CONTINUED FROM MAY 2024
LINK to Opening Page with background and history of this nest and relevant links
This season so far
31 March Blue LJ2 returns
1 April Blue 372 briefly visits, 6 April Blue 372 returns and stays
Sadly, Blue LM6 has not returned
Eggs laid
#1 April 23 - 17.40, #2 April 26 - 19.28, #3 April 29 - 15.46
Hatched
June 2 - 00.52, June 4 - 09.48? I believe these are eggs 2 and 3.
All captures and videos ©️NWWT, Welsh Water, Brenig Osprey Project
RESUMÉ FOR MAY 2024
The new couple’s relationship has continued to grow. They have worked hard together to maintain and strengthen their nest, bringing in new materials daily. Both birds have been catching fish and sharing these with each other. They have also shared incubation and developed strategies to get each other off the eggs when needed! They have also defended their nest from intruders, the most traumatic being when Blue 432, Eshells, a 3 year old returner from Kielder visited on the 9th of May.. Blue 372 fought hard to keep her place on the nest as she was continually chased and dive bombed in Blue 432’s bid to oust her. The eggs were left unattended for around 3 1/2 hours. Luckily it was a warm evening so hopefully no damage done. The most exciting visit came from dear KA9 (22), Gelert, son of LJ2 and LM6 when he arrived on the morning of the 25th of May. It was a short visit as he was soon ushered away by LJ2.
June 6
Good morning.
03.57 372 took a quick comfort break, close up of egg.
03.58 she returned and settled down on the chicks and egg.
05.05 Live fish delivery from LJ2
05.06 some for 372
05.08 and some for the bobs
05.14
05.17 the remainder of the fish is left on the nest.
05.25 LJ2 arrives and takes the fish off for a feed himself.
06.03 He brings the fish back.
06.05 some for 372
06.07 and feeding the bobs
06.15 372 swallows the tail.
©️NWWT, WW, BOP
07.46 LJ2 flew to the nest, 372 chipped
07.49 372 left the nest
07.50 then LJ2 left as well
372 returning - closeup of bobs and egg
07.51 372 arrives back
08.01 LJ2 stops by
08.34 372 snoozing
I’m out for the day, BBL
10.20 LJ2 brought in a whole large fish
372 quickly disabled it before feeding
10.24 the bobs get some too
10.26
10.33 feed finished
10.41 LJ2 took the fish away.
11.05 372 returning after a quick comfort break.
11.27 LJ2 returns with the fish
11.28 372 starts feeding the bobs again
11.32
11.34 feed finished
12.05 372 returns after another minute’s comfort break.
12.07 She decides to feed again. The skin is very tough to pull off and it takes her a wee while to start feeding the chicks.
12.12 the chicks get some too although the view is blocked.
12.13
12.17
12.19 feed finished
13.01 LJ2 collects the fish
13.13 and re delivers it 12 minutes later.
Another feed from the fish that keeps giving.
13.18
13.24 372 has another comfort break after the feed is finished.
13.25 LJ2 returns for the fish again.
13.56 LJ2 arrives on the nest with the straggly fish remains.
He had seen something and started chipping and mantling
Eyes to the skies
13.57
13.58
13.59 LJ2 leaves quickly calling as he goes.
372 sits quietly
14.05 She starts looking upwards. LJ2 is heard chipping from nearby.
He is on the tower perch.
14.11 he leaves the perch
and takes the fish back to the nest
372 doesn’t show interest initially and LJ2 starts eating it again.
14.14 She wants it now. LJ2 releases it and 372 picks it up.
The bobs get a little feed.
14.19 The skin has dried out and is very tough. 372 uses all her strength to tear pieces off.
14.22 She leaves the tail end and returns to the bobs and egg.
14.59 372 takes a comfort break.
15.00 and returns a minute later, settling back over the chicks and egg.
16.29 LJ2 is doing well today. Another whole fish delivery for the family.
16.31 after starting on the head herself, 372 gives the bobs their share
16.33
16.34
16.50 the bobs are satisfied, more for mum now.
16.53 after discarding the tail end, 372 returns to the bobs to cosy them in.
It looks like the tail from the previous fish is still on the nest as well.
16.56 LJ2 leaves with the tail from the earlier fish.
16.58 He returns for the most recent fish tail which has a bit more meat on it.
20.37 372 was rolling the remaining egg.
20.38 I’ve not seen anymore fish deliveries up to now.
21.13 LJ2 brought in a lovely supper for the family.
21.14
Wow, LJ2's done very well providing for his family today!
It looked like only 372 ate from the last fish. LJ2 took it off the nest once she was finished and returned with it later.
22.15
It looks like the bobs were fed this time although 372 blocked the view. (left)
23.02 Currently 372 is sleeping with the fish right beside her.