A sea eagle with a severely broken wing that survived into adulthood has been spotted flying again over the west coast of Scotland. The bird, known as the "miracle eagle" of the Isle of Mull by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), fell from its nest during a storm in 2023 as a chick. At the time, experts monitoring the island's sea eagle population did not expect the male chick to survive. However, three years later, it has been seen flying above the island with a noticeable kink in its wing, a testament to its resilience. The eagle, nicknamed "Kinky" due to the bend in its wing, was cared for by its parents, who displayed an unusual level of parental attention. In an unprecedented event, the two white-tailed eagles skipped a year's breeding season to continue raising their year-old offspring. This latest sighting shows that the bird has successfully survived its first winter on its own. It was recently photographed flying over Loch Spelve, a sea loch on the south-east coast of the Isle of Mull. Retired RSPB officer Dave Sexton, who has worked with the island's sea eagles for over 20 years, described the eagle's survival as "incredible." He expressed awe at the bird's ability to adapt and thrive despite its physical challenges. However, he also noted that the next stage of the eagle's life, as a "sub-adult," may be perilous. As it matures, it may face rejection from established adult pairs, who may not tolerate the younger bird. Despite this, Sexton remains hopeful, calling Kinky a "born survivor." Sea eagles, also known as white-tailed eagles, were once hunted to extinction in the UK. The last native white-tailed eagle in the UK was shot in Shetland in 1918. A reintroduction project began in Scotland in 1975, and today, the species has grown into an established and self-sustaining population. They returned to the Isle of Mull in the 1980s, marking a significant step in their recovery. The survival of Kinky highlights the ongoing success of conservation efforts and the remarkable adaptability of these majestic birds.