We said farewell to a good friend of Mull Eagle Watch today. In all types of weather, from the start of incubation to the much longed for hatch, Duncan and Susan would be there on their eagle watch duties. They have been there since the beginning of this amazing project and Frisa and Skye and all their chicks have a lot to thank them for. And yet, for Duncan and Susan, as for all of us, the eagles give so much back.
We all marvel at their flight, whether soaring against blue skies or battling against winter storms. We admire the tender care for their chicks - that amazing cleaver of a beak, slicing tiny morsels of food for tiny eaglets. We respect their faithfulness to each other from one year to the next, from one decade to the next. And we sometimes dream what it must be like to be up there with them, soaring over mountain peaks and gazing to the distant horizons.
For many of us who help on the Mull Eagle Watch project each year, we feel like we're giving something back to the natural world that we take so much from during the course of our lives. For some, it's a couple of hours of peace and quiet in a beautiful place watching stunning birds; for others it's a chance to re-connect with nature and a great excuse to have a walk with the dog. For others it's just an extraordinary privilege to do something constructive and positive for a rare and threatened species. Maybe it's all of these things at different times. Whatever the reason, for volunteers like Duncan and Susan who work to protect our white-tailed eagles every year, come together in this unique way to safeguard the future of this remarkable bird for the generations to come. The fact that Mara and Breagha are flying wild and free today is a fine legacy.
Remembering and thanking Duncan Hall.
Dave Sexton RSPB Scotland Mull Officer
Dave Sexton, RSPB Scotland Mull Officer
Hi - im so glad the project has been truly a successful one and I have enjoyed following the highs and lows of these magnificent birds. Thanks to the work of you and the volunteers these birds are now part of my everday life and I am even planning a visit to Mull in December just to see the area itself and hopefully see my second sea eagle !!! I saw one on Sky a couple of years ago.!! I will also be up in Mull next June/July so hopefully another new family will be in the spotlight grabbing our attention.
I hope you can shed some light on this next topic. - I read in the press yesterday that Scottish farmers are blaming sea eagles for taking over 200 lambs. I know the RSPB responded by saying it is unlikely the birds were responsible for all deaths. Is it likley that this publicity will put the birds safety in jeporday and what can be done to protect our current sea eagle population.?
Sorry I do not want to be negative after such a positive outcome over this summer.
Viv