Starling Darling?

Starling Darling?, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

As rain has stopped play, I have decided to post a shot from this time last year. I'm not sure if the weather is going to get better any time soon, so I may not be able to get out with the camera.

Scruffy

Scruffy, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Even though he was not looking his best, it was very good to see this chap. This is the young Roe deer whose twin brother was killed by a dog just a few weeks ago. Half way between his Winter and Summer coat, he stood his ground for a while before wandering lazily towards the hedgerow. By the time his Summer coat is ready we might actually get some Sun.

Breakfast

Breakfast, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I only had time for a quick walk this morning, but although there was plenty of life on the cliffs, our feathered friends were less than happy to pose. That is, except for this Great Tit, taken about 5 minutes from home.

Purbeck Footprints

Purbeck Footprints, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

It is about time that I posted a shot of some of these. Probably about 130 million years old, they turn up when the cliffs fall apart or the quarry men come up trumps. The middle print is 300mm wide and may well be an Iguanadon ( a big old dinosaur ). But what really freaks me out is the chance to walk on the same ground that Godzilla walked on!!

Follow the Landslip

Follow the Landslip, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This was taken yesterday at one of larger landslip areas around the coast, but it already seems a long time ago. After yesterdays beautiful blue skies, today saw the return of the rain.

Wheatears

Wheatears, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

It has been a while since I have managed to pick up the camera, and when I do my computer dies. So, after many hours of tinkering and more than a little swearing, I have fixed the computer and the Sun comes out. Highlight of the day was a group of four Wheatears, my first this year and a real sign of Spring. Bit of a close crop on this one, but I had to post it.

Far Corfe

Far Corfe, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

When the Sun is out it is difficult to resist taking a shot of one of the best known features of the Isle of Purbeck. Corfe Castle has been an impressive sight for a thousand years and although it has seen better days, it should be around for a few more years yet.

Messy Eater

Messy Eater, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Not a great deal of time to snap away today, even though the weather was lovely. So, I had to make do with a quick portrait of my lunch date. Canada Geese get a lot of bad press, but apart from a small personal hygiene issue, this one was very polite.

Hide & Seek

Hide & Seek, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I like taking pictures that sum up the walk I have had and this one does that rather nicely. A beautiful morning, but a little windy, so all the little birds were bunkered deep in the undergrowth. As usual, I can always leave it to the Robin to save the day. I don't think you can ever take too many shots of these chaps.

Smile

Smile, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

For a little while, the only part of this Fox I saw was her ears. For about half an hour I waited, quite happily, in the sun for her to wake up. Eventually, she lifted her head and I swear she smiled before she turned around and disappeared into the hedgerow.

Fulmar Flyby

Fulmar Flyby, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

All of a sudden, it seems, the cliffs at Durlston are alive again with sea birds. Apart from the Fulmars, plenty of Guillemots, a few Razorbills, Shags, Black Backed and Herring Gulls all trying to 'out noise' each other.

Eye To Eye

Eye To Eye, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Following last weeks close encounter with an Adder, I was quite happy for this chap to slither on by. I never get bored of seeing these though and on a sunny day there marking show up very well.

Mouthfull

Mouthfull, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Why settle for one seed when you can fit several in your beak at once. Nuthatches are lovely looking birds and very quick. I saw several of these in the New Forest today, but this one was at RSPB Arne.

Heads & Tails

Heads & Tails, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

A bit of a 'James Herbert' moment here with a couple more Rats on the ground picking up the fallen Peanuts.
Perhaps not the intended use for the feeder and there were a few rather cross looking Great Tits nearby, but these chaps need to survive the Winter too.

Peek-a-Boo

Peek-a-Boo, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I quite like Rats. Apart from being a bit on the cute side, they are very clever and incredibly versatile.
Not every ones cup of tea, I suppose, but they are fun to watch as long as they don't live in my house....

Time to Ponder

Time to Ponder, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Deep in the woods, surrounded by plenty of much noisier little birds, was this little Robin. Very still and strangely silent, it just stayed there, seemingly lost in thought.
But then I suppose we all like to sit quietly in the Sun and think about what we need to think about.

Tree Or Meadow?

Tree Or Meadow?, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Now, I am pretty sure that this is a Pipit, but that is as far as it goes. If it was up to me, every Pipit in a tree would be a Tree Pipit but then when it landed in a meadow it would become a Meadow Pipit. Until little birds are born with I.D. cards, that is how it should be.
Anyway, as always a positive Pipit I.D. would be great, thanks.

Viper Hugs

Viper Hugs , originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

After this mornings 'interesting' engagement with an Adder a friend of mine suggested a return visit. Her first sighting of wild Adders was a bit of a good one though. At least eight of these ladies all having a big hug in a slightly safer place than earlier.

Upstart

Upstart, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I spent the best part of an hour following this very active Black Redstart around Durlston, as there aren't many around here. The fun had to come to an end, though, when I put my hand on a rather annoyed Adder. I'm not sure which one of us was more surprised, but it certainly took my mind off photography for a while.

The Messenger of Misfortunes

The Messenger of Misfortunes, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Beautiful, cloudless blue skies, not a breath of wind and a sparkling crisp frost! It must be a work day....
Still, the weather forecast for the weekend is good so fingers crossed that the Jackdaw got it wrong.

Blending In

Blending In, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This shot was taken just a few minutes before the other one and shows just how much the light changed. Treecreepers never stay still and getting a decent shot in poor light is not easy. Still, this one show off the lovely patterns on his back. I didn't realise they were so colourful.

Creeping

Creeping, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I have never had much luck with Treecreepers and today was no exception. This one came closer to me than ever before and I still struggled. Blue skies one minute, then cloud and gloom the next meant that catching this crafty little chap at his best was beyond me.