Flagstones and Slaters
Looking into the cracks in the flagstones I see what looks to be a freakishly large Woodlouse. It’s a Sea Slater…
Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit
I’d love to be able to identify the different species of Pipit on Westray. The problem is that I can’t get near …
The Atlantic
Westray has two sides: a North Sea side and an Atlantic Ocean side. They meet with dramatic consequences at the northernmost and …
Collecting and sorting
I’m on the beach when I see a few different Flat Periwinkles. I’m fascinated by their different colours and patterns.
The Seal of Approval
These Common Seals love hauling out in Pierowall Bay: They are often there. Together they look as if they ought to have …
Technical Puffins
I’ve taken many artistic Puffin portraits over the past few weeks. They are glorious models and it’s always a challenge to capture …
Fulmar Chicks
Westray is an environment of sea and stone and air. Fulmars have complete mastery of the air. Their flight is elegant and unflapping irrespective of the direction in which they fly. They can turn and wheel around, adjust their position and react with astonishing speed.
Prancing Puffins
Puffins mate for life. This pair are keeping each other company on a rock ledge outside their burrow near the Castle o’ …
Gannets at Noup
I’m hanging over the edge of a 75 metre high cliff looking down at the dizzying heights below. The smell of a …
A Tystie and a Topknot
The coastline around Westray is wonderful on a glorious summer’s day. We’re on the trail of Black Guillemots, or Tysties as they …
Twinkly golden Puffins
The sun is golden over the bay as these Puffins strike a pose:
Whaup Whaup overhead
A trip to the Bay of Skaill reveals the shallow turquoise waters which look Caribbean to someone as starved of heat as …
A Puffin’s work is never done
A Puffin keeps its burrow clean at the Castle o’ Burrian.
Sandbanks
Sandbanks is the most exclusive beach in the country and contains some of the hottest properties. No, I’m not talking about Sandbanks …
Too Much Fish
When you’ve eaten too many fish to fly.
Jellyfish, jellyfish everywhere!
We are walking down past Backarass to see the birds when instead I spot two huge jellyfish in the sea. They are …
The Wren who hasn’t been told
It’s been an emotional journey over the last few days with the birds here at Einar. We always have Swallows and Blackbirds …
Puffin Portrait
Sometimes words are too many. Sometimes words are too few. Sometimes it is best that there are no words at all.
Never a dull day
The weather on Westray may be dull, but there’s never a dull day on Westray.
A white blanket of cloud shrouds the island but life continues as normal for the incredible menagerie which inhabits the shores of Westray.
Puffins in the air
I’m lying down on the grassy clifftop looking across at the Puffins on the Castle o’ Burrian when I realise I can …
The hours before sunset
We’re on Westray and only have a few hours before sunset to see some wildlife at the Castle o’ Burrian. At least …
Skipping among Skippers
I’m lying in the grass in a chalk meadow surrounded by the sounds and smells of nature. It’s a sensory delight. There’s …
Plenty of attitude without the spikes
A recent business trip to Eastbourne saw me staying in the sort of hotel I always imagined Bournemouth would have. The young …
Half an hour of nature
Tonight there’s a brief chance for a walk to the local park. It has a large lake and a small pond. The …
Hazel and Vanessa
I’m out tonight in the company of Hazel and Vanessa. We’re in the fields of South Devon together. Hazel is laid back …
It’s Not Cricket
It’s a Cricket; I know that much. It also looks like a Bush Cricket. I’ve found a Bush Cricket before. I’m also …
Hot weather
Hot weather changes everything’s behaviour. Butterflies are flying, plants are flowering, bees are buzzing and young people on the beach at Eastbourne …
Something hiding on a blade of grass
How do you hide on a blade of grass? Simple, make yourself look like a part of the plant. That’s exactly what …
Doormoth
There’s a moth on my doormat. I’m not sure whether it’s been wiping all six of its feet or not. Looking closely …
Knees Up Meadow Brown
I’m in a large meadow in East Sussex in the heat watching butterflies. They are a nightmare to photograph in this heat …