Twelve Spots

Twelve Spots, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Another windy day stopped me playing with the macro as much as I wanted. Luckily there were plenty of 6 Spot Burnet moths about and a few were staying still enough for a shot.

The Bees Are Back

The Bees Are Back, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

Lovely little flowers these.
Bee Orchids are starting to pop up and although they are not easy to find, it is well worth a hunt.

To The South Beach

To The South Beach, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

It was a little bit too windy for the shots I wanted to take today, the macro barely had a look in. No complaints though, the walk from Swanage over the hill to Studland is always good. Following the cliff path past Old Harry and the Pinnacles give incredible views across sea.

Mother & Child

Mother & Child, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

I got too close to this Sika. She was in the gloom of the woodland and I didn’t see her until it was too late. I backed off to a safe distance, took a shot and left her alone. I always try to steer clear of the fawns, as any disturbance can scare the mother off for good. The sound of the youngster crying for its mother is terrible.

A Local's Local

A Local's Local, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

These two shots together really highlight the differences between our natural Roe and the imported Sika. Both are beautiful animals, but the Roe are just a little bit special. This was one of five seen tonight, plus the Sika and a family of foxes. Not a bad evening, although it was a little murky.

Misplaced Youth

Misplaced Youth, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.

This is a young male Sika deer and I have been trying to get a shot for a little while. The South West corner of the Isle of Purbeck is usually a Sika-free zone, but not any more. Fingers crossed that this doesn't affect the very small population of Roe that we have.

Another Small Blue Butterfly

Another Small Blue Butterfly, originally uploaded by julian sawyer.