My husband and I both spotted a golden eagle while travelling north on the B7076 (parallel to the M74) just after passing Lockerbie on Friday 27th November at about 11:am. Is this unusual?
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Golden eagles can be found in the area, seeing one is pretty lucky though!
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Cool,
Was on D&G bird forum a few minutes ago and there was a post saying a sighting was reported on RSPB Community.
(Soosin)x
Great spot! I'd love to see a golden eagle.
Warning! This post contains atrocious spelling, and terrible grammar. Approach with extreme edginess.
Yes, I'd love to see one too. I saw them on Autumnwatch and I was staggered at the size of them. Fabulous birds.
There is something new to learn everyday...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skylark58/
I believe there are eagles in that area though as ever, there are buzzards present to cause confusion too! Still, now that buzzards are nearly all over the place many more people are familiar with them and less likely to jump to conclusions.
Many years ago as a teenager (long before I ever saw an eagle) I went to a Watford Local RSPB Group talk about Scottish birds and I still remember what the speaker said about telling eagles and buzzards apart. He said something like;
"all this stuff in the books about tail length to wing width ratios, wing profiles and head projection is just nonsense. There's one sure way to tell an eagle from a buzzard."
"if you're standing up in the Scottish highlands, see a large bird of prey and wondering to yourself, 'I think that may be an eagle', then rest assured you're looking at a buzzard."
"on the other hand, if you're up in the Scottish highlands, sitting down in amazement after seeing a large bird of prey and thinking to yourself, 'BLIMEY - LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT!!!' - then it's definitely an eagle!"
This is only half in jest. Eagles really do make your jaw drop!
Ha couldn't agree more with that Colin! If it looks like a flying door it'll be an eagle!
I'd recommend contacting the regioanl bird recorder for Dumfries & Galloway to ensure its logged for that area and date - they should also be able to tell you of other recent local sightings. Check out this weblink: http://www.the-soc.org.uk/index.htm
Also, some of the lastest sightings can be seen here. Clearly a few escapees knocking about!
The difference being something like this!? :-)
It was in a place where we sometimes see buzzards and we know that this was much larger and with the different wingshape. We shall be at the SOC Dumfries Branch meeting this week, so shall mention it there.
Well that photo certainly says it all Lloyd!
Great spot OG!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Thanks MarJus, It just goes to show how huge Golden Eagles are! amazing birds to see.. and im gald to hear you got your badge and certificate through the post :-)
OG - Perhaps you should mention this to your regional county bird recorder! I'll send you there contact details.
L