And here we go again
Brief history about Manton Bay:
The nest was first occupied by White 08(97) and Green 5N(04) in 2007 who 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 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 20 chicks.
© Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust
Here’s wishing Maya and Blue 33(11) a safe journey home and for another successful season.
It was FREEZING at Manton Bay today, even at glassed-in Waderscrape hide but I did see the birds. They were mainly hunkering down with a bit of activity here and there. Typical! The weather was so lovely last week! I had hail and sleet showers while I was making my way to the hides and back.
The new upper deck at Shallow Water hide gives an even closer view of the nest, with Burley House visible in the background, but as it’s a proper photographer’s hide and doesn’t have windows just openings, I left when the snow started coming inside. iPhone photo below with Burley House just about visible in the background. Will have to wait til I’m back home to check the chip and see if I got any decent footage from my proper camera.
Abi at the Lyndon visitor centre and super-enthusiastic volunteer Jeff at Waderscrape hide
Decided against having breakfast in the hotel garden this morning…
But the view of Rutland Water was still pretty spectacular
and more so this evening with the snow gone
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-webcams/loch-of-lowes/
RSPB Giving Nature a Home
The cams have been going down and now there are no live cams on the Channel page but #2 seems to be live on the website - and someone's on the nest looking as tho they want to lay an egg !!!
Thanks so much for the photos, GEEMEFF - I insist you stay on until the sun comes out and you can stay in the hide and take lots more!
IMAGICAT
This is what it was like a little while ago:
Sorry to keep you waiting, I know you're all sitting there refreshing the page every 10 seconds
I'll let HQ announce the official laying time:
I will check for more intereting views later but I've got to sort out me downloads!
Blue33's first visit - just as well I didn't try to hold my breath!