Ospreys Aran and Elen have recently made a heartwarming return to their newly-restored nest, showcasing a touching tale of love and reunion that almost didn’t come to fruition. The pair, who have been named Aran and Elen, have ventured back to their nesting site in the picturesque Glaslyn Valley for their third breeding season this year. Elen was the first to arrive at the Caernarfon location on Saturday, March 22, a full three weeks before Aran joined her at 3.40 a.m. on Saturday, April 12.
During Elen’s solo wait, a new potential mate caught her attention, but once Aran swooped in, he took charge of the nest and brought fish as a gesture to reaffirm his role as her partner. Aran had previously been with Mrs G, one of the UK’s most successful breeding female ospreys, who unfortunately did not return in 2023. The mystery of where Aran spends his winters remains, but as many UK ospreys, he likely migrates to Western Africa, embarking on a perilous 3,000-mile journey back in the spring to reunite with his significant other.
The return of Aran and Elen has sparked joy among dedicated birdwatchers who have closely monitored their movements over the past three years. Encouraging comments flooded in, with well-wishers expressing relief and support for the beloved ospreys. Their journey symbolizes the triumph of wildlife conservation efforts, particularly considering the turbulent history ospreys faced in the UK. In 1916, ospreys disappeared from the country due to persecution, habitat loss, and egg collecting but made a remarkable comeback in 1954 when a pair returned to Scotland.
Today, the osprey population in the UK has considerably grown, with an estimated 300 pairs thriving across the country. The success can be attributed to various conservation projects, such as translocation initiatives, where chicks are relocated to areas with fewer ospreys to bolster population numbers. For nature enthusiasts eager to witness these majestic birds in action, the Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife visitor centre offers a prime viewing spot equipped with high-spec telescopes and live video feeds of the nesting ospreys.
Entry to the centre is free, with a suggested donation of £3 to support their conservation efforts. Located near Porthmadog, the centre provides a unique opportunity to observe Aran and Elen as they go about their daily activities. The heartwarming reunion of Aran and Elen serves as a beacon of hope for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike, highlighting the resilience and beauty of these magnificent creatures. Their story is a testament to the importance of protecting and preserving our natural world for future generations to cherish and enjoy.