At last we have some warm sunny weather on Mull, following what has seemed like day after day of rain! I know it has been wet in the south today but this was the scene at Loch Frisa.
Sadly Frisa and Skye are still taking turns at sitting on the nest. At the moment, its just a waiting game until they decide to eventually give up on this year's nesting attempt. Its been a huge disappointment for everyone involved in Eagle Watch. Our huge team of volunteers both on and off the Island who have given up their own time to spend hours keeping a watchful eye and then for it to end from a force over which we have no control - Mother Nature. But they will be back of that I have no doubt - next year, fighting fit and raring to go. What I would like to re-iterate though is that despite no chicks this year, Skye and Frisa are not going anywhere. Loch Frisa is their home and you can still come and see them at the Hide. They are giving us some spectacular flying displays as only they can and just wonderful views of them basking in the warm sunshine. I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of Dave and myself to say a huge thank you for all your messages of support - we really appreciate it.
Apart from seeing our spectacular eagles, we also have a camera on a buzzard nest. Our female buzzard is incubating 2 eggs and is certainly proving a hit with our visitors. She is nearly half way through incubation and we have everything crossed for a successful hatching. Of course there are the regulars - the sand martins, the siskins, the mergansers and divers. A new addition to the feeder for the last week or so has been a male and female redpoll, and a male reed bunting has been clearing up the seeds from beneath the feeders. Today I heard our first common sandpiper against the background of a cuckoo and call of curlew. So lots to see and of course Skye and Frisa will welcome you with open wings. Bookings for trips to the hide can be made through the Visitor Information Centre at Craignure, telephone 01680 812 556 or visit the website for details Mull Eagle Watch
Breeding Male Lesser Redpoll- Photo Debby Thorne
News from elsewhere - the Estonian white tailed eagles have hatched - if you havent seen this webcam, I would urge you to take a look - and now more than ever with 2 newly hatched chicks on the nest - beats Coronation Street and Eastenders! Estonian Webcam
I cant leave without mentioning a certain event taking place this Thursday! To ensure our children of the future can enjoy the sight of our spectacular eagles, and enjoy a walk through a stunning bluebell wood - please sign our Letter to the Future we must act now!
And finally, congratulations to Finlay Christine and Sacha who got married on Saturday - Finlay, as many of you will know, was our Wildlife Crime Officer on Mull until his recent retirement. We wish them both a world of happiness and joy for their future life together.
Debby Thorne
White Tailed Eagle Information Officer, Mull
Really sorry about the failure of the nest at Loch Frisa. We will be visiting Mull again in September and look forward to seeing Skye and Frisa and all the other wildlife on this beautiful island.
I was really sad to hear about Skye and Frisa not having chicks this year. It is such a privilege to have this close relationship with nature and we get so much joy from the birds. We have to share the sad times as well. We will be on Mull in July and will certainly book a trip to the hide to catch up on all the news and hopefully see Skye and Frisa who should be enjoying a less stressful summer with no family to feed, protect and worry about. I don't post very often but I do follow the blog, so thanks to all the team who watch the birds and keep us informed.
I would like to ask Dave when Frisa and Skye give up on their nest will he be investigating it to see if he can shed light on what went wrong for them this year?
Seems that the eagels problems were the start of other problems this year. Just read that two male ospreys at Rutland water have gone missing within a few days of each other, very suspicious. the police are investigating as very unusual for two.
Also at Aberfoye after ne breading last year the pair were sitting on 3 eggs only to have problems over the weekend with a male fighting the resident male away and kicking one egg over the side and smashing a second. Female managed to save one and is sitting on it and the following day her mate came back. Only time will tell if this last egg is damaged or not.
Very sad for all the birds and all the workers and volunteers who help look after our fanatstic eagels and ospreys.
An excellent webcam is wildwatchcam:owls-washington where there are 5 fluffy owletts in the nestbox to watch now. One is alot smaller so I am keeping my fingers crossed it makes it.
JILLIAN
Thanks for the lovely picture of Loch Frisa. Maybe, maybe sometime we will be able to visit - I would love to see Skye & Frisa myself. Your kind reports on the happenings there are much appreciated.
Debby thanks for blog and photos it looked lovely when they were taken. Still feel so sad about Frisa and Skye but perhaps next year things will work out for them both. Sort of heartbreaking to know they are still sitting on the egg, how long I wonder before they realise it is not going to hatch. Hope the weather keeps fine for you.