Meet the Model – Wallace the White-Tailed Sea Eagle

by Graham Stewart 

Say hello to Wallace , the White-Tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)

Habitat:

Was declared extinct in the UK in 1918. The species was re-introduced in Scotland in 1975, numbers have increased slowly and in 2015 there were some 106 pairs

Size:

This is the UK’s largest bird of prey measuring between 66-94cm long with a wing span of between 1.78 – 2.45m

Nest:

A large pile of sticks on a cliff ledge or in a flat tree crown. As the birds are territorial the nest can be reused year after year.

Reproduction:

Reaches maturity from 4-5 years old and will mate for life. 1 Brood per year, 2 eggs March – July. Due to there relatively low numbers nest sites are protected.

Diet:

Will take dead / sick fish from the water with its talons. Fish offal left behind by fishermen. Known to take Hares and Sea Birds and there are some suggestions that baby lambs are also within this powerful birds capabilities. The bird is also known to “pirate” food from other birds and from otters. During the winter months when food sources are scarcer will also take carrion.

Threats:

Egg thieves, poisoning / shooting by game keepers and more recently wind turbines

All photography © Graham  Stewart