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 burrows and under rock piles. Their numbers are much reduced because of land use, farming practice and also because we’ve eaten most of them:
I’m out at Noup Head and enjoying the seabirds flying past the cliffs. As I stumble down the steep grassy slopes, peppered with outcropping rocks, I see a female Wheatear. Beautiful, aren’t they?
Their scientific name is Oenanthe oenanthe, which is Greek and means ‘Flower of the Vine’, because they arrive in Greece at the same time as grapevines flower. I can’t wait for their ebullient chicks to be bouncing around the coast, fattening themselves up for their long journey back to Africa.
More Wheatears
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