Link to first page opener - here
Link to June 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) Sadly, this little chick died on 3rd June. It coincided with LJ2 having a leg injury and unable to fish at the time. I don’t know if this was the sole reason, part of the reason or something else. RIP little one
The family of 5 for a couple of days. Bob 3, RIP, in between #1 and #2
Four weeks later, our two thriving youngsters, #1 and #2 (36 and 34 days as at 01/07/23)
All captures and videos ©️ NWWT, Welsh Water, Brenig Osprey Project
LM6 stayed on the nest. Things settled down again.
16.01 she starts calling, LJ2 comes to the nest with the remainder of the fish, he mantles and chips.
16.04 LJ2 leaves again, still holding onto the fish.
LM6 remains on the nest until she leaves at 17.14
She returns with a short stick at 18.05
18.28 7B5 gets up for a wing stretch
She’s got her mum’s good looks.
19.46 Since LJ2 had taken away the rest of LM6’s fish earlier, he brought in a large whole one for her and the chicks.
LM6 quickly collected it
19.48 7B6 started the feed first
20.08 Then 7B5 joined after 7B6 stopped eating
20.26
20.40 LM6 feeding herself
After she’s finished, LM6 feaks her beak against a stick
20.51 She leaves the nest. Look at all that’s left of that large fish! A wee pile of skin, Just took an hour to devour.
Friday 14 July
Good morning Both adults have been on and off the preening perch this morning.
Together at 04.23
05.07 LJ2 arrived at the nest and went straight for the straggly skin left from the fish last night.
He picked it up and flew off
05.07 LM6 arrived at the nest, she starts calling and LJ2 changes direction and returns straight to the nest
LJ2 proceeds to tackle eating the skin
05.11 The chicks decide to do their wing exercises
05.13 LM6 takes the skin off LJ2
05.16 LJ2 leavesThe chicks enjoy a preening session. I love their little orange heads!05.20 LM6 manages to swallow the fish skin
07.19 LJ2 arrives with a large whole fish.
He lands next to the chicks and 7B6 nearest grabs it.
07.20 LJ2 flies up with the fish again and lands closer to LM6 allowing her to take it.
07.21 LJ2 lifts his wings and glides away in the wind.
07.22 It takes the chicks a minute to come to be fed. 7B5 to the left
As usual, LM6 feeds 7B6 first
07.30 7B5 grabs at a long piece but doesn’t manage to take it
07.32 7B6 then takes a loose chinky piece of fish
07.33 With 7B6 occupied, 7B5 starts getting some fish from LM6
07.47 7B5 withdraws and LM6 continues eating.
By 08.02 LM6 has had enough and tidies up scraps.
08.07 All settled down now.
Oh boy! what a fish !!!! Super dad LJ 2. Thanks Glider
You’re welcome Cirrus. The size of fish here recently all seem to be pretty large! LJ2 is doing a great job.
LM6 has just started bringing large fish in too. This was a very lively one she brought to the nest at 19.21
It jumped all over the place
Finally, LM6 got it under control
19.21 Or maybe not! It was still jumping about.
19.26 The feed begins, LM6 has to stand on the fish with both sets of talons to hold it down.
Saturday 15 July
Good afternoon There was a morning large fish delivery from LJ2 at 08.15
LM6 had landed just seconds before. She lowered her head to take the fish
Just then, a little head appeared from the other side and pulled the fish away. It was 7B6 the well known fish stealer!LM6 didn’t attempt to take it from her.LB5 watched as LB6 ate and managed to take a piece from her beak.
LB5 managed another piece that had come loose.
08.25 LB5 tries to take the fish, the chicks are both pulling on the fish togetherLB5=wins
7B5 eating to the left.
07.45 7B5 has given up with the fish. LM6 goes over and collects it.
She has a few pieces herself before starting to feed the chicks.
08.46 Both chicks withdrawn, LM6 gets more to herself.