Sea Eagles

[GeorgeBB]

The RSPB objected (successfully) to plans to introduce Sea Eagles (White Tailed Eagles) to the Suffolk coastline a few years back. Natural England then decided Norfolk would be a good place for them (just a couple of wing beats away.) But this idea too was shelved. Now NE want to go back to the Suffolk idea and the RSPB are all for it this time?!?

Anglian Water have backed out of the idea, all the people of East Anglia seem to be up in arms about the idea and I worry about the disturbance to all the rare coastal sea-bird colonies we have spent years protecting and improving.
I also note that NE have been quoted as saying:

"A sea eagle reintroduction project represents a major opportunity for Natural England to lead a high profile 'flagship species' project that will highlight the organisation at the forefront of a major biodiversity delivery initiative, delivering benefits to both people and nature. There is a small risk of conflict with both socio-economic and nature conservation interests, but these would be effectively managed by risk assessment and contingency planning, and will be greatly outweighed by the positive impacts of the project. A thoroughly planned and well executed public relations strategy will help to maximise the potential positive publicity and minimise adverse reactions."

Does this mean they are going to bull the idea through as a PR exercise?

[Jim Ford]

Hmm, if they get introduced into Suffolk, they'd better not stray into Norfolk, in particular Sandringham airspace - otherwise they'll end up as trophies for the 'Junior Royals'!

Jim

[Ukwildlifeo]

It wont go ahead - just look what happened the last two times. And when they look at how the eagles are doing in N. Ireland (they are getting killed) they will probably decide not too

[Feathers&Ferrets]

Hmm don't know why they can't seem to accept that these areas are just too overpopulated with too many potential problems to intriduce the eagles. Also what about the sea bird colonies, I know that eagles do not prey exclusively on sea birds but they will take a few.. hmm.... why can't they just concentrate on the more successful programs in Scotland and look at other areas similar to there. Did we ever have sea eagles in East Anglia and Suffolk??
Lib

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by Feathers&Ferrets

......... Did we ever have sea eagles in East Anglia and Suffolk??Lib

Yes we did - see here for more detailed information -
Natural England - Further information about white tailed eagles

Originally Posted by GeorgeBB

...... all the people of East Anglia seem to be up in arms about the idea.....

Sorry George but I think you might be exaggerating the extent of the opposition in saying this - there are in fact many people in East Anglia who are in favour of the scheme

Jeff

[fairplay]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Hmm, if they get introduced into Suffolk, they'd better not stray into Norfolk, in particular Sandringham airspace - otherwise they'll end up as trophies for the 'Junior Royals'!

Jim

Too true Jim, too true.

Actually living on the Suffolk Coast (too close to Sizewell), I still have mixed views. I'm not sure how important our sea bird populations are round here, there are a few small populations of Little Terns, but nowhere near the levels they have up at Gt Yarmouth a lot further up the coast, the main Gull colonies are on Orfordness and off shore in winter we have a lot of Red Throated Divers.
In Summer the Kittiwakes arrive at Lowestoft and the out-flow Rig for Sizewell A Power Station (presently being decommissioned) which is the furthest South they come to breed in the UK.

Overall, I see no serious risk to these birds as I think it is young Bitterns staff at the RSPB are or were most concerned about, but if the RSPB have come round to supporting the plan now then i guess the risk must be very small.

The last time I saw a Sea Eagle here, it seemed to be hunting rabbits, of which there are plenty (and also a vital free management tool for maintaining the heathlands here) but I'm certain a few pheasants were taken as well which is why the gamekeepers are not too keen.

We also have (unfortunately) quite a lot of out-door Pig rearing units round here (to meet public demands for better welfare) and there are valid concerns that the piglets may end up on the dinner plate of the Eagles.
I understand in Mull, sheep farmers who lost their lambs were able to claim compensation from Defra (or whoever) but if introduced in Suffolk, there are no such plans to compensate for any losses. Perhaps the system was open to abuse ?

As for claims that the Sea Eagle was never present in East Anglia, bone remains determined as from a Sea Eagle were found some years ago near Breckland on the Norfolk/Suffolk border during archaeological excavations.
The anti's are claiming the bones were not in good enough condition to be certain, but they never examined them, the experts did.

So I'm still 50/50 on this issue.

Neil.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Feathers&Ferrets

Did we ever have sea eagles in East Anglia and Suffolk??
Lib

I read somewhere that they were even on the Isle of Wight.

Jim

[fairplay]

The Suffolk Coasts & Heaths Project (they look after the AONB on the coast) have dropped their 'objections' to the re-introduction program, but the National Trust are still not happy (refusing to give their approval).

Also local farmers/landowners are not happy with Natural England, who drew up a report to show how the effect on wildlife would be and were going to make it available to the landowners to see, but N.E. are not letting anyone see the report.

Neither did N.E. arrange a meeting with landowners like they said they would, to discuss the issues.

This information obtained from today's East Anglian Daily Times.

Neil.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by Feathers&Ferrets

Hmm don't know why they can't seem to accept that these areas are just too overpopulated with too many potential problems to intriduce the eagles. Also what about the sea bird colonies, I know that eagles do not prey exclusively on sea birds but they will take a few.. hmm.... why can't they just concentrate on the more successful programs in Scotland and look at other areas similar to there. Did we ever have sea eagles in East Anglia and Suffolk??
Lib

Not sure the area is exactly a sea bird breeding hotspot

EDIT: just seen Fairplay has already made this point

[rogpow]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I read somewhere that they were even on the Isle of Wight.

Jim

Correct, Jim. In 1780 a pair raised 2 young.
Be nice to see them reintroduced here!

Roger