Golden eagle fledgling marks conservation milestone

Chick born from translocated parent bird marks key moment in charity-run project.

A golden eagle chick has become the first to fledge from the nest of a translocated parent bird, in a Scottish conservation charity project.

The eaglet has been named Princeling by renowned broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough.

The chick’s mother was introduced to the south of Scotland by the charity Restoring Upland Nature (RUN), formerly the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, a conservation project supported by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

The chick brings the number of golden eagles in southern Scotland to more than 50, the most seen in the region for three centuries. Some translocated eagles have also been observed exploring habitats in northern England, where there have been no resident golden eagles since 2016. 

The eaglet’s arrival demonstrates that translocated golden eagles can integrate successfully into local populations where ecosystems and humans allow, says the team behind the project.

Princeling, which hatched in spring from a nest near the town of Moffat, has been fitted with a satellite tag to ensure the project team can collect details on his range, survival, and health. 

His parents are a golden eagle female named Emma, translocated by the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project in 2021, and Keith, a locally fledged male golden eagle from Galloway.

Princelling perched on a tree by his nest
Princeling, the first golden eagle to fledge from a translocated parent bird

Conservation experts from the Dick Vet have worked closely with the charity throughout the project, providing veterinary support and participating in the project’s scientific advisory panel.

This project has involved partnership between conservationists and private landowners, as well as the Scottish Government, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

The name Princeling is intended to symbolise hope for the restoration of a previously diminished and declining population of golden eagles - a bird often referred to as the King of the Skies for its majestic presence and vital role as an apex predator.

It is very welcome news that Princeling has fledged, and this underscores the valuable work of all the team involved in successfully translocating golden eagles. This project will continue to be of great value for these birds and also for the lessons we can learn for future conservation work.

Dr Neil Anderson, Senior Lecturer and wildlife veterinarian, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

Many congratulations to all those in Restoring Upland Nature who have brought about the fledging of a young golden eagle.

Sir David Attenborough

Seeing Princeling thrive in the south of Scotland highlights that, where there are healthy ecosystems and a low risk of persecution, translocated eagles can integrate well into native populations to breed successfully. 

This brings renewed hope to our ambition to reverse biodiversity decline and ensure current and future generations across the UK.

Dr Cat Barlow, CEO of Restoring Upland Nature (RUN)

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