Natural highs and lows

Stronsay, one of the islands on the eastern side of the Orkney archipelago, recently hosted a Citizen Science Festival. The Orkney Field Club were invited along to an informal discussion on wildlife recording, which was held at The Fishmart, a local cafe. As I have been to Stronsay several times with work this year, I was 'selected' as the designated diner. The meeting lasted a little over an hour, time for a general wildlifey chat, thoughts about what the islanders might want to record, plus sandwiches, cake, tea and coffee. What's not to love? Due to the ferry timetable, either side of the meeting was free time to nature watch and Stronsay did not disappoint. Several days of easterly winds meant that there was plenty to see in the form of birds migrating south which had been 'diverted' across the North Sea. But first, the beach... A pair of Dunlin A Carder Bee, possibly Moss Carder, on Sea Rocket A hoverfly of the Genus Eristalis , on Sea Mayweed A hoverfly, Scaev...

There follows a jumble of images from the past few days, no common thread as such, save for being outdoors with camera in hand. Friday was a pleasanter day than forecast, but by the time I had finished work and was able to go for a walk, the sun was almost completely obscured by cloud (steady, Pink Floyd fans). Here it is as a barely perceptible spot of light over the hills of Hoy, as seen from Midland Hill in Orphir. Saturday was flippin' chilly, especially so for a southerly wind, but during a walk to Swanbister Bay, it gradually abated. Front to back: Ringed Plover and Dunlin; Great Black-backed Gulls and Redshank; Bar-tailed Godwit More Bar-tailed Godwit Golden Plover beginning to come into Summer plumage A panoramic view of Swanbister Bay The awful events in Ukraine are never far from our minds. With a Russian tanker due to call in at the oil terminal in Flotta this coming Tuesday, Orkney finds itself thrust into the news. So it wasn't a huge surprise when a Navy ship appe...

When the Met Office issues multiple weather warnings of various and increasingly-scary hues, then it pays to take notice. Especially if I have another boat journey on the horizon. Yup, last week it was another trip to Shetland, thankfully neatly sandwiched between Storms Dudley and Eunice. In fact, both crossings were quite smooth, and the day in Shetland was dry and calm, if very icy underfoot. Back in Orkney, yesterday was more of the same, blue sky, nae wind and an almost Spring-like frisson running through Nature. It was difficult to get my head around the fact that this was Orkney in mid February, whilst much of England, Wales and southern Scotland were being pelted with very windy weather. So, we ventured outside and around the bay. Some of the local Starlings being vocal on the overhead wires An immature Herring Gull (I think? They're all difficult to ID when young) Across the bay, a large flock of Dunlin (mainly), with a few Ringed Plovers Houton Bay. Weather warning, anyon...

Here are a few images from a late afternoon walk along the shore of Houton Bay, but first a helpful gardening tip... When trying to eradicate Broad-leaved Dock, ensure you remove all of the tap root. A Grey Heron in the shallows There were some Shoveler in the bay And lots of Golden Plover (and Common Gulls) Sunlight on the water A pair of Slavonian Grebes On the mudflats, there were Ringed Plover and Dunlin Almost sunset

At this time of year, the beaches of Orkney can be busy places. B irds which have bred in the Arctic are migrating south for the Winter, and can frequently be seen hungrily foraging amongst the seaweed on the tideline or at the water's edge. Orkney is just a pitstop for these waders, hurriedly fuelling up on countless tiny morsels, before continuing their journeys to warmer climes.   Here's a clip from Skaill beach, following a stake out to allow the birds to walk towards the camera at their ease. The main subject is a Dunlin, with cameos by a Ringed Plover and a Sanderling.