A stone loo??

 Friday 12th July 

 In spite of a wind turbine almost the other side of MB, a good and peaceful night was had by us both. We left slightly later than normal, waiting for the low cloud to disappear because today I hoped to see some raptors. RSPB Cottarsgarth with a bird hide was today's destination. 

The engine developed a slight squeal as we left the site. Just one more thing to add to unknown problems MB's engine is developing. This time, with a garage (Esson's) just down the road, we stopped. Whether it was because Ian purchased 2 litres of oil, or because the chap liked him, he did stop and have a listen and deduced the noise could be either the dry baring from the air conditioning, water pump, or alternator, none he thought serious enough to warrant further investigation at the moment.  So, leaving the garage a lot happier, we set off to see some birds.  

Such a nice man

RSPB Cottascarth was off the main road down another very narrow track. This time, passing places were few and far between. The lane led to a farmyard, Ian spied a sign saying car park. Hmm, slightly worried that a closed gate was in our way, still the car park arrow had pointed this way, so through we went.

About 200yds further we spied the car park. Very small and if cars had been parked, no way would we have been able to turn around. As it was, we were the only ones there.

The walk along a grassy track to a bird hide wasn't too far. Lacking was any sign of birds or song until we were almost at the hide. Then suddenly with a loud warning call this flew up in front of us.

I am assuming it was a Merlin. Same size as a Kestrel, but was definitely not one of those.

The Hide

We seemed to sit and watch for ages, and then suddenly a bird flew past the window and landed on a rocky post. With it being so far away, the photo wasn't brilliant, but I think it was a Hen Harrier.

 We stayed for an hour before walking back to MB. Lunch was had in the car park, then a decision made to see the Broch of Gurness.

The Broch of Gurness was an Iron Age settlement, with a small village arranged around a central, massive broch tower. It is around 2000-years-old and the surrounding village could have featured around 14 houses

One small area had a stone shelf with a hole chiselled out. Of course, no one can say for sure what this was used for, but a toilet was mentioned on the information board. 

It had to be done!

 This wasn't a big site, we took our time wandering through the place and returned to MB with a decision to stay here for the night. Seabirds, especially Gannets were seen flying low, it looked a great place for a walk later.

And seen on our walk