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White Tailed Eagle

Also known as the Sea Eagle, this is the 4th largest eagle in the world, and was hunted to extinction in Scotland in the 1920s. Before it became extinct, the Outer Hebrides was one of its last strongholds and a pair shot on the Shiant Isles at the beginning of the 20th century is believed to be one of the last breeding pairs in the Scotland. Since its re-introduction in 1975 on Rum, the white-tailed eagle also known as the sea eagle has re-colonised much of the rugged indented coastline of the Outer Hebrides. The first pair established on Harris in 1983 but the population grew slowly at first and it was not until the mid 90s when pairs established on Lewis and South Uist. Since 2000, new pairs have established in most years and in 2014 the Outer Hebrides population reached 25 breeding pairs.

They are sociable birds closely related to vultures and it is not unusual to see several white-tailed eagles in the air together.

DIET

White-tailed eagles have a very broad diet and use a variety of techniques to capture their prey. Although they are capable hunters they often scavenge on carrion especially during the winter months. They also pirate on seabirds and will feed on the remains of otter kills. During the breeding season when they have young to feed, fulmars and other sea birds are the most common quarry but they also feed on geese, rabbits and fish.

WHERE TO LOOK

Sea eagles range widely and can be encountered anywhere in the Archipelago particularly during the winter months. They are much bolder than the golden eagle and are more likely to venture close to habitation. During the summer months they are mainly coastal, feeding on sea birds and fish or stealing from otters. However, during the winter they often venture inland in search of carrion, even following rivers to feed on salmon.

The best trail locations are Loch Sgioport on South Uist, The Sound of Harris Ferry, Bogha Glas on Harris and Aline Community Woodland on Lewis.

WHEN TO LOOK

Like the golden eagle, adult white-tailed eagles defend a territory all year and are resident, whilst young birds range more widely. They tend to be most active during late winter and early spring building up to the breeding season. Young birds become very visible in the Autumn as they start exploring their surrounds and fend for themselves.

Highlights

Hebridean Way Cycling Route Section A: Vatersay to Daliburgh

Hebridean Way Walking Route Section A: Vatersay to Northbay

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Bird of Prey Trail - Aline Community Woodland

Address

Aline, Isle Of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS2 9LE

Isle Of Lewis

A path takes you to the shore of Loch Seaforth, a long fjord-like loch and a stronghold for the white-tailed eagles and otters.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Sound of Harris Ferry

Address

Isle Of Harris, Outer Hebrides

Isle Of Harris

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Bird of Prey Trail - Rueval

Address

Isle Of Benbecula, Outer Hebrides, HS7 5LY

Isle Of Benbecula

A path runs across Benbecula, through an area of low lying moorland and lochs. This is an excellent area for hen harrier, short-eared owl and merlin during the breeding season.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Loch Sgioport

Address

Loch Sgioport, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5SN

Isle Of South Uist

Located in the northern end of South Uist, Loch Sgioport is a great placee to spot white-tailed eagles.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Sound of Barra Ferry

Address

Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides

Isle of Barra

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Bird of Prey Trail - Ravenspoint

Address

Kershader, Isle Of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS2 9QA

Isle Of Lewis

This visitor centre, hostel and cafe have good views over the shore of loch Erisort, a sea loch regularly visited by white-tailed eagles. This is also an excellent place from which to explore the remote Pairc peninsula.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Craigston

Address

Isle Of Barra, Outer Hebrides, HS9 5XS

Isle Of Barra

A path leads into the interior of Barra with views over Heaval, the islands highest peak. Scan the ridges for golden eagles and white-tailed eagle and keep an eye out for merlin darting across the moor.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Loch Stiapabhat

Address

Lionel, Ness, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS2 0XB

Ness, Isle of Lewis

Located at the North of the Archipelago, this rich Machair loch and surrounding wetland is an important migration stopover for wildfowl and waders attracting regular visits from hunting bird of prey, especially during the spring and autumn migration.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Bogha Glas

Address

Bogha Glas, Isle Of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS3 3AD

Isle Of Harris

A path leads you into the North Harris hills; one of the largest areas of un-roaded land is Scotland. One of the most reliable places for locating both golden and white-tailed eagles and where the two eagle species are often seen together.

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Bird of Prey Trail - North Harris Eagle Observatory

Address

Meavaig, Isle Of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS3 3AW

Isle Of Harris

The observatory is a purpose built hide perched in the interior of the rugged North Harris hills commanding spectacular views over the territory of a pair of golden eagles.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Langais

Address

Isle Of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5HA

Isle Of North Uist

Beinn Langais is a prominent hill surrounded by vast areas of peatland, freshwater and sea lochs. A short path runs up to an archaeological site with excellent views over the area.

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Bird of Prey Trail - Loch Druidibeg

Address

Stilligarry, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5RS

Isle Of South Uist

This location is on the shore of a large fresh water loch surrounded by moorland with views south over Beinn Mhor, the highest peak in the Uists. Both species of eagle, hen harrier, merlin and short-eared owl are regularly seen here.

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