WILDLIFE

HARBOUR PORPOISE Mousa Sound is one of the best places in Britain to see these marine mammals. Adults give birth in the summer, when it is common to see them swimming with their new offspring feeding on the Sandeels. Their habit of coming to the surface and "snorting" has given rise to many names, the latin derivative being Porcus piscus , "pig fish" as it translates and hence porpoise today. Locally they are known as "Neesicks" from the Norse word nisa meaning "to sneeze"

SEALS Take a walk round Mousa to the East Pool and West Pool to see the huge population of Seals which live around the island. During the summer it is possible to see upto a hundred seals basking in the sunshine around the pools. Common Seals are more numerous than the larger Grey Seal variety identified by their roman nose. The seals have become very accustomed to visitors so it is possible to have a great view of these magnificent creatures. Common Seals have their young in the summer, the Grey Seals much later in the year, which gives two possible opportunities to see Seal pups on the shoreline.

Great Skua (Stercorarius skua) and Arctic Skua (Stercorarius longicaudus) These skuas are also frequent summer visitors to the island. These are large birds and are almost unique, as they are one of the few types of sea bird that is not white. Both birds are mainly brown in colour but they can be easily distinguished from each other. The Arctic Skua or Skooty Aalin is the commonest of the small skuas and has elongated tail feathers which are straight and pointed. The much stockier Great Skua or Bonxie is larger with large white wing patches. They nest away from the coast preferring the sanctuary of adjacent moorland. They will protect nesting sites with much enthusiasm and can be seen swooping upon any potential threats. They will catch their own fish but think nothing of trying to steal fish from other, much larger, adversaries.

Storm Petrels (Hydrobates pelagicus) The local name for these birds is the Alamootie and are abundant visitors during the summer. They are very small and are generally black with a white rump. They can be seen fluttering low over the water pausing momentarily to dip and feed from the surface. As a result of this feeding habit they have taken their name from St Peter because they appear to be able to walk on water. These small birds nest under boulders or on beaches and will even make a home for themselves inside the walls of the Broch. Care should be taken if you here strange noises within Broch walls as the Petrel will abandon its home once disturbed. The birds will take turns to guard the nest while its partner returns to sea to feed on plankton. It will return to the nest to swap duties under the cover of darkness.

ARCTIC TERNS (Sterna paradisaea) This fragile, rather elegant bird, is another frequent visitor during the summer. They are amongst the greatest travellers within the bird community. During their 25 year life span and frequent trips between their Arctic breeding grounds and North Africa they can fly a distance equivalent to that of the moon. They are easy to spot with a distinctive black head and, during the summer, a bright red bill. They do not nest but prefer to lay their eggs a little distance inshore in natural mounds in the ground. They are very well camouflaged and you can easily find yourselves disturbing their territory. The northern half of Mousa has become a large breeding ground for the Arctic tern, known locally as the Tirrick, as the sound between the island and Sandwick has a plentiful supply of their permanent diet, the Sandeel. Once aroused the entire colony will defend its territory. They can be seen swooping from a great height to frighten any intruder. Holding a stick above your head will give you protection while you quickly leave the area.

Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle) There are many hundred Black Guillemots or Tysties nesting around the coast of Mousa. These distinctive black birds with large white wing patches nest in holes in the cliff or under boulders. They are reluctant flyers and much prefer to dive into the water to reach safety. It is in this environment that they feed on small fish amongst the seaweed. With very short, stubby wings they struggle to achieve flight but can dive to depths of 200 ft with a unique rib structure which gives their body tremendous strength.