Less Blue, More Grey

We were spoiled yesterday and it was difficult not to feel disappointed with the clouds this morning. Bright blue skies have been replaced by clouds and the crisp, cold air was warmer and not as refreshing. All negative thought evaporated though, as they usually do, as I reached the cliffs.

Although there was no beautiful golden sunrise they was a band of pink hanging above the Isle of Wight and, although there was no ‘perfect photographers light’, there was enough to catch one of our resident Peregrines as it sat within just a few metres of me. Other birds were there in number too, with dozens of Guillemots both on the water and whirling just above the waves in wide circles. Mobs of Jackdaws patrolled the cliff tops and the unmistakable bark of a Raven interrupted their conversation, whilst smaller groups of Pigeons took to the skies fully aware that they too were close to a Peregrine. 

Before and After the Sunrise

 This morning's sunrise was perfect, if a little chilly. A heavy frost clung to the ground but the air was still and the only sound was the faint sigh of waves as they slid along the rock below. There were few birds around, a Sparrowhawk flew by but I only caught a glimpse, a Kestrel appeared out of nowhere and disappeared just as quickly, leaving me and the dark brooding shadow of a Peregrine.
As the skies cleared and lightened, there seemed to more activity with Guillemots congregating on the sea below the cliffs, Jackdaws flying in mobs and a single, welcome Robin keeping an eye on everything.

Houns tout: In Sunshine and In Mist

Houns tout is a rocky outcrop high above the sea that sits between Chapman's Pool and the Encombe Bowl. It must be my favourite place and somewhere I can spend far too much time.
This morning mists fell from St.Alhelm's Head, across the mouth of Chapman's Pool and curled around Houns tout before sliding effortlessly along the valley at Encombe. It was difficult to walk away.

Sunrise

Clouds, clouds and more clouds were the order of the day, making any photograph grey, flat and dull. Yesterday though, was a different story with a beautiful start.

Cold and Colder

With my guided walks and talks finished for the year and the storms that have hit the Isle of Purbeck leaving us to be replaced by colder, clearer weather more time is available for me to go wandering on my own.
One of the wonders of our coastline is the constantly changing view, whether clouds or waves catch your eye, it is always wonderful to watch.

A Peregrine's Breakfast

This morning's walk was grey with a wind that whipped up the sea into a churning field of white horses. Skies were grey and what Sun there was struggled to make any difference to the gloom that covered our part of the world. Then, with no warning, a shape fell from the cliff top followed closely by a slate-grey streak, a brief cloud of feathers later and breakfast was served. A single Peregrine, with another flying above, tucked into a plump pigeon. The shots are a little grainy but this is always a good thing to see.

Water, Waders, Peace and Quiet

There wasn't a breath of wind, the frost that had greeted the Sun had disappeared and the water was as still as a millpond. All manner of water birds were on show, common and less common, and all looked superb in the Autumn sunshine.

Along with the Kingfisher, Marsh Harrier and countless Sandpipers were these chaps.

Mallard

Lapwing

Black-headed Gulls

Godwit

Water rail

Shoveler

Little Egret

Great White Egret

Teal

Coot