It's been really windy in Shetland, whipping the sea up on the southwest. I took a walk along the West Voe beach this bright and breezy morning. It was, as always, a joy to watch the Arctic terns, Arctic skuas and eider ducks as I wandered. I cast my eyes along the sand, looking for whatever is to be revealed. There is usually flotsam and jetsam (which sounds to romantic a phrase for all the rubbish that gets washed ashore), dog and otter tracks, bird prints, various types of seaweed, driftwood and so on. It is not unusual to find dead birds and occassionally a seal. About half way along, I was vexed to find a couple of dead shags washed up on the shore. I checked them for rings and noticed that they were too young to have fledged the nest. It was sad to think that their parents had gone to all the efforts to raise them to such a good healthy size only to be washed off the cliffs. As I progressed, I found more dead shags and then at leat five guillemot chicks. The chicks are about the age where they become "jumplings," when they leave the cliffs for the next stage of their life, out at sea. I dwelled upon the poor fortune of these seabirds for a while, then bagged some up to take up to the lighthouse. I spoke with Martin who confirmed they had been washed off the Sumburgh Head cliffs (rather than being jumplings), as he had seen some almighty waves smash up the cliff face. It was sad for me to find these dead youngsters, but I accept that the sea is both a bringer of life and death. Such is the way of nature.
Anyhow, a reason to be cheerful is that it's the Shetland Nature Festival this week. The nine-day event is all about celebrating Shetland's nature through activities, walks, talks and open days. The Festival, in its third year, is organised by Shetland Amenity Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage and RSPB Scotland. We are grateful to everyone who helps make it happen, including the people who come along to participate. We've been fortunate that it has stayed dry and sunny for our "Go Wild With Your Child" days, allowing us to explore the shore, streams and woodlands around Shetland with families. Today (Thursday) I am looking forwards to our "Shetland's Fish and Fisheries" afternoon and evening. This event is all about finding out about what fish we have around Shetland and how the fish gets from the sea to our plates. This afternoon the crew of the Adenia (a local fishing boat), are kindly having an open day so folk can learn more about fishing. I'll be there with some information about killer whales, which can be seen in the autumn following the mackerel boats to the north of Shetland. And tonight, the Shetland Museum and Archives will keep their galleries open for people to learn about fisheries in the past, and there will follow a presentation about contemporary fisheries by Ian Napier. It'll be an interesting day.
Well, it isn't even noon and the day has already been filled with joy, sadness, acceptance and anticipation. I think a cuppa is required.
Thanks for reading.