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
Tuesday 25th April
Good morning it’s a frosty one today. 05.13 LJ2 arrives to take over incubation.
LM6 goes to the perch.
06.04 LM6 returns and sits on the nest perch, You can see the frost on the birds’ backs.
06.10 and LM6 goes back to the nest.06.35 she is asking for fish
LJ2 is on the perch.
07.15 changeover again. LM6 still with frost on her back.
LJ2 gently nudges the eggs into place before settling down.
08.04 LM6 had a good preen on the perch, she left then returned to the nest.
LM6 first landed on the cam pole. LJ2 looked up.
LM6 flew down directly in front of LJ2, he quickly scrambled up, leaning back as she clattered down.
LM6 back brooding her 2 eggs.
LJ2 has been at the nest a few times taking over incubation, mating but not bringing fish!
13.20 LJ2 on the eggs, LM6 has just landed on the nest perch for a preen before she swaps over.
13.52 LM6 back on the eggs again.
17.12 and finally a fish for LM6. It won’t take her long to eat this though, it’s a tiny live perch.
LM6 clipped her wing against the cam pole on her way past.
Sandra P said:At last! Something's better than nothing :)
I suppose so Sandra!
LM6 was back to the nest in 17 minutes and sent LJ2 off for more fish!
17.49 LJ2 returns to the nest to LM6’s vocals.
Something above catches his eye
LM6 starts watching too
LM6 resumes fish calling, LJ2 keeps a watchful eye and after a few minutes leaves the nest.
19.57 LJ2 does better for LM6 and arrives with a headless fish. Certainly bigger than the last one. LM6 carefully walks around the eggs to get to the fish.
Once gripped securely, she looks around (corvids are calling and fluttering behind) and flies off to the front of the nest. (cam pole side)