Gwynedd-based volunteer group Friends of the Ospreys say 2013 has been a good year for the Welsh ospreys, with the breeding pair producing two healthy female chicks.

There were a lot more ospreys in the local nests, including blue 24 from the rutland osprey project, so next year may see four or five breeding pairs.

The group has set up artificial nests for the birds throughout Gwynedd with the aim of attracting more breeding pairs.

The ready-made nests measure between three and five feet ( about one metre by 1.5 metres) across, depending on where they are being placed.

The birds spend their summers in Wales and then fly to Africa for the winter. Ospreys like to nest in the highest tree in an area to allow for easy access.

The volunteers say they have been helped by the loan of plant to help put the nests up but it is still expensive work.

Ospreys are scared of sharks.

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