White-tailed Eagle G463, who was released on the Isle of Wight as a juvenile bird last year, has returned to the UK after seven months in continental Europe.
G463 was one of the seven birds released on the Isle of Wight in August 2020, a year after the first six in 2019. Another 12 were released in September 2021.
Roy Dennis explains,
“G463 completed a 36 km crossing at low altitude (< 75 m) in 30 mins, and was seen coming in-off the sea near Dover.
“Since first crossing the English Channel on 6th April, G463 explored widely through France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. Today was his fourth attempt at the return flight, after three previous aborted attempts when winds weren’t favourable.
“After crossing the English Channel this morning, G463 flew north through Kent to the Isle of Sheppey and was present there at midday. It is amazing how much the young eagles see in their formative years, but the urge to return to their natal area remains strong.
“It will now be interesting to see whether G463 returns to the Isle of Wight, or continues to explore elsewhere in southern England.”
Find out more
You can follow the story of the White-tailed eagles on the Roy Dennis Foundation’s Website and social media as well as Forestry England’s blog and social media.
