Welsh osprey chick hatches
The hatching of an osprey chick in north Wales has been warmly welcomed by conservationists in light of the fact that it is thought to be the first such hatching occurring in the UK in 2012. Two others eggs in the same nest, which is being monitored by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), are also expected to hatch soon.
The osprey population has been steadily recovering after falling to a single breeding pair in the UK in the early 20th century. It is estimated that the UK population now numbers approximately 270 pairs, of which only two pairs are believed to be in Wales. Nesting in the Glaslyn Valley near Croesor began in 2004, and a total of 18 chicks have fledged thus far at the time of writing.
Further news on more hatchings is expected soon. Commenting, RSPB Warden Geraint Williams said that "The second egg will hopefully hatch out on Sunday with the third and final egg hatching early next week."
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