Golden eagle chick fledges from Scottish grouse moor

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 09:27 · Archive

A golden eagle chick has fledged from a managed grouse moor in southern Scotland for the first time.

Beaky Junior, a golden eagle chick, has fledged from a nest on a managed grouse moor in the Moffat Hills in southern Scotland. It is the first time this has occurred at such a site. The chick is one of four young eagles directly descended from birds relocated to the area by the charity Restoring Upland Nature (Run) as part of its South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, which began in 2018. Beaky Junior's mother, also named Beaky, was one of the first chicks relocated to the region.

The southern Scotland golden eagle population has recovered dramatically to more than 50 individual birds, the highest number recorded in three centuries. Five golden eagle chicks have fledged successfully in the region this year, of which Beaky Junior is one. Run chief executive Dr Cat Barlow described the fledging as reflecting 'incredible support' from landowners and gamekeepers, emphasising that their involvement has been 'absolutely vital' to the population's restoration to record numbers.

The significance of Beaky Junior's fledging lies in where it occurred. An RSPB report revealed that two-thirds of UK persecution incidents involving birds of prey had taken place at managed grouse moors, yet this chick's successful fledging from such a site demonstrates improved cooperation between the conservation project and the land management community.

How it is being reported

• ‘Significant milestone’ as golden eagle chick fledges from grouse moorBeaky Junior is one of five golden eagles successfully fledged in southern Scotland this year.Evening Standard · 30 Oct, 09:11
• What makes this golden eagle chick so important?The bird's arrival on a managed grouse moor in southern Scotland is seen as a key moment for the species.BBC Science · 29 Oct, 23:00

In this story: Beaky Junior · Restoring Upland Nature · Moffat Hills · southern Scotland · Dr Cat Barlow · RSPB

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