Headspace

When I am in need of headspace (and what with the state of the world, I very am), I gravitate towards the island of North Ronaldsay at the far north-eastern corner of the Orkney archipelago. A long weekend, accommodated at the Bird Observatory is just the thing, I find.

At only three miles by one mile, somehow its smallness gently brings one's focus towards what is front of you, and only that, rather than any thoughts of the global snitstorm.

So here is a selection of the wildlife and landscapes that were in front of me from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening...

Purple Sandpiper, Nouster Bay

The famous seaweed-eating sheep, Nouster Bay

Harbour Seals, Nouster Bay (one is having a pee)

Harbour Seal, Nouster Bay

Lapwing, in pasture by Gretchen Loch

Wren, by Ancum

Sheep skull, outside the Wool Mill

Waves, Dennis Ness

North Ronaldsay Lighthouse and foghorn (with photo-bombing Fulmar)

Note: There's lots of Fulmars on North Ronaldsay, as most of the island is coast, and they photo-bombed most photos, even ones I was taking of other Fulmars!

Waves, from the Sea-watching Hide, Dennis Ness

The old lighthouse buildings have been converted into several self-catering properties, a wool mill, a cafe and a museum. It has been many moons since I visited the cafe, and the current proprietors have created a very special ambience. From the tumult and tempestuousness of the crashing breakers, from negotiating one's footsteps between the result of all that seaweed eating which the sheep carry out, one walks through a door into a different world. It really is quite a 'Northern Exposure' moment, as you suddenly find yourself in a patisserie, surrounded by the most exquisite-looking, and phenomenal tasting, savoury and sweet pastry creations.

I bring you Parisienne street cafe culture, North Ronaldsay style...

Further note: the outdoor furniture is very heavy to prevent it blowing away in a gale.

Willow catkin, by Ancum Loch

West coast view, spot the Rabbit

Fulmar! By Doo Geo

Ringed Plover, Gretchen Loch

Pied Wagtail (ringed!) atop sheep pens by Lurand

Westness and Garso Wick

Westness is an abandoned croft which is being turned into a nature reserve as part of a small rewilding project. It will be fascinating to see how the biodiversity of the site improves as habitat is restored. My grateful thanks to Alex for the tour!

Wheatear by Nouster Pier

A few Spring migrants were appearing around the island: several Chiffchaffs, half a dozen Wheatears, and a very camera-shy Black Redstart.

Linklet Bay looking towards the lighthouse and the Old Beacon

Sanderling, Linklet Bay

The female seaweed-eating sheep are allowed back onto pasture to lamb

Nouster Bay, with the Bird Observatory at Twingness in the background.

 Happy sigh.