And the winner is .....................

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