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Wednesday 27 August 2014

Meanwhile, back in Orkney....



Above is a lovely sunny say with fluffy clouds in the sky.  Hoy High lighthouse with Sandside next to it, and the Orphir hills (Orkney Mainland) behind.

Meanwhile in the garden..... I'm so glad I invested in a fruit cage for the fruit bushes....NOT!  Button enjoying a roll on the warm earth in the sunshine.... undisturbed by hens....


Though Madam Button maintains she is keeping the rabbits out - um Button dearest, it's a Hare and it's a PRETEND Hare.


Meanwhile this common carder bee goes about it's business of collecting nectar. Before you panic - the flower head is very small! It's a scabious.


The hens are also enjoying a bit of sunbathing, this time among the borage....


I should say, the hens and the cockerel!  Stretched out soaking up the sunshine


Time for a bit of a preen too.


Doesn't she look smart!


I think they are pretending to protect the broad beans... yeah, right!


Elsewhere in the garden the sea holly is looking good. (Spiky rather than prickly).


I was alarmed on Monday to see these wee swallows in a nest in the byre. This is a second brood from this nest.  It's the end of August and they migrate in September. I feared for them. However on Tuesday they were out of the nest on the beams and today they had fledged - no sign in the byre!!  Still not sure they will make the migration all the way but wishing them luck and a fair wind!


Meanwhile the swallows from other broods have been doing well and often sit on the guttering on the rooftop having a preen and a chatter.


Last week it felt quite Autumnal, with wind and rain.  We've had a respite and back to summer the last few days, but with some heavy showers and it's the season of rainbows again.


It's been a good dry summer though and farmers have had a decent crop of silage and hay and been able to get it in when they wanted.  Just one or two remaining fields with crops to be gathered in now. (This one was completed the same day I took the photo so all is safely gathered in).


And of course there are beautiful sunsets.  Though sadly the sun has crept back across the sea and will soon be setting behind Graemsay on it's way to it's winter "nest" behind the Hoy hills.


And for a different perspective - this is Graemsay taken from the pier in Stromness as I was waiting to get on the ferry home.


19 comments:

  1. That's a grand collection of photos, right enough!

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  2. You have a beautiful garden, its late for the swallows isn't it....fingers crossed for them. The views you have are a real delight, wow!

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    1. I have to confess that the photos of the garden are very selective! It was a bit patchy this year. Some bits worked well, others looked a mess. Ah well there is always next year :-) The swallows have flown now. I do hope they make it ...... loved having them around.

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  3. Off topic, but will you give us an update on the seal cam, if and when? I so enjoyed it last year.

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    1. I'll let you know if they have it this year. Not sure if there is funding for it, but fingers crossed! It's great to watch.

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  4. I'm new to your blog, but have been reading the last few posts. It's quite the scenery you post! Thank you.

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    1. Hi Casey! Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. The scenery in Orkney is just stunning. One of the reasons I chose to live here. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing it.

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  5. Sigh, beautiful beautiful. There's no where like Orkney when the weathers bonnie.

    I think that fruit cage thinks its a cat bed. Just saying.

    Hope the hens are guarding those beans well, they're looking right bonnie.

    As for that rainbow, sigh.

    Glad you got the tea situation sorted though. Scary that.

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    1. When the weather is bonnie being the operative phrace ;-) The fruit cage thinks it is hilarious to have the hare in or out and Button in or out. She was even sneakily helping the hens to get in too I swear.... Perhaps she is a free spirited fruit cage...

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  6. Sigh ... you know I love your lil' island.

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  7. Gorgeous glimpses of the wonderful Orkneys. :) Your camera really does give you crystal clear photos.

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    1. Yes I'm really pleased with this camera! Still lots to learn and I always promise myself in the Winter I'll have a go with some of the other bits on it, but it's still on the list of things to do!

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  8. Hi, very interesting post thanks for sharing. Can I contact your through your email. Thanks!

    Randy
    randydavis387 at gmail.com

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    1. Of course you can! I'll email you through yours.

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  9. The bit about buttons in the fruit cage really made me giggle. My small fruit cage has worked wonders in keeping the bunnies away from my fruit!

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