Nature watchers of Britain, dust off those binoculars – we might soon have a new addition to our skies. In huge news for conservationists and wildlife lovers, a white-tailed eagle chick has hatched in England for the first time since 1780.
Needless to say, it’s a pretty big deal. White-tailed eagles (aka sea eagles) went extinct in Britain in the twentieth century as a result of illegal killing and extensive changes to their habitats. Reintroduction programmes began in 1975 in Scotland and it was estimated in 2020 that there were 150 pairs of white-tailed eagle in the UK.
With an enormous wingspan of up to 2.5 metres, they are the country’s largest birds of prey. Reintroduction into England began in 2019 and the newborn male chick is the first successful breeding attempt of the eagles released into the English countryside. To protect the feathery family and prevent disturbance, the location of the nest hasn’t been disclosed.
Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation are working together on the reintroduction project. Ornithologists (bird scientists) fitted the chick with a satellite so that the team can track the little guy’s daily progress throughout its life.
Roy Dennis, founder of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, said: ‘This is a very special moment for everyone who has worked on, supported and followed this ground-breaking project.
‘It is early days, but this is a very significant milestone and we are heartened by the enthusiastic support shown by so many people and that the sight of these huge eagles in the sky inspires hope for restoring nature. We still have a long way to go, but the feeling of seeing the first pair reach this stage is truly incredible.’
Steve Egerton-Read, a project officer for Forestry England added: ‘It is really hard to put into words just what an incredible moment this is for the return of these iconic birds to England. It is evidence of just how well the eagles are starting to fit back into this landscape and how, with a little help, nature can begin to return and thrive.’
Did you see that great white sharks soon could be on their way to Cornwall?
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