Tag Archives: Welsh ospreys

Late, late Friday in Bird World

18 September 2026

Greetings Everyone,

It is very late on Friday night. Toby and I have been at the hospital for most of the late afternoon and very early evening. What a delight it was to talk to Don’s ‘neighbour’, Heidi. Heidi is a walking history book – born in Lubek, Germany in 1942. She told me how, when the wall went up, her mother stuffed food and treats in her pocket because she knew Heidi and her friends were crossing a little ditch into ‘the East’. I told her how I spent time woodfiring pottery in Mecklenberg. The region of Mecklenberg is also home to many, many lakes with ospreys!!!!!!!!!!! We learned something from one another. As for Don, he has been given a drug that appears to have had a dramatic negative impact on his independence. I am hoping that miracles do happen.

Toby just lives his best life at the hospital. He loves everyone and now stops and chats – after three weeks, long-time patients recognise him. A sweet girl starts waving a wand when we come through the locked door to Don’s ward. Toby always loves chatting with her and getting some pets. One of my greatest joys is seeing him bring happiness to others – and I am so thankful that we had him trained to be a therapy dog so he can be shared with them in hospital or in care homes. He is an incredibly ‘good’ dog – he only barks with other dogs. Is it some kind of canine symphony? or when he sees ‘a cat’ out in the garden and it is not one of his sisters. He does not jump or scratch or lick without getting some kind of signal from the person (that signal I have to work out – it is like a silent yes going through some sound wave I cannot here).

Still best friends. This is every morning…if it didn’t happen, I would worry. It is their way of getting to eat breakfast together as long as their waitress brings their plates!

A calico cat sleeping on a perch beside a sleeping dog on a soft surface. The scene features sunlight lighting the room and a view of greenery outside the window.

But, enough…is Iris still here?

The latest Iris ever stayed in Missoula was September 11th. She is still there, as far as I can tell! Remember all the comments about Iris looking tired and a bit dishevelled? I am pleased that she is staying later and eating a lot of fish to build up her system so that her migration and return are successful.

An image showing stadium lights with a bird flying by, capturing a moment when Iris, an osprey, exits the lights.

A compilation all about Iris:

An osprey, named Iris, standing on a wooden post while eating a fish, with a blurred natural background.

Charlie is still at Charlo, too!

A bird perched on a wooden post overlooking a scenic landscape of fields and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Missing Idris and Telyn along with their cute kiddos? Dyfi have put together videos like no one else!

Screenshot of the Dyfi Osprey Project YouTube channel, featuring a grid of video thumbnails organized by year from 2011 to 2026.

Geemeff’s last summary:

Final daily summary for Loch Arkaig Season Ten: Friday 18th September

A few little birds thought about paying a visit then changed their minds – neither nest looks very appealing in the prevailing wet grey conditions. Our Osprey family are well on their way to their wintering grounds after a very successful season. Dorcha returned early on 4th April and both Garry and Aurora returned on the 7th, stopping in first at Nest Two before going to their own home at Nest One. But then we waited, and waited, and Louis didn’t arrive. It was getting tense and people were starting to write him off and then like magic, he turned up on the 17th looking fit and well and ready to start the new season right away. While Garry and Aurora got off to a slow start eventually producing just the one egg which didn’t hatch, Louis and Dorcha produced three eggs and hatched three chicks. Sadly the third chick faded away after only five days, but the other two grew big and strong and fighting fit. Perhaps a bit too much fighting, despite a steady supply of 481 fish from Louis and 5 from Dorcha, however both females went on to fledge and migrate and their feisty natures should stand them in good stead for their future prospects when seeking nests and mates of their own. The season ended on 4th September when Louis paid a final visit to the nest, and we wish them all fair winds and plenty of fish, and look forward to seeing the adults back next spring for Season Eleven.

WTS George will post this season’s highlights video here in due course, and then the comments will close until that glorious day next March when they reopen and we all return for Season Eleven. Meantime, you can join fellow followers of the Arkaig Ospreys on Facebook or over at Adam’s site, and chat about all things Osprey over winter:https://www.facebook.com/groups/829595230542720https://walkingwithdaddy.com/osprey/

Many thanks to Woodland Trust for installing the nest cams and providing us with such a thrilling look at the wild world of the Ospreys while protecting our precious ancient woodland for the generations to come. Thanks also to the People’s Postcode Lottery for sponsoring the nest cams, and to everyone who participates and makes this forum such a friendly and informative space. Farewell until Spring 2027!

Season Ten 2026:

April 4 Dorcha arrives N2 12.21.56

7 Garry LV0 arrives N2 08.56.13

7 Aurora 536 arrives N2 13.38.44

12 Western Arkaig male JJ4 arrives N2 18.50.08

17 Louis returns! N2 17.57.42

18 Louis & Dorcha are reunited 06.37.28

26 First egg for Dorcha & Louis 06.56.29

29 Second egg for Dorcha & Louis 05.34.12

30 First egg for Aurora and first on Nest One in six years 19.18.37

May 2 Third egg for Dorcha & Louis 03.12.24 

June 1 First chick hatches! 12.40.39

3 Second chick hatches! 06.21.54

6 Third chick hatches 00.49.09

11 Sad death of little Chick3 10.00+

12 Dorcha disposes of the body in the forest 08.09.00

14 Aurora’s egg deemed unviable

July 8 Chicks ringed 8P6, 8P7, both female 

14 Chicks named Amber 8P6, Juniper 8P7

28 Fledge! Amber finds her wings 13.15.40 

29 Fledge! Juniper finds her wings 17.44.03 

August 8 Dorcha’s last nest visit 16.19.03

11 Dorcha seen off-nest

13 Amber last seen 19.37.44 

14 Aurora last seen 08.55.46 

16 Amber seen off-nest 

17 Garry last seen 09.34.53 

22-27 Aurora seen in Poole Harbour

September 4 Juniper last seen 08.28.16

4 Louis last seen 14.11.07 

1JW seen nesting in Spain at the Pego Oliva Marsh 

Seasons One to Nine highlights:

2017  https://youtu.be/1q-YUOB5y4g

2018  https://youtu.be/5-ihSqZbv_w

2019  https://youtu.be/0581sPj0_RY

2020  https://youtu.be/l30udB0KKcE

2021  https://youtu.be/01RR3gk-KAo

2022  https://youtu.be/FCzFusezbtM

2023  https://youtu.be/9uWupO0G9tY 2024  https://youtu.be/pgLrWvnETSY

2025  https://youtu.be/-kK4vb1OTiw

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

Heidi would like us all to turn our attention to Mum and Dad at the Port Lincoln osprey barge:

A split-screen image showing various scenes related to an osprey nest. The top left features a view of a pole with the ocean in the background, while the top right displays the osprey nest containing eggs. The bottom left focuses on an adult osprey perched on a rope, and the bottom right contains notes and graphs related to egg timings and observations.
A Facebook post discussing a live streaming osprey nest in Port Lincoln, Australia, detailing the history of egg abandonment by the mother osprey and the current situation regarding feeding challenges faced by the parents.

I am saddened by what happened at the nest of Hope and George at the Osprey Environmental Centre, and I hope fish fairies fly in to help Mum, Dad, and the kiddos. I am certain we can all help buy fish from our cookie jar stashes!!!!!!!!

It is the first time I can recall so much attention being placed on the importance of Menhaden. It is wonderful, but is it too late? Anyone reading my blog knows that I abhor any company of any nationality, including my own Canadian ones, wrecking the environment and an entire ecosystem! I really hope gillnet fishing will stop – everywhere.

Map showing Smuggler's Point and surrounding coastal areas with annotations indicating location.

Sea Eaglets are growing and getting beautiful feathering. SE37 still dominants the meals and sometimes SE38 has to wait but Lady is doing the best she can!

Two young birds in a nest made of twigs and leaves, with a timestamp in the corner.
A nest with a fluffy white chick resting on green leaves, surrounded by twigs and branches, and an adult bird standing nearby.
A close-up view of a sea eagle nest with several fluffy, downy chicks resting on a bed of leaves and twigs.

Dinner with Buzzards:

Country diary: Dinner time for the buzzard family is not a dignified affair | Kate Blincoehttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/18/country-diary-dinner-time-for-the-buzzard-family-is-not-a-dignified-affair?CMP=share_btn_url

Toby and I can attest that raptors’ eating habits are anything but organised. We have witnessed them plucking on our Japanese arch, on top of the fence, with feathers and fur flying in every direction when the wind blows. Lately, we have sadly been finding grey squirrel heads near the park where we like to walk.

The Reds seem to escape the tyranny.

Lots of sparrows at the feeders.

A flock of sparrows feeding on a bird feeder filled with seeds and peanuts, surrounded by green foliage.

The island was moved today and I just left the mess so tomorrow is going to be a day of ‘surface cleaning’ til Melissa gets here on Monday. I hope to have a short report for you with the ‘good news’. If not, it will arrive Sunday evening.

In the meantime, get outside. Enjoy the crisp autumn air. Go for a walk if you can. If not, breathe in what feels like really clean air. I love the smell of fallen leaves as you walk over them. They often remind me of my university days, heading off to the football stadium in Norman. It is interesting how scents/odors can transport us to another time and another place.

Thank you so much to Geemeff for that final summary on Loch Arkaig for the Woodland Trust, to those who posted images and information on FB, to the individuals fighting for Menhaden and saving the ospreys, to The Guardian for its environmental and wildlife reporting, and to the owners of the streaming cams – we are grateful.

Diamond lays third egg…Late Thursday in Bird World

10 September 2026

Greetings Everyone,

I want to wish all my readers who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah starting tomorrow a very happy New Year’s celebration.

It was hot for September. 27 C today with a gentle breeze now and again. The children are all back to school as of Tuesday, the day after Labour Day. The Blue Jays are currently enjoying a late-day feed on peanuts. I can see Junior at the big table feeder right now, with a grey cat walking around the lilacs. Toby will take care of that. He always allowed Brock once he was trained, but he gets rid of the others. I am always afraid they will attack the birds – all are well-fed pets!!!!!!!

Toby and I were home today. Ann was at the hospital, and Don continues with physiotherapy and occupational therapy. It is a long road ahead before he’s strong enough to come home. I am going up tomorrow and Toby is going to the groomer. Poor little guy. He loves to run outside but he gets burrs in his lovely long feathering. He likes his baths and his feet soaks but he really is due for a clipping.

We lucked out today. One of our neighbours gave us some lemon cucumbers and there is a beautiful bouquet from Oak Knoll Farms. Both put a smile on my face. Have you ever tried a lemon cucumber? If not, you are really missing something delicious.

A bouquet of pink roses and buds arranged in a white watering can, with greenery blurred in the background.
A wooden tray containing five yellow melons, displayed on a dark surface.

Oh, we know that the world has turned upside down in terms of raptors when we get to hear from our friend ‘A’ who writes to us out of Melbourne. This news sadly found its way to the Junk Mail folder and I only found it today. We will be looking for more lively commentary as the season progresses.

“The top news is that dad arrived on the ledge at the Collins Street scrape, looking perfectly healthy, just before 6pm Melbourne time (8 September). This is of course a huge relief to everybody. 

Not sure whether you caught this piece of news but our albatross chick is on his way to Chile. He was a strong healthy lad and should have a good chance and we wish him godspeed and lots of fish.

Of course, being me, I’ve spent a lot of time watching the Olympic Park nest and counting the bites SE38 is getting. As if I wouldn’t be! SE37 really is a Zoe. I can handle a bit of sibling rivalry, but this is so vicious and occurs even when SE37 can barely reach over her crop to attack her younger brother. Lady is the only reason the little one is still alive.She has been wonderful, taking so much time and effort to try and feed her younger hatch. He is terrified of SE37, and it is sad to watch him cowering as Lady tries to coax him to lift his head and eat.

He has learnt to creep up the nest to mum, where he sometimes arrives in time for some bites but often does not. He has had a few good days followed by two or three bad days and I’m wondering whether things will improve or get worse as SE37 gets more and more gigantic. It really is hard to watch. I find myself skimming over the footage and studying the feedings but it’s a depressing watch most days.

Gimbir is absolutely adorable and is making a wonderful dad in this, his second season. He is devoted to Diamond and very keen to participate in all things paternal, which is so cute.” 

Diamond has now laid her third egg if you missed it! SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/51MYA5NH1jg?

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t believe Diamond has ever fledged three chicks. This could be a first.

A peregrine falcon sitting in a nesting box, surrounded by small eggs and gravel, with a view of the countryside outside.

Iris is still at Hellgate Canyon. There is even an Iris coffee shop now run by the students. According to Dr Greene, Iris flew by the window along the river during the opening!

Interior of Iris Cafe with staff and customers, showcasing a coffee preparation area and colorful wall art.

Lucille Powell caught Iris:

An Osprey perched on a tree in a rocky landscape, surrounded by evergreen trees, captured by a wildlife camera.

Teifi, mate to Elen at Glaslyn, is still home as is Dinas in the Glaslyn Valley.

Volunteer Gail Edgley observing Ospreys at the Glaslyn estuary, highlighting their identification and behaviors.
An osprey flying over a shallow body of water, holding a fish in its talons.

Jeff Kear carried the latest Dyfi migration report. Note that Idris remains enjoying his fish dinners to himself. No doubt these males get tired and out of shape, just like the females, and need some ‘me time’.

Bar chart showing the age of Dyfi Osprey chicks at migration from 2011 to 2026, with blue bars representing average male age and red bars representing average female age.

So grateful to Suzanne Arnold Horning for keeping up with the Ps, where at least one is still on the Cornell Campus with Big Red and Arthur.

A hawk is perched on a metal railing at the top of a building under a cloudy sky.

We still have ospreys in Manitoba. Why would they leave – the water is still open and there are plenty of fish in Lake Winnipeg and various other ponds around the City of Winnipeg – some people even stock places with fish for them!

A bird of prey, possibly an osprey, perched on a rooftop under a clear blue sky.

Hearings are currently underway about the lack of Menhaden. As you know, I am a Canadian, and I am not happy that it is a Canadian company (or any other international company, even one from the US) sucking Menhaden out of the Bay. Let’s hope people finally stand up for wildlife and shut down industrial trawler-based fishing! Save the Ospreys.

A close-up of a striped bass held by a person, showing visible lesions on its side under a clear blue sky near water.

This isn’t nice.

A series of images depicting dead fish floating in green water, with pieces of debris also on the surface. The lower corner shows a fishing rod and a bucket.

Our local wildlife rehabilitation centre has been busy.

Two Bald Eagles, one juvenile and one adult, at Wildlife Haven in Manitoba, Canada, recovering and gaining strength in a flyway before their release back into the wild.
A spacious aviary with two hawks perched on a branch surrounded by greenery.

A great turn out to Jackie’s Memorial:

A large crowd gathers at Fawn Park for a memorial event, surrounded by flowers and tributes. Attendees are seen taking photos and engaging with one another under a clear blue sky, with trees in the background.

Take care, everyone. We will see you again soon!

Thank you to everyone who contributed images and information on FB – and a big shout out to ‘A’ from Melbourne. Lovely to have your commentary back. We, of course, are grateful to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch these bird families!

Seattle trio thriving, big fish deliveries in the UK…Later Sunday in Bird World

12 July 2026

Hello Everyone,

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!

FOBBVCAM Eagles ~ Big Bear Valley, CA ~ Jackie, Shadow, Sandy (hatched 4/4/26), Luna (hatched 4/5/26)
Courtesy FOBBVCAM | Friends of Big Bear Valley
Nest Cam:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
Wide View Cam (Cam 2):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41eq4VzCYc4
Live Recap & Observations:  https://bit.ly/3Md8TSz

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.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/mP0HNiEZQnY N2 The family’s very happy to see early breakfast arriving 04.22.46https://youtu.be/8NZ0gjWWzrA N2 Chicks aren’t interested in fish two so Dorcha eats it all 04.38.37https://youtu.be/pqLNYVwgJfY N2 Louis delays leaving after fish three and Dorcha’s not pleased 09.08.35https://youtu.be/Bvwmyz-MxIM N2 Chicks are all grown up – 8P6 warns off a Hoodie 09.17.09https://youtu.be/VwlBWS6YGOE N2 Dorcha grabs fish four and loudly encourages Louis to leave 20.55.27https://youtu.be/EAmfIy1ksFY N1 Garry brings a fish but flies off with it 21.41.18

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

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

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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.

Good news story

https://www.yahoo.com/news/science/articles/osprey-found-burned-cape-canaveral-190500227.html

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.

Name the chicks…Thursday in Bird World

9 July 2026

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I don’t want to bore you to death, but it is hot. We continue under a special advisory for temperatures in the 30s, climbing to the mid 30s C, with a humidex reading of 45 C.

The heat is changing all of our lives. That, along with intense and multiple storms and heavy rains, is causing catastrophic events around the world. For me, my focus is on the wildlife who are particularly suffering – no shade, not much fish (for many reasons when it is a heat related event), and no one willing to step up and help. Dave Hancock put up shades for the Bald Eagles in British Columbia. Will we need to do this for the ospreys that live in vulnerable areas? or will there be any ospreys to shade. Viki reports from Indian Creek, Maryland. She writes, “The worst news, it’s possible only one of the two chicks in Lily’s nest got fed yesterday. There were at least two fish deliveries, but the third Lily was squeeing for it as LB prepped it in his perch tree — and that fish was tiny. I’m not even sure if it was big enough for LB to share. I do not see a happy outcome for Island Creek. Year number 3 of no fledglings.” If you have not checked out her blog documenting years of observing the ospreys on Indian Creek – when they were plentiful – please do. It’s free and you can learn a lot about osprey behaviour. Here is the place to go: IslandCreekOspreyes.com

It is time to name the chicks at Loch Arkaig nest 2, home to Louis and Dorcha. The deadline is Monday, and the selection will be made Monday night, so put your thinking caps on. There are two. To give name suggestions, you must either go to the forum or any Woodland Trust social media platform and use this #2026NAME. Then put in two names, one for each chick.

Here is the place to vo5te – go all the way down to the chat: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/osprey-cam/

You will note that George indicates both chicks are female. I was going to leave this to Geemeff to surprise everyone, but it seems everyone knows!!!!!!

Dorcha feeding the two chicks:

After waiting patiently in the line, little four did get some fish around noon at the Blackbush nest in Prince Edward Island. It was not a lot – a few bites and the skin at the end before Mum cleaned her beak. I am not clear if the little one had food earlier.

At 1259 Little Four is hoping for a private feeding. It certainly got a few bites before it was joined by another bigger sib who, in the end, frightened the little one to the rail (the little chick is very nervous).

The little one at Osoyoos has a leaf-lined nest and had some fish at 0614.

I believe we are losing at least one of the two osplets on the nest at Cowlitz or both. This nest desperately needs a huge influx of fish.

Clark PUD is doing well.

Two chicks at Port of Ridgefield are doing well.

The only hatch of Keke and Kam at Sandpoint looks alright. Small fish coming in – like all nests, they could use lots more fish to build up fat and strength. Little one is growing fast.

Trio at Santiam doing well.

Dixie Rother posted good news about the Glacier Gardens eaglets.

Pam Breci catches the fledge at Salt Point, Lansing, NY. Yeah.

Celebrations at Seilli Island, Finland. The famous Seili Island (Seilli) Osprey nest in Finland’s Archipelago Sea features adult ospreys Hildur and Stefu. In a highly celebrated milestone for 2026, the pair successfully welcomed three chicks that hatched on June 1, 3, and 5—a major event as three chicks had not successfully hatched on this specific nest in ten years.

Clark was out early. What an amazing family.

Iris keeps baby cool.

Charlie has been bringing in big trout for Mum and baby C22 at Charlo Montana.

McEuen Park osplets look alright but it also looks hot. I wish every cam had a temperature gauge.

The nest of Telyn and Idris at Dyfi is sure getting full!!!!

CJ7 and Blue 022 have a fuller nest at Poole Harbour Carey’s Secret Garden osprey nest! Four female chicks doing fantastic.

Elen and Teifi have three gorgeous ospreys at Glaslyn.

Two at Usk Valley doing well.

Llyn Brenig chicks behaving themselves at their Welsh nest. Fish came on. No great interest by chicks so off the adult went.

Toby and Hugo Yugo wish you a great day.

Thank you for being with us today. Please take care. Stay cool. Please remember the animals and leave out water. It is life saving.

Thank you to all of the individuals who posted information on FB and images, to Viki Volks for her observations at Island Creek, to the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to observe these families, thank you, thank you.

Late, late Tuesday in Bird World

7 July 2026

Hello Everyone,

There is always good news although sometimes we have to look hard for it. Today I want to begin with a note that our beloved osprey, Ervie, from the Port Lincoln Osprey barge, has a girlfriend and has been seen carrying sticks to a nest. It made my heart beat lighter.

Today’s blog is not full of hope and happiness. There are a lot of deaths in the US, and as I continue to remind everyone, we must celebrate those nests that manage to fledge even a single chick. I am wondering how many will fledge their entire clutch? When fledge begins, please send me names, as I want to create a map of those nests. I continue to need your help with the memorial wall. Have a look, please, and let me know who I am missing. (Not limited to ospreys!)

I want to begin with a tragedy unfolding at the PSEG Oyster Bay osprey platform. What begin as a hopeful season is ending up with tragedy after tragedy due to human debris. The youngest chick cannot eat because it has a blue rope stuck in its beak and throat. There is also a fishing line (hook unknown if present) wrapping itself in the centre of the nest at last check. No one is going to check this nest. Some of you might recall that there were issues at the PSEG Patchogue nest several years ago and the electric company did nothing. This is human caused – please call or write and ask for help!

Their e-mail is: CustomerServiceLI@pseg.com

At the Achieva Osprey platform, Jack had been MIA. He showed up today with a Spadefish for Little. Nice. This is good.

Bart Molenaar reports: “Empty nest at Manton Bay. Both 8R7 at 8:24 and his sister 8R6 at 10:46 fledged this morning.”

Llyn Brenig chicks were ringed.

Beautiul babies at this nest. So nice and healthy – those Welsh chicks are just darlings. The chicks of Aeron Z2 and Blue 014 at The Friends of Osprey platform at Pont Cresor, Glaslyn, were ringed. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/TbX6mM1t8XU?

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 7th July 2026

Like yesterday, today wasn’t nearly as wet as expected and the forecast shows light rain overnight with a low of 14°C, improving tomorrow to mainly dry with some drizzle, gentle breezes and a high of 19°C. Garry LV0 brought one fish for Aurora 536 taking the Nest One tally to one hundred and fifty four, but the nest cam was down for its longest period to date, well over nine hours, allowing the possibility of several unseen deliveries. The pair are spending long periods off the nest but Aurora is still staying overnight, begging the question: for how much longer? Sad news came from Bunarkaig via Chaddie and LizB that only one chick seems to have survived, and fish deliveries are not as regular as required. Fingers crossed for the remaining chick of Affric 152 & Prince. No such problems for Louis & Dorcha, ignoring the big RAF transporter which flew unusually close to the nest, Louis delivered eight fish, taking the Nest Two tally to two hundred and forty five and sending the chicks to bed with bulging crops. The chicks are maturing rapidly, they join Dorcha in fish-calling and are developing little sneaky ways which will aid their survival as juveniles – one stole a fish tail right out of the beak of the other, then later made a call at feeding time which caused the other chick to pancake, leaving the sneaky chick to an exclusive feed. Forum members are still buzzing about the happy news of the return of 2024 translocated chick 1JW to his place of fledging in Spain, and the media have taken an interest too, link to a news article in the bonus section.

Today’s videos:https://youtu.be/6P1aZzzdL7A N2 Louis leaves with Dorcha’s encouragement after delivering fish one 07.04.52https://youtu.be/AJVyNz3Qajk N2 Dorcha warns off two intruder Ospreys near the nest 08.45.09 https://youtu.be/0d8FH8p4HZI N2 Dorcha watches an RAF Atlas Airbus fly near the nest 10.26.05 (zoom)https://youtu.be/GE_Lyu858xY N2 Tiny fish two lasts just 2.5 mins 11.27.23https://youtu.be/DfD9sZdoniM N2 Both chicks join Dorcha in calling for fish three 16.21.24https://youtu.be/cxtvO4-3jCY N1 Aurora departs with fish one, Garry leaves too – nest is empty 17.04.44https://youtu.be/aJrabFkkhow N2 Louis does a ten second handover of number four, a flatfish 17.37.49 https://youtu.be/m-ZNudRviJI N2 Another trout for the family, number five 19.39.52https://youtu.be/-Dq2Xu65LoY N2 One chick steals the tail of fish six right out of the other’s beak! 20.53.30https://youtu.be/pf-AiRRwgHI N2 Yet another trout arrives, number seven 21.02.17https://youtu.be/mQ91FHWBcYs N2 Lean mean fishing machine Louis bring number eight 22.31.17


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

===============================================================

The third hatch at Cape Cod Mashpee Osprey Nest has died today. COD is thought to be a lack of food but heat could have been a mitigating factor.

Things were looking better for the little fourth hatch at Blackbush Osprey platform in Prince Edward Island. In the comments: “Blackbush .. 3 x good-sized fish and mum remained at the nest most of the day and sheltered her chick at times… 7:25, 10:44, 17:13” ‘PB’ supplied a screen capture of ‘Tiny’ getting fed.

This screen capture shows the immense size difference between Tiny and its three feathered big sibs.

Concerns for the Wetlands Osprey platform:

No worries for Little Dewey. This Mum is incredible.

Members of the Ventana Wildlife Society will try and find Iniko on Wednesday. The mortality signal went off on 18 June 2026. Let’s please hope this is a glitch.

Iniko 1031 A Mortality Signal and a Community Holding Its BreathDownload

Viki Volk is our monitor on Indian Creek, Maryland. She has given me permission to include her full name and location. She has been monitoring the ospreys living in front of her house for over twenty years. This is our correspondence today. Viki was originally a reporter, and she has written a diary of her experiences with the ospreys. I urge you to check it out and enjoy a real-life experience through the years – a place where there were ospreys breeding successfully and seen everywhere, to today – where there is a single nest that could be struggling.

“IslandCreekOspreyes.com

What a delight your notes always are, despite the news. We also lost the only chick remaining on the nest next door – although out front Lily and LB are keeping their two alive.

The one next door bothers me. The food was not as plentiful as it should have been and the slast chick alive appeared to have failed to thrive. There was a bully in that nest, but the surviving chick looks like you’d expect the bully’s victim to look like. There was food on the nest the evening before the chick died. An adult was eating but for some reason not feeding the chick. The chick did not present itself for feeding, although moved toward the adult. The adult made no effort to feed the chick. This is a more difficult nest for me to see into than the one straight out front. But it seemed more complicated than lack of fish. The chick rallied the next day, but didn’t survive the next night. It has been very hot week, adding to its problems. The temperatures have been in the 90s. That’s 32 to you, right?

My story – Island Creek Ospreys – 2020 – What I Knew Then, What I Know Now – 2026 –  currently stops a day short of that death. But I will be adding at least through the 2026 season.

I would be thrilled if you mentioned it!!  Please use it freely. I believe what I write about ospreys is correct and would be very glad if you do read it and let me know of any errors or misunderstandings I might have. 

In 2019 ospreys were so prolific in the Chesapeake I had to assure the Maryland Range I could distinguish, and it WAS an eagle in my yard. The osprey population was so large in Maryland that the state no longer rescued osprey.

Today food looked short out front. “

There is a documentary, The Last Osprey, that will be show in August in Colonial Beach, Va. Just recently an adult osprey has been found deceased there.

Thank you so much for being with me tonight. This is just a quick glimpse at some of the nests. I had a brilliant day with my son and daughter in law as we set up my outside camera to discover that it is the Crows and the Blue Jays that are eating the cat kibble left out for Brock! Let’s hope that Brock will arrive tonight. I have not seen him sliding under the gate in a week.

Take care everyone! See you soon.

Thank you to absolutely everyone who posted information and images on FB, to Geemeff, thank you for your summary and videos, and to the owners of the streaming cams we are always grateful even if the news is grim that we are able to see the good, the bad, and the horrific.

Late Thursday in Bird World

2 July 2026

Hello Everyone,

Just another quick run through some nests with some news. I had a wonderful day with my son, daughter-in-law, and daughter. Don had a venture with the girls, and we gathered later in the conservatory for much laughter. Gosh, these are moments to be treasured. Their time here will pass by too quickly.

We have six fledgling Blue Jays. Here is an adult with a fledgling – wings and beak open, and squawking for food! These babies are almost- if not bigger – than the adults and very demanding!

Great news coming out of Poland!

Nadleśnictwo Lipka, Lasy Państwowe and Lasy Państwowe

🦅 FISHING ACTION – STAGE TWO: New life in the Cross Forestry! 🌲💪
Remember our injured fisherman? We have amazing news for you from the next stage of this unique rescue operation! It was another day full of emotions, logistics and… some fresh fish ! 🐟👇
🩺 Morning in the hospital, afternoon on the road, and evening at the new place.
It all started at dawn in the “Jeleniagóra” Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center Gabinet Weterynaryjny Agnieszka Strączek where a veterinarian from Nadleśnictwo Zamrzenica took care of it
Our main character went through a thorough examination and was supplied professionally. As soon as we received the green light, that the bird was ready for the next step, reliable Forest Ranger Tomek from the Lipka Forestry stepped into action. He packed the little one safely and set out on the road to Nadleśnictwo Krzyż, Lasy Państwowe
Upon arriving at the location, calmly at the forest office, the fisherman went through standard procedure: he was weighed, accurately measured and rimed by Adam from @Nadle śnictwo Nedowice, State Forests. But this was just the beginning of the challenge. The real logistics operation began just under the target socket!
do ♂️ Professional mountaineer @Mariusz Urban stepped into action, who climbed the mountain itself and carefully transported down the only youngster who has so far lived in the nest. He was also weighed, measured, and hooped.
Fun fact: By weight our friend from Lipka is PERFECTLY the same as his new, natural brother “cross”! 😉
🏠 Big move and… trout with home delivery!
The climber set off to a tree for the second time – this time bringing BOTH little ones up the mountain. In order to enter a new threshold to pass in a good atmosphere, the young people got a solid “powry” from us for a housewarming party: two delicious trout! 🐟😋 So our bounce didn’t fit in with empty clamps! 😜
During the whole action, they were also able to fix and set up a previously malfunctioning photo trap. Effect? We will know how this new bird family develops, because the nest is now under constant monitoring.
The young man has already lived in a new house in Krzy le Nadle Mnictwa😎. He’s fed and kept safe and company. May nature be kinder to him in this new location! Keep your fingers crossed for both these little ones! 🦅💚
Thank you very much to Mrs. veterinarian for help and examining the little one, professor Mizerza for material support and colleagues from #EagleProtectionCommittee and foresters from #Zamrzenica, #PotrebowiceForest and #ForestCross. It’s thanks to you that small fishermen from Lipka have a better chance of survival in this wild world.
#Rybołów #OchronaPrzyrody #LasyPaństwowe #NadleśnictwoKrzyż #NadleśnictwoLipka #NadleśnictwoZamrzenica #pomagamydzikimzwierzętom
Photos and videos :
Adam Pikuła
Mariusz Urban
Hubert Z.
Dominica Nadolna

CJ7 and Blue 022’s four chicks at Poole Harbour have been ringed!

Osprey Ringing 2026

Surprise – all four chicks on CJ7 and Blue 022’s nest are female!

6T6 – Presumed female

6T7 – Presumed female

6T8 – Presumed female

6T9 – Presumed female

At the second nest at Poole Harbour, all three osplets are presumed to be males!

Nest 2

7T0 – Presumed male

7T1 – Presumed male

7T2 – Un-sexed but possibly male

Ringing also took place at Idris and Telyn’s nest at Dyfi today. Here it is on video: https://youtu.be/C5Y9VhssfyU?

There they are with their bling.

Glaslyn chicks were ringed as well. Here is the video: https://youtu.be/fGJg2umCszY?

This just makes my blood boil.

If you have been worried about Sandy at Big Bear, do not! Sandy has returned to the nest with Luna. SK Hideaways has it on video: https://youtu.be/AMnXeJ1UCQw?

It is unclear to me at this time whether petitioners have managed to move the fireworks to a location farther from the nest. It is equally unclear to me what is happening with donations towards the purchase of the land known as MoonCamp. Perhaps I misunderstood, but I thought that if more than 3 million were raised, there were provisions for some type of loan. Do you know? They are well short of the 10 million required at this time with 29 days left.

At the Achieva Osprey platforn, Little finally was home when a fish came in and how wonderful is that!

Sadly, the second hatchling at the Cape Henlopen osprey nest of Miles and Hennie has died from the heat.

There are to be more heat domes across the US and Canada this weekend and sadly, without a massive amount of fish and shade, we could lose more osplets.

One of those that is in dire straits is the oldest at the Osoyoos nest, who appears to be losing energy every second from the heat, little or no shade from an adult, and no fish.

I am equally concerned about Cowlitz PUD where there is heat, little food that I can see, and chicks so thin, especially the second one.

In Idaho, the two osplets, fully feathered, at the Coeur d’ Alene nest are doing very well.

Early fish delivery and lots of heat at Great Bay.

Life continues to be good at Clark PUD.

Nice crops at Dunrovin,

Some cute moments with two of Big Red and Arthur’s fledglings caught by Karel and BOGette: https://youtu.be/PNHokHkgwks?

Iris and Clark’s baby is getting some nice pin feathers!

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Thursday 2nd July 2026

Today was a slow fish day, only four deliveries, three by Louis and one by Garry. The weather didn’t help, the wind made the loch waters choppy and although both males have fished successfully in poor weather, perhaps they couldn’t find many sheltered spots today. Earlier the chicks had a quick pop at each other before settling down then they joined Dorcha in calling enthusiastically when they saw Louis approaching with the second fish. They are looking and sounding more like juveniles as they move towards fledging. The chicks are around a month old, hatched on 1st and 3rd June respectively, and fledging generally takes place around 50 – 57 days old therefore our chicks are about 3 weeks away from their first flight. Dorcha was caught by the wind and did an involuntary helicopter, a skill we can expect to see them perform before they actually fledge. The chicks were cheeping away as the day wound down, and were rewarded when Louis arrived with a very late night supper, so fresh it almost flapped off the nest. Louis’ three fish take the Nest Two tally to two hundred and seventeen, and Garry’s single takes the Nest One tally to one hundred and forty six. More rain and wind expected with an overnight low of 11°C, continuing tomorrow with  sunny spells and a high of 17°C.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/bsf3c1C1IGs N2 Dorcha does an involuntary helicopter in a gust of wind 07.15.25

https://youtu.be/lo9-zN-RdXA N2 Foolish chick attacks the other and pays the price 10.13.41

https://youtu.be/NqxP3UbL-NU N2 Despite the choppy water Louis brings a fish 10.25.49

https://youtu.be/dxmhoN_xjK8 N1 Aurora nearly takes a stick as she leaves with her fish 14.06.23

https://youtu.be/kOf7PbynS1U N2 Chicks join in fish-calling as Louis approaches with fish two 18.02.37

https://youtu.be/qPeU_M1h-fw N2 Late night supper is so fresh it nearly flaps overboard 22.59.10 

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

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

Thank you so much for being with us today. Take care. See you tomorrow with a special treat.

Thank you to all the contributors today – Geemeff for their summary on Loch Arkaig plus videos, Karel and BOGette for chasing the Ps and their video, for all who posted on FB and provided information, and for the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to watch these incredible challenged avian families.

Happy Canada Day!

30 June 2026

Hello Everyone,

It was the 4th of June 1969 that I flew across the border between the US and Canada with my then two-month-old son, Cristofre. As a university student at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, I was been part of various anti-Vietnam War groups as well as others protesting for civil rights and women’s rights. Several of my closest friends died during the early part of the Vietnam War and i was determined that my son was not going to drop bombs or napalm on innocents. I have never looked back. Canada has been our home now for what? Fifty-seven years!!!! I was 20. I have never been more proud to be Canadian than this year. Our system is not perfect but when it is urgent or a sheer emergency, it works! My province has beautiful areas – vast tracts of wildnerness and lakes. I cannot say that the city where I reside is gorgeous. It has its moments. But my little plot and the street I live on make up for all the deficiences.

We have had huge storms. Last night Toby had his Thunder Jacket on all night. The lightning and wind were incredible and our street has lost a lot of tree limbs.

Coming out of Europe. A goshawk attempted to take an osplet off the Polish nest. It clung to the nest and was pushed over, but was not taken by the hawk. The osplet was rescued, and I believe it is in good condition.

Ringing is taking place across the UK. This is a great article by Caroline Woodley on UKOsprey Information FB on the importance of ringing and the three generations that were ringed today – and we know because of the family tree and the Darvic Rings:

Elen and Teifi’s chicks:

Geemeff’s Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Tuesday 30th June 2026

As forecast, it was wet today with the occasional dry spell, and set to continue, with drizzle, light  winds and an overnight low of 13°C, changing to heavy rain, gentle breezes and a high of 18°C tomorrow, with the sun breaking through around lunchtime. Louis brought three early fish then after a fourteen hour gap he brought another two, much smaller than the family would have liked and left them competing for scraps. In fact, while Chick1 was struggling to down the tail, Chick2 reached over and pinched it right out of its beak and proceeded to swallow it with aplomb. Those five fish take the Nest Two tally to two hundred and nine, and Garry’s single delivery to Aurora takes the Nest One tally to one hundred and forty-four. Garry and Aurora continue to incubate their unviable egg but are starting to leave the nest for longer periods.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/b4Z-1D_fMmY N2 Early breakfast for the family 04.05.28

https://youtu.be/sMdZ2yhecmc N2 Second breakfast – this one’s so fresh it’s still flapping 04.43.43

https://youtu.be/Jx2eBor5rZch N2 Dorcha and chicks don’t get up when Louis brings fish three 06.02.32

https://youtu.be/8izHPpleTj4 N2 Dorcha & chick remove an offending item 10.06.18

https://youtu.be/rXA7WzQTgQE N2 Let me help you with that – chick steals the tail of fish four 20.16.25

https://youtu.be/UD6KTcpJkGo N2 Another tiny tiddler arrives – fish number five 22.30.30

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

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

Great news coming from ‘PB’ and Achieva:

Screenshot

Some are enlightened.

More about the crisis impacting ospreys in the NE. Today Omega Protein was along the New Jersey shores.

Menhaden Defenders

roSdnosept25aP 1m8tl5t31iae3d60714uhr08:f46Yes0ay85l 4 a2Mit ·

Navesink River, Monmouth County, New Jersey Osprey Survey

“As founder of Menhaden Defenders, I’m always looking at how healthy forage fish populations support the wildlife we love. One of the best indicators is right above us: ospreys.

On June 15, with Ben Wurst, Senior Wildlife Biologist with the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey and leader of New Jersey’s Osprey Project, we surveyed 25 osprey nests on the Navesink River in Monmouth County. In addition to looking at the Osprey around each nest, we used a GoPro camera mounted on a pole to reach up and get a view into each nest to look for signs of use, presence of eggs, chicks, or nothing, all added to the spreadsheet.

We found 19 occupied nests, including 12 active nests with eggs or young. Ten nests held 22 nestlings, ranging from hatchlings to about four weeks old. In some nests with three chicks, we saw asymmetry, or an asymmetric brood, where younger nestlings lag behind older siblings. This can be a sign of food stress. When food is scarce, older chicks often dominate feedings, forcing younger siblings to cower and increasing the risk of brood reduction.

Ben and his team also work each year with volunteers and citizen scientists to monitor nests and remove dangerous litter like fishing line, plastic bags, balloons, and other debris. Ospreys are telling us something about the health of the Navesink and the larger coast. We’ll be going back in a few weeks to survey again, and we are very concerned about the survival rate of the chicks we saw. We are seeing these signs of food stress from Raritan Bay to Cape May in colonies that have been productive for years but may now be struggling to breed at levels needed to sustain the population.

Protecting menhaden and other forage fish helps protect the entire coastal food web. Both organizations survive on donations from people like you to continue working on this serious situation.”

Thank goodness the situation is drastically different in the UK. On Mull Island, they are now seeing ospreys – remember, the UK is reintroducing/re-establishing ospreys that were made extinct by humans!!!!!!!!

All three Ps have now fledged. Big Red and Arthur are busy keeping track of them and feeding.

Video by Cornell Bird Lab: https://youtu.be/5s6IMdmmbak?

The little tiny osplet, #4, at Blackbush in Prince Edward Island is still alive. This chick is determined and the male is doing a good job of getting fish in.

At the NCTC nest, RJ fledged. Congratulations Bella and Scout.

The two osplets at Coeur de’ Alene, Idaho, look great.

There are still two at Osoyoos. It has been hot there.

Iris and Clark’s baby is getting some beautiful feathers.

Clark is very smart. He has been bringing in some large cot rails to keep this rather energetic youngster on the nest.

Dudley becomes a pillow for the only surviving chick at Charlo Montana whose crop is about to burst.

There are still two at Cowlitz PuD but gosh that little one is so thin. Please wish for fish.

The trio at Clark PUD are doing so well.

The only surviving osplet on the nest at Great Bay is doing well. One died and the other fell out of the nest and went to a rehabber. I am unclear of its status.

It is sure hard to tell who the little four is at the Poole Harbour nest of CJ7 and Blue 022. They have yet to be ringed.

Beautiful evening at the Rutland Manton Bay nest of Blue 33 and Maya and their trio.

Thank you so much for being with us today. We are doing better than people would think! We are spending the day with our son tomorrow, so you will definitely not be hearing from me until Thursday. Please take care.

Good Night from All of Us:

Hugo Yugo and Missey

Cheeky Hugo Yugo.

Baby Hope and Calico.

Darling Toby.

Thank you to everyone for their contributions to this blog – to Geemeff for her daily summary of Loch Arkaig, to PB and those who write and post information and images on the various FB groups, and the owners of the streaming cams that allow us to witness the lives of these families.

Hatches and deaths…Late Monday in Bird World

14 June 2026

Hello Everyone,

Oh, what a day. We are chilly and it has rained heavily with hail! There was even thunder and Toby got to wear his thunder jacket. He did not react to the weather events – not once. He was calm and sleeping. So, thunder or anxiety jackets work for him.

I took videos. WP won’t let me attach them. Says they are private. Really? Missey was scared and her eyes got really big. The hail was not large but it continued to cover the deck and garden.

A fluffy cat sitting on a black table with a window in the background showing a rainy view.
A wooden patio table and chairs covered with hailstones on a rainy day, with a deck and greenery in the background.

Of course, no one believes me when I say this might be the new normal. Geez.

Sadly, the only remaining eaglet out of two has died at the White-tailed eagle nest in Scotland. Its body is being retrieved, and the camera will be down. They want to determine the COD. This is so sad. Each adult and chick is precious. They are being reintroduced to Scotland.

The White-tailed Eagle (also known as the sea eagle) was driven to extinction in the UK by 1918 due to human persecution and habitat loss. Thanks to landmark, multi-phase reintroduction programs that began in 1975, this apex predator has made a remarkable recovery and is now an established breeding species in Scotland.

The successful return of the White-tailed Eagle to Scotland occurred in three distinct phases involving the translocation of young eagles from Norway: 

  • Phase 1 (1975–1985): A partnership between the RSPB and Nature Conservancy Council began translocating Norwegian eaglets to the Isle of Rùm in the Inner Hebrides. This resulted in the first successful wild breeding pair on the Isle of Mull in 1983. 
  • Phase 2 (1993–1998): A second phase of releases took place in Wester Ross to expand the eagle’s geographic distribution across the west coast.
  • Phase 3 (2007–2012): A final set of birds was released on the east coast of Scotland in Fife, successfully establishing a population there. 

Current Status and Ecology

  • Population: There are currently around 150 to 300 breeding pairs established in Scotland. 
  • Habitat: They primarily inhabit coastal areas, sea lochs, and large inland bodies of water, which provide ample fish, waterbirds, and nesting cliffs/tall trees. 
  • Source for England: The Scottish population has been so successful that conservationists have utilized Scottish chicks to help repopulate the species in England (such as on the Isle of Wight).

Ongoing Challenges and Conflicts

While celebrated as a major conservation success, the reintroduction has caused friction with local communities. 

  • Livestock Predation: Farmers and crofters, particularly in Argyll and the West Highlands, have reported significant losses of vulnerable lambs to the eagles.
  • Management Plans: NatureScot has implemented Sea Eagle Management Schemes to help mitigate these impacts, including financial support and scaring tactics for farmers in designated areas. 

The Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation became actively involved in the reintroduction of the White-tail eagle. The following is taken from the RDWF Website:

PROJECT START: 2019
EAGLES RELEASED: 45
PAIRS BREEDING IN ENGLAND: 2
CHICKS FLEDGED FROM BREEDING PAIRS IN ENGLAND IN 2025: 3

White-tailed Eagles were once widespread along the whole of the South Coast of England, from Cornwall to Kent, before being driven to extinction by relentless persecution that began in the Middle Ages. The last pair bred on Culver Cliff on the Isle of Wight in 1780. Many parts of southern England remain highly suitable for the species, and following the reintroduction of White-tailed Eagles to Scotland – where there are now approximately 180 breeding pairs – we were granted licences by Natural England and Nature Scot to begin an English reintroduction in partnership with Forestry England, based on the Isle of Wight. A feasibility report was submitted to both Natural England and Nature Scot as part of the licence applications. The initial licence permitted the release of up to 60 young eagles on the Isle of Wight over a five year period, beginning in 2019. It is hoped that a small population of 6-8 breeding pairs will become established within 60km of the Isle of Wight, with birds spreading east and west along the South Coast. In 2026, Natural England issued a further license to release up to 20 White-tailed Eagles over 3 years from Exmoor National Park, to support the expanding population in Southern England.”

Every chick is precious. I hope to have news of the necroscopy for you when it is released. This could take weeks.

More great images from Seattle by Ping Shen of Harry, Sally, and their ‘Only Bob’. Thanks so much, Ping, for sharing these with us. Ping notes, “from the looks of things, an only child. Quite adorable, peeking at mom, and then sleeping at the foot of dad’s talon…”

An osprey perched on a nest made of sticks, looking down at a chick in the nest while surrounded by greenery.
Two ospreys sitting on their nest, with one looking directly at the camera while the other is feeding on a fish.

A beautiful sunset with Clark, Iris, and what might be another ‘Only Bob’. We are on pip/hatch watch for that second egg. We will see if Only has a sibling. I sure hope it is strong as Big Bob is a smart survivor – it has sure been beaten around by fish and nest materials.

Two ospreys are perched on a nest made of twigs and branches, with one parent bird standing close to a chick in the nest. The background shows a parking lot with trees and streetlights.

Make sure to check out the summary – what was it that frightened Louis?

Geemeff Woodland Trust daily summary for Loch Arkaig Sunday 14th June 2026

Daily summary Sunday 14th June 2026

Today was mainly about fish – there were many deliveries and both females rejected a fish at the first time of offering then accepted gladly when the male returned with it a bit later. Garry LV0 brought two fish on cam for Aurora 536 and his tally now stands at one hundred and seventeen, while Louis excelled with five deliveries, including his first flatfish this season, taking the Nest Two tally to one hundred and thirty nine. The chicks did a bit of fighting but nothing serious, and both decided mum was taking too long dishing up so tried a nibble at the fish she was holding – they’re healthy and developing as expected. There were some intruder alerts, no intruders seen on nest cam apart from a pair of Wood Pigeons who perched on Nest Two for a few moments, but local resident LizB saw two Golden Eagles flying near an Osprey around the time Dorcha was on high alert and shortly before Louis arrived with the flatfish. Later Garry and Aurora were also on alert, perhaps the pair of eagles were still in the area. Only one Eagle has ever been seen on a nest – a juvenile Golden Eagle who touched down for a nano second on Nest Two in April 2023 – but distant eagles have been caught on nest cam on a couple of occasions and Dorcha returned once with a blood injury from an eagle encounter. Both White-tailed Eagles and Golden Eagles share the forest with the Ospreys so perhaps it’s fortunate we haven’t seen them close up too often. The weather was much more settled today and the promised sunshine did materialise. It should continue dry overnight and partly cloudy with a low of 9°C, continuing with a high of 20°C tomorrow and no rain before midnight.

Today’s videos:

https://youtu.be/w7zZRXu3pZ0 N2 Louis’ first fish is small and doesn’t last long 05.29.41

https://youtu.be/XYllXMRX7vA N2 A pair of Wood Pigeons pay a visit in Dorcha’s absence 08.27.59

https://youtu.be/BecPV01-e_E N2 Both chicks don’t wait for Dorcha and have a nibble at fish two 11.22.47 

https://youtu.be/MoOhTnm6YZo N2 Louis’ third fish is his first flatfish 14.39.15

https://youtu.be/grrb8lfBmMs N1 Aurora takes fish one from Garry and they both leave 14.14.51

https://youtu.be/Gmec-mfvgPI N2 Chick2 gets impatient and tries to take bits of fish four from C1’s beak 16.05.00

https://youtu.be/IK7rPRrh6-w N1 Aurora takes fish two the second time Garry brings it 19.13.05

https://youtu.be/VpjzqTKFTYc N2 Dorcha takes fish five the second time Louis brings it 20.36.58

Bonus guide to rapid growth of young Osprey chicks – our two are 13 and 11 days old today (thanks Dyfi)

https://www.dyfiospreyproject.com/blog/emyr-mwt/rapid-growth-phase-young-osprey-chicks


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

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

Buddy’s Mum catches D4 at Decorah fledging. https://youtu.be/pFLwncKkHH0?

‘L’ sent me the link to remind us that the Port Lincoln Osprey barge is now back online for the season !!!!!!!!!! https://www.youtube.com/live/47K1i7qCzaI?

‘L’ also sent me another link. A video of Wisdom’s grand chick getting banded. Oh, have a look!!!!!!!!! Isn’t it adorable?!!!!!! https://youtu.be/ZW8gHzCVBwU?

A young bird standing on sandy ground, surrounded by sparse vegetation and dried branches.
Close-up of a grand-chick with a red identification band on its leg, standing on sandy ground with some grass and strands of dried vegetation around.

I learned something. Maybe you will, too. ‘R’ sent an article on Aquaculture and shorelines. https://sercblog.si.edu/imani-black-sustainable-aquaculture-and-misconceptions/#more-13282

How big a fish can Ospreys bring in? And why can females catch bigger fish?

An osprey perched on a branch holds a mullet fish in its talons, with a lush green landscape in the background.

Is there an Osprey fishing contest going on right now? Louis brought in a whopper to Dorcha and the two surviving chicks.

A mature bird of prey stands over its nest, where several chicks are visible. The adult is holding a fish, preparing to feed the chicks in a natural setting surrounded by greenery.

Two osprey chicks have been observed at Loch Inish.

We wait to see how many chicks Aran fathered this year with his new mate. At least one! Next year, Friends of the Osprey will put a streaming camera on Aran’s nest. This is fabulous news.

It looks like donations to SaveMoonCamp, the land near Jackie and Shadow’s nest, have reached the 1/3 mark. They will need lots more funding by the deadline of 31 July 2026. It is unclear to me the precise amount of funds the group needs to get a loan to continue their fundraising. If you intend to help, please do it now! Go to SaveMoonCamp.org

The baby at Poole Harbour is just starting to get its feathers while the others are really being camouflaged now. CJ7 and Blue 022 making raising four osplets look effortless — and we know, for certain, that it isn’t.

An adult osprey stands near its nest, which contains three young chicks, surrounded by trees and foliage.
An adult osprey feeding its chicks in a nest made of branches, surrounded by a natural forest environment.

Syfadden and Clogwyn are doing fantastic with their two chicks in the Usk Valley in Wales.

A bird sitting in a nest made of twigs and branches, with a scenic landscape of fields and hills in the background.

Little Bob is trying to get under Elen at the Glaslyn Osprey nest she shares with her mate, Teifi. The two Big Bobs are napping.

An osprey standing over three fluffy chicks in a nest made of sticks, surrounded by a green landscape.

Closeby at the Friends of the Osprey Nest of Aeron Z2 and Blue 014, there are another three. They have been enjoying some trout today!

An osprey chick sitting in a nest made of sticks, overlooking a scenic landscape with hills and trees in the background.
A bird's nest made of twigs with two chicks and an adult bird on a hillside, overlooking a landscape with mountains and greenery in the background.

The single surviving osplet at Loch of the Lowes seems to be doing alright.

An osprey sitting on a nest made of twigs and branches, with greenery in the background.

This is incredibly compassionate. One of the major killers of chicks/storklets/hawklets/osplets etc in the nest is damp. These two good samaritans are blow drying the storklets so that they will hopefully survive the storms that have come to Europe.

Two people care for four stork chicks in a large nest on a rooftop, using a hairdryer to warm them.

Much better!

A stork stands on a large nest made of sticks and hay, with several baby storks resting inside. The background features a residential area with rooftops and solar panels.

What I wouldn’t give to see this at our osprey nests in North America. The kindness to stork families across Europe warms my heart every year and brings tears to my eyes.

No hatch as yet at Mlade Buky White Stork nest.

A stork standing in its nest, surrounded by sticks and grass, with a scenic view of houses and hills in the background.
Two storks nesting in a large bird's nest on a rooftop, overlooking a residential area with green hills in the background.

UK Parliament has recognized the persecution of raptors – should I add the word ‘finally’.

Parliamentary motion recognises ongoing illegal killing of raptors in Scotland – Raptor PersecutionDownload

Second hatch at The Lesser Spotted Eagle nest in Estonia. While this might be cause for celebration, Lesser Spotted Eagles practice obligate siblicide whereby the eldest chick always kills the second. There are rare exceptions.

The following comes from Animal Diversity Web:

A majestic eagle perched on a tree branch, showcasing its brown feathers and sharp beak against a clear blue sky.

Lesser spotted eagles live primarily in patchy woodland areas, meadows, fields, and natural grasslands, often in moist environments. Although forests are not used as primary habitat, they often build nests near forest edges. Lesser spotted eagles have been found in African dry mountain and grassland savanna habitats during their winter migration. Within these dry mountain habitats, their range typically extends to a maximum elevation of 2,200 meters.

Lesser spotted eagles generally hunt by walking along the ground. However, they typically nest and perch in the branches of forest trees. When nesting and perching, lesser spotted eagles often use branches closer to the ground rather than higher in the trees.

Adult lesser spotted eagles also are distinguished by their yellow eyes, whereas adult steppe eagles and greater spotted eagles have brown eyes. Juveniles of all three species have brown eyes. The head and wings of lesser spotted eagles are a lighter shade of brown compared to the rest of its body; in steppe eagles and greater spotted eagles, the entire body is a dark shade of brown. Lesser spotted eagles also have a small head and beak for an eagle. Like other eagles in the genus Aquila , lesser spotted eagles have a white V mark on their rump. Finally, differences in the shape of the wings cause lesser spotted eagles to appear to have a longer tail (96.6 to 123.75 cm) than other closely related species. Lesser spotted eagles have narrower wingspans (145 to 165 cm), whereas greater spotted eagles have broader wingspans.

Lesser spotted eagles are considered monogamous birds. Currently there is no clear evidence of partner fidelity, however most birds return to the same nest every year.

Lesser spotted eagles breed once per year. The pair builds a platform nest, generally in a tall tree. Egg laying begins after the nest is complete in late April to early May. It is believed that males are responsible for defending the immediate vicinity around the nest. Lesser spotted eagles lay one to two eggs, but typically only one survives. The older or stronger sibling usually attacks the weaker one. Eggs are laid in the second half of April and between May 23 and 27. The egg incubation period ranges from 36 to 41 days. Fledglings have been observed in the middle of July, with a fledging period up to eight weeks. Juvenile lesser spotted eagles do not reach reproductive age until they are 3 to 4 years old.

The new babies. In rare cases, when prey is very plentiful, both have survived, but if you are watching this nest, please be advised that when I say rare, I do mean rare. Adults will often withhold prey to get the stronger eaglet to attack the other weaker one. When the kill is done, the prey returns.

A golden eagle parent standing over two fluffy chicks in a nest, surrounded by greenery and tree branches.

Two beauties at nest #5 in Finland.

A pair of ospreys tending to their nest, which contains several fluffy chicks. The nest is built from twigs and branches, with a natural landscape in the background.

At the NCTC nest, Susie fledged this afternoon. Congratulations to Bella and Scout.

I hope that Little Dewey’s crop continues to be filled.

Some fish came to the Santiam Canyon Osprey nest for Mum and the trio. They don’t get much fish. It was nice to see their crops filling.

An osprey stands next to its chicks in a nest made of twigs and moss, with a backdrop of trees and a road.
A mother bird feeding her chicks in a nest made of twigs and moss, with a residential area visible in the background.

Thank you so much for being with us today. Please take care and wish for fish at all nests!

Thank you to ‘R’ for that article on aquaculture. Thank you to ‘L’ for the links to Wisdom’s grandchick and a shout-out to Ping Shen for those great images of Harry and Sally and their baby. To Geemeff, we are always grateful for your daily summaries of all news at Loch Arkaig and your videos. To everyone who posted information on FB and images, to Raptor Persecution UK for telling it the way it is, and to the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and the owners of the streaming cams – we are always thankful to you.

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

6 June 2026

Hello Everyone,

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

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

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

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

From the Dyfi Osprey Project (Emyr Evans):

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

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

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

We have a second hatch at Keilder Forest nest 2.

Chick 2 for Nest 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s videos:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Korean Maple.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seren is alive!

4 June 2026

We were having lunch with our daughter when Geeemeff’s call from London came in – Seren Blue 5F landed on the nest and appears to be unharmed.

We will never know what prevented her from returning to her three chicks for nearly 24 hours. She is a dedicated mother and would never have left them that long without being in peril herself.

Seren is the only osprey of the UK streaming cams that I have seen in the feathers, and she was very special to me. I am so glad she is safe. She and Dylan will continue to bond, and she will grow strong, and next year they will try again. Right now, they are both grieving for the loss of their babies.

I want to thank John Williams for his love for this family and his quick action. He could not get up to the nest in the dark. It was impossible, but he was there as early as he could be, trying to save those babies. Nests in North America have a lot to learn from this kind of love and dedication.

Here’s the video of the return: https://youtu.be/eyoYHmgNaUM?

An osprey perched on a branch with its wings partially spread, overlooking a green landscape with trees and hills in the background.