The white-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, are the largest UK bird of prey with a wing-span just under 2.5 metres. They can be spotted in a number of locations across the UK, where they are either resident or are favourite locations for them to hunt. Most of the breeding population is on the west coast of Scotland, but a reintroduction programme in the Isle of Wight means that they are possible to spot in south and east England too. Here’s some top spots to see them.
White-tailed eagles in the Isle of Wight
In the last few years eagles have been re-introduced to the Isle of Wight with plans for up to sixty in the coming years. They can be spotted all over the island but, with a favourite diet of fish and water birds, they are often seen hunting over the Solent and surrounding estuaries and the woods and cliffs of the island are quiet areas for them to rest. We love looking out for them in the Newtown National Nature Reserve on the north-west coast of the island.
In February 2023 one of the young birds returned to the Isle of Wight after spending 2 years ‘on the road’ exploring several European countries as far as Sweden. Updates on the latest movements of the eagles can be found here – more information about visiting the Isle of Wight can be found here
White-tailed eagles in Isle of Skye
Sea eagles can be spotted all over the Isle of Skye. They are frequently spotted on the various wildlife boat trips from Portree, Carbost Pier and Elgol. They also put on a fairly consistent show from the design of the Old Inn, Carbost where you can peer across Loch Harport and spot them in the crags on the opposite side – check out our tips for visiting the isle of Skye here.
White-tailed eagles in Isle of Mull
Mull is known as ‘eagle island’ for good reason as it is home to good populations the white-tailed eagle and golden eagle. You can spot them on wildlife boat trips from Ulva Ferry Pier. From land you can spot them in most sea lochs, especially around Loch na Keal on the western coast of the island. We have also reliably spotted them around Castle Duart, south of Craignure.
White-tailed eagles in Islay
Islay’s sea eagles were the ones filmed in David Attenborough’s BBC Wild Isle series as they hunted geese in Loch Gruinart. The RSPB lead guided walks to this loch to see the eagles and plenty more and to The Oa see corncrakes and hen harriers.
White-tailed eagles Isle of Rum
The Isle of Rum was the initial site for the re-introduction of white-tailed eagles to Scotland and, as a result, they are regularly spotted around the island’s coast and inland – as are golden eagles.
Other islands to spot amazing wildlife:
Isle of Mull
Check out our books
Find more blue space walks
Find an island adventure
Be the first to know about the latest adventures in wild blue space
