Two of UK’s biggest birds of prey spotted in the New Forest

The white-tailed eagle, also known as the sea eagle, is the UK’s largest bird of prey, with a wingspan that can reach up to 2.5 metres.

These pictures were snapped by Daily Echo Camera Club member, Julie Lorraine, while she was out near Milford-on-Sea.

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Adults are distinguished by their pale head, powerful yellow beak and distinctive wedge-shaped white tail, while juveniles are darker in colour and take several years to develop full adult plumage.

Once widespread across southern England, the species became extinct in the UK in the early 20th century due to persecution and habitat loss. In recent years, reintroduction programmes have helped re-establish populations, particularly along the south coast.

White-tailed eagles typically feed on fish, waterbirds and carrion, and are often seen near coastlines, estuaries and large bodies of water.