Golden Eagle, Shropshire Falconry

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 1 Jun 2019

The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is arguably one of the best-known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere; it is the most widely distributed species of eagle. These birds are dark brown, with lighter golden-brown plumage on their napes. Golden eagles use their agility and speed combined with powerful feet and massive, sharp talons to snatch up a variety of prey, mainly hares, rabbits, and marmots and other ground squirrels. The Golden eagle is the second-largest bird of prey (with only the white-tailed eagle larger) in the UK. Golden eagles were originally distributed all over Europe, but like most other raptors, they were widely killed, which caused serious declines both in their numbers and range. Large-scale land use changes created further problems, and the species became extinct over large tracts of central Europe in the 19th century. In the UK, the population began to decline in the 18th century as a result of illegal killing by sheep farmers, aggravated in the 19th century by shooting by gamekeepers. The golden eagle was exterminated in England and Wales by 1850, and in Ireland by 1912. Despite this widespread killing, it managed to survive in small numbers in remote areas of the Scottish Highlands and most of the Hebrides. They are listed as a Schedule 1 species. https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/golden-eagle/#UfsPAvCi3MV4RFQz.99 (RSPB) This eagle, Isla, was bred in Germany and is now resident at Shropshire Falconry. See https://flic.kr/s/aHsmE6Pxkv (Flickr) to view a further selection of photos of Isla and some of the other birds at Shropshire Falconry.

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