Tag Archives: peregrine falcons

Branching at Collins Street…sea eaglets return hungry to the nest. Wednesday in Bird World.

Good morning, everyone,

Today is Remembrance Day. All across Canada, friends and family are honouring those that gave their lives in the many wars since ‘The Great War’ – which was supposed to end all wars. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we lived in a world of fierce cooperation, caring for one another, caring for wildlife.

Speaking of caring for wildlife. Those individuals who worked so hard – Brian Collins, Debbie Campbell, Robert Kellam (amongst hundreds of others) to stop the harvesting of Menhaden so our ospreys could survive are outraged. No science. Nothing. You are now witnessing the extinction of ospreys in the Chesapeake Bay and area. I felt like someone ran over me with a truck when I heard that no one listened to the presentations supporting the ecosystem and our beloved Osprey. Surely 151 jobs in Reedsville, Virginia, are not worth destroying this beautiful landscape.

Debbie Campbell posted this.

Infographic over a school of Atlantic menhaden stating that advocates’ voices were ignored, with a 9% coastwide catch reduction for 2027–2028 and a 99.5% chance of exceeding the fishing mortality target.

We woke up to 0°C temperatures. The forecast even shows that we could have snow! I am not ready for that. My arthritic left leg is not ready for that! I am so grateful for Toby. What a sweet little dog he is. He doesn’t like cold, damp weather either. Out for business and curled up in the chair. No demands for long walks on days like this. I think we might make a fire in the woodstove. ‘The Girls’ always love that! Maybe Toby will, too.

Thank you, as always, for your love and support. It means the world to me and lifts me up when the days seem to be crashing in. I haven’t given an update on Don because it’s been such a roller coaster. One day we are having a conversation that could have happened in our conservatory pre-August 27, and another day, Donald is terribly confused. It is the life of someone caring for Lewy Body Dementia. Alzheimer’s has a downward trajectory. LBD -the brain function is the very last to go – while the ‘body’ falls apart.

There is no hope that Don will ever walk again. He still remembers walking, and that is dangerous. Yesterday, Don had blood work taken and was panelled. Panelling is the process of determining if an individual requires long-term care and then what type of unit they would go into. There are three levels: normal, special, and special behavioural unit. The latter two deal with increasingly violent individuals. Don was panelled to go into a normal care facility. We are so happy! I do not get to pick the home. I have a first choice: Riverview. It is very close to our home and would make it easy for Toby and me to visit. Because it is considered to be the gold standard, there is a very long waiting list (1.5 years, presumably). There are 37 other homes scattered across our City. I just hope that when our lottery comes up, the home is full of kindness and love and close to where we live. Until then, he will live in his current hospital room. An opening could happen tomorrow, in a week, or in several months. We do not know. Sadly, someone has to die, and there are others in front of Don in line.

SK Hideaways has sent their video listing!

SK Hideaways Videos Week of 1 November 2026

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

Very sadly, the second female has also contracted trichomonosis and will not survive. As of 10 November, the male still appears to be healthy.

Chick #1 is Very Unwell ~ 2 Healthy Chicks Take Time to Be Near~ 2026 Nov 4
As reported by Dr. Victor Hurley, chick #1 appears to have a Trichomoniasis infection. The video includes his entire statement. The unwell chick is not yet showing severe symptoms, so I wanted to bring you some endearing footage of the two healthy siblings spending time with chick #1, as well as the chick’s current state. This allows me to inform and educate before her disease progresses. I will continue to report on the chick’s progress in my typical sensitive fashion. Having said that, even this video may be disturbing to some viewers.
Video: https://youtu.be/J4jBSjSIe4E


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=LWYBNX02Q-A
Disclaimer: while I refer to SE37 as female and SE38 as male, their genders are not actually known.

SE37 & SE38 REUNITE! Lady & Dad Deliver Celebration Feast ~ 2026 Nov 7
On SE38’s homecoming day, SE37 stayed out exploring till late afternoon. When the two came together, they had a mini-honk fest and everything returned to normal. That’s when the celebration really started, as Dad brought in a bream, which 38 immediately claimed for himself. Lady soon brought in a gull for 37. There were poignant moments of Lady feeding first 37 and then both eaglets. Just as they finished the first gull, Dad brought in a second. It was quite the food fest. When day turned to night, the two eaglets came together in the nest.
Thankful for these post-fledge moments, as we never know when our time with SE37 and SE38 on camera will end. So grateful for having the opportunity for as long as it lasts.
Video: https://youtu.be/ax8qh1BGq90

SE38 RETURNS with BIG FISH Welcome! ~ 2026 Nov 7
When Lady brought a big whopper to the nest, she may have purposely been luring SE38 home. But whatever the reason, the sea eaglet, who fledged 2 days before, returned and had that big fish all to himself. Meanwhile, SE37 watched from her perch high above the nest and then went out exploring. SE38 was content to remain in the nest and get a well-deserved rest.
Video: https://youtu.be/h5i5KTrj84I

SE37’s Big Night Out with Lady ~ Returns to Nest for Zoomies & Sleep ~ 2026 Nov 5
SE37 perched near the nest after fledging. Lady arrived late afternoon with supper and SE37 experienced dining out for the first time. After digesting and having a think, SE37 took the leap and flew back to the nest like a pro. She stayed the night and, as I post, has been there all day as well. SE38 has been heard but not seen on camera. Hope to see him again soon.
Disclaimer: while I refer to SE37 as female and SE38 as male, their genders are not actually known.
Video: https://youtu.be/qizkp0hdhl4

2 Fledges + 2 Semi-Fludges = A Busy Day for SE37 & SE38 ~ 2026 Nov 5
A blustery day brought on fledge fever. SE38 went back and forth between the nest and the fledge tree twice beginning at 6:32. On his third trip to the fledge tree, a wind gust unbalanced him, causing him to slip. He ended up on a tree to the right of the nest.
SE37 was exercising her wings when a gust took her by surprise and off she went, ending up on a branch just to the left of the nest at 12:46.
They will likely rest where they are for awhile before attempting to relocate. We hope to see them on the nest again before they take off on their life adventure.
Video: https://youtu.be/AHxhsBWpLaY


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

Cholyn Calls at Sunset ~ Moments to Remember ~ 2026 Nov 3 & 7
From a few days ago, just a simple little video of Cholyn on the historical nest calling out as a beautiful Two Harbors sunset unfolded. Chase didn’t answer her call this time, but they were seen together after this particular evening, including today. I included a clip of today’s meeting on their sofa, chortling their sweet hearts out.
Video: https://youtu.be/xZYnrU-54hM


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

It appears we’ve had another residency change at the West End. Lovely Narasu has not be seen  since 5 November and it’s possible that a previous resident, Isla has returned. Time will tell if we see an actual breeding season here.

Masked Visitor at Nest ~ Where are Narasu & HG ~ 2026 Nov 5
Never a dull moment at the West End territory on Catalina Island. What appears to be a large sub-adult female got comfy on Narasu and HG’s nest twice today (so far). We saw two eagles on the far tor after the end of this video. Happy to entertain visitors, but really enjoying Narasu and HG here.
Video: https://youtu.be/c2gOgaYCMWA

Narasu & HG Nest Palooza ~ She Aces Tug-o-Wing & This-Fish-Is-Mine ~ 2026 Nov 1
As we get to know Narasu and HG*, it was great to have them on camera all day so we could observe and learn. This day-in-the-life video shows the extensive nestorations they’ve done to the nest I’ll always think of as Thunder and Akecheta’s, who would be proud of the work these new residents have done.
It also shows 4-1/2-year-old Narasu taking charge about “owning” food that comes into the nest. It appeared that HG may have brought her a pigeon gift, but we can’t be sure if it was meant as such or if he’s learned that all food is hers. More nestorations and then Narasu brought in a large Garabaldi, which she wasn’t about to share, but did eventually give HG a bite (in a very touching moment).
At day’s end, they went to the night roost, like other eagle pairs have always done. Fingers crossed they settle in for nesting season in a month or so.
*HG stands for Handsome Guy, a nickname given to the male until the couple mate and produce.
Video: https://youtu.be/hAfZ0gO7euQ

Narasu & HG Spectacular Soaring ~ She Lets Ravens Know Who’s Boss ~ 2026 Nov 1
Narasu and VE3 (Visiting Eagle 3) or HG (Handsome Guy, my preferred nickname) were out and about on a lovely West End morning, soaring all around the tors. Later, Narasu landed on the overlook to observe what she seems to have claimed as her territory when two pesky ravens began taunting her. The 4-1/2 year-old beauty held her ground. The ravens blinked first and flew off. Narasu is a 2022 hatch from Twin Rocks nest, also on Catalina Island. HG is unbanded
Video: https://youtu.be/umBt9R4FJ-g

The good news continues at the Olympic Park WBSE nest in Sydney where SE37 and 38 continue to return to the nest ravenous for food!

Close-up of a bird of prey's talons gripping a small fish on a leaf-covered forest floor
Two juvenile birds perched on a tree branch in a dense forest
Two sea eagles perched on a large nest in a eucalyptus forest

Oh, what a beautiful sight.

At 367 Collins Street, the female is still alive. Can she beat what killed her older sibling? Send positive energy. She is not robust, but she has eaten some. The male is preparing to fledge. He branched today! He seems not to have been impacted at all, thank goodness.

Remember – the cameras at this site are turned off once both chicks fledge.

City skyline and riverfront viewed from a high-rise, with pigeons perched on the window ledge

Across my city, we have geese feeding on the lush green grass. Don can watch them fly into Sturgeon Creek from the dayroom at the hospital. The rivers are still open.

Hawk Mountain is still counting as migration continues.

Table listing raptor species with weekly totals, season totals, and 10-year averages, including a total of 407 weekly sightings and 18,443 season sightings.

And last, but never least, we have an update on Ervie and Giliath!

Screenshot of a Port Lincoln Osprey social media post discussing tracking updates and two male ospreys.

Giliath:

Satellite map of Port Lincoln, South Australia, showing yellow flight paths around Boston Island and Lincoln National Park.

Ervie for the last three weeks:

Satellite map of Port Lincoln and surrounding coastline with yellow flight paths connecting Boston Island, Louth Bay, and Tumby Bay.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Keep watching – Bald Eagle eggs are starting to appear, and we are on egg watch for Gabby and Beau.

I will return next Monday. My plan is to post once a week until we have little eaglets!

Thank you to SK Hideaway for their great videos, to Debbie Campbell for leading the fight to save the ospreys, to Hawk Mountain for posting their count, and to the others who posted on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams – we are forever grateful for alerting us to the activities of our beloved birds.

Save the Osprey!

9 November 2026

Tomorrow is the day that the vote on Menhaden will happen. It is a big day for our ospreys and I thank everyone who sent their comments to the committee.

Truck displaying an American Bird Conservancy campaign urging people to conserve menhaden because ospreys are starving, parked on a historic city street.
Social media post discussing menhaden conservation, osprey nestling deaths, and an upcoming fisheries management vote.

Great news about Snow – Flying Higher and Lifting Off. Mum and Dad would be proud.

Black eagle flying inside a large aviary with bold text reading “SNOW!!! 120 FEET OF PROGRESS!”

Victor Hurley was concerned about the female at 367 Collins Street. The adult female has been feeding her and she is eating better and both looked good a few minutes ago.

Pigeon flying beside a high-rise rooftop overlooking a city skyline, river, and waterfront pier.

Adult on nest with prey – eaglet on the branches earlier at the Olympic Park WBSE nest in Sydney.

A juvenile bird of prey perched on a tree branch in a forest
Spotted owl perched on a tree branch in a wooded forest.
White-bellied sea eagle perched in a large stick nest among tree branches

SK Hideaways has the return of SE38 to the nest after fledge! https://youtu.be/h5i5KTrj84I?

M15 and F26 were seen mating on the old nest at the Pritchett Farm in Fort Myers, Florida.

Egg watch continues at NE Florida nest of Beau and Gabby.

Bald eagle perched in a large nest surrounded by pine trees and forest
Bald eagle perched on a tree branch above a forest canopy, with distant buildings visible under a blue sky.

Thank you so much for being with us on this quick update. There is one other thing – Mary Cheadle is holding a final fundraiser for The Woodland Trust and the Loch Arkaig nest of Louis and Dorcha.

Screenshot of a Facebook post announcing the Friends of Loch Arkaig Ospreys Christmas Fundraiser 2026 for the Woodland Trust.
Christmas-themed collage featuring wildlife artwork, an oystercatcher calendar, squirrel and kingfisher photographs, and festive decorations

Thank you to everyone advocating for the Ospreys tomorrow – what a great image. Thank you to SK Hideaways and to everyone who else who posted information, images, or both. I am grateful to the owners of the streaming cams that let us watch these incredible birds.

Aran’s book is ready for purchase…late Sunday in Bird World

8 November 2026

Greetings Everyone,

It is 1700 on the Canadian Prairies (Saturday), and it is 14 degrees C. Toby and I have just returned from a marvellous, slow-sniffing walk. No rushing. People running or walking their dogs, children jumping on trampolines, or neighbours barbecuing. It feels a wee bit like summer and not the beginning of the second week in November!

Thank you to everyone for your supportive notes. They really do mean a lot and lift me when the days seem nothing but icy cold and grey. Caregiving is hard, but navigating whether or not to bring your loved one home from the hospital when they cannot walk or place them in a long-term care facility is even more difficult. There are too many variables like staffing – here, the turnover can be huge. Then there is not enough staff at night to help with a two-person lift. I could go on, but I suspect many of you have had experiences with LTC facilities, and I don’t need to say anything more. We were fortunate to find my mother a wonderful facility in Edmond, Oklahoma, when she needed it, and I wasn’t allowed to bring her to Canada. Here, the best facilities have 1-2 year wait lists.

If you find yourself or a friend beginning to care for someone with any type of dementia, I urge you to pick up a copy of The Days Memory Leaves Behind. A Compassionate Guide to Understanding Dementia, Navigating Its Challenges, and Finding Meaning in Everyday Life by Sylvan Everleigh. This is not a medical book – it is one of the most practical guides by a caregiver I have seen! I wish I had read it earlier.

The ‘bird book’ I have been waiting for since I saw a note that it was being written and illustrated is now for sale. Kathryn Keir (author) and Penny Albright (illustrator) have finished their book about Aran, the Glaslyn osprey that was mate to Mrs G and Elen. All proceeds go toward the camera and maintenance at Aran’s new nest (he lost his mate, Elen, and Glaslyn’s nest to Teifi in 2025), and he had a new mate and chick in 2026. Kathryn Keir kindly kept us informed through photographs, but now, in 2027, we can watch this much-loved male again with his new mate.

Here is the information so you can order your copy- and please do support this great effort. The price is right and all funds go directly to streaming next years events!

But further…there are many streaming cams that solicit donations that are owned by millionaires or the Dept of Natural Resources in the US who get funds from selling hunting licenses to operate their cameras. Support those small ones that actually need the money to operate!

Screenshot of a social media post announcing the bilingual children's book "Aran's Arrival," including pricing, postage, ordering details, and proceeds supporting osprey conservation.
Children's book cover titled "Aran’s Arrival" featuring an illustrated owl and Welsh bilingual text.

Kathryn will be away for a few days so if you don’t hear from her, don’t fret.

The really good news is that SE37 and SE38 fledged from the Olympic Park WBSE nest in Sydney and RETURNED! They have been fed on the nest and all is well. Relief.

SK Hideaways has the reunion of the two fledglings at the nest on video: https://youtu.be/ax8qh1BGq90?

Two dark birds perched on tree branches above a large stick nest in a leafy forest.
Young osprey standing in a large stick nest among tree branches
Infrared night-vision image of tree branches with two round fruits and a timestamp.
Social media post from EagleCAM with a November 7 update and a four-image collage showing sea eagles and a chick in a nest.

Long time viewers of this nest and readers of my blog will recall the concern over the Currawongs driving the newly fledged eaglets out of the forest. However, for the past two years, this has not happened and the eaglets have gotten stronger and wiser by being fed at the nest and then, following the parents, down to the river. Yes, we might find them in care (or worse), but they survived the fledge and returned to the nest!

Parents at 367 are slowing food deliveries as the two surviving chicks of four reveal their juvenile feathers and begin flap, flapping.

Aerial view of Sydney’s Circular Quay waterfront and city skyline with a bird perched on a building ledge

Fans of Pepe and Mulhady will be celebrating a second egg. Gracie Shepherd caught the first on video: https://youtu.be/MBt4K2ZzSR4?

We are on egg watch for Gabby and Beau at the NE Florida nest near Palm Court.

Bald eagle standing in a large treetop nest surrounded by pine trees and forest

New patients and some releases from our local wildlife rehabiliation centre, Wildlife Haven:

nside the Hospital: This Week’s Patient Stories
Migration is underway, and that means we’re seeing a lot of birds come through our doors in need of care along their journey south. Here’s a look at the patients, progress and happy endings your support helped make possible this week.
A New Arrival: Rough-Legged Hawk
This Rough-legged Hawk arrived at Wildlife Haven a few days ago after being spotted along the roadside near Petersfield, Manitoba. The finder had driven past him twice before deciding to stop and bring him back to his farm. He noticed the bird could only manage short jumps and was unable to get enough lift to fly properly.
The Rough-legged Hawk was found on the roadside struggling to fly.
On examination, we found a fracture in his wing, as well as a blood blister, which was removed, cleaned and sutured. Dr. Celena applied a wing wrap to help stabilize the injured bone, and we’ll be rechecking him in a few days to see how he’s progressing.
Dr. Celena applies a wing wrap to help stabilize the fracture and support healing.
A Little Saw-whet Owl Returns to the Wild
This little Northern Saw-whet Owl was found in a Steinbach backyard unable to fly and suffering from significant head trauma. We’re not sure what happened, but it may have been the result of a collision.
Northern Saw-whet Owls are one of the smallest owl species in North America, standing just 18 cm tall and weighing about as much as a robin.
When he first arrived, he was barely responsive, so we got him started on pain medication and anti-inflammatories, gave him a quiet space to recover, and hand-fed him throughout the week while he regained his strength.
It took several days, but slowly he started becoming more responsive (and even hissing at us again!). Before long, we spotted him flying around his enclosure!The little Saw-whet needed to be hand-fed for several days to regain his strength. Our Assistant Rehabilitation Manager wipes his mouth after being fed.
He was successfully released back into the Steinbach area this week and can now continue his migration south.
A Virginia Rail with a Dislocated Toe
A Virginia Rail arrived from Winnipeg this week with shoulder bruising and a badly dislocated left toe. Our veterinary team repositioned the toe and splinted it, but after another assessment, discovered healing would take several weeks, if not longer.
Virginia Rails are very secretive and spend most of their time hidden in thick marsh vegetation. They are a migratory species and travel to southern parts of the United States and Mexico for the winter.
She couldn’t afford that delay, as she should already be migrating south for the winter. To give her the best chance back in the wild, the team decided to amputate the toe for a faster recovery.
Dr. Celena performed the surgery on Thursday. The Virginia Rail is now on the mend, and we hope to get her back out to the wild, healed and feeling better, to make the trip south before it gets too cold.
Dr. Celena performing surgery the Virginia Rail to remove its dislocated toe.

Some of you might be worried about Shadow and Kaydee but both eagles have returned to the Big Bear nest after being away for quite a few days (nearing a week, I believe). They are both fine.

The latest news from Knepp Farm:

News from Knepp Wildlife Sightings this AutumnDownload

Rat poison continues to kill wildlife, including beloved White tail Eagles in the UK:

Death of yet another White-tailed Eagle in southern England linked to rat poison – Raptor PersecutioDownload

Grouse Moors and missing 154 Hen Harriers!

154 Hen Harriers confirmed ‘missing’ or illegally killed in UK since 2018, most of them on or closeDownload

New osprey chicks have been spotted at nests throughout South Australia and the sole remaining chick on Thistle Island appears to be thriving.

It was 14 C yesterday but cooler today and damp again. Toby is not a fan! He would rather curl up in a warm chair.

Black, white, and tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sleeping curled up on a cushion

Calico reminds us that reading is good!

Close-up of a calico cat with green eyes sitting on a cat tree by a window

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. We will be back with you soon!

Thank you to SK Hideaways, Kathryn Keir and Penny Albright, Raptor Persecution UK, Sydney Eagle Cam and all those who posted on FB or created videos as well as the owners of the streaming cams. We are always grateful.

Fledge in Sydney, Death in Melbourne, Seren arrives in The Gambia…late Wednesday in Bird World

4 November 2026

Hello Everyone,

Toby and I have had a lovely walk today and are preparing to meet our friend, Connie, and her dog, Izzy, for a longer “sniffing meet” tonight at 1800. The weather is not so bad. Yes, I need a light wool coat and a toque, but the sun is shining, and the sky is blue, and we are feeling joyful!

Dylan and Seren (Blue 5F) lost their three chicks this year at the main Llyn Clywedog nest in Wales. Seren appeared to have been frightened and bolted, leaving the chicks uncovered during a cool night. All died from hypothermia. Dylan and Seren recovered, and today, Seren was photographed on her favourite post in The Gambia. She has arrived safely.

There are now only two surviving eyases on the 367 Collins Street ledge. The eldest died of either Trichomoniasis or HPAI, falling off the ledge during the early hours of the morning. I hope that the carcass was found and taken for testing so that the results can be known. The other two chicks appear to be fine. Let us hope it stays that way! These are excellent parents.

A falcon perched on a ledge overlooking a city skyline with modern buildings and a river below; a nest with chicks is visible beside it.

Congratulations for SE38 who fledged and returned to the nest several times before being seen on camera on the ground.

A bird of prey, likely a young eagle, sitting in a nest bowl on a tree branch, surrounded by foliage on a windy morning.

Jack and Jill were together at the Achieva nest today.

Two ospreys in their nest, one standing on a post overlooking the nest while the other is sitting inside. The background shows trees and residential buildings.

The Woodland Trust published their video summary of the 2026 Loch Arkaig ospreys. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/jKM7mRL0iaQ?

Dorcha and Louis’s beautiful juveniles.

Two young eagles in a large nest, surrounded by green hills and a river in the background.

Jean-marie Dupart’s count:

A collage of images showing various raptors, including an osprey on a rock and another in a tree, with green vegetation in the background.

Hawk Mountain’s most recent migration count:

Table displaying bird species counts with columns for weekly total, season total, and 10-year average.

Is there ever a good side to shooting birds?

The dark side of UK’s gamebird shooting industry – Channel 4 News – Raptor Persecution UKDownload

Thank you so much for being with us today for this quick report. Please take care. We will be back with you at the weekend.

Thank you to everyone who posted images and information on FB, to RT at Raptor Persecution UK for constantly seeking the truth, to Jeff Kear and the group at UK Osprey Info FB, and to everyone else – we are grateful for all the news you share. To the owners of the streaming cams, we owe you a great debt as without your service we would not be able to watch these incredible lives.

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.

Norfolk welcomes thousands of Northern Nutcrackers…Late Sunday in Bird World

1 November 2026

Hello Everyone,

Gosh, the week flew by. In some parts of the world, the time changed, but here in Manitoba, we stayed the same. This year, we did not ‘fall back’. A vote was taken, and there will be no more Daylight Saving Time. I wonder how this will impact people’s lives – or not. We wait to see.

Gorgeous birds at the feeders all week. Those Starlings sure love the cat and dog kibble.

Close-up of a colorful starling perched near a water source, displaying iridescent plumage with speckles.

Mr Crow isn’t all black – check out those gorgeous iridescent feathers!

A close-up side profile of a dark-colored bird with glossy feathers, perched on a branch among green foliage.

We could not forget about Junior. We continue to have seven Blue Jays at the feeder the instant the peanuts are put out. It is fantastic to wake up to their presence and their song throughout the day.

A close-up image of a blue jay perched on a branch, displaying its vibrant blue and gray feathers.
A group of birds gathering on a bird feeder filled with sunflower seeds, featuring a starling and a sparrow in flight.

You probably wonder about the Calicos – Calico and her baby, Hope. They tend to keep to themselves while these three hang out together all day long.

A cozy scene featuring a dog and three cats resting together on a couch adorned with a textured pillow. The animals are comfortably nestled against each other in warm sunlight.

Again, thank you for your wonderful letters of support. I won’t lie. Am I doing OK? Not really, but we are doing the best we can in a horrible situation, just like millions of other families are right now. I am so grateful for the support I have and the small team that makes sure Don has someone visit him each day. It makes a difference to me. Does it mean something to Donald? I sure hope so, as it is an effort for everyone, and I am so grateful. It gives me a chance to recharge my batteries a bit, so to speak, and to clear my head.

I am hoping to get everyone who visits to get someone to take a photo with them and Donald and then I am going to have those images printed for a book and a tiny blanket. Perhaps it will help him to remember.

Did you have little ones for Halloween? Toby dressed up like a lizard and helped me deliver goodie bags to the five children on our block and one special adult. A nearby street has their annual block party for Halloween, and there are about thirty other children who come trick-or-treating- the weather was grand.

This is the latest from Judy Harrington re the WBSE:

A nesting area with two juvenile birds, one partially visible, and an adult bird in flight above them, surrounded by green foliage and tree branches.
A close-up of a bird's nest containing two birds, one perched on the nest and another flying above it. The nest is made of twigs and placed among green foliage.

November 1: Rain in the night, with the eaglets flapping -then it eased and all settled again. Early start to the day then both were seen down on the river, one appeared to be eating. Lady arrived at the nest at 7:21, closely followed by Dad with an eel. Eaglets were quick to react – as was Lady, claiming the prey. She fed 37 then both ate. Before that just before 6am SE37 branched -at last official. And again at 6:37. More prey at 9:40 when Dad came with a fish, quickly grabbed by 38 -eating until 37 took over. 38 moved to PB beside Dad. 37 self-fed very well, finishing the rest. Then they rested and waited. Late afternoon both parents were down on River Roost, with a duet. Late afternoon, Lady brought a gull nestling in and again fed them both. Satisfied eaglets at end of day.

With no little chicks this year for Gimbir and Diamond, Holly Parsons has been posting memories along with other ‘Diamond Fans’. Here is a YouTube compilation of Gizmo and Pluto from 2019 by Holly: https://youtu.be/VJvrY7Jbhsw?

The trio at 367 Collins Street are growing right before our eyes. The oldest is a real corker – loving to hang out on the ledge and give us all indigestion with worry.

SK Hideaways has the mischief on video: https://youtu.be/fPE_FIXZFqQ?

A close-up view of a nest on a ledge, with a small bird standing among debris and feathers, accompanied by humorous text about causing heart failure.

In the US, nest prep continues for the Bald Eagles:

A pair of Bald Eagles, Wink and Atlas, are seen aerating their nest in Winter Park, FL. The image captures them working together in a leafy tree setting.

Narasu and HG at the West End nest in the Channel Islands today:

Two bald eagles are seen near their nest on a rocky ledge, surrounded by greenery. One eagle appears to be picking at something on the nest while the other stands nearby, facing the camera.

Gabby and Beau at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest near Palm Court, Florida:

Two bald eagles are sitting in their nest, surrounded by branches and greenery in the background.

Nothing on the SW Florida cam, and, of course, the Captiva Bald Eagle cam is no longer operational as Lori Covert has sold the property.

Ospreys continue to visit (Jack and Jill, it is believed) the Achieva Osprey nest in St. Petersburg, Florida.

An osprey perched on a post above a large nest in a residential area, with trees and houses in the background.

Birdlife International discusses the four flyways and why they are essential to migration:

Global Flyways: New digital series spotlights global effort to protect migratory birds – BirdLife InDownload

In the UK, the arrival of many Siberian nutcrackers has excited birdwatchers.

Influx of Nutcrackers a sweet treat for birdwatchers!Download

e-Bird states a Northern Nutcracker is a : “Large, distinctive corvid, roughly the size of a Eurasian Jay. Note the long and heavy bill, white-flecked face, and black cap. Note white-spotted dark brown back and sides. Short tail, white vent, and white tail markings evident during undulating, woodpecker-like flight. Inhabits coniferous and mixed forests, from lowlands up into high montane forests. Often stores nuts for the winter. Mostly resident but large numbers may irrupt periodically out of the normal range in response to food shortages. Gives a variety of calls, especially during the breeding season, including harsh grating rasps, as well as quieter “mumbling” calls and mimicry. Formerly grouped with Southern Nutcracker under the more generic “Eurasian Nutcracker.”

When asked about the challenges that the Northern Nutcracker faces, we get the following:

The primary environmental challenges for the northern nutcracker are centered around climate change, indirect habitat degradation, and volatile food supply failures:

  1. Indirect Climate Change Impacts on Seed Sources

The northern nutcracker is a dietary specialist that relies heavily on a co-dependent, mutualistic relationship with specific trees. In Europe, its primary winter food comes from the seeds of the Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra) and the common hazel (Corylus avellana), while its Siberian counterpart (N. c. macrorhynchos) relies on the Siberian pine.

  • Alpine Habitat Contraction: Climate warming alters subalpine and mountain ecotones. While nutcrackers assist trees in colonizing higher altitudes by caching seeds at upper treelines, long-term modeling indicates that alpine and montane habitats are at severe risk of extensive species contraction due to rising temperatures.
  1. Severe Food Failures and “Irruptions”

When localized ecosystems experience consecutive years of optimal weather, nutcracker populations experience a breeding boom. However, if these boom cycles are immediately followed by widespread pine seed crop failures, the birds suffer catastrophic food shortages.

  • Mass Displacement: Extreme resource scarcity forces the birds into massive, desperate migratory events called irruptions. During these periods, tens of thousands of nutcrackers are forced out of their native habitats—Siberian nutcrackers, for example, have been pushed thousands of miles across Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and into the UK in search of basic sustenance.
  1. High Boreal Forest Dependency

According to data tracked by the BirdLife International DataZone, the northern nutcracker possesses a high forest dependency rating. This makes them acutely vulnerable to any disruptions in contiguous old-growth coniferous and mixed forests. Widespread logging, clear-cutting for infrastructure, and extreme, climate-driven boreal wildfires heavily compromise the specific stands of trees they need to harvest and cache up to 100,000 seeds annually per bird.

The end of the season update from Rutland Water on the Ospreys with a YouTube video link:

“As all three got more confident in their flying abilities, 8R7(26) caused a bit of concern on 22nd July. Seen leaving the nest just after 6am, he was absent for a large portion of the day, but returned to the nest just after 4pm, having not been seen at any of his usual spots during that time at all.

It was then 8R5(26)’s turn to disappear, spending extended periods off the nest and then, on 31st July, we saw him for the final time this year, flying off the poplar branch after a large breakfast, off round the back of the poplar trees and away. At the time, he was 80 days old, so rather young for migration, but he had proven to be a strong chick during his 29 days since fledging. Hopefully, we’ll see him again in two years.

Seemingly inspired by her male siblings, 8R6(26) then had a period of disappearing from the nest for more than a day at a time but, after a week of this, then stayed around the nest. However, on the morning of Friday 21st August, both 8R6(26) (99 days old) and 8R7(26) (96 days) were seen spiralling up on thermals over Manton Bay, led by 33(11), a short while after 10:15am. Neither of the chicks were then seen on or near the nest, so had obviously started to make their way south. It’s interesting that they chose to go together. The winds were favourable that day, blowing from the north west, so we hope they both made swift, and safe, progress.

Meanwhile, over on our previously unoccupied nest this season, at Lagoon 4 on the reserve at Egleton, we suddenly had a regular visitor. We were able to see this close up thanks to the two cameras now installed at the nest. Identified as 9R0(26), one of the chicks from Site B, she was being visited by her male parent, 359(21), who would bring fish and sticks. This went on for a few weeks.

The sharp-eyed of you might remember the number 359(21) as he was one of the pair that spent a lot of time at Lagoon 4 last year, but he and 3H9(23) went their separate ways when they returned this year, taking up spaces on nests where experienced parents didn’t return. 359(21) took over from 30(10) at Site B, pairing with HJ8(14), and they had two chicks – 8R9(26) and 9R0(26). According to Tim Mackrill, HJ8(14) looked like she had already migrated and 359(21) was left feeding the two chicks, with 8R9(26) staying at Site B and 9R0(26) moving to Lagoon 4. Interesting behaviour and possibly shedding some light on the off-nest time of our Manton Bay chicks…

For the full end-of-season nest recap for Blue 33 and Maya, here it is: https://youtu.be/WG3D1VpRpHo?

Thank you so much for being with us today. I will be posting one or two times per week for the next little while. I find that The Girls and Toby are quite needy, in addition to my regular every-other-day hospital visits. Keep us in your thoughts. We are hanging in there, and I hope that you are, too, no matter what is thrown at you. We can’t change what happens to us, but we can change how we react. Right now, Don is much more content, and that helps me. We have picnics, listen to John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Double Fantasy album, and dance in the dayroom with the help of a wheelchair. It makes us smile.

Thank you to all who created videos today – Rutland Water, SK Hideaways, Holly Parsons amongst others. To those who posted information and images, we are always grateful and to the owners of the streaming cams – thank you more than you will ever know!

Late Tuesday in Bird World

27 October 2026

Hello Everyone,

I have had so much trouble lately with proper e-mails going into the Junk Mail folder and then ‘poof’ they are gone after I open and read. I am late in sending SK Hideaway’s complete video listing for last week – so please enjoy!


SK Hideaways Videos Week of 18 October 2026

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

Male Hoists Himself on Big Sisters to Secure Plenty of Food ~ 2026 Oct 24
Wee Where there’s a will there’s a way. The feisty little male chick has a whole lotta will and ingenuity when it comes to eating. One of yesterday’s many meals ~ this one delivered by mum.
Video: https://youtu.be/-RlvGSCErqc

First Chick Finds the Shade of the North Nest ~ 2026 Oct 20
Another day, another milestone. One of the female chicks left the struggle of finding shade under mum F24 and found perpetual shade in the north nest. They’ll all be there very shortly.
Video: https://youtu.be/Ye-lNAK02uc


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

Visitor Returns to Nest Twice ~ Makes Announcement ~ 2026 Oct 24
The large eagle, who visited yesterday, returned today for two visits. Upon arrival, the visitor chortled away to no one in particular. This is a beautiful eagle, but we cannot verify gender until we see him/her next to Shadow or Kaydee for comparison. But I would guess the eagle is a female. We watch, learn, and trust the eagles.
Video: https://youtu.be/hYlmPNxrFTk

Shadow Hosts MANY Visitors to the Habitat on a Busy Day ~ 2026 Oct 23
It was a very busy day in Shadow’s neighborhood. Visitors came to the nest twice, perched on various trees and snags, and even met up with Shadow on his Lookout Snag. This is common during the off-season and a delight for us to observe. Kaydee did not make an obvious appearance today, but could have been one of the beauties soaring above the habitat.
Video: https://youtu.be/CLYL9NxxnCs


Sydney WB Sea Eagles ~ Australia ~ Lady, Dad, SE37 (hatched 13 August), and SE38 (hatched 14 August)
Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
Livestream and chat: https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html)
Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw4pdgy3-U0

Morning Duets ~ SE37 & SE38 Beakies, Nibbles & Cuteness Overload ~ 2026 Oct 21
Lady and Dad performed several duets, and SE38 chimed in with occasional harmony. The parents departed for their morning activities, while SE37 and SE38 entertained themselves. There were displays of their magnificent wings exercising, some play beaking, nibbling, and plenty of preening. Enjoying these scenes while they last. SE37 is 69 days old, SE38 is 68 days old. Sea eagles fledge between 10 and 14 weeks of age.
Video: https://youtu.be/1qVU9fIi8vA


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

Two Harbors Eagles Cholyn & Chase Greet the Day in Their Seaside Hideaway ~ 2026 Oct 19
Chase had much to say to Cholyn when she joined him in their oceanfront hideaway to start their day. They lingered in perfect harmony till another perfect perch called to them.
Video: https://youtu.be/GezzDO5FmRc

We are all fine. Don has his new wheelchair and ROHO cushion. They are inflatable tubes that help with not getting pressure sores. His friend Andrew bought a chair with this fancy cushion for his mother, and she didn’t use it. I am so grateful. These wonderful cushions are horrifically expensive!

It started raining, and the temperature has dropped. I am surprised we haven’t had any snow. The water in the birdbaths freezes overnight, and it is time to find the heater. We have a new cat visiting the garden. She is living in the woodbox. I will close up most of it so it stays warm for her in the winter, and add a heating lamp and food. So many people cannot afford the licenses, the rabies vaccines, vet bills, or even food for their loyal companions. It is sad. Shelters are full.

Snow is now in the big flight cage. This is so wonderful. Snow has done so well since her nest collapsed in Michigan in the summer. Check out Valkryia’s feed for the latest news on Snow.

A close-up view of a bird in a flight cage, with the caption 'STRONGER WINGS, SNOW!' displayed prominently at the bottom.
A snowy surface with movement, suggesting objects or creatures are lifting off the ground, with a wooden fence in the background.

Courtship continues with the Albatross, and let’s look at Bird Island. National Geographic has it on video, with more historical information and great imagery. Have a look. – https://youtu.be/LwwVnUekpeE?

A white and yellow bird flying over a rocky landscape against a blue sky.

SE37 and 38 are still home. Aren’t they gorgeous?

A bird's nest with two young birds resting inside, situated on a large tree branch surrounded by greenery.
A bird of prey stands near a nest filled with nestlings in a tree. The nest is made of twigs and is situated among leafy branches.

You will need to watch closely. The Collins Street kids are changing. Check out the plumage… soon we will begin to see those juvenile feathers coming in more clearly!

A close-up view of several fluffy chicks resting in a nest with feathers and debris, located on a ledge against a concrete wall.
A peregrine falcon standing near its nest with three fluffy chicks on a ledge, surrounded by feathers and debris, against a concrete wall.

Poor Diamond and Gimbir. They have not given up on their non-viable eggs. My heart aches for them.

Two peregrine falcons inside a nesting box, with a view of the landscape outside. One falcon is standing while the other is resting on the ground covered in small pebbles.

Take care, everyone! We will be back with you at the end of the week.

Thank you so much to SK Hideaways for keeping us so informed, and to all those who posted on FB, National Geographic, and the owners of the streaming cams that let us watch these incredible birds.

Saving migrating birds…Sunday in Bird World

25 October 2026

Good morning, everyone,

The garden birds and animals have been fed. Toby and I are always out there first thing. Mr Blue Jay is at the table feeder, and the Crow family is by the back gate at their feeder. All of the birds are looking good, as are the squirrels. There are currently two reds and two greys. I am afraid that we have lost Dyson this past summer. She has not been at the feeder for months. What joy she brought for so many years. We continue to have Canada Geese and Gulls foraging on the grass all around our City. You can even see them in the gardens by the hospital! That is a real treat for Donald.

Again, thank you so much for your e-mails and your comments. I am way behind on my replies, but I am forever so grateful. It was a tough week. I am alright today. Donald had a terrible fall yesterday. They found him on the floor by his door in the hall. Did his bed alarm not go off? I do not know. By the time Toby and I got to the hospital, he was in bed and so very happy to see us. He had his ‘baby’ Toby with him.

A patient in a hospital bed wearing a blue gown holds a small black pet, with two other pets resting on their lap. The room is equipped with medical supplies and equipment.

Do you have someone in the hospital with dementia who has a pet at home? See if you can find a stuffed animal that looks like it. The nurses and aides tell me that getting ‘baby’ Toby was brilliant. Don strokes Toby all the time, especially when he is feeling anxious.

Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of our local pet store. Donald and I were their second customers when they opened. Donald loves Halloween – he would make mechanical displays and always dressed up to give out the treats. In that spirit, I looked for a costume that would fit Toby! He doesn’t mind the body part, but I am not sure about the cap.

A small dog wearing a green frog costume sits on a grassy area covered in autumn leaves.

The birds, as I mentioned, are still migrating. We have lots of places where the grass is green and the geese are feasting.

A group of Canadian geese foraging on grass near trees in a park.

There was a heartwarming article in The Guardian this morning about a place that turns off every light for the birds! Just think about that. Reminds me of the stories from WWII and the blackout curtains. The author writes, “To me, the message of this story is that there is always hope, especially when we involve future generations and teach them to care about our planet and its beauty.

Today, Corvo is still the only island that performs a full blackout of public illumination to help the birds find their way to the ocean without interference from artificial lights.”

Lights out: the island that goes dark to save young seabirds – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/oct/25/corvo-azores-corys-shearwaters-switch-off-saving-seabirds-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

Reports on ospreys are coming in from various regions. Heidi posted this one today for those interested in what is happening in the northeastern US.

Announcement from Operation Osprey regarding their 2026 Osprey Survey & Tracking Report, highlighting their research findings and conservation efforts.

I pulled some information from that report, but I encourage you to look at the full document.

“The 2026 nesting season brought concerning results. Our survey team observed 127 nest sites throughout the watershed, with approximately 80 occupied nests recorded during the peak nesting season. Despite this activity, reproductive success remained alarmingly low, with approximately 80% of monitored nests failing to produce fledglings. These findings reflect broader concerns about Osprey reproduction throughout the Chesapeake Bay and underscore the importance of continued monitoring to better understand the challenges facing this iconic species.

A hand is attaching a GPS device to the back of a bird, featuring solar panels and surgical tools in the background.

This year, Operation Osprey also expanded its monitoring efforts into the southern Severn River watershed, including Bay Ridge, Arundel on the Bay, and Fishing Creek. Our growing network of volunteer Osprey Stewards continued to play a vital role in documenting nesting activity, sharing observations, and supporting our research. Their contributions help us build a more complete picture of Osprey populations across the watershed.

One of the most exciting developments of 2026 was the launch of our satellite tracking program. In June, three adult female Ospreys, Maggie, Millie, and Patty, were fitted with GPS/GSM transmitters, allowing us to follow their movements in unprecedented detail. From their summer activities around the Chesapeake Bay to their migrations south, these birds are providing valuable insight into Osprey behavior, migration routes, and the challenges they encounter beyond their nesting grounds.

Although the results of this year’s survey are troubling, they reinforce the importance of Operation Osprey’s mission.”

How much do you know about Brown and White American Pelicans? In Winnipeg, we are home to about a third of the world’s population of American White Pelicans beginning in the early spring. They eat and breed along our islands and rivers especially near Lockport and Hecla Island. Cornell Bird Lab has published an interesting article if you want to learn more!

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/american-white-pelican-brown-difference-dive-fish

You can hear the rain coming down in SK Hideaway’s video of the kids at Collins Street. https://youtu.be/e1BXSwcR5ao?

Ventana Wildlife Society’s Condor Chat on 24 October: https://www.youtube.com/live/gbAGsDwHyAQ?

A California condor perched among green foliage, showcasing its distinct features against a blurred background.

Heidi posted another story from PG Parks Nature about a Maryland osprey that migrates to Brazil.

“🦅Meet Patty, an osprey with an incredible migration story!

Patty, a female osprey that nested along the lower Patuxent River this summer, has traveled thousands of miles on an amazing journey.

After her nest failed in June, Patty left the Patuxent River and eventually settled at a small fishing pond nearly 200 miles away in West Virginia. She spent much of July there before beginning her southward migration in August, traveling through Florida and across the Caribbean.

One of the most remarkable parts of her journey was a 640-mile nonstop flight over open ocean from the Dominican Republic to Venezuela. For nearly 30 hours, Patty flew without seeing land and with nowhere to stop.

By mid-September, she had logged more than 5,800 miles and traveled through seven countries before continuing on to Brazil.

📍How Do We Know Where Patty Traveled?

Patty is equipped with a lightweight GPS transmitter, essentially a tiny backpack that allows researchers to track her movements in near real time.

Her migration is part of a larger research effort aimed at understanding why ospreys are struggling to successfully raise young throughout much of the Chesapeake Bay region. Researchers are particularly concerned about food stress and the reduced availability of Atlantic menhaden, a key food source for ospreys.

If Patty returns next spring, scientists will be able to learn:

🦅 Where she fishes

🦅 How far she must travel to find food

🦅 What challenges ospreys face along the Patuxent River

These findings will help scientists better understand osprey survival and nesting success, providing valuable information to support conservation efforts.

Patty is one of 10 ospreys that will be fitted with GPS transmitters as this research expands. The project builds on years of osprey monitoring by Patuxent River Park and is being conducted in partnership with Operation Osprey.

🌎 From Maryland to Brazil, Patty’s journey is helping researchers unlock the mysteries of one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most iconic birds.”

A person holds an osprey with a solar-powered tracking device attached to its back, near a riverbank surrounded by greenery.
Map showing a route from the northeastern United States, through Cuba, and into South America, specifically Venezuela and neighboring countries.
Screenshot

Thanks, Heidi, for these reports!

One of the Ps is still on the Cornell Campus.

Beau and Gabby were seen mating on the camera for the first time yesterday.

Shadow and Kaydee appear to be a solid item.

Dr Sharpe should have that West End camera working. What would we do without him?? Let’s see! It’s live and here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/aT1adgYSfbc?

It’s a beautiful day and time for Toby to have another walk. I hope that you have been able to get outside – nature can really lift our spirits.

The Girls and Toby are fine. Missey is a little more clingy – she really misses Donald, and Toby seems to fall into short periods of moodiness. Hugo Yugo just causes trouble, while ‘The Calicos’ keep themselves to themselves! I am so grateful for their company.

A close-up of a dog and a cat resting together, with the dog's head gently touching the cat's face, showcasing a moment of affection.

Thank you to Heidi for the posts containing great reports. I wish some of the news were better. I am always grateful to SK Hideaways for their videos and to the Ventana Wildlife Society, who are so dedicated to growing the California Condor population. Check out their monthly newscast. The Guardian is a good source of wildlife information, and I am always grateful to those who post images and information on FB, and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us see the lives of our bird friends.

23 October 2026

Hello Everyone,

It is hard to imagine but Toby and I are sitting on the deck in our shirt sleeves, so to speak. It is nearing 24 C. Of course, this troubles me, because we continue to get clues that our climate is rapidly changing around the world. Geese are plentiful on the sports fields at the schools as the green grass continues to grow. In my lifetime, I wonder, will the geese stop migrating? Certainly some eagles continue to winter here as they can get fish from those doing ice fishing on the lakes, but maybe that water won’t freeze?

I’m still so grateful for all the warm wishes and support you have given Don and me during this very challenging time. ‘The meeting’ was held yesterday (Wednesday – I am writing this Thursday night). Ann and I were well prepared with nine pages of questions and, as it turns out, Don’s oldest friend, Andrew, was visiting, and I asked him to sit in. The ‘bottom line’ is that the Haldol injection has caused the Parkinson’s aspect of Lewy Body Dementia to raise its ugly head. Don can walk 10-20 steps and becomes wobbly. He will spend his life in a wheelchair with no hope of ever walking again. That is an adjustment for both of us.

It seems that no one prepared for the Baby Boomers. Home Care has more demand than staff. They offered me little, and with Don requiring two people to lift him and be present, I can’t care for him at home. It is simply not safe for him or me. No beds are available in long-term care facilities. So, Don and his new friends on the ward will spend their time in the hospital waiting for a space to open. Today, another patient’s daughter played her keyboard, and we sang along, and I told stories about a very young city girl moving to the Canadian prairies and raising animals on a small holding. With Toby there, everyone smiled and sang, and there were even some laughs. I have decided that Ann and I will enrich Don’s life in different ways, and we will also be keen observers so he is safe and well cared for. If the ward nurse allows, the plan is for some planned enrichment activities weekly, which I will organise. Fingers crossed – but first I have to get that wheelchair.

Not much is going on in Bird World. Dr Sharpe – yes, dear Dr Sharpe- is climbing cliffs and working on cameras at the eagle nests in the Channel Islands. He cleaned and repaired Chase & Cholyn’s at Two Harbours and was set to work on the camera at the West End today. They always clean the nests and check them!

‘J’ has sent some news stories from Berlin that you might be interested in:

There is some Kakapo news!

Announcement of two young kākāpō arrivals at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, highlighting conservation efforts and a new habitat trial.

More about Albatross from Holly Parsons:

An albatross in flight, showcasing its wingspan against a blue sky.

Here is the link to that short but very informative video: https://youtu.be/SRTRRMwXuEg?

Tim Mackrill has installed an osprey platform at Knepp Farm as part of their rewilding project. Here is the latest newsletter from Knepp Farm. Please listen to the podcast about the osprey platform!

News from Knepp The Jays Busy AutumnDownload

What constitutes a perfect place for an osprey nest? If you don’t know or need a reminder, please have a listen.

One chick, out of two hatched, is surviving at Thistle Island in South Australia. No one knows what happened to the second hatch.

An osprey chick named Nick or Nicky stands in its nest on Thistle Island, surrounded by twigs, with the ocean in the background.

Weather is on the mind of Victor Hurley and the 367 Collins Street falcons. Why? Because the gutters could flood – we don’t want those babies to drownd.

A weather forecast map displaying regions in Victoria, Australia, with varying levels of thunderstorm and rainfall predictions. Areas are color-coded to indicate the likelihood of thunderstorms, including possible and likely severe thunderstorms.

Speaking of weather and its impact human life as well as wildlife – this typhoon is the worst ever.

Satellite image of Super Typhoon Champi displaying a well-defined eye surrounded by swirling clouds and intense colors, indicating strong winds of 185 MPH.

It continues to be hot on that ledge in downtown Melbourne.

A peregrine falcon perched on a ledge, with two chicks in a nest visible in the background, overlooking a cityscape.

SE38 branched the other day at the Olympic Park WBSE nest in Sydney. Keep watching. Fledging at any moment.

A nest situated in a tree with two young birds, surrounded by greenery.
A surveillance image of two birds resting on a nest in a tree at night. One bird is perched on a branch above the nest.

That’s it for today. I am pretty burnt out – mentally and physically – about the decisions that had to be made regarding Don’s long term care this past week. Because it is pretty quiet in Bird World, I am going to take a break. I will be back in a week. During that time, I urge you to get outside away from the screen, listen to birds, go for a walk or just sit! But get outside.

Take care everyone.

Thank you so much to ‘J’ and to all those who posted information and images on FB, to Isabella Tree and Tim Mackrill for a great podcast on ospreys, to BBC Earth for that little but informative video about Albatross and to all the owners of the streaming cams that let us monitor our avian families.

Migration continues…Late Tuesday in Bird World

20 October 2026

Greetings Everyone,

It is an unbelievable 19 degrees C in Winnipeg! I joked with one of the nurses today at the hospital that we might never have winter. Geese eat beautiful green grass along the rivers that cross our City, and geese and gulls gather on the soccer fields and cricket pitches. It feels very late for them and, in the garden, the little Juncos dance around the deck in search of the tiny millet seeds. The bonus is getting to see these lovely creatures for longer — and I don’t have a heating bill yet.

Jean-Marie Dupart had a motorcycle accident and has recovered enough to check on the places where UK and European ospreys overwinter. This man will not be kept in bed recovering!!!!!! Here are his latest reports.

An osprey flying with a fish in its talons against a cloudy sky.
An osprey perched on a stick on a sandy beach, with the ocean and blurred background in the distance.

Tracking information reveals where some Polish ospreys stay for the winter:

Map showing the migration path of P. haliaetus (Fisher's Eagle) for autumn 2026, detailing distances and geographic locations across Europe and North Africa.
A post discussing the journey of a male fisherman bird, detailing its safe arrival at wintering grounds in the Gulf of Guinea after 43 days, covering 5700 km, including crossing the Sahara.

This is the latest migration count from Hawk Mountain in PA, USA. Clearly higher numbers thanks to those Broad-winged Hawks:

Table displaying bird species counts, including weekly total, season total, and 10-year average for each species.

The Raptor Resource Project (RRP) is keeping an eye on the streaming cams that they share with Explore.org:

Social media post from the Raptor Resource Project discussing recent eagle nesting activities in Decorah, Iowa, including stick deliveries and feeding.
Two adult bald eagles in their nest, surrounded by tree branches, with a scenic river and landscape in the background.

Remembrance posts are going up on the Orange, Australia Peregrine Falcons FB about the eggs not hatching this season. Check out what is happening. Everyone is contributing, it seems!

A peregrine falcon named Marri, recently hatched, is seen in a nest with eggs and a small chick, surrounded by pebbles in a nesting environment.

The season recap for the Carey Garden, Birds of Poole Harbour Ospreys CJ7 and Blue 022 is now on YouTube. You can access it here: https://youtu.be/XnhGUXc2c1M?

A bird's nest with several eggs, showing a bird's legs and feet with identification bands. Text overlay lists hatching dates for the eggs in May 2026.

The four fledged successfully for another great year for this incredible osprey couple.

At the WBSE nest in Olympic Park, Sydney, Australia, SE37 and 38 could fledge at any time. We wish them luck keeping the Currawongs at bay so Dad and Lady can feed them and they can learn to fly strong and care for themselves.

Two young birds sitting in a nest made of twigs and branches, surrounded by greenery.

The poor chicks in Melbourne are really struggling with the heat. SK Hideaways catches the first one racing down the gutter to get to the shade! https://youtu.be/Ye-lNAK02uc?

A close-up view of a concrete wall with visible seams and markings, featuring a ledge with debris and a bird sitting on it.

The current view of the north end with no chicks at the south – one has hopped up so you can’t see them.

Peregrine falcon perched on a ledge with two chicks on a high-rise building, showing a cityscape in the background.

Thank you so much for your e-mails. I really appreciate the kindness and support that you have shown to me. Tomorrow, at 1300, I will meet with Don’s medical team at the hospital to discuss next steps. Those who have gone through caring for someone with Lewy Body Dementia will recognise that it is not an easy task. You have the hallucinations of LBD plus the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s. The latter was triggered by an incorrect antipsychotic being given in the emergency room. His physical symptoms change; he will have a wonderfully alert day, and then he will be agitated, unable to sleep, and will be given a sedative. He cannot walk. This is, of course, not the individual who entered the hospital on 27 August, but our new reality.

Please take care of yourself and your loved ones. If anyone is showing signs of Alzheimer’s or Dementia, I implore you to get them professionally assessed. There are treatments to help mitigate the worst for them and for their caregivers. It is wrong to assume that someone who is forgetful has either of these diseases, but it would also be wrong not to have those symptoms checked.

I will be back with you at the end of the week. Keep your eyes on the WBSE – we could have a fledge or two before then!

Thank you to SK Hideaways for their video, Hawk Mountain, UKOsprey Information, Jean-Marie Dupurt, and all those tracking the migrating ospreys. I am grateful to everyone creating year-end reports for the 2026 season and to those beginning to report and track the Bald Eagles. To the owners of the streaming cams, we are grateful to watch the victories and struggles of our bird families.