Happy New Year

Happy New Year, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

As the last couple of days have been very overcast and dull, not great for taking pictures, I thought I would post one of my Roe Deer shots from the Summer.
Thanks, everyone, for all the interest and comments in my pictures this year and here's hoping for a safe and happy 2011.
All the very best, Julian.

The Shepherds House

The Shepherds House, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The village of Tyneham ruined, but now carefully protected, lies in a valley held by the Ministry of Defence. Although popular with walkers there is still a chance to get off the path and find a little piece and quiet.

www.isleofpurbeck.com/tyneham.

We Shall Return One Day

We Shall Return One Day, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

When the village of Tyneham was evacuated in 1943 a note was pinned to the church door. It read:
"Please treat the church and houses with care; we have given up our homes where many of us lived for generations to help win the war to keep men free. We shall return one day and thank you for treating the village kindly"

The church and the school house have survived the rest is the skeleton of a memory.

www.isleofpurbeck.com/tyneham.

Blue Monday

Blue Monday, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Plenty of little birds around at the moment and of these, perhaps the most numerous is the Blue Tit. A lovely little bird that has bags of personality.

Unfair

Unfair, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I have spent hours, over the last few days, following the dozens of Redwings and Fieldfares that have flocked to the Isle of Purbeck. Even though there are so many around I have found it really hard to get close enough.

I'm Ready For My Close Up

I'm Ready For My Close Up, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

He really was a friendly little chap and, as you probably know that Robins are one of my favourite birds, I could have quite happily spent a lot more time with him.

Little & Large

Little & Large, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Although it was bitterly cold on the cliffs this morning there was plenty to see. Unfortunately, yet again, there was a problem with the human interface on the camera, every time I pressed the button I messed up the shot. I blamed the prospect of too much food and drink to come. The highlight was a very friendly Robin that was more than happy to keep me amused.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone.

Snow Blind

Snow Blind, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Although the light was far from perfect this afternoon, there was just enough to reflect up from the snow and turn the Sika from brown to silver.

Cold Comfort

Cold Comfort, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Even though you don't have to go far to see our local Sika, they are always a pleasure to watch. There is still snow on the ground here and that gives me another excuse to take a few shots.

A Different Kind Of Snowfall

A Different Kind Of Snowfall, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

After a day when The Purbeck was hit by fresh snow and the roads became a bit of a lottery it was good to go through the pictures I took during a more picturesque time. This is Anvil Point Lighthouse on a particularly beautiful morning earlier this month.

Wheel Spin

Wheel Spin, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Sika can out accelerate most dogs and happily gave a Pointer a run for his money yesterday. She has trouble cornering at the best of times though and controlled stopping tends to be a bit hit and miss.

Mad Dogs And Englishmen

Mad Dogs And Englishmen, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I can't count the number of shots I have lost because of these two, but a wander without them just isn't the same. Sika has the speed and can easily outrun Benny, but Benny is clever and can turn on a sixpence. Watching them charge around is a joy and is very rewarding considering the life they may have had.

Favourite Seat

Favourite Seat, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I suppose every one needs a comfortable place to it and watch the world go by. This particular twig is home to this particular Dunnock (or one very much like it) and he lets me get very close. I am always amazed at how many different colours and markings make up this 'little brown bird'.

Finally...

Finally..., originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I don't know how many years I have been waiting for a shot of a Robin in 'proper' snow. Last night we had almost a whole inch of the white stuff (which for the Purbeck is a blizzard) and for a bonus, today was a good walking day.

Cold Castle

Cold Castle, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

After a very cold wander along the cliffs this morning I decided to venture inland. In the distance to the north the snow was starting to settle again and the clouds were coming this way. It was a bit chilly on the top of the Purbeck Hills, but the view is superb and well worth the climb.

Sika Seeker

Sika Seeker, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Sika are just wonderful animals. They have the most expressive faces and are incredibly curious. Although these Sika wont let you get too close, they are a lot more used to people than my local Roe deer and so will tolerate a little more intrusion.

Collared

Collared, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

At the local farm shop, suddenly surrounded by several Christmas tree hunters, were a pair of Collared Doves. Looking very posh and a lot more picturesque than the chickens they finally settled on the moss covered shop roof.

Dad And The Twins

Dad And The Twins, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Which begs the question, where is Mum? There was no sign of the female Roe deer today, which was a shame but it was good to see these again. It has been a good year for the Purbeck Roe, which is good news for such a small population.

A Reflective Moment

A Reflective Moment, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I can't remember the last time I saw a Bullfinch but it was a quite a while ago. This is one of my brothers favourite birds and as he is one of my fiercest critics he often has a go because I can never get a decent shot of one The light was terrible this morning and this is a bit of a tight crop but even though it will never make it into the calendar, it might shut him up for a while.

Heads And Tails

Heads And Tails, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Desperate to use up the last of the Sun, I stumbled across these two Sikas. Still plenty of these around and always a pleasure to see.

Showoff

Showoff, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

There have been a few flocks of Starlings around here lately, but this chap seemed happier on his own making a proper racket.
Lovely to see these and I don't tend to be able to get close.

Tales Of A Dorset Otter Part 1

Tales Of A Dorset Otter Part 1, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Being able to watch a wild animal in its own environment brings its own rewards. This was the first time I had seen a wild Otter and it is something I will never forget.
It was very dark, but I am quite happy with these.

Tales Of A Dorset Otter Part 2

Tales Of A Dorset Otter Part 2, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

There were four Otters, two of them being pups. I had a tip off from a couple of people that they were here and after a few evenings spent waiting and watching out they obliged with a show.

Tales Of A Dorset Otter Part 3

Tales Of A Dorset Otter Part 3, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

As the Sun set and with stupid settings on the camera, all four Otters came out for a swim. The cubs played quite a way from the waters edge, but this one was a little more obliging.

Posing Buzzard

Posing Buzzard, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The weather was too nice to stay in this afternoon, so I managed another quick wander. Not a lot going on but this Buzzard hopped from a very boring telegraph pole to a much nicer perch. The light was quite good too, which made a nice change.

From Durlston To Dartford

From Durlston To Dartford, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

After yesterdays rain it was good to get out and about again. Blue skies and a very slight breeze meant that there was always going to be something good to look at. A bit of a bonus was a very flighty Dartford Warbler, a bird that I can't usually get close to.

Red And Gold

Red And Gold, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Plenty of little birds about today, including a good number of Goldfinches. I saw a Fox too, for the first time in months, but I couldn't get close to it.

Predictable

Predictable, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Well, the snow disappeared just as quickly as it arrived and today we are back to normal. So this is another shot from yesterday and, of course, it had to be a Robin in the snow. It took a while for him to settle and he wouldn't sit where I wanted him too, but then you can't have everything.

Alternative Subjects

Alternative Subjects, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

When there are no Robins available to sit in the snow, a Dunnock will do nicely. One of my favourite little birds and a welcome distraction while I'm waiting for the Robin.

Sika's New Coat

Sika's New Coat, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I'm not a big fan of coats for dogs, I tend to prefer the one they are born with, but Sika is a bit skinny and apparently she feels the cold. Now don't laugh, it only looks too big when she is sitting down!

Global Weather Forecast

Global Weather Forecast, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This is The Great Globe at Durlston on the Isle of Purbeck, it is 40 tonnes of Portland limestone and about 10 feet across. Built in 1887 it is not entirely accurate but with snow covering most of the Northern Hemisphere it seemed pretty well spot on today.

Steaming Seas

Steaming Seas, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

As the fog cleared from the sea it took on all manner of shapes. As the wind blew from the West the fog made the sea look like it was simmering in the cold.

A Good Morning

A Good Morning, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This mornings walk up the hill to the cliffs was wonderful. As the Sun broke through the clouds the mist started to burn away and the day was getting better and better.

Special Forces Donkeys #8 Equipment Shortage

Special Forces Donkeys #8 Equipment Shortage, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Even the famous Special Forces Donkeys are finding conditions unpredictable and difficult. A shortage of regulation camouflage gear means that they have to improvise.

Snow Roe

Snow Roe Doe, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This is what I was really looking for this morning. There were plenty of footprints around, but not many belonged to this young lady. She had curled up close to the hedge and was almost invisible. This is one of last years Roe deer and I haven't seen her for a while, so I was quite happy.

Snowfall At The Anvil

Snowfall At The Anvil, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Anvil Point Lighthouse is one of the Isle of Purbecks better known landmarks. We don't tend to see it in the snow though, so a quick picture is a must. The clouds were pretty grey and with the promise of more snow later it looks like we should be seeing this for a little while yet.

All White Out

All Whire Out, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Well, we don't get snow very often but when we do, we react like proper Englishmen. We don't drive because the roads are too dangerous but then race down steep hills on small bits of flat plastic. We complain that it is too cold and then spend far too long outside, getting soaking wet, throwing snowballs at the kids. We have it easier down here than many and so for now, snow is good.

Keeping An Eye On The Weather

Keeping An Eye On The Weather, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The Isle of Purbeck escaped the worst of the weather again, at least for a while, with a large chunk of the rest of the country getting slightly more snow. It was gloomy though and I was lucky to see a rather dashing Pheasant keeping a look out.

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 this morning. 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'...

Warm Feet?

Warm Feet?, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Given that the water was probably at a higher temperature than the air, maybe Herons have the right idea!

Time To Wrap Up

Time To Wrap Up, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

With just a few flurries of snow promised for over night, the day was always going to cold. I was hoping for good light though, but everything had that dull, grey, overcast feel to it. All the sensible birds and animals hunkered down under cover making the wander a little quiet.This little Dunnock summed up the day for me, he looked decidedly chilly and fed up.

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.

Pale Face

Pale Face, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Another of my favourite birds and another easy catch (there may be a connection there somewhere).
The Black Headed Gull is a very pretty little bird and, on a bright or rather dull day, a very pleasing subject.

Backlit Swarm

Backlit Swarm, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

At least a couple of hundred Starlings bugging a slightly smaller herd of Highland cows this afternoon. The light wasn't great, but it helped having the Sun behind them.

Sun Down

Sun Down, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

During the week I see the Sun rise over the Purbeck on the way to work and if I'm lucky, I get back in time for the Sunset.
It is a bonus when the Sun set looks like this.

Bandit

Bandit, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

These are tiny little birds, but always willing to pinch food from under the beaks of larger birds. Blue Tits are great to watch and provide a bit of much needed colour on a dull day.

Purbeck Snipe

Purbeck Snipe, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

There were quite a few eager chaps hurrying around Arne the other day searching for an illusive Snipe. This one though was just a few feet from the visitors centre at Durlston. A fine place for a pasty and a cup of coffee on a cold day.

Easy Catch

Easy Catch, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Another favourite, but the Dunnock is often overlooked. Beautifully marked and a little braver than many other birds I really enjoy taking photos of these.

Smile

Smile, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This may have ended in a smile, but if I am totally honest it was preceded by a very respectable burp. I just didn't think that 'Sika Belch' made a very good title.