First white-tailed eagles breed in 150 years

In a remarkable event for wildlife conservation, a pair of white-tailed eagles has successfully bred in Northern Ireland for the first time in over 150 years. These magnificent birds, known as the largest birds of prey in the UK, boast a wingspan that can reach an impressive 2. 4 meters. The eagles, which are now four years old, were released into the wild in 2020 along the shores of Lough Derg in County Tipperary. Their reintroduction to Ireland was part of a concerted effort by the Golden Eagle Trust and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which took place between 2007 and 2011. The news of the successful breeding has been met with enthusiasm from conservation groups, including the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The white-tailed eagle, often referred to as the 'sea eagle', stands nearly 1 meter tall and is easily recognized by its distinctive white tail. These eagles can live for over 20 years and typically begin breeding at around five years of age. The reintroduction initiative aimed to establish a sustainable population of these birds after they were driven to extinction in Ireland during the late 19th century. Between 2007 and 2011, a total of 100 eagle chicks were brought from Norway and released in Killarney National Park, County Kerry. The second phase of the reintroduction program began in 2020, with additional young eagles being released at various locations across Ireland. Each bird was fitted with a wing tag that indicates its year of birth, and many were equipped with satellite tags to monitor their movements. White-tailed eagles require large, mature trees in undisturbed habitats to thrive. Dr. Eimear Rooney from the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group expressed her excitement about the confirmation of breeding in Northern Ireland, stating that it marks the end of a long absence for this species. She emphasized the significance of this achievement, as it symbolizes the restoration of a once-extinct species and highlights the importance of preserving wetlands, woodlands, and farmland habitats that support many raptors. Dr. Rooney mentioned that they had suspected the eagles were nesting based on satellite data, but it was not until she saw the chick that they could confirm the successful breeding. She described the exhilarating moment of witnessing the chick and the joy it brought to the conservation community. The return of breeding white-tailed eagles to Northern Ireland is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of conservation efforts and showcases the resilience of nature. Unfortunately, the journey has not been without challenges. Earlier this year, two white-tailed eagles were found dead in County Antrim, and it was determined that they had been poisoned. Their remains were discovered near Glenhead Road in mid-May, raising concerns about the safety of these birds. Dean Jones, an Investigations Officer from RSPB NI, remarked that the successful breeding of the eagles is a true testament to the power of conservation. He noted that while the poisoning incident was tragic, the fact that this pair was able to breed successfully, with the support of a caring local farmer, demonstrates that humans and birds of prey can coexist harmoniously. Dr. Marc Ruddock from the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group stated that they had been anticipating this moment for several years. He highlighted the real conservation successes achieved through reintroduction programs across the Island of Ireland. Dr. Ruddock praised the dedication and hard work of many individuals over the years, emphasizing that it is a testament to the resilience of nature and wildlife's ability to recover when given the right conditions. Gregory Woulahan, Operations Director from RSPB NI, expressed hope that the chick will reach adulthood and return to breed in 4 to 6 years. This would not only contribute to the population of white-tailed eagles but also create opportunities for tourism in rural areas. According to the RSPB, white-tailed eagle chicks fledge after 10 to 12 weeks but remain dependent on their parents for an additional 5 to 6 weeks. Their diet primarily consists of fish, but they also hunt various birds, rabbits, and hares. To protect these nesting eagles, a special license is required to disturb their nests or take photographs or videos of them.