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.

No Christmas Tree Is Safe

No Christmas Tree Is Safe, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This is obviously the main reason that Father Christmas keeps his deer on the roof while he delivers the presents.
The needles must have tasted good to the Sika because he was doing this for the best part of an hour.

Peace & Quiet

Peace & Quiet, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The weather was less than favourable today and so I headed inland. The local Sika deer are always willing to pose but the real bonus is being able to get up close and personal. Leaving the well trodden paths and settling into the bracken means, if you are patient and maybe a little lucky, you can really enjoy being with these beautiful animals.

We May Need More Light

We May Need More Light, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This mornings wander along the cliffs didn't go quite as planned. After a promising start, the rain closed in and although the clouds looked pretty spectacular, taking photographs wasn't easy.

Catching The Red Eye

Catching The Red Eye, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I have always wondered what it must be like to wander the countryside and have dangerous animals for company. You know, bears or wolves, something like that.
I'm not sure how I would get on, but after getting beaten up by a Canada Goose today, maybe I should just stick to Moorhens.

Wildfowl Trust?

Wildfowl Trust?, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The Canada Goose is quite an impressive bird but to many it is an unwanted pest. I have always quite liked them though and besides, they are easy to photograph.
Just don't turn your back on them whilst trying to shoot other, less grumpy, birds. This one gave me a sharp peck on the back of the neck.
Wildfowl trust?....Nope, not any more!

Small Faces

Small Faces, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

As the Sun went down on what turned out to be a lovely blue sky day there was just enough time to sit and watch. This young Sika seemed happy to stay and enjoy the last of the warmth with me.

Eight Points

Eight Points, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Fully tooled up with a fine set of 8 point antlers, the Sika wasn't in the mood to hang about. He quickly guided his family through the bracken and disappeared into the trees. Usually, they are more than willing to pose and I can't help feeling a little guilty when I make them run.

Nice Weather For Gulls

Nice Weather For Gulls, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

A wet and dull start to the day as we made our way to the War Memorial and then to the beach to run the dogs. Not much chance to get the camera out, but the little Black-Headed Gulls seemed happy enough.

Overcast

Overcast, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The weather today has been disappointing, with the promise of blue skies dispelling the rumours that forecasts are getting more accurate. After using all of my technical know-how to fix the camera (first shaking it and then banging it) I was looking forward to getting out and about.
Unfortunately, nature stayed in bed. Apart from the Robin of course, he can always be relied upon to pose.

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 Buck was nearby too, but that shot was a little gloomy.

Silence

Silence, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Comman Place

Comman Place, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Although they are often described as just another little brown bird and rather dull in appearance, the Dunnock is a cracking little bird. When the Sun hits them there markings and colours really show nicely. A very sweet little bird.

Red Light

Red Light, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Along with the Dunnock, the Robin just cries out to be photographed. Both of these birds make great subjects and both are more than a little generous with there time as models.

Out Of The Blue

Out Of The Blue, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

All was quiet on the cliffs this morning until the Peregrines turned up. This one flew in straight from the sea, scattering the Pigeons and Jackdaws.

Peregrine Flypast

Peregrine Flypast, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

After a couple of low level tours of the cliffs the Peregrine circled high before plunging out of sight. It is amazing how much better the shot looks when you remember to take the lens cap off.

Misty Mornings

Misty Mornings, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Very little time to break out the camera during the week, but I did manage this early morning shot. It is strange how the mist changes not only the view but the sounds.

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.