Viewing Golden Eagles in Scotland (1 Viewer)

[Neil Wilkinson]

Could anyone help me find a viewing site in the Highlands for Golden Eagles, I am visiting the Highlands this summer and would love to spot the rare bird in its natural habitat.
Anyone out there know where to start??

Went to Hawes Water just recently and got lucky so thrilled !!!

Cheers

Neil

 

[Michael Frankis]

Hi Neil

Welcome to BirForum! - good to get another Northumbrian on here, Toon too!

Anywhere fairly high up in mountain country, the better the further west you go. Scan for them soaring along / just over ridges on the upwind side of a slope.

I'd rather not give exact site details on a public forum, as that can lead to risks to the birds from criminals, sadly.

Michael

 

[mountain man]

Hi Neil,

The Findhorn Valley to the north-west of Aviemore is good and there is no worries about disturbing them as they don't nest here: it is generally a hanging out place for young birds and post-breeding adults. Drive to the end of the valley as far as you can and then wait....and wait...and wait...and wait...

Walking further down the valley is apparently better, but I can never be bothered!

 

[jeff]

Hi Neil,

The Findhorn Valley to the north-west of Aviemore is good and there is no worries about disturbing them as they don't nest here: it is generally a hanging out place for young birds and post-breeding adults. Drive to the end of the valley as far as you can and then wait....and wait...and wait...and wait...

Walking further down the valley is apparently better, but I can never be bothered!

I sat and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited.

Maybe i didn't wait long enough ;-)

I tried the walk as well, just a few buzzards, an osprey and a couple of peregrin falcons, sadly no eagles :-(

Maybe next time!!!

 

[CJW]

Hello Neil
And welcome to Birdforum from all the Moderators and Admin. Staff.
I hope you manage to find a reliable site for these magnificent birds.

 

[IanF]

Hi Neil,

Findhorn Valley I would say too as we saw them there about a half mile past the wooden bridge. We also saw them over the Culbin Forest soaring on the thermals when looking for the Crested Tits.

 

[markho]

Hi Neil
Findhorn Valley is OK but like most places that are recommended in the central highlands you have to put some time in and wait. If you want almost gauranteed success without the wait then definitely go to the west coast. If you can spend a day on Skye early morning or late afternoon at Kylerhea or Glenbrittle will not only give Golden Eagle but also, Merlin, Hen Harrier, Short earred Owl, Peregrine , Buzzard, Kestrel , Sparrowhawk and if your lucky Sea Eagle all in 1 day. Believe me its worth it if your into raptors.And you might also see an Otter.

 

[jpoyner]

As has been mentioned in other threads, Mull is your place for almost guaranteed views with least effort. Findhorn is always mentioned, though I've met a lot of disappointed birders up there this year.

JP

 

[Neil Wilkinson]

Many many thanks to all for your enthusiastic and prompt replies. I will be visiting the Highlands with parents so I think several round about tours are essential, whether they like it or not, but I am sure they will, I am driving !

Best regards again to all.

Neil

 

[Helwith]

I sat and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited and waited.

Maybe i didn't wait long enough ;-)

I tried the walk as well, just a few buzzards, an osprey and a couple of peregrin falcons, sadly no eagles :-(

Maybe next time!!!

Cor! Sounds as though you're a bit like me, a jinks. Been there on quite a number of occasions over the years and seen know't of note.

Best bet for GEs' I find is get your walking boots out and get into the West Highland hills with your Bino's.

Cheers

 

[jeff]

Cor! Sounds as though you're a bit like me, a jinks. Been there on quite a number of occasions over the years and seen know't of note.

Best bet for GEs' I find is get your walking boots out and get into the West Highland hills with your Bino's.

Cheers

Yep, prob. right, been 4 times to findhorn and never seen an Eagle :-(

Next time i'll get lucky............. I might try the Lake District in the meantime as it's a bit nearer, prob. dip out there as well.

Tried for Goshawks at newfancy once and the rain poured down, so yep. prob. am a jinx ;-)

My lucks gotta change one day, prob. the same time as my lotto numbers come up ;-)

 

[mountain man]

I think I've had eagles there 5 or 6 times out of no more than 10 visits at around 11-12 or early evening.

 

[Neil Wilkinson]

Went to Haweswater the other day and saw nothing, althought the weather was the usual flaming June ! After the usual long wait ad constnt looking back as I walked to the car, I was driving back and the sun came out so I took te opportunity to stop and look back, and yep you guessed it, the male golden eagle decided to show its face over exactly where I had been, bugger ! But there you go at least it was a brief site. Get yourself there you never know. The next time I have been advised to climb High Seat (the mountain) as the eagle usually flies over the top of there rather than going into the valley.

Good luck to all

Neil

 

[jeff]

I think I've had eagles there 5 or 6 times out of no more than 10 visits at around 11-12 or early evening.

When you visting there next!!! ;-)

 

[Neil Wilkinson]

Oh forgot, did once see an eagle in Fife near Ladybank, but fleeting snap shot. Yes and eagle not, not a buzzard, believ it or not I know the difference.

Cheers

Neil

 

[Neil Wilkinson]

I migh be able to tell the difference between an eagle and a bzzard but I cant spell and its not High Seat is it!!! Its High Street of course, oops its Friday and I am at work need I say more !!! Sorry

Neil

 

[mountain man]

When you visting there next!!! ;-)

Next year. Already had them there this year

 

[Helwith]

I migh be able to tell the difference between an eagle and a bzzard but I cant spell and its not High Seat is it!!! Its High Street of course, oops its Friday and I am at work need I say more !!! Sorry

Neil

Many years ago I used to just sit on Long Style ridge all day and observe them within 50 metres, no problem.

ATB

 

[jeff]

Next year. Already had them there this year

I've had mine for the year too, (Morton-in-the-Marsh), what a stroke of luck that was ;-)

 

[Michael Frankis]

Hi Neil,

Weather tips - best chances of seeing eagles are on crystal clear days (no haze) with a moderate to fresh breeze and a few cumulus clouds (indicating air turbulence with lift). If there's no cloud, or stratus cloud, the chances are poor.

I generally reckon that if you look at a hill 40 miles away, if the weather is such that:
1. the hill is invisible due to haze or low cloud - don't bother looking for eagles
2. the hill is visible but faint and grey with haze - 5% chance of seeing an eagle when you get to the area you're looking for them
3. the hill is sharp, dark blue-grey - 10-20% chance of seeing an eagle
4. the hill is sharp, clear, and showing colour - 90% chance of seeing an eagle

Michael