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