.

‘J’ sent us the video of the candling of the Kakapo eggs! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PiN_hMl9xo

ABC’s Bird of the Week is the Painted Bunting. Have a read. These colourful birds remind me of the Rainbow Lorikeets that visited Daisy the Duck while she was incubating her eggs or the sea eaglets when they are on the nest. I find I always learn something about these little focused stories.

Painted Bunting – American Bird ConservancyDownload

“Painted Bunting” by Dan Pancamo is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

There is a second egg at the Pink Shell Osprey nest in Florida.

Thank you so very much for being with us today. We hope that Monday brings you a wonderful start to your week. Our friends in parts of France are beginning to see small flowers, a Quince blossom here or there – tiny little reminders that spring will come! It is sunny with a beautiful blue sky today and it is -19 C. It will warm up a bit. Toby is getting excited about going for his walk with Ellen in half an hour. I am so grateful for all the help and support that I have.

As for us, we are doing well. It is 2 February and it is our anniversary. Last year we were in Guadeloupe. This year we are sharing a very special Chocolate Haskap cake and are simply grateful that we have a home, food, are able to heat that home in the winter and take care of the other animals that bring joy to our lives. It is the little things around us that are important – keep them safe and make the land and the lives of those that share it better. If everyone did that, we would not have a problem!

We look forward to having you with us again later this week. Take care.

Thank you to SK Hideaways for their videos, to the others who create videos and information posts on FB and the authors of articles and posts that tell us much about our feathered friends. I am grateful to all of you as well as the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to look into the lives of our favourite raptors.

Hatch and pip at John Bunker Sands

25 January 2026

Hello Everyone,

The eaglets are hatching! John Bunker Sands Wetlands has its first hatch of the season!

JBS 24 hatched and JBS 25 is right behind! Great delayed incubation Mum.

Snow continues to fall on the nest which is about 25 miles from Dallas.

Monty and Hartley are back at the San Jose City Hall scrape ready for another feisty season. SK Hideaways caught them in the mood for a lot of bonding. https://youtu.be/RjN3HDNp_Wo?

And the second eaglet at the Winter Park Bald Eagle nest has been fed well after the eldest ate and ate and went into food coma. There is a lot of food on that nest – this should certainly alleviate some of the tensions.

Take care, everyone. Stay warm and inside if you are in a storm zone. We will have extreme cold for another 5 days or more. It will be so wonderful to be outside again!

Thank you to the cam owners at JBSW and SJCH for allowing us into the lives of our feathered friends. I am always grateful to SK Hideaways and their videos! Thank you.

Sunday in Bird World

25 January 2026

Good Morning Everyone,

It’s Sunday, not Monday. I have the week’s videos from SK Hideaways, and it is a wrap of a review of what is happening in Bird World.

We have been under an extreme cold warning for more than a week now. It is currently -35 (Saturday night). The vets have said that if it is too cold for humans then it is decidedly too cold for dogs to be outside. Their paws can freeze and crack! There is no evidence that frigid cold causes arthritis but dogs with arthritis suffer pain because of constrictions if they are out in this cold. Toby, hopefully, will never have arthritis, but his little incident the other day means he needs to stay inside. We have played a lot of fetch – he loves it – but he discovered that he also likes to play ‘fish’ with the Girls! We were decluttering the pantry as part of an overall downsizing of all our stuff and we found a fishing pole toy with feathered ends. Oh, all of them had such a good time. It was wonderful!

I have not spent as much time on the computer watching the nests as I did a year ago. This has not been a bad thing! In a recent blog, the lovely, talented cookbook author Mimi Thorisson said, “Over the years, living on this planet has taught me something important. It is imperative, from time to time, to detach slightly from the social world and enter a phase of semi-hibernation. It is healing. It is comforting. It brings you back to yourself.” I hope that each of us is taking time to watch the birds and animals outside – I often add that they are such an important part of my life that I have felt paralysed to move to a different house. Our day begins, as it always does, with breakfast in the conservatory and a ‘count’ of the visitors to the nest. Another count occurs around 1530, along with continuous checks on Brock’s dish. These birds and animals bring such joy to my life, along with The Girls and Toby, who have proven to be loyal companions. So, please, embrace the wildlife that is around you. Do what you can to improve their lives – a dish of water, some food. It all helps.

The second eaglet on the Winter Park nest in Florida has been receiving both food and attacks from its older sibling. The size and age difference along with food availability are key here.

Ondabebe caught the second eaglet with a full crop on Saturday. https://youtu.be/PUXtegsGAy0?

Send good positive energy for lots of prey – the parents have to eat, too!

Research indicates that siblicide on Bald Eagle nests is 5% or less – meaning that it is rare. (The osprey mortality rate is often higher than 17% in the nests we have monitored.)

Here is a good article on various Avian Siblicide to help you understand which raptors are more likely to have one nestling kill another. It is very informative.

Avian_SiblicideDownload

SK Hideaways sent their videos for the week of the 18th for your enjoyment.

Channel Island California Eagles
Livestreamed nests:
~ Fraser Point ~ Santa Cruz Island ~ Cruz & Andor
~ Sauces Canyon ~ Santa Cruz Island ~ Audacity & Jak
~ Two Harbors ~ Catalina Island ~ Cholyn & Chase
~ West End ~ Catalina Island ~Resident in flux

Two Harbors
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Two Harbors Eagles Cam Ops
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ
Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

Cholyn & Chase Do Nesting Season with Class ~ Mating & Fish Gift (2026 Jan 23)
Chase has embraced nesting season with much enthusiasm as he continues to woo Cholyn with fish between mating activities. 22 years of “wedded” bliss and romance is still very much alive for this royal couple of Catalina Island. (2026 Jan 23)
Video: https://youtu.be/2OEWiuQ9ZxM

Chase Wants Eggs ~ Tests Nest Bowl as Cholyn Watches + Mating (2026 Jan 20)
Despite the fact that Chase “knows” that Cholyn almost always lays eggs at the end of February or early March, he’s trying to hurry her along by showing her how comfy the nest bowl is and frequent mating. Here, Chase lays in the nest bowl 3 times to Cholyn’s zero times. Cholyn seems to give him a “what’re you doing?” look, but in her typical Cholyn way, just goes with the flow. Always in sync even when it means humoring the other. 
Video: https://youtu.be/SZZAkQ0D9z8

Cholyn & Chase Nesting Season Kickoff ~ 2x Mating & Fish Gift (2026 Jan 18)
Cholyn and Chase had their official nesting season kickoff ~ at least from where we could see them. They mated in the morning, then Chase brought Cholyn a nice fish for lunch. They had long conversations off camera and then returned to the nest in the late afternoon to mate again. Here’s hoping for a fruitful season for this beloved couple and royalty of the Channel Islands.
Video: https://youtu.be/bNEHHlGDCQ4

West End
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=RmmAzrAkKqI
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kad6O4nF6bg

Couple ID Markers & More Mating ~ Need Nestorations to Seal Deal (2026 Jan 22)
The new West End couple (aka masked and unmasked; and VE1 (male visitor) and VE2 (female visitor)) continue to take steps towards being a bonded pair. While they have accomplished mating quite well (!), they have not embraced the nest repairs that would indicate their intentions to start a family this season. It’s early, though, and things can change (as they always do). (2026 Jan 22)
Video: https://youtu.be/acrvEOup90E

Masked Female & Unmasked Male Mate for 1st & 2nd Time on Camera (2026 Jan 21)
The visiting eagles have been at the West End for about 2 weeks and seen together most days. While mating sounds have been heard off camera, this was the first (and second) observed mating. So the bond is there, but will they remain here to lay eggs and raise chicks? Stay tuned for the next episode of As the West End Turns. 
Video: https://youtu.be/Z1z28PuQFTs

FOBBV Eagles ~ Big Bear, California ~ Jackie & Shadow
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley

ℹResident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014
ℹResident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012
🔗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

Morning Chortle-Snortles & Shadow’s First Incubation Stint (2026 Jan 24)
Jackie laid her and Shadow’s first egg late the previous day, so this morning was Shadow’s first opportunity for some incubation time. From what we have observed, he really, really seems to enjoy this part of nesting. So much so that he took his time heeding Jackie’s fish calls.
Video: https://youtu.be/jcIPh9l19aQ

Shadow delivers FEEESH ~ Jackie Stumbles on Nest Rails Trying to Collect (2026 Jan 24)
When Jackie saw Shadow deliver a whole, big fish (aka feeesh) from her perch on the Cactus Snag, she squealed with glee and made a beeline for the nest. As it turns out, she and Shadow have constructed such a robust fortress, that Jackie stumbled trying to get in the front door. She, of course, did prevail and enjoyed her meal with gusto.
Video: https://youtu.be/nTcUFmY6Dxw

JACKIE & SHADOW WELCOME FIRST EGG OF SEASON! (2026 Jan 23)
A quick labor for Jackie as she laid the first egg of the season. Shadow quickly came to meet his egg and seemed pretty smitten already.

Video: https://youtu.be/n0-5Ko2AWYY

The Bald Eagle nest on Farmer Derek’s property in Kansas has its first egg.

Rose and Ron have two gorgeous eaglets with so much juvenile plumage!

Quinn is the cutest little eaglet over at the Captiva nest of Connie and Clive.

Girri is flying strong with Diamond and Gimbir. This is just incredible. How many years have we followed this nest, hoping for such an amazing outcome? This is wonderful – a strong, big female.

Duke Farms’ female looking at the trio of eggs she has laid.

SK Hideaways caught Shadow delivering a fish to Jackie as she has been incubating their first egg of the season. https://youtu.be/nTcUFmY6Dxw?

There are no concerns at the nest of Gabby and Beau. NE32 and 33 are growing strong with their thermal down and pin feathers. Lots of food and great parenting make a difference – Beau and Gabby are well-bonded, experienced, and work together like a nicely oiled machine. (Watch them using cam 2: https://www.youtube.com/live/hQrJv_Dt4tY?

At the SW Florida nest of M15 and F23, E26 is getting those gorgeous deep black juvenile feathers. Doing so well!

Anna II is a valiant mom in the cold and rain of Louisiana. Not much nourishment for everyone – let’s wish for a sunny day tomorrow.

Jack and Jill have been seen at the Achieva Credit Union osprey platform in St Petersburg, Florida.

Gimbir, that cute Dad that fathered the dynamic Girri, is getting his adult plumage!!!!!!!

My lad and lass – besties forever.

It’s 2:46 minutes long. There is a bit of a pause in the middle but stay to the end. I hope these two make you smile.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Thank you for your e-mails and your comments. It is so nice to know there are others out there who love our feathered friends and who will do anything to make their lives better! I am sorry if I am not able to answer the comments or your e-mails as quickly as I did in the past, but I do appreciate each and every one of them and will, I promise, get around to responding!

We will be back on Friday, if not before – depending on action in the nests.

Please take care of yourself. We look forward to having you with us again soon.

We all owe a great debt to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to monitor the lives of our raptor families. I am indebted to all those who create videos (which takes a lot of time), such as SK Hideaways, and to the authors of the FB posts and the articles that I have included in my blog. We learn from one another, and I hope we share what we know with others. Thank you all. My blog would not be the same without your contributions.

Royal Cam chick taken to nest…Late Thursday in Bird World

22 January 2026

Good Morning Everyone,

As predicted, we woke to -34 C Thursday morning. It was SO COLD that when Toby set his paw on the deck, he cried and ran into the house. The general rule is: if it is too cold for humans, it is too cold for pets to be outside. No walk with Ellen today – we will find something else to do inside to work those muscles! Maybe it is a good day to vacuum – Don pushes and Toby chases. Great for both.

Today is a very special day. For 21 years, my son has the first class he teaches at the SGU medical school say ‘Hello Mom’. It happens in a few minutes and always brings tears. It is difficult living so far away from your children. I am glad that Jaine and her family are close. For years, I travelled with my son (since he was 18 and our first trip to India) and later him, his wife, and Don. Unbelievable times in Asia – great memories.

Again, thank you so much for your kind wishes for Brock. He is much loved and has been coming regularly to the heated feeder. He has already arrived on Thursday morning. Brock has to have a warm place to hunker down, or he’ll freeze. Gosh, I am glad, but I wish I knew where it was!

Before we move on, let us consider some numbers. Fifty-one (51) days til the middle of March, when we should begin to look for Big Red and Arthur to think about eggs, UK Ospreys will be arriving, and if we add another fortnight to that, Iris might be back, but for sure, by 8 April – her day of choice. I miss the ospreys. The lack of chicks at Port Lincoln left a big hole.

Hard to believe but an osprey has already been spotted in Scotland this past week and a visiting falcon to the scrape at University of Montreal in the snow!

The Royal Cam chick has been returned to the nest and Dad is there to greet the little one. https://youtu.be/pPuUIdzt8ss?

Locally, Wildlife Haven has been busy. Lumi, the lynx, has been flown to Guelph, Ontario for an MRI. Lumi is improving and will return to the Assiniboine Park Zoo, a partner with Wildlife Haven, soon. There is also a new raptor ambassador.

Introducing Our Newest Ambassador
We’re thrilled to introduce the newest member of the Wildlife Haven family—a young Swainson’s Hawk named Harriet.
Harriet arrived at Wildlife Haven as an orphaned nestling in August of 2025. She was very young, and it was unusual for a Swainson’s Hawk to be at this stage so late in the year, as she would normally need to prepare for fall migration.
In addition to being orphaned, Harriet needed medical care for a serious eye injury; a retinal detachment. She responded wonderfully to treatment and thrived under the care of our hospital team. With the expertise of the Wildlife Haven hospital staff and Dr. Sherri, Harriet’s retinal detachment fully healed.
Although her physical recovery was excellent, Harriet was too young to complete migration. Swainson’s Hawks must successfully complete their first migration to properly imprint, as this initial journey provides a foundational map for all future migrations. Without this experience, Harriet’s chances of survival in the wild would have been unlikely. After careful consideration, it was determined that she would be an excellent candidate for our ambassador team.
In September, Harriet moved to our ambassador wing, where she started training and learning important skills, including stepping up onto the glove. She continues her training in preparation for active participation in our Education Program, where she will have the opportunity to visit schools, attend community events, and help inspire people of all ages to care about and protect wildlife.
Harriet when she arrived at Wildlife Haven in August.Amy, our Education Program Manager, training Harriet to step up on the glove.
Ambassador animals play a vital role in conservation by connecting the public with nature and encouraging action to protect wild animals. Thanks to the incredible care Harriet has received, and the ongoing support of our community, she now has the chance to live a long, enriching, and meaningful life while educating Manitobans about wildlife.
Welcome to the team, Harriet!

Some good news is coming from the Winnipeg City Council. You might recall that there was a move to revoke the requirement for bird-friendly windows – well, that motion lost! Birds and wildlife lovers won against the bureaucracy. Remember. The movement to stop the City Councillors from changing this bylaw began with only a few people and grew and grew until the Council had to back down. Anything is possible when people join together for the greater good.

A great review of the 2025 osprey breeding season in Iowa! “Young osprey numbers hit a record high in Iowa, while peregrine falcons hold steady

https://www.iowapublicradio.org/environment/2026-01-19/ospreys-peregrine-falcons-birds-iowa-dnr-2025

According to new DNR reports, raptor surveyors and volunteers documented 58 osprey fledglings and 28 peregrine falcon fledglings in 2025. The positive numbers stem from years-long restoration efforts in Iowa.”

SK Hideaways caught the new couple mating for the first time in the West End nest area of the Channel Islands. https://youtu.be/Z1z28PuQFTs?

For the first time, Friends of Osprey South Australia have produced a very detailed report for the 2025 breeding season.

Osprey_Monitoring_Report_2025-26 (1) (2)Download

Heading to Poole Harbour? I sure hope I might make it and it is good to know what events are in store for the summer —- mine will be seeing CJ7 and/or Blue 022!

https://www.birdsofpooleharbourbookings.co.uk

At Kisatchie E1, there are now two eaglets, E04 and E05.

There has been quite a bit of rivalry at the Winter Park Florida Bald Eagle nest amongst the chicks due to a lack of food.

Wow. Look at that NE Florida Bald Eagle cam! Can you find the eaglets?

Thank you so much for being with us today. We are going to try to stay warm. Please take care. We will see you again on Monday.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams for letting us keep an eye on our favourite raptor families. I am very grateful to the authors of the FB posts included above, who give us great information and images. Thank you to Fran Solly and the Friends of Osprey Sth Aus for undertaking that great 2025 survey!

Is it Haku? Friday in Bird World

16 January 2026

Good Morning Everyone,

It is at least +1 °C on the Canadian Prairies today, if not warmer. Everything is melting. Ellen reported that the walkways were very icy this morning – not so good for a late evening walk, perhaps.

Toby and I woke up near midnight to find a blizzard occurring. Everything was so beautiful and white this morning! We had worked hard to get the ice off the paths – so much for that! Anthony will be here later to clear up.

We are looking at the calendar. It is Robbie Burns Day on the 25th. Many of you might have Scottish ancestors. My father was named after the Clyde River, and the family was distant, originating in Angus and Perthshire. The name originates from the Dalriadan Celtic Scotii (Scots) from Ireland, who colonised the south-west of Scotland from about the 4th century AD. Dunchad (Duncan) mac Conaing co-ruled Dalriada with Conall II (c.650 – 654).” Many contemporary DNA labs indicate that some of my father’s family is from Donegal, Ireland. It is all very interesting.

So who is Robbie Burns you ask? AI Overview says, “AI Overview

Robert Burns (Robbie Burns) is celebrated as Scotland’s national poet for his enduring poems and songs that captured Scottish life, love, and the human condition, making him a cultural icon and pioneer of the Romantic movement, with his birthday, Burns Night(Jan 25th), becoming a global tradition honoring Scottish heritage through suppers, poetry, and toasts, notes Wikipedia and Scotland.org. His work, often in Scots dialect, remains relevant, with his lyrics influencing literature and his song “Auld Lang Syne” sung worldwide at New Year, says Wikipedia and BBC.  

Key Reasons for Celebration

How He’s Celebrated

  • Burns Night: Held annually on January 25th, it involves formal dinners (“Burns Suppers”) featuring Scottish traditions like haggis, bagpipes, and recitations, say Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Burns and BBC. 
  • Toast to the Immortal Memory: A key part of the supper involves speeches honoring Burns’ life and work, with toasts to women (Toast to the Lassies) and witty replies, note BBC and Scotch Whisky Association. 

Haven’t quite decided what we will do this year for Burns night but will keep you posted!

There is a second hatch at Winter Park, Florida’s Bald Eagle nest. It might be five days younger but our experienced Mum keeps both of her little ones well fed.

(More images from Friday below)

Gracie Shepherd has the first feeding for chick 2 captured on video: https://youtu.be/d0-yd-XK3Ak?

We have a name for C14 or Connie and Clive’s only Bob at Captiva. Quinn. Nice name!

There is a possibility that Haku has returned to the West End nest on Catalina Island. SK Hideaways has that on video: https://youtu.be/XiDDW4QvFpA?

The latest news from Knepp’s Rewilding Project!

Knepp news 20 years of rewilding beavers cleaning water Burns NightDownload

New name and their camera is now on line.

The Glen Hazel (Hays) Bald Eagle Cam Is Live Again
The Glen Hazel (formerly Hays) Bald Eagle Cam is officially back online. After the original Hays nest fell last year, the same iconic eagle pair rebuilt nearby, and the live camera returned yesterday with a clear new view of their Glen Hazel nest along the Monongahela River near Pittsburgh. Viewers can once again watch these local bald eagles in real time as a new chapter begins at their updated nesting site.Check it out:https://sportsmansparadiseonline.com/bald-eagle-cams/hays-bald-eagle-camera/

I can’t even write what I think about this fine – and the act that this person beat a Buzzard to death. Isn’t there something about how a person treasts animals that indicates how they might treat people? Raptor Persecution UK adds commentary:

Commentary on the conviction of gamekeeper Thomas Munday (bludgeoned Buzzard to death on Hovingham EDownload

Duke Farms has their second egg on 15 January.

Liberty and Guardian are checking out their nest and the egg cup. Thanks, SK Hideaways. https://youtu.be/gP7Yj1vtEH8?

Winter Park babies re nothing short of adorable. Mum has this all under control.

Gabby is such a gifted Mum just like the Winter Park female. To stop the bonking, feed them to the brim as equally as possible and sit on them if necessary.

Smile. Girri continues to fly and be seen on the tower cam at Orange Australia. Fantastic.

Canadian Penny Albright is down in Captiva and she is going to be reporting on several osprey nests near to where she is staying. Thanks, Penny!

Remember the Abu Dhabi osprey cams are live and there is a lot of action. Check it out. https://www.youtube.com/live/myhsgmbiyfQ?

‘J’ sends us the breeding update for the Kakapo (those with check marks are good to go)

Pied Wagtails at the mall? The Guardian tells us all about it.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/16/country-diary-the-new-year-shopping-centre-is-packed-with-hundreds-of-pied-wagtails?CMP=share_btn_url

“Pied Wagtail rear view 700” is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

The snow has stopped bu the wind hasn’t. It is blowing cold. Ann took the lads out for a walk. Tomorrow Toby goes for a thorough grooming. He has not been able to be trimmed since he was so ill. While at the vet, his tummy got matted so the little darling is going to have a bit of a shave. His long curls on top of his head and his ears are going to be cut. He should look like a new boy tomorrow.

Have a good weekend. Take care of yourselves. We will see you on Monday.

Thank you to SK Hideaways for their videos, to the owners of the streaming cams for allowing us into the lives of our raptors, to the authors of the FB posts, The Guardian for their avian reporting, and Openverse for their images. Cheers to Raptor Persecution UK for bringing the atrocities that happen to our feathered friends to life for us.

First egg for Duke Farms Eagles…Late Monday in Bird World

12 January 2025

Good Evening Everyone,

I did not intend to post a blog today. The warm weather has energied all of us. We did a 4.3 km walk and then came home and dismantled the conservatory, scrubbed the floors, and rearranged the furniture. I wish Toby could do heavy lifting. He gets bored when Hugo Yugo wants to sleep and not play and now Toby is into tearing leaves off the tropical plants! What a mess they make.

We have our first egg at Duke Farms.

It is the time of year when some institutions offer honorary adoptions to support the essential work they do for our raptors. One of those is Ventana Wildlife, which manages the California Condors at Big Sur and Pinnacles. You could adopt – Redwood Queen, mother of Iniko (1031), who survived the Dolan Fire. Redwood Queen was the mate of Kingpin, who died, but she is now the lead condor in the flock.

Eagles at Decorah North.

Milda, the White-tail Eagle, was on her nest in Durbe County, Latvia on Monday.

Ospreys in Abu Dhabi! Here is the link to the streaming cams: https://www.youtube.com/live/3HOYTC_Ws3M?

I do love the eaglets – they are the cutest little things but my heart throbs at the sight of a tiny osprey or eyas.

I really ‘need’ Jackie and Shadow and Jak and Audacity to have at least one healthy eaglet this year. It would make 2026 so much better. Both couples are working on their nests.

Crap. The Mum at Winter Park was attacked by an owl. Ondabebee caught it on video. https://www.youtube.com/live/3HOYTC_Ws3M?

Jean-marie Dupart counts ospreys in Western African along the coast of Senegal. We are so grateful for his diligence, dedication, and the sightings of banded birds. Thank you for your report. Gosh KA9 sounds like a familiar osplet…let me see if I can find out where it is from.

Of course, KA9 is a male that hatched at Llyn Brenig in 2022. Ringed 4 July 2022. Parents are LJ2 and LM6.

Screenshot

We did lots of walking and cleaned up the conservatory, moving furniture, etc. Then we made SK Hideaways’ scone recipe #2. Delicious.

Oh, I wish I were a little younger. I would open a facility for people with dementia where they had free access to gardens, animals, baking -. Most talk about the time for some things, but it doesn’t seem to happen in the free way that it should. Keeping minds and bodies busy is paramount.

I will share one of these with each of you virtually!

Thank you so much for being with us for this very brief blog. I cannot promise that there will be another til the end of the week or next Monday. In the meantime, please do take care of yourself.

Thank you to everyone who posted information on FB. We appreciate your generous sharing of information and videos. Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch our beloved raptor families.

GHO at Eagle Country…Monday in Bird World

12 January 2025

Hello Everyone,

Gabby and the babies are on the big screen this morning. Gosh, they are big! It is windy and looks like rain coming to their nest.

Late note: Colonial Beach osprey cam is now live. We have lost a condor. Ventana Wildlife reports: “We recently found condor Vincent (892) deceased in Big Sur. He was just starting to come into his own as a breeding adult condor, and we are heartbroken to lose him so early in his life and when it was looking like he and condor Kodama (646) were about to nest.”

Thank you for all your lovely notes and supportive comments. We have had a good weekend. The weather has not always cooperated, especially on Sunday when we had pounding sleet during our walk with Toby (yes, we do get out no matter the weather). Today it is warm and the lads are in for a long walk – at least 3.6 km. We need it! And I cannot tell you how uplifting it is to go outside, even if it is for five minutes!

We hope that you had a lovely weekend. Did you watch that little sweetheart at the Winter Park, Florida Bald Eagle nest? And did you remember to put in a name for C14 at the Captiva nest of Connie and Clive?

The Winter Park eaglet is so cute!

The Winter Park female spent most of Sunday protecting her eaglet and 35-day-old egg from an intruder that was rather persistent.

It has been a gorgeous weekend. On Sunday, it will be 0 °C. We woke up to a fresh blanket of snow Saturday morning, and temperatures of -7 C. Toby was more than eager to get outside and go for a walk, and he was really excited when Miyoung arrived for haircut day. She is heading home to Korea for the New Year’s celebrations and to spend a month with her family. We are so very happy for her. It has been a true blessing to be able to count on her to come to our house, cut and style our hair in the conservatory, with Toby and the Girls looking on in awe. There should be more mobile units of all sorts – including dog grooming – for our ageing population. I have managed to figure out grocery delivery. Some people told me that they ordered too much because of the delivery charges – don’t do that. We want to cut down all waste, right? Just order what you need. The charges are a % of that, and you might be able to get free delivery by signing up for a service. Obviously, these conveniences are different wherever one lives! We have lucked out with the groceries, the snow removal, haircuts, and Ann. My next task is to try and organise friends and family to commit to coming one weekend afternoon a month. Those little breaks and Don’s ability to socialise with many different people make a huge difference. Keep that in mind if you or someone you know is in a similar situation.

Toby really enjoys his ‘Bully Sticks’ from Iceland. They help clean his teeth and are good at helping with the anxiety he is having. At the moment, he is wearing a sweater. The four days in the vet hospital matted his beautiful, long fur on his tummy. Poor Guy. He will go for a shave on the 17th.

Hugo Yugo got caught in Toby’s new car seat! You might recall that Hugo Yugo and Calico were quite interested in Toby’s stroller when he was a tiny pup. Well this very soft velvet carseat has caused a lot of commotion – no interest from Toby, however.

Missey has discovered a new spot to hide. I created a pile of wicker baskets – Toby chews on their handles – behind one of the sofas. Missey has taken it over. Toby can’t get back there and there is a nice window.

Baby Hope always sleeps on Don’s bed during the daytime. No one bothers her there and she does enjoy getting away from Calico once in awhile.

I might have missed it but I saw E26 getting fed ‘something’ dug up in the nest. I did not see a prey delivery on Saturday happen prior to 1600- but, please correct me. I want to be wrong. I know that road kill had been delivered and this looks like left over bones from it.

It was hot in Fort Myers.

M15 is OK. Flew in but nothing in his talons. Eaglets can go without food. E26 does not look like it is ‘starving’ – do not get me wrong but in the heat they depend on hydration from the prey. Fingers crossed for a nice whopping meal before bedtime.

Fish was on the menu for C14 at the Captiva nest of Connie and Clive! Oh, how I love it when those eaglets get to eat fish.

It is so good seeing those two healthy eaglets at the Dade County Bald Eagle nest of Ron and Rose. There is also news that R5 has been photographed at a golf course at Palm Beach, Florida. —–Imagine if they had not received their bands we would never know. So happy about the survival of these eaglets!

These two are so big.

I had the loveliest note from ‘N’ and I wanted to share the Eagle Country news with all of you that they sent me: “Wanted to update you on the latest journey we are blessed with at Eagle Country. We have a pair of Great Horned Owls (Willow & Gus-EC announced names yesterday). We miss the eagles being at the nest of course but am embracing this opportunity to learn about more about GHOW with the incredible cams there. Skye has been seen on the river cams (we see eagles daily there) and was last seen Dec 16th maybe the 31st at the nest. She has failed to bond this season with one of many suitors that have been about. Blaze has not been seen in months this season

Video from Androcat  of egg lay, prey delivery.  https://youtu.be/GtF6pTvDiDM?si=VMwa-NOa2Ub5io4S

Facebook post from Eagle Country (we are also getting a replacement cam for River 2, on it’s way) https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17esUgTbXj/

Love what Eagle Country has said “It’s been a beautiful reminder of why this place we call home is named Eagle Country. Country means the whole wild story, not just one chapter. Nature is wild. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

SK Hideaways videos, week of 4 January 2026

AEF-NEFL Eagles:  Gabby, Beau, NE32 & NE33
Courtesy American Eagle Foundation/NEFL Eagle CamOps https://nefleaglecam.org/
Nest Cam 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouWBQoVFegI
Nest Cam 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQrJv_Dt4tY
Cam 3 (Approach view) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImHK7o8UHXE
Nest Cam 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2KxnZtnI6Q

NE32 & NE33’s Food Comas and Hay Blanket Escapes (2026 Jan 10)
NE32 is 11 days old; NE33 10 days. They’ve got their second down and are beginning to sprout pin feathers. All that growing requires lots of food and all that food results in food comas. Here are some of those food comas as well as a look at their keen ability to escape the hay blankets that Gabby and Beau sometimes pull up over them.
Video: https://youtu.be/mQKieXGtd0M

NE32 & NE33 Crawl to the Pantry + Gabby & Beau’s Seamless Changeovers (2026 Jan 6)
NE32 is 6 days old; NE33 is 5 days old. They’re seeing more and moving more, including galumphing over to the pantry for snacks. Gabby and Beau are providing ample nourishment for these adorable, growing eaglets. 
Video: https://youtu.be/13nHkRpPt2Y


FOBBVCAM Eagles: Jackie & Shadow
Fluffed Up Nest Ready for Pancakes & Chick-Proof Rails (2026 Jan 5)
Jackie and Shadow have added fluff to the egg cup and built-up the rails around their nest. With Jackie’s fertile time occurring from January to April, we wait with giddy anticipation and hope for another successful breeding season. (5 Jan 2026)
Video: https://youtu.be/E6xPBIEXv9k
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


Two Harbors Eagles: Nest of Cholyn & Chase
Cholyn Brings Lunch ~ Ravens Want It ~ Chase Shoos Peregrine Away (2026 Jan 8)After a brief morning chat at the nest, Cholyn and Chase departed to a secret hideaway. Cholyn later returned with a tasty fish, but had to defend it against a raven before consuming it in peace. Chase arrived as sunset approached to defend the nest again ~ this time a swooping peregrine falcon was the culprit. Both Cholyn and Chase made quick work of their respective unwanted intruders to get on with the next eagle task at talon. (2026 Jan 8)
Video: https://youtu.be/2bUHUX55g-0
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org, Two Harbors Eagles Cam Ops
Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ



West End Eagles: Nest Residents in Flux ~ Catalina Island, CA
Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org
Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14
Other Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmmAzrAkKqI
Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kad6O4nF6bg

Plot Twist ~ New Female and Male Tinker, Beak on Nest (2026 Jan 9)
The new female and male met on the nest for the first time. We watch and wait as this ever-changing story unfolds for the West End eagles. (2026 Jan 9)
Video: https://youtu.be/8Q7FQ9AcTOU

Masked Eagle Takes to Nest ~ Visitor Perches On Hillside (2026 Jan 9)
There was an eagle on the nest for the first time since 1 January. There is some discrepancy about whether it is Haku. I personally don’t think it is. What do you think? There was another eagle perched on the hillside as well. There have been no confirmed sightings of Haku since 1 January and none of Akecheta since 30 December.)
Video: https://youtu.be/T3i1xbltjPU

Speaking of hanging around, how blessed are we that Girri continues to chase her parents, Diamond and Gimbir, for food, and that she’s such a strong flyer? Seeing reports on Girri just makes my heart beat bigger and warmer. Good weather and a big strong fledgling – what a difference.

The theft of the peregrine falcons in the UK:

“In the 90s, the UK trade in peregrine falcons was domestic, but it is now almost exclusively geared towards serving the market in the Gulf states. The UK exports more live raptors than any other country, and the UAE is the largest importer. “Over the past 10 years there has been significant growth in the falcon breeding industry,” said DC Steven Irvine, who has been investigating this trade.

Trading captive falcons is entirely legal, but what is not legal is the trafficking of wild birds into the captive trade. It is not known how many of those exported birds are wild caught, but police have identified at least some that are.” Read more…

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/08/wildlife-matters-and-it-may-be-causing-untold-harm-upon-nature-in-the-uk?CMP=share_btn_url

Then we have the ‘meanies’ around the world – not just in the UK – that shoot our beloved feathered friends. Unbelievable.

Peregrine found with gunshot injuries – police appeal for information – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

There is a new couple at the West End nest that once belonged to Akecheta and Thunder. No sightings of Akecheta for nearly a fortnight.

Ferris Akel caught images of both Big Red and Arthur during his tour of the Cornell Campus on Saturday the 10th.

For your enjoyment, some beautiful slo-motion video of backyard birds from Cornell: https://youtu.be/oZvA2eL_Sho?

It is now less than 60 days til we expect the first osprey to land in the UK. Who will it be? Seren Blue 5F at Clywedog? Blue 33 or Maya at Rutland? Blue 28 at Rutland?

Of you can’t wait that long, Moorings Park thinks they might have an egg this week – Harry and Sally are home.

‘A’ sends us a long commentary from Melbourne – thank you! “I was a huge fan of Beau when he was V3, as you might recall, and was thrilled when Gabby warmed to him (in her own time) and decided he was worth training. Beau was young and totally inexperienced at being a mate (and of course Gabby is one very demanding female). But he got there and look at who he is now. The most devoted of mates and a perfect dad. I adore watching the tandem feedings (where Beau usually feeds NE33 while Gabby feeds NE32, I have noticed, although occasionally it is the other way around), especially when he is feeding bites to Gabby that she in turn feeds to NE32, or vice versa.

What I do notice is that when Beau is doing a feeding on his own, he always makes sure that the food is shared between the pair, with a bite for NE32 and then a bite for NE33. These nestlings do have impeccable table manners, which helps a lot, but then I suspect the angelic behaviour at meal times is probably the result of knowing that they will each be given enough to eat so there’s no need for bonking. It just slows down their eating!! 

I am so glad that Gabby found such a wonderful mate after losing Samson. She deserved Beau, and as I keep saying, I loved that he was patient with her and not pushy, allowing her to move on at her own pace. I think they did have a special bond. Something made Gabby chose V3 rather than V9 or V13 or even V14. 

Suffice it to say that Gabby (and her nest) represented prime eagle real estate and there was much competition for both. It is interesting that a very young, inexperienced male should be the ultimate victor – it surely has to represent a choice on her part because otherwise, it would be most unlikely that V3 should successfully see off so many older, more worldly competitors to ultimately win her talon, so to speak. A true bald eagle love story. 

And now look at the results. Super parents in a relaxed, happy, mutually supportive partnership. What a truly adorable family they are.

Meanwhile, the pair at WRDC are also adorable, I agree with you about siblings. I think they are a major plus on a nest, and was really amused to re-read the story of Bodie and Juvie at this nest. I truly believe that was a huge plus for Bodie, and it was so typical of this particular family that they adopted Juvie as their own. I wonder what the motivation was for that on the part of Gabby and Beau. Did they understand the bonuses in the situation for Bodie? Or were they simply reacting instinctively to a young bird begging for food, in pretty much the same way as the parents of Junior did when they brought in Malala, the red-tailed hawklet, to feed to their own chick as lunch but then adopted?

But I’m rambling. It’s a lovely sunny 18C day today with a cool breeze and a blue sky. There are still fires in parts of the state but some rain overnight and the halving of temperatures have helped the situation immensely. Everyone In the family is safe. 

At Tataroa Head, the Royal Cam egg (laid on 6 November) is 66 days old today. The egg has been candled and we know that it contains a living creature that we presume to be a miniature northern royal albatross. That means we are less than a fortnight from pip watch. TOO exciting. I’m wondering whether the incubating parent is aware of the impending hatch – I’m presuming they can hear that a hatch is underway – and be reluctant to leave the nest during the hatch. Or whether the foraging parent has some way of knowing that a hatch is due and so hurries home for the hatch. 

Of course it is possible that they are remarkably unconcerned about the whole process, given the fact that the rangers remove the egg as soon as a pip is detected and take it to hatch in a supervised incubator, leaving the proud parent carefully incubating a dummy egg that suddenly ceases to emit any sound whatsoever. I do have to wonder whether that distresses them in any manner (it doesn’t appear to do so and fortunately, but somewhat strangely to me, there is no information to indicate any of the bamboozled incubating parents abandoning the suddenly silent egg. Maybe they just accept the happy ending and/or have learned to trust the intervention of the rangers, whatever form it takes. 

But to return to my point, the Royal Cam egg is due to hatch in 13 days (which is 24 January by my estimate). The egg takes many days to hatch, so I’m not sure what stage the 79 days takes us to. The pip? The hatch itself? I will have to look it up, but based on my memory of previous years, I think it means we should have a small damp fluffy person on 24 January. I will look it up to be sure but the timing of a hatch on day 79 is perfect – it’s two days before Australia Day. 

I’m so excited. I do adore the early weeks of a baby albatross, and this nest is such an easy watch because of its isolated setting and the rangers’ dedication. Intervention? These birds get squid smoothies when they need nutrition, electrolytes when they need hydration, sprinklers when it’s too hot, supervised hatching of the eggs in incubators, and regular general health monitoring throughout, and of course all nests have one chick only and the albatross is the most gentle of birds, so a bit of posturing and bill clacking is about as aggressive a watch as it gets. The birds are just exquisitely serene, as you would be if you planned to spend more than half a century drifting around the world on air currents. Their entire life is a meditation.” 

Thank you so much for being with us today. We will see you next Monday.

Thank you to those who post news on the various FB groups – what would we do without them?! And to the owners of the streaming cams who allow us to look into the lives of the Raptors, as well as news agencies and blogs that report on the atrocities that happen to our beloved feathered friends, such as The Guardian and Raptor Persecution UK. I am grateful to ‘A’ for her long commentary, to ‘N’ for writing in about Eagle Country, and to SK Hideaways and their amazing videos. Thank you all!