White-tailed eagles usually begin breeding at about four or five years old.
Adolescence, explained Dr Rooney, can be a dangerous time for them.
“The people tracking these birds during this part of their lives are biting their nails constantly.
“There are a lot of threats, not least the risk of poisoning that comes with their scavenger nature.”
In May 2023 it was confirmed that two white-tailed eagles found dead in County Antrim had been poisoned.
During the same year, according to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), in South Donegal alone three white tailed eagles were killed by wind turbines.
Other dangers include storms and bird flu.
“At the age this eagle is at, it’s just trying to find its way in the world: Ranging, looking for food, security and other eagles.
“What it really wants is somewhere to settle down and breed when the time comes.
“Just because it was released in Cork doesn’t mean it’ll stay in Cork.
“A very common path we see these birds follow takes them to the Antrim Hills, Rathlin Island, onto the Mull of Kintrye, then they’ll spend some time in Scotland before coming back.
“The point is, you can never be too sure where they’ll end up,” added Dr Rooney.