In 1976 in Sweden an international ringing plan was initiated, to study Baltic White-tailed Eagle population status; the eagles were ringed with colored rings (see picture). To attract White-tailed Eagles, animal corpses are used, which they would like to feed on. Latvia joined the program in the year 1984. The ring reading begun in Kemeru National park and the specialist of Slitere National park joined the program on year 2008.
Using the opportunity we decided to set up a web-camera, allowing you to watch this great bird life.
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White-tailed Eagle is the largest bird of prey in Latvia. The width of the wings can be up to 2.4 meters. It has a brown plumage. Adult’s tail is white; juveniles’ tail feathers are dark with light centre and darker outline. Wedge-shaped tail (see the manual for the white tailed eagle identification. Used: Svensson, L., Grant PJ, Mullarney K., Zetterström, D. 1999 (a). Collins Bird Guide: The Most Complete Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe. Harper Collins Publishers, London). Feed on fish, birds and mammals. In winters are likely to feed on carrion. Hunt from the observation place or a low flight. |
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Golden Eagle is a bit smaller than White-tailed Eagle. It has a wingspan averaging over 2 m. Plumage is dark brown with yellowish-brown nape-shawl. Have long, rounded tail. Young birds have light tail with dark outline. Adults have gray tail-feathers with dark cross-bars (see the manual for the Golden Eagle identification. Used: Svensson, L., Grant PJ, Mullarney K., Zetterström, D. 1999 (a). Collins Bird Guide: The Most Complete Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe. Harper Collins Publishers, London). Feed on birds and mammals as well as carrion. |
Golden and White-tailed Eagles nesting period begins no earlier than on the fifth year of life.
In winters eagles wander over wide areas. White-tailed Eagles met in Slitere National park are ringed mostly in Estonia, Finland and Lithuania.
For Eagles the most important is its vision. They have relatively large eyes (see picture). Powerful weapon is the long, with strong claws armed legs. Caught its prey, eagle rhythmically moves fingers squashing its sharp nails into the victim's body. The bill is only a 'meat rending hook'. Fallen animals provide an easy and high-quality food for the Eagle. Carrion is no longer needed to be caught, and the possibility of accidents is less likely, as it happens while hunting, so several eagles often gathers in one place by the fallen beast, hoping for an easy meal. Here begins the competition for the best place at the 'table'. Preference usually is for the oldest and strongest birds, but there can be exceptions. Eagle relationships make watching them an exciting activity.
