A true legend of Scottish wildlife has passed. Frisa, the UK’s oldest known wild White-tailed Eagle, has died at the impressive age of 32. Hatched on the Isle of Mull in 1992, Frisa became one of the most well-known eagles in the country, raising 25 chicks with her lifelong mate, Skye, and charming viewers on programmes like Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Countryfile.
Frisa was historic. Her mother, Blondie, raised the first White-tailed Eagle chick to fledge in Scotland after the species was reintroduced in the 1970s, following their extinction in the UK in 1918. Frisa continued that legacy, becoming a powerful symbol of Scotland’s conservation success.
Frisa’s story began on Mull and was shared with millions through TV screens, especially when she and Skye appeared on the first ever episode of Springwatch in 2005. Their family, including memorably named chicks Itchy and Scratchy, captured hearts and helped build national support for the species.
Sadly, Frisa hasn’t been seen since last year, and experts believe she likely died of natural causes or after a clash with another eagle. Skye, now 31 and the UK’s oldest wild White-tailed Eagle, has been spotted with a new partner—a sign that Frisa is truly gone.
Thanks to the dedication of conservationists and reintroduction efforts, Scotland is now home to around 200 pairs of these majestic birds. Frisa’s life stands as a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when we give nature a helping hand.
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