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
Hi Debby yes like everyone else thanks to the fire service,always something to jangle the nerves.
Thanks for the update Debby you so deserve some decent weather. Love the photo of Frisa and siskins. Must have an awful time for you with that fire but thanks to the fire service all is well. Is sounds just magical there and I await news of chicks hatching soon.
Margobird
A lovely Blog and great photos thank you Debby. What on earth was a sea plane doing on the loch? Hope it didn't come too near the nesting part of the Loch. Well done and a big thank you to all those who put the fire out _ what a heart stopping moment that must have been.
Thanks for the update Debby and the photos, exciting times! Your Siskin pics are superb. We have a pair in our garden this year, first time ever, hoping for some baby ones soon.
Thanks for the update Debby.
That fire must have been quite frightening, wondering just how far it was going to come. We saw a lot of Siskins last week in Speyside and we have had a lot at home on our feeders this winter. Nice to hear the eagles are enjoying the warm clear weather. I had hoped to see some when I was on holiday, coming back down the east coast but no such luck. I have seen plenty of Ospreys though so that makes up for it a bit!!LOL