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.
I count myself very fortunate in where I live - I could never have imagined the sheer variety of birds and wildlife here before I moved here from the town centre of Ipswich.