White-tailed Eagle, adult T-Shirt

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). Seven Stories of Hope and Success: 1. Since the 19th Century, this superb sky hunter was acknowledged as a consistent nesting resident in the Kingdom of Bulgaria. By 1930, due to more industrialisation, it was noted that the Eagle's population was decreasing. The catastrophe of World War II, including the September, 1944 invasion of Bulgaria by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, created greater turmoil to the people and their realm. The impact was equally tragic to wildlife. After the establishment of the Soviet/Stalinist oppressive Republic of Bulgaria, the welfare of the nation was precarious. In the 1970's, only 1 breeding pair of White-tailed Eagles remained. With the Revolutions of 1989, the fate of the Bulgarian nation changed, with a new government based on principles of democracy, an improved ideal for living and better conservation of the land. By 2005, 12 breeding pairs of these Eagles were living in the Republic of Bulgaria. By March, 2015, 23 pairs were counted. Through the dual cooperation of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds, and BirdLife Bulgaria, ** the fate of this species improves, day after day, in that country. 2. In the 1960's, a small, intrepid population of White-tailed Eagles had managed to survive in the provincial Republic of Croatia, in the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. After declaring independence on June 25, 1991, and finally achieving lasting peace on January 16, 1998, the Government of the Republic of Croatia was faced with a monumental task to reform the nation's destiny. Among many concerns was the conservation of wildlife. The State Institute for Nature Protection and the Croatian Society for Bird and Nature Protection made tremendous progress. As of 2010, an estimated 135 - 165 mated pairs of these Eagles were living in this country. Today, the outlook is brighter still. 3. The Kingdom of Denmark, 1912: After decades of persecution, the last White-tailed Eagle was shot, bringing this species to extinction in that country. In 1991, the Danish Ornithological Society inaugurated Project Eagle, to reestablish these magnificent raptors in the Kingdom. By 2010, 31 out of 37 mated pairs successfully produced eggs, and future generations. In January, 2018, White-tailed Eagles were officially declared as no longer endangered in Denmark. 4. Hungary: Between 20 - 21, February, 1987, The First Conference on White-tailed Eagle Protection was held at Somogy County Museum, in the Southwest city of Kaposvar. The Committee for the Protection of the White-tailed Eagle was created. An estimated 16 - 25 mated pairs were believed to nest in Hungary at that time. Years of dedicated conservation and measures of conservation were authorised by The Hungarian Government. In 2007, an official nationwide census revealed that Hungary was a valid homeland for 280 Eagles. Today, their good fortune goes on. 5. Iceland: On Saturday, 27 January, 2018, Porarinn Rafnsson, a farmer in North Iceland, discovered a large, wounded White-tailed Eagle, incapable of flight. The bird was struggling on his farmland, in the snow, adjacent to a fjord. This kind man chose to rescue the troubled bird. With caution, he removed his jacket, threw it over the Eagle and carried it home. There, his new guest was fed a diet of wild, freshly caught salmon and some lamb meat. The visitor was warm, safe, well fed. After contacting the local North Iceland Police Department, the good farmer was advised to bring the bird to Reykjavik, the capital city. There, professional staff at the Icelandic Institute of Natural History set to work, giving their distinguished ward the finest care. It was discovered that this survivor is a male, originally tagged with a dated information band, in 1993. Also, he was 25 years old- the first record of its kind. Until then, it was believed that these birds live to an age of 19, 20, 21 years. In all regards, he was a truly special patient. With extraordinary efforts from the Icelandic team, the bird made a full recovery. He was returned to where he was originally found, and set free to start a new adventure in life. 6. The Government of Republic of Moldova ** enacted positive measures to protect the nation's wildlife. After an absence of more than 40 years for any mated, breeding pairs of White-tailed Eagles in this country, an extensive survey was conducted in 2012 - 2013. Significantly, 4 occupied nests were discovered, and granted total protection. To some, this number may appear small. but 8 Eagles with future offspring are better than zero. Every step in the right direction leads to a better journey. 7. Kingdom of the Netherlands: In 2006, after centuries with no breeding White-tailed Eagles in the Kingdom, a single mated pair was discovered, successfully raising 1 chick. Since then, they have produced more offspring, and additional Eagles of this species are now constructing their nests in Holland. ** These are not typos. These are officially designated names. The illustration presents a young adult.