After a prolonged period of persecution during Victorian times, when large numbers of the areas birds of prey were shot for trophies, poisoned, or had their eggs stolen, the white tailed Eagle was finally exterminated as a British breeding species in 1916.
As a result of a successful re-introduction programme that took place on the neighbouring Inner Hebridean island of Rum between 1975-1985, the Isle of Mull has become a fortress of White-tailed eagle activity, as the new fledgling population of these impressive birds matures and expands.
These are truly magnificent birds, that live up to their nickname of 'flying barn doors', with a 2.3 metre wingspan, they are amazing to watch soaring above you.
There is no better place on Mull to see them than out on the open sea, and the photographs below were taken on three trips out onto Loch Na Keal with Mull Charters.
The first series of photographs follows the sequence of an adult eagle soaring in and taking a fish off the surface and flying away...
Absolutely amazing shots.
ReplyDeleteSome words to express myself come to mind here, amazing, magnificent, brilliant brutes. Also, love the one with the two Hooded Crows in the shot.
ReplyDeleteStunning photography Gary....of course.
Outstanding images Gary,you get some idea of the size of these birds when you see the Hooded Crows in the image.Well worth the trip and no doubt you will be returning.
ReplyDeleteStunning images of a beautiful creature!
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