Hide upgrade for keen bird watchers

Bird lovers hoping to catch a glimpse of Gwynedd’s famous Ospreys could soon find themselves in more comfortable surroundings.
This follows a planning application being approved to replace the existing bird hide at Pont Croesor, overlooking Afon Glaslyn.
The ospreys, after spending every winter in western Africa, make the annual trip back to the Glaslyn, covering thousands of miles, to breed and raise their chicks.
But while the visitor centre currently attracts over 11,000 visitors a year, the existing facilities were said to be in need of upgrading, with the plans including a new pre-fabricated, treated timber building to replace the existing hide.
The new weather tight building, say the applicants, “will improve the experience of those who come to the Glaslyn Valley to experience its spectacular wildlife, in particular to see its breeding ospreys.
A statement submitted by Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, says: “Unfortunately, the existing hide is unsuitable at many levels one of
the most problematic being that it is open to the elements and can only be comfortably used when the weather is benign.
“If the planning authority consents to allow a proposed replacement hide then we will be able to enhance the experience we provide to those who visit us but, in particular, we will be providing a safe and comfortable facility which can be used by the visiting school groups to view and learn about wildlife in their area.”
Since their disappearance from Great Britain in 1916, the first pair breeding in Wales were found in 2004.
Every year since, the hatched Osprey chicks have been ringed and recorded, where many have been seen in subsequent years and bred successfully themselves.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter