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
Thanks for the photo. How fortunate you are in your role to see these magnificent birds.
Still we had a thrilling visitor to our back garden on Saturday, a young Green Woodpecker hopping round the lawn and the house sparrows are back too after not seeing any for years.
Reply: I'm amazed that I managed to post a photo - still finding my way round the new system - wait till Dave gets back - this will all be new to him!
It is great to learn so much from these regular blogs. Especially the type of behaviour that can only really be witnessed by you (Dave & Debby) watching their development every day. Hard to believe she is successfully hunting already.
Thanks Debby. I can wait as long as needed:)
wow, what a lovely blog Debby, thank you so much:)
And the picture is just the best. her markings are wonderful.
We say this again and again but how can people be so cruel as to poison these or any wonderful birds
Thanks also for the news about Mara and Breagha. You have me worried about them now!!
If it is not a secret, can you say roughly how many chicks have fledged this year on Mull?
Reply: Hi Gary - we are still waiting for a couple of fledgings to go - Dave will do a check round on his return and can let us have the number of chicks for this year - hope you can wait a little bit longer!