Umbels

I headed up past the Highland Park distillery and along the track to Catty Maggie's quarry. then onto the bridlepath. A short-eared owl rose from the snow only about ten metres away, but it was too quick for a picture. I read of a short-eared owl that bred with a long-eared owl. The offspring; a medium-eared owl, could hear the voices of owls long-dead.

The hares start up and away much more readily than usual. I think that they must realise they are shown up by the snow. Along the Wideford Burn there were otter tracks and woodcock and pheasant flew off as I approached. I got to Inganess Bay. Normally a popluar spot for dog-walkers, today it was empty as the road is on a steep hill and pretty risky. I walked back to the main road and caught the airport bus back to Kirkwall.