Eagle rangers on Mull have been delighted by the news that a chick which hatched during last week’s unseasonably late and heavy snowfall has survived.
With days of cold winds and rain following the Arctic blast, there were initial fears that the single sea eagle chick might have succumbed to hypothermia.
But, to the great relief of the rangers and the public watching the nest from this year’s project at West Ardhu near Dervaig, the tiny down-covered chick has now been seen again and has been fed by the 10-year-old adult female known as Hope and her mate Star.
The land at the nest site is owned by North West Mull Community Woodlands.
Meanwhile, at the southern Mull Eagle Watch nest in Tiroran Community Forest, the team were thrilled to confirm a hatch on Thursday to the wellknown adult sea eagles, 19-year-old Fingal and 18-year-old Iona.
The female was spotted looking fidgety and unsettled, but the male flew in with some prey, thought to have been a seabird. She then tore off tiny morsels to feed to the chick – or chicks.
Sea eagles often hatch two chicks but sometimes only one survives.
There was also drama in the skies over the nest when Fingal was involved in an altercation with a buzzard.
Visitor Donna Jackson managed to take a photograph as the action unfolded in the air above the public viewing area.
At one point, Fingal rolled over 360 degrees presenting his talons to the buzzard which just managed to avoid being caught.
RSPB Mull Officer Dave Sexton who has witnessed similar attacks said: “Donna got a superb shot of this fast moving action high in the sky.
“I’ve seen crows, ravens and buzzards mobbing eagles like this before and they do sometimes misjudge the distance and get grabbed.
“It’s been an exhilarating few days for Mull Eagle Watch in the two community forests and we’re thrilled so many visitors have been able to share this excitement with us.”
You can follow the progress of the chicks in both nests on Twitter @MullEagleWatch and visit the sites to see the eagles themselves.
Trips can be booked through VisitScotland on 01680 812 556.
