One particular Lesser Spotted Eagle has captured the hearts of Slovaks with his epic travels around the world, and now to the delight of hundreds of bird-watchers across the country who were watching his progress live via the Internet, he has returned home to Slovakia.
When returning home on Tuesday however he encountered resistance, having to fight off two other eagles which had chosen the same tree for their nesting place. Onlookers following his journey via the internet watched the trio battle it out in the northern Slovak region of Liptov. “We saw him arrive from the east, and as soon as he’d slowed down near the side of a tree, two eagles attacked him and forced him to the ground. He didn’t even have a break”, explained spokesperson for the Tatra National Park, Pavol Majko. “It was a tough battle which forced him to the ground for about ten minutes. It’s hard to say whether it was Arnold’s partner, which in the meantime has found another mate as Arnold was late, or it was another couple who wanted to occupy the space”. Arnold was captured by Tatra National Park conservationists in August of 2013 whereby a tracker was attached to his back to monitor his movement. Originally departing from Slovakia on September 19, he gradually flew through Europe and Asia until wintering in South Africa, which he resided in for a month. At this moment it remains uncertain whether Arnold’s partner, which had raised chicks with him, has moved on to find another eagle, or if it was another eagle defending the area. For those interested to watch Arnold’s nest live via the Internet, you can do so through this link: https://spravatanap.sk/web/index.php/2-uncategorised/208-ziva-kamera-tanap-4
