francene--blog. Year 2013
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May 13th

5/13/2013

 
Picturewww.birdforum.net
After near extinction, Britain's biggest bird of prey was reintroduced into Scotland half a century ago. Hailed as a success, the white-tailed eagle may be under threat again. The population remains small, vulnerable and limited to just one area of the country.

The eagle occupied Great Britain and Ireland since the dark ages. By the time of the Industrial revolution, an estimated 90% were lost. Destruction of habitat and human persecution drove the species to extinction in the early part of the 20th Century, when the last pair nested on Skye.

The bird's reintroduction to Scotland with an attempt to put the species back on Fair Isle seems to have been a huge success. In the face of their critics, the birds not only survived, but gradually grew in numbers until they started to spread around the Western Isles. A report from RSPB says that 'eagle tourism' has contributed to the island of Mull's economy.

Tip to talon, the white tailed eagle' length is 80 cm, with a wingspan of 2.2 metres. The bird's diet consists of fish, birds, mammals, eggs and carrion. It lives on seacoasts, rivers and large lakes.


Picturewww.elcivies.com
The UK population of white-tailed eagles is still only about 60 pairs almost 40 years after the reintroduction began. Young, inexperienced eagles face the hazards of power lines or vehicles as well as bait used by some managers on the mainland, where many people object to the bird taking over their area.

I would love the white-tailed eagle to be on a par with the great American bald eagle pictured on the left, which has been taken off the endangered species list since 1977.

There will always be people for and against any new project. What do you think about man's constant meddling with nature?


Deb Dutilh
5/13/2013 05:17:58 am

It's often a tough call between man and nature in modern society

Francene Stanley link
5/14/2013 03:07:50 am

You're so right. nd man usually wins, more's the pity.

pixie
5/13/2013 07:24:04 am

Loved this post, I love the eagle too, something needs to be done to help them thats for sure x

Francene Stanley link
5/14/2013 03:08:49 am

The eagle is a magnificent bird.

Bek Mugridge link
5/13/2013 02:43:16 pm

Great post! I hope they do too!

Amy link
5/13/2013 10:18:55 pm

Working to bring a species BACK from the brink of extinction is a good thing. Introducing a species to a new area sometimes isn't so good (as in the case of the sparrows and starlings that now chase out the native songbirds in the US). Sometimes, meddling is warranted and sometimes it's harmful!

Francene Stanley link
5/14/2013 03:11:04 am

You're so right. Our forebears seemed a little to slap-dash with their actions--like taking rabbits to Australia, and mor recently, the cane toad.


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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