Shetland has been experiencing all sorts of weather. Thick cloud, gales, rain, hail, sleet, wind, wind, wind, occassional sun, wind... As a local SNH officer pointed out - The rain is horizontal and the sea vertical - it's winter.
So, we've been bashed and thrashed by wind and rain, but our skies have been giving us some visual treats in recent days. Heading home from Sumburgh Head a couple of evenings ago, the new moon was low above the horizon. It was a thin orangey crescent and it minded me of a tall ship sail, westward bound. Following what feels like a month of strong winds, last night there was calmness and clear skies. Fortunate folk witnessed a most amazing display of the Northern Lights. As good as I have seen in years. With friend (and volunteer) Katrina we gazed up at the northern sky. There was a green arc of light, with beams and shafts appearing, twisting and fading, typical of the Merry Dancers. For a while, there was this bizarre amazing pulsing effect, really quick and difficult to describe. The Milky Way, constellations and a couple of shooting stars all added to the experience. I tried and failed to take photos, so put the camera away and enjoyed the show, with the only sounds being the rumble of the sea and sheep munching away in a neighbouring park.
I've just passed lunchtime with making a drawing of it - I think you'll find in an accurate protrayal.??? For those of you who know Shetland, that's the view as you come north of Virkie, and see the hills that seperate Bigton and Levenwick (with the masts).
As it was the 11th yesterday, my thoughts were often given over to remembrance. I'd been listening to stories of some Highland soldiers escaping from France, stealing a boat and navigating homeward by the stars, then fortunate to be picked up by Allied forces. They told of their men in their regiment who were not to come home. With the spectacle of the northern lights, I remembered being a youngster, believing the Northern Lights were spirits and prayers, reaching higher. As an adult, I have some knowledge of the science of the universe but, last night in particular, I still like to listen to my inner bairn.
I am sorry this blog has had little news of birds. As with much of the country, waxwings have passed through (likely using the stars as guide), long-tailed ducks are back at West Voe, Mousa will likely have just a handful of storm petrel chicks (yes chicks!) still on the island, twite gather to feed at the canary seed we put out each day at Sumburgh Head, and winter takes a firmer grip on the islands. It's a fine place to be.
I'll end by wishing "Happy Birthday!" to Newton. From the Shetland Office, we'll raise a pot of tea for you :o)