The Choin (tidal pool at Marwick) played host to a family of OTTERS this weekend with a female and three youngsters seen on Saturday and again on Sunday. Lorna Dow and I were fortunate enough to get some fantastic and prolonged views of these rather elusive creatures. Otters are widespread on Orkney but are fairly shy and sightings are never guaranteed, even in hotspot areas. I managed to get a few blurry images of the beasts as they hauled out to eat butterfish & crab, preen, play, fight, rest & spraint the rocks. Those who know The Choin will recognise the rusting outer case of a ships boiler, which they were using as shelter.
As well as the Otters we were treated to a flurry of Snow Buntings (120+), Jackdaw (46), Hen Harrier (Male & Ring-tail female).
On a fine winters' day I thoroughly recommend a look at Marwick Reserve and espcially The Choin as it can be a good spot for gulls, waders and wildfowl.Alan