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 …
Your Sharona
I couldn’t resist taking this shot. It was such a great scene I sketched it. It’s a pity I didn’t take any …
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 …
Neanderthal
I’ve been fascinated by the genetic research into the presence of Neanderthal genes in modern humans over the past few years. Neanderthals …
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 …
Stromness
I’ve passed through Stromness a couple of times but spent next to no time there. This evening is different. As I wait …
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 Puffin and the Shag
As soon as I see it, I can’t resist it. The image of that Puffin with an out-of-focus Shag behind is somehow …
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 …
Fresh crab
I’m surprised to see a Black Guillemot with something that doesn’t look like a fish in its beak. I track it through …
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 …
Kleptoparasitism
Why bother fishing when you can steal another bird’s fish? Arctic Skuas are adept at kleptoparasitism. I’m on Papa Westray for the …
Fish delivery
On the North Sea coast of Westray the Puffins nest in old rabbit holes and their own earth burrows. On the Atlantic …
The Atlantic coast
The west coast of Westray is the Atlantic coast. The east coast of Westray is the North Sea coast. It’s possible to …
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 …
Common Cormorant v Shag
One of the trickiest id challenges for me when I re-started birding was telling the difference between a Common Cormorant and a …
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 …
North Sea spray on an Atlantic Puffin
My friend Martin and I are on Papa Westray for the day and we are both entertained by the Puffins flying along …
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 …