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Rescued sea eagle thriving on Rum, says wildlife charity A rare white-tailed eagle saved from the rising tide on Mull’s coast is thriving on Rum months after being rescued. In a joint effort by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scotland the bird, also known as a sea eagle, has been treated and rehabilitated at its National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Alloa. Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted to the bird after he was found dazed and struggling to fly in October last year by a member of the public, Jamie Ramsay, and then rescued by Dave Sexton, RSPB Scotland’s Mull Officer. Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre assistant manager April Sorley
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explained: ‘White-tailed sea eagles are one of the rarer species that come to our centre and always cause a bit of excitement. He came
into our care on October 17 and was immediately checked over by our veterinary team. ‘He was underweight so we weighed him regularly to check his progress and gave him the time he need-
ed to regain his strength for life in the wild. ‘He was ringed and released on November 6 back at Treshnish Farm, where he was originally found, with the help of islanders. ‘Knowing a wild animal is doing well after being in our care is the most rewarding aspect of our work at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre.’ When the eagle was found, Mr Ramsay called the RSPB for assistance. He said: ‘I am so pleased to see the white-tailed sea eagle I found on Mull has been spotted alive and well on the Isle of Rum. ‘I stumbled across the eagle while on a walk and immediately noticed something was wrong. ‘The bird managed to take to the air but something told me to check he had flown safely to a rocky outcrop. I
| SPRING/SUMMER 2022
Mull & Iona Life issue 45.indd 4
20/04/2022 09:15:39
