Dropping in for a bath
I’m crouching down on shattered bare rocks in the desolate far north of Westray trying to get a photograph of a Ringed Plover. I got some lovely shots last time I was here:

I watch it for ten minutes as it goes through the most comprehensive wash and brush up possible. It’s a thrill to be so close and yet unobserved by such an observant bird.
When it takes off, it soars, stares directly down at me, and then drifts away.
That was magical.
More Arctic Skuas
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