A young white-tailed eagle has been reunited with its mother on the Isle of Mull having recovered from a broken wing and leg.
The eight-month old bird arrived in the Scottish SPCA’s care in September, having been found struggling on the ground by a local farmer, and has been looked after at the rescue centre near Dunfermline.
White-tailed eagles are being reintroduced to Scotland as part of the Sea Eagle Project, a partnership involving the RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland.
Colin Seddon, manager of the Scottish SPCA’s wildlife rescue centre near Dunfermline, said, “We take on any eagles which require rehabilitation as part of the project.”
He added, “Luckily his injuries were healing naturally, so we kept contact to a minimum and allowed nature to take its course.”
The eagle was returned to his nesting site and will be monitored by Mull Eagle Watch.
Rescuers were relieved that the parents seemed to welcome the youngster back upon its release.
“To our amazement, after about half an hour sitting on a shingle beach, he was joined by his mother, who we identified via her wing tags,” Mr Seddon added.
“There was a real chance that she’d have tried to chase him off.
“However, they communicated with each other, sat together for a while and then the mother flew away.”
He continued, “The following day they were joined at the release site by the father, and again there was no squabbling.”
He continued, “Food is being put out for him for a short time and we’ve seen him feed which is very encouraging.
“Wildlife rehabilitation is a major part of the Scottish SPCA’s work and we were delighted to be able to provide our expertise to help return such a beautiful bird to the wild.”
Dave Sexton, RSPB Scotland’s Mull officer, commented, “It’s been touch and go for this young eagle and although it’s early days since his release we’re delighted that he’s recovered.
“Now it’s up to him we’ve done all we can.
“It could have been a very different story were it not for a real team effort from the Mull farmer who found him, the Scottish SPCA and the estate who welcomed him back.
“Every chick is precious and we want to return these magnificent birds back to Scotland’s skies so we’re extremely grateful for everyone’s efforts.
“To see what was once a badly injured eagle reunited with its mother after three months away brought a tear to the eye of those watching. It was a heart-warming and touching sight.”