A white-tailed sea eagle, which astounded wildlife experts by surviving with a broken wing, has been observed flying over Scotland's west coast. The bird, affectionately nicknamed "Kinky" due to the distinctive bend in its injured wing, was spotted near Loch Spelve on the Isle of Mull.
This sighting indicates the eagle has successfully navigated its first winter alone, a significant achievement given its injury. The bird's survival is attributed, in part, to the prolonged care provided by its parents. In an unusual display of extended parental devotion, the adult sea eagles reportedly skipped a breeding season to continue looking after their offspring. This prolonged care period is thought to have been crucial in the young eagle's recovery and its ability to survive its first winter independently.
The remarkable resilience of the sea eagle has captured attention, highlighting the dedication of its parents and the bird's own will to survive. White-tailed sea eagles are the UK's largest birds of prey, and their recovery as a species in recent decades has been a significant conservation success story.