28-04-2025
Osprey egg laid in the Usk Valley in Brecon Beacons
The egg was laid by a pair of ospreys in a nest near Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, showing that the rare species is beginning to make a comeback in mid Wales.
Ospreys were wiped out in Wales in the 19th century due to persecution and habitat loss, but conservation efforts have helped the species to slowly return.
Usk Valley Ospreys' chair Andy King said: "It's fantastic to see this pair of ospreys thriving and now laying their first egg in our part of Wales.
"It had to happen by the end of April to give the parents a whole season to raise the chicks, so time was running out.
"Although nothing is certain, we are hoping for another one or two eggs in the next few days."
The ospreys arrived, defended a territory, and began building this nest near Talybont-on-Usk in 2023 – the first time the species had nested so far south in Wales for 200 years.
(Image: Usk Valley Ospreys)
Both adults are unringed but it is thought they are a young pair in their first full nesting year.
Since they arrived, other ospreys have also been seen in the area.
Mr King said: "Ospreys are among the most impressive and rarest birds of prey in Wales and the UK as a whole.
"The fact that this pair have established a nest and laid an egg shows the species has a chance of making further progress.
"That's great news for everyone who cares about our wildlife."
The species is recognised as a Schedule 1 bird with full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it a criminal offence to disturb them or their nests.
You can keep up to date with the ospreys and watch the live-stream on the Usk Valley Ospreys website
