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
MONDAY MUG SHOTS – BLACKBIRD
Here’s the full story The Blackbird Turdus merula The Blackbird , Turdus merula is a member of the thrush family and can be found throughout Britain and mainland Europe. Easily recognisably , the male with it’s glossy black plumage , bright yellow eye and yellow-orange bill is a firm garden favourite and can also […]
MEADOW CAM
Here are a couple of short clips from our Meadow camera traps , thanks to Mr Graham Stewart. I have been out of action for a few days now , but hopefully on the mend and looking forward to seeing our new visitors in the flesh. You might also like…. ©️ Wildonline.blog 2021
WILDLIFE WEDNESDAY
Wildlife Wednesday 28-7-2021 By Peter Hanscomb Hello and welcome to another Wildlife Wednesday from the Meadow Hide. Once again I’m flying solo in the hide. It’s really good to be back in the hide today , work commitments kept me away last week and I really missed my mid week escape to the meadow. And today […]
Where did you took that shot ? Must have waited long enough to capture the brilliant shot.
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