A Turnstone for the Blip

We had a legitimate reason to drive to our nearest petrol station to refuel (and cash in a loyalty voucher!) While we were technically out of area we took advantage of a coastal walk around the Levenhall lagoons. As you can see, the tide was high and the sea flat calm. The flood risk to Musselburgh is very evident on days like this. If there had been an easterly gale blowing today the water would have been over the bank and flooding the streets adjacent to the river Esk.

We had a good view of this flock of turnstones that kept resting on the sea wall ahead of us and as we drew close they took off as one, in a blur of red legs and white feathers. There were also wise crows sitting on the wall showing no fear of our approach - clever enough to know that we did not pose a risk. There was also a hovering kestrel hunting  for prey amongst the coastal grass.

We looped back round the race course and walked in front of the empty stands and wondered when they would be filled again with the roar of the punters. The mothballed bars and restaurants were a stark reminder of the severity of the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry.

We came home as the sky darkened and the November night drew in to listen to T playing her violin and then to some Divali mixes on the BBC Asian Network. Ramadan, Eid and now Divali all severely curtailed and stoically adapted for Covid19. Christmas is next.