Since the 1st of May, 2023, I’ve thus far achieved a visit down and around Whaligoe Steps each day as planned. This blog entry is going to share my daily encounters with the ever-changing palette of nature here on the Scottish coastline, right up in the north of the mainland. From Monday the 12th of June up to Sunday 25th of June… Buckle up!
June 12th, 2023: Our first two photographs representing a warm and sunny day here on the northern coastline of Scotland. Flying seabirds above and pink campion below.
June 13th, 2023: Sea campion (Silene maritima) breaks up the hints of grassy terrain as the sunshine bathes the cliffs…
June 14th, 2023: A warm and mild Wednesday morning witnesses seabirds welcome a new day… Black guillemot found something to laugh about.
June 15th, 2023: Beautiful orchid plays peek-a-boo amongst the blades of grass, whilst on the pebble shoreline I found a stone doing an impression of a Highland Cow!
June 16th, 2023: There are several points of interest here at Whaligoe Steps. Wildlife, natural wonders, history, politics, personalities, landscape, wind farm, etc.
On this Friday morning trek down and around the ‘Steps I decided to capture the greenery which enveloped the landfall. This can be found behind the remaining boat winch, tucked away in a corner before you find yourself on the pebble shoreline.
Also captured for posterity are these fabulous wildflowers. Mayweed and thrift party the daylight hours away.
June 17th, 2023: How about two photographs showcasing the Whaligoe Steps? One shares the sight of the ‘Steps zig-zagging down the cliff. Remember, there are six flights in total. The other snapshot is of the Bink and the salt house remains.
June 18th, 2023: Breakfast for the great black-backed gull.
I found out there are seventeen types of thistle, but when trying to identify this one which grows on the verge of a flight of the ‘Steps, the closest resemblance was a ‘marsh thistle’. Not known for growing in this region of the United Kingdom.
June 19th, 2023: Family of shags which includes two parents and three young ones have been growing up and evolving rapidly. On this Monday morning, I noted it was drizzly and muggy.
June 20th, 2023: During this new challenge, I’ve been presented with quite a series of new adventures. One of which saw me venture to grounds I’ve not seen in many years. The revelation that some rabbit warrens were rife with life and with several quirky characters was fun.
The soft orange glow of sunlight captures the silhouette of a seabird departing a cliff shelf.
June 21st, 2023: This particular Wednesday morning was about the spooky ambience which accompanied the incoming ‘haar’. Some people call it ‘sea fret’.
It’s when warm air passes over the cold North Sea and is most commonly associated with the months of April to September.
June 22nd, 2023: Razorbill ponders life, whilst a trek to the far side of the top of the ‘Steps provided a beautiful sight of another sunrise.
June 23rd, 2023: Rock pipit and three rabbits all take in a sunrise along this rustic coastline of the UK mainland.
June 24th, 2023: Striking blue shades embrace the view over the North Sea, as a wild rose almost goes unnoticed growing in the verge beside a flight of the Whaligoe Steps.
June 25th, 2023: A baby seagull plays hide and seek behind some greenery, as dandelions make a ravishing display elsewhere.
The next blog entry all going well, will take us out of June and into July, 2023.
Changes taking place which I’ve observed include the passing of the primrose, daffodils, eider ducks seem to be in hiding, grey seals too. Family of shags have grown up rapidly, young ones have just left the nest. Rabbits are rife, seabirds are doing well. Offshore, pods of orca have been sighted often along the coastline at Caithness.
Thank you for your kindness and company during this time, it has been a challenge on several levels but rewarding too. I sincerely hope you join me on this unfolding adventure as I continue capturing the images from down and around Whaligoe Steps.
Here’s another photograph of another sunrise I caught during these past couple of weeks…
Take care, sending you positive wishes.
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