Continued from June 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? It is not known for certain which eggs these are. My thoughts are these are eggs 2 and 3 and egg number 1 did not hatch. (Left unattended on a frosty night)
However, the consensus among the volunteers is that it is eggs 1 & 2 which have hatched. Llyn Benig is around 1000 feet above sea level so the ambient temperature is around 2 degrees Celsius lower than at sea level which might account for longer hatching times. It has certainly been a cold hatching period. (AG)
Chicks ringed 08/07/24 - 8B8 (M) 1500g 265mm - 8B9 (F) 1620g 291mm
All captures and videos ©️NWWT, Welsh Water, Brenig Osprey Project
RESUMÉ for JUNE 2024
This has been a month of fast change. Two chicks were born at the beginning of the month. On chick 1’s day of hatching, someone was flying a drone in the area and it spooked 372. She alarm called and quickly left the nest with the little chick being thrown to the nest edge as she left. Somehow that wee one had the instinct and strength to move back to the nest cup and safety again. 372 has proven to be a great first time mother. She has gently fed the chicks, given them warmth and shelter and LJ2 has provided well with a variety of daily fish. There have been the usual intruders which has distracted LJ2 at times from bringing in fish but he would always bring some later on. The chicks are now 4 weeks old and developing very well. There is a hierarchy between the chicks with #1 being dominant over #2, mostly at feeding times. #2 knows to allow #1 to feed first then it’ll get its turn. Gelert KA9(22) son of LJ2 and LM6, was photographed at Dyfi 3 weeks after his visit here on 25 May.
06.38 It was a rainy start to the day. I don’t know if any morning fish have been delivered.
12.27 Here is LJ2 arriving with a large stick.
12.28 372 had to help him shift it.
She managed to place it at the side of the nest.
14.54 Flying practice continues to go well. I’m assuming this is Bethan 8B9 making higher little lift offs.
16.14 LJ2 brings a small fish.
16.53 The rain has returned.
17.52 Another fish from LJ2, a bit bigger than the last. Looks like a brown trout.
17.53 LJ2 takes it.
©️NWWT, WW, BOP
20.38 A final fish for the night from LJ2
00.42 Currently 372 is on the nest with the youngsters.
21 July
Good morning. 372 stayed on the nest until 01.53. She returned at 03.49. 05.01 In the morning, LJ2 visited.
.
05.16 LJ2 returned with a headless fish.
372 arrived to collect it.
05.17 It was a short feed.
05.27 Gone in 10 minutes, mostly all to one chick.
05.54 Both adults taking time on the tower perch.
06.14 Both chicks at this side of the nest for a change,
06.18 LJ2
06.47 372 is back07.01 Preening
08.09 372 taking 40 winks.
08.43 LJ2 resting his eyes.
I’m out for the day again. BFN.
09.10 372 was looking upwards and chipping earlier on the nest but it didn’t last long.
13.25 LJ2 brought in a small fish.
372 took it.
13.28 She was feeding the chicks but paused to look elsewhere, a little head appeared underneath and snatched the fish.
It was Emrys.
Then the fish was taken off Emrys by Bethan.
13.29 Emrys tried a few times to take it back
but without success.
372 left to let them get on with it. 13.37 Emrys did some wingercising with jumps.13.39 Bethan still eating.
13.45 Emrys approaches Bethan and she has let go of the fish. He takes what’s left.
13.48 He managed to swallow the tail.
13.49 All gone!©️NWWT, WW, BOP
It’s been a quiet day for fish. 372 has been on and off the nest several times throughout the afternoon.
18.32 Bethan is asking for fish.
19.44 LJ2 arrived with another fish, a bit bigger than the last.
Everyone’s shouting FISH!!
He was landing at one side then switched to the other. 372 ran for the fish.
19.46 372 fed from a funny angle.
20.02
21.10 LJ2 brings in another small offering.
372 goes straight in for it.
21.18 Fish finished, 362 shouts for more.
21.28 Still shouting
21.40 still shouting
21.44 She’s quiet now, resting.
22.14 Too late for any more fish tonight.