Latest news with #White-tailedEagles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
UK's oldest wild White-tailed Eagle dies aged 32
The UK's oldest wild White-tailed Eagle has died aged 32, RSPB Scotland has announced. The eagle, a female named Frisa, hatched in Mull in 1992, where she spent almost three decades raising chicks, becoming a regular on TV nature programmes. She was the daughter of Blondie, who successfully raised the first White-tailed Eagle chick to fledge in Scotland following the reintroduction of the species in 1975. Frisa paired up with her long-time mate Skye in 1997, with the pair raising their first chick in Mull the following year. They went on to raise 25 chicks during 28 years of partnership. In May 2005, Frisa and Skye made their television debut on the first ever episode of BBC's Springwatch alongside their chicks Itchy and Scratchy – named by the pupils of Dervaig Primary School in Mull. Over the next two decades they made many more appearances on the programme, as well as featuring on Autumnwatch, Winterwatch, Blue Peter, Eagle Island with Gordon Buchanan, Countryfile and The One Show. Frisa's death was announced on the latest episode of Springwatch on Monday. RSPB Ambassador Dave Sexton, who spent 21 years working with White-tailed Eagles in Mull, said Frisa had been "a very special bird who had touched the hearts of millions who saw her both on TV and in the wild". He added: "As Frisa got on in years, I dreaded the day I would visit her territory and find her gone. "Sadly, that day has come and I feel like I've lost a friend. "She was a true icon for White-tailed Eagles and she'll always hold a special place in my heart." Frisa has not been seen since last year, leading experts to believe that died of either natural causes or following an altercation with another eagle. Skye has been spotted with another younger female eagle in Mull, which is strong evidence of Frisa's death as White-tailed Eagles usually mate for life. It means that Skye, who hatched in 1994, is now the oldest wild White-tailed Eagle in the UK at 31-years-old. The species became extinct in the UK in 1918, when the last known native wild bird was shot in Shetland. However, a reintroduction project by NatureScot in the Isle of Rum, which began in 1975 using chicks donated from Norway, has seen White-tailed Eagles re-establish a self-sustaining population in Scotland. There are now estimated to be up to 200 pairs in the UK. White-tailed eagles spend a year caring for injured chick Rare white-tailed eagles thrill nature lovers Footage reveals 'miracle eagle chick' in flight
STV News
3 days ago
- General
- STV News
UK's oldest White-tailed Eagle dies in Scotland aged 32
The UK's oldest wild White-tailed Eagle has died aged 32 on the Isle of Mull. The female eagle, a female named Frisa, hatched on the Scottish island in 1992 where she spent three decades raising chicks. She was the daughter of a female named Blondie, who successfully raised the first White-tailed Eagle chick to fledge in Scotland following the reintroduction of the species in 1975. Frisa paired up with her long-time mate Skye in 1997, with the pair raising their first chick on Mull the following the year. They would go on to raise 25 chicks in their 28 years of partnership, nesting on land managed by Forestry and Land Scotland. Frisa's death was announced on the latest episode of Springwatch on June 2. RSPB Ambassador Dave Sexton, who spent 21 of his 36-year RSPB career working with White-tailed Eagles on Mull, said Frisa had been 'a very special bird who had touched the hearts of millions who saw her both on TV and in the wild'. He added: 'As Frisa got on in years, I dreaded the day I would visit her territory and find her gone. 'Sadly, that day has come and I feel like I've lost a friend. 'But what a wonderful life she had with her mate Skye. Together they raised 25 chicks, many of which are now breeding far and wide across Scotland. 'She was a true icon for White-tailed Eagles and she'll always hold a special place in my heart.' Frisa has not been seen since last year, leading experts to believe that she has died of either natural causes or following an altercation with another eagle. Skye has been spotted with another younger female eagle on Mull, which further suggests that Frisa has passed away as White-tailed Eagles mate for life. It means that Skye, who hatched in 1994, is now the oldest wild White-tailed Eagle in the UK at 31-years-old. The species became extinct in the UK in 1918, when the last known native wild bird was shot in Shetland. However, a reintroduction project by NatureScot on the Isle of Rum, which began in 1975 using chicks donated from Norway, has seen White-tailed Eagles re-establish a self-sustaining population in Scotland. There are now estimated to be up to 200 pairs in the UK. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- Irish Independent
Specially designed Kerry boat will make Killarney Lakes accessible to all
Brothers Michael and Tony Fleming of Ross Castle Boat Tours, based at Ross Castle, on the shores of Lough Lein, Killarney National Park, launched their new traditional open boat 'An Cathal' this weekend with family and friends, to make boating experience accessible for all people with challenges and different abilities. The traditional open boat 'An Cathal' is named in honour of their late Dad, Charlie Fleming, who operated Ross Castle Boat Tours until his untimely passing in 2024. Michael and Tony Fleming worked collaboratively with the National Parks and Wildlife Services, in the design and output of this inclusive tour boat, where people will now have the opportunity and support and enjoy Killarney National Parks Unesco Biosphere Reserve and experience the beauty of the lakes, mountains and soaring White-tailed Eagles overhead. The specially designed boat is specifically for people with limited mobility and neurodiverse needs. 'An Cathal' is fitted with a fixed stairway to enable people access / egress the boat with ease and has fasteners built into the floor to allow wheelchairs to be securely attached. A key aspect is to support neurodiverse people. The boat is also fitted with a dedicated diversity section with a sensory box which will be carried in the boat. All the staff have completed 'AsIAm' Online Training. Assistance Dogs are also welcome on-board. Michael Fleming of Ross Castle Boat Tours said they were wanted to create a an 'inclusive outdoor experience' 'Our aim when we were looking at this project was to create an outdoor experience, particularly one that was inclusive and supported biodiversity across the Killarney National Park. So with the assistance and support from NPWS (National Parks and Wildlife Services) I think we delivered a much needed experience that really puts Killarney National Park on the map in terms of inclusivity.' 'We are committed to expanding our support services and are currently working on a Visual Guide for inclusion on our website. This will highlight what guests can expect on arrival and during a tour. We support quieter tours on request and early morning / late evening tours if required. ADVERTISEMENT NPWS Conservation Ranger, Killarney National Park, Padruig O'Sullivan praised the new project. 'It is a great initiative for the National Park. It caters for people from all walks of life, especially people with challenges. It is part of the National Park Mission Statement, which is obligated to open the Park to all. The process and presentation with the Flemings from safety inspection to boat design was carefully drawn and collaborated with us. We are delighted to see it in operation today.' Also at the launch was NPWS Conservation Ranger, Killarney National Park, Tricia Beecher, who said: 'It's such a great opportunity and wonderful initiative for Killarney National Park, for the public and for families, people of all abilities can now get out and enjoy the wildlife and beautiful scenery we have in the Park. Lough Lein Anglers and Advocate for Wheelchair accessibility Timo O'Sullivan welcomed the new boat. ''I'm in my chair using the lake for a long time, it's a game changer making the lakes so accessible for young and old, it's a great facility both secure and safe.' Cllr Martin Grady said the Flemings were due great credit for making the lake accessible for people with disabilities. 'I'm sure their Father Charlie Fleming would be very proud of them for making this project come to fruition. '
