The Last Golden Eagle of England

Golden Eagle PaintingGolden Eagles in The Lake District UK

14 Sept

golden eagle painting for sale — The Golden Eagle

*In Acrylic Paints By Christina Jayne*

The golden eagle is a magnificent bird of prey… and I want to tell you the story about The Last Golden Eagle of England who died in 2016, and also, to reflect on my journey to creating my painting inspired by him… Lets start with a few facts about golden eagles first…

Golden Eagle Facts

The golden eagle has a wingspan of 2.2 meters, weighs: 3.7-5.3kg and has an average lifespan of 23 years, but they can live up to 40 years. golden eagles pair for life. They have large territories and they nest on rocky cliff faces and in large trees. They build giant nests called 'eyries'.

Golden Eagles in Cumbrian Folklore

The legend of The Eagle and Child goes back to the time of King Alfred. The story of Sir Thomas Lathom and his wife. Sir Thomas and his wife were blessed with a beautiful daughter. They named her Isabella, but Sir Thomas Lathom was greatly disappointed not to have a son and heir… Sir Thomas had a secret son, and so, he had a cunning plan! … He took his wife out walking one day… and they strangely stumbled across a baby boy… There he lay in the nest of a golden eagle, all dressed up in fine clothing… His wife was in disbelief. She believed the child to be a gift from heaven, brought by the eagle… and she took him in as her own. Just as Sir Thomas planned… and so the child was adopted as their heir and he was named Oskatell.

The Eagle and Child was then adopted as the family crest. It is said that when Sir Thomas was on his final days, laying on his death-bed, he suddenly had a change of heart… and he left all of his fortune to the beautiful Isabel instead!

Golden eagles have magnificent eye sight!

Here I’m painting the final reflections of the bright and deeply amber coloured eyes.

Golden Eagles in England

In England, long ago Golden Eagles were common here in the Lakelands. These huge birds of prey soared above the steep mountain tops hunting for rabbits, mountain hares, grouse and even sometimes foxes.

The Vikings brought farming to the Lakelands which began to affect the decline of the golden eagle population. Then, by the end of the 1700’s it is said that the last golden eagle was killed by farmers.

After an absence of almost 200 years, in 1969, a pair of golden eagles migrated here and made their home in the English mountains. Seen hunting above Haweswater, a remote and isolated lake. They became a popular tourist attraction, and an observation post was built close to their eyrie in Rigginsdale. From the viewpoint the eagles could be seen hunting, nest building and in a courting display known as a “sky dance”... But then sadly, due to natural causes the female died in 2004 and the male was now alone.

Golden eagles have a powerful beak.

Here I’m painting the fine details of the soft light and shadows created by the growth patterns and details of the beak.

The Lonely Sky Dancer

For the next 12 years the male lived on, alone. He was spotted still performing courtship displays. Dancing in the sky alone. He would rise high into the sky and then dive towards the earth at great speed before swooping back up again. Perhaps in a forlorn attempt to attract a new mate. Yet little did he know that there probably wasn’t another golden eagle any nearer than the Scottish Highlands… or perhaps he missed his life long mate.

He died at an old age in 2016.

Golden eagles have soft rich golden brown feathers.

Here I’m painting the final details of the short white fluffy fine feathers at the base of the beak. They merge with the rich golden brown feathers that cover the eagles body.

Golden Eagles Today

Today conservationists are attempting to reintroduce golden eagle to the south of the Scottish borders. Before golden eagle pair for life they like to explore new territories. So it is quite possible some young chicks may venture south to The Lake District… The last I heard, some golden eagles had been spotted in Northumberland… So who knows… Any day soon we might have majestic golden eagles soaring above the Lakeland mountains once again!