ALL three osprey chicks at the Dyfi Osprey Project have now fledged, entering what staff describe as a “very dangerous period” in their life.

Aeron, Menai and Eitha have all now safely taken their maiden flights, bringing relief to staff at the centre, which sits in the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve on the A487 between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth, and of course, parents Monty and Glesni.

But Emyr Evans, Dyfi Osprey Project manager, described the “sickening” feeling felt by staff after Menai fell off the nest one night last week.

Last year, osprey chick Ceri died after failing to recover from a fall off a large perch, and staff say Menai, who incredibly managed to stay airborne, brought back bad memories for staff and the thousands of fans of the birds.

“Just for a moment there, we had that sickening feeling we had last year with Ceri. Luckily, this time Menai managed not to hit the deck – by how much we’ll never know. It doesn’t matter,” said Mr Evans.

First to fledge this year was Aeron at 51 days old on Tuesday, 11 July, followed by Menai – before her fall – at 52 days old on Thursday, 13 July, and finally by Eitha, the largest of the offspring, who took to the skies for three-and-a-half minutes.

Describing Aeron’s maiden flight, Mr Evans said: “Aeron has just started the next phase of his life, a very dangerous period in any flying bird’s life.

“He looks a very confident flier showing hardly any of the behaviours we sometimes see in birds that are a bit reticent to leave the nest for the first time.”

See this week’s Cambrian News for the full feature, in shops and online on Wednesday