For thousands of
years beachcombing has been a favourite Whalsay pastime, as is shown by
the astonishing profusion of shoreline placenames. The shore pastures are
carpeted in summer by the pink flowers of thrift and campion, and the blue
of spring squill, while at the Geos of Yoxie on the cast side one of
Shetland's rarest plants grows - sea aster - but be careful when viewing
it from the cliff!
As well as flotsam, the coastal walker will encounter most of
Shetland's seabirds, including puffins. Ducks and waders gather at the
shallows behind the beach at Symbister and at the houb (lagoon) on Kirk
Ness. Inland lochs harbour several pairs of breeding redthroated divers.
In spring and autumn there are often good "falls" of migrating birds from
Scandinavia and further afield. Below the tideline, there is a profusion
of sea life in the rockpools of this unpolluted coastline.
Otters are common
but shy, except around Symbister where they've become used to harbour
traffic and are sometimes seen at close quarters. Follow the Countryside
Code: Wherever you go in The Bonnie Isle, please use stiles, close gates
behind you, avoid damage to crops and fences, and don't disturb livestock
or wildlife. Dogs must be kept under control.
