One of the many things to see whilst walking the Thames Path is the variety of wildlife, especially birds. There are many beautiful birds along the path: kingfishers, woodpeckers, herons, jays among them. Not to mention a large variety of ducks and geese.
However, the last bird you would expect to see in rural Oxfordshire is a sea eagle!
According to a report on the BBC, six white-tailed eagles were released on the Isle of White recently as part of a reintroduction program, 240 years after they were last seen in the United Kingdom. One of these birds has flown a little too far and is believed to associate itself with the Red Kites that are so common in Oxfordshire.
White-tailed Sea Eagles are found throughout Eurasia from Greenland to Japan. Due to human impact, they have become extinct or endangered in many countries. With a wingspan of between 1.8m and 2.5m, it is considered to be the fourth largest eagle.
The Red Kite is smaller with a wingspan of around 1.8m and a distinctive fork tail. You can be certain of spotting a Red Kite whilst walking the Thames Path as they are very populous. Until very recently they were extinct in England. They were reintroduced from a pair in Wales and now, some would argue, they have become a menace: scavenging on rubbish sites in large numbers.
They are a magnificent bird to watch. The chances of seeing the Eagle whilst walking the Thames Path are somewhat less. But keep your eyes peeled!
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