Otters, Kingfishers and Cold, Wet Feet

A blue sky Saturday walk is never going to be boring and today's was no exception. Just a few miles from home I was sat on the bank watching Otters as they fished and as soon as they disappeared along came a couple of Kingfishers.
After a while I dragged myself away and walked along the shores of Poole harbour, trying to keep my feet dry.
Turnstones seemed to be everywhere, showing just how camouflaged they are against the pebbles on the shore and amongst them were a few Oystercatchers, endlessly dipping their beaks into the mud.

Blue Skies and Sharp Winds

A blue sky Saturday was just what was needed and it gave me a chance for a proper wander.This time we explored the heaths that make up the northern boundary of the Isle of Purbeck which, although beautiful in its autumn colouring, they can be quite quiet on the wildlife front.
The north wind kept all of the smaller birds deep within the scrub, but we did have a lot of fun with a couple of Dartford Warblers. No decent pictures this time, but that doesn't stop me, they are such wonderful little birds.
A good day for raptors though, with Kestrels and Buzzards showing off in the wind.
The day began with a light frost and ice on the puddles and ended up a lot warmer but with more mud.

A Tale of Two Walks

On a beautiful, blue sky Saturday one walk was never going to be enough and so I broke the day into two.
This morning, bright and early, I set off for the cliffs of Durlston where the clear uninterrupted views really take your breath away. Kestrels and Peregrines hunt along the cliffs while Jackdaws and Ravens compete with the sea birds for mastery of this very special place.
This afternoon I headed off to Middlebere and the heathlands that sit on the northern edge of the Isle of Purbeck. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.
Tomorrow I need to do the jobs that I put off today, lets just hope the sun doesn't shine...

A Long Awaited Blue Sky Sunday

Finally, we had a beautiful blue sky and that can mean only one thing. All those weekend chores that I didn't get done yesterday while it was raining, are not going to get done today either.
I headed off, not really knowing where I was going but ended up at St. Aldhelm's Head, one of my favourite places on the Isle of Purbeck.
The views here are always stunning whatever the weather and today was no exception. The southern tip of the Isle of Wight (some thirty three miles away) was easily visible to the east and to the west (almost twenty miles away) was the Isle of Portland.
Watching from the cliffs high above the crashing waves brings its own rewards and the soundtrack was equally splendid. Behind me in the fields, Skylarks could be heard, whilst out to sea two Peregrines harassed the local pigeon population, their screeches piercing the air.
Not a bad way to spend one of our finest days for a while.

St.aldhelm's Head to the west

Portland in the far distance

The ledges below St.Aldhelm's Head

Anvil Point Lighthouse with the Isle of wight in the distance.

Wet Weekends and the Search for Light

More rain this morning meaning yet another day when I can't go for a wander. There were breaks in the weather though and a short walk to Peveril Point revealed some wonderful views. Black clouds were being held away from here by the hills and it looked liked everywhere else was getting it good and proper.

Peveril Point

Peveril Point

Durlston Head

Old Harry