golden eagle locations?

[pdg30]

Just wondered if anyone could advise on viewing goldies in Scotland.

have done a lot of research on the matter. Went up to Scotland for 3 days in Mid April with my brother, went to Glen Etive one day in Mid April, lovely weather but no joy there. Interestingly the only sighting we had (we think anyway) was on a walk by Loch Tummel, not far from Queen's View - way up high by a distant mountain we saw something circling and soaring, then disappear behind a cloud. Even though it was very high we could make out it was much bigger than a buzzard and with longer wings, though I stupidly left binoculars in the car. Honestly believe that was our first goldie sighting, though we could only make out a silhouette as it was a long way off.

I'm thinking of heading back there in early June, can anyone provide any advice as to best places to go? I;m not sure I can afford to go way up to the northern highlands, or the western isles, which i've heard is the place to go to see eagles. I appreciate that no places are guaranteed, but am desperate to see a better sighting (and with binoculars this time). Thanks in advance. Would be good to hear where people have seen them and at what range.

[aeshna5]

I've found the Findhorn Valley good for Golden Eagles (+ other raptors) + Mull is good for both eagle species.

[pdg30]

Thanks aeshna,

can you elaborate a bit more? When were you last in the Findhorn, and what / how many did you see? Anywhere specific there that makes a good sighting spot? Did you get any photographs?

not sure i'll be able to get across to mull, though i wonder whether that may actually be nearer than going as high up as the Findhorn.

[seamusagleann]

get one or two regular sightings out side the clachaig inn at glen coe! they tend to follow the deer activity!!

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I've found the Findhorn Valley good for Golden Eagles

I heard that some years ago. I've followed the Findhorn downstream for a few miles from the A9 at Ruthven. Didn't see a thing - it didn't look like eagle country to me. Maybe I should have gone upstream!

I've seen them on Ulva.

Jim

[bigdave60dog]

I generally see some in Caithness. The Road from Thurso to Helmsdale was often a good spot but there is a huge windfarm along there now.
I would still try that area though I travel it fairly regularly and still see the odd adult quie regularly.
Dave

[solus]

Arran is perhaps an easier option if you can't go to the far north of Scotland or the Western Isles? Keep your eyes open especially from the road north to Lochranza. (Then have a visit to the distillery and you'll see twice as many on the way back!) BUT it is never guaranteed you will be lucky enough to see a Golden Eagle anywhere as they have huge range areas and unless there is a nest site close by (which hopefully nobody will divulge!) there is a large element of chance in any sightings. Mull is good, as is Skye, parts of the Cairngorm area (Findhorn valley, upstream from Tomatin): I have seen them in Glencoe but, as in most of our sightings, a lucky initial view from the car (Himself driving!) followed by a safe but hasty stop and if we're lucky, more prolonged views with binoculars and 'scope.

Oh, and if it's on top of a roadside telegraph pole - it's a Buzzard!

[earthdragon64]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I heard that some years ago. I've followed the Findhorn downstream for a few miles from the A9 at Ruthven. Didn't see a thing - it didn't look like eagle country to me. Maybe I should have gone upstream!

I've seen them on Ulva.

Jim

You need to go upstream from Tomatin, and even then you've got to be lucky. Stunning scenery though and plenty of other wildlife.

[pdg30]

thanks everybody for the input.

interesting then that ours (fairly sure it was a goldie, though it was so high up and far off in the distance we were never going to make a positive ID without binoculars. it was, however, instantly different in behaviour to a buzzard, circling very high up, and even though it was so far off we could make out a longer wingspan) was sighted in the Loch Tummel area, near Queen's View - some people may know where I mean? Very pleasant area and nice weather that day.

I may try the Findhorn then in a few weeks time, had no joy at Glen Etive (has anyone seen any there, and if so where exactly?)

I have heard around Loch Katrine is good, in March though.

[caernerch]

years ago i saw goldies from glentrool caravan park and around the Merrick which is quite a bit further south. that area of scotland is well worth a visit as it's the bit everyone goes past on the way further north. I also got a great view of a basking shark about 5 metres from the end of garlieston mole.
caernerch