Calendar for 2024

It's that time of year again, when our photo calendar begins to take shape. With the nights drawing in, we can spend some time recapping the images we took whilst wildlife-watching in 2023, and whittle down the shortlists we've both created to leave, hopefully, enough pictures to fill all the pages.

As for last year, most of the flora and fauna were photographed in Orkney, with just one exception, although it is of a species that is resident in Orkney. For the 2024 calendar, there are two options of front cover, as one was... er... tailored... to the recipients. Of the 14 images, the split isn't quite 50/50, with 6 of Megan's and 8 of mine. The year covered the time when we moved from Houton to Stromness, and obviously the calendar reflects this. And to think I was worried that we wouldn't be able to see as much wildlife "in the town".

We have tried to be varied with our subjects, rather than concentrate on one topic, so for 2024 we have landscapes, a skyscape, flowers, birds and insects. 

Last year at this time, I wondered whether the lack of sunrise photos in the 2023 calendar might be remedied for this year.

Well, the answer is a resounding "No!".

But I have high hopes for the 2025 edition.

 

Front cover 1: A garden pond in Birsay (GW)

Front cover 2: Rothiesholm Bay, Stronsay (GW)

January: Rackwick Burn, Hoy (GW)

February: A Coltsfoot flower at Houton in Orphir (MT)

March: Spring bulbs at Houton in Orphir (MT)

April: A pair of Jackdaws at Otterburn in Northumberland (GW)

May: Swathes of Thrift on the cliffs at Yesnaby in the West Mainland (GW)

June: A Poplar Hawk-moth at Houton in Orphir (MT)

July: A garden view from Houton in Orphir (GW)

August: A Small Tortoiseshell butterfly in Stromness (GW)

September: A Sanderling on the beach of Mae Sands, Westray (MT)

October: Cliffs at Burwick in South Ronaldsay (MT)

November: A Waxwing in Stromness (MT)

December: A sunset in Stromness (GW)