Raptorous

A weekend break across Scapa Flow on the islands of Hoy and South Walls had a very damp start, with a day of non-stop rain. It was needed, mind, to replenish reservoirs, ponds and the water table. However, it wasn't ideal circumstances for nature watching. The only bright side was that it was vertical weather rather then the more usual horizontal sort we're used to. The plan was to look for Harbour Porpoises in the stretch of sea between Flotta and Hoy, and although we did see some at a distance, the precipitation didn't help the cause.

The Martello Tower at Crockness, with the one at Hackness visible to the left

A Fox Moth caterpillar

Drookit bumblebees sheltering on thistles

Drookit humans sheltering in a car

Despite the wet weather, and against all expectations, we encountered four species of raptor out hunting in the rain. I really didn't think they did this. Below is a photo of a Sparrowhawk, taken just after a failed attempt to catch a Meadow Pipit. In addition, we also saw a Merlin, a Common Buzzard and a Hen Harrier. The latter bird had made a kill, but was being mobbed by Hooded Crows as it tried to consume its prey.

Happily, Sunday dawned dry and became brighter through the morning. 

View from our room at the Stromabank Hotel, South Walls

A lichen war zone

A mushroom on the coastal path beside Cantick Head lighthouse

Flotta community wind turbine, the oil terminal flare and the beacon at the Ruff of Cantick

Seemingly nestled between the islands of Flotta and Switha, a distant view of the village of St Mary's, way across Scapa Flow

 A Red-throated Diver in Kirk Hope, South Walls

After a light lunch at the Beneth'ill Cafe in Hoy, we went to Sandy Loch to look for dragons and damsels. There weren't many about, just a single Common Blue Damselfly and a single Black Darter dragonfly. However, there were compensations aplenty.

A Ruby Tiger caterpillar showing off its boots

An unfamiliar seed head...

or not!

As with a previous Hoy dragon hunt, the show was stolen by an eagle. This one was soaring above Ward Hill, upsetting half a dozen Great Skuas and a Peregrine falcon. The bird was silhouetted against the sky, so it was difficult to decide which eagle species it was. Thankfully, it eventually swooped low over the rocky hillside, allowing a glimpse of a distinctive tail, white with a broad black band. A Golden Eagle, only my second one and my first in Orkney.

Six species of raptors for the trip, and more porpoises when the weather improved.

Happy sigh!