There’s been a little bit of excitement to start my week at West Ardhu…
I’m delighted to tell you that on Monday, for the very first time, we were able to see Star and Hope’s single chick from the hide!
Admittedly, it’s not at the most visually appealing stage in its development [think half-plucked chicken with the head of a vulture] – but nevertheless, watching it flop about enthusiastically with every appearance of good cheer and good health really made my day.
At just over three weeks old, the West Ardhu chick has a spongy coating of smoke-grey down. This down is somewhat thicker than the white, wispy covering that it hatched with. Now that the chick is a bit more robust, the adults often perch to the side of the nest and no longer feel the need to brood it constantly. This has produced some prolonged and very beautiful views.
Over the next two weeks, our chick will “feather up”. Spiky, tube-like protrusions will appear all over its body, and from the tip of each, a chocolate brown feather will gradually emerge.
These strange tubes shield the delicate growing structure inside. Once the feather has started to form, bits of this covering will be nibbled and preened away by the chick. The youngsters can look a bit disheveled and dandruffy at this stage.
By five weeks of age, our chick should look more or less like an eagle (!) This is also the time that it will start to pick off morsels of food for itself.
Meanwhile, both Star and Hope have continued to wow our guests. There’s no real necessity for them to come over the hide, or indeed, to casually circle above it – but they do. It’s quite an amazing thing to experience.
I think Star must have taken umbrage at my comments in the previous blog… he seems to be trying his very best to out perform Hope! This is one of my own photographs from last week:
We’ve also enjoyed regular sightings of Golden Eagle [both adult and immature birds] and some spectacular Sparrowhawk action!
It’s all GO at NWMCWC’s West Ardhu…
Remember, booking is essential if you would like to join a trip. The number to contact is: 01680 812 556
Stephanie Cope
Community Ranger for Mull Eagle Watch
To get the latest from our sister site at Tiroran Community Forest, please see:
https://www.rspb.org.uk/community/wildlife/b/mulleagles/default.aspx
Mull Eagle Watch 