The Return of the Sea Eagles

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The Return of the Sea Eagles

This spring, if you look up to the sky, you might catch sight of magnificent birds of prey soaring gracefully over the clear waters. Sea eagles, one of the most impressive bird species, are making their way back to the UK after their annual migration from Africa, passing through Spain.

These majestic birds typically return from late March to early April and will remain here until September before heading south again. It’s truly remarkable that this species was once hunted to the brink of extinction in the UK in the early 20th century, but they have made a stunning comeback and are now more populous than ever. In 1954, a pair of eagles returned to Scotland and began to breed. Today, the number of breeding pairs has risen to about 300 across the UK, according to the Wildlife Trust.

Where to Spot Sea Eagles

There are plenty of fantastic locations to observe these magnificent sea eagles. One standout spot is the Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve in Scotland, where the first breeding sea eagles were recorded in 1971. In the spring of 2026, the first eagle returned here after a long journey of 5,000 km from Africa.

The female eagle, known as NC0, has been nesting at Loch of the Lowes since 2020. Upon her arrival, she meticulously preened her feathers after the long flight and tidied up her nest before taking a tour to survey her territory. Sara Rasmussen, a ranger with the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said, "The return of the eagles each year is always an exciting moment at Loch of the Lowes, and we are thrilled that the first bird has arrived."

The breeding pairs typically nest just 150 meters away from the birdwatching area, allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of their activities. Additionally, guests can watch live footage from the eagle's nest at the Dunkeld Eagle Centre.

Rutland Water: A Seafood Hotspot

Next up is Rutland Water, home to an important conservation project that has brought breeding eagles back to England for the first time in 150 years. Here, eagles have been breeding for nearly 30 years, and since 2001, 250 chicks have successfully fledged.

Rutland Water provides an ideal habitat for eagles across its expansive 11 km² artificial lake. A pair of eagles has nested in Manton Bay, close to the visitor center, where you can easily observe their activities. There are four nesting platforms for the eagles to encourage breeding and to serve as their summer residence.

Back to Poole Harbour

At Poole Harbour, after nearly two centuries of extinction, sea eagles have made their return thanks to the Poole Harbour Osprey Translocation Project. Since 2017, 60 juvenile eagles from Scotland have been relocated to this area to establish a new habitat before embarking on their first migration journey after two years.

By 2021, the first pair of eagles had nested here after 180 years, and since then, the duo CJ7 and 022 have successfully raised four chicks over the past two years. The best viewing point to witness them soaring is from Ham Common Lookout, which offers a panoramic view of the waters and surrounding area.

Foulshaw Moss Reserve

The Foulshaw Moss Reserve began attracting eagles in the late 1990s when nesting platforms were installed. The year 2014 marked a significant milestone when a pair of eagles successfully bred and raised three healthy chicks. Currently, a pair of eagles nests in this area every summer.

Foulshaw Moss is located next to the mouth of the River Kent, making it easy for the eagles to hunt for food from the rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. This reserve is also home to various other wetland birds, including moorhen, snipe, and rail.

Cors Dyfi: A Meeting Place for Eagles

The Cors Dyfi reserve has become a stopover for migrating eagles heading to Scotland. However, in 2008, a pair of eagles (Monty and Glesni) decided to stay and became stars of the UK’s Springwatch television program.

This couple has raised 13 chicks in the years that followed. Recently, a new pair of eagles has appeared, bringing the total number of breeding pairs in Wales to five. The pair Telyn and Idris have been nesting in the Dyfi Valley since 2020 and successfully raised three chicks in 2024.

Kielder Forest: The Perfect Stopover

As the number of migrating eagles began to increase in Scotland, many have shifted southward. Kielder Forest, an artificial forest established after World War I, has become a natural stop for them. To attract more eagles, Forestry England has installed nesting platforms throughout the forest.

In 2009, eagles returned to nest and breed in Kielder for the first time in 200 years. By 2021, a new record was set with 16 chicks successfully fledging from their nests.

When the parents are present, the reserve runs an Osprey Watch program every March, where visitors can view live footage of the eagle’s nest on a screen. No prior booking is necessary.

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