Ospreys Return to Wales: A Wild Encounter at the Dyfi Osprey Project

An osprey soars through the clear blue sky, its impressive wingspan fully extended in flight.

Conservation in Action: The Dyfi Osprey Project

Ospreys have officially returned to Wales, nesting once again at the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve, home to the renowned Dyfi Osprey Project. This conservation initiative is dedicated to protecting wild ospreys that migrate thousands of miles from West Africa to the UK each year.

Back in 2007, the project team erected an osprey nesting platform in response to increasing sightings during spring and autumn migrations. Although ospreys began visiting the site, no breeding occurred initially.

Then in 2009, a breakthrough: a single occupied nest appeared just 30 minutes north of Dyfi. This marked the birth of the Dyfi Osprey Project, founded with two core missions:

• To conserve and support the osprey population in Wales

• To engage local communities in wildlife conservation

As passionate advocates at Conservation Chat UK, we couldn’t resist visiting this vital reserve during our holiday in beautiful Wales.

A Wild Surprise at Cors Dyfi

Upon arrival, we were told by a reserve manager that the ospreys hadn’t been sighted for some time. Undeterred, we headed straight to the 360-degree viewing platform—and what happened next was unforgettable.

Suddenly, the room erupted with excitement. The ospreys were back.

Not one, but four ospreys appeared on the nest and nearby perches: Mother, Father, and two fledglings fresh from a fishing trip. As the young devoured mullet and trout, the parents stood guard, scanning the skies.

These birds aren’t native to the UK—they migrate over 3,000 miles from West Africa each winter, making their return a remarkable feat of endurance and instinct.

The Majesty of the Osprey

Seeing ospreys up close is a breathtaking experience. With a wingspan ranging from 1.3 to 1.8 meters, they soar with power and grace. Their adaptations—transparent eyelids, four-toed feet with reversible outer toes—make them perfectly suited for a fish-based diet.

Yet despite their elegance, ospreys face numerous threats:

• Habitat loss and human persecution

• Collisions with power lines and vehicles

• Entanglement in baling twine and fishing line

• Poisoning from mercury and pesticides

• Illegal shooting in Southern Europe

Hope Through Conservation

Thankfully, the Dyfi Osprey Project is working tirelessly to reverse these dangers. By providing safe nesting platforms and educating the public, they’re helping restore osprey populations and raise awareness of their ecological importance.

We feel incredibly privileged to have witnessed these magnificent birds in the wild and to support a conservation project that truly puts community and nature first.

Join the Conversation

Want to share your own stories about sustainability, ecology, or wildlife conservation? Submit your blog content to be featured on our platform and reach a passionate audience.