Purbeck Footprints

Of Ice & Rock

2012-02-11T15:45:00.001Z

Of Ice & Rock, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

As always, the beautiful Rock Pipits escorted us around the bay at Kimmeridge. A few Wagtails were there as well as a couple of Mallards and a Pochard swimming in a very chilly sea.

More Follys Please

2012-02-11T15:43:00.001Z

More Follys Please, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

The 180 year old Clavell Tower sits rather nicely on the cliffs at Kimmeridge.
At least it does now that it has been rebuilt further from the edge!
We have a few of these kind of aged structures on the Purbeck, built to show how much money you have rather than anything else, I expect.
Now, I know that it is important to regulate and control new builds these days, but I think it is a shame that we do not seem to be leaving many truly iconic buildings for our great, great grandchildren to marvel at!
All of our famous historic structures(from Stonehenge to Big Ben) did not 'fit in' to their environment when they were first built but are reckognised as gems now.
I am not too sure that the Clavell Tower would have got planning permission today!

King Of The Hill

2012-02-09T19:22:00.003Z

King Of The Hill, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

One thing I really like about this time of the year is that it is perfectly acceptable to take far too many Robin shots.

Small Homes

2012-02-09T19:22:00.001Z

Small Homes, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Luckily, you don't need a large house if you are only small.
Somewhere, within the stump of an old tree, was the des res of a Wren.
Not a lot of space, but a fine view...

A Touch of Frost

2012-02-06T19:01:00.001Z

A Touch of Frost, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

After some very nice cold mornings we have been treated to a milder day today which, of course, means cloud and rain.
This shot was taken on Saturday morning when the tempurature dropped to a rather chilly -10.

A Distant Hammering

2012-02-05T11:03:00.001Z

A Distant Hammering, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

The Great Spotted Woodpecker, yet another in the long list of birds that I struggle with.
Lovely to see, especially against a bright blue sky, but not easy to sneak up on. This is a bit of a crop....

The Head shot

2012-02-05T10:51:00.001Z

The Head shot, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

I get a real buzz photographing these chaps. The Sika are far more common and a great deal braver than our Roe deer and that means you can get quite close. With a little patience and lot of respect they make me feel like a real wildlife photographer!

Minus 10, Plus 3

2012-02-04T13:34:00.001Z

Minus 10, Plus 3, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

There was a heavy frost again this morning as the tempurature reached a chilly low of -10 degrees. Still, it was a Saturday and the sky was blue so a wander was called for.
The light was just about perfect and it didn't take long to find a small group of Sika to play with.

Easier Target

2012-02-04T13:33:00.001Z

Easier Target, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

So, there was a rather well fed Fox!
There was a skein of several thousand Brent Geese making more noise than Concorde!
There were two racing Kingfishers!
There was a single Goldcrest!
There was even a rather handsome Marsh Harrier!
But only the Egret made it easy for me!

Cold Feet

2012-02-03T08:23:00.001Z

Cold Feet, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Poole Harbour on a very cold, blue sky day is always a good place to watch assorted waders.
Oyster Catchers look good, sound great and must have very cold feet!

Cross Legged

2012-02-03T08:22:00.001Z

Cross Legged, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

I see Roe Deer pretty well every morning on the way to work but don't often get a chance to stop and take a picture. This youngster was very nervous and didn't hang around for long.

Space

2012-02-03T08:21:00.001Z

Space, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

The local Roe deer will always be outnumbered by the, more adventurous, Sika but a glimpse of either is always special. The Roe don't stay to pose for very long, choosing to put plenty of space between it and you.

Grass? Snake!

2012-01-29T14:15:00.001Z

Grass? Snake!, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Give them a little Sun and the Tilly Whim Adders will almost certainly make an appearance. They are always good to see but for most of the time you are lucky to a shot of grass with a bit of snake in it!

Black, White, Blue and Brown

2012-01-29T14:14:00.001Z

Black, White, Blue and Brown, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

A Black-backed Gull, a setting Sun, choppy water and distant reed beds!
There really wasn't a great deal else going on so I was quite happy to see this, it gave me something to aim at!

Precarious Perch

2012-01-29T14:11:00.001Z

Precarious Perch, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Like any other walker I am fully aware of the existance of Gorse! No matter what I am wearing or where I decide to go I end up discovering just how sharp the needles are!
The Robin seemed a little more at ease with it!

2012-01-28T17:46:00.002Z

There really is no excuse not to support these chaps. The lads and lasses from the Swanage Lifeboat spent a very chilly day washing cars to raise money for their Lifejacket Appeal. Not a bad job too, thank you very much, considering the state of my car!

Small Bird, Slow Speeds

2012-01-28T10:39:00.001Z

Small Bird, Slow Speeds, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

There was just a single Goldcrest in the trees, doing its best to keep out of sight! It was very gloomy but I couldn't move on without taking a few pics. Out of a couple of dozen shots, there was one that I was quite pleased with.

Meet The Twins

2012-01-26T19:51:00.001Z

Meet The Twins, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

It was a real pleasure to see these two again today. There was the full family of Roe deer, the stag (with a set of velvet covered antlers) the mother, a two year old female and these two.
Not a bad start to the morning.

All Gold

2012-01-26T19:50:00.001Z

All Gold, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

I just managed to catch this tonight, but only after upsetting several other road users. I don't really know why they complained, I was only in the middle of the road for 1:300th of a second or so....

View On Black and large

Runaround

2012-01-22T17:26:00.001Z

Runaround, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

It wasn't easy following a small flock of Fieldfares! A skittish bird at the best of times, today had the added distraction of a controlled explosion by the Royal Navy Bomd Disposal chaps, a whistling dog walker and a single, battered Red Admiral butterfly! The butterfly didn't actually disturb the birds, but it surprised me! Butterflies in January?

Winter Reds

2012-01-22T17:22:00.001Z

Winter Reds, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Another bird that I have wanted to get closer too, and another bird that proved too difficult.
There are plenty of Redwings around at the moment, but not many willing to pose.

Lunch & A Large Bill

2012-01-21T12:15:00.001Z

Lunch & A Large Bill, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

I don't spend enough time taking shots of wading birds even though I live so close to Poole Harbour. Following a rather well timed meeting I managed to spend a little bit of time watching the Godwits, Oyster Catchers, Turnstones and Sandpipers searching for the neext juicy worm. Next time, I need a bit more Sun.

More Corfe

2012-01-21T12:14:00.001Z

More Corfe, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

There are so many fine views of Corfe Castle and these all change as the sun makes its way across the sky. This was taken on a stormy day, just before sunset.

Fly Past

2012-01-21T12:13:00.001Z

Fly Past, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

On days when birds and animals prefer to hide away out of the wind, there are always the Gulls.

Cream Teas & Cromwell

2012-01-15T18:19:00.001Z

Cream Teas & Cromwell, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

It is not hard to imagine what Corfe Castle would have looked like if Oliver Cromwell hadn't have got his way. On a beautiful blue sky day, the Purbeck has several 'must go' places, but today we spent a very nice few hours following the deer and the Redwings. There was even a chance for a cream tea and a history lesson!

Jenny & The Stick

2012-01-15T15:30:00.001Z

Jenny & The Stick, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

It is so easy to get carried away when you have such a cute little model to play with. We spent about half an hour with this little Wren, then time caught up with us and we had to move on.
I would like to think that we were both a little bit disappointed to finish the game.

Whatever The Wren Can Do, I can Do Better

2012-01-15T15:28:00.001Z

Whatever The Wren Can Do, I can Do Better, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

You can always rely on a Robin to pose and, even though most of the time my camera was pointing at a Wren, I just can't resist a Robin.

Double Trouble

2012-01-14T15:22:00.001Z

Double Trouble, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

With two Peregrines on the cliffs this morning the local pigeons were forced to keep their eyes open.
On a cold, cloudy morning, with the only sun shining way out on the horizon, these two really brightened things up a bit.

Eye Contact

2012-01-14T15:21:00.001Z

Eye Contact, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

The stare of a Peregrine is enough to send a chill down your spine, even if you are looking through a long lens!

Mists and Rivers

2012-01-13T18:36:00.001Z

Mists and Rivers, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

When the winter mists rise from the lowlands the Isle of Purbeck really does become an island.
Where there is mist there is mystery and once familiar land becomes new and unreliable , playing tricks with your senses and giving you the feeling that perhaps your are not quite as safe as you thought you were.

More Flash and More Castle

2012-01-12T20:23:00.003Z

More Flash and More Castle, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

This time, the flash was set off half way through a 6 second exposure. It was placed behind the railings to the right of the entrance.
I think I prefer the other shot!

Castle Lights

2012-01-12T20:23:00.001Z

Castle Lights, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

I have been wanting to take night shots of Durlston Castle for a while but the weather had to be right.
I didn't realise that there were 'goings on' going on and that meant cars parked too close.
Anyway, it was great fun.
This one is a 6 second exposure, 200 @ F6.3 and no flash.

Shameless Advertising

2012-01-09T22:21:00.001Z

Shameless Advertising, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Our three calendars have done really well this year but there are still a few left, available from the website (www.purbeckfootprints.co.uk) or at Durlston Country Park near Swanage.

Thank you to everyone that has bought a calendar, I know there are hundreds out there to choose from and I feel privileged that you chose mine.

Thanks also for taking an interest in my blog and for all of your comments.

I hope you all have a fine 2012.

Julian

Fungi Stalking

2012-01-08T17:04:00.001Z

Fungi Stalking, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

In woodland positvely teaming with very noisy and very active birds, I decided to use my incredible tracking skills on a very shy group of fungi!
Just call me Bear Grylls...

Still No Lunch

2012-01-08T17:03:00.001Z

Still No Lunch, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

This is one of our local Peregrines doing its best not to do anything interesting. She (I think) was quite close but refused to rip apart a pigeon or stretch her wings or yawn or anything.
Still, lovely to see, even without the Sun.

Durlston Castle

2012-01-08T17:02:00.001Z

Durlston Castle, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

It is a bit of a challenge to get a shot of Durlston Castle, without people in front, these days.
The sun had just started to creep towards the front of the castle as another group desended the path towards me.
I would have prefered a more dramatic sky, but I quite like shot.

Grumpy

2012-01-07T17:15:00.003Z

Grumpy, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Not every one was happy with the weather! This little Firecrest was very unhappy and made it very clear that he didn't want his photo taken!

Hedge House

2012-01-07T17:15:00.001Z

Hedge House, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Very common, very cute, very noisy and most importantly today, very happy to sit still!

Concrete Pipit

2012-01-07T17:14:00.003Z

Concrete Pipit, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

One of the prettiest little birds that you see on the shore is the Rock Pipit. This one followed us along the beach for an hour and was very patient.

U.F.O.

2012-01-07T17:14:00.001Z

U.F.O., a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

A strange golden ball was seen in the sky today and it played havoc with my camera. Settings that I hadn't used for ages were suddenly needed and I had to brush up on old skills.
Luckily, the Moorhen was happy to watch me try and take photos.

Far From The Madding Crowd

2012-01-04T22:11:00.001Z

Far From The Madding Crowd, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Again the weather was against me and so again I had to go looking for easier targets. There were far too many people around today and, like the Sika, I left the popular tracks and headed to the more secluded areas.There were six or seven young females here and it was very easy to relax and enjoy the company.

Gloom And Ruins

2012-01-04T22:10:00.001Z

Gloom And Ruins, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

As the new year dawned it was obvious that the weather was not going to be kind again. Trying to take shots of moving animals or birds when the light is this bad is no fun at all and so I relied on a more sedentary target. Corfe Catle hasn't moved much in about 1000 years (apart from the bits that have fallen off). Tomorrow there is the promise of some much needed Sun and so I will try again then.

More Weather

2011-12-29T13:11:00.001Z

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

2011-12-29T13:09:00.001Z

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!

Nothing

2011-12-28T09:28:00.001Z

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!

Keep Warm and Keep Your Eyes Open

2011-12-26T14:29:00.001Z

Keep Warm and Keep Your Eyes Open, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

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.

Crowds

2011-12-24T14:05:00.001Z

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?

2011-12-24T14:03:00.001Z

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.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T17:16:00.001Z

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

ChiffChat

2011-12-17T15:44:00.001Z

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

2011-12-17T15:33:00.001Z

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

2011-12-17T15:27:00.001Z

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!

Fish For Lunch

2011-12-16T14:39:00.001Z

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

2011-12-16T14:37:00.001Z

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!

Meadow Pipit's Mate

2011-12-15T16:42:00.001Z

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

2011-12-15T16:40:00.001Z

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!

Big Mouth

2011-12-10T12:46:00.001Z

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

2011-12-10T12:44:00.001Z

Small Birds and Poor Reflexes, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

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.

Flight Of A Purbeck Kite

2011-12-05T18:08:00.001Z

Flight Of A Purbeck Kite, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

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

2011-12-05T18:07:00.001Z

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.

The Rear Guard

2011-12-04T16:11:00.001Z

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..

More Drive-by Shootings

2011-12-03T15:01:00.001Z

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

2011-12-03T14:59:00.001Z

Durlston Dartfords, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Older Wildlife

2011-12-03T14:55:00.001Z

Older Wildlife, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

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

Reds On Reds

2011-11-27T15:10:00.001Z

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

2011-11-27T15:08:00.003Z

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

2011-11-27T15:08:00.001Z

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.

Golds And Greens

2011-11-25T10:45:00.001Z

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

2011-11-25T10:44:00.001Z

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

2011-11-25T10:42:00.001Z

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.

Red, Red Robin

2011-11-23T07:21:00.001Z

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.

Day Three In Firecrest World

2011-11-20T15:59:00.001Z

Day Three In Firecrest World, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

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

2011-11-20T15:57:00.001Z

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

2011-11-20T15:54:00.001Z

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.

Small Birds, Big Twiggs

2011-11-19T13:26:00.001Z

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

2011-11-19T13:23:00.001Z

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

2011-11-19T13:20:00.001Z

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.

Fun With The Firecrests

2011-11-18T13:46:00.001Z

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.

Badly Named Birds

2011-11-17T17:11:00.001Z

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.

Dull and Overcast

2011-11-14T19:02:00.001Z

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.

Big Bucks

2011-11-13T13:56:00.001Z

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

2011-11-13T13:55:00.001Z

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

2011-11-13T13:54:00.001Z

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.

Keeping An Eye Open

2011-11-12T14:55:00.001Z

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!

2011-11-12T14:52:00.001Z

Go On, Take It! I Dare You!, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

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.

Silence

2011-11-11T09:35:00.001Z

Silence, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Help Us To Remember

Short Legs or Tall Grass?

2011-11-08T18:04:00.001Z

Short Legs or Tall Grass? , a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

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.

Mission Accomplished

2011-11-06T16:34:00.001Z

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

2011-11-06T13:59:00.001Z

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

2011-11-06T13:56:00.001Z

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.

The Fisher King

2011-11-01T17:57:00.001Z

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

2011-11-01T17:56:00.001Z

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.

Belly Flop

2011-10-30T14:18:00.001Z

Belly Flop, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Graceful in the air, almost regal as they bob up and down on the water but totally unable to land without making a complete mess of it! Plenty of Black Headed Gulls were playing around on the sea yesterday afternoon and I took far too many photographs.

Bathing Beauty

2011-10-30T14:12:00.001Z

Bathing Beauty, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

I can spend far to much time watching the Gulls in the bay. They are always willing to pose and are ideal subjects for target practice. Black Headed, Black Backed and the usual Herring Gulls were all doing stupid things in the water and still had time to annoy the tourists.

White Chalk

2011-10-30T13:51:00.001Z

White Chalk, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

As the clouds cleared and patches of sunlight moved across the bay, the chalk cliffs that lead to the Pinnacles changed from dark grey to bright white.
This was taken from the Pier Head Cafe, on of the finest places in town to have a coffee and watch the world go by.

A Coffee Break

2011-10-29T15:47:00.001+01:00

A Coffee Break, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

During the (always necessary) break for a coffee and a pasty it was time for a little target practise.
Blue Tits are always good for that!

Time To Leave Home

2011-10-29T15:46:00.001+01:00

Time To Leave Home, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

There were two Peregrines on the cliffs his morning, which was even more of a treat than usual because I have my big lens back.
This, I think, is one of the youngster still bothering its parents and sulking when he didn't get any food.

Room With A View

2011-10-29T15:43:00.001+01:00

Room With A View, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

The weather has been temperamental lately, to say the least. Blue skies one minute, grey clouds and rain the next.
This is a bit of a lazy shot taken from the house, because I haven't been able to get out with the camera during the week.

The New Arrival

2011-10-26T18:43:00.001+01:00

The New Arrival, a photo by julian sawyer on Flickr.

Today, finally, my new website was born.
She looks very good and appears to be fit and healthy with only a few minor imperfections (my fault).
Feel free to have a look and see what you think at www.purbeckfootprints.co.uk.

Many thanks to Wimborne Business Systems for making this possible.

Fair Weather Friend

2011-10-24T18:41:00.001+01:00

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

There were plenty of Common Darters to see yesterday, making use of the fine weather. I doubt if you would see many today though.