White-tailed eagles: Footage reveals ‘miracle chick’ in flight
White-tailed eagles are the UK’s largest birds of prey – with wingspans that can reach 2.4m. Their chicks normally hatch in April and are fed in the nest until they fledge in July. By October, most young will disperse and start to fend for themselves.
“They wander far and wide until they’re five years old and start to look for a mate and a territory of their own,” Dave explained. “If an immature bird was to reappear near its nesting parents or any other pair the following year, it would likely be aggressively chased away. That’s why this is so exceptional.
For now, Dave said, he and other local eagle-watchers are enjoying watching this “unusual” family doing what they want to do and caring for their youngster.
“I’d still describe its flight as ‘wonky’ at best,” he told BBC News. “But you have to admire its will to survive against the odds – with a little helping hand from mum and dad.
“I loved white-tailed eagles before,” he added. “Now I think I love them just a little bit more.”
