No chicks for Hoy sea eagles

The sea eagles are nesting in Hoy have been not been successful breeding this year.

According to the RSPB, the birds were on the nest for about two months without evidence of chicks – this is longer than it would normally take for eggs to hatch – and on Monday this week they were observed to have stopping sitting.

Alan Leitch, RSPB Scotland’s sites manager in Orkney, said: “The pair will have gained valuable experience from their first nesting attempt, which will stand them in good stead if they make another attempt in Hoy next year – no chicks this year is not so much a failure as a natural learning curve for such young birds.

“I’d like to thank all those who have been keeping an eye out for the eagles while they’ve been nesting, particularly the volunteers who have helped man the informal watchpoint at the Dwarfie Stone car park, welcoming and pointing out these magnificent birds and their eyrie to over 1,000 people since Easter.

“I’m also grateful to the many landowners in Hoy who have joined others in welcoming these birds back to an area that is home to livestock as well as spectacular wildlife.

“The future of sea eagles in Orkney looks promising. This year saw the first nesting attempt in nearly 150 years; fingers crossed that this time next year we’ll be celebrating the first chicks!”