Golden eagle died after 'territorial combat' with another bird

A conservation charity has said that a golden eagle found fatally injured by gamekeepers in the Borders died as a result of "territorial combat" with another bird.

The incident happened on an estate in the region on 1 April this year.

Restoring Upland Nature (Run) - the new home of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project - said gamekeepers had done what they could to care for the eagle, named Percy, and had contacted them immediately.

However, the bird could not be saved and an investigation carried out by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) has concluded he died after being attacked by another golden eagle.

The four-year-old eagle was named Percy by the Duke of Northumberland and released as part of pioneering efforts to boost golden eagle numbers in southern Scotland.

Satellite tag data showed he had flown close to an active eagle nest on the morning of 28 March.

It then appears he was chased before landing, fatally-injured, on a nearby estate.

Recognising the severity of his injuries, gamekeepers did what they could to help the bird and contacted Run for advice.

However, he could not be saved and his body was taken to SRUC's Bush Campus where it was found he died from "penetrating trauma, including fracture of the skull, typical of an eagle attack."

Run's chief executive Dr Cat Barlow said: "We're very sad to confirm Percy's death.

"In natural golden eagle populations, territorial breeding eagles will attack and kill intruding sub-adults.

"This is what evidently happened here."

She said the charity was grateful to SRUC and the gamekeepers who "did what they could" for the bird.

"We immediately responded to the alert, but on this occasion Percy's injuries were severe, and he died before we arrived," she said.

"This highlights how much gamekeepers engaged in our work care about these majestic birds, and their vital role in supporting the recovery of golden eagles to once again soar in southern skies."

Ross Ewing, director of moorland and strategic projects with landowner group Scottish Land and Estates, said it was "very proud of the swift and responsible actions of gamekeepers".

"It is incredibly sad that on this occasion it was not possible to save Percy, but the response exemplifies their commitment to proactive moorland management and preserving vital habitats for local wildlife, including golden eagles," he said.

Mark Ewart, regional co-ordinator of the Southern Uplands Moorland Group, added that it was "rewarding" to know the sector played a "key role" in supporting golden eagles.

"We remain committed to preserving Scotland's landscape and important moorland habitats for generations to come," he said.