Two protected white-tailed eagle chicks have successfully fledged near Loch Sunart in the Scottish Highlands. These young birds, which have now left the nest for the first time, are still in the early stages of learning to fly and hunt. To ensure their safety during this critical period, local authorities have restricted access to the area around their nest, located at a site known as Àrd-Àirigh. Forestry and Land Scotland, the public body responsible for managing Scotland’s forests and land, has closed a nearby car park and footpaths to minimize human disturbance. These measures are in place during the breeding season, a time when the birds are especially vulnerable. The juvenile eagles are currently building their strength near the nest, so the access restrictions are expected to remain in place until they are more independent and have moved further away from the area. For those interested in observing the eagles without causing disruption, visitors are encouraged to use the Garbh Eilean hide. This designated viewing point allows people to watch the birds from a safe distance, ensuring the eagles are not disturbed while they continue to develop their flying and hunting skills. In a separate development, a white-tailed eagle known as Kinky has been spotted flying over the Isle of Mull. Kinky, who survived a broken wing after a nest fall in 2023 when it was a chick, has now regained its ability to fly. This sighting highlights the resilience of these birds and the success of conservation efforts in Scotland.