Tysties with Butterfish
Black Guillemots are one of my favourite birds. I’m told, “They’re the purist’s bird for those who dislike the easy familiarity of Puffins”. That last sentence shows just how ridiculous humans are about the natural world. Here’s one with a Butterfish:
In Orkney Black Guillemots are called Tysties. One of their favourite catches is the Butterfish, an elongated red fish with a spotted pattern, common in rock pools and shallow seas. Tysties always clutch their Butterfish behind the head as they speed across the Atlantic to their rock-cleft nests.
Seeing their red feet neatly tucked in with a red fish flailing behind their beak is a thrill.
I’m going to sit here and watch them come in to their nests and listen to their high-pitched peeping song.
It’ll do me good.
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