Mull, July, Day 2

A wet start to the day today, yet again, and it was to stay pretty gloomy and cold (13C) all day, with occasional rain flurries sweeping through.  We began by driving to Loch Na Keal and then round to Killiechronan to see if the sea eagles that we had seen in 2015 were still in residence.  The sight of a couple of cars and 'scopes and cameras out suggested that our luck was in.  Although the nest cannot be seen from here, both adults were perched in adjacent pine trees.  Although very distant, the 'scope, at 60x magnification, gave excellent views.  There was very little action from them, however, until the female flew off over the loch, presumably to go fishing. It is clear why they are known as the flying barn door; she was huge as she majestically glided over the loch.

Having had our fill we drove round to the opposite side of the loch to look for otters and have lunch.  Drawing a blank with otters today, we continued to the golden eagle site where we had good views of the chick in the large untidy nest.  We pottered slowly back towards Salen keeping our eyes open for otters on the way and calling to photograph the old boats at Salen.  We are now ensconsed back in our room with a cup of tea, looking out over the harbour.  Another great day of wildlife.

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Red-Breasted Merganser

Red-Breasted Merganser

Boats, Salen

Boats, Salen

Boats, Salen

Boats, Salen

Sundew

Sundew

Butterwort leaves

Sea Eagle - photographed in 2015

Sea Eagle - photographed in 2015

Golden Eagle.  Captive bird photographed in the Cairngorms in 2008.

Golden Eagle.  Captive bird photographed in the Cairngorms in 2008.

Golden Eagle.  Captive bird photographed in the Cairngorms in 2008.

Scotland 2015. Day 23, A Close Encounter with Sea Eagles.

The boat rocked on the gentle swell in Loch na Kreal under an unaccustomed clear sky and warm sun for this cold May.  The sea eagle, the flying barn door, left its perch on the distant Scots pine tree, by its nest containing two chicks and headed our way, gradually increasing in size in the lens like some V bomber of yesteryear.  It flew in low and, as it neared the boat, gained height, circled to pinpoint the fish and, with a flick of the tail plunged down, thrust out its talons, scooped up the prey amid a spray of crystal clear water and headed back to its young, mobbed by gulls all the way.  What a sight!  Today must rank as one of my best wildlife experiences ever: a day of sea eagle photography with Mull Charters on the small boat Lady Jayne skippered by Martin, who has been running these trips from Ulva Ferry into Loch Na Keal, Mull for several years.  We had booked for a trip last Wednesday but it had been cancelled in view of the awful weather, but we had been able to re-book for today.  We were up early and away for 8.30 to be ready to board at 9.45.  Once in position we had the amazing experience of watching and photographing three visits from these stunning birds, attracted by the fish thrown out by the crew; one fish per visit.  The eagles appear to recognise the boat and know when to make their approach.  Martin is careful to ration the fish provided so that the eagles do not come to rely on the food source and need to hunt for themselves. An added bonus was the excellent views and photo opportunities of the great northern diver on the way to the site.

Back at the site, ready for our meal at the excellent Craignure Inn we were pleased to get our first clear view of Ben Nevis with a thick covering of snow.

What a day to live in the memory banks.

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Scotland 2015. Day 21 Mull Eagle Watch.

A brisk start today as we had booked in to the Mull Eagle Watch above Loch Scridain.  It was a much more optimistic start weatherwise, although showery.  We were away at 8.30 and the single track journey went quickly, punctuated by good views of the short eared owls on the way.  We were greeted by the RSPB warden in charge of the eagle watch and had an excellent 3 hours with talks by both the warden and a forestry commission lady which were both interesting and informative.  We had good views of both adult sea eagles, although too distant for photography.   I also enjoyed photographing the siskins at the adjacent feeding station.

Eventually it was time to move on and we continued down to Loch Na Keal and gradually made our way back to camp for 4.00 pm.  After a quick cup of tea it was time to walk along our beautiful stretch of coastline looking, yet again in vain, for otters.  The views and colours were superb: huge billowing cumulus clouds, turquoise and inky blue sea and bright orange/brown seaweed.

A brilliant day again.

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