An update from Forestry England on its white-tailed eagle project on the Isle of Wight, in partnership with the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, has been released on YouTube.
Read more: Grey seal spits water at sea eagle on Isle of Wight in unprecedented encounter
The video reveals some of what goes on behind the scenes as experts work to restore an established population of the UK's largest bird of prey.
See video below
Known as flying barn doors, white-tailed eagles became extinct on the south coast in 1780 - the last pair bred on Culver Cliff, which overlooks Sandown Bay.
Then, in 2019, Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation began their Isle of Wight reintroduction programme.
Last year, the partnership reached a major milestone, with the birth of England’s first wild white-tailed eagle chick in over 240 years.
Read more: 'Impossible' wild white-tailed eagle chick after 240 years VIDEO
In the video update, Stephen Egerton-Read, White-Tailed Eagle project officer, explained: “The birds that bred were three years old. White-tailed Eagles typically breed at four or five.
“It is remarkable that they even attempted to breed, let alone breed themselves.
“They build a nest, we thought that would be it. They started to show signs of courtship, and we thought that would be the end of it.
“And then they got to the point where they are laying an egg. Even when the egg hatched, we thought, well, maybe they won’t be able to raise it, and here we are, and they have done it.
“And that bird is flying around freely, It’s fantastic.”
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Last Updated:
Report this comment Cancel