At last, we and indeed the eagles, have been enjoying some warm sunshine - and I really mean warm. In the last week, the larches have started sprouting and have that lovely green hue about them. The number of sand martins has increased and there is a really frenzy of activity with them relining their burrows. Peacock and small tortoiseshell butterflies are out and about and a lovely sound to be heard was the welcome return of the willow warbler, all the way from Africa. It never fails to amaze me the distance these tiny birds fly and they return to the same place each time - migration is a pretty incredible feat of nature!
Well Skye and Frisa have continued their duties, incubating those precious eggs. With the incredibly warm weather we have had, the off duty bird has really taken advantage of the thermals and they have been flying to some incredible heights - probably spending a bit longer away from the nest much to the annoyance of the duty bird but they are both taking turns in doing some amazing flying displays for the visitors. As mentioned previously, Operation Easter is in full flow with our nests being watched as we edge ever closer to hatching. To say this is an uneventful period would be an understatement. We have encountered RAF fighter jets across the loch, a sea plane landing on the loch, and just yesterday, we all held our breath as one of our nests was threatened by a grass fire which took 4 appliances and most of our volunteer fire fighters to bring it under control. At one point, it came dangerously close to the nest, but thanks to the fantastic work of the firefighters, they got the fire under control before it got too close. Phew!
I know its not a good photo, but this was Frisa enjoying a well earned break from nest duties - she rose higher and higher until we finally lost of sight of her - just look at that amazing wingspan!
We have another new attraction at Loch Frisa! Many of you who have visited will know we have a variety of feeders in front of the hide. A flock of siskins have become regular visitors to the feeders and our visitors have been completely mesmerised by them. They are quite feisty little birds but the antics of them each trying to get a turn on the feeder have been providing great entertainment. I just hope Skye and Frisa dont get offended with all the eyes on the feeders instead of them!
Siskin frenzy on the feeder - photo Debby Thorne
Dont forget to keep up with the Estonian Webcam webcam
For the latest viewing details of the Eagle Hide, please check regularly Mull Eagle Watch
Debby Thorne
White Tailed Eagle Information Officer, Mull
EJ at Loch Garten laid her 3rd egg this morning, Wedneasday.
Awaiting news of eagel chicks. Read another link to the eagel hide and it says about it moving and that Frisa and Skye were seen sitting on the edge of their nest for half and hour so feeding newly hatched chick or chicks.
JILLIAN
Thank you Mex and Debby/Dave for putting it on,I have had lots of concerns but over a period of time it almost seemed that prised answers from Mark Avery and cannot find any reason why the release should not happen but would like the landowners to be persuaded if possible as they will be a big benefit to the scheme if on board.Interestingly seems they did range as far as the Isle Of Wight before being extinct in this country so think I might start asking Dave for a supply from that crofter who has 7 nests within 7 miles of his house for some for Dorset.Wow if only we could get that presence round us,cannot wait to volunteer for Dorset Eagle Watch.We shall just need to ask Dave for advice and starting from the other end of the country soon meet in the middle.Just a dream at the moment but you never know after all not far away are the Somerset wetlands with one of the biggest congregation of wetland birds in the country.Think I would still like to go to Mull for scenery,other birds and not least because they all make you welcome and one special personal reason.
What a cheek E J made it on to back page of Telegraph and nothing about Frisa.
Perhaps you all know about this article already? www.bbccountryfilemagazine.com/.../eagle-landing
It all sounds rather scary Debby, but glad all ended well.
Sounds like Dave bought a Golden Eagle down to us in East Sussex!!
Lets hope for some chicks soon and then we can be soooooo excited like bloggers are at Loch Garten with E J having eggs and Odin bringing fish and twigs to nest.S and F get on with the job expertly but without fuss,well done you lovely pair.(mean the birds not Debby and Dave)they are lovely as well though.Hope all the guardians getting some social pleasure from all there very important work,thanks from us visitors to all of you who put so much effort into protecting these great birds all over the Island as well as S and F.