Our Dorset 2023 holiday snaps in no particular order. Scroll down for my four new moths from the week’s mothing and for a ChatGPT “writeup”!
Selfie in The Square and Compass Worth Matravers waiting for live musicViewpoint looking out over RSPB Arne and PooleHay bales east of Kimmeridge Bay, Swyre Head – 5-mile clifftop hikeBrownsea Castle, originally known as Branksea CastleOur boat bound for an afternoon on a very wet Brownsea IslandHarbour-front properties, Sandbanks, the prices of some of these are in the millionsRed Squirrel, Brownsea Island. We saw at least half a dozenChain Ferry between Shell Bay and SandbanksChain Ferry heading to SandbanksCorfe Castle from RSPB ArneCorfe Castle phone snap from The Castle pub, Corfe!Corfe Castle station signal box, we didn’t take the train to Swanage on this tripWoodhenge, Worth Matravers, behind the village car park near the pubEdge of Lulworth Cove from cliffs beyond Kimmeridge BayWe saw a couple of Hares on the fields beyond the cliffsClavell Tower, above Kimmeridge BayLooking back at the Cliffs towards Kimmeridge Bay and Lulworth CoveOther cliffs – looking away from Kimmeridge BayAn old London Routemaster bus in the town square Corfe CastleBrownsea Island from the boat, photo by Mrs SciencebaseNo otters, we had hoped for otters on the shore at SandbanksSpoonbill, Brownsea IslandPied Wagtail, Brownsea IslandMartha Spencer and Archer performing at The Square and CompassRed Ensign on our boat to Brownsea Island in Poole HarbourRedshank, Brownsea LagoonOsprey, record shot over RSPB Arne, saw 2-3One of a couple of dozen Sandwich Tern with fish, Shipstal Point, no sign of the US Forster’s TernRinged Plover, Shell BayYet another Spoonbill, one of about 70 on Brownsea Island lagoonSpoonbills took flight from the Brownsea lagoon as the rain startedFemale Stonechat, there were lots along the cliff path east of Kimmeridge BaySunshine SpoonbillIntriguing Tree, Brownsea IslandAnvil Point Lighthouse, we didn’t dare get any closer, there was no safety fence along the clifftop at this point and it was very gusty!The recently cleaned Big Globe at Durlston Country ParkOut holiday cottage (on the left) and the taller neighboursSika Doe, RSPB ArneSmall Copper, RSPB Arne, spotted while we looked for an elusive Dartford WarblerSpeckled Wood, RSPB ArneRed Underwing that had been by the kitchen door after the trap had been on overnightThree very different Lunar UnderwingsHeath Rustic – new to me in the courtyard garden of our holiday cottage in Corfe CastleFeathered Ranunculus – new for meHedge Rustic – seen this species previously in Poulner in the New ForestAutumnal Rustic – new for me in CorfeCommon Marbled Carpet – a very varied species, not seen this form for a whileConvolvulus Hawk-moth spotted by Mrs Sciencebase on a sign on a gate, RSPB ArneEuropean Hornet – mothtrap intruder on a couple of nights during our week in CorfeDurlston Country Park’s Seventhwave café ticklist – part of the moth section
Meanwhile, I prompted ChatGPT with the captions for the above photographs and asked it to write an introductory blog post for my holiday snaps slideshow. This is the hilarious write-up with which it came back, perfect for a cheesy travel brochure or airline magazine, hahah.
Exploring the Natural Wonders of Dorset: A Photographic Journey
Dorset, a land of picturesque landscapes, historic treasures, and abundant wildlife, recently played host to my wife and me. Our adventure took us to the charming village of Corfe Castle, where we found respite in a lovely cottage, and embarked on a thrilling exploration of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Our journey began at the heart of Dorset’s community spirit, The Square and Compass pub in Worth Matravers. Here, we revelled in an afternoon of live music and captured a joyful selfie to mark the occasion.
The lush landscapes of RSPB Arne and the sparkling waters of Poole unfolded before us at a breathtaking viewpoint, reminding us of nature’s grandeur. Meanwhile, the quaint charm of Corfe Castle, seen from both RSPB Arne and The Castle pub, left us in awe of the region’s rich history.
As avid birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, we made our way to Brownsea Island, a sanctuary for red squirrels, ospreys [over RSPB Arne], spoonbills, and more. The sight of these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat was a true delight, and we even spotted an osprey in flight, capturing a record shot.
Kimmeridge Bay’s dramatic cliffs, Lulworth Cove’s edge, and the tranquil beauty of Sandbanks added to the visual splendor of our journey. We marvelled at the historic treasures like Brownsea Castle and Woodhenge, offering a glimpse into Dorset’s fascinating past.
Our days were filled with the beauty of nature, from the intricate patterns of butterflies to the enchanting flight of spoonbills. Each moment was a testament to Dorset’s natural wonders.
Join us on this visual journey through Dorset’s landscapes and wildlife, as we share the stories behind each photograph. From quaint villages to pristine nature reserves, Dorset is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, and we hope our photos inspire you to embark on your own adventure in this remarkable corner of England.
