Well apologies for leaving it so long to blog but its that time of year when its just hectic with all sorts going on. Dave has been up to his eyes writing reports, attending meetings and keeping a close eye on the movements of the eagles. I have still been running trips to the hide but with the recent spell of weather, we had to suspend them for a few days as the track to Frisa was too icy but hopefully back to normal service shortly. Skye and Frisa have been spending time around the hide giving us some incredible flying displays in clear blue skies.
Unlike the rest of the UK, Mull and Islay escaped the snow - believe me it was very cold with some severe frosts matched with clear blue skies and sunshine but the snow bypassed us just falling on Ben More and the surrounding higher hills. It was bizarre for us to watch the rest of the country struggling to cope with the huge snowfalls and the chaos that followed. Looking at the weather forecast for the coming week, it looks set to return. It is really important to keep feeding our garden birds in this severe weather . It is vital they dont waste energy flying to empty feeders or bird tables - it could be the difference between life and death. Just as important, is to make sure they have fresh water. Keep a look out in the garden as well as severe weather can bring unexpected visitors looking for food. I have spotted our water rail - often heard but hardly seen until this past week. Have a look at feeding birds in winter for some useful information.
Well - as to the winner - could it be Strictly Come Dancing, I'm a Celebrity Get me Out of Here, X Factor - even the fantastic live episode of Coronation Street - but no, the winner is .... "drum roll" ..... the white tailed eagle! What am I talking about? Well this week we were delighted to hear that Heritage Lottery Fund has given its backing to RSPB Scotland to help ensure the future of our eagles. The East Coast project will run for another year with the release of 15-20 sea eagle chicks which will help us reach a sustainable population. You can read the details on the Heritage Lottery Fund website.
But I would also like to say congratulations to Matt - I was a fan from the first time he appeared on X Factor so was delighted to see tonight he was voted the winner. We still have the Strictly result to come next weekend!
Only 13 sleeps until the big day! Hope all your preparations are going well. Just time for me to say a huge thank you for all your support in what turned out quite a difficult year for us with the failure of the nest - I'm sure you can guess what my wishes for 2011 will be - apart from the usual World peace, the end to poisoning of birds of prey - but everything crossed for a great year for Skye and Frisa. Dont forget to come and see us Mull Eagle Watch
A very merry Christmas and a Happy, healthy and peaceful New Year to you and yours - wherever you may be.
Debby Thorne
White Tailed Eagle Information Officer, Mull
message to Scooby (David) - sorry for the delay but work is manic. A juv White Tailed Sea Eagle was spotted on Saturday 11th December 2010 at Amberley Wildbrooks in West Sussex. It was viewable all afternoon from Rackham Street that looks onto the Wildbrooks. It was seen there again on the morning of Sunday 12th December but flew off west just before noon. It was later seen flying over WWT Arundal and spotted later on Sunday in Hampshire. Unfortunately no reports since. I was very lucky to see it Saturday afternoon but it was distant. Sussex Wildlife Trust managed to get some video and still photo's of it that they posted on facebook. It's the first White Tailed Sea Eagle seen in Sussex since 1961.
According to the Birdguides site it was seen the following day at Tichfield Haven,Hampshire, so appears to be moving West.
Scooby. I posted this on 12/11 on a previous page. It was seen near Pulborough Brooks reserve at Rackham. If you go to the Sussex Ornithological Site there are a number of reports with both still and Video shots of the bird which is described as a juvenile. The view seems to be that it is probably a Scandavian bird pushed across by the weather. (www.sos.org.uk).
message to debbie wiltshire. hi there were abouts in sussex did you see, have you heard of any other sightings, down them parts with work so it would be nice to be able to see one all the way down here.
Hello Debbie and Dave, good news for the sea eagles again. I had a tear in my eye when you mentioned the unlucky year for Frisa and Skye again, lets hope for two healthy chicks for 2011.
We have 4/5 inches of snow for two days and even on our Bournemouth beach which was very unusual for us.
Breaking up this week for Xmas just when the snow is due to return although we may not get it in the south it may be your turn.
Glad you have enjoyed all the shows on TV like me, helps the cold winter evenings pass. Looking forward to my prezzy's as have the Plant pot owl book, Loch Lowes calendar and notlets and poetry book. Anyone would think I liked birds.
Are the RSPB allowed to do eagle calendars and notlets for fundraising?
Hope you both have a lovely Christmas, take care.
Jillian