15 Per Cent

15 Per Cent, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I bumped into a group of five Roe deer yesterday, and two things struck me. First, no matter how loudly I coughed they didn't look up and secondly that this small group made up 15 % of the Purbeck population. I am used to seeing two or three in one place, but not five! Just hope the local poachers are not as lucky as I was.....

Private Pool

Private Pool, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Another shot from Dancing Ledge showing the swimming pool. The stone has been removed to the level of the old sea bed and a pool was made to serve one of the local private schools. Every now and again the pool was drained, the rocks, Crabs and Conger Eels removed and everything would be fine. It hasn't been emptied for a while, so if you go for a swim be sure to count your toes when you get out.

Stricktly Dancing

Stricktly Dancing, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Just one destination today and that was Dancing Ledge, an old quarry cut from the Purbeck cliffs. I have been meaning to get here for a while, but I keep getting sidetracked. The weather was perfect today and the company wasn't too bad either. Just me, Benny and a solitary Magpie that stayed with us almost all of the way there and then joined us foir the return trip.

Through The Rain

Through The Rain, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This is the other way on to the Isle of Purbeck, the Sandbanks ferry. The journey across the mouth of Poole Harbour is not the longest in the world, but it is nice to be cut off from the real world sometimes. This was taken just after the rainbow and as the rain was still falling.

Pot Of Gold

Pot Of Gold, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This is one of the finest views on the Purbeck, looking north from Nine Barrow Down across the heath to Poole Harbour. After the rain came the sun and that can mean only one thing.

Blacks & Browns

Blacks & Browns, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The humble Blackbird, sat in the gloom of the undergrowth, is always a good subject. There is so much more colour to these birds than, well, just black.

Easily Spotted

Easily Spotted, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Not the finest use of camouflage in the animal kingdom, but quite pretty none the less. The Thrush is another 'common' bird that I struggle to take a decent shot of.

Let Sleeping Foxes Lie

Let Sleeping Foxes Lie, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I really get a buzz out of getting close to the local wildlife. But sometimes. instead of bugging them, you have just got to leave them alone. This perfect little Fox was enjoying the warmth of the Sun this morning and it would have been a shame to disturb her.

Chin Up

Chin Up, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

It won't long now before the Sika start to cast there antlers. They are incredibly proud of them and behave very differently after they have gone.

King Of The Hill

King Of The Hill, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

If you are the King, I suppose it doesn't matter too much what your hill is made of.
Robins are always a welcome sight, but sometimes they could help out a little more with the composition of a shot.

A Warm Glow

A Warm Glow, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Another young Sika, about six months old and far too curious. I know this is similar to the last one but I just can't get enough of these.

Beautiful Therapy

Beautiful Therapy, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

After so long without being able to use my camera, I needed a day off for some therapy and there was really only one place to go. I spent about half an hour with this young Sika and her family this morning and loved every minute of it. In the end, I had to leave before hypothermia set in but I miss her already.

The Last Rays

The Last Rays, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The late afternoon Sun just before it dropped below the Purbeck Hills as the clouds closed in.

There May Be Trouble Ahead

There May Be Trouble Ahead, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The clouds were building fast but as the Sun shone, Corfe Castle did too. Rising above the Isle of Purbeck for the best part of 1000 years the castle is always a good subject, but some days are better than others.

Benny & The Stick

Benny & The Stick, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I keep seeing pictures of dogs on Flickr and it makes me realise that I don't take enough pictures of mine. You may have seen Benny before, he is a rather insecure rescue Collie cross with a love of sticks. It has been mentioned that I would get more wildlife shots if I left him behind, but that can never happen. Once I start getting the boots on and he looks at me with those big, brown eyes he knows I'm not leaving him behind.

Cliff Watch

Cliff Watch, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Not the finest picture of a Peregrine, but it is the best I have got so far. Not an easy shot for me, the cliffs at Durlston face south, which means that for most of the day the Sun is in the wrong place. On a cloudy day, the slate grey bird disappears against a slate grey sea so that is no help at all. This morning though, I had at least 10 seconds to get it right, so no excuses.

Old Man's Beard

Old Man's Beard, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

There are so many of these little fluffy seed heads around at the moment that the hedgerows look as if they are covered in frost. With the Sun behind them they seem to shine.

The Buck Stops Here

The Buck Stops Here, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

And he stayed here for quite a while, I wandered off before he did.
Yes, this is another Sika, taken a couple of days ago. I saw this chap from the road and spent a little time carefully trying to get close. As it happens, I could have driven up to him, played Faithless full blast on the stereo, sung along with it and he still wouldn't have run off.
Nature, is strange....

Lookout

Lookout, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

At the top of the tree, keeping an eye on a things was this little Dunnock. One of my all time favourites, I had to stop taking shots when I reached about 50. I kind of got a bit carried away.....

Golden Hour

Golden Hour, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Just for a change, this morning was perfect.

Green On Green

Green On Green, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

There were several Green Woodpeckers around this morning. And just for a change, the light was pretty good.I had about half an hour before work and the early morning weather was perfect.

Just Great

Just Great, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

A little bit of Sun makes everything look a little better. There were quite a few little birds around here today, but only one Great Tit, he was in very good condition though.

A Balanced Approach

A Balanced Approach, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

In the middle of the industrial estate were I work somebody has put a bird feeder. I've never seen it before, but to be honest I haven't really looked. Quite handy really, only two minutes from my office, it gives me a chance to play with the camera when I haven't got a lot of time.

Back To The Blue

Back To The Blue, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Well, the Sun didn't last too long, but before it disappeared altogether I managed to get a shot of this little Blue Tit. Another old faithful, during a time when I have barely been out. I'm getting so unfit that I'll need to have the emergency services put on standby next time I go for a proper wander.

Chasing The Sun

Chasing The Sun, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Today, I managed to point the camera at something alive without getting wet! Even though time is not on my side at the moment I quite like this one. Taken just before we lost the Sun again and during a much too brief lunch break, I just cannot resist a Robin. They are one of those special creatures that always make me smile.

Damp

Damp, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

It turned out quite nice for about a minute and a half this afternoon. In between the torrential rain and hail storms, there was ample opportunity to take at least three shots. I don't know what I am complaining about.

Rain Tree Crow

Rain Tree Crow, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Looking pretty well hacked off with the whole weather thing, this solitary Crow just stood there while the heavens opened. But then, so did I...

Curious Company

Curious Company, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

We finally had a little Sun today. Not a lot, but enough for me to test my trigger finger. Rock Pipits are another favourite of mine and an all too willing subject. I think I was invading his space a little but he calmed down when he realised I was just there to escape for while.
This is a favourite place for me too.

Busted, Again...

Busted, Again..., originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I'm still really struggling to get much time with the camera, so I was extra pleased to find this young lad. On his own, as the light was failing, I was also pleased that Roe Deer tend to freeze for a while before they leg it.

Rainy Days & Sundays

Rainy Days & Sundays, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I start to get a little stir crazy when the weather is bad at the weekend. Robins and Squirrels help, they seem to be available for photoshoots however bad it gets.

Familiar Squirrel

Familiar Squirrel, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

With the weather being politly classed as changeable, getting out with the camera is not easy. So, I resort to the places where I know I can get at least a few shots. I think I have seen this Grey Squirrel before, he isn't very shy and makes a great subject.

Looking Back

Looking Back, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Another shot justas the Sun was setting and another Sika. No matter how many I see or how close I get (and you can get quite close to some of these) I never get bored. Just sitting against a tree, spending time with them is a great way to wind down.

Pheasant Season

Pheasant Season, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Pheasant and mushrooms, last time I saw this combination it was is a much different setting. Taken this afternoon, as the sun went down, it is not until you get close to the 'duller' female that you realise just how lovely there markings are.

Dark Blue

Dark Blue, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I'm not getting a great deal of time to use the camera during the week but I did manage to catch this little chap. On a bright blue sky day it takes real talent to find the only Blue Tit that preferres to sit in the shade and not the Sun.

Single Gold

Single Gold, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I normally see Goldfinches in large groups but this one was on his own. A youngster I think and not in the best of condition but, believe it or not, my first shot of a Goldfinch.

Short Bird, Long Legs

Short Bird, Long Legs, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I very rarely manage to get antwhere near Little Egrets and today, after jumping from the car to catch a quick shot, the light was terrible.

More Long Tales

More Long Tales, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I can go an and on about Long Tailed Tits for ages, they are one of my favourite birds. They way they roll through the trees, in a gang of about twelve birds this time, is great to watch.

Formation Flying

Formation Flying, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

There were not many birds to be seen out at sea, but this group of Shags were flying quite close to the cliffs this morning. Great to see and an almost prehistoric looking bird.

Red Route

Red Route, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I can't help but smile when I see a Robin.

Tilly Whim

Tilly Whim, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

After the driving rain had stopped, the Sun came out. If anything, the winds that were gusting at 65mph this morning seemed even stronger. Tilly Whim, the quarry at Anvil Point disappeared under tonnes of water. The blow hole made a noise like a jet taking off and you could feel the waves exploding in the caves below your feet.
Perfect.

The Day The Rain Hurt

The Day The Rain Hurt, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

With the wind topping out at 65mph and the sound of the waves clearly booming in the distance there was only one place to be. The cliffs at Durlston were taking the full force of the weather and the effect is always impressive.
When the sea is like this, there is an insane little voice at the back of my head screaming 'CANOE'...

Gossip

Gossip, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

It is nice getting a profile and a full face in the same shot, even though the mist meant that this is not as clear as I would have liked. There were three Sika Does in this little group and a couple of youngsters (the Stag was the chap in the photo I posted a couple of days ago).

Nice Weather For Gulls

Nice Weather For Gulls, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Apparently, there may be some Sun at the weekend. Something we have been lacking down here for a while, not good for business or pleasure. Still, as long as there are Black Headed Gulls willing to pose for a minute or two I shouldn't get withdrawal symptoms.

Ivy's Fireworks

Ivy's Fireworks, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

There is a lot of Ivy about and a lot of little explosions. I have far too many shots of these, so I thought I would post one without a bug on it.

Posh Goose

Posh Goose, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

You don't get too many Egyptian tourists around here but then, all of a sudden, there were two. I'm afraid they made the Mallards look a bit dull.

Meet The Boss

Meet The Boss, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Not the big boss, but he did have a small harem. It is great being able to get close to these Sika but they are quick to let you know if you have got too close. Still a bit misty to get a really clear shot, but I haven't shaken my Sika addiction yet. So consider yourselves lucky that I don't post them all...

Green & Brown

Green & Brown, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Perfectly coloured to blend in with her surroundings the Sika winter coat is a lot duller than the summer one. Even so, they are very pretty animals with the most expressive faces.

Misty Mornings

Misty Mornings, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I find watching the Sika (even when I have a time limit) really special, almost spiritual. When The Purbeck is shrouded in mist and the early morning Sun just can't burn its way through, it takes the experience to a totally diffeent level.

Rock Hopper

Rock Hopper, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

A wander to Durlston Bay had to be cut short today because of rough seas and a high tide. As usual, we were joined by a handfull of these little Rock Pippets. Not bad company.

Dusty Wasp

Dusty Wasp, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

My second attempt at a bug shot. Hopefully this one wont land me on the DEFRA most wanted list. There can't be anything sinister about Wasps surely!