Hello
I have just returned from a trip Doon Sooth ("Doon Sooth" to many Shetlanders is anything south of Fair Isle). I was away at the new RSPB Scottish Headquarters in Edinburgh. The office is less characterful as the old place but it is still full of characters.
I feel a mix of excitement and fear going to the city. Fear of fumes, getting murdered (too much Inspector Rebus novels!), getting run over and such like. My "inner child" has never quite been internalised, so I still get visibly excited by the likes of escalators and double decker buses. I happened to make friends with a child psychiatrist whilst southbound, and I couldn't help but wonder what he made of the "ooh" sounds I made, particularly when I noticed that the lesser celandine was out and there were rabbits in Edinburgh!
A trip to East Lothian with friend and artist Howard, revealed a beautiful pair of avocets (we even saw them displaying and mating), reed buntings, chaffinches, long-tailed tits and so on. It was interesting to watch Howard as he sketched the birds, capturing their movement and form so effortlessly. I took a moment to ponder on how fitting it was that the avocet is the logo of the RSPB. One bird can represent so much. I also took a moment to enjoy a bit of toad love action that was going on in the boat pool. There aren't toads in Shetland.
A trip to the SOC centre at Aberlady was worthwhile. What an amazing collection of bird books, bird art, bird information and in a lovely setting. We took time to enjoy the India exhibition by the Artists For Nature group. From here we visited the amazing Ormiston Yew. Those who know Shetland will understand that trees are something of a novelty to Shetland folk. However, I don't think anyone could say that the Ormiston Yew is not an outstanding tree. At over 1000years old, the tree sprawls out and forms a "cathedral" and has been witness to many a secret meeting. Historical figure John Knox is documented to have been there. We had our own special meeting there, when a gentleman appeared through the branches and said "Hello Howard." Here was a favourite artist of mine, John Busby. Howard had been on one of John's courses nearby at North Berwick some time ago. What a small world!
It was great to visit the mainland and to see different birds, trees, toads and notice how spring has sprung around Edinburgh. However, it is wonderful to return to the familiarity of Shetland, and particularly Sumburgh Head. I hear a handful of puffins were seen a couple of days ago, killer whales went past only yesterday and the Shetland wrens are singing in full voice. Sometimes, as full voiced Dolly Parton has sung, you need to go away to remind you of what you've already got.
Sorry this entry has not particularly been about Shetland. Mousa Boat Trips start running this weekend, and I can't say how much I am looking forwards to stepping back on the island. I'll look forwards to sharing news from our Shetland reserves now spring is picking up pace.