I don't believe it! I'm sat inside typing when outside the sky is blue with a few whispy clouds - hubby is out in the garden pruning a hedge in a tee shirt - is it nearly the end of October? Walking the dog this morning, I had a lovely view of a flock of barnacle geese and a small flock of pink footed geese stopping off to feed before they move on, maybe to the RSPB reserve at Mersehead.
There is something quite magical about seeing that wonderful "V" formation in the sky. Have you ever wondered why they fly in a "V" shape? Flying in a flock can help reduce the energy that is needed for a long flight. It is estimated by flying in a "V" formation can help save an individual bird between 12-20% of the energy they would need if they flew alone. According to scientists, flying in a "V" formation helps birds conserve their energy. Each bird flies slightly above the one in front of him or her. This results in a reduction of wind resistance. The birds also take turns being at the front of the "V" and will fall back when they get tired. The young, inexperienced juveniles tend to fly towards the back so they dont have to take up the lead position. Again, it is estimated that a flock of geese can fly 70% farther in the "V" formation than flying alone! The other advantage of flying in a "V" is that each bird will have a clear field of vision, allowing them to see each other and communicate in flight. Apparently fighter pilots will use this formation for the same reason. How clever is that?
With Autumn in full swing and as we creep towards winter, I find it a reassuring time - Mother Nature continues her work year round with the changing seasons, the change in behaviour of wildlife too. My thoughts turn to Skye and Frisa - it won't be long now before they start thinking of building a new nest. Heather is still very much part of the family, but in time, she will gradually move away and leave Skye and Frisa to start the whole process again. With the Scottish schools on holiday, we had a great number of visitors to the Hide and they were rewarded with some beautiful views of our family, either sat on the lochside or just flying against a beautiful blue sky. Don't forget you can still visit the Hide at Loch Frisa - we are staying open and you can hopefully see some wonderful views of nature - from our white tailed sea eagle family, migrating geese flying over, divers on the loch, down to the beautiful colours of the bracken and trees at this time of year. Full details here http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/mull/index.asp
A reminder of Loch Frisa in the Autumn
Photo - Debby Thorne
Dont forget to encourage family and friends to help protect our Birds of Prey by signing the pledge here http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/birdsofprey/index.asp
Debby Thorne, White Tailed Eagle Information Officer
Isle of Mull
Thanks for that Mex,what a really interesting read and just shows what difficult times lie ahead.As a retired farmer I obviously have sympathy with any just cause by farmers and they almost certainly lose some lambs to Sea Eagles that haven't been a threat for about a 100 years and my guess is it all ties up with what I believe are called management payments on Mull which means the farmers there are more tolerant than those in the article.Human nature means they want some of this management money.Even though Sooty and Sweep love seeing these birds perhaps more than we can say I fear massive problems arising in the future and will need all of Dave's and others like him to use their skill to keep crofters etc on board and let these birds population grow.Good luck Dave.
In the light of Dave's previous request for circumspection over the sensitive issue at Gairloch, I will make no comment, but just take a look all of you at www.timesonline.co.uk/.../article6900383.ece !!!
Thanks Debby for your updates, and beautiful photos. We wish we lived nearer to Mull, but it is wonderful to be able to keep up to date with what is happening with all the birds and wildlife, by following your blog. We had a fantastic time in Scotland, (and on Mull) earlier this year, and we hope to be back again next spring. Do you think Heather will stay around Mull, or is she more likely to move further away?
hi debbie, just came back of mull yesterday had a great time only had 3 days there, been doing a small tour through the highlands and just had to finish of there, it seems to be like a magnet haha,went to loch frisa but was very quiet, but loch na keal done us prowd as usual. hope you all stay well. david
Yeah good to meet you too Debby! Scotland wouldn't be the same without its unpredictable weather :-) Mull has been lovely as always, We didn't come on Wednesday because as the weather was nice we decided to go to Grasspoint, and the scenic route back by Loch Scridain and Loch Na Keal, And guess what we saw not a dicky bird!! Plus i got really travel sick !! Well we did see a robin and a stonechat, and saw the seals in Salen bay!
Not even seen the Tobermory otter yet!
This afternoon, we went to go to Loch Frisa, other end, and did see one eagle briefly with no binocs, but certain an eagle as 2 ravens beside it, so drove round to the smaller loch, just round from it, and saw 2 eagles, which were Goldens , sometimes sat sometimes flying. So that was good, before we went out we said we are going out but NOT looking for eagles!!! It worked, but don't tell them that.
Go back home on Saturday to our garden birds and buzzards over head.
But we just love Mull and are hopefully going to book this property for Easter!
Thanks for the Eagle Watch, i always find it interesting and always learn something new.
Thanks Heather