A young bald eagle has taken its first flight in California, a moment celebrated by conservationists on both sides of the Atlantic. The UK's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) issued a statement praising the success of the recovery programme. 'This is a testament to decades of tireless work,' a spokesperson said.
The fledgling, named 'Liberty' by local rangers, soared over the Sierra Nevada foothills for the first time on Tuesday. Wildlife trusts in Britain have been watching closely. There is a quiet hope here that similar efforts could one day see the white-tailed eagle, the UK's largest bird of prey, thrive in southern England.
But that is a political minefield. Farmers are wary. The government is cautious.
For now, the focus is on the California chick. A small victory in a long game.
