April 10, 2010
Golden Eagle. Image by: Watson - NPS Photo Source:www.weforanimals.com
A most welcome contribution from The Obsessive Birder, David Hawker.
Over the past 15 years I’ve recorded various birds of prey on the island, from the frequently seen kestrel, the occasional peregrine, buzzard and sparrowhawk to single records of osprey and hen harrier. However, the tree planting season at the end of March provided a surprise visitor. Because the gulls on the south east side of the island were making such an unusual clamour, I glanced up to see a large bird of prey, assuming at first glance a buzzard. But when a tiny (by comparison) kestrel and three greylag geese appeared beside it, the significance of its huge size and the ends of the wings like fingers dawned. It was a golden eagle soaring over Mullach Mhor. It was there for a minute or two circling higher and higher, and seen by all 8 tree-planters, before disappearing over the hill. However, it re-appeared a few minutes later and then sailed majestically south west towards Whiting Bay and back to Arran, presumably from where it had originally appeared.
Not much chance of it breeding on the island – there’s too little prey for it and it wouldn’t tolerate the island’s many visitors. But still, a sight to send the spirits like the eagle soaring.
PS 34 species recorded over the 9 days on the island in poor and wintry weather.
Posted by June
