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
07.49 LM6 lands with a big stick.
LJ2 follows her onto the nest. He assumes mantling position and she arranges the stick.
Around 08.45 LJ2 brings in a clump of moss
Followed by LM6 with a long stick
She knocks LJ2 as she tries to manoeuvre it around the nest.
10.29 Unsuccessful mating attempt.
Both birds back and forward to the nest throughout the day. Here they are relaxing on the perch together.
11.36 LJ2 brought in a stick. LM6 was already on the nest and had her head down arranging a piece of bark. LJ2 practically flattened her as he landed on top of her neck.
Around 15.15 LM6 arrives at the nest calling for food.
LJ2 arrives about 4 minutes later with a live fish
and off she goes.
Around 18.50 LM6 arrives on the nest. LJ2 then comes in with a headless fish.
He makes contact calls and waits. LM6 doesn’t ask for it.
So he flies off with his supper.
LJ2 was briefly on the nest some time this afternoon chipping as there was an intruder around. I took a snapshot then when I went back to work out the time, I couldn’t find it again!
Saturday, 8th April
Good morning, it’s going to be another lovely day, although a frosty start.
Both birds on the nest at 06.35.
They have been gathering sticks and nestorising.
Another unsuccessful mating attempt. They’re just not in sync with this yet.
08.45 LM6 on the nest. LJ2 flies in and lands on her back to mate - again unsuccessfully.
08.51 LJ2 brings in some moss. LM6 has been politely asking for fish for a wee while now.
09.25 LJ2 not away fishing yet, he does some nest tidying. LM6 is nearby quietly encouraging him to go.
11.30 LM6 on the nest. She sees LJ2 flying in and starts fish calling. Empty taloned he lands on her head and she shrugs him off.