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.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Reds On Reds
Still Hanging On
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Young Minds
Sika have a very curious nature and will often take a step towards you, perhaps to get a better look, before they disappear.
Bling
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
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.
Friday, 11 November 2011
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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