Last Saturday, the Mousa Boat ran to the reserve for the first passenger run of the summer. Hurray!
Crewing the boat was Tom Jamieson - anyone who has been to Mousa will recognise Tom - and two of the new owners Alan Pottinger (left) and Jimmy Fullerton (right).
Unfortuantely, it was an exceptionally wet day so Jenny, Newton and I (hardened RSPB staff) were the only passengers onboard! The weather was not at all kind to us, but the wildlife was superb - particularly the quanitity of robins. We counted 58 on the circular walk - 58! There's been an incredible quantity of robins turning up in Shetland, brightening up a rather grey spring. We saw a few bonxies, wheatears, newly born Shetland lambs, a dozen grey seals... but the wild highlight of the day was an otter fishing in the Mill Pool (just east of the broch). It is very important, particularly as the bird breeding season comes upon us, seals start pupping and with lambing being in full swing, to have respect for the residents of Mousa. By taking care not to disturb the inhabitants, it gives visitors a better experience too.
There's a bit of a transition period at the moment with accessing Mousa, with the new owners settling in and the final work on the Sandsayre pier taking place. The website gives details of the timetable, fares and so on, and a new leaflet will be soon available. You are advised to book your passage online, call 07901 872 339 or email booking@mousa.co.uk. RSPB Scotland and the Shetland Rangers' Service will be offering guided walks each Thursday from 17 May until the end of August.
I thoroughly recommend you visit Mousa this year. I totally love it and hope you do too.