SMAP #281 White Tailed Eagle in Belfast Zoo

Intro

Trying to make use of the last dry day before the NI weather was due to break, we figured we would pay Belfast Zoo a visit. Yes, we did get caught in a few light showers but with high temps that day it wasn't much of an issue, in some context it was actually refreshing.

Background

Thought there might be the opportunity to capture the usual feathered friends at the zoo, I mean penguins instantly jumps to mind, but having not checked the website before we went, we were pleasantly surprised about happening across this particularly healthy looking beauty.

White tailed sea eagles are supposed to be the largest of Europen eagles, considered more vulture like than say something like a golden eagle.

"White-tailed sea eagles are up to 91 centimetres (cm) long, with a wing span of up to 245cm. They weigh up to seven kilograms." - that is one serious bird!

The example in the zoo is a fair size but probably not the max of the species, spending it's time in captivity probably doesn't help. I always have mixed feelings about seeing a bird like that in captivity, it's a majestic creature, freedom would be the ultimate expression of it's personality soaring high.

Haliaeetus albicilla or "White Tailed Sea Eagle" actually went extinct in Britian in 1916 and then following a successful programmme was reintroduced to the island of Rhum in 1975, apparently examples of the bird can now be seen along the scottish coast as well.

Chicks have been successfully bred at Belfast zoo in the past. One of those successful offspring was used in another reintroduction programme in Israel of all places, so some happiness can be taken from the parent currently residing in the zoo, indirectly it is having an impact on the bigger world.

Majestic!

The eagle was being a bit shy never fully turned around but still got some lovely shots.

I'm not sure the photos actually do this eagle justice, it is an impressive specimen to behold, and was perched fairly close to the viewing section so got a great view and some pics! Lost track of time a bit just standing watching to be honest - easy to do.

At one point the eagle did spread it's wings to show off that serious wing span, but I missed the photo opportunity, argh..

That is two 'eagles' in my last two posts now, can anyone hazard a guess as to what my favourite type of bird might be!? :)