The Scottish SPCA had to step in to nurse a sea eagle which had been released into the wild only weeks ago as part of a programme to reintroduce the birds in Scotland.
Now, after some TLC at the charity’s specialist wildlife rescue centre near Dunfermline, the young female bird has once again flown the coop.
It is the first time that the charity has rescued, rehabilitated and released a sea eagle.
The young bird was found struggling to survive on the west coast.
The white-tailed sea eagle was one of 19 youngsters released in Fife a few weeks earlier as part of the east Scotland re-introduction programme organised by RSPB Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Since 2007 the project has released 63 of the birds back into skies above the east coast of Scotland.
The latest batch of 19 were released from a secret location in Fife in August having arrived from Norway last June.
But it appears one had soaring ambitions, which could have had tragic consequences.
For Yellow 3 named for her identification tag decided to leave for the west coast. She then had to be rescued from Ardnamurchan by SSPCA Oban senior inspector John McAvoy last month.
After being spotted by a dog walker, Mr McAvoy found the youngster soaked and unable to fly.
She was also lean and in desperate need of feeding.
He fed and cared for the bird overnight before taking her to the SSPCA’s centre at Middlebank in Fife.Yellow 3 “naive”Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “Thankfully she had no physical injuries.
“She was simply naive and got caught up in bad weather so all she needed was resting and feeding up.”
He added, “After recuperating in our care we released her last Thursday at a secret location.”
To help the young bird on her way food is being left out for her at the point of her release.
Mr Seddon said the rescue mission was a team effort including Mr McAvoy, the RSPB Scotland and staff at the wildlife centre.
He said, “We’re all delighted to have been able to help this stunning bird, which has suffered much persecution over the years despite its protected status.”
RSPB Scotland Sea Eagle Project officer Claire Smith said, “Our young released eagles all behave differently each year and while the majority of birds are in Fife and Perthshire this young female flew over 100 miles in a couple of days so it’s no wonder she was tired.
“We are grateful to the Scottish SPCA for helping to rehabilitate this young eagle-at the early stages of a re-introduction every bird counts.”
Since the bird’s release she has been monitored by her radio tag and has been checked on daily.
Ms Smith said, “She’s in really good condition and flying well.
“It will be interesting to see where she ends up next.”
To report an injured or distressed animal call the SSPCA on 03000 999 999.