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Glaslyn Osprey Centre
Ospreys lays eggs in North Wales
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Glaslyn Ospreys
It is not just "twitchers" who are drawn to the Glaslyn osprey project near Porthmadog.
Families and birdwatchers from all over the UK flock to the RSPB hub in the hope of catching a glimpse of North Wales' most celebrated birds.
In 2005, the year after the project started, 75,000 people visited the centre.
As well as the bird hides, there are screens linked to webcams in the ospreys' nest so visitors can see live footage of them.
The RSPB even have a special team of staff and volunteers on hand to help with the telescopes and other equipment they have there.
I met up with Gwyn Roberts, a ‘showing people birds officer', at the birdhides.
"The only pair of breeding ospreys in Wales are nesting just behind me, down the valley," he said, gesturing from the hide towards Snowdon.
"The project started in 2004, when the Osprey couple were fist noticed, and there was a lot of excitement locally."
However, the nest was damaged by a storm that year. It was mid-season and the ospreys stayed.
Gwyn added: "They tried rebuilding their nest without much luck, but because they had stayed in the area we knew they had bonded. Once they have set up a nesting site ospreys are very loyal to that site.
"They had two chicks each year and this year they've had three - we're hoping they all fly off to Africa."
The bird experts are also keeping a beady eye out for the chicks of 2004, who should be just about ready to make the migration back from Africa, where they spend their formative years.
The chances of the ospreys staying long term is pretty hopeful because, as Gwyn points out, the area around Glaslyn is a perfect home for them.
There is a wooded area, where they have built their nest, and lakes full of fish, which is what they like to eat.
Snowdonia gives a rugged edge to the watery plateau and so the area is also very popular with fishermen, walkers, and people who love the outdoors.
Places to stay
The area is well served with B&Bs, places to camp, and caravan parks.
Eric Jones campsite and bunk barns. Bwlch-y-Moch, Tremadog, LL49 9SN. 01766 512199.
Places to eat
In nearby Tremadog (about two miles down the road) there is the Golden Fleece.
Read our review here.
Market Square, Tremadog, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9RB 01766 512421
The Union Inn, also in Tremadog, is a popular pub that serves food.
9 Market Square, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9RB 01766 512748.
The climber Eric Jones owns a cafe near the village of Penteg, half way between Tremadog and the Glaslyn project. He also has a campsite and B&B there.
Bwlch-y-Moch, Tremadog, LL49 9SN 01766 512199
