White-tailed Eagles on the Isle of Mull

Is this the best White-tailed Eagle photograph ever taken?

The Isle of Mull is recognised as having the highest density of eagles anywhere in Europe. The boundaries of any White-tailed Eagle territory on the island are likely to overlap with the home ranges of other White-tailed Eagles and Golden Eagles. The opportunity for confrontation exists on a daily basis for a White-tailed Eagle on the island , whether it be seeing off the unwanted harassment of a Hooded Crow, Raven, Kestrel or Buzzard, or a serious spat with a neighbouring Golden Eagle. Although smaller in size, it is the Golden Eagle that shows belligerence towards its larger cousin, often coming out on top of any aerial skirmishes with White-tailed Eagles.

Most encounters that White-tailed Eagles on Mull have with smaller birds fall into the mildly annoying category, similar to the way that midges irritate humans on warm, damp Summer evenings on the island. However, once in a while, a smaller assailant will punch above its weight, causing the White-tailed Eagle under attack to sit up and take notice. Although not taken in Scotland, this action shot by Finnish wildlife photographer, Markus Varesvuo , encapsulates such a David and Goliath moment, when the smaller aggressor can inflict discomfort and damage on its victim.

Many would think the Common Gull in the photograph to have a death wish, yet its belligerent attitude has, on this occasion, turned prey into predator, of sorts. On the Isle of Mull, we are used to seeing such superlative images of the island’s White-tailed Eagles. However, there is something very special about the encounter captured by Markus. It is, undoubtedly, the best White-tailed Eagle photograph ever taken (until the next one comes along!).

We are grateful to Markus for allowing the use of this photograph, which is only one of many exciting images of birds contained in his beautiful book 'Birds: Magic Moments'.