New legislation increased the protection for birds of prey in the 1950s. After two small-scale failed attempts, 82 Norwegian sea eagles were released on the Isle of Rum between 1975 and 1982. The first successful breeding attempt by these introduced birds took place in 1985. To bolster the population and better guarantee their survival, another 58 birds were released on mainland Scotland between 1993 and 1998.
This year, 25 territories are occupied and the Scottish population is thought to number more than 90 individuals, according to the RSPB. "In spite of some continued persecution, the population is continuing to rise at a surprising rate," said Evans.
"Bizarre Hobby"
Poisoning birds of prey, crows, and foxes with tainted carcasses is still a problem, said Evans. Some of the worst cases were seen in the last year. Both the male, and the female of one breeding pair in northwest Scotland, and another young sea eagle in Argyll, Scotland, have been the victims of recent poisonings, he said.
In addition, egg collecting, "a bizarre hobby practiced by a few strange people," is another serious threat facing the birds, said Sexton. Five clutches of sea eagle eggs have been lost to collectors in the last eight years.
Protection from egg collectors is vital for the continued success of this bird of prey said Keith Miller, local representative of Scotland's Forestry Commission. "This is the sixth consecutive year this pair have nested on Mull and we are delighted that they are continuing to breed successfully," he said. "Much of this success is down to the commitment of the local people, who arrange rosters to keep an eye on the nest during the period when the nest would be under threat from collectors." The newly-installed Webcam will aid the birds' protection.
To see the sea eagle Webcam and those of other nesting birds, including peregrine falcons, ospreys, red kites, and blue tits, visit the RSPB's Web site at www.rspb.org.uk/webcams/index.asp.
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