1/7/2024 0 Comments Largest predatory birdRoy Dennis said: "The breeding biology of white-tailed eagles means that although young birds range extensively in their early years, they usually return to their natal area to breed. "We have also carefully been listening to concerns where they have arisen, and we are now committed to delivering this important conservation project and working with all of our stakeholders to ensure its success." The young birds are likely to be introduced in 2022 after being translocated from a healthy population in Poland.ĭominic Buscall, manager at Wild Ken Hill, said: "We are delighted to have the go ahead to bring back white-tailed eagles to Eastern England, and overwhelmed by the support we have received from all sectors. White-tailed eagles eat largely fish but also rabbits, hares and other birds. The team said no issues with conservation sites or farms have been recorded with any of the 13 birds released on the Isle of Wight, in a scheme being run by the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and Forestry England. Rob Wise, NFU East Anglia Environment Advisor The likely range of these birds is home to around half of the country’s outdoor reared pigs and poultry, and is also an area with a significant amount of sheep grazing. It is not the outcome they hoped for, with all members who expressed a view to us being opposed to the proposal. Our members will be very concerned about this project going ahead. The National Farmers' Union says it's important to ensure that any impact the birds have on livestock and agricultural conservation are met with 'appropriately.' The team said they were given the go-ahead after a detailed feasibility study and a public consultation which showed high public support, with 91% backing the scheme, and 63% of farmers indicating support for the proposals.Ĭoncerns have been raised in the past about the impact on livestock such as lambs from the birds. So, keep looking seawards and the eagle-eyed may be fortunate enough to spot one.Wild Ken Hill in west Norfolk Credit: Wild Ken Hill/ PA Images It also has a pale head, distinctive white tail feathers and long, broad wings with ‘fingered’ feathers. In Gaelic, this eagle’s name means ‘the eagle with the sun-lit eye’ – and it does indeed have a light gold or amber iris. In 2020, white-tailed eagles released on the Isle of Wight by the Roy Dennis Foundation spent time in the North Yorkshire Moors. Research data from satellite tags has shown that juveniles can travel widely in their first three or four years. Younger birds often explore before settling in an area. In England, white-tailed eagles have also been released by the Roy Dennis Foundation in the Isle of Wight, where populations have been increasing thanks to protective measures being put in place. However, the species remains on the endangered Red List as it is slow to breed. Over the years, further releases took place and there are now thought to be around 40 pairs north of the border. The RSPB became involved in a long-term plan to re-introduce the species in Scotland in the mid 1970s and initially a number of young Norwegian birds were released on Rum, in the Inner Hebrides. The last British bird was shot in Shetland in 1918. Once widespread across our isles, white-tailed eagles were wiped out in the early 20th Century due to illegal killing. I didn’t catch sight of the black-browed albatross that visited the cliffs last year, however this was almost as good”. Volunteer, Linda MacKenzie, witnessed the fly past: “I couldn’t quite believe it – it was so exciting to see these two majestic birds but trying to keep track of both was tricky. They feed mainly on fish, so they are also known as sea eagles. These giants of the sky have a massive wingspan of around 2.4metres (approx 8 feet - the same size at the height of football goal crossbar from the ground) and are widely known to birdwatchers as the ‘flying barn-door’ of the bird world. Volunteers on the nature reserve’s viewing platforms were amazed to see not one but two white-tailed eagles, the UK’s largest birds of prey, soaring over the sea. Credit: Katie Nethercoat ()Tuesday 30 March wasn’t just another day at the office for the team at RSPB Bempton Cliffs nature reserve.
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