Dozens of golden eagle eggs and
other rare bird nests may have been destroyed in Highland
wildfires, experts warned.
RSPB Scotland said it was
seriously concerned about the impact on the species, which nests in open
moorland.
There have been almost 200
wildfires in the Highlands over the past week,
with fire crews still battling a large blaze in Wester Ross.
There are also concerns for
thousands of migrant birds that are due to nest in the area in the next few
weeks.
“The loss of one nest is serious.
The loss of double figures will potentially have a huge impact”
James Reynolds, RSPB.
There are thought to be about 400
golden eagles in Scotland ,
mainly in the Highlands .
James Reynolds, of the RSPB, said
the loss of nests could have a devastating impact on the population.
"It is absolutely certain
that we will have lost a number of golden eagle nests," he said. "How
many we don't know, but for a population that small, even the loss of one nest
is serious.
"The loss of double figures
will potentially have a huge impact.
"Numbers are already very
low, this will just hold them back further."
The RSPB has sent experts to the Highlands to try to assess the extent of the damage.
Mr Reynolds added that
white-tailed eagle eggs may also be at risk, as well as those of migrant birds
such as short-eared owls, dotterel, golden plover and wheatears, which are due
to nest from mid April.
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