Sunburnt! Scotland in the snow - in February!!!

(sorry couldnt think of a song title for this blog)

Its true I tell you!  I am sitting here on Sunday evening with after sun cream on my face!  Mull has been experiencing some amazing weather over the last few weeks.  Beautiful crisp, clear days, and last night the snow returned.   It  has been the half term holiday for English schools, and there has been a noticeable increase in the visitors to the Island.  We had a  couple of trips to the hide in the week and both groups had stunning views of our eagles.  One of the trips saw Skye and Frisa sat in one of their favourite trees only to see another 3 more sea eagles flying on the far side of the Loch.  Skye went over to investigate and at one point, all 4 were circling in a clear blue sky - certainly a jaw dropping moment.  The small birds were pleased to see me and were impatient for me to fill their feeders - it wasn't long before they were covered in a flock of siskins as well as the usual great tits, blue tits, coal tits as well as the local robins and dunnock hoovering up the crumbs.  It was lovely to see our Great Spotted Woodpecker back on his favourite peanut feeder - they peck so hard you do wonder how they dont end up with a headache!

Female Siskin

Chilly Male Siskin!

There are still many visitors on Mull taking advantage of this wonderful winter we are experiencing and getting some great views of our wildlife.  I ran a trip to the hide this morning and was pleasantly surprised to wake up and find a winter wonderland - everywhere snow covered and a clear blue sky.  As I drove towards the Loch, I cursed at having left the camera at home - no time to go back and get it - the Loch was actually covered in snow - it has certainly been frozen but this is the first time I have seen snow on it.  Having scraped the ice off the hide windows, put the heater on I turned to the task of looking for Skye and Frisa.  Mmmh - all quiet and no sign - perhaps off feeding somewhere I thought.  I drove up and collected the group and took them back to the Hide.  I welcomed the visitors and then went on to say  "Let me introduce our eagles to you - Skye and Frisa!" - and right on cue, they both flew into one of their regular roosting trees - they couldn't have timed it better.  Both birds positively shone in the sunshine and the group were over the moon.  Both birds were calling to each other even though they sat about 2 feet apart.  The weather was so beautiful and there was such warmth in the sun that we stayed outside - hence my sunburnt face!  So I can say with hand on heart, Spring is just round the corner - I have snowdrops and crocus flowering in the garden, it is still light at 5.30 in the evening and its just light when I get up now - all signs that spring is just not that far away.  I really didnt think I would be applying after sun cream in February though!

We have just received some data from our sat tagged birds - Breagha and Mara are now on Morvern so not too far from home - Oran has now moved from Jura to Mull.  No news on Venus at the moment.

Dont forget if you are coming to Mull, come and see Loch Frisa and our spectacular white tailed eagles - Mull Eagle Watch details here

Debby Thorne, White Tailed Eagle Information Officer, Mull