Golden eagle has appeared near Skwierzyna in Lubuskie - a very rare visitor in this part of the country. A few days ago it was photographed by ornithologist Michał Bielewicz from the Regional Directorate of Environmental Protection in Gorzów Wielkopolski.
"Young eagle patrolled the forests and glades near Skwierzyna. It was clear it was looking for food. It is possible that the bird will settle in the area for a longer period, if its search proves successful. Over the years, a representative of the species has been observed in Lubuskie only a few times" - told PAP Bielewicz, whose passion is research on the biology of birds of prey.
In Poland, golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a species breeding in extremely small numbers. The number of breeding pairs is estimated at only 30-35. More than 90 percent Polish population of this eagle nests in the south of the country, in the Carpathians. It can be found mainly in the Bieszczady Mountains, Pieniny, Gorce and Low Beskid, Beskid Sądecki, Żywiec Beskid and the Tatra Mountains.
In contrast, in Eastern Poland non-breeding birds are seen on a regular basis, including in the Bialowieża Forest, Augustów Forest, Napiwodzko-Ramucka Forest, Pisz Forest and Knyszy Forest. Sightings in other parts of the country are rare.
According to Bielewicz golden eagles are much less likely to venture into the western territories of our country.
"A face to face meeting with this species is all the more an unforgettable experience and certainly remains deep in the memory of anyone who had the opportunity to admire this magnificent predator" - added Bielewicz.
The golden eagle is the largest representative of the eagles of the genus Aquila. Its wingspan is 190-225 cm, body length 80-93 cm and weight 2.8 to 6.7 kg. Females are bigger than males.
This powerful bird has a distinctive silhouette with long wings and the longest tail among eagles. In flight, it circles in wind tunnels keeping the wings lifted up.
This bird has a distinctive coloration in adolescence and adulthood. In all appearances, however, there is a large reddish patch on the back of the head and neck. Ailerons and flight feathers are generally dark brown, only in young birds with some white.
In Poland and the European Union the golden eagle is a strictly protected species, and additionally in some countries including Poland special protection zones are set around its socket nests.
PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland
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