One of the Isle of Wight's white-tailed eagles has become a regular visitor to Longleat Safari Park, with a second also putting in an appearance.
G405 is one of the birds released by the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and although she has the freedom to roam anywhere she pleases, it seems her interest lies with the animals at the safari park in Wiltshire.
She has become a familiar sight for keepers at the attraction.
Trackers fitted to the eagles have also revealed that male eagle, G461, has also visited the safari park.
If you're at Longleat in the next few weeks though, prepare to be disappointed.
Park managers say the eagles have not been there this week.
They told the County Press that they believe the female eagle may be attracted by the opportunity to feed on food left by the park's wolves and big cats.
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Isle of Wight sea eagle at Longleat Safari Park, by Caleb Hall
“It’s difficult to put into words just how large sea eagles are until you see them with your own eyes,” said Longleat’s Head of Animal Operations Darren Beasley.
“They’re roughly double the size of a buzzard and, although G405 is still only a youngster, having hatched out in 2020, she is a truly magnificent bird.
“She spent much of February and March in the area and then headed all the way up to Yorkshire, as part of a UK tour, before returning back here."
The Longleat estate is also home to wild otters, red kites, owls, kingfishers and several species of deer.
Keepers are working on a number of conservation projects, to encourage more native species to return.
Sea Eagles were once widespread along the whole of the south coast of England, from Cornwall to Kent, before being driven to extinction by continued hunting that began in the Middle Ages.
The last pair bred on the Island's Culver Cliff, in 1780.
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As their name suggests, they hunt fish, but also birds, mammals and carrion and they are opportunistic hunters - often stealing food from other birds.
Longleat’s Darren Beasley said: “For a place that is so well known for its exotic wildlife, the wider Longleat estate, which has remained largely untouched for centuries, also provides a fantastic habitat for a range of rare UK species.
“For this particular bird, which has flown across the UK on her travels, to have chosen us as her favourite place to visit is fantastic.”
Isle of Wight sea eagle, by Phil Mumby (above) and by Caleb Hall (below)
Have you spotted the sea eagles at Longleat? Send us a picture! Email editor@iwcp.co.uk!
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