The Point

The Point, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

There are several really special views along the coast path and in my opinion, this is one of them. Standing above Durlston Bay looking north, past Peveril Point with the Coastwatch station. Across Swanage Bay to the chalk cliffs and Old Harry to Bournemouth in the distance.

Old Harry

Old Harry, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

A bit of a close up of the Pinnacles and Old Harry. Another special place and great fun to visit in a canoe.

Purbeck Moon

Purbeck Moon, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I have been meaning to get out and take some more night shots. Last night though, I managed to get out late and play about a bit.

Meet The Twins

Meet The Twins, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

It was a real pleasure to see these two again today. There was the full family of Roe deer, the stag (with a set of velvet covered antlers) the mother, a two year old female and these two.
Not a bad start to the morning.

Pretty Polly

Pretty Polly, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This is another one of those birds that I really struggle with. This Pied Wagtail was quite happily sat on a statue overlooking the bay.
I didn't have the chance to photograph many birds today, so this was a bit of a bonus.

All Gold

All Gold, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I just managed to catch this tonight, but only after upsetting several other road users. I don't really know why they complained, I was only in the middle of the road for 1:300th of a second or so....

Unmanaged Woodland

Unmanaged Woodland, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Sometimes it is best to let nature take its course, after all, she has been managing woodland for a lot longer than we have. It is a bit of a pain walking around, but this is just perfect for me. We are lucky to have several places like this on the Purbeck, just hope they keep getting ignored.

Common Favourite

Common Favourite, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I just love Buzzards. Perhaps they are common and maybe they are not the prettiest of birds, but that doesn't matter. Today, I couldn't take a decent picture to save my life and then I stumbled across the Buzzard. All of a sudden my day improved.

Tails From The Millpond

Tails From The Millpond, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Right in the heart of Swanage there is a small millpond. This feeds into the brook that continues, only a few hundred yards down, to the sea. Home to the usual suspects, Moorhens, the occasional Pochard and a couple of handsome Mallards. He wouldn't turn around though, but I swear he was smiling.

Cold Shoulder

Cold Shoulder, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Beautiful little birds, Sparrows, but one that we quite often forget about.

Scarface

Scarface, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I have seen this young lad before, a couple of months ago. He has a scar across his face, which you can just about see even though I still didnt get the light that I wanted so he is a little hazey. Still, it is always a pleasure to see the local Roe deer. They are quite shy and there are not too many of them so it is quite lucky that some girls dig scars!

Worm Sign

Worm Sign, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

There were about twenty Redwings and at least as many Fieldfares on the heath today, looking for soggy worms. It didn't take long for them to get close, but the light was terrible.

Corfe from the Norfe

Corfe from the Norfe, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Taken from the North this time, Corfe Castle has Purbeck's southern hills to contend with. It looks different when you can't see the hills that are on its east and west side too. Almost, but not quite, lost in the mist that refused to burn off, we were about 3 miles away.

What on earth.....

What on earth....., originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I don't tend to be paranoid, but when our little feathered friends start looking at you strangely, you know that something is going on. I watched these chaps for a while, but I only had a thin shirt on and started to shiver. Not too good when you are trying to take pictures.

Smile And Wave

Smile And Wave, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Spending time at the cliffs is one of the best ways I have found to clear the head. One of the best places to watch the waves on a rough sea day is at Anvil Point, just below the lighthouse. The old Tilly Whim quarry tends takes the full force of the waves.

Population Explosion

Population Explosion, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Well, today was a lot better, the sun was shining, the sky was blue and it was almost perfect. I have been used to having the cliffs to myself lately, but the crowds were certainly out today. It really is good to see so many people enjoying themselves in such a beautiful setting and you could barely hear the little voice at the back of my head constantly swearing at them....

Stir Crazy

Stir Crazy, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Today, the rains came and the clouds refused to lift. So like a real man, I sat sulking in the corner until I just had to get out. There really wasn't a lot around, so I had to go where I knew I would at least have something to focus on. Buzzards are a bit of a favourite of mine so, even if the light is pretty bad and the detail is not great, I quite like one. It sort of sums up the day!

Day Dreamer

Day Dreamer, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Well, rain or not, the Sika were happy to pose. They are the perfect antidote to a dull, wet, miserable day.

Closer.....

Closer....., originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

It took quite a while to get close to this Kestrel, when she flew off she didn't go far. I see her most days and I hope she is getting more used to me. It is not easy to hide when you are walking through a field of cut grass!

Breakfast

Breakfast, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Squirrels are always great to watch and this one was no exception. Once he had finished eating he ran up the tree, found some more food and returned to this spot to eat.

Another Quick Buck

Another Quick Buck, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I can spend hours in the company of these Sika. Still fully armed, at least for a while, the stags do look impressive.

A Robin On The Edge

A Robin On The Edge, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

On of the things Durlston is most proud of is the number of different species of sea birds you can spot from the cliffs. Everything from Balearic Shearwaters to..erm.. Robins.

Purbeck Fallow

Purbeck Fallow, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I was a little surprised to see this chap on the Isle of Purbeck. We have Sika and Roe deer but as far as I was aware, (and I am awaiting clarification) there were no Fallow deer! So, that begs the question; where has he come from? I know of a few private herds and, of course, the New Forest Fallow, but they really are miles away. I didn't have a lot of time to take this as the rain was falling, what light we had was quickly disappearing and he didn't really appreciate being interupted.

Small Shadows

Small Shadows, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The freezing conditions contimue and that seems to bring all the birds more into view. One of the noisiest of these, I think, is the Wren. A lovely little bird with a very big mouth.

Fieldfare

Fieldfare, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Another Winter visitor that has appeared in numbers but that continues to be an unwilling subject. I just cannot get close to these birds, so this shot will have to do.

Sneaky Redwing

Sneaky Redwing, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

There have been quite a few Redwings and Feildfares around, but I have never managed to catch one before. This solitary Redwing was doing its best to hide in the grass along the cliffs.

Sea Watch

Sea Watch, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I think we could describe this mornings wander as a bit chilly. The temperature was probably just above freezing, but the wind sliced through you like a razor. Still, the sun was out and it really was beautiful along the cliffs. Plenty about too, with this little Rock Pippet trying to avoid the Jackdaws and Gulls.

Chilled

Chilled, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I haven't had any time to play in the snow this year. So, a quick detour this afternoon was exactly what I needed. I only had a few minutes, so I was pleased to seee these two doing there best to relax in the freezing temperatures. Hopefully, I will be able to get out and about properly this weekend.

Starling Darling?

Starling Darling?, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The end of another beautiful blue sky day.

All White Out

All White Out, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

One of the most photographed views of Corfe Castle, I expect. After a few hours of snow and a very grey morning, the Sun came out and the Isle of Purbeck looked quite different.

Poole Harbour Safari

Poole Harbour Safari, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Sika deer feeding on the marshes that line Poole Harbour. Always great to see.

Corfe Kingfisher

Corfe Kingfisher, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Through the trees, almost into the Sun and with one foot in freezing cold water, this was the best I could do. The first time I have seen a Kingfisher in the stream that flows at the base of Corfe Castle and only the fourth one I have seen on the Purbeck. So, I was quite happy really.

New Year Robin

New Year Robin, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I can never resist the chance to take a picture of a Robin. Actually, I think I must have taken thirty pictures of this one. I do get carried away.

Beachcombing

Beachcombing, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

A walk along the beach is never boring, whatever the weather. Today though, with the Sun shining, it was almost perfect. The sea was rough enough to chuck all manner of goodies on to the sand. Apart from the Pippits, Pigeons and Wagtails there was a couple of Crows helping to clean up after last nights celebrations.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Just a short walk along the beach with Benny today, to try and blow the cobwebs away. It was nice to have a beautiful day for a change and even nicer to pick up the camera again.
Anyway, here's wishing you all a fine and happy 2010.