With hatching just days away, the excitement around the viewing site is reaching fever pitch. Chick number one is expected to put in an appearance in the middle of next week, so all eyes will be fixed on the screen in the visitor centre from Wednesday, as we all await a first glimpse of the fluffy one. The female osprey will be the first to sense that something is going on, she will be aware of extra movement inside the egg and tapping sounds as the chick chips away at the inside of the shell with its 'egg tooth' - a special little tool on top of the beak for breaking through the egg with. The female will probably keep getting up off the eggs to check on progress, as it could take half an hour or so for the chick to fully emerge.
As we enter the final week of incubation, it has to be noted once more just how active a role the male has taken this year in nurturing the eggs himself. Usually it is estimated that the female will take on more than 80% of the incubation duties, with the male taking over less than 20% of the time, but this male has done over and above his share this year, the pair work wonderfully together.
Don't forget, the Glaslyn ospreys will be featured on Iolo's Welsh Safari on BBC One Wales on Monday night (14th) at 7:30pm.