We haven't seen much of the sun lately but in one break in the deluge I watched Frisa and Skye relaxing and unwinding after their busy summer. I gently pulled the landrover in, switched off the engine and rolled quietly to a halt. Frisa was to my left high in the sitkas; Skye was on my right in a larch. I panned from one to the other just enjoying them as they preened their soft plumage in the brief warm, sunny spell. Both looked regal and composed and somehow proud of their achievements this year. Somewhere nearby Heather was perched safely out of sight, probably drying off too. She was leaving her parents in peace, for now at least. As the sun's warmth penetrated their soggy feathers for the first time in days, first Frisa and then Skye half opened their broad, mighty wings and allowed them to droop a little. They just looked so chilled out. They deserved this moment. Then they went one step further, something I've never seen before. I thought I noticed Frisa's eyes were closed. I zoomed the scope in but they were open again. Then slowly but surely like someone after a heavy meal, her eyes closed completely and her noble head tilted slightly to one side. I looked across to Skye and he was doing the same! It was siesta time; I felt quite honoured that they felt so relaxed with me just 100m away that they could completely switch off. As I watched Skye, he did what people do when you watch someone drifting off on the train. Every now and then, as he snoozed, his head fell forward and he'd then jolt himself upright again, eyes wide open for a few seconds as if he'd been awake all along, only to slowly doze off again in the late afternoon sun. I looked back to Frisa and sure enough she was doing the same. They both just seemed overwhelmed by the stresses and strains of the last few months; maybe the heady cocktail of sunshine, warmth and the scent of spruce was just more than they could resist. It was certainly working on me! This afternoon nap business was catching.
As the sun slipped lower behind the trees, that slight chill which tells you it's no longer high summer, rippled through the larches and both birds gave themselves a good shake and a ruffle of their feathers. I don't know if they roosted there that night; I had to head off but I left with a sense of peace and calm. For birds which sometimes have to face such severe conditions in the wild, which can show such strength and at times such gentleness, I'd witnessed another new side to them: chilled, relaxed 'empty-nesters'. They both half-watched me drive off down the track and they were alone again - together in their domain.
Dave Sexton RSPB Scotland Mull Officer
Dave/Debby - Any news on a date for the Blue Peter show when they were in Mull? Thanks
Reply: Nothing yet although I'm told they are now working out when it will be on so we may hear soon and we'll keep you posted. Dave
For Sooty :o) and for Dave, three things: first, I do hope Breagha will find 'our' sea eagle's favourite fish farm on Loch Ewe! Secondly, you will find that a pertinent comment has appeared, disappeared and now miraculously re-appeared at the end of Simon B's online article. Thirdly, I presume that the press release you refer to is thescotsman.scotsman.com/.../Birds-of-prey-killings-.5587084.jp There are some very colourful comments after it. I don't know how the other bloggers feel, but I don't feel able to engage in that debate, it being a Scottish paper and the Scots being well able to respond on this as a local issue - and they are doing (though some of the comments are very, very silly). Interesting that I had been told of the problem of Highland estate-owners importing gamekeepers and managers from Yorkshire specifically - and this article again names N Yorks as one of the two worst counties in the UK for crimes against birds of prey. Hmmm. My mother in the North East has been telling me for years about the wildlife crimes going on in the Yorkshire Dales and Moors that are reported in the excellent Northern Echo. But there is a tendency north of the Tees not to cross that river lightly and I was brought up to see anything beyond Co Durham as Down South, so I hope I won't upset any Yorkshire folk reading this - apart from the criminal element amongst their gamekeepers, that is! Kind regards to the rest of you!
Dave, thank you for that wonderful picture in words! I think you should write a book (in your spare time!!). I could feel the sun, and the peace there at Loch Frisa. So glad those wonderful birds are happy and relaxed, and safe. I just hope all other birds of prey will keep safe.
Hi Dave just a small comment to thank Mex for best wishes for our trip to Mull.
Lovely, reassuring sight for you, Dave - like the 30-40 sparrows sun-bathing on our hedge today and dozing in the sun. They were all quiet for once, babies included! Do I see that Breagha has moved from the lochans near Suilven to the An Teallach area near Dundonnell? Perhaps she is mountaineering in between visiting fisheries...? Let us trust that she and all raptors will learn to recognise poisons. Have you all seen www.rspb.org.uk/.../illegalkilling2008_tcm9-225981.pdf On a happier note - enjoy your trip, whenever it is, Sooty & Sweep!
Reply: Mex thanks. Yes Breagha is moving about in the Dundonnel area and we all hope she's safe there. Regarding your thoughts a while back that a Times piece seemed to suggest all was rosy in Scotland, we have recently issued a press release about the situation here which got good coverage. Maybe Simon B will pick up on that. Thanks for your continuing efforts to keep this isue highlighted. Dave