A Saga of Sea Eagles

The first book John wrote on this subject The Return of the Sea Eagle ended on a note of optimism in 1983. This new title brings up to date a real conservation success story, being a personal account of the reintroduction of the White-tailed (Sea) Eagle to Britain since the first tentative steps were taken 3½ decades ago on the island of Rum.

It is not just a scientific report of the project. There are chapters of both fact and fiction, including descriptions of how eagles in general, and Sea Eagles in particular, have featured large in human culture, in heraldry, folklore, trademarks (Eagle Star insurance), and sport (Blackpool Sea Eagles) to give but a few examples. Further chapters record the history of the bird’s sad decline at the hands of humans and the joy of its return through the dedicated efforts of other humans. Other sections are full of information which is interesting and easy to read, such as the ‘food and feeding’ one describing instances of eagles ‘rowing’ or ‘swimming’ on the surface of the water using their wings, and of some having perished in the pursuit of an over-large and obviously far too tempting fish.

The reintroduction process is related in careful detail, describing the considerations which needed to be taken into account, and the outcome – including the responses of the public – both positive and negative. All of which results in a well-reasoned and balanced account.

Illustrated with an impressive number of colour photographs, it is written with humour and feeling and ends, as did the first book, on a positive note: All the efforts have been worthwhile.The future looks bright for the Sea Eagle. 

Book reviewed by Carole Showell