[stevoman]

Originally Posted by mellickricky

Pitty TC,

Im in Laois and some time early this summer these two big ass Birds start appearing around over farm and woodland more so than the bog it would seem. I did a bit of research and the only thing I could figure it was, was a Red Kite...ive heard guys from gun clubs say its an osprey and a few other things....I know where they nest and how they behave kinda but still cant be sure....can you shed any light...anybody....they soar high like their riding the thermals and then cruise up there for ages...only have seen them togeather near where I think they nest.

i guess you live near garyhinch????? (im a laois man myself) think i may have been watching the same pair.

[mellickricky]

Originally Posted by stevoman

i guess you live near garyhinch????? (im a laois man myself) think i may have been watching the same pair.

Really that's cool. So what do you think they are?

[ThunderCat]

Originally Posted by alb

OP here, thanks everyone for the info, young Golden Eagle seems to be the verdict

In case anyone is interested I've added a complete set of my birds of prey photos . These were taken in the Irish Raptor Centre in Sligo in August.

Awesome Photos. I never even knew there was an Irish Raptor Centre. Just after finding their website and I will certainly pay a visit there soon. It would be amazing to see such wonderful birds up close. I think the Bald Eagle photo looks the best but id be very interested to see the Golden Eagle up close now we have a few of them back in the mountains of Kerry and Donegal.

[E39MSport]

Is that the same place as http://www.eaglesflying.com/ ?

I was there last year and it was excellent.

[ThunderCat]

Originally Posted by E39MSport

Is that the same place as http://www.eaglesflying.com/ ?

I was there last year and it was excellent.

Thats the one. Im really looking forward to paying them a visit. Glad you enjoyed it.

[ThunderCat]

Went there yesterday and it was absolutly fantastic. Couldnt recommend it highly enough. It was great to see all these birds of prey up close and it suprised me just how big some of them were. The flying demonstration they did with the birds was amazing.
Here are a few pics I took.

[Srameen]

I don't want to be a kiljoy but could these pictures be posted under the sticky "some pictures I took recently" and keep this thread clear for queries on bird identification? Sorry!