A “death-defying” eagle has been spotted soaring over Scotland three years after breaking his wing in a horror fall from his nest.
The white-tailed eagle, nicknamed Kinky because of the distinctive kink in his injured wing, was feared unlikely to survive after plunging from his nest during bad weather in July 2023.
But the bird defied expectations and managed to fledge despite his injury.
In an extraordinary development the following year, Kinky was discovered at a new nest site where his parents were still feeding him.
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Experts said the continued parental care was behaviour that had never previously been observed in the species.
The remarkable bird was then spotted flying above the island of Eorsa in Loch na Keal on Mull in July 2025.
Now aged three, Kinky has once again been seen soaring over the Scottish island, this time above Loch Spelve.
Naturalist and television presenter Iolo Williams spotted the eagle last month while working as a wildlife guide for Nature Scotland Wildlife Tours.
Mr Williams said: “I’d heard the incredible story of Kinky’s survival against the odds in 2023 and his parents still caring for him over a year later.
“To now see him alive and well, aged three and approaching maturity, is an absolute joy.
“Kinky is a truly inspirational eagle.”
Kinky is not expected to reach sexual maturity and begin looking for a mate until he is around five years old.
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However, the eagle is already beginning to develop his adult plumage.
His tail is gradually changing from brown to the distinctive white that gives the species its name.
Experts have warned that Kinky could face another challenge as he approaches maturity, with the risk of clashes with other eagles increasing as he searches for a mate and territory.
RSPB ambassador Dave Sexton said: “I’m in awe of this bird.
“He had a death-defying start in life but things are about to get even tougher.
“As he nears maturity, looking for a mate and a territory of his own, he might clash with established pairs and that doesn’t always end well.
“But Kinky’s a born survivor; I’m keeping everything crossed for him.”
White-tailed eagles were driven to extinction in the UK during the early 20th century, with the last native bird shot in Shetland in 1918.
A reintroduction programme began in Scotland in 1975 and has since established a self-sustaining population.
Further projects have returned the species to England and Northern Ireland, with around 200 pairs now living across the UK.
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