Tag Archives: peregrine falcons

Sally is home, Goslings jump, hatch at Syracuse…late Monday in Bird World

27 April 2026

It is almost time to say good night.

We had a very strange day today. We were both tired. Toby was due to go for his grooming. It was a new doggie spa. I will only say this – Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not to be ‘shaved’ all over unless they are covered from tail to nose in heavy matting. (That would be supreme neglect. I said ‘no’ to the shave – I should have been warned off by that question. Toby did not get hurt, or anything, and the groomer did do what I asked, except that, on their own, they cleaned his face, which meant they cut off his whiskers! —– Toby will be going to his former groomer from now on even if I have to wait to get in!

The weather has turned a bit cool. It was 0. We had a very cool wind. It is to warm up – aren’t I always saying that? Spring really needs to come. I have ordered a gallon of paint so I can do a second coat of Railings on the exterior doors. I do love that deep grey with a blue undertone. We have changed door wreaths – we simply change the flowers and ornaments. The next couple of months are pink peonies. Oh, how I love peonies! We have one old bush from 1902 that still thrives, and over the past two years, I have planted more. Many of the shrubs have to be segregated from Toby as they would make him ill if he ate them!

‘PB’ alerted me to the goslings preparing to jump. These parents were incredible.

The five goslings were encouraged by Mum several times and then Dad flew up to give them a pep talk. The five appear to have made it down safely. Nothing cuter than these babies taking this huge leap of faith. Heidi has it on video: https://youtu.be/sqTCn7X8ipE?

Ping Shen wrote last night with such relief. “Here, it has been an interesting few weeks – after seeing Sally on April 2nd I naturally kept an eye out for Harry and a few days later a male did show up on the nest…upon closer inspection (photos), however, it was fairly clearly not Harry (no distinctive black spot in the left iris, etc). Sally seemed to tolerate this new male well enough (#5350 is Sally, on the right, with the new male on the left), though I wondered if she would wait for Harry and if so…where was he and when would he show up. As the days turned to weeks…I started to resign myself to the idea that I might not see Harry again. Then…as I ambled down towards the nest yesterday, seeing the 2 birds there and assuming it was Sally and the new male, imagine my surprise and joy to look through the viewfinder and find a different male…much more brown on the chest and then…as he turned just right…that drop in the left iris! Harry!! Unmistakably Harry, and the two are now back together – I hadn’t visited in a few days so I don’t know exactly when he showed up or what happened to the other male (presumably chased off by one or both of them), but what a relief! Interesting that he showed up some 3+ weeks after Sally – perhaps this is why she left a good six weeks or so before he did last summer? Perhaps her schedule is just earlier than his…anyways, as you can see they are wasting no time, and the nest is starting to expand and the Osplet-making has begun! 

Thought you might enjoy the update from Seattle, and the good news. ”

An osprey is in flight above another osprey sitting on their nest, surrounded by twigs and foliage.
Two ospreys perched on a nest made of twigs, looking intently at the camera with a blurred green background.

Ping is not the only one who worries about late arrivals. This year, a number of ospreys have arrived several weeks later than they were expected. I am starting to wonder if they wintered in the same area, and weather events meant they were late in leaving. Wonder where they were??

Oren and Ruth have two chicks hatching at Syracuse University’s Red-tail Hawk cam. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/X_lEUCn8QcI?

Two red-tailed hawks in a nest made of twigs, one is sitting and the other is standing nearby.
A red-tailed hawk resting on a nest made of twigs and branches, displaying its feathers and tail.
A red-tailed hawk sitting on a nest, surrounded by twigs and greenery.

The latest news from the chat – both chicks are out. “15:10-15:17–Ruth continued to help the chick in Egg #1, removing much of the shell as the chick pushed. A hatch can’t be called until the chick is fully out of the eggshell.” “A LOT has happened today! Egg#2 hatched around 17:08, so HAPPY HATCH DAY OR2 the second chick of 2026 named for its parents initials as well! We are THRILLED both chicks hatched on the same day!”

The little eaglet of Irv and Stella at the US Steel nest, USS 11 will be returned to his nest on Tuesday the 28th after rescue and rehabilitation. Great work everyone!

Geemeff stayed up very, very late. Aurora was assaulted by owl strikes. Check out all the action below at Loch Arkaig at the two nests!

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 27th April 2026Today started as a routine day enlivened by our first sight of the egg when Dorcha stood to roll it, giving us a good look at it. Louis delivered two fish to her, taking the nest total to twenty seven, and Garry LV0 brought two fish to Aurora 536, taking his tally to thirty two. Aurora didn’t eat either of them – she dropped the first and despite circling round to look for it, had to leave without it, and although Garry kept returning with the second fish, she showed no interest. It was speculated she might be getting ready to lay an egg but that ended when she left the nest at 19.40. 

However, she returned to the nest at 23.53 but if she had any hopes of staying the night and laying an egg, those were dashed by a bombardment from owls who kept flying past her and over her, with calls heard continuously in the background. She didn’t actually receive a strike but had had enough and departed at 00.04. While this was going on, Dorcha was undisturbed on her nest.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/bhSevUHZgEE N2 Dorcha departs with her breakfast, Louis takes over 05.46.05https://youtu.be/7PrrV8elxNg N2 First glimpse of the egg! 06.42.17https://youtu.be/8uRm7s4e3xQ N1 Oops a daisy! Aurora loses Garry’s fish over the side 14.25.30https://youtu.be/spaulP2MrTc N2 Dorcha gets a fine whole trout from Louis 15.34.16 https://youtu.be/7vfT-hcN9FU N1 Garry tries several times to give Aurora a second fish 19.07.05https://youtu.be/Zo9SVAB-ynM N1 Aurora is bombarded by owls 23.53.08Bonus watch – how on earth do the nest cams get wifi in the middle of nowhere? Your questions answered! Comms West now provide the service, 

Locheilnet was the original provider: https://commswest.co.uk/about-us/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/q_WwmwEsYBA  N1 Louis won’t let Aila have his fish 2019

https://youtu.be/p3aqIV2VHuo  N1 Owl attacks Aila 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/OsGsdpzZVdY  N2 Owl strikes Dorcha as she guards her egg 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/2RPYImn6HsQ  N2 Egg number two for Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/AtdFILU2Sm0  N2 Owl attacks minutes after the second egg 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/E2U7-JML07w N2 Egg number three! 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/jT3MesYLieY  N2 Hooded Crow intrudes on Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/-JTu8Cr1Guo N2 First fish does a flypast before landing 2024

https://youtu.be/MfQttkWT3Uk  N1 Garry LV0 leaves Nest One and perches on Pole Tree 2024

https://youtu.be/B-zPWF3ZiJg  N2 Takes two to tangle: Loch Arkaig Ospreys bump into each other 2024

https://youtu.be/3hwN14iQOV4 N2 Drookit Dorcha protects the eggs in wet weather as breakfast arrives 2025https://youtu.be/emNgeo_CV3A N1 Elevenses for Blue 536 when Garry LV0 brings fish 2025

https://youtu.be/7RE-LA7Pdwo N2 Dorcha screams her approval as Louis brings fish 2025

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

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

All is well at the UK nests save for the owl strikes and intruders, including returning two year olds. We wait for hatch!

If you live near southern Manitoba, Wildlife Haven is having its ‘Baby Days’ on Saturday, 2 May. They are in great need. They already have over thirty new baby patients this season, and that number will continue to grow. I am certain it is the same with the rescues near you. Check out their wish lists – look in your garage. Got an old dog or cat carrier that is in good shape? Clean it up and donate if you no longer use it. Check for other items. You would be surprised by what is needed—including tools!

Thank you for being with me today. Tomorrow you should be able to see the two little darlings at Syracuse University. I encourage you to hawk watch – you won’t regret it. I am now waiting for Big Red and Arthur to have their babies.

Take care. We will see you soon.

I am so grateful to Ping Shen for sharing his Seattle osprey family with us. Thank you to Geemeff for staying up late to create the video of Aurora’s attack and all the other news. To ‘PB’ for keeping me informed on great events that I might have missed. To the authors of FB posts and the owners of the streaming cams – I am always grateful.

Late Sunday in Bird World

26 April 2026

Good Evening!

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

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

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

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

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

The Dyfi family tree now has its fledglings at Glaslyn:

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

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

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

News from Loch of the Lowes:

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

SK Hideaways videos for the week – always grateful!

SK Hideaways Videos, Week of 19 April 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


San Jose City Hall Falcons, San Jose, CA ~ Hartley, Monty, and 4 Chicks
Courtesy San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcon Cam
Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBSxPjy5sow
Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pp9TisLmLU
Roof Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQLhmV6bP6o

Monty Really, Really Wanted to Feed Someone ~ Even Hartley (2026 Apr 23)
Video: https://youtu.be/YXbKW2SRKgw

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

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

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

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

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

So happy. This time it was a happy ending.

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

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

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

Osprey baby in Italy!

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

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

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

Today’s videos:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come and join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

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

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

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

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

Alaska and Australia teaming up to help protect the Shearwater!

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

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

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

Toby loving his Bully Stick.

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

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

First egg at Loch Arkaig…Sunday in Bird World

26 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And we have another good news story!

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

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

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

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

The Scaffolding of Life – with Suzanne SimardDownload

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


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

Today’s videos:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It looks like Keilder Forest has more eggs! Congratulations.

Egg 1 for Nest 5A

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

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

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

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

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

Jack was in with an early fish!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ryder falls out of nest…Friday in Bird World

24 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

Did you see it? Ryder fell out of the Fraser Point nest of Cruz and Andor. Many worried. Most ‘believed’ IWS would, because of their wonderful history, get the permissions and rescue. Others wrenched their hands.

UPDATE FROM IWS:


“We’re attempting to rescue Ryder. Erin expects to arrive at the nest around noon, and will see if she can find the eaglet. If she does, and it’s healthy, she’ll attempt to climb the tree and return Ryder to the nest. If Ryder is injured, she’s prepared to take him/her to a wildlife care facility.”

True to form, Ryder was rescued. There are lots of videos.

Geemeff has the fall and the rescue: https://youtu.be/bpjYmFfObG8?

SK Hideaways has the event: https://youtu.be/WJ6b7BAztF0?

Please support them both!

What a dramatic event. We are so blessed to have the dedicated staff at the IWS – and if you are ever looking for a worthy institution to donate, IWS is certainly one that uses your money wisely!!!!!!!!!

I am keeping an eye on Big Red and Arthur and their four eggs on the Fernow Light Stand, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

A red-tailed hawk resting in a nest made of twigs on a metal structure, with a view of a street and greenery in the background.
A live cam view of a red-tailed hawk nest, featuring two hawks amidst twigs and branches, with a cityscape visible in the background.
A red-tailed hawk sitting beside its nest, which contains several eggs, on a rooftop with a view of a street and greenery in the background.

Have a listen. Have you ever heard a Nightingale? Rewilding is bringing them back. News from Knepp Farm:

Knepp news nightingales in full song BBQs returnDownload

There appeared to be no early fish at Achieva. Jill left after 1000. She flew in around 1022 with a fish to feed the hot and hungry kids. Yeah for Mum. She waited as long as she could.

A hawk nest featuring two chicks and an adult hawk perched nearby, surrounded by green trees and a clear sky. In the background, residential buildings and a street are visible.

Feed us! Catfish are bony, especially the heads, and it takes Jill a while to get into the meat for the babies. They were anxious for fish but not fighting.

An osprey stands in its nest made of twigs, overlooking a suburban area with nearby trees and a street in the background.

Both adults on nest later looking for intruders.

An osprey nest filled with two adult ospreys and one chick, perched on a platform surrounded by greenery and a glimpse of a residential area in the background.

Jill waiting for more fish: 1635. It is a bad fish day. My heart aches.

An osprey stands on a nest made of sticks, with greenery and residential buildings visible in the background.

Hope that the babies have more fish. The nest has been relatively calm. Little did bonk Big once but paid for it – still, a brve move on the part of the baby.

The third egg at Pont Cresor for Aeron Z2 and Blue 014.

Two ospreys sitting together on a nest made of twigs, with a scenic background of hills and trees.

Ashley Wilson catches Winnie and Swoop looking from the perch over the new snow.

Two ospreys resting on a snowy perch with a snow-covered nest in the foreground, surrounded by trees and a winter landscape.

We have the first egg at Loch of the Lowes. Wish this new couple the very best!

An osprey standing in its nest at Loch of the Lowes, surrounded by sticks and twigs, with an egg visible in the nest.

Heidi reports on Outer Banks:

An osprey spreads its wings while standing over its nest, which contains eggs, with a view of a river in the background.

Geemeff sends us a good news osprey story – please check it out: https://youtu.be/sAZ-v7p_gD0?

A crane is seen in action with a large nest on top, and a price tag of '$15,000' displayed prominently in the foreground.

Oh, it was the most magnificent day. I feel like I won the lottery. When we put on the addition, more than a decade ago, the individual pouring the crawl space had to cut back the deck. I have ignored it…But I can’t any longer, as I fear Don will fall. I phoned a carpenter to get a quote for extending that piece and another area. He came this morning. My neighbour has a friend visiting til he moves into his own space. He is working on The Little House on the Prairie Project, and they wondered what was ‘happening’ when I opened the gate so they could take some red lounge chairs I didn’t need. As it turns out, that friend is a carpenter, and together they are going to fix everything for me gratis. My neighbour even has the wood and deck screws. I am feeling very teary and blessed. How nice.

We hope that you have a wonderful weekend….Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care.

Thank you to the IWS for always being there, to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their videos, to the UK Osprey FB group for all their information and to everyone else who posts news on FB as I cannot keep up all the time, and to the owners of the streaming cams – I am forever grateful. We would never know the challenges that these raptor families face.

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

22 April 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

Happy Earth Day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s videos:

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

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

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

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

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

rpsnodSeto95h0lf9aacc7cc5877g0hthahaa6l6131lmt0hc9l5t5c62h49 ·

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monty and Hartley have quadruplets, all hatched in a blink!

21 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

Goodness. Monty and Hartley are going to be busy.

SK Hideaways caught the first three in a great video! https://youtu.be/m-LTvHVPKXE?

Now there are four.

I do not believe I have ever seen a clutch of four eggs hatch this close together and I am so delighted. No problems between chick 1 and 4 —mind you, falcons normally never have a problem raising four. Imagine what this would be like on an osprey nest???!!

View of a nest inside San Jose City Hall with three fluffy baby birds huddled together and small eggshells scattered on a gravel bed.

Brutus was released today. The Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey did a fantastic job rehabilitating Winter Park’s oldest eaglet. I wonder if Brutus has any idea how strong and determined ‘little’ Peanut is!!!!!!!! Watch the nest to see if Brutus returns.

Near Glaslyn, Aran has. been seen with an unidentified female sitting on a fence and at a nest platform put up by Friends of Osprey. I am over the moon for this very ‘nice’ male osprey who lost his nest to Teifi along with his mate, Elen, because he returned late in 2025. It didn’t matter this year -that relationship had already started.

Looks like they are bonding!!!!!!!!!!

An osprey with outstretched wings is prominently positioned in the foreground, while another bird, possibly a chick, is seated on the nest made of twigs. The background features blurred greenery, suggesting a natural setting.

Elen has laid Teifi’s second egg today.

It is going to be busy in the Glaslyn Valley this summer!!!!!!

Take care, everyone. Just a quick note to let you know all this wonderful news. There is lots more happening. Will report tomorrow.

Thank you, ‘PB’, for the news about Brutus. Thank you to everyone in the Glaslyn Valley reporting on Aran and to the Friends of Osprey, who had a platform just waiting for him and his new mate. Over the moon. Finally, thanks SK Hideaways, who have to be so excited over the events at the San Jose City Hall Falcon scrape.

Peanut fledged…late Monday in Bird World

13 April 2026

Good Evening Everyone,

‘MP’ just sent me the good news that dear Peanut has fledged from the Winter Park Bald Eagle nest in Florida. It looks like a brilliant flight and I bet that eaglet who had been attacked 55 times, according to ‘MP’, was glad to get off that nest. Congratulations!

This news was just too good not to send tonight.

A bird in flight, highlighted with an arrow, passing near a tree with a nest, surrounded by greenery and a river in the background.

Fru Rauer returned to her nest in Norway on Monday.

An osprey sitting in its nest made of sticks and grass, with a scenic view of the water and coastline in the background.
An osprey perched on a nest overlooking a calm body of water, with rocky shoreline and distant hills in the background.

Winnie has returned from migration and is with Swoop at the Dunrovin nest in Colorado.

There is sad news coming out of San Francisco. This will be the very last season that we will be able to view Richmond and Wendy at the Richmond Shipyards. The streaming camera will be cut in September 2025. Here is the announcement:

Announcement from SF Bay Ospreys about the final season of their live stream, highlighting the success of the program and future conservation efforts.
A construction crane with a bird's nest at the top is positioned by the water, with a bird in flight nearby, and a city skyline visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.

My goodness – I feel a bit gutted. There are many species that are in huge decline, and in parts of the US, ospreys are one of those species! We do know that the peregrine falcons in the area have been hit hard by avian flu. Let us wish all well and just maybe someone else will take over that camera!

Everyone has heard me say that watching ospreys is better than any of the shows on the streaming stations. Well, Glaslyn has turned out to be that – and it sounds like Loch Arkaig might be as well.

Yesterday, we were certain that the Glaslyn nest would be occupied by Teifi and Eschells. Well, guess who returned to ‘her’ nest today? None other than Elen, who has been gone for a week (or a tad more). Then Aran decided to do two flybys!!!!!! At the end of Monday, it was Teifi and Elen on the Glaslyn nest. So will Aran hook up with Eschells? She would have a great mate!

That’s Elen on the perch. She appears to be ready to spend the night defending her nest. Teifi had better get that breakfast fish in early.

An osprey perched on a wooden branch above a grassy landscape with trees in the background.

Geemeff catches us up with Loch Arkaig:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 13th April 2026

A very confusing day today as everyone swapped nests, three fish put in an appearance including a pike 

(Esox lucius), a species not seen on the nest since 2023. The day started with the handsome new boy JJ4 visiting Nest Two but then got complicated with Garry LV0 & Aurora 536 constantly intruding on Dorcha on Nest Two, and at one stage four Ospreys were in sight although it wasn’t possible to ID the fourth, might have been JJ4 or an unringed intruder. Perhaps all the intrusions on Nest Two are due to the absence of the dominant resident male, our missing Louis, so it remains to be seen how things will play out. Despite their intrusions on the other nest, Garry & Aurora look very at home on Nest One, and the day ended with the pair of them perched quietly together looking for all the world like a pair of lovebirds. In other news, Chaddie informs us that Prince & Affric are staying on their nest at Bunarkaig, quietly going about their business. Probably just as well, as six birds swapping nests would need serious detangling skills from the watchers.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/fEXsWOurESI N2 Handsome male JJ4 returns at dawn 05.42.32 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/0PnevrwuNjI N2 Five minutes of mayhem with four Ospreys and a fish 07.56.23https://youtu.be/cC-hNiKhUJM N2 Garry LV0 intrudes on Dorcha who fights off aerial attacks 08.59.35https://youtu.be/ahkA-opGUA4 N2 This time it looks like it’s Aurora who attacks Dorcha 09.16.18

https://youtu.be/UuZJBD9WMqc N1 Garry prepares the nest but Aurora calls for fish 12.34.00

https://youtu.be/byG76WpP-js N2 Dorcha brings a pike (Esox lucius) to the nest15.04.46 (zoom)https://youtu.be/m3ZIPTnC1X4 N2 Dorcha defends against Garry LV0 and a third Osprey 15.27.44

https://youtu.be/tfl7AZbGSK8 Lovebirds! Garry & Aurora perch quietly together 19.28.58 (zoom)

Bonus guide to Osprey egg production:

https://kielderospreys.wpcomstaging.com/2013/05/04/copulation-and-laying-eggs-a-bit-of-a-biology-lesson

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/S79vEf6sTV0  N2 Louis chases an intruder 2020 (Slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/aw9gnUSlGO0  N1 Late night drama as Louis chases another intruder 2020
https://youtu.be/6yGNxv2KqNQ  N2 Misty morning mating 2022 (x-rated!!)
https://youtu.be/P60wseTCepU  N1 Louis brings a fish to his old nest 2022
https://youtu.be/NmUONfZzPeI  N2 Louis loses a stick and nearly gets lucky 2023
https://youtu.be/9dNWnjbzqEY  N2 Dorcha sees off a Hoodie 2023https://youtu.be/NHDU63bbEag  N1 Garry LV0 brings another fish 2024 (zoom)
https://youtu.be/G1l5YJriSt8   N1 Garry LV0 startles a little songbird 2024 (slo-mo zoom)
https://youtu.be/9MU4DHe21Ak  N2 No egg tonight: both depart 2024https://youtu.be/tJxdXWMuArw N2 Louis brings a late breakfast 2025https://youtu.be/8_TK0aK9cus N1 Garry pole-vaults in for a third visit 2025

All the above and more when you join in with the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum – it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

‘J’ sends the banner from Naturechat.org:

Frija laid 1st egg this morning at Kestrel Cam in Denmark.

Pip watch continues for final egg at Traverse City Eagle Cam.

Pip watch for 1st egg at Peregrine Falcon Cam in Belgium.

Pip watch continues for final egg at Fort St. Vrain Station Eagle Cam.

Look who is checking out the scrape at Charles Sturt University’s that belongs to Diamond and Gimbir! FalconCam Project caught them: https://youtu.be/h7EZJMtlFlU?

Watch to see what the falcons do when they come to the scrape!!!!

Two white cockatoos are inside a nest box. One cockatoo has a yellow crest and is standing near the entrance, while the other is slightly blurred as it moves nearby. The nest box is made of wood, and there are small pebbles on the floor. In the background, a clear view of the landscape is visible through the open window.

The difference in size of the osplets at Achieva is incredible. The wee one waits for the eldest to get a huge crop and then steps up to get its fill of fish. Mum and Dad are doing well in caring for these two.

A bird's nest on a high platform, with a bird standing on it and surrounded by twigs and branches. The background shows trees and a suburban street.

Brevard County ospreys had a good fish day, too.

An osprey sitting in its nest made of twigs, with a calm waterfront and a boat dock in the background.

The two at Fort St Vrain are doing well. Egg 4 is within the hatch window but I am hoping that it is a Dudley! Two healthy eaglets is just fine.

Bald eagle feeding its chicks in a nest with eggs, surrounded by twigs and straw.

Androcat caught E26 at the pond on the grounds of the Pritchett Farm, having a blast. https://youtu.be/_NooQ_uctJw?

My goodness Iris is gorgeous.

An osprey sitting in a large nest made of twigs and branches, with a view of a parking lot and a train passing in the background.

Big Red is equally beautiful.

A red-tailed hawk sitting on a nest made of twigs, located on a metal railing with a view of a street and park in the background.

That’s it for tonight. Toby and I worked hard shifting birdseed today and right now it is time for ‘Calico’s Story Time’. Take care. We will see you soon.

Thank you to ‘Geemeff, J, MP’ for their news, notes, and images. I am always grateful – the more eyes on the nests the better. Thank you to those who posted on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to share in the lives of these amazing birds.

Late Thursday in Bird World

9 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

I will just start with the sadness and move on to some gladness and some ‘bloody plain anger’. The third hatch at the Brevard County Osprey platform has died. Food was not always plentiful, the weather turned miserable, and the entire family was hungry. Thankfully, the wee babe did not suffer long.

There continues to be concern about food at that nest and the second hatch at Achieva needs more food, too. Thanks, ‘PB’ for being eyes and ears at these nests for me.

Brood reduction is a real thing by females experiencing hunger and understanding there is not enough food for everyone. Alan Poole wrote an article in 1982 on this subject. Here is the abstract:

In an effort to understand patterns and causes of nestling loss in Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), I studied brood reduction in three eastern U.S. Osprey colonies during 1978 and 1979. The colonies, located in Florida Bay (1) and on coastal Long Island, N.Y. (2), differed in the average daily amount of food delivered to nestlings; Florida nests received 43% and 11% less fish per day than nests in the two N.Y. colonies, largely because latitude and season restricted day length and thus foraging time for the winter-breeding Florida Ospreys. Increased distance from stable food sources accounted for the lower rate of feeding at one of the N.Y. colonies. Variation in clutch size in the three colonies reflected differences in latitude more than in food availability; average clutch sizes in Long Island were larger than Florida clutches by 0.5 of an egg, but were similar to each other and to those in other northeastern U.S. Osprey populations.Increased nestling loss coincided with reduced food delivery rates and, in food stressed colonies, this loss was 2-3 times greater than any recorded for Ospreys. Starvation was the primary cause of nestling death, with mortality concentrated on third chicks, which hatched on average 3.9 d later and from eggs 5.6% smaller than chicks hatching first. Sibling aggression accounted for the preferential feeding of older nestmates,but only in colonies or nests where food was limited. Aggressive chicks nearly always stopped fighting after being fed. This behavior provided a reversible mechanism for controling brood reduction that was based on nutrition. Growth rates of young measured during the first half of the growth period were more variable between colonies than within nests. This is interpreted as reflecting both the differences in colony food delivery rates as well as the evolutionary pressures of sibling competition to equalize the growth of nestmates.

Title of full article: Poole A. Brood reduction in temperate and sub-tropical ospreys. Oecologia. 1982 Apr;53(1):111-119. doi: 10.1007/BF00377144. PMID: 28310611.

I don’t know about you, but I need some cheering up. Winter feels like it is never going to end. We woke up to snow everywhere Wednesday morning and then rain. The sun did come out and the skies turned blue and it was brilliant. It seems that I am not the only person in the world that needs birds to feel the joy. Jackie and Shadow’s babies made The Guardian (along with at least fifty other news outlets). The author says, “Over Easter weekend, thousands of people tuned in to celebrate something spectacular unfolding 145 feet up a pine tree in southern California’s San Bernardino national forest – the hatchings of two bald eagle chicks.”

Hatchings of two California bald eagle chicks delight vast livestream audiencehttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/06/bald-eagle-chicks-hatching-california-livestream?CMP=share_btn_url

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is ever so excited their breeding osprey pair has returned!

https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/news/dramatic-return-ospreys-foulshaw-moss

Keep dogs on leashes. Osprey attacked!

https://patch.com/connecticut/vernon/leashless-dogs-attack-distressed-osprey-after-flight-mishap-vernon-rescue-group

It just seems to continue on those big estates in the UK and, particularly, in Scotland. Why makes gamekeepers and other humans think that they can shoot or poison beautiful raptors that are protected? Sometimes I would like the penalty to match the deed! That is how sick I am of reading about these offenses.

General & hazardous waste, including bags of suspected shot gamebirds, found dumped in a pit on an eDownload

From Geemeff:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 8th April 2026

Another exciting day full of action and nest-swapping! Aurora 536 and Garry LV0 invaded Nest Two and Garry even attempted mating there, until a furious Dorcha swept in and chased them away, with the aerial battle visible on nest cam in the distance. Aurora was given two fish by Garry on Nest One, took the first and ate it, and rejected the second – along with Garry’s advances – until it had been on and off the nest a few times. They did however appear to have at least one successful mating attempt but many more are needed if we’re going to get chicks on Nest One this season. Another intruder female, not yesterday’s, tried to hang out with Garry until he chased her off, and the day ended with an endearingly clumsy juvenile Barn Owl putting in an appearance on Nest One. No Louis yet but there’s still time, and the weather is good.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/HpfyjOiT3xA N2 Aerial battle as Dorcha ejects Aurora and Garry from her nest 10.47.23

https://youtu.be/4WHoq31W6gI N1 Aurora finally gets a fish from Garry 13.46.53

https://youtu.be/KtlqD3h_Af8 N1 Unringed female intruder Osprey is chased away 14.04.51

https://youtu.be/-LYzzfoiwWI N1 Garry brings a second fish but Aurora’s not interested 15.40.10

https://youtu.be/8tkUV6gqrTk N1 Clumsy and cute little juvenile Barn Owl visits 21.14.15

Bonus read: All about Loch Arkaig, and the Mile Dorcha that gave our Dorcha her name: 

https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/speanbridge/locharkaig/index.html

Blast from the past, 8th April in previous years:

https://youtu.be/YADMDipmet0  N1 Aila gets the brush-off 2020

https://youtu.be/9DmoNXRo4u4  N1 Louis nearly pulls Aila off the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/MOwOw_Okoq4  N2 Magic rainbow diamonds 2022 (Artistic Ospreys)

https://youtu.be/uBJT3Gullpc  N2 Louis’ one and only visit – Dorcha’s not home yet 2023

https://youtu.be/rWdpjJV1mFg N2 Louis chases an intruder 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/cU7dI1sudXs  N2 Louis pole vaults onto the nest 2024

https://youtu.be/in2K_CSR5Mg  N2 Intruder Osprey overflies Dorcha on the nest 2024

https://youtu.be/cULExhyJn2s N1 Welcome back! Affric 152 & Prince arrive (zoom) 2025

https://youtu.be/I6GhPq9RQEo  N1 After a hasty departure, Affric & Prince return to the nest 2025

https://youtu.be/cSkecFnZ3i8  N2 Louis swoops in with a whopper trout 2025

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

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

Nests are not settled. Mispillion Harbour is one of those and resident female, Della, is fighting or her nest with her life on the line. Aran appears to have abandoned Glaslyn and is over near a grove of trees so that one of the monitors can keep an eye on him. If he doesn’t have a mate, like he did last year, it will be a shame. His last chick with Mrs G has been seen in the area and his first two chicks with Elen are also in the area. Good DNA there! Elen you are missing out. Elen has also not been seen at the nest since last Sunday (I believe that to be correct) with Teifi arriving to make matters worse if Elen and Aran did show up together.

A majestic osprey flies above its nest, carrying a fish in its talons, with a lush landscape in the background.
Announcement about exciting sightings of Ospreys by Glaslyn Wildlife, including updates on two Ospreys spotted at different locations.

Louis has not returned to Loch Arkaig but his favourite date to return is 11 April so I am holding on to hope.

Dyfi wants you to join the fun and guess the first egg!

A promotional image for the 'First Egg Competition' by Dyfi Osprey Project, featuring the book 'Ospreys in Wales - The First Ten Years' by Emyr Evans, with an osprey perched on a branch.

Some more Nestflix – the birds are so much more interesting than what is on the streaming cams!!!!!! Seriously.

A series of images depicting two ospreys in flight and near their nest, showcasing one osprey diving down and the other perched nearby.

And more…

A pair of osprey birds are interacting on their nest, surrounded by a forested area. One bird is prominently featured in the foreground while the other is partially hidden within the nest made of sticks.

Heidi is watching so many nests this breeding season and sadly some of them are in areas where getting fish to the nest is a challenge. ‘PB’ has been watching the Florida nests and we have some serious issues at Brevard County. The weather is not letting up and Dad cannot fish with those waves. Mum is really hungry and the two surviving of three babies are starving. Mum fed them their dead sibling this morning.

Heidi reports we have egg 2 at Moraine Beach.

An osprey on its nest, with an egg visible, captured from a live camera feed.

Ospreys are now on the Barnegat Light platform – the camera is up and running. I am not entirely certain on the identity of these birds.

Two ospreys perched on a nest overlooking a marshy landscape with a road in the background.

Lola has returned to Charlo Montana.

And, of course, we still have Bald Eagles. Dearest little Peanut keeps getting ravaged by that bloody owl at the Winter Park nest.

I do support them and their campaign and this is not a commercial site so I hope I don’t get into too much trouble by putting up images of Jackie and Shadow and their babies. This nest brings nearly 40,000 viewers at the moment great joy. That is what nature does for us – not the news! I know that many are without jobs, have been recently laid off, are living on a fixed low income, and cannot support the Moon Camp campaign. But, you can do other things. Why not send -emails to various businesses to try and get them to sponsor the saving of Moon Camp? Put out water for your local birds. They really need it more than food. Think about what you can do without spending a cent!

A pair of bald eagles in their nest with a chick visible. The nest is surrounded by pine trees and overlooks a scenic landscape.
A close-up view of a bald eagle nest, featuring two fluffy eaglets and an adult bald eagle nearby, surrounded by twigs and natural debris.

Mum and Baby at Duke Farms are doing very well.

A mature eagle and a chick resting in a large nest made of twigs, surrounded by a natural landscape.

There are now three eaglets at the Fort St Vrain Bald Eagle nest.

A bald eagle feeding a chick in a nest made of twigs and grass.

The Ventana Wildlife Society cares for the California Condors. You should care about this amazing bird that cleans up our environment and protects us. Watch – find out how many still exist in the wild, what is happening this breeding season, and how people are helping. https://www.youtube.com/live/th4-OBjWAxw?

It is going to be a very difficult year for many nests. Seas and waterways, as well as our planet, are warming, and this has enormous implications for our wildlife (and us).

The Guardian has the article:

Non-survivable’: heatwaves are already breaching human limits, with worse to come, study finds, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/08/extreme-weather-heatwaves-breaching-human-survival-limits-study-finds?CMP=share_btn_url

This really is a wake-up call for all of us. Please take care of yourself. Send our nests good positive wishes. If you have a wand that can drop fish on nests – please send some to Achieva and Brevard.

See you soon!

Thank you to ‘PB, Heidi, and Geemeff’, to those who create videos and post information on FB, to The Guardian that continues to monitor the environmental news and post it for us to educate ourselves, and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to see these remarkable families – thank you. Thank you to the authors of very informative articles including Alan Poole.

Late Monday/Early Tuesday in Bird World

6/7 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

I wasn’t going to post but…

SK Hideaways compiled the week’s videos and I could not send them. They are on holiday!!!!!


SK Hideaways Videos, 29 March – 6 April 2026

FOBBV Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA 

Courtesy of  FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley

Shadow Declares Mealtime Over ~ Swoops in to Brood Eaglets, Excuses Jackie (2026 Apr 6)

Video: https://youtu.be/3AQVsHm1hW4

Eaglets #1 & #2 Arrive!  Jackie & Shadow’s 2nd Clutch a Success (2026 Apr 4-5)

Video: https://youtu.be/Sg7No7esiAg

PIP Confirmed ~  Shadow Wants to Incubate till Both Eggs Hatch (2026 Apr 3)

Video: https://youtu.be/lo9QFUdRK_A

West End ~ Catalina Island, CA

Isla & Lee’s Wee Hour Beaky Kiss Fest & Shenanigans (2026 April 1)

Video: https://youtu.be/ZA5crZd75fACourtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | West End Eagles Cam Ops

Two Harbors Eagles ~ Catalina Island, CA

Cholyn & Chase in All Their Romantic Glory ~ An Oceanside Sunrise (2026 Mar 30)

Video: https://youtu.be/UDihd44HTxM

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

Fraser Point Eagles ~ Santa Cruz Island, CA

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops

FP2 ~ Zuma Arrives to Join Sasha,Cruz & Andor (2026 Mar 30)

Video: https://youtu.be/xhwv8IWAHas 

Cruz & Andor Welcome FP1 ~ Sasha  (2026 Mar 28-29)

Video: https://youtu.be/HTrZlwpDO0I

Geemeff sends us the daily summary from The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 6th April 2026

The weather was much more settled today and forecast to remain so for the next couple of days and with luck, Louis will make his way home during that weather window. The most interesting thing that happened today was that Dorcha visited Nest One again, just a fleeting visit unlike yesterday’s hour-long one, and also a repeat of her quick visit to Nest One on this day last year.

Today’s video:

https://youtu.be/Pjr_WwqjNG8 N1&2 Dorcha does some housekeeping then visits Nest One 13.15.32

Blast from the past – this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/OvVG5MBBjd4  N1 Welcome home Aila! 2020

https://youtu.be/j_2zRRZeJQY   N1 Sealed with a fish: the reunion of Aila & Louis 2020

https://youtu.be/7Q3BC32Ukgw  N1 Fleeting glimpse of an Osprey (slo-mo) 2021  

https://youtu.be/WlIs0DTECK0 N2 Louis is heard skydancing before arriving 2023

https://youtu.be/Uz2YCaJzWLo N2 Disaster! A howling gale blows Dorcha off the nest (zoom) 2024

https://youtu.be/y8Jxs3sbhS4 N1 A Barn Owl (Tyto alba) visits briefly (zoom) 2024

https://youtu.be/pVw-5InEmdM N2 Comings & goings before Dorcha finally gets the fish 2025

https://youtu.be/2TrKItSxR3o N1 An unringed Osprey visits – it’s Dorcha! (zoom) 2025  

https://youtu.be/gypEolHWuXg N2 The Sabre Dance performed by Louis & Dorcha (quick time Classic Ospreys – Khachaturian) 2025

Come and join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Ospreys continue to arrive:

Oscar has returned to his nest at Russell Lake in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. We anxiously await the arrival of Ethel, his outstanding mate.

Harry has arrived at SS Alyth.

There was a male osprey on the nest with Iris, but my markings chart shows it was Louis, not New Guy 2. Gosh, I would love to be wrong!

UV has returned to Keilder Forest’s nest 5A.

At the Golden Gate Audubon nest of Richmond, his new mate, Wendy, has begun helping with that incredible nest on the World War II whirley crane. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/sPmvv6r4KZs?

Lots of tandem feedings going on today with the Bald Eagles. One of those was at Little Miami Conservancy. When there are three, mum and dad need to kick in and feed them so everyone gets their crop full.

That little baby is getting lots of bites!

A pair of bald eagles tending to their nest with several eaglets visible among the twigs and branches. The background shows a blurred landscape with trees.

If you missed it, Cornell Bird Lab has the video of Iris returning to her nest in Missoula’s Hellgate Canyon: https://youtu.be/xM_3aiCH4hM?

An osprey sitting on its nest made of twigs and branches, with a parking lot visible in the background.

My goodness, she looks good.

There have been at least three fish deliveries at the Achieva Osprey platform in St Petersburg, Florida on Monday. Hoorah.

LJ2 has arrived home at Lyn Brennig.

Syfaddan has returned to her nest in the Usk Valley.

They are getting home. Now what is happening at Loch Arkaig?! Well, it’s a mess according to Geemeff. “Garry LVO on nest 2; Dorcha on nest 1 getting Garry’s fish and a half-hearted mating attempt; Unringed dark female on nest 2; Aurora 536 on nest 2!” All I can say is ‘gracious me’. Louis, you had best get home.

Iris slept on her perch waiting for new guy 2 to return.

A view of an osprey nest made of twigs and branches, located in a parking lot near buildings and trees. An osprey is perched on the nest, with empty parking spaces visible in the background.

Toby waiting to play fetch!

A black and white Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sitting next to a plush sheep toy on a rug in a living room.

Thank you for being with us. Take care, everyone. See you later in the week – it is going to be busy here. Good busy. And we are expecting more snow, which means pet food, human food, and wood (along with paper to light it) brought inside.

Thank you to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their videos and reports, to the owners of the streaming cams for allowing us to take screen captures and watch these amazing bird families, and to the individuals who post information on FB – always grateful to you!

Big Red isn’t fooling around….Wednesday in Bird World

1 April 2026

It might be April Fool’s Day but Big Red isn’t fooling around. She laid her fourth egg today! Cornell Bird Lab has it on video: https://youtu.be/JlHxc-bpsQg?

A red-tailed hawk sitting on a nest made of twigs and branches, with a focus on its back and tail feathers.

Aeron Z2 has arrived at the Friends of Osprey Pont Cresor nest in Glaslyn. Of course, this could get interesting as Elen is home alone at the other Glaslyn nest and Blue 014 has yet to arrive at Pont Cresor.

Aeron Z2 is handsome, and he did cause a lot of mischief last season. His brother Tegid Z1 (on a private nest) is also equally adorable. Monty’s boys.

A close-up of an osprey standing on a nest made of sticks, with a scenic background of hills and sparse trees. The sky is overcast.

Lots happening at Loch of the Lowes but not a couple confirmed as yet. And where is Blue NCO? Does she have another nest and mate? I wonder.

Text post about recent osprey sightings at Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve, discussing their behaviors and conditions.

In the garden, lots of action as a Sharp-shinned Hawk (a male) had a Starling lunch right in front of us.

A hawk standing on the snow, next to its prey, a fallen bird, surrounded by scattered leaves and twigs.

Missing Blue 35 – and females chasing after White YW. I don’t blame them – he’s a great dad at Foulshaw Moss.

An osprey nest with two ospreys in a dramatic pose, surrounded by a landscape of open fields and distant hills, showcasing daytime activity in the nest.

USS9 and USS10 are cute.

Two fluffy bald eagle chicks in a nest, with an unhatched egg between them, resting on straw.

More fish are needed at Moorings Park. Everyone is fighting with little three, and 2 seems to be the dominant osplet right now. 3 got some fish – finally.

An adult osprey standing in a nest with three chicks, surrounded by branches and vegetation, near a body of water.
An osprey stands beside three chicks in their nest, with a view of a calm body of water and greenery in the background.
An osprey standing near three chick ospreys in a nest, surrounded by greenery and water in the background.
An osprey standing on a nest with three young ospreys in a natural setting by a river, surrounded by trees.

I am always concerned about the Achieva nest, always. For many reasons.

An osprey stands in a nest made of twigs with another chick visible inside, surrounded by green trees and a suburban street in the background.

‘J’ sent Naturechat’s points:

Pip in progress for 3rd egg at U.S. Steel Eagle Cam.

3rd egg laid today at Black Stork Cam in Poland 2.

Pip watch continues for 1st eggs at Big Bear Eagle Cam, Fort St. Vrain Station Eagle Cam, Glen Hazel (Hays) Eagle Cam and ND-LEEF Eagle Cam.

When will Frannie lay her 1st egg at Eastern Bluebird Cam in VA?

It was quite the day here. Our entire routine went upside down and sideways. The new care helper came at 0830. She is fantastic. Then the delivery man came with two months of birdseed – bags everywhere. Then the installer arrived to wire the house for the alarm, the doorbell, and the fire alarm. Ann arrived and then there were several other deliveries. I don’t need to tell you that Don, The Girls, and Toby are all snoring! It is going to be an early night.

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. See you soon – remember. We are waiting for the hatch at Big Bear along with hundreds of thousands of other people.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams and those who have posted information and images on FB that I have used in today’s blog.