Mobbed

A gentleman never reveals a lady's age, but it was Mel's birthday today and not only did the sun keep his hat on, but some wildlife came out to play, not least the White Tailed Eagle above. If you want an idea of scale, that's a Hooded Crow mobbing it, and Hooded Crows are not small.

The day began with the traditional presents and, fortunately, the Alexander McQueen necklace went down well (but then I do have astonishingly good taste in these matters), and then we headed to Orbost for a ten mile walk out to the MacLeod's Maidens, three quite impressive sea stacks. Although we've seen them before, so detoured slightly to a rocky outcrop for sarnies and Gannet flypasts.

It was on the return that we spooked the Eagle, who proceeded to fly far far away. Thinking the moment had gone (he was away out of sight almost before I could get the lens cap off) we walked on with an ever watchful eye on the sky. And there he was, near a spot we saw our first ever one at around 6 years ago. It was still some way distant, and settled down for a bit of a seat when four Hooded Crows drove it back into the air (the crows giving a sense of scale to the eagle), and much closer. All I need now is decent light for a shot at one, for the skies had started to grey again, blowing out he background.

'Home'; freshen up; change; dinner. The Three Chimneys excelling once more as we avoided difficult choices with the taster menu, before being entertained by a Sea Otter we could sea on the loch outside the window not many places you can partake in 'fine dining' and have that sort of wildlife experience.

Black Guillemot Faceplant
Orbost Blue