Questions and answers

On a recent trip to Birsay to visit Megan's parents, we had a short clifftop walk from Skipi Geo to Whitaloo Point, frequently casting our gaze out to sea in case of fins. Whilst the calm conditions (yes, really!) were perfect for glimpsing any passing cetaceans, sadly our walk was woefully whale-free.

However, there was plenty of other nature to capture our interest. In the below image, can you spot the Oystercatcher chick?

In the distance, the Brough of Birsay was sporting a wonderfully blue hue, thanks to a squillion wildflowers, in this instance Spring Squills.

Back on the clifftop path, we noticed another Oystercatcher slink away over the cliff edge, and through binoculars and zoom lenses, we discovered why. Can you spot (a) the adult Oystercatcher, and (b) its nest?

Bird's-foot Trefoil is always particularly zingy at this time of year, and as one of its colloquial names is Eggs and Bacon, I inevitably feel peckish when swooning over the deep reds and chromium yellows.

Returning to our hosts' home for a cuppa and a slice of cake, we heard about a persistent young Rabbit which was bringing out a touch of Mr McGregor the Gardener in Megan's dad. Sure enough, wandering between the flower borders and the vegetable beds, we came across the object of his (good-natured) ire. After a couple of minutes of watching the baby bunny, it finally dawned upon me that it was, in fact, a leveret, a young Brown Hare.

Fortunately, this particular garden is also well-endowed with loads of wildflowers and unkempt grassy areas where a young hare may be free to spend its time.