then I'll begin. How many times have you heard that phrase - for me as a young girl watching Jackanory and waiting with baited breath for the latest instalment of a story - and then counting the hours until the next programme to find out what happened next.
And so at Loch Frisa - we begin the next instalment of the story of Skye and Frisa - only its not fiction, its real life. Well I am delighted to report that Frisa and Skye are now settled on to their nest and we are in the midst of watching them closely. Everything so far is going well and as it should. Mull Eagle Watch is in full swing and our nests are now under the watchful eye of a team of locals and volunteers.
If any of you use Twitter, there is now a dedicated account for Skye and Frisa - their address is @SkyeandFrisa - and you can keep up to date with the goings on at Loch Frisa as well as Mull's other sea eagles.
I am sure you will all join me in crossing everything possible for Skye and Frisa this year.
Frisa, our female sea eagle - photo Debby Thorne
The one really important change this year is that trips will start from the north end of Loch Frisa. The meeting point is on the Tobermory to Dervaig road - the signs are in place and details can be found at Mull Eagle Watch Bookings can be made via our friends at the Visitor Centre at Craignure on 01680 812556.
This morning as I drove up the track this morning, I was delighted to see 6 sand martins flying over the loch - what a welcoming sight. We were lucky to see a pair of grey wagtail and a pair of bullfinch too as well as the usual flock of siskins and chaffinches on the feeders. The black throated divers and curlew are calling too and we had a great view of a male goldeneye and goosander.
Its that time of year when there is so much activity - we are seeing flocks of grey lag geese heading off to their breeding grounds and watching the arrival of our summer visitors such as the sand martins and swallows. I wonder how long it will be before we hear our first cuckoo? And of course, the days are longer now - with the clocks changing at the weekend, it was gone 8.00pm here before it started getting dark.
The latest news on Kellan - the Garnett family are great supporters of our sea eagles and were delighted to catch sight of Kellan having a good old feed - its great when our visitors take the time to let us know of any eagle sightings - each snippet of data is valuable and helps us fill in tiny pieces of a huge jigsaw puzzle.
And finally, just heard some incredible news - The Lady of the Loch, or Marge, depending which website you follow, the oldest osprey has returned to Loch of the Lowes for the 21st time - absolutely amazing.
Stand by for the next thrilling instalment!
Debby Thorne
White Tailed Eagle Information Officer
Isle of Mull
Hi - this year the meeting point is at the north end of Loch Frisa - its about a 3.5 mile drive down forestry track to our observation point (the same track you came down last year but only from the north end)
hi debby been reading your blog and you say its a different entrance to the hide this year is it still very uneven terrain we came on the scooter last year and had to catch a lift with the ranger who met the group! was just trying to make our plans many thanks
Thanks Debby, - I have signed the petition.
Just a quick question, - when did Frisa lay her eggs last year? I was just wondering when we might have news! Hope all well on Mull, and that you are enjoying some sunshine.
Thank you Debby-hope Mull is enjoying the weather and it stays better for egg sitting. 21 degrees on the south coast today.
Jillian
Thanks Debby I have signed and Ann will tomorrow.