Hunter and Hunted

As promised last week this weeks photo is of an adult Sea Eagle hunting Shelduck on Loch Indaal, Islay. The Shelduck, on this occasion, did escape the Eagle but on many other occasions the roosting Barnacle Geese were not so lucky. The Sea Eagle success benefits the local Buzzards and larger Gulls such as Greater Black Backed as shown in the gallery. Click here
A winter break on Islay is a treat no raptor enthusiast should miss. Hen Harriers were seen on every one of our first eight days with good numbers of Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Golden Eagle. The most illusive raptor on Islay is the Kestrel – too much competition from other raptors perhaps?