A splash of Sanderling

It’s a dull day but I’m forcing myself to go out. If you only ever went out on sunny days in Orkney, you’d spend much of your life indoors.

I’ve headed for Tafts and there’s a flock of energetic Sanderlings working the tideline. I love it, although I wish I’d brought my waterproofs with me.

Elegant, aren’t they?

Sanderling - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Dignified, even.

Sanderling - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

They’re usually so careful to scuttle out and in with the waves, rarely getting a feather damp in the process.

Sanderling - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

There’s no sand to fall back on with each approaching wave here, though, just a rocky outcrop.

Sanderling - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

So they have to stand and take the force of the waves if they’ve going to glean any morsels from the water.

Sanderling - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

As do I. Now I need a sunny day to dry all my clothes.

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