Mull Eagles

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Mull Eagles > Sleepless nights

Sleepless nights

I'd like to bring you some definitive and positive news on the 'missing' chick at Loch Frisa but I'm sorry I can't. However, you always tell us you want to know the facts as they happen so I'm afraid there is no easy way to say this: I am worried tonight. As ever there is good news and bad news. Let's get the 'bad' news out of the way and keep positive. Compared to previous years, it is undoubtedly early for him to have fledged. When Frisa or Skye have come in with food, they've gone straight to the nest and not searched for any fledged chick as I would expect them to do. I've scanned and searched for hours on the open ground and have not seen a hint of a chick anywhere. And now the better news...we still have a very active bouncy chick on the nest and it's feeding well. If the other one has gone early, it was fit and well last Thursday and is probably absolutely fine. Although things can go wrong at the last minute, it is unusual for something to happen at this late stage. The grass and bracken are tall and there is plenty of ground out of sight where it could easily be hiding. Chicks spend alot of time on the ground after they leave the nest...and they lie down too making it even harder to see them. 

So we will continue to watch and wait. I can't go any closer as there would be a risk of spooking both the one on the nest before it's ready and potentially the fledged chick sitting about on the ground. Not to mention the parents. It's a nerve wracking time for everyone and we need some world-wide positive thoughts please sent in the direction of Mull. We will let you know, one way or the other, as soon as we know anything. Can't write anymore...need sleep. Some hope! 

Dave Sexton RSPB Scotland Mull Officer

Just a note to say, I know a lot of you were looking forward to Blue Peter this afternoon - the BBC have rescheduled and our item will be featured in September - rest assured we will keep you posted when we know the date.  Thank you for all your positive thoughts - as soon as we have some news, we will of course, let you know. Debby

Posted by david sexton at 22:26 on 29 June 2009.  13 comments

Comments

Mex
Posted on Monday, 29 June 2009 at 23:58

'May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest....' As you ask, good thoughts to Mull from across the UK and across the world will lift you and your birds up, tonight, and always. All is well - whatever the hopes and fears, and whatever the material appearance. We just need to keep focussed on 'the wide horizon's grander view' and we will see the blessing. Well, that's my belief - in the truth of Life.

Gary
Posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 1:45

Oh Dave, Debby and everyone there on the Mull Eagle watch.

We so hope that the chick fledged early and is just hiding from you.

Positive vibes are coming across the Atlantic to you from Alison and I:))))) We are also sending them west to reach you so good vibes are coming from all directions.

Thank you for letting us know. I would rather know the bad with the good.

Sooty
Posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 7:48

Hi Dave good to have update even if still no news of missing chick.You are sure of all bloggers positive thoughts and we feel sure that it is safe and being cared for.The best thing I could add is to say hear hear to Mex's comment.Best wishes.

Valerie
Posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 8:23

Oh Dave so sorry to hear about the 'missing' chick , they are your 'children' and as with children many sleepless nights will be had until you know the answer , it is always the not knowing which is the worst bit , I am sure you will get lots of positive thoughts heading your way . Hoping you will have an answer soon and then you will sleep easier , take care all . {{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}

lynda
Posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 9:54

Wishing and hoping and praying that all is well with that chick, and also with you, Debby and all involved.  Thanks for letting us know - must be the last thing you want to do when you get in late after searching.

Carrie
Posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 10:16

Dave, Debby and the team, myself and Tony are sending you our most positive thoughts and prayers up to Loch Frisa. I am glad I didn't read this last night as I too would not have slept.

Hugs and best wishes to you all.

margobird
Posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 11:15

Dave. Debby and all the team my thoughts are with you and  I hope you find the missing chick.  It would be heartbreaking now if something has happened.  Praying and hoping things will be OK.

anny
Posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 11:36

Fingers (and everything) crossed for the missing chick. It must be very tempting to go searching in the undergrowth and so frustrating knowing you must not. Your stress levels must be off the scale David! Will be thinking of you all and sincerely hope there is a happy outcome.

Heatherp
Posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 11:58
Can't imagine how stressful this must be for all involved. If something had happened (bad) would you not beable to tell by the eagles reaction? Lets hope the missing chick is just very advanced!! I will keep everything crossed that this chick makes an apperance very soon!! Thanks for the update!! Come on Chick show yourself!!!!!
Heatherp
Posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 13:36
Thanks for letting us know Debby
Jillian
Posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 13:54
den and ann and Mex and David, I left my message on yesterdays blog this morning by mistake, hope you can read what I wrote there. Jillian
Mike
Posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 16:58
I once was involved in a similar type of incident whilst helping with Osprey watch at Rutland. Fortunately we were able to resolve it BUT it only serves to remind me of the incredible tension, dedication, determination and soul searching which is involved in these situations. Good luck.
Sooty
Posted on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 21:22

Hi Dave more positive thoughts towards our chick and Mull, we all seem to feel confident of a good result.We have all been through lots of anguish with you and the Sea Eagles but mostly seem to come with a good result.Yes Jillian, Ann saw your kind words thank you and we often go to Arne RSPB and Blashford lakes on the edge of New Forest.Best wishes Dave hope perhaps by now trouble resolved.

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