Did I see a Golden Eagle ?

Hillwalker · #1 (**permalink**) 18-04-2006, 09:55 AM

I was walking in the Lake District yesterday (monday April 17th) and saw a bird that I believe might have been a Golden Eagle. I'm not much of a bird watcher, so I was wondering if anyone could confirm or deny my suspicions ?

I know there are supposed eagles in the Haweswater area (I've been there, and heard but not seen them). However, I was not in that area at all. Without giving the location away too much, I was west of Windermere, quite low level, in an area of open forest and heath. There was a small marshy tarn in this location, and most interestingly, a very new looking, purpose built hide (which was locked closed), and what appeared to be man made perches dotted around the area. This was slightly off the beaten track, screened (but not hidden) from the right of way by trees.

We stopped in this location for lunch, and within moments noticed a large dark brown bird of prey at the far end of the tarn. It appeared to have a strip of lighter coloured feathers running along the underside of it's wings. It's behaviour was to perch for a few moments, then circle around, before perching somewhere else. At one point it landed on the ground briefly. I am not entirely sure, but there might have been 2 birds.

Looking at the identification guides, it seems that it was either a buzzard or a golden eagle. I'm confused though - it didn't appear to behave like a buzzard (we saw a group of 6 the previous day): at no point did it ride the thermals like a buzzard, nor did it call (buzzards seem much more vocal); and why all the 'fuss' (hide, perches, etc) for buzzards ? But the only documented reference I see for golden eagles in England are for Haweswater, and we definitely weren't there !

So, could it have been a golden eagle ? Is this another nesting pair ?

Alan · #2 (**permalink**) 18-04-2006, 10:20 AM

What sort of size was it? If your not sure whether it was a Golden Eagle or a Buzzard (tourist's eagle!), then the chances are it was a buzzard - Eagles are like flying doors!. You also mentioned that it flew around and landed on the ground quite a bit. Again, probably a buzzard - a large part of there diet is worms! An eagle, would probably only land if there was a carcass or similar on ground. Hope this helps.

Bye the way, welcome to the forum.

Hillwalker · #3 (**permalink**) 18-04-2006, 12:25 PM

I have seen Golden Eagles in Canada at very close range, and they appeared surprisingly small - I suppose it's all about context. Anyway, it was very difficult to judge the size of the one I saw yesterday - we were about 1/4 of a mile away. It was at least buzzard sized, and maybe as large as a GE.

I'm erring towards saying it was a buzzard - maybe the hide was set up to observe water birds, and it's just coincidence that there was a raptor there at the time....

Polecat · #4 (**permalink**) 18-04-2006, 01:29 PM

As the information is freely availible on the web of the Golden Eagles which nest to the eastern side of the M6 from the lake district, it should give you some possability that you saw one!

SteveA · #5 (**permalink**) 18-04-2006, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polecat

As the information is freely availible on the web of the Golden Eagles which nest to the eastern side of the M6 from the lake district, it should give you some possability that you saw one!

The single Golden Eagle left at the Haweswater site where the RSPB viewing station is, rarely leaves the valley.

Given that he is outnumbered probably 100 or more to 1 by Common Buzzards in Cumbria, I think that it is highly unlikely that it was him.

Polecat · #6 (**permalink**) 18-04-2006, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveA

The single Golden Eagle left at the Haweswater site where the RSPB viewing station is, rarely leaves the valley.

Hi Steven, I wasn't meaning the Single Haweswater Bird, but the eagles that are some miles to the East of the M6.

SteveA · #7 (**permalink**) 18-04-2006, 04:01 PM

If those birds are paired and on eggs, there's even less likelihood that one of them would "pop over to Cumbria".

I know GE's are meant to be wide-ranging - but the male's highly unlikely to be that far away from his mate at this point in the breeding season.

Polecat · #8 (**permalink**) 18-04-2006, 06:48 PM

From the birds I've observed there I would tend to agree Steve. there were 4 birds there 10 years ago, so there is every possability theres a few more by now, some of which may be finding new territory?

gingerflash · #9 (**permalink**) 24-04-2006, 11:14 AM

I was mounatin biking in the same area on Friday 14th April and saw a similar (probably the same) bird. It was much bigger than a common buzzard and we saw it attacking crows, which I would have thought would be beyond a buzzard. I got a few photos and the markings certainly seem to be those of a golden eagle. Might the Haweswater male have moved south?