Room With A View

Room With A View, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Lots of action on the cliffs this morning as Herring and Black-Backed Gulls, Fulmars and Jackdaws all search for this years des res.
As all this was going on, a solitary Peregrine patrolled the cliffs looking for breakfast. I really struggle with shots of the Peregrines and today was no exception, just managed a slate grey blur against a clear blue sea.

Wide Eyed & Legless

Wide Eyed & Legless, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

It was nice to finally catch some Sun this morning after a week of clouds and gloom. We weren't the only ones enjoying it either, with at least nine Adders in their usual sunbathing spot and these two out on there own. Crawling through the grass and mud to get a closer look is always great fun.

Messy Eater

Messy Eater, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The first bit of sunshine for a while and of course it has to be a work day. There seems to be precious little time to click away at the moment so any chance I get to remove the lens cap is a bonus.
These youngsters were doing there best to plough a field with there snouts and, although they didn't feel like hanging around for a chat, they made a site meeting much more enjoyable.

New Kid On The Block

New Kid On The Block, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

One of the new Hereford calves at Durlston Country Park. These are used as environmentally friendly lawnmowers and are beautiful animals.

Follow The Leader

Follow The Leader, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This morning, with the weather not really knowing what to do, I set off with one aim in mind. For the last few months I haven't seen much of our small Roe deer population and I decided to rectify that. This buck, complete with a set of new, velvet covered, antlers let me get reasonably close, but didn't hang around for too long.

House Hunting

House Hunting, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Another couple that I look forward to seeing settle on the cliffs are the Kestrels. For the last few of years I have watched as the young are raised and taught the finer points of Kestrelism.

Location, Location, Location.

Location, Location, Location., originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

At a time when having a sea view isn't the only prerequisite for this years happening pad, the Fulmars are busy checking and rechecking any available ledge. These are beautiful birds and always superb to watch, they make perching on the cliff edge very worthwhile. It would have been quite nice getting the wing tip in the shot though...

Wrong Side Of The Sticks

Wrong Side Of The Sticks, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

More of a shout of Starlings than a murmuration, there were about fifty birds, making a racket in the early morning Sun. The colours and tones of Starling's feathers are incredible and although this one refused to pose on a more convenient twig, I couldn't resist a shot.

Dartfords Crossing

Dartfords Crossing, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

At one point there were five or six Dartford Warblers circling around making it difficult to know where to look. Very quick, but also very curious, they stayed around for a little while before getting bored with me.

Yellows

Yellows, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I don't see many Siskins and so I was quite pleased to get a shot. Lovely little birds though and constantly on the move.

Greens

Greens, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

A very grumpy looking Greenfinch keeping its eye a small group of Siskins.

Shoulders Back

Shoulders Back, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I must take hundreds of flight shots, but most are of 'out of focus' birds! Luckily, this Robin was mostly in focus...

Old Favourites

Old Favourites, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The Dunnock is one of the more common little birds here and you never seem to be too far away from one. Maybe that is why the are such a favourite of mine. Along with the Robin, I can spend hours just clicking away.

Small Caves And Big Waves

Small Caves And Big Waves, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Beneath the scars of a long dead quarry the waves were thundering against the cliffs. There were still a few climbers out though and, just around the headland, three kayaks made there way slowly westward towards the white water.
Now although there is always a little voice in the back of my mind that that tries to make me take the kayak out in rough seas, I'm not quite that stupid.

From Path To Pond

From Path To Pond, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The first blue sky day in what seems like ages started well as I was joined on my walk by a rather plump little frog. A little detour, to take in the mill pond for a photoshoot, then a long awaited walk to the cliffs along some very soggy, very muddy tracks.

Counting Heads

Counting Heads, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Today was not the first time I have seen Adders this year, but with the Sun shining today, there presence was almost guaranteed. I don't know how many are here, but there were three others a short way away. Like them or not, they always seem to get everyones attention.

Peek-a-Boo

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

I took a walk to the cliffs again this morning to watch the Gannets flying in the strong wind. Plenty of shots later I went off to find other, more sedate subjects. On a wet, windy Sunday the local Sika are always on hand for a little target practise.
I can't get enough of these beautiful deer and take way too many shots of them.

Taking It Easy

Taking It Easy, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The main price to pay when taking pictures of Sika on a day like today is a wet backside! The ground was soaking wet and it was difficult to find somewhere dry to sit. My custom made waterproof camera cover was leaking too (that will teach me not to use Tesco carrier bags).

Winter Sun

Winter Sun, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

With the weather forecast promising more cloud and rain I thought I would post a shot that I took a couple of days ago. A young Sika deer browsing through the long grass, happy to be watched for a few minutes, helping me with my photography addiction.

Gannet Watch

Gannet Watch, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Without my usual monopod (which, like a fool, I had left at home because of the rain) I had to stand on the cliff top wall and take these shots freehand. The wind was blowing and the light kept changing, meaning constant adjustments and many out of focus shots or over exposed shots. Most of the Gannets stayed well away from the cliffs but every now and again you could get the chance at a relatively close one.
Anyway, moaning and excuses aside, it was great fun and I am quite pleased with these two shots.

Waves & Windy Mornings

Waves & Windy Mornings, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The closer you got to the cliffs this morning, the fiercer the wind blew. Not a lot going on inland, but the sea was a mass of white horses, Razorbills and Gannets.
The Gannets don't come in too close, so these shots are very tightly cropped. It is also pushing my poor old camera to its very limits.

The Beacon

The Beacon, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I pass Corfe Castle every week day morning on the way to work and, although it is not the actual boundary of the Isle of Purbeck, I think of it as the gateway. Sometimes it can barely be seen because of mists or low cloud but today it shone in the early morning sunlight. The rain clouds were gathering and the Sun disappeared quickly, but for a couple of minutes the view was just wonderful.