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Mae Sands

Sanderling - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey

Sanderling #4

The Sanderlings of summer on Westray were a joy to get close to. Lying on the beach, keeping still, and watching them …

Sanderling - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey

Sanderling #2

You know that feeling of panic when you realise your feet are going to be caught by a wave and you’re not …

Turnstone - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey

Ruddy Turnstone

There’s a Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres on the beach at Mae Sands. It’s just turned this stone over. They are very smart in …

Ringed Plover - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey

Small, dumpy and short-legged

The RSPB says, “The ringed plover is a small, dumpy, short-legged wading bird.” Read more. That’s not very complimentary, is it? I …

Mae Sands - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Mae Sands

Much of Mae Sands is so low-lying that it never really drains of seawater. Walking on it looks beguiling, but wet feet …

Busy Building- The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Busy building

Someone was busy building with stones on Mae Sands. Clever hands made this beautiful bottle-shaped construction.

Sea Rocket

Sea Rocket

The sands at Mae Sands are verdant with Sea Rocket. The curious flowers are white or lilac and the leaves are fleshy …

Reading Weed

Reading weed

I’ve cycled to Mae Sands and the seaweed surrounding me seems to have messages for me. If only I could read its …

Wind and Bottoms

It’s not possible to think about a break cycling in Orkney without discussing two subjects. The first is wind. Understanding the wind, …

Day of the Jellyfish

The Day of the Jellyfish

Today the jellyfish came; hundreds were washed up on Westray’s beaches. Mostly they were clear with pale pink and lilac frills, a handful were deep inky purple.  Their alien life forms litter the shore.