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.
21.41 372 is currently on the nest with the half fish beside her, calling for LJ2
©️NWWT, WW, BOP
June 16
Good morning. Last night, LJ2 arrived to take the fish, 372 took it off him and the bobs got another feed before bedtime.
21.51
21.53
21.57
04.56 A feed this morning from last night’s fish which was left on the nest over night.
04.58
05.18 LJ2 came and ate the wee tail end that was left.
07.17 A fresh fish was brought in quietly by LJ2.
07.18 372 clocked the fish
She got up and took it from LJ2
07.21 the bob’s second feed this morning.
07.23
07.26
08.11 The bobs got another feed later when 372 returned from a comfort break and picked up the fish from her right.
08.24 372 stood in front of the bobs during this feed.
Next feed 09.00 - 372 stood up
She stretched her left wing
then her right
bob #1 leant forward and stretched its wings
then the feed began.
09.09 the bobs were satisfied
09.10
09.35 LJ2 got a feed off the fish too.
09.38
#1 bob is 2 weeks old today (left) You can see #2’s feathers have darkened as well now.
12.20 372 had been quite relaxed, preening. Something got her attention, she got up, called out then left.
She returned with a long stick just over half a minute later.
12.23 She left again
12.45 this time she was away for 22 minutes.
She started preening straight away on arrival.
Looks like she’s had a dip, her under carriage feathers are wet.
12.50 back to brooding the bobs.
14.13 live fish delivery from LJ2
14.15 looks like #2 is being fed
14.17
14.19
14.28 372 getting some.
15.00 372 got up to collect the fish end.
She stood in her favoured position to feed the chicks - hiding our view!
15.02
15.11 Once finished, she flew off
15.12 And returned with a large stick
This became troublesome when finding just the right spot to place it. She stood on the bobs a few times, mostly #1.
15.13
15.14
The stick stayed here.
15.15 Time for a preening session.
15.19
15.21
15.25
15.27 LJ2 dropped by looking for scraps. 372 sent him off fishing.
15.54 finally back on the bobs and more preening.
17.23 LJ2 arrived with fresh fish for tea. There have been a few of these fish delivered to the nest, I think they might be roach.
17.25
LJ2 leaves
17.27 bob #2 getting a good feed now
17.31
17.47 bob #2 turns away
17.49 bob #1 lies down as well
17.54 372 is satisfied too.
19.11 Another live fish delivery, I think another roach but very small.
The bobs were ready straight away for a feed
19.14
19.15
19.16 Two very well fed bobs.
372 is left with the tail.
Down it goes.