Mulls' amazing Eagles
We have a large section of this website devoted to the White Tailed Sea Eagle and this can be accessed by clicking here
The Isle of Mull has a large number of both white Tailed Sea Eagles and Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). So much so, that the island has become known as 'Eagle Island'
Numbers are reasonably high here and the birds enjoy a spectacular range of habitats from 3,000 foot peaks to sea cliffs, adorned with white sandy beaches. Golden Eagles eat carrion [any dead animal], mountain hares and some game birds such as Ptarmigan; however their favourite prey is undoubtedly the Mountain Hare
Your first sighting of a Golden Eagle, is usually a large bird of prey breaking the skyline, and often being chased by Ravens or Hooded Crows, particularly during the breeding season of May to July, when all birds are very territorial in their behaviour.
Here on Mull, you will often see the White Tailed Sea Eagle and Golden Eagle together; then it is easy to tell them apart. The Sea Eagle is bigger by a third, than the Golden Eagle. Your first impression of a Sea Eagle, is of an immense pair of very broad wings. The tail is wedge shaped and only two thirds the width of the wings. The head seems to protrude well in front of the large square ended wings, whereas the Golden Eagle has a smaller head and longer tail, which it twists to steer, rather like a Red Kite.
In summer, you will usually see adult birds of both species, which means that you should see the white tail and pale head of the Sea Eagle, and the golden head and dark tail of the Golden Eagle. Outside the breeding season, the watcher could mistake a young Golden Eagle for a Sea Eagle, because they have white tail with a black band; however, the silhouette is never like that of the bigger Sea Eagle. The young Sea Eagle also has a dark tail which can add to the confusion.
Along with the land based tours, one boat based tour is worth a mention. Mull Charters operates out of Ulva Ferry and the skipper of the boat trip has a uniqe relationship with the local Sea Eagles. Find out more
The different types of Eagle tours listed below. Click on the logo to book.