I Wanna Hold your hand (I mean wing!) ...

Lennon and McCartney

Well Skye and Frisa have certainly been spending a lot of quality time together now that Heather seems to be fending for herself quite nicely.  Most days this week they have been together either sitting on the same branch or just a branch apart.  On one occasion, Skye slightly spread his wings, just touching Frisa who was sat next to him - they are such sociable birds and seem to just enjoy each others company.  On another day after a heavy bout of rain, Skye was sat on a branch with Frisa sat just above him.  They had just dried off from a shower, when the heavens opened again.  Skye looked up at Frisa and she looked down at him, as if to say "oh not again, I've only just dried off".  It was really comical.

Heather is still around but getting more and more independent and it seems mum and dad are happy to let her  explore on her own and look for food which she seems to do pretty well.  This week, we were visited by Roger and Justin the guys who do the ring tagging.  They were over to clear out the nests and in the Frisa nest found remains of greylag geese.

  Skye above and Frisa below

 The Golden Eagles still pay us a visit as well as both the male and female hen harrier.  Our young buzzards are a delight to watch, learning how to hunt from one of the parents who is always nearby keeping an eye out.

We are putting the finishing touches to our new satellite tracking page for the two chicks that were satellite tagged this year - the names have been chosen - keep tuned and all will be revealed shortly!

Another piece of news is that the Hide is going to remain open this year through the Autumn and Winter.   We are lucky in that our birds do not migrate so you can come to Mull any time of the year and see them.  From the third week in September (beginning 21st) trips will run on Tuesday and Wednesdays, still at 10.00 and 1.00.  Anyone wishing to book a trip can do so through our friends at the Tourist Office tel 01680 812556.  Here is a link to our page http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/mull/index.asp.   We are happy to accommodate visits from any birding groups throughout the autumn and winter.

I took this photo of Loch Frisa this week.  It was a beautiful still day and the water was like glass.  There is certainly an air of autumn about - the leaves are beginning to turn and it wont be long before we are treated to the stunning reds, russets and oranges as the leaves change colour.   

And finally, as soon as we know the date of the Blue Peter transmission we will of course let you know!

Debby Thorne

White Tailed Eagle Information Officer, Isle of Mull