Oh, my goodness. I can’t keep up. Everyone knew this week was going to be a madhouse but we have osprey arrivals, eggs being laid, pip and hatch watches, hatches, fledges – and you name it. It is absolutely wonderful.
Jack and Jill have their first hatch at the Achieva Osprey platform in St Petersburg, Florida. Please send them extra love – they need it! There is a lot of competition for Jack’s fish from other species and that platform has not given us much confidence. I hope this year goes wonderfully well for this couple – send the love!
Thanks, MP, for alerting me and sending the images. Time: 15:46:41
If you have not watched Tim MacKrill’s presentation on osprey migration, I urge you to do so. You will learn so much! Then you can teach others. https://youtu.be/wlJoNyKapfc?
Dad might have brought in a huge male Tilapia to the Moorings Park nest, but these three are now well into the Reptilian Phase, and they are not having that feeling of ‘love’ with one another – at least not when it comes to food! You might see some unhappiness once in a while. Hopefully, this will all settle down once they get their juvenile feathers.
They can be nice.
Nice evening at Pitkin!
Heidi reports that both ospreys are at Seaside – Bruce and Naha. They have a chat and there is a great observation board to check out current and historical information.
Thanks for being with me. Please take care. See you on Monday if not before. Have a great weekend.
Thank you to ‘MP’ for the notice and images for Achieva, for Geemeff for reminding me about Tim Mackrill’s talk and now it is archived, to all who posted notices on FB, and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to partake of the lives of these wonderful birds.
It’s a bit chilly at -7 C this morning but there is a beautiful blue sky and bright sunshine to make us feel warm. The birds are all over the garden looking for seed through the fresh snow that we woke up to. Spring will come. There will be lots of moisture in the ground. That will be a blessing. I see Mr Blue Jay has arrived along with the Starlings, Dark-eyed Juncos, and various types of sparrows. Those Blue Jays are so gorgeous against the white snow.
We had a lovely visit with our daughter and grandson yesterday. Jaine came with a homemade Opera cake that could win any Bake Off prize in the world.
This little red squirrel is keeping everyone curious. It darts in and out of the woodbox and under the deck, caching nuts. Hugo Yugo is completely intrigued and sits at the window watching for hours. Isn’t it cute?
Oh, I love this Red-tailed Hawk. For many, Big Red was one of the first raptors they watched on a streaming cam. There is a great Facebook group, along with a live chat from hatch to fledge. This chat will blow you away for one specific reason – each of the moderators is so knowledgeable. Laura Culley used to be one of them. There are set times when chat is open, and historical data and new science are always being added. You could not find a better place if you want to learn about hawks! I will let you know when chat is open and how to find it.
At the nest of Beau and Gabby, the oldest eaglet, Eve, fledged! She really manted to join Kai who earned his wings the day prior.
Lisa Russo posted Gretchen’s post on FB. Thank you, Lisa.
Screenshot
Heidi reports a pip at Brevard County Osprey platform and she was right – there is a chick at Brevard this morning.
Four eggs for Elaine and Newmann at Spirit Bluff scrape.
I was delighted to hear from Lisa, one of our great Bird World members and a daily reader, who also is key at the Audubon Centre for Birds of Prey. An article has been published about her work there. Have a read! Lisa is a real inspiration. I am so proud of her – and her award as Volunteer of the Year in 2024.
Maybe someone reading this article about Lisa might be motivated to volunteer locally.
One of the eagles at the Audubon Centre that is benefiting from the devotion of many like Lisa is River.
At the Winter Park Bald Eagle nest Peanut has branched. That is wonderful. Peanut’s older sibling, Brutus, is also at the Audubon Centre after being knocked off the nest by a GHO.
So where is Quinn? Diane Lambertson posted a FB message that might hold that answer.
The IWS has given a beautiful name to the female at the West End Bald Eagle nest in the Channel Islands.
Angel has returned to her nest at Loch Doon and they say Frankie is coming in behind her.
A great presentation by Dr Tim McKrill on osprey migration for us and the Osprey Leadership Foundation: https://youtu.be/wlJoNyKapfc?
Watching for Idris and Telyn to arrive at Dyfi.
SK Hideaways is on a mission to a faraway place. They sent one video this morning. Thank you! Safe and wonderful travels.
West End Eagles ~ Catalina Island, CA F & Lee Inseparable on Flirty Pre-Naming Day ~ Must Be Love😍 (2026 Mar 23) F’s name should be announced tomorrow! She and Lee were celebrating together all morning as they repeatedly soared from nest to tor to secret hideout. They were inseparable and had much to chortle-snortle about. There was no interest in mating, but there sure were a lot of goo-goo eyes between them plus one of the sweetest beaky kisses I’ve ever seen. Video: https://youtu.be/PYNBCu8Tw0o Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | West End Eagles Cam Ops Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14 Other Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmmAzrAkKqI Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kad6O4nF6bg
This female is now Isla.
Two ospreys at Pitkin County this morning.
There is a hatch underway for Bella and Scout at the NCTC Bald Eagle nest. Let’s send this family our best wishes. They lost their beautiful eaglets last year in a nest collapse. It was so sad for everyone.
Despite some deaths, it appears that the Kakapo breeding season is going to be a success.
Thank you for being with us today. Please take care of yourself. Have a marvellous weekend. We will be back soon – too much happening. We are on pip watch for Andor and Cruz at Fraser Point.
Thank you to Lisa Ferguson for sending me that great article. Congratulations! I am grateful to everyone who supplied videos, to those who posted on FB, and to the owners of the streaming cams that let us watch our bird families.
Just a quick check in on some nests and the garden as spring arrives.
The first Dark-eyed Juncos of the season have arrived! Thank goodness the whole seed area is a mess and there is lots for them on the ground.
The big news (as far as I am concerned) is that Kai, Beau and Gabby’s baby, fledged about an hour and a half ago caught on video by Netflix Memories. https://youtu.be/VnmSSSODa6M?
Ospreys are arriving at the European nests including those in Germany.
Blue NCO calls for a mate from her nest at Loch of the Lowes.
She might be 23 years old but she is still gorgeous. Big Red.
Chichester’s Peregrine Falcon newsletter has arrived.
We have at least one osprey on the Pitkin County nest in Colorado.
On pip watch at Achieva. I hope that Jack steps up provisions. Many of you might wonder about the fish he brings in – this couple recycles fish just as Jack and Diane did. A fish comes in, part is eaten, it is taken away and. brought back. The ospreys have a place where, like the squirrels in my garden, that cache food. We saw this clearly at Captiva when there was a tree near to the platform that served this purpose.
So when you see a fish, don’t count them as individual fish – that is not the case. Jack will need to provide more. Diane supplemented the fish with her great catfish. Will this female have to pitch in for her babies to survive?
Thank you so much for being with us. Take care! See you soon.
Thank you to all the individuals who posted videos that I am sharing, information on FB, and to the owners of the streaming cams, we are all grateful to be able to watch our beautiful birds.
It was a blue-sky, fluffy-clouds, -1 C day on the Canadian Prairies. Sadly, the warm weather on Friday meant that all that melting caused ice today. We tried walking at the English Gardens, but turned back and instead walked Toby down every aisle of one of our larger pet stores that carry duck and lamb hearts. He got to sniff up a storm!
The week has not been without its challenges. Don’s condition continues to deteriorate. We are in the early stages of late Lewy body dementia, and Don is sleeping more than he is awake. This change began this week. We have an appointment with his doctor on Wednesday. This sudden change has, however, given me a chance to sit quietly in the warm sunshine with Toby, a type of stillness that was simply beautiful.
There was a shimmer of gold in all of this, as my neighbour, who Brock has adopted along with her porch chair, has found me a cleaning lady. The Girls and Toby create more hair than a shedding Highland cow despite daily vacuuming and mopping. I am so grateful – I want to enjoy the time, those very conscious times, with Don and the animals and not spend it constantly cleaning. Oh, gosh, we should all wish for that.
SK Hideaways has sent us their videos for the past week. It is quite the undertaking- I sure don’t need to check on any of these nests.
SK Hideaways Videos Week of 15 March 2026 AEF-NEFL Eagles ~ Palm Coast, FL 🦅 Eve and Kai 🦅 A Day in the Life🌿 Before Their Grand Adventure💙 (2026 Mar 21) As fledge day approaches, we fans are feeling the empty nest anxiety that comes after investing months rooting for an eagle (or falcon or osprey or…) family. So I wanted to capture a day in the life of this beloved family. Gabby and Beau have raised two beautiful eaglets ~ Eve and Kai, who are now 11 weeks old. Fledge could happen at any moment. While we’re excited to see Eve and Kai soar and explore, we will miss them when they’re gone.
Eve hatched on December 31st Kai hatched on January 1st
Audacity Lays SIXTH Egg 🥚🥚🥚🥚🥚🥚 Keeping Hope Alive 🐣 (2026 Mar 16) The amazing 20-year-old Audacity has laid her SIXTH egg of the season. Continuing to send positive thoughts for a hatch. Video: https://youtu.be/wNi3gZssQJA
Cholyn & Chase Bid Their Broken Egg a Fond Farewell 💔 (2026 Mar 17) It was an end no fan wanted to see. The last egg in Cholyn and Chase’s clutch was accidently punctured and ultimately broke. While we anthropomorphize their “feelings”, because we’re human and that’s what we do, I believe they did mourn this loss in their own eagle way. It was a poignant and touching sight to see. In the end, they came together like they always do. Video: https://youtu.be/8vmMpnkNsh4
Soon-to-be-Named Female & Lee Bond from Tors to Nest to Meadows (2026 Mar 20)The soon-to-be-named female and Lee continue to bond. On the tors, in the nest, in the meadows, and everywhere in between. How lucky we are to watch the progression of this budding relationship.
If you would like to vote for the female’s name, go to iws.org/nest-adoption-challenge. Voting is open till March 24th at 5 p.m.
Prospective Young Dad Lee First Confused then Caring About 1st Egg (2026 Mar 15-16) 4-year-old Lee seemed a little dazed and confused when his new mate revealed an egg. He went away to “process” overnight and returned in the morning with dad hormones on full display. We look forward to watching this story unfold. Video: https://youtu.be/WVDHKRApfxQ
Female Lays First Egg ~ Likely First Ever (2026 Mar 15) They say this female is probably 5 years old; the male, Lee, is known to be 4 years old. This is likely the first egg for either of them. It was sweet watching her dote on the egg.
JBS24 is a superstar at 7-1/2 Weeks! Pro-like self-feeding gulps & big wingers (2026 Mar 18) At 7-1/2 weeks, JBS24 is self-feeding and wingercising like a champ. Awaiting breakfast, JBS24 found (and gulped down) lots of leftovers and showed their beautiful wings for the camera with some impressive wingers. Video: https://youtu.be/dFpVyYpSWps
San Jose City Hall Falcons ~ San Jose, CA ~ Hartley & Monty Courtesy San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcon Cam
Hartley & Monty Produce 4 Eggs for 3 Years Running (2026 Mar 19) Hartley laid egg #4 just after 1 a.m., making this the third year that she and Monty have achieved such fruitfulness. Monty visited a few hours later and then they took a few moments to celebrate by mating. Surely they’re not going for 5 eggs this year! 🫢 Video: https://youtu.be/IiCPIjLE0mw
Hartley & Monty Welcome Egg #3 🥚🥚🥚(2026 Mar 16) Like clockwork and with minimal fanfare, Hartley laid egg #3. Monty paid a short visit before leaving to let Hartley rest up. Will there be a 4th in a couple days? Stay tuned. Video: https://youtu.be/HGoXF8QGpd8
I am so glad that so many of you are taking the time to enjoy and closely monitor the birds that populate your area. ‘A’, our narrator of all birds Australian, writes, “I have been deeply involved in my own garden birds – I thank you so much for reminding us all that the birds we should start watching are the ones that visit us and need our friendship. When the summers regularly reach 40C+ the bird baths are not just a decoration in the back yard! Today, those sweet little squeaking fluff balls, the native mynahs, were having the most wonderful time in their bird bath (theirs as I have mentioned in the one a metre off the ground – the crows use the deeper water bowl on the ground). The little mynahs get SO wet that they can sometimes hardly fly up to the clothesline to shake their tail feathers and preen. I love how they perch, six or more at a time, around the rim of the bird bath and then take it in turns to fling themsselves into the water and flap acrsos to the opposite rim. They like to get their undersides as wet as possible. TOO cute.The crows stand in the middle of their dish and lie down, then flap wildly, throwing water all over themselves a well as soaking their undersides to get as wet as they possibly can. The fledgling crow has hung around its parents twice as long as the magpie fledgling did – the crow is still here, being incredibly loud and demanding. Its poor parents are still shoving food into its beak just to shut it up. It’s almost impossible to tell the parents from the youngster from appearance – only behaviour really identifies who is who.”
Reading Ping’s article and ‘A’s narrative of her garden brings such joy to me. As I always say, if everyone took care of the birds and animals close to them and stood up for those who cannot, this planet of ours would be a much richer, more diverse, and happier place.
Please do not think that our feathered friends have an easy life. They do not. Wildlife are under attack everywhere.
At Achieva, Jack has been delivering fish and according to Barbara Snyder, a keen observor of this nest, we are nearing pip watch.
Audacity has laid egg number 8. Oh, I really hope that one of these eggs is successful. Poor darling. She wants to be a mum so badly and well, after Betty Lou, I don’t blame her. BL was a fantastic fledgling.
At the Moorings Park nest, wee three finally got some fish late in the day. Everyone had been concerned. It was a relief.
Tired and full.
Thank you so much for being with us. Keep your eyes on those cameras – ospreys are arriving everywhere, the last of the older eaglets are ready to fledge, and we have pip watches coming! It is going to be very busy.
Take care of yourself. We hope that you have a wonderful week.
Thank you to SK Hideaways for those marvellous videos and to ‘A’ for sharing her garden birds with us. I am always grateful to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to view the lives of these magnificent creatures and to those that post news on FB, as well as the newspapers that keep us up to date on critical issues regarding our planet’s wildlife.
So what does the Spring Equinox symbolise? I asked AI.
“The spring equinox (or vernal equinox) symbolises a profound turning point towards light, new beginnings, and balance, marking the official end of winter’s dormancy and the start of growth. It represents a moment of global equilibrium (equal day and night), fostering themes of fertility, renewal, and the emergence of life.
Core Symbolism of the Spring Equinox:
New Beginnings & Rebirth: The world emerging from winter’s slumber symbolizes a chance to start fresh, often characterized by planting, growing, and shedding the old.
Balance & Equilibrium: Occurring when the sun crosses the equator, it symbolizes the perfect, albeit fleeting, balance between light and dark, day and night.
Light over Darkness: As days begin to grow longer, the equinox is a testament to the return of warmth and the triumph of light over the cold and darkness of winter.
Fertility & Growth: Traditionally linked to the goddess Ostara, the season is heavily associated with fertility, growth, and abundance.
Transformation & Renewal: Similar to a seed sprouting, it represents a period of blooming and personal growth. Community-Based Research Centre +7
Common Symbols and Rituals:
Eggs: Representing fertility, new life, and the potential of the coming season.
Hares/Rabbits: Long-standing symbols of fertility and the quickening life of spring.
Flowers/Seeds: Snowdrops, crocuses, and the planting of seeds represent new growth and the awakening of the earth.
Bonfires/Candles: Lighting fires symbolizes the return of the sun’s warmth and light.
Spring Cleaning: Clearing out the physical and metaphorical stagnation of winter to prepare for new energy. Slow North +5
Cultural and Historical Contexts:
Holi (Hinduism): A vibrant festival celebrating the arrival of spring, joy, and the victory of good over evil.
Easter (Christianity): Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, aligning with the broader themes of rebirth.
Ostara (Pagan/Germanic): The pagan festival honoring the goddess of spring and dawn, Eostre.
Mesoamerican Traditions: Often recognized with the descent of the snake god Kukulkan at Chichen Itza, signifying the agricultural season’s start. Slow North +3
The spring equinox serves as a reminder to align with the rhythms of nature, celebrating the return of warmth and actively cultivating growth in both the environment and our personal lives. “
My family and I – two or four legged – wish each of you a wonderful beginning of spring, a sense of light and life, and hope.
Before I begin, it seems that Audacity and Jak have another nest. Gracie Shepherd caught up with them and discovered that Audacity has laid egg 7 of this breeding season. She is not giving up on having a little one. Tugs at my heart strings. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/SZ_xEjmVT3c?
It is currently very cloudy, with temperatures of +3 C in Winnipeg. There is a 45kph wind kicking up the snow and making it feel bitterly cold on our faces. We have now been out for two walks with Toby – shorter walks more frequently seem to work better for ‘us seniors’.
Thinking ahead to when the snow is gone and some changes to the garden to suit a dog that loves to run, I am moving the lower deck and hoping to create an agility area for Toby. We tested out the arrival of one tube. The ones we had for ‘The Girls’ are simply too small. Here is a video of the arrival with Hugo Yugo and Toby. My talents do not lie in camera work! That is for certain. Have patience. There are a couple of cute moments.
Big Red spent enough time on the nest on Thursday that everyone thought we might have an egg! Soon, soon!!!!!! Our Queen of the Red Tail Hawks is 23 years old. I am hoping for two healthy chicks that thrive, fledge, and survive. As much as I admire what the Cornell Bird Lab does, they really need to keep on making the windows bird-strike-proof. Sadly, the fledgling lost last year was to West Nile Virus, not window strike, but there is still work to be done on the latter.
JBS24 is really getting ready to fledge. After the loss of JBS 25 to an unknown, the parents have been remarkable in their care of their surviving baby.
No one needs to worry. Gabby has eyes in the back of her head when it comes to her babies who are now doing some daring branching. It won’t be long as they are self-feeding, branching, and working wings. Beau and Gabby you did well.
E26 has found the pond at the SW Florida Bald Eagle nest of his dad, M15 and late Mum, F23.
There appears to be a new female on the nest at Dewey Beach. Heidi will confirm later.
SF Bay Ospreys and the Golden Gate Alliance have created a video montage of Richmond’s amazing nest-building talents at the Whirley Crane this season. https://youtu.be/H6c92MNqISw?
At Gwash B11/10 has returned. He is the partner to Blue 25 (10).
Menhaden in the Chesapeake are essential to the entire eco-system and the population has been destroyed by industrial fishing. Different fish, different area but do think about this the next time you reach for Krill Oil!
Duke Farms Only Eaglet is doing very well. Gosh, it is nice not to have to share food with a sibling!
There is at least one osprey at the Dahlgren osprey platform.
There is real saddness as seabirds are washing up dead.
“Thousands of seabirds dying on western Europe’s coasts
Puffins, guillemots and razorbills are being washed up dead or dying on Europe’s Atlantic coast in what scientists call a ‘wreck’
Thousands of seabirds – mostly puffins, but also many guillemots and razorbills – are being washed up dead or dying on the Atlantic coasts of western Europe, in what scientists call a “wreck”.
This year’s events, the consequence of a series of severe storms during the late autumn and winter, are the worst since 2014, when as many as 54,000 birds were found stranded. Of these, well over half – between 30,000 and 34,000 – were puffins.
This may only be the tip of a very large iceberg, as puffins usually spend the winter far out in the north Atlantic, meaning many more birds will have died at sea and their corpses will never reach the shore.
The RSPB has warned that this recent series of weather-related disasters comes on top of a very tough few years for puffins. Avian flu and a decline of their favourite food – sand eels – have reduced breeding success at their colonies on offshore islands and around our coasts. They, and Britain’s other seabirds, such as gannets, fulmars and kittiwakes, also face problems from a rise in marine pollution.”
Thank you so much for being with us. I am sending this out late Thursday instead of Friday as it is not busy for me right now. I hope you have a great weekend. Will send short posts if any ospreys land on the UK nests! Take care.
Thank you so much to those who create videos for our enjoyment and education, to those who post information on Facebook, to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to witness the lives of our favourite birds, and to news sources that continue to provide information on our environment and our feathered friends.
Update: Brutus of the Winter Park nest has been rescued. He was struck by an owl and went overboard. https://youtu.be/4rjjtFFYE48?
Peanut alone.
Spring isn’t here yet but we are looking for some warmer days come mid-week. It felt like -17 C but we bundled up and got Toby out. He doesn’t seem to mind!
This is another quick check-in. There is so much going on in Bird World now that it would take a full day just to list everything, so I encourage you to check those streaming cams! Ospreys are arriving in the US, and there are even eggs for some new arrivals, such as Wolf Bay. Forsythe. Colonial Beach. I wish I could dump a million fish into the Chesapeake Bay for them, or build an artificial lake just for ospreys! They are flying over Scotland – and any day those ‘stars’ of the streaming cams will be tweaking their nests.
Well, I call her the ‘troublemaker’. Blue 33 and Blue 25 sometimes get a little cosy if Maya is late arriving at the Rutland Manton Bay nest. Blue 25 (10) hatched in 2010. That is the information provided in the parentheses of UK ringed birds. Blue 33 (11) should not be far behind.
There is an excellent book on the history of Rutland and its ospreys.
AI Overview of Blue 25: “Osprey Blue 25 is a female osprey known for early, temporary visits to the Manton Bay nest at Rutland Water, notably arriving before resident female Maya in both 2023 and 2025. She is a long-time breeder, often pairing with male Blue 11, and has demonstrated competitive behavior, attempting to claim the prime Manton Bay nest early in the season. YouTube +1
Key Details of Blue 25 at Rutland:
Early 2025 Return: Blue 25 was the first osprey of the 2025 season to return to the Manton Bay nest, landing on March 13, 2025, before Maya.
Previous Intrusion: She had a similar “fling” with Maya’s mate, Blue 33, in 2023, visiting the nest before departing when Maya returned and reclaimed the site.
Breeding Partner: She typically nests with her long-time mate, Blue 11, elsewhere at Rutland. YouTube
Blue 25 is part of the extensive Rutland Osprey Project, which has successfully reintroduced ospreys to England since 1996.”
I am so excited. Heidi is monitoring the US nests this year – or a huge part of them – and I plan to focus on the ones in Colorado, the West Coast, Montana, and the UK and Europe. Let the fun begin!
SK Hideaways has sent their videos for the week. The West End nest is not settled yet. That is a tragedy. Akecheta and Thunder were not affected by any genetic or environmental factors and raised many eaglets. What I wouldn’t give to see them fly onto their old nest! I would also like to discover what happened to Phoenix, the fledgling from Mud Table nest on Santa Rosa Island that I named last year. If you hear anything, please let me know.
SK Hideaways Videos Week of 8 March 2026
Channel Island, California Eagles Livestreamed nests: ~ Fraser Point ~ Santa Cruz Island ~ Cruz & Andor ~ Sauces Canyon ~ Santa Cruz Island ~ Audacity & Jak ~ Two Harbors ~ Catalina Island ~ Cholyn & Chase ~ West End ~ Catalina Island ~Residents in flux
Audacity Laid Egg #2 of 2nd Clutch ~ It Broke Within an Hour (2026 Mar 13) Audacity went into labor for the fifth time this season with the first 4 eggs breaking. Egg #5 arrived quickly and rolled into the egg cup. Unfortunately, this one also broke. Video: https://youtu.be/9WKlCk3RSbQ
Audacity & Jak Horaltic Pose Contest ~ The Biggest & Longest Held Wins (2026 Mar 8) Audacity and Jak spent most of the afternoon on the night perch. Nearly an hour of that time was spent in a stunning dual horaltic pose. We made a little game of it, but the view was breathtaking. Video: https://youtu.be/lmUEQ7MNWr0 Two Harbors ~ Cholyn & Chase 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 One Egg Broke ~ Chase Moved it Aside Before Cholyn Returned (2026 Mar 11) One of Cholyn and Chase’s two eggs broke for an unknown reason. Chase was on egg duty when the breakage was discovered, so he gently delivered the news to Cholyn when she returned from her break. They will now both focus on hatching the one remaining precious egg and we will all send positive vibes their way. Video: https://youtu.be/A9CYwq-GQzM
Unnamed Female (F) & Lee awoke all flirty ~ Goo-goo eyes & beaky kisses (2026 Mar 12)The unnamed female and Lee spent the night on the historical night perch, though not quite on the same branch. When they woke, Lee took a chance and jumped up to the female, F’s, branch. It was a good bet, as they chortled in the dawn, and shared beaky kisses, and prolonged eye gazing. We don’t know what they’re doing off camera and they’re not spending a whole lot of time on nestorations, so I’m guessing that eggs are unlikely this season. I’d happily be wrong! Hoping they build on their relationship and stay here to raise a family next year. Video: https://youtu.be/zsk1TIkIBaU
Hartley Lays Egg #1 in Wee Hours ~ Monty Meets at Civilized Hour (2026 Mar 12) The 2026 nesting season began for Hartley and Monty at 3:52 a.m. as Hartley laid her first egg. Monty teased her with a food gift before paying a visit to their egg a few hours later. Wishing Hartley and Monty another successful season. Video: https://youtu.be/IjFb8_sj-lU
Ferris caught both Arthur and Big Red on the Cornell campus today along with so many amazing ducks and geese in the waters around Cornell University. It was nice to take a break today and check in on Ferris and the birds around Ithaca, New York.
Handsome Arthur.
Jeff Kear posted the information on the Dyfi nest of Idris and Telyn from last season:
The more I look at the dates the more excited I am getting but, will someone arrive at Loch of the Lowes soon? Blue NC0 used to come early! Is she still with us? Will she have a mate and retake her nest which she lost when LM12 passed?
Wishing you a marvellous day! Take care. We will be back soon. Lots to report.
Thank you to the creators of the videos I have included and especially SK Hideaways who does such an amazing job every week of keeping us in touch with so many nests. Much gratitude to those who post information on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams who allow us to get so excited – and sad – and angry – at times over the lives of our favourite birds. Thank you Ferris Akel for your tour.
We hope you had a lovely week. It is still cold, with it feeling like -20 C this morning, even though it is actually -16. Toby didn’t want to go outside. The Girls are busy watching the starlings as they land and search for kibble (I haven’t been out yet to feed them). Brock was here in the middle of the night – that is when he comes, so I get to see him on camera! He has a route. He spends most of his time at Jane’s. Brock loves her soft chair and wet, warm food. Then he goes to a lady a block away (again caught on camera) and comes here when he is assured Toby is sleeping. I do miss him.
Dr Green and team are preparing for Iris’s arrival. The fence has been placed on the parking lot of the Rivberview Health Centre to block any intruders that might want to get to close to her abode.
Typical of Iris, she left the nest in a pretty good state. Oh, please, send out good energy for our Osprey Queen to return – the oldest known osprey in the world should be 30 this year. I also really want her young mate from last year to return, too. We were all saddened when Finnegan, who bred successful to raise two beautiful osplets in 2024, did not return last year as we anticipated he would.
At the Wolf Bay nest in Alabama, Bert and Josie have their second egg of the season. The time was approximtely 0631 today – gosh…I hope there aren’t any Crows around!
Indeed, a thief was caught by the new camera at the Rutland #4 nest. Geemeff caught it.https://youtu.be/BXD-4KKeH3A
At the Moorings Park nest, the osplets are changing. Their heads are getting that oily look (pinfeathers) of the reptilian phase that 1 and 2 are entering. It is a delightful nest! Well behaved, so far.
The fundraiser for the new batteries at Severna Park was a success, and the camera is now live-streaming. There is a number of sparrows taking advantage of the nest while the ospreys are still migrating. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/SHGPhGPtDWI?
Ospreys are arriving in the UK. Sightings were in Perth & Kinross this morning, heading north. One was sightee flying over Waterford in Ireland.
I am keeping an eye on Manton Bay. Blue 33 (11) is fifteen years old this year. Maya is older, thought to be nineteen this year.
Heidi is on the case of the Dewey Beach cam and its angle! If anyone can get them to fix this, it is her.
Brutus and Peanut are being shown where to branch as they continue to self-feed and flap those wings.
Eve and Kai will be thinking of fledging but not for a week…
The pine lining to Big Red’s nest bowl on the Cornell Campus has been added. This is not only pretty but it is also a well known remedy to keeping insects away from the hatchlings.
Only eaglet at Duke Farms is doing well.
Stella and Irvin have three eggs at the US Steel nest. Stella has had a sub-adult trying to bother her but she is pretty calm and didn’t react.
Only surviving eaglet JBS24 has grown into a beautiful, fully feathered, wanting to fly bird. JBS24 will be 79 days old on April 14, around the average time of flight at this nest. That would make it 21 eaglets fledged from here since 2012.
That is just a little catch-up. No doubt many things will happen at the nests today. Keep an eye! Take care of yourself. Enjoy your weekend. We will see you again on Monday (unless Iris or any of the UK ospreys land on their nests). Thank you so much for being with us today.
A few of the gang say ‘hi’.
Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to view the lives of these amazing birds!
It is ‘lazy’ Thursday, a day in pjs with only walks with Toby and nothing more – no house cleaning, no extensive baking or cooking, and very little time spent on a screen. It is -2 C, but it is windy, and it feels like -14 C. We are expecting snow in three hours! Yes, more snow. The Girls and Toby have quickly caught on to Thursdays.
Toby is not modest. He will sometimes turn on his back on walks when some of his favourite – and very trusted people – stop to chat.
Missey and Hugo Yugo are really beginning to hang out more and more together.
I want to share with you the best video that Heidi has created since I have known her. It is a montage of R9 and R10 with a focus on R10’s fledge. We get to see the brothers follow one another with their eyes, some rivalry, and some great flying. There is a dual feeding in there and some humour, but it is also a great historical document of the Dade County nest. https://youtu.be/jNsQaARNK-Q?
SK Hideaways captured Monty and Hartley’s first egg! This is really exciting, as you know, there is a diminishing population of falcons in parts of California due to HPAI. https://youtu.be/IjFb8_sj-lU?
My favourite White-tailed eagle, Milda, has laid her first egg in Latvia! I have followed Milda for years, and I miss her mate Ramis from eons ago. The link to Milda’s camera is here: https://www.youtube.com/live/3wSd4iXrCw0?
It is spring in Latvia. Our friend Sassa Bird sent me a short video of the birds and birdsong in their garden in Latvia yesterday. It gives me hope that spring is coming to us! And our friend AK in Japan sent me a gorgeous photo of the Japanese White-Eye and the first plum blossoms.
There is some sadness looming. At the Golden Gate Audubon nest of Richmond and Rosie, Rosie is very late in her arrival. I fear I will have to add Rosie to the Memorial Wall. There is another female osprey taking some interest in that beautiful nest that Richmond has prepared.
I think it is interesting that Richmond is back working on a nest at the Whirley Crane instead of the light pole.
There is also good news in so many places.
I am so proud of the effort to save Moon Camp. The fundraiser “Save Moon Camp” campaign has now raised over $1.1 million in just a few weeks. Managed by the Friends of Big Bear Valley, this initiative aims to raise $10 million by July 31, 2026, to purchase and permanently protect 63 acres of bald eagle habitat near Big Bear, California, from a proposed luxury development.
My inbox has been bursting since E26 fledged. It was a beautiful flight – perfect and several returns. Everyone said that F23 would be so proud of her beautiful eaglet. I totally agree. It really was a tearful moment. M15 will indeed take care of his juvenile very well and teach them everything they need to live in the real world – including, I hope, NOT flying to get roadkill.
The snowstorm is coming. It is about an hour away, and it is time for me to keep my promise to Toby for a walk. Take care, everyone – thank you, as always, for being with us today. A big thank you to Heidi and SK Hideaways for their great videos. To the owners of the streaming cams, thank you for allowing us into the lives of these amazing birds. Thank you, Sassa Bird, for your images, and thank you, AK, for allowing me to share your photos of the Japanese White Eye with everyone in Bird World.
To those who celebrate the achievements of women – Happy International Women’s Day!
It has been quite the day. But first up, something good. The threesome at the Moorings Park Osprey platform of Harry and Sally. Seriously, well fed, healthy, happy little tikes.
I wish all good things came in threes!
We have had quite the weekend. It began with the car needing new brakes and a routine oil change, etc., and with two tyres repaired because they had picked up debris from a nearby house fire. Then Toby got sick. Last, my twenty-year old washing machine – which does not owe me a penny – decided it was time to call it a day. I am really hoping that it stops here!
I cannot tell you if Toby is better. Thank you to everyone for your notes and well wishes – they literally came from around the world. It warmed my heart. I hope to find out more about what is going on in the next couple of days. I can tell you that he has been very hungry and has eaten, is drinking water, and ran outside to chase a squirrel, barking his head off in the afternoon.
Toby is watching the Crufts 2026 Dog Show from Birmingham hoping that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that won the ‘toy’ group will win overall.
Toby would never make the ‘toy’ group. Just look at those paws. He clocks in at a mighty 25 lbs. just like the breeder said he would. So much for the 2XL little sweatshirt. It barely makes it to his waist!!!!!!!!
While I am dealing with one thing, my neighbour, who has two Cavaliers – a tri-colour like Toby and a Blenheim (rust and white), is having a very difficult time. The little Blenheim (both girls are tiny beside Toby) has a heart condition. My heart breaks when I see my friend walking her adorable girls in their cute outfits knowing she is frightened about what is happening.
All of this kept me from the bird cams today. I clean when I worry so the laundry room is properly ready for the arrival of the new machines. They should live longer than I will.
But, let’s check a few. Moorings Park is doing fantastic. Cholyn and Chase have a second egg and that is good news.
Most osprey cams are streaming, including those in Germany. Cranes and storks are arriving early. It saddens me to think that many who are migrating from Africa will have to pass through war zones to get to their nests in the north.
Besides flying through Lebanon, we also have those birds flying through Ukraine.
The wind was so strong at Big Bear on Saturday that Jackie was tossed about like she was a feather on the nest. Very scary.
Stella and Ira have three eggs at the US Steel nest! Wings of Whimsy recorded the event: https://youtu.be/xdcEOajcANI?
Nest preparations continue to go well for Red-tail Hawks Big Red and Arthur on the Cornell Campus.
SK Hideaways Videos Week of 1 March 2026
Channel Island California Eagles Livestreamed nests: ~ Fraser Point ~ Santa Cruz Island ~ Cruz & Andor ~ Sauces Canyon ~ Santa Cruz Island ~ Audacity & Jak ~ Two Harbors ~ Catalina Island ~ Cholyn & Chase ~ West End ~ Catalina Island ~Residents in flux
Cholyn & Chase Chortle About Nest Changes, Meet-ups & Alerts (2026 Mar 4) From dawn till dusk and even through the night, Cholyn and Chase chortle, snortle, and murmur to each other about whatever is happening in the moment. Their bond is remarkable to behold. Video: https://youtu.be/LoHana6raBc
Long Labor for Cholyn’s 3rd Egg ~ First Peek Shows Breakage (2026 Mar 2) In 23 nesting seasons, this is the first time that Cholyn has laid three eggs. Her labor was atypical and difficult, so it wasn’t completely surprising to see that the third egg was cracked when first revealed. The good news is that Cholyn and Chase are healthy, and that they have two strong eggs. Wishing them success and hoping to see these eggs turn into bundles of fluff. Video: https://youtu.be/i60SnPkL8io
Female & Lee All-Day Courtship ~ Sleepover, Beakies, Mating Attempt (2026 Mar 3) The female, F, and Lee, the 4-year-old sub-adult eagle from the Seal Rocks nest exhibited courtship behaviors throughout the day. We can only guess what they were up to while the cameras were down, but today looked promising. Video: https://youtu.be/zjFbfJxk3w8 Lee/D29 & Female Seem to Like Each Other ~ As the West End Turns (2026 Mar 2) When the West End cameras came on after being down for 2 weeks, we were met with a new male. Seems the female remains the same ~ this is the one that arrived after Haku and Akecheta left. The male is Lee/D29, a 2022 hatch from the Seal Rocks nest, also on Catalina Island. The couple soared and perched together for much of the morning. What will happen next? Only the eagles know for sure. Video: https://youtu.be/mlBQgJTi19E
Dad Brings *Very* Fresh Fish ~ JBS24 Gets Fed and Self Feeds (2026 Mar 5) JBS24 is 5-1/2 weeks old and is progressing right on schedule. Here’s what occurs in the fifth week, courtesy of Loudon Wildlife Conservancy: ~ Begins playing with sticks ~ Is capable of fully standing ~ Is aware of its surroundings, in and outside the nest ~ Begins tracking objects and birds outside the nest ~ The tarsi (the feet or lowest part of the legs) are full size, and the foot pad is nearly full size ~ Imprinting is nearly complete
JBS24 is doing a little self-feeding in addition to the above milestones. Mom and Dad spend quite a lot of time with their only eaglet. This family is a joy to observe. Video: https://youtu.be/zI5sDnFeuHo
Thank you, SK Hideaways!!!!!!!!! You bring the nests to life for us.
Ellie and Harvey at Farmer Derek’s Bald Eagle nest should have their second hatch by tomorrow.
I wonder what is going to happen at the Glaslyn nest this season. Will Aran return and prevail as the male? Will Teifi return and take over the nest? Will Elen return? We wait.
The female at Duke Farms continues, at times, to incubate the remaining unviable egg. The little one is a cutie.
Winter Park eaglets had some prey today. There has been some concern about the lack of prey coming to the nest as of late.
Oh, remember how we worried about ‘Tiny Tim’? – not so tiny anymore! Can you tell Wink from Atlas now?
At Dade County, R9, the oldest, still has to fledge. Females often take longer than males.
Eve and Kai perch along the rim of the NE Florida nest of their parents, Beau and Gabby. Eve is 68 days old today and Kai is 67. Fledge in a week?
Quinn (Captiva nest of Connie and Clive) is gorgeous and if you look carefully, all of these eaglets are so close in age. They spend their days looking out to the world they will soon conquer through flight.
There is at least one tiny osplet at the Pink Shell nest in Florida. Let’s hope that this nest is successful this year.
You will learn something you never thought you needed to know!
The funds to save the land near Jackie and Shadow’s nest were nearly 1 million dollars when I last checked. Others are seeking donations: the Severna Ospreys need batteries for their camera so they can stream.
Thank you so much for being with us today. We hope that your weekend was much better than ours. That said, we are looking forward to an ‘uneventful’ week. We have started doing nothing on Thursdays. Toby gets to go for his walk with Ellen, and I stay in my PJs. A writer of all things Parisian recommended some lovely Pima cotton pyjamas made in South Carolina, and I do love them. The phone is ignored for most of the day. No one is invited over or invited in if they show up. We watch movies, read books to Toby and The Girls and generally use Thursday as a day to recharge our so-called batteries. If you are feeling overwhelmed, however slight the feeling, I highly recommend a ‘day off’. And I do mean a day off!!!!!
We look forward to seeing you again soon – Friday, if not sooner.
Thank you to SK Hideaways for their wonderful videos that add much to my post. I would also like to thank the owners of the streaming cams where I took my screen captures and who allow us to watch the lives of our favourite birds.
It is late. I have been worried about Toby all day. As you are aware, he has HGE, and he had some blood in his stool this morning. I am not panicking, just monitoring and worrying, aka wringing my hands. It is entirely possible that it is the raw tenderloin from his birthday dinner; this is what the vet is thinking. I am overly sensitive since he had to spend four nights in the emergency vet clinic in late December, and I almost lost him! The Girls and Toby are often the glue that holds my life together when my husband’s dementia gets the best of me.
Toby had a wonderful birthday. New slush suit, sweaters, and hopefully a few indestructible toys! Please send him your good wishes. I hope everything is alright tomorrow, or it will be a rush to the emergency vet.
There is so much news in Bird World that I cannot keep up with all the happenings.
There are now three of the cutest little osplets at the nest of Harry and Sally at Moorings Park. Harry is one super dad and fish are plentiful.
Sally had some fish for herself when the babies were sleeping.
I am partial. I am so glad that osprey season is here – with all the bonking, the siblicide – the works. Those cute little bottoms with that light down, the dark line by the eye to protect them from the glare so they can see to do those amazing dives, even that ugly oily phase with the copper coloured feathers! Bring it on!!!!!!!!
After a 21-hour absence, Jackie (who scared the life out of many of us) has returned safely to the nest. Then she left again, leaving Shadow to incubate the eggs. Is there a female intruder in the area? I hope not. I hope she is just taking a much-needed break.
That cute Only eaglet at Duke Farms is getting its thermal down. Are there even a few pin feathers coming in??? There is enough food for several eaglets – there are no worries at this nest.
Mr North is not with us but we have the first egg for Mrs DNF and the New Male at the Decorah North Nest today.
Bluff City now has two little eaglets for Frances and Franklin at the ETSU nest. OK. Baby eaglets are also adorable!
One eaglet has hatched at the Kansas City nest of Ellie and Harvey and the second one is on pip watch. The first hatch has been named Osage.
There are now 52 new baby Kakapo. ‘J’ writes: “There are now just as many chicks, as there were adults 30 years ago when the recovery project started!!”
Another osprey nest with a couple arriving. The PKS nest – a new one to me but it is all over FB. It is the Pine Knolls Osprey Nest in North Carolina. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/7-wS9I-fj1w?
We all miss Annie and her mates at The Campanile. It seems unthinkable that no falcons are breeding at that magnificent site. ‘B’ has sent me the following note with links to articles. I urge you to read them to understand only one of the dangers that all of our avian friends face. “I thought you might be interested in this article on the impact of avian flu on Peregrine Falcons in the SF Bay Area, which appeared on the SFGATE website::
(SFGATE is a digital news site owned by Hearst. Hearst also owns the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper, but SFGATE operates independently of the Chronicle.)
The article discusses results of a study conducted by a team of scientists from several institutions, where among other things they monitored occupancy of 47 known Peregrine Falcon nesting sites in the greater Bay Area. The decline of Peregrine population since the avian flu arrived in wild birds in the state in 2022 is reflected by the observation that nearly all of the 47 nest sites were occupied each year between 2000 and 2022, but in 2023 only 65% of the sites were occupied, and only 36% were occupied in 2025.
Here also is the abstract of the scientific study that the SFGATE article is based on:
Heidi reports that Marilyn has returned to the Old Town Home Osprey nest in Maryland.
‘PB’ sent me a note that there are now four eggs at the Fort St Vrain Bald Eagle nest.
Thank you so much for being with us for this quick post. We will be back on Monday. In the meantime, take care of yourselves.
Thank you to ‘B, H, J, PB’ for their letters and all the great information and articles they sent. Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams and to the authors of FB posts for generously spreading the information of happenings on the nest!
