Broedende Zeearenden Haliaeetus albicilla in Nederland in 2019

In 2019, 14 breeding sites of White-tailed Eagles in wetlands, lake and river districts in The Netherlands were occupied. At least 12 pairs produced a clutch. Eleven pairs were successful, raising a total of 14 fledglings. The failed pair occupied a newly built nest that was destroyed during a storm in the early egg stage. Several other sites were occupied by newly settled summering, non-breeding pairs. The number of non-settled birds, mostly in juvenile and immature plumage, is still on the increase. Breeding sites were mainly located in large nature reserves with restricted human access but a few in woodlots in farmland in the vicinity of large wetlands. Of 28 breeding individuals, 11 birds were identified by means of their colour-ring codes. Ages ranged from 5-14 calendar-years, averaging 8-9 calendar years. Three birds originated from Germany, with an average natal dispersal of 314 km. Eight breeding birds were recruited from Dutch breeding sites and showed an average natal dispersal of 85 km.