When it comes to saving the species, they really are winging it.
But two sea eagles are currently preparing to nest on Orkney, raising hopes that this year may see the island’s first chicks in nearly 150 years.
Experts are hoping that RSPB Scotland’s Hoy nature reserve will be a hotbed of romance in the coming weeks as the pair settle in.
The twosome are assumed to be the same birds that nested on the reserve last year – the first breeding attempt seen in the county since 1873.
Although last year’s eggs were infertile, hopes are high that the birds may make history this spring.
Alan Leitch, RSPB Scotland’s Sites Manager in Orkney, said: “It’s very exciting to see Hoy’s sea eagles back on the cliffs. It’s been quite a journey from their national extinction in 1918 to seeing these birds soaring over Orkney’s hills and coasts again, and with luck we may all witness the next step in their story this year.”
Sea eagles have a long history in Orkney. A Pictish symbol stone found at Harray features a carving of the bird, and bones belonging to this species were found inside a Neolithic tomb on South Ronaldsay.
But sea eagles became extinct across the UK in the early 19th century due to a combination of widespread habitat loss and human persecution, with the last bird shot in Shetland in 1918.
Following successful reintroductions since the 1970s, success for the pair in Hoy would represent a significant expansion.
Alan Leitch continued: “With a wingspan of 2.4 m, or 8 feet, sea eagles are one of the most magnificent birds you can hope to experience in Orkney. We’re looking forward to helping people spot this pair at an informal watchpoint at the small roadside car park for the Dwarfie Stone, opposite the Dwarfie Hamars, the cliffs where the birds have recently been seen displaying.”
“To give these birds the best chance of success, please don’t approach the cliffs and keep dogs under very close control in the vicinity. There’s no problem with visiting the Dwarfie Stone, but to be on the safe side we would recommend not lingering too long or gathering in large groups there – the best views are to be had from the car park in any case.”
“Nesting sea eagles are specially protected by law, so if you see any signs of disturbance please pass your concerns onto the police straightaway.”