Tag Archives: peregrine falcons

Will wildlife exist for our grandchildren? Monday in Bird World

20 October 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It is so nice to have you with us today. Everyone sends you a big hello and a wish for a good start to the week.

Part of the week was spent packing away the summer linens for the fall and winter wool. It has rained – and then it rained some more. This is fantastic for the trees and shrubs and will help them during the dry cold of the upcoming months. The Girls continue to enjoy the conservatory, where, when the sun does shine, it is hot. Toby will soon give up his raincoat for winter boots held up by suspenders, along with a padded puffer jacket, hat, and jacket! He is quite the fashion aficionado! The neighbours must be chattering away behind their curtains about this very spoiled little pooch. They must think we have gone daft!

Brock continues to amaze me. Toby sends him scattering under the deck where he waits for me to get Toby inside and call ‘kitty kitty’. He then scampers out to eat his meal returning at least twice more during the day. I caught him sitting down a bit on the fence. Brock is looking pretty good these days.

The Girls are good. I will get some good images of them this week for you. We are all doing well. There are long walks with Toby around the neighbourhood and to several of our favourite parks. We are starting our third year with Anne and our fifth year of living with dementia. Either I am so used to the situation or things really are better than they were a year ago – I am not sure, but I am thankful for our days, which aren’t full of the kind of excitement some dream of, but they really are nice and comforting.

We woke up to yet another day of rain. Toby and I bundled up and cleaned out the bird feeders. The tray feeders now only hold corn kernels or peanuts as the moisture does not cause them to go off so quickly. All other seed is now in either covered feeders or in those cylindrical tube feeders. New suet out for the woodpeckers! Oh, I wish there were places to walk dogs inside when it is pitching down rain!!!!!!!!!!

A sadness fell over Bird World this week as it was acknowledged that there would be no little osplets on the Port Lincoln barge for Mum and Dad this year. The eggs were removed by Bazz Hockaday and sent to Adelaide for inspection to determine the cause of the nest failure. The eggs were fertile. There were little osplets, but for some reason, Mum determined that their lives were not viable and stopped incubation. In a post, Tiger Mozone, thought it was odd that incubation was stopped as some stay on eggs, hoping for 70 days!

The barge nest looks lonely.

This is the latest post from Port Lincoln Osprey:

What was curious to me was that later Ervie chose to visit the barge for one of the first times in ever so long. Will Ervie take over the nest one day?

Everything you ever wanted to know about osprey eggs and more:

An Eggstraordinary Journey | Scottish Wildlife TrustDownload

There are many myths and scientific explanations when events don’t work out as anticipated. In this case, ‘everyone knew’ that rain would cause eggs to fail. But, does it? Not for this clutch in Maryland:

Rain, Rain, Go AWAY | Osprey Camera BlogDownload

You might think ospreys would not lay eggs if their nest is disturbed or removed. But think again.

Eggs laid despite nest removalDownload

SK Hideaways Videos for the week of 12 October 2025

Introduction: I first fell in love with raptors in 2019 ~ Annie & Grinnell, the CalFalcons, at the UC Berkeley Campanile. 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.

Two Harbors Eagles: Cholyn & Chase Perch on Favorite “Thrones” ~ Spend Day on Cam (2025 Oct 19)

Chase was spotted just after sunrise on the cactus perch. Later, Cholyn was on her low ocean view perch, where Chase joined her ~ a special treat for fans ~ as they chortled and spent time together. In the afternoon, a visitor, possibly a juvenile bald eagle, was chased around the territory, but soon all was calm. The late afternoon found Cholyn on another ocean view perch, where she watched the world go by till dusk and beyond. Catalina Island, California.

Video: https://youtu.be/tpBHvj1M6hc

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

West End Eagles ~ Akecheta & Haku VERY Cozy on Tor in AM🌅Back Together at Dusk🏜️(2025 Oct 18)

Akecheta and Haku met on the far tor in the morning, sitting close as they observed their habitat. They spent the day (on camera) apart, both visiting the nest at separate times. Then, as dusk approached, they came back together on the night perch. While they didn’t remain there ~ owing to human disturbances off shore ~ it is likely they either reunited elsewhere for the night or will come back together in the morning. 

Video: https://youtu.be/fcqFxHeft_4

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org

West End ~ Catalina Island, CA ~ Akecheta & Haku (2025 Oct 17)

Akecheta and Haku roosted together on the same perch overnight for the first time. They greeted the dawn with long, glorious chortles and then settled atop the far TOR (top of rock) on a sparkling blue sky, blue sea morning.

Video: https://youtu.be/Linoj1-qkYE

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org

FalconCam Project ~ Diamond & Gimbir (2025 Oct 17)

Gimbir made an early wake-up visit. When Diamond’s initial breakfast order went unheeded, she went out and gave him a few minutes of egg time. He came through later with breakfast, only he dashed out with Diamond, so she stashed the gift and returned. Finally, Gimbir gave her a longer break and she was able to get her breakfast.

Video: https://youtu.be/ws5pv5K34Lg

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW Australia

367 Collins St. Falcons🪽Wee Chick Gets Private Feeding 🍽️ Big Chicks Want Their Share🐥🐥(2025 Oct 20, 6:14-10:36)

The smallest chick ~ presumed male ~ has been unable to scale the nest since entering the gutter a few days back. This “limitation” has gotten him private attention from Mum F24 ~ including brooding and feeding. The two bigger chicks ~ presumed female ~ decided they’d had enough and barged in on a feeding. The little one was unfazed, remaining steadfast at Mum’s beak. In the end, everyone got their fill. 

Video: https://youtu.be/kGmGAtLA8kg

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

367 Collins St. Falcons: Chicks’ Morning Shenanigans ~ Wingers and Gutter Stomping Practice (2025 Oct 16)

Video: https://youtu.be/m4OPMsfrGrg

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

367 Collins Street Falcons: F24, M24, 3 eyases (15 Oct 2025, 11:26+)

As is true every year, the chicks get fed up with the morning sun and venture towards the shade. Mum F24 is never ready for this transition, doing her best to corral the chicks and keep them in the nest. This hasn’t worked in the past and didn’t work today. There was a frantic hour or so with Mum trying to brood the chicks still in the nest and those who’d escaped. Eventually she accepted the inevitable and relaxed. We were also treated to a camera adjustment, which allowed us to see the three toddler chicks sleeping peacefully in the shaded gutter. (15 Oct 2025, 11:26+)

Video: https://youtu.be/ENBYHEEkjTg

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY

North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

367 Collins Street Falcons: F24, M24, 3 eyases (14 Oct/17:39+)

When Mum F24 brought yet another large meal, the chicks’ crops were already bulging. But F24 was determined to feed them, regardless of how many times they fell into food comas. 

Video: https://youtu.be/x_L57QAqFvY

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

Sydney WB Sea Eagles: Lady, Dad, Eaglets SE35 & SE36 (2025 Oct 15)

Yesterday was a day of special moments for the memory treasure chest. SE35 and SE36 are quite inseparable these days. They perched on the nest rim and SE36 “hugged” SE35 while they cuddled in the nest. SE36 also performed a spectacular horaltic pose. The family came together in the evening for a meal and just to hang out.

Video: https://youtu.be/ER17Mt44mfA

Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html)

Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/@SeaEagleCAM4/streams

It is a concern that should be on all our minds: what will the world be like for our grandchildren? One photographer “Margot Raggett has spent the past decade raising money for conservation efforts around the world but now she feels nervous about the future. “It does feel like we’ve taken a backward step,” she said.

The wildlife photographer has raised £1.2m for the cause in the past 10 years through her Remembering Wildlife series, an annual, not-for-profit picture book featuring images of animals from the world’s top nature photographers. The first edition was published in 2015, when the Paris climate agreement was being drafted but, in the years since, efforts to tackle the climate crisis have been rolled back.”…..”“Compared to a few years ago, there was a desire for renewables instead of drilling for oil across the world. I think the importance of nature is something for us all to cling on to,” said Raggett.

Despite this, she has some hope. “I’m nervous but equally I’m encouraged by the fact that there are so many people that do seem to still care. I’ll do everything I can to keep my end of the bargain and keep fighting. And I know there’s lots of other people who feel the same, so time will tell, but we certainly can’t be complacent.”

In a timely reminder of how fraught the outlook is for wildlife at the moment, this year’s release, titled Ten Years of Remembering Wildlife, is being published alongside original and altered images of animals including polar bears, cheetahs and pangolins living in, and then scrubbed out of, their natural habitats.”

The images are intentionally meant to provoke us into thinking what life would be like if there were no animals, no birds. Can you imagine it? The book is a massive picture book which will be released on 11 November in North America at a cost of $100 CDN.

World’s landscapes may soon be ‘devoid of wild animals’, says nature photographer | Climate crisis |Download

In another article, The Guardian looks at the peregrine falcons that have taken over an industrial site in the UK. I love these 350 word Country diary stories! And, of course, we all love the falcons.

Country diary: Racing peregrines among the rusting mills | Bradford | The GuardianDownload

Good news is that one of my favourite books by David Gessner is out in a 25th anniversary edition, Return of the Osprey. A Season of Flight and Wonder. Helen MacDonald, author of H is for Hawk (amongst others), has written a powerful foreword to the release that you will enjoy. If you have read this book years ago, it may be time for a reread! And when you finish, I suggest returning to Soaring with Fidel, too. MacDonald describes Gessner’s odyssey with the ospreys, “Perhaps all this makes Gessner’s quest sound dry. it is not. It is a gloriously gonzo, whole-souled pursuit. He wrenches at raw fish with pliers to see what it might feel like to feed like an osprey, leaps into water to try and catch herring in a manner as much like an osprey a human can manage. There is a transporting lyricism in this book’s pages, along with passages of raw horror and moments of glorious weirdness, as when Gessner imagines the female osprey delicately feeding torn pages of his writing notebook to her young” (xi).

The release gave me the nudge to write to David Gessner to alert him about the situation in the Chesapeake Bay region and osprey starvation. This was his response:

“Mary Ann,

Thank you. I’m on it! Three weeks or so I got back from a trip up the East Coast where I saw some of the usual osprey suspects including Bryan Watts, P. Spitzer, Joannie in Colonial beach, Ben Wurst and of course Alan. Like you, I’ve got menhaden on the mind. I’ve been swallowed up by school but am heading up to Cape Cod the last week of this month and plan on finishing a longform piece then. The folks at the Atlantic said they would take a look so that’s my first stop for the essay.

All Best, David”

I am really hoping that someone like Gessner can get the kind of attention needed to stop Omega from killing off the entire ecosystem – if it is not too late already for our ospreys. I need the hope of ten Jane Goodalls. Politics should not be a part of protecting our environment. Humans must recognise the damage we are doing and work mightily hard to correct it.

How much do you know about Chimney Swifts? Charles Brown has just finished a 45-year study and has done a video presentation on YouTube on that very subject: https://youtu.be/VnnPOaf1Dpc?

Things appear to be going very well for Gimbir and Diamond at the Charles Sturt Falcon scrape in Orange, Australia. Incubation continues without issue.

Gimbir is adorable and rather brave not bringing in the entire Eastern Rosella. Diamond and all of us – while clearly missing and never forgetting dear Xavier – are appreciating this young falcon and his food gifts for Diamond. Cilla Kinross gives us the latest…notice that nice crop of our little man.

F23 takes extraordinary care of her trio at the Melbourne CBD falcon scrape! I am more and more impressed with her. The chicks have now moved themselves to the opposite end from where they hatched, keeping out of the sun and the deadly heat of Melbourne.

‘A’ comments: “Oh they are the sweetest family. Little dad is adorable – he works so hard at bringing plenty of food for those ravenous babies. And mum is very efficient at keeping the littles warm and dry and fed and generally safe. My goodness, they gave her a run for her money once they discovered the gutter, didn’t they? Poor mum. She couldn’t work out what to do. And I loved dad’s solution. He just took one look at the chaos and got the hell out of Dodge. It was hysterically funny. Which of course is why I sent it to you. Those moments are just too precious – the way the birds think is on display, and it is truly fascinating. They DO think, and you can see them logically eliminating alternatives and coming up with new ones, then being forced to prioritise, which is always absorbing. For people like us, trying to understand the thoughts and emotions of their world is absolutely fascinating. While we may run the risk of anthropomorphising a little too much, at the same time it is obvious that birds definitely do have emotions.”

At the Olympic Park WBSE nest, we have branching! The currawongs have been relentless this season in their attack on the nest. There are days that I wish the WBSE would eat all of them!!!!!!

Lots of wingersizing!

These eaglets are so gorgeous. It is difficult to tell them apart, and it is getting to be that ‘sad time’ when they will make their way out into the world. We can only hope that they survive the Currawong attacks and make their way to the river roost of their parents, where they can be fed and learn to hunt.

Screen capture of the eaglets by SK Hideaways in their video.

It has not only been the currawongs that are causing mischief but also owls.

At the West End nest, Haku and Akecheta are getting accustomed to one another.

Akecheta watching Haku soar above the nest.

Oh, I have such a fondness for Akecheta. The year that he took such gallant care of the triplets just warmed my heart beyond belief.

There are, of course, so many others – M15 raising his two eaglets alone after Harriet disappeared, every one of Annie’s mates, dear little Xavier…I could go on and on. They really are special – our raptors. It breaks my heart that our environment is changing so quickly that many of them might not be able to adapt (of course, along with humans, too).

Chase and Cholyn are at home at Two Harbours in the Channel Islands.

Big Red has been spotted at some of her favourite spots on the Cornell Campus. Suzanne Arnold Horning knows our Queen of the Red-tail Hawks very well! Thank you, Suzanne, for always keeping us informed.

There is a tragedy underway in the area of the Panama Canal. The first-ever failure of the 2025 seasonal upwelling has occurred. This is critical for fisheries and coral reefs; widespread plastic pollution; and the ecological disruption of the Panama Canal, which is allowing marine species to invade freshwater ecosystems. These problems are impacting coastal communities and local livelihoods– and will ultimately impact seabirds.

Failure of seasonal upwelling 

  • What it is: The seasonal upwelling is a natural process where trade winds push warm surface water away from the coast, allowing cool, nutrient-rich deep water to rise. This is vital for the marine food web in the Gulf of Panama.
  • The issue: For the first time in at least 40 years, the upwelling did not occur in 2025. Scientists suspect this is due to weakened trade winds linked to climate disruption.
  • Consequences: The lack of nutrient-rich water is stressing fisheries and could harm coral reefs. This event highlights how climate change can disrupt long-standing ocean systems. 

Plastic pollution

  • The scale: Panama faces a major plastic pollution crisis, generating over 380,000 tons of municipal plastic waste in 2022.
  • Waste management: More than 88% of this plastic is not properly managed, with large amounts ending up in landfills, being burned, or polluting the environment.
  • Consequences: This pollution threatens marine ecosystems, wildlife, public health, and the local economy. 

Panama Canal ecological disruption 

  • The issue: The 2016 expansion of the Panama Canal has allowed saltwater to enter the freshwater Lake Gatun and facilitated the movement of marine species inland.
  • Consequences: Ocean species like snooks and lionfish are entering freshwater ecosystems, displacing native species and disrupting the food web. This also introduces new challenges for local fishermen who rely on the freshwater ecosystem for their livelihoods.
  • Other impacts: The expansion has also contributed to saltwater intrusion into the canal’s freshwater supply, which is a source of drinking water for a large portion of the population. 

Mongabay explains further:

Panama upwelling fails in 2025, threatening marine ecosystemsDownload

More by La Ravi:

Panama’s vital ocean route vanishes for the first time in decades – Le RaviDownload

Billionaires Africa notes that one of their own donates funds to try and save the Wandering Albatross on Marion Island from the ravenous mice!

https://www.billionaires.africa/2025/10/18/south-african-billionaire-mark-shuttleworth-donates-1-million-to-save-the-worlds-largest-flying-bird

It is time to think of the birds that visit our gardens as winter approaches. Lesley the Bird Nerd tells us how to care for them properly in her video: https://youtu.be/Zi6iIGUGxpo?

Oh, I do love the Blue Jays in our garden. Junior and the Mrs and three of their fledglings are here all day long, and if the peanut tray is empty, you can hear them easily. Two Crows visit daily along with all the squirrels, red and grey, and an army of sparrows, a few black-capped chickadees, and some woodpeckers. The Starlings continue to visit around 1530 for puppy chow!

There are osprey nests that we can begin watching in the US that will have eggs after the new year. They include Achieva in St Petersburg, Florida, where Jill has been captured sitting on the perch, along with Captiva on Sanibel Island, Florida, Moorings Park, and Frenchman’s Creek – notice, all are in Florida, where the ospreys do not necessarily migrate and where there is the warmth and fish for them earlier than in the north.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care of yourself. There is a very nasty cold going around that is making people extremely tired. We will look forward to having you with us again next Monday!

I want to extend special thanks to SK Hideaways for their videos and for caring so much about our raptors and to ‘A’ for her commentary on the Australian raptor nests. Thank you to the individuals and owners of streaming cams, as well as those posting for various FB groups listed in Bold. The Guardian continues to publish informed articles on wildlife and the environment, as well as several others listed in bold. There is no way that a single individual can monitor all of the nests and keep up to the minute. I am grateful to all those who post in the various FB groups. These individuals so generously send me precious notes about their favourite birds to the authors of books that educate and inspire us, like David Gessner.

Concerns at Port Lincoln? Monday in Bird World

13 October 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

It is Thanksgiving Day in Canada, and I have so much to be thankful for, including all of you. Over the years, I have appreciated your letters, your support, the stories about your pets and the wildlife that come to your gardens. You give me hope, and as Jane Goodall says, we need hope to do our part in making this planet better. We cannot rely on anything or anyone other than ourselves. Just imagine if every person on this planet cleaned up their own patch and took care of the wildlife in their surrounding area – well, imagine. We would have wetlands, no one would be shooting raptors, injured birds would be taken to get help, songbirds would be fed, and there would be large green spaces that could connect, providing the wildlife with a greater area. We would stop eating tuna and any fish caught by long lines that decapitate albatross! Plastic – gosh, darn it is so hard to get away from it – would not have a place in our lives. I know I am speaking to the choir – but we need to do everything we can to help from putting out water bowls, fixing windows so that birds do not collide with them in private homes and in high rise real estate, to collecting old towels and sheets, to making sure that unused pet carriers make their way to wildlife rehabilitation centres, and fundraising. Let’s get started!

We should start with a big smile – aren’t we all Birdwatchers? We are optimistic, joyful, passionate- all because of the birds. I certainly don’t mind being called eccentric, but is that the wrong picture? Let’s check this Guardian article.

Here’s to the birdwatchers! Optimistic, slightly eccentric custodians of wonder and joy and passion and lovehttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/12/birdwatching-australia-binoculars-going-birding-life?CMP=share_btn_url

SK Hideaways has been incredibly busy creating videos for us about our favourite nests! Please watch them. It takes hours to put these together, especially when commentary is added! If you click on the YouTube icon they will get credit for you watching and be sure to add a ‘like’!

SYDNEY WHITE-BELLIED SEA EAGLES

Sydney WB Sea Eagles: Lady, Dad, SE35 & SE36 (2025 Oct 13)

At just over 8 weeks old, SE35 and SE36 are active, curious, and hungry. They began their wingercise in the wee hours before Lady and Dad arrived to lead the family in not one, but two quartets. Dad brought two fish breakfasts in the span of two hours, which Lady doled out to the waiting beaks. They get more beautiful every day!

Video: https://youtu.be/vWxGyBoETnY

Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park

367 COLLINS STREET FALCONS

367 Collins Street Falcons: Mum F24 and Dad M24 (2025 Oct 12)

At 10, 11, and 12 days old, the chicks are grabbing for food with more gusto and trying to do a little self-feeding. In 2 weeks time, F24 and M24 will be challenged to hold onto the prey long enough to feed them. 

Video: https://youtu.be/4TkoOF41_kg

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam 

South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY

North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

367 Collins Street Falcons ~ F24 and M24

One chick snoozed a little too close to the edge of the nest and slipped into the gutter. While the chick didn’t mind its new location, Mum F24 certainly did upon her return. As she has done in previous years, she gently grabbed the wayward chick by the scruff of the neck and returned it to the nest, where she promptly brooded all three growing chicks (2025 Oct 9, 12:45).

Video: https://youtu.be/Mfqd-5dHEGg

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

FOBBV EAGLES

FOBBVCAM Eagles: Jackie & Shadow Melodies and Visit Herald a Stunning Sunrise (2025 Oct 10)

Jackie and Shadow chortle-snortled the dawn away to greet a stunning sunrise, which they enjoyed from their Lookout Snag. During their first song, a mouse explored the nest, and in their finale, they invited a Steller’s Jay to join (though his tone wasn’t quite as melodic as Jackie and Shadows, in our opinion). 

Video: https://youtu.be/QcL4uQGAEWI

Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley, California

Resident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014

Resident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012

🔗Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE

🔗Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://youtube.com/live/LCGYWfbyBWc

🔴LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz

🔠Eagle Glossary + Acronyms +Useful  Links: https://bit.ly/2Ln0GAN

📖Big Bear Eagle History: https://www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org/eagle-history/

FOBBVCAM Eagles: Jackie & Shadow Visit 3 Favorite Perches for Date Night (2025 Oct 4)

Jackie and Shadow are enjoying their pre-season bonding activities. Tonight’s “date” took them to the Lookout Snag, the nest, and their Roost Tree. Lucky for us, they let us come along for the ride.

Video: https://youtu.be/3TCViBtBQCk

Courtesy FOBBVCAM, Friends of Big Bear Valley

SAN JOSE CITY  HALL FALCONS

San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcons: Hartley & Monty (2025 Oct 6)

Hartley and Monty met up for some early morning bonding, which included scraping in the nest box, a short bowing session, and preening their mid-molt feathers. Grateful they hang around all year long.

Video: https://youtu.be/Xs_N9J2ePHU

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

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SanJoseCityHallFalcons/
Wiki https://sanjoseperegrines.editme.com/

CHANNEL ISLANDS

West End Eagles 🦅 Akecheta Visits Nest AND Night Perch ~ Haku Joins Him (2025 Oct 10)

We were grateful enough to witness Akecheta’s return to the West End territory on 24 September, having not seen him since the previous January after a vicious territorial dispute. But today, for the first time, he visited the nest he and Thunder tended and shared with their eaglets. He then retired to his old night perch – causing fans far and wide to reach for their tissue boxes. The bittersweet frosting on top was when Haku joined him on the night perch, though she did decide to take the lower bunk in the end. It was a heartwarming few hours here at West End.

Video: https://youtu.be/IQ1oVrZMbXc

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org

West End Eagles: Haku, Bob AND Akecheta Have Perch Party ~ Ravens Ride the Wind (2025 Oct 8)

Haku, Bob, AND Akecheta all gathered together to perch atop the West End overlook. They departed in order of age – Bob, then Haku, then Akecheta – but Haku and Akecheta met up later for a beautiful soaring display in the late afternoon. The ravens struggled with the wind gusts as they tried to land on the hilltop.  

Video: https://youtu.be/56eLBHJbkGs

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org

West End Eagles ~ Haku and Bob (today anyway) ( 2025 Oct 7)

Bob really seems to want to be Haku’s BFF, so he performed showy aerial displays and perched as near to her as he dared ~ 3 times. She seemed to respect his efforts and let him sit nearby, except once when she wing slapped him away. Bob is too young to be looking for a mate, so it will be interesting to see how this friendship plays out. 

Video: https://youtu.be/jn1cWdZhwHk

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org

West End Eagles:  2-Year Old Bob from Twin Rock Returns After 3-month Absence (2025 Oct 6)

Keeping up with the saga that is the West End in 2025 is nearly impossible, but here’s the story on Bob: 

~ Bob is a 2-year-old sub-adult, who hatched at the Twin Rock nest in 2023 

~ He originally came to the West End on June 5, 2025, 2 days after Makaio disappeared 

~ It is thought that Bob was escorted from the area by the male known as MV on June 23rd 

This is the first sighting of Bob since that time.

Video: https://youtu.be/Hlct5mJkthw

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org

Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14

Other Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmmAzrAkKqI

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

The big story at the moment is the concern at Port Lincoln that there could be issues. Fran Solly reported that Mum was off the eggs for many periods of time in excess of 45 minutes. Dad had not brought in fish – and then he did. Are we worried about Dad? Yes, of course. He is not a youngster and he has had visual seizures on the nest. He is not always getting fish to the nest but it is unclear what the issues are – is he losing his catches to other raptors or gulls? Possibly. Are there other problems? We can thank Fran Solly, Bazz Halliday and Janet Forster for lobbying the South Australian government to get permission to supplement the fish brought to the nest, if necessary. This is the reason for the survival of the chicks over the past what? Three years? (or is it four – time flies too fast).

To put this in perspective, we are nearing hatch. The temperatures were around 17 degrees C. Mum should be hearing the chicks. A few years ago, Milda, the White-tailed Eagle whose nest is in Durbe County, Latvia, left her eggs to go and get food for more than five hours. The temperature was 7 degrees C. To everyone’s shock, the two eggs hatched. The chicks did not survive because the male failed to provide food for Milda and them. But they did hatch!

Mum is tight on the eggs.

Helen Matcham caught some great screen captures of the 367 Collins Street Melbourne trio, who are now getting lots of pin feathers! These triplets have the best Mum who actively keeps them safe.

And more of the trio from SK Hideaways: https://youtu.be/4TkoOF41_kg?

‘A’ sends us her commentary on what is happening in the Australian nests: “There appears to be a female intruder at Orange – she is large (as tall as Diamond), with long legs and not much orange on her beak or feet. Gimbir and Diamond should be able to defend their territory, but we all know this is not what is needed at this scrape (although it is possible that this could bond Diamond and Gimbir tightly and quickly, as the ‘you and I against the world’ scenario can tend to do in humans and in animals/birds). 

In good news at Orange, Gimbir is learning to deliver prey to Diamond. This of course is hugely important to the potential success of this scrape this season, as we all know. So today was an action-packed day for our falcons, despite their apparently idyllic surroundings. Some time stamps from today: 10 Oct BONDING 06.07.48, 09.06.24 Gimbir incubates 08.56.24, 09.51.46, 13.28.05, 17:06:03 PREY 09.51.26 G in, D takes, 13.20.06 G in, D takes WATCH 14.12.59 Intruder. Note that Gimbir brings prey to the scrape for Diamond TWICE today. This is a great improvement. We do know that he is trying to please her. And we also know she is not at all reticent about giving instruction. So we have to hope he listens, understands and obeys.

At Collins Street, there was a rumour yesterday after dad disappearing, but he brought in a very large prey item (?pigeon) late yesterday and mum fed the trio a huge dinner. I haven’t personally seen him today but then I didn’t watch the entire day so would not have heard any offscreen vocals from dad. Mum twice went to the pantry and brought back large chunks of food for the littles – the three are all eating well and appear to be getting plenty. No chick is missing out and all three crops are filled several times a day. But I cannot say I saw or heard dad on camera today. 

The midday sun is starting to get really hot – yesterday, one of the chicks managed to scramble along the edge between the scrape and the window and then fall/slither into the gutter while mum was away, and when she returned, she was not pleased and tried to grab the little adventurer first by the crop (at which the chick protested loudly) and eventually by the back of the neck, hauling the escapee back into the scrape without incident. 

As I suspected, she has an excellent technique for sheltering all three from the sun, when she is there. However, she has been leaving the trio in the noon sun quite a bit, though she presumably knows what she is doing. The breeze may be enough – temperatures are in the low 20s so far, so hopefully by the time things get really hot, they will be able to head off to the shaded end of the gutter under their own steam. Ah, how I miss the patter of tiny feet gutter-stomping at Collins Street. 

At WBSE, the adults have resumed morning mating. Why, I wonder. Are they considering a second clutch? Feeling a bit of empty-nest syndrome as fledge approaches? Or just feeling friendly and frisky? (Do birds mate for enjoyment or for bonding or only when they’re fertile, so just for procreation?)

Here is today’s ranger summary, with Al’s edits and additions (look at how very grown-up the littles are in the photo- you can see what a glorious day it was today on the southeast coast of Australia, though down in Melbourne, that sun was a reminder that mum laid at the wrong end of that ledge – again): 

October 10: The whole family welcomed the day with a morning chorus – adults mating and then heading off. Both eaglets were self-grooming and stretching after the night on the nest. Just after 8am, Lady brought in a very long stick, nearly knocking SE35 off the rim. She then struggled to place it just so. Mid-morning on a lovely day and Lady was sitting nearby – waiting. She brought leaves – then flew off. By 3pm, the eaglets were still waiting for food, with SE35 passing the time by flapping somewhat alarmingly on the front rail. At 3:15pm, a currawong was swooping the pair on the nest. They’re not even waiting for fledge this season and are beginning to attack the eaglets early. The wind increased in the mid-afternoon, but just before 5:30pm, one of the adults was seen down on the river. Lady came in at last with a bird – both eaglets were fed, then they both self-fed on scraps in the nest, including the bony bits. Lady took some off herself to feed on as well. 

So it was a very lean day for the eaglets, with just one meal for the day, and that one piece of prey was also shared with mum. I was also disheartened by the boldness of those currawongs, who aren’t even waiting for the eaglets to fledge to attack them as they do every year. If you listen carefully to their vocals, it almost sounds like they are squawking “currawong, currawong” (or is that just me). 

Tonight, they are snuggled on the nest, side by side, like a couple of loaves of bread. The wind has eased since this afternoon, and the nest seems almost still in the tree branches. I cannot see an adult on the perch branch but I’m sure one or both parents will be somewhere close by. 

At Port Lincoln, dad brought mum a headless fish just before 1.30pm and a whole fish at 7:52pm (it’s daylight saving in Australia, so it’s not dark at that time even though it should be). The three eggs are being well cared for, and with 38 days the average incubation period for ospreys in South Australia, we have to be expecting a hatch in about two or three days, assuming the darkest-looking egg is fertile. 

I am often surprised that people are unaware of how to tell which egg was laid first and which was last – as I’m sure you know, the colour is ‘added’ as the egg is laid, and there is less and less colouration with each subsequent egg. So the first egg laid will be the darkest or have the darkest patterns, the next egg progressively lighter colouration and the third egg the lightest of the three in colour. Meaning the darkest of the three eggs was the first one laid and, if fertile, should be the first egg to hatch. Exciting times. You must be thrilled to be so close to hatch watch – within a week, you could have three osplets learn how to bonk each other at Port Lincoln. Oh joy! “

Thanks, A.

We are falling in love with Gimbir. He is the cutest little falcon – and he is learning about his new mate, Diamond, who doesn’t like Starlings and who doesn’t give incubation time up freely!

At the WBSE nest in the Olympic Park in Sydney, SE35 and 36 are really winging it.

We love Akecheta. We worried he would get injured again, but it appears that he has consolidated his territorial reign and is back on the West End nest with Haku (sadly not Thunder) in the Channel Islands. SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/IQ1oVrZMbXc?

Androcat caught F23 testing out the nest bowl at the Southwest Florida Bald eagle nest in Fort Myers. https://youtu.be/NQ8TErSndlE?

Beau and Gabby have been building up the rails at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest south of Jacksonville. Just look at them working together so well.

It is the middle of October. Will we have eggs in a month at one of the nests? All of the eagles are returning and working on their nests including Ron and Rose at the WRDC in Dade County, Florida.

At least one osprey has been seen on the Captiva Osprey Platform on Sanibel Island, Florida. Window to Wildlife has both streaming cams up and running, so check in on Clive and Connie and the ospreys thinking about that nest. Perhaps this year we will have osprey chicks again.

The Trempeauleau Wisconsin Bald Eagle nest is streaming again after the magnificent year with Mum raising TE3 alone! Thank you Ai Ryn.

Raptors need our help – saving their habitat so they have food and much more, including rodenticides and window collisions. What can you do around your home and neighbourhood to make sure that birds are safe?

Ever heard of a Lava Gull? If not, check this out as it is the American Bird Conservancy Bird of the Week!

Lava Gull Rarest of Its KindDownload

Cornell Bird Lab wants us to know more about American Robins in this video: https://youtu.be/bUgWy741Nhc?

Smile. The 2024 fledgling, Marina, is still on the nest with Mum hope and her two siblings (now fledglings) from 2025. George is out fishing!

If you are asked if fledglings from a previous year can help their parents raise a clutch, the answer is yes, and the proof is the 2025 brood at Osprey House Environment Centre, Australia. This was a great educational experience and solidifies my belief that if raptors cooperate, everyone wins.

I am thankful for all of the animals in my life and all of the garden birds that come each and every day in search of food. It is no secret that my Dad was a huge influence on me. He loved animals – cats, dogs, and the birds that came to our garden to eat out of his hand when I was a child. We had a three-legged dog – Trixie did everything any other dog could do. My father believed that animals were capable of almost anything and they brought him great consolation as mine do for me. I had many ‘farm’ animals on my small holding but as far as pets it was always cats. The Girls, the four of them, were here long before Toby. I certainly never want to dismiss their presence and the gifts they give to me – sitting patiently during story time every evening with Calico ‘walking out’ if the book is boring. Yes, she still does that and much of the latest pile has been ‘boring’. Toby has a huge basket of toys. Many of them belonged to The Girls. He has ones that we play fetch, ones that squeak, and the ever present tug-o-war ones with long ropes. He barks with the dogs on the telly or in the neighbourhood and goes wild if he thinks Brock is anywhere in the garden! Many of you are pet owners and you might find this article interesting:

Dogs name toys while elephants name each other. Animal language is more complex than we imagine | HeDownload

There is at least one reported Osprey in Nova Scotia, Canada. Not ready to migrate yet – .

It must be love – Hugo Yugo and Toby.

A typical evening with Toby and Hugo Yugo before they fall asleep.

Thank you so very, very much for being with us today. From The Girls, Toby, the garden animals and birds, Brock, Don and me – we wish you a lovely ‘Thanksgiving’ even if you are not Canadian! Take a pause, close your eyes, and think of all the joy and those you are thankful for – and tell them! Don’t wait. We will look forward to having you with us again either next Monday or when there is hatch at Port Lincoln!

I want to extend special thanks to SK Hideaways for their videos and to ‘A’ for their insightful commentary on the Australian birds they love so much. Thank you to the individuals and owners of streaming cams, as well as those posting for various FB groups listed in Bold. The Guardian continues to publish informed articles on wildlife and the environment.

Today is an excellent opportunity to give them a big round of applause for keeping us informed. It is impossible for me (or anyone) to keep on top of what is happening at each of the individual nests, and I know that my blog would not be the same without their incredible talents. The fact that they share these with me so I can pass them along to you warms my heart and tells me immediately that there are more ‘good’ and ‘caring’ people in the world than not. So, thank you.

Understanding the osprey family tree…the last hatches of Mrs G and Aran at Glaslyn

8 October 2025

Good Morning,

Tuesday was a beautiful day in the Canadian prairies. Oh, you cannot know how grateful I am. We have been planning to take Anne to Bird’s Hill Park to hand-feed the Black-capped Chickadees. She has heard us talk about our walks there and how the wee songbirds land on your hands to take the Black oilseed. It is a pre-Thanksgiving ‘thank you’ to Anne. I could not survive without her help and support.

It was so warm that we had a wee picnic of sorts at Pineridge Hollow. Toby was so good, and I am certain that The Girls were happy to have a wee break from their brother for the afternoon. It was just a perfect day. Walking the trails among the tall pine trees was renewing!

The little birds did not disappoint!

It was a wonderful surprise Tuesday evening to see that the Dark-eyed Juncos have returned from the north and have stopped over in the garden to fatten up for migration! There were at least two dozen of them pecking away at the seed on the deck. I hope to get some decent images of them for the next blog. They are so cute!

Several have asked about Brock. He is still here despite Toby. Toby seems to know when Brock is around. So Brock and I have developed a method of getting his food to him without Toby knowing. Brock comes to the door and lets me know he is waiting for food. Once I see him, he goes under the deck and waits. I take out the food, sometimes with Toby, and then as I close the door and secure Toby inside, I call ‘kitty kitty’. Brock will come out to eat within five minutes.

Migration count is underway in West Africa, posted by Mary Cheadle:

Dyfi have posted a wonderful blog, and I urge each of you to read it. Mrs G is the ‘UK Iris’ equivalent who bred at Glaslyn. Her last mate was the adorable Aran, who was usurped this year by Teifi. Perhaps Aran will return and take his nest with Elen in 2026, as the nest failed this year due to all the drama. We will wait. Aran will need to return early and work to win Elen’s heart. Elen might be smart to breed with Aran again because his chicks (along with Mrs G’s great DNA) are returning!

Mrs G’s Boys – Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn WildlifeDownload

Blue 497 -talk about a handsome bird!!!!!!!!! Just look at him. The first Glaslyn male known to be breeding in Wales. Two chicks this year, but one possibly fell out of the nest at 5 weeks, and the other disappeared at 7 weeks, possibly predated by a goshawk.

The cameras at Captiva’s Window to Wildlife Bald Eagle and Osprey nests are going live today.

Ashley Wilson continues to find Newmann and Elaine at the scrape at Spirit Bluff. They will migrate soon.

The fledgling at the Selati Black Eagle nest has brought its first caught prey to the nest!

Meanwhile, like other Bald Eagles, Jackie and Shadow are returning to their nest to kick start the 2025-26 season at Big Bear Lake.

At the West End, the juvenile Bob returned to spend some time with Haku. https://youtu.be/Hlct5mJkthw? SK Hideaways caught it!

Gorgeous Haku on Tor:

Beau and Gabby are ready for a very successful season at the NE Florida Bald Eagle nest.

The Majestics are working on their Denton Homes nest.

Andor with his blue wing tag at the Fraser Point nest on the Channel Islands. Cruz flew in, too.

The IWS is having its annual fall fundraiser. You could be a winner! At least one of my readers has named one of the eaglets at the West End nest (Treasure), and I was selected to name one of the other eaglets – Phoenix – at one of the other nests without a streaming cam. Many have won beautiful photographs and kit. We are eternally grateful to Dr Sharpe and his team for all the work they did to restore the Bald Eagle population to the islands after the DDT debacle.

There is much discussion over the female (or perhaps both) eagles at the John Bunker Sands Wetlands nest. Is this Mum? Or is it a new female? Is this even Dad??? Without definitive markings (the mark on the head could be an injury, prey blood, etc), it is impossible to know without Darvic Rings.

Checking on the Australian nests –

The 367 Collins Street adults are doing an incredible job feeding and taking care of their triplets in Melbourne.

Dad took over incubation so Mum could have his breakfast. She returned with a really full crop. Oh, hatch is coming so soon – seriously, I cannot wait to see a baby osprey. It seems like forever.

There have been at least nine different species of prey delivered to the kiddos at the 367 Collins Street falcon scrape in Melbourne since they hatched. Nothing short of adorable with their pink beaks and feet but now their eyes appear to be open (normally after five days).

ABC Science discusses the life of urban birds in Melbourne. Have a watch and a listen. They even mention the falcons! https://youtu.be/0EA3VNP2vJM?

Oh, how I love the Sydney sea eaglets. Lady and Dad are doing a magnificent job bringing in prey. Their plumage is stunning. About this time in their development, my stomach gets a little queasy. The mobbing of the eaglets as they fledge, causing them to bolt out of the forest, on occasion, or to be injured and hanging around the Discovery Centre, sends me running for the Gaviscon.

Calico urges you to help her and her feathered friends. Educate those you know who might be opting to get their lawns ‘greener’. The toxins kill the ‘food chain’.

‘PB’ asked me when I plan to publish the results of this year’s Osprey data. I hope to have finished entering my data by the end of October. Heidi is finished! I have the following to enter: 35 nests in Nova Scotia, 18 nests in Italy, and 15 failed nests from Maryland. There are, of course, hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands, of failed nests in Virginia and the surrounding area that will not be in the forms, sadly. We do not have enough information other than that there were no Menhaden for the adults, and the nests failed, resulting in no eggs, eggs being abandoned, or chicks starving to death on the nest.

The report from William & Mary University is below and paints the stark picture that Heidi and I have seen and predicted for a couple of years. I am embarrassed that this is a Canadian Company that is killing the entire ecosystem. It makes me so angry.

Deficit in breeding performance expands for Chesapeake Bay ospreys – The Center for Conservation BiologyDownload

Could the Tawny Frogmouth be Australia’s Bird of the Year?

Tawny frogmouths take patience to appreciate. They will reward you with insights into their remarkable lives | Stephanie Converyhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/08/tawny-frogmouths-take-patience-to-appreciate-but-they-will-reward-you-with-insights-into-their-remarkable-lives?CMP=share_btn_url

I think they are utterly adorable!

Bush Heritage Australia tells us more about these little sweethearts:

Tawny Frogmouth | Bush Heritage AustraliaDownload

If the waters of New Zealand are warming up faster than we can blink, when will the impact hit the various seabird colonies? This article in The Guardian discusses the warming seas.

New Zealand oceans warming 34% faster than global average, putting homes and industry at risk, report findshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/08/new-zealand-oceans-warming-34-per-cent-faster-than-global-average?CMP=share_btn_url

It is always good to be thankful for all the good news we can get in Bird World and the latest newsletter from Poole Harbour in the UK does just that.

Exciting Project Updates Conservation Career Talks and Upcoming EventsDownload

There is other good news – not just for us but for the birds. I am forever an optimist that we can change the way we live and, in turn, create better spaces for wildlife, including our feathered friends. For the first time, considering the international scene, renewable energy is powering homes and industries instead of fossil fuels. PRC is leading this change. China is rapidly expanding its solar and wind energy capacity, surpassing the total of the rest of the world combined. India has turned to renewables and is lessening their need for coal. Solar power is gaining momentum in Pakistan and various African countries, including Nigeria, Algeria, and Zambia. In fact, solar power provides more than 80% of the new energy.

It’s migration season. Some tips on when to help a bird from Wild Birds Unlimited.

Thank you so much for being with us today! Please take care of yourself. We will see you next Monday if not before! Looking for a hatch at Port Lincoln. Wonder when it will come?

Thank you to the individuals and owners of streaming cams and individuals posting for various FB groups listed in Bold. You keep us informed. A particular shout-out to SK Hideaways for their videos. The Guardian and Bush Heritage Australia continue to publish great articles on wildlife and the environment. We are grateful.

The Melbourne Cuties…Monday in Bird World

6 October 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

The leaves on the trees in the garden are primarily on the ground. We can now see into the previously hidden back area that was obscured during the summer. Brock continues to sun himself on the farthest woodshed. He is cautious now to let me see him when he comes to the deck for food, preferring to grab my attention and hide under the highest decking, waiting to be sure that Toby is not about. Toby ‘guards’ the territory. It is unclear whether he believes he is a cat, like The Girls, but he decidedly does not like any other animals in the garden, including Mr Crow and Mr Blue Jay. Of course, they pay him no mind. Tonight, Hugo Yugo and Toby are curled up in the small dog bed with HY holding Toby’s head firm and washing and washing his neck. I do think they ‘love’ one another in only a way that they understand.

We have experienced torrential rain and storms, primarily characterised by heavy rain and strong winds. This summer, the province posted that we had only 1/3 the average rainfall – hence, all the wildfires. That has corrected itself. This is good news for all the trees and shrubs that require a lot of moisture before winter arrives. All of the trees and shrubs we planted this year are doing very well. The new Amur Cherry stands tall in the front garden while the Wisteria has wound itself around the stairs and is beginning to climb the side of the porch. I hope to post images of huge clumps of beautiful purple flowers one day. The debate is whether or not to bring the Jasmine plant inside. The problem lies with the aphids, and whether they will also infest the inside plants despite the cleansing and soil changes. The Coral Hibiscus (image near the bottom of the blog) is beautiful, but its flowers are toxic to pets. Although it will not be available for purchase, it can be given to someone who can care for it without harming any cats or dogs. Sometimes the first frost comes and surprises me, and that ends all the debate!

Next Monday is Canadian Thanksgiving. It is timed with the harvest and has nothing in common with the underlying motives for the American Thanksgiving in late November. Ours is more simple – a people grateful for the harvest. We will have guests that otherwise would not be with anyone that day. The Girls and Toby will be delighted for the attention.

We hope that you have been having marvellous times watching that terrific trio of fluff balls in Melbourne at the 367 Collins Street falcon scrape. What cuties they are. The female, F23, looks formidable. I would not want to mix it up with her.

Suzanne Arnold Horning caught Big Red on the Cornell Campus today, and it is always a pleasure and a relief.

The videos by SK Hideaways for the last few days with some new offerings:

Diamond & Gimbir  Welcome Their Second Egg (1 Oct 2025)

Diamond laid her and Gimbir’s second egg 59-1/2 hours after the first. Her typical laying interval is between 50 and 60 hours. Congrats, Diamond and Gimbir! 

Video: https://youtu.be/_D6z7QcqpRE

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW 

Gimbir Meets and Nibbles First Egg (2025 Sep 30)

In his first inspection of his and Diamond’s first egg, Gimbir did a good amount of nibbling of the shell during each of his 3-4 inspections. There was no obvious harm done, but Gimbir clearly needs a little daddy training, which is no surprise given his young age. He has performed well in all his other lessons, so we have high hopes for his paternal capabilities.

Video: https://youtu.be/tB6F3H_dYWM

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW

Channel Island Eagles, California

West End Bald Eagles🦅Akecheta and Haku Sit Not Quite Side-by-Side on Tor (2025 Oct 2)

After Akecheta’s first visit a week earlier, it was unclear whether he was still in the area. Today’s visit left no doubt when he was positively ID’d sitting near Haku on the middle tor. While not behaving like good friends, Akecheta and Haku did seem comfortable in each other’s company. Only time will tell where this fascinating story goes from here. 

Video: https://youtu.be/k8TpDZyhrAw

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org

Nest Low Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfuqjSNXZ14

Other Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmmAzrAkKqI

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

Two Harbors Eagles🦅Cholyn & Chase Greet Day in Song🎶22 Years Wedded Bliss (2025 Sep 30)

Cholyn and Chase came together to watch the sunrise and greet the day with their melodious chortles. We never tire of watching this couple’s glorious splendor. 

Video: https://youtu.be/zK7vqAPboh0

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

Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ

367 Collins St. Falcons ~ F24 & M24

Dad Tries to Feed 5- and 2-Day Old Chicks Whole Prey (2025 Oct 5, 8:22:50)

When Dad M24 arrived with yet another meal for his family, Mum F24 was out. So he did what any super responsible dad would do ~ he tried to feed his chicks. Trouble is, the prey was bigger than the chicks. F24 returned and straightened him out, surely knowing he meant well. (2025 Oct 5, 8:22:50)

Video: https://youtu.be/02vbdny7Bo0

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

South Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oibsohQ14cY

North Facing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNKk0ivuWe4

Chick #3 Peeks Out at Dusk ~ Makes Grand Appearance in Daylight (2025 Oct 2-3)

Chick #3 peeked out of its shell 2 days after its siblings, hatching in a fashionably late manner. Here we see its arrival at dusk and then its grand appearance the next morning.

Video: https://youtu.be/M52OhfOL1Ks

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

Chick #2 Hatches ~ #1 Rolls Out of Nest with Excitement (1 Oct 2025)

Chick #2 snuck out in the dark of night, but dawn provided a grand entrance for the wee one. Chick #1 was so excited they rolled right out of the nest box. Mum F24 eventually rolled them back in. Another celebratory day for the Collins Street falcon family.

Video: https://youtu.be/eSNAH1mUR1s

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

Mum F24 and Dad M24 Welcome 1st Chick! (2025 Sep 30)

Mum F24 was on incubation duty when chick #1 appeared from under her.  Dad arrived 90 minutes later, seeming slightly perplexed about what to do now that one of his beloved eggs had become a squirming chick. After a bit of revelry, Mum and Dad got back to incubating #2 and #3.

Video: https://youtu.be/k0_PnyHUZ4U

Courtesy 367 Collins St. Falcon Cam

‘A’ sends her commentary on the Australian nests!

“Forgot to send you this – it’s only about ten seconds but it is a fabulous illustration of (a) how these birds work as a team and (b) how incredible peregrine falcons really are – you must put it into the blog (I’m certain readers would be as impressed by it as I was): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B8xQJaPB4tw.

Meanwhile, that pigeon Dad brought to the Collins Street ledge early this morning was humongous. Mum was already feeding the littles yesterday’s gigantic pigeon, which she had stashed in the pantry, so Dad dragged his new offering into the gutter and subsequently took it off, presumably to the pantry, which is on a floor (or the roof) above the scrape. Rain is forecast for this afternoon, which will bring Mum’s garage door technique into its own, as none of these chicks is yet able to thermoregulate (they have only natal down at this stage) I have zero concerns in that regard, as Mum is just magnificent at using her wings to shelter her chicks. The best I have ever seen in fact. I love this couple. Could you guess?

At 10.38, Dad brings in yet another pigeon (not as large as the last but definitely a decent piece of prey). This Dad is taking his new parental responsibilities extremely seriously. I don’t think these chicks are going to go hungry at this scrape. Ever. Good on you little Dad. What a partner he’s been for Mum this season. 

At WBSE, SE35 is picking at leftovers while SE36 stretches its wings by practising this flapping business their parents seem to utilise to great effect. It’s being very energetic! Go SE36! Oh these two are growing up SO fast. The thought of losing them to their annual battle with the currawongs is worrying me more with every passing day. Lady and Dad have done their usual magnificent job of raising two gorgeous, healthy eaglets, only to have to abandon them to their fate and cross their talons, as it were. And yet they try again each season. I do wish we could get a GPS tracker on these fledglings to see whether any do disperse to an area where they can survive and hopefully breed. As it is, we can only guess (and hope).

At Orange, the ultimate cougar peregrine (Diamond) is incubating her two eggs. Gimbir has done some incubating this morning – he is learning by the day. Here is the summary of the falcons’ activities so far this morning (the time stamps refer to the box cam rather than the nest cam or the tower cam): 3 Oct BONDING 4.47.57, 05.29.55, 05.53.51 (Incubation G 5.05.19, 06:26:19, 7.19.40, 8.30.49)

I think Diamond will whip him into shape very quickly – it’s fascinating to see what instinct drives him to do. He seems to have a very good idea of what he needs to do with these strange things in his scrape but he understands their importance and may even be getting some idea of what’s inside them. But of course we can’t know that. Suffice it to say that Diamond is acting as a strict teacher and Gimbir seems to be an eager student and a quick learner. He is very sweet (like all male peregrines). It will be a real treat to watch him come into his own as a father in front of our eyes. By his second incubating effort of the day (at 06:26:19) he seems to have worked it all out. He knows that if he comes into the scrape and finds the eggs unattended, it is his job to keep them warm and safe. He has also perfected his enfluffling technique and does it perfectly. I am SO proud of our very precocious little man. It’s hard to believe that a year ago,.he was just leaving his own natal nest. And as I said the other day, he has taken on a real challenge in Madame Diamond! (I have to say – and this is NOT for the blog – that he reminds me of my husband when we first met. I was 37 and he had just turned 20 (literally the week before we met). I am a somewhat formidable female but he had no fear of taking that on. Enough said. We had a wonderful ten years. “

From the videos and ‘A’s’ commentary, you can see that all is going well in the Australian nests currently as I wait – rather impatiently – for the hatches at Port Lincoln!!!!!!!

There are still ospreys in the UK who have not left on their migration. This Tweed Valley fledgling is one of them! Thanks, Mary Cheadle!

Want to learn more about White-tail Eagles? You cannot go wrong by listening to this podcast by Dr Tim Mackrill sponsored by the Osprey Leadership Foundation.

At the West End nest (IWS/Explore), Haku has been having trouble with a juvenile coming to the nest! Nestflix Memories caught the battle for the fish on video: https://youtu.be/9rUwR30TjyI?

Do you know what Gabby and Beau are up to at the NE Florida nest? Wings of Whimsy checks up on what has happened during the last week. https://youtu.be/1eSGYv-KPrc?

At Pix Cams US Steel nest, Irvin is really showing off for his lady! https://youtu.be/W5_3bxogDJs?

Time to vote for the Australian Bird of the Year! Remember, New Zealand recently voted the Peregrine Falcon as its Bird of the Year. Maybe we can do this for Australia, too! The Guardian gives us more information.

The image below is the poster and here is the link that will tell you how to vote:

2025 Australian bird of the year voting is open! Here’s how to vote – videohttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/video/2025/oct/06/2025-australian-bird-of-the-year-voting-is-open-heres-how-to-vote-video?CMP=share_btn_url

You might think that these contests are frivolous. Have a read and reset your ideas.

Australian bird of the year: An Avian Popularity Contest with a deeper purposehttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/06/australian-bird-of-the-year-deeper-purpose?CMP=share_btn_url

“It wasn’t until I was in my 20s that I realised birds could have a powerful significance even for people who weren’t bird-nerds like me….One day I got a lift with a friend who was really struggling. As she sped through inner city streets sobbing uncontrollably, things started resembling that scene from Vanilla Sky when Cameron Diaz drives Tom Cruise off a bridge. I persuaded her to pull over, and we parked beneath some trees. As I sat, clueless about how to ease her distress, a white-plumed honeyeater flitted down and started hopping around in front of us, searching for insects.

Watching that sweet little bird go about its business was the circuit-breaker we needed. Completely indifferent to our troubles, it connected us to something bigger, putting our issues into perspective and brought a magic sense of wonder at simply being alive. I’m not so woo-woo as to claim that the appearance of a single bird was an instant cure-all, but its presence brought a moment of peace and grace to what had been distraught hopelessness.

Recent studies have shown that this experience is not unique. Playing birdsong in hospital has been shown to reduce levels of both reported pain and anxiety in patients as well as reducing the average time spent before discharge from the ward. A 2020 European study showed that having 14 extra bird species in your neighbourhood raised general happiness levels equivalent to the same boost people would get if they started earning $150 a week more.”

I know that these articles and the importance of birds to our lives is ‘preaching to the choir’ as all os us understand fully the mystical quality that they have over our lives. Each week I get one or two letters from people, mostly strangers, who stop and send me a note telling me how much the birds on the streaming cams have done for their lives. Many have terminal illnesses and their love for the bird families has helped them through great trauma.

Today, I often advise people not to listen to the news, but to go outside instead. Alternatively, consider getting a small bird feeder and placing it so you can watch it from a window. Put out a bird bath and cheer along all the fun the birds have when they are bathing! I promise that even the most dismal moments — and I am certainly no stranger to those – will melt away.

Calico has a couple of book recommendations – not for the fun of reading aloud to four cats and a dog, but rather for those who might feel like they have lost control of their lives. It reminds us not to be so ‘goal-oriented’, making endless lists so that we are productive and feel good about ourselves. She speaks of restorative time – very important! Not just relaxing but restoring. Finding Focus has, on every other page, advice about putting your devices away and finding time to be outside. There is another chapter on eating well. In the past year, I have witnessed friends whose lives have been shattered by sudden deaths in their family and how that has impacted them. To be mentally alert, you must feed your body well. Not with cookies and processed cakes but whole foods. Every since Don was diagnosed with dementia, probably even before, we have practiced eating the ‘rainbow’ – making sure that our plate had all the colours as best we could. Now it is a game to ensure that we have that and are not eating food that has come from a factory. Dear Toby even eats eggs from hens that run free on a farm. We see them living life to the full every week when we pick up our eggs and vegetables. I want each of you to take care of yourself. Life is extremely stressful for many right now.

I mentioned not watching the news. We turned off the television component years ago and now only have a couple of streaming channels so that we can watch several British series. I do not miss not reading the news or listening to commentary that may or may not be informed. We try to focus on the local and take care and make better, if we can, the lives around us. It really does good for your mental health.

The other book is The Almanac. A Seasonal Guide to 2026 is a real gem for those living in the UK. It is a fantastic almanack focusing on the natural world month by month, featuring planting guides, moon cycles, and a genuine focus on the woods and trees. Beautifully presented along with folklore and even recipes!

Raptor Persecution UK researches the killing and disappearance of raptors in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

29 ‘missing’ Hen Harriers & nearly 40 birds of prey poisoned, trapped or shot in Yorkshire Dales NatDownload

Calico also wants to send you some images from the garden from the last few days when it was 27 °C. There are many more, but I am just learning about this camera and finally found a setting that works for me.

The coral Hibiscus continues to bloom.

One of Dyson’s kits from this past summer.

The European Starlings returned and really have been enjoying a great bath.

Baby Hope is feeling much better after her injury. She is watching one of the Crows cawing on the fence outside the conservatory.

Thank you so much for being with us today. This is going to be a busy week for me, as we had heavy rain for several days during the past week, and there is still much to do to ready the garden for winter. Although we experienced temperatures reaching 28 °C last week, the weather has become considerably cooler. It is now time for warmer coats and toques when we watch Toby – we learned that this evening! Soon, we will be pulling out the winter boots. My point is that all the nests are doing very well. We anxiously await the first hatch with some trepidation at Port Lincoln – we worry every year whether there will be enough fish to sustain the chicks until they fledge. I will post again on Monday, the 13th, our Canadian Thanksgiving, unless we have a hatch or something really significant happens in Bird World. Please take care of yourself. Go outside and enjoy the wonders that fall has to offer – the crunch of leaves beneath your feet and that distinctive autumn ‘aroma’.

Thank you to the individuals and owners of streaming cams and individuals posting for various FB groups listed in Bold. You keep us informed. A particular shout-out to SK Hideaways for their videos and to ‘A’ today for her keen observations on the Australian nests. The Guardian continues to publish great articles on wildlife and the environment, and Raptor Persecution UK keeps reminding us how unsafe it is for raptors in the UK and why. We are grateful.

Diamond lays third egg!

4 October 2025

Hello Everyone,

Fall has truly arrived on the Canadian prairies. Late Friday night we had a terrific thunderstorm. Lightning lit up the sky for more than an hour and there were rainfall warnings. The only ‘pet’ not frightened was Baby Hope who spent her entire time watching the lightning flashes in the conservatory! What a brave girl she is. Toby was hiding under one of my grandmother’s quilts.

Big news in Bird World comes from the Charles Sturt Falcon Cam in Orange, Australia. Diamond has laid her third egg, Gimbir has brought prey to Diamond, and is getting better at incubating those eggs! SK Hideaways has that third egg’s arrival on video: https://youtu.be/Xj1qrMMy0hk?

I bet Gimbir hopes that there won’t be a fourth!!!!!!!

‘A’ sends us their commentary on what is happening at the Australian nests:

“The trio at Collins Street are just adorable. Just a giant fluff ball with three perpetually open beaks. The little squeaks demanding food and the parental encouragement at meal times literally fill me with joy. My Collins Street tab is permanently open (ditto the tabs for the sea eaglets at Olympic Park and the scrape at Orange). Soon, Port Lincoln will be added to that list. 

Little Dad at Collins Street is really impressing me. This morning, he did the early feeding at about 06:10. And he has done another feeding already today as well. So not only is he continuing to bring in gigantic pigeons that he can hardly lug up to the ledge but he also did his share of incubating the eggs and is now doing feedings while mum is off taking breaks. The littles are being left alone for periods of time, and in this weather (25C is forecast for today) they are certainly not going to get cold. 

The youngest is having a little trouble getting fed because it is a full head shorter than its older siblings so the parents have to reach down a lot further to reach its little beak, which seems to be permanently open. Fortunately, it is a strong little chick, so is able to hold its head up for very long periods of time, which is essential if it is to be there when its turn finally arrives. I am a little bit concerned about whether it is getting its share but I am hoping that once it is a few days older, it will do better. 

Certainly, there is no shortage of food at this scrape and it is really lovely to see the teamwork between these two parents. I did note this during the incubation period but now the chicks have hatched, dad has stepped it up another notch and is contributing even more to the parenting of the fluff balls. The chicks are beyond adorable and the parents are fantastic. This is a lovely scrape to watch. Highly recommended. And with the Melbourne CBD largely back to normal after COVID-19, the city workers are maintaining a massive number of pigeons destined for the table on the Collins Street ledge. 

The sea eaglets at Olympic Park are both up off their tarsi and onto their feet, standing tall and looking increasingly grown-up. It is really sad to see them so rapidly approaching fledge day when we know what is inevitably going to happen. 

We are no more than a week away from hatch watch at Port Lincoln and I am convinced we are going to need the Fish Fairy this year if those eggs all hatch. There have been quite a few days when not a single fish has been brought to the barge for mum, so I fear the outcome if this remains the case once we have three osplets in this nest. I presume the Fish Fairy will step in if needed but of course I have no idea whether that is the case. 

Orange remains a complete surprise to most of us. Gimbir, surely, is too young to be a father, and yet we wait to see what is in those eggs. They may of course be Dudleys but if they are fertile eggs, then Gimbir is going to have to do a lot more hunting. At least he is learning to incubate – if he can keep chicks warm, at least It will free Diamond to hunt for herself and the chicks. But Gimbir does need to realise that it is now his role to deliver (a lot of) food to the scrape. It’s a steep learning curve for him but so far, he has (as it were) risen to each occasion. We hope he can rise to this new challenge once the eggs hatch. “

Thank you, ‘A’.

It is late spring in Australia and my granddaughter has been in her new home for a week. She is delighted.

We will all cheer Gimbir to reach new heights in prey delivery and incubation. He is so tiny that those three big eggs could be quite a challenge. Diamond is so much larger. As for Fish Fairies, I am sure that Port Lincoln has this well in hand. I know there are many of us lined up to the ready in terms of donating for fish to feed those osplets, should it be necessary.

Ferris Akel located Big Red on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York today. It is always a blessing and a relief to see her. She was twenty-two this year! The Queen of the Raptors is still going strong. Thanks, Marlene Harris for posting this great image of Big Red.

The Black Eagle juvenile At the Selati Eagle nest is alive and well. https://youtu.be/sUge_YHwVOA?

This is a quick check-in. All of the nests are doing quite well. There are still ospreys at various locations in the south of England waiting to depart.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We will see you again on Monday! Please take care.

Thank you to the individuals and owners of streaming cams listed in Bold. A particular shout-out to ‘A’ today for her keen observations on the Australian nests.

Akecheta is back…another egg for Diamond and third hatch for the 367 Collins Street Falcons

2 October 2025

Hello Everyone!

Three great events to keep you going as you wait for Bald Eagle season and pine away for tiny little ospreys.

Akecheta has returned to the West End and SK Hideaways caught him cozying up to Haku! https://youtu.be/k8TpDZyhrAw?

I don’t know about you, but I really hope that Akecheta reclaims his territory without anyone getting harmed.

Diamond and Gimbir have their second egg. The young male tried to incubate and roll the eggs today and is making progress, but he is so tiny compared to Diamond. If he doesn’t, he will have to step up with prey delivery. I showed this yesterday but here is that video from SK Hideaways again so you can stay in tune with the rapid developments in Australia. https://youtu.be/_D6z7QcqpRE?

At Collins Street, the third egg has hatched. They are so cute. Oh, my goodness.

How would you describe this glorious pile of white fluff?

Thank you so much for being with us this evening for this quick check in. Larger blog coming on Monday!

Thank you so much to Pam Breci who alerted me to Akecheta’s presence, to SK Hideaways for her videos, and to the 367 Collins Street Falcon Cam and Mirvac for their streaming cam.

Jane Goodall dies…Wednesday in Bird World

1 October 2025

Hello Everyone,

She was one of my heroes. Her research on the emotions in animals, along with her publications and work with Marc Bekoff, had a profound influence on how I look at’ wildlife. This is a huge loss to the conservation community. Goodall was 91 years old.

The Guardian had a lovely article.

Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist, dies aged 91https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/oct/01/jane-goodall-world-renowned-primatologist-dies?CMP=share_btn_url

In the Australian and New Zealand nests:

Top Flat chick fledged from the Royal Albatross Centre on Taiaroa Head near Dunedin, New Zealand.

Diamond has laid her second egg at the Charles Sturt Falcon scrape in Orange, Australia. SK Hideaways caught it on video: https://youtu.be/_D6z7QcqpRE?

I am concerned that Gimbir is not bringing prey and Diamond is having to hunt for her food. She needs to be doing hard incubation – but will she lay a third egg? We wait to see.

Still two at the 367 Collins Street Falcon scrape in Melbourne.

The two little sea eaglets at the Olympic Park nest had a lovely fish breakfast.

At Port Lincoln Osprey barge, they are taking guesses on when hatch will occur on the chat. Why not join in?

Our darling Ervie is staying close to Port Lincoln. Ervie fledged in 2021. He is now four years old and should be looking for a mate! Do we need to translocate some females to the region of South Australia?

In other nests…

Gabby and Beau lost no time after the rain stopped in getting to work on their NE Florida/American Eagle Foundation nest south of Jacksonville.

The SW Florida Eagle cam is up and running with M15 and F23 bathing in the pond and working on their nest.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. If we have another hatch at Melbourne, I will be posting before Monday. If not, I will see you on Monday. The weather is tremendous and we are spending a lot of time outside, but also inside finishing up some painting and some much-needed decluttering in what was my walk-in closet and what soon became a kind of ‘junk’ room. It is now 3/4 of the way cleared and cleaned!

The Girls and Toby are all doing well. They are enjoying the frenzy of the Blue Jays and squirrels caching peanuts flying over the conservatory.

Hope is getting all the fur back from her injury. She is fine. What a relief.

The only thing you can say about Missey these days is that she is rather ‘wooly’.

Toby has been to the groomer and is sporting his new fall little tie.

It will be nice when the migration is over so that these windows can be cleaned! Hugo Yugo says she doesn’t care – the warmth of the sun makes her want to sleep. She is always on that cat tree! Or the other one if she is not sleeping or playing with Toby.

I want to thank our notable contributor, ‘SK Hideaways’ for their video highlighting the second egg for Diamond and Gimbir, the owners of the streaming cams of the other nests highlighted in bold, and The Guardian. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Second hatch for Melbourne…Peregrine Falcons are the New Zealand Bird of the Year

30 September 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

There is excitement rustling around in Bird World with the first hatch at 367 Collins Street in Melbourne. That hatch comes on the heels of New Zealand announcing that its Bird of the Year for 2025 is the Peregrine Falcon.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_falcon

https://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/new-zealand-falcon

https://apnews.com/article/karearea-falcon-new-zealand-bird-of-year-5aecbeff8212b18d7bc88962120fb3eb

https://kareareafalcon.org/karearea-falcon-facts

There are more hatches at the 367 Collins Street scrape in the CBD, Melbourne.

There are now two.

SK Hideaways has the second hatch on video! https://youtu.be/eSNAH1mUR1s?

Congratulations! Let’s hope that the other egg hatches soon. They are so cute, those fuzzy little bundles with their pink beaks and feet.

Birds Outside my Window has a growth chart for the Peregrine Falcon chicks.

Peregrine Chicks Week-to-Week Development | Outside My WindowDownload

At Port Lincoln, we are about a fortnight away from hatch. I sure hope those Fish Fairies are gathering fish dinners.

Gimbir is listening to Diamond as she is giving him some ‘direction’ at the Charles Sturt Falcon scrape in Orange.

Scrape activity as per chat: 1 OCT PREY 02.33.28 D in/stashes; 05.09.19 D takes/05.20.40 eats; BONDING 05.20 40, 07:30:57; 09.24.33; 10.05.21

Lady feeding her beautiful sea eaglets at the Olympic Park Eagle nest with their ‘delicious’ juvenile plumage.

The September newsletter of the British Trust for Ornithology has a lot of news items:

Your September newsletterDownload

Thank you so much for being with us today for a quick check on our active nests! Take care. See you soon.

I want to thank our notable contributor, ‘SK Hideaways’ for their video highlighting the second hatch at the Collins Street Scrape, the owners of the streaming cams of the other Australian nests, the New Zealand Government for their post on the Bird of the Year for 2025 and the British Trust for Ornithology for its newsletter. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

First hatch for the Collins Street Falcons in Melbourne…Tuesday 30 September

Good Morning Everyone,

The first hatch has wiggled its way out of its egg at the Collins Street Falcon Scrape in the CBD of Melbourne!

SK Hideaways caught the happy family moments on video! https://youtu.be/k0_PnyHUZ4U?

Congratulations! No doubt the others will follow quickly and then – guess what? We best be watching Port Lincoln.

Thank you to the owners of the streaming cam at the CBD Melbourne Falcon Scrape and to SK Hideaways.

Diamond lays her first egg with Gimbal…late Sunday instead of Monday in Bird World

28 September 2025

Hello Everyone,

The big news at the moment is that Diamond has laid her first egg with new mate, Gimbir, at the Charles Sturt Falcon Cam scrape in Orange, Australia. Are you teared up? I sure am! Many questioned Gimbir’s youth and his ability. Well, they can stop wondering now!

09:02:16 was the time.

The most recent videos from SK Hideaways including Diamond and her precious egg!!!!!!

DIAMOND LAYS FIRST EGG OF 2025 After Early A.M. Mating x3 (2025 Sep 29)

After dear Xavier’s disappearance on 27 August and Gimbir’s arrival soon thereafter, the breeding season was in question. No one knew if Diamond would remain fertile or whether the mating occurrences between she and Gimbir would be successful. Today’s egg laying answered some questions. 

Video: https://youtu.be/7GizyOC-VSI

Much gratitude to Cilla Kinross, director of the FalconCam Project, and Charles Sturt University NSW

CHANNEL ISLAND EAGLES

Two Harbors Eagles, Catalina Island California ~ Cholyn & Chase (21 Sep 2025)

Cholyn and Chase enjoyed each other’s company on their cactus perch, chatting, stretching, and peacefully watching the world go by. I celebrate these 27-year-olds and their 22 years of mated bliss every time I’m lucky enough to see them

Video: https://youtu.be/habH8sTSseo

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

Eagle Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5T2eHM8tcI

Overlook Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yx7RKxpyzQ

🦅💖🦅 AKECHETA RETURNS 🦅💖🦅 (24 Sep 2025)

What a wonderful sight to see!  Akecheta arrived to greet the morning. This West End story remains fascinating and compelling. 

Video: https://youtu.be/DgFXKDnDrp0

Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies, explore.org

West End ~ Catalina Island, CA

May be too soon to say for sure, but it seems that Akecheta’s return may have been a one-day event.

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

FALCONCAM PROJECT ~ ORANGE NSW AUSTRALIA

A Morning Filled with Bonding and Mating (23 Sep 2025)

Diamond and Gimbir pair-bonded twice and mated thrice all before 11 a.m. Only time will tell if the activities of this new couple have the desired effect, but it’s evident that young Gimbir’s reproductive instinct is fully functional.

Video: https://youtu.be/yAmNZrzSwz4

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW (http://www.csu.edu.au/special/falconcam/)

FalconCam Project, Orange NSW ~ Diamond & Gimbir (25 Sep 2025)

Gimbir incorporated the leftovers of a silver gull into a long bonding session with Diamond. It seemed a little rude until Diamond ultimately joined in the nibbling. A strange and entertaining episode!

Video: https://youtu.be/B914LS9XHiA

Courtesy FalconCam Project, Charles Sturt University NSW

Box Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2RtoIMNzA

Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adCIawe2WWI

Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj1Y6ydRl1c

Tower Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFAsJvGPd00

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

BIG BEAR HAPPENINGS

Jackie & Shadow Chortle Night Away on Favorite Perches ~ Habitat Critters Photo Bomb (2025 Sep 26)

Glorious sounds of Jackie & Shadow filled Big Bear Valley as they chortled throughout the night. They settled on their Roost Tree overnight and convened at the Lookout Snag at dawn. All through the night, habitat critters, Fiona, the Bernardino flying squirrel, and her friend, a wee tiny mouse, visited the nest looking for snacks. A lovely Cooper’s Hawk graced the Cactus Snag to close the morning’s activities.

Video: https://youtu.be/ARdTGn7QFfM

Courtesy FOBBVCAM, Friends of Big Bear Valley

Shadow Returns to Nest  (23 September 2025)

Shadow returned to the nest after a record-setting 82 days. He and Jackie must really be enjoying their summer vacation. Shadow took in the mess of sticks left by  Sunny, Gizmo, and all the visitors to the nest since the family departed, vowing to return with Jackie after vacation to tidy the place up. The ravens greeted him with an aerobatic display, much to his chagrin. He conveyed the whole story to Jackie  when they met up on their roost tree for the night.  

Video: https://youtu.be/BIxkSvt4iBY

Courtesy FOBBVCAM, Friends of Big Bear Valley, CA

Jackie & Shadow Return to Nest ~ Reminisce About Sunny & Gizmo (2025 Sep 26)

After 3 months, Jackie and Shadow returned to the nest, taking in their habitat for over 2 hours. I like to think they were reminiscing about the special spring they shared raising Sunny and Gizmo. I’ve interwoven lots of those memories here.

Video: https://youtu.be/M-vDe1_DUi8

Courtesy FOBBVCAM, Friends of Big Bear Valley, CA

ℹResident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014

ℹResident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012

Sunny is 207 days old, Gizmo is 203 days old (as of 27 Sept).

🔗Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE

🔗Wide View Cam (Cam 2): https://youtube.com/live/LCGYWfbyBWc

🔴LIVE Recap & Observations https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz

🔠Eagle Glossary + Acronyms +Useful  Links: https://bit.ly/2Ln0GAN

📖Big Bear Eagle History: https://www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org/eagle-history/

On Monday, the 22nd of September, our family said goodbye to our oldest grandson, Zak, who died in a tragic accident on the 15th. He was soon to be twenty-nine years old. His father was our son who was killed in a car accident twenty-six years ago. Zak was enormously funny and very kind; we are so grateful that we got to see him a year ago. A new tree has been added to the garden.

Needless to say, this has not been the most productive time, although distractions were welcome, and the return of Akecheta gave me hope for all manner of things.

We spent Sunday restoring our spirits in the woods of the Birds Hill Park. Toby was so good. We were shocked that he did not even bark when the chickadees came to take their Black oil seed.

Oh, lots of news in Bird World.

We saw him injured and cried. He was photographed several months later near Ojai, California on the mainland and now Akecheta has returned to the West End where he raised eaglets with Thunder. Thunder suddenly left her eggs (Makaio’s) and I still wonder if she didn’t see Akecheta and follow him. We wait to see if she shows up and if they are in camera range.

Akecheta has not been seen since the 25th at the West End. That was Thursday.

On May 18, Akecheta was photographed near Lake Casitas, California on the mainland.

Here is the chronology of the drama from Jann Gallivan around the nest of Thunder and Akecheta:

Cornell Bird Lab has posted the results of the necroscopy on Big Red and Arthur’s O1. She died of West Nile Virus.

The progress of the Royal Cam chick on her race to get to the waters off of Chile and Peru. Thanks, Holly Parsons.

Heavy rain is hitting Gabby and Beau’s nest south of Jacksonville, Florida.

On Tuesday, Charlie was still at Charlo Montana while Dad was last seen at the Boulder County Fair Grounds Saturday morning the 20th. It appears that both have started migration now.

Rosie appears to have started her migration late this week from the SF Golden Gate Audubon Osprey nest.

What happens when glaciers recede? The Guardian tells us.

‘Like walking through time’: as glaciers retreat, new worlds are being created in their wakehttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/sep/13/switzerland-alps-fiesch-aletsch-glaciers-retreat-ecosystems-mountains-culture-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

Fall is a wonderful time of year to see many wildlife species as the leaves give way and the birds and animals linger feeding before winter. USFWS got some great images of the migrants.

I dream of seeing this number of Pink-footed Geese! Just look at those at the Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve in Scotland. Oh, I am dreaming.

Sightings of youngsters is always welcome. Those at Threave Ospreys are excited.

Newmann has a visitor at Great Spirit Bluff and Ashley Wilson caught 33/U!

Did this Norwegian osprey go off course, winding up in the UK? Thanks, Mary Cheadle.

It is simply beautiful fall weather on the Canadian prairies, and we have managed to squeeze in some time to go to the nature centre for a much-needed walk during the week. I particularly wanted to see some geese, and was not disappointed.

I am very concerned about the hurricanes in the Atlantic and their impact on the Bald Eagle nests in the NE of Florida like that of Gabby and Beau. Extreme Weather Chaser posted these images.

Keep an eye on the nests as these systems move through. For those of you living in the region of the storms, please stay safe!

Please let your voice be heard on the use of rodenticides in the UK! We know that they do not just kill rodents, and we also know that eagles, owls, hawks, harriers, and all manner of our feathered friends catch the rodents that have consumed these horrible toxins and die. Let the raptors eat the rodents! Raptor Persecution UK gives the details.

New consultation on Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs): your opportunity to tell tDownload

‘A’ comments from Australia – (I can’t wait to see what they will say about Diamond’s egg):

“Yes, the spring equinox has ushered in some gorgeous weather – sunny and not at all hot (15C today but it’s been up to 22C in recent days). The trees are blossoming, the bulbs are flowering and everything is energised. The birds are flirting and nest-building. Melobourne is not yet subtropical.

Mr and Mrs Crow are huge birds with huge appetites.They like to grab chicken carcasses and fly it to a flat rooftop over my back fence (a three-storey block of units), where they eat at their leisure. There must be a lot of regurgitated bones and the like on that rooftop! 

Mr and Mrs Magpie definitely have a nest but do they have eggs yet? I suspect they might, as I have been seeing them both but not together. And Mr Magpie has been removing food from the garden, which is unusual. I suspect he is taking it to Mrs Magpie on their nest. It’s nearly the end of September, and the falcons have had three eggs for a couple of weeks now, so I’d be surprised if that were not the situation with the magpies. Interestingly, by summertime, the magpies are sometimes accompanied by a fledgling from the previous year as well as the one from the current year. I have no idea whether the gender of the fledgling has any impact on whether this occurs but it’s interesting to see the family group – mum, dad, and a couple of kids. (I usually see only one fledgling per season – I really should do some reading on magpie breeding because I don’t even know why there’s only one fledgling per season (siblicide/food shortage or only one fertile egg). 

Those sea eaglets in Sydney are so gorgeous as their juvenile plumage comes in. I hate watching them nearing fledge however, based on previous years. I wish I could think of ways to give them a better chance of surviving after fledge – the annual rescue with mixed success and the loss of contact with no way of knowing whether they even survive. It’s an awful end to a season of watching them daily and counting their bites and growing to know and love each one of them. I think it’s the seeming inevitability that makes it so hard. 

At Collins Street, the parents are so patient, sitting on those eggs day and night, rain or shine. Dad has this endearing habit of chatting to the eggs in a tiny, squeaky little voice. It’s adorable. And you are SO right about male falcons. They are the cutest things. Gimbir has learned to deliver the fruits of his hunts (he is a very good hunter) to Diamond – now, all he has to work out are her preferences, though she has very kindly accepted and actually partaken3 of a starling gift, no doubt trying to encourage him. Such an odd couple, with Gimbir so young and tiny and Diamond a matriarch old enough to be his great-grandmother and at least twice his size. But if we had to lose Xavier (and he is dreadfully missed) I am glad that Diamond has found a new mate. 

At Port Lincoln, the incubation continues, with mum doing most of the egg sitting and dad getting in egg time whenever he can (and sometimes being tardy about leaving again – mum has had to apply the foot more than once). Three eggs laid over the course of a week does concern me. I’m sorry to repeat myself but I do wish they had stuck to two. I suppose three eggs at Port Lincoln has far too many memories of Zoe for my liking. Still, the Fish Fairy has arrived since (and perhaps because of) the Zoe season. I keep wondering what that taught us about spoiled first hatches and their survival skills. Zoe certainly seemed to lack them! 

The information about the breeding habits of the albatross was interesting. The updates on some of the birds from previous years were fabulous. I am glad YRK has a new mate, although we always grieve for those who are missing. We must advocate for an end to the eating of tuna!

Of course we check everything for safety before offering it to the birds because they will eat all sorts of leftovers, raw and cooked, so obviously, I don’t want to do anything dangerous through ignorance. In that manner, I discovered that avocado is deadly for birds – it damages their liver. The magpies in particular love a walnut as a special treat – that’s safe for them. 

It is so good to see Gabby and Beau together. And the return of Akecheta is wonderful news. Do we think he has perhaps been recovering from an injury? What else would have kept him away, I wonder. “

The Ventana Wildlife Society has a monthly chat. If you missed the one in September, the link is here. There are other links to the different cameras for watching the condors.

Missed It? Watch September’s ChatDownload

We still have ospreys in Nova Scotia, Canada. At other sites, winter occupants have arrived, including Colin the Cormorant at the Rutland Manton Bay nest of Blue 33 and Maya and Fred the Heron, captured on the nest by Barb and Bob Larsen at Boulder County.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We look forward to having you with us next Monday, when we will be sharing several book suggestions! In the meantime, please take care. Put your devices away and go outside to restore your spirit.

I want to thank our notable contributor, ‘SK Hideaways’ for their videos highlighting the nests we are following, ‘A’ for their Australian commentary, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos and the authors of posts such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name but whom I have tried to cite in bold. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers and journals that still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.