Having seen these great photos (below) taken by Pete Box of one of the white-tailed eagles (G274) airborne encounter with a crow, we thought they would serve as an opportunity to share the latest update from Forestry England’s White-Tailed Eagle Project Officer, Steve Egerton-Read.
In his latest update, Steve explores what they’ve learnt about the birds’ behaviour and diet over the last two years.
Wandering birds
As regular readers will know six birds were released on the Isle of Wight in the summer of 2019, with a further seven birds released in 2020.
Steve explained that during the lockdowns of the last year, many people got in touch as they spotted the eagles flying over their gardens or local countryside. He said,
“The birds covered enormous distances during this time reaching Norfolk, the North York Moors and even the Lammermuir Hills in Scotland.
“Only one bird (G274) remained relatively local, making several explorations of the south-east and south-west coast, but always returning to the Isle of Wight.”
As reported in April, one bird (G463) travelled across the continent, even making it as far as Germany.
Territorial disputes
He goes on to explain about territorial disputes involving G274 (the eagle pictured below).
“With the establishment of territories comes a change in behaviour: a lessened tolerance for other eagles. G393, despite returning to the Island twice, has been chased off by G274 in the first evidence of territorial disputes between the 2019 birds.
“Bird G274 has also shown little tolerance for the 2020 males, with both G408 and G461 returning but quickly ousted!
“It’ll be interesting to see how this behaviour develops and represents the beginnings of an exciting new phase for the project.”
Eagle versus Crow
Thanks to Pete Box for use of his photos below which were first shared to the Isle of Wight Birding Facebook Group.
Steve has lots more information over on his white-tailed eagle blog.
Click on images to see larger versions
If you are interested in birding, do check out the IW Birding Facebook Group which has a wealth of photos and information.
