The saddest of news – one of the glorious creatures whose photograph is still on this page, has died. After apparently falling to the ground when part of their nest at the public viewing hide at Loch Frisa collapsed, the male chick was found dead earlier today.

Mull Eagle Watch reports that the other chick, a female, has recently fledged successfully and can still be seen nearby along with the parent eagles, Frisa and Skye, stars of numerous TV programmes like Springwatch and Autumnwatch.

Although an exact cause of death has yet to be determined by post mortem, it looks likely that the first chick fell from the nest when part of it collapsed, dying shortly afterwards.

RSPB’s Mull Officer Dave Sexton said: ‘Although we all hoped the male chick had just fledged early, it never felt right. Sadly, we couldn’t go in any closer to check as it could have caused the second chick to jump before she was ready, so we had to let nature take its course.

‘Nature can be very cruel at times and it’s a real blow for everyone involved in the project. But the female chick is doing well and Frisa and Skye are looking after her so visitors to the hide will still get to see these amazing birds’.

Here at For Argyll, we admit to looking frequently at the photograph on this page, taken recently and shortly after the two chicks were ringed. There is something in their sheer magnificence that lifts the spirits. It’s now dispiriting to know that one of these characterful birds is dead.

The Eagle Hide on Mull is having its busiest season for many years and will remain open all summer. Income raised at the hide (£10,000 in 2008) is dispersed to local good causes by the Mull & Iona Community Trust.

To book a trip to the sea eagle hide, phone 01680 812 556 and, even if you canlt go, follow the wonderful website that tracks last year’s chicks, Mara and Breagha.

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• Chris Packham joins BBC’s Springwatch and will be with Mull’s Eagle Watch (0)
• Isle of Mull showcased in premiere on PBS TV in America, Sunday 3rd May (1)
• Two very special Argyll births announced (0)

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