Bank Holiday Bonus

Well as I sit here typing, there is not a cloud in the sky and as the sun goes down, there is a lovely pinky hue.  It has been lovely and warm today and the sun cream has made a welcome return.  We are having some truly wonderful weather, although there are signs of Autumn creeping through.  The bracken has started to turn golden yellow and the rowan trees are weighed down with their bunches of brightly coloured berries.

For many people, today was a Bank Holiday but not in Scotland.  Today has been business as usual, and at the Hide, work started early.  One of the smaller cruise liners had docked in Tobermory and was sending a full party down to see our eagles!  They had only managed to drive about half way along the track when both Skye and Frisa came into view.  Not doing one of their special fly pasts but Frisa sat on a fence post, basking in the morning sunshine and Skye sat some distance away in a spruce tree doing likewise. Usually, they tend to sit side by side, even on adjoining fence posts but today it seems they each wanted their own view of the Glen.  It certainly isnt quite the view our visitors expect - the 4th largest eagle in the world sat on a fence post!  We then drove onto the hide, where we were able to get an even closer view of Skye, looking handsome as ever with his white tail absolutely glistening in the sunshine.  I can honestly say, they left Loch Frisa to head back to their ship on cloud 9.

The afternoon group had a completely different experience.  Dave was acting as "eagle spotter" while I met the group at the start of the Loch Frisa track - as I headed off, message came through both adults were sitting on one of their favourite knolls.  As I headed up to the vantage viewpoint, a second message came through "they've flown".  My heart sank.  We parked the cars and started scouring the sky and the far hills.  Dave arrived shortly and it wasnt long before the cry of "I can see something" rang out.  On the far side of the loch, over one of the crags, a distant golden eagle was circling, rising ever higher on a thermal.  And then, not wanting to be outshone by the goldies, that familiar form of our "flying barn doors" appeared - Skye and Frisa, flying together enjoying a welcome return to perfect flying conditions.  They started off, a fair way off in the distance and teasingly edged closer to us - enough for us to make out that magnificent white tail and enough for us to be able to make out the difference between Skye and Frisa - Frisa being about 25% larger than Skye.  You couldnt help but feel yourself being lifted with them - occasionally they would rise on a thermal and we held our breaths waiting for them to disappear out of sight but they were having a great time and were not in a hurry to head off anywhere.  But of course, all great things must come to end and eventually they drifted off together, across the far hillside, out of sight.  Again, our visitors went home happy.

But it didnt end there! After everyone had left, I pottered about the hide, tidying up when out the corner of my eye, I saw a large bird heading low across the Loch.  I dashed outside and there was Skye heading straight for the hide - I didnt need my binoculars - he went straight over head, circled a couple of times and then I spotted Frisa, coming in from a different direction to join Skye.  By now they were both calling to each other and flying together - at one point they were side by side and they looked like they were joined at the wings.  Today was just perfect flying weather for our eagles and they certainly made the best of it.  And the weather looks to stay the same for most of the week.  As Skye and Frisa flew together, our young buzzard appeared, over the field next to the hide.  We see him every day and is certainly very vocal, often calling to mum and dad "feed me".  He landed on a nearby fence post, no sign of Mum and Dad, before deciding probably best that he starts looking for tea himself - Mum and Dad could be some time!

Loch Frisa this morning - photo Debby Thorne

 Midday - just a few fluffy white clouds!

As some of you may be aware, I have just returned from a week away at the Birdfair at Rutland Water.  It was the first time I had attended the event and I was working on the Wild Scotland stand, representing the eagle hide.  It was great to meet so many people, both past and future visitors to the Island and indeed, to the Hide.  I was also priviledged to a viewing of the osprey family, both parents and 3 very healthy chicks.  Whilst watching the family, the male chick decided to practice his fishing skills - a spectacular sight indeed.  A big thank you to everyone who came and said hello - I had a fantastic time, although my feet have just about recovered. 

 Mike Dilger

Simon King

Nick Baker on the Wild Scotland stand - "its behind you"

 Dont forget to book a trip to the hide, just call our friends at the Craignure VisitScotland office on 01680 812556.  Full details here Mull Eagle Watch

Debby Thorne

White Tailed Eagle Information Officer, Mull