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.
21.55 No more fish tonight, 372 looks settled down with the chicks.
©️NWWT, WW, BOP
June 24
Good morning. LJ2 paid an early morning visit. 372 asked for fish.
04.45
05.11 He left and returned with a fresh one 26 minutes later.
05.13 A slow get up then a wing stretch from 372.
She took the fish in her beak but LJ2 grabbed it back
05.14 372 made sure she got it with her second try.
05.15 the view of the feed was blocked
05.18
05.34 Once finished, 372 flew off. Good morning chicks.
A catch up with today’s events.
07.34 LJ2 returns with this morning’s fish for a second feed.
10.22 Mum providing shade for the chicks
10.22 #2 starts attacking #1
10.23 not a good idea as #1 hits back stronger.
10.33 under the shade of mum again11.30 372 has just taken a nice whole fish from LJ2
12.00 LJ2 takes away the fish for his share
13.24 the chicks still feeling the heat
14.00 another feed from the earlier fish
15.26 372 takes an extended break
15.43 and returns 17 minutes later
15.46 both chicks staying close to mum
17.25 #2 fiddling about with some fine nesting material
18.35 Fresh fish has arrived for tea, 372 offering to the wrong end of the chick! 19.11 #1 still eating
Next fish arrived at 21.35 This is the 4th today.
LJ2 had eaten the head first.
21.37 372 begins the feed.
00.24 One of the chicks is camping out tonight with the fish.
June 25
Good morning. It’s a misty one here. 372 went for a comfort break and LJ2 arrived for last night’s fish.
04.20 372 leaving
04.21 LJ2 arriving. As he stood on the fish, #1 woke up and had other ideas.
04.22 #1 begged for food and received it.
04.23 372 returned and LJ2 continued feeding.
04.32
04.34 #1 retired and sleepyhead #2 got up for a feed.
04.36 372 settled down beside the chicks as LJ2 carried on feeding.
04.38 #2 withdrew from the feed
04.39 LJ2 left with the fish.
05.30 After eating, LJ2 returned with the fish.
05.36 372 didn’t move so LJ2 had just ate the fish again.
05.43 372 decided to take the fish
05.43 #1 presented itself first
05.55 then #2
05.56 some for 372
05.58 372 walked away from the fish
06.01 After taking a comfort break, 372 returned with a fine straight stick. However, it hit the edge on landing.
06.04 And looks like it’s on the slippery slope down.
06.49 372 picked up the fish end on returning from a comfort break.
07.04 She ate some then #2 ate some before 372 finished it off.
07.29 Snoozing
07.51 Preening
08.49 372 was on and off bring nesting materials.
She stood on the resting chicks
They both got up and #1 blamed #2 and started attacking it into submission.
08.50 372 continued arranging the nest
08.51
08.55 #1 joined in and shifted a piece of bark.
11.07 372 currently fish calling with one of the chicks.
13.30 372 and #1 fish calling together, it’s been a while since they ate.
13.38 LJ2 arrived with a feather! Haven’t seen many of these brought to the nest.
He was sent off to catch a meal.14.48 Just over an hour later he returned with a freshly caught fish.
372 takes the fish
14.50 and begins the feed.
Another fish arrived at 16.25
16.31
18.34 More nesting materials were brought in. 372 with a piece of bark.
19.42 LJ2 brought in a bent stick
19.43 which proved to be a bit troublesome!
LJ2 finally sorted it and placed it at the front of the nest.
20.02 The next thing LJ2 brought to the nest was a live fish, 19 minutes later.20.03 372 straight over to collect
#2 got the first piece.