White-Tailed Eagles Have Been Seen in the UK Again Following a Century-Long Absence

The white-tailed eagle has a wingspan of over 8 feet, making it the largest bird of prey in the UK. And it's magnificent!

This eagle has a black-striped tail, golden eyes, claws, and a yellow beak and legs. White-tailed eagles are classified as predators, and they spend most of their time perched high up, before suddenly swooping down onto their prey. Eagles tend to eat fish in the spring and summer, but they also prey on rabbits, hares, and small waterfowl.

Not seen since 1916

For the first time since 1916, white-tailed eagles have been seen in the UK. These birds were seen flying in Somerset, Kent, and Norfolk counties. The two birds were given the catchy names G318 and C393 by scientists, and they have even been seen flying north of Yorkshire.

Is this an unexpected positive effect of the lockdown? It's hard to say, but several wild animals have in any case been making their comeback in various parts of the world. For example, dolphins were seen returning to the port of Venice, and seals were seen having a good time on a beach deserted by tourists in the north of France.

Anyone spotting white-tailed eagles again on the English coast has been asked to photograph them and record their sightings since this eagle is a protected species in the United Kingdom.