Tag Archives: raptors

Thursday in Bird World

24 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

The sky is the most beautiful clear blue. The winds have died down and everyone is enjoying all that the garden has to offer. We went to check on the chickadees and saw signs saying, ‘The Bears are Awake’ and others that said not to feed the wildlife because of the bears. There was not a chickadee in sight. It was, however, so nice to get outside and now sipping our afternoon tea, the squirrels and Starlings are having a frenzy at the new suet cylinders. There has been snow to the west and northwest of us. I hope this feeding frenzy is not because the weather is going to turn!

Mr Crow was not pleased with Dyson and the kits spending so much time on the big table feeder eating all of the nuts.

Meanwhile Brock was sunning himself on the top of one of the wood boxes when another cat went to eat at the feeder. It was the tiny all black kitten from last year. I have never seen Brock move so fast as to get that cat out of ‘his’ territory!

There is, however, bad weather heading through Nebraska and the eagle and osprey nests in the area. Stay safe. ‘PB’ tells me it is to get so bad that the storm chasers have come to town.

The storm went north of Denton Homes and the Majestics but ‘PB’ reports that more are popping up all over the state.

Hellgate Canyon Osprey Nest: Dr Greene reminds us:

“Hi everyone,

We know that some folks are upset with Louis, but we would like to remind you that these are wild creatures, and we should not project our human values on them. These cameras give us very intimate views into the lives of these fantastic wild ospreys, but there it does not always go as “we want.”

To put things in perspective, Iris has had an AMAZING run – she has probably fledged more chicks during her lifetime than most other ospreys anywhere in the world! And she keeps on trying!

Sincerely, Erick Greene and the Montana Osprey Team”

I am not mad at Louis. I am disappointed that Finnegan did not return, but as I continue to say, we must treasure each moment because we do not know when something terrible will happen. Yes, I had hoped for another nest of chicks and to see Iris as the great mum she is. I wish a male would bring her some good fish when she calls. But I do not want her to lose her nest at this stage in her life. And that is where Louis is important. Hopefully, he will continue to defend her against all male and female intruders, including Blue ZO, a four-year-old female from Fort Missoula. I cannot imagine Iris being homeless. Without a Finnegan, I also don’t want her to have to raise chicks. She should enjoy her summers so she can be fit for migration and return to us again and again.

Iris chased a female down the river today. Oh, darling Iris. We do not want you to get injured. I don’t think we could take it.

Llyn Brenig: The latest:

“After laying the first egg on 15 April from her pairing with 416, 372 went on to lay another two over the Easter weekend. In the meantime, LJ2 asserted himself and fought for his nest, attacking both 372 and 416 in the process. After some initial struggles, LJ2 looks to have achieved dominance and evicted two of the eggs from the nest (the third remains on the periphery of the platform and is being ignored by both birds). After this lively start to the osprey season, we continue to watch with great interest.

Follow all the drama on our webcams – https://ow.ly/GrzY50VGiVl – or visit the North Wales Wildlife Trust Lookout at Llyn Brenig (follow the signs from the visitor centre!).”

RSPB Loch Garten: Oh, another nest that might be a failure this year. RSPB Loch Garten writes,

“The latest action-packed instalment of #TheOspreyDiaries is here!

It’s touch and go now at Loch Garten. Will Asha return? Will a new female appear and get Brodie’s attention? Or will we see an empty nest this season? Stay tuned for all the updates right here.”

As I continue, you will notice that Iris is not the only one having nest issues!

Glaslyn: Elen laid her second egg at 1417 on Wednesday. The other three are gone due to the kerfuffel between Aran and Teifi. Will this egg go the way of the others? Will Aran reclaim his nest? Will Teifi leave? Will Elen accept Aran? It really is a soap opera.

Usk Valley: Things look like they could be encouraging.

ENCOURAGING SIGNS — Usk Valley OspreysDownload

Thank goodness there is a movement to erect some badly needed safe osprey poles! Can you chip in? I would love to see this happening at Achieva!

Geemeff sends us the daily summary for Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 23rd April 2025

Another quiet day where not much happened. Blue 536 visited Nest One in the morning but when Garry LV0 didn’t bring fish and attempted mating instead, she left. She should have returned later because he brought a fish at supper time and took it away as there weren’t any takers. His fish tally rises to thirteen. Nest Two saw Louis delivering two fish, taking his tally to forty seven, and getting rewarded by being allowed on egg duty while Dorcha went off to have her meal. Male Ospreys have brood patches like the females, but not all male Ospreys are as enthusiastic about egg-sitting as Louis. The weather was settled, the promised rain didn’t materialise and the forecast is dry tonight – a good night for owls, they are calling as this report is being posted (midnight) – and sunny intervals tomorrow.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.47.54 (04.35.40); Nest Two 21.44.19 (04.55.28)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/hu5NnXsXYHk N1 Great Tit visits at dawn and returns later 05.47.45

https://youtu.be/6bVxUOVXQEo N2 Dorcha shrieks when she sees breakfast arriving 05.56.38

https://youtu.be/B_iuG4WfwjQ N1 Blue 536 calls in vain but no fish from Garry LV0 08.41.27

https://youtu.be/eq2Jw7PlqW8 N2 Louis brings lunch for Dorcha – second fish today 13.41.30

https://youtu.be/NJpWUVhmuWY N1 Garry brings a fish but no one’s there 19.33.06

Bonus read – discover Woodland Trust’s partnership with Sainsburys – it’s more than just eggs:

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/partnerships/our-partners/sainsburys

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/HC8FSMTgKWk N1 Aila lays the first egg 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/Cnif4BNYFuM N1 Louis brings a fish to the empty nest 2021

https://youtu.be/OpyGsxeMGwE N1 Is this emaciated unringed female Aila? 2021 (long version)

https://youtu.be/fmNwPCmnz5k N2 Louis the pole vaulter 2022

https://youtu.be/VgOVHWjXnkk N1 Sweet little singer singing its heart out 2022

https://youtu.be/qLyRSw-879A N2 Ravens alarm Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/45Svwh7f7qA N2 Wind-swept lovers 2023

https://youtu.be/wpswrPe2VU0 Garry returns with his fish, still no takers 2024

https://youtu.be/6NqL5vXG91w N1: Prince attacks Affric 2024 (slo-mo zoom repeat)

https://youtu.be/oStv3X3SDiM  N2 Louis brings Dorcha a fish supper 2024

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

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

San Jose City Hall Falcons: Oh, wow. I am in love. Just look at these four – and do not worry. As SK Hideaways’ video shows, that fourth hatch (two days after the first three) got right up front to get its food! https://youtu.be/iPwcVApFTPA?

There might not be many falcon or hawk streaming cams, but these are such precious little angels. I think we should all watch Monty and Hartley raising these four without hesitation.

Remember. Cornell Redtail Hawk Cam. Big Red and Arthur will be on hatch watch in about six days. This is my favourite raptor nest. I love this Red-tail Hawk, who, at 22 years old, is so special I cannot even find the words to describe her.

There are two streaming cams you can see what is happening from all sides.

A tender moment between Arthur and Big Red.

NE Florida Bald Eagles: Gabby and Beau have been delivering fish to Bodie. Three on Tuesday! And Bodie was eating well on Wednesday when I checked. She is up on the branch looking very much like her beautiful Mum, Gabby, in that heraldic pose. Dear Juvie has not been seen since Saturday on any camera.

Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain Bald Eagles: The two surviving eaglets are doing very well and were full to the brim on Wednesday!

Farmer Derek’s Bonnie and Clyde Owl Cam: Look at little Starr up on those branches. She jumps down to the nest to get prey from Bonnie! Oh, my goodness, if GHOS would just leave the eaglets and osplets alone, I would love them.

Denton Homes Majestics: A lovely day on the nest.

Trempealeau Bald Eagle Nest: Mum is doing an amazing job raising her only surviving chick. Dad has come to steal fish she has caught. Don’t get me started. Today T3 has some fish and Mum also fed T3 one of its siblings (T4, perhaps). Thermal down is coming. It cannot come fast enough as good weather is not promised.

Duke Farms: Some have written to me about their concern for the amount of food coming to this nest. We often see the adults cutting back. These are beautiful, fully feathered eaglets. Let’s hope prey is plentiful enough for all to be healthy when they fumble. They are undoubtedly gorgeous and are climbing around those nest rails.

Decorah Goose Cam: We are on hatch watch.

Union County Falcon Scrape. It is hot. Mum is panting and there is at least one hatch, but I think two so far!

Heidi’s US Osprey Notes:

Cape Henlopen osprey cam: The new platform was installed over two years ago, and it went unused (except for the vultures that used to hang out there every day).  There were a few different ospreys spotted on the platform this spring, and one female in particular.  Then on 4/16 a handsome fellow showed up, and the two quickly became an item.  They have had some intruder issues which they have handled well.  The male has brought in nesting material, brought the female fish gifts, and they have been mating several times a day!

Wolf Bay osprey cam:  Josie and Bert now have two little hatchlings.  The second baby hatched the morning of 4/23.

Venice osprey cam: There is no shortage of fish at this nest, and the three kiddos are doing great. They are 18, 21, and 22 days old on 4/24.

Frenchman’s Creek: This only-chick is 50 days old, and has been doing some great wingers with small hops!  

Brevard County osprey cam: The youngest osplet finally figured out that being on the other side of Mom during a feeding tends to work out pretty well… look at that crop!

Thanks, Heidi!

A couple of other notes scrolling through the nests:

Bay and Beau at Island Beach State Park have their first egg.

Calico’s Tip of the Day: Listen to Jane Goodall’s message for Earth Day. On Earth Day, we finally made all of the changes to the cleaning supplies that we use in the house. Today, we are going to install a rain barrel. What else can you do? Can we do? https://youtu.be/gIpQa0k7y3A?

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care all! See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their posts, comments, notes, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi, PB’, The Weather Channel, Dr Ericke Green, Louis Matteau/Hellgate Osprey Cam, Llyn Brenig, RSPB Loch Garten, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Usk Valley, Carol Fuller/The Joy of Ospreys, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Heidi McGrue/The Joy of Ospreys, San Jose City Falcons, SK Hideaways, Cornell Red-tail Hawk Cam, NEFL-AEF, Xcel Energy, Farmer Derek’s Owl Cam, Denton Homes, Trempealeau Bald Eagle Cam, Duke Farms, Raptor Resource Project/Explore, Union County Falcon Scrape, Cape Henlopen, Venice Golf and Country Club Ospreys, Wolf Bay Osprey Cam, Frenchman’s Creek, Brevard County, Jane Goodall Institute

Wednesday in Bird World

23 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Yesterday was Earth Day. While we should, each day, try to protect our planet, did you do anything special? In Winnipeg, we will be having the opening of the new Buffalo Crossing at Fort Whyte on Sunday the 27th. It will mark the end of a week of events celebrating Earth Day. https://youtu.be/DQPIdqPi3TI?

Do you know the history of Earth Day? It is always on the 22nd of April.

Here’s are some facts:

  • 1969:John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and peace, later sanctioned by the United Nations. 
  • 1970:Senator Nelson organized the first Earth Day, focusing on the United States. 
  • April 22, 1970:The first Earth Day took place, with an estimated 20 million Americans participating. 
  • Late 1970:The Environmental Protection Agency was created, and other environmental laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act were passed. 
  • 1990:Earth Day went global, with over 140 countries participating, significantly expanding its reach and influence. 
  • Present:Earth Day continues to be an international event, advocating for a cleaner, more sustainable world. 

Morning Update: Kielder Forest: At 11.40 today KF13 laid egg 3 in nest 1A.

It is a heavy overcast day on the Canadian prairies. The birds flit in and out of the garden while a gentle rain descends. It doesn’t feel like spring. Much more like the end of autumn, but we need some good rain, so let it pour! That will help everything turn green. Still, the heaviest snows seen all year are falling in parts of northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

There really is not a lot going on with the ospreys right now. Many are incubating while others are fighting off intruders and trying to hold on to their nests. Some have simply not returned.

Tweed Valley Osprey Project: Well, this is marvellous. I hoped we would have a trio – two females and a male. Wouldn’t this be nice for Iris?

It is that age-old question—do we cooperate and thrive or compete and fail? Unfortunately, failure seems to be the order of the day for 2025 breeding osprey nests that have intruders.

Iris, Hellgate Canyon: Some are starting to look at that osprey that delivered the fish as if it could have been Finnegan. There was a more than 90% chance that it was due to the plumage and the fish gift. Thankfully, there continues to be no egg in the nest. The most we can hope for is that Louis gets busy helping with Star and their chicks, that Finnegan returns if Louis disappears to the baseball park, or that Iris does not lay a single egg this year. It is hard on her body, and for what? For Crow food?

Poor Iris was fish calling and calling. When you read that raptors ‘bond’ for life, after this year, I hope you don’t believe it! Male arrives with a stick. It looks like Louis to me. Brings a stick, not a fish and then wants to mate.

Here is the video of the encounter: https://youtu.be/pqB1cowWUO4?

Iris did quiet little cheeps looking over to the owl pole and flew off the nest late Tuesday afternoon.

Rumour has it that a male was sky dancing. I would love it to be Finn or another young one willing to tackle Louis.

Glaslyn: Aran continues to try for his nest, but Teifi is there or about, and, quite honestly, I think this much-loved older male osprey, mate of Mrs G and then Elen, is losing his hold.

Elen in the rain.

Duke Farms: I honestly did not believe all three would survive to fledge, but here they are. Just look at those beautiful juveniles.

Redding Eagles: On Tuesday, Liberty and Guardian were working on their new nest, bringing in soft grasses.

Eagle Country: Blaze and his new mate, Skye, did not have any eaglets this year, but the couple continue to come to the nest with prey items.

Little Miami Conservancy: LM 8 and LM 9 are getting their thick thermal down, and those pin feathers appear. Sadly, there are problems with not having enough food. LM 8 from a small fish, and LM 9 got some scraps.

USS Steel: USS8 has had nothing but big crops. There is something extraordinary about being an only eaglet.

Port Tobacco: Riley and Teo appear to be doing well.

Golden Eagle Cam, Romania: Pip Watch. If you are queasy and the second egg hatches, please be advised that golden eagles practice ‘Cainism’. The older will kill the younger unless there is an extraordinary amount of food, and even then, the life of the second is not guaranteed.

Denton Farms: ‘PB’ writes: “Denton Farms little one is too cute…look at that crop!”

Kielder Forest: Musical Nests!

First 2025 view of a regular intruder _ Kielder OspreysDownload

San Jose City Hall: 4th chick hatches two days after the oldest ones. https://youtu.be/sm1TK10KdyQ?

Raptor Resource Project reports on our single Mum and the only surviving eaglet and ‘PB’ adds: “Trempealeau mom just had her huge fish stolen from Mr T…this mom is trying so hard. Good thing the baby ate well. Now she needs to fish tomorrow before the rain starts.”

‘PB’ reports that Mum was up early for food for the two of them. The little T3 has a nice crop. They also report that huge storms with tornades are moving into the central area of the US. Stay safe everyone.

Fort St Vrain: The two surviving eaglets are getting their thick thermal down. They remain way too curious about the outside world, and those crib rails could use some reinforcement: they appear to be doing well.

Saaksilivie #1, Finland: It is located on the edge of a swamp in Satakunta, in the top of a pine tree about eight meters high. It is the home of Eura and Eve who fledged two chicks in 2024, Lumme and Utu.

Saaksilvie Satakunna, #2, Finland: No information on any occupancy or hatches since 2019. It is currently empty.

Saaksilivie Satakunnan, #3, Finland (Wind and Magic): This is the nest of Tuulos and Taika. They had three eggs in 2024. One did not hatch, one chick died right after hatching, and another was taken by an Eagle Owl.

Information on Nest #3: Nest #3 is located in the Satakunta region in Western Finland. Ospreys have nested there in 1997 and from 2002 to 2009. The man-made nest was rebuilt in 2016 but it wasn’t until 2019 when the current male, Ahti, discovered the nest and was soon joined by a female who was called Helmi. The young pair spent the summer in the vicinity of the nest but Helmi didn’t lay any eggs. The following year the pair returned and in the spring of 2020 Helmi laid 3 eggs. The first successful nesting at the site in 11 years resulted in two fledglings. In the spring of 2021 Ahti returned but Helmi didn’t. By the time Ahti returned the nest had been taken over by a new pair, but Ahti reclaimed his nest site and the female eventually stayed with him. The new female, who was named Nuppu, had a ring on her right leg. She was ringed as a nestling in 2018. In 2022, Tuulos and Tiuku were a new pair. They were there in 2024.

Saaksilivie #4, Finland: This is the nest of Nemo and Nuppu. In 2024, they had three eggs hatch. Chicks were URA, USU, and UPU. Upu was taken from the nest by a White-tail Eagle. Ura escaped from the nest when the White-tail eagle tried to take it. Usu fell from the nest and was rescued. USU was taken to the Pyhtää Bird Sanctuary for care but died later.

Saaksilivie #5 LS nest in Southwest Finland: Home of Sara and Roni who laid two eggs in 2024. Both were taken from the nest by Ravens when the nest was empty. They had two chicks fledge in 2023.

Geemeff sends us the daily summary for all things Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Plenty of excitement today after a quiet day yesterday! Dorcha laid her third and final egg this morning, and a few hours later was seeing off an intruder Osprey who buzzed her on the nest. Unfortunately the intruder didn’t allow us a proper look but s/he was wearing a Blue Darvic ring on the left leg, therefore a Scottish Osprey. Blue 536 and Garry LV0 are candidates, or it might have been an unknown newcomer to the area. It probably wasn’t

 Affric 152, as Chaddie reports the Bunarkaig nest has a sitting Osprey on incubation duty, and we know that is Affric’s nest after LizB confirmed it via her long lens camera last year. Louis brought two fish to the nest, taking his tally to forty five. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 brought Blue 536 an early afternoon fish but she wasn’t around when he brought a second fish at supper time. Perhaps he’s supplying her with fish off-nest, as their relationship seems to be building nicely. His fish tally rises to twelve. After a soggy night, today was dry and will remain so overnight and tomorrow morning, but rain is forecast for the afternoon.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.58.56 (05.03.55); Nest Two 22.17.01 (05.07.23)

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/VVo-U1M7_To  N2 Another early breakfast for Dorcha 05.55.09

https://youtu.be/F-c8ExCby2Y N2 Egg number three! Congratulations Dorcha! 10.30.10https://youtu.be/zG281Jn64sg N2 Louis gets a good look and takes over egg duty12.28.18https://youtu.be/ikIcnpBI7Kg N2 Intruder Osprey buzzes Dorcha 14:16 05https://youtu.be/2uVh32TZTaE N1 Blue 536 grabs the fish and leaves Garry LV0 to tidy up 14.25.59https://youtu.be/ir0pxb4jEZ8 N2 Louis hands over a second fish and settles down to egg duty 15.09.20https://youtu.be/pdZDKN8z3vU N1 Garry LV0 brings a second fish but no one’s there 20.43.20Bonus words of wisdom from George WTS about how to handle differing reactions around the possible outcomes for the three eggs: 

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=24624233

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/uPIkehlZIXw  N1 Aila gives chase 2020 (slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/-YjzEre5Ex8  N2 Midnight owl strike 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/olQdCvN9Vj4  N2 Another owl strike an hour after the first 2022 (slo-mo)https://youtu.be/odF55TOSvUY N2 Louis chases an intruder osprey off the nest 2022
https://youtu.be/iOH80Okm7ZY N2 Yet another intruder Osprey on the nest 2022
https://youtu.be/uOeWEzk6yos  N2 Cheeky Hoodie intrudes on Louis 2023
https://youtu.be/U17pKvmqkcw N2 Golden Eagle touches down on Nest Two 2023 (slo-mo)https://youtu.be/nQJirIJiue4 N1 Garry stops coy-mantling and unsuccessfully attempts mating with Affric 2024
https://youtu.be/bVMPL7NSoN4  N1 Ill-tempered mating encounter between Affric & Prince 2024 
https://youtu.be/GomhIEZ_2mE N1 Garry brings another fish and leaves with a squirt 2024
https://youtu.be/dXwt2HSZ1fk  N2 A fish supper arrives during a colourful sunset 2024

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

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

Farmer Derek’s Owl Cam: Bonnie and Clyde’s Starr is growing and getting those gorgeous GHO feathers. Soon she will be hunting with her parents, practising on the ground. The adults will provide her with lots of food so she can thrive and teaching movements. Her initial hunting will be on the ground – after she fledges.

MN-DNR: Not an eagle! Look carefully and you will see the nesting duck.

Geemeff has found a new nest cam for a Great Gray Owl! “A new nest cam from explore.org: A Great Grey Owl

https://explore.org/livecams/owl-research-institute/great-gray-owl-nest

Geemeff has sent us some good information from Cornell’s Nestwatch about building bird houses and what to provide for birds when they are nesting. Enjoy!

All About Birdhouses – NestWatchDownload

Good night everyone! I moved the smaller light coloured cat tree into the conservatory. Hugo Yugo is the Queen of her castle!

Baby Hope likes the edge of the sofa. She has already created a bit of a dent!

Thank you so much for being with me. Please take care. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams: ‘Geemeff, PB’, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Duke Farms, FORE, Eagle Country, Little Miami Conservancy, Pix Cams, Port Tobacco, Wild Bucovina Association, Denton Farms, SK Hideaways, Saaksilvie #1, Explore.org, Farmer Derek’s Owl Cam, Cornell Nestwatch, Xcel Energy, Saaksilivie Nesting Information, MN-DNR, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust

Monday in Bird World

21 April 2025

Hello Everyone,

I have been thinking about each of you.

The recent collapse of the NCTC Bald Eagle nest belonging to Bella and Scout has left us all shaken. On that fateful day, both eagles were seen with full crops in the afternoon, seemingly captivated by something just beyond the nest. Scout truly stepped up, proving himself to be a devoted father, while Bella and he nurtured three healthy eaglets. These eaglets were nothing short of a miracle, yet they now stand as a poignant reminder of the heartbreaking tragedies that have unfolded and continue to unfold across so many nests this year.

E10, E11, and E12 with their thermal down and little dandelions. Pin feathers coming in. Happy Eaglets. Soar higher than high, you three.

Take a moment and send Bella and Scout some good positive energy. They spent the night together, chortling in the nest tree. Breaks our hearts. https://youtu.be/V2bvwO7otpI?

The last time the NCTC nest had eaglets fledge was 15 June 2023. The three eaglets hatched on March 20, 22, and 24, 2025, and would have been around 12 weeks old when they left the nest in June. The 2023 fledging was part of a nesting season where the first and second eaglet hatched on March 15 and March 20 respectively, followed by the third eaglet on March 24.

Deb Stecy’s tribute to Scout, Bella, and the trio. https://youtu.be/FbvoK69eY-Y?

We never know when the last moment will be when we are with someone. Take the time today to tell someone how much they mean to you.

A Potential Crisis was averted at the USK Valley Osprey nest on Sunday. A piece of wood with a wire was taken to the nest and is now around the leg of one of the resident ospreys. The osprey managed to get that wire off and fly away free!

At Llyn Brenig, the second egg was evicted and was eaten by Blue 372. Both eggs are gone. Another unsettled year for this nest.

Hellgate Canyon: Iris. Most of us do not ‘love’ Louis and we wish he would stay over at the ballpark with Star. This year he is spending way too much time focused on Iris and her nest. Sometimes it is a good thing! There was a kerfuffel Sunday. Some said it was another male, some another female. If Iris does not have Finnegan, then Louis will help her to keep her nest that she has had since it was moved to the Riverview Health parking lot more than a decade ago.

Really good article written in 2023 about Queen Iris and her history.

https://www.montanakaimin.com/arts_and_culture/she-s-a-survivor-the-story-behind-missoula-s-iris-the-osprey/article_418cc368-df14-11ed-8595-17c613dc83c9.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

OPPD Fort Calhoun, Nebraska: ‘PB’ captures that second eggs arrival.

UdeM Falcons: Four eggs!

Sodankyla Osprey Nest Finland is live: https://www.youtube.com/live/3sw1Ogpq94U?si=qZbH6LVHy1uzttyS

Wolf Bay, Alabama: The third egg was laid on March 21st. Now, we are getting really close to pip watch for Josie and Elbert!

Charlo Montana: Charlie and Lola on Sunday.

Frenchman’s Creek Ospreys: Not a Baby Bob anymore! Look at those gorgeous juvenile feathers. Hatched on 5 March, this is the only osplet to survive the owl predation, which destroyed the two other eggs.

Sauces Canyon: Betty Lou showing off her crop and plumage.

Fraser Point: Gorgeous and growing.

Fort St Vrain: Both eaglets continue to do well, although I would like it if they didn’t sleep on those rails all the time. Lots of various prey in the nest, too.

Geemeff sends us the daily summary from The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 20th April 2025
Another exciting day where once again the main action was on Nest One. Blue 536 arrived at sunrise and spent a great deal of time on the nest throughout the day. Garry brought three fish, taking his tally to nine, although he wouldn’t give the third fish to Blue 536 despite her calls. He also brought more bedding and sticks, and the nest is looking very ready for eggs although

there may not be any this year. Others also seem to have their eye on the nest – Affric 152 made a brief touchdown with an aerial battle going on around her seen in the distance involving several Ospreys. Louis may or may not have been one of those Ospreys but he did make time to deliver two fish to Dorcha, taking his tally to forty two, and take his turn on incubating duties. The weather was drier today and will continue dry overnight, but after a sunny start, the forecast calls for rain tomorrow afternoon. 
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.41.25 (05.15. 20); Nest Two 21.38.20 (05.19.03)Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/F2ypJD3KP48 N2 Dorcha gets a lively breakfast 05.48.11 https://youtu.be/DIzr6UZLn7E N1 Blue 536 arrives at sunrise 05.53.27 https://youtu.be/_U3zHvEiUHY N1 Garry brings breakfast for Blue 536 07.34.05 

https://youtu.be/s6GNJOcs4Qg N1 Garry pole vaults in on a huge stick 08.40.23 

https://youtu.be/ogHunWjD9iA N1 Affric lands with an aerial battle going on nearby 12.41.19

https://youtu.be/lIwgUA-IQi0 N1 Blue 536 stays on the nest to eat fish number two 14.26.17https://youtu.be/Uv7aXoZf5hA N1 Garry LV0 brings a third fish but won’t let Blue 536 have it 15.06.34 https://youtu.be/CT170vqlgUg N2 Dorcha grabs fish number two and departs immediately 18.34.07
Bonus 

watch – context: In 2021 when Aila failed to return, Louis decamped to Nest Two which didn’t then have a camera. LizB who lives nearby kept us updated and took these long lens videos of Louis’ first chicks with Dorcha, males Aspen LW3 & Alder LW4:https://youtu.be/Efd8s1nkSz8
https://youtu.be/-AQUSjWRQYE

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/wHZ82lsjm0w N1 Is an egg on the way? Aila rejects Louis 2020
https://youtu.be/PeTIDHTcCy0  N1 Strange Osprey intrudes and Louis chases 2020 (Slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/BmWPo9QWyCo  N1 Aila attacks Louis! 2020 (Slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/aafgLlitPRM  N1 Louis pays a flying visit to his empty nest 2021
https://youtu.be/9VqSvrxPL_E  N2 Fish fight, Dorcha wins eventually 2022
https://youtu.be/Cc8twF7MOYs  N2 Dorcha stays the night on the nest 2023
https://youtu.be/VhqDI8j3w8s  N2 First fish arrives and departs 2023
https://youtu.be/upyTm7MQoaY  N2 Egg number three! 2024 (zoomed repeat)
https://youtu.be/IrJUd9po9EQ  N1 Garry LV0 does a flypast before bringing his fish to Nest One 2024
https://youtu.be/PlkidBYXpsg N2 Dorcha shows no sign of injury on leaving with her fish 2024

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

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

Parliamentary Debate in the UK set over driven grouse moor hunting! Finally, all of the groups got their 100,000 signatures, and this will cause politicians to be accountable. Geemeff says, “This is a huge result! Parliament is forced to debate this, and out in the open, there is no hiding in committee rooms. Now we’ll see who’s for wildlife and the environment, and who’s for needless slaughter and destruction for money.” Well done, everyone. I hope to never hear again of a Hen Harrier nest with five little chicks being stomped on, or our precious raptors being shot.

Ban driven grouse shooting petition passes 100,000 signatures & now eligible for Westminster debateDownload

Why are Purbek Puffin numbers declining? And why are the adults refusing to raise their young?

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/apr/20/last-chance-saloon-the-scramble-to-save-dorsets-vanishing-purbeck-puffins?CMP=share_btn_url

Baby Hope really looks like Mamma Calico. Her personality is nothing short of Sticky Toffee Pudding sweet.

Missey is in need of a good brush!

What is Hugo Yugo looking at?

A Dark-eyed Junco getting seed off the outdoor carpet. There are dozens of them all over the carpet and deck, hopping around entertaining ‘The Girls’.

Check out Audubon Photography Awards!

Audubon Photography Awards | AudubonDownload

‘A’ like so many others is enraged that the term ‘harm’ is being defined and that Bald Eagles and other raptors might find themselves endangered or extinct because of that word. ‘A’ sends us a video to explain: https://youtu.be/UdynP7ssHxo?

Calico’s Tip of the Day: Watch Rachel Carson on streaming cam (Amazon Prime) if you can. ‘The Girls’ and I are watching Rachel Carson on one of the streaming channels. Carson did something to help wildlife – she wrote Silent Spring, which led to the banning of DDT.

While we may not rise to the status of Rachel Carson, we can make our concerns known, and we must not give up because the task is hard or people try to scare us. Some nests need repairs or replacing – speak up! Chicks and adults need protection against human debris that can harm them. Many issues need to be made public. Several of us are concerned about the platform that was installed at Florida-Gainesville. At the same time, good advice should have been sought about the camera. They could be persuaded to partner with Connor at Window to Wildlife. They would install and monitor the platform and camera. It would be a win for everyone. What you want to bet is that it might not cost anything for Florida-Gainsville Extension! Dani Connor lobbied for, crowd-funded, and purchased the Squirrel Forest to protect the animals from having all the trees cut down and their homes lost. Never assume that we cannot have an impact. Think outside the box. Don’t give up. Make your voices heard.

While we cannot do anything about winds of 70 or 90 mph from tearing up raptor nests or snapping the trees or poles, we might cause enough noise to get those individuals or companies operating streaming cams to inspect and repair/restore the nests during the off-season. If it saves one life, then it would be worth it!

Smile. Look at those cute little eyases of Monty and Hartley at the San Jose City Falcon scrape!

Check out SK Hideaways’ video of Sunday night’s feeding. I know—you have missed the sound of falcons. Enjoy this nest! https://youtu.be/qfqbrR4CGs0?

Thank you for being with me today. Please take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, J, PB’, Deb Stecyk, NCTC Bald Eagle Nest, Usk Valley Ospreys, Llyn Brenig Osprey Cam, montanakiman.com, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, OPPD Fort Calhoun Ospreys, UdeM Falcons, Sodankyla Osprey Nest Finland, Wolf Bay Ospreys, Raptor Resource Project/Explore.org, Frenchman’s Creek Ospreys, IWS/Explore, Xcel Energy, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig, Raptor Persecution UK, The Guardian, The Damage Report, Rachel Carson, SK Hideaway

Tragedy at NCTC nest…late Saturday in Bird World

20 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

I am sending this out early instead of Sunday morning. A huge storm has hit the NCTC nest of Bella and Scout and the nest has collapsed. I believe all three of those gorgeous healthy eaglets who were sleeping at the time will have passed. There were strong winds. Tragic. More than sad for this amazing and beautiful family. I am at a complete loss for words. https://youtu.be/7PTxwKogiVg?

I do not know the status of Bella. Help was to go out and check. Oh, I am hoping for a miracle for all our of them but preparing for the worst. Send your positive thoughts.

Saturday turned out to be a really beautiful day on the Canadian prairies with the temperature climbing to 10 C and the grey clouds have disappeared! Today, we are going to check out the American White Pelicans that have now arrived in Manitoba! Pictures tomorrow.

Iris: It feels like Louis is stalking her. Has Finnegan returned and been chased away? is he on his way? We wait.

Brock made his presence known this morning, choosing to sit on the outdoor dining table, staring into the house through the garden doors! When he finished his big bowl of tasty salmon, he walked right over to the garden door and stared inside at ‘The Girls’ who were busy watching him.

Squishy came later. The Girls tolerate Brock but do not like the other cats that come to the feeder. The plan is to move it away from the doors so they don’t see who else comes calling.

Loch Arkaig: Geemeff writes: “Egg number two! 12.55 Dorcha is on the nest and it looks like she’s getting ready to lay her second egg 12.56.16 She gives a shake of her tail 12.56.18 She stands and the second egg is seen. She fusses them for a little while, turning and positioning them to her satisfaction before settling down and aligning her brood patch over the two eggs. (More later in the post)

Glaslyn: Elen laid her third egg!

RSPB Loch Garten: The nest continues to be unsettled and more so with the arrival of KL5.

Big Bear Valley: The kids are learning to be self-sufficient! https://youtu.be/Qk4HCIlPZek?

San Jose Falcons: Monty and Hartley had their first hatch on Saturday! Oh, they have two! SK Hideaways has the video: https://youtu.be/_9jZtIHqat4?

Goitzsche-Wildnis: ‘JC’ comments on her video: “Zeus is doing his homework by brooding in the nest while Fjona has taken a break. He seems to be comfortable with the incubation tasks. But his companion returns and, with very little delicacy and screaming, pushes Zeus out of the nest. The girl has character… and a bit of bad drool, even.” https://youtu.be/N4cIKfZ0DpA?

Loch of the Lowes: Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve says: “Grab a cuppa and settle down for a full review of the comings and goings so far! ☕ It’s been a complex start to the season with no fewer than four combinations of osprey pairings appearing on the nest 👀; *NC0 (resident breeding female 2020-2024, not seen since 2nd April) & a New Male *The New Male and an Unringed Female (with the ‘Cluedo’ marking on the back of her head) *LM24 (aka The Dark Intruder, who held territory in second half of 2024 with NC0) & the same Unringed Female, and finally… *LM24 & the Dark Female (with the ‘Bandit’ eye mask who intruded in 2024, and possibly 2023)! Confused !? It’s taken a lot of careful reviewing and analysing to pick apart the rapidly changing dynamic, but it looks like LM24 and the Dark Female have finally become ‘top ospreys’ at the Lowes nest, appearing to be settled as a pair and dominant for a week! Talons crossed for eggs in the next 7-10 days! 🤞🦅🥚 [Note: The osprey which attacked and knocked the Dark Female off the nest was thought to originally be the Unringed Female (with the ‘Cluedo piece’ marking on the back of her head) – however, thanks to some excellent photos by Scott Duncan from the hide, we were able to spy a silver BTO ring on the right leg of the osprey!!

Yes, we got excited too thinking it might be the return of NC0, but this osprey had no white break in her brown mask behind her eye, and the underwing markings did not match those of NC0. We have had at least 3 different BTO-only ringed osprey intruding in the last few years, so it could easily be the return of these individuals, or new ones who have lost their Darvic colour rings, which can be prone to cracking and falling off due to the impact of repeatedly hitting the water. If we get any sightings of NC0 we will let folks know.]”

The season so far in video! https://youtu.be/6Pd-LufRSgM?

Kielder Forest’s latest news: Egg 3 for Nest 7 arrived at 14.13 yesterday. KX7 was making the usual squeaks and grunts pre-laying. She had a final push at 14.13 and a few seconds later stood. Nest 11, the first time two ospreys have been seen at this nest. Hoping they stay.

Geemeff sends us the daily summary from Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 19th April 2025

Today delivered the anticipated excitement: with a quick shake of her tail feathers, Dorcha produced the second egg at 12.55.16, and the new female Blue 536 turned up again today, saw Affric 152 off Nest One, and got a fish from Garry LV0, to much jubilation from their fans. Very early days, but at the risk of jinxing things, Blue 536 does seem to be showing an interest in the nest and in Garry for more than just a few free fish on her journey elsewhere. Along with the fish came a few mating attempts, none have been successful, but Blue 536 isn’t rebuffing him, and looks at home on Nest One. Cautiously optimistic! Garry’s single fish takes his tally to six, and Louis also brought one fish, taking his tally to forty. In other news, Louis chased a Hoodie away from Nest Two, Garry LV0 dealt with a pronged stick, and Dorcha can have a little rest, if the owls continue to stay away, before her next and probably final egg is due on Tuesday. The weather forecast is for light cloud and light winds overnight and into tomorrow, and a few sunny spells.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.34.32 (05.25.05); Nest Two 21.31.17 (05.35.12)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/psJLabACO1U N2 Early breakfast for Dorcha 05.44.34

https://youtu.be/r3HwBnSxQFg N2 Hoodie chased away by Louis 06.20.59

https://youtu.be/fk9QLXJ5oA0 N1 Blue 536 arrives, waits an hour but Garry doesn’t appear 06.37.25 

https://youtu.be/JZ4karhsVMo  N1 Affric touches down and is chased away 11.42.53 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/gnysQoRM6G8 N2 Egg number two! 12.56.16 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/EzmggXArZEQ N1 Blue 536 gets a fish from Garry LV0 15.03.31

https://youtu.be/n4Y8mwMyZuI  N1 Garry deals competently with a large forked stick 17.23.30

Bonus news item: in the wake of the illegal felling of the 500 year old Whitewebbs Oak, Woodland Trust explain the value of our ancient trees:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czjnv448110o

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/eLQgDi2VKIA  N1 A stranger follows Louis to the nest 2021 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/xm-qPYjLLnE  N1&2 Typhoon jets do a flypast of both nests 2022

https://youtu.be/Pt6-35zGrZw N1 Prince takes a very long mating run-up 2022

https://youtu.be/GLChgTeSpiA N2 Louis chases Prince away from Nest Two 2022

https://youtu.be/9O8JWeQEXeE  N2 Dorcha uses her crow voice on a Hoodie 2023

https://youtu.be/kZJTfoKO6GY  N2 Dorcha is very vocal when supper arrives 2023

https://youtu.be/EwONgG-jTWI N1 No takers for Garry LV0’s travelling fish 2024

https://youtu.be/BCOPgYVTB5s  N2 Drama as Dorcha fights with an eagle 2024 (slo-mo repeat with zoom)

https://youtu.be/nHPwQ5xDs5U  N2 Fish number one, large headless trout, Dorcha’s injury visible as she takes it 2024 (zoom) 

https://youtu.be/G6MmnbWYf90 N2 Affric waits on Nest One but Garry is a no-show 2024

https://youtu.be/dVOw0D9-zaU  N2 Louis arrives chased by a Hoodie as Dorcha rests quietly 2024 (zoom

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

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

Heidi sent me this link. If you like Leonard Cohen and Canada Geese, this is for you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48AJBXs5dNc

Heidi sends us some osprey news, too!

Seaside osprey nest: Congratulations to Naha and Bruce on their first egg, laid 4/18 at 17:01. Naha has laid her first egg on the same date for three straight years.

Lake Murray ospreys:  Lucy and Kenny had three eggs (laid 3/14,  3/17, 3/20).  Around the 26th of March, they started to have intruder issues.  On 3/28 there was a serious altercation between Kenny and a  male intruder.  It is thought that was the last time Kenny was seen.  The new male took over, and has since been named ‘Newman’.  But, for awhile Newman was not bringing fish to Lucy, so Lucy was having to catch her own fish.  The eggs were unattended for long periods of time.  One egg broke on 3/29.  Newman was also seen trying to kick the eggs out of the nest.  One egg was thrown from the bowl, and Lucy was able to roll it back.  Well, the cam owner and chatters say that apparently Newman has matured over the past couple of weeks, and he has been bringing large fish to Lucy.  And not only that, he has been incubating the eggs at times.  We have all seen peregrine falcon males do this.  Some peregrine males have been known to fully assume ‘Dad’ responsibilities, and will assist the female with her clutch and chicks, if the father is missing.  At the Exshaw osprey nest, Mr. O helped Louise in 2023 with her two chicks after Jasper disappeared, but Little had already died.  Has anyone ever known of another case where a male osprey has done the same thing?  If egg #1 at Lake Murray is still remaining, it will be 37 days old on 4/20.  

Crooked Lake osprey nest:  Congrats to Mom and Noble on their second egg, laid on 4/19 at 10:41.

Ospreys continue to arrive in Finland. https://www.youtube.com/live/IVx9nEX0afs?

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, Heidi’, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, RSPB Loch Garten, Jeff Kear and UK Osprey Information, LOTL, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, FOBBV, SK Hideaways, San Jose City Hall, Goitzsche-Wildness and Joan Castmyer, Kielder Forest, Seaside Ospreys, Lake Murray Ospreys, Crooked Lake Osprey Cam, Kuopio Finland Osprey Cam/Kaala Saaski

Saturday in Bird World

19 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

I’m excited to share this blog post just after midnight, right on the cusp of Saturday! With an early morning ahead and a busy day planned, I want to ensure I don’t forget to send this out before we leave the house. If there’s any important news that comes, I’ll be updating you when I return around noon. Stay tuned!

It was an eventful Friday at Iris’s nest, filled with unexpected visitors including a male with distinctive Blue OZ ring making an appearance; we recognised him from before and hoped he would decide to stay last year, after, another male arrived with a fish, followed by Louis, who always brings a sense of ‘authority’ to the scene. Louis arrived as a sky dancer graced us with its presence—perhaps it was Finnegan, although we still can’t be certain. Louis quickly sprang into action to protect “his” nest from potential threats. The atmosphere is charged and uncertain, and as I document this at 5:22 PM CDT, the full cast of characters remains a mystery.

Now is this Iris needing to defend her nest against a female? or is it Finnegan sky dancing for our Iris and Louis came to chase him away? We do not know.

Louis arrives.

There is still hope for Finnegan (if it wasn’t Finnegan who brought the fish to Iris) as Charlie has just returned from Migration to the Charlo Montana nest to be with his Lola Saturday afternoon!

So, we do not know what is happening at Iris’s nest. The coming days might provide us with clarity. Still, I want to emphasise that while I want Iris to have a devoted mate, I do not want her to get injured fighting off another female and/or her mate. In that regard, Louis protecting the territory and that nest is a blessing for our Queen. Blue NC0 at Loch of the Lowes is much younger than Iris. Without a mate, she lost her nest just a couple of weeks ago.

Knepp Farm has baby White Storks hatching!

News from KneppDownload

Look how big they are. Scout and Bella’s trio at the NCTC nest are growing and doing so well. What a turnaround and so happy for Bella.

At Glaslyn, Aran has been dealing with intruders, allowing Teifi to deliver two fish to Elen. This nest is not settled.

Goitzsche Wildnis, Germany: ‘JC’ writes with her video: “Rainy day in much of Germany and also at the Goitzsche Wildnis nest. Zeus was doing his share of responsibility by incubating the eggs. Meanwhile, we can hear Fjona screaming at the corvids from the camera perch. She flies out and turns around to return, reach the nest and relieve the male in the incubation. Both have been through water, obviously.” You can watch that video here: https://youtu.be/iYpvYj_jSAM?

Kielder Forest: Joanna Dailey reports “Y1 on Nest 4 and UV at Nest 5A are both still without a partner. They have been visited by females, but although fish has been gratefully accepted, the females seem to be checking out options. So this is often the view at either nest.”

RSPB Loch Garten Abernathy: Asha is not completely impressed with all the drama going on at the nest. Blue 536 was an intruder amongst other goings on. Check out the live stream. Like others, things seem unsettled.

Cornell Owl Cam: Athena’s mate delivers a meal for the family. https://youtu.be/hwfx5M1TO70?

Their FB post: “So far Asha has returned to the nest and has had multiple males appear. One, Blue 047, attempted to settle in but has since gone after the arrival of Brodie. Brodie and Asha had eggs at the nest last year and all seemed to be going well until KL5 arrived on the scene. He forced Brodie away and then destroyed the eggs, and with it too late in the year, the chance of chicks was destroyed, too. Back to 2025. Will Asha and Brodie have eggs again? Will KL5 return and, if so, can Brodie keep him away? Will other males try their luck?”

Most of us know that watching osprey nests is often better than anything on the streaming channels!!!!!!!

Threave Ospreys NTS:

Loch of the Lowes: After Blue NC0 was ousted from the nest she shared with her partner Laddie LM12 who died last year, will there be a bonded couple? Any eggs? It feels very late, but we will wait and see.

Such a waste of an amazing nest and fish supply.

Satakunnan, Nest 4, Finland: No eggs yet. Birds arriving and settling in.

Llyn Clywedog: Seren Blue 5F rolls her eggs in the wee hours of the morning as light is just breaking over the horizon.

Glaslyn: Light rain falling on Elen. She has left the second egg (first buried by Aran) in the rain and chilly weather. We will see if it is viable later. Male osprey visited just after 0500. Not sure if it was Aran or Teifi.

Another unsettled nest. The number of osplets to hatch and fledge in the UK this season might be lower, not due to weather or siblicide, but due to bonded pair disruptions.

Rutland Manton Bay: What a beautiful sight. Four gorgeous eggs for Blue 33 and Maya – and we know that they can raise four! It really helps to have a source of fish right at the nest!!!!!!!! And look at the beautiful swans.

It is refreshing to have this stable nest.

Pitkin County: Incubation.

Osprey Cam from Taipalsaari, Finland: The Satakunnan Sääkset project in Taipalsaari, Finland, offers live streaming of four osprey nests, with cameras from the Satakunta region. (This nest is, I believe, different from Nest 4 but I am trying to confirm). Just look at that dark necklace. It is almost solid. Have you ever seen anything like it?

Fort St Vrain: Fresh fish and two eaglets in a food coma. Snow came overnight on the 18th and Mum kept the two surviving eaglets warm and dry. They had a good meal first thing Saturday. All is well.

Geemeff’s daily summary for Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 18th April 2025
A very exciting day – is it possible Garry LV0 has found a mate? A ringed Scottish female Blue 536 turned up on Nest One when Affric 152 was there, and after a bit of a chase and some warnings, got rid of Affric. She and Garry did a dance on and off the nest throughout the day with mating attempts, coy-mantling, chasing and following each other, and more importantly, two fish handed over, even if he did make her wait for them. Garry’s total soars upward to five, while over on Nest Two, Louis’ two fish deliveries take his total to thirty nine. Things were a lot calmer on Nest Two, Dorcha spent most of the day incubating her first egg, with the second one due tomorrow, and Louis was his usual helpful self eager to take on egg-sitting duties. The day ended with Dorcha pearled with raindrops on a very wet nest, and the promise of an interesting day tomorrow. The weather forecast is for light rain and a gentle breeze tonight and tomorrow, but with the nests so exposed, that light rain is more like a drenching.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.26.09 (04.51.03); Nest Two 21.18.36 (05.12.08)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/cZ1_OOE1hN4 N1 Garry LV0 buzzes a deer 09.15.41https://youtu.be/Qea56AzPPXo N2 Louis egg-sits after bringing fish number one 09.32.34https://youtu.be/sT_rfNZ_oPs N1 New Scottish female Blue 536 sees Affric 152 off the nest! 10.52.57https://youtu.be/GASqP38H2Fs N1 Garry and Blue 536 meet up on camera 11.46.58https://youtu.be/dOnG1vjVr8A N1 Garry eventually gives his fish to Blue 536 13.57.56https://youtu.be/PEmIctxg8EE N2 Dorcha seizes the second fish from Louis 16:08:36https://youtu.be/LKNiOLncTN4 N1 Blue 536 gets a second fish from Garry LV0 18.02.54

Bonus watch – news item about WTS removing huge quantities of non-native timber from the forest https://youtu.be/K2t1Za0iwcU
Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/WF3FAQOLy8s  N1 Female stranger visits lonely Louis 2021 (real time)
https://youtu.be/WF3FAQOLy8s  N1 Female stranger visits lonely Louis 2021 (slo-mo)
https://youtu.be/ijqYocF2QoE  N2 Louis does a flypast with fish 2022 (zoomed)
https://youtu.be/ikX-jxrt_kw  N2 Louis subdues a stubborn stick 2023
https://youtu.be/QOxlUE3bGts N2 Louis delivers supper at sunset 2023https://youtu.be/dU43UqtK7tI N1 cheeky Hoodies want Garry’s fish 2024
https://youtu.be/kRPBQfqCCs0  N1 Affric 152 is attacked by a strange Osprey 2024 (slo-mo repeat plus stills)
https://youtu.be/zrElVMqpJlU  N1: Fish for Affric from Garry LV0, big headless trout 2024
https://youtu.be/GXbgsaLiMvw N2 Dorcha lets Louis take the second fish away again 2024
https://youtu.be/esrwp4Lbzvk  N1 A flavour of Affric & Garry LV0’s day 2024

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

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

Growing concern for wildlife protections in the US:

“The new proposal from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service offers a new interpretation of the of the 1973 Endangered Species Act, which would strike habitat destruction from regulations.

At issue is a longstanding definition of two terms in the Endangered Species Act: “harm” and “take”. “Harm” has meant altering or destroying the places those species live. “Take”, meanwhile, is a term used in regulations to denote any actions that include hunting, capturing, wounding or killing a protected species, which has included altering or destroying the places those species live.

A bald eagle lands on a branch in Kachemak Bay State Park, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service said in a proposed rule, issued on Wednesday, that habitat modification and destruction should not be considered “harm” because it is not the same as intentionally targeting a species, which is defined as “take”.

Trump administration moves to narrow protections for endangered species. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/17/trump-remove-endangered-species-protections?CMP=share_btn_url

Calico wants you to know that if you are bird watching you are helping to keep your brain from ‘rotting’. Maybe you do puzzles, too! Sadly with four curious cats it is impossible for puzzles to be a part of my life, but have a read and see what else you can do to keep your brain in tip top shape – or at least help it!

Beat brain rot: clear your mind with 55 screen-free activities, from birdwatching to colouring bookshttps://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/apr/17/screen-free-calming-activities?CMP=share_btn_url

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. We hope to see you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my blog today: ‘Geemeff, L, PB’, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Raptor Resource Project/Explore.org, Knepp Farm, Joanna Dailey and Kielder Forest, RSPB Loch Garten, Jeff Kear UK Osprey Info and Threave, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, The Guardian, Cornell Bird Lab (Owl Cam), Satakunnan Finland 4, Llyn Clywedog CarnyXWild, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, LRWT, Pitkin County Government, XCel Energy, Osprey Cam from Taipalsaari, Finland

Finnegan?

18 April 2025

Hello Everyone,

I am going to go out on a limb here and you can get ready to hit me with tomatoes or eggs if I am wrong!

Iris began a little toe dance and cheeping and at 11:34 a male flew in with a fish for her which she accepted readily. That male has long white legs. I believe Finnegan has arrived.

Iris accepts the fish cheeping and cheeping. The male flies away.

Do I dare think that Finnegan arrived and went fishing for his Iris? and then flew off for himself?

This is not ‘Louis behaviour’. And the cheeping by Iris is not what she does with Louis when he flies in for his daily ‘stop’.

Waiting for confirmation.

Thank you to the Montana Osprey Project and Cornell Bird Lab for their streaming cam.

Friday in Bird World

18 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Latest Update:

Dyfi: Idris and Telyn have three eggs!

Oh, Thursday was wonderful. We got to spend time with our granddaughter and her Australian boyfriend. We will have her in Winnipeg until the fall, and then she will be heading ‘Down Under’. Thursday has been busy and I did not check on many nests.

I am happy that we had ‘dinner and a show’. The deer came to the bird feeders while we had dinner in the conservatory. Josh so wanted to see a deer, and I had no idea that they were still coming to the garden. I have not seen them. It was magical. They stayed for about an hour and a half, eating birdseed.

Aren’t they adorable with the seed stuck to the end of their nose?

Iris caught herself one of those whoppers she is known for showing up with, to the envy of that male from the Baseball Park. No Finnegan. Ospreys are still arriving in Nova Scotia. I want to be hopeful for those heading to Montana.

Like you, tears will flow if this Finn returns to deliver a big fish to our Queen, Iris.

‘A’ comments: “Iris does appear to be searching for Finnegan. She is at least eating well – whenever I see her, she seems to have a large crop. But it is so sad that Finnegan has not returned to her. Is it Louis who is hanging around? Or is it some other osprey? Certainly, whoever it is is very persistent, as you say, and she is not happy about it. For that reason, I wonder whether it is in fact Louis, because surely she wouldn’t be so keen on protecting the nest from him. The fish, yes, obviously she doesn’t want him stealing that, but would she try driving him away? I’m sure if it is Louis, regular watchers of this nest would recognise him.

‘A’ notes on Friday: “This visiting osprey has brought Iris a nice fish (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcxvXwiAElI) but she is not interested and is obviously still waiting for Finnegan. And to me, that also suggests that this is not Louis, because Louis was a cad. He would have arrived empty-taloned and tried to mate with Iris. So at least this osprey is attempting to woo her, but still, she is not interested. At least, not yet. PLEASE come home Finn.”

I thought your readers deserved to see this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T03RYu5Z8s8.

Is Athena just the cutest thing? And aren’t her owlets just too adorable for words? I know they’re deadly enemies of our eaglets and osplets but they are truly the most exquisite creatures, are they not? And the little owlets are SO sweet. “

‘CG’ sends us news from Raptor Resource:

This year’s season of ‘The Falcon Bachelor’ flipped the script! As usual, Newman passed out roses – by which we mean food gifts – to a succession of female falcons. We spotted Julie 90/Z (a regular visitor), Kandiyohi H/34, Hope E/60, and Newman’s mate from last year, Elaine U/09! Elaine celebrated her second birthday and first year as an adult this spring, and we were excited to see a little less drama than we saw last year. Or so we thought!

Real Falcon Housewives of the Mississippi River
US Bank to GSB: Five miles as the falcon flies
US Bank to GSB: Five miles as the falcon flies

We have a nest box at the US Bank Building in La Crosse, Wisconsin, roughly five miles SE of Great Spirit Bluff as the falcon flies. Male Ardy 06/D, a 2015 hatch from Ardent Milling in Lake City, MN, has nested there with Karen 44/P, a 2016 hatch from MPL’s Clay Boswell plant in Cohasset, MN since at least 2021. We were quite surprised to see Elaine show up in Karen’s stead this spring. Or did she? For at least two weeks, Elaine flew back and forth between La Crosse and Great Spirit Bluff, chasing competitors away, receiving food gifts, and copulating with both males. Twice the courtships, twice the attention, and most importantly, twice the food gifts!

Elaine accepting a food gift from Ardy at US Bank.

Elaine accepting food gift from Ardy

We’re usually wondering which falcon the irresistible Newman will end up with! But Elaine flipped the script by locking down two territories and two potential mates. Since she appeared to prefer Ardy – she certainly spent more time with him – we were wondering if Newman would end up with a mate at all. When Elaine laid an egg at US Bank La Crosse, we figured it was game over. Sorry, Newman! But Elaine confounded our expectations by laying her next four eggs at Great Spirit Bluff! As I write this…

  • Elaine and Newman are in full incubation at Great Spirit Bluff. We expect hatch on or around May 5.
  • Ardy is pursuing an unbanded two-year-old female. Addie isn’t caring for Elaine’s lone egg, but will probably lay her own.
  • Elaine dropped by to visit US Bank on April 7 while Newman was busy incubating the couple’s eggs. She tussled with Addie, briefly chasing her away. Is she still locking down the territory and/or copulating with Ardy? We’d love to see how closely related the GSB nestlings are to one another, since Newman might not have fathered all of them!
  • PS:  In case you don’t know, mother Savanna was killed by a GHO June, 2023, while protecting her four eyases.  No one replaced her in 2024.  This scrape is worth a looksee.  Great cameras with great views of the surrounding area from near the top of the bluff.  I-90 and the Mississippi River below.  Across the river is Wisconsin.

Mum and Dad were on the nest at the Sydney Olympic Park.

Geemeff sends us the daily summary for The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 17th April 2025

After the excitement of the first egg arriving yesterday, today fell into a steady routine. Louis delivered two fish taking his tally to thirty seven, he and Dorcha spent time on the nest, sometimes together, sometimes taking turns off the nest. A Hooded Crow nearby, not seen on nest cam, made the pair startle and fly off the nest but not for long, and the egg, barely seen in its cocoon of moss, was mostly kept covered from the light rain. The second egg is due in three days, should be sometime on Saturday, but delayed incubation is being practised until it’s laid, and this egg won’t suffer from being left unbrooded for short periods. Over on Nest One, Garry LV0 returned with some bedding and spent some time doing nest prep and surveying his territory. The overnight forecast is for mist turning into light rain tomorrow but there should be some dry and sunny spells.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.37.43 (05.23.58); Nest Two 21.40.39 (05.29.07)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/94MaMt_CENM  N2 Dorcha carefully tends the egg 01.23.30

https://youtu.be/CnwSIqV7HJ0  N2  Dorcha nibbles the first fish before leaving Louis to egg-sit  08.58.47

https://youtu.be/d4JCzUL6RlA N1 Garry LV0 brings bedding and stays to survey his territory 09.14.28 

https://youtu.be/ObDC3cxYrsI N2 Second fish arrives but the pair are troubled by unseen intruders 16.10.05 

Bonus watch – the Beò Airceig initiative founded by Achnacarry Estate, Arkaig Community Forest, Forestry & Land Scotland and Woodland Trust Scotland to revitalise an area larger than Edinburgh:

We have teamed up with three other landowners at #LochArkaig to reawaken the landscape across an area of Lochaber that is larger than Edinburgh. The founding members of Beò Airceig are Achnacarry Estate, Arkaig Community Forest, Forestry and Land Scotland and Woodland Trust Scotland.🧵 1/4

— Woodland Trust Scotland (@wtscotsocial.bsky.social) 2025-02-10T08:55:34.276Z

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/d3Y9CGoYsvY  N1 Bold Hoodie takes advantage of Aila’s absence 2020

https://youtu.be/UPtm4jmy9Zo  N1 Louis finally manages to subdue a tricky stick 2021

https://youtu.be/mZYG9XNCof8  N2 How to tell Louis & Dorcha apart 2022

https://youtu.be/NIeUiK4R_r8  N2 Noisy helicopter gets Louis & Dorcha’s attention 2023

https://youtu.be/GITGVoOkg2o N1 & 2 Hercules caught on both nest cams 2023 (split-screen zoom)

https://youtu.be/n974C1G3zig N2 Moody cloudy sunset 2023 (time lapse)

https://youtu.be/SGa5_hOLmmg  N2 The second egg arrives! 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/oJc06aWLkAg  N1 Garry LV0 brings fish but no one comes for it 2024

https://youtu.be/DUPOg7KJH_U   N1 Affric calls for fish but Garry brings a branch 18.07.48

Why not come and join the friendly community at Woodland Trust’s Osprey forum, it’s fun, free and everyone’s welcome:

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

Rodenticide is never a good idea. This is why:

“It’s difficult to give a precise number of poisoned mice an eagle needs to eat before succumbing to rodenticide poisoning. The exact amount of poison that will cause death in an eagle depends on factors like the type and concentration of rodenticide, the size and health of the eagle, and how much of the poisoned prey is consumed. However, it’s clear that eagles can be poisoned through secondary poisoning, meaning they can die from eating prey that has already ingested a lethal dose of rodenticide. 

Here’s what the research shows:

The effects of rodenticides can persist:Even after an eagle has eaten poisoned prey, the effects of the rodenticide can last for several months. 

Rodenticides are lethal to various animals, including eagles:When a rodent eats bait containing rodenticide, it can take days for the poison to take effect, causing internal bleeding and eventually death. 

Eagles can be exposed to rodenticides through their prey:Eagles that eat poisoned mice or rats are at risk of secondary poisoning. 

Exposure to rodenticides is widespread:Studies have shown that a significant percentage of eagles tested have anticoagulant rodenticides in their bodies, indicating widespread exposure. 

Rodenticides can be a cause of death:While rodenticides aren’t always the direct cause of death in eagles, they have been confirmed as the cause of death in some cases. 

The amount of rodenticide ingested is crucial:The lethal dose of rodenticide varies depending on the specific chemical, but it can be relatively small. 

OPPD Fort Calhoun: First egg of the season!

Foulshaw Moss: Third egg for White YW and Blue 35.

FOBBV: Sunny and Gizmo are strengthening their wings! https://youtu.be/bF-40dLc2Ik?

Charlo Montana: Lola and New Guy – will they get acquainted? Is she still holding out hope for Charlie like Iris is for Finn?

Friends of Dillon Ranger District, Colorado: Ospreys home. https://youtu.be/sAPm-K3NyLI?

SW Florida Bald Eagles: M15 and F23. Gorgeous couple. Offseason but thinking of the future. https://youtu.be/pvCpxYiIB_Q?

Latvian White-tail Eagle Nest, Durbe County: Milda and Zorro have two little eaglets! Liznm catches a feeding for us: https://youtu.be/uJUZL1D295g?

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. See you soon.

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘A, CG, Geemeff, MP, PB’, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Cornell Bird Lab, Sydney Sea Eagles, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, OPPD Fort Calhoun, Cumbrian Wildlife Trust, FOBBV, Charlo Montana, Friends of Dillon Ranger District, Vija, Dyfi Osprey Project, Raptor Resource Project, Liznm

Thursday in Bird World

17 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

This morning marked the arrival of our first Brown Thrasher, energetically scratching in the soil, while several dozen Dark-eyed Juncos flitted about, along with our regular visitors, all eagerly waiting and searching as I savored my coffee before feeding them.

Anne made a generous donation of a large bag of hot dogs for the crows, and their delight was palpable! Additionally, a neighbor brought over a hefty 50-pound bag of kibble for our outdoor cats. It’s heartwarming to see ‘Squishy’—the beloved cat with one ear folded down—making a comeback at the feeder after a long absence.

Everyone has their favorite birds and animals, yet they’re unable to set up feeders of their own, making their contributions all the more meaningful. It’s truly wonderful to witness such kindness and community spirit.

Our rescue facilities are currently overflowing and desperately in need of supplies. One essential item that we often overlook is thin protection gloves. If you have any spare pairs at home, consider donating them to someone in your community—they can make a significant difference!

As we dive into spring cleaning, tidying up our gardens and swapping out winter clothes, let’s not forget the countless items that animal rescues and rehabilitation shelters desperately need. Before you throw anything away, take a moment to consider whether it could be of value to a local shelter.

Donating your unwanted items is not only an excellent way to declutter your home, but it also provides critical support to those caring for animals in need. It’s a powerful act of kindness that benefits both you and the animals—let’s make a positive impact together!

————————————————————————————-

The notice arrived in my inbox shortly after I published my post on Wednesday morning. I promised Geemeff that it would be prominently displayed today!

News! Egg – well done Dorcha!!! First glimpsed at 17.52.55

17.50 Dorcha is on the nest sitting down and making little squeaking noises. She’s getting ready to lay her first egg!

17.52.55 She gives a little wiggle and stands up and the egg can just be glimpsed. Congratulations Dorcha!

And Louis, not forgetting his 5-second contribution..

18.06.12 She stands up and as she does, she gives the egg a little push with her leg and we get a clearer view.

(zoomed)

Iris: Iris: There’s someone who’s been visiting Iris, trying time and again to steal her incredible fish. You know who I am talking about. His persistence drives me up the wall! However, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the ‘good’ Louis brings to the nest. Take Blue NC0 at Loch of the Lowes, for instance—she lost her partner, Laddie LM12, in 2024. Last year, there was genuine hope for her to bond with the Dark Night this year. Sadly, without a male to defend her territory, Blue NC0 lost both her nest and her land. Louis is the one who now safeguards Iris’s territory (she was there before him!). Finn, the only young male bold enough to challenge Louis, managed to oust Louis and keep him away from Iris. Together, they raised two beautiful chicks last year. If, heaven forbid, Finn doesn’t return, I have faith that Iris will still hold on to her nest because Louis is so protective of ‘his’ territory. Iris absolutely deserves it! So, if there is any silver lining, that is it. Thin like aluminum foil, but a reality nonetheless.

Elen has laid yet another egg at the Glaslyn nest, and this one is likely Teifi’s. Aran, having taken possession of the nest he initially shared with Mrs G, faces a crucial decision. With uncertainty surrounding the paternity of this new egg, it seems almost inevitable that he will choose to remove it. After all, why would Aran invest time in raising a chick that could belong to another male, jeopardising his own genetic legacy? It’s a tough call, but the instinct to protect his own lineage is likely to prevail!

Pitching rain in Wales Wednesday afternoon.

In contrast to Glaslyn, at the Tweed Valley 2 nest, Mrs O and an unringed female seem to be inclined to share the single male at the nest! They only get disgruntled when a fish is delivered. Maybe he should try bringing in two at a time. We might have a Trio at Tweed!!!!!! That would be really interesting.

Sauces: Betty Lou has had the most amazing care an eaglet could ever dream about. Jak and Audacity have kept her full and safe and relished every second getting to be parents again. One of those miracle moments of this year that we must cherish.

Dyfi: Idris and Telyn have three eggs they are incubating. The wind is blowing like it is a gale over at Dyfi! They may get some of that rain, too. The skies over the distant hills certainly seem to imply that damp weather is descending on the Glaslyn valley.

Llyn Clywedog: Seren Blue 5F is getting soaked, too. Did you know that Aran from Glaslyn courted Seren while he was bonded with Mrs G? Seren luckily gave up on losing her eggs and flew north a bit and found Dylan. They have raised some wonderful chicks together. I believe they still hold the record for the largest male osplet ringed in Wales.

Boulder County Fair Grounds: First egg arrives on Wednesday!

Loveland, Colorado: Two eggs as of Wednesday.

PSEG Oyster Bay: One egg as of Wednesday.

Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain Bald Eagles: Out of four, the two surviving eaglets appear to be doing quite well.

Charlo Montana: Lola is not too fond of the new male hanging around the nest. Charlie has yet to return and is very late.

Geemeff sends us the daily summary from Loch Arkaig and The Woodland Trust:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 16th April 2025

Only one topic of conversation tonight – the arrival of the first egg! With a few squeaks, Dorcha produced the egg at 17.52.55 today and tonight there’s the welcome sight of her on the nest protecting the egg from the weather. Congratulations to Dorcha, and to Louis who did his usual classic double take at his first sight of the egg! Many on the forum are celebrating by making a donation to Woodland Trust: if you’re able to give, any amount is welcome, and the info is in the bonus section. Link to George WTS’ fundraising comment here: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/?ht-comment-id=24512818. In other news, no activity at Nest One today  – we had reports of a third Osprey at Bunarkaig, which might explain Garry LV0’s absence, perhaps we’ll see him tomorrow. Louis delivered two fish today to take his tally to thirtyfive, Dorcha chased a Hoodie away, and the wet weather is due to continue overnight and through to Friday.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One (05.20.12); Nest Two 21.22.09 (05.26.09)

Today’s videos: 

https://youtu.be/s_kzQzXLhzM N2 Dorcha uses her crow voice to scare off a Hoodie 10.58.30

https://youtu.be/ps0VU6SZ-F4 N2 Elevenses for Dorcha when fish number one arrives 11.46.13 

https://youtu.be/BKHSD1BymP0 N2 Dorcha quickly returns when Louis brings a second fish 16.41.45 

https://youtu.be/yMqIGkUXvnc  N2 First EGG! Congratulations Dorcha! 17.52.55 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/WJOWeX-Hxd8 N2 Louis’ first look at the egg 19.04.11

Bonus action – if you’re eggcited by the first egg, anticipating a second in three days, and have any spare funds… Woodland Trust will put them to good use protecting Louis & Dorcha’s home. Hit the yellow button on this page or use this link: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/give/donate  

If you prefer to donate offline call WT’s friendly team on 0330 333 3300 between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday 

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/I-VmcgzVveY  N1 Aila watches a Red Deer near the nest 2020

https://youtu.be/7_XmXGafimM N1 Lonely Louis skydances in vain 2021

https://youtu.be/CJl9LiQ23eQ N1 Louis is vertically challenged 2021

https://youtu.be/XNiNQjkUSBs N1 Louis does his demented penguin impression 2022

https://youtu.be/3g5njmmeykE  N1 Comedy as Louis forgets he’s got a fish and tries mating! 2022

https://youtu.be/mJrYkJieaSo  N1 A Robin sings in the dark 2023

https://youtu.be/krmpSP7wVU0  N1 Louis does a flypast with fish number two 2023

https://youtu.be/qYLZK_Iym44  N1 A Barn Owl visits 2024

https://youtu.be/g4S95JxjN_k  N1 Interesting triangular encounter – with a new player! 2024

https://youtu.be/GH6XNHVJR1M N2 Dorcha didn’t take long to sort out Louis’ awkward stick! 2024

https://youtu.be/OI9pOORSzXA  N2 Nest One A Hoodie lands, interrupting Garry’s nest prep 2024

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

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

What can we do to help our garden birds?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/16/garden-birds-need-a-hedge-against-decline?CMP=share_btn_url

Sandpoint: Geese continue to incubate eggs while Keo and Keke attempt to build a nest on a light pole.

I have been worried sick about Finnegan. If I could these beautiful birds would have tracking devices – I know it is silly – so we would know where they are and what is happening with them. I needed a smile and after checking on Betty Lou and Sunny and Gizmo, I went to check on Big Red and Arthur. There was snow starting to fall. Arthur had arrived to give a shift change and with some prey for the Queen of the Red-tail Hawks.

They have been together for 8 seasons!

The first egg was laid on April 2. Incubation is typically 28-32 days, making pip watch set for April 30.

Adorable Arthur.

Smile. CROW rescues a pair of osplets.

Lastly. It is time to stand up for the nests. In off time, those running streaming cams should refurbish and restore their osprey platforms which should include building rails, making certain that the base can allow for the drainage of water but has SS mesh to keep from sticks, eggs, and chicks form falling through. Nesting material should be provided. It has been shown that a proper nest can encourage good care of osplets (Snow Lane, Newfoundland, 2024).

Salem Electric, the osprey family wanting to use this platform needs help. Get the bucket truck up there and help them! Get everything ready and let your crews do this quickly!

Kielder Forest: KF13 laid her and W6’s first egg of the season at 13.01 today at Nest 1A.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, videos, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff’, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Bwywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Tweed Valley 2, IWS/Explore, Dyfi Osprey Project, Llyn Clywedog, Boulder County Fairground, Loveland Colorado Ospreys, PSEG, The Guardian, Xcel Energy Fort St Vrain, Cornell Bird Lab, CROW, Charlo Montana, Sandpoint, Salem Electric, Kielder Forest, Foulshaw Ospreys

Wednesday in Bird World

16 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

Latest Updates:

Poole Harbour: CJ7 has laid her second egg.

Glaslyn: Aran spent the night with Elen on the perch. They mated twice. Cross your fingers the drama is over and Teifi will find himself a lovely mate elsewhere!

Llyn Brenig: Egg number 1 laid at 23:13:48 15/04/2025, well done 372.

Kielder Nest 7: KX7 laid her second egg at about 15.45 Tuesday.

Tweed Valley Nest 2: “A rather bizarre set up has emerged in the absence of FK0. At the nest there is Mrs O, another BTO ringed female and a BTO ringed male. None of these three birds have the coloured alpha numeric darvics, so we know nothing of their background. The male appears inexperienced and is perhaps young. The two females are surprisingly tolerant of each other. The only aggression witnessed so far has been on arrival of fish delivery from the male as the two females both try to grab it. Mrs O usually wins the fish and flies off to feed but has been seen to return with a portion remaining and letting the other female have it. If FK0 eventually turns up things could get very complicated. The male bird and Mrs O have started mating and maybe if she lays an egg, the couple may settle.”

Thank you to Geemeff for reminding me that I hadn’t sent out Tuesday’s blog—it was Tuesday, but not the 14th! Grrrrr. Tuesdays are always hectic for me because Anne arrives, and before that, the animals seem to demand a lot of attention. Sometimes, I feel like I need two of myself!

There is hardly any news. Ospreys are, for the most part, home. Charlie is not at Charlo Montana. They believe he is MIA. The Memorial List is getting longer. Aran is still trying to keep his nest. He was there after 1700 at Glaslyn, but did not bring Elen a fish. Teifi has been doing that. Finnegan is not home. My question: Could Charlie and Finnegan winter in the same location and both are late? Is Finnegan late? Gosh, it feels late. Llyn Brenig is still not settled.

Iris waits.

‘J’ wants to know where the first confirmed news of Finnegan’s return will be posted. Dr Greene posts on Montana Osprey Cam’s FB page. I know that my inbox will light up if that white-breasted, long-legged male gets on that nest, and you will also know this by his behaviour towards Iris. (Don’t even get me started on Louis!)

This year, Heidi is monitoring a whack of many US Osprey nests, and I am focusing on the UK and Europe along with Iris. We will be bringing you more news once we have hatchlings.

So I am thankful for Blue 33 and Maya, CJ7 and Blue 022, Dylan and Seren, Idris and Telyn, and Louis and Dorcha who are giving us some stability in the UK nests.

Geemeff sends us the daily summary from The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 15th April 2025
An interesting day on Nest One where Garry LV0 brought bedding but no fish, then saw a perceived threat in the distance, flew off the nest in a hurry, and a long aerial battle ensued with both birds flying back and forth across the cam view. The fight was too distant to make out who Garry was seeing off his territory, but there was no doubt about the invader later on – a Buzzard, different to previous visiting Buzzards, looked to be on a nest scouting expedition, but it’s highly unlikely Garry would tolerate further intrusion. Louis and Dorcha continued their usual routine of mating and nest prepping, with two fish handovers today taking 

Louis’ tally to thirty three, but no sign of the much anticipated first egg yet, and as of the time of filing this report (23.15) the nest is empty. It rained on and off today, the forecast is for a dry night tonight but more rain tomorrow.
Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.31.46 (05.17.42); Nest Two 21.45.22 (05.29.22)
Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/A_RZD0tcTvQ  N2  Louis arrives with a lively flapping trout 06.07.41

https://youtu.be/AyFmftRron8 N1 A Jay visits but leaves quickly, alarm calling 08.15.13 

https://youtu.be/Ca_z21qf71I N1 Garry LV0 leaves in a hurry, an aerial fight ensues 09.06.12

https://youtu.be/6I2Eivd3aaM N2 Dorcha seizes fish number two as soon as it arrives 14.10.08 

N1 is this a female Buzzard scouting for a nest? 20.32.43

Bonus action – WT wants your help with the

longest written biological record of its kind
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/things-to-do/natures-calendar

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:
https://youtu.be/51sv0sFASJA N1 Aila & Louis: love in the dark 2020
https://youtu.be/Ne6U24RQtfk N1 Louis is harassed by persistent Hoodies 2021
https://youtu.be/LbhbAx0KBh4 N2 Stickly situation: Louis and a log 2022
https://youtu.be/7w0I3iYZssc N2 Synchronised landings 2023 (slo-mo repeat)

https://youtu.be/glFpcNXi9Oo N2 Dorcha and the egg star on BBC Breakfast 2024
https://youtu.be/cuIKVzgrQMY N1: Garry LV0 does some nest scraping and watches for a potential mate 2024
https://youtu.be/GVX93Gmg5KI George WTS’s interview on BBC Radio Scotland today 2024
https://youtu.be/43baqO1yOss N2 Louis gets to egg-sit when he delivers fish number two 2024 

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

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

Captiva Bald Eagle Nest: Both Dasher and Dancer were at the nest on Tuesday.

FOBBV: The antics of the kiddos, Sunny and Gizmo. So cute. https://youtu.be/HL1uVWzjdCQ?

NCTC: Scout has brought in at least three fish for the triplets! Just look at those crops.

Chichester Peregrine Falcon News:

Chichester Newsletter No.3 15042025Download

Fraser Point Eaglet Named:

Durbe County White-tail Eagle Cam: Milda and Zorro have the cutest baby!

City of Independence Osprey Platform: Believe it or not a couple of ospreys checked out this nest on Tuesday!

FOBBV: Shadow brought in 11 fish. These two will be too large to fly. LOL. I bet that is what Shadow is hoping. Keep Sunny and Gizmo home for a long, long time. Little miracles. https://youtu.be/LddQtD0iZ0Q?s

At the Finnish Osprey Nests:

Nest 1 Satakunnan: Beautiful ospreys Eve and Eura return.

Janakkala: Resident female Yellow XKT, Cara, has been chasing a female intruder over the nest. Mate, AKE, is also home!

The ospreys are beginning to arrive in Nova Scotia. Quite a few nests are now occupied. Bravo! Always nice to see them home safely.

Good night, Iris. We are all hoping that your Finn will arrive tomorrow. You deserve the best and we will know when it is really him because you will stop looking to the sky and wishing with us! You will be eating a big fish! And it won’t have been caught by you.

Thank you for being with us. Take care all. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘Geemeff, J, PB’, Montana Osprey Project, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig, Window to Wildlife, NCTC Bald Eagle nest, Chichester Peregrines, IWS, Looduskalender Forum, Satakunnan Nest 1 Finland, City of Independence Ospreys, Ospreys of Nova Scotia, SK Hideaways, Janakkala Osprey platform, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Tweed Valley Osprey Project, SK Hideaways, BoPH, Kielder Forest

Tuesday in Bird World

15 April 2025

Good Morning Everyone,

I am growling. Can you hear me? I have lots of images in today’s blog, but Heidi tells me that they continue to be scrambled, sometimes being replaced with old images or the images are so cropped you cannot see them. When I look at my screen, everything is as it should be. I apologise. This is WordPress and I guess it is time to have another long chat or get a divorce with them!

After being outside on Sunday and proclaiming spring had arrived, we woke up to snow Monday morning. It is falling down fast (but will not accumulate, thankfully). Silly me. I jinxed it!

Despite this, the Dark-eyed Juncos showed up by the dozens to search for the new White Millet that had been scattered.

Today it is sunny and warm!

The latest from Glaslyn before we begin: “We have not seen Aran since 11:20 yesterday, but he was possibly one of three Ospreys we saw chasing one another over the valley yesterday afternoon. It was KC6/Teifi that returned to the nest yesterday evening and shared a Flounder with Elen. We do not currently know where Aran is.

This morning Teifi delivered a Flounder to Elen, but since then he has been in aerial combat with Blue 685 (Tweed Valley 2021) and the two males are chasing one another around the valley. We can only watch as the drama unfolds.”

On Monday, the Decorah N1 Geese ushered their six goslings to the leap of faith. Five made it. Sadly, one did not. ‘J’ says turn up the sound! Here is a video of that amazing event! https://youtu.be/rpwrXIqmTcw?

The Raptor Resource Project explains this incredible feat.

Raptor Resource Project: Bald Eagle and Bird of Prey CamsDownload

As I do the spring cleaning in the conservatory, I have Iris on the screen. She has been working on her nest and the horizon. I worried about Iris returning; I briefly considered the possibility that Finn might not return, but I couldn’t think about that. Migration is fraught with dangers. However, my primary concern is that our Queen awaits her Finnegan’s return. Send positive wishes, let’s get him home.

This is the way we want to see it. Bart M caught the mood on Manton Bay perfectly!

Dyfi: Idris and Telyn have their third egg.

Black Storks are arriving at their nests!

‘TU’ sends news: “9:48 AM Estonian black stork female KERLI arrived to KERGU who was already in the nest waiting )) 14.04.2025 They also posted photo of the male visitor in Karl’s nest in Karula And in Latvia black stork chose an empty nest and we could see him sleeping at nights – then the real owner lesser spotted eagle Anna appeared and they met today! What a Monday! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzo0fsqZuaI

It isn’t just the Loch of the Lowes that is confused, BHA brings us up to speed on the Port of Ridgefield Osprey nest: “No eggs on Ridgefield nest yet and today the activity has been confusing with three Osprey coming and going. (Similar to some of your own Osprey reports!) Not sure who was who but I think it was the female and a strange male on the nest, then a third Osprey flew in with fish and the female mantled and ate a little. She then took off with the fish leaving the two males. From there it got confusing as it appeared there was another fish on the other side of the nest which one started eating. (Maybe the 3rd Osprey was a female?) But then they started fighting and both went over the side of the nest. A few minutes later one returned and it appeared to be the interloper. It stayed awhile, then left. Nest is empty now. Guess it’s a good thing there are no eggs! (I left comments in chat, hoping one of the other 5 viewers might have some input, but no other comments yet.)

Geemeff sends us her daily summary for The Woodland Trust and Loch Arkaig:

Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 14th April 2025

A very wet day today, no intruders or visitors, and only two fish deliveries. Garry LV0 paid a long visit to Nest One, bringing moss instead of fish, and doing a fair bit of nest work before perching on the centre perch and looking around before departing. Over on Nest Two, Louis brought two fish today, taking his tally to thirty one, but the first fish only arrived well after 2pm, and when he delivered the second shortly after 4pm, Dorcha wasn’t there so Louis tucked into it himself. When she arrived back a little later, Louis picked up the remains of the fish and flew off with it. However as both he and Dorcha have nicely rounded full crops, neither one is going hungry. The weather forecast calls for more rain overnight and into tomorrow, but there is a prospect of a break from the rain in the afternoon. As of the time of filing this report (23.30) the nest is empty so it’s unlikely the first egg will arrive overnight.

Night cam switches on (day cam): Nest One 21.19.53 (05.31.04); Nest Two 21.12.25 (05.41.25)

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/LTAYF-7tmqQ N1 Garry LV0 brings moss and stays a while

https://youtu.be/lL_QYANa9C4 N2 Finally! A fish arrives for Dorcha 14.39.28 

https://youtu.be/rvg7SdHjZZg  N2 Louis brings a second fish but Dorcha’s not there 16.08.11

Bonus guide to delayed incubation – what to expect when the first egg arrives:  

https://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/blog/emyr-mwt/delayed-incubation-ospreys

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/UU44l6A5Vy4  N1 Touchdown – but who? 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/09e-9iR9Uvg  N1 Lonesome again – Louis waits in vain 2021

https://youtu.be/No4cPpPY9eM  N1 Cheeky Crow wants Louis’ fish 2021

https://youtu.be/ZHbPfslJSb4  N2 Dorcha finally gets Louis’ fish 2022

https://youtu.be/epotlXiS6_w  N2 Dorcha wants dinner, Louis wants Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/GwydfsZfM1s  N2 Louis looking magnificent 2023

https://youtu.be/0rLUKr-CEmE  Nest One sunset 2023 (quick-time)

https://youtu.be/HIEpIrsKACA  Nest Two sunset 2023 (quick-time)

https://youtu.be/PMBJ6rBYv6o  N1 Garry LV0 visits the nest then perches on Pole Tree 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/GR5uY71Ebvc  N2 FIRST EGG! 2024 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/-GKcJeJWPlQ  N2 Louis sees the egg for the first time 2024 

https://youtu.be/3xzJPU206Rg  N2 Louis has his first incubation session 2024

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

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

Heidi’s Osprey Report:

Brevard, Florida: There were three fish deliveries on Monday: 15.30 Mom arrived with small fish, 5 min feeding, nothing for youngest; 15.57 Dad arrived with large partial, good meal for both chicks. Another large partial from Dad at 1820, both ate well.  So, they ended up pretty well-fed today.

NCTC: Scout flew into the nest with blood all down the side of his neck on Monday. Was it a territorial battle? Or prey? All the kids were full to the brim and more. ‘J’ says they look like they ate ‘golfballs’! I agree.

Rita the Eagle: ‘J’ sends us Rita’s posting for Rita’s History Monday:

Captiva Eagle Nest: Both fledglings continue to visit the nest on occasion.

Big Bear: Fishing line appears to be on the nest again! Thanks, naturechat.org and ‘J’

‘J’ says she hates fishing line. Join the club! One of the most significant issues is even if humans clean up after themselves, which they don’t, lines can get broken and stay in a fish, get broken and hang around tree branches in lakes and get picked up. Oh, if we could dissolve the fishing line after so many minutes of exposure to water. I know, I know…It was seen at 0820. Jackie and Shadow are aware of it and hopefully they will be able to deal with it. (Yes, it is a human-made issue. Intervention in this situation and with Sunny and Gizmo this age could be highly dangerous for them even if someone could do it!)

Games keeper charged in the Yorkshire Dales for Hen Harrier killing.

Gamekeeper from a Yorkshire Dales grouse moor charged in relation to alleged shooting of hen harrierDownload

Cornell Owl Cam: Athena and her owlets. https://youtu.be/URYbidkMpAc?

NEFlorida: Bodie tucked into a nice big fish that Gabby delivered.

Hummingbird Migration Map:

Norwich Cathedral: Four eggs for the falcons!

Wells Fargo, West Des Moines, Iowa: First Osprey egg of the season on Monday!

Glaslyn: We do not know what will happen at Glaslyn. Aran hid Teifi’s egg under the nesting material, and he was not seen at the nest on Monday. Will Elen have more eggs? Will Teifi become her bonded partner beginning this year? Will Aran prevail? We wait.

‘PB’ sent a great image of the little third hatch at Duke Farms. It made it. We often wondered and look at how sweet it is.

Fraser Point Announcement:

Steelscape Osprey Platform: First egg of the season.

Latvian White-Tail Eagle nest at Durbe: Milda’s first egg has hatched!

Tonight, I am deeply troubled and appalled by the actions of some individuals in my province who should know better. The thought of shooting crows and magpies for fun is both outrageous and disturbing! In 2025, it’s unimaginable that some people remain unaware of the intelligence and emotional depth of non-human animals. We must urgently advocate for protections for all species to prevent the senseless mass killings that are happening. Our moral responsibility is to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves.

Crows & Magpies Will be Shot Dead in Mass Killing Contest in Manitoba – Animal JusticeDownload

And if that is not enough, we litter our home with all our garbage and it can kill them. Think fishing line at Big Bear today or all those osprey nests littered with human junk.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. See you soon!

Thank you to the following for their notes, posts, comments, videos, images, articles, and streaming cams that helped me to write my post today: ‘BHA, EJ, Geemeff, Heidi, J, PB, TU’, Raptor Resource Project, Montana Osprey Project/Cornell Bird Lab, Bart Molenaar, LDF, Eagle Club of Estonia, Geemeff and The Woodland Trust, Brevard Florida Ospreys, NCTC Bald Eagle Nest, Rita the Eagle FB, Window to Wildlife, FOBBV, Raptor Persecution UK, Cornell Bird Lab Owl Cam, Ryan Vaughn, Norwich Cathedral, Iown DNR, Bywyd Gwylld Glaslyn, Duke Farms, Steelscape, PETA, LDF, Dyfi Osprey Project