11:32, 4/5 There's no other place we would rather be than celebrating the arrival of Iris with all of you. Spread the joy far and wide.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
Guess who’s baaaack!! Iris, one of the world’s oldest known breeding Ospreys, has returned from spring migration to her nest in Missoula, Montana. What will this season hold for Iris?
Keep watch LIVE at
13:51, 4/24 Very exciting, isn't it?! Iris gets a fish delivery and it appears to be the new male. Here we see the delivery, fish exchange and Iris' departure with the fish. Male does a bit of nestoration and visits the perch after Iris departs
#HellgateOsprey
9:28, 4/5 We thought it was the Queen of Hellgate earlier this morning, but we can confirm the Queen has arrived. Long Live Queen Iris! Rejoice CHOWS and jump on the train.
#HellgateOsprey
6/10 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
!
What a difference a day makes!
The day is before us as an unwrapped gift. Let's enjoy opening this amazing gift.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
18:13, 4/8 She flew in with a low crop, stopped by the nest, then enjoyed a fish from the Clark Fork River. Her crop is full, and it is time for a rest.
We've all had a BIG day!
#HellgateOsprey
4/2 Iris touched down at 9:51:50 mdt this morning. This marks the earliest Iris has returned in several years. In 2011 Iris returned on 4/1. Never underestimate Iris!
6/9 Many of you have asked about naming this new male. Dr. Greene will have the honor of giving him a formal name when the time comes.
We used New Guy or NG for Louis until he was named. This time around we will add a 2. Presenting... New Guy 2 or NG2.
#HellgateOsprey
Fantastic news! Iris, perhaps the world's oldest known breeding Osprey,has returned once again to her nest site in Hellgate Canyon. Watch her magnificent, swooping flight onto the nest before she immediately begins sprucing up the site by arranging sticks
5/1 Did you know that Iris's last two mates showed up in May? Stanley arrived May 6, 2012, and Louis arrived May 3, 2016. Let's hope there is a picky male osprey looking for the best darned female osprey in the world.
#HellgateOsprey
4/19 Iris left the nest at 11:01 and returned at 11:06 with a stick. This means it took her longer to select a stick for her nest than it has for her to pull big Rainbow Trout out of the river. 😮😂😉
#HellgateOsprey
4/11 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
! We're still scratching our heads over Iris's change in behavior this year. We'll have to hold tight, keep calm, and osprey on as we watch and learn.
As always, keep her in your positive thoughts and prayers.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
4/8 Carrying your phone around EVERYWHERE for days watching an empty nest is not fun..... until.... Iris!
Your heart jumps, you jump with the rush of joy unbounded.
Only
#CHOWS
know the feeling.
#HellgateOsprey
6/9 Today has brought us new developments in the relationship with Iris and this new male. Iris has brought in more sticks to the nest. This is a bonding activity between ospreys. This is our first indication she may have accepted him as a mate.
con't
#HellgateOsprey
04:47, 4/13 Sorry Folgers, but the best part of waking up is finding Iris at her nest.
It's a great day,
#CHOWS
! Let your rejoicing spread.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
9/21 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
! On 9/21/2020, Iris was last sighted on her favorite perch on Mt. Sentinel. The last sighting of her this year was 9/12 on a perch on Mt. Sentinel. We had the honor of her presence for 157 days, 2hrs & 23 mins!
Godspeed, Iris!!
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
4/9 Many of you know that Dunrovin is the sister Osprey nest to Hellgate, only about 15 miles away in Lolo. Harriet has been the matriarch at the nest since broadcasting. She has not returned yet. Prayers and pure thoughts for this nest and Harriet.
3/31 We've come a long way,
#CHOWS
! in less than 9 hours and we will be on Iris Watch beginning April 1st.
Iris has only returned once on April 1st, but who knows? Pure thoughts and prayers for her safe return.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
Welcome to "Iris Watch"
#CHOWS
! Excitement is in the air. Iris arrived on April 1st in 2011. Continue those wonderful, pure thoughts and prayers for a safe arrival.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
12:37, 4/9 When you are famous, reporters follow you around. Dr. Erick Greene reported Iris caught a large trout by the foot bridge, & took it to a Cottonwood tree to feast. Her crop full, she is now on the perch preening.
#HellgateOsprey
12:04, 4/13 Iris arrives back at the nest, followed by Louis and the first mating of 2024.
C'mon, osprey males.... Iris needs a full-time mate.
#HellgateOsprey
4/6 Good Morning! Well, yesterday was a first. You
#CHOWS
got so excited it seems you caused an earthquake. 🤣🤣🤣 That's one way to let the world know Iris is back! Ya gotta love being a
#CHOW
!
Let the good times roll!
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
3/1/2024 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
! Start your Anticipation Engine because our countdown to Iris Watch is now only 30 days! Keep Looking Up and remember those pure thoughts and prayers as our ospreys prepare to return.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
9/14 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
!
Throwing it back to 2012! Iris with Crown Royal, Squish, & Capt. Hook. L to R
Have a thrilling Thursday!
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
3/28/2024 Time is soaring on, is Iris? Only 3 days and 14 hours till "Iris Watch!"
Keep up those pure thoughts and prayers for a safe arrival.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
6/9 It is most likely he is a young osprey. He has much to learn and Iris is a great teacher. We knew it would take a very persistent osprey to win Iris over.
The first time this male visited the nest was on May 7th. He has been very persistent!
#HellgateOsprey
EDIT 16:09, 4/7 Iris officially touched down the first time of 2022 at 16:09.
And the cheer of
#CHOWS
could be heard around the world!
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
5/14 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
and Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers and to Iris. We celebrate and honor you. What a privilege it has been to watch Iris raise her chicks through the years. (Crown, Squish, and Hook 7-15-2012)
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
8/6 Good Morning
#HellgateOsprey
Land. Many noticed a transition yesterday. Iris's role has changed. So today we honor Iris. Her osprey wisdom, strength, & fortitude brought us the gift of L'el'e's fledge. May our Queen live long & return to have many more successful fledges.
4/4 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
! Welcome to Day 4 of Iris Watch.
The more valuable the object, the more intense and thrilling the wait. Have a beautiful day waiting for Iris.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
17:08, 4/15 The male came back and landed on Iris's back. Iris was receptive to mating with her tail raised and her quick chirps. This male seems inexperienced. Iris winged him on his way. This seems promising. Notice: The absence of Louis.
#ProjectNewMate
#HellgateOsprey
4/10 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
! “Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man’s desire to understand.” - Neil Armstrong
Right now we are wondering what's up with Iris. One thing is for sure, she is living her great Osprey life.
Stay tuned...
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
15:29, 4/20 Iris.....an Osprey to love! She is indeed a treasure, an iconic bird from which we learn so much! Bonus.....she's gorgeous!
#HellgateOsprey
4/3 Good Morning
#CHOWS
! Rise and Shine! How wonderful to know that Star has safely returned from migration.
We continue to look up with pure thoughts and prayers for Iris, Louis and other MT O's.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
Iris saves the day! A dedicated fierce Mother who never gave up, and brought in a huge Rainbow Trout for Dinner!! We can all breathe!
21:19 PM MDT
#HellgateOsprey
04/02 Okay Chows...Here is Dr. Greene's confirmation!!!
Woo hoo! This is Iris - no doubt about it. The speckles in her irises are diagnostic. She looks in great shape!!! Now just waiting on her better half. It's a definite confirmation! Erick
4/14 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
! It's a new day with Iris.
Welcome to Project NewMate. Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to provide those powerful positive thoughts and prayers for Iris a faithful new mate. Let's reel him in! 🪝
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
4/11 We all have questions..."Where is Iris!" There are many possibilities, but no known facts right now. This has been Iris' territory for more than 26 years; she returned as usual and came back healthy & strong. Time will tell, so we all watch & wait for the Queen's next move.
4/24 The volunteer team has been using a couple of ID markers for the new male....brown spot above his left leg and a 'spot' in his right eye. All of our keen eyes (yours & ours) will be very helpful!!
#HellgateOsprey
12:57, 4/21 Well, how about that. Louis delivers a fish to Iris, she retrieves and heads to the owl pole. Louis stays behind and does a bit of nestoration.
#HellgateOsprey
7/26 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
!
“Far and away, the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” Theodore Roosevelt
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
06:35, 6/7 The Stranger made himself at home nestorizing. He even tried his talons at deepening the nest bowl and gave us an osprey salute. I am smitten! 😍
#HellgateOsprey
9/9
#HellgateOsprey
Land it is time to wish Iris Godspeed on her journey. We don't know when she left, only when we last saw her at the nest on 9/6 at 14:03. Wish her fair winds, bountiful fish, and a comfy perch. Hope will be our ship that steers us thru the coming months. ♥
4/3/2024 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
! Hope you are ready to take off into a new day. Don't forget to grab a healthy breakfast as you go.
Day 3 of Iris Watch... Keep up those positive thoughts and prayers for the safe arrival of our Queen!
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
14:29, 4/18 Iris was on her nest for quite a while, chirping off & on. Her chirps got louder & more frequent. For those new to the cam, this is called "fish calling." The female calls while the male eats his portion. We don't know if Louis or the Male had a fish.
#HellgateOsprey
3/31 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
! This is the last day of our countdown. We don't know about you, but we are ready to take off into Osprey Season in Missoula. All systems are go! We are waiting, Iris, with pure thoughts and prayers.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateStrong
#HellgateOsprey
4/7 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
! This is Iris's favorite date to return. Will she today?
“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all
E. Dickinson
Enjoy this hope-filled day! 🤞🙏
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
🎶 I can see you-
Your brown feathers shinin' in the sun
You got that crown slicked back and those malar stripes on, baby
I can tell you my love for you will still be strong
After the Birds of summer have gone. 🎶
A little help from Don Henley.
Be Safe, Iris!❤️
#HellgateOsprey
4/1 Good Morning, Wonderful CHOWS!
We made it. We hope we shall see the Queen of Hellgate arrive soon. Last year Iris arrived on Apr 7th, but she has arrived as early as Apr1st. From our hearts to her wings, prayers and pure thoughts.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
4/10 Happy Morning,
#CHOWS
! If the best part of waking up is seeing Iris on her perch, well, you just might be a
#CHOW
! Embrace it! You are in excellent company. Share the joy today.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
For all those wondering about Iris's past arrival times. As you can see, Iris favors April 7th, but the range is between the 1st and 12th.
#HellgateOsprey
6/13 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
!
It's been a real head-scratcher trying to figure out what may be going on with Iris and NG2. The cams give us only a small peek into their world. We'll keep watching and learning.
Y'all have a great day!
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
OK
#CHOWS
!
#HellgateOsprey
is never at a loss for drama. We are confused about whether Louis or the new Male brought the fish. He looks like Louis in head markings, but we later observed the large dark spot of feathers on his upper tail. (see pic)
At least it is exciting!
4/5 Good Morning,
#CHOWS
! Good cheer to all and welcome to Day 5 of Iris Watch. As you head out, take those positive thoughts and prayers for Iris along with you.
Hard work and dedication will make things happen. Just ask Iris.
#BeAnIris
#HellgateOsprey
4/5 At 7:03:40 a female osprey landed on the nest briefly. She appears to be Iris, but will wait for close-ups before confirming.
#HellgateOsprey
#CallingallCHOWS