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david sexton

Ok so we're a bit early to celebrate the first landing on the moon by the lunar module but it was 40 years ago today that Apollo 11 blasted off from Cape Canaveral. Our second chick at Loch Frisa, a female, blasted off from the nest over a week ago. Although I've made sure I've heard her each day to ensure she's ok, I just wanted to see her. But she has kept herself well hidden. After what happened to the male chick, it hasn't exactly been the most relaxing time. To be honest I was beginning to get a bit anxious. Until tonight. I finally found her sitting in a tree down by the loch. She looked great. Very alert and calling to Frisa and Skye who were up in the field opposite. Frisa was sitting on the ground on her favourite hummock. At one point a ewe and large lamb walked straight up to her and there was a stand off. The lamb looked like it was a matter of inches from Frisa. They were almost beak to nose. They just looked curiously at each other. What an image it would have made. Frisa held her head at an angle while the lamb edged loser still. Finally she held out her wings as if to say 'that's close enough buddy' and the lamb lost interest and started to graze. I'm not sure either was particularly afraid of the other, just a close encounter of potentially predator and prey but neither acted out their parts.

Finally Skye flew back towards the chick and landed above her. She eventually launched off the branch and once again glided earthwards and landed with a bump in the bracken. The eagle had indeed landed, on the ground - again. She'll get the hang of this flying thing sooner or later.

Dave Sexton RSPB Scotland Mull Officer

Dave Sexton, RSPB Scotland Mull Officer

  • So pleased the chick is doing well, Dave and that you have seen it. Have you picked a name yet or is that too much like tempting fate? Was the large lamb too large to be 'potential prey' - would the eagles try for something smaller or maybe a sickly animal?

    Reply: Still no name but we're getting close...the two creatures just seemed more curious about each other with Frisa's head going from side to side like confused puppy. I've seen protective ewes dislodge eagles from their perch before now. I think Frisa will have been looking for much easier prey...in fact we suspect there was a carcass nearby which was probably far more tempting. D

  • So glad you have seen the chick again, do hope she soon perfects her flying technique! I love your desription of Frisa and lamb "beak to nose". We didn't see Frisa when we visited back in May, but Skye sat in a tree during our entire visit, watching us watching him I guess! However - just as we were all leaving he finally deigned to fly up and lazily circled round - just to give us a show - before disappearing - probably over to the Treshnish islands. Hope all the birds are managing to cope with this torrential rain and wind.
  • Thank you for sharing that with us all Dave. it is so good to hear that the chick is safe and well and mum and dad in close attendance too!! I bet Debby was relieved, when she heard that you had seen the chick and she was doing so well!!
  • When will she get a name? How about Apollo, as you finally saw her flying in the 40th anniversary? Your updates are terrific - ever thought of writing a book?!
  • Thanks for the update Dave, as Mike said your relief is very clear!! Isn't it wonderful to think that predator and supposed prey can get on so well!!