Improve your score – Mull Golf Course guarantees an Eagle

Cries of ‘birdie’ and ‘eagle’ took on a quite different meaning at a Mull golf course this summer after a pair of white-tailed eagles chose to nest right next to the fairway.

The birds, which were first reported by local Scottish Natural Heritage staff, successfully raised two chicks, nicknamed Pitch and Putt by golfing enthusiasts. They have proved popular with the golf club and visiting golfers alike, and have been a great example of how these massive birds can live in harmony with human neighbours.

White-tailed sea eagles, which have a wingspan of up to 2.5 metres and prefer to nest on sea cliffs and in mature trees, are now breeding successfully over much of Mull, and unlike the slightly smaller golden eagle, they seem perfectly happy to make their home close to human habitations.

Golf Club regular Mary van Heerden, says: ‘It’s been a real privilege having these amazing birds as our close neighbours all summer. When I’m out cutting the fairways and I see one of the adults fly over with its white tail gleaming in the sun, it lifts my spirits and gladdens my heart. I’m going to miss them when the chicks finally disperse’.

Dave Sexton, RSPB Scotland Mull Officer, said: ‘I’ve been monitoring this nest all season and the eagles have seemed completely relaxed about the regular activities on the golf course. What they wouldn’t have liked is anything unexpected, for example someone coming too close to the nest to take photographs etc, but as long as people were going about their every day tasks, they went about theirs and everyone seemed to get along fine.

‘They’ve actually been helping the golf club by keeping the greens clear of greylag and Canada geese and rabbits throughout the season, and although one or two people might have been put off their stroke by the sight, most people have been thrilled to see such rare and magnificent birds soaring overhead’.

The public white-tailed eagle hide at Forestry Commission Scotland’s Loch Frisa, which gives visitors to Mull a chance to see the eagles for themselves, will be remaining open throughout the Autumn months. People can book onto ranger-led trips by calling 01680 812 556.

It’s also well worth visiting the RSPB website for the Mull sea eagles, on which Dave Sexton keeps one of the best wildlife blogs we’ve seen – and on which you can track the flight of sea eagles.