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.
From ROP Twitter yesterday
What a star!
There was an exchange of duty just around the same time that you posted, Patily
Maya took a break
The egg closest to B33's left leg looks like its markings are quite a brighter red than the others (to me anyway!)
She returned with a bunch of twigs
At one point, while Maya was sorting out some sticks, I thought she was going to sit on B33! lol
Maya resumed incubation and has taken time to have a nap in the sunshine
©L&RWT
09 April
03:00
03:54 - an illusion, I presume:
Blue33 popped in after dayam but wasn't allowed to take over:
IMAGICAT
Unknown said:Let's hope Karen feels able to return soon and is cheered by the good news
And she can count the eggs for us with her unmatched, expert eye!
Blue33 has been so norty with sticks, he moved this one into a worse position after this clip:
I think the egg at the back is half-and-half patterned, making it look like 2 eggs sometimes:
10 April
03:30 Blue33 relieved Maya:
Maya returned after a nice long break:
07:15 Blue33 brought back the leftover he'd taken earlier:
Maya flew off with it:
.
Blue33 is still incubating.