LLYN BRENIG - MARCH/APRIL 2023

Friday 14th April

Good morning Both birds have been on and off the nest since day cam came on.

Around 07.15 unsuccessful mating attempt.

LJ2 left and LM6 remains on the nest.

“LM6 had a couple of nibbles before flying off to eat the rest.”

Or so I thought!

LM6 just had a small piece of flesh in her talons and the fish was left on the nest. LM2 stared down at it.

He was bemused. He did single cheeps quietly as he looked at the fish. LM6 did a loop around the nest and flew past over the water.

LJ2 looked around and still quietly cheeped to himself. He went over to the fish to put his talons into it.

Then he changed his mind and let go.

Still unsure and quietly cheeping, he went back to the fish

and had a couple of bites.

Then he stood back again.

He paused again, corvids could be heard nearby. LJ2 decided to take the fish.

It was extremely slippery and he had many attempts to get a secure grip as his talons slid down the scales

He finally took off from the nest with the fish

flying past the tree with the corvids.

After he passed the corvids, one took off to follow him to where he’s settled on a tree pole to the right.

There was a commotion and LJ2 gave chase to the corvid. They darted and flew low to the front right of the nest.

LJ2 was next seen flying upwards and the 2nd corvid flew down to the marked area where the 1st corvid had flown. I wonder if LJ2 dropped the fish there? He’s flying high
and leaves the scene.

Approximately 10.45 LM6 can be heard fish calling. 3 or 4 minutes later LJ2 returns, empty taloned. ️

He finds a few slithers of fish on the nest. LM6 calls loudly. 

LJ2 then does some nestorising, LM6 still calling.

He then retires to the perch.

He stays there until about 12.05 then leaves, taking the route of the earlier fish chase. It’s long gone! He stops in the nearby tree.

Five minutes later LM6 lands on the nest. Perhaps it’s better fish calling from here?!! 

This is pretty amazing. A few minutes before LM6 landed on the nest,  LJ2 somehow spied the fish on the ground. He swooped down from the tree he was in to retrieve it. He was quickly followed again by a corvid (that can be seen above LJ2).

After a few minutes, LJ2 flew back to the tree he had been at before. Then when LM6 was on the nest, she watched him swoop down again to the same spot. (magnified) 
He must have missed the fish the first time. LM6 continued fish calling and at 12.20 LJ2 landed on the nest with the fish, albeit a bit dirty looking now!

LM6 goes to collect it but LJ2 flies off with it again. What is going on?!

After much fish calling, LJ2 returns with just the tiny tail end approximately 12.55

LM6 takes it in her beak then transfers to her talons before flying off. That won’t last long! 

LM6 returns to the nest briefly at 13.17.

The nest is empty until 15.48 when LJ2 flies onto the perch. LM6 can be heard fish calling in the background.

The birds are on and off the nest and at 16.55 LJ2 flies in with a clump of grass.
LM6 reminds him she can’t eat that! 

There haven’t been any more fish deliveries for LM6, she hasn’t had much to eat today.

There was a successful mating though around 19.27.

LM6 was calling for fish immediately after.

She stayed on the nest and sorted some twigs out.

She is still there as darkness falls. 20.45 

Glider said:

his is pretty amazing. A few minutes before LM6 landed on the nest,  LJ2 somehow spied the fish on the ground. He swooped down from the tree he was in to retrieve it. He was quickly followed again by a corvid (that can be seen above LJ2).

You're so observant, GLIDER !!!  I'm ever so tired now but later I'll see if I can do a video of that unusual incident (Ospreys seldom pick up fallen fish, but I think one of the Dyfi adults did once not too many seasons ago - and must give credit to Odin, who fished out a fish from down the outside of the nest, when EJ couldn't figure it out).