I don't know how big a patch is allowed to be but mine is the town of Felixstowe and encompasses the rivers Orwell and Deben plus a few picturesque villages. I found myself at a bit of a loose end this afternoon so I headed for the hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry, armed with a camera. It was quite busy down there with people crabbing from the jetty and generally chilling out. The birdlife consisted almost exclusively of herring gulls, adult and juvenile - I did keep an eye out for an osprey as there had been a sighting of one a few miles up the river but I was out of luck there. I did get some gull snaps:
Juvenile herring gulls are so adorable when they're begging for food!
This gull doesn't look remotely impressed at the younger bird's calling - I suspect this one isn't quite an adult yet, but getting there.
The best place to be on a lovely, hot day - in the water!
A previously calm scene becomes a right old kerfuffle as someone throws food to the gulls - a complete bundle ensues!
These herring gulls don't do things by halves!
I got quite a surprise when I saw this - I've never, ever, seen a seal of any description here!
What a lovely sight!
I caught these two canoodling on my way back to the car! They are surprisingly affectionate birds once the female allows herself to be caught.
This male mallard was reluctant to be photographed at Gulpher Pond, on my way home - understandable, given the back of his neck isn't as shiny as it could be.
I hope you all enjoy these!
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Thanks, Bob - I must confess that I love this particular part of my patch and the seal was a bonus.
Clare Bailey said: LOL! I'm sticking to Wendy - Bendy probably wouldn't suit you. How come I keep getting altered to Flare???? Not something I'd ever wear.
LOL! I'm sticking to Wendy - Bendy probably wouldn't suit you. How come I keep getting altered to Flare???? Not something I'd ever wear.
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How old are you? I always imagine someone younger than me when I see you about for some reason. Probably your name and your sense of humour.
Ssssssh - very ever so much older than you my child!!! Lol
PS - but not too old to have a laugh!!
Nobody is ever too old to have a laugh.
I've seen seals from the Ferry a couple of times and as John says, they do seem to be more common than they used to be (or maybe I just walk that way more? Hmm, not sure!). Gulpher pond's a good source of pictures though - this one was sitting on the barn roof opposite
and this partridge was in a field about 50 yards down the road
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Lovely pictures, Joe! When did you take them?
They were earlier this year - April 10th for the regal lookout and the 30th for the partridge. The Gulpher road loop (back via The Grove) is a handy evening stroll for us
Nice pics Clare! How great to see a seal. I wish I had a seaside local patch - am also a big fan of Herring Gulls.
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