Was it a golden eagle? - Lake District

[Vixen1982]

Well... Just got back with my Fiance and Doggy from a lovley 3 day break in the Lake District. Saw lotsa wildlife... Tawny Owls, Herons, Buzzards, Kestrels, a Hare, Garden Birds and a dead Badger haha! Classy! Pics laters...BUT one thing as i sit here at home in Blackpool is playing on my mind..The BIG BIG BIG bird that made my Fiance slam the brakes on and stare at in awe. We were somewhere beween Watermillock and Pooley Bridge on the A Road (Ullswater area) and this big bird arose from a field beside the road..very slowely it it took off due to the sheer weight of it not to mention the fact it was carrying its dinner ... A FOX!!!! I didnt have the sense about me or the wits to grab the camera at this time as i was just in awe. Your talking a bird that was about 6 times bigger than a crow, it basically looked "golden" from behind, had very large monterouse wings, and ill say it again it was carrying a fox...I never considered a golden eagle UNTIL we told a old local guy of our exeriance and he informed us that there was a breeding pair "just over the mountain" ??? Could this of been one of them? And if not then what? It was too big for a buzzard...

[Pete Collins]

If it was too big for a Buzzard (and you've obviously seen those before, and I can't imagine one of those carrying a fox), then it could well be a Golden Eagle. I believe there is now only one of them in the Lake District, but their nesting site was indeed 'just over the mountain' from where you saw your big bird.

[Vixen1982]

Oh i really really hope so! It all now seems such a blur I wish id have grabbed the camera! We drove up and down that road about 50 times within the past 2 days hoping to catch another glimpse Was pretty cut up about Mr Fox though xx

[ChrisJB]

A fortnight or so ago a white-tailed sea eagle paid a brief visit to the Lakes as well. It apparently popped in at Haweswater and was promptly driven off by the resident golden eagle.

Regards, Chris

[dave midi]

Wow! Eagles in the lake district. you learn something new everyday

Congrats on your sighting, Vixen1982.

[Tracey.A]

Originally Posted by Pete Collins

If it was too big for a Buzzard (and you've obviously seen those before, and I can't imagine one of those carrying a fox), then it could well be a Golden Eagle. I believe there is now only one of them in the Lake District, but their nesting site was indeed 'just over the mountain' from where you saw your big bird.

I've heard about a Golden eagle in those parts, but like Pete said, as far as I'm aware there is only one Golden eagle present. Really envy you! Seeing a Golden eagle carrying off a fox must have been amazing!!

Tracey

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Tracey.A

I've heard about a Golden eagle in those parts, but like Pete said, as far as I'm aware there is only one Golden eagle present. Really envy you! Seeing a Golden eagle carrying off a fox must have been amazing!!

Tracey

There used to be a pair, but you're right there is just the one now.

[mrbright]

i am so jealous, you will treasure that moment for the rest of your life, makes me want to head straight up there, lets hope its still around for a long time for others to experience that awesome bird.