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(courtesy of The Carpenters, Close to you - cant stop singing it now!)

Well bit of a busy week - last weekend was The Big Garden Birdwatch.  Why is it that birds that come into the garden every day of the week, suddenly disappear when you need to count them?  On the other hand, you can be surprised at birds that appear that you've never seen before.  As we settled down last Sunday, I noticed a strange looking bird.  By the time I managed to spurt out "what was that?" of course it had disappeared into the shrubs.  Patience in birdwatching can be well rewarded and shortly after it appeared - this time there was no mistaking - a water rail!  We have been hearing squeaks from the bottom of the garden for about 3 months but never managed to see anything - at last, proof we weren't going mad!  (Hope you can make him out in my photo - had to reduce the size for download purposes so apologies for the poor quality).  On the other hand, where were the 5 blackbirds - 4 males and a female that have been regular visitors?  During the last 5 minutes one finally turned up.  We also had a solitary siskin too - they have been absent from the feeders for a while but now coming back and soon there will be hoards of them around the feeders.  Also missing was our little wren - possibly a victim of the recent spell of cold weather - I still keep a look out for him hoping that he managed to survive.  That's one of the great things about the Big Garden Birdwatch - it can provide vital information on the state of our garden birds and following the snow and ice that the whole of the UK has seen, may well give us some interesting results.  The other great thing it did was that for a whole hour, the whole family sat together in one room, no TV, radio, computers - but all with one objective to look for birds - it was great fun.

             Water Rail - photo Debby Thorne

Dunnock - photo Debby Thorne

On Wednesday, a staggering 210,567 signatures were handed into Wildlife Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, showing public support for the campaign to end the illegal killing of birds of prey in the UK.  Lots of visitors to the Eagle Hide signed the petition having watched our fantastic eagles, both white tailed and golden and hearing the story of White G, our youngster who was found poisoned  - see Dave's blog White G  then felt moved enough to sign the pledge.  A big thank you.  Let's hope that something will now be done to stop the killing of our magnificent birds of prey.

I have been up to Loch Frisa several times this week to try and see what Skye and Frisa are up to.  We have been blessed with some really good weather - blue sky and sunshine.  Just the sort of weather for nest building.  However, these two dont seem to be in any hurry - instead they have been sat in the sunshine and then enjoying some synchronised flying - it seems such a long time since I have seen them flying like that rising up on a thermal.  We have also had some some interesting birds on the water too - two pairs of goldeneye displaying to each other, goosander and little grebes.

Loch Frisa - Looking south - photo Debby Thorne

 You can keep up with the family of white tailed eagles in Estonia - it is an excellent webcam - here is a link to the Estonian Webcam

 Dont forget the hide is open and as you can see from the photo above taken this week it is looking stunning.  Details can be found on our Mull Eagle Watch page. 

 Debby Thorne, White Tailed Eagle Information Officer, Mull

Only this week I was watching the fabulous Frisa with the winter's sun beaming down on her and thinking how much like her mother she looked. Of course to some, all white-tailed eagles will look the same. Maybe they do? But for a while there I was transported back 25 years to those lonely but wonderful days on the edge of the loch watching Frisa's mum Blondie raise the first wild bred chick in the UK for 70 years. How proud she would be of what Frisa and her faithful mate Skye have achieved since they first paired up in 1997 and all the chicks they've raised to fledging over the last 12 years.

Then tonight I was at home doing a bit of sorting in the household files and clearing out ancient bank statements, out of date documents and general rubbish. Stuffed into one of the pockets in the file was a note I'd written for someone for something ten years ago when the news first came through that the famous Blondie was missing, presumed dead. Just for old time's sake, I'll stuff it back into the file but before I do I'll write it out again for you here...

5 June 2000

Blondie RIP 1978-2000: "...an ornithological icon..."

In May 2000, the female sea eagle known as Blondie to her many admirers disappeared from her nest site on the Isle of Mull where she had just hatched this year's clutch of eggs. This behaviour was so out of character that it must be assumed she has died from causes unknown, probably natural. Despite a search by island staff, no trace of her has ever been found and over such remote and difficult terrain, it is unlikely we will ever know what happened. She was at least 21 years old and as she matured, her head plumage became a light, sandy blonde, hence her name. In 1985, Blondie became famous, with her mate, for being the first sea eagles to hatch and fledge wild bred young in Scotland for some 70 years. She was part of the original sea eagle reintroduction programme which started in 1975; she was hatched in Norway, transported to Scotland by the RAF and released by the Nature Conservancy Council (now Scottish Natural Heritage) from the project base on the Isle of Rum. Soon after she flew south to establish a territory on Mull in the early 1980s and is first thought to have laid eggs in 1984 but these failed to hatch. A year later, however, there was triumphant news as the first chicks were hatched in May and one young sea eagle eventually fledged successfully some three months later. The pair have since raised 15 chicks and have played a major role in re-establishing sea eagles as a secure species back where they belong in Scotland.

As one of the fortunate wardens watching that historic nest in 1985, I have followed Blondie's life ever since. As the news breaks of her loss, I am sitting behind my desk at RSPB's Scottish Headquarters in Edinburgh. I  write this as I remember the passing of an old friend:

"I can still see her now sitting at the edge of the wood overlooking the loch: her beautiful blonde head and that incredible beak looking even paler in the early morning sunshine. She was there every morning, rain or shine, taking a short break from the nest at dawn to preen and feed; often she'd just perch, gazing about her, ruffling her feathers, an occasional delicate scratch of her head with those huge talons. It would be nice to know if she ever wondered about us, perched in a tent on the hillside watching her every move? I don't suppose she did. When she moved back to the nest to feed her chicks, she was so careful, so tender. I think for me, it was love at first sight.

Since then, I have seen her on every holiday trip to the island. I usually knew where to find her; her favourite roosts, skyline lookouts, sometimes alone but invariably with her mate who has not always been so faithful (he spent a few seasons commuting between Blondie and another female on her nest in another glen) but he finally made the right choice and settled down. I can recall the anxiety we felt  as her first chick plunged into the loch and vanished; she circled the spot calling as we frantically scanned the surface for signs of life. The next morning, there was the chick fully recovered from the ordeal perched alongside her and the male. The perfect family portrait.

But now she has gone from our skies. The island will be an emptier place for me without her presence. Despite a valiant solo effort (with a helping hand from the RSPB) to keep this year's chicks alive, the male eventually abandoned the nest when he realised she was never coming back. Who knows what, if anything, an eagle 'feels' when the mate he's spent the last 20 or so years with, suddenly isn't there anymore? He was eventually discovered some weeks later roosting alone back at the original 1985 nesting site which they had not used or visited for several years. Perhaps he thought he'd find her there?

We hope he finds a new mate soon. Meanwhile, at least two of her offspring we know have found mates of their own and are nesting successfully. One of her daughters is a similarly striking bird and this year is raising two chicks. The dynasty will continue. The last time I saw Blondie back in April, she was sitting in an old larch tree, her head catching the Easter sunshine and looking better than ever. She tilted her head to one side, peered skywards and called loudly as a raven flew 'cronking' overhead. The next time I visit , and forever more I suspect, I'll still scan those favourite trees and skyline boulders and hope to see an eagle there. Her wild spirit will live on."

Right -  time to get back to the file spring clean.

Dave Sexton RSPB Mull Officer

Last week, we welcomed David Lindo, also known as "The Urban Birder" and photographer Russell Spencer to our Island.  Some of you may have seen David on Spring Watch, The One Show or read some of his articles in the RSPB's Birds magazine, BBC Wildlife Magazine or BirdWatching.  David lives in London and his patch is Wormwood Scrubs which some of you may be familiar with as the prison!  For David, its his piece of birding paradise - an area of scrubland with young trees and shrubs and a welcome oasis for a huge variety of birds.  It is probably just about a year ago when I invited David to Mull to see the wildlife and of course, our eagles as well as fit in a talk to the Mull Bird Club.  Finally, after months of planning,  on Tuesday morning, Dave and I waited at Craignure pier for the ferry to dock.   Our hearts were in our mouths as we watched the ferry attempting to dock in strong cross winds and a very high tide.  Thoughts of the ferry turning back to Oban and the whole trip falling apart were pushed to the back of my mind!  At last the ferry made it and David and Russell strode down the gangway and stepped on to Mull for the first time.  We went for quick cup of coffee to discuss our plans for the week and as we walked out into the car park, what should fly past?  As if on cue, one of our young sea eagles.  Wow, they had been on the island about half an hour and already they had witnessed one of our magnificent eagles.  That really set the tone for their trip.  The Island was still covered in some snow and lots of ice and some roads were still impassable.  However, we managed to show them a huge part of the island and for David a big tick was his first Scottish golden eagles.  We were treated to a fantastic display from a male and young female in Glen More playing tag against the backdrop of a snowy mountain.  Who could ask for more?  Otters, red deer and a whole host of different birds were on great form and David and Russell could see them in their natural habitat looking just stunning.   

 The two David's spotting eagles! - photo Debby Thorne

David also gave a talk to the Mull Bird Club about his patch and the amazing variety of birds he has seen.  Sometimes it's easy for us to forget that wildlife is all around us - you don't have to visit the countryside to see it - it can be right in the centre of a city - the secret is to just look and listen - you just might get a surprise.  Here is the link to David's website http://www.theurbanbirder.com/home/  Look out for his article in the Spring edition of Birds magazine.  Also take a look at some of Russell's stunning photography http://www.flickr.com/photos/remove-before-flight 

Some of you may have caught Snow Watch which was shown on BBC2 in the week.  It included a clip from Gordon Buchanan during his visit to the island - in case you missed it you can catch it on the

BBC IPlayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00qcjzh/Snow_Watch/

Don't forget to make a note to watch Bill Bailey's Birdwatching Bonanza - the episode filmed on Mull is scheduled to air on 28th January at 9pm on Sky1/HD.

Debby Thorne

White Tailed Eagle Information Officer, Mull

Last Thursday the call went out for stories and ideas for a new specially commissioned programme for BBC Two: 'Snow Watch'. The Springwatch/Autumnwatch team wanted to know how the current freezing temperatures were affecting the UK's wildlife. The following day our good friend, cameraman and presenter Gordon Buchanan was on his way north from Glasgow across Rannoch Moor en route for the Lochaline ferry to Fishnish on Mull. We don't hang about when the call goes out.  A few days before, I'd watched Frisa and Skye, our two resident adult white-tailed eagles at Loch Frisa along with their 2009 chick Heather and two other immature sea eagles, all feeding at some gralloch on the hill. In addition there were three or four buzzards, 40+ ravens and countless hooded crows all sharing the seasonal feast.

In the absence of any natural predators, the huge red deer population of Scotland is managed by man. Throughout the autumn and into the new year, many stalkers and estates cull first the stags and now the hinds. It helps to keep the population in check, allows native vegetation to grow, provides valuable employment and income in rural areas and, if you like venison, provides a healthy and tasty casserole on a cold winter's night. Even if you don't eat meat, it's worth knowing that the traditional practice of 'gralloching' a beast after it's been shot provides a vital food source for many upland species - especially birds of prey. As seen in the multi-award winning RSPB film 'Eagle Odyssey' many species get to learn very quickly that the sound of a single shot echoing round the hills means a free and very welcome meal. In particular, eagles learn this trick. Stalkers talk of an eagle or two soaring overhead within seconds of the shot ringing out. Others tell of leaving the beast on the hill while they go off to fetch the pony or quadbike to haul the deer off the hill, only to return to find the eagles well fed - sometimes so well fed they can scarcely take off.  For some stalkers these close encounters with eagles are special moments and even the presence of a raven cronking overhead can signal good luck for the day's stalk.

And so it was that we found ourselves keeping watch over some gralloch on the hill all weekend from dawn until dusk. In the sub-zero temperatures, hands quickly became numb and feet could barely function. It was a primeval scene with buzzards, ravens and crows all taking their turns on cue. These predators turned scavengers do a good job of clearing the hills and coasts of carcasses - deer, sheep, goats, seals -  where the harsh winter weather takes its deadly toll. And how did the eagles fare in this waiting game? You'll need to tune into 'Snow Watch' to find out! All I can say is that Mull looks stunning in this winter wonderland and Gordon did not go away empty-handed. But I do now know why they say 'never work with animals or children' (not that I saw much of my kids this weekend). 

Some great news on our satellite tagged young sea eagles...the Loch Frisa chicks of 2008 first: female Breagha is on South Rona and her brother Mara has been on Coll, Mull and around Loch Sunart, his favourite place at the moment. This year's chicks from other sites on Mull have been very mobile recently: female Venus has headed south to Jura and the male Oran has gone from Kintyre to Northern Ireland and now back across to Islay where the thousands of wintering geese must be an attraction for him. Just to the north of Islay, a 2006 sub adult was watched recently tackling a greylag goose on the RSPB's Oronsay reserve. Winter is a challenging time for all wildlife. Whether the eagles are hunting for themselves or are fortunate to come across a tasty handout from a friendly stalker, this protracted icy blast will be hard on young eagles in their first winter. Time will tell who makes it through to spring - and who does not.

Here are some stunning photos of Oran on the Mull of Kintyre recently and we thank photographer, James MacDonald for letting us use them here. Compare them with the shot by Nick Purdy of Oran in his nest on the tracking page. He's certainly grown into a fine young sea eagle...

Snow Watch with Gordon Buchanan, Kate Humble, Chris Packham and Simon King was on BBC Two on Wednesday 13 January 2010 at 8pm. Watch it now on BBC iPlayer (BBC Two).

 Dave Sexton RSPB Scotland Mull Officer

Sunday January 3:  Hello everyone and welcome to 2010. I actually drafted this on January 1st, hit 'save' and promptly lost the lot...or so I thought. I've been unable to access the RSPB blogs for a few days (did the system crash?) but just now I tried again and amazingly here we are and my first blog of 2010 had saved and was still there! The wonders of technology. So here it is. More soon...

Happy New Year to everyone and thank you for reading the Mull Eagles blog. First of all a huge thank you to all who voted for us on the 'For Argyll Awards 2009' and the breaking news is that we've won again for the second consecutive year which is fantastic news. We're very grateful to you all and we'll do our best to keep this blog fresh and lively in the year ahead.

On this New Year's Day, I've been back to where it all began 25 years ago; the site where the first wild bred white-tailed eagle chick fledged in the UK for some 70 years. Many people and agencies across the decades had worked towards that moment. Today, that territory is not occupied by the original pair who raised that historic chick. The adult female Blondie died in 2000 and her mate in 2003; today the replacement adult pair were sitting in their usual tree by the loch. All around the land was frozen solid and even the edges of the loch were covered in ice. It's been sub zero for over two weeks now, like a mini-ice age! Beautiful, enchanting, magical but very challenging for the eagles and other wildlife. The female today was eating something, it looked a bit like a fish but it was hard to tell. Six whooper swans and a group of wigeon and goldeneye had kept an area of the loch ice free. They were busy feeding and dabbling but always keeping a close eye on the eagles. Down on the flood plain, large numbers of red deer stags, hinds and calves were doing their best to find something nutricious to eat amidst the frozen rushy stems.

From across the loch flew another sea eagle, a sub adult. The adults called briefly and as the new bird landed further down the loch I could see it had red wing tags. This meant it was a bird from 2005 so now coming into full adulthood. Despite straining eyes in failing light through the 'scope, the best I could come up with was the letter 'G' . But a quick check back in the records showed there was no 'G' in 2005. When I looked back, it had gone. Vanished into the thin wintry sunlight. Could the letter actually have been an 'S'? Was it our long lost Scratchy from Loch Frisa? The search for him and his brother Itchy (red tag, white letter 'I') is on. The last time we put out an appeal for sightings of them we got a great reaction and confirmed both were still alive and well. We already know that a couple of red tagged birds are now paired up with other adults and on territory on the west coast.  I wonder if Itchy and Scratchy have found mates yet? Do let us know if you come across them in your travels this year. The identity of our red tagged visitor on January 1st  will remain a mystery...but there's always tomorrow. Maybe time for another visit!

I wonder what lies in store for Mull's eagles this year? We hope for a good disturbance-free breeding season for both goldens and white-tails. In addition to the 25 year anniversary of the first chick, it's also 10 years of excitement, thrills and spills at the Loch Frisa Eagle Hide. So far this winter, Frisa and Skye have not given away any clues about their proposed nest site in 2010 although a few days ago they were both sitting in last year's nest tree which I've not seen them in since Heather fledged last summer. That nest has long since fallen out so it would be a new build if that's where they choose. On the same day, a young sea eagle, probably Heather, was perched nearby. Fantastic to see them all still together as we enter a new decade. Surely one day soon, Frisa and Skye will reveal their secret. Stay tuned and we'll be sure to share all their news with you on our 'award-winning' website! Thanks again and all best wishes for the year ahead. It's going to be quite a ride.

Dave Sexton RSPB Scotland Mull Officer

According to the Sky 1 TV listings page, 'Bill Bailey's Birdwatching Bonanza' will now begin on Sky 1/Sky 1 HD on Thursday January 7 at 9pm. This is a recent change to the schedules. First stop for the celebrity birding teams is RSPB's Mersehead Reserve on the Solway Firth. The programme filmed on Mull is Episode 4 and can probably be seen on Thursday January 28th. Don't miss it! Although if they keep messing around with the days and times, we probably will.

I don't know if this will work! I've tried to keep Debby's excellent blog and photos up here for a while yet so that I can just add a few words to it...

Still stunningly beautiful here on the Isle of Mull. A covering of snow, ice crystals and frost on everything. And with a cloudless blue sky, the sun has shone bright all day. The garden birds have been busy on the feeders since first light and down at the old pier, a peregrine was dashing after his Christmas dinner, a seal surfaced nearby with a loud snort of frosty vapour and then an otter appeared briefly before slipping away out of sight behind a rocky headland. Not bad for a 15 minute wander from the house but it's what you can expect during a winter visit here.

The satellite data just in shows our 2009 male sea eagle chick Oran has headed south to Islay for Christmas. Islay is a fabulous place and the RSPB reserves at Loch Gruinart and the Mull of Oa, where Oran has gone, are amazing places for wildlife. I'm sure they'll keep an eye on Oran for us. The female chick Venus is still with us on Mull. Last year's chicks satellite tags are now on a winter setting but we're pretty sure female Breagha is near the Isle of Skye and her brother Mara is over on Morvern. Fantastic that they're all still alive and well. Long may it last.

If you happen to take a look back at the Archives for this blog to last summer 2008 you'll find a blog called 'The longest day' in several installments. It was about a sea eagle nest which fell out in a summer storm and the two chicks which were rescued. Well, some brilliant news just now that one of those free-fall twins 'Yellow G' was sighted on Mull today by Bryan Rains who runs 'Wild About Mull' wildlife tours. Yellow G is the same age as Haggis (from 2006) and has yellow tags. Just great to think he's now 3+ years old. When I found him as a heap of soggy, broken feathers at the bottom of the cliff, I doubted he would survive the night. Makes it all worthwhile. Why not have a read of those adventures in the Archives over the Holidays if you can find them!

It just remains for me to thank you all for sticking with us and reading about our adventures with the white-tailed eagles. They are inspiring, special birds who do take your breath away and I hope you can visit us and them in 2010. From a frosty, snowy Isle of Mull, a very Merry Christmas to you all.

Dave Sexton RSPB Scotland Mull Officer

Take my breath away

courtesy Berlin (from the film, Top Gun)

Well as I type this, there are just about three and half sleeps until Santa arrives.  Even on Mull, with its slower pace of life, there is still that frenzy of activity that goes on during the weeks leading up to the big day.  The Pantomine in Tobermory - not to be missed - was excellent as ever, the School Christmas Play, again excellent (although there may be a touch of bias!), the Christmas party and the fight for the sprouts in the Co-op!  Added to that in our house, decorating the lounge, installing a log burner, the arrival of a puppy and the stress of a missing chicken!  A mad house to say the least!

 Sometimes though, its just nice to escape for some peace and tranquility.  And for me, there is only one place - Loch Frisa.  I left hubby fighting with a log burner and headed off.  We have had some snow which has stayed with us for a few days mainly because its so cold and the snow hasnt had a chance to melt.  But today was bright and having spent 20 minutes clearing the windscreen, headed for the Loch.  As I drove down the track, I was amazed at the number of animal tracks visible in the snow.  As the Loch came into view, I was met by a beautiful wintry scene.  The Loch was like glass, still and beautifully reflective.  Snow still lay on the ground and as I stopped to admire the view, I caught sight of a familiar shape on a knoll.  It was Skye.  He looked truly magnificent with the snowy backdrop - I could almost imagine I was in Norway.  I scanned round and found Frisa, sitting on what is now becoming a regular tree.  As I arrived at the hide to fill up the birdfeeders, I was greeted by a blue tit, dunnock, great tit and a coal tit - all pleased to see me and hoping I wasnt empty handed.  Feeders duly filled and the birds happily feeding, I notice two huge ripples on the Loch - our two otters were playing hide and seek.  Then across the glen, that familiar sea eagle cry - Frisa then took off and joined Skye.  They seemed so pleased to see each other - lots of calling that echoed around the glen.  A truly beautiful sight.  And then, catching me by surprise a mating!  Skye and Frisa affirming that special bond they have.  They have been checking out treees looking for the next family home.  I slipped away unnoticed, leaving them to enjoy their own company as I felt I had intruded enough.   

I returned home to learn the missing chicken had returned home and the log burner had been installed and is now alight and burning brightly.  All is well for the time being!

Dont forget it is important to keep feeding our garden birds at this time of the year and also to make sure they have water available!

Dunnock - Loch Frisa (photo Debby Thorne)

 I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone for their support this year.  It has been a priviledge having a window into the world of these magnificent birds and to be able to share it with our visitors to the Hide and here on the Blog.  I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful, healthy and Happy New Year.  I hope to see many of you at the Hide in 2010 which is going to be a very special year for us.  More details to follow.

 Loch Frisa (photo Debby Thorne)

Loch Frisa (photo Debby Thorne)

  Dont forget the Hide is open year round - details here http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/mull/index.asp

 Debby Thorne, White Tailed Eagle Information Officer, Isle of Mull

The sturdy oaks will have offered their usual sanctuary for an eagle looking for a safe roost site. Last night the Hebridean skies were clear and the temperature plummeted below freezing. By late afternoon, as the light was fading, three young sea eagles dropped out of the dark sky, circled and chased each other once or twice before vanishing out of sight into the wood. Their haunting calls echoed round the glen for a few minutes and then there was silence. In the adjoining wood sat the resident territorial adults, side by side, offering warmth to each other for the long winter's night ahead. So, at least five eagles in close proximity, maybe there were more. But all were together in a traditional eagle haven. Safe for the night. Or were they?

Somewhere deep underground, the earth was restless. The vast plates of the Great Glen Fault were straining to shift. Hard rock scraping against rock, barely discernable movements. But the pressure was building. The force was becoming impossible to halt. Miles down in the earth's core, ancient magma from Mull's volcanic past still flowed. One day, somewhere on the planet, it would erupt again but not here. Not tonight. Or would it?

The signs were ominous. Back in the wood, the eagles stirred. Some unkown sense had alerted them to an approaching storm. But the skies were still cloudless and the stars flickered and shone brightly in the inky blackness. There was no moon. For a few moments it seemed the darkest it had ever been and the eagles were all tense. The youngsters sitting apart from each other felt especially vulnerable. It was a sensation none of them had known before and they had no way of knowing how to react . The adults had comfort with each other, their soft plumage almost interwined. Together but still unnerved.

It started at 05:39am. It began shaking its way up through the deep spreading roots of the old oaks and it grew in intensity. The eagles were all startled at once. Gulls on the sea loch were calling out, strange, previously unheard alarms. There was no wind but proper waves were lapping suddenly and roughly onto the pebble shore of the loch which had been flat calm just seconds before. In the darkness, the young eagles could only sit and stare out, their talons clenching ever tighter into the lichen-covered branches. Somewhere in the same wood, a small flock of sheep also huddled close together for warmth suddenly scattered in all directions, stumbling across boulders and roots. On the far side of the loch, the cattle were bellowing loudly - cows searching for calves, calves seeking mothers. A flock of greylag geese rose into the air as one as panic engulfed them. But the birds of the night, the tawny owls which had been hooting in territorial disputes, fell silent.

Early this morning as the island slumbered away the weekend, at 05.39:54.2, the earthquake hit Mull. Its epicentre was deep in the earth beneath the roost trees of the eagles. The rumble grew to a crescendo; it sent thunderous waves through the land. High on the frozen scree slopes of Ben More, a shower of ice-shattered Igneous rock tumbled down the mountain as a herd of red deer dodged the flying missiles. Further round the coast, some rocks made it all the way down and bounced wildly onto the Gribun road. The eagles were on the verge of taking flight, but it was still dark. Every instinct was telling them not to, it wouldn't be safe. And yet every tense flight muscle was urging them to flee this unseen danger. It must have been terrifying.

A few miles away I was jolted awake from a deep sleep by the rush and roar of the primeval shudder which shook the foundations. At times like this, you are instantly wide awake, heart thumping, tense, straining to hear, trying to gather your senses. But all was silent. Was it thunder? An explosion maybe? As the minutes passed, you suddenly realise you've been holding your breath and you start to breathe again. The heart rate returned to near normal but any return to sleep was a long way off. What had just happened - could it really have been an earthquake? And what of the eagles now settling again back at their roost in the old oak wood? They couldn't comprehend the events of the night. The fearless, strong eagles had known fear and weakness for the first time in their lives - but they had survived. The cattle were calm again; the loch's ripples had eased and the sheep had settled. Even the owls had resumed their nightly challenges. On a nearby farm, a frantic sheepdog was still barking but nothing new there.

Mull had just had a very modest reminder of its violent geological past and we'd all experienced the unbelievable force of a restless Mother Earth. It was just the smallest, tiniest  glimpse imaginable of what terror and destruction some parts of the globe have endured over time. Even our little rumble in the hills had caused a momentary panic in the soul. But for us, the sun came up again on another beautiful, frosty day and the eagles flew from their roost at daybreak and away into the mountains. Our little bit of Mull really had moved - just a bit - the British Geological Survey said it did. For us all, it would be a night to remember.

Dave Sexton. RSPB Mull Officer

 courtesy of Peaches & Cream

Well - what a turn up for the books this week.  After Dave's story of Haggis's return to a frosty welcome from his parents, I have been keeping a beady eye out at Loch Frisa.

We have have some lovely winter days here - really hard frosts, followed by crisp clear blue sky and sunshine.  There has been snow on top of the hills which is helping us all get into the festive spirit. 

Ben More overlooking Loch Scridain

Photo- Debby Thorne

This week at Loch Frisa has certainly been a hive of activity.  If you have checked the movements of the chicks that were satellite tagged this year - Oran and Venus, you will notice they are both at Loch Frisa http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/tracking/mulleagles/

Then on Wednesday as we watched one of our adults basking in the sunshine, suddenly another eagle appeared and landed about 4 branches below!  I literally held my breath - I thought my eyes were deceiving me - a youngster - chocolate brown all over and looking very much at home - our adult just looked down and didnt move a feather - if only I could read their thoughts!  It was Heather! back home but what a different welcome she received compared to Haggis.  I checked and checked again, not quite believing what I was seeing.  its been about a month since I last saw her and really thought she had left home but there she was sat in the same tree as one of her parents - I couldnt tell whether it was Skye or Frisa but have a hunch it was Frisa.  I have to say I had tears I was so pleased to see her and relieved she was fine.  She looked in fantastic condition.  On Friday I had to go up to the Hide and was met with the most wonderful sight.  Frisa sat on one of her favourite rocks, Skye sat half way up a tree and in between them, Heather at the head of a burn waiting for a fish to appear.  To see the family reunited was fantastic - it certainly gave me a warm glow on a chilly day.  As to the whereabouts of Haggis, who can say whether he is even still on Mull - I will certainly keep an eye out for him and indeed our other chicks.

 I'm glad you enjoyed Highland Haven on Thursday - it was a beautiful film set in a stunning location.  We are fortunate to have black throated divers on Loch Frisa too amongst a whole host of other wildlife and of course our own resident white tailed eagles, Skye and Frisa.  Dont forget, the hide is staying open.  If you are coming to Mull, contact us to arrange a visit.  Full details here: http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/mull/index.asp

Fallow Deer - Photo Debby Thorne

Debby Thorne

White Tailed Eagle Information Officer

Isle of Mull

This wasn't the blog I'd planned to write tonight but I thought readers might like to hear of an adventure at Loch Frisa today. The other blog will have to wait a while.

Today dawned bright and very frosty. There was ice on the road and the grass crunched under foot. The sheep were huddled round a bale of fresh, sweet hay munching eagerly after a long, chilly night. Loch Frisa looked idyllic: not a ripple on the surface apart form the occasional trout; in one bay a dabchick was busy diving every few minutes and a cormorant was perched out on the island in front of the Eagle Hide. Frisa was sitting on her favourite grassy knoll and Skye was in the larches staring down into his usual burn. Little by little the winter sun edged higher, first illuminating Frisa and then Skye, both looking regal and magnificent in the early morning sunshine.

Out of the blue flapped a sub-adult sea eagle, crossing the glen, over the hide and up into some spruce trees above the loch. I spilled half my coffee as I scrambled to get the telescope in position. The steam of the coffee billowed up in the sub-zero air, fogged up the eye-piece and obscured my view. As it cleared, I got the 'scope in focus and there was the eagle, looking unsettled, but with wing tags which were easy to read. They were yellow, that meant 2006. And the letter was 'H'. That could only mean one thing; I was looking at good old Haggis, one of Frisa and Skye's twins from that year. He was now heading towards being four years old and he looked every bit the young adult. His beak was already yellow and his head pale but his tail was far from being pure white and I could see his eye colour was still that of a youngster. He had flown over Frisa and virtually passed Skye and he was looking distinctly uneasy. This was not to be the warm homecoming he might have hoped for. Within a few minutes, the welcome from Skye matched the air temperature and things turned distinctly frosty. He flew round and perched on a boulder just 50m from Haggis. This seriously spooked the young male and he took off - with Skye in hot pursuit. They skirted round the front edge of the larches and vanished into the forest. Over the next 10 minutes, first one, then the other would shoot out of the trees before I'd lose sight of them again as they raced back into a fire break. Then I noticed Frisa had gone from her hummock and there she was steaming across to join the fracas. She too crashed into the forest and there was silence. To be honest, there were times when I feared for Haggis. I could only imagine what was going on in there. As far as Frisa and Skye were concerned, especially Skye, here was a young pretender, a sub-adult male in the heart of his nesting territory. There could be no bigger threat to him. Would they know it was their Haggis just stopping by to see the folks? Sorry. Probably not.

Haggis and his brother Oatie were named by children at Lochdonhead Primary School in 2006 They were the stars of their day; they starred on our webcam that year and Kate Humble came north to film them for the pilot series of The One Show. Later we received reports of them from various parts of Mull, then Haggis turned up in the Outer Hebrides on Lewis. Later he was reunited with Oatie at Loch Scridain on Mull and was recorded last year over on the east coast. So he has been quite a traveller in his young life. The least he might have received was a warm welcome when he drifted homewards. But it was not to be. This is, after all, the wild, not Disneyworld.

Every now and then I could hear calling from withing the forest, distant echoing calls. Then without warning first Frisa, then Skye flew up and perched together in a big Sitka. But no Haggis. The pair called loudly on and off for the next half hour and sat side by side, united. I can only guess and hope that Haggis made his escape thought the back of the forest and out across the brown wintry hills out of sight from me. His life journey was not over yet. Or perhaps he was hiding in the dense plantation, waiting for his moment to break free when his angry parents were not watching. Some hope. For now, at least peace was restored to their loch-side home . It had been a rare insight into the private life and times of our famous Mull white-tailed eagles. It may not have been the fairytale reunion we'd have liked for the returning long-lost son but these are wild spirits and we wouldn't actually have them any other way.

I'm off south for a few days into the Smoke for my own family reunion. I hope I get a warmer welcome!

Dave Sexton RSPB Scotland Mull Officer

Don't miss The Natural World this Thursday 3 December BBC Two 9pm: HIGHLAND HAVEN. It's a winner.   Here is a short preview clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlPqpzEnYv4

by the Eagles (who else?)

Like some parts of the country, we've had some really wild weather here on Mull - our thoughts are with those people suffering from flood damage and the family of the Policeman who tragically lost his life as the bridge collapsed in Workington.  Just another reminder of the sheer strength of Mother Nature. 

This evening, as I went out to put the chickens away, I could hardly stand up - the rain was virtually horizontal.  But for those of you who have been to Mull, you know how quickly the weather can change.

This week at the Hide, one group of visitors experienced a hail storm, sunshine, and torrential rain.  However, it didn't stop them from seeing some of our fantastic wildlife.  A golden eagle flew over the hide with two buzzards for company - it is great when you see these two species together as it gives you an idea of the difference in size and profile.   I think one of the questions I get asked most is "how can you tell the difference between a buzzard and a golden eagle?  When you see them both together, there is no doubt. 

 We wandered down into the field, which was very soggy to say the least.  On a couple of occasions, I have spotted Skye and Frisa sat at the edge of the loch where a burn runs out, looking for fish.  As we arrived at the bottom of the field, out of the corner of my eye I saw something move.  About 100 yards from us were two stags with huge antlers - we just froze.   

As a shower was advancing up the Loch, we made for the Hide to shelter.  As we got back inside, the rain lashed down and the wind howled around us. This continued until the tour was coming to an end. It was then that I stuck my head outside the door for a quick look round - "Eagle!" I shouted.  Above the trees in front of the hide one of our adults was flying towards us - it veered in front of the larches and then disappeared.  We watched the gap at the side of the hide waiting for it to appear but nothing.  Then, suddenly a cry of "there it is!"  Frisa appeared from the trees, legs down ready to land - she was only about 20 yards in front of us!  She landed in the field we had just walked through at a spot where the burn rises and is level with the field. She sat and watched the rushing water, waiting for a fish to appear.  It has to be one of our closest encounters - just yards away.  We sat in awe watching from the hide, barely whispering in case she heard us.  I'm sure she knew we were there as from time to time she looked straight at us.  She stayed for about 20 minutes, and then took off giving us a fantastic view of that beautiful white tail.  She flew across the Loch and then, directly above her, flew a male hen harrier - what a photo that would have been!  What a great way to spend an afternoon. However, I had to charge home to collect my daughter from a friend who was going away for the weekend. Talk about leaving it to the last minute, or, taking it to the limit, one more time. I wonder how many more times they will do this to me.

Buzzard - Photo Debby Thorne

Even with the weather not at its best, we still get stunning views of our wildlife.  Don't forget, the hide is staying open over the winter.  Full details here http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/mull/index.asp   Call 01680 812556 to book a trip.   We will run the trips to fit in with demand so give us a call if you are on the Island.

Rainbow over The Sound of Mull - photo Debby Thorne

Don't forget to watch Blue Peter this Tuesday, 16.35 on BBC1!  I wonder if its still Valerie Singleton, Peter Purves and John Noakes??

Debby Thorne

White Tailed Eagle Information Officer, Isle of Mull

Our male white-tailed eagle chick from Mull this year, Oran, has made a dramatic flight south. He had seemed settled and has spent the last few weeks just across the water from here on Loch Sunart; then he came home for a while but has now headed down to the island of Jura. We are hearing more reports lately of young eagles on nearby Islay perhaps attracted by the thousands of wintering geese. Maybe this is where Oran is headed next.  Our colleagues at Loch Gruinart reserve will be watching out for him and we'll see what the next set of data tells us. Meanwhile our female chick Venus has drifted over a mountain ridge or two and was last recorded at Loch Frisa, home to the Eagle Hide. If you're lucky and planning to visit us soon you may catch a glimpse of her. The Eagle Hide is still open and feel free to call 01680 812 556 to arrange a trip. We can be flexible with the days and times to suit you. Today both Frisa and Skye were on view. Again both perched in larches very close to the hide and were watching below into the burns for brown trout. They looked magnificent in the weak winter sunshine. I wonder where Heather has gone to now? Next time we'll give you an update on where last year's chicks from Loch Frisa are doing as they enter their second winter. Mara and Breagha have both been on the move lately...

Meanwhile, the long awaited feature on Blue Peter will be aired next week. The team tell us that it will be shown next Tuesday 24 November on BBC One at 4.35pm. If you haven't seen Blue Peter for a while, give yourself a treat, re-live your childhood, settle back with a cup of tea and enjoy. Better still tell any nieces, nephews or grandchildren to tune in. I will be wearing my Blue Peter badge wih pride.

Finally, Allan Mee who manages the white-tailed eagle reintroduction project for the Golden Eagle Trust in Ireland sent me a quote I'd like to share with you. It's from a book on the legends and stories by Native Americans. It was written by a wise man called Lame Deer of the Brule Sioux Nation. They knew how to live with eagles; they respected them. Perhaps some lessons to be learned? I'll leave that for you to decide. As Walter Cronkite used to say - 'that's the way it is.'

Until next time...

Dave Sexton RSPB Mull Officer  

"So we are descended from the eagle. We are an eagle nation. That is good, something to be proud of, because the eagle is the wisest of birds. He is the Great Spirit's messenger; he is a great warrior. That is why we always wore the eagle plume and still wear it" 

Courtesy Wet, Wet, Wet and The Troggs - Love is All Around

There is certainly a change in the air at Loch Frisa.  Yesterday morning when I drove down, I was greeted by a pair of whooper swans.  Swans are such graceful, beautiful birds - sadly they dont tend to stay long on Mull - just long enough to refuel before continuing their journey further south.

Skye and Frisa were sitting at the top of a spruce tree, side by side.  There was lots of preening going on - tidying up those feathers, making sure they are all well oiled ready for winter, and of course, looking one's best.  They were both calling to each other - despite them being sat together.  The weather this week has been stunning.  We have had lovely crisp mornings with days of clear blue skies and sunshine.  The eagles make the perfect backdrop. 

A quick, sharp shower, followed by sunshine - Skye and Frisa sat side by side shaking off the raindrops

Photo - Debby Thorne

Today, they chose to sit in a different tree - its as if they are trying out  different locations to get the best view when they start building a new nest.  For much of the day, Skye sat close to the track, very near to the hide.  At one point a pair of hooded crows flew into the same tree and were definately trying to get him to move on - maybe it was one of their regular trees and they objected to an eagle taking over - two onto one is a bit unfair though!  But Skye stood his ground and eventually the hoodies got fed up and flew off.  

 Skye and a pair of hooded crows

 Photo - Debby Thorne

Skye enjoying the sunshine

photo Debby Thorne

We haven't seen Heather for about a week now and suspect that she has now left home leaving Skye and Frisa to get on with the important task of getting to know each other again.  They are certainly spending lots of time together and Skye was seen tugging at some twigs - getting ready for that all important nest building.  They will re-affirm their bond with each other with displays of talon grappling in mid air whilst tumbling down to ground, parting at the last minute - really jaw dropping stuff.  Skye may bring Frisa some food - I guess the equivalent of our red roses and then down to the important business of nest building. 

Mull is magical in the winter. Why not come for a long weekend or a mid-week break? Many hotels have some very attractive seasonal offers. If you are coming to Mull at this special time of year and would like to visit the hide, please call 01680 812 556 to arrange a ranger-led trip. We'll do our best to make days and times flexible to suit you.

There is a place called hope. Despite the poisonings, the losses, the persecution and the madness, there is a new ray of hope tonight that it is all finally beginning to really work - to really knit together. The project to bring the white-tailed eagle back to the British Isles actually began some 50 years ago. Long before Fair Isle in 1968 or Rum in 1975, there was Argyll in 1959.  The late Pat Sandeman released three sea eagles in Glen Etive but as far as we know nothing came of it. Or did it? Occasional reports of an adult sea eagle drifting around the west coast in a desperate search for another of its kind persisted for many years. In theory one of them might even have still been alive when the fullscale reintroduction project started on Rum 16 years later. Just imagine, after a long, solitary quest the last remaining of the Glen Etive sea eagles rounds a vast headland and spies a distant but strangely familiar silouette soaring over the hills of Mull. After many years of dashed hopes, tangles with golden eagles and dark, lonely nights, our sole survivor is about to be reunited with one of its own. As the adult drifts ever closer, the newly released youngster suddenly realises that the mighty form heading towards it has a yellow beak, a dazzling white tail and eyes the colour of pale sunlight. They soar together, call loudly and talon grapple until finally they drift effortlessly away into a Hebridean sunset. A legend is born. Or...maybe not.

Since Rum in 1975, there has been Wester Ross in 1987, East Scotland and then Ireland in 2007. I had always dreamed of the day when the three populations from west, east and the Irish would all begin to merge. A real sign that the project to re-establish the lost birds to their former haunts was really beginning to work on a national, indeed international scale. And today comes news that it has finally happened. The comeback has really begun. We've had regular visits from our friends in Tayside since 2007. Some have been long stayers, others just day-trippers but most have wandered back east again, as they should. Then earlier this year came news of one of the Irish birds in Scotland. It was seen and reported by a ghillie on the mainland along a remote salmon river. Then last month one of their satellite tagged birds, a pioneering male 'bird L' was reported here doing a huge journey round the north of Scotland and even onto the Northern Isles. Recently, he started his homeward flight back towards Ireland. Some little understood but irresistable force was bringing him home to the hills of Kerry. But it was over the deep sea loch of Loch na Keal in the heart of Mull that the historic reunion occurred. At some point late one autumn afternoon, bird L passed over Mull where we also know east coast birds 5 and 7 were also recently tracked. Nearby was Venus, our 2009 satellite tagged female. He might also have encountered yellow black spot, even Frisa or Skye. Clearly he was tempted to stay; he was amongst friends and he roosted overnight here. Safe.

And so it had happened. For the first time since the early 1800's, populations of sea eagles from different parts of the British Isles were able to mix and mingle again. It was to be a brief encounter for soon he was moving on again, still heading south, stopping off on Islay. But it was a momentous occasion and one we hope will be repeated many times with other birds over the next few years. And where had it all happened?  Eagle Island - where else? As the song says, there ain't no stopping them now.

Dave Sexton RSPB Scotland Mull Officer

Come and see the eagles yourself - Mull's Eagle Hide is still going strong. Call 01680 812 556 to book a trip this winter. 

I don't believe it!  I'm sat inside typing when outside the sky is blue with a few whispy clouds - hubby is out in the garden pruning a hedge in a tee shirt - is it nearly the end of October?  Walking the dog this morning, I had a lovely view of a flock of barnacle geese and a small flock of pink footed geese stopping off to feed before they move on, maybe to the RSPB reserve at Mersehead. 

There is something quite magical about seeing that wonderful "V" formation in the sky.  Have you ever wondered why they fly in a "V" shape?  Flying in a flock can help reduce the energy that is needed for a long flight.  It is estimated by flying in a "V" formation can help save an individual bird between 12-20% of the energy they would need if they flew  alone.  According to scientists, flying in a "V" formation helps birds conserve their energy.  Each bird flies slightly above the one in front of him or her.  This results in a reduction of wind resistance.  The birds also take turns being at the front of the "V" and will fall back when they get tired.  The young, inexperienced juveniles tend to fly towards the back so they dont have to take up the lead position.  Again, it is estimated that a flock of geese can fly 70% farther in the "V" formation than flying alone!  The other advantage of flying in a "V" is that each bird will have a clear field of vision, allowing them to see each other and communicate in flight.  Apparently fighter pilots will use this formation for the same reason.  How clever is that?

With Autumn in full swing and as we creep towards winter, I find it a reassuring time - Mother Nature continues her work year round with the changing seasons, the change in behaviour of wildlife too.  My thoughts turn to Skye and Frisa - it won't be long now before they start thinking of building a new nest.  Heather is still very much part of the family, but in time, she will gradually move away and leave Skye and Frisa to start the whole process again.  With the Scottish schools on holiday, we had a great number of visitors to the Hide and they were rewarded with some beautiful views of our family, either sat on the lochside or just flying against a beautiful blue sky.  Don't forget you can still visit the Hide at Loch Frisa - we are staying open and you can hopefully see some wonderful views of nature - from our white tailed sea eagle family, migrating geese flying over, divers on the loch, down to the beautiful colours of the bracken and trees at this time of year.  Full details here http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/mull/index.asp 

A reminder of Loch Frisa in the Autumn

Photo - Debby Thorne

Dont forget to encourage family and friends to help protect our Birds of Prey by signing the pledge here http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/birdsofprey/index.asp

Debby Thorne, White Tailed Eagle Information Officer

Isle of Mull

Well we are being spoilt on Mull at the moment!  A lovely spell of warm, sunny weather - clear blue skies and glass like seas and lochs - just beautiful (although it is definately chilly at night although that gives us some great stargazing opportunities).

Loch Frisa has been stunning as usual and giving us some extra surprises!  We knew we had one otter in the loch but on Wednesday as we were admiring Skye and Frisa sat together on one of their favourite roosts, one of our visitors shouted, "otter".  It was so easy to pick it out as the loch was just flat calm, mirror like - you could see the slightest ripple.  We all turned our binoculars and scopes onto the Loch - not one otter but two playing about in the water - they are such lovely creatures and love to play in the water - a lovely sight. 

Skye and Frisa are still delighting our visitors and quite often joined by Heather with all 3 sat on the lochside -  - I sometimes think of the male, Bracken, that died, especially now the heather and bracken on the hillsides has turned a beautiful russett brown colour.  As Dave has mentioned previously, its been a good year for fledgings with 10 chicks on Mull and 36 across Scotland - just a shame our little guy didnt make it - but that's nature!

The Island is now home to some large flocks of barnacle geese and the odd pink footed (though the pinkies dont tend to stay) - also redwings and fieldfares.

Dont forget if you are visiting Mull, the Eagle Hide is staying open - trips running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays - book through the Craignure Visitor Centre on 01680 812556.  Full details here http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/mull/index.asp

Elvis the Otter in Tobermory Bay

Photo Debby Thorne

Dont forget to help protect our Birds of Prey by signing the pledge here http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/birdsofprey/

 Debby Thorne - White Tailed Eagle Information Officer

Isle of Mull