The White-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla is the largest eagle in Europe, and Belgrade is one of the few large European cities that has a nest of this species almost in the center, on the “Veliko ratno ostrvo”. One pair has been a regular nesting bird at the VRO for years, and the Birds of Prey Protection Foundatrion continuously monitors them.
This year, within the Belgrade project “Belgrade Ring-Research Ornithological Center”, we planned to install a satellite transmitter on the cub of the White-tailed Eagle, which would be the first time in Serbia. The transmitter and all necessary permits are provided.
White-tailed Eagle cubs at VRO (Photo by Sasa Preradović)
Unfortunately, due to the introduction of the state of emergency, just in the period when we had to visit the nest again, organize the marking and installation of the transmitter, we were not able to do the whole action on time. When the state of emergency was lifted and there was a possibility of access to the nest, the cub had already outgrown the size that was appropriate for everything to be done safely for the bird. Although we came to the tree where the nest is, so as not to endanger the bird, we gave up this year’s action.
Still, the good news is that the nest is in a good place, the tree is strong, healthy. The parents have raised both cubs and they are embarking on their first flight these days. The transmitter has been secured, tested, and we have to wait until next year to continue our activities.