In the Outer Hebrides, starlings are generally resident year-round, and have developed into a sub-species of starling that retains its summer plumage throughout the year.  As elsewhere, they are highly social creatures that flock together in large numbers as the sun sets.  They often settle for the night amongst the trees in the walled garden, and on this occasion, having heard a lot of noise coming from the south-west corner of the garden, we went to the east bedroom to investigate.

J > Recently, on my way home from Bristol to the islands *, I took a diversion across the Severn Bridge (the old one), cutting across country to Cerdigion, to spend a few days with Becky and Bob at the chapel.  I arrived to find Becky camping on-site, with a tent in the middle of the chapel itself – amongst the goods and chattels, and with building work ongoing in the adjoining chapel cottage.

After more than a month of fierce sunshine and no rain, the weather has become more changeable, passing clouds playing with light and shadow across the slopes of Easabhal