Ospreys hatch at Welsh caravan park

The Dyfi ospreys have successfully hatched both of their eggs, alleviating concerns that the late start to the breeding season might hamper their chances of raising young this year.

The parent birds, known as Monty and Glesni, are the stars of the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust's Dyfi Osprey Project near Machynlleth, Wales, which is immediately next door to Morben Isaf Holiday Home and Touring Park.

“Most park visitors go to see the ospreys”, said manager and keen birdwatcher Sarah Lewis. “We all hope that the weather improves and it all works out for the chicks. We’d like to encourage caravanners and motorhomers to stay with us so that they can monitor what happens to the new arrivals.”

The park has 25 touring pitches and a camping field, and is working closely with the osprey project’s education officer to organise a series of fun events over the next six weeks. Special offers are also available for new customers purchasing a new or pre-owned caravan holiday home on the park before the chicks fledge, says Sarah.

Monty and Glesni are first-time breeders this year, after Monty’s previous mate Nora did not return from her African migration. There are only two pairs of breeding ospreys in Wales.

The late start meant that the two eggs were not laid until late May, instead of early April, leading to concerns that the chicks might not hatch. Young from osprey nests in other areas of the UK had almost fledged before these chicks arrived.

Nevertheless, the first egg hatched on Friday 28 June, with the second following on Sunday evening. Both have since been feeding well. Followers can get updates on the Dyfi Osprey Project's Facebook and Twitter pages as well as a 24 hour live webcam feed on www.dyfiospreyproject.com. The project featured on the recent BBC Springwatch series.

Morben Isaf Holiday Park is located between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth, alongside the Cors Dyfi reserve. Park guests can walk a short distance to the hide and visitor centre, and watch live action via a large plasma screen. A specially built tower-hide allows the osprey family to be viewed with telescopes and binoculars. Work is underway on a 360-degree observatory to transform the reserve into a year round, state-of-the-art wildlife facility. The project, due for completion in late summer, is being supported by £928,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Find details of Morben Isaf on Campsite Finder, among thousands of other touring parks.