Eagle Revival: Birds Reclaim Their Homeland

Following a long period of absence, golden eagles are returning to England.

“Thanks to our satellite tagging, we can confirm that some are beginning to venture into Northumberland and further afield, and these sightings reaffirm the importance of us extending our groundbreaking work,” says the chair of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP), Michael Clarke.

The SSGEP began its work in Scotland in 2018 when the population of golden eagles had dropped to a mere handful. Though a few remained in Scotland, golden eagles haven’t called England or Wales home since the mid-19th century – except for a brief return following World War II. For the past couple of centuries, golden eagles seemed to prefer the remote, mountainous regions of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Now that conservation and protection groups have made progress for the birds in Scotland, the eagles seem again willing to explore further lands, perhaps looking for a mate or new feeding grounds. Amazingly, the recent sightings in northern England are of the birds’ own doing, not thanks to any particular conservation group that has facilitated their movement. Though there have been no signs of actual nesting in England, the birds simply exploring the area is encouraging. “It just feels like they belong here,” adds Northumberland native and wildlife enthusiast Ian Glendinning.