Bonxie, or Great Skua, that casually landed close by to where we were watching all the seabirds, and taking in the scene. Its intention was to spy its next victim from this vantage point, on the clifftop, on the West side of Handa, an island near Scourie.

A very windy day, so we decided against torturing the sea kayaking beginners by taking them around the exposed part of the island. Instead, landing on one of the beautiful beaches on the sheltered side, and walking around the paths up to overlook this part. Arctic Skuas and Bonxies were in profusion about the main part of the island. Even humble little Meadow Pipits had to be on their guard with these ferocious thugs of the bird world swooping about. Woe betide anyone making the mistake of approaching one of their nests. They are not afraid of humans, just wary.

Another of what has become an annual visit to Scourie, this weekend. Had hoped to take some photos of the Puffins that nest on the clifftop, as I'd only a very cheap fixed lens film camera previously here. But the bit of cliff where they'd been nesting had fallen into the sea, and the next nearby section had (wisely) been cordoned off. Only saw one pair of Puffins way down the cliffs, later on. Several about on the sea, so they're still here, somewhere.

There was exploring of some of the mainland sea caves on the way back, to make up for those we wouldn't have been safe to go in on the exposed side of Handa.

Extras - one of the beaches of Handa, with the rocky mainland behind;
 - cliff view to the North, and again, the rocky mainland;
 - a teeny segment of the coast on the return journey, with a hole through a cliff, and sea caves nearby.