A chick meets its match

The office phone rang late today. An excited, breathless Ricky Clark, from the excellent Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre on the stunning mainland peninsula just to the north of Mull, was on the 'phone. He'd just reviewed the footage recorded earlier in the day from their remote cctv cameras placed near a golden eagle feeding area. They beam back amazing live pictures to the centre for visitors to watch without disturbing the birds. Everything appeared as normal - fantastic views of an adult golden eagle feeding on a red deer carcase. Suddenly in the corner of the screen there was the head of another eagle - a young sea eagle - waiting its turn at the feast. The following turn of events has left us all reeling tonight and details are still coming in. There was a rush of wings, a chase, talons outstretched and feathers flying. One eagle entered from the left, another raced out to the right, then back again. Golden eagle after sea eagle, sea eagle after golden eagle. As the action developed at lightening speed on the monitor, it became clear that the young sea eagle had a satellite tag attached. It was either Mara or Breagha. As of 1100 tonight we don't know who. A positive ID of exactly which chick was involved will have to wait until the next satellite data is received. Worryingly, just out of frame, feathers and down were flying. We will review the footage again tomorrow morning to work out the complete sequence of events and to hope peace is restored in this wild land of the eagles. Another dangerous day in the life of our young sea eagles and  another valuable lesson learned - we hope without injury to either party. More tomorrow. 

Dave Sexton RSPB Scotland Mull Officer

Follow the progress of the Mull sea eagle family on 'Autumnwatch' BBC Two 8pm starting Monday 3rd , continuing Tuesday 4th and concluding Wednesday 5 November.

Also watch them on 'Landward' Friday 31 October 7pm BBC Two Scotland