Visitors young and old enjoy spectacular eagle sightings at our wildlife hide

In the first three weeks of the season, glorious weather has helped give visitors spectacular views of the nest and birds, from the viewing area that enables a close encounter with these majestic creatures. 

Positioned amongst the trees, the viewing area allows clear sightings, while providing enough cover to prevent disturbance of the nesting birds. 

Numerous people, varying in age from young children to people in their eighties, have watched the birds. There have already been visits by three honeymoon couples, our local MP, and the Environment Minister who presented a £ 6,261 cheque to Mull and Iona community groups, comprising the money raised from Mull Eagle Watch in 2012.  This brings the total to well over £ 50,000.

Many excellent photographs have been taken and reactions and feedback from all the visitors has been tremendous, with one man in his 60’s, who has been trying unsuccessfully to see an eagle for over 20 years, in tears.  Memorable moments so far have included the interaction of both adult birds on the nest with much rearrangement of nest material and calling. 

The presence in the sky above the nest for a short while of an ‘intruder’ white-tailed eagle juvenile from the east coast of Scotland also lead to much vocalisation, while the arrival at speed of a female sparrowhawk in the viewing area almost lead to agitation of a different kind.  Other highlights included close views of a treecreeper’s antics delicately picking insects from adjacent tree trunks above visitors heads and regular visits of a friendly robin, which kept everyone entertained.

All is looking well for an excellent season and we hope to post a range of images taken at the hide this year over the course of the next few months.

Ready, Steady, .......

Just a brief post on the latest at our Sea Eagle nest.  The larger of our two chicks is becoming more and more adventurous - much to the disgust of the other chick. 

On Tuesday  it spent most of the day flapping around the nest, strengthening the pectoral muscles to prepare it for flight.  At ten weeks old our chicks could fledge at any time, although we normally expect it to be nearer twelve weeks.  However, as we were finishing for the day the larger bird sidled to the edge of the nest and started to walk out to the end of the branch.  If have a feeling that it is only a matter of days before the larger bird decides to take off and explore.

But don't worry if you're coming to Mull.  The eagles will stay in the area around the nest for some weeks after fledging, and we'll ensure you have excellent views of the birds and their surroundings.

Please do come and see us soon.