This morning I drove from Scourie to Durness. The weather is windy and damp and the roads are narrow but wider than the van so I was relaxed and happy bowling along at forty or fifty miles per hour.
I have had three days in Scourie. It’s halfway between Ullapool and the north coast of Scotland. It’s also okay.
It has a shop. A Spar shop with very reasonable prices.
A grand view from the van. We are perched on the edge of a cliff thirty or forty feet above the sea. The sun came out once and the mist and drizzle cleared four times.
I’ve been birding this week but as you will see in a moment you proper birders have no reason to panic. I am not about to usurp your status any time soon.
I lugged Bertha this way and that way. Whichever way I went they went the other.
One of two pairs of Eider Duck. they can’t half paddle fast. This is the male. His mate is a brownish coloured lady.
I did get within cropping distance but when he was up and I pressed the shutter down he went.
The Black Throated divers were even less accommodating. There were six of these. They spend about fifty percent of their time under the water.
The Grey Heron was there every morning. I could get within a hundred yards…..I thought it was concentrating on catching breakfast but it had an eye on me. One stride nearer and at ninety nine yards it was away.
It’s a funny thing but despite the lack of usable pictures I enjoyed watching them.
I’m in no rush and Durness looks to be a grand place. It will be if the rain stops. I’m once again on top of a cliff overlooking the sea so given a northerly gale or some daylight I’ll try for some pictures. I have internet here so I’ll also be able to post them.
Have a good weekend.
You should try and get out to Faraid Head if you can. It's beautiful. We were there last month. It's about 3 miles north of Durness. You have the same problem with your bird pictures as I do - ie. they won't stay still! They're still nice pictures though. Handa Island is also worth a visit - but I'm not sure if you can take dogs?
ReplyDeleteAnnie, I missed the best bit between Ullapool and Scourie here are the best bits of Scotland. Also the place is a veritable hive of sheep tics.
DeleteI am here for a couple of years and just scouting this corner of the UK. Thanks for the information. I have maps so will have a look.
Handa doesn't allow dogs. I'll drop them in a car boot sale.
The rain is easing now so I can see what's what I'll stay a fortnight if I can.
One has to sit for hours and days to get good bird shots and even then the little devils can recognize a focus motor.
Good to know you're enjoying yourself. Sending some sunshine up to you (well it's gone from here so it must have gone somewhere!!).
ReplyDeleteJohn, we need a big high pressure system to establish itself over Scandinavia. It 's not looking good.
DeleteThe sunshine has gone to the Mediterranean. It's where sensible folk go in summer.
HI Adrian Sunshine! what's that! None here either, windy, wet and pretty miserable. Anyhow, you did get some shots despite the weather. Well done. Looks a lovely place to be and perhaps the sun will shine. Have a great weekend. Margaret
ReplyDeleteMargaret, sunshine will arrive tomorrow.
DeleteI quite like rainy weather but since switching to Canon from Olympus am worried about frying the gear. I am an animal with cameras.
I can see a sunny spell arriving tomorrow.
A lovely spot yet again Adrian.
ReplyDeleteIt seems the birds can be very un co-operative at times everywhere.
Keith, these are really naughty birds.
ReplyDeletespot on pic of the heron! I have the same problem with assorted birds that visit my feeder. just when I think I'll get a good shot, off they fly!
ReplyDeleteThe Heron is recognisable the others aren't. It is just a snap.
DeleteBirds either fly off or hide amongst twigs. Birds on feeders should not be a problem. It's cheating to get snaps of them on feeders so pop a wee branch next door to your feeders. Then they look better. You have still cheated but have been constructive doing so.
Another great spot, and lots of exploring to do Adrian?
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the birds...I've heard that the Scottish ones can be quite contumacious at times!!...[;o)
Trevor, I'm just scouting. I've missed the Puffin they have done the nasty and are back at sea. I'm mainly landscape. I'm thinking of strobing landscape. Trailing speed lights around the country is a challenge but nowt compared to catching a bird close to and flying
DeleteIt's a nightmare is birding, specially with a dog or two.
je hebt een hele mooie standplaats dus ben ik heel benieuwd naar de foto,s ,een heel fijn weekend gewenst.
ReplyDeleteHet is een prachtige plek Nic. Je zou thuis voelen hier de helft van de kampeerders zijn uit Nederland.
DeleteThe Good old spar shop. Becoming a bit of a rarity these days. More so than the birds in your photos.
ReplyDeleteShaun, there are lots of spar shops up here. About the only shops.
DeleteWhat a great view to welcome world weary eyes you have from your latest site, something chimed with me when you said despite the lack of usable images you enjoyed watching them, I had the same experience myself this week but due to grey skies and sometimes I think some can forget it's worth removing the viewfinder from the eye and just to watch and enjoy
ReplyDeleteDouglas, it is proving to be well worth the effort. The place would be heaving and ruined were it dryer and warmer.
DeleteThe birds may have been teasing you, but you still got your money’s worth out of the attempt to shoot them.
ReplyDeleteStay dry and warm this weekend, it’s getting better here in the west.
Friko, they have inbuilt camera radar. Little devils.
DeleteThat Egret is the best. Your two dogs are adorable. Molly is one, what's the name of the other?
ReplyDeleteAlfie, is the other. he's the bigger of the two.
DeleteDogs await you calm :)) Have a good time, Adrian.
ReplyDeleteGood reflection of the heron.
Happy weekend.
A hug.
Laura, they are used to sitting outside shops.
DeleteThe thing about my insignificant little hybrid camera is that the birds don't realise what I'm doing so they let me get close and then I pop the lens out. Size isn't everything Adrian!
ReplyDeleteGraham, there are times when I think you made the right decision.
DeleteThe subject is there for you. You have the equipment. Your day will come. You always seem to be in a very scenic area.
ReplyDeleteRed, it's the weather that has been against me. It will brighten up.
DeleteHi Adrian.. Hey you know that next to the last shot looks like the Loch Ness monster is in it ; )
ReplyDeleteBeautiful country!! Hope that sun shines for ya!!
Grace
Grace, it's sea weed. The Loch Ness Monster is a fresh water beast.
DeleteThat view from your van is pretty impressive Adrian. Tempted to stay a little longer? The little Spar shops seem to get into the wildwst corners of the uk don't they?
ReplyDeleteps.....And Spar shops always have the best biscuit selection.
ReplyDeleteGary there is no of scenery. I don't often buy biscuits. I am having a grand time up here.
Delete