Prelude

The adventure begins in a few days and I thought it best to maybe explain my reasoning for this blog and what I hope will be included in it over the next few months. My brother encouraged me to begin recording things in a blog format although I didn't see much of a point since graduating from Aberdeen University (in Zoology) as I haven't been up to much that I would consider interesting or too important. However that is set to change soon as I will be heading to the lovely isle of Rum, sat just south of Skye on the west coast of Scotland. I was there last year to assist the Rum Red Deer Project during the calving season and had a thoroughly good time with the team, spotting and catching red deer calves (Cervus elaphus). The tagging and data recording of these calves is vital in the long-running research efforts on the island. Again I'll be volunteering myself as field assistant on the site, the difference this time is that I will be there to help during the mortality season (essentially combing the research area for any deer that did not survive the winter months) as well as the calving season and generally helping out wherever possible. I'm very much looking forward to getting back to working in my field of study, as although I have been active in working with the natural world over the past few months, this is something I can really get my teeth into and feel useful. I did have a little trepidation in wanting to go back as it will be more months where I will not be earning a wage. However in times such as they are I would be daft to miss such an opportunity to both do something I enjoy as well as gain a great deal of experience.
I hope to put some of my better photos on here too as I recently acquired a Canon 1100D with a macro lens and a 75-300 telephoto lens. Rum has some very nice scenery and animal life both on land and at sea with sightings dolphins and minke whales not uncommon.
Depending on how often I can make it to the village will dictate how often I can update this blog but I should be able to write updates when not busy on the site and simply upload them.
As always I am excited by the prospect of an adventure, exploring places I haven't been, meeting old friends and new faces, and generally enjoying the great outdoors!