Skye Sea Eagles

[ChrisJB]

I've just got back from a most enjoyable week on Skye, though one aspect of the trip wound me up. I went on the Sea Eagle boat trip from Portree (well two boats went out simultaneously) and having got to the right location and a wait of about ten minutes, no eagles (I often have this effect on wildlife). Anyway, two Ravens soared high overhead and the skipper told us all that they were this years two fledged juvenile eagles! Me and another bloke informed him that they were Ravens. He said he would ask the 'expert' who was on the other boat. The 'expert' also tried telling us they were Sea Eagles. Anyway, a real Sea Eagle did turn up moments later so I was happy. Now I'm no expert, but I can tell the difference between a Raven and Sea Eagle. It just got me thinking. Either the 'experts' really aren't so good at Sea Eagle identification or, perhaps they tell people they have seen the Sea Eagles knowing full well they haven't. I don't know if the operators have a policy of no sighting - no payment. But, whatever, it's rather disappointing. Future visitors beware.

Regards, Chris

[larachmor]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

I've just got back from a most enjoyable week on Skye, though one aspect of the trip wound me up. I went on the Sea Eagle boat trip from Portree (well two boats went out simultaneously) and having got to the right location and a wait of about ten minutes, no eagles (I often have this effect on wildlife). Anyway, two Ravens soared high overhead and the skipper told us all that they were this years two fledged juvenile eagles! Me and another bloke informed him that they were Ravens. He said he would ask the 'expert' who was on the other boat. The 'expert' also tried telling us they were Sea Eagles. Anyway, a real Sea Eagle did turn up moments later so I was happy. Now I'm no expert, but I can tell the difference between a Raven and Sea Eagle. It just got me thinking. Either the 'experts' really aren't so good at Sea Eagle identification or, perhaps they tell people they have seen the Sea Eagles knowing full well they haven't. I don't know if the operators have a policy of no sighting - no payment. But, whatever, it's rather disappointing. Future visitors beware.

Regards, Chris

You would think that the skipper himself would know the difference between the two, without having to consult "an expert" - Once you've seen a sea-eagle you certainly wouldn't confuse it with a raven. as you say - beware!!
I know that the owners of the boat (mv Stardust) that does the current sea-eagle trips were in court recently over a dispute regarding their claim of being "the original." One thing is for sure - there is good money to be made out of wildlife trips, particularly when you're able to view a sea-eagles and maybe they'd prefer to send people away believing they have seen one (and spreading the word) rather than facing the reality that wildlife is simply not that predictable.

[Goatboy]

I'm surprised to hear that Chris. I went on the trip from Portree last year and whilst the Skipper was no birding expert, he certainly knew what we were looking at. Though there are at least 2 groups working out of Portree so maybe I was on a different one.

We didn't see a Sea Eagle until the very end and the skipper was very honest about the fact that we weren't going to be lucky on this occasion. The Eagle only showed as we were heading back.

I agree that it's hard to confuse a Sea Eagle for anything else. Looks like a barn door flying through the sky.

[John]

That's disgraceful. It almost constitutes fraud. I wonder how many they have managed to successfully con.

There is absolutely no way that these two species can be confused by anyone that has even a basic knowledge of these birds.

Wing Span 200-240cm against 106-126cm for the Raven. Even the shape is vastly different.

Personally if they had tried that on me I would have reported them to the relevant authority.

John

[Ruth Daniel]

I wonder how many non-birders have gone home thinking they've seen Sea Eagles?
A dreadful practise and these trips aren't cheap either are they?

[ChrisJB]

I am prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt and accept that their I.D skills aren't great. But I do expect people to be more knowledgeable on such trips.

Regards, Chris

[John]

I'm sorry Chris but you are just too trusting. These people are taking money on the false pretence that they know what they are doing.

You don't hire someone to guide you anywhere if they don't know what they are looking at. You might as well hire a boat for yourself and go out onto open water and take your own chances.

If this was a one off then I would agree with you but I suspect that this is not the first time they have done it.

John

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

I am prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt and accept that their I.D skills aren't great. But I do expect people to be more knowledgeable on such trips.

Regards, Chris

[Washy75]

I've been on that boat trip and we saw an adult and juvenile. The adult came down for the fish (which had been squirted full of air via a syringe!) but was never going to beat the cormorants who were already in the water. Thought it was a great spectacle and worth the money but the guy only threw one fish in!!
Would definitely recommend that trip as there is allegedly a good chance of spotting cetaceans too which, when you consider the cost of whale watching trips on Mull, is value for money.

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by Washy75

I've been on that boat trip and we saw an adult and juvenile. The adult came down for the fish (which had been squirted full of air via a syringe!) but was never going to beat the cormorants who were already in the water. Thought it was a great spectacle and worth the money but the guy only threw one fish in!!
Would definitely recommend that trip as there is allegedly a good chance of spotting cetaceans too which, when you consider the cost of whale watching trips on Mull, is value for money.

Yes, the skipper did lob some air injected fish in (3) and all promptly sank like lead balloons. A bit wayward with his syringe perhaps.


Regards, Chris