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Wild Eagles Return: Dorset Sees First Youngster in 240 Years
8 May
Summary
- Two white-tailed eagles spotted along the south coast near Christchurch.
- The male is the first to fledge in the wild in Dorset in 240 years.
- These eagles are the UK's largest birds of prey, with up to 2.5m wingspans.
Two majestic wild white-tailed eagles have captivated photographers along the south coast, with recent sightings near Christchurch. These birds are integral to the white-tailed eagle reintroduction program, managed by the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation on the Isle of Wight. The species, driven to extinction in the UK in the early 20th century, is making a comeback.
The male of this pair has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first white-tailed eagle to fledge in the wild in Dorset in 240 years. This event has generated considerable excitement among birdwatchers and photographers.
Enthusiasts like Lewis Slavin from Somerset and Charlotte Caetano from Bournemouth travel considerable distances to witness these incredible birds. Slavin described the experience as "like a little kid" seeing them fly free. Caetano highlighted the spectacle, noting how the behavior of other birds often signals the eagles' approach.
