Supermarket special

A belated Happy New Year to one and all. Yesterday, some sort of hibernating response kicked in, brought on by a northerly gale and horizontal hail showers. I did not leave the house. Megan did leave the house, clocking up a creditable four and a half miles through blizzards, and beginning her bird list for 2026 with a respectable 29 species. I managed five species from the lounge and kitchen windows.

After a night of snow, today we awoke to a calmer and whiter scene.

View from the kitchen window

View from the lounge window

Mid-morning, Megan received a text from a friend (Sam) who lives near the harbour. Sam had nipped to the local supermarket for a few groceries and spotted a Kingfisher. As you do. This news instigated a flurry of activity as we hastily donned outdoor clothing and made our way carefully down the hill to the harbour.

Luckily for us, the Kingfisher was still present as it was busy feeding, perched on the edge of the harbour wall and scanning the pool below for prey. We saw it catch at least two fish and were able to help some passing friends to see the bird too. Whilst watching the Kingfisher, a male Hen Harrier glided along the tide line, presumably hoping to spook any Snipe that were hunkered down near the water's edge.

Stromness harbour and marina, with the hills of Hoy in the background

The forecast for the weekend is for more snow and hail, so I may have to engage hibernation mode again. Although several ferry sailings have been cancelled, please don't worry, we have enough cheese and Christmas cake to see us through any food shortages.