Southend Pier, Essex

Mediterranean Gull: Stunning weather forecast for the Bank Holiday weekend saw me taking a trip down to Essex to see my mum. And when the weather is this good you just have to go down to the sea front, have an ice creme and take a stroll down the pier.

Southend Pier is a major landmark in Southend-on-Sea. Extending 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary. The pier is famous for two things, firstly it is the longest pleasure pier in the world and secondly it is home to a large population of Med gulls.

This very warm weather seemed to affect the gulls which spent much of their time loafing about on the exposed jetty posts.

Typically back up north black-headed gulls dominate land, sea and sky. Hundreds jostle for space on the islands, bowing and posturing to one another, copulating and laying claim to nest sites.

But down here on the stretched out pier in the middle of the Thames the white wings and red bills of the med gulls seem to be the most abundant bird.

And the most splendid.

10/08/2019 Mickletown, West Yorkshire

Little Bustard: A day of mixed fortunes as I was lucky enough to connect with the long staying bustard after working away in South Wales all week, but dipped the Pacific swift over at Hornsea Mere.

The Little Bustard was feeding in the second field back from the footpath, great that is was not being disturbed but a little distant especially for photos. Through the scope we had good views.

Despite not seeing the elusive fast flying swift I was made up to get the bustard on my list having missed the new years day bird and more recently the Slimbridge bird.