Eagles earn their wings but threats remain

Two more golden eagle chicks have fledged in Donegal, but the poisoning of birds of prey continues to be a serious problem and undermines reintroduction projects in Ireland.

Separately, two white-tailed sea eagle chicks also fledged recently and flew from their nest near Mountshannon, Co Clare, but both eagle projects remain vulnerable and their success still hangs in the balance, according to the Golden Eagle Trust.

For instance, up to 50% of the 61 golden eagles released into the wilds of Donegal have been either poisoned or persecuted, such as being shot at.