From Norway to Scotland, sea eagles have landed

(PA)

Fifteen sea eagles have been released from a secret location in Scotland. The birds of prey, which have a wingspan of 8ft, were introduced to the wild in Fife as part of a project that aims to re-establish the white-tailed sea eagle in eastern Scotland.

The eagles – known as "flying barn doors" because of their huge wings – were collected as chicks from nests in Norway and reared in specially constructed aviaries in Fife. They have been reared under the East Scotland Sea Eagles programme, a five-year partnership between RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland.

This is the second year that chicks have been collected from Norway and released into the wild in Scotland. Fifteen were released last year and travelled throughout the east of the country.

Claire Smith, of RSPB Scotland said: "From the time these chicks were brought over to Scotland in June, I've watched them grow up and now they're raring to go. I'm really excited to see where they go, and if they'll meet up with last year's birds."