i-Ronny
How much do we have the freedom to do whatever we please and how much are we blind robots carrying out biological imperatives?
I’m walking the west coast of Westray, travelling north, in one of my favourite spots when I see a Northern Wheatear. I’ve seen them before:
I’d love a decent photograph of one as they’re tricky birds to get close to:
Perky, aren’t they?
They raise the alarm and their family scatters as I scramble over shattered rocks. I like this one legged pose:
Today’s is a much better attempt at getting close than my previous forays.
They’re very loyal to location and pre-programmed to react whenever they see a potential threat and, no matter what I do, I will always be a perceived threat. I decide to note on my phone the precise spot so I can come back to the exact same place and get some better photographs. It’s then that the irony hits me.
Patterns in behaviour. We all have them. We just interpret them as being primitive and compulsive in animals and ignore them or claim agency over them in ourselves.
I’ll be back.
More Wheatears
The Flower of the Vine returns Wheatears are back on Westray. They've made their way from Africa to Westray to raise their families in hollows, rabbit… read more
Oenanthe oenanthe The Northern Wheatear's scientific name is Oenanthe oenanthe. It means 'Flower of the Vine' in Ancient Greek. Its binomial name… read more
Lookout Northern Wheatear are powerful birds and migrate to Africa for our winter. It's astonishing that so soon after being an… read more
A Wheatear explosion I've never been able to get close to Wheatears before. They are very wary birds. There are a few families… read more
Golden light The light is incredible on the west coast of Westray. It's golden, and reflects beautifully off the Atlantic onto the… read more
Westside Wheatears I've taken to walking the Westside of Westray. Yes, I've been taking a Walk on the Westside. The glorious weather… read more
Chuckie A walk up the west coast of Westray revealed several pairs of Wheatear, which are very active at the moment.… read more
Wheatear Wheatears are very wary birds. They bounce away to the next perch as soon as you approach. Walking along a… read more
The most delicious taste for a creature of one mouthful It's always a delight to see a Wheatear. They're quite incredible in their capacity to migrate. They can travel many… read more