Trips to see the famous White-tailed Sea Eagles on the isle of Mull get underway tomorrow – after a scare there may be no eggs to see hatch.
The award-winning Mull Eagle Watchtourism project allows people to view the rare birds without disturbing the nests during the vital breeding season.
Sea eagles are usually very consistent from one year to the next and lay their eggs on the same date year after year.
They incubate their eggs for 38 days precisely so the team is able to know exactly when to expect a hatch and can keep visitors and the watching world well informed.
So when Iona and her mate Fingal failed to produce an egg on the expected date, there were fears that the season could be in jeopardy. However, a full week later than usual, the female was eventually seen incubating and the long wait for the hatch date has begun.
This year the project is operating two eagle watching hides at Tiroran and at West Ardhu near Dervaig on land managed by North West Mull Community Woodlands Ltd.
The trips run all through the summer.
Dave Sexton, RSPB Scotland’s Mull officer, said: “I must confess I was getting worried as Iona is usually so reliable and I have no real idea as to why she took her time this year. Maybe they felt the nest wasn’t quite ready? It may have been damaged in winter storms and was in need of some rebuilding.
“Anyway, thank goodness, I finally noticed she was getting distinctly broody and was not leaving the nest in forestry managed by South West Mull and Iona Development. The next morning she was incubating so I’m guessing she laid the one to two eggs overnight. I think Fingal looked quite relieved too. I know I was.”
The RSPB works with Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and Police Scotland to ensure the eagles are protected safely during the critical egg and small chick stages.
Sea eagles in the past have had their eggs stolen by egg collectors so at this time of year police increase patrols in the area.
