Link to last post on Manton Bay – April 2018 and link to Useful Links
Summary of the season so far:
Maya arrived back 12 March and Blue 33(11),on 14 March. The pair are currently incubating three eggs - #1 laid 28 March, #2 laid 31 March and #3 on 3 April.
Maya and 33 have incubated these eggs for 34 days now and in a few days we should see the first hatching of the season and another record broken!
That's a lovely capture ALAN Made me laugh
Great capture - thanks Alan
And just now, I wondered what on earth 33 was up to as he kicked Maya, not once but twice! He wanted her up for some reason and here is why - Maya, while sheltering the chicks from the hot sun, had the fish under her :-D
He pulls it from under her
grabs it
then flies off
(c) ROP
33 just landed with a big fish. Maya was making for it but 33 was hanging on to it
closer look I think it still has its head and 33 flies off with it to have his share first plus make sure the fish is dead - don't want any repeats of flappin' fish!
(c) Rutland Osprey Project
Now Maya patiently waits for 33 to return
33 is back with the fish and I saw a flap!!
maya has grabbed it and moves over to feed the chicks
two eldest chicks squaring up - comes to nothing as one backs down
33 flies off and the chicks settle while Maya prepares dinner :-)
© Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust
Maya really needs to kill this fish both for the fish and the chicks' safety!
However she has started feeding them
the little one has itself at the front and getting its fish
the chick at the back now turns and joins its siblings but #3 is getting in there first :-)
#3 is having loads to eat this feed. It is in the middle but keeping its position and tucking in
three bulging crops :-D
feed continues ...
Maya now cleaning up as feed over and three very full, contented chicks.
Maya has been away for a quick dip while the chicks sleep
33 arrives and takes the fish
33 flies off with it for a well deserved nosh
Maya continues to clean up around the sleeping chicks
Lovely family this, just a delight to watch.
Thanks ever so much to Everyone for the pics and posts. This nest is such a delight and long may it continue!
Kind regards, Ann
All calm. Maya incubating as we are treated to a 'Mary' sunrise. About to glare us out no doubt.
© RUTLAND WATER OSPREY PROJECT
Birdies LG DU update.