Many thanks to AG who wrote this preface to the Llyn Brenig thread for us (below)
Llyn Brenig is a reservoir on the border between Denbighshire and County Conwy in North Wales. It is managed by Welsh Water; the osprey project is a partnership between them and North Wales Wildlife Trust.
One pair of ospreys raised a single chick here each year from 2018-2020. Neither of this pair returned in 2021, when the nest was taken over by 2 Scottish birds, LJ2 (male) and LM6 (female), both 2018 chicks. The nest was vandalised the night after LM6 had laid her first egg; while the two could not continue to breed they did stay close to the site until normal migration time.
A new nest has been erected in 2022 with additional security and a streaming camera is in place. A new hide has also been built.
Links to
North Wales Wildlife Trust Page https://www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/days-out/ospreys-llyn-brenig
Welsh Water Page https://llynbrenig.com/llyn-brenig-osprey/
Osprey Project Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/brenigospreyproject
Friends of Llyn Brenig Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsofLlynBrenigBlue24
Llyn Brenig YouTube Channel for Live Stream https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8_OrcBilBcFmDQVGgrk2ng
Just before 08.30, LR2 delivers the 2nd fish of the day. A nice sized headless trout. It is very blustery here again and LM6 was getting buffeted about on the side of the nest before LJ2 arrived.
The chicks are both focussed on the prize!
The chicks manage a good portion of the fish before settling down.
Around 10.00 LM6 left the nest for a comfort break. LJ2 was maybe on the cam pole as he few down to the nest less than 30 seconds later to retrieve the uneaten fish. However, after he grasped it, he stayed with the chicks until LM6 returned 5 minutes later. On her arrival, LJ2 then took the fish end away.
12.29 LJ2 returns with the now smaller end piece of the fish.
LM6 has a bit of trouble getting up from brooding the chicks, she seemed to be entangled with chick #2 but does manage to free herself.
The feed lasts about 20 minutes. Some raindrops appear on the cam lens towards the end of the feed.
18.09 small fish arrives
Could be a wee pike as seen under LJ2’s talons.
It’s eaten in around 5 minutes.
Just after 20.00, LJ2 arrives with another wee fish for supper.
Just after 21.30, LJ2 arrives with another little fish. It may be a perch. It’s so tricky to make out with the smudgy cam lens.
(Fish #5) LJ2 to the left holding the fish.
Wednesday 29.06.22
First fish of the day at 05.38
And a pike at 11.09. LM6 has her wings outspread to shelter her chicks from the rain.
Fish #3 at 15.57
And something more substantial at 16.55.
Just before 19.00, looked like a swap of fish tails! LJ2 arrives with his half eaten fish. LM6 has a tail end left on the nest.
LM6 is interested in the new offering and takes it.
LJ2 picks up the other tail with his beak
He flies off and LM6 feeds the chicks. She maybe wanted a different flavour after eating so much of the last fish caught earlier! (Trout?)
Thursday 30.06.22
07.03 first fish of the day delivered. LM6 gets a wing around the neck from one of the chicks stretching!
And #2 at around 10.00