A number of Osprey chicks have been successfully ringed in Hafren Forest, as part of a project by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
In a significant conservation step on June 20, three osprey chicks were ringed at the Llyn Clywedog nest, adding to the success of the nest under the protection of NRW.
The chicks were carefully retrieved from their nest by NRW experts using a cherry-picker, a machine enabling them to access the high nest.
Once retrieved, each chick was weighed, sexed and ringed.
The chicks can now be identified by their blue rings with the unique numbers 8B3, 8B4, and 8B5, meaning they can be tracked as they grow and migrate.
With distinctive blue rings, the chicks are all believed to be male.
Chick 8B3 and 8B4 weighed 1.4kg each while 8B5 weighed 1.2kg.
Importantly, the chicks hatched between 20 and 24 May 2024.
Considered another success for the osprey nest at Llyn Clywedog, the nest has seen 22 chicks, all of which have fledged since its establishment in 2014 by NRW staff.
Built high on a platform in a Sitka spruce tree, the nest has proven suitable for these migratory birds.
- Large crane to appear on Newtown skyline next week - this is why
- The powerful stories behind those taking part in the Across Wales Walk
- Powys man pleads guilty to making indecent images of children
John Williams, technical support land management for NRW, said: "This is a special time of the season.
"Seeing these chicks up close is a rare privilege, and knowing our efforts help track their amazing journeys is incredibly rewarding.
"Ringing is invaluable for understanding where the ospreys go once they leave the nest, and for assessing the health of the chicks at an early stage.
"While the process is stressful for both chicks and parents, we make sure to work quickly, carefully and to take steps to minimise their distress.
"The chicks are soon back on the nest and returned to their nest and resumed normal activities shortly after."
People can view live footage of the ospreys at Llyn Clywedog available on YouTube.
Mr Williams added: "We encourage people to tune into the live stream and witness these remarkable birds in their natural habitat.
"Watching the livestream offers a unique opportunity to see the daily lives of ospreys and learn more about the species."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here