Starting signs of Autumn

Theo's Tour 22.08.25

The day began with cloudy skies and a gentle breeze. We kicked off with an adult white-tailed eagle perched on an offshore skerry, accompanied by Harbour and Grey Seals. It was absolutely stunning to see how the seals and the white-tailed eagle were unbothered by each other's presence. Furthermore, it was wonderful to see the differences between the two types of seals. Harbour seals have V-shaped nostrils that meet towards the bottom, while grey seals have parallel nostrils.

Two more adult white-tailed eagles were perched on distant conifer trees, surveying their territory, likely with their fledged chick sitting on the ridge above. Further down, a Golden Eagle briefly appeared, being harassed by ravens, and suddenly another majestic golden eagle soared above the mountains. An immature white-tailed eagle was on the distant skyline. That makes it four white-tailed eagles and two golden eagles all before lunchtime—brilliant sightings.

The day's highlight occurred at the next stop, where two adult white-tailed eagles were perched. One of them abruptly dove down and snatched a spurdog shark from the shoreline, likely left behind from an otter's earlier kill, then flew up to the treeline to eat. Their chick then showed up and attempted to take the fish from the adult, dropping it in the process! It flew away calling with one of the adults, while the other was left hungry, having lost its meal. So much white-tailed eagle action today and unbelievable to see all these interactions between parent and juvenile eagles.

During lunch, the tour observed two knots alongside a turnstone in a coastal bay. These waders are currently on migration, so they are frequently seen on the island right now. While watching the waders, another two white-tailed eagles thermalled over the distant skyline. In the afternoon, the breeze subsided, making it challenging to spot raptors, although the group was able to get fantastic close-range views of some impressive red deer stags. This iconic mammal is the largest land animal you can find in the UK.

Theo's Tour 25.08.25

At last, a breezy day with sunshine for most of the time. The tour started by spotting a bachelor herd of red deer on the hillside. It's always amazing to see the scale of these mammals when they are distant. A golden eagle ascended overhead before diving swiftly, attempting to capture a juvenile white-tailed eagle! The golden eagle then flew to perch on higher ground, while the young white-tailed eagle flew away. An adult white-tailed eagle appeared, gliding effortlessly with the wind. Additionally, two kestrels and a grey wagtail flew past. An action-packed start again with lots of eagles being the theme for the tours as we start to enter autumn.

At the next stop, an adult male white-tailed eagle was perched on a reef, with Grey and Harbour Seals nearby, similar to yesterday's actions. An otter then appeared, providing an excellent view as it fished for forty minutes. This was just such a special moment, and the whole tour came away smiling! At the lunch stop, the team observed a large dog otter fishing among the kelp during low tide. It was great seeing the otter flicking its tail to return underwater.

Moving into the moorland, they watched a stunning female hen harrier hunting for some time, quartering slowly along the tall grassland while hugging the fence line. Red deer were actively feeding in the same field—great sightings. Lower down, the peaks were surprisingly quiet despite the gentle breeze, with only a distant flyby of a white-tailed eagle being noteworthy.

On our return journey north, Theo noticed a small group of shorebirds flying from the van just before a young white-tailed eagle appeared overhead, clearly in hunting mode! We quickly parked, and the eagle provided brief yet impressive views from above before both we and the eagle continued on our way home.

Two fantastic tours run by Theo, seeing numerous white-tailed and golden eagles. Autumn is the best time, with all the juveniles and returning birds fighting for territories. Lastly, we are hoping for some early birds on migration. It won't be long now until the pink-footed geese and barnacle geese return, and also some nice waders, like we have already been seeing on the tours.