Sea eagles, which were hunted close to extinction to satisfy Victorian collectors, are slowly returning to the coastal skies of western Scotland.
Five young sea eagles flew from their nests in western Scotland this summer, bringing to 34 the number of the
Sea eagles, which were hunted close to extinction to satisfy Victorian collectors, are slowly returning to the coastal skies of western Scotland.
Five young sea eagles flew from their nests in western Scotland this summer, bringing to 34 the number of the wild birds fledged since transplants from Norway began in 1975, said the environmental group Scottish Natural Heritage, which has government and private financing.
The sea eagle, with a wingspan of up to 11 feet, is one of Britain's rarest breeding birds. It is similar to the American bald eagle. Although sea eagles are now re-established in Scotland, fewer than 10 pairs have staked hunting claims and only five couples have successfully raised young. This year, four pairs produced five young.
One pair lost its nest in a storm, when the nesting tree broke from a cliff. The chick fell 80 feet to the ground but was rescued by obs