Well we are being spoilt on Mull at the moment! A lovely spell of warm, sunny weather - clear blue skies and glass like seas and lochs - just beautiful (although it is definately chilly at night although that gives us some great stargazing opportunities).
Loch Frisa has been stunning as usual and giving us some extra surprises! We knew we had one otter in the loch but on Wednesday as we were admiring Skye and Frisa sat together on one of their favourite roosts, one of our visitors shouted, "otter". It was so easy to pick it out as the loch was just flat calm, mirror like - you could see the slightest ripple. We all turned our binoculars and scopes onto the Loch - not one otter but two playing about in the water - they are such lovely creatures and love to play in the water - a lovely sight.
Skye and Frisa are still delighting our visitors and quite often joined by Heather with all 3 sat on the lochside - - I sometimes think of the male, Bracken, that died, especially now the heather and bracken on the hillsides has turned a beautiful russett brown colour. As Dave has mentioned previously, its been a good year for fledgings with 10 chicks on Mull and 36 across Scotland - just a shame our little guy didnt make it - but that's nature!
The Island is now home to some large flocks of barnacle geese and the odd pink footed (though the pinkies dont tend to stay) - also redwings and fieldfares.
Dont forget if you are visiting Mull, the Eagle Hide is staying open - trips running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays - book through the Craignure Visitor Centre on 01680 812556. Full details here http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/mull/index.asp
Elvis the Otter in Tobermory Bay
Photo Debby Thorne
Dont forget to help protect our Birds of Prey by signing the pledge here http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/birdsofprey/
Debby Thorne - White Tailed Eagle Information Officer
Isle of Mull
Debby thanks for the update it sounds truly wonderful. Just returned from a few days away on a farm and now catching up with everything. Glad Skye, Frisa and Heather are all together and as you say such a shame about Bracken but overall good year for eagle chicks.
Debby - am so envious of you at this time of year; you still have your fledglings and parents around (those of us involved with ospreys are suffering huge withdrawal symptons). You had 10 chicks, here at Rutland Water we had 9 Osprey chicks, (God speed them and along with yours, keep them safe). Watched the Barnacle Geese with Simon King (in my dreams :) only on the TV, not for real) - absolutely amazing. I'm really pleased that you've finally had some good weather. Love your and Dave's reports - keep up the good work.
I just looked at the Irish satellite tracking of their bird who is touring Scotland. Seems to have moved SE down to the Dornoch Firth. Do we know how things are on the Gledfield Estate at present?
Lovely blog and photo as always, Debby. Makes me wish I could borrow the Tardis and transport myself there.
HeatherP - we saw an otter several times in Tobermory harbour when we were in Mull during the summer, our landlady told us he was known as "Toby" but I suspect he might have several different names. Amazing to sit eating our fish & chips while watching a wild otter playing.
Thank you Debby! Much appreciated. Wish I was on Mull now! I love it too!