I have enjoyed the current eagle debate, originating from the provenance of the golden eagle presently residing in the Cors Caron area. I have only failed to see the eagle on one occasion when visiting the area since it first appeared several years ago in the Pontrhydfendigaid area.
Interestingly I know of an escapee eagle that has on two occasions ended up in the Cymystwyth area before being recaught at a nearby chicken farm much to the relief of the owner of both farm and eagle. This brings me to the main point of my entering the discussion. I have visited Donegal where the Irish release has taken place, seeing 9 eagles in the air at the same time. Donegal is a wild county with a population of red deer, a small amount of grouse and some Irish hares, not to mention rabbits and crows.. The eagles were fed on deer carcases and infact due to this suplimentary feeding had a higher than normal survival rate. I have also been told that in some of the Scottish islands that suplimentary feeding also takes place to maintain a breeding population.
My feelings would be that the eagle at Cors Caron is of captive origin mainly due to its choice of fairly none typical eagle type habitat, it is obviously doing well lower down where as on higher ground there would be little for it to feed on, other than the obvious!!
So its presence should be enjoyed and talk of introductions of further eagles should be forgotten.
After all there are plenty of other conservation issues to be addressed in the Welsh uplands before eagle reintroductions should be considered.
I attach a painting of golden eagle in real eagle country. 'Eagle over slopes of Beinn Mac Duibh, Cairngorms'.
Alastair Proud [Wildlife Artist]
