A Durlston Wander

Just a few minutes from home, Durlston Country Park and the paths of the southerly Purbeck cliffs is definitely my patch! I can and do walk here for hours and with so many subjects to point the camera at, time just flies by.
This morning's walk was a cracker with the early morning frost melting quickly in the winter Sun.

Dartford Warbler

Chiffchaff

Roe Deer

Jay

Grey Squirrel

Wren

Great Spotted Woodpecker

The Purbeck Blue Sky

The last few days have been a little hectic, but I have been able to get out with the camera. The last couple of days have been wonderful, with bright blue skies and a sea-churning, cold wind. This is perfect for me as it gives me a chance to show off this beautiful part of the world.

Sunday Morning Exercises

The Swanage Lifeboat Crew on a very chilly Sunday morning.

Merry Christmas

and thanks for popping by.

A Winter Solstice

Today, the weather is not so good! I will have to rely on a couple of Winter Solstice shots that I took two years ago.
Both of these were taken from Swanage beach.

Receding Hares

I saw two Hares from the car today and couldn't resist getting out for a closer look. Off all the mammals that I take photographs of though, the Hare is the trickiest: one false move and they are off like a rocket.
Always good to see and always great fun to spend time with, it is just never enough time.

Cold Hands and Wet Feet

A cold morning on the banks of Poole Harbour. Plenty to see including Herons, Egrets, Spoonbills, Curlews and countless ducks and waders. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.

Focus on the Purbeck Squirrel

There are not too many places where you can see both the Red and the Grey Squirrel, but a short boat ride to Brownsea Island makes it possible here. There are few species that divide public opinion so much too: I haven't met anyone who dislikes the Red Squirrel but the Grey seems to be public enemy number one in many peoples eyes. This is a shame because both are great to watch and it is not the Grey's fault that it is, naturally, by far the more successful and less picky creature. They have only been in the country since 1876 and now massively outnumber Reds. Like many 'invasive' species the Grey Squirrel is part of our wildlife and here to stay so perhaps we should forgive them.

A New Bulb

Anvil Point Lighthouse does not shine very much anymore but when the Sun sets in the right place you can have bit of fun.

Focus on the Purbeck Robin

Probably the most easily identified bird we have here and certainly the most popular, the Robin is a personal favourite. They can be seen on just about every path you choose to take around here and if by any chance you can't see them, you can certainly expect to hear them.
They are beautiful little birds and are a pleasure to photograph.

The Grey Seal: An Exercise in Cute

The young of any animal tend to cute but the young of the Grey Seal take this to a whole different level. It is not just how they look, with their big dark eyes and fluffy white fur, but also what they do and the way that they do it!.
From day one their aim is to bulk up and they are very, very good at bulking up! Minimal movement plus maximum food equals rapid weight, we are all aware of that, but the young seal pup is an expert. Apart from food, the only other thing on a seal pup's mind seems to be how best to get comfortable.
No wonder they are always smiling.
So brace yourselves for one big cutefest!