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Golden Eagles are they the best bird in the world? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter mcepjg
- Start date
kingfisher
Scouser in exile
Having just returned from Scotland and witnessed the sheer power of these awsome predators they are something very special, but so too were the White-tailed Eagles.
Katy Penland
Well-known member
Golden Eagles are very dear to my heart. When I was learning to skydive, on my 2nd jump, just after I pulled my canopy open (about 5,000 ft. altitude), I was just enjoying the ride when I saw a Golden Eagle soaring not too far away. It made a couple of large lazy circles around me, probably wondering what kind of bird I was with a single square wing, and then glided off. I wasn't even an official birder back then, but it was one of the most special bird moments of my life.
The Raptor
Bristol City's No.1 Fan!
Sadly I have never seen a Golden Eagle in the wild so can't comment on what must be a wonderful bird.
I love all raptors & at the moment the Red Kite is my favourite. Having visited Mid-Wales recently I saw these magnificent birds soaring on the thermols in the Elan Valley, what a fantastic sight.
I love all raptors & at the moment the Red Kite is my favourite. Having visited Mid-Wales recently I saw these magnificent birds soaring on the thermols in the Elan Valley, what a fantastic sight.
Dave B Smith
Well-known member
I saw my first wild Golden Eagle earlier this year for only 4 seconds as it flew low over us before disappearing over a ledge. A magnificent bird for sure. These past two weekends we have gone to an "Eagle Watch" in nearby Kananaskis where often hundreds pass through on migration everyday this time of year. We saw 70 one day and 30 the next time. They're beautiful to watch as they soar along the snow capped mountain ridges without a flap of their wings.
Markus Jais
Well-known member
do you know the book
The Golden Eagle (Poyser) by Jeff Watson ?
highly recommended for anyone interested in Golden Eagles.
I too love them and try to watch them as often as possible
in the Bavarian Alps.
Markus
The Golden Eagle (Poyser) by Jeff Watson ?
highly recommended for anyone interested in Golden Eagles.
I too love them and try to watch them as often as possible
in the Bavarian Alps.
Markus
London Birder
Well-known member
agreed about Mike Tomkies, a fine writer and a man who truly knew his Golden Eagles
Edward woodwood
Member
Hiya
they're up there with the world's best:
Golden
Philippine
Harpy
Wedge-tailed
Black-chested Buzzard Eagle
Solitary
Ornate Hawk
Andean Condor
awesome
Tim
they're up there with the world's best:
Golden
Philippine
Harpy
Wedge-tailed
Black-chested Buzzard Eagle
Solitary
Ornate Hawk
Andean Condor
awesome
Tim
Seton Gordon
With all due respect to Mike Tomkies (a brilliant author) I forgot to mention the fantastic Golden Eagle books by Seton Gordon.All the more remarkable,as he was in my opinion the first expert on the species.His books are hard to come by but make for fantastic reading should anyone get their hands on one.I believe one was re-printed not too long ago and may be available.This man was a one off and years ahead of his time.
With all due respect to Mike Tomkies (a brilliant author) I forgot to mention the fantastic Golden Eagle books by Seton Gordon.All the more remarkable,as he was in my opinion the first expert on the species.His books are hard to come by but make for fantastic reading should anyone get their hands on one.I believe one was re-printed not too long ago and may be available.This man was a one off and years ahead of his time.
barry potter
Active member
i saw my first and only goldie in the wild back in 1982. i disturbed the bird scavening carrion and it took off flew a few hundred yards away from me then turned and flew back overhead passing directly above me. At the time it seemed to be only feet above my head but im sure now it must have been higher. Truly a sight to remember. Yes the goldie is a king amonst birds.
Regards
Barry
Regards
Barry
hello
I do not agree that they are the king of birds if there was a king i would say its the harpy hands down
BUT I DO AGREE that they are extremly impressive birds !! AND GET MY RESPECT 100%. I have national geographic footage of a golen eagle fighting with a hungry adult coyote over a dead animal. After an exciting battle the coyote gave up and took off leaving the eagle in peace to eat the carcass by himself. (EVEN THO THERE WAS ENOUGH MEAT FOR BOTH OF THEM!~ I guess animals sometimes just cant learn to share. BUt I really cant think of many birds out there that would have the power to drive away a coyote (considering this coyote was also 35 pounds and im sure the eagle was only about 12 or 13 pounds. The only eagle I have seen do more impressive things is the harpy.
I do not agree that they are the king of birds if there was a king i would say its the harpy hands down
BUT I DO AGREE that they are extremly impressive birds !! AND GET MY RESPECT 100%. I have national geographic footage of a golen eagle fighting with a hungry adult coyote over a dead animal. After an exciting battle the coyote gave up and took off leaving the eagle in peace to eat the carcass by himself. (EVEN THO THERE WAS ENOUGH MEAT FOR BOTH OF THEM!~ I guess animals sometimes just cant learn to share. BUt I really cant think of many birds out there that would have the power to drive away a coyote (considering this coyote was also 35 pounds and im sure the eagle was only about 12 or 13 pounds. The only eagle I have seen do more impressive things is the harpy.I would also like to add that the golden eagle is also the ONLY BIRD I have ever heard of that has actually been known to actually KILL eagle owls. BUt Their actually is another bird known as the asian black vulture that seems to be able to chase off and dominate golden eagles at a kill. WHich is very suprising since golden eagles have more powerful talons! I guess these vultures must be amazingly powerful themselves to be able to drive the king away from a kill!
Colin
Axeman (Retired)
I have to second the comments about Tomkies and Gordon and the books they have produced. They were amazing men, especially Tomkies and the life in the wilds that he led for 20 years studying Golden Eagles and other wildlife.
Yes, both eagle species in Scotland are magnificent but then so are Firecrests and Goldcrests of this world. If the Blue Tit was rare, that would create major oohs and aahs by virtue of it colours. In fact, in my opinion, all of the natural world is magnificent. :t:
Yes, both eagle species in Scotland are magnificent but then so are Firecrests and Goldcrests of this world. If the Blue Tit was rare, that would create major oohs and aahs by virtue of it colours. In fact, in my opinion, all of the natural world is magnificent. :t:
Sandra (Taylor)
Well-known member
Mike Tomkies
London Birder/Ben Nevis/Colin
You're almost talking about MT in the past tense....... Is he still around do you know? I've been a Mike Tomkies groupie for years. Heard that one of his earlier books was going to be re-issued with a few additions but don't know where I heard it. His books really prompted me to explore Scotland. I remember once asking him where the best place to see a golden eagle was (such innocence! As if he'd tell me exactly!) But he gave me an idea of the general area. Didn't see one though until some time later - that was from Glenelg whilst waiting for the ferry and it was very high up).
I discovered where the cottage was that he lived in (after he'd moved from the island) with a map in front of me, reading his descriptions.
Sandra
London Birder/Ben Nevis/Colin
You're almost talking about MT in the past tense....... Is he still around do you know? I've been a Mike Tomkies groupie for years. Heard that one of his earlier books was going to be re-issued with a few additions but don't know where I heard it. His books really prompted me to explore Scotland. I remember once asking him where the best place to see a golden eagle was (such innocence! As if he'd tell me exactly!) But he gave me an idea of the general area. Didn't see one though until some time later - that was from Glenelg whilst waiting for the ferry and it was very high up).
I discovered where the cottage was that he lived in (after he'd moved from the island) with a map in front of me, reading his descriptions.
Sandra
Aplomado Falcon
Member
I've seen quite a few Golden Eagles in my life, but I think the most amazing eagle is the Bald Eagle. No they don't hunt large prey, but they are still amazing animals.
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