Stop press: 18 chicks found in nest at Glen Seilisdeir!
Well 18 pupils to be exact! This week we were delighted to welcome the P4-P7 pupils and teachers from Bunessan Primary School. The children (and teachers) were very excited and after a talk about the eagles, we set off very quietly to the very special viewing area where they would be able to see the chicks in the feathers so to speak!
We headed off down the track, stopping along the way at the remains of the township, Knockroy, and to watch the local buzzard out hunting. Once inside the viewing area, there were several muffled squeals as the children got their first glimpses of the chicks. It was wonderful to see such excited faces - for some it was their first view of a white tailed eagle - I hope it remains a very special time for them for many years. It was very difficult to drag them away as I think they would have been happy there all day watching the antics of our 2 chicks. But tummies rumbled and lunch was calling.
After lunch, the children then had a very important task to carry out - to build a life size eagle nest. They had great fun and were very well organised in deciding how to build it and what materials to use. After the nest was built, the nest needed to be tested - who better than our 18 chicks - I mean children!
Pupils trying out the nest for size and comfort (photo Debby Thorne)
Well as you can see, it was a perfect fit and all agreed it was very comfortable. It was great to have the children spend the day with us at Mull Eagle Watch and everyone had a fabulous time. Tomorrow all the schools on Mull and Iona break up for the summer holidays - just to wish all pupils moving upwards and onwards the very best of luck - a new chapter is beginning for you all.
Oh and I forgot to mention, the pupils had one very important task to complete - the naming of Fingal and Iona's 2 chicks - I am delighted to say, the names are ..............................................
sorry, cant tell you just yet - you will have to wait just a bit longer - but watch this space!
Happy Holidays, until next time
Debby Thorne
White Tailed Eagle Information Officer
Isle of Mull
TRAVEL TO MULL EAGLE HIDE DISRUPTION: Until further notice, due to flash floods yesterday 5 July which washed out part of the B8035 south Loch na Keal road, this route to the Mull Eagle Hide is closed. Please now use the A849 from Craignure through Glen More and turn right onto the B8035 'scenic route' at the Kinloch Junction. The Hide is signposted from this road. Please allow a good hour for this journey. For bookings and updates on travel to the Hide please call the VisitScotland Visitor Information Centre in Craignure on 01680 812 556. Thank you.
Lovely blog Debbie, as a former teacher I'd have loved the opportunity to take my pupils on a trip like that. It's a good graphic to help us understand the size of the nest too, now how long do we have to wait...?
Debby stop teasing us. Hope to hear from you all again soon.
This gives us a good understanding of the size of the nest.
Hope you have enjoyed the ringing and naming of the Loch Garten chicks. Will these two eagle chicks have transmitters?
Wish I did that sort of day out when I was at school, what a great experience for them all. Can't wait to hear the chosen names for the chicks.
Thanks for the update Debby so lovely to hear about the children's trip and what fun for them building a nest. Let's hope they will now be great followers of the WTE and love a protect them throughout their lives. Love the photo of them in the nest and looking forward to hearing the new names for the chicks.