The Blues

The Blues, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Away from the drama of the cliffs all was quiet. Plenty of small birds around though and, as usual, the Blue Tits seemed to be the busiest.

Angry Waves

Angry Waves, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

The first thing that struck us as we made our way to the cliffs this morning was the noise of some of the largest waves I have seen here. Durlston Head was being battered by huge swells and the bay itself was a white mass of broken water. Flying low across the bay were dozens of Gannets looking far too white against the slate grey of the sky. Around the head, the Southern cliffs were taking the full force of the water but a solitary Peregrine, just a dot against the rocks, sat, watched and waited.

Fish Supper

Fish Supper, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Following a tip off I headed to the bay to catch a glimpse of a seal finishing off a very large Sea Bass. I don't see seals around here very often so I was quite chuffed. Once again though the weather was against me and I had to go when the rain got too heavy. Even though I did my best 'wounded fish' noise he wouldn't come any closer and so this is the best I could get. A bit of a tight crop.

Minding My Own Business

Minding My Own Business, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

So there I was, car parked and walking slowly across the road to the hedge where a strangely unconcerned Buzzard was sitting. Although the light had gone I advanced with my camera to my eye, changing the settings as I went, oblivious to everything else around me (I have seen proper wildlife photographers do this on television) and got within about 8 feet..
Then all of a sudden, a second Buzzard came out of no where and dive bombed the first. All thought of being a proper photographer evaporated as I almost dropped the camera!
Not the greatest of shots, but the best I could do at the time.

Far From The Madding Crowd

Far From The Madding Crowd, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

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.

Sunday Lunch

Sunday Lunch, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Even the Squirrels were running and hiding today. It really is great to see so many people out and about and enjoying themselves though and as long as there are still quiet little places that get overlooked, I'll be happy enough.

Gloom And Ruins

Gloom And Ruins, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

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.