Heatwave, you say?

Last Tuesday, soaring temperatures south were widely reported on national media. Indeed, even in Orkney, folk were reported to have gone outside without a coat on. I think our forecasted high temperature was 19 degrees C, which is actually quite high for these parts.

I was working in Stronsay, but had time to spare whilst waiting for a return ferry, so hit the beaches and clifftops to take in the glorious weather and wildlife.

Sand Martin

A male Common Blue butterfly

Not found by me, a stunning Garden Tiger Moth

Ragged Robin

One of the Water Crowfoots (Crowsfoot? Crowfeet?)

I think this is Amphibious Bistort

One of the vetches

A Blue-tailed Damselfly, a first official record for the island

A Middle-Barred Minor moth nectaring on some Sea Rocket

At a quarry pool, Swallows were splooshing onto the surface. I don't think this is drinking behaviour, which is more of a skimming action, but I wondered if they were soaking their breast feathers with water to take moisture back to their nests to keep young from overheating.

I have been in Orkney for over eight years and not once have I swam in the sea. Taking my lead from the Swallows, I decided that if I was ever going to do it, the time was probably now. Yes, that's correct, the below image is not a duck, it's me still wearing my cap.