Twitching to see eagles and egg
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.NICOLE VEASH
England's only breeding golden eagles have laid another egg in the Lake District eyrie they have inhabited for more than 25 years.
Hundreds of `twitchers' have arrived to catch a glimpse of the pair whose nest on a craggy ridge in the Riggindale Valley is guarded night and day by a warden from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Bird watchers will be keeping a close eye on the nest after the disappointment of the last four years, when none of the eggs laid was hatched.
Although the eagles have reared more than 15 young since 1969, they have all disappeared.
"We know birds of prey are still being persecuted and the 15 young that have been born over the years may have been killed," the warden said.
Although there are still a few hundred golden eagles in Scotland, there have been no colonies in England or Wales for centuries. The RSPB does not expect the pair to colonise.
"It is obvious that there is something about the north of England which they don't like. They really like peace and quiet and there are always plenty of people wandering around here. I just don't know why they keep coming back to nest."
Visitors who come to watch the birds are taken to a hidden hillside view point, to lessen disturbance to the eagles.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments