A record number of golden eagles is now swooping about the skies of southern Scotland, thanks to the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. The number, 47, is the highest recorded there for 300 years and is attributed to a series of successful translocations of ‘free-flying young golden eagles’ (aged from six months to three years) over the 2023/24 winter.
Others of the convocation are there due to an earlier project, in which 28 chicks from the Highlands and islands were released, some going on to build eyries.
‘This novel approach has provided a significant boost in our efforts… and is proving to be a groundbreaking technique for global raptor conservation management,’ comments project manager Dr Cat Barlow.
‘We, too, would like to see more of these important apex predators soaring across the British Isles and have great plans to help us achieve this; however, as our initial funding comes to an end [National Lottery Heritage Fund, GWCT and others], we need the support of new significant funding partners… We would encourage any interested parties to get in touch.’
The fourth annual community-led Moffat Eagle Festival, which supports the project, will take place on September 6–8. Visit www.goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk for details.
Britain’s birds of prey: The Country Life guide to all of the UK’s raptors
Raptors’ supersonic vision, effortless aerial acrobatics and ruthless hunting instinct make them the undisputed masters of the skies, but can
Golden Eagles: The aristocrats of the air — magnificent, haughty and deadly
David Profumo admires the golden eagle, the aristocrat of the air.
The wildlife safaris you can take without even leaving Britain, from puffins and golden eagles to dolphins and deer
The word ‘safari’ may evoke lions and Land Cruisers, but you’ll never run out of wildlife-based thrills on these shores.
-
The need for mead: 'We can re-wild the countryside and get drunk while we’re doing it'The oldest alcoholic beverage in the world is in the midst of a renaissance.
-
Why are humpback whales flocking to the UK?Humpback whales are typically infrequent visitors to the Cornish coast, but this year they've been spotted in increasing numbers in the South-West, the Isles of Scilly and as far up the Channel as Sussex.
