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!

Still Clouded

Still Clouded, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

There are still a few butterflies on the wing even though we are in to November now. Apart from a rocket propelled Red Admiral there was this slightly more sedantary Clouded Yellow.

Sunbathing

Sunbathing, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Walking through the trees on a sunny morning is always good, but taking shots is difficult because of the light. So I was was quite pleased to come across a sunbathing squirell.

Sunny Spells

Sunny Spells, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Every day this week, we have had wonderful sunny mornings. Today, when I decided have a day off, the Sun was a little bit more difficult to find.

Sika Seeker

Sika Seeker, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

A young Sika Deer doing its best to stay out of the rain. Sometimes they are easy to get close too, sometimes not so easy. Either way, they are wonderful to see.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Hidden under the bracken, in a patch of moss, we found these little chaps. The rain has left the ground very wet, but at least we get to see more fantastic little mushrooms.

Western Conifer Seed Bug?

Western Conifer Seed Bug?, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

If this is a Western Conifer Seed Bug I don't think DEFRA will be happy that I just let it fly out the door. The info I have is dated 2007, but it was on there most wanted list. Perhaps I should give them a ring...
Lovely little thing though.

Painfull, Inflamable and Edible

Painfull, Inflamable and Edible, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

A bit of a strange old day on the weather front today. Lots of rain during the day and then blinding, low Sun on the way home. Still, the fabled photographers 'Golden Hour' was indeed golden, the light was just perfect.

"IT'S SUNNY"

"IT'S SUNNY", originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

As the Sun rose this morning, by far the most vocal bird seemed to be the Robin. Every where we went you could here them singing there little hearts out. It was a lovely morning though, I suppose he had plenty to sing about.

Portrait Of A Stick

Portrait Of A Stick, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I really like Long Tailed Tits. I prefer them when they are in focus though, but I do think that this is a fine shot of a stick! I need more time.....

Early Monday

Early Monday, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Typical, a fine blue sky morning and I didn't have time to enjoy it. Even a brief wander along the cliffs with Benny really blew the cobwebs away, though.

Black Beard

Black Beard, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

After a very stormy start to the day, the rain stopped and it brightened up a little. Joining the young Herring and Black Headed Gulls were a couple of Crows. Even with the poor light there feathers really shine, making the other birds look rather dull.

Sunlight At The Anvil

Sunlight At The Anvil, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

What a difference a day makes. This was taken yesterday morning just as the Sun was starting to burn through the clouds. Anvil Point Lighthouse always provides a bit of interest, this was where the illusive Black Redstart spent the morning.
Today we have rain and high winds, I'll have a wander up to the cliffs later just in case there is anything else stupid enough to brave the elements.