How can I tell the difference between a golden eagle and a buzzard?

Golden eagles are much bigger with a wingspan of 180-234 cm versus a buzzard's 110-130 cm. Eagles have longer, broader wings, a distinctly long tail (about as long as the wing is broad), and hold their wings in a shallow V or flat when soaring, whilst buzzards have rounded wings, a stubby tail, and a more pronounced V shape.

Where in the UK am I most likely to see a golden eagle?

Scotland is your best bet, with 500-560 breeding pairs concentrated in the western Highlands and Cairngorms. The Isle of Mull is particularly reliable—you'd be unlucky not to see one over a few days, especially along the B8035 near Loch na Keal.

What's the best time of year to spot golden eagles?

Late February to early April is excellent because eagles are performing courtship displays and being conspicuous. August to October is also productive when newly fledged juveniles are learning to fly and tend to be clumsy and more visible.

Winging It

How to Tell If That Large Bird Is Actually an Eagle

The silhouette overhead is wrong somehow. Here's what you're actually looking at, where to find golden eagles in Britain, and why it's worth getting the identification right.

28 October 20268 min read