
Chasing
Once species chasing another is the order of the day. Inter-species conflict is breaking out all over the island. We’ve had an …
Once species chasing another is the order of the day. Inter-species conflict is breaking out all over the island. We’ve had an …
I’m out taking photographs of the female Grey Phalarope. Yes, this one: I did come here to take photographs of Dunlin, which …
I’ve seen Arctic Skuas get into quite a few scraps this summer. There was the time one chased a Raven. Then the …
I’m expecting to be attacked today. No, I’m not in an inner city, I’m on an island with a population of fewer …
Today I’m heading north to the most desolate coastline on Westray. Here, even the lichens and seaweeds and barnacles struggle to maintain …
It’s not that long ago that collecting birds’ eggs was not just a scientific endeavour but a widespread hobby. Children would collect …
I’m off for a walk on the Westray coast. Today I’m heading from Mae Sands to the Knowe o’ Skea. It’s not …
Animal behaviour is happening all around us; curious acts, of ancient origin, repeated in ever-changing patterns. Living things are incredibly complex, but …
There are Arctic Terns fishing in uneven seas off Papa Westray. Their concentration skills are immense: Arctic Terns spend the northern summer …
To the north of Westray the Island becomes more and more desolate. Grass becomes shorter and bare rocks peek out from behind …
My trips to Orkney in 2018 were full of wildlife surprises. I spent some time in the summer with the Black Guillemots …
My adventures on the second of five days walking the entire coast of Westray.
Orkney has its own names for its birds. Many of these are from the Old Norse language and came with the Vikings …
If you’re on Westray in Orkney you have a once a year chance to get a ferry direct to the neighbouring island, …
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.
I’ve been in and around Orkney for ten years and never been to some of the outer islands. Being in Westray means …