Eagle Watch or Siskin Watch?

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

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Debby Thorne

White Tailed Eagle Information Officer, Mull