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All things Golden Eagle (1 Viewer)

Chris Monk

Chris Monk

Well-known member
Golden Eagle web sites

Irish reintroduction project:

http://www.goldeneagle.ie/index.html

Wikipedia page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Eagle

RSPB page:

http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/g/goldeneagle/index.asp

BBC Nature page:

http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/g/goldeneagle/index.asp

Forestry Commission page:

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/Goldeneagle

Hawk Conservancy Trust page:

http://www.hawk-conservancy.org/priors/geagle.shtml

Birdguides page:

http://www.birdguides.com/html/vidlib/species/Aquila_chrysaetos.htm

The status of the Golden Eagle in Britain in 1992

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bto/bird/1996/00000043/00000001/431020

RSPB article summarising the 2003 Golden Eagle survey:

http://www.rspb.org.uk/science/survey/2004/eagle.asp

Cornell Lab of Ornithology page:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Golden_Eagle.html

Scottish Raptor Study Groups:

http://www.scottishraptorgroups.org/raptors/golden_eagle.php

Eagle Conservation Committee:

http://eagle.free.ngo.pl/orzel_przedni.htm
 
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Golden eagle has wings clipped by loss of territory due to forestry encroachment

http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=270&id=108242007

Golden eagle has wings clipped by loss of territory

JEREMY WATSON ([email protected]) Sun 21 Jan 2007

THE number of golden eagles in Scotland has been kept down by new developments that have encroached on their territories.

Forestry plantations have had a much bigger effect on Scotland's iconic bird of prey than previously thought, reducing its food supply by covering open ground and lowering its ability to produce offspring, researchers say.

They now warn that similar effects can be expected from new wind farms if they are allowed to proceed in golden eagle ranges.

While golden eagles have recovered to around 400 pairs across Scotland after decades of persecution, scientists believe the true number should be double the current amount.

The study, 'Complex effects of habitat loss on golden eagles', published by the British Ornithological Union's journal, was undertaken by a research team from Scotland and England.

It found that by taking just 5% of an eagle's range, developments could affect breeding and ultimately force it to abandon its natural habitat. When eagles were already struggling to establish a range and breed, losing just small amounts of open ground could cut food supplies to the extent of threatening their survival.

Dr Philip Whitfield, the lead researcher based at the Natural Research environmental consultancy in Banchory, said: "Previously, it was assumed that as long as you do not encroach on more than 40% of the eagles' territory then it would be OK. That is not the case.

"If a forest or wind farm is sited on just 5% of the territory then it does have a knock-on effect. If you cut down a golden eagle's food supply then you will have an effect on its breeding success. If this continues to happen then it may abandon the territory altogether."

Foresters and wind farm developers should now make certain they know how well-established a golden eagle pair is before proceeding and whether they face competition from other pairs if they move on, Whitfield added.

"Anyone planning to encroach on eagle territory needs to know a lot more about the kind of pair they will be disturbing and take that into account."

Around 500 wind farm proposals are either built or at various stages of the planning process in Scotland. Jason Ormiston, a spokesman for the Scottish Renewables Forum, insisted that wind farm developers do take account of golden eagle ranges before applying for planning permission.

"Developers take this very seriously and do their best to avoid or mitigate effects on golden eagles," he said.

"At one development in Argyll, the developer created a new feeding ground for the golden eagles, and they appear to be happy with their new environment, although they have not bred yet."

The Forestry Commission Scotland, which runs major plantations throughout Scotland and advises private landowners on setting up new forests, said it was aware that golden eagles could be affected.

It said it could not comment on the research until it had time to study it, but added: "If, however, the findings indicate improvements can be made to the information currently provided, then the commission, with Scottish Natural Heritage, will review the information guidance currently issued."

Environment charities said any research which helps the understanding of golden eagle conservation should be welcomed. A spokesman for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said: "We've known for some time that extensive afforestation can affect eagle populations, and this research helps to build up a useful picture for land use policy."

The biggest threat to golden eagle numbers remains illegal persecution to protect lucrative grouse moors through destruction of nests, deliberate disturbance of nesting birds, poisoning, shooting and trapping.

A previous study found that persecution had reduced the breeding productivity of golden eagles by 20%.
 
Golden eagle reward increases

Golden eagle reward increases

http://wildlife.visitscotland.com/sitewide/news_store/470239/

Outraged bird lovers have flooded RSPB Scotland with messages of support since the charity offered rewards for information leading to the prosecution of those responsible for poisoning two protected golden eagles.

Now, in a move that reflects the degree of deep concern at these crimes, two anonymous donors have pledged a huge cash boost to the reward pot in a bid to secure a successful conviction of the perpetrators.

Northern Constabulary is currently carrying out inquiries into the poisoning of one of the birds of prey found at the Glenfeshie Estate in the Cairngorms on June 10, and Grampian Police is also carrying out an inquiry following a similar death of an eagle found at Dinnet and Kinnord Estate near Ballater on 13 May.

After hearing that RSPB Scotland was offering up to £1,000 for each of the offences, both of which occurred within the boundaries of the Cairngorms National Park, a businessman contacted the charity and offered an additional £8,000 to the rewards. Another donor said that he would cover the charity’s reward costs and pay the £2,000 already offered by RSPB Scotland.

It means that up to a total of £5,000 is now available for information on each separate incident that leads to a successful prosecution.

Laboratory results have confirmed that both the eagles were poisoned with a pesticide called carbofuran. Possession of this substance is illegal and in itself a crime in Scotland.

The donor that offered a further £8,000, who wishes to remain anonymous, but told RSPB Scotland: “I simply cannot believe that anyone would wish to kill such a magnificent and awe-inspiring creature as a golden eagle. It is a sad and shameful state of affairs that some people judge it acceptable to carry out this practice in our society today. It is my hope that this donation will serve as a reminder how abhorrent the vast majority of right thinking people view this activity, and help to stamp it out altogether.”

Duncan Orr Ewing, the head of species and land management for RSPB Scotland, said: “The fact that two people, both of whom were previously unknown to the RSPB and are not members, have been motivated to approach us and offer £10,000 to help the appeal to catch these criminals is indicative of the public outrage at these crimes. We are grateful for their support and hope it leads to convictions in these deplorable cases.”

Police are encouraging members of the public who find a dead bird or a carcass, which they suspect may have been left there as poisonous baits, not to touch anything and report their finding to the police immediately. Officers further advise the public to avoid touching the area as potential evidence may be destroyed. Branches or grass and turf should be thrown over the bait to prevent it being seen and consumed by animals and birds.

Anyone with any information about either crime is asked to contact Northern Constabulary on 01463 715555, Grampian Police on 0845 600 5700. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers 24-7 anonymously on 0800 555 111 or The Campaign Against Illegal Poisoning number which is 0800 321 600.
 
The Golden Eagle by Jeff Watson (Poyser) monograph

The Golden Eagle
by Jeff Watson

RRP £35.00

Published 2002
ISBN 9780856610998
Format Book, Hardback 394 pages. 252x188 mm.
Illustrations line drawings.

“Sheer pleasure and enjoyment for the avid reader … this superb book is a must for your bookshelf.”
Don Scott, IBIS

“ A remarkable achievement… It will become a classic.”
Birds
 
 
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Good news! Miracle eagle released to the wild

Miracle eagle released to the wild

:clap:

By Allison M. Heinrichs
Pittsburgh TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, March 22, 2007

A miracle golden eagle that the National Aviary of Pittsburgh nursed back to health from near-death was released to the wild this morning.

The bird flew off on strong wings from New Creek Mountain near Scherr, W.Va.

The golden eagle has been fitted with a tracking device. It is expected to join other migrating golden eagles on their way to Canada.

Erin Estell, manager of animal programs at the National Aviary, was part of the team that provided round-the-clock care to the bird.

"I feel great, relieved," she said after the bird's release. "Lots of stress and anxiety flew away with that bird. It's good to see him fly so strong."

The bird's left leg had been caught on the mountain in a trap meant for coyotes. The bird struggled to free itself for nearly a week. When it was found Jan. 5, it was dying. The trap's metal jaws wore through its skin and muscle, exposing bone the trap had crushed. An infection in the wound had spread to its blood. It was dehydrated, malnourished, anemic and in liver failure.

The eagle came to the National Aviary, where it underwent surgery. Staffers changed its wound dressings every other day. They force-fed it mice laced with medications; at one point, it received a dozen antibiotics and vitamins.

Golden eagles, though not endangered, are protected under federal law.

Within the next week, the bird's path will be shown on the aviary's web site within the next week: http://www.aviary.org/csrv/eaglePA.php.
 
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