Scolder
As soon as I walk anywhere on the coast of Westray, there’s a noisy complaint. The Shaalders, or Scolders, are out, and they want to make it clear they’re not happy with me being there.
Oystercatchers are flashy birds and you could even describe them as ostentatious.
They’re fearless and will peck any bird which they view as a danger. Here’s one seeing off a Great Skua:
And you may be the largest Gull in the world, you’re still going to get pecked:
And taking its portrait, obviously.
More Oystercatchers
Like pebbles on a beach Every beach on Westray has a different character. There are pure white shell sand beaches which wouldn't be out of… read more
Oystercatcher in sunshine Sometimes Oystercatchers call out in alarm as I approach. Sometimes they fly and harass me. Sometimes they just sit and… read more
Return to Oystercatcher beach I can't resist their orange good looks. Birds with red plumage have enhanced vision in the red of the spectrum.… read more
Attention-seekers Waders. They're either nearly invisible, clad in the most extreme camouflage possible, or they're Oystercatchers. This Oystercatcher was attempting to… read more
Old Carrot-Face is noisy today Oystercatchers are a noisy fact of life here on Westray. There's not a spot of coastline which isn't guarded by… read more
2022 highlights of a wilder Orkney life (part 2) August in Orkney can be quieter than May, June or July when it comes to bird life. In 2022, August… read more
2022 highlights of a wilder Orkney life (part 1) 2022 was a very happy time for me on my visits to Orkney. I spent hours on the low cliffs… read more
The divine right of kings and wildlife on the menu I've discovered the fabulous menu of a dinner fit for a king, eaten in 1625, served in a local house… read more
The Third Ladybird Book of British Birds – #15 The Oystercatcher I’m currently reading the third volume of the Ladybird Book of British Birds and their nests from the 1950s again.… read more
Oystercatchers in buttercups and bill-tip clines Eurasian Oystercatchers are loud in volume and loud in plumage. There are no words for skulking, camouflage or whisper in… read more
The scolders are at it again You may be the great Baakie, Lord of All He Surveys, largest gull in the entire world, but you're still… read more