Described affectionately as “flying barn doors”, the birds are part of the East Scotland Sea Eagles partnership project between RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland.

They are being reintroduced to Eastern Scotland, building on successful reintroductions in the west coast.

This is the third year chicks have been collected from nests in Norway, reared in specially constructed aviaries in Fife, then released into the wild.

The goal is to re-establish this magnificent raptor all over Scotland, as it once existed prior to extinction due to human persecution in Victorian times.

Last year was a record year for the species since it was first reintroduced to Scotland, with 44 pairs on the west coast producing 28 chicks.

Thirty birds were released in the first two years of the project and, this year, there have been increasing sightings of young west coast birds on the east of the country.

Two male Irish birds — both released in 2008 and just over a year old — are also currently in Scotland, one near Durness and one near Comrie.

All released birds are fitted with radio tags that enable the project to follow their movements for five years until they start to settle on territories.

Claire Smith, Sea Eagle Project Officer for RSPB Scotland, said the birds are becoming a more common sight around the Tay estuary, which some birds have made their home.

She said, “This shows that the prey and habitat in this area are perfect, and I look forward to seeing this year’s birds meet up with their older counterparts.

“The distinct populations around Scotland and Ireland are now starting to meet and mingle, which is a really good sign for the species going forward.”

She said colours on the wing tags for this year’s birds are blue with white writing, and it’s really helpful if people can report sightings by e-mailing her at eastscotlandseaeagles@ rspb.org.uk .

Professor Colin Galbraith, director of policy and advice at Scottish natural Heritage, said that whilst the project still has some years to run, it is already obvious that sea eagles are becoming part of the landscape in the east of the country.

“It is really exciting to see this happening and I encourage everyone, especially landowners and farmers, to continue to play their part in the success of the project.

“It is a leading example of a conservation partnership bringing about the return of an iconic Scottish species.”

Charlie Taylor, for Forestry Commission Scotland in Tay District, said the project is fantastic for Scotland and he is glad the body has been able to help revive the fortunes of these “incredible birds”.

Of the 15 birds released from the same site last year, 13 remain. One was killed by a train and another died of unknown causes.

In 2007, 15 birds were released, and 11 of them are left.

People can keep up to date with the birds’ movements on the project’s blog at the www.rspb.org.uk website.