More mammoth fish have been brought back this week, yesterday afternoon the male brought back one of the biggest salmon we have seen at the nest — a three pounder at the least. This is probably at the heaviest end of the weight range that ospreys can manage, prey approaching the weight of the osprey itself. It was so large in fact that he decided not to leave the salmon at the nest with the three week old chicks and carried it off to his favourite perching tree to devour the head of the fish himself.Now that the chicks are too big to brood, the female strategically positions herself on the rim of the nest between the chicks and the direct glare of the sun. As the sun moves gradually westwards so does she, moving in a clockwise direction around the nest, a bit like a sun dial.
Despite growing ever larger, the chicks will not be as proficient at regulating their own body temperature as their parents for a few weeks yet, so any help from Mum and Dad is greatly appreciated.As we opened the visitor centre this morning we were treated to a real raptor fest; peregrine, red kite, goshawk and of course osprey all in one vista. Our three chicks will not be completely safe from predators at the nest for another week to 10 days so we're hoping that these fellows will be targeting other prey for the next few days!
what a great dad your babies have, they certainly don't go hungry!
It has to be said they are still pretty ugly but it looks like they have feathers sprouting so they will soon be as beautiful as the adult birds. It sounds like there are plenty of other exciting birds to see at Glaslyn, I must try to make the 7 hour journey up there sometime, regards Jackie
Visited the viewing centre yesterday afternoon with my friend and her 7 year old daughter. It was good to see the live pictures of the chicks and mom. We where treated to dad arriving also on the nest and everyone - birds and visitors getting excited to see the fish he had brought back!
Well he brought no fish but a large twig which he delecatly moved around the edge of the nest much to our amusement - not sure the chick's were as amused as they thought super had arrived.
Volunteers where as always fantastic chatting and ensuring everyone ubnderstood what they where seeing - thank you all. Speacial thanks to the gentleman on the viewing platform who ensure the youing lady with us could see the nest live through the scopes.
Emyr thank you for the fabulous updates and the fantastic pictures. We are biased of course but we feel that the glaslyn pair would make fantastic superstars on the BBC Springwatch programme!
Looking forward to popping down again at the weekend to see how the chicks have grown.
Lynne
Only 1 week to go and I will be in North Wales - can't wait to come and see the Ospreys (looks like they are doing really well), particularly if there are lots of other interesting birds to see too! And of course the beautiful scenery!
Alison
It was a nice surprise for us to see Iolo Williams arrive at the Viewing Centre to do some filming for a future TV programme whilst we were volunteering last Monday, and gratifying to receive his thanks for our help there. It was also good to hear his comments that it was very much a site for the local community, as well as for visitors to the area.
However, for us both it is a privilege to be a small part of a large team who do everything they can to ensure that the Ospreys are safe in their beautiful environment.
We urge anyone reading this who has not visited the Centre to beat a path to our door,
where they will be presented with what must be one of the most magnificent places for Ospreys to have made their nesting site.
The chicks are doing really well, and it's so pleasing to watch them growing so quickly.
The next few weeks will be both amazing and satisfying as they continue to move on towards fledging, a really wonderful and interesting part of the process.
Lin & Reg Heath, Volunteers, Glaslyn Osprey Project.
Whilst holidaying in the area we visited the site on Monday 2 June. Although not particularly bird enthusiasts we really enjoyed the experience. Sadly, it was a little hazy for a good view from the hide, but the live and recorded film in the cabin was great, as was the informative gentleman sat in the corner talking about the ospreys - better than Bill Oddie! Volunteers and staff keep up the good work and visitors to the area, I urge you to drop by Glaslyn and see what all the fuss is about!
Good to see the chicks are all healthy. Everyone at the centre is friendly and informative and the pictures are brilliant. A great deal of organisation obviously goes into this project. Well done team.
Hello team, I'm back in Sussex and missing you all already.
I was lucky enough to be a volunteer at this project for six weeks. It is a brilliant site in a fantastic location. Not to mention the great birds and wonderful welcome you always receive at the visitor centre. I recommend a trip to the Glaslyn Osprey project to anyone and everyone.
After many visits to Glaslyn this year it is great to see up to date pictures of the nest and to know that all is well with the three young birds. The whole project is a credit to all involved, especially those who give of their time on a voluntary basis. We, as visitors, are only too grateful for the trouble which they take to both inform and to impart their experiences and knowledge. Lets all hope and pray that all goes well at the fledging stage. Congratulations and lets hope that they all return safely to Wales next year.