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
LM6 started calling so softly after LJ2 left the nest. She continued, getting slightly louder until LJ2 returned at 18.48 with the ever decreasing fish.
LM6 got up still calling, finding it tricky to walk around the nest. She didn’t go over to LJ2 but instead settled back on the eggs. LJ2 started eating the fish and LM6 continued calling.
.
LJ2 flew away and LM6 continued calling for fish, louder this time.
Some snaps of LJ2 with the fish on the perch earlier. He had a good half fish here.
The bottom quarter.A straggly skin and tail.
LJ2 walked along the perch sideways with the skin/tail
and it slipped from his talons.
Oops! Where is it?
19.39 LJ2 returns to the nest empty taloned.
LM6 gets up off the eggs
and she flies off. LJ2 moves to the eggs, getting a really close look.
then settles down on them.
LM6 is away just for a few minutes and returns.
LJ2 decides to stay on the eggs and LM6 stands beside him calling for fish. She hasn’t eaten all day.
20.05 LM6 flies off again and LJ2 is left brooding the eggs.
LM6 flew to the perch and is currently still there. 20.14.
LM6 returned to the nest at 20.24. She almost leant in for a kiss!!
She made soft contact calls to LJ2 and he got up, allowing LM6 to go down to the eggs.
She’s settled down for the night now. A nearby blackbird can be heard singing..
Late views from PTZ. Shame, I should have done it earlier when there were better perch views - still, it will show people what we can see on the PTZ.
IMAGICAT
Monday 24th April
Good morning, rather damp looking today. LJ2 was in early to take over incubation duties. 05.51.
LM6 went to the perch for a wee freshen up.
She’s still there now 06.36.
LM6 returned at 06.44, LJ2 left the nest and flew straight back in to mate for egg no. 3.
LM6 settled down on the eggs. She’s very wet. There’s a lot of geese noise in the background. That’s what she seems to be looking over at.