I never thought bird identification would be this hard

It doesn't help when I have a lens that isn't 'zoom' enough.

Guilliemot and Razorbill are both on my Tough Challenge list but I don't know which one of these birds it was that I caught on camera. As usual, it's not the best photo as I've had to crop for extra zoom and not only is the quality rubbish as a result, it also shows just how shaky my trembling hands actually are.

I will be going back to finish this walk at Deerness (I didn't get to go all the way round to Mull Head) so I will take more photos next time. Plus, there are Great Skuas that fly about from time to time and the Orkney vole can be seen up here. If it wasn't a nature reserve I'd camp out until I got the images I wanted.

Orkney!

All going well, my disclosure will come through clean and I will be making my way to Orkney to work for 3 months *hugest smiley face*.

I'm really excited by the photographic opportunities this promises. Not least, the Orkney Vole!!! I have 3 months to find the little blighter and I'll be searching for it every day that I'm off. Along with seals, dolphins, whales, red-throated divers etc.

Fingers crossed I am successful because I am still determined to complete my challenge in 2011.

Aside from the wildlife on Orkney there are so many historical sites to visit and photograph. My favourite so far has been the Ring O'Brodgar, erected around 3000BC (it is believed). The weather was terrible when I was there so my efforts to photograph whilst the wind and rain was blowing me over were not the best. However, I will be returning to this spot whenever there is a lovely sunset to, hopefully, capture a stunning image.