Tag Archives: Poole Harbour

Concern grows as fish deliveries dry up in the US NE…Friday in Bird World

19 June 2026

Hello Everyone,

Oh, my goodness. It is pouring down rain again and Toby has his thunder shirt on! Thanks to ‘P’ I have discovered they also make these calming jackets for cats. Missey is the other one that was soooooo anxious during the recent storms so that I have now ordered one for her. The running joke amongst us is that the animals have more outfits than we do! It’s true. They are the glue that holds our mental health in place along with the garden and its wildlife.

Our neighbourhood is very concerned. Neither Brock nor Charlie, the cat with the frozen folded ear, have been seen and they disappeared at the same time. I do not believe in coincidences. Neighbours have adjusted their cameras and put out bowls o food in an attempt to see if we can spot them on camera. Don, Toby, and I have called and banged on every shed and garage and one house that is vacant with work being done for fear they are locked in. Brock would not easily go into a trap. I tried him many times but, he might be lured into a house or a space to go to sleep and then someone close the door and not come back. Jane and I are beside ourselves with worry.

P1 fledged at the nest of Big Red and Arthur on the Cornell Campus on Thursday. Congratulations. P2 is ready, but P3 isn’t. How can you tell? To properly fly, we should be able to clearly see five or six dark bands on their tail.

Cornell Bird Lab has that fledge on video: https://youtu.be/BF6JfvkSy8E?

Can you tell who is the youngest by the number of bands? Laura Culley taught me this.

Two young hawks sitting in their nest made of twigs, with green leaves visible around them.

Clark came to say hello, then delivered a stick for the cot rails, and then within a few minutes returned with a breakfast fish for Iris and baby.

Two ospreys on their nest, surrounded by a parking lot and greenery in the background.
An osprey feeding a chick in a nest, with another chick visible nearby. The scene shows the details of the nest constructed with sticks and other materials.
Two ospreys in a nest feeding a chick, with visible twigs and nesting materials.
Screenshot of a social media post from Montana Osprey Cams discussing the hatching status of ospreys' eggs and feeding details for the chicks.
A young osprey chick is peeking out from a nest surrounded by grass and three eggs.

Now that industrial fishing has begun in the NE, it appears there are fewer and fewer fish for males to find and deliver to their nests. There have been deaths in the last few days, including Forsythe. I was inherently sad before this osprey season began, and I feel as if someone just punched me in the gut really hard at the start of each day. Heidi and I predicted this more than three years ago. The decline is happening swiftly. The adults who hatched babies cannot find enough fish to feed themselves and their chicks. They also know that even if a few live, they won’t find fish when they fledge. I had hoped that the ospreys would choose not to breed at all, as Duke and Daisy did a couple of years ago at Barnegat Light. What you are watching is the slow extinction of a species in a region of the US that should not be happening. While some might wish to point to all manner of causes – Bald Eagles eating millions of tonnes of fish so the osprey don’t have any – the real culprit is the industrial trawling using spotter planes of the fish that is the basis of the ecosystem in the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding areas. Menhaden. You are witnessing this. It is not going to get any better. What we must do is celebrate the chicks that survive, find a fairy or two to help Little Dewey, and make it rain fish for those that are still alive. In other words, a miracle.

We have another female who is going out fishing to try and keep her babies alive – Hennie at Henlopen State Park. Thanks, Heidi.

An osprey named Hennie stands in its nest made of twigs and branches, feeding its chicks. The nest is elevated and surrounded by grass.

Miles helped, too.

An osprey, named Hennie, feeding her young chicks in a nest made of twigs and branches, with a medium-sized fish nearby.

This is very concerning.

Social media post discussing the hatching of two eaglets named Sandy and Luna, and their potential impact on July 4 celebrations.
Two juvenile eagles perched in a nest overlooking a lake and forested landscape, with text about their flight window and the fireworks debate in Big Bear.

Please go and sign the petition.

https://www.change.org/p/protect-big-bear-s-bald-eagles-eaglets-from-july-4th-fireworks-disturbance?source_location=search

The weather at Dewey Beach has been very bad and Little Dewey has had no fish in at least 24 hours.

Has Mum gone fishing, too? I hope so!

A pair of ospreys in their nest, with one adult bird perched beside a chick, overlooking a body of water and nearby buildings.
A bird's nest with two young osprey chicks and an adult osprey in a coastal setting, overlooking a marina with buildings and outdoor seating.
A young osprey chick sitting in a nest made of twigs and branches, with a waterfront view and buildings in the background.

At 1600 Mum returned with literally a minnow for Little Dewey. He has had only this snack in more than 24 hours. I really wish someone would drop fish on this nest. If this chick starves to death in front of us like the one last year, it is going to be hard to deal with. The cause of the lack of fish is manmade – industrial fishing – cannot someone do something?

A live view of an osprey nest showing an adult osprey and a chick, with a restaurant and beach area in the background.

Mum might determine that there is no fish for her baby as he gets older and abandons the nest. This is an acute possibility. We have to be prepared.

Every nest I have checked needs fish in the US – it would be good to see 5-7 fish on these nests where the chicks are in the Reptile phase or later. Dewey is getting feathers. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum babies seem tiny.

An osprey standing on a nest filled with sticks and grass, with three chicks visible in the nest. The background features grassy fields and a gravel path.
An osprey stands on its nest, which is made of twigs and grass, with two chicks visible in the nest below. The surrounding landscape features grassy areas and a gravel path.

The nest is so full of human debris and it appears only one egg that Bety is incubating – it just doesn’t feel right this year at Mlade Buky. Maybe it is just me.

A stork standing in its nest on a rooftop, with houses and hills in the background, during sunset.

Finnish nest 4. Two chicks in reptile phase doing well.

An osprey is feeding its chick in a nest made of branches, with a blurred natural background.

Beautiful juvenile feathers on the trio at Finnish nest 1.

An osprey feeding its chicks in a nest made of branches and moss.

Two tiny tiny little osplets at Ilomansti Finnish 2 nest.

A bird sitting in a nest made of branches near a body of water, with two chicks visible in the nest.

Three at Oyster Bay getting their juvenile feathers.

An osprey perched on a nest overlooking a harbor with boats and a beach in view, under a partly sunny sky.

Three covered with feathers at Clark PUD in Washington.

A close-up view of a bird's nest featuring a parent bird and several chicks. The nest is made of twigs and moss, situated on a ledge with greenery and a road visible in the background.

Chick 2 is calling for prey, and Mum fed at the Lesser Spotted Eagle nest in Estonia. We can only take this nest one day at a time as Lesser Spotted Eagles practice obligate siblicide (the oldest chick kills the younger).

A Lesser Spotted Eagle stands on a nest with a chick, surrounded by greenery and tree branches in the background.
A bird of prey feeding its chicks in a nest surrounded by trees.

This black stork nest is doing so well in Estonia that a foster storklet has been added.

Four fluffy young birds in a nest with a tree in the background, as a person holds a green bag above them.
A nest with four fluffy stork chicks, surrounded by greenery and trees. The chicks are looking towards the viewer, while one appears to be pecking at something on the nest.

Trine has it on video: https://youtu.be/ARD6I0hvmmM?

Cleaning a stork’s nest in Germany! https://youtu.be/4bOH5sE9Nwk?

Two people in a platform above a large bird's nest, working on the nest with tools, with green grass in the background.

Storklets being ringed. https://youtu.be/rfTyPio17Cc?

A stork stands next to its chicks in a large nest made of twigs, set against a scenic backdrop of trees and houses under a partly cloudy sky.
A person holding a black identification band for a bird while surrounded by young birds in a nest made of twigs and straw.
A person is attaching identification tags to baby birds resting on the ground, surrounded by grass and straw.

Bobby Bach (third Bob) is doing find according to the folks at Glaslyn. There was some concern after the recent removal of fishing line but they have been monitoring the situation with their own special cameras closely and conclude he is alright. The weather has been terrible, but Teifi has been delivering fish, regardless. Here is Bobby Bach right up front and using its crop as a pillow.

A bird of prey stands in a nest with two chicks, feeding them a fish while surrounded by twigs and greenery.
A bird, likely a hawk, stands by a nest containing several chicks. The nest is made of twigs and is located in a green landscape.

​​Syfadden has been bringing in the fish to the Usk Valley while Clogwyn has made certain – despite their size that they are kept warm and dry in the bad weather of Wales.

A hawk is seen in its nest with several chicks, surrounded by twigs and branches, set against a backdrop of green fields and hills under a cloudy sky.
A bird's nest made of twigs and branches is situated high in a tree, with a scenic view of a green landscape in the background under a cloudy sky.

At Rutland Manton Bay’s nest of Maya and Blue 33, the osplets, fully feathered, enter their fledge window in less than a fortnight from 28th Jun – 11 Jul. I wish every osplet in the US had the chance for fish that this nest has!

Close-up of ospreys and their chicks in a nest by a body of water, captured from a live webcam.
A nest by the water containing several young ospreys resting among sticks and twigs.

That is a nest full of osplets – four of them – at Poole Harbour – doing just fine. CJ7 and Blue 022. Amazing. They will probably break Maya and Blue 33s record of fledging four (I must check – it could be this clutch!).

An adult osprey stands watch over its three chicks in a nest made of twigs and branches, surrounded by greenery in the background.

I feel like I am the bearer of bad news. Despite the understanding, several years ago, that Heidi and I had that this would happen if the industrial fishing of Menhaden was not curtailed, it is still more than difficult. It doesn’t have to happen. Every person reading my blog, their friends, anyone who loves ospreys should be calling Audubon, anyone in the State of Virginia including the Governor, and every TV, radio, and newspaper channel.

Thank you for being with us. I keep saying that I am going to take a break and it might just be this weekend that I do. It is a little overwhelming seeing so many babies and parents starving. Take care. There are fledges to come on the Channel Islands and P2 at Cornell.

Thank you to everyone who posted information on FB and images, the owners of the streaming cams, and to each of you for your comments and information sent to me by other means.

Third hatch for Louis and Dorcha…late Saturday in Bird World

6 June 2026

Hello Everyone,

We have another yellow warning for heat and are being told not to be outside unless necessary. I had hoped to set up Toby’s spray pad, but it had a warning that pet’s toenails should be clipped. Of course. Punctures!!!!!! Hugo Yugo has her dental surgery on Wednesday and when I pick her up Toby will go in and get those nails trimmed then he can have some great fun!!!!! While it might sound silly, I had the deck extended by a modest 5 x 10′ in order for him to be able to have a little pool of this spray pad. The rest of the garden has really been given over to the garden animals so they have lots of cool shelter in the summer. There are bunnies – we thought one and their nest is under our deck. It is a good spot for some of the animals to get out of the way of the hawks and falcons that come for a quick lunch (or so they think!).

We travelled out to the garden centre that I prefer, and there were no peonies. I had hoped to add another 3 or 4 plants to an already growing number. They are toxic to dogs, like hydrangeas, and all of the groups are fenced off so that Toby cannot get ill or, worse, die. I am considering planting about ten raspberry plants. I have the perfect spot – with direct southern exposure just beside the conservatory. Sour cherries were also tempting. We will sleep on this over night.

There is no bad news about Telyn. She was eating and feeding the three chicks this morning. Oh, please let her be alright.

An osprey sitting on a nest made of sticks and grass, with a blurred green background.
An osprey is sitting in its nest made of twigs, overlooking a lush green landscape and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
An osprey standing on its nest made of twigs, with chicks visible nearby. The background features lush green fields and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

From the Dyfi Osprey Project (Emyr Evans):

An osprey perched on a nest made of sticks with a lush green landscape and mountains in the background.

Teifi has been bringing in some nice Brown Trout for Elen and the triplets at Glaslyn.

A bird of prey feeding its chicks in a nest, surrounded by twigs and green grass in the background.

We have a second hatch at Keilder Forest nest 2.

Chick 2 for Nest 2

The surviving chick at Loch of the Lowes is doing so well. There is a third egg. It could still hatch.

A Facebook post from Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre discussing the status of a newly hatched osprey chick and the removal of a deceased sibling from the nest.
A close-up of a chick sitting next to a speckled egg, with an adult bird nearby feeding it. The scene showcases the nest environment with natural elements.

All appears to be well at the Usk Valley osprey nest.

A pair of ospreys standing in their nest made of twigs, with green fields and trees in the background.

Maya and Blue 33 have been working on the cot rails as those three kiddos get larger. The ‘babies’ are now preening their new juvenile feathers. This also helps take away the keratin sheath – that waxy protein tube that holds the blood feathers.

A bird's nest made of twigs and grass, containing several fluffy chicks resting together. The nest is located by a body of water, reflecting a blue sky.
Two ospreys resting on their nest made of twigs and branches near a body of water.

CJ7 and Blue 022 are masters at raising four osplets at once! Look at the images and spot the fat little bottom of hatch 4.

A group of fluffy bird chicks resting on a nest made of twigs and debris, with some visible food remnants nearby.
A group of fluffy, young bird chicks resting on a nest of twigs and straw.
An osprey feeding a chick in a nest made of twigs, surrounded by greenery in the background.

Dylan and Seren continue to bond and spend time together. Will they leave early for their migration – perhaps in July? This is wonderful to see – bonded and caring, they are protecting their territory and will really fatten up and be fit for their long migration. We don’t know where Dylan goes but we know that Seren Blue 5F goes to the exact tree in The Gambia every year.

Two ospreys perched on their nest with a green hillside and forest in the background.

Yesterday, Charlie’s former mate, Lola, visited their nest that now has eggs with his new mate. Charlie was incubating when she arrived. It is interesting to me that had this been the other way around, Charlie would have destroyed those eggs.

HFosp has the visit on video: https://youtu.be/y1juj3Kb4i0?

An osprey named Lola is seen turning around in a nest, with another osprey standing nearby, on a sunny day. The background features green grass and a path.

We are getting closer and closer to hatch for Clark and Iris at Hellgate Canyon.

An osprey sitting on its nest made of sticks, overlooking a mostly empty parking lot and grassy area in the background.

At Amersfoort, the Little Prince and his sister nap in the scrape box. No worries this year over the tiny baby. Can you tell them apart?

Two young birds huddled together in a nest filled with feathers and debris, with a view of rooftops visible through a nearby opening.

A look at the trio at Loch Arkaig 2 for Louis and Dorcha – a feeding video by Geemeff. https://youtu.be/-O_WQ33FChQ?

A parent bird stands on its nest, surrounded by twigs and branches, with two chicks visible below, set against a background of green hills and trees.
Two osprey adults standing on their nest with visible young chicks in the center, surrounded by twigs and vegetation. A green landscape is seen in the background.
A close-up of a bird of prey, possibly an eagle, standing in its nest surrounded by sticks and branches, with two chicks visible nearby in a natural setting.

I am glad that Little Dewey is a bit spunky. This might help him or her later on. Look at that fat little bottom and there is a fish on the nest – a large one.

An osprey in its nest, surrounded by twigs and branches, with a portion of fish beside it and visible young chicks underneath.
A bird's nest containing two chicks and eggs, viewed from above, with a waterfront restaurant and blue umbrellas in the background.

Geemeff’s latest Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 5th June 2026

Another day with plenty of fish and wet conditions. Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536, and his tally now stands at one hundred and one. He’d eaten the first one in a strange way, starting in the middle, but Aurora wasn’t bothered by the way it looked, and took it away to eat off the nest. Louis brought four fish for Dorcha and the two chicks, and the Nest Two tally now stands at one hundred and thirteen. At the time of filing this report (00.45), the third egg on Nest Two has pipped and is chupping away, and over on Nest One, there is a possibility Aurora’s single egg is also pipping, but a better view is needed. The wet weather is set to continue, with overnight drizzle and a low of 9°C, changing to light rain and a high of 16°C tomorrow.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/jbt6sqQqjhY N2 leftovers for breakfast when last night’s fish returns 04.24.49

https://youtu.be/p0v_CCw69bs  N2 Lunch arrives – first fresh fish is a whole trout 12.46.29   

https://youtu.be/8FloAbbpKAo N2 Louis brings a second whole trout and stays, looking sleepy 14.50.52

https://youtu.be/D_8P1pYYEjw N2 A third whole trout arrives, larger than the last 16.27.32

You’re invited to join the lively community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

I am so delighted that Telyn shows no sign of being adversely impacted by that fishing line and hook. Let us send our good wishes to all our families who struggle with more than we could imagine. Chicks are hatching in the area that Heidi monitors, and we are just praying for fish for them. They have, in the past, starved to death.

I will leave you with what is making me happy these days – the garden. The rain and heat have kick-started everything to bloom. Soon, there will hardly be any open space left, save for the deck area, so the birds, bunnies, squirrels, and Brock will have a place to stay cool.

There were two plants in the back garden when we bought the property – a peony and a prairie rose bush planted around 1902. These are the roses. They are so fragrant.

A pink flower surrounded by lush green leaves in bright sunlight.

The Korean Maple.

Close-up of green and yellow leaves with a few reddish leaves, set against a blurred green background.

The tunnel to the back of the property is now completely obscured.

Dense foliage with various green leaves and some reddish accents under sunlight.

The direct sun is shining down on all the garden and yet it is about 15 degrees cooler in this area for the birds and animals.

A garden scene featuring a bird feeder hanging from a tree, surrounded by lush green leaves, with a birdbath filled with pebbles and seeds placed below.

Thank you so much for being with us today. I am very tired and I do not know if I will have a post tomorrow but I will on Monday that will include SK Hideaways weekly videos. I should also mention that we have had fledges at the Spirit Bluff Peregrine scrape. Well done.

Thank you to everyone who posted information and images on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams that allowed us to view the birds and their lives, and me to take screencaptures. Thank you Geemeff for your amazing daily summary and videos. Much appreciated. Thank you so much.

Tragedy at SF Golden Gate Audubon…late Saturday in Bird World

30 May 2026

Hello Everyone,

We hope that the start to the last weekend in May has been good to you. We are moving into June and the time is passing too quickly. All winter I complained about the cold and ice and the fact that we could not get out and walk as we used to due to the icy sidewalks and trails. Now it is so hot that we have heat warnings and due to Toby’s breed and Don’s medication, we can’t go out if it is too hot!!!!!!!! I hate complaining. On top of this, Don is loving the series Death in Paradise. It is filmed at Deshaines in Guadaloupe, where we stayed on our last big holiday. We recognise so many of the places! Gosh, that was fun, and the weather was beautiful. The hummingbirds would flit around our faces in the morning and evenings, and we spent so much time in the new Botanical Gardens while staying in a small cottage on the grounds of the Old Botanical Gardens. It was magical. I hope you can all go one day – just eat the fish the women cook on the beach. Fresh, grilled, and wrapped in newsprint! Delicious.

We were out early for a Toby walk and then to pick up our little Hyskap plants. Toby and Don waited 45 minutes in line with me – the programme is a success, and yet, most of my neighbours do not know about it. Our little plot of land is almost brimming with trees and shrubs for the birds and animals. We are pleased. We are on a mission to drink lots of homemade ‘sun’ tea (cold tea made with tea bags, not the powdered pre-sugared kind). The key is to keep everyone hydrated, including The Girls, Toby, and the animals outside. I hope you are paying attention, too!!!!!

It is the very last season for the streaming cam for Richmond and his new mate, Wendy. That in itself is a sad occurreance but this morning tragedy struck. The first egg DNH nor did the second. There was one little osplet. Wendy sadly could not figure out how to feed it in time to save that precious baby. She removed her dead chick and the last unviable egg to the edge of the nest this morning.

Richmond sees his baby for the first time – so joyful after losing his long term mate, Rosie, this year, and now, this little one perished.

Two ospreys are seen in their nest, handling a fish that is partly visible among sticks and twigs.

I wish Golden Gate Audubon would reconsider shutting off the camera. Perhaps a fundraiser? There aren’t to many ospreys! How many do we get to watch in California? And Richmond is still there after all these years – . I wonder if they might change their minds?

A close-up of an osprey in its nest, with surrounding twigs and some remnants of a previous nestling.

At the Usk Valley, the chick has had four fish delivered, including at least one nice Bream that I saw. Syfadden is an excellent isher. Syfadden and Cogwyn are doing excellent!

Two ospreys perched on their nest made of twigs and branches, with a green landscape and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

Looks of activity at the San Jose City Hall. All four have flown and it is a busy time for Hartley, Monty, and BOGs chasing these four characters down. SK Hideaways has some video for us: https://youtu.be/kIcphBp29qU?

Gayle Gordon brings us sad news from the Blue Springs Bald Eagle nest. Did someone rescue this eaglet, I wonder.

Screenshot of a newspaper front page titled 'The Daily Chronicle' from June 18, 1946, reporting breaking news about a bald eagle incident at Blu Springs Missouri. The headline reads 'EXTRA! BREAKING NEWS! OWL STRIKE AT BLUE SPRINGS MISSOURI BALD EAGLE NEST KNOCKS EAGLET OFF NEST BRANCH.' The page includes illustrations of eagles and a nest, and various subheadings discussing eyewitness reports and city council discussions.

Augusta and Samson have two osplets at Border Ospreys! Rosie Shields brings us all the latest news.

EAGER BEAVER

Jeff Kerr brings us news at Tweed Valley.

Two ospreys in a nest made of sticks, with two eggs visible nearby. One osprey is eating a fish while the other watches.

It looks like there will only be one hatch at Ranworth this year.

A mother bird feeding her chick in a nest made of sticks, surrounded by greenery.

Just look at that baby – on top and right up front at Poole Harbour.

A close-up view of several baby birds, covered in gray down feathers, huddled together in a nest made of twigs and grass, with an adult bird partially visible in the background.
Aerial view of osprey chicks huddled together in a nest, surrounded by twigs and debris.

Idris, Telyn, and three little osplets at Dyfi. It is all under control.

An osprey perched on a nest made of twigs and sticks, interacting with chicks and feeding them, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and green vegetation.

Elen and Teifi are doing well with their three at Glaslyn.

A bird sitting in a nest made of twigs and branches, with two small chicks nearby, on a grassy background.

It’s hard to see but close by at the Pont Cresor nest, Aeron Z2 and Blue 014 also have three healthy little ones!

An osprey nest containing one osprey chick resting, with an adult osprey perched on a nearby branch, against a scenic backdrop of hills and fields during twilight.

The trio at Rutland Water’s Manton Bay nest of Blue 33 and Maya are moving out of the Reptile Phase and getting their beautiful juvenile feathers. Just look at them with their beaks wide open!

A parent bird feeding its chicks in a nest made of twigs, with several young birds visible and a calm water background.
An osprey is feeding its chicks in a nest made of twigs and branches by the water.

Now to check on two nests in the US – Dewey Beach because I am concerned about fish deliveries and the impact of when Omega starts trawling and Traverse Bay because of the nest slide.

Dewey Beach: Mum had a small PS. Four feedings for the baby today, according to wicked fish counter-identifier, Heidi. The little one is so cute.

An osprey stands over its two chicks in a nest made of twigs and branches, near a body of water with a blue structure and outdoor seating visible in the background.
A close-up view of an osprey standing on its nest made of sticks, with visible water and buildings in the background.
An osprey stands near its nest, which contains a fluffy chick, surrounded by sticks and branches, with a waterfront and buildings in the background.

I’d like to think that a miracle is holding up that Traverse City nest. Things are alright. Keep sending positive wishes for both of these nests.

A bald eagle and its chick perched in a nest overlooking a clear blue lake, with surrounding trees and a sunny sky.

Other quick news:

DH3 has branched.

Decorah Eagles: Eaglet DH3 Takes a Giant First Leap from the NestDownload

Heidi reports a pip for Tom and Audrey.

Close-up of an osprey's head near a nest with several eggs, one of which has a crack, indicating a chick may be hatching.

So far, so good at Steelscape.

A mother bird feeding her four chicks in a nest, with three eaglets visible in the foreground and one stretched out in the back, surrounded by natural foliage.

And look at Achieva!

A close-up view of an osprey nest with four young osprey chicks resting among twigs and branches. One chick is standing, while others are sitting in the nest, surrounded by greenery.

There is a crisis in California. Seabirds are starving to death.

A post from the Native Animal Rescue of Santa Cruz County about the rising crisis affecting seabirds in California, highlighting the plight of Brown Pelicans, Cormorants, and Common Murres suffering from starvation and entanglement in fishing lines.
Two pelicans standing side by side, looking weak and malnourished, with text emphasizing their starvation and the plight of seabirds along the coast.

If you see a sick bird and there is someone fishing with a net, get help and scoop them up. Do not cut the line they are attached to. This could kill them. Get them to the nearest wildlife rehabilitation centre!

This reminds me – each of you should be doing some due diligence. In your phone, have the numbers of the local wildlife rescue in your area. Do not be afraid to call them! Do not call the USFWS, call the rescues!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you don’t know the number of the nearest rescue of the streaming cams that you are watching and there is no chat or a moderator, find out what the nearest rescue is and put it in your phone. If you notice something untoward, call and report!

Ever heard of the Dartford Warbler? It has made a comeback. Have a happy read.

A small bird with a gray head and reddish-brown body perched on green foliage, surrounded by budding flowers.

“Dartford Warbler” by tsbl2000 is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

Dartford warbler stages a comeback 60 years after almost vanishing https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/29/dartford-warbler-stages-a-comeback-60-years-after-almost-vanishing?CMP=share_btn_url

The BBC covers the comeback – a 44% increase in numbers!

Record numbers of Dartford warblers recorded at RSPB ArneDownload

Two gorgeous White-tail eaglets on the nest for Milda and Zorro. I note from the chat there is an issue with getting fish to the nest at the weekend – it is the same in many parts of the US and Canada. Humans take over the rivers and the lakes and the raptors cannot feed their families. I really do love some of the regions in the UK that ban human activity during breeding season!

Condensation on the camera lens?

A close-up view of a nesting site for the sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), featuring a nest made of twigs and branches, with greenery and trees in the background.

Incubation continues at many Finnish osprey nests, including 2 and 5. The very first Finnish chick hatched in nest 1 on May 26.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 30th May 2026

After many calm days, there were two intrusions by strange Ospreys, or possibly the same Osprey in two locations. An unringed male actually landed on Nest Two when Louis was on incubation duty, and was chased off quickly. The chase continued in the air, and meantime Dorcha tag-teamed back onto the nest to protect the eggs. Over on Nest One the intruder didn’t actually land but came close enough, with Garry chasing, to put Aurora on high alert. The eggs are due to start hatching in a couple of days and the two males performed their protective roles perfectly as did the two females. Garry LV0 delivered one fish for Aurora 536 raising the Nest One tally to eighty nine, and Louis also delivered one fish to Dorcha, raising the Nest Two tally to ninety five. It rained lightly on and off, a damp and misty day today, and tonight’s overnight forecast is light rain showers and light winds with a low of 12°C, changing tomorrow to thundery showers with a gentle breeze and a high of 15°C. 

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/FYSl40JJb6s N2 Breakfast for Dorcha 09.10.13

https://youtu.be/TUJEoaQCn3E N2 Louis chases an unringed intruder Osprey off the nest 13.43.22

https://youtu.be/CxaPX74de4g N1 This time, an intruder Osprey is around Aurora’s nest 14.12.27

https://youtu.be/SUYunderRIo N1 As the mist rolls in, Garry brings a fish 19.17.24

Bonus volunteering opportunity – become a citizen scientist for Woodland Trust: 

https://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/careers/?p=8356
https://naturescalendar.woodlandtrust.org.uk/

Come and join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum:

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

Last but not least – Big Red and a nest full of hawklets and chippies. The babies are not only getting their gorgeous juvenile feathers but they are also working those wings.

A nest of red-tailed hawk chicks resting in a nest made of twigs, atop a building with a view of trees and a street in the background.
View of three red-tailed hawk chicks in a nest made of twigs and leaves, with urban scenery in the background.
A red-tailed hawk perched on a nest with three chicks, surrounded by branches, on a high structure overlooking a city street.

Thank you for being with us today. Take care. Stay hydrated. Send good wishes to all the nests and please, if you can, leave water out for wildlife. It could save a life. See you soon!

Thank you so much to everyone who has posted information on FB today, to Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Info, to PB for keeping me informed, and to the owners of the streaming cams and the authors of newsletters and articles. Thank you to Geemeff and SK Hideaways for their videos and daily reports.

Double hatch at Glaslyn for Elen and Teifi, hat trick at Dyfi, tension at Bald Eagle nest in Michigan as nest slides down…late Tuesday in Bird World

26 May 2026

Hi Everyone,

This is going to be a quick posting. It continues to be hot, and we are inside enjoying the benefits of AC. Toby was exhausted after his walk with Ann, and Don was sound asleep. The heat has made me tired, but it is really helping the garden to become green, and everything feels like summer, not spring. Hydration is the key and please, if you can, leave water for wildlife.

The big news is the Bald Eagle nest that is sliding – Traverse City MI. Send your good wishes to those standing by to rescue Snow, the 6 week old eaglet.

Quick news:

It’s a trio for Idris and Telyn at the Dyfi nest!

https://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/blog/emyr-mwt/hat-trick-hat-tricks?fbclid=IwY2xjawSC39RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEewff9yxu0V34kdZRt4Y160bYYA6Tv25-lcIHGoSGJDnP9ZWcDWj9qxMeOJnA_aem_fUzHJ1vZLN_ecq_V7EOl9g

We have the first hatch for Elen and Teifi at the Glaslyn nest but, wait…the second chick decided to hatch later in the evening. Well done on that delayed incubation!

A chick just hatched in an osprey nest, sitting next to two unhatched eggs. Another adult osprey stands nearby on a branch overlooking a green landscape.
A bird of prey sitting in its nest, tending to several eggs or hatchlings on a bed of twigs and soft materials.

Six week old eaglet Snow is in peril as Traverse City Bald Eagle nest slides when supporting limb breaks.

This is the latest picture that I have as Snow hangs onto the nest that is sliding off. Rescuers are on standby to help. Send positive wishes that Snow escapes injury. The nest is 100 ‘ off the ground.

Link to nest: https://www.youtube.com/live/vMW-S6ZoYgY?

An eagle's nest perched high in a tree overlooking clear blue water, with two dark eaglets visible nestled in the nest. The scene is set on a sunny day, showcasing the natural habitat.
Bald eagles Harry and Harriet with their 45-day-old eaglet named Snow in a nest surrounded by trees.
An adult bald eagle sitting in its nest, surrounded by greenery, with a younger eagle partially visible in the background.

The smallest osplet that had been attacked and denied food at Patuxent River Park has died.

CJ7 and Blue 022 have three little osplets today.

Three chick birds in a nest, peeking up with open mouths, surrounded by pine needles and remnants of eggshells.

Three full babies at the Dyfi nest of Idris and Telyn.

An osprey feeding its chicks in a nest, surrounded by twigs and remnants of fish.

Thank you for being with us today for this quick check at a few nests. Take care. See you soon!

Thank you to everyone who has posted information and images, and to the owners of the streaming cams where I took my screen captures. I am grateful to everyone in MI who is waiting to help and has permits in hand! Let us hope the outcome is good.

UK osprey chicks doing so well…Late Sunday in Bird World

24 May 2026

Hello Everyone,

Oh, the rain is gone, the sun is out, and Toby had a walk before the hot weather kicked in after lunch. Don and Toby are now sound asleep on the sofa. I noticed that it is sometimes harder for Don to walk with us. It looks like it is time to get that all-important walker! I am still sick, but the nice weather is giving me some energy!

Later…25 C. Toby hid under the deck when we went outside. It was his way of telling us that it was too hot for a Cavalier to be outside. Geemeff reported it was 27 C in London and we are expecting 32 C this coming week. Our City is wondering what to do about climate change – one big answer is trees. Thankfully, they have replanted every 123 year old tree cut down on our street. Will I live to see them reach 10 metres? I wonder. They certainly aren’t going to be offering shade soon.

Our Province generates electricity by hydroelectric power in the north. What happens if the water dries up? Are these things I should be thinking about insteading of listening to birdsong in the garden.

No, we should all be outside in nature listening for birdsong and enjoying the breeze, if there is one. It heals everything.

SK Hideaways videos of the week:

SK Hideaways Videos, week of 17 May 2026

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

Jackie & Shadow Greet Stunning Sunrise ~ Sandy & Luna Listen & Learn (2026 May 21)Jackie and Shadow greet each day with a series of chortles, snortles, and togetherness.  6-week-old Sandy and Luna observe the tradition in hopes of having perfect mates of their own one day. They did take a break in their listening exercise to have something that looked like a PS (poop shot) contest, which definitely added an unexpected element of humor to this otherwise serene slice of the family’s morning.
Video: https://youtu.be/gsX35LWeo8U

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

Cruz manages the eaglets’ snatch & go shenanigans vs. peregrine mom Hartley doing the same (2026 May 20)
A morning in the life of Cruz and Andor, and their 7-week-old eaglets Sasha, Zuma, and Ryder. The Fraser Point nest is often called the “Zen nest” for good reason. We thought it would be interesting to contrast that calm to the mayhem that ensues when peregrine falcon parents bring prey to chicks of the comparatively same age. As such, there is a 2-minute clip of the San Jose City Hall Falcons receiving one of their meals this morning. Do you relate more with Zen or Zany? 
Video: https://youtu.be/c9rs3z7Rh6c


San Jose City Hall Falcons ~ San Jose, CA ~ Hartley, Monty, Jet, Scout, Stewart & Walton
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

Meet Jet, Scout, Stewart & Walton ~ Flapping, Bouncing Boys at 4-1/2 Weeks (2026 May 23)Hartley and Monty’s 4-1/2-week old boys are on track to take flight far sooner than we’re ready ~ as soon as next week. Jet, Scout, Stewart, and Walton are flapping, bouncing, and head-tilting exactly as they should be at this age. Their shenanigans are more entertaining by the day.
Video: https://youtu.be/EYU0d3IHwSk
4 Week Milestones: Chicks sleep outside nest box, steal prey, perch on ledge and drain (2026 May 18)
The chicks are achieving milestones right on schedule. They had many firsts yesterday: sleeping outside the nest box (3 of them), stealing prey from parents, jumping up to the lower ledge (2 of them), and Red perched on the drain. They’re growing up way too fast for my liking.
Video: https://youtu.be/GhKpFR5-4Ao


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

Cholyn & Chase’s Date Night ~ Seaside Chat & Sunset Stick Wrangling (22 May 2026)
Though we can’t follow them every second of the day (unfortunately), on-cam views tell us that Cholyn and Chase spend a lot of time together. Cam ops found them in their seaside hideaway, chortling, beaky kissing, and watching the world go by. Later, they met on the Two Harbors nest, where a pesky Y branch is partially obstructing one of their flight paths and really getting on Chase’s nerves. So far, the branch is winning. No matter where they are or what they’re doing, observing this special couple is always a huge gift.
Video: https://youtu.be/PxEikeV79oQ

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 24th May 2026

Today’s report is pretty much the same as yesterday’s – routine fish deliveries and incubation changeovers, and some rain. The only unusual thing was some owl calls heard near Nest Two in daylight, bringing up the possibility that last year’s mimic Jay might be back. Garry LV0 brought one fish on camera for Aurora 536, taking the Nest One tally to seventy nine, and Louis brought two fish for Dorcha, taking the Nest Two tally to eighty four. At the time of posting this report (23.30) night cam is on on both nests and both females are sitting peacefully on the eggs, three eggs for Dorcha and one for first time mum Aurora. The overnight forecast islight clouds with a low of 11°C, changing to light rain showers with sunny spells and a high of 17°C tomorrow.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/N1PzT74pRgU N2 Breakfast for Dorcha 06.14.30https://youtu.be/uqynv2YQgfg N1 Large headless trout for Aurora 12.20.55https://youtu.be/N1PzT74pRgU N2 Second fish for Dorcha 17.49.34

Bonus watch – With reference to the mimic Jay and the cleverness of Corvids, here’s David Attenborough and the Crows in Japan who’ve learned to use humans to their advantage:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/oQ-vxocxIJs  N2 Watch those big feet Louis! Bob gets stood on 2025

You’re invited to join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s friendly, fun, and free!

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

When will Richmond and Wendy have chicks? Well, we don’t know but this was Rosie’s schedule.

Chart illustrating the hatching timeline for osprey eggs based on previous incubation data, highlighting key dates for potential hatching.

SK Hideaways introduces us to the San Jose City Hall falcons and their new names. https://youtu.be/EYU0d3IHwSk?

Four young peregrine falcons, labeled Jet, Scout, Stewart, and Walton, perched side by side on a ledge, showcasing their youthful feathers and behaviors as they prepare to take flight.

Two cuties for Idris and Telyn so far at Dyfi. Adults did a team feeding on Sunday. Sweet.

Close-up of two newly hatched osprey chicks with remnants of eggshell and nesting material in the background.

Two hungry beaks for CJ7 and her fish!

A close-up of a bird's nest with a chick and an adult bird, showing details of the nest's surroundings and the chick's striped feathers.

At Manton Bay, Blue 33 and Maya have a nest of almost three little reptiles as the soft down of the hatchlings gives way to that oily head and coppery feathers at the nape of the neck.

An osprey standing over its chicks in a nest, with several gray, downy chicks visible beneath its wings, set against a backdrop of water and twigs.

Dylan and Seren have three osplets and after delivering a fish at 1445 on Sunday, Dylan stayed and helped Seren feed the babies.

A pair of ospreys near their nest, with one adult bird looking down at a chick.

Two littles for Frankie and Angel at Roundhouse Loch Doon.

A bird, likely an osprey, is sitting on a nest with small chicks in a natural outdoor setting, surrounded by trees and greenery.
A nurturing osprey pair feeding their chicks in a nest at Loch Doon, surrounded by trees and a scenic landscape.

The chat at the Falconshire Bald Eagle nest remains shut down to the vulnerability of what is happening on the nest. Scout is still with us! The weather is not great, but a part of a fawn came in on Sunday morning, and Scout had a good feed. The wing is still healing.

Two young eagles standing in their nest surrounded by green leaves and trees.
Update on the bald eagle nest featuring Scout and Sunday, discussing food deliveries and recent challenges faced by the eaglets.
A dramatic scene showing young birds in a nest, one claiming a fish while another, a mature bald eagle, appears to attack nearby.

No one needs to worry about P3. The third hatch for Big Red and Arthur is doing quite well and is often right up front at meal time.

A red-tailed hawk is feeding its fluffy chicks in a nest made of twigs, surrounded by green foliage and a metal structure.

Big continues to fly and return to the nest for fish at the Achieva Credit Union.

A hawk nest with two young hawks resting inside, surrounded by sticks and twigs, set against a backdrop of trees and a residential area.

I might have missed it but I have yet to see a fish delivery to Mum and only chick at Dewey Beach. No, I didn’t. Nothing. This is going to be very sad.

An osprey sitting in its nest made of twigs and grass, with a blurred background featuring a waterfront and buildings.

A read: ‘Thirty-Two Words for Field’ by the late Manchán Magan, thanks to Emergence Magazine.

Thirty-Two Words for Field – Manchán MaganDownload

News from Usk Valley Ospreys:

https://www.uskvalleyospreys.org/news/the-expected-and-the-unexpected?fbclid=IwY2xjawSAI-hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe5vfMeScTIcfRfreHoSKJweUVbNkYoVbkNEqsxOIX-Y_AQog-HGfc5QjpA2g_aem_KfQAUFErO4f-7cwsr1PcEQ

A look at the eggs at Loch of the Lowes: https://youtu.be/IoouZT5I7MI?

Close-up of a bird's feet with leg bands resting beside a large speckled egg and straw in a nest.

If you want to know what is going on at the US osprey nests – I will only touch on a few – then please check out the FB group Joy of Ospreys.

Hatch watch at Glaslyn for both nests!

Social media post about Glaslyn Ospreys, announcing they are on egg watch as both nests have eggs due to hatch soon.

Thank you for being with us today. It was so hot here, and it is going to get worse. I imagine that no matter where you live, you will see a change in temperatures this summer. Please leave out water for the birds – baths help to cool them off, and bowls of water offer hydration. You also need to make sure that you are getting enough hydration, too.

Got old cat or dog kibble? Birds eat it! It is a great source of protein.

See you soon!

Thank you so much to SK Hideaways and Geemeff for their diligence in sending me their weekly videos and daily summaries. I am so terribly grateful to both of them. It allows me to include much more news that I might – and I know you are wondering what is happening at all those nests! I am grateful to everyone who posts information on FaceBook whether it is a newsletter, or the latest news with a photo. Let us all thank the owners of the streaming cams who let us watch these amazing families.

Second osplet dies at Western Maryland Shore Old Town Home…late Saturday in Bird World

23 May 2026

Hello Everyone,

I continue to fight a horrific beginning of spring cold! Thank you for all the various remedies – I am trying them! Lots of honey, lemon, and ginger! Don and Toby have embraced the day since it is raining outside as just another ‘pajama day’. That has been grand.

There continues to be sadness at Western Maryland Shore Old Town Home. The second hatch died six days ago of starvation, and today, the first hatch, a tiny little thing that was not only starving but could not get sufficiently under Mum to keep warm, died of hypothermia in the rain. For whatever reason, Mum decided to incubate the unviable egg instead of her brooding her chick. Perhaps it is a blessing. That sounds horrible, I know. But I cannot stand to see these wee things starve, get a little fish, starve some more, eventually dying a few days before fledge – emaciated.

An adult bird is sitting on a nest with twigs and leaves, caring for a small chick. The chick is fuzzy and appears to be peeking out from under the adult bird.

This image is from Heidi and ‘PB’ – the little osplet had 17 bites of food at that meal, its last.

Big Red took care of her three chicks brilliantly in what has been a soaking wet day on the Cornell Campus. Fed and warm.

A red-tailed hawk tending to its two fluffy chicks in a nest made of twigs, with a background of greenery and a metal structure.
A red-tailed hawk feeding its chicks in a nest made of twigs and branches, with a view of a blurry background.
A close-up view of a red-tailed hawk resting in its nest, surrounded by twigs and branches, with a blurred urban background.

In the UK, there was almost a tragedy when Seren accidentally kicked one of her three chicks out of the egg cup. This is an amazing osplet – I cannot wait to see what they do in their lifetime if they manage this. Geemeff has it on video: https://youtu.be/ByCRVMITshM?

Scout on the Falconshire Bald Eagle nest is alive. There was much concern over this eaglet’s welfare. Let’s hope lots of prey come so that Scout might thrive.

Bald eagle chicks in their nest surrounded by green foliage, with one chick standing and the other lying down.

Speaking of prey. Let’s think about this. Agricultural practices have changed around the world. The fields and woods are not full of rodents and gophers because humans don’t like them around. The Raptors would thrive. The rivers are full of toxins like phosphates, are warming, and have fewer and fewer fish. So when someone says it is just ‘nature’, think again. Maybe it is something linked to humans, but less obvious than a fishing line.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 23rd May 2026

Another uneventful day with spells of rain, fish deliveries, and incubation duty changeovers. Louis delivered three fish for Dorcha taking the Nest Two tally to eighty two, and Garry LV0 delivered two fish for Aurora 536, although the second one was really just the tail-end of his dinner. 

Garry’s tally now stands at seventy eight. More rain is forecast for tonight and tomorrow, along with what’s referred to as a gentle breeze. However, one of last night’s ‘gentle breezes’ completely upended Dorcha, so here’s wishing her an uneventful night on the exposed nest. Temperature spread is a low of 11°C tonight and a high of 16°C tomorrow.

Today’s videos: https://youtu.be/PUaIXtmTRpQ N2 Dorcha’s breakfast is later than usual 10.28.08https://youtu.be/nnSc4j1Ka2s N1 Aurora has a quick nibble of her first fish before departing with it 14.46.13https://youtu.be/FvjE6Ml9ZDg N2 Dorcha’s second fish arrives facing backwards 19.40.43https://youtu.be/VgT8zFbcdns N1 Aurora’s second fish is just the tail end of a trout! 20.07.40https://youtu.be/8NcP6PwM2_Q N2 Second supper for Dorcha when Louis brings a third fish 21.40.11

Bonus read – where’s Woodland Trust’s gold medal winning garden going when the Chelsea Flower Show ends?

https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/garden/designs/a71373413/what-happens-to-chelsea-flower-show-gardens-2026

Blast from the past, this day in various years: 

https://youtu.be/ldFLPmmt2lw  N2 Interesting phenomenon: a Jay imitates a Tawny Owl and buzzes Louis & Dorcha 2025

There are two little bobbleheads for CJ7 and Blue 022 – and there are a lot of fish on that nest!

A nest containing three hungry hawk chicks with open beaks, eagerly awaiting food, as an adult hawk feeds them in a natural setting.

There is a wee baby for Idris and Telyn at the Dyfi nest in Wales along with a pip in the second egg.

Close-up view of an osprey sitting on eggs in a nest, surrounded by twigs and natural materials, captured in black and white.
An osprey tends to its eggs in a nest at night, with visible feathers and nearby twigs.

Good news story of the day: The eagle nest collapsed. One eaglet went into care. Everyone wondered if the adults would feed the other but then a human-made nest went up and yes, the eagles are caring for their chick!!!!!!!! Humans can do good things. This is wonderful. Thank you!

A bald eagle stands next to its eaglet on a wooden platform in a nest, surrounded by green foliage.

Everything you wanted to know (or not) about Iris’s eggs.

A Facebook post from Montana Osprey Cams discussing Iris the osprey's egg-laying patterns, including average eggs per season and variability in laying intervals.
Bar graph showing the interval between each egg laid from 2011 to 2026, with different colors representing intervals between pairs of eggs.

Look for the NG2 name choices to be posted on the 26th of May.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care everyone. Stay safe and I hope, beyond hope, you do not get this summer cold or flu whatever it is.

Thank you to Geemeff for her report on all things Loch Arkaig, to Heidi and ‘PB’ for drawing my attention to what has happened at WMSOTH, and to all those who created videos or posted on FB; we are grateful. Thank you to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch our lovely families.

Life on the Osprey Nest – Season Update
Life on the Osprey Nest – Season Update
Life on the Osprey Nest – Season Update

Big fledges from Achieva nest…early Thursday in Bird World

21 May 2026

Good Morning,

We were expecting it. Big had been flapping her wings in the rain, getting stronger and stronger, and this morning he took off and returned to the nest like a pro. Time: 10:25:41. Thanks ‘PB’ and Heidi.

Proud Mum Jill and Little watched as Big circled around the nest. Congratulations – this is the most well deserved fledge and just wait til Little flies – maybe at the weekend.

Jill did it with a little help from Jack at the start and a lot of help at the end. Now to keep the fish coming for the fledgling.

This is just wonderful…at one point we feared these two would starve to death but Mum Jill literally taloned up and kept her babies fed. I remain astonished at all she did and so proud of her.

An osprey nest with two young chicks and an adult osprey perched on a post nearby, with a view of a residential street in the background.
An osprey nest with two chicks, one flapping its wings, while an adult osprey perches nearby on a pole. Surrounding trees and a residential street are visible.
A bird's nest made of twigs with two birds, one perched on a pole and one resting in the nest, surrounded by trees and a road in the background.
A bird perched on a wooden pole next to a large nest made of twigs, surrounded by trees and a suburban neighborhood in the background.
A bird's nest made of twigs is visible atop a platform, with a large bird standing on a wooden post nearby. The background features a tree-lined street and residential buildings.
An osprey nest with one chick standing inside and two adult ospreys nearby, one perched on a pole and another in flight, surrounded by trees and a residential area in the background.
A hawk nest with two young hawks, one flapping its wings and the other sitting, located on a raised platform surrounded by greenery. A logo for Achieva banking is visible in the lower left corner.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 20th May 2026

Another calm routine day, no alarms or intruders, just rain and fish deliveries and the males taking their turn on the eggs allowing the females to stretch their wings and go off nest to eat. Garry LV0 brought three fish for Aurora 536, taking his tally to seventy three, and Louis brought one fish for Dorcha, taking the Nest Two tally to seventy three. The forecast overnight and through tomorrow is more rain, with a low of  7°C and a high of 17°C.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/mpxMBT3zh24 N1 breakfast for Aurora 09.42.45

https://youtu.be/JKXX8V2Vxk0 N2 Louis arrives with today’s first fish, a large headless trout 11.16.04 https://youtu.be/FZb-Wv_pZf0 N1 Aurora leaves with fish two, Garry does a great job as a new dad 18.07.04https://youtu.be/VuhyFuFZzC8 N1 Garry brings a third fish for Aurora 21.14.04 
Bonus guide – the hatching process:

https://www.fayrehalefarm.com/wp-content/uploads/Hatch-1157697_432879363493726_407957231_n.jpg

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/I6EiEJdBMEk N1 Aila’s misty morning flypast 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/GYmMQvGGdbE N1 The eggs are bugged! 2020

https://youtu.be/56srG8Li0pY N1 Two mating attempts by The Stranger and Blue 152 2021

https://youtu.be/Gki0u5vCQg4 N1 Blown away! Comical failed mating attempt 2021

https://youtu.be/eY3vcsWUfmk N2 Very early breakfast for Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/XZMfSUpsMc4 N2 Little bird sings away on the high perch 2023

https://youtu.be/sTZm9BK7okg N1 Affric 152 and LV0 visit Nest One! 2023

https://youtu.be/ROkPADnW6JI N1 Louis brings a fish to Nest One 2023

https://youtu.be/i9K2-HCbD-o   N1 An unexpected visitor arrives – it’s Affric 152! 2024

https://youtu.be/Nrr-H6eK0m4  N2 Pip pip hooray – cam’s been zoomed! 2024

https://youtu.be/5fl9uzsupuY N1 A Jay (Garrulus glandarius) perches on the centre perch 2024

https://youtu.be/4FEYkjXc1fQ  N2 An Owl hoots nearby, a Jay visits as Dorcha returns from flyabout 2025

https://youtu.be/cWw_YGFdmmc  N1 Aurora’s patience is rewarded when Garry brings her a fish 2025

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

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

More second year returns in the UK. Gosh, I wish they would ring the chicks on the streaming cams in North America!

A female osprey (6J8) stands near her nest in Usk Valley, Powys, surrounded by natural landscape.

Kielder Forest osprey news:

1B1/Fontburn sighting

They could hear the chicks at the Dyfi nest of Idris and Telyn in the microphones overnight! Won’t be long!

An osprey is sitting in a nest surrounded by twigs and grass, while another osprey is perched nearby, with a scenic background of hills and water.

I love this! Jeff Kear says, “SO TODAY COULD BE BUSY.

With possible hatches at:- DYFI, POOLE HARBOUR, LOCH DOON and KIELDER NEST 7. And the second Chick at Clywedog has already hatched, Egg Number 4 at MANTON BAY as well(forgot that one)”.

Yes, it will be a busy one. Take care everyone. I will see you with the latest on the UK hatches this evening.

Thank you to ‘PB’ and Heidi, to Geemeff for their Loch Arkaig Summary, those who post to FB and the owners of the streaming cams that let us look into the lives of our friends.

Deaths and Arrivals…Late Sunday in Bird World

17 May 2026

Greetings Everyone,

It is simply freezing here. We have our first Baltimore Orioles arriving in the garden, and we could even have snow. We went to pick up a few plants (they are horrifically expensive this year) and hoped to plant them, but no…they are in the house. Calico even took some bites out of one of them!

It decided to rain instead. We could use that to clean up the dust storm from the other day.

A male Baltimore Oriole taken with an iPhone – 19 metres away so pixilated.

A vibrant orange and black bird perched on a branch with green foliage in the background.

We are in the middle of this mess. Everyone is getting grumpy oping that spring will please come.

Radar image showing a storm system with rain and snow over the Prairies, highlighting a potential tornado outbreak in northern Nebraska. The danger zone is outlined along the borders of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

HY and Toby horsing around.

A dog and a cat interacting playfully, with the dog's snout touching the cat's tail on a scratching post.

We will start with the sad and end with the wonderful.

Glen Hays eaglet, GH4, hatched on 4 April, was 43 days old when it died this morning. The other eaglet might not survive either. Please note that I am not saying this is Avian Flu. The cause of death can only be determined by a necropsy. I also do not want to start rumours rumming amuk but we should educate ourselves as to the cause of HPAI.

H5N1/Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu. Please listen to the massive impact that this virus has had on wildlife worldwide. Thijs Kuiken, the world expert on H5N1, speaks on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ImFD8sLFfvo?

I am including this because one of my readers and a great lover of wildlife wondered after the passing of the little eagle at Glen Hayes this morning might be stopped. If you listen you will understand how difficult this is. Avian Influenza began several decades ago. Thijs has written extensively on this – some non-scientific articles. I was introduced to him after posting that the two White-tail Eaglets at the Estonian nest had died within minutes with bodies taken for necroscopy and discovered to have Avian Influenza. This was the first known instance of spring nest deaths – til this time it was in the fall. What this means is that the avian influenze was now being spread through migration.

It appears that not enough fish have been delivered to the Old Town Home osprey nest, and at least one of the osplets has perished. This is not a surprise with the lack of fish in the region for ospreys. Many adults have abandoned their nests rather than let the eggs hatch and the chicks starve. Two known nests on streaming cams to have already failed are the Severna Park and VIMS, along with the nests mentioned in an earlier blog, not on camera, by a Virginia monitor.

A Facebook post discussing the feeding issues of two hatchlings in a nest due to a lack of menhaden fish brought to them, with details about their age, feeding history, and observations from a live cam.
An osprey feeding its chicks inside a nest, with one chick visible and two unhatched eggs nearby.

The weather may take a toll on Iris and New Guy 2’s hope for chicks. In addition to the rushing river causing fishing to be difficult, it is now raining!

An osprey resting on its nest made of twigs and other materials, overlooking a parking area in the background.
Close-up view of an osprey nest made of sticks, with an osprey sitting inside. The background shows a rainy parking lot and trees, with a train in the distance.

Kansas City Bald Eagles are ready to fledge:

Social media post about Osage the eagle's first flight and hovering experience, featuring exciting descriptions of its flight and the watchful presence of another young eagle, Kaw.
A close-up view of a bird nest situated on a tree branch, with two young birds, one spreading its wings, set against a green backdrop of trees.

It is just such a different story in the UK:

Two years ago, the little one in the clutch of four of CJ7 and Blue 022, was just the cutest little thing. So tiny amongst its big siblings and yet, today, it might have made history as the only 4th hatch ever to return from migration in the UK (or anywhere else for that matter). Known as ‘The Mighty Titch’ by Birds o Poole Harbour.

Post from Birds of Poole Harbour announcing the return of bird 5H6, referred to as the mighty titch.
Close-up of an osprey's foot with a band on its leg, standing on a nest made of sticks.

As Tiger Mozone points out, not all nests with four fledge four. I have not been able to check the returns for Manton Bay but it could be that this is a historial moment when for the first time in the history of UK ospreys, the fourth hatch has returned in year two!

We have the third hatch for Blue 33 and Maya at Rutland’s Manton Bay nest. That baby is quite strong, just like the first hatch.

A close-up of an osprey feeding its chicks in a nest, with a fish visible in the foreground and several young chicks peeking out.

P3 sleeping on Big Red’s talons.

A red-tailed hawk stands over its nest, which contains several fluffy, light gray chicks. The nest is made of twigs and is located on a ledge.
Four baby red-tailed hawks in a nest, surrounded by twigs and feathers.
A red-tailed hawk mother is seen tending to her four fluffy chicks in a nest made of twigs and grass. The chicks are huddled together on the nest floor, while remnants of prey are visible nearby.
A Red-tailed Hawk stands near its nest, which contains several fluffy, gray chicks among twigs and nest materials.

Achieva Osprey Platform is still doing well. Jack has stepped up in his fishing meaning Jill has only gone out once a day for the past couple of days. Chicks growing and Big could fledge the end of this coming week.

A nest on a pole featuring two birds, one chick and one adult, surrounded by trees and a view of a street in the background.

First Fledge at Venice Beach Golf and Country Club osprey nest!

A view of a nest with two young osprey chicks perched inside, with a scenic golf course and waterway in the background.

Two new hatchlings at Moraine Park. Let’s hope they have fish.

Two newly hatched osprey chicks in a nest with a fish nearby, captured on a live cam.

Do you love the Port Lincoln Ospreys? the idea that individuals are working hard to put up platforms to encourage the population growth of ospreys? It costs $20 AUSTRALIAN a year to join Friends of Osprey Sth Australia. They love donations, too – and look what someone just did: “Thank you to Mr Nev Dowling at Coolangatta for the donation of Electronic WIFI equipment for the upgrading of the WIFI link system for the Camera streaming system on the barge where the Osprey nest is located.”

That is wonderful!

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 17th May 2026

Both nests enjoyed a peaceful day today, no alarms or intruders. Garry LV0 brought only one fish for Aurora 536, while Dorcha received three from Louis. The tally for both nests now stands at sixty seven, except Garry is still ahead by two as two of Nest Two’s fish were brought by Dorcha, and possibly more as only fish seen on camera count towards the total and Nest One cam still remains down for a few hours each morning. The forecasted rain didn’t last as long as expected today and it should be dry tonight with a low of 3°C, and remain dry tomorrow until after lunch, with a high of 15°C.Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/BLGGKD34qIA N2 Better late than never – first fish for Dorcha 12.15.15
https://youtu.be/U7-A1r7oD3Y   N1 Aurora’s one and only fish today 14.13.53https://youtu.be/KzuLFblS-Zk N2 Fish & chirps! Second fish from Louis 15.10.40https://youtu.be/Cgf1kMyQWnQ N2 Late evening fish for Dorcha 22.00.34Bonus advice – what to do if you find a chick out of the nest:https://www.popsci.com/environment/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-baby-bird/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/2xr0kHFi4BE  N1 Aila brings a new Louis-removal device 2019

https://youtu.be/2SeN0J1rxOg  N1 Close encounters of the bird kind 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/Rh1aeXJkWng  N1 Co-ordinated stick work by Louis & Aila 2020

https://youtu.be/IW7bBXUG7QM  N1 Woohoo! Successful mating by the Newsome Twosome 2021

https://youtu.be/aip-ZV4vZ4g  N1 First fish delivered to Blue 152 by The Stranger 2021

https://youtu.be/akMXEPJOQIo  N2 Dorcha sees off intruder Osprey Blue PU0 2023

https://youtu.be/miF-Q3_MxDg  N2 Intruder Blue PU0 returns and very nearly lands on Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/9aC3rufAdio  N2 Dorcha uses her ‘scare crow’ voice 2023

https://youtu.be/5cCaq5kTqkI N2 First fish is number 100 and also season’s earliest! 2024

https://youtu.be/ebw5Gj3hh4A N2 Louis arrives with an unsuitable stick 2024https://youtu.be/ErDsAnWi3-E N1 A Buzzard pokes about inquisitively 2025https://youtu.be/JvJOyJzMabg N1 The Buzzard returns and does some preening 2025 (zoom) https://youtu.be/prod5jXGvEU  N2 Worth waiting for – nearly 24 hours after the last, a huge fish arrives! 2025

Wild Bird Scoop posted this. Have you read The Serviceberry? By Robin Wall Kimmerer? If you haven’t, I highly recommend it.

A split panel comic depicting an elderly woman planting a serviceberry tree for birds. The first panel shows her smiling while planting, the second panel features the matured tree with a bird perched on it. The third panel reveals the tree's first fruits with birds gathered around, and the final panel shows the woman reflecting on her actions while enjoying a drink on her porch.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We had a slow, calm Sunday! I loved every second of it. Tomorrow, Melissa comes to clean – what a blessing she is. Along with Ann, they make my life much easier. Take care of yourself. See you soon!

Thank you to every contributor who added information on FB and to ‘PB’, who has helped post information for herself and Heidi. I am grateful to Geemeff, who has now posted more than 5000 videos for the Woodland Trust! That is a great accomplishment. To the owners of the streaming cams, we are grateful for allowing us to witness the lives of these amazing birds.

Toby and Don sharing some of the love.

An older man smiling and interacting with a small dog that is licking his face while he gently holds it, sitting on a couch.

Dorcha waits for Louis while we seem to have a new ‘Queen’ at Glaslyn…Saturday in Bird World

11 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

Morning update:

There is news later about Aran. He does have a nest and he does have a female at that nest with him. Perhaps it is Elen? That would be wonderful. Or it could be the other female. We wait and wonder.

At the Glaslyn nest, Teifi is skydancing and courting Blue 432/Eschells.

An osprey sitting in a nest made of sticks, surrounded by greenery and water in the background.

Dorcha continues to wait for Louis at Loch Arkaig 2. It is extremely windy. Will Louis blow in?

A young osprey standing in a nest made of twigs and branches, with a scenic landscape of hills and a body of water in the background.

Jean-marie Dupart has reported the youngsters are still in Senegal but also some older birds that are either migrating late or not leaving their winter homes.

In Nova Scotia, Oscar continues to wait for Ethel at Russell Lake.

Again, thank you so much for your kind notes. I am feeling much better. Much better, indeed. It was 7 C on Friday, and I got to spend almost all of the day outside with Toby and Don. It was glorious. In the afternoon, Ann took Don to the zoo, where they watched polar bears rolling on their backs in the crisp air and bright sunshine.

Today is the 11th of April. It is the latest day that the male osprey, Louis, of Loch Arkaig, has returned from migration. I hope that by the end of the day he has returned. I have to admit that my stomach has been slipping down into my toes over the past week in fear that we will not see this amazing osprey ever again. For many of you, Louis was your favourite osprey on streaming cam during the pandemic. More than 400,000 watched him and his precious Aila raise their triplets – Vera, Doddie, and Little Captain.

Here is a video from that period: https://youtu.be/LhGCrj5O0xs?

The image shows the three chicks with Louis on the far right.

Four osprey chicks on a nest with a green hillside in the background.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 10th April 2026

Today ended with our key character not here – Louis has not yet returned. There is still time and fingers and talons are firmly crossed for his arrival soon. Dorcha spent the day on and off the nest, constantly looking around even when dealing with a troublesome branch she was unable to shift. Things on Nest One are looking much more positive, with Garry LV0 bringing two fish and huge clumps of moss and spending time nestorising when he wasn’t engaged with Aurora 536, who also looks really at home. They both worked together to see off a blue ringed intruder Osprey who flew right overhead but didn’t allow her ring to be read. As it’s on her left leg, she’s Scottish, and it wasn’t Affric 152, so we’ll have to wait and see if she returns to give us a better look before an ID can be made. Tomorrow’s forecast for Inver Mallie which covers the nest area is light rain and a moderate breeze, so nothing there to impede the progress of returning Ospreys. Weather link:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2646094 .

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/62WzHR0w6Qc N1 Ringed intruder follows Garry with his fish 10.48.53 (slo-mo zoom repeat)

https://youtu.be/mD0jZmNGwNs N2 Dorcha tries and fails to deal with a troublesome stick  12.20.41

https://youtu.be/N7vj8r9pWpY N1 Aurora flies off with the fish, Garry does housekeeping 16.10.50Bonus watch –  the importance of the UK’s temperate rainforests, like Loch Arkaig:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/habitats/temperate-rainforest/explore-britains-rainforests-film/
Blast from the past – this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/LbWEdz9F-qg N1 Aila & Louis share a love nest 2020
https://youtu.be/G-3kBllTF-8 N1 Louis’ enthusiastic fine-tuning 2020
https://youtu.be/0Qy8OO9mY30 N1 Tricky stick for the Stranger 2021
https://youtu.be/i71cxxtGq2w N1 No takers for the Stranger’s fish 2021
https://youtu.be/2I51i5kIVa0 N2  Together again: Louis & Dorcha are reunited 2023
https://youtu.be/LPHhs_3oFQU N1 Welcome home Affric 2024 (zoom)https://youtu.be/B0LdP-qTXW4 N2 The ringed intruder returns 2025

https://youtu.be/bstQ7gOgnqA N1 Affric and Garry have an encounter 2025

https://youtu.be/7IDTQEDXPtE N2 Louis has a little lie down 2025

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

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

Ospreys continue to arrive in parts of the US.

Swoop has now arrived at the Dunrovin nest in Lola, Montana. He looks good! April 10 is the same day that Swoop returned to his nest in 2025.

It is unclear to me if Winnie has returned. A female touched down on the nest, but I have no confirmation that it was Winnie (please correct me!).

An osprey perched on a wooden beam, surrounded by green fields and trees in a rural landscape.

In Norway, Fru Rauer is in Germany while Herr Rauer is on their Norwegian nest with another male and a female plus a fish.

There is a lot of confusion at several nests.

TMZ has covered the plight of Jackie and Shadow!

https://www.tmz.com/2026/04/10/big-bear-bald-eagles-nest-threatened/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRGSuZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeuqsC_HZdfc09MJyZfjLdAFyEiqcwiywOh7lO5wNv5FQ_4JmxPr3vHeaSk9g_aem_5ML-d1-MQG3VPkRV8ud57w

I adore Aran and am heartbroken that he lost his Glaslyn nest last season due to a late return that he had shared with Mrs G and Elen. Elen has not been seen for a week. No one knows her status. Thankfully, individuals are keeping track of Aran as Teifi continues to reign over the Glaslyn nest.

A collage of four images showcasing an osprey perched on a wooden post and a branch, with a green background.

I love this screen capture and information by Jenny Powell. Iris can out-fish any of the local ‘Masters’ or male ospreys! She is really quite amazing – at least thirty years old.

A close-up of an osprey standing on a wooden post, showcasing its prominent features and feathers. The bird appears healthy and strong, with a piece of food visible at its feet.

European ospreys arriving.

Two ospreys in a nest, surrounded by sticks and branches, with a forested area in the background.

Seems to be very windy at all the nests in the UK. This is Telyn waiting for Idris and a fish at Dyfi where the camera has been on and off.

An osprey standing on a nest made of twigs and branches, with natural vegetation in the background.

Harry is doing a good job for Flora at SS Alyth.

An osprey flying above its nest while holding a fish, with another osprey sitting in the nest on a sunny day.

As reported earlier, all is well in the Usk Valley in Wales where both ospreys have returned.

https://www.uskvalleyospreys.org/news/reunited-and-re-bonding?fbclid=IwY2xjawRHOlxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe0HLjDn3XOL4yXcE_Lxf0oDkSIk1SsQPMaMibOf5b2zBwjFmJsGfRUuz1etE_aem_qOSW_SqZh3zAqU9-HdADEQ

Blue 022 doesn’t mind the strong winds when it comes to mating with CJ7 at Poole. Watching for eggs!

Two ospreys in their nest, with one standing over the other amidst branches and greenery.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Unless there is news about Louis, I will be taking a wee break for a few days. I really want to get ahead on the spring cleaning of the garden. It is going slowly this year – wish me luck!

Thank you so much to the individuals who created videos, to Geemeff for all the daily news from Loch Arkaig, and to those who have posted wonderful screen captures and information on FB. I am always grateful to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to look into the lives of these bird families.

Blue 022 arrives at Poole!

26 March 2026

Good Morning,

Well, CJ7 must be over the moon. Her great mate Blue 022 arrived back at Poole today – just one day behind her.

Here is Geemeff’s video of the delivery of a huge bass to CJ7 first thing: https://youtu.be/S1aPMGrQFa8?

Heidi reports that a GHO is taking interest in the Farm Field nest. This is not good.

Beau and Gabby’s second hatch, Kai, fledged yesterday and returned to the nest. Remember males often fledge earlier than females!

If I failed to mention it, Louis’s mate, Starr, returned to the Baseball Park osprey platform in Missoula, Montana. She is a good Mum – and well, we know about Louis.

Our daughter and grandson are coming today so I will not be checking in on the birds again until either late or Friday morning. Some of our regular contributors are travelling to see birds – enjoy those of you that are! And for the rest of us, take care. I will see you soon.

Thank you to Geemeff for the video of Blue 022 and CJ7, to Heidi for her report as well as Erick Greene. Always grateful for osprey news!