The chicks are between seven and 10 days old now and getting bigger by the minute seemingly. This shot was taken at 10am this morning just after a hearty mullet meal and its at this stage that they take on the appearance of little dinosaurs; we can still just about make them apart - the oldest on the right and the (whiter) youngest in the background.
Great excitement yesterday morning. We know that at least one other osprey has been around in previous years but yesterday another bird actually landed on the Glaslyn nest to the horror of our female who reacted aggressively to the intruder. For the first time we had three ospreys (well, six including the chicks) in the same nest at the same time which is good news of course as we have other potential birds around that could displace our Glaslyn pair should something happen to either of them or if one fails to return from Africa in the future. Remember, we still only have the one breeding pair in Wales, officially our rarest breeding species.Unfortunately, we were unable to see if this intruder osprey had a ring on its leg, now eyes peeled for the rest of this week..
We are privileged to be Volunteers at the Glaslyn Osprey Project and it has been really very rewarding for us to be able to show visitors the Ospreys and answer their many questions for the last three seasons.
We were working at the recent Community Weekend on Saturday. Many visitors came on the first day and enjoyed seeing the amazing live 'nestcam' pictures on the big screens in the Visitor Centre and also films from earlier in the season and last year. They were also able to view the nest for themselves from scopes set up in the hide on the river bank.
It was pleasing that lots of people decided to become members of the RSPB as a result of their visit and their enjoyment of seeing and hearing about 'our' Ospreys and their three chicks.
Children had their faces painted and everyone enjoyed looking round the stalls and going on a Bird Safari along the river meadows. Many stayed for a few hours and had picnics in this beautiful spot on the banks of the river Glaslyn. It was a great way to spend a day.
We would urge everyone to come along and visit the site and see these beautiful, fascinating Ospreys for themselves - this is the ONLY breeding pair in Wales. This is the best time of the season to visit whilst the chicks can be seen in the nest. It is amazing how quickly they are growing.
We are enjoying your blog, Emyr, its good to have more frequent updates. Keep up the good work!
Lin and Reg
Fantastic to see the three chick's looking so well. Having spent a very windy few days in the area over the weekend it is great to see that the family have rode out the gales and are going from strength to strength.
With other osprey's in the area as well there are bound to be exciting times at the viewing station. Lin & Reg I too would urge everyone to visit the unique site on the banks of the Glaslyn. Wonderful, amazing birds; friendly, enthusiastic people and scenery to rivel any anywhere - what else could you ask for.
Looking forward to our next visit to the site to see how the baby's and parents are getting on. In the meantime having the updates keeps us in contact - so thank you very much.
Lynne