Last week, we welcomed David Lindo, also known as "The Urban Birder" and photographer Russell Spencer to our Island. Some of you may have seen David on Spring Watch, The One Show or read some of his articles in the RSPB's Birds magazine, BBC Wildlife Magazine or BirdWatching. David lives in London and his patch is Wormwood Scrubs which some of you may be familiar with as the prison! For David, its his piece of birding paradise - an area of scrubland with young trees and shrubs and a welcome oasis for a huge variety of birds. It is probably just about a year ago when I invited David to Mull to see the wildlife and of course, our eagles as well as fit in a talk to the Mull Bird Club. Finally, after months of planning, on Tuesday morning, Dave and I waited at Craignure pier for the ferry to dock. Our hearts were in our mouths as we watched the ferry attempting to dock in strong cross winds and a very high tide. Thoughts of the ferry turning back to Oban and the whole trip falling apart were pushed to the back of my mind! At last the ferry made it and David and Russell strode down the gangway and stepped on to Mull for the first time. We went for quick cup of coffee to discuss our plans for the week and as we walked out into the car park, what should fly past? As if on cue, one of our young sea eagles. Wow, they had been on the island about half an hour and already they had witnessed one of our magnificent eagles. That really set the tone for their trip. The Island was still covered in some snow and lots of ice and some roads were still impassable. However, we managed to show them a huge part of the island and for David a big tick was his first Scottish golden eagles. We were treated to a fantastic display from a male and young female in Glen More playing tag against the backdrop of a snowy mountain. Who could ask for more? Otters, red deer and a whole host of different birds were on great form and David and Russell could see them in their natural habitat looking just stunning.
The two David's spotting eagles! - photo Debby Thorne
David also gave a talk to the Mull Bird Club about his patch and the amazing variety of birds he has seen. Sometimes it's easy for us to forget that wildlife is all around us - you don't have to visit the countryside to see it - it can be right in the centre of a city - the secret is to just look and listen - you just might get a surprise. Here is the link to David's website http://www.theurbanbirder.com/home/ Look out for his article in the Spring edition of Birds magazine. Also take a look at some of Russell's stunning photography http://www.flickr.com/photos/remove-before-flight
Some of you may have caught Snow Watch which was shown on BBC2 in the week. It included a clip from Gordon Buchanan during his visit to the island - in case you missed it you can catch it on the
BBC IPlayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00qcjzh/Snow_Watch/
Don't forget to make a note to watch Bill Bailey's Birdwatching Bonanza - the episode filmed on Mull is scheduled to air on 28th January at 9pm on Sky1/HD.
Debby Thorne
White Tailed Eagle Information Officer, Mull
Sorry, must be v. brief - mountaineering student daughter just sent this link. www.grough.co.uk/.../plea-to-walkers-as-police-probe-eagles-death Old news - so perhaps moves are being made???
Thanks for the super blog again Debby, (and Dave). How wonderful to see so much wildlife in such a short time. We have been to Mull for the past three years, and have been fortunate enough to see the eagles, (wte and golden), just an amazing experience. We are looking forward now to our next visit (in May). We hope to make it in Mull Wildlife Week, (think that was what it was called), will have to check when that is. We went to several of the events during the special week last year, and found them really interesting.
Thanks also to James, great photos and description of your journey.
In response to Sooty's comment about local wildlife tours, it's worth pointing out for the sake of fairness that there are eight land-based wildlife tours on Mull and all offer different things during their tours. They're all pretty successful in finding sea eagles. Take a look at the Holiday Mull & Iona website for details of who they are and their prices. They offer a great day out around the island. Also check out the members of 'Wild Scotland' on Mull & Iona as membership means they've signed up to a Code of Conduct for responsible wildlife watching. The Mull Eagle Watch partnership which runs the Eagle Hide is a member.
Dave Sexton, RSPB Scotland Mull Officer
We have been to Mull for our last two holidays, a fortnight each time in September, and we have had the most fantastic sightings of both sea and golden eagles, along with otters, dippers, hen harriers, red deer, the list goes one. We cannot wait to go again this coming September, despite the long drive up from the south of England. It is another world, particularly if the weather is reasonably kind to you, no motorways or road rage, the scenery is spectacular, and the local people are very friendly.
Regards to all like-minded people who enjoy and care for our wildlife.
Thanks Debby and yes I have seen David quite a few times on TV when he goes bird watching on his local patch and very interesting it is too, nature is all around us we just have to look. He must have had a wonderful time especially seeing a golden eagle and sea eagles. I have just received Birds magazine so shall read it with much interest now. Thanks for the link to Russell's photographs as well.
James and Dean thanks for the link to the photographs and what a wonderful one of Oran James, what a thrill it must have been for you after 34 years.
Margobird