Yesterday, it was a calm, crisp morning for a walk in the parish of Orphir. Along the coastal path from the Bu, we were entertained by a soundscape of Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks, cooing and yodelling from the sea below. In Gyre Wood, there were countless Goldcrests foraging in the branches of the trees, whilst from lower down to the ground, Wrens blasted out their extensive repertoire. We encountered at least half a dozen species of fungi, either on the maritime heath, along hedgerows or in the wood. A view across Orphir Bay to the hills of Hoy By the clifftop path, a Buck's-horn Plantain shows off its basal leaf rosette We didn't meet a single soul on our walk. The only brief company being three escaped sheep These ships are moored 😊 View over Gyre Wood to the Orphir hills Candlesnuff fungus beneath a Gorse hedge At the time, I thought this was Hogweed, but not so sure now. Secluded dell where a burn flows into Gyre Wood Difficult to photograph, a constantly-flitting Gold...