X-Factor Eagles - The Result?

It was a flat calm day, not a breath of wind. Not exactly ideal eagle weather you'd think. They just can't get the lift they need from the air currents to make soaring easier. Usually they sit around alot in conditions like that just waiting for the wind to pick up. But what do I know?

Just as I was sitting there thinking nothing would show, first one, then a second golden eagle cruised through. They were both quite low, the light was crystal clear and the sun illuminated their golden mantles. I know I go on about the white-tailed eagles but seeing those two birds in those perfect conditions was just magical.

I was almost converted! I was just beginning to believe all the biased hype of the golden eagles being the sleek, majestic hunters of the skies while the white-tails are the lazy, scavenging vultures which sit around all day waiting for things to die or stealing prey off others. As if!  As I wrestled with this dilemma, the golden eagles moved on, only to be replaced in the clear blue skies by a stunning adult white-tail, soaring high over the sea. Just breathtaking. How could I have doubted them?

I could make out the blue wing tags. Blue X was back but he was alone today. He soared for a full half hour before setting his wings in that familiar determined position and gliding purposefully to the east. I lost sight of him behind the mighty spruce trees and thought no more about it. But just a few minutes later the loud, unmistakable sounds of sea eagles calling rang out round the cliffs. It always makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. It's a  primeval, haunting call. Does it for me every time.

This needed a closer look. I headed towards the calls, pushing my way through thick conifers and nearly getting an eye poked out in the process as I emerged cautiously at the top of the cliff. And there, this time not a few metres apart but firmly side by side were Blue X and his new mate Green X. They looked very together. It had been several months since that first encounter. She had clearly set her sights on him and wasn't going to let the small matter of her young years be a barrier.

Birds pairing up at just two years old is very unusual and this was a whole new territory for Mull after years of stability. It was a very exciting day for me - even though I knew there would now be a long wait for any sign of nesting. They spent the afternoon shooting out from the cliff and down to the sea after mackerel, time and time again. The male was the more skilled and caught several fish, eventually leaving one for his mate to feast on. Now I knew it was serious.  

Two years on, the age difference clearly meant nothing to them and they are still very much an item. Green X is now a very mature looking four+ years old. I've watched her moult from a mottled, untidy brown youngster into her near adult plumage and she is one good looking bird. Blue X clearly thinks so too! The goldies are still there and adapting well to their new neighbours. This year the X's managed to throw a few sticks into a tall spruce but it came to nothing. But next year our hopes are high. 2009 could be their year for a first nesting attempt. They're still covering a huge range spanning the island and the mainland so it's anyone's guess where they'll finally settle.

From that nervous first encounter on the beach, their young bond has endured winter storms, territorial disputes, the 'neighbours from hell' and the long passage of time. So for Blue X and Green X there isn't quite a result just yet but they show a lot of promise. Their long life together is only just beginning.

Dave Sexton RSPB Scotland Mull officer