White-tailed eagle returns to England

White-tailed eagles reintroduced on the Isle of Wight have been seen flying over gardens across England during the coronavirus lockdown.

Trackers worn by the eagles have shown they are exploring widely, making flights of more than 100 miles (160km).

One, known as G274, made a four-day 265 mile (427km) trip along south-west England before returning to the island.

Another - G393 - has flown to the Peak District via Suffolk after spending the winter in Oxfordshire.

The birds are four of six eagles released on the Isle of Wight in August as part of a five-year introduction programme by the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation.

The third eagle - G318 - is settled in the North York Moors and the fourth eagle - G324 - remains on the Isle of Wight.

In October one was found to have died and another remains missing.

A Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation spokesman said: "If you are fortunate to see a white-tailed eagle over your home or garden then please report it, but please do remember to stay at home at the present time."

Also known as sea eagles, they are the UK's largest bird of prey, with a wingspan of up to 8ft (2.5m) and feed feed mainly on fish and water birds.

The project will see at least six birds released annually but they are not expected to breed until 2024.

White-tailed eagles were once widespread across the UK, but were wiped out about a century ago.

The last known breeding pair in England were recorded at Culver Cliff on the Isle of Wight in 1780.