Well, Heather is turning out to be a quick learner. On Friday as we watched her in a field in front of the Hide, it was clear she had caught something and was feeding. It was very difficult to see what it was, but I was surprised how quickly she had managed to work out how to catch something. Today, she took another step forward in her journey towards independence. As we looked out of the Hide window, we saw a large bird hunting over the crag in the distance. From the profile, we could tell it was a sea eagle but on closer inspection with binoculars we were taken aback to see the dark brown profile of our Heather! She had her legs and head down, looking for prey - she wobbled slightly but eventually slipped from our view. Amazing at this early stage she has started hunting for herself. Skye and Frisa will still be bringing in food for a while yet but the fact she is hunting on her own means she has the instinct to go out and look for food herself. What a gal!
Breaking news tonight! If you check the Google Earth movements for Mara and Breagha, for the first time, neither birds are on Mull. Mara has been flying around Morvern and Breagha has been up to Loch Maree. These birds are now out on their own in the big wide world. Without the satellite tags, we would have no way of knowing their movements and would have to rely on sightings. Its great that we are able to keep an eye on their movements but at the same time, we know they have lots of dangers to encounter. Again, in the news, report of a buzzard found poisoned http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8166855.stm
Please encourage family and friends to support our campaign to protect Birds of Prey. Here is the link to sign our pledge Birds of Prey Pledge.
Tonight as both our youngsters, settled down for the night, let's hope and pray they stay safe. With most of the chicks now fledged on Mull, it brings home that these birds have an incredible journey in front of them - leaving the nest is only the beginning.
Let's hope Mara and Breagha stay safe.
I apologise for the quality of this photo but someone asked for a picture of Heather - this was taken last Friday in the rain from a long way away but at least gives you a glimpse of our beautiful bird!
Photo by Debby Thorne - Heather, our female chick
Debby Thorne, White Tailed Sea Eagle Information Officer, Isle of Mull
Hi Sooty
I'm sure you are being funny:))
This blog is about Sea Eagles, not Seagulls!!!!!!!!!
Heather is one of the best specimens of the former:)
Hi guys new to this malarchy but give it a try see if it works for me.Help bloggers what is all the fuss about white tailed Seagull,I thought all Seagulls had white tails am I missing something or is this Heather a bit special.Photo doesn't look like a Seagull.Guess must be a simple explanation.
Thanks Debby for the update and you are right Heather is some girl and a very quick learner. With the wonderful parents she has in Skye and Frisa it is not wonder. I am so angry about the buzzard, why oh why do people poison them. I shall worry about Mara and Breagha now and pray that this does not happen to them now they are travelling further afield.
Margobird
A very advanced Sea Eagle, Thats amazing she is fending for herself already. Thanks for the pic it is great, it shows the size of these birds! When I first came to Mull years ago I remember David Woodhouse on his wildlife tour, just look for what might look like a tourist sat on the rocks, it may be a White Tailed Sea Eagle.
You are so lucky to live with these birds, its fantastic that they see to be doing so well.
Thanks for the posts and picture.
Great update Debby. Thank you. How marvellous that Heather is starting to fend for herself. She is really beautiful and such a lovely colour.
However, like Gary' I'm now worried about Mara and Breagh!! I feel so furious but completely helpless knowing that these birds are STILL being persecuted. In this day and age it is totally inexcusable.