Feathers , Floors and a Fond Farewell

FEATHERS

One of things we hadn't expected was the sheer number of birds we share the island with. Whether just going out to the car or out for a good long walk, we can struggle to make out one birdcall from another (something we're still learning about)

Curlew

 ( PS .... click on the image to blow it up)

Although these are classed as wading birds, they're nesting in undergrowth and heather all around the old Schoolhouse and the croft, so we're trying to keep the dogs away from these area's so as not to disturb them.

Oystercatcher

This bird is a very common sight around Yell. Their call is really distinctive & easy to recognise. Like  curlews, they nest in the grass or on the beach and are very protective if you walk near them, they make a bit of a racket and fly around to warn you off.

Walking on the Ness of Sound recently we saw a single bluey-green coloured egg, neatly perched amongst the pebbles on the beach. About twice the size of a hens egg, the colour was gorgeous.

Gannets

Now , Shetland is home to some of the largest gannet colonies in the world.

As children, both Steve's and I remember if we ate our food too quickly or were greedy, our mums used to call us "greedy gannets". Now we're living amonst them we completely understand why =) .

They are awesome to watch  - you see them everywhere and what a show they put on, half an hour easily passes. They're so determined as they dive like bullets into the water nearly always coming out with a fish.

FLOORS

Yes ... finally we have some! After our mate Robbie Readymix paid us a visit this week with his enormous wagon we're now the proud owners of porch and extension floors. Its amazing  how easily excitable we are these days. So at last ... we're working in the vertical towards heaven ! Yay

 

And finally....

This week we bade a very sad but fond farewell to the lovely Timmy "Crusty Pie" Tortoise. He was Steve's pets  for over 30 years and he thinks he was around 40. There's so much we could write about this little character, but now doesn't feel the right time. Below is one of our favourite pictures.

Timmy walking on laminate led to his nickname "Clunk" .... because he did. The scarf was a "silencer" as it were and never prevented him from walking around the place at top speed.  Rest in Peace Timmy Thompson.

xxx

 

Yell Ferry ....

Thought you might like a look at my twice daily mode of transport ( The ferry's in the background by the way!)

Only a few days to go

As they're on their way ...

A Cliff Edge, A Lost Crab & A Mountaineering Sheep

If you remember this earlier picture - it shows the West Yell Schoolhouse we're renting for a few months. We're really lucky to have the Ness of Sound - the little island opposite so close for somewhere to walk

We had a recent wander there early one morning  - before anyone else in the house was up (namely Fred!). I was almost leaning over the cliff edge to get this one - I think they're cornflowers, the blue in the sun was beautiful ...

As walked further around the edge of the island we spotted this crab in the grass on the cliff top, a long way from the waters edge - about 70ft above it.

It was still alive & we could only guess that a bird had dropped it. Steve picked it up (in my scarf, so not THAT brave) and after having a good look at him for a bit - and Digger wanting to play with him too - we found a spot to launch him back into the water (yes, from quite high so that may not have done him much good either ... )

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A Daredevil Wether ... or castrated ram =)

Many of you have either met or seen photo's of the lovely Rambo (or Sidney to the Lancashire Crew). He and Hattie travelled up to Yell with Steve and they have spent the last few weeks settling into their new home.

Suffice to say Rambo is something of a character.

Not only does he escape his huge field to go and play with Steve on the building site, but, since having had his feet trimmed recently he's taking to climbing .... in a BIG WAY

This is him on the top of a 10ft wall ...

If the Lancashire Crew are reading this, I bet you're glad he's not your headache any more !!! (Although , he'd have been a roast dinner by now if he) was !

xxx