The Golden Eagles of the Albanian Mountain Peaks

The Golden Eagle can be found throughout North America and Europe. In Albania they are found primarily in mountainous regions of the country with home ranges or territories being quite large, up to 200 square kilometers. Their population in the country faces a decline due to threats like poaching and habitat destruction. Current estimates now range from 100 to 200 breeding pairs. This would suggest a decline of 50-60% in the last two decades. It is listed officially as threatened.

I have chosen an early spring sunrise as a means to convey new hope for this raptor of the skies. The mountain range is primarily composed of Mesozoic limestones and dolomites which time has worn down. Golden Eagles will build nests in the various cracks and crevasses of these mountains. Late winter through spring nests are constructed or are updated. This Golden Eagle pair are searching out nesting locations. Egg-laying will typically occur between January and May, with incubation lasting about 41-45 days.

This mountain peak is coated with Hawthorn shrubs or trees clinging to its rocky side. This is the Crataegus species that mostly grows between 5-15 meters. It has thorns on its branches as well beautiful miniature leaves that surround a small five peddle white flower in the centre during the spring. These are replaced in the fall and winter months with bright red cherries. I have surrounded the perched Golden Eagle with some of these flowers in order to show their scale.