A pair of white-tailed eagles has successfully nested for the first time in Drenthe. These huge birds of prey have a nest in a forest near Veenhuizen. A young hatched from the egg around 10 May.
White-tailed eagles have been seen before in Drenthe, but they had never come to breeding. “We now have a young sea eagle in Drenthe, which is great!”, says forest ranger Corné Joziasse of Staatsbosbeheer in the Kop van Drenthe. Joziasse indicates that the forests near Veenhuizen have been visited by white-tailed eagles for a number of years, sometimes a single one, sometimes a pair. He keeps a secret where exactly a nest is.
It is an imposing bird with a wingspan of over two meters. It’s not called “the flying door” for nothing. Even if it is a large appearance, the bald eagle is sensitive to disturbance. “The white-tailed eagle needs rest to raise the young. We want to prevent disturbance and unrest. We are so happy with the first breeding pair, let’s handle it very carefully,” said the forester. In order to disturb the animals as little as possible, it has even been decided not to ring the young.
“They have selected an area that has already been closed off, they were able to find a tall tree there and built a nest there. It is a wonderful compliment for this nature reserve. It once again appears that closed areas are attractive, even necessary for animals.”
Even though the nest is a large structure, according to Joziasse it is hardly visible. “Only with telescopes, and even then it is difficult to find. Besides, it is closed, you can’t go there.” Anyone who tries anyway risks a fine, extra security has been set up to protect the birds as best as possible. Staatsbosbeheer and Natuurmonumenten jointly ensure that the nest is not disturbed and that the young are expected to fledge safely at the end of July.
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