I saw Eddie for the first time when news was released that a Golden Eagle was in Pontrhydygroes, Jan 2011. News quickly spread onto Bird Forum, where this was discussed at great length. And also confirmed that this bird had been around for some time, plus several other birds had been seen in and around Mid Wales since 2006.
It was assumed that the bird is an escape, as we have all assumed for sometime now all based on the evidence of the two visible rings - a narrow silver one and a purple looking one. Typical of captive birds.
Some very interesting points have been raised over the last few days regarding whether or not this bird is an escape or whether it is an genuine vagrant.
It was confirmed on the Bird Forum thread that it wasnt a Scottish ringed bird as the BTO use rings of that nature. I have emailed the Irish reintroduction scheme to ask of the type of rings they use. This is probably clutching at straws as there are no wing tags.
I still feel that this bird is of captive origin. The last piece of evidence that hampers confirmation of a captive bird is that no one has reported a lost bird. This could well be because the bird may have been taken into captivity illegally, either a stolen UK chick or illegally imported one.
The only way we will find out, is unfortunately when Eddie dies and the body can be located.
Despite my opinions, (and they are my opinions and I would love to be proved wrong) it is a magnificent bird to see and he (or she) is doing very well in this part of the world despite the possibilty or persecution.
Matt Potter
It was assumed that the bird is an escape, as we have all assumed for sometime now all based on the evidence of the two visible rings - a narrow silver one and a purple looking one. Typical of captive birds.
Some very interesting points have been raised over the last few days regarding whether or not this bird is an escape or whether it is an genuine vagrant.
It was confirmed on the Bird Forum thread that it wasnt a Scottish ringed bird as the BTO use rings of that nature. I have emailed the Irish reintroduction scheme to ask of the type of rings they use. This is probably clutching at straws as there are no wing tags.
I still feel that this bird is of captive origin. The last piece of evidence that hampers confirmation of a captive bird is that no one has reported a lost bird. This could well be because the bird may have been taken into captivity illegally, either a stolen UK chick or illegally imported one.
The only way we will find out, is unfortunately when Eddie dies and the body can be located.
Despite my opinions, (and they are my opinions and I would love to be proved wrong) it is a magnificent bird to see and he (or she) is doing very well in this part of the world despite the possibilty or persecution.
Matt Potter