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
17.41 LJ2 arrives with a very large piece of bark.
He decides where to put it.
And nibbles small pieces off it
LM6 arrives to see what’s happening with the nest now.
18.32 both birds on the nest looking in the same direction.
LM6 suddenly leaves, calling as she goes. Perhaps it was LJ2 who startled her as he was flapping a bit trying to balance on the rim.
LM6’s calls caused LJ2 to briefly hold his wings in a mantling position before he left quietly a few seconds after, flying in the same direction.
Thursday 13th April
Good morning looking dry and windy today. Our couple tried mating around 05.45 but looked unsuccessful. They’ve been reunited 9 days now.
07.09 LM6 live on the nest now. She’s been intermittently fish calling.
An unwelcome, noisy visitor to the perch at 08.00.
LM6 Nest cupping around 09.30
LM6 has been fish calling, LJ2 arrives with a large clump of soggy grassy stuff. He places it in the nest cup.
They sit together for a few minutes. LM6 continues to ask for fish then LJ2 departs.
10.12 LM6 arrives on the nest with a wee bit of nesting materials. She intruder chips as she lands.
She is okay for a few seconds then suddenly gets agitated and starts mantling and chippingand then more vigorously.
LM6 flies off the nest and the unringed intruder lands.
LM6 quickly follows the intruder onto the nest chipping and mantling.
The 2 females have a stand-off on the nest.They occasionally look at each other.
The intruder looks over at LM6, she has very heavy dark markings
and the stare of Mrs G (Glaslyn)
She is on the nest for a few minutes then something gets her attention.
She flies off after a 6 or 7 minute stay.
LJ2 flies on.
LM6 is still on high alert and she immediately chases him off.
He soon returns and is by LM6’s side to defend their nest.
LM6 still sees the threat and mantles and chips with all her might.
LM6 leaves the nest at 10.25 with LJ2 staying for 3 more minutes before leaving. Both birds return and leave a few times and soon things return to normal.
LJ2 does some nestorising and LM6 can be heard fish calling in the distance!
11.45 another failed mating attempt. LM6 actually pecked LJ2 off this time.
13.45 LM6 asking for fish
13.50 AT LAST …………….. Mating Success!
15.40 LM6 is shouting loudly for fish. I think she knows it’s coming
LJ2 arrives on the nest with what looks like a whole fish.
LM6 moves in to take it
and off she goes.