Pastures New

Now living in the County of Dorset I am somewhat spoilt for choice for observing and recording birds, butterflies, wildlife and nature in general. The landscape scenery has a lot going for it as well.

One such location is the Isle of Portland situated on the Southern coastline of Dorset and only a few miles from where I now live.

In particular the area around the Portland Bird Observatory is a great place to observe and photograph birds. See link below:

http://www.portlandbirdobs.com/p/home.html

One of my favourite birds, the Wheatear is often found in the area and is a great photo opportunity as it will stand proud and look at you, providing you don't get too close.

At this time there are still a wide variety of butterflies to be found in the area.

Small Copper

Painted Lady

Large White

Although a regular sight, this back lit Woodie needed spot metering to get the full detail of the bird.

Common Blue

Small Heath

Not exactly Tuscany, but I do like to shoot Sunflowers growing in the field.

Gulls and shore wader birds are not exactly my strong point, but this area should provide the opportunity to learn more about them.

This Great Black-backed Gull below was of particular interest. It had an easily distinguished leg ring P: 49B. I was greatly assisted by the local experts in this area and learned that this particular gull certainly logs plenty of Air Miles.

It was ringed by the Group that study Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls on the Portland Breakwaters (June 2015). Subsequent sightings recorded were :

Portland August 2015, 

River Adur at Shoreham Dec 2015,  

Courseulles sur Mer Calvados (Normandy France) Aug 2018, 

Portland Nov 2018, 

Courseulles sur Mer Calvados (Normandy France) Aug 2019, 

Portland Sep 2019.