The Eagle Has Landed

A rare white-tailed sea eagle, which was spotted on March 14, has travelled towards Norfold Broads.

15:35 17 March 2015

A rare white-tailed sea eagle, the first of its species to be seen in 80 years, has travelled towards Norfold Broads. Over the weekend, it landed on a small island at the Mickle Mere Reserve near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. 

Brian Egan from Rare Bird Alert said: "This is a young bird looking for suitable habitat and the Broads are ideal.” 

Meanwhile, many birdwatchers are tracking its movement using social media. 

"It is a young bird in its second winter and has not yet developed its distinctive adult tail and white covering," Mr Egan added. "It is ringed so has been recorded somewhere.

"With a wing span of seven or eight feet (2 - 2.5m) it is by far the largest bird of prey in the British Isles and much bigger than buzzards or red kites.

"It is an inexperienced youngster and may be looking for a suitable breeding territory.

"On the wing it will grab fish close to the surface but will also feed on carrion, ducks, small birds and mammals."