Soaring Success

Amidst the cliff ledges and coastal pine trees of the isle of mull a triumphant conservation story is unfolding, as 20 pairs of endangered white-tailed eagles make the island a unique stronghold.

- Michael Taylor

The engines on our chartered boat had been silent for about 10 minutes, allowing it to drift slowly on the calm sea. We were a stone’s throw from Mull’s coast, at a location where vertical craggy rocks rose from the sea. We’d already been treated to bottlenose dolphins breaching from the water and common seals lazing on the shoreline, but the highlight of the trip was yet to come. Every passenger, several using binoculars, looked up towards the cliffs with intense anticipation – waiting, hoping, praying for something to happen.

Suddenly and without warning, a huge bird of prey launched itself into the grey-blue sky from a cliff ledge, flapping its massive wings slowly to gain height. Next the raptor settled into a controlled glide and banked towards a target near the water’s surface, demonstrating why the phrase ‘flying barn door’ is sometimes used to describe these mighty birds. I could hear audible gasps as everyone who boarded the vessel more than an hour ago was rewarded with this wonderful spectacle.

We had come to see the white-tailed eagles of Mull, also known as sea eagles because they live on or near the coast. they are Britain’s biggest raptor, successfully reintroduced after being hounded to extinction early in the 20th century. as this particular eagle approached the water, its large yellow talons were wide open and extended forward, its eyes focused on the waves below. the impact splash was surprisingly small for such a large bird, as it gracefully snatched a fish from the water’s surface before returning to its ledge to eat its meal. No wonder they’ve become the wildlife stars of Mull, enticing visitors to the island all year round.

A SORRY TALE