Limerick man helps reintroduce the White-tailed Eagle to Ireland
PATIENCE and planning have paid off for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) - and one Limerick man - to reintroduce the White-tailed Eagle to Ireland as a male eagle released in 2008 has bonded with a female released in 2020 and they have now produced chicks together.
Nature conservation, particularly where efforts to protect an endangered species is concerned, can take quite some time to see success.
The male eagle had previously partnered up, and produced chicks. Sadly, the previous partner succumbed to Avian Flu and this male eagle had lived alone in East Clare for the past four years until he recently paired up with his new partner.
Castleconnell man Eamonn Meskell, who heads up the NPWS White-Tailed Eagle Reintroduction Project, proudly said: “We have been monitoring these eagles for many years and of course we feel very familiar with their history as part of the project.
“The male eagle has been single for four years since his previous partner died. Of course the fact that he has now found and bred with a new partner is significant to our project but we’re also delighted to see this eagle that we know well make a new bond and start a new family.”
Mr Meskell said a story like this really brings their reintroduction programme to life.
“It helps people to learn about eagle breeding behaviour and the fragility of our reintroduction efforts, all told through the story of a widowed eagle. For our project, the appearance of any new chick is a milestone and shows that the continuation of the project is proving successful,” said Mr Meskell.
In addition, at another site in County Clare - eagle-eyed NPWS staff have in recent days observed and tagged three chicks reared by one of the male eagle’s offspring from his previous partner. T
his earlier offspring, a female eagle, has thus far reared 10 chicks which are spread around the island of Ireland, some of whom themselves are forming pairs.
Mr Meskill added: “It is also incredible that one of his offspring is now herself rearing three chicks. This is a very rare occurrence, as a very small minority of nest sites - in Ireland, Norway or anywhere else - have more than two chicks on nest.
"This is the second year that three chicks are on the nest at this particular nest site. This shows how suited Ireland and our lakes are from a habitat and feeding perspective for this reintroduction project.”