Magnificent Mallimacks
There are Fulmars, called Mallimacks here in Orkney, on the wing at the pier on Papa Westray
This one is flying a repetitive flight-path:
That makes it easier to photograph it as I’ve got multiple opportunities to compose the right shot, get it in focus and try out different settings.
I begin to wonder what it’s doing, but then realise; flying is what they do.
You can’t stay still in the air without expending a lot of energy, so circling around is the best thing to do if you don’t want to land. It’s a clear holding pattern. I think it has a youngster and maybe a partner below on the rocks.
I love their flying boat outline:
And the pattern of grey feathers on their wings looks just like reptile scales:
More Mallimacks
2019 highlights of a wilder Orkney life The turning of the year is always a great time for reflection. Celebrating the darkest day with the thought that… read more
Seasons It's the middle of winter. It's time to rest and appreciate another year gone. It's time to see distant family… read more
Fulmars The Fulmars look beautiful in this light. They look odd on land because they sit low down on their feet… read more
The Fulmars of Backarass We're walking down past Backarass on Westray. It's a special landscape of shattered rocks and still pools: The weather is… read more
Mallimack Along the Westray coast are hundreds of Fulmars' nests. Their fluffy chicks are a constant surprise while scrambling among the… read more
Bempton birds – the miracle of flight The power of flight still astonishes me. If only I could be up there with the birds at RSPB Bempton… read more
Westray Coast 50 – Day One My adventures on the first of five days walking the entire coast of Westray. read more
When I see a Mallimack walk "I seen a peanut stand, heard a rubber band I seen a needle that winked its eye But I be… read more
The crossing It only takes an hour and a half to cross the Pentland Firth from Scrabster to Stromness on the Northlink… read more