Stacks of Puffins

Since our holiday in early June, there's not been much opportunity to string together several days of wildlife watching, but with the commencement of July that all changed. Even better, Alan, a friend from my days in Milton Keynes was currently on holiday in Orkney, so we met up on Friday morning for a drookit wander around Orphir Bay and the Gyre Wood, catching up on things and generally setting the world to rights.

Swallow fledglings contemplating the weather

After lunch, we were joined by Megan and the three of us set off to try and see some of the things that Alan hadn’t yet spotted on his holiday. First, we parked at the top of the Scorradale Road, and ambled about the low hills, taking in the views and the flora and fauna.

A sawfly preying upon a Red-thighed St Mark's Fly

Then we drove across to Yesnaby on the west coast, which is just a wildflower heaven at the moment. We pottered about the coastal heath habitat, marvelling at the abundant and colourful display.

Primula scotica

Oysterplant

A view across to the towering cliffs of St John's Head in Hoy

On Saturday, we visited Megan’s parents on the north coast of West Mainland, to see their recently-decorated and re-floored lounge, but with the hope of a wander along the clifftops. Neither disappointed.

Potato Capsid Bug on an Ox-eye Daisy

Puffins

Sedimentary layers aren't always horizontal

What went on here hundreds of millions of years ago?!

Do not try this at home

Another species of sawfly

On Sunday, we returned to Yesnaby for a coastal walk to Stromness, and this time we were accompanied by Megan’s parents. It was a windy and showery day, but we were rewarded with more wildflowers and some amazing Puffin behaviour.

Grass of Parnassus

Yesnaby Castle sea stack

Puffins!

Puffins!

Gaulton Castle sea stack

Frog Orchid

And finally, those Puffins again, making interesting use of the strong updrafts to pretend that they're Fulmars for the day!