Tag Archives: raptors

Commercial Fishing continues to kill…Friday in Bird World

1 August 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Thank you so much for being with us today! We hope that the week has been kind to you.

I am going to start with another heartbreaking moment – Heidi’s report for today. This beautiful baby, with only one week to fledge, has died. The commercial overfishing of Menhaden in this region has shaped this entire season. Buckets of tears are being shed, and everyone feels helpless. Do we have to wait for the Governor of Virginia to be replaced? Cannot the other States in the surrounding area do something to stop this genocide?

Osprey came back from the brink once. Now chicks are dying in nestsDownload

Please send your positive wishes that the two remaining chicks get enough food to fledge and migrate out of the Chesapeake. Maybe these ospreys will find another home – a place that will protect them and appreciate and love them.


“Kent Island, Chesapeake:  Sadly, there weren’t enough fish being brought to the nest by Tom and Audrey, and Little Boy 3 lost his struggle to survive at 47.5 days of age.  He was so endearing, and we all loved him.  Fly high with a forever-full crop sweetie.  We all are hoping that he will still be given a name.”

Thankfully, Heidi has some good news!

‘Lil’ Peabody’s wings took him far beyond where these two will fly. He joins thousands of others who have perished this year. This is the latest from Ben Wurtz. Please read it. Take it all in. I know you love these magnificent gentle fish eaters like I do – get angry. Cry. Maybe throw something and then start lobbying on behalf of the ospreys and all the other wildlife whose populations are being decimated by commercial fishing!

Photo from the Field_ Starving at the Shore – Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJDownload

The summer is flying by. The female ospreys are preparing to leave, or some have left on their long migration. The juveniles are flapping, eating, and gathering their own steam to leave the natal territory on their first great adventure. The dads wait for all to go so they can have some fish to themselves and get some strength to fly to their winter homes.

Look at this beauty! Gosh, I love those ‘snake’ eyes. Reminds me of Blue 33. This Norwegian beauty has a long way to go to get to warmer weather! Runi fledged on the 26th of July.

Froy brought a crab to the nest! That was on the 26th, the day that Runi fledged. Have you seen an osplet bring a crab to the nest?

An osprey in the area of the Southern Shores Beach in North Carolina has been photographed flying with a Sailfish in its talons. Will they begin looking for other species in the Chesapeake Bay area OR are all the fish gone? Some know? Write me!

What has Milda been up to since fledging those two beautiful White-tail Eaglets in Latvia? Liz nm has some video for us. https://youtu.be/-Y9kFNKanU8?

T3 spent the night and most of the day at the nest. What a beauty. SK Hideaways caught it on video https://youtu.be/Y9RMrpKyTA8?

‘PS’ sends us the good news out of Seattle, Washington.

“Hi Mary Ann,

Visited yesterday – both young there, with mom making a brief appearance. One of the young took two practice flights while I was there – lifting off from the nest and into the skies for some surprisingly graceful loops around the area before landing (also gracefully – fast learner!) back at the nest. Sibling looked eager – hopping around and flapping her/his wings and I hoped I might see confirmation of both fledging but it was not to be – perhaps today! 

It is surprisingly heartwarming and inspiring to see these birds, who you have watched since birth, take to the skies as such graceful raptors. Impossible to not have your own heart soar with them when they slip so gently into the air! Full set: https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/p4Q1Lzea6p. “

Please check out these beautifully photographed ospreys on the flickr account above. These are some of the finest images of ospreys in a nest I have seen for a long time. Look at those fledglings go! Thank you, ‘PS’.

In the UK, there are four new outbreaks of Avian Flu.

Four more bird flu outbreaks confirmed, including on a Pheasant shoot – yet selfish BASC starts anotDownload

Leicester and Rutland Wildlife Trust give us their season summary as we await the departure of Maya, the four fledglings, and then the last to depart, Blue 33.

Our Ospreys have fledgedDownload

Geemef’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 31st July 2025
It was a slow day today, just three fish from Louis which the chicks didn’t fight over. Breac got the first, Darach the second, and when Breac got the third one, Darach still had plenty of his fish left so they ate on the nest together in reasonable harmony, just a few protesting squeaks at the other’s proximity. Dorcha was around but didn’t compete for any of the fish as the boys made it plain her presence was not required. She’s either fishing for herself or being fed off-nest, or possibly a bit of both. Her tally remains at two while Louis’ now stands at three hundred and seventy three, and the nest total at three hundred and seventy five. Will we see it rise to four hundred this season? Probably, if the chicks stay around for a few more weeks. Steve Q will be able to calculate the odds, possibly with the Week 18 fish stats. Link to Week 17’s stats, published today, in the bonus section. In other news, Garry visited Nest One bringing nesting materials and doing a little tidying, no fish were delivered but that’s not surprising as Aurora hasn’t been seen since Monday and may well be on her way south therefore his tally will probably remain at one hundred and thirty six for the season. A few crows visited Nest Two but there’s not much chance of leftover fish with the two hungry chicks still around. There was some rain overnight but dry during the day – tonight’s forecast is partly cloudy with light winds and a low of 11°C, rising to a high of 18°C tomorrow.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One (04.28.04); Nest Two (04.33.52)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/cNsrP5fSZbs N1 Garry LV0 brings a clump of dead rushes and does some tidying 10.30.06

https://youtu.be/imQIELjA2D0 N2 Breac’s shouting pays off when Louis brings the first fish, a flatfish 14.47.44https://youtu.be/KJGJMVqr8m8 N2 Darach gets fish number two but objects to Breac being nearby 19.10.26

https://youtu.be/c3zr2XFPymw N2 Both chicks eat together: Breac has fish three, Darach has fish two 20.28.05

Bonus info – Steve Quinn’s Week 17 fishing stats:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=27030710


Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Kd2L1Nz_I2E  N1 Louis brings breakfast and gets another nip for his trouble 2020

https://youtu.be/57UvSSpDhJU N1 Aila makes a seven second appearance on the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/nh0nSXoL1G0  N1 Vera pecks Louis but it’s Doddie who gets the fish 2020

https://youtu.be/xKkstvD5Sic  N2 A fledge, a fish, and a crash landing 2022

https://youtu.be/S4bXOzEfa9Y  N2 Aerial fight as Dorcha chases an intruder away from the nest 2022

https://youtu.be/yQyJt-gBLKw  N2 Sarafina flies from underneath the nest and crash lands on Willow 2022

https://youtu.be/bh8rFF73NG0  N2 Hoodies give Ludo some bother 2023

https://youtu.be/txoV9kCv9EI  N2 Ludo eats a whole live fish and swallows the tail 2023

https://youtu.be/YZ-M5ZUiWx4 N2 Dorcha looking fabulous flying past with a fish 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/0pQQIotNUsM N1 Various little birds visit the nest 2024

https://youtu.be/dJAmVH178r8 N1 A juvenile Robin fiddles with the nest furnishings 2024

https://youtu.be/irAW6knurFY N2 A pair of juvenile Bullfinches investigate the empty nest 2024  

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 30th July 2025
More fish and more fighting – both Darach 7P0 and Breac 7P7 are now in hyperphagia preparing for their first migration journey and are compelled to consume as much as possible. Louis delivered five fish to the nest today, and although Dorcha seemed to get three of them and take them away to eat in peace, she did return them to share with her offspring. Not that they were always grateful, on one occasion Darach lunged at both adults to protect his fish but as experienced parents they merely stepped back and allowed him to take the fish. Louis’ tally now stands at three hundred and seventy, with the nest total of three hundred and seventy two including Dorcha’s offering. Nest One had a few little songbird visitors and Garry LV0 visited too but didn’t bring any fish so his tally remains at one hundred and thirty six. There was no sign of Aurora 536, she was last seen on Sunday 27th – has she left on migration already? If so, we wish her fair winds and plenty of fish, and hope to see her back next Spring. The promised rain materialised along with a few sunny spells, and more rain is expected overnight with a low of 11

°C, changing to light cloud with a gentle breeze and a high of 18°C tomorrow,
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.47.27 (04.19.28); Nest Two 22.35.55 (04.22.01)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/g2pTliEtUbw N2 Louis brings breakfast and Breac gets it 05.09.16https://youtu.be/e2YeXNo2oWc N1 Nest One gets several little visitors including a Robin 07.48.00  https://youtu.be/oal0VpdeChg N2 Dorcha gets the second fish all to herself 08.13.21 https://youtu.be/Vly3stdFv7s N2 Darach gets fish number three then turns on his parents 12.28.01 

https://youtu.be/DxY_6Epb4Us N1 Garry LV0 visits briefly but where’s Aurora 536? (Last seen 27th)14.39.52

https://youtu.be/uINk-c-68Hg N2 Dorcha’s alone on the nest when Louis delivers the fourth fish 15.39.57https://youtu.be/j9a4x-pNqm8 N2 Louis brings the fifth fish and Dorcha’s ready and waiting 17.43.17   
Bonus watch – Woodland Trust’s new video shows Pine Marten kits romping around – the first born in a new reintroduction project:https://youtu.be/Ljm9WJvFxpc
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/cl1eAm6FOXs N1 Aila jumps in to do a bit of housekeeping 2020
https://youtu.be/fuizCNp_jVc  N1 And thereby hangs a tail.. Captain cleans up 2020
https://youtu.be/YI4UBZVYNQM N1 Ouch! Let go! Doddie mistakes Louis’ leg for a fish 2020
https://youtu.be/1JbjYXkzBX4  N2 Who does a flash flypast of the nest? 2022 (slo-mo zoom)
https://youtu.be/cgcwsyN0f_s N2 Dorcha brings a puzzle stick 2022
https://youtu.be/8GXaxy_KAVQ N2 Sarafina’s glad to see breakfast arriving 2022https://youtu.be/umTGPvoNtIQ N2 Dorcha steals a breakfast fish from Ludo 2023
https://youtu.be/vLx9WrSeCkg N2 A Sparrowhawk pays a visit 2023
https://youtu.be/_qjozIrNnhE N1 Garry LV0 brings moss but Affric wants fish 2023https://youtu.be/04rKdVyEFzc  N1 Which grey bird does a fast flypast? 2024 (slo-mo repeat with zoom)
https://youtu.be/CzIH1toDNCU  N2 Affric pays a quick visit 2024 (slo-mo repeat with zoom)
https://youtu.be/PWlcQcKRdf8 N2 Louis arrives! Great to see him after a few days absence 2024
https://youtu.be/QprHdPaZKDw N2 Louis returns for a second, much longer visit 2024 (zoom)

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 29th July 2025
Plenty of fish turned up today, all for the ravenous chicks and their long suffering mother on Nest Two. Louis delivered six fish taking his tally to three hundred and sixty five, with the total for the nest at three hundred and sixty seven. It was Darach’s turn to get the lion’s share but Brec and Dorcha also fed well, and despite Louis’ hard work he is also looking in good shape with a nicely rounded crop indicating he is also eating plenty. An unseen intruder bothered Dorcha, was it Garry before he made an appearance on Nest One? He brought a big clump of moss but no fish, so his tally remains at one hundred and thirty six. N

o sign of Aurora today, but there were two quick visits from a Robin and another from a Buzzard, who looked comfortable on the centre perch. After a little overnight rain, the weather was settled today, however drizzle is forecast for tonight with a low of 14°C, and light rain tomorrow morning and late afternoon with sunny spells in between and a high of 19°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.58.35 (03.41.53); Nest Two 

23.23.06 (04.25.41)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/80c8n8icjWk N2  Breac arrives to get the first fish of the day 05.36.27 https://youtu.be/ya-n-a9DizY N2 Darach takes the second fish away from his mum 09.57.39https://youtu.be/W572pWqkHlA N2  Dorcha gets fish number three but lets Darach have it 11.09.17https://youtu.be/lD99HLk-Qhw N2 Both chicks want fish number four but again it’s Darach who gets it 16.16.25https://youtu.be/T3p6txWKeaM N1 A Buzzard visits and perches for a few moments 16.43.28https://youtu.be/p7mDh_24FhA N1 A Robin visits again, same one or another? 04.38.53 / 17.55.04https://youtu.be/nym1Vib30tM N1 Garry brings moss and does a little nest tidying 18.25.14 https://youtu.be/zXkR_-eiYiY N2 Breac arrives just before Louis to get fish number five 19.36.01 https://youtu.be/adIr8WuK1l8 N2 Dorcha’s eating F5 when Louis arrives with the sixth fish 21.40.12
Bonus webinar on Osprey migration from Dr Tim Mackrill, raptor expert and founder of the Osprey Leadership Foundation:https://youtu.be/JXWgoSF-Yrk

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/65VTcTWBkVY N1 What makes the chicks go on high alert? 2020

https://youtu.be/5Z0vj85sWko N1 Aila’s waiting for Louis’ fish but lets Doddie take it 2020

https://youtu.be/xpyogWxLzQ8 N1 Captain’s share 2020

https://youtu.be/Lij7mWnm70A N2 Mini fledge but so far and no further! 2022

https://youtu.be/JqvlmVGLJPg N2 Lovely helicopter but still no fledge for LW6 2022

https://youtu.be/tFxRlDePet8 N2 Fish number one and only, headless trout 2023

https://youtu.be/6v_LyOHunUU N2 Louis has a stand-off with a cheeky Hoodie 2023

https://youtu.be/BwkefmoTjdQ N1 Affric arrives, waits, no response, departs 2023

https://youtu.be/Lbdqih9j8Jk N2 Three Hoodies work cooperatively until chased away by Louis 2023

https://youtu.be/ZozTNcuC3a0 N1 Garry LV0 arrives alarm-chipping 2024

https://youtu.be/7vYMN9QOr90 N1 Affric 152 follows Garry LV0 when he returns to the nest 2024

https://youtu.be/VDKpq9TtiJk N1 A Wood Pigeon perches for a little while 2024

I know you probably haven’t thought about it, but summer is speeding up. It is the first day of August, and soon we will have osprey eggs in South Australia! Gosh, I wish Ervie would get a mate! Do we need Roy Dennis to translocate some females to Aussie Land? Bradley was stopping on Tumby Island. Where are Partney and Marrum? Check out the Port Lincoln Osprey FB page for all the latest news.

Some of you will remember my praise for the visiting Vet at our wildlife rehabilitation clinic, Wildlife Haven. Dr Tess was determined that wild animals could live in the wild even with physical challenges such as three legs. She ‘invented’ a mechanism to save a turtle whose shell was soft – 200 days later that turtle has been released to the wild! Thank you Dr Tess for your love and belief in things wild.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/215984769453847

Final update on the “Shell-evator” patient! 

After 200 days in care, several wire tightenings, a few bumps along the way but mainly many successes, patient 24-1880 more comonly refered to as the “Shell-evator” was released back to the wild! 

We are so grateful for the support from our community, who rallied behind this patient and ensured she received the best care possible. The work we do would not be possible without you. 

Thank you!

It feels terrific to see this turtle make it to the wild. We met the turtle, talked with Dr Tess, and admired her dedication and determination. Hopefully, some of our donations helped this happen.

Coeur de’Alene Osprey Platform: The three surviving chicks appear to be doing rather well at this Idaho nest.

Juurusvesi -There is a lot of fish in Finland! I didn’t count. It seemed that one came in right after another. Video capture by
Kala Saaski. https://www.youtube.com/live/27ZzX88ZtIo?s

Final fledges at Kielder Forest. Here is the roundup!

Final fledging news and more _ Kielder OspreysDownload

It is getting serious at the West End nest. MV brings Haku a nice fish gift – and she accepts. SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/UlU5rCg6ygc?

And while we are all thinking about what to do til the fall arrives, I would like to point out that in about 5-6 weeks, Gabby should be back at the NE Florida nest! Oh, let’s hope that Beau is there, too.

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

Baby Hope wishes you a joyrful weekend.

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘Geemeff, J, Heidi, PS, PB’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, and the authors of posts such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers that still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends and to the people at the Conserve Wildlife of New Jersey and Ben for this monitoring and reporting of the issues impacting the osprey in that region. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Want to help wildlife? Maybe there is only one change you need to do…Monday in Bird World

28 July 2025

Good Morning!

The neighbours were busy sending me texts. Guess where Brock was?

Brock had wandered into the back garden for his late dinner at 2000. He did not realise that we were sitting and having our tea with Toby on the top deck. Toby barked. Toby only barks at the Hoover. But he barked at Brock, and Brock took off. Well, As Geemeff says, he’s smart and safe from Toby!

Do you use wet wipes? Not just on yourself but also on your pets? Well, guess what? They have been discovered to be a major polluter. The study is in the UK but it would apply to anywhere else in the world.

Call to make wet wipe producers pay for polluting England’s waterways | Pollution | The GuardianDownload

Let’s make a determination, each of us, to help our waterways by ditching any use of any wet wipes – for pets, babies, and for our faces!!!!!!!!

It rained on Sunday. The rain poured and poured. There was thunder and lightning that scared Baby Hope. The trees will now have sufficient moisture, thank goodness. We also hope that this will help with the wildfires north of us.

Did I say that Toby and I secured the perimeter of the back garden so that he can roam and sniff to his heart’s desire while I sit and sip tea and read? The best thing that I have done this whole summer season. I can relax. What a concept.

The decluttering continues, and the ‘bug’ has caught on with many of you and some of my friends here in Winnipeg. It is unbelievable what we stuff in bin bags and hide the bags in the back of closets or in our basements and attics. Thank you to everyone who wrote and thanked me for the inspiration – my pleasure.

I am preparing for the painter who will be here on Tuesday. The old paint has been matched perfectly. The girl at the shop could not believe it! Neither did I. But all is well; four gallons are ready to go. The living room is going to undergo a dramatic change despite staying the same colour. Our favourite place to travel was Southeast Asia, and we returned to it time and again. The cabinets are full of treasures that are going to be sorted, with some coming out in the open to live with us. The feel of the room will hopefully be a blend of Indochina and Malaysia.

All the pictures are down, and the holes are filled. Furniture has been measured, and several changes are underway. There are two large and heavy tansu, or Japanese cupboards. The design is so interesting. The bottom section of each has drawers, and it is actually ‘separate’ or can be separated from the top – they stack! The bottom of one is going to become the stand for the telly. The individual who built the tansu also allowed that the top could sit independently and open. I am excited. It is always nice to have something to look forward to. Stay tuned!

The news in Osprey World is the last of the fledging and the return of the osplets to their nests screaming for fish. Some of the females will be eating ‘up’ to start their migration south while the males stay behind feeding their youngsters until they leave. I remember Aran was kept well into September one year by one of his chicks. These males are devoted – don’t ever think they aren’t!

While it is not unusual for fledgling ospreys to return to the nest screaming for fish, it is for Big Red’s chicks. Big Red generally likes her hawklets to get their prey on the tops of buildings or in the trees. On Saturday, however, one of the Os visited the nest to the surprise and delight of everyone – and then the other landed, so both fledglings were at home looking for food. Cornell Bird Lab caught that on video for us: https://youtu.be/aZx5W3IyfRg?

The UK Hobbies are getting their pin feathers, and there is a lot of competition for the tiny prey items that come to the nest. SK Hideaways caught some food fights for us! https://youtu.be/aZx5W3IyfRg?

There were at least five fish deliveries at the Fru Rauer osprey nest in Norway on Sunday. Oh, these fledglings are healthy. Beautiful long legs, lovely plumage.

Mantling helps protect this fish from incoming siblings!

At Loch Doon, Bonnie finally gets a fish. She works on it for at least half an hour until mum, Angel, comes in and takes it. (Bonnie needs to work on her unzipping). Everyone expects Angel to migrate by August 6th, so she needs all the fish she can get.

Fish deliveries at Poole Harbour on Sunday were: 08:45 (022), 11:15 (CJ7), 13:39 (022, escaped), 14:31 (022), 15:26 (CJ7), 16:30 (022), 17:22 (CJ7), 18:49 (022)

At Dyfi, Idris keeps up the deliveries for the boys.

Aran came to check out what was happening at his old nest at Glaslyn. I do wonder what will happen next season. Aran looks great!

At the Usk Valley, the first osprey chick to fledge in over 250 years is enjoying his fish! And we also get a nice family portrait with Only Bob and his parents, Syfaddan & Clogwyn.

Dylan and Seren Blue 5F are delivering lovely trout to their two fledglings at Llyn Clywedog. Look at those healthy Bobs.

Blue 33 continues to deliver fish to the screaming osplets – four of them – at Rutland Water’s Manton Bay. The last image is a huge fish left by one of the kids. Maya arrives, looks at it and thinks ‘Mine’!

West Midlands Ringing Group: Three chicks fledged! Brilliant.

At Loch Arkaig, the fish keep coming in, too! Lots on Sunday. Topping off these babies so that they are big and strong for their long migration.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 27th July 2025Today was an amazing fish day – one on Nest One, the first since the 23rd, and seven on Nest Two, including Dorcha’s second fish delivery, the most she’s ever brought in one season. While Garry LV0’s tally stagnates at one hundred and thirty five, Louis’ soars to three hundred and fifty six, and Dorcha doubles hers to two, with a nest total of three hundred and fifty eight. It may have seemed that Breac 7P7 got most of them – he was often the first to get to the fish – but even he couldn’t consume everything, and Darach 7P0 got a good share along with Dorcha. Both chicks are making steady progress towards being ready to migrate when the irresistible urge is felt. Intruders were around both nests but didn’t interrupt proceedings much, apart from Aurora 536 landing on Nest Two and being chased off by an indignant Breac. Although it rained overnight, the rain forecasted for today didn’t materialise and the weather was settled, drizzle is expected tonight with a low of 11°C, and a mainly dry day tomorrow with a high of 18°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.57.08 (04.27.13); Nest Two 23.02.01 (04.35.45)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/3Gn24PPg1q4N2 Fish one delivered by Louis 08.04.07  

https://youtu.be/UUm18nxN7zoN2 Fish two

 delivered by Dorcha 09.37.02

https://youtu.be/PxNKOsW743o N2 Aurora intrudes on her neighbours and is chased off by Breac 11.28.20 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/AHyCVZQVtlMN2 Fish three

 delivered by Louis 12.18.07

https://youtu.be/l-68y3DO5NE N2 Fish four delivered by Louis 13.15.13

https://youtu.be/b2A98606O2s N2 Fish five delivered by Louis 15.39.34 

https://youtu.be/YoJwI4TWukw N2 Fish six delivered by Louis 17.31.52 

https://youtu.be/4sQdqbxalvc N2 Fish seven delivered by Louis 19.42.55 https://youtu.be/PwWDqs3IxdE N1 Finally a fish for Aurora, first since 23rd 20.32.45
Bonus read – Ospreys are included in the Times list of endangered or extinct species now making a comeback:

https://www.thetimes.com/magazines/the-sunday-times-magazine/article/12-amazing-wild-animals-that-are-thriving-again-in-britain-h7rhzrxpq
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/_Z48xWVluSw  N1 Oi mum! Careful with that! 2019
https://youtu.be/1Y9dGaIFCAc N1 FLEDGE! Rannoch finds her wings 2019
https://youtu.be/TPzBKE5vAEU N1 Aila & Louis steal a moment alone together 2020
https://youtu.be/aBuSSB6OHM0 N1 Louis and the lively fish – everyone wants it 2020
https://youtu.be/dmO1Gqac36Q  N1 Affric nips Prince as he tries to steal her fish 2021
https://youtu.be/TbSOZNCrLNE  N2 Dorcha gets nipped when she tries to steal Willow’s fish 2022
https://youtu.be/PlVdlOWq8DE  N2 Dorcha gives Sarafina a bit of stick and gets a nip 2022
https://youtu.be/3-PXNmOwWMk N2 Ludo arrives squeaking, lands on the high perch 2023
https://youtu.be/z1_voshU-z8  N2 Flight of the Bumbling Hoodies (Classic Ospreys Rimsky-Korsakov) 2023 (quicktime)
https://youtu.be/HxQNOrkv2u8 N1 Garry brings moss and takes it away again 2023
https://youtu.be/J0o52mX6AAQ N2 Dorcha is intruded upon first by Ospreys then by Hoodies 2023 (zoom)https://youtu.be/OuuyJzYB3ZM N1 Garry LV0 brings a stick and does some nest prep 

2024
https://youtu.be/K3oYtZEf5MA N1 Dorcha visits Garry LV0 but another Osprey makes them flee 

2024
https://youtu.be/6FoEZpmrZks  N1 Dorcha pays another visit 

2024 (zoom)

Geemeff Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 26th July 2025Not a lot happened today, it was a very slow day all round. Garry and Aurora turned up on Nest One, she spent a lot of time there but when he turned up he didn’t bring any fish, he tried mating instead, and his tally remains at one hundred and thirty five. For a while it looked like there might not be any fish deliveries to Nest Two either, but Louis did eventually turn up with his latest ever first fish at 16.34, and followed it up with a second fish about two hours later. Breac got the lion’s share again but Darach got a good share also, and it was Dorcha and a persistent pair of Hoodies who lost out. Louis’ tally now stands at three hundred and fifty, with the nest total at three hundred and fifty one after Dorcha’s surprise delivery yesterday. It was damp from late afternoon on, the wind picked up and the forecast is for heavy rain overnight with a low of 13°C and light winds which of course are much stronger on the exposed nests. Light rain showers and gentle breezes are expected tomorrow with occasional sunny intervals and a high of 17°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.44.16 (04.12.32); Nest Two 22.32.13 (04.20.46)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/t9MiGMh0piI N2 Finally! The first fish arrives very late 16.34.32https://youtu.be/CT6jENLhsC8 N2 Hoodies harass Darach and peck his tail! 18.22.15https://youtu.be/BLknOJ9kXa4 N2 Dorcha gets the tiny second fish but lets Darach take it 21.21.43
Bonus read – article about benefits and problems with imported plants, Woodland Trust discuss ash diebackhttps://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-courier-advertiser-angus-and-the-mearns-edition/20250726/284013313167447

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/GrVXgF0XtTI  N1 Captain nips Louis’ leg 2020

https://youtu.be/LXVBy7anRo4 N1 Mum brings dinner: Aila delivers a whopper 2020

https://youtu.be/Lj4S0NPDbLM N1 Doddie and the flatfish 2020

https://youtu.be/p2y97A3kIv4  N1 Affric (Blue 152) calls for fish to no avail 2021

https://youtu.be/BBdVW_8z9rI N2 Meet Aspen (LW3) & Alder (LW4), Louis’ chicks with new mate Dorcha 2021 (thanks Lewis) 

https://youtu.be/7Yz_fuHpp8Q OMG! Tawny Owl pulls Willow off the nest! 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/qYDQTkEH89o N2 Relief as Willow finally returns, is unhurt 2022

https://youtu.be/4plSH4d1ves  N1 &2 Flypast by USAF jets 2022

https://youtu.be/XP2ydlIOQkY  N1 Garry appears out of the mist bringing a big stick 2023

https://youtu.be/isjMxlmejNs  N1 One member of the threesome visits, no one else comes 2023

https://youtu.be/8-31dibUJCo  N2 Ludo flies with fish for the first time – accidentally! 2023

https://youtu.be/XROITiomjHE N2 Ludo achieves another milestone – flies with fish intentionally 2023

https://youtu.be/IQMVxtoxhek N1 Garry LV0 visits bringing moss 2024

https://youtu.be/TkmVmX5YaVA  N1 Dorcha spends time with Garry LV0 already there 2024

https://youtu.be/MRew3k_UKwA  N2 Dorcha isn’t amused when Affric 152 & Garry LV0 invade her nest 2024

At the West End Bald Eagle nest, formerly home to Thunder and Akecheta, Haku has been bonding with the new male. SK Hideaways caught their sky bonds on video for us. (Do I think Makaio is in the ‘picture’ – no. We might never know what happened to him and there has been no further photographs of Akecheta on the mainland. That, of course, does not mean that Akecheta is not there nor does a lack of Makaio mean that he is unwell – he could be on the mainland, too!) https://youtu.be/s87ziXROLwM?

Some images from our walk in the English Gardens on a very hot 30 C day.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care, everyone. We look forward to seeing you on Friday.

I want to thank our notable contributor, ‘Geemeff, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways and the Cornell Bird Lab, and all others, often too many to name. I am very grateful to you and to newspapers like The Guardian, which still cover environmental issues as they relate to our precious feathered friends and to Jeff Kear and the UK Osprey Information FB. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Late Friday in Bird World

25 July 2025

Hello Everyone,

Before I even begin, thanks to everyone at PSEG Oyster Bay. The chick with what appeared to be an injured leg was taken into care. The report from the rehab facility is that there is nothing wrong with the osplets’ legs. The chick was malnourished. Their plan is to feed this little one well, get it healthy, and then release it back into the wild to live its life. Wonderful news.

Just a few things to catch up on. It was a very hot day in the Canadian Prairies—30 °C and very humid. Toby didn’t even want to ‘walk’ at the park, preferring to be pushed in his pram with a towel wrapped around an ice pack! It is now just past 1900, and there is shade and a lovely breeze in the garden. The song birds, along with the Blue Jays, were feeding when the local Cooper’s Hawk arrived at 1900. There was quite a bit of commotion, and it flew out with something fairly large between its talons. Honestly, I hope that was not the Baby Blue Jay. The hawk flew in fast, grabbed its prey, and out it went. Some might not have noticed, and, of course, my camera was sitting in the house.

We are enjoying the evenings outside now that the perimeter of the garden is secure and Toby can wander at his leisure. Trying to hold on to a dog on a leash while relaxing is not relaxing!

‘PS’ sent me their report from Seattle. The images are so gorgeous. Please do go to the ‘PS’s Flickr account and read the entire diary!


“As for the Seattle Osprey – I visited every day this week through Thursday, sometimes for short visits, and both young continue to look good, fish looked to be in good supply (sometimes I’d come and mom would still be holding half a fish with nobody eating…and eventually they would get around to finishing it, which I imagine/hope is a sign of plentiful food). Lots of flapping, hopping around and across the nest, head bobbing, etc – I’ve said it for a while but fingers crossed they will both be fledging soon. I figure they are right around 50 days old (plus or minus a day or two) so right in that “typical” range. Unfortunately I am out of town until Sunday but I hope to have time to visit Sunday evening and then definitely Monday so will update you more then. Picture library continues to grow (https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/x87X142Y7m), also sending a couple through here.”

 Take a moment to look at these amazing images. Thank you ‘PS’. There is something to learn in each of them. The top image is of an adult osprey. What colour is its eye? Now look at the chicks in the nest? What colour is theirs?

Osprey eyes change colour as they mature. Young ospreys are born with dark blue or black eyes, which then change to amber or orange. As they reach maturity, around 2-3 years old, their eyes transition to a bright yellow like the parents in the top image. 

Now look at the beak.

Just look at the wing span of the adult. The wingspan of an adult osprey typically ranges from 1.45 to 1.80 meters (55 to 71 inches), or approximately 4.75 to 6 feet. Females tend to be slightly larger than males, with wingspans on the higher end of that range. 

This is an excellent video about everything you need to know about an osprey. Please watch it even if you think you know everything! https://youtube.com/shorts/H6bklarQT38?

What is special about the osprey’s feet? and their toes?

What is special about their foot pads?

Are osprey talons unique? How?

What is special about an osprey’s beak?

What is the purpose of the dark band behind the eyes?

How long is it til the fledglings get their adult plumage?

Geemeff’s  Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 25th July 2025
Yesterday it was thought that Dorcha had brought a fish to the nest, a most unusual occurrence for her with a total of two fish to date (one each in 2023 and 2024) but on closer inspection she was just returning a fish brought earlier by Louis. However, it does appear that she brought a fish today – whether she caught it herself or received it off-nest from Louis can’t be known, but checking back doesn’t show Louis sneaking in with an extra fish so it must be concluded that Dorcha’s fish tally for 2025 soars up to the magnificent total of one. Louis brought four fish to the nest and his tally rises to three hundred and forty eight out of the three hundred and forty nine year to date total. Although it seems that Garry gave Aurora a fish off-nest, he didn’t bring any to the nest, preferring to attempt unsuccessful mating instead so his tally remains at one hundred and thirty five. The chicks Darach and Breac made sure of getting their share of fish, chasing away the other, lunging at their parents and trying to see off a persistent Hoodie while reacting to the occasional intruder Osprey seen in the near distance. Both are in excellent physical condition and plumping up nicely in readiness for the long journey south which probably won’t happen for a few weeks yet. The forecasted rain materialised late in the day and is due to continue overnight with a low of 13

°C, through to tomorrow, with a high of 17°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.06.00 (04.15.54); Nest Two 22.51.27 (04.23.56)

Today’s videos: https://youtu.be/GUmC2NK_rwA N2 Breac’s allowed to have the first fish 08.28.02https://youtu.be/IjXxfMRafVc N2 Did Dorcha really catch fish number two? 11.27.34 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/ER6LoV2oGZQ N2 The chicks watch something before Breac tucks into fish three 15.15.31

https://youtu.be/t0Y9BSUsV3Y N2 Darach lunges at Dorcha, chases her away from fish four 16.30.15https://youtu.be/PqLvfIFdy-Y N2 Dorcha keeps fish 5 despite a combative chick and a pesky Hoodie 18.08.03https://youtu.be/ywvzszOj8-Q N2 Persiste

nt Hoodie intrudes on Dorcha and Darach 18.14.01
Bonus action – voting now open for Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year, link to vote for your favourite:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/tree-of-the-year

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/kGQ3dyIJkCg N1 Doddie piggybacks on Louis 2020

https://youtu.be/y_H5V8LSawI N1 No one wants Louis’ fish so he takes it away 2020

https://youtu.be/y4c9zsaxflg  N2 Synchronised flapping as mum watches 2022

https://youtu.be/PYaDCd_5M0c  N2 High off the screen helicopter! 2022

https://youtu.be/B4EbyOjxxKc N2 FLEDGE! Willow finds her wings 2022

https://youtu.be/X839GjpyvY0 N2 Sarafina reacts to seeing Willow 2022

https://youtu.be/8-Wb41wJuH8 N2 Willow’s second flight via nest cam 2022

https://youtu.be/dJ9IvFCEPbk  Willow’s second flight via long lens 2022 (thanks LizB)

https://youtu.be/sI6lN7wD5OA N2 Ludo and the Jay 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/9FcJOMLI9Cg N2 Ludo allows Dorcha to take the fish 2023

https://youtu.be/k0pKZzcF5Zc N1 Garry seems reluctant to give Affric the fish 2023

https://youtu.be/9NadyAHk6Gc  N2 Ludo lives up to his name and plays on a seesaw 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/S3V8_nzaX6I  N2 Ludo grabs Dorcha’s head feathers to stop her getting his fish 2023

https://youtu.be/Dy4yQvefzA8  N1 Affric 152 follows Garry LV0 to Nest One 2024

https://youtu.be/ePTJwID4lmQ N2 Louis visits his nest bringing a stick 2024

https://youtu.be/kroSVUdVBKU FLEDGE – the great news that 1JW has found his wings and flown 2024

Kielder Forest: Latest news on the fledglings.

Fledging update _ Kielder OspreysDownload

Green Ledge Light Preservation Society: First fledge on Friday!

Marlene Harris and Ferris Akel and the O’s!

The Russell Lake Ospreys are really starting to flap their wings!

That’s it for today! Thank you so much for being with us. We look forward to seeing you on Monday!

Thank you to those wonderful people who send me reports on the birds including Pam Breci, those great images and information from Seattle ‘PS’, Geemeff keeps us up to date with all things Woodland Trust, UK Osprey Info FB has amazing information please think about joining, and thanks to all the others that have streaming cams whose images we have used, those who contributed newsletters such as Kielder Forest, Marlene Harris, Ferris Akel and the Cornell Red-tail Hawks, the Green Light Preservation Society, and of course the driving forces behind letting us know about Nova Scotia ospreys – Connie and Don Dennis.

Friday in Bird World

25 July 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

I can tell you that Pelican Lake is beautiful and that it is actually home to so many American White Pelicans. I can also tell you that Lewy Body Dementia is a challenging disease for both the person who bears the burden of it and for those trying to enrich their lives. We were at Pelican Lake precisely two hours before Don ‘lost me’. I will not bore you with the details of someone spiralling downwards, but suffice it to say I was happy to be able to administer his medication, repack the car (thank goodness we hadn’t really unpacked), and get him and Toby in the car and back home. No more holidays. I was beginning to wonder if the days of travelling were over several months ago. We will take our trips within the confines of the city, so that if something goes sideways, home is close at hand. I already have a list of parks that we haven’t yet visited – just imagine all the things we might have been missing!

Toby and I spent Thursday doing some projects. He now has a fully enclosed back garden where he can roam freely. We also played with a new camera. ‘AK’ knew that I was fed up with carrying heavy, long lenses and big medium-format cameras. That is the reason you have seen so few images of birds this year. The weight is phenomenal. The total weight of what I used was more than 12 lbs. So ‘AK’ recommended that I check out the P1000 with its fixed 3000mm zoom lens. I was only able to get the P1100, and at three pounds with a 3000 mm zoom and a ‘bird’ setting, Toby and I had a lot of fun testing it out on the birds at the feeder. The images are not great. This is my first hour using this camera, but I can tell you it feels like a winner in terms of what I need for my life at this moment. It sure was fun, even with squiggly Toby on my lap.

Notice the texture. This camera is not supposed to do well in low light – well, that squirrel is deep in the lilacs and it was dark with light just filtering in from the West!

And for anyone wondering, this is not just any squirrel. This is Dyson. Look at her large arms and long fingers. She is our matriarch.

Junior is moulting, so no crest. Those feathers, the layers and layers, are quite amazing. (I am roughly 16 metres from the bird feeder).`

Tiny little female house sparrow.`

Three baby crows with their velvet heads.

My sidekick, Toby. He is enjoying the freedom of the garden but also likes to lounge in the chair and always comes when I call. Kitties aren’t allowed outside in Winnipeg.

My first hydrangea bush! I have a friend who mailed me dried hydrangea blooms one year. They made it all the way from British Columbia! Now I have my own.

Please do not believe everything you read on a chat. In fact, it is almost the last place to find accurate information sometimes. The PSEG Oyster Bay osplet with the injured leg did NOT fledge, it was rescued and taken into rehab.

Here is Heidi’s Osprey report for the US:

Raptor Persecution UK confirms that there are some 143 Hen Harriers illegally killed or missing since 2018.

143 Hen Harriers confirmed ‘missing’ or illegally killed in UK since 2018, most of them on or closeDownload

Other Hen Harrier chicks fledge but with the help of the RSPB after their parents go missing.

Hen Harrier chicks fledge with RSPB support after suspicious loss of parent birds – Raptor PersecutiDownload

Balgavies Loch: Partial Nest collapse this week. 4L1 and 4L2 were both in the nest together on Thursday! How wonderful. Flying strong.

Lyn Brenig: Older sister, 7M4 fledged at 52 days. We are waiting for little brother, 7M5, who is 50 days old today.

Wensley: No camera, but three magnificent chicks in the nest.

Kielder Forest: Blue 3B5 Irthing took her first flight on Thursday the 24th. More news from Kielder here:

3B5_Irthing leaves her nest _ Kielder OspreysDownload

Birds of Poole Harbour news:

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 24th July 2025
Today was all about fish – arriving, departing, returning, reappearing and causing confusion among the nest cam watchers until sharp eyes sorted out the details. Dorcha did not supply any new fish, all six deliveries to Nest Two were made by Louis, and his tally now rises to three hundred and forty four. 

Dorcha found and ate the fish lost last night in the nest furnishings and today’s fresh fish were shared out between her and the two chicks, with Breac 7P7 getting the lion’s share. Darach 7P0 made sure he hung onto his share causing Breac to fall over the edge and hang upside down in an OMG moment. However Breac managed to untangle himself and fly away, returning unharmed to a chorus of relief on the forum, and later he achieved the milestone of flying with fish for the first time, another event noted by sharp eyed watchers. Steve Q crunched the numbers and posted last week’s fish stats, link in the bonus section, and although the fish counters noted Garry LV0’s one delivery to Aurora 536 today, taking his tally to one hundred and thirty five, it’s hoped that we will need Steve to include Nest One fish stats in future reports if Garry and Aurora produce the longed for chicks on that nest next year. The weather was settled but is expected to turn damp overnight and through tomorrow with light rain and light winds, a low of 13°C tonight and a high of 18°C tomorrow.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.15.40 (03.51.48); Nest Two 23.00.46 (04.15.30)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/qry_vU46fGw N2 Breac fights and gets the first fish: Dorcha & Darach lose out 05.53.51

https://youtu.be/08tLoYhbP7c N2 Oh no! Breac hangs upside down off the nest! 07.33.20

https://youtu.be/C4fGv8x0HUE N2 Dorcha spots the fish lost by Breac last night and grabs it 09.33.59

https://youtu.be/JkPf_AOvnmU N2 Louis brings a third fish: it’s Dorcha turn and she grabs it fast 12.40.55

https://youtu.be/SBNbIl0Tp-I N2 Another milestone achieved – Breac flies with fish 13.23.55

https://youtu.be/3R4FM0hTYYg N1 Garry brings a flatfish for Aurora 13.47.06https://youtu.be/yDZ8oYDskiA N2 Dorcha’s waiting when fish four arrives: she lets Darach have it 14.14.28

https://youtu.be/psTRt9-NuAQ N2 Good mum Dorcha allows Breac to take fish number five 16.51.36

https://youtu.be/Jeo0-VlMQGg N2 Dorcha holds onto fish number six but feeds Breac 22.06.48
Bonus shopping opportunity – Woodland Trust shop summer sale now on:

https://shop.woodlandtrust.org.uk/sale

Bonus nutrition info – the fish stats for Week 16, expertly compiled as always by Steve Quinn:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=26854776

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/5B4tYF5XWeI  N1 FLEDGE Vera finds her wings 2020

https://youtu.be/IEpTHTQ83MU N1 FLEDGE Captain takes off <three hours after Vera 2020

https://youtu.be/CsH62EjSANk  N1 Vera returns from her maiden flight 2020

https://youtu.be/_x8G4wApzFY  N1 Captain returns safely but not very gracefully 2020

https://youtu.be/SEOkidLKvJc N1 Fledge compilation video: The Four Ospreys (Classic Ospreys – Vivaldi 2020)

https://youtu.be/nV0kAGoM-y0  N2 Dorcha and Sarafina just watch as Willow grabs the first fish 2022

https://youtu.be/iGA54OTD6BQ  N2 Hop and a skip but no jump – Willow decides to wait 2022

https://youtu.be/wsjKHvZAXpo  N2 Chicks bemused by a flapping flatfish 2022

https://youtu.be/lOKNG5FLCv0 N1 RAF jet causes Affric & Garry to flee 2023

https://youtu.be/WNOA0O4wA6Q N2 Another milestone for Ludo, dealing with a live fish 2023

https://youtu.be/5z5M0SPFXu4 N1 Garry arrives with a stick 2024

https://youtu.be/mZHjWrUX0kQ  N1 Various little birds flit around 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 23rd July 2025
Another slow day with not much action apart from the chicks Darach 7P0 and Breac 7P7 trying to get as much fish as possible when Louis made deliveries to the nest, and fighting anyone who got in their way. Louis brought four fish to the nest today, one of which Breac managed to lose in the muddle of sticks on the right hand side, with luck it will be found and consumed tomorrow. Louis’ tally now stands at three hundred and thirty eight, while Garry LV0’s rises to one hundred and thirty four following his single delivery to Aurora 536. The weather was settled today and set to continue with a forecast of light clouds and light winds overnight and tomorrow, with a temperature spread of 13 – 21°C, and the prospect of sunny intervals tomorrow afternoon.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 22.49.56 (04.09.34); Nest Two 23.04.31 (04.20.45)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/wPUO11fOGlA N2 Breac can only watch as Darach consumes fish number one 05.59.16https://youtu.be/s_fU3fE5EsE N2 Darach gets fish number two and attacks Dorcha to keep it 11.05.01  

https://youtu.be/tIuWuRFD4zk N1 Aurora seizes the fish from Garry LV0 and flies off with it 14.15.40https://youtu.be/jAj48B05YfU N2 Louis brings a third fish but Breac manages to lose it 21.08.08https://youtu.be/tgnHuJFSmpg N2 Breac gets the fourth fish and doesn’t lose it this time! 21.59.21  
Bonus read – Painting of Scotland’s oldest wild Scots pine puts the plight of unique pinewoods in the spotlight:https://pressat.co.uk/releases/painting-of-scotlands-oldest-wild-scots-pine-puts-plight-of-unique-pinewoods-in-spotlight-2436dbdb42c832c92f5ae3f248615373/Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/ZqWuqafl36c  N1 Captain helicopters! 2020
https://youtu.be/cSDip8llxAY  N1 Doddie has a tug of fish with Vera 2020
https://youtu.be/a3UUPQUtnkg  N1 Low flying RAF plane causes Aila to flee 2020 (slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/9K11f2xd0Ww  N1 Vera does a helicopter completely off the screen 2020
https://youtu.be/zFcnK8aIKqk  N1 Aila brings a nuisance stick and stands on Captain! 2020
https://youtu.be/9_avX1YHofU  N2 All three females want fish number four 2022
https://youtu.be/olWHydNGMV4  N2 Results are in: meet Willow and Sarafina! 2022https://youtu.be/5B_o4EM_oyE  N2 Dorcha is harassed by invading Hoodies 2023
https://youtu.be/mtWqo9g5K6A  N2 Ludo helicopters with moss 2023 (zoom)
https://youtu.be/CEDLQcHPA1Y N1 Garry arrives with a fish for Affric 2023
https://youtu.be/WcKyGvhpqI4  N2 Hangry Ludo grabs Louis’ leg wanting fish 2023
https://youtu.be/yw2IAFZ5Iro N1 Dorcha pays another visit to Nest One 2024
https://youtu.be/Z8amhCfcwhQ  N2 Dorcha returns to her own nest 2024 

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

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 22nd July 2025
It was a slow fish day today, Aurora 536 was disappointed when Garry arrived bearing nesting materials but no fish, so his tally remains at one hundred and thirty three, and Louis delivered three fish, raising his tally to three hundred and thirty four. Breac 7P7 is extremely dominant and got the first two fish, his older brother Darach 7P0 had to wait until he’d had enough before getting his own chance to eat. Louis brought the final fish after dark, giving Dorcha the opportunity to eat in peace before she returned the fish to the nest and handed it over to one of the chicks – Breac, of course. Nest cam watchers would like Darach to become more competitive. It rained through the night but the weather was reasonably settled during the day, however it’ll be damp again tonight as the overnight forecast is for drizzle and light winds with a low of 13

°C, improving tomorrow with light cloud, light winds and a few sunny spells with a high of 19°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.08.25 (04.09.55); Nest Two 22.59.28 (04.24.20)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/zOdvFUukCXE N2 Dorcha gets the first fish from Louis then lets Breac have it 08.53.55https://youtu.be/LrxqVtV3uPY N2 Darach wants fish two but Breac’s not letting go 11.31.32  

https://youtu.be/b7dWNaTq2gk N2 

Dorcha arrives on the nest and gets fish three from Louis 22.15.40
Bonus watch – 

N2 Long lens video of Aspen LW3 & Alder LW4 seen near the nest 2021 (thanks LizB)

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/C9r2h07HYeM N1 Carnival of the Ospreys 2020 (Classic Ospreys: Saint-Saëns)

https://youtu.be/u-2jWDOe8dg N1 Vera is fascinated as Captain feathers his nest 2020

https://youtu.be/j6YDTQA5stk  N1 Aila decides what’s needed is another stick 2020

https://youtu.be/B-JGsEAwA4I  N2 Midnight callisthenics 2022

https://youtu.be/CoLyqB6O_iI  N2 Nearly but not quite! LW5 prepares for lift-off 2022

https://youtu.be/h87JPZiw5no  N2 Louis chases a Hoodie away, watched intently by the chicks 2022

https://youtu.be/4N64tTO4iJE N2 Ludo returns after his first night away 2023

https://youtu.be/nWjM3BF9wxw N1 & N2 Two beautiful pairs of Ospreys posing for the camera 2023

https://youtu.be/Rqz_dXEyC8w  N2 Louis arrives to help Dorcha get rid of Hoodies 2023

https://youtu.be/NOUuCyUUt2M N1 Garry brings a second fish for Affric 2023

https://youtu.be/bDbqDZ8sN64 N2 Dorcha spends some time on her nest, no sign of Louis 2024

https://youtu.be/g0q-Tf1BJIc N2 Louis arrives with a stick and does some nest work 2024

https://youtu.be/SgnwBnDdY-g N1 Garry LV0 brings a fish but no one’s there 2024

https://youtu.be/z52q-f7fFmg N2 Spectacular sunset 21.30 to 22.30 (2.3 minute time lapse) 2024

Tweed Valley Ospreys/UK Osprey Information:

Rosie Shields brings us up to date on everything about the Border Ospreys season.

WHERE DID THE TIME GODownload

Dunrovin Ranch: Those four beautiful osplets are looking really good!

Charlo: Two surviving osplets are doing fantastic. They are getting some gorgeous juvenile feathers and growing as fast as Toby!

Boulder County: One chick would really like some fish! They both seem to have survived one of the worst nests for human debris I have ever seen!

Hellgate Canyon: Iris still has one of the most beautiful well maintained osprey nests I have ever seen.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: Three surviving osplets are looking good.

More news from the UK: David Wick writes:

sSdoroptenh3aag7i9586l4m6139190i1lh87i0u9mlhaa044uglill9f4f7 ·

“Morning all, both chick’s have fledged at NWT Ranworth .That makes it first to breed and hatch and fledged in about 250 years”

Threave Garden:

Osprey House Environment Centre in Australia where the older sibling is not only being fed but helping feed!

UK Hobbys: https://youtu.be/V4xohmzR0Mo?

Ferris Akel found the Os today and the other evening, and Cornell released a video of Big Red feeding her babies a week ago. https://youtu.be/k-dHLxtlrOI?

Arthur.

One of the Os.

Robert Fuller gives us insight into Red Kite chicks. https://youtu.be/3FtIHHfp2i4?

Is it possible to resurrect a 600 year old extinct bird?

It’s 12ft tall, covered in feathers and has been extinct for 600 years – can the giant moa bird really be resurrected?

 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/11/de-extinction-extinct-giant-moa-bird-colossal-bioscience-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

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

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘AK, Geemeff, Heidi’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, and the authors of posts such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all others, often too many to name. I am very grateful to you and to the newspapers 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.

Late Tuesday in Bird World

22 July 2025

SK Hideaways shares a video of Lady returning home to the WBSE nest in the Olympic Park in Sydney after a two-night absence. How tragic this could have been. So relieved. https://youtu.be/yjHWorX70IE?

Talk about another concern for the year unfolding until this golden moment.

Raptor Persecution UK: Peregrines fledge as investigation into the stamping of first clutch continues at St Alban’s Cathedral, UK.

Three Peregrines fledge successfully at St Albans Cathedral as police investigation continues into tDownload

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 21st July 2025

Both Darach 7P0 and Breac 7P7 are flying strongly and making good landings, barring the odd crash landing as Breac did today, and spending a great deal of time away from the nest, returning in the hope of being fed. At the time of filing this report (midnight) the nest has been empty for some time as both chicks are opting to spend the night perching in trees like adult Ospreys rather than lying on the nest. They go very quickly from flapping their wings and peering over the edge of the nest to fledging and staying out overnight! Nest cam watchers are suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS) but we can expect to have the pleasure of the chicks’ occasional company for a little longer before they set off on their epic journey south to Africa. Louis brought three fish to the nest today, the first two were shared by both chicks but only Breac was around to share the third fish with Dorcha. Louis’ tally now stand at three hundred and thirty one, it’s possible he might feed them off nest but only fish brought to the nest are included in the tally. Dorcha will need to feed up before she sets off on migration – in previous years she has brought a total of two fish to the nest, once for herself when she and Louis reunited on 10th April 2023, and once last year on 27th June when Louis was unable to provide fish for the chicks who were subsequently removed and placed on the translocation programme. It will be interesting to see if she brings a fish before leaving Loch Arkaig this year, she was kept busy today seeing off persistent Hooded Crows and for now will continue to rely on Louis for fish. Garry brought two fish to Nest One for Aurora, and his tally rise to one hundred and thirty three. The rain set in this evening, it’s raining now and forecast to continue overnight and all day tomorrow, with an even temperature spread of 15

°C to 17°C.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.06.11 (03.47.07); Nest Two 22.53.56 (03.48.27)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/gUfoE9cW-jY N2 Both chicks are on the nest when Louis brings the first fish04.27.17

https://youtu.be/IdMhLFxTgUc N2 Dorcha and the two chicks greet Louis bringing the second fish 05.17.24

https://youtu.be/cVnRDTNgI9g N1 Garry LV0 brings a breakfast fish for Aurora 06.57.09

https://youtu.be/_IOi93jpKZA N2 Dorcha plays chase with Hooded Crows on and off the nest 11.51.24 

https://youtu.be/Ssfmft_FLfQ N1 Aurora gets a second fish from Garry 14.04.39 

https://youtu.be/uscyJR5yvXs N2 Breac crash lands on the nest to get fish number three 17.01.48 Bonus podcast – Woodland Trust’s Woodland Walks:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/tLf_gt9SeJg  N1 You little plucker! Unhappy Rannoch nips her mum 2019

https://youtu.be/9AKeLfu1bkc N1 Vera & Captain track Doddie as he returns 2020

https://youtu.be/nUygc6nQVDo  N1 Everyone pays attention when RAF Airbus ZM415 flies low past the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/wzmzLuDZqh8  N1 Doddie eats a fish full of fish! 2020

https://youtu.be/AYLqHNPNjBg  N2 Dorcha & Louis react furiously to intruder Ospreys 2022

https://youtu.be/MVMad-tdWEY  N2 Upstart Crow invades the nest 2022

https://youtu.be/EuIBG6Jr7-4  N2 Tug of trout! Dramatic fight by the chicks 2022

https://youtu.be/9NT23F7pAQo N2 Loch Arkaig Ospreys and Woodland Trust’s George on STV Evening News 2022

https://youtu.be/hfrsSbzGVx8  N2 Simply spectacular sunset seen on nest cam 2022 (speeded up)

https://youtu.be/-WYnf2UNrM8 N1 Affric and Garry look cosy together  2023

https://youtu.be/9ammyKprKoE N1 The welcome sight of Prince arriving to join Affric 2023 

https://youtu.be/0ov8gkDNCao N1 Garry brings fish3 for Affric 2023

https://youtu.be/VNxRHm7h66U N2 Ludo departs, will he return tonight? 2023

https://youtu.be/xjqv-5EWRFA N1 Three Ospreys on the nest: Affric 152, Garry LV0 and Dorcha! 2024

https://youtu.be/J4Y2emy_rkM N2 RDF visits Louis on the nest 2024

https://youtu.be/umi0spLP–4   N1 Affric follows Garry to the nest 2024 

Birds of Poole Harbour News:

All 4 Carey Osprey Chicks Successfully FledgeDownload

‘PB’ reports that two of the three osplets at OPPD Fort Calhoun in Nebraska have fledged!

Usk Valley: 9K5 fledges!

9K5 makes the leap… — Usk Valley OspreysDownload

One of the most remarkable events today comes from a deceased osprey male 4K of Belvoir Castle (near to where we lived in the UK). He raised only two chicks. That is a 100% success. Have a read! 4K is a grandfather. I am in tears. 4K was the hero of Sacha Dench’s Conservation without Borders documentary on the flyway between the UK and West Africa. He sadly died on a power pole.

Geemeff writes, “Simon Curtin, author of If You Build It, He Will Come, emailed me to say that the female of the first pair of Ospreys to breed in East Anglia after an absence of 250 years is none other than Blue 2H7, Blue 4K’s chick!! She’s paired with an unringed male, and Tim Mackrill has confirmed they have two chicks.

Furthermore Simon tells me her brother Blue 2H8 has been sighted back at Belvoir Castle last year and again this year, although not paired up.

What are the odds?! Blue 4K was sat-tagged and tracked by Sacha Dench on the Flight of the Osprey expedition and sighted in his winter quarters in Guinea. He was a 2013 Rutland bird who bred for the first time at nine years old in 2022, produced two chicks at Belvoir then sadly died in Africa returning from migration in 2023. And both of those chicks have been sighted back in the UK – simply astounding and astronomical odds.

Simon’s book is about the attempt to attract Ospreys back to Belvoir after an absence of two hundred years by building nest platforms under the guidance of Tim Mackrill. The project was successful when 4K arrived and paired up with an unringed female and they produced 2H7 and 2H8 who turned out to be his only offspring. George, Steve Quinn and I were thanked in the credits as Woodland Trust gave permission for us to provide fish stats, video and photos of the two Loch Arkaig nests as the Belvoir nests don’t have nest cams. 

The book is an easy read and highly recommended.”

Thank you to SK Hideaways, Geemeff and Simon Curtain as well as Geemeff’s Woodland Trust report, Pam Breci, Usk Valley, St Albans, Raptor Persecution UK, and Birds of Poole Harbour for their reports, their images, and their streaming cams. Much appreciated.

Late Monday News in Bird World

21 July 2025

Hello Everyone,

You need some good news! And we have it.

My earlier report indicated that the nest tree at Balgavies Loch had collapsed.

Concern was raised for 4L1. Then something wonderful happened.

Oh, there are birds flying! We may have lost many, but we have to be joyful for those who survived this year. Wish them strength, good health, great winds, and lots of fish – and a return in two years!

Part of Heidi’s earlier post was not attached and it should indicate that at Seaside, Chee fledged! “Seaside osprey cam has had issues with their live stream all season, and  it has been frustrating for viewers and the chat moderator, Jewel.  There was a fledge the morning of 7/20 that occurred when the livestream was down, and reports came in from ‘boots on the ground’, John and August.  With a brief nest view later on, Jewel determined that the oldest chick, ‘Chee’, had fledged at 54 days of age.  The BOG’s provided information throughout the day, and when the live stream resumed later on, Chee was seen back on the nest. “

At Alyth SS, Forest, the oldest of the two surviving chicks, has flown on Monday the 21st.

News from the Usk Valley in Wales as they anticipate, in week 7, a huge celebration as 9K5, the first osplet to fledge from a nest in this region of Wales, in over 250 years.

9K5 WEEK 7 — Usk Valley OspreysDownload

We also have good news coming from Seattle with ‘PS’s report for the weekend.

‘PS’ writes: “Two chicks continue to look good – lots and lots of wing flapping, hopping around, and head bobbing/weaving. Multiple fish feeds by both mom and dad, with dad doing several “touch and gos” just delivering fish and then leaving immediately to look for more. Seem very close to fledging – fingers crossed for these two. Growing body of photos here: https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/582NHoev1b

It’s wonderful to see these two doing so well with their crops bulging, and Dad coming in with another fish. So many nests have failed – so as I continue to say, we must rejoice in those that triumph. We cannot lose hope. We need to take action and address the factors that impact our ospreys, such as habitat loss, commercial fishing, and a warming planet.

‘J’ sends us news of both Rita and Ron!

https://www.facebook.com/people/Rita-the-Bald-Eagle/61562017139998

We interrupt Rita’s History Monday posts to bring you an update on Rita’s former nest in the wild! Though we miss Rita on the nest, her mate, Ron continued to carry on the R Nest legacy when he took a new mate, Rose. After Rita’s injury, Ron and Rose continued to raise more “R” nest eagle babies. With the continued care by Lloyd Brown, Wildlife Rescue of Dade County, and the very generous support of Ron Magill and the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment, these eagles continue to thrive at the nest. On Friday, the old nest platform was replaced, and Daniel Montanez, Modern Day Tech Solutions, was on hand to perform all of the camera and sound system maintenance for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for the announcement for when the cams go live again! Thank you to all of these professionals for their care of Rita and her extended family. Your support for these organizations is greatly appreciated. Without your help, they can’t do all of the amazing and valuable work that they do. JK #ritathebaldeagle https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16rY5dH3Fu/

Today we replaced the Bald Eagle nest platform for the “R” nest, the one that is livestreamed from Miami-Dade County, Florida. We pulled down the old “R” nest, expanded the platform and put the new “R” nest in place. The new nest platform was created by South Miami Senior High School teacher Mr. Nick Truby’s class. Our IT guy Danny worked on the cameras and associated electronics. Thanks to our fantastic volunteers Jeanne Kaufman, Jolie Van Der Vlugt, Daniel Montanez, and Mark Monroe, and to Mr. Truby’s students.

This Eagle Nest Cam is made possible by a partnership between Wildlife Rescue of Dade County and the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment. Your donations help us help our National Bird and all the animals in our care: http://dadewildliferescue.com/donate.php

Thank you to Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, Jim Hughes, and the gang at Balgavies Loch; to ‘J’ for the Ron and Rita information, to ‘PS’ for their wonderful photographs and news for the nest in Seattle, Heidi’s monitoring and news, the Usk Valley News, and Alyth. We are so grateful for your concern and care for ospreys! Thank you again.

Monday in Bird World

21 July 2025

Late breaking news that cannot be ignored:

I love storks – white, black or even rainbow coloured. Storks are wonderful and we are killing them along with other birds such as ospreys because of our general disregard for what plastic does to the world. “The chief culprit was baler twine, a plastic string used to secure hay bales: either the twine or its wrapping was responsible for almost all the entangled chicks. A few were caught up in domestic plastics such as bags or milk containers. The chicks died from strangulation, amputation and infected wounds.

“They roll and roll and they go around and it’s almost as if they tie the rope around their legs even harder as they move,” Franco says.

Acácio likes to talk about successful rescues, too. Once, she peered into a nest built on the stump of a cork oak tree to find two three-week-old siblings, their limbs coiled in spirals of blue baler twine.”

How many times has Dr Greene talked about the baling twine issues with ospreys in Montana? We need to find a solution for this plastic monster. It is more than sad.

Please read the article from The Guardian. It is enlightening.

Killer in the nest: how young storks are being strangled by plastichttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/14/discarded-plastic-baler-twine-killing-birds-white-storks-aoe?CMP=share_btn_url

A situation is developing at Osprey House Environment Centre in Australia. The female is feeding last year’s fledgling and her two young osplets! ‘MB’ sends us the FB link:

https://www.facebook.com/OspreyHouseEnvironmentCentre?

Whew! Welcome to the beginning of the week! We hope that each of you had a wonderful weekend.

The Girls enjoy watching the dozens of new baby birds in the garden. They come up close to the conservatory windows and cause quite a stir! Cute little wrens today. The baby Crows still arrive wanting their peanuts, and you can hear the Blue Jays two blocks away if the feeder is empty. It is a joy! Toby has had several walks. We have met many new neighbours and their puppies. He is growing leaps and bounds. I cannot quite believe it. His halter had to be loosened today, and I swear he is 15 cm or 6 inches longer. My new bed seems much smaller, and he really snores. We had a wonderful barbecue celebrating my daughter’s birthday. Everyone was there. It was fantastic. Even the wildfire smoke and wasps could not dampen anyone’s spirits.

I am now a member of the Virginia Wildlife FB group. (Thank you so much for letting me join – I really want to learn about the situation of all wildlife in Virginia.) First thing I noticed – images of Bald Eagles chasing Ospreys to get their precious fish! Check it out on their FB group. Ospreys have trouble with all manner of feathered ‘friends’ trying to get their fish. Gulls, eagles, even other ospreys.

Heidi’s Osprey Nest Notes:

Seaside osprey cam has had issues with their live stream all season, and  it has been frustrating for viewers and the chat moderator, Jewel.  There was a fledge the morning of 7/20 that occurred when the livestream was down, and reports came in from ‘boots on the ground’, John and August.  With a brief nest view later.

Thank you, Heidi.

Gorgeous photograph of the three fledglings from the Centreport Bald Eagle Nest on Long Island, New York.

A good news story about wildlife is always welcome, and I received one last week from one of our regular readers, ‘MP’. I have tried to attach the images, but alas, I gave up. I know that you can imagine a barbed wire fence with large barbs and how, if an animal jumped over the fence, they could easily become injured.

“Hi, Mary Ann. All these photos and writings are from Ron Dudley. He’s showing a good side of ranchers and Nature Conservancy working together for nature. thought this to be a positive side.I thought you’d like to know.~M

Some ranchers in the valley have installed pronghorn-friendly barbed wire fences that have no barbs on the bottom wire. This fence is one of them. 

And pronghorn-friendly fences aren’t the only example of ranchers trying to protect wildlife in the valley. Much of the huge valley is Sage Grouse country. When in flight, grouse have a hard time seeing barbed wire, so they often crash into it. When a 6+ lb. Sage Grouse crashes into barbed wire at speed, the results are predictably disastrous. 

So some ranchers have allowed organizations like the Nature Conservancy to install bright white fence flags on their fences. The flags are easy to see and research has shown that they significantly reduce grouse/fence mayhem. I took this photo on June 19th in one of the more remote areas of the valley.

Not long after this photo was taken, I talked to a local rancher (Justin) about the fence flags. Here’s what he said (paraphrased) – “As long they (the Nature Conservancy and organisations like them) are willing to pay for them, and install them, I’m certainly willing to allow them to do so.”

Foulshaw Moss and Cumbrian Wildlife Trust:

All three at Foulshaw Moss have now fledged. Congratulations White YW and Blue 35 for another fantastic and very successful year.

Dyfi Osprey Project: Idris is one of my all-time favourite male ospreys. He is known as ‘Daddy Long Legs’, but he is a great fisher. Now he has broken another record. Watch the video to find out what that is: https://youtu.be/Y_GEb2QQapM?

Dunrovin Ranch Osprey Platform:

Allin’s Cove West: “A day in the life of the single parent offspring. Sleep, stretch, wing flat, call for food, and when none arrives, sleep some more.”https://youtu.be/cQx9eX2G31w?

Goitzsche-Wildnis with J Castyner: “Being an only child seems to have only advantages. Zeus and Fjona have focused on taking care of the boy, protecting him and feeding him in the best possible way. We can see it in the video. Mother and son are (I think) on the camera pole screaming to claim the teak, but when the father arrives alone the young man goes down to collect the piece: a beautiful headless fish, a luxurious fillet. For the boy, the best.” (The two older siblings were predated by a Red Kite). Other report below on this nest.

Sauces Canyon: Betty Lou comes home. https://youtu.be/19Ah8LzbEfI?

Two Harbours: Date night with long-time bonded mates, Chase and Cholyn by SK Hideaways. https://youtu.be/4PCwSnUvu2k?

West End Nest: Haku is on and off the nest. Makaio has not been seen for some weeks. Many believe he has left for migration since this is off-season. We must wait. It looks like Haku is warming up to the new visiting male.

I receive many questions about Akecheta since he was photographed on the mainland near Ojai. To my knowledge, no other photographs with his blue wing tag have been taken. I am sure he is alright. Is Thunder with him? Well, we haven’t seen her around the nest, and I just think she left eggs so abruptly that it is possible.

Haku and MV (male visitor) are a nice looking couple.

Coeur de’Alene, Idaho: The three surviving osplets are doing well. Mum has not removed the body of the fourth baby yet.

Fru Rauer: The Norwegian Osprey Project and Translocation of Norwegian birds to Ireland.

Short explanation video. Click on CC for English. The ten are already in Ireland. https://youtu.be/o6mjGxTfAbs?

Ringing of Ospreys in Taipalsaari 2025: https://youtu.be/opE1IBwXeN0?

mie caught a fish delivery at the
Kallaveden sääksilive: https://youtu.be/K4pDiyKbUTg?

Ringing at the Janakkalan Nest in Finland: https://youtu.be/UFhpbkVDrwA?

J Castnyer catches a fish delivery at the Goitzsche Wildnis Osprey nest in Germany. That fledgling was in there quick – ‘Mine and Mine Alone’ is the message. https://youtu.be/C7sh8ngNEVo?

And they give us an update at Eschenbach: “Despite the problems in broadcasting the live broadcast from the Eschenbach nest, I have uploaded this short video to confirm that everything is going well: Herbert has delivered a fish, Hermine is repeating the teak between the children and, most importantly, both are now flying. Normality is a gift from heaven.” https://youtu.be/yp5U1QXB_LQ?

Rutland Manton Bay: Will Maya stay home, postponing the start to her migration to help feed all those babies? We wait to see.

Birds of Poole Harbour: Everyone wants fish. Caught three on the nest.

Big Bear Valley: Jack and Shadow ‘almost’ visit. SK Hideaways catches it. https://youtu.be/SjMY4TyS_Ws?

Trempeauleau, WI: Mum is home, but where is T3? Well, that fledgling is never far away. Mum comes in with a fish and you can hear the sqeeing and then T3 is there to grab her dinner.

SK Hideaways caught Mum bringing in one of her whoppers for her ‘baby’. https://youtu.be/rmu1eJKTMkY?

Talk about a loving and devoted mother. Mrs T sure is that and more. I get all weepy seeing the two of them together. It was such a challenging year for Mrs T raising this fledgling from hatch alone – and often, as I have said many times, without the help of Mr T, who was a hindrance stealing fish for his other nest with two youngsters from this one! But, nevermind, Mrs T did the unthinkable. She is amazing.

SK Hideaways also catches up with the Southern UK Hobby Falcon nest in the UK: https://youtu.be/7S9hwxdwaQ0?

Oh, my goodness, they are sooooo cute.

Tatarsan White-tail Eagles, RU: Fledgling visits nest, hoping for food.

Latvian Golden Eagles: Food delivery from Grislis. Spilve feeds – and it was a long feeding. https://youtu.be/-_HhGdK-pi8?

Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal: The entire article and the information on how to write is in my late Monday, 14 July blog. There is a big meeting on May 7. Don’t sit on this. Could you write to the Virginia Legislators? Cute and Paste – send it to all of them, demanding proper biodiversity and an end to commercial fishing in the Chesapeake and along the coasts of the Atlantic. We don’t want any more osplets to die, along with many other species.

If you love osprey, don’t sit on this. Get busy. Set aside two hours – that is all it would take to compose a letter – and send it out to every Virginia politician, along with the journalist who wrote the article, The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, etc. This is not the time to be silent.

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 20th July 2025

The two chicks practised their flying and landing skills today, popping on and off the nest especially when Louis was around delivering fish. Breac got most of the two fish delivered by Louis, but Darach was determined and attacked both Dorcha and Breac to get a share. Both chicks were mantling and squawking over the fish so it appears hyperphagia (compulsion to eat) is setting in as migration looms in the not too distant future. Louis’ tally rises to three hundred and twenty eight, and Garry’s one fish delivery takes his tally to one hundred and thirty one, although it was such a small piece of fish, Aurora might not consider it worth counting. After staying dry most of today, the rain started this evening and scattered showers will probably continue through tonight with cloudy skies, light winds, and a low of 15°C causing muggy conditions. There’s a weather warning in place for the Highlands tomorrow of heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms causing localised flooding, and a high of 21°C in the Inver Mallie area.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.26.53 ( 03.50.00E); Nest Two 23.19.12 (03.57.54)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/4l4BfjYbvU0 N1 Garry brings Aurora a tiny bit of fish but she takes it anyway 06.59.02

https://youtu.be/1XR3T6twJ-g N2 Dorcha takes fish one from Louis then allows Breac to take it 14.01.16 

https://youtu.be/AcWKLikcyc8 N2 And repeat! Dorcha gets fish two from Louis then lets Breac get it 19.28.55  

https://youtu.be/_Xh5vhdm9qI N2 Dorcha & Breac are attacked by Darach after he gets hold of fish two 20.29.10

Bonus watch – LizB’s long lens videos from a mile away of Darach and Breac just after Darach fledged yesterday: 

Blast from the past, 19th July* in previous years:

https://youtu.be/BIHDRrpe6Qo N1 My turn daddy! Louis feeds Rannoch 2019

https://youtu.be/TwqqSshM42E N1 Doddie drops in to grab all the breakfast 2020

https://youtu.be/-xNiwmN-xQI  N1 Doddie does an evening flypast of the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/EYDBamjYrf8  N1 Hey! who put that there? Prince makes an undignified departure 2021

https://youtu.be/304-lrclaZw  N1 Third visit by the new pair Blue 152 & Prince YP 2021

https://youtu.be/xW2CIMG3IDM  N2 Hooked on you – the chicks get hooked together! 2022

https://youtu.be/lmPZ_jmuEz0  N2 Dorcha reacts to an intruder Osprey seen on camera 2022

https://youtu.be/L1DG3H9gUUM N2 RAF flypast doesn’t stop Louis (2022)

https://youtu.be/k_2pVwLNAZU  N2 Louis brings a fish and eats it himself 2023

https://youtu.be/Lq9DbF3I6J4  N2 LY7 does a massive double helicopter! 2023

https://youtu.be/9SyP31iXLbc  N2  FLEDGE! Ludo LY7 is off into the world! 2023

https://youtu.be/xArpA43gG1Q N1 Affric 152 receives another fish from Garry 2023

https://youtu.be/6SBcqw1oX38 N1 A Wood Pigeon visits 2024

https://youtu.be/wp5mZUIOlQU N2 No fish and a failed mating attempt 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 19th July 2025
Today was a day for celebration – not only did Breac 7P7 return safely after not returning to the nest after his maiden flight yesterday, but Darach 7P0 also fledged, and returned in time to be fed by his mum Dorcha. His fledge wasn’t the nonchalant take off his brother made – Darach did some flapping, hopping, and squeaking before launching himself off the right edge of the nest and out of sight. However, his return was pretty good, he made a smooth landing looking confident as if he’d been flying for a while. So that’s both chicks achieving this milestone, and while some on the forum express sadness at no longer having them around all the time, this is the major step in their development, their parents have been working towards. Many watchers are celebrating by making a donation towards the upkeep of their home in Arkaig Forest – there are many ways to donate, the easiest one is to use the yellow button on this page above ‘What’s been happening on the nest today?’ All donations of whatever size are gratefully received and will be put to good use. In other news, Louis delivered four fish to the nest today, one of which Breac tried to eat starting from the tail! But soon realised his mistake, flipped it around neatly, and started tearing into the head as Dorcha has shown them. Louis’ tally now stands at three hundred and twenty six, while Garry’s rises by one to one hundred and thirty following his delivery to Aurora today. The promised rain materialised and the chicks were just a damp huddle, the forecast calls for more rain overnight continuing tomorrow with thundery showers, with a low of 16°C tonight and a high of 21°C tomorrow.Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.43.27 (03.31.43); Nest Two 23.55.24 (04.00.52)
Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/lm8l1KbeW_w N2 Darach & Dorcha ignore Louis’ fresh fish preferring the old one 04.56.26https://youtu.be/B56rYKu0NdQ N2 That’s no way to treat your mum! Darach pecks Dorcha 07.13.28 https://youtu.be/B89bbPQVaPk He’s back! Breac returns from his maiden flight N2 09.05.27 https://youtu.be/OdCbe-kLjjA N2 Both helicopter together, Breac takes off for flight two 10.38.00

https://youtu.be/2ks2GzdtlO8 N2 FLEDGE! Darach has done it! also found his wings 13.02.38 (zoom)https://youtu.be/hnm7TNtng34 N2 Dorcha allows Breac to have the second fish 15.45.52 https://youtu.be/i-scN7LGgIY N1 Aurora grabs the fish and goes, Garry stays and tidies up 17.26.48 

https://youtu.be/tQMpMSjGkpo N2 He’s back! Darach returns and sticks the landing 17.31.27https://youtu.be/OAkKQWbpQRU N2 Two wet chicks greet Louis arriving with fish number three 18.31.50  Bonus watch – another brilliant video from Steve Quinn of the nest seen from a kilometre away:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/bzD0ewEZPy0  N1 FLEDGE!! Mallie takes her first flight! 2019

https://youtu.be/nyUAdw2pU64  N1 I’m home mum! Mallie lands gracefully after her maiden flight 2019

https://youtu.be/NZL4TzrXZJ4  N1 A different perspective: the family in split-screen, 2020 (thanks LizB)

https://youtu.be/Dn8RbvlOV_s   N1 Vera lands on Captain 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/S9BxyRx0wUA  N2 Night moves: LW5 prepares for liftoff 2022

https://youtu.be/EcWKtfYf9OU  N2 Have fish will travel: Fish number two arrives, departs and returns 2022

https://youtu.be/Mz4fJSZ_LUQ   N2 Dorcha and LW6 fight over a fish 2022

https://youtu.be/T8wtZ_Zrq_E  N2 Ludo’s second flight 2023

https://youtu.be/kYV3QZ-BIa8  N2 Ludo’s eventful third flight – gets divebombed and crash lands  2023

https://youtu.be/ZtKWJC9nqiU  N1 Affric eventually gets a fish from Garry  2023

https://youtu.be/VmlZ8LP5KjU  N2 Ludo makes a perfect landing this time  2023

https://youtu.be/HQpwZ0KNtUU  N2 Ludo gets tired of waiting and self-feeds  2023

https://youtu.be/n5V3RcoCZJI  N1 Garry arrives with a third fish for Affric  2023

https://youtu.be/yx5Yoxe0feY  N2 Not tonight! Dorcha’s not accepting of Louis’ attentions  2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/Vkh1bYP9V_U  N1 Sweet little singer visits 2024

https://youtu.be/U2bBn4PpMoM  N1 Garry LV0 brings a stick and does nest prep 2024

https://youtu.be/jN1-tY56wnA  N1 A pair of little birds pay an early evening visit 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 18th July 2025

Today’s main story is Breac 7P7’s fledge. After doing a proper high helicopter off the screen in the morning, around lunchtime he casually had a quick preen, then without any fuss, spread his wings and launched himself out into the world. Older brother Darach 7P0 looked slightly bewildered but mum Dorcha flew off her perch to deal with the interloper, mistaking him for one of the intruders who’ve kept her and Louis busy today. He didn’t return to the nest, but thanks to LizB and her trusty scope, he’s been sighted perching on a tree behind the nest. Link in the bonus section to those trees via the drone flyover video. Despite intruder alarms, Louis delivered four fish to the nest, taking his tally to three hundred and twenty two. Nest One cam was up and running again this morning, allowing us to see Garry LV0 and Aurora 536 on the nest. He didn’t bring her any fish but they did have a successful mating, and when Affric 152 intruded and landed on the nest, they flew off together in the same direction showing their strong bond which bodes well for next year. His tally remains at one hundred and twenty nine. The weather was settled today, the thundery showers didn’t materialise but are forecast to show up tomorrow with a high of 22°C, but overnight it’s expected to be dry and partly cloudy with light winds, and a low of 14°C.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.41.29 (03.51.51E); Nest Two (04.08.30)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/FAR3H2mrmRY N2 Darach wins the tug of war for fish one 06.59.30

https://youtu.be/jiKLX7mriNA N1 Garry and Aurora are scared off by Affric 11.02.30

https://youtu.be/Dehz9bEl9po N2 Breac gets high! Proper off-the-screen helicopter 09.40.27  

https://youtu.be/Y3McAjshYKw N2 FLEDGE! Breac 7P7 has found his wings and flown! 13.23.30  

https://youtu.be/G_madcp0b3c N2 Louis brings a second fish but only one chick is there 14.51.40

https://youtu.be/632J3R7_bUk N2 Darach is alone on the nest and gets fish three to himself 16.59.16

https://youtu.be/JIAeVM0yzpY N2 Darach does a good job of tackling a whole fish, 4th today 21.56.24

Bonus watch – LizB has spotted Breac 7P7 perched behind the nest, in the trees seen in this drone flyover video:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/hVAZXaUtY_M  N1 Did Aila pop out for a quick pint? Looks tipsy on landing! 2019

https://youtu.be/25QSyNV93w8  N1 Sibling rivalry – Rannoch gets a beating 2019

https://youtu.be/fZq4NVQVZGk  N1 FLEDGE! Doddie finds his wings 2020 (Classic Ospreys: Chopin 2020)

https://youtu.be/FXbWOQ9_eII  N1 Vera and Captain bow to Doddie 2020

https://youtu.be/jzeN92U37KU  N2 Dorcha makes off with fish number two, chicks not happy 2022

https://youtu.be/QLDYCp-9mQE  N2 Dorcha makes room for LW5 to wingercise 2022

https://youtu.be/gGXO_xyQDws N1&2 RAF do another flypast – three jets this time 2023

https://youtu.be/vxdVywfJT3U  N1 Garry finally brings a fish for Affric 2023

https://youtu.be/mmcV4tRItZk  N2 LY7 gets high! Proper helicopter! 2023

https://youtu.be/qaojgIgK74A  WTScotsocial tweet and footage of 1JR tucking into his fish dinner in Spain 2024

https://youtu.be/wa59vTuwYJc N2 No fish, just a failed mating attempt 2024

https://youtu.be/pxWsh7-M96g N2 Is this a juvenile Tawny Owl calling nearby? 2024

From the Ventana Wildlife Society. I am starting with a quote from the newsletter. The work that these remarkable individuals do should get the highest praise. There are few of them and they really live their lives caring for these amazing creatures.

“If you watched our wildlife documentary, Condor Canyon, you got to know Amigo (204) and his long-time mate, Kodama (646). Often the first condors seen by blossoming birders in Big Sur, CA, Amigo and Kodama were fixtures in their territory at Sea Lion Cove. They raised three biological chicks together playing a key role in the recovery of the species.

On December 13, 2024, Amigo was found deceased on the cliffs of his coastal territory. It is known that condors can live more than 5 decades, however, at the time of his death, Amigo was just 25 years old. Necropsy results confirmed his cause of death was lead poisoning. The lead bullet recovered from his digestive tract was consistent with a .22 caliber. While this caliber is legal in California, lead-based ammunition has been banned for hunting wildlife since 2019 due to its devastating effects on condors and other wildlife. Lead poisoning accounts for half of all known causes of death in condors and unfortunately for Amigo, his life was cut short.  

However, this isn’t about blame, but rather, about solutions. Hunters and ranchers across California are following the law and doing their part to protect wildlife. Many responsible land stewards want to make the switch but still face limited availability of reliable non-lead options for smaller calibers like .22, which is America’s most popular rifle. Expanding access and awareness is key to protecting condors and supporting people whose livelihoods depend on working and living off the land.  

Let’s honor Amigo’s legacy by advancing practical tools and partnerships that benefit both people and wildlife. If you or anyone you know hunts or has a ranch in central California, please pass along information about our Free Non-lead Ammunition Program. Click or tap the button below to get started.” That button is in the newsletter. If it doesn’t work, go to their website.

Lead toxicity impacts more than just condors. Many of the Bald Eagles taken into care have enormous amounts of lead, so don’t just do this for the condors, do it for all raptors. Call for a lead-free world in terms of ammunition (both recreational and military) as well as in fishing gear, etc. It is do dangerous!

The Full CropDownload

I have received news from ‘TU’ that the mother stork hit by the car in the Czech Republic has died. Thankfully, her storklets are doing very well. Had their rescue taken any longer, it might have been a different story.

‘TU’ and I also discussed Bonus the much beloved Black Storklet that was orphaned, raised for a bit in a clinic with Urmas and Dr Madis, and then fostered by Karl II and Kaia. We all loved Bonus and followed ‘his’ journeys and then his satellite transmitter went dead and our hearts sank. Well, Bonus might not have a transmitter but SHE is very much alive and has been seen and photographed at many nests. Urmas also agrees that Bonus is a female. Yippee. I hope that Bonus finds a safe nest – many more are needed along with artificial ponds full of frogs and little fish – but that she lives long, raises many storklets, and carries on the DNA of her parents, Jan and Janika.

Grandaughter Elysha highly recommends David Attenborough’s Ocean. It is a documentary that raises the issue of overfishing in the ocean and sheds light on our beloved albatross. Please check out the official trailer and then find the documentary on your streaming channel: https://youtu.be/O7V8OuS2BMY?

A new FB group that also looks at Kakapo.

The Cornell Red Tail Hawks, Big Red, and Arthur’s Os are still enjoying their time around the Cornell Campus and having Mum and Dad provide them with meals!~

Thank you so very much for being with us. We are taking a brief retreat-type holiday this week. The forecast, however, is for rain both where we live and at our destination. It is easier to be home to care for Don and Toby, but we are going with open minds and eyes, knowing that home is only 2 hours and 20 minutes away! My Friday blog may be short.

Brock is waiting for food. Then the wasps came and he left. Thankfully, he returned and ate his entire meal. I felt relieved, as he doesn’t look so good these days.

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB, PS, TU’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, and the authors of posts such as Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all those at Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal FB. I am very grateful to you and all the others and to the newspapers 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.

Friday in Bird World

18 July 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

We hope that the week was kinder to you than it was to the little osplets on the nests. Gosh, I hate to be a bearer of bad news. This year has really ‘gotten’ to me and Heidi. She said something very important on Tuesday and I hope she does not mind my repeating it since it was public. Heidi wrote, “I love them, and I want to be there for them… because it is happening to them whether we watch or not. If they can endure the pain, then so can I.” Precisely how I feel and I know from many of you who have written to me in the middle of the night that you sit up and virutally hold their little talons as they pass. Thank you for being there for them.

The plight is getting news coverage – keep up the pressure! Thanks, Heidi.

Menhaden Scarcity Leads to Bleak Outlook for Ospreys – The SandPaperDownload

The book decluttering was quite the event. The final books went to the fire station thanks to my neighbour for their book drive. They were shocked to get thousands of almost new books! A great place for them. A win-win. The picnic table is assembled. The new beds are lovely and now, the last task is to pick a paint colour for the living room. It is the only room that I am going to refresh. Sometimes these things can become overwhelming so the goal is to stop before that becomes a reality.

In a week, we are going on a short holiday. Toby is going and The Girls are staying with Anne. On our return, Toby will begin his training. The trainer will come to our home. Looking forward.

There has been some sadness in the garden. We discovered that we had two baby Blue Jays. This evening when we took Toby on his walk, he wanted to go a different direction than normal. There in the back lane was one of the Baby Blue Jays. It had either hit one of the utility lines or landed on one and fell to its death. We scooped it up and brought it home burying it under the lime green hydrangea – a place where the little ones often flew. So sad. The adults work so hard to raise their young and in the end, so few survive those first months. There is also other sadness coming. For two nights Brock has not wanted to eat. He rests on the chairs on the deck and then goes back to the woodbox. Despite supplements, lots of good quality hard and wet food, dewormer, Brock is getting thinner and thinner. He does not run away from me but only allows me so close. I told him tonight how much his presence has meant to me and that I only wish he had trusted me enough to let me help him. He will be buried in the garden when he passes under the very large Crab Apple tree. I hope this time is not soon, but it feels as if it is. Send Brock your good wishes. All of this coloured what was to be a fun birthday party for Missey. So we will postpone that for a couple of days. The height of the party will be a small container of KFC. Missey loves KFC!!!!!!

‘PS’ report from Seattle Friday morning: “The two chicks continue to seem to do quite well, with multiple feedings witnessed, lots of flapping and hopping up and down on one leg, and some eating (though also a lot of still being fed by mom). I imagine, if all goes well, they will be fledging within the next 7-10 days? Can’t wait! 

Managed a lucky capture of mom coming back to the nest with a Starry Flounder one day, too. Rest of the photos here (https://www.flickr.com/gp/193514804@N08/00d128UF4o). “

Mum has turned out to be a great fisher! It is so nice to see a nest doing well. They did lose one chick but these two are really flapping and getting strong. Thanks, ‘PS’

Some osprey nests have been neglected. As I race to try and decipher all my notes and get the data into the forms, it is time to start at the top and check to see what is happening. Before I do that, my inbox is full of great individuals wanting to help stop the commercial fishing that is taking all the Menhaden. Here is a new posting from Ben Wurtz and his team at Conserve Wildlife NJ.

First, pick a story to make the decline of ospreys ‘real’. Ask these lawmakers if they want to be the ones to go down in history as the killers of the Chesapeake and the cause of osprey genocide? Here is the individual listings of everyone in the Virginia House of Delegates and their e-mail addresses. Write to them. Make it clear what is at stake. Make it personal. Then sit down and write the radio, local television, local newspapers, anyone who will listen. We are gaining traction in our fight to get a moratorium. I want that and a clear 10 mile limit with no use of helicopters or spotter planes!

Virginia House of Delegates Member ListingsDownload

Heidi’s Osprey Report:

Allin’s Cove East: The trio are approximately six and a half weeks old. They will be thinking of fledging very soon.

Allin’s Cove West: One chick on the nest. It looks good.

City of Independence: The fishing seems to have slacked off a bit. River and Laurel have two osplets and there is a Bald Eagle nest right across the river! No doubt the eagles try and grab some of that fish that River catches for his family.

Charlo Montana: Mum and both osplets got lots of fish on Thursday evening. Delighted.

Dyfi: All fledglings are on the nest and accounted for Tuesday evening.

Dunrovin:

Latest Dunrovin Ranch newsletter:

Heat Masks and High Drama in the NestDownload

Thursday evening at Dunrovin. Little 4 figured out, after several attempts, how to get up and get some of that fish! Thank goodness.

Alyth SS: Flora is an incredible Mum. They lost one this year but two will fledge.

Birds of Poole Harbour: CJ7 and Blue 022 make beautiful babies. Blue has stepped up his fishing and everyone is full to the brim before light’s out.

Glaslyn: Elen continues to keep a careful watch over her nest, which appears she will share with Teifi if both safely return from migration nest season.

Foulshaw Moss 1: Home to White YW and Blue 35.

Steelscape: Two osplets were ringed on Wednesday the 16th!

Yorkshire Dales Castle Bolton Estate: Ringing of three osplets!

San Jose City Hall Falcons thanks to SK Hideaways! https://youtu.be/gWiPEYENiFk?

Cornell Red-tail Hawks and Ferris Akel: Ferris managed to catch up with the Os.

One or more of the Os have been sleeping in the natal nest on the Fernow Tower recently,

Bald Eagles on the mend at Hoo’s Woods:

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 17th July 2025

Nest One cam went down shortly after day cam switched over and is still down – technical issues mean it might be down for a while. Fortunately Nest Two cam is unaffected, as all eyes are on the nest awaiting the fledge of the two chicks, which didn’t happen today but is imminent. There were several intruder alerts causing Dorcha to alarm call but no intruders were seen. The chicks spent a great deal of time hopping, flapping, and getting quite high liftoff, and also spent a bit of time peering over the edge and triangulating, the process of determining distance or location which takes the form of rapid head bobbing by the chicks. Louis delivered four fish to the nest taking his tally to three hundred and eighteen. Due to the cam outage we have no idea if any fish were delivered to Nest One today, therefore Garry’s tally remains at one hundred and nine, however off-nest reports from LizB suggest both Nest One residents, Garry and Aurora, were in the area. The rain materialised later than forecast and is expected to last through the night with thundery showers, light winds, and a low of 16°C, and continue tomorrow with thundery showers, gentle breezes, a high of 21°C and a few sunny intervals.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One cam still down since 03.48.19 (03.05.51); Nest Two 22.57.45 (03.51.26)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/WS8ORUqI5A4 N2 The chicks have a tug-of-war over fish number one: Breac wins 05.01.58

https://youtu.be/JT-ncpD1424 N2 Dorcha’s absent when fish two arrives so Breac takes it 07.28.22

https://youtu.be/pBRkRI0jyBk N2 Breac helicopters and hovers getting ready for fledging 09.51.51

https://youtu.be/54NqajNZADI N2 Dorcha returns in time to get fish three from Louis 14.05.26 

https://youtu.be/rc1Ez7Lsdg0 N2 No one wants fish four so Louis drops and goes 16.45.39 

Bonus video – Woodland Trust’s restoration work at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest featuring gentle giant Tarzan:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/ck2Pg7Q5eLY  N1 You little plucker! Aila has her feathers plucked out 2019

https://youtu.be/lgknSbXblXc  N1 Louis brings a protesting pike 2020

https://youtu.be/iDqoJdLmn_k  N1 Doddie gets high – helicoptering! 2020

https://youtu.be/h-Cl2LeaLKE  N2 Early morning wingercising: getting ready for lift off 2022

https://youtu.be/JVDiG_6Oyuo  N2 Dorcha is attacked by her chick 2022

https://youtu.be/g0lqwAW8cgo  N2 Pesky persistent Hoodie 2022

https://youtu.be/KZglDL7mQK0  N2 Three females and a colourful sunset 2022

https://youtu.be/azPfrKSwNcA  N2 Loud gunshot near the nest – Dorcha flees instantly 2023

https://youtu.be/vwRQv_1sNL0 N1 Affric follows Garry to the nest but he has no fish 2023

https://youtu.be/CwKUyPR_ync N1 & N2 Noisy RAF jets disturb the females on both nests 2023

https://youtu.be/AogYtfshRZU  N2 Dorcha’s unwieldy stick nearly knocks the chick off! 2023

https://youtu.be/4wpfSlXahCc N2 Louis & Dorcha meet on the nest but there’s no fish 2024

https://youtu.be/-M7049KwfMA N1 Who does a distant flash flypast? 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 16th July 2025
The weather was settled today and it looked a good day for first flights, but neither chick fledged. Perhaps the intruder alerts in the morning put them off as they spent a lot of time pancaked and didn’t make any helicopter attempts today. They did however do plenty of wingercising and bunny hops, including an amusing incident when Breac 7P7 did a flap and a hop from one side of the nest to the other and landed on Darach 7P0’s back in a flurry of wings then immediately hopped backwards again. Right before that they’d been perfectly in sync, both standing at the front of the nest turning in unison to watch something off-cam then checking out the view over the edge. Steve Quinn was also checking out the view from his vantage point a kilometre away and took some stunning long lens footage of the nest and its residents, link to his video in the bonus section. It was also a good day for fishing – Garry LV0 brought two fish for Aurora 536, and further strengthened their bond with what looked like a successful mating attempt. His tally now stands at one hundred and twenty nine fish. Louis brought five fish to the nest, taking his tally to three hundred and fourteen, but Dorcha didn’t get all of them as the chicks especially Breac are asserting themselves and taking fish directly from Louis as he lands. Tonight’s forecast is dry overnight with a clear sky, light winds and a low of 13

°C but it’ll change tomorrow to heavy rain, a gentle breeze and a high of 23°C.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 23.43.23 (02.56.41); Nest Two 23.39.24 (03.28.04)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/VtMiUVtqDmc N2 Early breakfast arrives 04.07.14https://youtu.be/8Ca-PVst_OM N2 Darach takes the second fish from Louis 06.02.56https://youtu.be/8bUM0B9iWBg N1 Aurora calls for fish but Garry mates with her instead 06.53.40

https://youtu.be/7DW28KMMB80 N1 Garry responds to Aurora’s calls with a fish 14.09.44

https://youtu.be/4rn3HjvGPRMN2 The chicks take fish three from Louis and tussle over it 14.14.14

https://youtu.be/qKdynluAV9k N1 Aurora squeaks her excitement at getting a second fish 18.37.47

https://youtu.be/YFu-Ctayry4 N2 In and out of sync: the chicks together on the nest 19.20.57https://youtu.be/gaUsRO5PJFo N2 Against a colourful sunset, Louis delivers a fourth fish 21.47.05  

https://youtu.be/3UCjzdxVnEc N2 Late night fish supper, fish five, arrives 22.43.22
Bonus watch – Steve Quinn’s amazing long lens video of the nest from a kilometre away:

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/4Ab9eT-jFjE  N1 Louis finally turns up with fish, gets mobbed by hangry chicks 2020

https://youtu.be/dED37P7d8HQ  N1 Synchronised stretching 2020

https://youtu.be/VOjowNQ9fqE  N2 Stretching & squirting: what the chicks get up to home alone at night 2022

https://youtu.be/3BVXtY_Bzx0  N2 Louis flies with fish 2022 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/BF_0tp4x8j8  N2 Hi def version of Dorcha’s injury 2022 (slo-mo zoom)

https://youtu.be/h817CRnJtF0  N2 That’s no way to treat your mum! 2022

https://youtu.be/CSswPOm8JvE N2 LY7 nibbles the rotten egg 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/yn79acfwWD0 N2 The infertile egg is finally crushed by LY7! 2023

https://youtu.be/8SQiPHQE5tw N1 Affric and Garry check out an intruder threat 2023

https://youtu.be/bcctn-mHR5s Comedy moment: the wind blows Louis away during a mating attempt 2024

https://youtu.be/tmvFGPHenBo How does Louis manage to fly with a 10 foot pole? 2024

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 15th July 2025
Intruder alerts and mini-helicopters were the order of the day but not much in the way of fish. Louis delivered only two fish today, a breakfast fish at 5am and a late night supper around 10.45 pm, taking his tally to three hundred and nine. However, an intruder Osprey was in the area causing multiple alarms and came close enough to be caught on camera on one occasion, which would have occupied Louis’ attention, and the second fish was a big lively trout, good for several dinners worth. The chicks’ energy levels are high enough for them to be preparing for fledging by flapping energetically, lifting off, and doing little hovers throughout the day when they weren’t pancaking because of the intruder alarms. Over on Nest One, Aurora 536 had a long wait before Garry LV0 finally brought her a fish at 8.15pm – was she the intruder at Nest Two, looking for free fish? The timings would work but the intruder wasn’t seen clearly – and his tally now stands at one hundred and twenty seven. The weather was mainly settled and set to continue with light clouds, light winds and a low of 12

°C overnight changing to sunny intervals and light winds with a high of 23°C tomorrow. Perfect for fledging? We shall have to wait and see!Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 00.07.30 (03.17.10); Nest Two 00.33.44 (03.34.57)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/AARQYgzR5Vo N2 Breakfast arrives and again Breac gets the fish first 05.31.11

https://youtu.be/pU9KyEAD0bQ N2 Intruder Osprey seen on nest cam – both adults defend 09.09.23

https://youtu.be/77_DfKJgquw N2 Lift off! The chicks get ready to fledge 11.51.14

https://youtu.be/jGPJxnvnJFw N1 Finally! Aurora’s first fish arrives at suppertime 20.14.53

https://youtu.be/bn1_moU9mZ8n N2 Late night lively fish supper arrives, fish number two 22.46.14Bonus watch – with fledging imminent, here’s what our chicks will see when they find their wings:

https://youtu.be/wiSNcrl7_mM  and  https://youtu.be/JALrf51Ljfk

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/Y6uqbk9cB5I  N1 Aila sees off an Intruder Osprey landing on the nest 2019

https://youtu.be/d1TPzhnNURo N1 Aila lands on a chick and gets nipped 2020

https://youtu.be/iFO12gpfwOs  N1 Daylight sonata: Doddie in slow motion 2020 (Classic Ospreys – Beethoven)

https://youtu.be/2qGCifFHKS0  N1 Vera dances, Doddie joins in, Captain just watches 2020

https://youtu.be/9sIzFlMDITo  N2 Lovely wingercising by both chicks 2022

https://youtu.be/FfxiO3U1nu4  N2 Ready – aim – sorry mum.. 2023 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/LXNdASNtViU N1 Affric departs Nest One after no response to her calls 2023

https://youtu.be/AM_F3zl7x9I  N2 LY7 wingercises facing the nest cam 2023 (slo-mo repeat)

https://youtu.be/rmFJdA2wDCc N1 Juvenile Buzzard (Buteo buteo) visits 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/5Y9kwM70tXI  N2 Two fish in two days! Louis brings an early breakfast  2024

https://youtu.be/qJEOIijj5Hc  Valencia: the chicks are preening, plus tweets & FB posts 13-15th July 2024

https://youtu.be/h9oCsNTe8zE N2 Louis returns and this time gives Dorcha the fish 2024

Moraine State Park: First fledge Wednesday morning.

Tweed Valley:

Cornell Red-tail Hawks with N Sirohi:

Fish for all – just not industry. The petition on Change.org has gathered all the required signatures. Letters are going out to members of the Virginia Legislature. Keep sending them. I am reminding them that they could go down in history as the individuals who killed the Chesapeake Bay. Shame.

‘A’ brings us up to date with what is happening in Australia: “I have two major concerns about WBSE this year. First, the gap between the laying of the two eggs is huge – nearly 80 hours (17:50 on 4 July to 01:15 on 8 July) – although delayed incubation was practised until the second egg was laid. Already, I’m hoping that first hatch will be a male. Second, there have been a number of days when no prey has been brought to the nest at all and I am wondering why. Of course it’s not a major concern at the moment but when there are two fast-growing eaglets in that nest, it will matter a lot more than it currently does. Also, Lady and Dad are not the only white-bellied sea eagles on the block, with another adult eagle being spotted on the river a few days ago. That is wonderful of course but it also makes me a trifle nervous, for obvious reasons. 

Dad has been doing his share of the incubating, with the pair splitting the nest-sitting duties fairly evenly on many days, though Lady always takes the night shifts. Dad has been sleeping close by and is very attentive. I love how keen the dads are for egg time (and later on, for chick time). These sea eagles really are exquisite birds. I love the delicacy of their heads. 

At Orange, there is much bonding and mating occurring. Diamond and Xavier are adorable, and both are looking particularly healthy and well fed. 

Eggs are still six weeks away at Port Lincoln and we have heard nothing about Collins Street so far this season.”

Many of you will recall that we had hoped to go and see Puffins this summer. It did not happen. Today an article appeared in The Guardian showing how climate change and the heating of our planet is impacting these precious little seabirds.

How this summer’s heatwaves are affecting breeding birdshttps://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/jul/17/how-summer-heatwaves-affecting-breeding-birds?CMP=share_btn_url

The bird of the week!

Cochabamba Mountain Finch Rufous and SlateDownload

Missey, Calico, Baby Hope, Hugo Yugo, Toby and all the garden family including Brock wish you a very happy weekend.

Including Baby Blue Jay (the adults are moulting and have lost their crests).

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care everyone. See you on Monday!

I want to thank our notable contributors, ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PS’, the owners of the streaming cams listed in bold, the individuals who take the time to create videos, including SK Hideaways, and the authors of posts and articles, including The Guardian, Jeff Kear at UK Osprey Information, and all those at Menhaden-Little Fish, Big Deal FB. I am very grateful. My blog would not be what it is without your input into the world of birding.

Tuesday Morning in Bird World

15 July 2025

As many of you know, Heidi Mc has been the spirit and eyes of the ospreys in the Northeast United States and in several other places throughout the US. Highly respected for her acute observation and now her migration ID skills, it has been a very tough year for her and those that care about our fish hawks.

This morning the second chick at Cape Henlopen passed. To see the videos please go to the Cape henlopen Osprey FB page.

Throughout this season, I have tried, albeit with limited success in some places, to get individuals to understand that if there are no fish available, the adults cannot bring food to the nests. Indeed, any fish brought to the nests in this area of the US is a lucky meal for the family. I cannot emphasise that enough. Images of Bald Eagles by private individuals, not posted online, show them taking the fish from the osprey. Every living thing that relies on Menhaden in this region is on the verge of starving. Osprey parents always try their best. Sometimes chicks are sick. When that happens and food is in short supply, the stronger chick will get fed so that one will hopefully survive.

Let’s try not to be armchair coaches. Instead, put your energy into helping solve the issue of commercial fishing that kills wildlife and raptors.

Heidi’s heart is breaking this season as she observes chick after chick die. I am grateful for her steadfastness in these deplorable times we live in. Anyone less would have thrown in the towel.

Please sign the petition to stop Omega Protein fishing – and they are not just in the NE. They also operate large ships along the US coast, including in Louisiana. Could you write to the legislators in the Virginia Assembly? May 7 is a big meeting. Thank you.

Lend your voice to help the ospreys!

14 July 2025

There is a petition and there is now an article. There is a meeting coming up on 7 May. Do not let the voice of a commercial industrial fishing company, Omega, get the last say. The Chesapeake Bay is dying. There are few baby osplets reaching fledge age.

Read the article. Write the journalist. Sign the petition that was in my earlier Monday blog of 14 July.

Menhaden fishers urge ASMFC to maintain quotas in face of NGO criticism _ SeafoodSourceDownload

Write the Governor of Virginia and those Virginia legislators that refuse to fund a study that will look at the area and –not the ocean. Omega’s figures come from the ‘ocean’ not the Bay. There is a big difference!

Virginia lawmakers decline to study menhaden abundance _ SeafoodSourceDownload

Glenn Youngkin. His office is located at Virginia’s Executive Mansion, 1010 E. Main St, Richmond, VA 23219

“The Governor of Virginia’s email address is not publicly available. However, you can contact the Governor’s office through the Governor’s Office website.You can also reach out to the Governor’s Scheduling Office to request a meeting or to have him attend an event. For general inquiries, the Governor’s Fellows Program email is GovFellows@governor.virginia.gov“