White Tailed Eagles Hatch Chicks In Ireland For The First Time In Over 100 Years

White-tailed eagles have successfully hatched chicks in Ireland for the first time in over 100 years. In the last few days a pair has been confirmed to have hatched chicks at a nest in Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry, having laid eggs in late March.

A second pair has also successfully hatched chicks near Mountshannon, Co Clare. This pair also made history in 2012 when they nested for the first time.

These are the first chicks of the high profile reintroduction programme which began in 2007 with the release of young Norwegian eagles in Killarney National Park as part of the white-tailed eagle reintroduction programme developed and funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in partnership with Golden Eagle Trust.

Minister Deenihan commented: "This is a momentous occasion in that we are now witnessing the first white-tailed eagles born in the wild in Ireland in over 100 years. The birth of these chicks gives a great boost to the reintroduction project initiated by my Department in conjunction with the Golden Eagle Trust. The principal aim of this project is to re-establish a viable breeding population of white-tailed eagles and today’s events are the big step towards achieving that goal.

"The adult eagles which originated in Norway, and which were released in Killarney National Park, will be the building blocks of a sustainable native population of white-tailed eagles for the future. Ultimately, the viability of the reintroduction programme will depend on these chicks going on to breed themselves. Whatever the outcome of these nesting attempts, the signs are good for future breeding in the area and at a number of other sites across Ireland in the near future.

"White-tailed eagles can live for 25-30 years and generally mate for life with adult pairs remaining within their home range throughout the year. First time breeders, especially young birds, often fail at their first attempt. However, with the goodwill and support of local landowners and communities the species should have a bright future in Ireland."

(CD)