Winter Talk 14th November 2025
‘OSPREYS IN WALES – the first 20 years and the next 20 years.’
Emyr Evans, Dyfi Osprey Project
Christmas came early in Talybont on Usk on 14 November when a somewhat storm-battered audience of Usk Valley osprey enthusiasts were rewarded by an entertaining talk from Welsh osprey expert, Emyr Evans of the Dyfi Osprey Project. Emyr's reputation in all things osprey goes before him having been involved with the earliest breeding pairs in Wales at Glaslyn from 2005 before moving over to the Dyfi. His book, ‘Ospreys in Wales - The First Ten Years’, formed the basis of his talk bringing that to the present day and surmising what the next twenty years might hold for this resurgent species, and particularly our resident pair.
Along the way we learned about natal philopatry – the strong instinct for migratory birds to return to the area of their birth – which of course gives further optimism for the future of Usk Valley ospreys. We were also treated to some intriguing speculation as to the actual situation regarding the 3 laid eggs of 'our pair' this year. The first egg was laid just 8 days after our pair returned. Emyr’s observations, based on his experience, point towards the first egg being infertile, or 'false', possibly the result of an abundance of hormones. The hatched chick could have come from either egg 2 or 3 and the fact that Clogwyn continued to incubate the 3rd egg may have been due to her picking up signs of life within it, which then ultimately failed.
Further interest came from several video clips demonstrating specific osprey behaviour such as the unique calls and body language associated with the presence of osprey ‘intruders’. The sequence showing osprey chicks being ringed reminded all present of the value of ringing osprey chicks and the strict welfare codes that need to be adhered to. Emyr went on to show some of the family trees that can develop over time with the benefit of these ringed and identifiable birds.
Emyr with chart showing osprey family trees in Dyfi
We then learned how the Welsh osprey population is now at approximately 15 breeding pairs and with it came the prediction that it could double over a 20-year period into the future. This is already showing with colonisation of new areas such as into the Usk Valley in South Wales.
Earlier in the evening a brief summary of the successful breeding season locally in 2025 was given by Andy King, Chair UVO after which a presentation was made to Liz Jones for all her hard work in developing ‘Watcher’ involvement this year, and for her very informative weekly blog reports during the season. After a refreshment break the audience had a chance to take part in a fascinating Q and A session with Emyr. The evening closed with a very successful raffle from which funds raised will go towards continued osprey conservation of an Usk Valley population predicted to expand.
Usk Valley Ospreys thanks Emyr and his partner Janine for their major contributions on the night – and for all those who attended and gave so generously.