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.
12.02 Another nice fish delivery, headless this time.
12.03
12.04
12.07
12.14 Mum paused and a little head peaked out to pick at the fish! (#2 I think)
12.22 Both chicks had a share.
©️NWWT, WW, BOP
372 and the 2 chicks were relaxing with their half eaten fish on the nest. 14.05 LJ2 then arrived with another half eaten fish.
14.07 372 got up and chose the first fish. LJ2 released his latest fish and walked away from it.
14.08 #1 fed first
14.13 #2 edged closer
14.14
14.15 then reminded #2 to wait for its turn
14.19 After a few minutes, #2 rejoined the feed and got a few pieces.
14.23 When #1 retired, #2 got a good feed.
14.36
14.37 #2 has turned away
14.45 and 372 ate for a little longer.
14.47 She flew off and returned with a chunky stick.
14.53 When 372 was off nest again, #1 was left in charge of the fish!
15.26 The nest area is getting smaller with all of the soft furnishings 372 is bringing in.
15.33 The chicks and the fish are really well camouflaged!16.09 372 really is going to town.
16.37 Time for a rest.
17.29 372 decides to give the chicks another feed. She has to find the fish she wants first!She digs it up from under the soft furnishings
17.30 #1 gets fed
17.32
17.40 #1 turns away and it’s #2’s turn
17.42
17.52 #2 has a big stretch then retires from the feed.
17.55 #1 asks for a wee top up
17.59 then it’s 372’s fish to finish off.
18.09 One fish down, one to go!
18.39 LJ2 came for the fish he left at the nest earlier.
19.59 Aw, that wee face! ️ 372’s doing a grand job trying to keep her chicks dry.
20.36 LJ2 brings the fish back.
20.40 #1 got fed
20.46 When #1 was satisfied, #2 started making its way to 372
the egg got in the way as #2 shuffled forward
20.47 When it got over that, 372 was leaving
#2 pecked at the fish but didn’t get much.
20.50 372 returned and tucked the chicks in.
That was them settled for the night.
23.36
THREAD CLOSED - Link to 2 JULY 2024 to FEBRUARY 2025