Glentanar Golden Eagles 2026
In early March I get the news that the eagles have taken up residence and nesting in the forest at Glentanar.
The guys keep a close watch over the next few months to see if they establish a nest, if any eggs are laid and any chicks hatch.
The nest this year is high up in the glen and will be a long trek in. The eagles have several preferred nesting sites and the guys keep a constant look out to see which site is chosen.
This year a second nest has been discovered and it’s testament to the hard work and wildlife conservation that the estate undertakes to support these iconic birds.
In May it’s confirmed that there is a chick in the nest and that is later updated to state that there are two chicks in the nest.
I confirm my interest in photographing the nest but after a nights contemplation I contact the estate to say that I know the nest and the I am concerned that the trek in is too difficult. Time has come to accept my years and failing fitness, so I decide to decline the offer to take a space in the hide.
Soon after I get a message to say that the guys want me to continue and they will get me to the hide by whatever means it takes. For several years they have been strapping on my rucksack and saving me the problem of carrying the 30 kgs of camera gear on the long trek to the hide. I rebook one of the later spaces still available and start to prepare my kit for the day.
The day in June comes around quickly but the weather conditions are poor, wind and rain, predicted so we decide to postpone. Luckily I’m able to change the Friday to a Monday slot.
On the Monday I check all gear is ready for the day and head over to Glentanar for a 2:00pm meet up. Adam is there to meet me and we put my gear into the back of the all terrain vehicle and headed off up the glen.
It takes about 30 mins to get to the area and then we head off road up the hill, over the top and down to the hide.
The hide is about 40 meters away from the nest and in an elevated position so that you can see straight into the nest. I’m deposited into the well appointed hide and Adam seals me in for the duration, about six hours.
Now I sit and wait, and wait, and wait. The two chicks start to agitate and call which is a sure sign the adults are about. Then at 5:00pm the adult female comes in with what looks like a small grouse.
She stays for only 30 seconds and leaves the nest. It's all over in seconds and the need for fast reactions is important if I’m to catch anything.
She reappears at 7:00pm but difficult to see if she brought in anything for the chicks. Again she stays for only 45 seconds and then leaves.
That’s it for this session. At 9:00 Adam calls on the radio and I give the all clear to come in.
He arrives with Ewan, someone I’ve met before, Ewan has the job of climbing into the nest to ring the two chicks. While there he checks them and reports the that female is fine but the male is a little under weight. He also records the contents of the nest and reported the usual grouse, hare, a few birds and a deer fawn.
Job done, we head off over the hill and back down to the car at the office car park.
Another successful session and some images to review and process.
Next year, who knows………….. we will see.
