Finally, as predicted by many, the snow has arrived and so have the white-tailed eagles on Loch Leven!! And not surprisingly, it’s the usual suspects that have turned up. Turquoise “H” (wing tag), a 2009 female appeared on Reed Bower Island on the 4th of December, soon to be followed by another bird yesterday.
Thanks to Karen Hartnell for reporting the sighting and for being quick with her camera to take some superb pictures!
We have yet to confirm the identity of the second bird, but we suspect it might be Turquoise “X”- a male who usually accompanies Turquoise "H" to Loch Leven at this time of year.
Loch Leven is an amazing place to watch the birds as there are telescopes set to look out over the loch from the cafe...which also has amazing food, coffee and cake!!
Only one of this year's birds has ventured very far! Grey T-a female who was treated for aspergilosis whilst in captivity has ventured up the Aberdeenshire coast. She stuck around at the food dump for a few weeks before heading north. Grey H has been spending all of his time on Inchkeith Island and the south Fife coast, whilst Geay A and X have stayed at the release wood!! Unfortunately, Grey R and O didn't make it. Grey O was electroctued on an electricity pole, and we suspect that R had drowned. As there were so few birds released this year, the losses were felt even more!
Thanks for the updates Rhian, they are much appreciated. Any news on how this year's cohort are getting on and how far they have explored?