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Walking Group One 25th April 2024
Five hardy souls collected today at Happy Valley for the first Hill Walk of the year .The temperature was cool with a North Easterly wind blowing and a hint of rain on arrival.
Off we set heading towards Russadale Quarry, spotting a Buzzard on the way.Turning into the footpath we remained sheltered from the wind all the way to the top of the hill.
The sun was out at the Quarry and a Greenshank was feeding at the edge of the Lochan. Then it was up the Peat road to the summit with spectacular views across Stenness and Harray Lochs, plus a view of the Closed Road beyond the Watch Stone. On the other side we looked over the Flow and down towards the Oil Platform and South Ronaldsay
Then it was back down after a stop for a snack and finally a walk around Happy Valley itself. The Daffodils planted by James and others were looking lovely and the Bluebells are days away from opening. Then it was on to a well deserved lunch at the Pier Cafe, having walked 4 miles and gone up 800 feet (and down again )
The next walk will be on Friday 24th May and hopefully more hills and views.
Keep moving.
WESTRAY BIRDS 30.05.13
by Ken O'Connor - 11:07 on 07 June 2013
Birdie Group outing to Westray 30th May 2013
Eleven members of the group experienced a wonderful day out to Westray walking from Kirbist on the west side to Noup Head and then back to Pierowall. Weather was kind as not to warm and a light breeze also a bonus it was dry.
It was wonderful to see the birds nesting on the cliff ledges, although numbers are way down form previous , still there were good numbers of Razorbills, Guillemots, Shags, Fulmar, Kittiwakes, etc. along with Puffins which are always a joy to watch. The Gannets are still increasing in the area below Noup head that they have colonised which is good news. The Arctic Skua and the Bonxie also Arctic Terns were evident but not in large numbers. The Ravens were not happy as we had a quick lunch break in their hunting area but watched us until we left the area.
All enjoyed a short break in Pierowall until the bus back in time for the ferry and home. Many thanks to everyone especially our leader for the day for organising everything.
There will be another outing on 26th June meeting at the car park at Brough of Birsay at 10am with a walk from Swannay farm back and a cuppa afterwards.
Ken
Photos by Tim Wright
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