Footage shows a sea eagle mother tenderly feeding one of her twin chicks, the latest hatchlings since the species was brought back to Scotland’s east coast.
Almost a century after the huge birds of prey were wiped out in the UK, the pair’s birth has marked the 10th anniversary of a programme to reintroduce sea eagles.
The raptors, also known as white-tailed eagles and often dubbed flying barn doors because of their 8ft wing span, were once a common sight in Scotland but the last one was shot in 1918.
Filmed at their nest in a Fife woodland, mother Turquoise 1 can be seen in the clip bringing food to her not-so-little hatchling before father Turquoise Z swoops in to check on his young brood.
The parents were among 85 birds from Norway released in the area between 2007 and 2012.
The species’ number is growing once more and they can often be seen at Tentsmuir Forest, in north-east Fife.
This is the fifth year running that chicks have hatched in the programme run by RSPB Scotland, Forest Enterprise Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Graeme Findlay, environment manager with the FES team in Tay, said: “We are delighted that in this, the tenth anniversary of the project launch, that our star pair of white-tailed eagles have once again hatched chicks in Fife.
“The birds kept us waiting, laying later than usual, but for everyone involved in the project we are delighted that they have successfully hatched twins.
“It is because of the commitment and enthusiasm of the team of volunteers who watch the nest that we know exactly when the chicks hatched and we also get a fantastic record of the day-to-day activities of the birds.”
It is hoped the chicks will flourish as last year’s Fife youngster, White L, has.
Owen Selly, RSPB Scotland sea eagle project officer, said: “White L, is now a year old and we have been able to monitor his travels thanks to his satellite tag.
“He has spent time in Deeside and Perthshire over the winter meeting up with White Diamond, a female who fledged from a nest in Speyside.”
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the project, a sea eagle festival is to be held on August 26 in Tayport, close to Tentsmuir Forest.
A series of guided walks will also be held in the forest over the summer, on July 26, July 29, August 5 and August 9. For information visit RSPB Scotland’s website or phone 01738 630783.
