Victor Hurley has posted a very informative post regarding the male fledgling from the CBD in Melbourne. There has been some speculation as to why he has remained on the nest after he fledged yesterday.
Here, it has been 16.7 C. Unthinkable the middle of November. We even had rain and when Don and I were having tea with Anne today there was a Dark-eyed Junco scratching for seed along with nearly 40 European Starlings, 80 Sparrows, 5 Blue Jays, 2 Crows, and any number of squirrels roaming around.
We are trying to teach Toby the difference between Brock and ‘Cat’. He is learning – and, indeed, he knows Missey and Hugo Yugo so hopefully he will not bark at Brock but only ‘Cat’ – meaning the domestic pets that come into the garden who do not need to be fed and who occasionally try to take a bird.
I hope this finds you well and happy. We are doing superb! Take care.
Thank you to Victor Hurley for sharing his thoughts on FB.
We hope that you had a terrific day. It was glorious weather, again, on the Canadian Prairies and due to be +12 C tomorrow – unthinkable but welcome.
The male fledged at Melbourne followed by the last female. Here are the details from Victor Hurley. Please note that the live stream will be turned off almost immediately.
Off the goes:
The return – thank goodness he wasn’t injured.
More images from today:
We will miss them! People working in the offices have confirmed sightings of the first female that fledged afterwards with her flying brilliantly. My contributor ‘A’ has a direct line to the rehabber that will care for any of the trio should they get injured and will alert us.
Congratulations to everyone at Melbourne, and a big thank you to Victor Hurley and Mirvac for the two streaming cams that allowed us into the special world of peregrine falcons.
In another note, Rose and Ron have their first egg at the WRDC nest in Florida. Thanks, Heidi! Rose laid this egg 21 days earlier than the first eggs in previous years.
What a day it has been in the world of raptors. Eyes have been glued to the streaming cam for the 367 Collins Street Falcon scrape in Melbourne for several days awaiting fledge – and now we have it.
One of the females flew at 09:27:26.
Adult arriving.
Female preparing for her first flight:
Congratulations. There might well be at least one more fledge today in Melbourne. Well done.
Thank you to Dr Victor Hurley and Mirvac for their streaming cams that allow us into the wonderful world of these very much urban raptors!
I have had the most marvellous time with my friend Geemeff who has now returned to the UK. We talked ospreys and, of course, anyone who has read my blog for the past osprey seasons will know that I am rather fond of Blue 33, who is my favourite male. At the same time, during the pandemic, Louis and Aila broke the hearts of nearly half a million people with their trio at Loch Arkaig in 2020. Those chicks were Doddie (JJ6), Vera (JJ8), and Captain (JJ7).
Geemeff filmed the first video from a hide at Rutland Water. There was no editing other than the use of slo-mo so that you could actually see what Blue 33 is doing. Now, it is not unusual for an opsrey male to sky dance while trying to woo the female, but look – Blue 33 hovers like a helicopter over Maya. What strength that took! Amazing. I have never seen this behaviour, and neither had Geemeff when she filmed it while on tour at Rutland. Have you? I would love to hear from you if you have.
Louis and Aila won our hearts, and so did the 2021 trio, including my favourite JJ7, Captain! I’d like you to please watch this bizarre behaviour of Mum. The chicks are unsure what to think! But please, you must watch to the very end.
The only one of the trio to be identified and photographed as returning as a two year old of the trio was Doddie who was seen on the Shetland Islands.
Isn’t this chick of Gimbir and Diamond at the Charles Sturt University Falcon Scrape just the cutest only chick? Please vote to give it a good name!
The Currawongs continue to be thwarted by the Olympic Park sea eagles 35 and 36. So far those pesky little birds have not been able to oust the two from the Olympic Forest! Bravo. Prey is being delivered.
Remnants of prey line the gutter at 367 Collins Street in the CBD of Melbourne. So far no fledges from any of the three peregrine falcons.
Your favourite osprey streaming cams and nature centres are fundraising. Here is the latest from Dyfi:
More trials for those who kill our beautiful raptors – will Scotland finally have penalties that will make people stop this horrible practice? Raptor Persecution UK provides us with the latest information.
Thank you for being with us today. Take care. We will be back with you next Monday unless there is something that happens – such as a fledge in Melbourne. Be sure to vote for a name for Gimbir and Diamond’s chick. Check out my blog for November 10th for the details including the choice of names. See you soon!
Thank you to Gemeff and SK Hideaways for their videos and to the owners of the streaming cams, those that post information on the various FB groups, Raptor Persecution UK, and Birdlife Malta for their informative posts.
It says Monday, but it is actually late Sunday night.
I hope each of you had a lovely weekend. We had snow and ice, and it wasn’t all that wonderful, but it warmed up today to 1°C, so some of that treacherous ice has melted. Thank goodness! The garden animals have been very busy, and on Saturday, there were so many European Starlings that it was completely impossible to count them. Oh, they are lovely birds. Our friend Geemeff was here to see them, and they noticed that our Blue Jays are much brighter in colour than those in the UK.
Heidi has sent me the most informative presentation on the issue of the ospreys in the Chesapeake. It is worth sharing with everyone who cares about the destiny of our fish hawks in that region.
Heidi writes: “This was a very informative presentation about the decline of ospreys around the Chesapeake Bay region. It includes some general osprey educational information, then at around the 49 minute mark, they start to talk more about the decline of ospreys, and specifically as it relates to industrial fishing of menhaden. It is a long video (2 hours), but I watched it in 15-20 minute increments over a couple of days.”
SK Hideaways Videos for the Week of 2 November 2025
All my videos stem from my love of raptors. My mission is to inform, educate, and entertain viewers. I have never and will never monetize my videos. They are purely a labor of love that give me great joy to share with anyone kind enough to view them. Much gratitude to Mary Ann Steggles for bringing my videos to you.
367 Collins St. Falcons, Mum F24, Dad M24, and 3 chicks
Morning Shenanigans More Vigorous & Daring. NEW ~ Louvre Perching (2025 Nov 7)
As fledge nears, the chicks are more active and even a little twitchy, especially first thing in the morning. Their wing exercises are more vigorous, their gutter stomping louder and bouncier, and all of this happening more often on the ledge. Today, one sister made it to the louvre ~ another milestone.
Chicks Take Self-Feeding Seriously ~ Give Mum the Boot (or Beak) (2025 Nov 7)
The chicks were all over mum F24 when she delivered breakfast a little later than they would have liked. They needed no help devouring every last morsel and then gave mum the heave-ho when she stopped by for leftovers.
SE36 FLEDGES✈️ Follows SE35 to Dad’s Perch🌲 and Back Again🎉 (2025 Nov 7)
SE36 had a beautiful fledge, flying to Dad’s perch tree to meet SE35, who flew moments before. The eaglets were frisky and lively all afternoon ~ seemed like they were planning SE36’s fledge along. After an exhausting day, the siblings pancaked in the nest overnight.
SE35 Leaves Nest for 2-Hour Exploration ~ SE36 Remains on Sentry Duty (2025 Nov 6)
SE35 took to the forest for a 2-hour exploration of the habitat. SE36 was content to keep an eye on things and simply look stunning. When SE35 returned, all was well between the eaglets and they simply got on with their day.
Gimbir Watches Diamond Feed Chick #1 from Cilla Stones 🥰 (2025 Nov 7)
Gimbir continued his on-the-job training after delivering one of many meals. While he typically flees after deliveries, this time he perched himself on the Cilla stones and watched Diamond feed his first born. It was one of the most heartwarming displays I’ve ever seen.
Gimbir Brings 3 Starlings in 9 Minutes ~ Chicks Gets First Meal (2025 Nov 6, 6:01-6:29)
Gimbir showed his paternal chops, delivering a significant bounty to the nest for the 17-hour-old chick and Diamond. His 9-minute hunt reaped 3 starlings. Wonder if Diamond was impressed as we were.
Gimbir Meets His Very First Chick ~ Moments of Puzzlement Ensues (2025 Nov 5)
Gimbir seemed somewhat perplexed to see a fluff ball where there used to be an egg. While he hasn’t yet learned the subtleties of fatherhood – or even the not-so-subtleties, he will do so in time. Here we look at his first two visits with his very first chick.
FIRST HATCH for Diamond & Gimbir ~ From Pip to Hatch in 7 HOURS (2025 Nov 5)
Diamond increased moving and shaking of the eggs as she likely detected a pip and heard at least one chick. Chick #1 was motivated to see the world! The video shows progress from pip to hatch over 7 hours
Shadow then Jackie Make Pre-Season Nest Visits🪹Rendezvous on Roost Tree🌲 (2025 Nov 3)
Adult visits to the Lookout Snag and Basement were gifts enough. But then, Shadow and then Jackie each visited the nest. Shadow brought 2 sticks with Jackie following a bit later to inspect the still messy nest. It’s pre-season time, so every visit is an extra special gift. The cherry on top was Jackie and Shadow’s rendezvous on the Roost Tree.
Cholyn & Chase Do Major Nestorations with Massive Sticks (2025 Nov 3)
Cholyn and Chase continue shoring up the rails of the original nest, bringing in massive branch after massive branch plus soft material from the fluff factory. Typical disagreements about what furniture should go where are quickly resolved. They depart the nest at the end of the video, flying away to their secret hideaway. Listen for the beautiful chortles.
It continues to be possible that the falcons Gimbir and Diamond at the Charles Sturt Falcon scrape in Orange will only have one eyas to care for and what a lucky little fluffy white ball this one is if that is the case!
This little one is seriously adorable.
Cilla Kinross wants to name this little cutie pie. Here is the information – please vote noting that you can select up to three names but no more or your vote will be discarded!
While the little one at Orange has not even had its beak change colour, the trio at Melbourne’s CBD falcon scrape at 367 Collins Street are preparing to fly. Almost all of the dandelions have disappeared and they are enjoying watching their parents fly through the CBD luring them into a life away from the scrape. Soon! Too soon, of course.
Every year we wring our hands with worry around the fledging of the sea eaglets at Sydney. It is the Currawongs. Despite those pesky birds attacking our fledglings, Lady and Dad are persisting in feeding the eaglets on the nest and today on the branches of nest tree – Ranger Judy Harrington says this is a great milestone. In all the years I have watched this nest, the adults only fed at the nest or down by the River Roost. No doubt these feedings will keep the fledglings strong, strong enough to beat those pesky birds so that they can learn to hunt from Lady and Dad and live a marvellous independent life – both of them. No more starving sea eaglets on the pavement by the Discovery Centre taken into care — let’s hope! So happy.
‘A’ sends us their commentary from Melbourne: “Dear Mary Ann,
I presume you have seen this footage, but in case you hadn’t, I thought I’d send it to you:
It’s almost as if the two eaglets following each other and appearing to play together is giving the younger sibling confidence. It certainly looks like that (okay, I’m anthropomorphising but you have to admit, it does appear that way.)
Let’s hope this year will be different. Certainly, the pre- and post-fledge behaviours have been somewhat different this year, and the confidence of both eaglets may be greater when it comes to insisting on their right to exist in that forest. I have a lot of confidence that this is going to be the year that the eaglets manage to thrive despite the currawongs. If they work to some extent as a team, they will surely have a better chance. Let’s hope my completely irrational belief is based on something real.
The three at Collins Street are such a noisy and energetic rabble that the parents just dump food and flee. Meanwhile at Orange, Gimbir continues to observe and learn. He still has not done a feeding but I’m sure he will try soon. Meanwhile, I believe I was right about the egg that hatched being the last one laid. Certainly, it was the one with the least colour. But whether or not I am right about that, I don’t think either of the two remaining eggs is going to hatch. At this stage, I have enough confidence in Gimbir’s hunting to have stop fearing a second or third hatch, but I don’t think we’re going to have one.”
M15 is undoubtedly a handsome eagle, and he is working hard with F23 to prepare their SW Florida nest for eggs. Mulhady and Pepe already have three at Central Florida – they always seem to be the first!
I have a soft spot for the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest of Gabby. Like so many of you, I adored Samson, but it appears that Beau is rising to the occasion, and let us hope that they have another fledgling this year! They are sure working on that nest.
Eagles at the US Steel nest.
They are working on the Decorah North nest in Iowa!
And at many other nests including Fraser Point on the Channel Islands.
There are ospreys visiting the Captiva Osprey nest on Sanibel Island! They came and went before I checked on the nest. The chat is very informative and Window to Wildlife has a daily log – the link to it is in the chat. This is a new osprey couple it appears.
Jack and Jill have been at the Achieva Credit Union nest in St Petersburg, Florida. Concerns persist regarding the structure, with worry that eggs and/or chicksmay fall through.
The environment remains on all of our minds. As much as we try to avoid plastic, it is almost impossible to do so. What a mess we have made of things! The Guardian brings us up to date on just one of the major disasters brought on by plastic.
Our local wildlie rehabilitation centre, Wildlife Haven is really busy. Lumi the rare lynx cub is now doing much better after refusing to eat. Now they have a Bald Eagle in their care.
Anyone reading my blog is aware of the dangers posed by lead to our beloved raptors. We must continue our fight to halt the production of lead ammunition, as well as lead in all types of fishing gear. Please raise your voice to ban this deadly substance any time you can.
How much do you know about Great Grey Owls? There are some lovely close ups of nestlings in this documentary by Our World.https://youtu.be/OVE3UzyvEIc?
From everyone in my family to yours, we hope you have a truly wonderful week. We look forward to you being with us again next Monday. Here are some recent photos of Toby and his sisters and a few of the garden animals that add so much joy to my life. Indeed, I cannot imagine a day without them despite all the work they create.
Toby is modelling his new turtleneck sweater. Toby is going to need a miniature closet soon.
Hugo Yugo looking beautiful in the golden light of sunset.
Baby Hope – the sweetest and most shy of the bunch.
The mysterious Missey.
Lovable Calico.
Mr Crow waiting his turn in line to get a peanut.
Brock trying to hurry and eat his roast chicken and ham before Toby finds out he is outside! As everyone knows, Brock is a true survivor. He has lived for five years outside on his own. He won’t come in the house and is very weary of being ‘trapped’ in fancy heated houses for winter. So, we simply love him, respect what life has thrown at him and what he is used to, and make sure he gets at least three large tins of food and fresh water every day.
One of five grey squirrels.
Do you know what the national bird of Canada is? Have a good read and celebrate the American Bird Conservancy’s Bird of the Week!!
Thank you to A, Heidi and SK Hideaways, to all the owners of the streaming cams that give us a glimpse – a great privilege – into the lives of our favourite raptors, to the authors of Facebook posts that keep us up to date on the nest happenings, and to papers such as The Guardian that continue to carry the environmental story. My blog would never be the same without their contributions. I am very grateful!
There are a couple of good news events that everyone should be aware of. The first one is that WBSE 36 has fledged! They flew to a nearby branch known as Dad’s perch. Later, Lady arrives at an empty nest. Congratulations Olympic Park Sea Eagles!
A tired fledgling.
WBSE also returned to the nest. What an incredible season. Let us all wish both 35 and 36 the very best and lots of prey and Lady and Dad teaching them the ways of the WBSE on the Parramatta River.
So far, there is only one hatch at the Charles Sturt Falcon scrape in Orange, Australia. That little one is a very strong cutie pie.
Dare I say that it would be nice for Gimbir to be broken in slowly and to have only one little one to provide for and Diamond this year?
Once upon a time, the trio at the 367 Collins Street scrape in Melbourne looked like that little bobblehead of Gimbir and Diamond. In fact, less than a month ago, they were pink-toed and beaked and now they have their juvenile plumage and will, sadly for all of us, fledge soon.
The great news is that Kielder Forest’s Blue 714 has been seen and photographed by Jean-marie Depart in Senegal! Blue 714 is the only chick from the 2024 nest 7.
Thank you so much for being with me for this quick update. Please have a lovely weekend. I will have another quick update on Monday.
Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold who give us the great privilege of monitoring the lives of these amazing raptors and to those who track and photograph them and keep us up to date after they leave the nest like Jean-marie Dupart.
There has been much concern about Gimbir’s understanding about his role as father. Prey had not been brought to the scrape despite his showing up with a large crop.
Well, the first feeding is underway right now. Gimbir has provided Diamond with two birds for her and the little one.
I think we all can now feel a great deal of relief for this new family!
Heidi reports he has just brought in a third, landed with it and left with it. My goodness this young dad is quite enthusiastic!
Three cheers for three meals for his family – yeah, Gimbir.
Oh, get yourselves ready. A pip was spotted on one o Gimbir and Diamond’s eggs at the Charles Sturt University falcon scrape in Orange, Australia. The time was 0627. It is Day 37 for the first egg laid!
My heart is starting to beat just a little aster. I hope that yours is too.
Rumour has it that little chirps could be heard at 0857! Diamond is restless but not giving us any clues as to the progress.
Thank you to Charles Sturt University for their streaming cam that allows us this great privilege to watch Diamond and Gimbir welcome their first chicks together!
Sunday was a glorious 11 degrees C on the Canadian Prairies. Where did that beutiful warm wind come from? Please send more! We got the lights on a little Blue Spruce tree in the front garden. It was planted for one of our Tuxedo cats, Melvin. Melvin was named after the Jack Nicholson character in As Good as It Gets. And like that character, Melvin did not like patterns. He would only sleep on a blanket if it was a single colour! He was quite the character, living to be 17 and not being sick until the very end. I adored him. Hopefully the little solar panels will charge soon and we can see how we did stringing the lights in a kind of clear rope.
It is International Polar Bear Week, and what a special time for our friend Geemeff to be visiting the bears in the very north of Manitoba. I hope that she has an incredible time on this dream-come-true holiday! I’m really looking forward to seeing the images and hearing the stories.
I am always grateful for the talents of SK Hideaways and here are the video offerings from the past week for your pleasure.
SK Hideaways Videos for the week of 26 October 2025
Introduction: I first fell in love with raptors in 2019. All the videos I’ve created since that time stem from that love and my desire to learn all I can about these and other raptors. My mission is to inform, educate, and entertain viewers. I have never and will never monetize my videos. They are purely a labor of love that give me great joy to share with anyone kind enough to view them. Much gratitude for Mary Ann Steggles for bringing my videos to you.
SAN JOSE CITY HALL FALCONS: Hartley & Monty’s Brief Tête-à-Tête (2025 Oct 31)
Hartley and Monty stopped by for another off-season bonding, albeit very short this time. Just a couple months till breeding season begins.
SE36 says, “This is MY Fish🦈 ALL MINE” 🙃 It Almost Was (2025 Nov 2, 11:06-13:50)
When Lady brought a fish, SE36 pounced on the opportunity to grab it first. He/She protected it, mantling like a pro as SE35 tried every angle to get the steal. When Lady returned, apparently deciding SE36 had had enough, she took the tail, which SE35 quickly grabbed. Seems everyone was content with the outcome. At the end, cam ops gifted us with some stunning close-ups.
SE35 & SE36 Go From Chaos to Cuddles in <24 Hours (2025 Oct 31, 12:56-13:22)
After SE35’s chaotic return to the nest the previous day, the two eaglets we saw in the nest this afternoon looked completely different. We think yesterday’s eaglets were imposters.😉 It was a relief to see SE35 and SE36 behaving nicely together again. Wonder what tomorrow will bring.
Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
SE35 Retains Control🔫But Lets SE36 Relax and Eat😮💨(2025 Oct 31, 7:02-9:31)
After a mostly calm night, 11-week-old SE35 and SE36 had a much calmer morning. While SE35 quickly grabbed and mantled the first two meal deliveries, both eaglets got good feedings and spent time near each other with no aggression. SE35 may continue to show aggression at mealtime, but the fact that they did not attack SE36 was great progress.
Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
SE35 RETURNS TO NEST ~ Attacks SE36, Forcing Him/Her High Up Branch (2025 Oct 30, 15:49-18:13)
SE35 had been near the nest tree the previous day, where Lady and Dad could keep an eye on them and feed them. SE36 knew their sibling was nearby and watched from the nest. But today at 15:56, SE35 returned to the nest and did not want to share it with SE36. SE35 attacked SE36 multiple times, forcing them up the branch and then to the nest rim. Both Dad and Lady brought food, which SE35 quickly grabbed and mantled. Fortunately, SE36 had eaten earlier in the day. At one point, Lady got between the eaglets to distract SE35 from attacking SE36, like she did when they were wee. It still works. At the video’s close, SE35 is laying in the nest while SE36 remains on the rim and parents are nearby. Hoping for a peaceful night.
Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
367 COLLINS ST. FALCONS
Morning Means Madness for Chicks ~ When 1 Feather is Everything (2025 Nov 1)
On their morning walk, one chick found a most fascinating feather, which kept it occupied for some time. The other two chicks were spellbound. Then a spider passed by ~ not sure if the chicks saw it, but it was on a mission to reach the top.
Mum F24, Dad M24, 3 Chicks (2025 Oct 29, 7:27-12:33)
The chicks are now frequently on the move from one side of the ledge to the other, delighting us with their gutter stomps, food fights, and uncontrolled wingercises. They’re 4 weeks old and their next growth phase will pass with lightening speed.
TWO HARBORS EAGLES: Cholyn, Building Inspector🔍Chase, Branch Manager🪵Both, Beakersons (2025 Oct 27)
Cholyn and Chase worked on the original nest again today. Cholyn was the eagle-eyed building inspector, Chase the branch manager. Occasionally this meant there were discrepancies about what should go where, resulting in some beaky disagreements. I urge you to watch the whole video, but if you can’t spare the time, do not miss minute 17 and minute 20. Enjoy!
FOBBVCAM BIG BEAR EAGLES: Jackie Returns with Head Smudge ~ Shadow Dons All White (2025 Oct 26)
After a two-week absence from the nest, Jackie and Shadow visited for just over an hour. Jackie arrived with her now signature head smudge, while Shadow’s coif was pure white. They saw that the nest was still a mess and did some half-hearted aerating. But mostly they just enjoyed the view and each other.
We are waiting for the eggs to start pipping at the Charles Sturt University falcon scrape in Orange, Australia.
At the Olympic Park in Sydney, life has settled back to what it was before the fledge of 35, more or less. How many of you had your stomach in knots like I did? I hate seeing them fight, even though it is a normal process for living in the wild when they are independent and not around one another.
Prey is being delivered. In the background you can hear those Currawongs. I know I shouldn’t say it but I would like to cook them in a pot and serve them on that nest – the damage they have done over the years to the sea eaglet babies when they fledge!
35’s knowledge of flying in the forest could help the pair navigate to get out of the trees and to get down by the roost of Lady and Dad near the Parramatta River.
I really urge you to check out the Sydney Sea Eagle FB group. Great images are always being posted with updates from Ranger Judy.
They are not babies anymore at 367 Collins Street. All that flapping and running up and down the gutter means that there is little down left on those wings and back.
Helen Matcham got some great captures of the three!
There might not be eggs at Port Lincoln or any little dinosaurs but Ervie is still around~
There is at least one chick in the nest at Price, South Australia. Friends of Osprey Sth Australia must be delighted.
Geemeff sends us the season highlights from Loch Arkaig – all things Louis and Dorcha! https://youtu.be/-kK4vb1OTiw?
The Bald Eagles are getting ready for a great season!
Connie and Clive at the Windows to Wildlife nest at Captiva:
Gracie Shepherd caught Haku and Akecheta at the West End.
Haku is a big girl!
Mr T is bringing fish gifts to Mrs T at the Trempeauleau Bald Eagle nest – now, please Mr T, do this when there are eaglets in the nest – fish double time or whatever it takes if there are two families!!!!! Early Bird caught it on video: https://youtu.be/5Eo1_m00KDs?
Sandhill Migration inspires many here in Canada, where they are plentiful in Saskatchewan and Southwestern Manitoba, and down in the Midwest. Grateful to the photographers like Michael Boeckmann who shares their talents with us.
There is good news coming from Wildlife Haven and Assiniboine Park Zoo here in Winnipeg. Lumi, the rare lynx cub taken into care, got very ill. She is now responding to treatment.
Beautiful E3 as an ambassador at the Cornell Bird Lab. Much loved and very well cared for, even if they cannot fly free. Looking at Big Red’s baby!
Jane Goodall is an inspiration to so many of us us. What can we do to live up to her example? https://youtu.be/trv_8XQKTWQ?
One of those whom Goodall inspired is Beth Pratt, who has been studying the animals in Yosemite National Park in the US. A lovely article in The Guardian where Beth says, “We think we as humans are so exceptional, but come up here and even the smallest of critters will put you in your place very quickly”. The article continues…”The world Pratt captures is fierce and fragile: Butterflies, weighing no more than a feather, fly over 12,000ft (3,650-meter) peaks. Freshwater crustaceans called fairy shrimp spring to life in small, temporary ponds left after the mountain snow melts, their eggs able to last up to a century in suspended animation, waiting for the right conditions. Pratt even saw a marmot chase off a coyote.
But it also highlights how exceedingly vulnerable these animals have become. The climate crisis and the encroaching development into once-wild places have added challenges even for the most hardy.
“People don’t understand that wildlife operate on the barest of margins,” Pratt said, pausing to ferry a caterpillar off the trail and onto the underbrush in the direction it was heading. “Something like trampling their nest or leaving trash out can result in dead animals or a loss of habitat or scaring an animal who doesn’t have a lot of energy reserves to begin with.”
The book will be released in Canada in 5 days and I have placed an order eager to support the work of these talented and determined environmentalists. Calico and I will have her Golden Paw Award in about a month!
A lovely children’s book about an osprey nest is going to be released soon and the funds will go to help ospreys in South Australia.
Migration updates from Hawk Mountain for the week of 25 October:
I had hoped to complete my entires in the data forms on osprey mortality by the 31st. What I am posting today is a partial entry. I had both my flu and Covid jabs on the same day and they quite knocked me out. I was so very sick that it was one of those weeks when I just wanted to roll over and never wake up. I am grateful to Anne who came and took care of the household while I recovered. But, here is what we have so far. What you are not seeing are the tens of thousands – if not hundreds of thousands – of failed eggs or chicks that died from lack of food nearing fledge – in the region in and around the Chesapeake Bay. The sheer magnitude of the deaths and the nests and the lack of specific dates meant that it was impossible for either Heidi or I to deal with those entries. We were able to post those coming from VikiV in Maryland where the adults laid their eggs in May only to abandon them a fortnight later. At least the chicks did not die on the nest from starvation like they did last year. That is what I am thankful for. There is also some confusion in my mind over the number of nests in Nova Scotia and that has to be explored before the entries are put into the boxes. There are 18 nests in Italy to be added along with some from Denmark and Norway. So keep that in mind. Blow this up on your screen to see but here is the summary. The chart below represents all the nests around the world, with 292 eggs out of 103 nests. 82.88% of those hatched while 26.03% died.
If we look at just North America, there are 185 eggs. 81% hatched. 29.3% of those died. Highest cause of mortality was DNH followed by siblicide.
I have not completed all of the entries for the UK, but the chart contains 79 eggs. Of those 88% hatched while 22.8% o those died. The highest cause of mortality was DNH in the UK.
I hope to have this completed with comparisons going back four years for you before the end of the year.
There is at least one osprey still in the UK that has not migrated but who continues to fish.
Everyone going nuts for the rate Spotted Cuckoo that should be in Europe.
Calico wonders what you are doing with those leftover pumpkins. In the UK, the Leicester and Rutland Wildlife Trust suggests hollowing them out and turning them into bird feeders. The reason? Hedgehogs love them, but will get very ill if they eat them. Where I live, in fact, right in my neighbourhood, we save them and put them in the park for the deer to eat. I will be asking my neighbours to leave their unwanted pumpkins on my doorstep to take to the park nearby.
Rutland Water’s Photo of the Month:
I want to conclude with some very good news coming out of Scotland. The loopholes that allow for the killing of the raptors at the grouse moor estates is being closed. Thanks, RP UK.
Thank you so very, very much for being with us today. It is my great joy to be amongst such a supportive group of individuals who treasure the raptors and the environment and who want to do whatever they can to protect our planet for them. Please take care of yourself. I will be back with you again on Monday the 10th of November!
Thank you so much to SK Hideaways for their great videos, which support and educate, rather than thrill. None of this would be possible without the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to observe the daily lives of these magnificent creatures. Thank you also to those who administer and post on the numerous Facebook groups, so that we can stay aware of the latest happenings on the nests. I am immensely grateful to all of you. My blog would not be what it is without your contributions.
As SK Hideaways says, “it was a harrowing” return to the nest for SE35 who attacked 36 not wanting to share the nest with them. Here is the video!
SE35 RETURNS TO NEST🪹 Very Aggressive with SE36, Forcing Them High Up Branch🪵
Note: Some scenes in the video may be difficult for some to watch. But know that SE36 was unharmed in the video.
SE35 had been near the nest tree the previous day, where Lady and Dad could keep an eye on them and feed them. SE36 knew their sibling was nearby and watched from the nest. But today at 15:56, SE35 returned to the nest and did not want to share it with SE36. SE35 attacked SE36 multiple times, forcing them up the branch and then to the nest rim.
Both Dad and Lady brought food, which SE35 quickly grabbed and mantled. Fortunately, SE36 had eaten earlier in the day. At one point, Lady got between the eaglets to distract SE35 from attacking SE36, like she did when they were wee. It still works. At the video’s close, SE35 is laying in the nest while SE36 remains on the rim and parents are nearby. Hoping for a peaceful night.
Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
‘A’ sends us the latest from Ranger Judy leading up to the return of 35 along with their narrative of the other nests as the racing week in Australia begins.
October 26: After the late self-feed for SE35, all slept well until the Boobook Owl began swooping, seeming to brush SE35 a few times from its rim sleeping position and bringing the parents in near the nest. Early morning chorus then, accompanied by much flapping, in the midst of which, at 6:32am, SE35 flew, and stumbled, or missed its branch, landing below the nest on the ground. We were able to follow it for a while under the nest and nearby, and saw a currawong swooping, with SE35 calling. SE36 sensibly remained on the nest, ducking, as a currawong was swooping. Mid-afternoon, with permission, our team did a ground search in the forest. SE35 was found looking calm, about four metres up a tree below the nest tree. Currawong was swooping still but a parent was close by. Around 4pm, SE35 was safe there above ground, with SE36 in the nest. Then at 16:16, SE35 flew off its perch and out of our sight. The adults were down by the river and one fishing attempt was seen. Late afternoon, it was very windy. SE35 was spotted again, this time safely on a branch below the nest – but urged by currawong, it flew again. At the end of the day SE36 was flapping and lifting on the nest – with plenty of space. Lady brought in a late bird and fed SE36 very well. Hopefully, a quiet night followed for all of the eagle family.
RangerJudy3d
and late news, Lady brought in a bird and fed 36 very well
October 27: After its late feeding, it was a quiet night for SE36 alone on the nest, sleeping in the bowl or standing on the rim. Early awake and the family calling. Dad brought an early offering, with a whole bream at 6:27. Lady flew in with him and claimed it – eating some herself as she prepped the fish and then fed SE36 well. After she left, Lady was seen then down on River Roost, with Dad as well. SE36 was self-feeding on a few scraps on the nest, then protesting and ducking as a currawong swooped close. Dad then came back, picking at scraps. Then a quiet morning for SE36 on the nest, although swoopers were still about. With approval, we went into the forest and found SE35 about four metres above the ground, then saw it fly off strongly, away from swooping currawongs and ravens. We found it again, lower, and again it was swooped by ravens until it flew off again. It seems to be staying in the general nest area. Shortly after 3pm, Lady brought in a gull chick, so SE36 ate well again. We then saw SE35 fly strongly over the wetlands and maybe towards the river. Late in the afternoon, Lady brought in a gull, then soon after, Dad arrived with another bird carcass – so SE36 has eaten plenty today. Then another gull from Lady, which she took off to de-feather . We believe SE35 is still up high in a casuarina, towards the river. Hopefully, the family had a peaceful night.
October 28: Another quiet night with SE36 alone on the nest. The family was awake early, with SE36 joining the chorus before the parents were away. They were seen during the day down on River Roost and heard duetting. SE36 was flapping, jumping and waiting –with a fish delivered just before 3pm. SE36 self-fed well. Earlier, during the day, SE35 was seen close to where it had been seen last evening – and it had moved a short way. At times, it was still being swooped, by ravens and currawongs in particular. Then, late in the afternoon, SE35 flew strongly away, yet again chased by swoopers – but it was seen to land safely in the Armory area – quite close to the river still. Lady then delivered more prey – a gull chick – to SE36 on the nest. SE36 self-fed, then Lady came, ate some herself and continued to feed 36. Then last thing, Dad brought in more food in the form of a leatherjacket. Lady came in and fed SE36 even more of the fish – a well-satisfied eaglet.
October 29: SE36 slept alone again on the nest last night with Lady close by – there was a little early morning rain. We heard SE35 again near the forest, then later, we thought, in the general nest area. At 8:45, both parents were on River Roost in the rain. SE36 was flapping and jumping on the nest, still practising – and drying off. Currawong continued swooping as well. Mid-afternoon, a currawong could be heard and also, we think, SE35 squonking. Just after 3pm, Lady brought a gull, which she left for SE36. She was followed by Dad, maybe with prey. Then he, too, took off again. We could possibly hear SE35 whining close by. Lady brought another gull in at 17:25 – followed by Dad – and fed SE36. Currawong is still calling and swooping nearby. SE36 is getting closer to branching – venturing up the branches on either side. Then Dad brought more prey at 18:25, which Lady took. She fed SE36 a little, then took the food below the nest to SE35. So we were hearing SE35 whining there below when the parents were close. A great relief.
Hoping this gives you a summary of SE35’s first few days of being a fledgling. It interests me that SE36 has really made no attempt to imitate its older sibling, perhaps enjoying the repeated large feedings it has been getting as the only nestling. The swooping of currawongs is relentless, for the eaglets on and off the nest. But SE35 does appear to be doing extremely well, while SE36 is wisely waiting and building up its strength before taking the plunge.
All we can do is pray that this duo do better than in previous years.
Meanwhile, the Collin Street trio are a gorgeous noisy bundle of fluff, living wherever they choose. Even the youngest has now mastered the maneouvring involved in scrambling back up from the gutter to the scrapes and they follow the sun on cool days, the shade on hot days, and of course find the sheltered structure in the rain. Meanwhile, the parents very much enjoy the ‘saddle’ perch wherever the youngsters are, though sometimes supervise from the ledge.
The size of those pigeons never ceases to amaze me. Often, they are at least as large as the parent bringing them in, and I have no idea how little dad manages some of them at all.
We are no more than a week away from hatch watch at Orange. Gimbir is bringing prey and doing a wonderful job of incubating the three eggs, given how tiny he is. He positions the eggs front to back, in a straight line, and this way he manages to completely cover all three despite how tiny he is and how large the eggs are. Such a sweetie, and his juvenile chest and stomach plumage is just adorable. More like a big brother than a dad! Will these eggs be fertile? I think they are. I think the parents can feel/hear the life beneath them. We will see.
Also rapidly approaching is laying at Taiaroa Head. The Royal Cam egg usually hatches around Australia Day (26 January) and you can calculate backwards with a 77-day incubation period (yes, eleven weeks!) and reach the date ‘very soon indeed’.
They named this year’s fledgling Kaewa, and 41 days after fledging, our girl has just reached her target and is now foraging in the Humboldt Current off the coast of Chile. Seriously!
Meanwhile, back at Taiaroa Head, reunions are underway and much bonding is occurring.
If that wasn’t exciting enough. We are within a week of hatch at Orange and Gimbir continues to prove that he is going to be both an engaging new dad and a good provider. Our dear Diamond did well. It is at least her third mate. May they have a long and happy life together as we get ready for those little pink beaked, pink toed fluff balls to arrive.
Thank you for this really quick check on what is happening. Meanwhile, the Bald Eagles are busy working on their nests and checking on their nest bowls in the US. Take care, everyone. We will see you on Monday!
Thank you so much to SK Hideaways for their great video of WBSE 35’s return – it was a nail biter and, of course, it made us so anxious as we watched live – and to A for their information on the Australian nests. So grateful to them and the owners of the streaming cams where they get their information!
