Brief History of Manton Bay:
The nest at Manton Bay was first used in 2007 by White 08(97) and Green 5N(04) who successfully raised 2 chicks. In 2008 they paired again but the nest failed and in 2009 it was unused.
In 2010 a new pair, Green 5R(04) and an unringed female nicknamed Mrs 5R, took up residence and over the next four years successfully raised 11 chicks.
Green 5R(04) failed to return in 2014 and Mrs 5R paired with a new mate, Blue 28(10) and laid 3 eggs. Blue 33(11) arrived determined to claim this nest and evicted Blue 28(10). Blue 33(11) kicked out the eggs and spent the remainder of the season bonding with Mrs 5R who was then officially named “Maya”.
In 2015 Maya and Blue 33(11) returned and to date have successfully raised 18 chicks including two broods of four the previous two seasons.
© Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust
Here’s wishing Maya and Blue 33(11) a safe journey home and for another successful season.
Just checking back, I see that first Maya, then Blue33, then I'm-not-sure-who, landed last evening for no particular reason that I could see - but "someone" may have been in the vicinity?
This is a ruthless chop, if you want to know how long they each stayed, see timeline so kindly provided by ©ROP, Manton Bay ;)
21 March
Blue33 landed 05:08, Maya almost on his tail - first attempted mating, B33 just managed to touch base, briefly:
They both flew off, back a bit later, when there was another failed mating - Maya is very receptive and correct but B33 doesn't seem to have regained his knack yet.
IMAGICAT
Good Morning All
33 is nestorsing while Maya is gently asking for breakfish.
© LEICESTER AND RUTLAND WILDLIFE TRUST
EJ's Memorial Balgavies Loch Ospreys 2023