They say ‘There’s no place like home’ and for wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan, it takes more than growing up in a place to truly appreciate its beauty. It takes coming home again. Born and raised on the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland, Buchanan set off when he was 17 years old in pursuit of his dream of filming the animals and natural settings of faraway places. But presented with an opportunity to return home after 15 years abroad to film the wildlife on Mull, he was happy for the chance to take a new look at his native land, through his camera lens. In the process, he found more admiration for it than ever before.
The Isle of Mull is the fourth largest Scottish island, and its 300-mile coastline supports a wide range of species. Although animals such as otters, seals and dolphins are often seen there, the island is most famous for its eagles. The golden eagle, one of the most familiar birds of the region, presents a magnificent display of colorful plumage and powerful features. And another inhabitant is getting lots of attention — the white-tailed sea eagle, which was once extinct in the area, but has since been re-introduced and has taken up residence on Mull. It has a striking appearance, an enormous 8-foot wingspan, and impressive hunting tactics. The sea eagles can eat anything from fish to the occasional lamb, and can be seen soaring through the air with their prey dangling from their sharp talons. It’s no mystery why their growing presence has become a source of pride for the island. And for Buchanan, who left Mull before the birds were re-established in the area, the eagles were an exciting addition to his home turf.
As Buchanan says, there is “always something to film” while exploring Mull. He heads off in all directions, finding otters like those he remembered watching as a child and stumbling upon sights he never dreamed of seeing. It’s a spectacular setting, combining the changing moods of sea and sky, woodlands and coastline with the quaint and dreamy feel of the place, which now attracts a multitude of tourists but still manages to maintain its unique character.
Watch as Buchanan rediscovers his homeland, surprises himself with new findings, and falls in love all over again with the splendor and magic of Mull.
Eagles of Mull premieres Sunday, May 3 at 8pm on PBS (check local listings).
Photo © Iain Erskine c/o Carolyn Naylor
I found this special really touching. i hate to admit to being such a softy, but i was in tears by the end! lol. The eagles peeked my interest on the previews since i spent the past weekend visiting a raptor rescue. And then with Scotland & Ireland always having been two places in the world i want to visit before i die ~ it made it extra special to get a true look at what nature has to showcase in that part of the world! Thank you :) Beautiful job filming and narrating. I felt like i was there! I also have to say it was a strangely moving experience to watch a nature show and have it be narrated by someone who’s words sound like an echo to the ones i hear myself saying when i get the privilege to just simply observe nature, lol. what a wonderful occupation! and one your obviously love. Keep up the good work!
i want the full program online
Unfortunately, this program will not be available on DVD or for online streaming. If you missed “Eagles of Mull,” your best bet is to check your local listings by clicking the “schedule” link at the top of the site. This will show you if the program will re-air in your area soon.
Beautiful!
Gordon’s a sensitive and talented photographer. His affection for Mull was exquisitely portrayed.
I’m in love with Scotland- truly magical.
Wonderful job guys. I initially questioned the narration by the cameraman (*and I missed F. Murray Abraham), but Gordon did a great job. I’m a magazine photographer myself and I know the amount of planning that went into those shots; especially the setup shots where he himself was in the frame. Great job to the entire team including his assistants; I am sure it took a lot of very early mornings but that was some dead sexy cinematography. Really, just great job.
One of the best programs I’ve seen on PBS, and that’s saying a great deal: the Breathtaking photography, sharp, beautiful and poetic, the intelligent and loving Gordon Buchanan with his bonny accent, and the music of my fathers singing throughout…thank you, thank you…
You know Gordon, you have stolen my dream. I am 66 now, however as long as I can remember, I have always loved photography,nature and Scotland. Thank You for enabling me to enjoy all three, Clarior Hinc Honos
Gordon -I found this program completely enchanting. Thank you.
Gordon – I watched your show (in HD!) and was so moved by the commentary, the beauty, the talent. Thank you so much for your year on Mull and for educating me on yet another superb corner of Scotland. Not only have I become a huge fan of Mull but now I’m a huge fan of your work!
Please, why will Eagles of Mull not be available for purchase? It was the best Nature I’ve ever seen, and I would so love to watch it again…and again.
Thank Nature and Gordon Buchanan for a lovely evening! I may never see the island of Mull in person but the photography and commentary — and all the beautiful creatures of sky, land and sea are engraved in my memory. I love public television!
When my wife and I visited Scotland a few years back, we were enchanted by Mull. It turned out to be our favorite spot. We stayed in the North, near Tobermory, which was featured in the show. Gordon Buchanan’s great job made us long to return!
I was saddened to read that there are plans to build part of the world’s biggest wind farm on Mull. Not only will it spoil the pristine vistas, but more importantly wind turbines pose a significant threat to birds. I’m a fan a green energy but it doesn’t come without consequences.
Lastly, I appreciated the sly advertisement for Tobermory Single Malt Scotch in one of the opening sequences! It’s great Scotch!
I really enjoyed Eagles of Mull. It was refreshing to have a nature film that didn’t focus on wildlife constantly hunting and killing. This film felt more intimate and real to me. I look forward to seeing more of Gordon Buchanan’s work. Thank you!
Why isn’t the full episode online like all the other new ones? Not that I care, cause I have it on tape, but still, I’m just wandering!
Just lovely! I have been to Mull. Where can I buy this, please?
Been to Mull several times on the ferry from Oban where I use to live.I now study the eagles in the channel Islands off the coast of California.
Great episode Gordon din’t think Mull had all this wild live.
Cheers all.
I too am curious why the show will not be available online. I have no TV and would love to see it.
There are special rights considerations relating to this NATURE episode. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Interesting! I hope that everyone had a happy Fourth of July!
I know this is going to infuriate some, but Mr. Buchanan is a veritable chatterbox. He doesn’t seem to understand that it’s the *animals* which should do the “talking.” After less than 10 minutes I just turned off the TV, because, as far as I’m concerned, his incessant chatter ruined it.
Just took a wonderful “trip” to Isle of Moll, which I must confess I had never heard of. Thank you
Gordon for a truly delightful exposure.
Thank you Gordon and PBS for a gentle but brilliant meeting of Mull and the creatures, two as well as four legged, from there.
We thoroughly enjoyed it.
This film was amazing. It was wonderful to see Gordon’s time on Mull, to watch the eagle chicks become old enough to leave the nest, and follow him following the sea life. It is a mgaical place, I hope to visit someday. Gordon was charming and an amazing wildlife photographer.
I loved this program….so well done and so beautiful. Makes me want to live on Mull…someday.
Having gone to Mull two years ago for a clan gathering (Duart Castle on Mull is the homeplace of the clan MacLean), I was thrilled to see this film. Unfortunately, I did not have time to explore all of the nooks and crannies while there, so this film filled in much of what I missed and also gave a view of the charming old town.
My son and son-in-law and I sat on top of the Devil’s Staircase in the Scottish Highlands and watched a sea eagle fly in from the North Atlantic Coast. It was a beautiful site and one treasured from then, long ago, till now. My family and I have spent holidays on Mull before the reintroduction of the sea eagle, it would be great to return and see them prospering on this lovely island.
Last month I had the pleasure to see “Eagles of Mull” for the first time. Quite simply, one of the best ‘Nature’ episodes ever produced. Thank you, Gordon and all involved.
I loved this show so much, I actually ordered the DVD from Amazon UK, only to discover UK DVD’s, with the PAL formatting, do not work on DVD players here in the USA. Why, oh why, is this wonderful program not available on video in the US?
Outstanding…one of the all time bests. Great presentation! So much variety and all in one area. I like the theme of rediscovery also. I’ll have to watch it again sometime.
does anyone know his dat of birth? i need it for a school project.