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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:06 > 0:00:09- I'm searching - for rare creatures living in Wales.
0:00:13 > 0:00:18- Those that have made their home here - after a long absence.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- Those with unusual behaviours.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- And shy creatures - that only venture out at night.
0:00:29 > 0:00:30- Crikey!
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- I'm in the Tregaron area, - with the marsh below...
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- ..and the Elenydd mountains - in the distance.
0:00:51 > 0:00:56- I've heard that a golden eagle - has been spotted flying around.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- The golden eagle - is native to Scotland...
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- ..but has been living - in these parts for some years.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09- It's been hanging around - the lofty mountains...
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- ..occasionally - swooping down over the marsh.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- I've never seen - a golden eagle in Wales.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- I can't wait to witness it.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- The golden eagle has been absent - from Wales for many centuries.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- We don't know for certain...
0:01:30 > 0:01:35- ..but it apparently disappeared from - Snowdonia over three centuries ago.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41- It's very exciting to discover that - such an eagle lives in Wales today.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- Tregaron's rural location and - the Elenydd uplands are sprawling.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- It'll be a challenge - locating the eagle...
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- ..though it's - one of the world's largest birds.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- I begin my search - in the Cors Caron car park.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10- When the bird first came here...
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- ..almost two years ago...
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- ..it was spotted - above Pontrhydygroes...
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- ..and Ysbyty Ystwyth.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22- It could be seen - from both villages.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27- It's believed - the eagle moved south...
0:02:27 > 0:02:29- ..but no-one knows for sure where.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- What I think I'll do...
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- ..is search the Teifi pools - behind Strata Florida.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- I'll try there first.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42- It's raining intermittently...
0:02:42 > 0:02:47- ..which is good because if it were - raining constantly, it'd stay put.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- I considered - driving past Strata Florida...
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- ..and walking along the path - but what I think I'll do...
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- ..is go past Ffair Rhos instead...
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- ..and head to the mountaintop - near the Teifi pools.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- There are a couple - of good parking spots there.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- It'll give me - a better view of the mountains...
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- ..in case the eagle's airborne - - providing it's here, of course.
0:03:42 > 0:03:48- This is Llyn Teifi, the source - of Ceredigion's drinking water.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- It's one of Wales's - most barren regions.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- The hill in the distance - is called Disgwylfa.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- I intend walking around it.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- Beyond it are a couple of valleys...
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- ..with enough rocks and shade.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- If there's an eagle present - in these parts, it'd roost there.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- The summit of Disgwylfa Hill - is 1,500 feet above sea level.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- The mountaintop - overlooks Nant Egnant.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33- There is no sign of the eagle, - just a glimpse of a kite...
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- ..and a hen harrier.
0:04:42 > 0:04:48- I'm inspecting the rocks because all - birds of prey need a resting place.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- They choose an obvious rock - such as this with a panoramic view.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- It's a great place to rest.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- It's likely - to deposit pellets here...
0:04:59 > 0:05:04- ..made up of fur and bone - that its stomach can't digest.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- It has to spit them out.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11- There are pellets here but not - the kind a bird of prey would leave.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- This one's from a crow - and it's teeming with beetles.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- You see beetle traces all over it.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- There are - a few beetles in this one...
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- ..along with bits of apple.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- Crows will eat - anything and everything.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- If it were a pellet - from a large bird of prey...
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- ..you'd expect to see - more fur, fleece and bone in it.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- But I'll carry on searching. There - are plenty of prominent rocks here.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- After searching for hours, - there's still no sign of the eagle.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- I return to the lowlands to - meet people who've seen the eagle...
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- ..to give me a better idea - of where to search for it.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- Lyn Ebenezer lives locally.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- He saw the eagle - above the main road...
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- ..between Pontrhydfendigaid - and Tregaron.
0:06:08 > 0:06:09- Have you seen it just the once?
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- Have you seen it just the once?- - No, three times in all.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- Once above Ty'n Cwm.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- It flew over the top - and disappeared.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- That's above Strata Florida, - isn't it?
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- Months went by...
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- ..when my wife and I - were driving home.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- She said, - "Look at that kite. It's huge."
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- It flew across here.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- Allt-ddu farm is situated behind us.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- My wife said, - "Look at that huge kite."
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- It flew there in the distance, - heading for Strata Florida.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55- It was also spotted by Charles Arch, - a sheep farmer near Strata Florida.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- So you caught a glimpse of the eagle - whilst herding sheep?
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- Yes, I heard bird noises - coming from the river.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- I saw two buzzards - and a couple of herons.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14- I wondered what was wrong with them - because I couldn't see anything.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- Suddenly behind me - the eagle took flight.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- It was huge.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24- You knew instantly it was an eagle? - Was that a while back, Charles?
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- No. It must've only been in August.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- Not that long ago at all then.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- It's now November, - so only three months ago.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- This is encouraging news.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- It must be here somewhere, - but where?
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- I've come to Ystrad Meurig, - which overlooks the wetlands.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- A man named Steve - lives in this house.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- I think - he sees the eagle regularly...
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- ..but I want to know - the last time he saw it and where.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- This might be a good vantage point. - We'll soon find out.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- I don't think he speaks Welsh.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- Where's the eagle - been hanging around?
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- You can see the top of the point..
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- ..and then the crag - further down to the right.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- He used to sit there most mornings.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- I'll speak to the farmer - who owns the land over there.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- There's a prominent rock - that looks promising.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- If it's been feeding there, - it will have left traces.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- I'll go over and take a look.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- This is the hill - Steve was talking about.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- He saw the eagle on this rock.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- What a spectacular view.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- You can see for miles around.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- It's no wonder - the eagle chose this spot.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00- Those are the Elenydd mountains and - Ystrad Meurig is in the distance.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- I can see Steven's house - through my binoculars.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- I can see his back garden - from where he spotted the eagle.
0:09:08 > 0:09:09- He has a clear view.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- You can see Pontrhydfendigaid - and the marsh from this spot.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- Having searched - every inch of the hill...
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- ..there is no trace of the eagle.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- No faeces, no feathers, nothing.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- There's no point - searching any more...
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- ..or staying in this spot - in anticipation.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- It's best to move on.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- We'll move on.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- It's a shame because I was hoping - to find something here.
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0:09:53 > 0:09:53- Subtitles
0:09:53 > 0:09:54- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- I'm searching for a golden eagle - in Tregaron and Pontrhydfendigaid.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- It crossed here, - just behind us near Allt-ddu farm.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- There've been a few sightings.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- It used to sit there most mornings.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- But I've seen no signs thus far.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- None of the farmers - have said a word against the eagle.
0:10:20 > 0:10:26- I'm driving past - Strata Florida Abbey.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31- I'll park in the car park and see - what I can view from there...
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- ..before it gets dark.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- I'll sit here for an hour.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- If the eagle happens to be - roosting in the valley...
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- ..I should see it - because it returns...
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- ..half an hour before it gets dark.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- This is Nant Egnant.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- The stream flows from - Llyn Egnant in the uplands...
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- ..near our starting point, - Disgwylfa Hill.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- Often on a stormy day...
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- ..the sun comes out late in the day.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23- Autumn provides the perfect light - to see clearly into the distance.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- You notice the colours - of the changing leaves...
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- ..and the decaying ferns.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- There are three buzzards - circulating overhead.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- There are kites too.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- There's no sign of anything else - as yet, but this is a great spot.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- Plenty of kites, buzzards...
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- ..and ravens, but no eagle.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- I've had a phone call - from a farmer...
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- ..who lives higher up the valley - from Strata Florida.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- Not only has he seen the eagle - on several occasions...
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- ..he's also taken photographs of it.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- I've not seen this eagle yet...
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- ..but this will be the first - confirmation that the eagle exists.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- Wil Jones farms in Ty'n Cwm - at the bottom of Nant Egnant.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- Wil saw the eagle - for the first time three years ago.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- So this is the bird, Wil?
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- Wow! That's the first time - for me to see it.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- Was this taken in the valley?
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- Yes, near Troedrhiw.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- It's a giant, isn't it?
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- It's a female. - She's bigger than the male.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- They tend to be larger, do they?
0:12:58 > 0:12:59- They tend to be larger, do they?- - Yes.
0:13:00 > 0:13:06- Her wingspan measures - about seven feet four inches.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- She's gigantic. - Are there more photos?
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- You've captured the buzzard too.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- It shows how big it is. - It makes the buzzard look small.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- How close did you come to it?
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- I came within 100 yards of it - one time.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- It's been in these parts - for a while, but is it still here?
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- Yes, it's still around, but we - don't see as much of it any more.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- We've hardly seen it - during the last year.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- Has it killed any of your lambs?
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- No, not ours...
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- ..but next door's.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- I saw it take a lamb - from the mountain.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- It swooped down - and carried it away...
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- ..to the top of the rock.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- That's what I was worried about.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- If it was attacking the lambs, I - didn't think people'd want it here.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- Has it taken many?
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Not that we've noticed.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- I can't say it's taken many.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- Is it worth me - looking around this area?
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- We haven't seen it - for about a year or more.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- I'm at the top of the valley.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- Wil's house - is beneath me in the trees.
0:14:26 > 0:14:32- They saw the eagle - above me up there.
0:14:32 > 0:14:38- It was photographed against - those rocks at the side of the hill.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- It's a great place - for an eagle to roost.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46- There are plenty of rocks here, far - enough away from predatory foxes.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51- There are plenty of trees here - because they can roost in trees too.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- But there've been - no recent sightings...
0:14:54 > 0:15:00- ..so maybe the best thing I should - do is head back down to the marsh...
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- ..and spend more time - in the lowlands.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- I've heard - the eagle's been spotted....
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- ..flying above Cors Caron.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- It's difficult - to see from the marsh.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21- I'm going to the top of the hills to - get a better view of the territory.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- Up to now...
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- ..I've been - one step behind the eagle.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37- Every place I've been, the eagle's - been there before me and moved on.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- I was talking to someone - late last night...
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- ..who recommended this spot - which is teeming with rabbits.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- Apparently the eagle - comes here to hunt on most days.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- I'm willing to sit here all day - if I have to...
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- ..just to catch sight of the eagle.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- I'll sit here patiently - in anticipation.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- I've a clear view of the marsh - from the hills.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- I'm the same level - as the birds in flight.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- Cors Caron was once the red kite's - stronghold 30 years ago...
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- ..but nowadays there's a multitude - of them across all parts of Wales.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- And more buzzards besides.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- If I had a penny - for every hour I've spent...
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- ..sitting patiently bird-watching, - I'd be a very rich man by now.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- But if you consider - the size of a golden eagle...
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- ..it's a giant of a bird...
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- ..it covers an extensive territory.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- It probably extends from Cors Caron - to the Elan Valley...
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- ..as far as Abergwesyn valley, - no doubt.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- If a sheep - has died on top of a mountain...
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- ..it's not going to stray - too far from there.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- It'd provide - a fortnight's worth of food.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- It wouldn't venture far.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- There's nothing more I can do.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- I just have to wait patiently - in this spot.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- I'm finally rewarded - for my patience.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- From nowhere, - the eagle appears above the marsh.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- At last!
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- I've seen buzzards and kites...
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- ..and suddenly spotted something - in the distance.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- It's circulating above the marsh...
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- ..and every now and again, - it flaps its giant wings.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- It moves quickly.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- Hopefully it'll come nearer. - Its shape is completely different.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- The wings are long.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30- The wings' front feathers turn - upwards in the air like fingers.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- It's incredibly handsome.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37- This is the first time I've seen - a golden eagle in this country.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- It's difficult - getting near them in Scotland.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- I'd be thrilled if it came closer.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- It's huge.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- The eagle didn't get any closer.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- After circulating two or three times - above the marsh...
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- ..it disappeared into the uplands.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- I can't tell you how happy I am...
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- ..after people told me - they hadn't seen it for months.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- I've finally caught up with it. This - is obviously a great vantage point.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25- I have a panoramic view here, but I - can't understand where it came from.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- I've been keeping watch for hours. - It rose from nowhere.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- It's too much to ask for an eagle - to return twice in one day.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- After waiting - the best part of a day...
0:19:37 > 0:19:42- ..my only consolation - is watching a swarm of fieldfare...
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- ..feeding on hawthorn berries.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- The marsh is obviously - the best place to view the eagle.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- I've decided to spend a second day - on the hill in case it returns.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- It's been spotted - sitting on this fence above the bog.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- Perhaps it's left a pellet here.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- This pellet has been left by a crow.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- There are - bits of straw and seeds in it.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- There are also - tiny stones embedded in it...
0:20:26 > 0:20:31- ..that are used to grind - the contents of their stomach...
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- ..to retrieve - the nutrients they require.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- The golden eagle's pellets - are bigger.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- I'd expect to see fleece - and rabbit fur in it.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- It'd be great retrieving a pellet - to see what exactly the eagle eats.
0:20:47 > 0:20:48- But there's nothing here.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- But who needs traces - when the bird itself appears?
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- The eagle returns and flies - majestically over the wetlands.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- To get an idea of its size...
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- ..it's twice the size - of the kite which tails it.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- It's circulating.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- Scotland's national bird...
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- ..is circulating alongside the red - kite, the national bird of Wales.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- Yes, I could go to Scotland - to see a golden eagle...
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- ..and they're fantastic birds - in a lovely country...
0:21:47 > 0:21:49- ..but what's nice about this...
0:21:49 > 0:21:54- ..is the fact that I can sit here - and watch a golden eagle in Wales.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- That's what makes this so special.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- I remember coming to Cors Caron - as a young birdwatcher...
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- ..to view the red kite.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- This was one of - the few places where it survived.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- If someone had told me - I'd be back here in 20 years...
0:22:38 > 0:22:43- ..to see dozens of them, - along with a golden eagle...
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- ..I would've thought they were mad.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- But here I am in Tregaron watching - a golden eagle and it's fantastic.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- The eagle lands on a post...
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- ..above the marsh.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- To give you an idea of its size...
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- ..it's larger than the sheep - closest to us in the picture.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25- She flies away to roost - in a secret location for the night.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- Hopefully she'll be left alone - to enjoy a long life.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:48 > 0:23:48- .