Osprey!

I'm quite keen on all times of year.  They all have their particular 'thing' that makes them special, (well, if and when we are lucky enough to get seasons!) Summer, the long, lazy, warm days, cooking outside and wild camping (living in hope). Autumn you have the beautiful changes in the colours of the countryside and the flush of fungi.  Winter, the crisp, frosty but sunny mornings, the frost that decorates the trees and the blankets of snow.  But Spring excites me like no other, the flush of green, the colourful flowers and the promise of new life.  The birds sing with all their hearts and everything wakes up.  

We say goodbye to some migratory birds as they move on to their breeding grounds, but we also say hello to others.  One of my absolute favourites has to be the Osprey.  They are very popular around here with the Dyfi Osprey Project, near Machynlleth, offering a fantastic 360 Observatory and live streaming from the nest.  They attract thousand of visitors every year.  I am even luckier though to live not far from another nest.  It's not publicised, but there is a hide, if you happen across it.  I spent a lot of time there last year, watching these amazing birds rear three young.  We don't have a TV, better things to do, and besides following the Osprey provides more drama than Eastenders and is better for the soul!

The first sightings of Osprey have begun.  One has been spotted at Loch Garten in Scotland, one at Rutland Water, and one here, near our very own nest yesterday.  It was probably just passing through, as it hasn't been spotted again since.  I really can't wait for 'our' birds to arrive and for the Osprey season to kick off fully.  Spring really is exciting and full of promise.

The Dyfi Osprey Project costs around £150,000 a year to run!  2017 is the first year that they will not receive any grant funding and therefore will be totally self supporting.  If this is something that interests you, then maybe you could support them by paying them a visit, buying something from their shop or simply just donating.  It is a fabulous project that not only educates about Osprey but all birds of prey and wildlife in general.