Link to August 2022
With last year’s male LJ2 arriving on the 6th of April and partner LM6 the 10th of April, I thought I would start a thread now for the new season in case they return earlier after a successful breeding season last year. The nest and surrounding area has recently been prepared by Welsh Water for our pair’s arrival.
Background to the nest:-
Many thanks to AG who wrote this preface to the Llyn Brenig thread for us below. (I’ve just edited extra information)
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 (Blue HR7 (M) 2014 Lake Menteith, Scotland and Blue 24 (F) 2010 nr Rutland) raised a single chick here each year from 2018-2020, Z9 (F) Luned, KA5 (M) Roli and KC5 (F) respectively. Sadly, KC5 died after fledging, colliding with a wind turbine.
Neither of this breeding 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 was erected in 2022 with additional security and a streaming camera in place. A new hide was also built.
LJ2 and LM6 returned and successfully fledged 2 chicks, X6 Olwen (F) and KA9 Gelert (M)
LM6 lost her blue darvic ring on the nest. It was recently recovered by Welsh Water and kept for display in the exhibition later this year.
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_OrcBilBcFmDQ
All captures and videos ©️ NWWT, Welsh Water, Brenig Osprey Project
Karen W said:Morning Glider Thanks for all the updates. Mating - is LM6 being a bit more receptive now?
Hi Karen, you’re welcome. Mating isn’t consistent. LM6 was more receptive a couple of times yesterday but LJ2 just couldn’t manoeuvre around her tail. Hopefully it’s just the terrible weather. I’ll keep an eye on it.
06.40, such a beautiful sunrise. LJ2 giving us a stare!
He tried mating but ended up just sitting on top. I thought LM6 lifted her tail a little but LJ2 jiggled about on her back and she then kept it down.
07.52 There’s been sunshine, rain and hailstones so far this morning with a constant wind. LM6 sitting on the perch.
10.20 I do believe it’s either sleet or snow now! LM6 on the nest (you can just about see her) still fish calling. I don’t know if LJ2 will have much luck until the weather calms a bit.
11.07 and the screen is a bit clearer now. LM6 fish calling and LJ2 lands and sits close beside her. He stays on the nest for a short while and leaves at 11.16.
lol Glider - don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like a peeping tom
It does look grim here, hopefully weather improves soon.
Lovely to see them side by side
Around half an hour later, 11.45ish, LJ2 answers LM6’s calls and returns with a good sized fish.
Off goes LM6 leaving LJ2 to do some nest maintenance.
LJ2 had been back at the nest a couple of times since LM6 left with the fish.
He found a mini perch on one of the nest sticks.
On LJ2’s third visit to the nest, LM6 flew onto the perch at 15.05 with no leftovers for LJ2. She must’ve really enjoyed her lunch!
After a few minutes, she flew onto the nest to join him.
15.09 LJ2 flew onto LM6 to mate. She lifted her tail more than once be he just couldn’t get the angle needed to be successful.
17.00 Both birds have been off and on the nest again. They are together just now. LJ2 moving bits n pieces around
and I do believe the sun has blinked through!