A huge White Tailed Sea Eagle is preparing to launch into 2023, as an ambassador for the Isle of Wight's Haven Falconry.

Bird flu, the impact of Covid-19 closures and flooding have all hit the Havenstreet tourist attraction in recent years, but 2023 means a new start - fronted by the impressive Dylan.

He is on loan from Scotland's Elite Falconry, which is based in Fife.

Isle of Wight expert Charlotte Gladdis is helping develop Dylan's people skills because, when he previously spent time at other UK falconry centres, he struggled to interact with his adoring visitors.

Isle of Wight County Press: Blood, the African White-backed Vulture, at Haven Falconry. Blood, the African White-backed Vulture, at Haven Falconry. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Under Charlotte's care, Dylan is growing into his role as the face of Haven Falconry - and he will front its new 'eagle experience', which launches this year.

The business is selling the chance to fly three different species of eagle, at different locations on the Island.

Haven Falconry says Dylan's appearance often attracts other White Tailed Sea Eagles, who have been released on the Isle of Wight by the Roy Dennis Foundation rewilding project.

Isle of Wight County Press: Haven Falconry handler Charlotte Gladdis with Dylan, the White-tailed Sea Eagle.Haven Falconry handler Charlotte Gladdis with Dylan, the White-tailed Sea Eagle. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press.)

Dylan was raised from a chick by Elite Falconry's Barry Blyther.

He grew-up during the Covid-19 closures, which meant the opportunity to interact with people was limited.

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Dylan has settled in at his south-coast home, as you can see from the video below.

Charlotte told the Isle of Wight County Press the noises he makes as he lands on her arm are ones of contentment.

At Havenstreet, Dylan joins White-bellied Sea Eagle, Daenerys, who was nursed back to health, by the team, after her mother attacked her when she was a chick.

Meanwhile Haven Falconry is hoping a new pairing, between Blood, the African White-backed Vulture and her boyfriend, Guts, will mean an egg by spring.

The pair met for the first time this Christmas.

Close to being endangered, this breed only produces one egg per year, so chicks in captivity are very rare.