Tag Archives: Seattle

Sally is home, Goslings jump, hatch at Syracuse…late Monday in Bird World

27 April 2026

It is almost time to say good night.

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. ”

An osprey is in flight above another osprey sitting on their nest, surrounded by twigs and foliage.
Two ospreys perched on a nest made of twigs, looking intently at the camera with a blurred green background.

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??

Oren and Ruth have two chicks hatching at Syracuse University’s Red-tail Hawk cam. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/X_lEUCn8QcI?

Two red-tailed hawks in a nest made of twigs, one is sitting and the other is standing nearby.
A red-tailed hawk resting on a nest made of twigs and branches, displaying its feathers and tail.
A red-tailed hawk sitting on a nest, surrounded by twigs and greenery.

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.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/bhSevUHZgEE N2 Dorcha departs with her breakfast, Louis takes over 05.46.05https://youtu.be/7PrrV8elxNg N2 First glimpse of the egg! 06.42.17https://youtu.be/8uRm7s4e3xQ N1 Oops a daisy! Aurora loses Garry’s fish over the side 14.25.30https://youtu.be/spaulP2MrTc N2 Dorcha gets a fine whole trout from Louis 15.34.16 https://youtu.be/7vfT-hcN9FU N1 Garry tries several times to give Aurora a second fish 19.07.05https://youtu.be/Zo9SVAB-ynM N1 Aurora is bombarded by owls 23.53.08Bonus watch – how on earth do the nest cams get wifi in the middle of nowhere? Your questions answered! Comms West now provide the service, 

Locheilnet was the original provider: https://commswest.co.uk/about-us/

Blast from the past, this day in previous years:

https://youtu.be/q_WwmwEsYBA  N1 Louis won’t let Aila have his fish 2019

https://youtu.be/p3aqIV2VHuo  N1 Owl attacks Aila 2020 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/OsGsdpzZVdY  N2 Owl strikes Dorcha as she guards her egg 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/2RPYImn6HsQ  N2 Egg number two for Dorcha 2022

https://youtu.be/AtdFILU2Sm0  N2 Owl attacks minutes after the second egg 2022 (slo-mo)

https://youtu.be/E2U7-JML07w N2 Egg number three! 2023 (zoom)

https://youtu.be/jT3MesYLieY  N2 Hooded Crow intrudes on Dorcha 2023

https://youtu.be/-JTu8Cr1Guo N2 First fish does a flypast before landing 2024

https://youtu.be/MfQttkWT3Uk  N1 Garry LV0 leaves Nest One and perches on Pole Tree 2024

https://youtu.be/B-zPWF3ZiJg  N2 Takes two to tangle: Loch Arkaig Ospreys bump into each other 2024

https://youtu.be/3hwN14iQOV4 N2 Drookit Dorcha protects the eggs in wet weather as breakfast arrives 2025https://youtu.be/emNgeo_CV3A N1 Elevenses for Blue 536 when Garry LV0 brings fish 2025

https://youtu.be/7RE-LA7Pdwo N2 Dorcha screams her approval as Louis brings fish 2025

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

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

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.

Sally has returned to Seattle!

3 April 2026

Hello Everyone,

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.

An osprey standing on a nest made of sticks, surrounded by grass and other debris.
A bird of prey soaring in the sky against a backdrop of clouds.
A post from Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre discussing the arrival of male osprey LM24 back to the nest, with insights on bird migration patterns and recent observations of different osprey individuals.
Weather map showing wind patterns over the UK with temperature readings for Edinburgh, Dublin, London, and Paris.

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!

Two ospreys interacting in their nest, with one osprey feeding while the other displays its wings. The background shows a field and a cloudy sky.

‘PB’ posts that the second baby at Achieva is strong.

An osprey is seen feeding a young chick on a nest made of twigs and debris, with a large fish present.

‘J’ sends notes from nature chat:

4th egg laid today at Black Stork Cam in Poland 2.

3rd egg hatched this morning at U.S. Steel Eagle Cam.

Pip watch continues for 1st eggs at Big Bear Eagle Cam, Fort St. Vrain Station Eagle Cam and ND-LEEF Eagle Cam.

Pip watch for 2nd egg begins today at Glen Hazel (Hays) Eagle Cam.

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.

Waiting for Blue 33 and Maya…Sunday in Bird World

22 March 2026

Good Morning Everyone,

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:

The Eagle Has Landed! Meet Our First African Fish Eagle ChickDownload

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.

Both ospreys are at the Newport Bay Osprey platform. Here is the link to their camera: https://www.youtube.com/live/yIA5FVKQCIk?

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!