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Guys,
For years now, I've been interested in wildlife and the outdoors, and have only recently, maybe the last 2/3 years actually got out into the countryside/hills.
Anyway, what I wuold like to know is where people have seen a Golden Eagle. I've seen tons of buzzards, but no Golden Eagles. I always thought if I hung around the tops, that I would eventually se one, but not yet.
Oh, and I don't want any sarchastic comments about a zoo!!
Stuart
For years now, I've been interested in wildlife and the outdoors, and have only recently, maybe the last 2/3 years actually got out into the countryside/hills.
Anyway, what I wuold like to know is where people have seen a Golden Eagle. I've seen tons of buzzards, but no Golden Eagles. I always thought if I hung around the tops, that I would eventually se one, but not yet.
Oh, and I don't want any sarchastic comments about a zoo!!
Stuart
In reply to stuartgmilton:
On Skye a few years back, just where the road from Glenbrittle turns down the last stretch to meet the main road. What a moment.
I'm still waiting for wild otters, that's my dream.
Hope you get yours!
FGM x
On Skye a few years back, just where the road from Glenbrittle turns down the last stretch to meet the main road. What a moment.
I'm still waiting for wild otters, that's my dream.
Hope you get yours!
FGM x
In reply to The Fairy Gothmother:
I saw a wild otter off skye. I was kayaking back to loch sligachan after paddling round scalpay (I think) and it was just off some rocks on the skye coast. There very little and look a bit gaunt
p
I saw a wild otter off skye. I was kayaking back to loch sligachan after paddling round scalpay (I think) and it was just off some rocks on the skye coast. There very little and look a bit gaunt
p
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Well they only live in the Highlands, Galloway and the Lake District so if your spending your time anywhere else you aint going to see one!
Well they only live in the Highlands, Galloway and the Lake District so if your spending your time anywhere else you aint going to see one!
In reply to Hotbad Peteel:
Cool! Thanks for sharing.
Cool! Thanks for sharing.
In reply to SimonW: Don't they go on holiday sometimes?
In reply to stuartgmilton:
an apparition appeared out of the stormy cloud, its wings half tucked against the strong wind. On the way up to the Tourist Route on Sgurr nan Gillean, as you enter the small coire below the broad shoulder on which the Tourist route begins
an apparition appeared out of the stormy cloud, its wings half tucked against the strong wind. On the way up to the Tourist Route on Sgurr nan Gillean, as you enter the small coire below the broad shoulder on which the Tourist route begins
2 from Helvellyn were the last I saw.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Generally, the further north and west you go, the better your chances are. I've seen one over Sgurr Dhonuill, but you're more likely to see them in more remote parts. The highest concentration seems to be in the Hebrides:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/action/goldeneaglesurvey.asp
Generally, the further north and west you go, the better your chances are. I've seen one over Sgurr Dhonuill, but you're more likely to see them in more remote parts. The highest concentration seems to be in the Hebrides:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/action/goldeneaglesurvey.asp
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Glen Nevis - I saw a young one circling us above the Steall ruins, on sunny Christmas Eve. It was a big 'un too, even though not fully grown, which made it unmistakeable. It circled slowly overhead for about 15 minutes.
One the most memorable things I've ever seen in the mountains.
Glen Nevis - I saw a young one circling us above the Steall ruins, on sunny Christmas Eve. It was a big 'un too, even though not fully grown, which made it unmistakeable. It circled slowly overhead for about 15 minutes.
One the most memorable things I've ever seen in the mountains.
In reply to Marc C:
Apparently so, the Lakes pair were spotted near Patley Bridge in Yorkshire a few years back.
Spotting them when they are at home is hard enough, never mind when they are on vacation!
> (In reply to SimonW) Don't they go on holiday sometimes?
Apparently so, the Lakes pair were spotted near Patley Bridge in Yorkshire a few years back.
Spotting them when they are at home is hard enough, never mind when they are on vacation!
In reply to stuartgmilton:
I saw one on a post between Aviemore and Kingussie.
saw a sea eagle, just down the road from the Glenbrittle campsite on Skye last month.
So there!
Fex.
I saw one on a post between Aviemore and Kingussie.
saw a sea eagle, just down the road from the Glenbrittle campsite on Skye last month.
So there!
Fex.
In reply to Fex Wazner:
> (In reply to stuartgmilton)
>
> I saw one on a post between Aviemore and Kingussie.
>
My arse
>
> I saw one on a post between Aviemore and Kingussie.
>
In reply to The Fairy Gothmother:
i'd have photos but it swam off whilst we were trying to get our cameras out
p
i'd have photos but it swam off whilst we were trying to get our cameras out
p
In reply to The Fairy Gothmother:
thats exactly where my girlfriend and I saw one-sat perched on a fence post!!last summer.wonder if its the same one
?!
> (In reply to stuartgmilton)
>
> On Skye a few years back, just where the road from Glenbrittle turns down the last stretch to meet the main road. What a moment.
>
> I'm still waiting for wild otters, that's my dream.
>
> Hope you get yours!
>
> FGM x
>
> On Skye a few years back, just where the road from Glenbrittle turns down the last stretch to meet the main road. What a moment.
>
> I'm still waiting for wild otters, that's my dream.
>
> Hope you get yours!
>
> FGM x
thats exactly where my girlfriend and I saw one-sat perched on a fence post!!last summer.wonder if its the same one
?!
In reply to stuartgmilton: Saw a pair soaring around the summit of Ben Starav just before I took this photo http://www.ukclimbing.com/images/dbpage.php?id=18734. Also seen the ones in the Lakes, years ago on a wet day from the hide by Haweswater (or wherever it was). They looked remarkably like the bored Scouse vultures in the Jungle Book, hunched up on their eeyrie looking p'd off in the rain.
In reply to The Fairy Gothmother:
Go back to Skye,wrap up well, perch yourself on a rock just back from the sea, at the river outflow near the Coruisk hut, in the hour before the light fades and I guarantee you will see an otter or two every time.
Go back to Skye,wrap up well, perch yourself on a rock just back from the sea, at the river outflow near the Coruisk hut, in the hour before the light fades and I guarantee you will see an otter or two every time.
In reply to net: Oh and we used to get woken up every morning on holiday on the island of Shuna (south of Oban) by otters on the beach below the house trying to break open mussels. Purely shellfish behaviour, I thought.
In reply to stuartgmilton: Seen quite a few. Strathcarron, Loch Mullurdoch area, Beinn Lair area, the Monadhliaths and around A'Mhaighdean.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
You can often see them around Juan Jorge at Glen Clova. This is a pretty sure bet on any sunny still day in spring.
I've seen them fighting with peregrins, quite a sight !!!
You can often see them around Juan Jorge at Glen Clova. This is a pretty sure bet on any sunny still day in spring.
I've seen them fighting with peregrins, quite a sight !!!
In reply to Slugain Howff:
Nope, and I don't think you should give out info like that, it leads to nutters moving the nest so that they can get a better phot/video!!
Chocolates. Thanks for the offer though.
Nope, and I don't think you should give out info like that, it leads to nutters moving the nest so that they can get a better phot/video!!
Chocolates. Thanks for the offer though.
In reply to net:
Nice picture mate. Theres nothing better than being up top when the sun goes down. Yeh OK, being up top when the sun goes down seeing a Golden Eagle would probably beat it!!
Nice picture mate. Theres nothing better than being up top when the sun goes down. Yeh OK, being up top when the sun goes down seeing a Golden Eagle would probably beat it!!
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Sgurr Innse, up behind Roy Bridge. I was walking along the edge fo the crags and a BIG bird alighted from not more than 5 or 6 metres in front. It took a few seconds to work out that it was actually an eagle. It gained height and circled above us for a few minutes before being joined by another one. Fantastic, absolutely great thing to see.
Have also seen them on Arran and near Kyle of Lochalsh.
Sgurr Innse, up behind Roy Bridge. I was walking along the edge fo the crags and a BIG bird alighted from not more than 5 or 6 metres in front. It took a few seconds to work out that it was actually an eagle. It gained height and circled above us for a few minutes before being joined by another one. Fantastic, absolutely great thing to see.
Have also seen them on Arran and near Kyle of Lochalsh.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Just a little jest m'lad.
> (In reply to Slugain Howff)
>
> Nope, and I don't think you should give out info like that, it leads to nutters moving the nest so that they can get a better phot/video!!
>
> Chocolates. Thanks for the offer though.
>
> Nope, and I don't think you should give out info like that, it leads to nutters moving the nest so that they can get a better phot/video!!
>
> Chocolates. Thanks for the offer though.
Just a little jest m'lad.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Glen Lichd (Kintail) at Easter this year
Glen Lichd (Kintail) at Easter this year
In reply to stuartgmilton:
You are better heading high into an obscure coire a wee bit of the beaten track and be prepared to be patient.
I have been privileged to have spied them on a number of occasions, most memorably soaring around the summit of Corserine in Galloway and from the gondola at Nevis Range!
You are better heading high into an obscure coire a wee bit of the beaten track and be prepared to be patient.
I have been privileged to have spied them on a number of occasions, most memorably soaring around the summit of Corserine in Galloway and from the gondola at Nevis Range!
In reply to stuartgmilton: Cheers! Now that photo with an eagle in it would've been amazing... but t'weren't to be!
In reply to The Fairy Gothmother:
Much easier to find than Golden Eagles, but require even more patience.
The easiest place to see them is from the hide at Kylerhea (Skye - 20 minutes walk along the coast from the Kylerhea-Glenelg Ferry). Every time I have been I have never been disapointed, culminating one time in seeing an entire family group (three) ....... while you are waiting there is plenty else to spot (porpoise, seals, Sea Eagles etc).
They are quite commonplace on most watercourse systems in Scotland now, for example along the Water of Leath through Edinburgh. Indeed the last one I saw was only 3 months ago crossing the road in front of me, by the former Castlebridge Colliery near Kincardine.
Much easier to find than Golden Eagles, but require even more patience.
The easiest place to see them is from the hide at Kylerhea (Skye - 20 minutes walk along the coast from the Kylerhea-Glenelg Ferry). Every time I have been I have never been disapointed, culminating one time in seeing an entire family group (three) ....... while you are waiting there is plenty else to spot (porpoise, seals, Sea Eagles etc).
They are quite commonplace on most watercourse systems in Scotland now, for example along the Water of Leath through Edinburgh. Indeed the last one I saw was only 3 months ago crossing the road in front of me, by the former Castlebridge Colliery near Kincardine.
In reply to Slugain Howff:
Some more information on the types of other birdies you may not know are found around the Cairngorms:
www.aviemore.co.uk/chamber-news/Biodiversity.pdf
European Designations
3.6 Special Protection Area (SPA)
SPA within CRAGG area: Cairngorms SPA – species for which this SPA is designated include: Dotterel, Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin, Osprey, Capercailzie and Scottish
Crossbill.
Some more information on the types of other birdies you may not know are found around the Cairngorms:
www.aviemore.co.uk/chamber-news/Biodiversity.pdf
European Designations
3.6 Special Protection Area (SPA)
SPA within CRAGG area: Cairngorms SPA – species for which this SPA is designated include: Dotterel, Golden Eagle, Peregrine, Merlin, Osprey, Capercailzie and Scottish
Crossbill.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
In all my time on the hills I think I've only seen four. You can tell the difference with a Buzzard (aka the Tourist Eagle) when you see one, no bother.
Two of the sightings were in the same area, around the southern end of the Blackmount/Rannoch Moor, so if you're looking I'd go walking round there?
In all my time on the hills I think I've only seen four. You can tell the difference with a Buzzard (aka the Tourist Eagle) when you see one, no bother.
Two of the sightings were in the same area, around the southern end of the Blackmount/Rannoch Moor, so if you're looking I'd go walking round there?
In reply to stuartgmilton: .
Golden Eagles:
Off the back of High Street in the lakes and in Glen Nevis. Although both of those were in the 80s. In the middle of the road near Dunvegan (eating road kill I think)
Otters:
Loads around Skye up to a couple of feet from my Nordkapp
Seals:
Too many to count must have hours of video
The main thing is to keep your eyes and ears open.
Steve D
Golden Eagles:
Off the back of High Street in the lakes and in Glen Nevis. Although both of those were in the 80s. In the middle of the road near Dunvegan (eating road kill I think)
Otters:
Loads around Skye up to a couple of feet from my Nordkapp
Seals:
Too many to count must have hours of video
The main thing is to keep your eyes and ears open.
Steve D
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Saw a Golden Eagle on Barra, Outer Hebrides. I would not have now it was an eagle until a mate told me, I just thought it was a bloody big bird or sumit.
Saw a Golden Eagle on Barra, Outer Hebrides. I would not have now it was an eagle until a mate told me, I just thought it was a bloody big bird or sumit.
In reply to stuartgmilton: Seen a fair few on Skye (may have been the same pair over and over!). Used to see them in the Lakes when I was younger when they seemed to be more coomon than they are now (in the Lakes).
Otters - I have spent hours at the Kylerhea hide and never seen an otter. Only time I've seen an otter down at Kylerhea was by the ferry slipway - typical!
Otters - I have spent hours at the Kylerhea hide and never seen an otter. Only time I've seen an otter down at Kylerhea was by the ferry slipway - typical!
In reply to stuartgmilton: Best one I seen was at ben vrackie in winter( near pitlochry), swooped down really close (lots of mountain hares were about) ...thought it was going to have ma dug!.
Also seen some in glen etive, glenshee area and up near kyle.
Also seen some in glen etive, glenshee area and up near kyle.
I'm sure I've seen a golden eagle. Must have.
But every time, I look at the bird and say to myself: "Are you sure it's not a buzzard. Probably is."
And at that point, I remember that a golden eagle is, well, bigger. But since the thing's flying around against a load of clouds, I can't work out how big it is, and pesimistically assume it's a buzzard.
Anyway, one of these buzzards must have been a golden eagle. Sure one of them was. There were a few around the far north west that were bigger than the rest.
In reply to Lightweight:
The underside colouring, the size of the beast and the arrangement of the feathers at the end of the wing are all quite distinctive as I remember.
> And at that point, I remember that a golden eagle is, well, bigger. But since the thing's flying around against a load of clouds, I can't work out how big it is, and pesimistically assume it's a buzzard.
The underside colouring, the size of the beast and the arrangement of the feathers at the end of the wing are all quite distinctive as I remember.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Closest I've been been to an eagle was about 5 miles round the coast from Fionnphort on Mull. There was a pair of white-tailed eagles with their young nesting in trees in a remote bay. They were not very happy about us being there and flew around above our heads keening. They were as close as 20 yards away. What a sight. I've seen golden eagles many times from further away in the North West Highlands, occasionally from the road, but more often while out on the hill.
I met a fellow on Harris this summer who told me he came across an eagle there late one autumn that was so gorged with salmon, which come up to spawn in the head waters of the river systems at that time of year, that it couldn't fly away and just hopped around on the ground a few yards away from him.
There was a family of otters that lived on an island in the loch in front of my folks' house up north. We used to watch them from the house playing in the water just like humans play with their children at the swimming pool. The adults would swim along and the young ones would come and try and climb up their backs, then they would wrestle and and dunk one another and chase each other around. Very cute.
Eagles and otters are fairly territorial. If you happen to be on their stamping ground, you stand a good chance of seeing one, if not you're your chances are pretty slim.
If you see a bird of prey and you think "that might be an eagle", it usually means it's a buzzard or some lesser fowl. When you see an eagle, you are in no doubt. They are just huge.
I saw a couple in the Italian alps this summer in the Stelvio National Park.
Closest I've been been to an eagle was about 5 miles round the coast from Fionnphort on Mull. There was a pair of white-tailed eagles with their young nesting in trees in a remote bay. They were not very happy about us being there and flew around above our heads keening. They were as close as 20 yards away. What a sight. I've seen golden eagles many times from further away in the North West Highlands, occasionally from the road, but more often while out on the hill.
I met a fellow on Harris this summer who told me he came across an eagle there late one autumn that was so gorged with salmon, which come up to spawn in the head waters of the river systems at that time of year, that it couldn't fly away and just hopped around on the ground a few yards away from him.
There was a family of otters that lived on an island in the loch in front of my folks' house up north. We used to watch them from the house playing in the water just like humans play with their children at the swimming pool. The adults would swim along and the young ones would come and try and climb up their backs, then they would wrestle and and dunk one another and chase each other around. Very cute.
Eagles and otters are fairly territorial. If you happen to be on their stamping ground, you stand a good chance of seeing one, if not you're your chances are pretty slim.
If you see a bird of prey and you think "that might be an eagle", it usually means it's a buzzard or some lesser fowl. When you see an eagle, you are in no doubt. They are just huge.
I saw a couple in the Italian alps this summer in the Stelvio National Park.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
riggindale (e of high street) used to have a regular nesting pair, with a hide and telescopes
does anyone know if they are still nesting in the valley?
riggindale (e of high street) used to have a regular nesting pair, with a hide and telescopes
does anyone know if they are still nesting in the valley?
In reply to stuartgmilton: Glencoe has at least one nesting pair, I believe...
Hotbad, I hate you even more than Vlad. You've both seen wild Otters in their natural habitat. I may cry.
TTG
Hotbad, I hate you even more than Vlad. You've both seen wild Otters in their natural habitat. I may cry.
TTG
In reply to Not Fozzz: Goldies have a BIG 'yellow' patch under each wing, around elbow position.
In reply to stuartgmilton: Cycled the end to end a few years ago in May and was lucky enough to have 4 seperate eagle sghtings on the way up. The wildlife I saw on route was worth the journey on it's own.
In reply to O Mighty Tim:
at the risk of making you hate me, i saw a couple of frolicing sea otters close up the day after climbing Beinn Dorain (the mountain of the otter)
at the risk of making you hate me, i saw a couple of frolicing sea otters close up the day after climbing Beinn Dorain (the mountain of the otter)
In reply to stuartgmilton:
I'm pretty sure I saw one up at Glen Shee (it was massive, much bigger than a buzzard).
Oh and I've also seen an otters (one swam past us at Reiff...)
I'm pretty sure I saw one up at Glen Shee (it was massive, much bigger than a buzzard).
Oh and I've also seen an otters (one swam past us at Reiff...)
In reply to Lightweight:
I know how it feels Lightweight, I'm sure I must have seen one as well, it's just that I don't know.
I know how it feels Lightweight, I'm sure I must have seen one as well, it's just that I don't know.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
there was one in particular that i say, from the side and in silohuette (can't spell) and it was really, really big. i actually do think that was an eagle, but is hard to be sure.
there was one in particular that i say, from the side and in silohuette (can't spell) and it was really, really big. i actually do think that was an eagle, but is hard to be sure.
In reply to stuartgmilton: The Monadhliaths have been a stronghold for Golden Eagles for years now. Without stepping out of the car they can be seen regularly at the head of the River Findhorn at Coignafern. Also if you drive to the end of Station Road in Carrbridge, park up and continue up river on foot or by bike , you are fairly likely to encounter them there. Whilst biking in the area with three friends, one flew from a scot's pine not thirty yards in front of us giving us a fantastic view. All over too quickly unfortunately. There are also a few Cappers up there and loads of Black Grouse.
In reply to stuartgmilton: slovenia- lots! (well its not a zoo....)
In reply to stuartgmilton:
I saw them daily when I was on Harris in August. I was staying at Grosebay in South Harris, and one was out all the time. I have also seen them in Glenbrittle, but only ever first thing in the morning. I have also been lucky enough to see a sea eagle on Rum, I was amazed how big it was.
I saw them daily when I was on Harris in August. I was staying at Grosebay in South Harris, and one was out all the time. I have also seen them in Glenbrittle, but only ever first thing in the morning. I have also been lucky enough to see a sea eagle on Rum, I was amazed how big it was.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
I forgot, the golden eagles at High Street in the Lake District are a common site. Just walk up Riggindale at you stand a 50/50 chance of seeing them. There are quite often crowds of twitchers up there to keep you company.
I forgot, the golden eagles at High Street in the Lake District are a common site. Just walk up Riggindale at you stand a 50/50 chance of seeing them. There are quite often crowds of twitchers up there to keep you company.
In reply to Quinag:
Me and a mate came off High Street down to Riggindale and saw what was likely to be a Buzzard. We asked ourselves if it was one of the Eagles and decided that it probably wasn't big enough. Just a few minutes later, something blotted out the Sun. We looked up and saw an Eagle. It couldn't have been anything else, just a magnificent sight circling upwards.
It reinforces your statement that if you think you may be looking at an Eagle, then you won't be.
Me and a mate came off High Street down to Riggindale and saw what was likely to be a Buzzard. We asked ourselves if it was one of the Eagles and decided that it probably wasn't big enough. Just a few minutes later, something blotted out the Sun. We looked up and saw an Eagle. It couldn't have been anything else, just a magnificent sight circling upwards.
It reinforces your statement that if you think you may be looking at an Eagle, then you won't be.
In reply to Ian Bentham:
Yup, they are massive in comparison.
I saw a buzzard in the woods less than a few hundred yards from my house the other day, still impressive creatures though.
Fex.
Yup, they are massive in comparison.
I saw a buzzard in the woods less than a few hundred yards from my house the other day, still impressive creatures though.
Fex.
In reply to Slugain Howff: "Would you like me to send you the GR's of some nests". don't think thats a good idea !!
In reply to stuartgmilton:
I saw a pair of Golden Eagles and an otter within about an hour of each other in Knoydart, quite a day.
I saw a pair of Golden Eagles and an otter within about an hour of each other in Knoydart, quite a day.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Used to regularly see a couple about 7 miles up the Dalmally road from Inveraray.
Used to regularly see a couple about 7 miles up the Dalmally road from Inveraray.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
I've seen many golden eagles on Skye, primarily in the NW, because that's where I lived, but also in many of the less populated parts of the island. There is a vast tract of land lying between the Portree-Dunvegan/Uig road and the Sligachan-Dunvegan road with only a single track road crossing it (not a good place to breakdown) seen quite a few there.
As for otters, only seen a couple, both on Skye and again in the NW. Loch Bay.
jim.
I've seen many golden eagles on Skye, primarily in the NW, because that's where I lived, but also in many of the less populated parts of the island. There is a vast tract of land lying between the Portree-Dunvegan/Uig road and the Sligachan-Dunvegan road with only a single track road crossing it (not a good place to breakdown) seen quite a few there.
As for otters, only seen a couple, both on Skye and again in the NW. Loch Bay.
jim.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
In the spring I was up the mountain in front of my house and I saw three together. One, presumably female, was hanging about pretending not to be interested while another two, presumably males, were giving it ding ho. They were flying up high then diving on each other and tumbling through the air. They were so close I could hear them cutting through the air as they dived. Very impressive.
The mountain is called Canfedin, near Trento, and only 2000 m high.
Seeing them in the Brenta Dolomites is quite "normal" although typically just one spiralling up or down in a thermal.
So if you badly need to see Golden Eagles, perhaps you should think about a continental holiday.
In the spring I was up the mountain in front of my house and I saw three together. One, presumably female, was hanging about pretending not to be interested while another two, presumably males, were giving it ding ho. They were flying up high then diving on each other and tumbling through the air. They were so close I could hear them cutting through the air as they dived. Very impressive.
The mountain is called Canfedin, near Trento, and only 2000 m high.
Seeing them in the Brenta Dolomites is quite "normal" although typically just one spiralling up or down in a thermal.
So if you badly need to see Golden Eagles, perhaps you should think about a continental holiday.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Forget the continent, I want the buzz of seeing one (or more) on a walk in the scottish highlands. That would seriously make my day!!
Forget the continent, I want the buzz of seeing one (or more) on a walk in the scottish highlands. That would seriously make my day!!
In reply to malk:
I believe so but I think they haven't produced any offspring for a few years though.
> (In reply to stuartgmilton)
>
> riggindale (e of high street) used to have a regular nesting pair, with a hide and telescopes
>
> does anyone know if they are still nesting in the valley?
>
> riggindale (e of high street) used to have a regular nesting pair, with a hide and telescopes
>
> does anyone know if they are still nesting in the valley?
I believe so but I think they haven't produced any offspring for a few years though.
In reply to The Fairy Gothmother:
saw an otter at Reiff eating a fish on the edge of the sea. It quickly swam off after shouting jumping at screaming at my poor boyfriend to run get the camera - wow what a sight
Desperate to spot an eagle so have resigned to call every buzzard and crow - an eagle....works for me.
saw an otter at Reiff eating a fish on the edge of the sea. It quickly swam off after shouting jumping at screaming at my poor boyfriend to run get the camera - wow what a sight
Desperate to spot an eagle so have resigned to call every buzzard and crow - an eagle....works for me.
In reply to newhey:
You didn't happen to be staying in one of the McKinnons' caravans by any chance? We were there in July. Didn't see any eagles, but then the weather was terrible: couldn't see much of anything.
>
> I was staying at Grosebay in South Harris...
> I was staying at Grosebay in South Harris...
You didn't happen to be staying in one of the McKinnons' caravans by any chance? We were there in July. Didn't see any eagles, but then the weather was terrible: couldn't see much of anything.
In reply to stuartgmilton: Skye seems to be a good bet, I saw two Golden Eagles from Glamaig a few years ago and a White Tailed (Sea) Eagle perched on a post on the road from Slig to Broadford last year.
In reply to Stormmagnet:
Seen Eagles in the past from Sgumain summit when in Skye and Sea Eagles near the Storr and at Flodigarry.
All sightings over 15 years ago.
Seen Eagles in the past from Sgumain summit when in Skye and Sea Eagles near the Storr and at Flodigarry.
All sightings over 15 years ago.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
I used to spend a month walking in the Highlands every year in the 1960's and 1970's, and we saw golden eagles pretty much all over, at the rate of say two or three a year (though actually never on Skye AFAIR, contrary to other posters' experiences). Most recently the one I remember best was from Yoyo in Glencoe - came past below us, out in the sunlight, so that it actually did appear golden rather than the usual dull brown colour. Marvellous.
Otters - most recently in Knoydart; the well-known place on Skye previous posters have mentioned, crossing the path ahead of us once in the Fannichs and again various random places by the sea which I can't recall.
What is the range of wild otters now, anyone know? I've only ever seen them in Scotland - are they still in, say, Cornwall? And eagles - are there any in the Lakes?
jcm
I used to spend a month walking in the Highlands every year in the 1960's and 1970's, and we saw golden eagles pretty much all over, at the rate of say two or three a year (though actually never on Skye AFAIR, contrary to other posters' experiences). Most recently the one I remember best was from Yoyo in Glencoe - came past below us, out in the sunlight, so that it actually did appear golden rather than the usual dull brown colour. Marvellous.
Otters - most recently in Knoydart; the well-known place on Skye previous posters have mentioned, crossing the path ahead of us once in the Fannichs and again various random places by the sea which I can't recall.
What is the range of wild otters now, anyone know? I've only ever seen them in Scotland - are they still in, say, Cornwall? And eagles - are there any in the Lakes?
jcm
In reply to Brian:
Oh please!!!!
> (In reply to Slugain Howff) "Would you like me to send you the GR's of some nests". don't think thats a good idea !!
Oh please!!!!
In reply to Gavin Taylor:
Are they exactly the same brand of eagle? I had the (probably ignorant) impression that the UK species was unique.
jcm
Are they exactly the same brand of eagle? I had the (probably ignorant) impression that the UK species was unique.
jcm
In reply to The Fairy Gothmother:
If you look at the front of my car you will see some otter hair from where I splatted one recently.
>
>
> I'm still waiting for wild otters, that's my dream.
>
> I'm still waiting for wild otters, that's my dream.
If you look at the front of my car you will see some otter hair from where I splatted one recently.
In reply to Quinag:
> (In reply to newhey)
>
> [...]
>
> You didn't happen to be staying in one of the McKinnons' caravans by any chance?
I certainly was stay in the McKinnons caravans. Nice folk, but what is the fetish they have for air fresheners? Weather was up to no good when we were there in August. The eagles were visible most days on the drive down from the main road. >
> [...]
>
> You didn't happen to be staying in one of the McKinnons' caravans by any chance?
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Very briefly saw a Sea Eagle cruising down a valley in the pouring rain as I was driving into Lewis last year, after getting off the ferry at Tairbeart, probably near Seaforth Island...
The road rises up at this point, so the Sea Eagle was just below eye level, and absolutely massive. I'd say about a 10-12ft wingspan.
Very briefly saw a Sea Eagle cruising down a valley in the pouring rain as I was driving into Lewis last year, after getting off the ferry at Tairbeart, probably near Seaforth Island...
The road rises up at this point, so the Sea Eagle was just below eye level, and absolutely massive. I'd say about a 10-12ft wingspan.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Many years ago coming down out of cloud in the Cullins of Skye we stopped on the glacial lip of an upper valley. Along the hillside below us came two adult and one juvenile golden eagles, circling on the thermals, hardly moving their wings. They passed withing a couple of hundred feet of us as they worked their way along the valley side. Fantastic sight.
And I used regularly to see a pair on limestone cliffs above my hotel in Sixt, Haute Savoie, when I was a Rambler's leader there.
Many years ago coming down out of cloud in the Cullins of Skye we stopped on the glacial lip of an upper valley. Along the hillside below us came two adult and one juvenile golden eagles, circling on the thermals, hardly moving their wings. They passed withing a couple of hundred feet of us as they worked their way along the valley side. Fantastic sight.
And I used regularly to see a pair on limestone cliffs above my hotel in Sixt, Haute Savoie, when I was a Rambler's leader there.
In reply to Rigid Raider:
And yes, aren't there supposed to be a pair on the crags above Riggindale at the end of Haweswater?
And yes, aren't there supposed to be a pair on the crags above Riggindale at the end of Haweswater?
In reply to malk:
Unfortunately the female failed to retun to the area last spring (2004). So we now have just one.
There were reports of it being 'hit' near Killington Lake services on the Motorway, but probably just rumours.
They were both quite old.
> (In reply to stuartgmilton)
>
> riggindale (e of high street) used to have a regular nesting pair, with a hide and telescopes
>
> does anyone know if they are still nesting in the valley?
>
> riggindale (e of high street) used to have a regular nesting pair, with a hide and telescopes
>
> does anyone know if they are still nesting in the valley?
Unfortunately the female failed to retun to the area last spring (2004). So we now have just one.
There were reports of it being 'hit' near Killington Lake services on the Motorway, but probably just rumours.
They were both quite old.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
I've seen golden eagles in/on Glen Brittle, Affric, Beinn Odhar Mhor, Garbh Bheinn (Ardgour), Beinn Damph, Streap, and Healabhal Mhor, as well as in the Dolomites and the Pyrenees. Just keep on mountaineering in Scotland - you'll be unlucky not to see one eventually.
I've seen golden eagles in/on Glen Brittle, Affric, Beinn Odhar Mhor, Garbh Bheinn (Ardgour), Beinn Damph, Streap, and Healabhal Mhor, as well as in the Dolomites and the Pyrenees. Just keep on mountaineering in Scotland - you'll be unlucky not to see one eventually.
In reply to Route Adjuster:
So unless another female or pair flies in from Galloway they are going to be disappear from England again. Can we borrow a Scottish female please!?
> (In reply to malk)
> [...]
>
> Unfortunately the female failed to retun to the area last spring (2004). So we now have just one.
>
> There were reports of it being 'hit' near Killington Lake services on the Motorway, but probably just rumours.
>
> They were both quite old.
> [...]
>
> Unfortunately the female failed to retun to the area last spring (2004). So we now have just one.
>
> There were reports of it being 'hit' near Killington Lake services on the Motorway, but probably just rumours.
>
> They were both quite old.
So unless another female or pair flies in from Galloway they are going to be disappear from England again. Can we borrow a Scottish female please!?
In reply to SimonW:
Thats about the long and short of it. But they reputedly have a territory with 50 miles radius - which would put them on a potential cross-over with the Galloway eagles.
Personally I'm not convinced that there is only one pair in the Lakes. Where have the young from successful broods by the Haweswater pair over the past 20 or 30 years gone to?
Thats about the long and short of it. But they reputedly have a territory with 50 miles radius - which would put them on a potential cross-over with the Galloway eagles.
Personally I'm not convinced that there is only one pair in the Lakes. Where have the young from successful broods by the Haweswater pair over the past 20 or 30 years gone to?
In reply to Route Adjuster:
I have wondered the same, just where have they gone?
> (In reply to SimonW)
>
> Thats about the long and short of it. But they reputedly have a territory with 50 miles radius - which would put them on a potential cross-over with the Galloway eagles.
>
> Personally I'm not convinced that there is only one pair in the Lakes. Where have the young from successful broods by the Haweswater pair over the past 20 or 30 years gone to?
>
> Thats about the long and short of it. But they reputedly have a territory with 50 miles radius - which would put them on a potential cross-over with the Galloway eagles.
>
> Personally I'm not convinced that there is only one pair in the Lakes. Where have the young from successful broods by the Haweswater pair over the past 20 or 30 years gone to?
I have wondered the same, just where have they gone?
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Too right, anything that can breed with a male eagle will do!
> (In reply to SimonW)
>
> You don't stipulate it has to be an eagle!! Hmm.
>
> You don't stipulate it has to be an eagle!! Hmm.
Too right, anything that can breed with a male eagle will do!
In reply to SimonW: Alot of the golden eagles in the Lakes over the last 10 years or so were killed by poison bait...
In reply to MJH:
Really, by farmers who think they are going to swoop down and nick their lambs perhaps?
Scandalous.
> (In reply to SimonW) Alot of the golden eagles in the Lakes over the last 10 years or so were killed by poison bait...
Really, by farmers who think they are going to swoop down and nick their lambs perhaps?
Scandalous.
In reply to SimonW: Apparently so, though some of the farmers did "claim" that they were trying to poison other things (eg foxes)
In reply to MJH:
They suffer a similar fate in the Eastern Cairngorms
> (In reply to SimonW) Alot of the golden eagles in the Lakes over the last 10 years or so were killed by poison bait...
They suffer a similar fate in the Eastern Cairngorms
In reply to stuartgmilton: Spotted 3 in the Cairngorms in a week last year. Glen Callater/Braemar area. My bird book says the cairngorms are one of the most common places for them.
In reply to MJH:
I thought that were was only one pair in the lakes, nesting near the head of Haweswater. This pair was, up to very recently I believe, the only breeding pair in England.
The original Haweswater pair were poisoned back in the 70's I believe by a local farmer. Poisoning of red kites, buzzards, harriers etc. is common place sadly.
Having just checked the RSPB site it seems that the female of the pair has not been seen for a few weeks, unfortunately it is presumed dead.
The only other location that I am aware of golden eagles in England is a single pair in the North East.
I thought that were was only one pair in the lakes, nesting near the head of Haweswater. This pair was, up to very recently I believe, the only breeding pair in England.
The original Haweswater pair were poisoned back in the 70's I believe by a local farmer. Poisoning of red kites, buzzards, harriers etc. is common place sadly.
Having just checked the RSPB site it seems that the female of the pair has not been seen for a few weeks, unfortunately it is presumed dead.
The only other location that I am aware of golden eagles in England is a single pair in the North East.
In reply to Foxy: When I was a kid (not that long ago!) there was probably upto 5 or 6 pairs in the Lakes.
The pair at Haweswater have been the only breeding pair for probably 5-10 years (there was definitely a second pair (less well-known) at one point) and I assume that it was some of their offspring that were killed in the Lakes over the last few years.
Didn't realise there was a pair in the NE.
The pair at Haweswater have been the only breeding pair for probably 5-10 years (there was definitely a second pair (less well-known) at one point) and I assume that it was some of their offspring that were killed in the Lakes over the last few years.
Didn't realise there was a pair in the NE.
In reply to Foxy: PS The Haweswater female was lost in 2004 IIRC - very sad.
In reply to MJH:
Thought there was only one pair in the lakes, you live and learn I suppose.
Apparently a breeding pair in the NE at a specific location. Attended several lectures/presentations and had several conversations with this chap involved in a study to reintroduce golden eagles to specific locations based upon analysis undertaken on digital terrain models.
Never seen a golden eagle but would love to.
There are also 3-4 breeding pairs of Eurpoean Eagle owls in England, these can kill and take extremely large prey such as deer.
All interesting stuff.
Thought there was only one pair in the lakes, you live and learn I suppose.
Apparently a breeding pair in the NE at a specific location. Attended several lectures/presentations and had several conversations with this chap involved in a study to reintroduce golden eagles to specific locations based upon analysis undertaken on digital terrain models.
Never seen a golden eagle but would love to.
There are also 3-4 breeding pairs of Eurpoean Eagle owls in England, these can kill and take extremely large prey such as deer.
All interesting stuff.
In reply to Foxy:
Blimey - are there? Now those are huge - not so much wingspan as general size, although it may all be feathers, of course.
jcm
Blimey - are there? Now those are huge - not so much wingspan as general size, although it may all be feathers, of course.
jcm
In reply to stuartgmilton:
I had an amazing sighting of a golden eagle on Skye a few years back. I was going geology fieldwork on Ben Suardal, a very quiet hill a few miles south of Broadford, overlooking the Red Cuillin. I was slowly making my way up a deep, narrow gully on its east face, looking at the rocks and making notes. I emerged at the top of the gully, looked to my right and not more than 10 metres away was a massive golden eagle perched on a boulder!
It was so big and so near that my initial instinct was to run off! Fortnuately I didn't. The bird saw me as soon as I saw it, and jumped off its perch. I clearly remember the whoosing of the air as it powerfully beat its wings in an effort to take off fast.
It remained circling overhead for about half an hour, during which time it had some aerial combat with couple of sea gulls. Totally amazing.
I had an amazing sighting of a golden eagle on Skye a few years back. I was going geology fieldwork on Ben Suardal, a very quiet hill a few miles south of Broadford, overlooking the Red Cuillin. I was slowly making my way up a deep, narrow gully on its east face, looking at the rocks and making notes. I emerged at the top of the gully, looked to my right and not more than 10 metres away was a massive golden eagle perched on a boulder!
It was so big and so near that my initial instinct was to run off! Fortnuately I didn't. The bird saw me as soon as I saw it, and jumped off its perch. I clearly remember the whoosing of the air as it powerfully beat its wings in an effort to take off fast.
It remained circling overhead for about half an hour, during which time it had some aerial combat with couple of sea gulls. Totally amazing.
In reply to Anonymous:
There are, I've held one weighing about 4llbs but they can get up to 11-14llbs in the wild apparently. Very beautiful creatures.
There are, I've held one weighing about 4llbs but they can get up to 11-14llbs in the wild apparently. Very beautiful creatures.
In reply to Anonymous:
Same Latin name (Aquila chrysaetos) as the Italian "Aquila Reale", and it certainly looks the same. Perhaps the GB version has some distinguishing features? Anyone know?
> (In reply to Gavin Taylor)
>
> Are they exactly the same brand of eagle? I had the (probably ignorant) impression that the UK species was unique.
>
>
> Are they exactly the same brand of eagle? I had the (probably ignorant) impression that the UK species was unique.
>
Same Latin name (Aquila chrysaetos) as the Italian "Aquila Reale", and it certainly looks the same. Perhaps the GB version has some distinguishing features? Anyone know?
In reply to MJH:
indeed. whats happened to the male?
if he's still visiting, then surely he should be encouraged to find a mate, or is he too old?
> (In reply to Foxy) PS The Haweswater female was lost in 2004 IIRC - very sad.
indeed. whats happened to the male?
if he's still visiting, then surely he should be encouraged to find a mate, or is he too old?
In reply to stuartgmilton:
mull, the southern and western parts are a good bet for both golden eagles and otters. on the slopes of ben more for eagles and down on the south coast of the ross of mull for otters, especially.
mull, the southern and western parts are a good bet for both golden eagles and otters. on the slopes of ben more for eagles and down on the south coast of the ross of mull for otters, especially.
In reply to malk: Not sure - doubt he will have moved on, IIRC he wasn't very old in eagle terms (7-10).
In reply to MJH: saw a juvenile golden eagle perched on a roadsign on the road past the Stone Valley crag near Gairloch,c. 4 years ago. Very weird- I dunno if it was injured ? Never seen one that close before !
An adult and 2 young ones on Islay (inner hebrides and home to some rather good whisky).
The adult took off from a post as I cycled past it. It was so huge I pooped myself then whooped with a "I've just seen a golden eagle" excitement as it flew away.
Saw the same one a few moments later with the 2 young ones circling around.
awesome birds
what is your favourite bird?
The adult took off from a post as I cycled past it. It was so huge I pooped myself then whooped with a "I've just seen a golden eagle" excitement as it flew away.
Saw the same one a few moments later with the 2 young ones circling around.
awesome birds
what is your favourite bird?
In reply to stuartgmilton:
I once had the pleasure of looking down on two golden eagles circling below me as I belayed half way up a route on Creag an Dubh Loch.
I once had the pleasure of looking down on two golden eagles circling below me as I belayed half way up a route on Creag an Dubh Loch.
In reply to MJH: 20+ years ago there was a pair above the head of the Bleng/backside of Seatallen IIRC.
May even been longer than that! Think they were the last pair on the western side, assume it got to populated for them etc.
Iain
May even been longer than that! Think they were the last pair on the western side, assume it got to populated for them etc.
Iain
In reply to stuartgmilton:
What about going to a zoo...oh no, you didn't want comments like that did you.
Doh <slaps forehead>
What about going to a zoo...oh no, you didn't want comments like that did you.
Doh <slaps forehead>
In reply to stuartgmilton:
Up near Ullapool/Dundonnel seems to be a good area for me.
Saw a Golden Eagle from up on the Corrag Bhuidhe on An Teallach, then even better, a Sea Eagle swooping along the floor of the glen in Strath na Sealga, just up-stream abit from Shenneval.
Hugely impressive beasties.
Up near Ullapool/Dundonnel seems to be a good area for me.
Saw a Golden Eagle from up on the Corrag Bhuidhe on An Teallach, then even better, a Sea Eagle swooping along the floor of the glen in Strath na Sealga, just up-stream abit from Shenneval.
Hugely impressive beasties.
In reply to scawf vu: That was the area I was thinking of so yes would have been about 20 years ago.
Cheers, Mike
Cheers, Mike
In reply to stuartgmilton:
BBC2 tonight if anyone's interested:
Natural World
Eagle Island: Mull, off the west coast of Scotland, is home to the most spectacular wildlife of any stretch of our coastline - golden eagles, otters, seals, dolphins, whales and sharks. [AD,S]
BBC2 tonight if anyone's interested:
Natural World
Eagle Island: Mull, off the west coast of Scotland, is home to the most spectacular wildlife of any stretch of our coastline - golden eagles, otters, seals, dolphins, whales and sharks. [AD,S]
In reply to Carpe Diem:
Nice one. Lets wait for them to chuck a wind factory or two onto the Island so that the Golden Eagles can fly into them and be shredded.
Ands
Nice one. Lets wait for them to chuck a wind factory or two onto the Island so that the Golden Eagles can fly into them and be shredded.
Ands
In reply to Carpe Diem:
just a reminder to watch the natural world bbc2 now if you're into eagles, and our marine friends
just a reminder to watch the natural world bbc2 now if you're into eagles, and our marine friends
In reply to stuartgmilton:
A couple of years ago I saw one circling high above Tolmount or Tom Buidhe in the middle of the S Cairngorms west of Lochnagar. A majestic sight.
A couple of years ago I saw one circling high above Tolmount or Tom Buidhe in the middle of the S Cairngorms west of Lochnagar. A majestic sight.
In reply to stuartgmilton:
My mum had a snowy owl in her garden last year (quite a wild and woody garden in Northamptonshire)- at first saw flash of white and thought it was a swan - but definitely a snowy owl perched on the large wooden stake propping the washing line - went to get camera but it had gone when she returned - on reporting it told one had recently escaped from wildlife park.
H
My mum had a snowy owl in her garden last year (quite a wild and woody garden in Northamptonshire)- at first saw flash of white and thought it was a swan - but definitely a snowy owl perched on the large wooden stake propping the washing line - went to get camera but it had gone when she returned - on reporting it told one had recently escaped from wildlife park.
H
In reply to Hannah m: You're going to get Darren Jackson all excited with that post!
In reply to stuartgmilton:
http://www.huntly-falconry.co.uk/
Saw one here (it's not a zoo so there :-p)
A highly recommended afternoon out for those of you in NE Scotland.
> Oh, and I don't want any sarchastic comments about a zoo!!
http://www.huntly-falconry.co.uk/
Saw one here (it's not a zoo so there :-p)
A highly recommended afternoon out for those of you in NE Scotland.
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