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Ospreys return to North Wales
EXPERTS have welcomed the news that Wales' only pair of breeding ospreys have returned home from Africa.
They had had a ‘perilous' journey flying some 2,175 miles from west Africa to their nest at Glaslyn near Porthmadog.
The endangered ospreys pair have arrived back at Glaslyn for the fourth year running.
North Wales Police expert, wildlife and environment officer Sergeant Rob Taylor said: "It's fantastic. I'm very pleased.
"The male arrived back on Wednesday at 7pm. It was within an hour of the day and time of their arrival last year.
"It's incredible considering that they migrate from here to mid-Africa and back. They fly to and from an area 100 miles south of Senegal and Gambia.
"The female arrived back on Thursday morning.
"They are the only breeding pair of ospreys in Wales. From previous experience, they should start to breed immediately."
He said the birds fly south in August or September. "They have a long, perilous journey of about 3,500 km (2,175 miles). They may fall ill, be hunted or trapped. For them to come back is a fantastic feat of nature."
Bird lovers can watch the pair at a visitor centre about a mile from Glaslyn.
But Sgt Taylor said 24-hour security measures prevent people getting closer.
He said it is an offence to disturb ospreys which are a protected species or to take or try to take their eggs.
