A pair of white-tailed eagles in County Fermanagh has become the first to successfully breed in Northern Ireland in over 150 years.
The two eagles, now four years old, were released near Lough Derg, County Tipperary, in 2020. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing conservation efforts to reintroduce the species to Ireland.
The white-tailed eagle, also known as the sea eagle, is the largest bird of prey in the UK, standing almost 1 meter tall with a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters. As their name suggests, they are easily identified by their distinctive white tails. These birds can live for over 20 years, typically starting to breed around five years of age.
The reintroduction of white-tailed eagles to Ireland began between 2007 and 2011 through the efforts of the Golden Eagle Trust (GET) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
During that period, 100 eagle chicks were brought from Norway and released in Killarney National Park, County Kerry, to establish a sustainable population after the species became extinct in Ireland in the late 19th century.
In 2020, a second phase of the reintroduction program saw additional young birds released at various locations across Ireland.
Each bird was tagged, with wing colours corresponding to their birth year, and many were fitted with satellite trackers to monitor their movements.
Dr Eimear Rooney from NIRSG said: “The confirmation of this eagle species breeding in Northern Ireland corrects a multi-generational absence, symbolising the restoration of a once extinct species and highlighting the importance of wetlands, woodlands and farmland habitats on which many of our raptors depend.
“From reviewing satellite data provided by NPWS we had an idea that the birds were nesting, but with young eagles nothing is guaranteed.
“I can’t describe the adrenalin rush the moment I saw the chick earlier this year and confirmed that the birds were not only nesting but had successfully reared a chick,” she said.
Despite conservation success, the species remains one of the rarest in the UK and Ireland, and is listed as a species of Conservation Concern.
In July 2023, two white-tailed eagles were found poisoned in County Antrim, raising concerns about threats to their survival.
Dean Jones, Investigations Officer from RSPB NI said: “The return of breeding white-tailed eagles to Northern Ireland is a true testament to the power of conservation and really showcases the awe-inspiring resilience and adaptability of our natural world.”
“The poisoning of the two white-tailed eagles in Glenwherry in May 2023 was devastating, however, to have this pair breeding successfully, under the protection of a caring local farmer, really illustrates how humans and birds of prey can exist in harmony”, he added.
Dr Marc Ruddock, from the NIRSG, said that they have been “anticipating this for a few years” and that reintroduction programmes have resulted in “real conservation successes across the Island of Ireland”.
“It’s a great result for the dedication and hard work of many individuals for many years and testament to the resilience of nature and wildlife in its capacity for restoration and renewal if given the space and habitats to thrive”, he added.
Gregory Woulahan, Operations Director from RSPB NI, added: “It is hoped this chick will reach adulthood and return to breed in 4-6 years boosting the population of these birds alongside creating tourism opportunities for the rural economy and the implementation of further efforts to boost and restore spaces for nature.”
White-tailed eagles primarily feed on fish but also hunt birds, rabbits, and hares. Special licenses are required to disturb their nests or capture images at nesting sites.
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