The Scapa Flow Rangers have an organised walk on South Ronaldsay to see the beaches where the seals are pupping down so I decided to go along even though I had found some beaches with seals at Burwick.
The walk started from Windwick where we had been before and seen no seals but half a mile further round the coast there were several bays covered with seals. The seals were very tolerant.
The ranger reckoned that they may all dive off the beaches into the water when they saw us but they were not really bothered. I should imagine that they see enough people wandering up to look at them to realise that people will do them no harm.
It is a long time since there were any seal culls on Orkney so they have no reason to be scared. They did keep their eyes on you as we walked round but when we sat down they just got used to us and ignored us.
We must have just missed a pup being born as the mother was still covered in blood and gunge. Some of the other pups were quite well grown and one was having swimming lessons. Its mum was encouraging it and was sheltering it by putting herself in between the waves and the pup. When a bull seal came near she gave it a real telling off and ushered her pup back onto the beach.
When the pups were suckling, I was surprised at how far back the teats were. Judging by how long it took some of the pups to find the teats, they were probably as surprised as I was.
I even managed to try the video bit on the camera. Not brilliant but maybe better next time.
After I got back from Windwick we went off to the Burray Community Cafe where they had a Pre-Christmas sale of local crafts. I will not say if Pam did or did not buy several expensive presents just in case, dear readers, one of you should be the fortunate recipient of any such items at Christmas.
Somebody in the cafe said that it was compulsory for all Burray residents to attend and it did seem a bit like that. At least I am getting to know who a lot of them are, mainly because of Molly the dog.
It is surprising how many people stop and chat when you are walking a dog. There are some though who do not know my name but do know that I am Molly's owner.
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