13th April 2010
Tangerine Dream Ricochet
Up early to a frosty start with ice on the tent; a feature that would occur in increasing amounts over the coming mornings. Met Andy, a birder from Kent and together we tried to get views of the reeling Grasshopper Warbler.
The place I had camped in was an artist's creation; a field with various ideas of material use and planting not 'left to nature'.
The artist had left a flag flying and a wooden mushroom upon which I sat eating my bowl of muesli. Felt like Kevin Costner in Dances with Wolves and kept humming the theme tune to myself. The frontier of my sanity perhaps.
Boat over to Ramsey, meeting 2 children on the way, Ben and Ella whose father has a farm which he uses to help wildlife. Ben was on a work experience week with the RSPB from school and they both talked with pride about their Dad's gig racing exploits. I had a brief go sitting at the boat's wheel pretending to steer it.
I was met at the quay by Greg and Lisa, the delightful married couple, wardens of Ramsey and met also by two volunteers; one named Lyndsay, the other a Deputy Head on a working holiday.
I walked alone around this beautiful island, clockwise, enjoying the amazing views on this clear sky day. Many Wheatear seen with some males displaying their territorial rights. Also a few pairs of Chough and a beach on the west side with 73 Grey Atlantic Seals on it. Few other birds around but 36 plastic Puffins were on view in a western valley. These are decoys to hopefully attract real Puffins to land and breed.
I sang whilst walking, as always. Well, when I am not whistling but always
listening. Luckily for them, there were only twelve people on the island at the
time. I made up some silly words to the song Oklahoma, in Bill Oddie's Little
Black Bird book style.
Here is the first verse :-
Oh for Fair Isle
Where the birds rain down into the mist
Where the sound of chak
Will set you back
As you lift your bins up by the wrist
It
goes on in the same vein - have a go singing it and then add your own bits. Do
you want the chorus? You are going to get it anyway :-
We know you spent
more than a grand
Just to see a tatty warbler in the hand
But when you find
A first bird of that kind
Then you'll cry out
You're really great
I love Fair Isle
I love Fair Isle OK
OK OK OK
FAIR ISLE
Maybe
I should leave it there but there are lots more verses. Fun, eh?
Red Deer and Rock Pipits at the northern end of the island and then goodbyes at
the quay. One of the highlights of my trip so far, Ramsey.
I cycled to beyond Fishguard in the evening with thoughts about when the
moderately strong N – NE, in my face cold wind was ever going to stop.
Incredible how I the wind plays such a crucial part in how a day on the bike pans out. Behind you and the world is heavenly. In your face and everything is hellish. The cause of future cycling paranoia, why is it always pushing me back and never behind me! LOL.
Tickle My Feathers
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