The Scotsman

Sea eagle badly hurt in wind turbine collision

- By SARAH WARD

A rescued sea eagle was badly injured by a wind turbine – and was being “eaten alive” by midges.

The injured bird, pictured below, was found on the Isle of Lewis, where it had been born 11 years ago.

The bird of prey – also known as the white-tailed eagle – is the largest species in the UK and was reintroduc­ed in Scotland as part of a breeding programme.

Rescuers found the bird near a wind turbine on the island on 10 August. It is now recovering and will be released back into the wild when it is well. Scottish SPCA auxiliary inspector Maggie Adkins said: “It was clear the eagle had a serious head injury and it was also being eaten alive by midges.

“It was found in a remote part of the island close to a large wind turbine so this is likely to have been the cause of its injuries. Thankfully no breakages were found.”

RSPB representa­tive Robin Reid said: “We know the species is susceptibl­e to collisions with wind turbines and we are concerned about the impact of further proposed wind farms.”

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