I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes .......

Courtesy Wet, Wet, Wet and The Troggs - Love is All Around

There is certainly a change in the air at Loch Frisa.  Yesterday morning when I drove down, I was greeted by a pair of whooper swans.  Swans are such graceful, beautiful birds - sadly they dont tend to stay long on Mull - just long enough to refuel before continuing their journey further south.

Skye and Frisa were sitting at the top of a spruce tree, side by side.  There was lots of preening going on - tidying up those feathers, making sure they are all well oiled ready for winter, and of course, looking one's best.  They were both calling to each other - despite them being sat together.  The weather this week has been stunning.  We have had lovely crisp mornings with days of clear blue skies and sunshine.  The eagles make the perfect backdrop. 

A quick, sharp shower, followed by sunshine - Skye and Frisa sat side by side shaking off the raindrops

Photo - Debby Thorne

Today, they chose to sit in a different tree - its as if they are trying out  different locations to get the best view when they start building a new nest.  For much of the day, Skye sat close to the track, very near to the hide.  At one point a pair of hooded crows flew into the same tree and were definately trying to get him to move on - maybe it was one of their regular trees and they objected to an eagle taking over - two onto one is a bit unfair though!  But Skye stood his ground and eventually the hoodies got fed up and flew off.  

 Skye and a pair of hooded crows

 Photo - Debby Thorne

Skye enjoying the sunshine

photo Debby Thorne

We haven't seen Heather for about a week now and suspect that she has now left home leaving Skye and Frisa to get on with the important task of getting to know each other again.  They are certainly spending lots of time together and Skye was seen tugging at some twigs - getting ready for that all important nest building.  They will re-affirm their bond with each other with displays of talon grappling in mid air whilst tumbling down to ground, parting at the last minute - really jaw dropping stuff.  Skye may bring Frisa some food - I guess the equivalent of our red roses and then down to the important business of nest building. 

Mull is magical in the winter. Why not come for a long weekend or a mid-week break? Many hotels have some very attractive seasonal offers. If you are coming to Mull at this special time of year and would like to visit the hide, please call 01680 812 556 to arrange a ranger-led trip. We'll do our best to make days and times flexible to suit you.