I love the beach on Westray which has all its rock strata upended so they are vertical. It’s strange to see all the layers of rock processing out to sea on their sides. It’s the perfect spot for a Rock Pipit to perch.
The Atlantic Puffins on Papa Westray were bringing in many of these glassy fish with amazing transparent bodies. This Puffin had clearly …
How did fishermen keep their fishing nets on the sea bed as they trawled? They used huge weights like this trawler bobbin. …
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 …
Gorgeous, aren’t they?
Arctic Terns have short legs. Comically short legs. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. They need as little excess baggage …
I love the silhouette of Hogweed, especially if it’s against another fabulous Westray sunset.
There must be at least 30 Ravens at the Sands o’ Maesan on Westray. When an unfortunate Grey Heron strays overhead it …
There’s a Short-Eared Owl hunting over the fields and we see it land on a post just up the road from my …
Seeing Bristletails under the slates in one of my ‘range of useful outbuildings’ is enough to remind me that I really need …
Chattering Fulmars are the best. They raise their chins, open their mouths wide, shake their heads and wave their heads from side …
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 …
I’ve spent all day taking photographs of Razorbills. It’s been lovely to spend the day on the cliffs in the sun and …
I’ve been fascinated by the genetic research into the presence of Neanderthal genes in modern humans over the past few years. Neanderthals …
What’s more menacing than the largest gull in the wold, the Great Black-Backed Gull, flying along the coast? Two of them.
You need to have a serrated mouth and tongue to keep hold of a Butterfish. They’re called that for a reason. Just …
Seeing a bird head-on in flight gives you a completely different perspective. This Atlantic Puffin over the turquoise seas of west Westray …
I’ve passed through Stromness a couple of times but spent next to no time there. This evening is different. As I wait …
A problem with hunting for your food is that sometimes it carries on wriggling. This Black Guillemot was having problems containing its …
Getting close to any wild bird is a privilege. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to see how wild birds act …
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 …
There are 60 Arctic Terns in this colony but sadly only three surviving chicks. That’s better than the collapsed colony at the …
I’m surprised to see a Black Guillemot with something that doesn’t look like a fish in its beak. I track it through …
It’s raining and a dull day on Westray when I get a call from my friend Martin. He’s out with the Puffins …
When I visit one of my favourite places on Westray I’m usually frustrated that the sun and wind are coming from opposite …
Why bother fishing when you can steal another bird’s fish? Arctic Skuas are adept at kleptoparasitism. I’m on Papa Westray for the …
On the North Sea coast of Westray the Puffins nest in old rabbit holes and their own earth burrows. On the Atlantic …
The west coast of Westray is the Atlantic coast. The east coast of Westray is the North Sea coast. It’s possible to …
The Razorbills along the Westray coast make a spectacular sight. Their dramatic Emo-Puffin plumage is glorious against the dark rocks. The Orkney …
I’ve been enjoying the Black Guillemots on Westray this summer. Here’s one bringing a Butterfish, Pholis gunnellus, or Rock Gunnel, into its …