Link to first page opener - here
Link to May 2023 - here
Recap:-
LJ2 returned 31 March 2023
LM6 returned 4 April 2023
Egg No. 1 laid 20 April - Hatched 27 May (37 days)
Egg No. 2 laid 23 April - Hatched 29 May (36 days)
Egg No. 3 laid 26 April - Hatched 1 June (37 days)
LM6 LJ2
So far so good! The first 2 chicks are doing well, the 3rd just hatched this morning.
06.30 another feed from the fish.
LM6 stopped the feed when the chicks would take no more when offered.
There was a small fish end left. LM6 shook her foot to drop the fish but it was still attached as she flew off.(right talon)
Looks like it was still there on return.
10.04 LJ2 arrives with a big headless fish.
Both chicks eat well. (#2 front)
and eat again from the fish at 10.54. #2 was up first and fed well
#1 then woke up and got a good feed too
Feed finished, LM6 ate some more herself
then snuggled in over the chicks.
11.18 LJ2 returned for the fish
and flew with it over to beyond the trees to eat.
11.43 LM6 is calling as she sees LJ2 returning with the fish.
LM6 quickly starts the feed. #1 right
Both chicks feed ‘till they sit down. LM6 keeps eating and offering fish and coaxes #2 to take a couple more bites.
Feed finished. LM6 leaves the nest for a quick comfort break at 12.10 leaving the chicks to guard the fish!
LJ2 resting on the preening perch just before he brought the fish to the nest at 11.43
The chicks did a good job of guarding the fish and LM6 soon arrived to take over.
However, LM6 decided on another break shortly after landing. She was away for 7 minutes this time. The chicks chose to explore the nest.
#1 decided to move a little further but #2 slipped and tumbled down into the nest cup.
It did manage to correct itself. “Did anybody notice!?”
12.19 Mum shortly arrived looking like she had had a dip.
#1 opted to stay out on its own and LM6 brooded #2.
Shortly after, #1 wandered down to be beside mum.
12.33 Whilst #1 was lying next to LM6, LJ2 flew onto the nest and started intruder chipping.
LM6 joined in chipping too.
#1 was looking with mum and dad for the intruder
LJ2 flew off the nest, presumably to chase the intruder away. LM6 stayed vigilant, occasionally chipping with #1 by her side.
It soon all calmed down again and by 13.15 LM6 was up and #2 glad to be uncovered and up too whilst #1 was enjoying a sleep.
13.20 the chicks got another feed.
LJ2 took away the fish remainder and returned with it at 14.43. He ate a little on the nest before LM6 took it to feed her chicks.
15.11 LM6 swallowed the tail.
LM6 did a lot of preening whilst waiting on the next fish.
She did some standing and brooding too.
17.13 LJ2 arrived carrying nothing. He fiddled about with a stick. LM6 told him they were hungry.
LJ2 then moved a big stick and got the tv aerial erected.
LM6 kept asking for fish and LJ2 flew off but returned at 18.08, again with no fish. He got sent packing.
This time he flew out directly over the lake.
18.32 Less than half an hour later, LJ2 returned with a fish.
LM6 quickly took it
and the chicks were straight over asking for a feed.
Happy days!