Rare sight at Threave

One of Scotland’s foremost wetland sites, the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Estate in Dumfriesshire welcomed an unusual visitor last week – a juvenile sea eagle.

One of Scotland’s foremost wetland sites, the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Estate in Dumfriesshire welcomed an unusual visitor last week – a juvenile sea eagle.

The west coast estate sees its fair share of feathered visitors through the winter months, but this is thought to be the first sighting of the rare bird of prey in the area.

It was spotted by local farmer, Jim Ramsey, who quickly contacted Trust Senior Ranger, Karl Munday to confirm the identification. Karl said:

“At one point the bird flew straight over the top of us, at not more than 30ft, giving amazingly close views. We could hear the wind with each downward beat of its huge wings - an absolutely unforgettable experience.”

Enquiries by Trust conservation staff confirmed that the bird is from the East Coast Sea Eagle Project, a partnership between RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and FCS (Forestry Commission Scotland). Through the five-year project, 20 chicks are brought to Scotland each year from Norway.

The young female had also been spotted in Stirlingshire and Cumbria before making its journey to Dumfries and Galloway.

Sea eagle facts:

• The sea eagle is Scotland’s largest bird of prey, and is the world’s fourth largest.
• It has wide rectangular-shaped wings and a wingspan of over 8 feet.
• A female sea eagle weighs around 9kg.
• There are currently around 42 breeding pairs on the west coast of Scotland.
• Sea eagles take around five years to acquire their adult plumage and notable white tail.
• They do not breed until they are 5 or 6 years old and can live for more than 20 years.