John McCauley’s photo of a female white-tailed sea eagle. White-tailed sea eagle fishing in local lakesA female white-tailed sea eagle that was released on the shores of Lough Derg in August 2020 has spent a good bit of time fishing in several lakes across Westmeath, according to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). White-tailed sea eagles became extinct in Ireland more than 100 years ago but now there are around 12 breeding pairs (in Cork, Clare, Kerry, Tipperary and Galway). “Bird E has travelled around Ireland, reaching the coast of Waterford last month – however, she has spent a good bit of time fishing in several lakes across Westmeath. To the best of my knowledge, they’re not breeding in Westmeath, but they do roost on the lakes from time to time.

Source: Irish Independent April 13, 2022 21:05 UTC