We've been hearing alot this week about the 'hung Parliament' and of the state of the nation 'in limbo'. Life seems at times to be almost at a standstill. Sounds a bit like Loch Frisa.
I don't know why we keep torturing ourselves! Tonight at 7 pm on yet another evening check to see what they were up to, there was the familiar alert but relaxed eagle head watching me go past. I was really hoping, I think, that they had finally called it a day. It seems strange to say it but that's how we all feel now.
There have been reports today of two adults seen flying together, of Frisa and Skye together in their favourite tree, of an empty nest...and yet here they were still firmly attached to their solitary, (probably fairly grubby by now), old egg. It is day 60 and their devotion is heart wrenching, frustrating and hopeless, all at the same time.
Many have asked if they could lay again this year but I'm afraid the answer is no. For such big birds they have just gone too far through their breeding cycle to be able to start again so late in the season. When they do finally quit, they will drift around in a fairly aimless way for a few days and then settle into their post-breeding pattern of moulting and sitting around even more than they do already! The good news is that they will still be in the area and visible for our visitors to the Eagle Hide - so do please still come and see us.
Much better news for many other pairs of sea eagles on Mull which, I'm plesased to say, seem to be hatching out like clock-work! I wonder why this cruel wing of fate decided to strike a blow to Frisa and Skye this year? Every other pair on Mull which incubated eggs is now feeding rapidly growing chicks; one pair is even doing it for the first time which is amazing and brilliant.
All this is fantastic news of course for sea eagle conservation. But every time I watch another female eagle edging her way carefully round the rim of the nest, talons clenched tight to avoid any damage to the precious contents, tearing off some tiny morsel of food and bending low into the nest cup towards a tiny, wobbling, downy head, I find myself thinking: why can't this be happening for Frisa?
For a few minutes this week, Frisa joined Skye on their loch-side tree. Was this the end? People in the hide held their breath. There was much calling between the two, the meaning of which we can only guess at. For a few moments, their heads and necks virtually intertwined and rested upon each other in a way we've never witnessed before. What can be going on in their instinct-driven minds? Emotion? Feeling? Nothing? Whatever it is, their apparent devotion to each other and to that lifeless, smudgy egg in the still sturdy nest, is touching to experience at first hand. Damn it - what a great nursery platform that old nest would have made!
Then their moment was over and Frisa returned to the nest to resume her duties, driven by some strong, seemingly unbreakable bond. But break it will. Break it must. Their lives and ours must move on. We just wish it would happen soon.
Call 01680 812 556 to book a trip to the Eagle Hide or visit the 'Date with Nature' web page for details.
Dave Sexton, RSPB Scotland Mull Officer
Others agree with me, Dave please reply and let us all know yours thoughts on the book/diary idea.
JILLIAN
I don't know why there is any doubt at all about birds having emotions (especially in this forum). You would only need to see our cockatiel together with members of my (his!) family. Jillian and Steve: we have tried on and off over a couple of years now to get Dave to publish this eminently publishable 'diary' - but he has yet to reply.......... Perhaps there is a problem with doing so?
Dave thanks for your very moving blog. I feel so sad for you all at Loch Frisa, for you Dave and Debbie, and the rest of the team, and of course desperately sad for Skye and Frisa. I know - it is nature - but that makes no difference to how we feel. Our thoughts are with you as you continue to watch and care for those beautiful, and special,birds.
I agree with Jillian, you should put your blogs into a book, it would make fascinating reading.
The logical scientific response is that it's nature, that some years this will happen and that's that. Somehow it isn't logic that works inside me. I think of those two magnificent birds still devotedly sitting on an egg that won't hatch, and it breaks my heart. I know anthropomorphism is frowned upon in scientific circles, but they must feel some emotions, some sense of loss and sadness....they are sentient beings just as we are.
Frisa and Skye I salute you. It may not be your year this year, but you are devoted and impressive parents nonetheless.
Dave & Debby and all your team - you must be so sad. I send you hugs.
Everybody rides on the karma train.
Me again- Have just read your blog to my husband when he came in from work and it upset me again. A message from Steve my husband saying you have such a way with words Dave, why don't you use your blogs from the last few years in a book , it would be very moving and interesting to read.