salmotrutta

A raptor strikes …

The telltale ‘ring of feathers’ where the local Sparrowhawk has plucked its victim – in this case one of a pair of Woodpigeons which have nested for many years in the trees at the end of the garden. Having lost its mate…

... the remaining partner seeks refuge amongst the branches!

Shetland Islands Fire Festival UpHelly Aa

Live coverage of the Up Helly Aa procession starts at 1900hrs GMTcoverage is on : https://www.uphellyaa.com/

This will cover the whole of the torchlight procession and the burning of the Viking galley.

Watch this tribute to Shetlands Viking Heritage.

Seasons Greetings.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful 2025.

Vacant possession!

With the regular pair of Mute Swans vacating the local ponds after losing all of this years brood another younger pair have moved in which may lead to a confrontation in the Spring!

Not a welcome visitor …

… and not a pleasing sight, having been ‘fishing’ this Cormorant is ‘drying out’ prior to flying off!

A ‘stalker’ at the loch …

A Grey Heron stalks stealthily along the shore and …..

… eventually selects its fishing spot.

It’s that time of year ..

… the harvesters are taking advantage of a spell of better weather to get the grain in …

… and the straw is baled to be stored for winter use.

And then there were none …..

….. with the last remaining Cygnet ‘disappearing’ over the weekend …

… the Cob (male) was left occupying one pond and …

… the Pen (female) on another and with no family to look after she eventually …

… flew off towards the sea followed a few days later by the Cob!

With predators in the area having to feed their young it is sadly the reality of nature!