Scottish SPCA

Eagle released on Mull

A white-tailed eagle has been released by the Scottish SPCA and RSPB Scotland on the isle of Mull having recovered from a broken wing and leg.

The eight-month old bird arrived in our care in September having been found struggling on the ground by a local farmer.

White-tailed eagles are being reintroduced to Scotland as part of the Sea Eagle Project, a partnership involving RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland.

Colin Seddon, manager of our Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fife, said, "We take on any eagles which require rehabilitation as part of the project.

"This eagle is an inexperienced youngster who probably injured himself by trying to land and tumbling from a tree.

"Luckily his injuries were healing naturally so we kept contact to a minimum and allowed nature to take its course."

The eagle was returned to his nesting site and will be monitored by Mull Eagle Watch, which includes the RSPB, Forestry Commission Scotland, Mull and Iona Community Trust and Strathclyde Police.

Rescuers were relieved that the parents seemed to welcome the youngster back upon its release.

"To our amazement, after about half an hour sitting on a shingle beach he was joined by his mother, who we identified via her wing tags," said Colin.

"There was a real chance that she'd have tried to chase him off. However, they communicated with each other, sat together for a while and then the mother flew away.

"The following day they were joined at the release site by the father and again there was no squabbling.

"The eagle is fitted with a radio transmitter and colour rings so the RSPB on Mull can monitor him.

"Food is being put out for him for a short time and we've seen him feed, which is very encouraging.

"Wildlife rehabilitation is a major part of the Scottish SPCA's work and we were delighted to be able to provide our expertise to help return such a beautiful bird to the wild."

Dave Sexton, RSPB Scotland's Mull Officer, said, "It's been touch and go for this young eagle and although it's early days since his release we're delighted that he's recovered. Now it's up to him, we've done all we can.

"It could have been a very different story were it not for a real team effort from the Mull farmer who found him, the Scottish SPCA and the estate who welcomed him back.

"Every chick is precious and we want to return these magnificent birds back to Scotland's skies so we're extremely grateful for everyone's efforts.

"To see what was once a badly injured eagle reunited with its mother after three months away brought a tear to the eye of those watching. It was a heart warming and touching sight."

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