Scalar and Anna

I fancied taking one of the Mull Eagle Watch guided visits to see the White Tailed (sea) Eagles.  We had been trying to get through on the phone for almost 24 hours with no luck.  Finally we went into the Tourist Information Office and they could book me in.  Unfortunately the morning visit was not running so I had to settle for the afternoon with rain forecast for the middle of it.

Having time before the visit we headed for Salen as Clickychick wanted some shots of the "wrecks" I had caught yesterday.  While there I wondered how it was that some of the rocks on a seaweed covered "island" weren't covered in weed.  Putting the binoculars on them I realised ..... Grey Seals!  We walked down the shore as close as we dared without disturbing them and took shots.

Then I was dropped off at the meeting point for the visit.  It turned out that the eyrie being watched had lost its clutch of eggs.  Two possible causes were suggested there had been some "trouble" with another Eagle trying to take over the nest and the eggs may have been damaged when the adult rushed off to defend the territory.  The second possible cause was members of the public going too close for a better view.  Whatever the cause the result was birds couldn't be guaranteed.

We were however lucky as the male (Scalar) was sitting in view just beside the nest.  We had great views and a very informative talk from the young lady running things for the RSPB.  Two important facts came out.  First Mull has a good population of White Tailed and Golden Eagles also Hen Harriers, because there are no "sporting" estates.  Secondly 86% of all wildlife crime occurs on grouse shooting estates.  To give a comparison Mull has about 40 pairs of Harriers England has three. There is no shortage of suitable habitat or food supply it is estimated the country has capacity for 100 times the current 3!

Finally Scalar took to the wing and Anna appeared from among the trees and joined him.  The pair swirled and soared around before finding a thermal and climbing out of sight.  A day that will be in my memory for a long time.