Fratercula arctica
No, I’m not tired of Puffins-with-fish shots.
Ruddy Turnstone on barnacles
It’s always a pleasure to see a Ruddy Turnstone. They’re usually so busy turning stones that I had to take this image …
Rock Pipit on vertical rock strata
I love the beach on Westray which has all its rock strata upended so they are vertical. It’s strange to see all …
Ringed Plover chick
There’s a Ringed Plover chick on the rocky beach. Charming, aren’t they? I’ve been here before to photograph them. Last year I …
Atlantic Puffin portrait
Gorgeous, aren’t they?
No excess baggage allowed
Arctic Terns have short legs. Comically short legs. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. They need as little excess baggage …
Hogweed sunset
I love the silhouette of Hogweed, especially if it’s against another fabulous Westray sunset.
Escorted Heron
There must be at least 30 Ravens at the Sands o’ Maesan on Westray. When an unfortunate Grey Heron strays overhead it …
Sunset owl
There’s a Short-Eared Owl hunting over the fields and we see it land on a post just up the road from my …
Bristletails
Seeing Bristletails under the slates in one of my ‘range of useful outbuildings’ is enough to remind me that I really need …
Chattering
Chattering Fulmars are the best. They raise their chins, open their mouths wide, shake their heads and wave their heads from side …
Razorbill flypast
I’ve spent all day taking photographs of Razorbills. It’s been lovely to spend the day on the cliffs in the sun and …
Double trouble
What’s more menacing than the largest gull in the wold, the Great Black-Backed Gull, flying along the coast? Two of them.
Butterfish
You need to have a serrated mouth and tongue to keep hold of a Butterfish. They’re called that for a reason. Just …
Head-on
Seeing a bird head-on in flight gives you a completely different perspective. This Atlantic Puffin over the turquoise seas of west Westray …
When your fish goes all curly
A problem with hunting for your food is that sometimes it carries on wriggling. This Black Guillemot was having problems containing its …
Getting close
Getting close to any wild bird is a privilege. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to see how wild birds act …
The Arctic Tern and the Lumpfish
There are 60 Arctic Terns in this colony but sadly only three surviving chicks. That’s better than the collapsed colony at the …
Puffins love a breeze on their bellies
It’s raining and a dull day on Westray when I get a call from my friend Martin. He’s out with the Puffins …
Razorbill in spray
When I visit one of my favourite places on Westray I’m usually frustrated that the sun and wind are coming from opposite …
Fish delivery
On the North Sea coast of Westray the Puffins nest in old rabbit holes and their own earth burrows. On the Atlantic …
Finding a Cooter-neb
The Razorbills along the Westray coast make a spectacular sight. Their dramatic Emo-Puffin plumage is glorious against the dark rocks. The Orkney …
Butterfish incoming!
I’ve been enjoying the Black Guillemots on Westray this summer. Here’s one bringing a Butterfish, Pholis gunnellus, or Rock Gunnel, into its …
Owl across the road
As I drive back to the house I spot a Short-Eared Owl on a fence post. I swing the car into the …
The Sand Messengers return
It’s a joy to see the Ruddy Turnstones have returned from their brief trip to the most northerly coasts on Earth. The …
Diving Gannet and Noup Head
It’s a distant view of Noup Head lighthouse from the bay, but when I see a Gannet circling I know just the …
Nestled in a hollow and surrounded by Sea Pinks
It was lovely to see an Eider Duck incubating its five eggs in the middle of an exposed field at the far …
Always take your camera with you
One of my friends says, “Always take your camera to the supermarket”. It’s a wise suggestion. I’m outside in beautiful weather when …
Brightening a grey day
Linnets always brighten a grey day.
Lapwing in a field
I’ve wanted to take a photograph of a Lapwing like this, but not like this, for years. As I drive past the …