Yesterday it was 45 C with the humidex. It was so hot and humid in the garden you could barely breathe. Even the birds had little interest in food. Toby and I kept filling up the bird baths so that they could wash and get drinks. Tolu noticed right away that there was only one Blue Jay, and I am concerned about them. I did just see one Blue Jay come to the table feeder from inside the lilac tunnel. Perhaps that’s where they are. There were three crows just here, so that is good.
As many of you know, there are fires burning everywhere, driven by the heat and an ongoing drought. This will have a serious impact on our ospreys, as they rely solely on water and fish for food and hydration.
Please send your good wishes to all of them, and thank you again to Wildlife Conserve of NJ for feeding Uno and setting a precedent. Now please go and feed all the others because all of this heat and lack of fish is a human-driven issue – it is not ‘nature’.
Also read the following carefully and respond appropriately, thank you:
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission ASMFC is meeting August 5 to consider the possible reduction of the menhaden fishing quota – hopefully by 50%. Last year ASMFC lost their nerve and only reduced the take by 20% or less.
Write to the commissioners from YOUR STATE of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission now. ASMFC is responsible for setting quotas along the U.S. East Coast and balancing commercial fishing with the ecosystem’s forage needs.
This is the most important actions you can do right now. Don’t let the industrial fishing harvesters deplete our osprey’s food source.
Urge your state commissioners to protect the osprey and menhaden populations by adopting substantially stronger, ecosystem-based management of menhaden. by adopting a 50% reduction in the industrial harvest, or by totally ending industrial menhaden reduction fishing along the East Coast or by closing the Chesapeake Bay to industrial harvesting until independent science demonstrates that the fishery is not harming the ecosystem.
Your six CT ASMFC commissioners are:
Shanna Madsen Assistant Director, CT DEEP Fisheries Division, Shanna.Madsen@ct.gov
Proxy: Matthew Gates, DEEP Fisheries Matthew.Gates@ct.gov (860)434-6043
William Hyatt CT DEEP hyattwilliam01@gmail.com (860)402-6947
Proxy: Robert Lafrance, Policy Director Audubon’s CT, Robert.Lafrance@Quinnipiac.Edu, (203)668-6685
CT Representative Joseph P. Gresko, joseph.gresko@cga.ct.gov 860.240.0363
Proxy: Craig Miner former state senator craigminer230@gmail.com (860)309-0485
See the comments section for more information on the problem to help you write your comments to the commissioners.
Great news from Ping Shen in Seattle:
Quick visit today, found the three siblings looking good, mostly resting when I arrived, though one started some fairly vigorous warmups for life’s next stage, even managing a few jumps and momentary liftoffs in the process. Good to see them still doing well! Figure they are about ~6.5 weeks old give or take, so fledging may be around the corner…! Fingers crossed.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Wednesday 29th July 2026
Another amazing day – Juniper 8P7 achieved the ultimate milestone and fledged! Mind you, her maiden flight only lasted 31 seconds before she circled back and crash landed on the cam post, but she took off elegantly and confidently only an hour after doing her first proper off-the-screen helicopter, and made better landings on subsequent flights. Her helicopter and Dorcha’s stick antics were captured from a different perspective by LizB and her marvellous long lens a mile and a half away across the loch, links in the bonus section. Louis delivered four fish taking the Nest Two tally to three hundred and forty six, and Amber made sure she got her share, returning to the nest after spending time perched on the branches underneath the nest with just an occasional wingtip betraying her presence. Over on Nest One, Garry made up for the lack of fish over the last couple of days and brought two fish for Aurora, taking his tally to one hundred and eighty six. Aurora was so excited to see the first one that she managed to fly off without it and did a smart about turn to grab it properly the second time. After a soggy night, the weather was reasonably settled today and the pattern repeats with light rain, light winds and a low of 11°C overnight, continuing tomorrow with light rain showers, a moderate breeze, some sunny intervals and a high of 15°C.
The plumbers continue to work. We were fortunate to get Toby out for a walk before the heat set in today. There was a huge thunderstorm at 11 pm last evening with winds of 100 km passing through our City. Lots of big trees down. The plumbers had put a heavy piece of granite on Toby’s clothes box, so he did not have his thunder jacket. I could not lift that 2-inch granite! I wrapped him up tight in a baby blanket, held him in bed, and sang to him until it passed. Poor guy.
The Girls were alright. Missey and Hugo Yugo were in bed with me and Toby. Calico and Hope were in with Don.
If you haven’t seen this documentary, I recommend it.
This link should take you there: edcoraluniverse.com/en/play/69e8c6d262897193d5221799?id=69e8c6d262897193d5221799&advs=true&fbclid=IwY2xjawTYcbJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3SVhhS0M1NEhxOTh1NTA0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHu2Ztmvw5jamfEB0iM6JAst2nVOORV2832Qm1z9VCHuTUSzJ71K2LuxBegQ4_aem_Ke9a929zbw8MzUF-9JTMSg
Thank you so much for being with us today. Thank you to Ping Shen for the amazing photos of Sally and Harry and their trio, to those who posted information on FB with images, and to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to follow the lives of our birds. Thank you, Geemeff, for your videos and daily updates on all things Loch Arkaig.
It was a wonderful time with out son and daughter-in law as well as our daughter and her partner. A busy week. They took my list of things to do and just go on with it. The Peletron bike now longer haunts me sitting by the dining room table. The box room is cleared up and it has a new home. The attic is 95% cleared out. All the good stuff was kept, lots donated, and some sadly made it to the landfill. They were so organised! My contribution was to ‘stay out of the way’. The kids leave to return to their home in the Caribbean in a couple of hours. Gosh, I miss them already!
I apologise for I have not caught up with answering your e-mails. My inbox has exploded since the funds came through for Moon Camp.
A lot has happened in Bird World.
First of all, everyone knows that the funds needed to purchase the land and put it into a trust – Moon Camp – to preserve the foraging area of Jackie and Shadow and whoever comes after them is secure. They did it with a week to spare. Bravo!
Thank you to everyone who helped to make this happen. Now we just need Jackie home —- and she is in the best facility possible to help her, Ojai Raptor Centre!
Sadly, as it happens every year, a White-tail waited til the osprey fledglings get nice and fat for fledge and then struck. AK wrote: “ Sadly, UMU, the #4 nestling in Finland, was taken by a White-tailed Eagle.”
If you follow the images below you will see that the osprey cme to try and get its chick to no avail. The WTE slipped into the forest.
You can see the sequence here, and the osprey flies up to the forest and then turns to the right. So sad. They wait, those eagles and hawks, til the osplets are fat and ready to fledge.
It is fledge watch and Geemeff just sent me the cutest video of Amber flapping her wings and then helicoptering out of view of the camera. Soon! It comes too quickly! We sit and wait for eggs to hatch – that seems to take endless time – and then before we know it they are losing their baby look and turning into ferocious reptiles and then beautiful juveniles. For all those who survived this most tragic year, we salute you and anyone and all who helped.
Ping Shen reports from Seattle: “Hope you are well and the heat and smoke are not too bad. We are getting a bit of both here in Seattle, though nothing like what the midwest and northeast had last week.
Some good news mid-week – a very short visit today and all 3 young continue to look good. Mom delivered a Starry Flounder not five minutes after I arrived and lunch was served. The pecking order is very clearly established – you can see #3 sitting back while the first 2 surround mom, the little one not even trying to get in there and seemingly content to wait. However, since it seems to still be doing well, I guess there has been enough fish for this complacency to work! Fingers crossed they continue to well but so far so good. They are now well past the stage where they lost #3 last season, so an improvement already…”
News from Viki and Indian Creek: “LB seems to have split now that Lily has returned. Lily had no problem getting the first AND the second fish I threw this morning, ate them both, not even stopping by the chick’s nest, and since she was full she let the third one I threw sink and the chick has not been fed. It’s like one step forward, two steps back.
Full blown construction surrounds me in the neighborhood today. I sit out on the porch (second day in a row of lovely weather) with noise canceling headphones on. Waiting for LB to show up so I can throw a fish to him to bring to the chick.
LMAO – you are right! An osprey from the other side of the creek just now got that fish. Glad to know they float for a long while.
Heading out to give Lily one more chance – I cover up with a Dr. Seuss XL pajama pant and a long sleeve shirt from one of my husband’s political campaigns. Hoping it was LB who took #4 fish. Sheesh. This is becoming stressful!? [Note: Viki is the mother of the chicks.}
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Friday 24th July 2026
More intruder action today but Dorcha made sure they didn’t come near the nest, allowing the chicks to get on with wingercising and stuffing themselves with fish. There was a lot of fish to get through as Louis delivered seven fish taking the Nest Two tally to three hundred and twenty six, and the chicks are in great shape. Both Amber 8P6 and Juniper 8P7 have been exercising their wings, strengthening them ready for fledging, doing little hops, and Amber in particular did some quite high mini-helicopters, when she wasn’t tangling her talons or wings in a stick, as she did on one occasion. Over on Nest One, Aurora and Garry have stopped paying attention to the rotten but still intact egg and Aurora sleeps elsewhere now, but they are still attending the nest, bringing fish and bedding and adjusting the furnishings. This bodes well for next year when with luck they will produce a viable clutch. Garry brought two fish for Aurora, taking his tally to one hundred and eighty one. The ‘gentle breezes’ forecast for today seemed much stronger than that, but of course, exposed nests at the top of tall trees will feel the effects more. Those ‘gentle breezes’ are set to continue tonight and through tomorrow, with heavy rain, a low of 13°C and a high of 17°C. At the time of filing this report (half past midnight) the rain has begun and Dorcha is on the nest next to her chicks.
I will have more news on Monday. I am still trying to rest up from that wonderful visit! This morning we went to the English Gardens with Toby. Don is doing well after I adjusted his medication four days ago. The change has been rather phenomenal and I am delighted.
Toby checks out all the flowers.
My gorgeous granddaughter, Elysha, who long time readers will know – on her wedding day in Australia.
My family wishes you a good weekend.
See you on Monday!
Thank you to SK Hideaways, Ping Shen, and Geemeff for their great contributions, to those who posted on FB and to the owners of the streaming cams and YouTube stations.
We are inside in the cool of the house. Curtains are closed, and the AC is on low. The water for the birds outside, as well as for the other animals that drink from the feeders, like squirrels and cats, is being changed regularly because it gets very hot. The temperature is 34°C right now, but with the humidex, it feels much hotter. I ache for them – and for anyone who has no cold water or a cool place to be today. The temperatures will drop but still remain around 30 C for the week.
One of the new European Starling fledglings let me get within 60 cm (2 ft) of them at one of the bird baths. The last clutch had three fledglings. They are so beautiful.
We also had a new visitor to the feeder in the recycling area overnight. It is rather cute.
Ping Shen writes: “From Seattle, all 3 Osplets continue to grow (fast) and look to be well fed. When I visited today they were all sleeping fairly peacefully and ten minutes later dad showed up with a fresh salmon. They all still had visible food in their crops when they started eating, so it seems they have been well supplied with fish. Interestingly there is far less bullying compared to last year when the 2nd largest often picked on the youngest – I have seen zero thus far this year. Keeping fingers crossed!”
One of the reasons that I hope to construct a map of osprey nests that fledged their entire clutch is to show where our fish hawks are thriving. Clearly, here in Seattle, there’s plenty of fish for a family of five. This is certainly not the case in the NE, from Long Island to Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Rhode Island, New Jersey and even up to Maine. Storms and lack of fish due to industrial/commercial overfishing appear to be the primary cause of the collapse of the osprey population in the NE. I am joyful that this is not happening in Seattle.
SK Hideaways Videos, Week of 5 July 2026 As there are fewer North American eaglets and falcons in nests, we begin to transition our focus to the Southern Hemisphere. As such, we’ve created the first two videos of the season from the Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagle nest of Lady and Dad (last week being the first). Having said that, we’re keeping our eye on Sandy and Luna at Big Bear, Channel Islands eagle happenings, and fleeting sightings of the four young tiercels in San Jose. Hope you enjoy!
Wings Wide, Sandy & Luna Wave Off Intruder ~ Secure Perimeter (maybe)(2026 Jul 9) While enjoying their beautiful habitat from the Lookout Snag, Sandy and Luna were approached by an uninvited visitor. They both spread their wings and quickly waved them off, then tracked them for some time before doing the rounds of the territory. Whether they were conducting surveillance to ensure the intruder was gone, we’ll never know. But once they circled round and returned to the Lookout Snag, the area seemed clear. Ground reports noted sighting a sub-adult bald eagle near the lake, so chances are good that it had ventured into Sandy and Luna’s air space. Sandy and Luna got an A+ in territory defense for their success. Video: https://youtu.be/voxNZ7CTeDM
When Sandy & Luna Break Curfew,Shadow Knows How to Get Them Home(2026 Jul 6) As sunset approached, Sandy and Luna were still out exploring. Perhaps Shadow enjoys having them on the nest tree overnight as much as we do, as he brought a small but well-appreciated fish to the nest just after 8:00 p.m. Sandy and Luna were there in a flash, sharing a little, playing tug-o-feesh a little. Shadow declared his work done for the day and departed as the eaglets settled on their night roosts. Video: https://youtu.be/6sKl7bQ_JNc
Sandy & Luna Roost Overnight in Mom & Dad’s Tree with Jackie (2026 Jul 7) Ever since Sandy and Luna started sleeping on their own in the nest, they have watched Jackie and Shadow across the way perched in their roost tree overnight. Tonight they decided to try it for themselves. And as a bonus, Jackie joined them. Video: https://youtu.be/ZN22SJlgGms
Fraser Point Eagles ~ Santa Cruz Island, CA ~ Cruz, Andor, Sasha, Zuma & Ryder Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s
Squees & Lightning Fast Fly-Bys of Sasha, Zuma & Ryder (2026 Jul 8) Of Cruz and Andor’s 2026 three eaglets, only Sasha has visited the nest since fledging. Zuma fledged on June 20th and Ryder fell when the nest partially collapsed on June 22nd ~ neither have returned to the nest. Fans ease their empty-nest woes by listening to the nearby squees and catching fleeting glimpses of mostly unknown juveniles as they land out of camera view or fly by. After all, the eaglets have a lot of island to explore. ( 2026 Jul 8)Video: https://youtu.be/IeQYmmnGWzA
San Jose City Hall Falcons ~ San Jose, CA ~ Hartley, Monty ~ chicks: Jet, Scout, Stewart, and Walton (hatched 21 April 2026) Courtesy San Jose City Hall Peregrine Falcon Cam | Predatory Bird Research Group Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBSxPjy5sow Ledge Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pp9TisLmLU Roof Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQLhmV6bP6o Walton and Scout Visit Over 3 Days ~ Every Glimpse a Gift (2026 Jul 8-10) Visits from Hartley and Monty’s four fabulous 2026 boys are becoming rare. Jet and Stewart have been elusive for quite awhile, but we were fortunate to see visits from both Walton and Scout recently. Here are excerpts from those visits. Video: https://youtu.be/ji8IM9CR59U
Sydney White-Bellied Sea Eagles ~ Lady & Dad Courtesy Sea-EagleCAM@BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre, Sydney Olympic Park (https://www.sea-eaglecam.org/video.html) Nest cam also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw4pdgy3-U0 Lady & Dad Welcome Egg #2! Celebrate with Honk Fest Duet (2026 Jul 7) Lady laid her second egg in the wee hours. Labor seemed quick and easy (easy for us to say). Dad arrived near dawn, and he and Lady performed their honking duet to celebrate. Congrats, Lady and Dad! Video: https://youtu.be/U7bi8_Y4aQc
Do not forget to put in your name suggestions for Louis and Dorcha’s chicks! The deadline is noon UK time.
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch ArkaigSaturday 11th July 2026
As far as we could tell, given the Nest One cam downtime, Aurora spent last night off the nest and she and Garry weren’t around much today. However they both turned up after 9pm tonight, Garry with a fish he wouldn’t give her, and at the time of filing this report, half past midnight, Aurora’s still on the nest settled on the egg. That single fish takes the Nest One tally to one hundred and sixty, while over on Nest Two, Louis brought four fish for the family, taking that tally to two hundred and sixty eight. It was slightly ironic that he only brought four fish today, day one of Week 13, as Steve Quinn had just posted the Week 12 stats which show Louis broke many records. Hyvor doesn’t allow links to comments, so enter Nest 2 fish summary to week 12 (where does one start!) into the search bar (click on the little magnifying glass on the right above the featured comment) and have a read of the impressive week Louis put in. And the impressive work that Steve puts in collating and analysing the fish stats every week! The chicks are maturing daily – 8P6 warned off a Hooded Crow today, leaving Dorcha standing staring at her with a forgotten beakful of fish for a few moments – and both chicks are standing to exercise their wings now, so we might start to see helicoptering fairly soon. The weather forecast for Inver Mallie states 0% chance of rain, with light cloud and light winds, an overnight low of 14°C and a high of 23°C tomorrow, however it’s been raining gently on both nests for the past hour. Still plenty of time to get your naming suggestions in before noon on Monday, remember to use hashtag #2026NAME.
Geemeff has sent two other items. The ‘Osprey Song’ is something that I often play at home. Don really likes it along with some other ‘tunes’ from when he was a young man. If you have not joined in, do so. It is a real lift to one’s spirits.
and a fabulous song – but beware, it’s a real earworm… The Osprey Song,as performed by the Juniors at Hurst Lodge School. Sadly, I cannot post the link for some reason so please go to YouTube and search for The Osprey Song!
I was very excited to see that Kathryn Kier and Penny Albright (a Canadian and a lovely individual who kept us informed about the osprey on Sanibel Island during the winter) are collaborating on a children’s book about Aran’s first year at Glaslyn. While intended for a 8-11 year old audience, I hope that an ‘oldie but goodie’ like all of us might enjoy it, too!
What a wonderful fundraiser! I love the image of Aran and Mrs G above.
Still four at Blackbush and little 4 had a crop. Decidedly likes to stay away from the bigger siblings.
Early fish for the only surviving bob at the Osoyoos nest in BC.
At least one fish for the only surviving chick at Cowlitz PUD.
These nests are suffering. The fish are small in comparison to those coming in at the UK nests where there could be 5-7 fish a day!
Idris preparing a fish for his trio and for Telyn.
Teifi has been bringing in so much fish there is one on the nest almost unnoticed by the trio and Mum, Elen.
Mealtime at Poole – four big healthy chicks—indeed, four females!
Two beauties in the Usk Valley!
Flora had not been seen at the Alyth SS nest for ever so long but she made an appearance a few days ago. How grand.
Beautiful day at Llyn Brenig.
Want to see a big fish? Look at this one that Blue 33 brought in to one of the fledglings at Rutland. Now – remember what I said – you need tonnes of those tiny fish in the US or some nice big ones like this to have healthy osplets. The system in the NE is broken and the storms are harming the other nests. There are exceptions – just look at Seattle!
Thank you for being with us today. We are bored from being in the house. We have moved all the furniture in the living room and returned my grandmother’s heavy pedestal table in there where we will begin to have our supper in the fall. I would love to put a huge bouquet of flowers right in the centre – so welcoming – but ‘The Girls’ like to eat them. The only place I can have flowers is on the sink/gas stove top side of the kitchen!!!!
Take care of yourself. I will see you soon. I cannot promise a post in the next couple of day – lots going on but I might manage a short one.
Thank you to Ping Shen for their observations and images of the Seattle trio, to SK Hideaways for their videos and to Geemeff for their daily summary and videos, to all who posted information and images on FB, and to the owners of the streaming cams – forever grateful to be able to watch these amazing bird families.
A very happy but, sadly, belated ‘Happy Father’s Day’ to everyone who has ever cared for another living soul and to our raptor dads especially who work hard to provide for their families in a very rapidly changing world.
I so enjoyed my friend Ruth’s visit on Sunday. Normally, visitors are Don’s friends keeping tabs on him, so this was quite special for me! She brought me the most beautiful fabric – a William Morris Co ‘Blackthorn’ pattern on a heavy linen fabric. Now to contemplate what to do with this treasure.
The garden news is that the Crows have fledged their young. I cannot keep enough ‘meat’ on the bird table for them!!!!!! It is still unclear to me how many there are because they still want the parents to feed them. They have yet to make an appearance where I can get a photo of them, nor has Dyson stayed long enough. She has babies in a nest somewhere! And her trips back and forth are short, so it is close by.
There is, however, a lingering sadness around our entire block. Brock and another dear cat, Charlie, went missing on the same day. Everyone has looked, driven around, called, and now checked sheds and garages. My heart is very heavy. Brock was very special to me, and I hope that he miraculously shows up. If I do not see him in another week, I will have to accept that he is gone. That something happened. He was a sweet soul, and a tree will go up in his memory. I hope he did not suffer.
Photo taken by a neighbour last summer.
I find solace in looking at my bunch – they help keep me calm and they know better than to ever want to be outside! It is dangerous out there.
Toby thinks he is a Calico cat.
Thankfully, the fish have continued to come into Little Dewey at Dewey Beach. Heidi jokingly said not to tell Omega they had been bringing in Menhaden. We don’t know where Mum is finding them, but keep on – we still have more than a month to go before fledge, and Little Dewey is going to need lots of fish. Might we find a fairy in the neighbourhood?
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 21st June 2026
The weather was settled today, sunny and dry, and both males provided well – Garry LV0 brought three fish for Aurora 536 taking his tally to one hundred and twenty eight, and Louis delivered six fish including a pike, the Nest Two tally now stands at one hundred and seventy two. Dorcha was startled during one of Louis’ deliveries, but not nearly as startled as the chick who got an eyeful of poo from an ill-judged squirt by the other. Or perhaps not so ill-judged – the chicks had been fighting earlier and the one who came off worst was the one who squirted! The forecast is dry overnight with a low of 11°C but a possibility of light rain showers tomorrow, with a high of 22°C.
Everything you need to know about what is going on in the California nests by SK Hideaways!
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Saturday 20th June 2026
Another day where the main talking point was fish – Louis delivered both the season’s earliest fish at 03.21 and the season’s latest at 23.40, with both deliveries made while night cam was on, and put in his longest working day at 20 hours 18 minutes. His delivery of five fish takes the Nest Two tally to one hundred and sixty six. Louis startled Dorcha twice today, both times by appearing quickly – the first time she jumped up and winged him away, and the second time she let him land with his fifth fish. He had more problem deliveries, he caught his wing on a forked stick when bringing fish two, and he clattered that same stick departing after fish three. By contrast, Garry LV0 had no problems with either of his two deliveries to Aurora 536, and his Nest One tally rises to one hundred and twenty five. For a pleasant change there was more sunshine and less rain than forecast for today, and the mild sunny weather will continue with an overnight low of 10°C and a high of 19°C tomorrow.
Sandy & Luna Squeeze Onto Back Porch to Say Good Morning ~ Watch Helicopter (2026 Jun19) Luna and Sandy greeted viewers from the back porch, squeezed together like peas in a pod. A little later, their attention was turned to a helicopter flying overhead. We lamented the possibility of increased air traffic should the Moon Camp property be developed. We support the effort to stop any such development. Shadow then arrived with the first fish of the day, which Sandy quickly claimed. Luna would get the other half when Sandy had enough. If you would like to support the preservation of Moon Camp, learn more at https://savemooncamp.org/. Video: https://youtu.be/urk5hiJB95A
BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT! Luna Climbs to Y-Branch ~ Perches Even Higher (2026 Jun 17) Luna stepped up to the Y branch and kept going up! This is a big developmental accomplishment as fledge time approaches. Sandy was suitably impressed with Luna’s progress, but was content to manage her branches. Eagles typically fledge between 10 and 14 weeks, so the window is now open for Luna and Sandy, who are 73 days old. Males typically fledge first as they are smaller. Video: https://youtu.be/If_H8omr7nk
Fraser Point Eagles ~ Santa Cruz Island, CA ~ Cruz, Andor, Sasha (hatched 3/28), Zuma (hatched 3/30), Ryder (hatched 4/1) Courtesy Institute for Wildlife Studies | explore.org | Fraser Point Eagles Cam Ops Nest Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY4V_AppZ6s
BIG DAY AT FRASER POINT‼️ Zuma’s Fludge+Fledge ~ Partial Nest Collapse ~ Ryder’sNear Fludge (2026 Jun 20) The day began normally ~ Sasha bouncing around in the treetop, Ryder bouncing around the nest, and Zuma on the overnight perch. ~ Things got exciting when Zuma tried to descend from her perch to the nest and lost footing, falling to the ground. Ryder advised her to flap and asked if she was OK ~ turns out she was. ~ Later, while showing off her magnificent wingers, Ryder landed on the nest ledge, a big chunk of which broke off and fell to the ground, throwing up a big plume of nesting material. Fortunately, Ryder is much stronger than the first time she got too close to the edge (26 April 2026) and was able to recover and return to the nest. ~ We finally caught sight of Zuma at 12:47 (minute 7:46 in the video) as she made her way up the hill and took several short flights. We won’t wager on when she might return to the nest, but we’re quite confident that she will.
All in all, an eventful day at Fraser Point.
*Note: there has been no formal declaration of the eaglets’ genders. Our references to gender are just our best guesses. Video: https://youtu.be/AM7s0HwvKNY
Zuma Goes Out on a Limb ~ Explores Life Off Nest for 1st Time (2026 Jun 17) Call it branching or branch-hopping, Zuma went from the nest to a branch off the nest. A big accomplishment and deserving of praise. Zuma took up residency on that right side branch mid-afternoon and traversed back and forth several times before perching there overnight. Congratulations, Zuma! Video: https://youtu.be/3YbwXv9AAQY
Ryder & Zuma Choose Bounce House ~ Sasha Likes the Jungle Gym (2026 Jun 14) After Cruz and Andor filled the dawn with a beautiful duet, the eaglets began their morning chores. For Sasha that meant flying from one branch to another on her “jungle gym”. For Zuma and Ryder it meant strengthening their wings and legs with big wingers and jumps in their “bounce house”. The younger two seem content to watch Sasha explore the nest tree and beyond for now. We’re very happy for them to stick close to home as long as they’d like. Video: https://youtu.be/UcVY8wb2Ksk
Audacity & Jak Watch Sunset & Retire to Fave Night Roost (2026 Jun 17)The amazing IWS/explore cam ops team found Jak and Audacity watching the sunset before they retired to what I call the nest-watch roost. Such a treat to see them together ~ as sweet and bonded as ever. Video: https://youtu.be/CX4ZUTb8cy4
Fledglings Inseparable 2+ Weeks Post-Fledge ~ Parents Still Feeding (2026 Jun 15) All four fledglings were on camera today, beginning with their overnight roost on the louvers adjacent to the nesting area. Throughout the day, cam ops found them both apart and together (3 of them anyway with 1 just below). What a treat to see them all 2+ weeks post-fledge. As a bonus, we saw Hartley feeding them, Monty making a Dad Dash delivery, and the two of them bonding in the nest box. Video: https://youtu.be/u0dIuFbxwBs
Boys Perform Morning Aerobatics ~ Top Gun Training Progressing Well (2026 Jun 18) From dawn till dusk, the stellar cam ops team followed Jet, Scout, Stewart, and Walton ~ as well as Hartley and Monty ~ through their entertaining activities. ~ The morning brought incredible flying scenes followed by predictable loafing to refuel. ~ Scout interrupted Hartley and Monty when they attempted to pair bond in the nest, causing the long suffering parents to bolt from the area. ~ At day’s end, the boys came back together on the louver to roost, with an adult around the corner. An exciting and eventful day in San Jose! Video: https://youtu.be/rOC0Zu3gY6Y
Peregrines Hassle Cholyn ~ Chase Goes Talons Up ~ Cam Ops Give Us a Finale Treat (2026 Jun 19) Two peregrine falcons were unhappy with Cholyn and Chase’s presence, so became something of a nuisance. They swooped on Cholyn in the nest ~ she rose up and swatted at them. Then Chase arrived and soon went talons up when he was swooped. That took care of the nuisance. Once sure that the intruders were gone, Chase took his leave and cam ops gave us some stunning close-ups of Queen Cholyn. At the end, she and Chase exchanged beautiful chortles before she departed to meet him elsewhere. Video: https://youtu.be/b3HcKlH1X3U
‘CG’ sent us a video list from the Syracuse Red-tail Hawk nest where we have some fledging happening!
Home to Ruth, Oren, OR6, and OR7.
OR7 fludges at 46 days old on the evening of 6/12/26. After making a safe landing, flying here and there, he spends the night on a railing. https://youtu.be/FKUe7phkj7A?s
OR7 shows OR6 how it’s done. OR6 fledges at 51 days old 6/17/26. They spend the night together in a nearby tree. https://youtu.be/IZlav2VcHa4?
Videos by Sylvia’s Raptor Cam
Oh, wow. I am so grateful to Geemeff, SK Hideaways, and CG – it is great to get such good coverage of specific nests!
In Wales, Katherine Keir has kept everyone appraised as to Aran and I am happy to say that he got to celebrate Father’s Day this year with his new mate. It seems they have one chick.
Ping Shen writes about Harry and Sally in Seattle with some great photos!
“Harry and Sally’s 3rd chick hatched sometime between June 16 and 17, and Harry has been very busy making fish deliveries. Mom and the 3 Osplets seem to be doing well – fingers are crossed they can keep them fed and happy. It is still quite a joy to watch these parents tend to their new young – I didn’t visit as much last year during these early days and regretted it, so am trying to make up for it now!”
I need your help. My Memorial Page is missing eaglets, eaglets, hawks, and ospreys from the streaming cams that have died. Please take a look and send me a note, as I don’t want to leave anyone out. Don’t be shy! I have tried to keep them in chronological order but towards the end they aren’t.
There is something else that I am doing. This year, I hope, with the help of a much-too-busy Heidi, to put together a map. That map will show the nests that fledged their full clutch. I want to see where the successes are visually, and this is difficult to do on our forms. I do not believe there will be many on streaming cams who manage to raise all of their chicks, but I would like your input. When fledge comes, send me the nest name and location! I might already have it, but that is alright. We don’t want to miss any nest.
Breaking news: The Fraser Point nest of Andor and Cruz has collapsed. Ryder appears to be alright.
The second eaglet has died at the Lesser Spotted Eaglet nest in Estonia as was sadly expected. When the oldest didn’t kill it, the adult chose not to feed. They only fledge one no matter how many hatch. It is ‘their way’. In this instance, it was familial homicide.
Bety was aerating the nest at Mlade Buky around the single egg today.
A miserable day at Cornell nest of Big Red and Arthur. Not good for another fledge – drippy feathers and all. P1 is at the nest too, having fledged two days ago. No doubt they are all hungry!
Our baby at Hellgate is losing its little down and turning into a dinosaur! Do you realize that ospreys are some of the only dinosaurs to survive the dinosaur age? And we are murdering them as one of my reader’s states, in the NE USA -. They sent me a poster after reading about the Menhaden issues. I agree. Our planet is on life support and a few greedy corporations and people are killing her and all that is beautiful ———we simply cannot let that happen.
Small acts of kindness matter. A friend in London saw a pigeon drinking from a tiny, dirty puddle. They had a bottle of water and a cup in their car, and they went over and, in a safe place, left water for the bird. It went immediately. Remember. Water is life. It costs little to leave out a pan of cool water in a spot for wildlife. Please, if you can, leave out water, especially during these heat domes. Water is often more important than food.
Iris feeding her little dinosaur. Clark brought a huge whole fish for the family.
Iris makes me happy.
Thank you for being with us today. The rains are supposed to come down heavily the rest of the week, and today is packed with errands, including getting Toby’s nails trimmed. It was a joy being outside the last few days. I may take a day or two to write again. Summer is now officially here, and it will go by in a blink.
I want to thank Geemeff, SK Hideaways, CG, and Ping Shen for all their news! I really appreciate your generosity in sharing news with all our readers in Bird World. Thank you to the individuals who send out newsletters, post on FB with the latest information, and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to view these amazing birds.
We had a very strange day today. We were both tired. Toby was due to go for his grooming. It was a new doggie spa. I will only say this – Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not to be ‘shaved’ all over unless they are covered from tail to nose in heavy matting. (That would be supreme neglect. I said ‘no’ to the shave – I should have been warned off by that question. Toby did not get hurt, or anything, and the groomer did do what I asked, except that, on their own, they cleaned his face, which meant they cut off his whiskers! —– Toby will be going to his former groomer from now on even if I have to wait to get in!
The weather has turned a bit cool. It was 0. We had a very cool wind. It is to warm up – aren’t I always saying that? Spring really needs to come. I have ordered a gallon of paint so I can do a second coat of Railings on the exterior doors. I do love that deep grey with a blue undertone. We have changed door wreaths – we simply change the flowers and ornaments. The next couple of months are pink peonies. Oh, how I love peonies! We have one old bush from 1902 that still thrives, and over the past two years, I have planted more. Many of the shrubs have to be segregated from Toby as they would make him ill if he ate them!
‘PB’ alerted me to the goslings preparing to jump. These parents were incredible.
The five goslings were encouraged by Mum several times and then Dad flew up to give them a pep talk. The five appear to have made it down safely. Nothing cuter than these babies taking this huge leap of faith. Heidi has it on video: https://youtu.be/sqTCn7X8ipE?
Ping Shen wrote last night with such relief. “Here, it has been an interesting few weeks – after seeing Sally on April 2nd I naturally kept an eye out for Harry and a few days later a male did show up on the nest…upon closer inspection (photos), however, it was fairly clearly not Harry (no distinctive black spot in the left iris, etc). Sally seemed to tolerate this new male well enough (#5350 is Sally, on the right, with the new male on the left), though I wondered if she would wait for Harry and if so…where was he and when would he show up. As the days turned to weeks…I started to resign myself to the idea that I might not see Harry again. Then…as I ambled down towards the nest yesterday, seeing the 2 birds there and assuming it was Sally and the new male, imagine my surprise and joy to look through the viewfinder and find a different male…much more brown on the chest and then…as he turned just right…that drop in the left iris! Harry!! Unmistakably Harry, and the two are now back together – I hadn’t visited in a few days so I don’t know exactly when he showed up or what happened to the other male (presumably chased off by one or both of them), but what a relief! Interesting that he showed up some 3+ weeks after Sally – perhaps this is why she left a good six weeks or so before he did last summer? Perhaps her schedule is just earlier than his…anyways, as you can see they are wasting no time, and the nest is starting to expand and the Osplet-making has begun!
Thought you might enjoy the update from Seattle, and the good news. ”
Ping is not the only one who worries about late arrivals. This year, a number of ospreys have arrived several weeks later than they were expected. I am starting to wonder if they wintered in the same area, and weather events meant they were late in leaving. Wonder where they were??
The latest news from the chat – both chicks are out. “15:10-15:17–Ruth continued to help the chick in Egg #1, removing much of the shell as the chick pushed. A hatch can’t be called until the chick is fully out of the eggshell.” “A LOT has happened today! Egg#2 hatched around 17:08, so HAPPY HATCH DAY OR2 the second chick of 2026 named for its parents initials as well! We are THRILLED both chicks hatched on the same day!”
The little eaglet of Irv and Stella at the US Steel nest, USS 11 will be returned to his nest on Tuesday the 28th after rescue and rehabilitation. Great work everyone!
Geemeff stayed up very, very late. Aurora was assaulted by owl strikes. Check out all the action below at Loch Arkaig at the two nests!
Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Monday 27th April 2026Today started as a routine day enlivened by our first sight of the egg when Dorcha stood to roll it, giving us a good look at it. Louis delivered two fish to her, taking the nest total to twenty seven, and Garry LV0 brought two fish to Aurora 536, taking his tally to thirty two. Aurora didn’t eat either of them – she dropped the first and despite circling round to look for it, had to leave without it, and although Garry kept returning with the second fish, she showed no interest. It was speculated she might be getting ready to lay an egg but that ended when she left the nest at 19.40.
However, she returned to the nest at 23.53 but if she had any hopes of staying the night and laying an egg, those were dashed by a bombardment from owls who kept flying past her and over her, with calls heard continuously in the background. She didn’t actually receive a strike but had had enough and departed at 00.04. While this was going on, Dorcha was undisturbed on her nest.
All is well at the UK nests save for the owl strikes and intruders, including returning two year olds. We wait for hatch!
If you live near southern Manitoba, Wildlife Haven is having its ‘Baby Days’ on Saturday, 2 May. They are in great need. They already have over thirty new baby patients this season, and that number will continue to grow. I am certain it is the same with the rescues near you. Check out their wish lists – look in your garage. Got an old dog or cat carrier that is in good shape? Clean it up and donate if you no longer use it. Check for other items. You would be surprised by what is needed—including tools!
Thank you for being with me today. Tomorrow you should be able to see the two little darlings at Syracuse University. I encourage you to hawk watch – you won’t regret it. I am now waiting for Big Red and Arthur to have their babies.
Take care. We will see you soon.
I am so grateful to Ping Shen for sharing his Seattle osprey family with us. Thank you to Geemeff for staying up late to create the video of Aurora’s attack and all the other news. To ‘PB’ for keeping me informed on great events that I might have missed. To the authors of FB posts and the owners of the streaming cams – I am always grateful.
Thank you so much for your notes, your comments, your likes and well, your caring. I am so touched when there is a little note asking how I am doing, wishing me a good day. It means a lot! Despite having Ann and now another wonderful lady to help me, I feel like I am constantly exhausted. I am hoping it is just the end of the winter blahs because, being outside at Pineridge, really livened my spirits. I felt like a human being again. The key is ‘being outdoors’. Yes, we take Toby on walks but, this is ‘City air’. It is different in the woods. I can’t explain it but those of you that go on grand hikes but live in the city will understand precisely what I am trying to say. So, bring spring on!
A storm from Canada is hitting the UK, bringing with it rain and snow. Not a nice time to arrive home from the Iberian Peninsula or Western Africa. Still, the winds are favourable, and Idris arrived on Thursday. We are now watching for a few more – including Louis and Dorcha, who tend to be later in April. Aran was last year, with Teifi arriving much earlier, but where are they?
In Washington, Ping Shen writes that Sally has returned to her nest in Seattle!
Let’s hope that Harry gets home soon. Can’t wait for Ping’s stories of this amazing couple and their great photographs! It is always a delight to know what is happening on a non-streaming cam nest.
White YW is at Foulshaw Moss but his mate Blue 35 has not arrived. Another female is hanging around in the hope of getting a good nest and mate!
‘PB’ posts that the second baby at Achieva is strong.
That’s it for today. For those celebrating Easter or Passover, happy holidays.
Thank you to Ping Shen for the news and great images of Sally, ‘J’ for her nature chat list, ‘PB’ for that great image of the second hatch at Achieva, and to the FB authors or owners of streaming cams that allow us to watch our great raptor families.
We hope this finds each of you well and that you got outside, enjoyed the fresh air, and heard some birdsong! The Bald Eagles are gathering in areas north of me in Manitoba. It is another reminder that spring is just around the corner!
Last year Ping Shen shared his incredible photographs of a Seattle osprey family, Harry and Sally. The couple had three osplets. Sadly, one died, but two flourished. It was a real treat. Thank you, Ping! We are looking forward to Harry and Sally’s 2026 breeding season and all your images and stories.
Ping’s article is inspirational for me, and I think that it will touch each of you. We have all sought refuge in the lives of the raptors for various reasons. We need to cherish our wildlife, recognising how much our ‘souls’ are sustained by nature and how much we have in common.
“With noise and sooty exhaust constant backdrops, with a nest built on top of a 1.5 million-gallon storage tank for sewage runoff, these osprey — Harry and Sally, as I came to call them — engaged and persisted in the fraught, delicate dance of raising young. Engaged in my own delicate dance of raising my own young, I found some of the parallels quite humorous — more than once I would return home after watching the young birds demand food, maws agape, and see my own 4-year-old daughter open her mouth in silent command upon seeing me eat something interesting. Beyond humor lay the fortifying recognition of just how much we — human and bird — shared as parents. That parenting is perhaps the most hopeful act of all, that amid and against calamity and tall odds we dance, nurturing and sending forth a little bit of ourselves into an unknown future. A care package of love and hope tucked under a wing is all we leave them.”
‘LE’ sends us news that the first eaglet was born at the Fort Worth Zoo in 117 years! And no, it is not a Bald Eagle but an African Fish eagle! Here is the information:
I am so glad that the NZ DOC and the Kakapo Recovery are keeping us up to date on the 2026 breeding season. These remarkable flightgless green parrots breed only once every four years and 2026 is their year!
Mrs O is at the Tweed Valley nest waiting for a mate. Last year began in a remarkable way and ended in tragedy when two females share the same nest. Once the osplets hatched, the females could not sort out who would provide fish, if they would share duties or what – the male was simply not fit for purpose – and the cute little osplets starved to death.
What a very sad situation.
We are waiting for the first egg for Big Red and Arthur. Poor thing. She now lives in a construction zone.
Heidi writes that the second chick has hatched at the Venice Beach and Golf course osprey platform.
Owls bothered Beau and Gabby’s Kia and Eve Friday night with Eve getting hit.
The triplets at Moorings Park osprey platform are well fed – with beautiful fat little bottoms.
Waiting for White YW and Blue 35. They have raised some incredible chicks at Foulshaw Moss in Cumbria.
The cameras are getting better and better. Thanks, Jeff!
Elen is still waiting at Glaslyn.
A great video of Kai and Eve at the nest of Gabby and Beau in Palm Court, Florida – before the kids depart. It has been a wonderful season for this family! Beau proved all the naysayers wrong and is a good strong mate for Gabby just like she knew. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/CeUxQWwidwY?
There is still time for Maya or Blue 33 to arrive today at Rutland. Birds are arriving.
I would also like to draw your attention to the manner in which the side rails of this nest have been secured. To my knowledge, much of the osprey platforms in the UK are checked, secured, and refurbished before the arrival of the ospreys in the UK. I love what they do at Glaslyn. Why couldn’t someone care this much about the ospreys in the US – such as the nest at Achieva in St Petersburg? How would the owners of that streaming cam like ‘their kids’ to slide through a hole and die? Oh, don’t get me started.
Gentle snow is coming down this morning. The Starlings are waiting for me to put out their kibble while a lone Blue Jay was glad to have the peanuts to itself. Mr Crow is not patiently waiting to get Toby’s leftover meat.
Take care everyone. Check out the wonder that is nature around you, just like Ping Shen you might discover a bird family that you can watch from egg to fledge! I will see you again soon.
Thank you to Ping Shen for sharing their wonderful article with us, to ‘LE’ for letting me know about that African Eagle, to the owners of the streaming cams we are always grateful to be able to watch the lives of our favourite bird families, to SK Hideaways I am always indebted to you for your fantastic videos, and to Jeff Kerr and UK Osprey – thanks. And to all the others who post on FB and take images – bless you!
