Turns out unless you like walking around the countryside, there isn't much to do in Dorset in January, as most places are closed for the quiet season. This didn't prove too much of a problem, apart from it taking quite a long time to find anywhere to get food, and a failed attempt to reach Brownsea Island. For future reference, don't bother getting the Poole ferry to pick up the Brownsea boats until March.
Anyway, we saw some pretty cool things while we were away. One of my favourites was probably , and a female peregrine hunting off the cliffs at Durlston.
Me and this person spent Friday on Portland Bill which is a very strange place. Three prisons, a whole pile of quarries and winds strong enough to knock you off your feet all year round doesn't really strike me as the ideal place for a holiday destination, but the holiday camp begs to differ. Had some nice views though...
We found this on the way there too- quite famous I hear?
(chalk horse, not a real one)On Saturday we retreated to Arne after our failed attempt at getting to Brownsea Island, thinking at least that way we could gaze forlornly across the harbour at it. Very busy, lots of birds, but also some other awesome stuff. We stood around and watched a whole field full of deer ruunning around and leaping over fences which was pretty awesome. Usually the best view of a deer you can hope for is an ear poking out from behind a tree half a mile away.
(real cow, not a chalk one)
Camera is coming to work with me tommorrow, to see what I can find.
99 on my year list so far... The challenge continues :)
We need a decent bird to make year100 for you and life200 for me... But that's a little bit too much like actual twitching. If we DO decide to twitch, the ring-bill should be fairly reliable, and if its not there, there's still med gull and snow bunt to be had in the area.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I managed not to copy the fulmar pic you posted - consider it stolen:)
Not sure I want a gull as my 100, they're not that exciting really. I will have a think...
ReplyDeleteI am being pwned :-(
ReplyDeleteI fancy having a wander round Cranham Marsh this weekend - never been there before. Any ideas what it's like?
Never been, but I suspect its similar to the Ingrebourne Valley, its only a couple of miles away. Good for lesser-spotted woodpecker, apparently. It's an EWT place, so you might find info on their site.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you don't want a gull next, maybe seawatching off Osea Island would produce some sea ducks...