Dramatic rise in sea eagles
There are now about 200 sea eagles in Scotland, RSPB estimates
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Monday, 19, Nov 2007 11:23
Scotland's white-tailed eagles are at their highest numbers since a reintroduction programme began 30 years ago, conservationists said today.
According to the RSPB there are now about 200 sea eagles, as the bird is also known, including 42 territorial breeding pairs - an increase of six since last year.
2007 was also the most successful year in terms of chicks produced, with 24 successful broods fledging a total of 34 young birds.
Sea eagles, often referred to as 'flying barn doors' because of their immense size, are the UK's biggest bird of prey and provide a boost to Scotland's tourism industry by attracting wildlife enthusiasts.
In Mull the eagle contributes to the island's economy by as much as £1.7 million annually.
Jeremy Wilson, head of research at RSPB Scotland and the chairman of the sea eagle project team, described 2007 as a "fantastic year" for the bird.
"This breeding population is likely to continue to rise in coming years as juveniles from the reintroduction programmes reach sexual maturity, find vacant territories and pair up with a mate, with which they remain faithful for life," he added.
"Eventually, as they continue to spread out, and west and east coast populations meet, we can expect to see these majestic birds all around Scotland's coast, bringing this fantastic and inspiring spectacle to people throughout the country."
As part of the final phase of the sea eagle programme, chicks taken from nests in Norway are being introduced into Scotland's east coast.
Fifteen chicks were released in Fife at the beginning of August and up to 20 young birds will be released each year for the next four years.
Scotland's environment minister Michael Russell described this year's numbers as "fantastic news for Scotland's sea eagle population, our sustainable environment and our tourist economy".
"I am delighted to hear we can now expect to see these majestic birds all around Scotland's coast," he said.
"The increase of breeding pairs to their highest level in over 30 years is a credit to the work of the sea eagle project team and bodes well for the future development of these stunning birds."