OK, so our sea eagle chicks are not exactly likely to be migrating to Senegal to see Nethy anytime soon (but I'm sure they could if they wanted to!) Mara and Breagha have come home - they just couldn't stay away too long. Yesterday afternoon, Mara was just north of Ardnacross just to the north of where I'm sitting writing this, riding out the winter hail and sleet squalls. He must have hopped back across the Sound of Mull when I wasn't looking. If it would only clear for a moment I might actually see him. Meanwhile, at about the same time, Breagha was perched on the open hill on the south side of the island at Loch Buie, a stunning and remote part of this fabulous island. Maybe they had a telepathic agreement to both come home together? OK, maybe not. It'll be interesting to see if, being back so near to home at Loch Frisa, they choose to roost nearby overnight. Whatever, it's good to have them back on this side of the water. I know we can't keep them safe(ish) on Mull forever but whenever they leave I know they'll be facing a big, bad more dangerous world out there.
The northerly airflow continues and 'winter's icy blast' has just blown the office door wide open. Despite having copious layers on (almost as many as the team did on Brownsea Island last night) it's not exactly warm in here. I have to keep the door slightly ajar so 'cheeky robin' can hop in and out at will whenever he gets hungry or whenever the next deluge of hail races across Salen Bay towards us, forcing him into the RSPB office sanctuary. Unfortunately, the latest gust also blew his biscuit crumbs all over the floor so the current invasion of woodmice will have a feast tonight. I hope they don't chew through anything essential like a computer cable. If it suddenly all goes blank you'll ----------------------------------------
"Autumnwatch" is here! Tune in for the next live programme tonight, BBC Two 7pm. The 'Mull Eagle Diary' films begin in Week 2, next Monday 3 November, continue Tuesday 4th and conclude Wednesday 5th November. For viewers who can receive BBC Two Scotland, you can also see Mull and the eagles on the next edition of "Landward", this Friday 31 October BBC Two Scotland 7pm.
Dave Sexton RSPB Scotland Mull Officer
Dave Sexton, RSPB Scotland Mull Officer