Out at last

After another long working week I finally got out to Big waters. The common terns on the island have chicks,  there were 3 young Lapwing on the scrape. 2 broods of Mute swans one of 4 and one of one and a brood of 4 Moorhen chicks. In the silage fields a Roe doe and fawn. The dipping pond hosted 2 Four spotted chasers and some damsels.

Basking in the sun

After a long week at work I went to Big Waters in the sunshine, the dipping ponds were buzzing with life. A chaser led me to misidentify it and cause Alan J to rush to the reserve leaving his mother in the car. It turned out to be a four spotted chaser not the counties first scarce chaser as the chart in the hide led me to belive.

basking

laying

fooling

Wind hover

Since returning I have only managed one trip to Big Waters, where a Kestral hunted the meadow.

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.