EFFORTS to reintroduce the golden eagle into the mountains of Co Donegal have received a major boost with news that two native-born chicks have fledged.
The two chicks, which were discovered in the Glenveagh National Park area, have increased the number of birds in the area to 20.
The plan to re-breed the majestic bird of prey back into Donegal was launched with the introduction of 61 Golden Eagles.
However, the project suffered a number of setbacks when birds were found poisoned.
It is estimated that as many as half of the birds released could have been poisoned or persecuted while others failed to remain in the area.
Project coordinator, Lorcan O'Toole said the parents fed the chick on a diet of hare and the remains of one badger were also found. The second chick has enjoyed a wider diet of hares, seabirds and rabbits.
"This year we were very surprised to find the long legs and skeleton of a freshly eaten well grown Grey Heron chick in the eyrie (eagle nest). There were also feathers from a single grouse on the nest," he said.