Thursday 29 December 2011

More Weather

More Weather by julian sawyer
More Weather, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

If the current weather conditions continue into the weekend you may be subjected to more of these.
Another shot taken in December last year when we had snow and blue skies. I can hardly remember what a blue sky looks like!

Weather

Weather by julian sawyer
Weather, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

With the wind and rain making it difficult to get any shots of the Purbeck coast, I thought I would post some from a more picturesque time. This is the Anvil Point Lighthouse taken in December last year and looks almost exactly not how it looked this morning!

Wednesday 28 December 2011

Nothing

Nothing by julian sawyer
Nothing, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.


Well, another grey day with even less Sun than yesterday and I am getting a little desperate.
All the usual suspects were out and about, which is always good to see, but unfortunately there wasn't a decent photograph amongst the dozens that I still managed to take.

Just for the record the horizon, from this point, is about 14 miles away. That is an awful lot of nothing!

Monday 26 December 2011

Keep Warm and Keep Your Eyes Open

After the excesses of yesterday it was good to get out and about this morning. The weather was not great again though, very grey and overcast with very little Sun.
There was one very brief break in the clouds which gve me just enoug time to catch a Kestrel with a lot on his mind.
Plenty of people on the cliffs looking out for Dolphins too, after they had been spotted again last week but as usual, Dolphins don't turn up when you want them to.

Saturday 24 December 2011

Crowds

Crowds by julian sawyer
Crowds, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Apart from a very helpful Robin, the only other willing model was this Chaffinch.
The Bullfinch that I tried to follow was too quick for me, the lone Fulmar that swept along the cliffs was strangley out of focus and the Dolphins didn't even bother to show up!

The Perfect Pose?

The Perfect Pose? by julian sawyer
The Perfect Pose?, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

You can always rely on a Robin to ham it up when your struggling for a decent shot!
I can spend hours with these chaps.

Friday 23 December 2011

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas by julian sawyer
Merry Christmas, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Well, work is over for while but, as is usually the case, I haven't been able to get much snapping done.
So, just in case I can't get a more seasonal shot, this will have to do.
Sika, Benny and I would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday.
Cheers

Saturday 17 December 2011

ChiffChat

ChiffChat by julian sawyer
ChiffChat, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.


This little chap was very flighty and not at all keen on sitting still. I always get these mixed up with various Warblers but I think it is a Chiffchaff. I couldn't ask him, he wouldn't let me get a word in.

Poser

Poser by julian sawyer
Poser, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.


It never seems to take long for a Robin to realise you are taking photographs. Not that I am complaining, these are lovely little birds and always fun to have around.

Smile And Wave

Smile And Wave by julian sawyer
Smile And Wave, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.


The Purbeck coast has taken a bit of a hammering this week and the seas were still pretty rough today. The view from the cliffs here is always spectacular but when the waves try to reach the footpath at the top and the accompanying roar sounds like cannon fire it can just about take your breath away.
When the weather is this good you can see for miles. The Lighthouse at The Needles on the Isle of Wight is visible in the distance and that is about 18 miles east of here. From Durlston Castle, on top of the cliffs, you can see chimneys almost twice as far as that!

Friday 16 December 2011

Fish For Lunch

Fish For Lunch by julian sawyer
Fish For Lunch, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

I don't walk along river banks often enough and that is something I intend to do something about next year. We spent a good couple of hours following the Kingfishers today, they really are an incredible bird and the winter sun really makes the colours shine.

Concentration

Concentration by julian sawyer
Concentration, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

The Kingfisher is another bird that I have great fun trying to photograph.
I don't see them often and rarely close enough to get a reasonable shot. They look their best in the sunshine too which means that the river has to be in the right place!!
Oh yes, a good perch too and a helpful fish and no twigs in the way and no shadows and no walkers or dogs or other birds....
Apart from all that, the're a doddle!

Thursday 15 December 2011

Meadow Pipit's Mate

Meadow Pipit's Mate by julian sawyer
Meadow Pipit's Mate, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

There was not a lot of choice in the small bird department, most of them seemed to have more sense and stayed out of the wind. I decided to follow a small group of Meadow Pipits for a while and was surprised to find a single Dartford Warbler tagging on to them.

Cheeky

Cheeky by julian sawyer
Cheeky, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

It seems so long since I managed to get out with the camera for a proper wander. Not quite the best weather for it, but nothing was going to stop me getting out and I was decidedly trigger happy! Nothing was safe and no amount of wind or rain would stop me snapping away. I was even happy to be mooned by a family of Sika!

Saturday 10 December 2011

Big Mouth

Big Mouth by julian sawyer
Big Mouth, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

By far the noisiest bird this morning was this chap and he spent a fair amount of time making sure we didn't forget.

Small Birds and Poor Reflexes

After a week without any chance to pick up the camera it was good to get out today, even though I only had a hour or so.
Plenty of little birds around, which is always a good thing, even if my hit rate was a little low!
Luckily, the Dunnock is always ready to pose for a while.

Monday 5 December 2011

Flight Of A Purbeck Kite

Over the last few years there have been quite a few reported sightings of Red Kites above the Isle of Purbeck but I have seen only one and that was a long way away.
Today, with the help of the last few rays of sun before it was hidden by black clouds, I got a much better view.

Wind Blown

Wind Blown by julian sawyer
Wind Blown, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

I didn't get much time to take shots of this Red Kite but it was great to watch it twist and turn in the wind.
Here, high above the ranges at the western end of the Isle of Purbeck, it was possible to get eye-level with this beautiful bird.

Sunday 4 December 2011

The Rear Guard

The Rear Guard by julian sawyer
The Rear Guard, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

The Priest's Way is an ancient footpath that leads from Worth to Swanage and is a lovely walk even on a dull, grey, cloudy day. This morning was especially dull and grey, making it difficult to take shots of the Roe Deer that wouldn't let me get very close at all.
Finally, I tried to get a shot of a herd of cows all lined up with there backs to me (don't ask me why) but that wasn't to be either.
Some days are more difficult than others..

Saturday 3 December 2011

More Drive-by Shootings

More Drive-by Shootings by julian sawyer
More Drive-by Shootings, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

I know I keep saying this, but there is very little time during the week to take photographs and I have to take a shot whenever I can.
Yesterdays target was a young Fox that looked in very good condition but was very timid.
Always lovely to see a wild Fox in its own environment though.

Durlston Dartfords

Durlston Dartfords by julian sawyer
Durlston Dartfords, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Older Wildlife

Older Wildlife by julian sawyer
Older Wildlife, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Not exactly a natural resident, but he did look good with the Sun on him.

Sunday 27 November 2011

Reds On Reds

Reds On Reds by julian sawyer
Reds On Reds, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

The Robin will always be one of my favourite little birds and I have great fun taking pictures of them.
This one was happy to pose for quite a while whilst I snapped away.

Still Hanging On

Still Hanging On by julian sawyer
Still Hanging On, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

So, it's the 27th of November, Christmas is just around the corner and pub chat is pondering the chances of snow before too long.
However, this Red Admiral obviously didn't have a calendar and he seemed to be enjoying the Sun.

It's A Big, Big World

It's A Big, Big World by julian sawyer
It's A Big, Big World, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

There were plenty of people out and about on the cliffs today, encouraged by the beautiful weather and a recently reopened castle, perhaps.
Still, there is always a chance to find your own little space, away from the crowds, to think your own thoughts.

Friday 25 November 2011

Golds And Greens

Golds And Greens by julian sawyer
Golds And Greens, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

I couldn't just post one shot of the Goldcrests. After years of trying to get a good enough picture, I am rather pleased with these.

Ivy League

Ivy League by julian sawyer
Ivy League, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

The Goldcrest has been at the top of my hit list for many years. I have lost count of all the 'almost' shots I have of this quick, tiny little bird.
This morning, I managed to spend about half an hour in the company of a small group of them.

Good Morning World

Good Morning World by julian sawyer
Good Morning World, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Not a great deal of time to wander today, which was a shame because Durlston was looking beautiful in the early morning sunshine.

Wednesday 23 November 2011

Red, Red Robin

Red, Red Robin by julian sawyer
Red, Red Robin, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Every now and again, our little feathered friends do us a favour by sitting quite happily in front of a lovely background. I would like to thank the Robin for being patient and Halfords for supplying the background.

Sunday 20 November 2011

Day Three In Firecrest World

I have spent a fair amount of time over the last three days bugging these tiny little birds and I think I should leave them be for a while. Today, there were at least half a dozen Firecrests and a few Goldcrests (my next target perhaps) and they are great fun to watch and photograph.

Top Heavy

Top Heavy by julian sawyer
Top Heavy, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

The speed at which the Firecrests dart through the trees and bushes is amazing. Trying to second guess their movements is almost impossible and it is so hard keeping a constant eye on your light. I have taken hundreds of shots that were either too dark or completely blown out because these little chaps flit in and out of the shadows.
That said, I have really enjoyed myself over the last three days.

The Rock Room

The Rock Room by julian sawyer
The Rock Room, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Today was a very special day for me as, completely unexpectedly, I found that Durlston Castle were selling Palmer's Copper Ale!
Drinking a pint in the Autumn sunshine on the terrace, overlooking what must be one of the finest views in the country was just about perfect.
One of the other 'must see' parts of the castle is The Rock Room, a beautifully lit treasure for any fossil nerd like me.

Saturday 19 November 2011

Small Birds, Big Twiggs

Small Birds, Big Twiggs by julian sawyer
Small Birds, Big Twiggs, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

When you are trying to photograph tiny birds, even the smallest twigs get in the way.
Photograph number two of my obsession with the local Firecrest and Goldcrest population.
A little more time is needed I think.

The Lookout

The Lookout by julian sawyer
The Lookout, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Durlston Castle visitors were not the only ones enjoying the view today, this Kestrel was quite happy to sit and sway in the breeze.

View From The Terrace

View From The Terrace by julian sawyer
View From The Terrace, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

After many years and quite a large lump of cash Durlston Castle has finally reopened (although there is still work to do) and it is stunning! This is a view from the rear of the castle over the bays to the north and it is hard to imagine a place with a better one.
When all the building work is finished and the castle is fully open it will be even more spectacular.

Friday 18 November 2011

Fun With The Firecrests

Fun With The Firecrests by julian sawyer
Fun With The Firecrests, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

I have never seen a Firecrest before and they, as well as the Goldcrest, have been at the top of my hit list for a while.
There was a flock of about ten birds (although I don't know how many were Firecrests and how many were Goldcrests) bouncing through the trees and keeping to the shadows.
After mainy failed attempts at a reasonable shot I decided to use the flash. Not easy with the big lens and it has made for a terrible background, but I am quite chuffed with this one.

Thursday 17 November 2011

Badly Named Birds

Badly Named Birds by julian sawyer
Badly Named Birds, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Today was another one of those 'can't take a photograph to save my life' days. Everything was either too far away, too quick or out of focus (and I really hate those out of focus birds).
This is a Tree Creeper and they really should be called Tree Chargingaboutneverstayingstill..er.

Monday 14 November 2011

Dull and Overcast

Dull and Overcast by julian sawyer
Dull and Overcast, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Not just the weather forecast! This is Corfe Castle desperately trying to stay visible in the decending gloom. Still an impressive collection of stones and still a fine landmark for the trip home.

Sunday 13 November 2011

Big Bucks

Big Bucks by julian sawyer
Big Bucks, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

At this time of year the Sika stags are fully tooled up with very impressive antlers.

Young Minds

Young Minds by julian sawyer
Young Minds, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Sika have a very curious nature and will often take a step towards you, perhaps to get a better look, before they disappear.

Bling

Bling                  by julian sawyer
Bling , a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

There are plenty of Sika on the Isle of Purbeck, a lot more than the more timid Roe deer, but they are always good to see.

Saturday 12 November 2011

Keeping An Eye Open

Keeping An Eye Open by julian sawyer
Keeping An Eye Open, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Just to the right of the Peregrine was another, sat on a rock screaming for attention.
He kept his distance while she made short work of what looked like the tastier parts of a pigeon.

Go On, Take It! I Dare You!

Even though this is a bit of a tight crop and the Peregrine was quite a way away, there was a still a real authority in her eyes.
Probably the number one predater on the cliffs (the Black Backed Gull may give it a run for its money though ) the other birds scatter until she has found breakfast.

Tuesday 8 November 2011

Short Legs or Tall Grass?

As the weather has been so bad lately I thought I would post another shot from my Roe trip on Sunday.
This little chap still has some growing to do.

Sunday 6 November 2011

Mission Accomplished

Mission Accomplished            by julian sawyer
Mission Accomplished , a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

I was a little bit disappointed not to see any Roe Deer on my walk this morning and so I went for another this afternoon.
My reward was to find four of what are easily my favourite animals to photograph.
This young chap was very timid and, even though his mum was only a few feet from him, he didn't hang around for long.

Parachutes

Parachutes by julian sawyer
Parachutes, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

These fun guys were found by a member of the Dorset Fungus Group who were out and about on one of there regular foray trips.
So, never one to miss a photo opportunity, I took a few snaps and then forgot to ask what they were called.
More info about the Dorset Fungus Group can be found here:
www.dorsetfungusgroup.com

Pasty Substitute

Pasty Substitute                       by julian sawyer
Pasty Substitute , a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

On a beautiful, if slightly breezy, blue sky morning todays wander was always going to good. There was plenty of noise coming from the hedgerows, but it was difficult to get good view of the birds that seemed to be sheltering from the wind. No Roe Deer around either, which is always disappointing.

Tuesday 1 November 2011

The Fisher King

The Fisher King by julian sawyer
The Fisher King, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.


Always good to see a Kingfisher and even better when they sit for a while and let you snap away.
He even turned around for a front view which was very nice of him.

Flashback

Flashback by julian sawyer
Flashback, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.


With very little time, during the week, to take photographs I tend to grab every chance I get. Today, just before a meeting, I had a chance to spend a couple of minutes watching this Kingfisher as he darted along the river.
He landed quite close but although the far bank of the river was in full Sun, the branch he sat on was shaded.

Quiet but never silent.

I missed the Sun this morning, not because I was late but because the early wander was done and dusted by the time the clouds cleared. When...