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.