Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Birding Scotland Pt 2: White-tailed Eagles

After a few days on the Isle of Bute it was off to Skye to look for eagles. Within six hours we had had great views of White-tailed Eagles and less impressive views of Golden Eagle but by the end of the first two days we had a count of eight White-tailed and three Golden with a supporting raptor cast of Merlin, Peregrine and Buzzard. I couldn't manage any photos of the Golden Eagles but I did manage some shots of the White-tailed Eagles.

Adult female White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla - Skye

Adult female White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla - Skye

Adult female White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla - Skye
 We found that Portree was one of the most reliable sites for the White-tailed eagles. You can join a 2hr eagle cruise from the harbour or scan the bay from the town. Another reliable spot is Sligachen. Park by the A87 near the cafĂ© or campsite and scan the surrounding Cuillin Hills. A couple of days before we arrived there had been a report of eleven birds soaring in the thermals at Sligachen. We saw a couple of Golden Eagles here too. We also saw both Golden and White-tailed soaring at Macleod's Tables (Mountains!) in the north west of Skye.
Adult  White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla - beetling off with a freshly caught fish.

Adult female White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla - Skye

Adult female White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla - Skye
Travelling over to Cairngorm next for loads and loads of grouse!

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