To celebrate the beginning of spring in the Gaelic calendar, ornithologist Seán Ronayne is across the schedule on RTÉ lyric fm with a new series to discuss the distinct bird songs, melodies and calls that we have today in Ireland. Listen to Sean get giddy about the golden eagle above...
Just a few short centuries ago, golden eagle was a widespread wanderer of wild places throughout Ireland. In the past, they were seen as symbols of wisdom and power by our druidic ancestors.
Sadly, eagles were eventually completely wiped out at the hands of humans on this island, mainly due to shooting and intentional poisoning, with the last birds finally giving up the ghost in the early 1900s.Around 20 years ago, the species was reintroduced to Donegal, where once again they breed and cast an impressive shadow over the rugged landscape below. The wise and powerful winged giants are back.
Listen to more from Bird Songs with Seán Ronayne here
