Orcadian Rhythm

A circadian rhythm is a rhythm that repeats about every 24 hours. Plants and animals have these built-in cycles which allow them to flower at the right time, sleep at the right time etc. The word "circadian" comes from the Latin circa, "around", and diem or dies, "day", meaning "about a day." The study of biological time-keeping rhythms such as daily, tidal, weekly, seasonal, and annual rhythms, is called chronobiology

2 breweries nuff said

 Orkney has a rhythm all its own, fuelled by Real Ale, good Whiskey, cracking music and good beef . Islands steeped in history with a wealth of wildlife fill you with a sense of well being, and the fish and chips are good too. Just dont upset the headmaster (read photo below)

good education system

ferries the life lines

old stone things

music

more music

sunshine sometimes

glamorous girls

roomy accomodation 

old stone things

old men

old stone things

good beef

barns full of whiskey

the chair (look them up on you tube)

Orkney birds

Leaving these wonderful  islands tommorrow after an amazing time. I did not get many good shots as the last few days were spent in pubs and halls listening to great music and sipping the odd Orcadian ale. Thursday was spent on Rousay in a northerly gale, birds were thin on the ground. Did see a Bonxie with prey but blogger wont let me upload the shot. Some shots are from last year but with more time to do birding I would have a few more, as this place is lifting with birds of all kinds.

For you codders

common

another one for the Howdon midget

Twite in the garden

a fine orcadian singer not

only saw 2 this time but 5or 6 last year

good seafood up here

old cattie face

How to save a species

My trip to Orkney has been an education as this year the Brewery is open and I've discovered a great way to save birds. The answer drink! for every pint or bottle of Corncrake ale consumed a donation goes to the RSPB project to save it. Also on this trip I found Barn owl ale where a donation goes to the Hawk and owl trust. You can also promote organic farming by drinking ale from the Black isle, Yellowhammer is very good.

The symbol of Orkney brewery

I swapped this old pump clip for  free tours and a couple of pints it is now home

a swimming pool to dream of

tasting the produce

More on the wildlife next time.

Orkney days 1-3

After arriving in the grey gloom, Sunday turned out nice we went up to the Brough of Birsay and the mist came in. Just offshore 2 White Beaked Dolphins and when the sun came out the cliff top was host to an Orkney bee . The loons and Loch of banks were lifting with waders and Greylags.

Day 2 was miserable and we only got for a little walk near our accommodation but did see 2 cracking Great northern divers.

Day 3  We went to the fast dwindling seabird city at Marwick head I took 445 flight shots 10 turned out OK  but nowt flash.

this one is for the howden blogger

"just sit there pet and  I will take your photo" she said