Continued from Manton Bay – May 2020
The history of the Manton Bay nest, breeding stats and links to previous threads can be found here
The season so far: The resident pair both returned on 16 March - Blue 33(11) at 07:12 and Maya at 13:16. For the second consecutive year, Maya laid four eggs – the first on 29 March followed by another three first seen on 4, 6 and 9 April. Maya and Blue 33(11) faithfully incubated the four eggs and on day 38, the first chick hatched 6 May c13:20 followed by Chick #2 on 8 May c06:10, Chick #3 on 10 May c14:45, and Chick #4 on 13 May c20:45.
All four chicks have thrived under the protection of Maya and Blue 33(11) who has once again proved to be a fantastic provider for his family.
In two/three week’s time, the chicks will be ringed and we’ll learn a bit more about them.
Webcam\Copyright: © Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust
They have turned out to be real beauties Sandra.
17:01 FISH
33 has arrived with a fish which a 080 takes - Maya can't get to it
17:02 Maya just stands back leaving 080 to self feed
17:03 33 flies off
17:04 Maya flies off
080 appears to be doing fine feeding himself
17:08 the others have settled waiting their turn
© Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust
I wonder if 33 will being in another fish for Maya to feed the others?
17:38 chicks flatten
Maya arrives mantling
17;42 Maya appears calm now - unseen threat passed
Maya has picked up a little piece of fish of the nest and eating. I think the chicks have that poor fish in shreds!
Maya gives 083 a bit
17:50 The chicks are all around the fish - lost track of who has it after them flattening
Maya stands by, if required, to dish out the shredded fish
18:00 Maya took over feeding
18:17 Maya, who had stopped feed the chicks a few moments ago and flown off, returned with a large stick
it was large and awkward taking her a while to place
Maya flew off a few minutes ago and now @ 18:38, the chicks are huddled up resting
20:18 Feed underway