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More weekend wildlife

The Peregrine sighting wasn't the only pleasing moment during last weekend's Gyre walk. The original intention had been to amble to Orphir Bay and bide a while on the shore listening to the waves, waders and ducks. However, en route, it became obvious (by dint of the clanging, scraping and revving sounds) that a local farmer was mechanically shovelling up seaweed from the high tide line of the bay, presumably to be used as fertiliser on his fields. This didn't seem such a mindful activity, so the Gyre wood detour was taken instead. Fortuitously so, bearing in mind the Peregrine encounter.

Despite the ice and snow, in the shelter afforded by the hedges and ditches, a few splashed of colour were emerging, an early promise of the hope of Spring.

Pink Purslane

Elderberry bud

Elderberry bud

Yellow Brain Fungus

In the wood, some feathers were found beneath a branch, evidence of another raptor kill. A few of the feathers were collected for later identification, but our initial thought of Wren proved correct. The predator was likely a Sparrowhawk.


Towards sunset, across Scapa Flow and the hills of Hoy, weak solar rays scanned the cold ground, creating the feeling that it was time to be back indoors with a mug of a hot drink.


The following day was the RSPB's annual Big Garden Bird Watch, which was carried out with more hot beverages and by looking through a window. Ten species were seen, including several Goldfinches and Greenfinches and a solitary Rook.


Greenfinch

Citizen science complete, a walk was begun, but the glorious sunshine didn't last long, and most of the distance was done in snow and sleet.


But I will bring this post to a close with a happier thought of warmer times to come, a Robin singing from a tree top.

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