ANNOUNCING THE PITTER-PATTER OF TINY TALONS…
First 2026 chick, arrival 08.34, 28 May 2026
During the last five days since the last news blog there have been several indications from Clogwyn and Syfaddan that egg-hatch could be expected soon. Not only did the calendar suggest 28th May to be a likely date, assuming that full incubation begins with the second egg, but there was likely to have been vocal indications between the unhatched chick and parents too. One can only imagine that Clogwyn might have responded “Don’t rush, we are dealing with exceptional temperatures out here!!” And they have certainly been record-breaking for Wales and England.
Other indicators were that both incubating adults were at times raised a little off the eggs. Clogwyn was being more restless in her duties and was heard making ‘grunting’ noises perhaps as communication to one or more chicks. Also, since 25th May the fish diet had switched to predominantly coarse fish. Whether that is weather-related forcing a change in fish behaviour in lower river levels (impacting hunting success), or might it be that the flesh of bream, for instance, is easier to pull as parcels for very young chicks.
Coarse fish deliveries and feeding
One of the UVO Watchers noted during the heat of 27th May that Clogwyn flew up 4-5 metres above the nest – an activity reminiscent of ‘helicoptering’ but that term should be reserved for wing-exercising by chicks as they prepare for flight from mid-July. It is possible that it merely had a cooling effect for herself as well as the eggs.
Clogwyn lifts off nest
Nest activity over this period was not confined to preparation for chick-rearing. Sticks and nest-linings continued to be brought in as per usual, and the double-act in warding off osprey intruders was called upon on several occasions. Firstly 6JB mentioned in last week’s blog made a return visit on 23rd and the following day 4-year old male 7C4 was allowed 12 seconds on the nest, initially landing on Clogwyn’s back! This male was raised at Bolton Castle in 2022 with links on his mother’s side to the Glaslyn nest in North Wales. There were several other intrusions into the territory that required a chase from Syfaddan without the visitor coming close to the nest.
Intruder 7C4 makes an unscheduled visit
With 2025 in mind we perhaps should not expect additional chicks but it would be unnatural not to hope for further reports of successful hatchings in the near future. Stay tuned.