While conducting monitoring of lesser spotted eagles in one of six sample areas in Latvia, in the vicinity of Murmastiene, Uģis Bergmanis, a senior environmental expert and ornithologist at JSC “Latvijas valsts meži” (LVM), has observed a particularly rare occurrence – two young eagles in a single nest.

Research in the “Murmastiene” sample area began 40 years ago, and this is only the ninth instance in this specific territory of two practically mature young eagles appearing in one nest.

“We observe two mature eagles in one nest so rarely because the species has a characteristic nesting trait – siblicide. This means that from the two eggs usually laid, two chicks hatch, and the older one kills the younger. Only in less than 2% of all successful nesting cases do two young birds reach maturity in the nests,” explains Uģis Bergmanis.

LVM continuously carries out monitoring of seven protected bird species. The nesting success of the lesser spotted eagle is studied in six territories, and data compiled last year indicates that the lesser spotted eagle population remains stable in the long and medium term. Anyone interested can also follow the daily life of lesser spotted eagles via live streams from five lesser spotted eagle nests provided by LVM.