Yesterday saw the first release of the final cohort of white-tailed eagles to be released on the east coast of Scotland!
Volunteers that have been involved in all aspect of the project from radio tracking and data entry to event volunteers came along to see Grey “A” and “T” take to the skies for the first time.
“A” was the first bird collected from Norway this year, and “T” is the largest female. “T” was also the bird that had to be treated for a respiratory infection during her first week in captivity. She has since recovered remarkably well and showed no signs of ever being ill today!
Both birds didn’t waste any time in attempting their first flights! Neither of them sat around at the release hatch, and they both made a quick bolt for freedom! “A” even took a big run up! Despite being a little bit wobbly for the first few flaps , they quickly caught the brisk south easterly that was blowing. This carried them round to the safety of a plantation forest nearby where they perched as they got used to their new surroundings!
It was such a great feeling to see them do so well in their first flight, and to finally see them in more natural surroundings!
Today, Grey “O” and “H” will be released in front of BBC and STV reporters.
Let’s hope they do just as well as “A” and “T”!!
Pictures to follow......
Great news! Just hope they're as 'camera friendly' as last years group!