Continued from Manton Bay – June 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. Maya, for the second consecutive year, laid four eggs – the first on 29 March and the other three first seen 4, 6 and 9 April. Maya and Blue 33(11) faithfully incubated the eggs and on day 38, chick #1 hatched 6 May c 13:20 followed by chick #2 on 8 May c 06:10, chick #3 on 10 May c14:45, and chick #4 on 13 May c20:45. On 16 June the chicks were ringed with their blue darvics – chick #1- 080, chick #2 - 081, chick #3 - 082 and chick #4 - 083 - and are all thought to be males.
On 26 June at 16:03, Blue 080 fledged aged 51 days followed by Blue 082 at 06:15 on 29 June aged 50 days and soon 081 and 083 will too.
For the next six weeks or so, the chicks will explore their surroundings perfecting their flying skills and strengthening their wings and for when they migrate. Until then Maya and 33 will protect their young and 33 will continue to bring in fish for his family.
Webcam\Copyright: © Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust
You're welcome, Karen
10:02 (Prior to 081 & 083 leaving the nest) 082 with the fish. 083 (centre) looks wet?
©L&RWT
10:18 080 has arrived and patiently waits a turn of the fish
© Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust
Yes Sandra, I noticed 083 was wet . Perhaps taking a dip in the shallows or skimming the water or an attempt at fishing? Such pity we cannot see and only guess :-)
10:22 082 has now finished and wipes his beak
10:23 082 flies off and 080 takes the fish
10:23 Maya arrives and 080 mantles protecting the fish - it is his turn!!
Maya stands back waiting and 080 tucks in
10:55 080 finishes, wipes his beak and Maya picks up the fish
10:58 080 flies off and Maya has her share
11:10 Maya pauses and looking around.
Perhaps looking for 083 who has still to eat and usually appears to be fed by mum :-)
11:19 No show from 083, Maya eats some more then flies off with the fish
Still loads of fish left for the family later.
Off for a bit now - SYL
Brief visit from 083
14:20 082 on the nest now pottering about
There has been a fish delivery at some time!
Two juveniles on the nest - one eating the other waiting